| Accession Number | P09291.048 |
|---|---|
| Collection type | Photograph |
| Object type | Negative |
| Conflict |
First World War, 1914-1918 |
| Copyright |
Item copyright: Copyright expired - public domain
|
Portrait of Lieutenant (Lt) Ralph Elsmere Claridge, 50th Battalion from Hectorville, South ...
Description
Portrait of Lieutenant (Lt) Ralph Elsmere Claridge, 50th Battalion from Hectorville, South Australia. A 22 year old poultry farmer prior to enlisting on 22 August 1914, he embarked for overseas as a Private with E Company, 10th Battalion from Adelaide on 20 October 1914 aboard HMAT Ascanius. While serving with the 10th Battalion at Gallipoli, he was wounded in action on 19 May 1915 and evacuated to Egypt for medical treatment. Two months later he returned to Gallipoli where he was promoted to Lance Corporal. Back in Egypt, he was promoted to Corporal, transferred to the 50th Battalion, was promoted to Sergeant and then went to France in June 1916. After being wounded in action on 16 August 1916, he was evacuated to England for medical treatment. On recovery, he attended officer training and was commissioned a Second Lieutenant on 12 July 1917. Two months later he re-joined the 50th Battalion in Belgium. After being promoted to Lieutenant on 1 March 1918, he was killed in action near Villers-Bretonneux, France on 25 April 1918. Lt Claridge is commemorated on the Australian National Memorial at Villers-Bretonneux with others who have no known grave.