Dalgleish, Hugh Ross

No.212 – Gunner Hugh Ross Dalgleish – 36^th Heavy Artillery Group

Hugh Ross Dalgleish was born in Warragul Victoria on the 29^th October 1891 to William and Agnes Dalgleish. The family moved to Western Australia and took up residence in Perth. Hugh attended James Street School Perth and after leaving school he later attended night classes. Hugh became a Gunner of the Royal Australian Garrison Artillery of the Permanent Forces stationed at the Artillery Barracks Fremantle.

On the 1^st June 1915 the men of the permanent artillery that were based at Fremantle Barracks were able to enlist for service overseas with the Australian Heavy Artillery. Hugh was given a medical examination and was passed as fit. The medical doctor found Hugh to be 6 feet 6 ½ inches in height; weight of 166 lbs; chest measurement of 35-38 inches; sallow complexion; light blue eyes and dark brown hair. His religious denomination was Presbyterian.

The men of the permanent artillery from Fremantle were sent across to Melbourne to join their fellow artillerymen and they embarked on the H.M.A.T. “Orsova” on the 17^th July 1915. Shortly after arrival in England Hugh went absent without leave and as a punishment was confined to barracks for 6 days and forfeited 1 days pay. From September 1915 to February 1916 the men of the 36^th Heavy Artillery Group trained in England in preparation for their service in England. On the 27^th February 1916 Hugh and the 36^th HAG landed at Boulogne and made their way to the battlefield. On the 16^th March 1916 they sustained their first casualties when the billets they were in at Mont St Eloy were bombarded by the Germans. A few were killed and many wounded, Hugh being among those wounded. Hugh was hit by shrapnel in the leg and was evacuated back to No.30 Casualty Clearing Station and then to Rouen and the 1^st Australian General Hospital. Hugh spent some time here but on the 15^th May 1916 he embarked for England where he was admitted to the 1^st Auxiliary Hospital at Harefield. On the 13^th July Hugh was transferred to the Convalescent Hospital at Epsom. On the 4^th September 1916 he was discharged from hospital and marched into Perham Downs Camp and then sent on to the 36^th Heavy Artillery Camp at Sheerness. Hugh would spend the rest of 1916 in this camp.

On the 5^th January 1917 Hugh was assigned to the 338^th Siege Battery then being put together in England. Hugh spent the next 6 months in England with this unit. On the 12^th July 1917 Hugh left England and was sent to France to join the 55^th Siege Battery of the 36^th Heavy Artillery Group. Through July, August, September and October the Batteries of the 36^th Heavy Artillery Group provided much fire support for the Third Battle of Ypres. On the 4^th October 1917 Hugh was severely wounded by German counter battery fire. He was taken back to 2^nd Anzacs Corps main dressing station where unfortunately he died of his wounds. He was buried in Ypres Prison Cemetery though this was later renamed as Ypres Reservoir Cemetery. Hugh lies in plot I.G.2.