The Last Post Ceremony commemorating the service of (2913) Private Bertram George Dix, 32nd 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 (2913) Private Bertram George Dix, 32nd Battalion, AIF, First World War.

2913 Private Bertram George Dix, 32nd Battalion, AIF
DOW 9 August 1916
Photograph: H05889

Story delivered 15 May 2016

Today we remember and pay tribute to Private Bertram George Dix.

Known as “Bert”, Dix was born on 27 December 1891, the oldest son of George and Alice Maud Mary Dix of Renmark, South Australia. He attended the local school, and went on to become a horticulturalist and carrier in the Riverland.

Dix enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force in August 1915, and was posted to the 32nd Battalion. However, he became seriously ill with meningitis, which delayed both his training and his departure for overseas service. He finally left Adelaide in April 1916 and, after a brief stay in Egypt, travelled on to England and then France.

Private Dix arrived on the Western Front in June 1916, and a few weeks later was with the 32nd Battalion as it entered the front-line trenches near the French village of Fromelles. In July the battalion conducted its first attack against the Germans. It was a disaster: more than 700, or nearly three-quarters of the battalion, were killed, wounded, or missing as a result.

Private Dix survived the attack on Fromelles, and a few weeks later small parties from the battalion’s remnants were sent into the front line to assist some engineers. Dix was one of a party of 100 sent into the front line on 9 August 1916. At some point during his work he was shot in the head. He was admitted to the 1st Australian Casualty Clearing station, but never regained consciousness. He was buried in a nearby cemetery.

In Australia a memorial was held for Dix in the Renmark Congregational Church. During the sermon Bertram Dix was remembered with these words:
"Beloved not only by those of his family but by many friends and associates; honoured and profoundly respected by all who really knew him for the rare simplicity and uprightness of his character and for the gentleness that mingled with his manly strength; he was indeed a very perfect type of young Australian Christian manhood."

Dix’s family later received letters from his officers, including one stating that “Bert had proved himself one of the best lads of the company, and was loved and respected by all who came in contact with him.” Bertram Dix was 24 years old.

His name is listed on the Roll of Honour on my right, among more than 60,000 Australians who died during the First World War. His photograph is displayed today beside the Pool of Reflection.

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

Dr Meleah Hampton
Historian, Military History Section