George Henry CHIMES

Year of Birth:  1897

Place of Birth:  Cairns, Queensland

Date of Enlistment:  15 January 1915

Date and Place of Embarkation:  18 April 1915, Brisbane, Queensland

Ship:  HMAT Kyara A55

Rank:  Private

Unit(s):  15th Australian Infanty Battalion; 1-23 Reinforcements

Regimental Number:  1904

Died:  8 August 1915 – Gallipoli

Acting Sergeant George Henry Chimes - photo courtesy State Library of Qld

George Henry Chimes was born 12 January 1897 to Arthur James Chimes and Florence Emma Barr and was one of three children. George, born 1897, David 1901 and Arthur James 1903.

After George’s death his mother, Florence Emma, became an enthusiastic worker for the auxiliary branch of the Soldiers’ League in Cairns and a member of the Cairns Sub-branch of the R.S.S.I.L.A.

On his enlistment in Cairns his age was 18 years 7 months, occupation a Porter and his next of kin Mrs. Florence Chimes, Cairns.  He was 5 feet 8 ½ inches, weighed 9 stone 3 pounds with dark complexion, grey eyes and dark brown hair. His religion was Church of England.

His previous army experience was as a trainee with the Australian Military Forces. George Henry attained the rank of Acting Sergeant 12 March 1915, but reverted to rank 13 July 1915.

George was posted as wounded and missing on the 8 August 1915, then changed to killed in action Gallipoli, Dardanelles, Turkey, after the Court of Enquiry at Sarapaum 28 April 1916.

George Henry Chimes was killed in action, Suvla Bay, Gallipoli Peninsula 8 August 1915 and is remembered on the Lone Pine Memorial, Gallipoli Peninsula, Canakkale Province, Turkey.

HMAT Kyara A55- photo courtesy Australian War Memorial
NAA: B2455 - letter from his mother
NAA:B2455 letter requestion information about deferred pay

Online Resources

NAA: B2455, Chimes, G. H. National Archives of Australia

Photograph of the HMAT Kyara A55, Australian War Memorial

Queensland Registrar of Births Deaths & Marriages

Australian War Memorial

Chimes GH: Photo State Library of Qld 

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