A’Hearn, PTE Edward John

Edward John A’HEARN was born in Wilcannia in the Central Darling Shire of New South Wales, son of Edward A’HEARN. He had at least one brother, Hugh. Prior to enlisting he worked as a labourer and then started a jockey apprenticeship in the small wheatbelt town of Tammin in Western Australia.

A’HEARN enlisted into the Australian Imperial Force in May 1915 but was soon discharged in August 1915 for being AWOL. He re-enlisted into the AIF on the 6th of September 1916 at the age of 23 and was posted to the 5th Reinforcements, 44th Battalion. He embarked for overseas service on board HMAT A8 Argyllshire on the 9th of November 1916. During the journey to England, PTE A’HEARN was charged with being absent without leave and had 2 days’ pay forfeited.

PTE A’HEARN spent the start of 1917 training in England before arriving at the front line in France on the 13th of April 1917. He was wounded in action (shrapnel wound to the right arm) on the 13th of June 1917 during his first engagement, the Battle of Messines. He returned to the front line in August 1917 after spending 6 weeks in hospital. Private A’HEARN was killed in action on the 4th of October 1917 on the first day of the Battle of Broodseinde Ridge. He has no known grave, but his name is on panel 27 of the Ypres Memorial in Belgium.

A quote from the local paper in Kalgoorlie –

The Rev, Father Brosnan has received a telegram from the military authorities that Private
Edward John A’Hearn had been killed in action in France. He was the second son of the late Mr.
Edward A’Hearn (A’Hearn), a well-known resident of Burbanki and Londonderry for many years. He was 26
years of age when he gave his life for his country.

During the war, PTE A’HEARN fought in 6 battles and spent 109 days in the trenches. He was awarded the British War Medal, Victory Medal, Death Plaque and Wound Stripe.

A’Hearn was an Australian soldier who was an expert in close combat,
He was physically and mentally tough, compassionate and courageous,
He led by example, he strove to take the initiative,
He was committed to learning and working for the team,
He believed in trust, loyalty and respect for his country, his mates and the Army,
The rising sun was his badge of honour,
He is an Australian soldier, Always!

Record completed by Jack Boylson

Sources
https://aif.adfa.edu.au/aif/showPerson?pid=1496&printFormat=print
https://www.awm.gov.au/collection/P10239119
https://www.awm.gov.au/collection/R1635805
https://highgate-rsl.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/44th_Battalion.pdf
https://homepages.rootsweb.com/~aherns/ahcrim.htm
https://livesofthefirstworldwar.iwm.org.uk/lifestory/7338973

Regimental Number:
2680

Subunit:
5th Reinforcements

Enlistment Date:
May 1915

Age at Enlistment:
23 years, 4 months

Birthplace:
Wilcannia, NSW

Ethnicity:
British Australian

Religion:
Roman Catholic

Residence:
Tammin, Wheatbelt, W.A.

Height and Measurements:
5"7

Occupation at Enlistment:
Apprentice/Jockey

Married:
No

Next of Kin:
Brother - Hugh F A'Hearn

Previous Service:
No

Total Service:
May 1915 - August 1915, 6th September 1916 - 4th October 1917 (1 Year, 28 Days)

Overseas Service:
9th November 1916 - 4th October 1917 (329 Days)

Front Line Service:
13th April 1917 - 13th June 1917, 26th August 1917 - 4th October 1917 (102 Days)

Battle Honours:
6: Messines 1917, Ypres 1917, Passchendaele, Polygon Wood, Broodseinde, France and Flanders 1916-1918

Casualty:

Yes – Killed in Action and Wounded in Action. Wounded in Action during the Battle of Messines (Shrapnel, right arm, 6 weeks). Killed in Action during the Battle of Broodseinde Ridge (4th October 1917)

Awards:
British War Medal, Victory Medal, Death Plaque, Wound Badge