I have lately been given access to a small collection of photos owned by 4755 owned by Private Patrick Heneberry O'Callaghan of the 12th Field Ambulance, with captions. Several of these were also found in the Williams Brothers Album which I loaded onto the Empire Called website some time ago. Amongst the duplicated photos was this one:
The caption from Pte O'Callaghan reads:
"12 Field Ambulance Stretcher bearers carrying through Poziere wood, the one at the back was killed later carrying with me, we had only just changed ends. Better born lucky than rich in France."
3219 Corporal George Lloyd MM (right) and two other unidentified stretcher bearers, one believed to be 3373 Private (Pte) Norman Henry Sadler MM (position unknown), of the 12th Field Ambulance carrying a wounded man.
It was recorded in 3373 Norman Henry Sadler's B2455 record that he had been killed on 28 August 1916. Reference to the Australian Red Cross Correspondence turned up a report of Sadler's death, and included a statement from Patrick O'Callaghan, confirming the caption on the photo:
12 Field Ambulance AIF
SADLER 3375 N E
Killed 20-8-16
Witness states that he was with Sadler when the latter was killed. They were carrying a stretcher with patient on it. A few yards before casualty happened, they changed ends. States that a shell burst in front of them when crossing a sap about 100 yards from Pozieres Cemetery. Piece of shell went through Sadler's helmet in front and came out at back of head. He was unconscious. Took him back to dressing station, where he died. Did not regain consciousness. Next morning SADLER was buried by witness and others at Casualty Coral by Protestant Minister. There is a cross on grave with his name and name of unit on it.
Cert: by: - O'Callaghan, P A 4755, 12 FA
3rd Aux Austr Hosp, Dartford.
Corporal George Lloyd 3219 was in charge of a party of four, which included O'Callaghan, Charlie Watson and Norman Sadler.
Lloyd's description of having dark complexion, brown eyes and dark hair accords with the AWM caption that George Lloyd is the man on the right. Sadler's description recorded fair complexion, blue eyes and light brown hair.
This helps greatly with dating and placing some of the photos, and identifying a couple more of the faces.