Two previously unknown Australian soldiers who were both killed on August 8 in different wars and on opposite sides of the world have been formally identified.
Private Archibald “Blue” Hanley, 30th Battalion, Australian Imperial Force, and Lieutenant Hercules William Crawford, 39th Battalion, Citizens Military Forces, were killed 24 years apart — one during the Battle of Amiens in 1918 and the other during the Kokoda Battle in 1942.
After extensive investigations, the Australian Army has now confirmed the identities of both soldiers, one buried in France and one in Papua New Guinea, ensuring they are recognised and remembered by name.
Sign up to The Nightly’s newsletters.
Get the first look at the digital newspaper, curated daily stories and breaking headlines delivered to your inbox.
By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.
Pte Hanley, from Cessnock, NSW, was killed in action near Villers-Bretonneux, France, on August 8, 1918, during World War I.
An entry in the Australian War Memorial’s Red Cross Wounded and Missing file records the testimony of a mate, Pte Oldroyd, that Pte Hanley was ”thickset” had “red hair”, and was single.
“We were in action on the left of the village . . . when Hanley was hit by a M.G. bullet and died almost immediately,” the entry says.
“I went over to him, but he could not speak. Did not see the wound.
Archibald Hanley (left) and brother John Hanley. Credit: Supplied
“He was a pal of mine and a very game chap,” the entry says.
“As we were advancing and had to go on I did not see him buried.”
Investigations have confirmed that an unknown Australian soldier buried at Villers-Bretonneux Military Cemetery is Pte Hanley.
Lt Crawford, from Port Adelaide, gave his occupation as a waterside worker when he enlisted on November 3, 1939.
He gave his marital status as widower.
Lt Crawford was wounded and went missing near Pirivi on the Kokoda Track on August 8, 1942.
After a two-year investigation, Army concluded that an unknown Australian Soldier buried at Bomana War Cemetery in Papua New Guinea is Lt Crawford.
The identifications were made by the Australian Army’s Unrecovered War Casualties team, following detailed investigations in partnership with the Commonwealth War Graves Commission and the Office of Australian War Graves.
Replacement headstones bearing the soldiers’ names, ranks and unit details will be installed in consultation with their families.
Lieutenant Hercules William Crawford was wounded and went missing near Pirivi on the Kokoda Track on August 8, 1942. Credit: Supplied
Chief of Army, Lt-Gen. Susan Coyle said the formal identification of the men demonstrated that time did not diminish the army’s determination to account for its missing and ensure their service and sacrifice were properly commemorated.
“These identifications provide long-awaited answers for their families and ensure both men will be remembered not as unknown soldiers, but by name, rank and unit., Lt-Gen. Coyle said.
Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Matt Keogh said the work to identify the men reflected the care and determination invested in honouring those who served the nation.
“When we say ‘Lest We Forget’ at the end of the Ode we re-commit to remembering them in perpetuity,” he said.
“Today we honour two Australian soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice in service of our nation and, at long last, can be remembered by name rather than as unknown soldiers.”
