Balme, DVR Eric Faithful
Eric Faithful Balme (1893-1940), farmer, truck driver and soldier was born in Albury, NSW, Australia to Arthur and Agnes Balme. He had 5 brothers (Arthur, Douglas, Charles, Isaac & Reginald).
Eric enlisted into the Australian Imperial Force on the 16th of October 1916 and was posted to the 6th Reinforcements, 44th Australian Infantry Battalion. He embarked for overseas service in December and reached the front lines in July 1917, after training for many months in England. He became a Driver in November 1917.
Eric was one of the very few soldiers to not become a casualty, not even spending a single day sick. He fought in all but one of the major battles the 44th Battalion went through and spent 491 days in the trenches. Two of his brothers, Charles and Reginald also served in the 44th Battalion. Reginald died serving in the war whilst Eric was still on his way to the battalion. His mother, Agnes, died in Western Australia during the war while he was overseas as well.
Sometime after World War II, he married a Piano teacher named Matilda at Methodist Ladies College. He had his only son Basil in 1923 and a daughter, Marjorie in 1925. By this time the family were living as farmers Rockdale near Meckering, Wheatbelt, WA. His son, Basil would go on to become a pioneering Australian palynologist and serve in the Royal Australian Navy during World War II.
In 1929, he and his brother Charles bought a large 3,000-acre property near Cunderdin, Wheatbelt, WA. His only son, Basil was sent to Perth to be educated at Scotch College.
In 1930, the family seemed to be in Collie for a short while, with Balme working as a truck driver, however, tragedy struck as Balme’s only daughter, Marjorie died suddenly aged 5. The family moved to Shenton Park in the mid 1930s with Balme continuing work as a truck driver.
Balme died on the 29th of September 1940 and was buried in Karrakatta Cemetery. His wife, Matilda died four years later in Cottesloe and was buried with him.
Notes
Rockdale, Meckering, Farmer – 1925-1926
Forrest Street, Collie, Truck Driver – 1931
37 Commercial Road, Shenton Park, Truck Driver – 1937-1939
Balme 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!
Completed by Luca Muir Anderson
SOURCES
National Archives of Australia
The West Australian (19/06/1923, P.1 | 17/04/1929, P.1 | 10/05/1930, P.1)
Collie Mail (24/01/1930, P.4)
The Eastern Recorder (18/10/1940, P.6)
Electoral Rolls of Australia
FindAGrave.com
Completed by Luca Muir Anderson
