100 Days of Heroes: Soldier Lionel Garlick survived illnesses but not the battlefield

COMMON illnesses often struck down Australian soldiers during their war service, resulting in weeks or months in hospital and sometimes leading to their death.

Private Lionel Tasman Garlick is remembered at tree 260 on the Soldiers’ Memorial Avenue.

COMMON illnesses often struck down Australian soldiers during their war service, resulting in weeks or months in hospital and sometimes leading to their death.

Hobart labourer Lionel Garlick suffered multiple medical afflictions during his almost two years of service,

Born in Kelly St, Battery Point, in October 1889, Lionel was the third son of teacher Jane and stonemason William.

The Garlicks were living at 112 Molle St when Lionel enlisted but later moved to 141 Davey St and then to Redlands, at Plenty in the Derwent Valley.

Lionel enlisted at Claremont on August 8, 1915, at age 24, and was designated as a private with the 12th Battalion’s 11th reinforcements.

His unit embarked on HMAT Ascanis on November 10. Soon after his arrival in Egypt he was admitted to the Abbassia hospital with the mumps.

Lionel Garlick’s grave in the Messines Ridge British Cemetery. Picture: ROY HILL

After recovering he was transferred to the 52nd Battalion and travelled to France, where he was soon ill with bronchitis. He was sent to hospital in England in July and did not return to France until November.

In April 1917 he was hospitalised again, with tachycardia and a skin infection that sidelined him for a fortnight.

He was on active duty in between his illnesses and was fined in March 1916 for being absent without leave.

Lionel was killed in action on June 7, 1917, aged 27 years, and is buried at the Messines Ridge British Cemetery in Belgium.

Personal effects returned to his father following his death included a wallet, photographs and a metal brooch.

Private Lionel Tasman Garlick is remembered at tree 260 on the Soldiers’ Memorial Walk in Hobart as well as the Hobart Town Hall honour board.

Private Lionel Garlick’s plaque on the Soldiers’ Memorial Avenue.