Military History

Liddle enlisted with the Artillery and transferred to Melbourne for further Artillery training. He was promoted to Driver 20.9.1915 and Gunner 22.9.1915. He was allocated to the 2nd Division Ammunition Column 1st Reinforcements 16.10.1915.
Embarked Melbourne per HMAT ‘Persic’ A34 for Egypt 22.11.1915.
Roll Rank Gunner.
Roll Unit 2nd Division Ammunition Column 1st Reinforcements.
Liddle disembarked at Suez 21.12.1915. He was taken on strength with the 2nd Division Ammunition Column (DAC) at Heliopolis 22.12.1915, then posted to the No.2 section as a superanuary. He was transferred to the 5th Field Artillery Brigade at Zeitoun 16.1.1916. Liddle joined the British Expeditionary Force (BEF) at Alexandria and embarked per HT ‘Saxonian’ for France to reinforce the 2nd Division Artillery 25.3.1916. He disembarked at Marseilles 3.4.1916. He marched in to the 2nd Division Depot at Etaples 4.4.1916. Liddle was transferred to 2nd Division Ammunition Column 20.6.1916, then mustered as Driver 29.6.1916. The 2nd Division moved into the Armentieres section of the Somme in mid-June. In July the 2nd Division was engaged in battle at Pozieres and Mouquet Farm. Liddle was transferred to the 2nd Trench Mortar Battery and mustered as a Gunner 23.7.1916. He fought in the trenches through harsh winter of 1916-17. In March 1917, Liddle was transferred to 1st ANZAC Trench Mortar School of Instruction and rejoined his unit 6.4.1917. Liddle took a fortnight’s leave to England in August and rejoined his unit 30.8.1917. He fought at the Third Battle of Ypres. Over the winter of `9`7-`8 the 2nd Division either fought ataround messines or stood in reserve. Liddle was wounded in action with a gunshot wound to his forehead 18.1.1918 possibly at Messines. He was transferred by Hospital Ship (HS) ’St David’ to England 23.1.1918 and  admitted to the Lord Derby Hospital, Warrington 23.1.1918. Liddle was discharged and proceeded overseas to France to join his unit 2.4.1918. He transferred to the 2nd Division Ammunition Column (DAC) 11.4.1918. He was promoted to T/Bombardier with the 2nd Medium Trench Mortar Brigade (MTMB) 25.5.1918. Liddle was wounded in action a 2nd time at Hamel with a gunshot wound to his back and chest 5.7.1918. He reverted to rank of Gunner when wounded and was evacuated to the 12th USA General Hospital 19.7.1918. Liddle was invalided to England 19.7.1918 and admitted to Fulham Military Hospital, Hammersmith 20.7.1918. He was discharged to HQ 19.11.1918 and granted furlough 3.12.1918. Liddle was listed for return to Australia.
Embarked for return to Australia per ‘Lancashire’ 7.2.1919.
Returned/ Disembarked. Fremantle 11.3.1919.
Discharged 6.5.1919.
Final Rank Gunner, Trench Mortar Battery 2nd Division Ammunition Column (DAC).
Medical Condition NK. (Wounded twice).
Awards and Medals 1914-15 Star, British War Medal, Victory Medal.
Notes Liddle gave his address as c/- Mrs. E. Goss Perth Rd., West Guildford, his sister. He was born in South Australia.
Photos HMA 'Persic' leaving Melbourne Wharf. Photographer Josiah Barnes, photograph source AWM P00997.013
             Messines Ridge 1917. Photographer unknown, photograph source AWM E01290
             Battle of Hamel. Australian and American troops at the Battle of Hamel 1918. Photographer unknow, photograph source AWM E02690

Information Source
AWM P00997.013. HMAT 'Persic' leaving Melbourne Wharf. Photographer Josiah Barnes, photograph sourced from the Pictorial Collection of the Australian War Memorial
AWM E01290. Messines Ridge 1917. Photographer unknown, photograph sourced from the Pictorial Collection of the Australian War Memorial
AWM  E02690. Battle of Hamel. Australian and American troops at the Battle of Hamel 1918. Photographer unknown, photograph sourced from the Pictorial Collection of the Australian War Memorial
AWM Embarkation Rolls Roy Montieth Liddle
Guildford Primary School Honour Roll
NAA: B2455, Liddle Roy Montieth


Perth Rd West Guildford. WA.

Associated Images