Sutton Veny

Durkin. He was murdered in Sutton Veny and the account of the investigation is here. Verney Asser was a thirty year old Australian soldier who was sentenced to death by Mr Justice Avory at Wiltshire Assizes on 16 January for the murder of Corporal Joseph Harold Durkin. Both men were training instructors in the 2nd Training Battalion stationed at Sutton Veney camp on Salisbury Plain, and specialised in handling the new Lewis machine gun. On the night of 27 November 1917, Durkin was found shot dead in his bunk after Asser had raised the alarm in response to a weapon's discharge. At first it appeared that Durkin had committed suicide but investigation by Sir Bernard Spilsbury ruled out the possibility. As Asser was the only other occupant of the hut, suspicion fell on him and he was later charged with the murder. He was hanged by John Ellis and William Willis at Shepton Mallet on the 5 March 1918.

Page J MM The highest ranking and most decorated Australian who died on 11 November 1918 was Military Medal recipient Sergeant John Page (service number 2135). Born near Quirindi in New South Wales, he enlisted on 13 April 1916. He was an unmarried 28-year-old contractor who nominated his father Peter as his next of kin. On 24 August he embarked with the 3rd reinforcements of the 34th Battalion. He disembarked in England in October and proceeded to France in November. He was appointed Lance Corporal in January 1917, the first of a series of promotions.

On 6 May 1917 he was admitted to hospital suffering a gunshot wound to the groin. He spent several weeks in hospital but rejoined his unit on 15 June and five days later was appointed temporary Corporal. On 15 July, while serving in Belgium, he was wounded for a second time when he suffered a gunshot wound to the neck. He was admitted to hospital in England and shortly after reverted to the rank of Lance Corporal. On 27 October he rejoined his unit, who were now located in France, and in mid-November he was promoted to Corporal. In early December he was promoted to Sergeant. During January-February 1918 he spent six weeks at Brigade School before rejoining his unit on 23 February.

For his actions in early March he was awarded the Military Medal. His citation reads as follows: For devoted service on night of 4-5/3/18 during raid on enemy trenches in vicinity of Warneton. With his party he was temporarily held up by superior numbers of the enemy in the trench leading to his final objective but by his personal courage and determined fighting he eventually cleared the way for the advance. His gallant efforts were of the highest value, and relieved a critical situation for his party.

On 31 August, while serving in France, he was wounded for a third time. He was admitted to hospital in England suffering a gunshot wound to his right arm. He was released from hospital on 16 September and on 22 October 1918 he married 20-year-old domestic servant Elsie Hawkins. The wedding took place in the parish church of her hometown of Harefield, Middlesex. On 31 October he was hospitalised with influenza and he died on 11 November, just three weeks after the wedding and was buried in Sutton Veny, England.