Laid to Rest on the Battle Field

Lieutenant James Danaher, 31st Infantry Battalion, 9 Sept 1889 - 29 Sept 1917

These letters have recently been donated by his family, and it is timely that we share his story.

Educated at the Christian Brothers College, Ipswich and later St Joseph's College Gregory Terrace, Jim was working as a surveyor before he enlisted in June 1915.

He left Australia with his battalion on board HMAT Wandilla, in November 1915 and trained in Egypt before embarking for France, arriving in Marseilles in June 1916.

After being selected to attend Officer Training at Trinity College, Cambridge, he wrote proudly of his fate and hopes to do well for them.

Three weeks later Lieutenant Danaher, age 28 was killed after being struck by a shell, during a reconnaissance at Polygon Wood, 27 September 1917.

"Through the bravery of a fellow officer and a party of men Lieut. Danaher's body was recovered and was laid to rest on the battle field".

His name is commemorated at the Ypres Menin Gate Memorial, Belgium.

Read more ...

• Service record: DANAHER, James
• Unit Diaries: 31st Infantry Battalion
• Red Cross Wounded and Missing Files
• Roll of Honour
• Roll of Honour circular
• Image 2: The Queenslander Pictorial 9 October 1915 p22
• 30958 James Danaher Papers