Henry Bachtold facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Henry Bachtold
DSO MC
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| Born | 22 August 1891 Stanningley, Yorkshire |
| Died | 9 May 1983 Sylvania, Sydney |
| Buried |
Woronora Cemetery and Crematorium, Sutherland, New South Wales
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| Service/ |
Australian Engineers |
| Years of service | 1914–22 1940–43 |
| Rank | Brigadier |
| Service number | NX100435 |
| Commands held | 14th Field Company |
| Battles/wars | World War I |
| Awards | Companion of the Distinguished Service Order Military Cross |
| Spouse(s) | Dorothy Garner |
| Other work | Railway engineer |
Henry Bachtold (born August 22, 1891 – died May 9, 1983) was an Australian soldier and engineer who worked on railways. He was a brave leader during World War I. He received special awards for his courage. These included the Distinguished Service Order (DSO) and the Military Cross (MC).
Bachtold fought as an engineer with the 1st Field Company. This was during the Gallipoli Campaign. He was mentioned in official reports for his bravery. He also received the Military Cross there. Later, he led the 14th Field Company. This was during the Battle of Polygon Wood. For his actions, he was given the Distinguished Service Order.
He led the engineers of the 5th Australian Division from 1917 to 1918. Then he led the engineers of the 3rd Australian Division in 1918. He was mentioned in official reports four times during World War I. He finished the war as a lieutenant colonel.
During 1942 and 1943, Bachtold was the Chief Engineer for II Corps. After this, he became a brigadier in the army reserves. Bachtold also had a long career as a railway engineer. He retired from the Department of Railways New South Wales in 1962. He passed away on May 9, 1983.
Contents
Early Life and World War I Service
Starting His Journey
Henry Bachtold was born on August 22, 1891. His parents were Heinrich and Ann Bachtold. He grew up in a place called Stanningley, in Yorkshire, England. He went to the University of Manchester. There, he studied engineering from 1908 to 1910. He earned an engineering degree.
In August 1911, Bachtold moved to Australia. Soon after, he started working for the New South Wales Government Railways. He was an engineering draftsman. This meant he drew plans for railway projects.
Joining the War Effort
On September 23, 1914, Bachtold joined the army. He became part of the First Australian Imperial Force. His rank was second lieutenant. He was assigned to the 1st Field Company of the Australian Engineers. This group built and repaired things like bridges and trenches.
The 1st Field Company left Australia on December 22, 1914. They sailed on a ship called HMAT Berrima.
Gallipoli and Early Awards
Bachtold was part of the first landing at ANZAC Cove. This happened on April 25, 1915. He showed great courage during the fighting. For his bravery, he received the Military Cross. He was also mentioned in official reports. This meant his actions were noted as outstanding.
On the day of the landing, he was promoted to lieutenant. In July 1915, he became a temporary captain. Bachtold helped build tunnels under the Turkish army lines. These tunnels were used for placing explosives.
Moving to the Western Front
In November 1915, Bachtold moved to Egypt for a special job. A month later, his rank of captain became permanent. In March 1916, Bachtold took charge of the 14th Field Company. He was promoted to major on April 19.
The 14th Field Company traveled to France in June 1916. They joined the fighting on the Western Front. They served near Pas-de-Calais until October. Then, the company moved to the Somme Department. Bachtold was mentioned in official reports a second time in January 1917.
Leading Engineers in Battle
In March 1917, his company helped chase the German army. The Germans had pulled back to the Hindenburg Line. Bachtold was mentioned in reports a third time in June 1917. He often acted as the Commander, Royal Engineers, for the 5th Australian Division. This happened four times between April 1917 and January 1918.
He was awarded the Companion of the Distinguished Service Order. This was for his bravery at the Battle of Polygon Wood. This award is given for excellent leadership in battle.
In May 1918, Bachtold became the Commander Royal Engineers for the 3rd Australian Division. He was promoted to temporary lieutenant colonel on June 8, 1918. Later, this rank became permanent. He was mentioned in official reports a fourth time in December 1918.
Life After the War
Returning Home and Later Service
Bachtold returned to Australia on July 8, 1919. He came back with his wife, Dorothy Garner. They had married the year before. In 1922, he was moved to the army's Reserve of Officers. This meant he was still an officer but not actively serving.
In September 1940, Bachtold was called back to duty. He joined the Citizen Military Forces. In February 1941, he became the Chief Engineer for Eastern Command. His rank was temporary colonel.
Between April 1942 and March 1943, Bachtold was the Chief Engineer for II Corps. In July 1943, he was transferred back to the Reserve of Officers. He was given the honorary rank of brigadier.
Retirement and Final Years
In July 1946, he was appointed as the Railways' Assistant Chief Civil Engineer for Workshops. Bachtold retired from his railway job in November 1952. He lived a long life. Henry Bachtold passed away on May 9, 1983, at 91 years old.
