Student research: Oliver Thomas Giddings

AS part of the Third Battalion in the Australian Imperial Force, “Ollie” participated in the landing at Anzac Cove and later fought on the Western Front in France.

Oliver Giddings (R) with his brother Charles Giddings. Picture: Australian War Memorial

THE story of Oliver Thomas Giddings:

Oliver Thomas Giddings, born in 1893 in Geurie, New South Wales, Australia, was the son of Thomas and Emma Giddings. Before enlisting in 1914, he was, like his father, a farmer in Geurie. His mother died in 1908, when Oliver was 15 years old. He was close to his sisters and mailed both of them, as well as his two aunts, regularly during his time in service.

As part of the Third Battalion in the Australian Imperial Force, “Ollie” participated in the landing at ANZAC COVE and later fought on the Western Front in France. During his service he received a Star Medal and a British War Medal, as well as being awarded a Victory Medal posthumously. During the ‘Battle of Pozieres’ he was seriously injured and died on the 18th of August, 1916 at the age of 24.  His nineteen year-old brother died shortly thereafter in France in November that year.

Both are buried in Geurie General Cemetery; however, Oliver Giddings is also listed at the Villers-Bretonneux Australian National Memorial.