100 Days of Heroes: Hobart’s Wrathall children orphaned by World War I

THE three children of Bill and Maney Wrathall, of Warwick St in Hobart, found themselves orphans by the end of World War I.

Sapper William Albert Wrathall is remembered at tree 496 on the Soldiers’ Memorial Avenue.

THE three children of Bill and Maney Wrathall, of Warwick St in Hobart, found themselves orphans by the end of World War I.

The couple married in 1900 and soon had three children: Kathleen, Vera and Keith.

Bill was working as a builder’s labourer when World War I began. He enlisted for service in the Australian Imperial Force April 1916, aged 35.

He reported to the Broadmeadows Camp in Victoria for basic training before leaving for Europe the next month.

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In October 1916, after several months of training in England, William was seconded to the 1st Canadian Tunnelling Company to gain experience in front-line areas. At the end of December he transferred to the 2nd Australian Tunnelling Company.

The year 1917 saw Bill’s unit deployed at various locations on the Western Front, including Ypres in July and November, repairing roads and trenches, and building accommodation for troops.

In March 1918 Bill was gassed during a German bombardment. He was evacuated to England for treatment and recovery.

During this time he learned of his wife’s death at home, and that his children were now in the care of his mother.

He applied to return home to care for his children, but this was denied. He returned to France in early August.

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Following a night out, Bill and another soldier from his unit began walking back to the Australian Corps Depot near Amiens, following the railway line.

At some point Bill was struck and killed by a train, and his friend was knocked unconscious. An army investigation found that Bill’s death was an accident. He was buried in the Pernois British Cemetery, near Amiens.

Sapper William Albert (Bill) Wrathall is remembered at tree 496 on the Soldiers’ Memorial Avenue and on honour boards at the Hobart Town Hall.

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Sapper William Wrathall’s plaque on the Soldiers’ Memorial Avenue.