The AIF Project

War service: Egypt, Western Front

Admitted to No 4 Auxiliary Hospital, Abbassia, 23 December 1916 (mumps); transferred to Helouan Convalescent Depot, Helouan, 6 January 1916 (diphtheria); discharged to duty, 8 January 1916.

Allotted to, and proceeded to 55th Bn from 5th Training Bn, Zeitoun, 16 February 1916; taken on strength of 55th Bn, Tel el Kebir, 16 February 1916.

Promoted Sergeant, 20 February 1916.

Embarked Alexandria to join the British Expeditionary Force, 19 June 1916; disembarked Marseilles, France, 29 June 1916.

To School of Instruction, 10 July 1916; rejoined 55th Bn, 15 July 1916.

Killed in action, 20 July 1916.

Statement, Red Cross File No 2010812, 3771 Pte E.M. BUTLER, D Company, 55th Bn (patient, No 32 Stationary Hospital, Boulogne), 4 April 1917: 'There was a divisional attack at Fromelles on July 19th, and the 55th was carrying ammunition etc. He was killed by machine gun fire in no-man's-land[.] I saw this and heard him say to a Lce. Cpl. "keep the men up to it Wood, I'm done." I was out on fatigue next night bringing in wounded, but we were told to leave the dead.'

Second statement, 2745 Sergeant J. O'BRIEN, A Company, 55th Bn (patient, Kitcher Hospital, Brighton, England), 30 April 1917: 'On July 20th 1916 at Fromelles Sgt. Noldart was killed while leading his men over the top to an attack. He was struck as he was passing over the parapet and death was practically instantaneous. I believe he was buried with a number of others in the same grave by the pioneers, in the Fromelles Cemetery.'

Third statement, Lt Col W.M. McCONAGHY, 55th Bn (patient, 3rd London General Hospital, Wandsworth, England), 5 February 1917: 'Noldart was killed in the German trenches at Fromelles which were afterwards recaptured by the enemy. His body was not recovered.'

Fourth statement, 3119 Pte W.C. PORTER, D Company, 55th Bn (patient, Southall Hospital, England), 7 February 1917: 'Refer to Sgt. L.C. Wood, 55th Batt. D. Co. who was with Noldart when he was shot in the charge at Fromelles on the night of July 19/16. Noldart's last words were - "They've got me 'Woodsy' - Keep going."'

Fifth statement, 2525 Pte H.P.F. COLE, A Company, 55th Bn, 19 February 1916: 'I saw him killed as we went over the top at Fleurbaix on 19th. July. He was killed outright by M.G. fire. We had to go on and I did not see his body again.'

Sixth statement, 2554 Pte A. AMMIN, 55th Bn (patient, 1st Australian Auxiliary Hospital, Harefield, England), 19 February 1917: 'I was alongside him and saw him killed in a charge at Fromelles about 7 in the evening. He lived for a short time after being hit and said "Keep on lads." ... I believe he was buried, but did not see the burial war grave.'

Seventh statement, 3270A Corporal R.J. CAMPBELL, C Company, 55th Bn (patient, No 9 General Hospital, Rouen), 2 April 1917: He spoke to him just before they went over and Cpl. Woods D Co. who was by his side at the time, told Informant that soon after going over Sgt. Noldart was shot right through the head. He just said to Woods "Carry on" or words like it, rolled over, and died.'