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Harold Ernest Abbott - Information

Harold grew up in Yarrawonga in Victoria, where he was born and raised. When he was older, he moved to Picton in NSW, finding work as a labourer. At the age of 23, Harold enlisted in the AIF in Galong on the 8th of December 1915. He trained in Goulburn, becoming a Private with the 7th Reinforcements, 30th Battalion. He was subsequently sent overseas, departing Sydney on the 2nd of May 1916 on the HMAT Hororata.

Harold landed in Suez, Egypt in early June. In August, he was taken to England for further instruction at the 8th Training Battalion in Larkhill. He was then shipped to the Western Front in France in September 1917. He joined the 30th Battalion during the Third Battle of Ypres as they waited in the reserve line in the mud near Polygon Wood. After that terrible ordeal, the Australian Divisions were taken out of the lines to rest. Harold and his unit were thrust back into action as the Allies were pushing back after the German March Offensive. Nibbling at the Germans they fought at Morlancourt in late July. At the same time, Harold reported sick with influenza. He was admitted to the 12th General Hospital, before returning to his unit in early September. A week later, he was enjoying some Blighty leave. After the war ended, Harold was appointed Driver on the 28th of January 1919. In April, he was taken to England, before heading home the following month. By the 1930s, Harold had relocated to Sheridan St in Gundagai.