Private

Sydney Kingston Bignell

Sydney Kingston Bignell was born on the 14th of December 1892 in Upper Coomera Queensland, to Mr Samuel Bignell and Mrs Mary Ann Bignell (nee Levey) as the youngest of their 12 children. His siblings (from eldest to youngest) were James (died in infancy) Elenor, Samuel, Alfred, George, Mary, Amelia, Albert, Edwin, Charlotte and Clarence.

Sydney Kingston Bignell was born on the 14th of December 1892 in Upper Coomera Queensland, to Mr Samuel Bignell and Mrs Mary Ann Bignell (nee Levey) as the youngest of their 12 children. His siblings (from eldest to youngest) were James (died in infancy) Elenor, Samuel, Alfred, George, Mary, Amelia, Albert, Edwin, Charlotte and Clarence. The family settled in the Coomera area in the early 1870’s, moving there from Dungog New South Wales. Prior to his enlistment in the A.I.F on the 4^th of January 1916 Sydney worked as a farmer. After his enlistment Sydney embarked with the 31st Infantry Battalion, 8th Reinforcements on the HMAT Boorara on 16th August 1916.

The 31st Battalion was raised as part of the 8th Brigade at Enogger on the outskirts of Brisbane in August 1915. Some of the Battalion's companies, however, were also raised at Broadmeadows Camp in Victoria. In early October these two elements were united at Broadmeadows, and the battalion sailed from Melbourne the following month. The 8th Brigade joined the newly raised 5th Australian Division in Egypt and proceeded to France -destined for the Western Front in June 1916.

Private Bignell was killed on the 10th of April 1918 when the 31^st Battalion was stationed at Bouzencourt - just to the north of Villers-Bretonneux. Details on Private Bignell’s death were provided by his comrade and friend Private George Holden who reported that Private Bignell was killed instantly after been struck in the chest and head by shrapnel from an exploding shell. Private Holden saw to Private Bignell’s burial in a communal grave with 9 other Australian soldiers and collected his personal effects to return to his family in Upper Coomera.

By the 10th of April 1918 many Allied and German units were recovering from the massive German Spring Offensive. Fighting over this area would continue until the decisive Allied victory at the 2nd Battle of Villers-Bretonneux from 24th-27th of April.

Family Links: Sydney Kingston Bignell is the uncle of Sidney Kingston Bignell and Walter Bignell who also appear on the Upper Coomera Cenotaph. Sydney's older brother, Samuel Stanley Bignell is the father of Sidney and Walter.

Medals & Awards