Historical information

Private Bertie Ernest Alfred Henderson served in the 5th Pioneer Battalion, 5th Division of the AIF. He died of wounds In France on 29/5/1918 or 1/6/1918. His burial place is Crouy British Cemetery, Crouy-sur-Somme.
The framed 'In Memoriam' has been in the custody of family members until presented to W&DHS in 2013 by Mrs Beris Porter.

Significance

Pte BEA Henderson, 1866, 3 Pioneer Battalion(2 Reinforcement Group) was a farmer and single. His father was Mr HH Henderson of Naringal. He enlisted on 27/5/1916 then sailed on the Themistocles on 28/7/1916 and transferred to the 5 Pioneer Battalion. His name is recorded on the War Memorial, Artillery Crescent, Warrnambool as having made the supreme sacrifice.

Physical description

Mass produced Memorial page with a sepia original half portrait photograph of a soldier surrounded with two mounts,narrow white and dark/grey brown, and a thin gold gilt surround next to an inward angled plain, wooden frame with clear glass. Hand white painted name, rank, number, battalion, division with decorative flourishes. A. tarnished plaque is on the mid lower frame

Inscriptions & markings

Front- White hand painted dedication: 1866/PRIVATE B.E.A. HENDERSON/5th Pioneer Batt 5Division/A.I.F. The mass produced decorative mount has battle place names and a bird's eye view of battlefields in France. In sepia 'Glory' stand atop a rock and cross with a laurel wreath in her right hand and a scroll with ANZACS falling from her left hand. A verse is written Anzacs, you've graved your name upon Immortal Scroll/Naught can compare with what the World a claims/Zenith of a fighting patriotic soul./A host of heroes, you have but echoed back with Clarion tongue/the Spartan Sires from who you fitly sprung Coo-ee! Comrades, 'Kia-Ora' you didn't ant couch will ever be./Sacred to all Eternity.
An oval cut-out holds a half portrait of the soldier in uniform.
Plaque on lower wooden frame FRANCE/29.5.18
Reverse- in pencil handwriting: ? o/c/... ... A. Henderson/of ...T/Yar..gal