War service: Egypt, Western Front

Taken on strength 53rd Bn, Tel el Kebir, 20 April 1916.

Embarked Alexandria to join the British Expeditionary Force, 19 June 1916; disembarked Marseilles, France, 28 June 1916.

Reported as missing in action, 19 July 1916.

Identification disc received from Germany, no particulars afforded except that soldier is deceased. To be reported as killed in action, 19 July 1916, on the authority of the Assistant Adjutant General, ANZAC Section, War Office, 24 February 1917.

Advice received from Australian Red Cross, Wounded and Missing Enquiry Bureau, 18 October 1920, 'Verpillo[t] A. 4885. 53 Batl. A.T.F. Fell 19.7.16 near Fromelles. Final German Death List, S'

On 8 August 1922, the Officer in Charge, Australian Graves Services, wrote, 'Although exhaustive searches and investigations have been made with the object of locating the grave of the above named [Pte Verpillot], it has not been possible either to locate his actual burial place or obtain any information which might indicate his probable original or present resting place.'

Red Cross File No 2820107: 'The above name appeared on German death list dated 4-11-16'.

Statement, 4828 Pte A. McKELL, B Company, 53rd Bn, 30 December 1918: '[He was] Of B. Coy. on 19th July at Fleurbaix during general action, was killed by bullet, don't know where hit. I saw his body on the field, in No Man's Land, close to L/Cpl. E.A. Hubbard, and J. LARKIN. We were taken P/W next day.'

Medals: British War Medal, Victory Medal