Private Harry Lacey
Australian Infantry AIF - WWI
Service Number: 3815
29th Bn Australian Infantry
Born: December 1897 in Chardstock, Devon, England
Date of death: 26 September 1917, age 20
Status: KIA
Awards: British War Medal, Victory Medal
BIOGRAPHY
Harry was the 4th of 6 children of Charles Absalom Lacey ° 1865 - May 11, 1908 and
Elizabeth Lane, °1868 Thorncombe, Dorset, England - 10 Sep 1955 Honiton, Devonshire, England
3 brothers and 2 sisters
- Thomas William Lacey (1893–1972) Wisham, Somerset, England
- James Lacey (1895–1987) Wisham, Somerset, England
- George Lacey (1896–1978) Chardstock, Devon, England
- Harry Lacey (1897-1917) Chardstock, Devon, England
- Florence Anna Lacey (1899–1996) Chardstock, Devon, England
- Amy Amelia Lacey (1908-)
He worked as a farm labourer and was single. Since his father died his mother Elizabeth was the Next Of Kin.
1916
11th July 1916, enlisted into the AIF, at the age of 18 years and 8 months, in Melbourne, Vic
Height: 5 feet 3/4 inches (1,75m)
Weight: 140 lbs (63,50 kg)
Fresh complexion
Eyes: grey
Hair: fair
18 Jul 1916: S.M.O. Camp Geelong
19 Sept 1916: embarked in Melbourne on the "S.S. Commonwealth"
14 Nov 1916: disembarked in Plymouth, UK
17 Dec 1916: Proceeding overseas to France per "S.S. Golden Eagle", from Folkstone
18 Dec 1916: marched in from England - Etaples
23 Dec 1916: marched out to unit and taken on strength 29th Bn, Ex 9th Reinforcement 29th Bn
1917
23 March 1917: wounded in action and admitted with GSW to his back to C.C. Station
25 March 1917: admitted to the 4th Ambulance Train
26 March 1917: admitted with GSW to his back to Conv. Depot, Rouen
15 - 18 April 1917: admitted to Base Depot - Rouen
21 April 1917: marched in from Rouen - Etaples
26 May 1917: marched out to unit - Etaples
26 May 1917: Rejoined unit, Ex Wounded
26 Sept 1917: Posted Missing in Action
"Patricia Camp" near Abeele, received his paybook, wallet and false teeth. They were handed in by a man from A. Company, all this was sent to "Chesire Camp".
Private Harry Lacey was killed in action during the attack on the 26th of September 1917. He was initially buried in the field near the Racecourse in Polygon Wood. His remains were exhumed after the war and were interred in Buttes New British Cemetery, Polygon Wood.
1918
4 March 1918: "Pte - Previously reported MISSING now pronounced KILLED IN ACTION by Court of Inquiry.
On Tuesday 26 September 2017 I attended the Australian ceremonies for the 100th Anniversary of the Battle of Polygon Wood and planted a tree in the "Wood of Peace" in honour of Private Harry Lacey, a very moving moment.
MILITARY RECORDS