The Last Post Ceremony commemorating the service of (2952) Private Cecil Fleming Morgan, 45th Battalion, AIF, First World War.

The Last Post Ceremony is presented in the Commemorative area of the Australian War Memorial each day. The ceremony commemorates more than 102,000 Australians who have given their lives in war and other operations and whose names are recorded on the Roll of Honour. At each ceremony the story behind one of the names on the Roll of Honour is told. Hosted by Dennis STockman, the story for this day was on (2952) Private Cecil Fleming Morgan, 45th Battalion, AIF, First World War.

2952 Private Cecil Fleming Morgan, 45th Battalion, AIF
KIA 10 October 1917

Today we remember and pay tribute to Private Cecil Fleming Morgan.

Cecil Morgan was born about 1897 in Sydney, the son of William and Elizabeth Morgan. His father worked in the hat department of Peapes Ltd, where he was employed for nearly 50 years.

Cecil attended Summer Hill Public School in the inner west of Sydney, and later went on to work as a boot salesman.

He also took an interest in military matters, having been a Senior Cadet for four years and serving in the Citizens Militia with the 31st Infantry Regiment.

In June 1916, Morgan enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force. He had to go back to obtain his father’s permission before going into camp as he was only 19 years old. He entered camp in July with a letter from his father giving his “unreserved consent” for his son to “fight for his King and country”.

After initial training, Private Morgan left Sydney on 8 November 1916 about the troopship Port Nicholson with reinforcements to the 45th Battalion.

Landing in England early in the new year, further training followed, until Morgan joined his unit in France in early April 1917.

Days after joining his battalion, Private Morgan entered the front line near the French village of Noreuil. His battalion had been in reserve for the second battle of Bullecourt, and avoided heavy casualties.

In June, Morgan’s battalion was heavily engaged during the battle of Messines in June, and suffered a significant number of casualties. With the focus of operations moved to the Ypres sector, the 45th Battalion remained in Belgium.

In the early hours of 10 October 1917, the 45th Battalion entered the front line at Zonnebeke. When the battalion came under a heavy German artillery bombardment, Private Morgan was wounded by a shell fragment. As the bombardment continued, he was struck again and this time killed instantly.

He was buried nearby, and following the war his body was moved to Tyne Cot Cemetery.

Cecil Morgan was 20 years old.

Seventeen years after his death, his sister gave birth to a son who was named in his honour.

Cecil Morgan’s name is listed on the Roll of Honour on my right, among more than 60,000 Australians who died while serving in the First World War.

This is but one of the many stories of service and sacrifice told here at the Australian War Memorial. We now remember Private Cecil Fleming Morgan, who gave his life for us, for our freedoms, and in the hope of a better world.

Duncan Beard
Editor, Military History Section