Gnr
Harold Gooding

Information about birth

Year of birth:
1893
Place of birth:
Gherang, Victoria, Australia

General information

Last known residence:
Dimboola, Victoria, Australia
Profession:
Labourer
Religion:
Methodist

Army information

Country:
Australia
Force:
Australian Imperial Force
Rank:
Gunner
Service number:
19796
Enlistment date:
08/10/1915
Enlistment place:
Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
Units:
 —  Australian Field Artillery, 30th Bty. 8th Bde.  (Last known unit)

Information about death

Date of death:
30/09/1917
Place of death:
Bavaria House, Belgium
Cause of death:
Killed in action (K.I.A.)
Age:
24

Cemetery

Vlamertinghe New Military Cemetery
Plot: V
Row: H
Grave: 11

Distinctions and medals 2

Points of interest 3

#1 Place of birth
#2 Last known residence
#3 Enlistment place

My story

Gunner Gooding Harold worked as labourer in his hometown Dimboola, Victoria, when he enlisted, aged 22, on 8th October 1915 in Melbourne, Australia.

He joined the 8th Field Artillery Brigade, part of the 3rd Australian Division. He was the son of Edwin and Polly Gooding and had a brother Walter Tom also in the army.

On 30th September 1917, during the Battle of Polygon Wood (26th Sept to 3rd Oct 1917) part of the Battle of Passchendaele, the 8th Australian Field Artillery Brigade relieved the 3rd New Zealand Brigade near Bavaria House, little to the east of Ypres.

Harold was with the 31st Battery in the forward gun position when a German shell burst in the gun pit and killed him instantly. He had a shrapnel wound clean through the forehead, it had pierced his tin helmet.

Gunner Harold Gooding was 24 years of age when his body was taken tot he Menin Road dressing station and later on buried at Vlamertinghe New Military Cemetery plot V, row H, grave 11.
His younger brother Walter Tom Gooding was already fallen in battle on 26th September 1917.

Connection to other soldiers 1

Files 2

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