The Last Post Ceremony commemorating the service of (5008) Private Andrew Hacket, 27th 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 Meredith Duncan, the story for this day was on (5008) Private Andrew Hacket, 27th Battalion, AIF, First World War.

5008 Private Andrew Hacket, 27th Battalion, AIF
DOW 8 November 1916
No photograph in collection

Story delivered 2 May 2016

Today we remember and pay tribute to Private Andrew Hacket.

Andrew Hacket was born on 13 May 1896 to James and Robina Hacket of Port Germein, South Australia. His father was a mail contractor for many years, and drove the mail van between Port Germein and Port Pirie. Shortly before Andrew was born his father went to the Western Australian goldfields, returning to his family 1900 with little luck. Andrew was educated at the local state school in Port Germein, and went on to work as a farm hand.

Hacket enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force in March 1916, two months before his 20th birthday. He was posted to the 27th Battalion and underwent a short period of training in Australia before being sent for overseas service. He arrived in England in September, having missed the fierce fighting around Pozières and Mouquet Farm.

In late 1916 the 27th Battalion returned to the front line near the French village of Flers. On 5 November it attacked a German position known as Bayonet Trench. The Germans put up a staunch resistance, and the right flank of the attack failed. The Australians eventually withdrew, having suffered more than 280 casualties.

One of those killed was Private Andrew Hacket. He had been shot in the abdomen, and despite being taken to a casualty clearing station he died of his wounds three days later. He was buried in the Heilly Station Cemetery, aged just 20.

Private Hacket’s name is listed on the Roll of Honour on my right, among more than 60,000 Australians who died during 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 Andrew Hacket, who gave his life for us, for our freedoms, and in the hope of a better world.

Dr Meleah Hampton
Historian, Military History Section