Ian Holloway shares the story of his Great Uncle, James Richard Holloway, who was Killed in Action during the August Offensive, Gallipoli.

James Richard Holloway was born in Barnawatha, and was the youngest of 12 children. Jim, as he was known, enlisted in January 1915 at Wonthaggi and embarked, as part of the reinforcements, for Egypt on the Hororata in April 1915. His brother Frank, my grandfather, enlisted at the same time.

In June 1915 the reinforcements were sent to the Gallipoli Peninsula to join the 14th battalion. At Gallipoli, the forces were being reinforced and readied for a major offensive. Once at Anzac Cove, they camped at Reserve Gully  and here the battalion spent most of its time in reserve, being ready to support the troops in the front line, but most of their time being spent improving and enlarging facilities…in preparation for the August offensive.

Sadly, Jim was killed at Gallipoli in 1915 during the August offensive. I have spent some time tracking his movements on the peninsula, in particular after his death, as he has no known grave. Using the references available to me I believe I have identified the cemetery he is buried in. His story and the chaos of the events after the battle give an insight to the suffering and loss of many young men.

Two brothers served together – one returned home, but the other was lost. Their story is a story of family, loss and the confusion that losing a loved one in a far-away battle brings.

Read Ian’s full account of how he traced Jim’s steps throughout the war and after he was wounded.

Finding Jim