Private, 3402, 46th Battalion, Australian Imperial Force. Died of wounds, aged 27, on 19 August 1918 at the Western Front.
The 46th Battalion was part of 12th Brigade, 4th Australian Division, AIF. During the winter of 1917-18 it rotated in and out of the front line. In the spring of 1918, it was called into action and played a role in resisting and turning the German spring offensive by defeating attacks around Dernancourt in early April. During the Allied offensive that commenced in August 1918, the 46th Battalion took part in the Battle of Amiens from 8 to 11 August and then the battle to secure the Hindenburg LIne on 18 September. The battalion was out of the line at the Armistice, and disbanded in April 1919.
Private Workman enlisted on 3 November 1917 at Bradmedows, Mebourne, Victoria, initially into the 1st (Depot) Battalion. He then transferred to the 8th Reinforcements, 39th Battalion. He was previously employed as a Rubber Worker. He left Australia from Sydney on 2 February 1918 on HMAT A18 'Wiltshire', arriving at Southhampton, UK on 20 April 1918. He then shipped to France on 15 July 1918 via Folkstone. He was officially taken on to the strength of the 46th Battalion on 25 July 1918 and took part in the Battle of Amiens. He was wounded in action on 18 August 1918, receiving shrapnel wounds to his abdomen. He was admitted to the 12th Australian Field Ambulance but died at the 61st Casualty Clearing Station on 19 August 1918.
The Battalion War Diary describes that the Battalion took over a section of trenches at the front line close to the village of Lihons, opposite Polygon Wood, on 15 August 1918. These were trenches that had been captured a few days earlier and had been occupied by the Germans from 1915. The strength of the Battalion at this time was 22 officers and 477 ordinary ranks. During 17 August the trenches were heavily shelled, this being particularly severe from 3am to 5am (the morning of 18 August). Although the diary does not clearly identify casualties amongst the ordinary ranks, it is probable that Private Workman died as a result of this enemy shelling of the front line trenches. During the 18 - 19 August the Battalion suffered 3 officers wounded, 9 ordinary ranks killed and 41 wounded. During the whole month it suffered losses of one officer killed, 5 wounded, 23 ordinary ranks killed and 126 wounded.
Herbert Whitehead Workman was born at Oldham on 13 November 1890, the son of Herbert John and Mary Workman (nee Whitehead). He was the husband of Elsie May Workman of 43 Wellington Street, Richmond South, Victoria, Australia. In 1901 he was living, aged 10, with his father (33) and step-mother, Elizabeth Workman (38), together with his brother William Stoddard Workman (2) at 14 Stanley Street, Holyhead. His father was a Hairdresser and originated from Pershore, Worcestershire. His mother, Mary, had died previously at Oldham in 1891, aged 26. His father remarried in 1893 to Elizabeth Bentley at Holyhead. Private Workman's wife, Elsie May, later remarried L C Strachan in Australia. Following his death Private Workman's effects were sent onto his wife and consisted of an identification disc, pipe, tobacco pouch, wallet, cards, photos and letters. His younger brother William Stoddard Workman was a member of the Anglesey Volunteer Battalion.
Awarded the Victory Medal and British War Medal.
Buried in Daours Communal Cemetery Extension. Grave location V.B.5. He is also commemorated at the Australian War Memorial, Panel 142.