SHATWELL, Harry

Harry was born in Manchester, England and was working at Kooloona, west of Inverell when he enlisted. He was a member of the Myall Creek Rifle Club. Before coming to Australia he had served three years with the Duke of Lancaster's Imperial Yeomanry.  Harry was one of the First Contingent of The Kurrajongs who departed Inverell in January 1916.  He became a member of the AIF 33rd Battalion, C Company, sailing for England on the HMAT Marathon in May that year.

After arriving in England Harry and his fellow recruits trained with the Third Division on Salisbury Plain until they were sent to France.  He was wounded in action and invalided to the UK in 1918 shortly after he had been awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal for 'exceptional courage' having 'carried out daring reconnaissance with marked success.'

After returning to Australia towards the end of 1919, Sergeant Harry Shatwell was welcomed home by the residents of Koloona who presented him with a gold medal, silk handkerchief and a pair of socks. He became one of the founders of the Inverell Sub Branch of the RSL & AILA.

Harry's name is one of those inscribed on the Inverell Honor Roll.

Photo: Private Collection