Tasmanian War Casualties

WW1

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Levett Albert Raymond

Albert Raymond Levett (3-3-1895 Guildford, Surrey, England to 13-4-1917: Service number 2195) Second cousin, twice removed. Emigrated to Tasmania in 1912, Ray died in the arms of a German soldier, Frederick Wilhelm Söll (born 16-5-1895). Ray was part of the 48th Battalion and took part in the fighting at Bullecourt. He was wounded severely when his company took the German trenches as an eye-witness described: “I saw Levett lying in a German trench during our attack at Bullecourt on April 11/17. He was hit in two or three places. I put a waterproof sheet under him and covered him over with a great coat and tried to make him as comfortable as I could. He was left behind in the trench when we were forced to evacuate it.” [from the German counterattack]

After the war, Ray's father corresponded with the German soldier, Frederick, in whose arms he died.

"Your son [Ray] was so weak from loss of blood as long as he was lying beside me in a shell-hole, that the only remark that he was able to make to me with a very broken voice was “Germany, Parents” – and he pointed to his wallet. It was for me a heart rendering spectacle, in the midst of all the danger and turmoil of our surroundings, to see him breathe out his young life, while for some time longer, I had to stay with him. His youthful face was scarcely altered in spite of his pains and I could not help thinking, he is beside an enemy even though I address him as a friend. He fulfilled his duty bravely as a soldier. I presume you[r] son would have been a volunteer judging from his age, but he was permitted to leave this world in peace, in the midst of all the noise of battle."

With help I have since contacted a living relative of Frederick in Germany. Unfortunately, she has decided not to respond. Ray is buried at the Cabarat-Rouge British Cemetery.

(Photo and information courtesy Steve Smith)

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Tasmanian War Casualties, Honouring the past, building understanding.