MYLES Harry Jackson

Harry Jackson Myles was the eighth child of John Myles and Catherine Barker. He was a man of 25 years and 10 months when he enlisted for the Great War on 21 September 1914 at Townsville, Queensland, Australia. His occupation was an Assistant Inspector of Mines at the time. He stood 5 feet 9 ½ inches (176.5cm) tall and weighed 160 pounds (72.6kg). Harry was described as having a medium complexion with grey eyes and brown hair. He noted his religion as Presbyterian. Harry was a single man and listed Mrs. Tait, who was living at Tewantin, Queensland at the time, as his next of kin. He stated he had previously served in the Wide Bay Regiment. Harry re-enlisted on 20 October 1914 at Enoggera, Brisbane, for an unknown reason.

On 22 December 1914, Private Harry J. Myles of 15 Battalion boarded the HMAT “Ceramic” at Melbourne, Victoria, Australia to serve his King and country. He proceeded to join the M.E.F. (Mediterranean Expeditionary Force) at Gallipoli Peninsula in April 1915 and was promoted to Cpl (Corporal) on 10 May 1915. On 09 June 1915, Harry was wounded in action when he suffered severe bullet wounds to his chest and right arm. He was admitted to 1 C.C.S. (Casualty Clearing Station) at Anzac, then placed aboard the hospital ship “Grantully Castle” on 11 June. Harry was admitted to 1 A.G.H. (Aust. General Hospital) at Heliopolis, Egypt on 19 June 1915. A month later, he was discharged to duty and remained in the Heliopolis area. On 19 August 1915, Harry was admitted to 1 A.G.H. with appendicitis and transferred to 3 Aux. Hosp. (Auxiliary Hospital) on 21 August. On 24 September 1915, Harry was admitted to the D.B.I. Hosp. (Detention Barracks Isolation Hospital) at Abbassia, Egypt. He was discharged to duty in December 1915 and marched in to Overseas Base.

A medical report from 2 A.G.H. at Cairo, dated 15 February 1916 read: “Had an attack of appendicitis in Sept. 1915. Was laid up and treated 3rd Aux. Hosp. for about a month. Present attack came on 10.2.16. Admitted to Hosp. & operated on next day. Dense adhesions about appendix & small abscesses containing very foul pus. Abdomen drained.” The wound was still discharging foul pus 4 days after the operation. Harry was discharged from hospital as cured on 24 February 1916 and began working in the Army Pay Corps.

In March 1916, Harry was admitted to 2 Aux. Hosp. at Heliopolis, when his wound was not healing and infected. He boarded the H.S. “Karoola” at Suez, Egypt on 12 April 1916 for his return home. Harry arrived at Australia on 02 May 1916 and was discharged medically unfit from the A.I.F. (Aust. Imperial Force) on 06 June 1916 due to acute appendicitis.

Harry married Jessie Beatrice Headrick on 16 September 1919 in Queensland. Jessie was born on 12 June 1895 in Queensland. She was the first child of Arthur Edward Hutchinson and Beatrice Laura Wodehouse. In 1939, Harry became the General Manager of Messrs. John M. Headrick and Co. Pty. Ltd., agents and distributors in merchandise at Rockhampton, Queensland. Harry passed away before Jessie, who died on 18 April 1976 at Rockhampton and she was cremated at the Rockhampton Crematorium.

Shire of Noosa Roll of Honor, Shire Council Chambers, Pelican Street, Tewantin;

Tewantin District Cenotaph, Poinciana Avenue, Tewantin