1917 Lance Corporal CARMICHAEL “Jack” Alfred John

55th Australian Infantry Battalion 

Jack was born in Young in 1895 to James and Rose Carmichael. Growing up in Young, he attended the local Public School. When he was six years old, his Father deserted the family leaving his Mother to raise a large family alone. Jack went on to become a compositor for a printing company, where he had been an apprentice for 4 years, and the sole support of his mother. By the time war broke out in 1914 he had spent three years in the Cadet forces and two years in the local Militia. 

Jack enlisted 21 January 1915, aged 19 years and 10 months. His next of kin was Mrs Carmichael, Yass Street, Young. Jack underwent a period of training in Australia, leaving for active service overseas with reinforcements to the 3rd Battalion in April. He was first sent to Egypt and from there to Gallipoli arriving in mid-June. 

Jack was with the 3rd Battalion as they participated in the Battle of Lone Pine where he was wounded and sent to Malta to spend three weeks, and later England. Recovering from wounds, he returned to Mudros in December 1915. Weeks later the Australian Forces were evacuated from Gallipoli and returned to Egypt. In Egypt the Australian Forces underwent a period of expansion and reorganisation and Jack was transferred to the 55th Battalion. About this time, he met Lieutenant Harry Wilson and the two became like Brothers. After several weeks in Egypt, Jack’s military discipline declined, and he was charged at least twice with breaking camp and improper conduct before his Battalion left for Europe. 

Private Carmichael arrived in France to fight on the Western Front in June 1916 and went on a week’s leave. The day after he returned to the Battalion, it took a critical part in the disastrous operation at Fromelles. Jack came through unscathed and was promoted to Lance Corporal. The next few months were spent in hospital with an infection, before eventually transferring back to the 3rd to be with his Brother. Harry Wilson was also transferred back to 3rd. 

Jack was described as being discontented and tried to get back with Harry. YDAM St John’s Church Young War Memorial Window Page 14 In September 1917, the 55th Battalion advanced in misty conditions capturing German position and reaching their objectives. At some point, Lance Corporal Jack Carmichael was wounded and died in action Belgium, 26 September 1917. 

His Platoon Sergeant John Bye later wrote to Jack’s parents saying: 
“I was quite near your son when he was hit with a piece of shell and he died at once without pain… he had been in my platoon for some time and as a soldier he proved himself one of the best – always brave and cheerful under circumstances of a straining nature. In the Platoon he was very popular, and his death is much regretted.” 

A fellow soldier Private CP Kenny, 11th Company, wrote: 
“I knew Carmichael for four months; he was medium height, medium build, fair, about 24 from Young. He had been wounded once. On 26 September 4:45am, the Battalion was in front of Polygon Wood, just before the hop-over, a shell fell and Carmichael was hit, and died in a few minutes. He was just behind me – touching me – and he saved me. I got a piece myself and came out. Carmichael is buried on the Ypres side of the Mound or Butts. I haven’t been there again and haven’t seen the grave.” 

Jack was buried in the field of battle, and a short service was read over his grave. His battlefield resting place was later lost and today he is commemorated on the Menin Gate Memorial to the Missing, Ypres, Belgium.