Private John (Jack) James Herring, 51st Battalion AIF

by Patricia McQueen

My Uncle Jack, my dad's eldest brother, was killed in France during WWI. I never met him, but he has been part of my life every ANZAC day ever since I can remember (I'm now 75 years). My siblings and I went to every Anzac Day celebration, first in Bunbury and then wherever we were, to remember him and to give thanks to him and all service men and women. My Dad never came with us, I think the loss was too painful. I now watch it on TV to pay my respect.

He was single when he was killed, so there is only his nieces and nephews and their descendents to remember him, thankfully my grandsons now carry on the tradition, taking a photo to school for discussion.

John (Jack) James Herring, Service No 1922, Private, 51st Battalion, AIF (Australian Infantry Forces)
Enlisted 21 February 1916
Residence: Thadina Street, Sandstone. Western Australia
Embarked Fremantle 20/7/1916
Plymouth, England UK 9/9/1916

Killed in Action 2 April 1917 (aged 24 years)
France,
H.A.C. Cemetery, Ecoust-St. Mein, France
Grave/Memoria Ref: Sp. Mem.B.3.
Buried B5026
Series: B2655
Recipient of Victory Medal and British War medal.

Name listed on King's Park Memorial, Perth, Western Australia and records in Canberra.

Family address listed as Queen of the Hills Road, Meekatharra when killed.