Bateman, Herbert Pearson

Lieutenant Herbert Pearson Bateman – 28^th Battalion

Herbert Pearson Bateman was born in Fremantle WA in 1885 to John & Mary Bateman. He had four siblings with Guy (born 1887), Vernon (1890), William (1893) and Charles (1895). The family resided at “Sydenham” in Moss Street East Fremantle. Herbert went to school at Fremantle Grammar School where he was taught by Sir Henry Briggs; and later attended Scotch College in Claremont. Unfortunately, his father John Wesley Bateman Sr passed away in 1907.

Herbert had an interest in law and went on to become a Barrister & Solicitor. He served his articles in the offices of Messer’s James and Hearder, and then Messer’s Gawler, Hardwick and Foreman. After being admitted to the bar Herbert commenced practicing his profession in Henry Street Fremantle in an office block known as the Fothergill’s buildings. This building had a family connection as his great grandfather erected the Port’s first post office on this site.

Herbert was working here when he enlisted into the AIF on the 15^th March 1915. He was given a medical examination and was found to be 5 feet 11 inches in height; weight of 168 lbs; chest measurement of 35-38 inches; fair complexion; Greyish blue eyes and darkish hair. His religious denomination was Church of England.

Herbert was passed as fit and after spending a month at No.13 Depot Company, was assigned to C Company of the 28^th Battalion AIF. He was given the regimental number 564 and his brother William who enlisted at the same time was given the number 565. The 28^th Battalion trained in WA until the 29^th June 1915 when the battalion embarked from Fremantle on the H.M.A.T. “Ascanius”. They spent around 6 weeks training in Egypt when they were called upon to reinforce the troops at Gallipoli.

On the 4^th September 1915 the battalion embarked upon the “Ivernia” bound for Gallipoli. After their arrival they were sent to the newly captured ground around Rhododendron Spur. On the 21^st September 1915 Herbert was promoted to Sergeant and on the 2^nd October was sent to 7^th Field Ambulance with a bruised foot. He returned a few days later but on the 5^th November was evacuated to 13^th Casualty Clearing Station with kidney trouble. He had 5 days in hospital and returned to duty at Anzac.

The 28^th Battalion had missed the major battles at Gallipoli though regular casualties still occurred. On the 8^th December 1915, Herbert’s brother William was killed by a high explosive shell while at work on a beach fatigue party. William was buried at New Zealand Point Cemetery (later Ari Burnu Cemetery) with Herbert in attendance. Five days after his brother’s death Herbert was promoted to 2^nd Lieutenant. The 28^th Battalion soon withdrew from the peninsular as the decision had been made to evacuate Gallipoli. They were withdrawn to Lemnos Island where they spent Christmas 1915, eventually arriving back in Alexandria, Egypt on the 10^th January 1916.

The 28^th Battalion only had about two months in Egypt before they were embarking for service in France. They left Alexandria on the 16^th March 1916 and arrived at Marseilles on the 21^st March. They were immediately sent up to the north of France where they garrisoned the trenches around Armentieres. The 28^th Battalion was to spend the next few months in this area until they were transferred to the Somme front in July. On the 30^th June Herbert was promoted to full Lieutenant.

The 1^st Australian Division had captured Pozieres on July 23^rd and then had to withstand the next five days of devastating German bombardments. The 28^th Battalion then went into the line as relief on the 28^th July 1916. Another of Herbert’s brothers, Vernon, was with the 51^st Battalion and though the 51^st Battalion was stationed further back Vernon motored up to the 7^th Brigade’s position and the brothers were able to meet up and thus spend what would be their last night together near Pozieres.

The 28^th Battalion was to launch a large assault on the German positions on the 29^th July; however Herbert was not with his unit, as on the 24^th July he had been attached to the 7^th Light Trench Mortar battery. He was still on this detachment when he was killed on the 5^th August 1916 by German shellfire. Herbert was buried by his men between Pozieres & Contalmaison, three and a half miles North East of Albert. After the war his grave location was found and he was reburied in Pozieres British Cemetery.

His mother would receive his personal effects and medals.

His brother, Vernon Bateman was badly shell shocked when the 51^st Battalion attacked towards Mouquet Farm on the 16^th August 1916. He was evacuated back to England suffering from severe shell shock. Upon recovery Vernon was sent to work in the Australian Army Medical Corps. He returned home to Fremantle in 1919.