15/05/2026
As part of our Cemetery Service on ANZAC Day this year we held a Memorial Service for David Towns whose grave until recently was unmarked. To that end we acknowledge the work of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission in what you can see today. Family, friends and the community were assembled to remember, a Soldier, a comrade, a friend and loved one.
David TOWNS enlisted in Armidale, NSW into the Australian Imperial Force on the 6th of November 1916, with a Regimental Number of 2901.
David was initially posted to the Armidale Depot Battalion and on the 14th of November 1916 was posted to the 33rd Battalion – the New England Battalion.
On the 25th of November 1916 he deployed to the United Kingdom onboard His Majesty’s Australian Troopship Beltana, arriving on the 29th of January 1917. In the space of three months he was posted to Sutton Mandeville Camp, the 9th Training Battalion in Durrington and Larkhill Camp. All three postings were to prepare him for operations in France.
On the 10th of June 1917 he was posted the 1st Battalion, which was fighting in the Somme, arguably one of the most treacherous battlefields in World War 1. He was wounded in action on the 7th of October 1917. On the 27th of January 1918 he was posted to the Australian Corps School, also located in France.
On the 31st of March 1919 he returned to Australia onboard the SS Khyber arriving on the 3rd of May 1919. He was posted to the 2nd Military District on the 16th of May 1919.
David discharged from the Army on the 23rd of June 1919 with the rank of Private.
For his service to his country David was awarded:
• The British War Medal; and
• The Victory Medal.
David served his country with pride, dignity and honour and after his death on the 13th of October 1978 was sadly missed by his Mates, Family, Loved Ones and Friends.
Their bodies are buried in peace and their name liveth for evermore.
Lest we Forget. See less
