Military History

Embarked Sydney per HMAT ‘Ceramic’ A40 for Egypt 13.4.1916.
Roll Rank Private.
Roll Unit ‘A’ Company, 12th Reinf, 20th Battalion.
Pearce disembarked at Port Said with the 20th Bn. 16.5.1916. After a period with the 5th Training Bn., they embarked for England with the BEF per S.S. ‘Onward’. The 20th Bn. 12th Reinf. disembarked at Folkestone 19.11.1916. The Unit marched in to France 20.11.1916 and were taken on strength with the 20th Bn. 10.12.1916. They fought in trenches in the Somme Valley. Pearce was transferred sick with an infection to the Casualty Clearing Station by the Field Ambulance 30.3.1917. He rejoined his Bn. 8.4.1917. Pearce contracted Trench Fever and was transferred by HS to England. He was admitted to 1st London General Hospital Camberwell 25.5.1917. After a period of Convalescence and further training, he rejoined his Bn. in France 1.9.1917. Pearce was appointed L/Cpl 29.9.1917. He was wounded in action at Poelcapelle, Belgium with SW to both legs 8.10.1917. He was transferred to the 3rd Australian Casualty Clearing Station where his left leg, right foot were amputated. Pearce was moved to the No.2 General Hospital Boulogne. Pearce died from these severe injuries.
Died of wounds received in action 18.10.1917 and buried by Rev J. Woodlock at Wimereux cemetery Grave no. 2207. The grave is located at Wimereux Communal Cemetery, Wimereux, Pas de Calais, France, Plot 6, Row E, Grave 2.
Final Rank L/Cpl. 20th Bn.
Medical Condition Deceased, died of wounds.
Awards and Medals 1914-15 Star, British War Medal, Victory Medal.
Notes
‘He sleeps beside his comrades
In hallowed grave unknown
But his name is written in letters of love
In the hearts of those at home.’
(West Australian Newspaper Killed in Action 20.11.1917)
Photos Henry Varcoe Pearce 1915. Photographer unknown, photograph source C.Riley
             Henry Varcoe Pearce with wife Florence and daughter Lois 1915. Photographer unknown, photograph  source C. Riley
             HMAT 'Ceramic'. Photographer Josiah Barnes, photograph source AWM PB0284A
             Wards at the No.1 General Hospital, Harefield, London 1918. Photographer unknown, photograph source AWM H03592
             Poelcapelle 1917. Photographer William Rider-Rider, photograph Library of LAC PA-002165 Library and Archives of Canada Collection, Canada
             Wimereux, France, Military Cemetery near the 2nd Australian General Hospital. 1916. Photographer unknown, photograph source AWM P000156.057


Information Source
AWM PB0284A. HMAT 'Ceramic'. Photographer Josiah Barnes, photograph sourced from the Pictorial Colection of the Australian War Memorial
AWM  H03592. Wards at the No.1 General Hospital, Harefield, London 1918. Photographer unknown, photograph sourced from the Pictorial Collection of the Australian War Memorial
AWM  P000156.057. Wimereux, France, Military Cemetery near the 2nd Australian General Hospital. 1916. Photographer unknown, photograph sourced from the Pictorial Collection of the Australian War Memorial
AWM Embarkation Roll- Henry Varcoe Pearce
AWM Roll of Honour- Henry Varco Pearce
AWM Red Cross File 1DRL/0428, 4753 , L/Cpl. Henry Varcoe Pearce
AWM 20th Bn. https://www.awm.gov.au/units/unit_11207.asp
LAC PA -002165. Poelcapelle 1917. Photographer William Rider-Rider, photograph Library of LAC PA Library and Archives of Canada Collection, Canada
NAA: B2455 Pearce Henry Varcoe
Riley, C. Henry Varcoe Pearce with wife Florence and daughter Lois1915. Photographer unknown, photograph  source C. Riley
Wesley Chapel Honour Roll
Wesley Chapel Fallen
West Australian Newspaper




16, Tamar Street, West Marrickville, NSW (Wife)
West Guildford (Parents WG Pearce)

Associated Images