BORWICK, Henry Barton

Henry Barton Borwick was the younger brother of Thomas Faulkner Borwick. Both were students at Melbourne University when they enlisted and both lived at home with their mother, Hannah Borwick, at 24 Lansdown (sic) St. East Melbourne. Thomas is recorded as having been educated at Sctoch College, East Melbourne; presumably Henry went to the same school. he was aged 20 years and 2 months when he enlisted in July, 1915. He already had some military experience, with 2 years in the Senior Cadets and 2 years in the A.F.A. He was given the rank of Second Lieutenant and joined the 1st Division Artillery then the 8th Reinforcements, 2 Field Artillery Brigade. He was sent with his unit to the Gallipoli Peninsula. Later he was sent to France, attached to the 53rd Battalion, 14th Field Artillery Brigade.. On September 1, 1917, he was promoted to Captain and on 16 September awarded the Military Cross for 'conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He established communications back to Brigade Headquarters and was largely responsible for clearing up a difficult situation'. He was wounded by artillery fire, suffering a gunshot wound to the right foot, shattering the tibia and inflicting a compound fracture. His wound, however, left him disabled. Although first reported as mild, he was later reported as having a permanent disability. His medical report said that he 'was not likely to be able to walk for some length of time'.His service was terminated on March 23, 1918 and he returned to Australia on October 10, 1918. He was granted a war pension of twenty six shillings and sixpence per fortnight.