Boggs, John

No.1782 – Private John Boggs  16^th Battalion AIF

John Boggs was born in Evish, Strabane, County Tyrone Ireland to James and Catherine Boggs in 1891. He went to school in County Tyrone and later became a labourer. The 1901 census has John, aged 10, still living with his parents and siblings in Evish, County Tyrone Ireland. In 1910 aged 18, John boarded the Australind shipping line’s Armadale in London and travelled to Fremantle, and upon arriving, took up residence in Cantonment Street Fremantle.

He presented himself to the recruitment office on the 14^th January 1915 and was accepted into the AIF. The medical examiner found him to be 5 feet 5 inches; weight of 126 lbs; chest measurement of 34-37 inches; sallow complexion; Hazel eyes and dark brown hair. His religious denomination was Church of England.

After spending a short time at No.5 Depot, John was assigned to the 4^th Reinforcements to the 16^th Battalion with the regimental no.1782. This group trained at Blackboy Hill Camp until their departure from Fremantle aboard the A8 H.M.A.T. “Argyllshire” on the 19^th April 1915. After their arrival in Egypt in May they were disembarked and trained for the next month. John was taken on strength of the 16^th Battalion at Anzac on the 13^th July 1915.

On August 8^th the 16^th Battalion were tasked along with the other battalions of the 4^th Brigade, as well as British, New Zealand & Indian troops; of advancing through the foothills of northern Anzac to capture the vital heights of Hill 971. While some territory was captured, the Turk took a heavy toll on the attacking troops and the vital heights were not taken. John survived these and subsequent attacks in the first weeks of August.

On the 25^th August 1915 John was reported missing. It was later stated that on this date John was on fatigue duty and was sent to fetch water but was sniped from the Turkish lines. His body was soon found and buried at Embarkation Pier Cemetery.

After the war was over the exact location of John’s grave in the cemetery could not be located so he has a Special Memorial in this Cemetery in Plot A.38

His father James, still living at County Tyrone, would receive a pension of 15/- per fortnight as a result of John’s death.