WOODBURY, Samuel & Gabriel

Privates Samuel and Gabriel Woodbury were the elder sons of Florence and Gabriel Woodbury. They were born at Inverell. Samuel, a Bushman, enlisted in November 1915 when he was twenty nine years old. He became a member of the 33rd Battalion, C Company and left Australia for England in May 1916. He served in France before returning to Australia in July 1919.

Gabriel was a twenty four year old Carrier when he enlisted almost a year after his older brother. He was a member of the 54th Battalion 8th Reinforcements, which sailed from Australia on the HMAT A29 Suevic in November 1916. He was killed in action on 28 June 1918 and buried at Mericourt L'Ábbe Communal Cemetery Extension, Picardie, France. His name is recorded on the Inverell Cenotpah and a Kurrajong tree was planted in his memory in Kurrajong Parade on the Glen Innes Road.

Whilst in France both men had to be hospitalised for treatment for 'trench feet', a common condition caused by the damp, cold and unsanitary conditions soldiers experienced.

Samuel and Gabriel have their names recorded on the Nullamanna Honor Roll.

These photos were given to our committee, although it is not known which of them is Samuel or Gabriel. Please contact us if you can help identify these men.