Ing, Arthur Harry

No.6335 – Private Arthur Harry Ing – 28^th Battalion AIF

Arthur Harry Ing was born in Manor Park Essex England in 1886 to Arthur and Laura Ing. The family (His parents and sister Laura) came out to Australia from England when Arthur was four years old in 1890 and took up residence in Fremantle. After their arrival, another son called George was born in 1893.  (George and Arthur pictured on right) Arthur was educated at Fremantle Grammar School and after leaving school he took up work as a Grocer and Storekeeper. The electoral rolls list Arthur’s occupation and residence at 186 Hampton Road South Fremantle (now called 108 Hampton) but the family later moved to Nelson Street South Fremantle.

On June 19, 1916, Arthur went to the Fremantle Drill Hall and enlisted in the AIF.

Arthur was passed as fit with the medical examiner finding him to be 5 feet 7 inches tall; weight of 138 lbs; chest measurement of 33-36 inches; fresh complexion; grey eyes and brown hair. His religious denomination was Church of England. After a period in the training depot, on the 14^th September 1916 Arthur was allotted to the 18^th Reinforcements to the 28^th Battalion AIF. He was appointed an acting Lance Corporal for training and the voyage. His group trained in WA until near the end of 1916. It wasn’t until the 29^th December 1916 that they boarded the H.M.A.T. “Persic” in Fremantle Harbour and set sail overseas.

After the long sea voyage their ship berthed at Devonport Harbour England on the 3^rd March 1917. The men were disembarked and marched into the 7^th Training Battalion at Rollestone Camp on the Salisbury Plains at which point in time Arthur reverted to the rank of Private. The next few months would be spent training though the men were also given leave to see the sights of England. On the 23^rd April 1917 Arthur got himself into trouble for being absent without leave for a day. As a punishment he was confined to camp for 1 day and given a fine of 2 days pay.

On the 14^th June 1917 Arthur was put into a draft of men which left Southampton bound for France. After arriving at Le Havre the men were marched into the 2^nd Australian Division Base Depot. Arthur spent a fortnight at this base and on the 2^nd July 1917 marched out to join the 28^th Battalion, where he was taken on strength. The 28^th Battalion were then on a rest period out of the line and they would remain training and playing in sports until the end of August 1917 when they began to move back towards the front line. Arthur and his brother George were able to meet up in France during August.

In September 1917 the Australians were sent to Belgium to take part in the Third Battle of Ypres which had been an on and off battle since July 31^st 1917. British infantry had made some gains but bad weather intervened and further attacks were postponed. September 20^th was the date that the Australian infantry would attack German positions in what would become known as the Battle of Menin Road. The 28^th Battalion took their objectives in this assault but unfortunately Arthur was killed in action. He was buried at the time and after the war his grave was located and Arthur was exhumed to Buttes New British Cemetery in Polygon Wood Belgium plot XXVI.A.16.

George’s mother had a plaque installed for her son in 1919 at the Honour Avenue in Kings Park.

His brother George Ing was fortunate to survive the war. He was an original 28^th Battalion soldier and served with them at Gallipoli. In early 1916 he transferred to the 14^th Machine Gun Company and saw action at Fromelles in July 1916 and Bullecourt in May 1917 before being commissioned in July 1917. He was wounded the same month but returned in time to take part in the Third Battle of Ypres where he was again wounded. He returned to the 14^th MGC in February 1918 and saw action with them till the end of the war. He was Mentioned in Despatches for bravery during the capture of Peronne in September 1918. After returning to WA George married Jessie Sargent in Beaconsfield in 1923. In World War Two George continued to serve with the Home based Army and the 10^th Garrison Battalion (W27738)

George Ing died in Nedlands WA on the 16^th November 1963.