The Missing of the Somme

In 1925, newspapers reported the discovery of a mass grave near Mouquet Farm containing the ‘clothed skeletons’ of 18 ANZAC soldiers.

Eva Short breathlessly read the account. Her son, Stanley, had disappeared in the attack. She immediately wrote to Base Records: ‘I am more than anxious to receive any news of my late son.’

Eva was not only missing a son, but also two grandchildren.

Eva had previously lost touch with Stanley’s wife, Kathleen and her children. In 1924 Eva had written to Base Records, asking them to trace the ‘children of my son.’

Base Records replied that Jacky and Doris had been placed in an orphanage, and that Kathleen’s whereabouts was unknown. ‘I’m sorry to say that I cannot give you her address as she has only been to see the lad once since he has been there.’

We can only speculate why Kathleen felt compelled to surrender her children.

Kathleen had undoubtedly lived an uncertain life since Stanley had disappeared. ‘I have tried my best to find out about him but so far have failed to do so,’ she wrote despairingly, ‘and believe me sir, I am having a very tiring time each mail that comes and no news.’

Stanley was later reclassified as killed in action.

From that moment, the tone of Kathleen’s letters changed from despair to curtness. Kathleen seemed determined to close off her emotional investment in Stanley, which had undoubtedly sapped her spirit and reason.

Rather than being a ‘dutiful widow’, her focus shifted to expediently resolving all outstanding administrative matters related to his death.

And perhaps Kathleen forfeited her children as they were a painful reminder of a past life that she had erased for her own sanity.

Years later, Base Records attempted to contact Kathleen. The letter was returned unopened. Kathleen had met another man, remarried, and shifted residence.

We don’t know whether or not Kathleen ever reconnected with her children.

But we do know that the consequences of the botched attack on Mouquet Farm had rippled beyond the battlefield and had profoundly affected the fortunes of Kathleen, the orphaned Jacky and Doris, and a grieving mother, Eva.

Photo credit: AWM

Scott’s novel ‘Night in Passchendaele’ Out Now:

https://www.panmacmillan.com.au/9781761265976/night-in-passchendaele/

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