Henry Selwyn Ziems

Submitted by Mt Kembla Minin... on Fri, 29/01/2016 - 10:52

First Name:

Henry

Middle Name:

Selwyn

Last Name:

Ziems

Mother's Name:

Sophia Ziems nee Fryer

Father's Name:

Henry Ziems

Date Enlisted:

Monday, July 12, 1915

Rank at Enlistment:

Trooper

Rank at Discharge:

Trooper

Unit:

12th Light Horse

Company:

B Squadron

Service:

Cavalry

Awards:

1914/1915 Star

British War Medal

Victory Medal

Date of Death:

Thursday, November 7, 1985

Details:

Henry Ziems (Service No 1590) was born in Albion Park, N.S.W. around 1897.

When Henry enlisted he was single, 18 years old, and employed as a draper. Henry had served for 3 months in the Militia.

He embarked from Sydney on RMS Moldavia with 6th Reinforcements, 12th Light Horse on 2nd October 1915, and the troops saw service in the Middle East. Henry was with B Squadron of the 12th Light Horse when they took part in the Beersheeba Charge.

Henry was admitted to hospital on 14th October 1918 with influenza.

Henry was returned to Australia in March 1919 as an invalid and was discharged on 7th November 1919.

On 29th December 1920 he married Mercia Bondfield at Manly, N.S.W.

Henry owned the Great Western Garage at Katoomba after the war.

In November 1935 Henry wrote to the Army making enquiries about a particular incident that took place either at the time of the Charge, as well as the Tel-el-Sheria actions. He did not state the exact issue and was referred to Vol VII of the Official War History of Australia "available at most Public Libraries.".

Henry's name appears on the Albion Park Anglican Church 1914 - 1919 memorial.

Sources:

NAA: B2455, ZIEMS H S