War records show Battle of Somme cost more Yarra Ranges lives than Gallipoli

GALLIPOLI is part of the Australian psyche but for the Yarra Ranges, three times as many soldiers lost their lives in the subsequent Battle of the Somme.

Anzac Badges

FRESH from the devastation of losing more than 8000 Anzacs during the Battle of Gallipoli, one hundred years ago this Anzac Day, the Australian troops were preparing to enter an even deadlier campaign.

Yarra Ranges historian and Mt Evelyn RSL secretary Anthony McAleer said the communities throughout Lilydale and the Yarra Valley experienced devastating loss during 1916 when Anzac blood was spilt during the Battle of the Somme.

Research from the Lilydale and Mt Evelyn RSL sub branches identifies six Yarra Ranges soldiers who lost their lives during the entire eight-month Gallipoli campaign while 18 local soldiers died between July and October, 1916, on the Western Front.

“We had evacuated from Gallipoli in December and the soldiers had been brought back to Egypt,” Mr McAleer said.

“Then in July they went into Fromelles and Pozières as part of the whole Somme campaign and that’s where there were those horrific casualties.

“They included the local schoolteacher at Lilydale State School (Stanley Lewis Robinson) and the Lilydale Football Club champion footballer (William John Chauvin) — both killed in the same week.

“Imagine the effect that would have had on the Lilydale community.”

At that time Australian World War I war correspondent and historian Charles Bean said the Pozières ridge “is more densely sown with Australian sacrifice than any other place on earth”. Mr McAleer said that quote could be localised to the Yarra Ranges and stand true.

A century down the line and RSL sub branches across the nation continue to commemorate Australian soldiers and their families.

Lilydale RSL president Don Parsons, who served 20 years as a submariner in the Australian Navy, said the community could support returned veterans by purchasing a badge during this year’s Anzac Appeal.

“Everything raised will be distributed locally and all funds will be spent on welfare within the RSL — for the benefit of members and non-members alike who have returned from active service,” Mr Parsons said.

“There’s a lot of PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) out there and people who need the welfare support from the RSL.”

THE FALLEN

SERGEANT Stanley Robinson, of Lilydale, died in France on July 20, 1916. He was a beloved teacher at Lilydale State School before he enlisted on August 31, 1915, at the age of 22. A member of the 24th Battalion and 20th Reinforcements, Sgt Robinson was buried at St Vignacourt British Cemetery in France.

Sergeant Stanley Claude Robinson of Lilydale.

PRIVATE William John Chauvin, of Lilydale, was killed in action on July 26, 1916. He was a champion footballer for Lilydale before he enlisted on July 21, 1915, when he was 23 years old. A member of the 24th Battalion and 7th Reinforcement, Private Chauvin has no known grave.

Private John William Chauvin of Lilydale.

Buy an Anzac Appeal badge from your local Woolworths, Officeworks, RSL Sub-Branch or from volunteer collectors in your local community from early-to-mid April.

Donate online: anzacappeal.com.au