Military History

Received mother’s permission to enlist. Joined as Private. To Artillery as Gunner 11.11.1915, transferred to 13th Reinf. 12th Bn. 13.11.1915 , then to 12th Reinf. 16th Bn. 25.11.1915.
Embarked Fremantle per HMAT ‘Ajana’ for Egypt 22.12.1915.
Roll Rank Private.
Roll Unit 12th Reinf, 16th Battalion, AIF.
 Maxfield disembarked  in Egypt  and marched with his Bn. into training camp. After the evacuation from Gallipoli, the AIF underwent a period of military re-organisation in preparation  for  the relocation of troops to Europe. Maxfield developed mumps and was admitted to 4th Auxiliary Hospital in Cairo  16.2.1916.  On recovery, he entrained to Alexandria, joined BEF and embarked per HMT ’Canada’ for France 1.6.1916. Maxfield disembarked at Marseilles 9.6.1916 The 16th Bn. engaged in their first major Battle at Pozieres between July and August 1916.  Maxfield was  wounded in action in the field at Pozieres, France 10.8.1916.  He was admitted to 1st ANZAC Rest Station, suffering Shell Shock 10.8.1916.  He was deemed recovered, five days later and rejoined his Unit 15.8.1916. Maxfield fought through the harsh winter of 1916-1917 in the trenches on the Somme. He was admitted to the 3rd Stationary Hospital with pneumonia 7.2.1917.  During his stay in hospital he contracted German Measles and was held for observation 13.3.1917.  He rejoined his unit in the field 22.3.1917.  Maxfield was charged with the crime of breaking arrest from the Guard Room 1.6.1917. He was hospitalised with a debility? Neurasthenia 25.6.1917. He was hospitalised, suffering from ‘nerves’(neurasthenia) 1.7.1917.  Two months later Maxfield rejoined his Unit 7.9.1917 and fought at Polygon Wood. He was reported missing in action 27.9.1918 (reported in the  Casualty List No. 354)  He was reported KIA in Field 27.9.1917 in Belgium, by  the Court of Inquiry (16.2.1918) (Reported in the casualty List No. 385).  his family responded with grief and memorial notices to the paper. Maxfield was later reported  not killed, but in Hospital. He rejoined his Unit 2.5.1918. The Court of Inquiry found that he had left the battle field and was charged with Desertion in the Field 15.5 1918. Maxfield was given a penal sentence with 10 years hard labour. His sentence was commuted to 2 years in 28.7.1918. He was sunsequently discharged 1.11.1919.
Embarked for Australia per ‘Indarra’ 12.7.1919.
Returned/Disembarked Fremantle 29.8.1919.
Discharged 1.11.1919.
Final Rank Private, 16th Bn. AIF.
Medical Condition NK (returned with long history of neurasthenia/ shell shock).
Awards and Medals 1914-15 Star, British War Medal, Victory Medal.
Notes Request for medals 1924-eligible for 2 medals. (NAA)
Photos 4th Auxiliary Hospital Abassia, Cairo- ward interior 1915. Photographer unknown, photograph source AWM C03543
              Pozieres Battle Field June 1916. Photograph source AWM E05391
              Polygon Wood, Australian soldiers on shell holes. Photographer unknown, photograph source AWM E00783
              HMAT 'Ajana'. Photographer Josiah Barnes, photograph source AWM PB0074
              G E Maxfield, wounded previously reported sick. The West Australian 19.9.1916 p8
              G E Maxfield. Western Mail, Family Notices 22.3.1918 p19

Information Source
AWM C03543. 4th Auxiliary Hospital Abassia, Cairo- ward interior 1915. Photographer unknown, photograph sourced from the Pictorial Collection of the Australian War Memorial
AWM E05391. Pozieres Battle Field June 1916. Photograph sourced from the Pictorial Collection of the Australian War Memorial
AWM E00783. Polygon Wood, Australian soldiers on shell holes. Photographer unknown, photograph sourced from the Pictorial Collection Australian War Memorial
AWM PB0074. HMAT 'Ajana'. Photographer Josiah Barnes, photograph sourced from the Pictorial Collection of the Australian War Memorial
AWM: B2455, Maxfield  G E
NAA: B2455, Maxfield George Edgar
West Australian Newspaper
Western Mail

North Dardanup, WA.

Associated Images