Hugh O’Donnell – WA’s Youngest Gallipoli Hero

Young Hugh Brian ‘Hughie’ O’Donnell was the youngest West Australian to die at Gallipoli. He was born in Boulder in 1898 to John and Lily O’Donnell. He was living with his parents in Kanowna and when he signed up he was still at the Eastern Goldfields High School. The military authorities in Kalgoorlie passed him as eligible and on arrival in Blackboy camp he provided a letter of permission from his father stating his mother as his next of kin. He filled out his enlistment form on the 11th October 1914 and gave his age as 19, although he was only 16 at the time, and that he was a miner.  His tall stature, 5ft 11 inches, no doubt assisted him in passing the medical.  He was then posted to the 2nd reinforcements of the 11th Battalion. He left Fremantle on the 22nd Feb 1915 on the HMAS Itonus.  In Egypt he joined up with C company of the 11th Battalion who were then in the vicinity of Bolton’s Ridge. Sadly five days after coming ashore on the 15th May 1915, he was  hit by a Turkish shell.  He managed to speak a few words to a friend from Kanowna but died shortly afterwards.  He is buried in the Lone Pine Cemetery.

Hugh Brian ‘Hughie’ O’Donnell age 16yrs

These deeds which should not pass away. Names that must not wither
The last Post sounded the soldier sleeps who died in honour.
Only those who have loved and lost, can understand wars bitter cost.
Oh for the touch of a vanished hand and the sound of a voice so still
When days are dark and friends are few,
My dear son, How I long for you…..
No dear one stood, beside him to hear his last farewell.
While he lies in silent sleep, his memory we will always keep

After his death his grieving parents received his belongings: – A testament, a pocketbook, jackknife, whistle and some photographs were all they had to remember him by.  When they were asked to provide an epitaph for their sons grave his mother wrote one of the most moving seen on the battlefields:

“He Sleeps Where Anzac Heroes Came to Do and Die”

Memorial Stone of Hugh O’Donnell

In June 1915 Hughie’s mother was to receive this sad letter: Dear Mrs O’Donnell It is with extreme regret that I have to confirm the report you have no doubt received of the death of your son, Private H. O’Donnell, who was killed under fire on May 19. He joined my company from reinforcements on May 8 and, although I did not know him long, he impressed me as a lad who would fearlessly do his duty. The enemy attacked our position in large numbers on the 19th and it was during this engagement that your son was struck by a shell which exploded near him. He lived but a few minutes and his last words were addressed to Private Crisp also from Kanowna. We buried him in our lines graveyard at the back of the trenches and a small wooden cross marks his last resting place. During the short time he was with us, he made himself extremely popular both with the officers and men of the company and they all join with me in extending our heartfelt sympathy to you in your sad loss. May god comfort you Captain Raymond L Leane June 2 1915, Dardanelles C Company Commander 11th Battalion

Note: his friend Private DH Crisp was also KIA and both boys appear on the Honour Roll of Kanowna and in the Boulder Town Hall.

Private Hugh O’Donnell KIA 19 May 1915

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Moya Sharp

Owner at Outback Family History

My name is Moya Sharp, I live in Kalgoorlie Western Australia and have worked most of my adult life in the history/museum industry. I have been passionate about history for as long as I can remember and in particular the history of my adopted home the Eastern Goldfields of Western Australia. Through my website I am committed to providing as many records and photographs free to any one who is interested in the family and local history of the region.

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