Herbert Townsing: Aussie Digger rests without his mates a long way from home but his service is not forgotten

He lies at rest, the only Digger in the cemetery a long way from home. But a caring British railway worker with an interest in history makes sure Herbert Townsing is not forgotten, but is honoured with a wreath, a flag and heartfelt thanks. When WWI’s tentacles reached around the globe to WA, Cpl Townsing was among the Diggers who answered the call. Born near the town of Amphitheatre in regional Victoria, he was a 29-year-old labourer living in Perth when he signed up for service in August, 1915. His service records, held in the National Archives, say he was married to Molly and had one child. After reaching Egypt he joined the 52nd Battalion and was then transferred to the 4th Pioneer Battalion. In June 1916 he disembarked in Marseilles, France, headed for the Western Front. His war did not last long. He received serious shrapnel wounds on August 9 and was transferred to England. Cpl Townsing died on August 19, 1916, in the General Hospital, Fratton Bridge, Portsmouth. He is the only Australian among the 576 war graves from WWI and WWII in the historic Kingston cemetery, Portsmouth. But this November 11, like on previous Remembrance Days, Portsmouth resident David Wimberley will again make sure Cpl Townsing is remembered. Mr Wimberley’s efforts came to light after he contacted The West Australian hoping to find out more about the Aussie who he ensured was honoured for his service, and hopefully to put a face to the name. Mr Wimberley has worked on the railways in the Portsmouth area since 1982 and lived in the city since 1994. “I read about the single Australian from WWI that was buried in Kingston cemetery about 100m from my house,” he said. “I was interested to know Cpl Townsing’s story and why he was the only Australian in this cemetery when there were more buried in other cemeteries in the city. “After finding out about his service, I felt it wasn’t right him being here with no comrades or family, so decided to make sure he wasn’t forgotten and someone cared. “I keep the grass trimmed and make sure there’s always an Australian flag there. “A small bunch of flowers are placed on Anzac Day and the day of his passing, then on Remembrance Day some poppies or a wreath,” Mr Wimberley said. “This is just something I do for his memory.” A photo of the grave on Remembrance Day 2022 shows a poppy wreath, wooden cross, Australian flag and card of thanks. And so while he lies in a lonely grave, this Digger is not alone. Defence Minister Richard Marles said November 11 was a day to remember those who have made the ultimate sacrifice to our country and who have, or continue to wear, the nation’s uniform. “November 11 is the anniversary of the Armistice that ended the First World War after years of bloodshed. On this day in 1918, the guns fell silent on the Western Front,” he said. “106 years on, we pause to honour the memory of all those who have given their life for our nation while serving in wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations.” This year marks the 10th anniversary of the conclusion of Operation Slipper, Australia’s contribution to the war in Afghanistan. It is also the 25th anniversary of Australian service in Timor-Leste, the 30th anniversary of the first Australian peacekeeping personnel arriving in Rwanda, the 55th anniversary of the Battle of Binh Ba in Vietnam and the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings at Normandy in France and the Battle of Leyte Gulf.