ANXIOUS TO HEAR
Colin Howatson - 53rd Battalion

Colin Howatson was born in Sydney in 1882. The third of four children born to Robert and Frances Howatson they resided in the Sydney suburb of Campsie. Heavily tattooed, he found work as a labourer and in July 1915 joined the Australian Imperial Force in Liverpool .

After spending time in camp Colin embarked for the Middle East onboard the transport ship Warilda as a member of the 1st battalion. However, once he arrived in Egypt he was transferred to the newly created 53rd battalion and sent to duties at the Ferry Post.

In June he left the Middle East for France on board the Royal George, disembarking at Marseilles on the 28th of June and taking a train to Northern France and billets near the line at Sailly.

On July 19, Colin took part in the allied attacks at Fromelles. After making it to the non-existent German lines Colin went missing, never to be seen alive again. His family wrote constantly to the army, anxious for any information, but they weren't able to provide any.

His body was later recovered and buried in a temporary grave before he was reburied at Ration Farm Military Cemetery , 1.5 miles south of Armentieres .

His family, clear heartbroken at losing their son, requested pictures of his grave and had a local art studio create a memorial to him. However, like many people of that time they believed he had been killed at Pozieres and hence his memorial is marked up as such.

Photos:

1) Colin Howatson, photo taken from memorial frame

2) Colin Howatson's death plaque

3) Photo of Colin's original grave as sent to his mother.

4) Picture of Colin's second grave as sent to his mother

5) Picture of memorial picture depicting Colin, his colour patches and service details.

6) Colin's memorial scroll and King's letter.