Page 26 - Memorial Groves

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Gnr Ernest F. Parker (1894-96) Pte Leonard W. Snell (1899-1901)

102nd Howitzer Battery 11th Battalion
Killed in Action: Hazebrouch Killed in Action: Villers-Brettoneaux
2 May 1918. Age 34 11 May 1918. Age 31
Gunner Ernie Parker, son of a Perth lawyer, in the family tradition, Private Leonard Snell began work as a bank officer when he left school.
enrolled at Hale School in 1894. He later moved on to St Peter's in He was one of those who joined the 11th Battalion in 1914 at the
Aelaide in 1897 and 1898. After leaving school he too trained as a outset of the war and he subsequently took part in the first landing at
lawyer, but he is best remembered for his exploits on the sporting field. Gallipoli.
He won many state titles on the tennis court (seven singles titles), in
1913 he won the Australasian singles title and was also state doubles He was transferred to a Field Ambulance unit but was court martialled
champion many times. for disobeying orders on several occasions. It seems he may well have
had enough. He was sent back to Australia to serve two years in a
Remarkably, at the same time, he was also an outstanding cricketer, military prison. On completion of his sentence he was shipped back
playing with great success against English touring teams and against to France and was posted to the 51st Infantry Battalion where he was
other state sides in an era when travelling was extremely difficult. He subsequently killed in action.
was chosen in a 'Rest of Australia' side and, according to many, was also
close to test selection. Dedicated by Hale School.
Placed by then Year 12 prefect and Captain of Wilson House, James
He is commemorated in the Western Australian sporting Hall of Fame at Eyres, the recipient that year of the Guy Ward prize for the most
the Superdrome in Floreat Park. outstanding boarder.

He joined up as a gunner/private late in 1917 and Image courtesy of the State Library of Western Australia: 108112PD
was posted to the 102nd Howitzer Battery for
service on the Western Front. He served for almost
exactly one year before being killed in action.
'After successfully preventing the 'Michael'
Dedicated by his family.
Placed by his great-niece, Geraldine Jorgenson. offensive from breaking through in its drive

toward Paris, the Allied forces went back on the

offensive down the Somme Valley again. Australian

troops were involved in that area for the final

phases of the war.'