Hewitt Samuel Townsend

HEWITT SAMUEL TOWNSEND
Hewitt Samuel Townsend Reg. No. 2019 was the son of Mr. & Mrs. Samuel Townsend of Broken Hill New South Wales. He was born in Broken Hill in 1896. One of seven children he had three brothers and three sisters. His father Samuel Townsend was twice Lord Mayor of Broken Hill, and owned a real estate business in Sulphide Street Broken Hill.
When Hewitt Samuel Townsend enlisted in the 50th Infantry Battalion, 3rd reinforcement, he was living with his uncle and aunt, Mr. & Mrs. Richardson in Paradise South Australia. His employment was stated as Clerk. His enlistment was on 9th February 1916. He sailed from Adelaide on HMAT Seang Bee A48 on the 3rd July 1916 for Plymouth England.
In November 1916 he left Folkstone for France via the Princess Henrietta. He arrived in Etaples on 30th November 1916. In France he was promoted to Lance-Corporal. Soon after arriving at the front he was wounded in action. He received severe gunshot wounds to his right arm and thigh. The wounds were so serious he was evacuated to England to have his arm amputated. His next of kin were advised of this and sought further details from the Red Cross. Red Cross was not able to confirm amputation had occurred.
He was returned to Australia in February 1918, via Runic, and was discharged as medically unfit, (not due to misconduct) in August of that year. His record states that he had served for 2 years 187 days, having spent 1 year 215 days overseas. He died on 4th March 1983 and his cremated remains were interred at Centennial Park Cemetery Adelaide.

Barrier Miner (Broken Hill, NSW : 1888 - 1954) Saturday 4 October 1952 p 6
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