Colley, Ralph Alexander
Ralph was born in Berry, the only son of Alexander and Charlotte. He was the Grandson of James Colley, the first Mayor of Kiama.
When war broke out, Ralph was working as a bank clerk for the Commercial Bank in Parramatta. He was also a member of the 29th Infantry Citizens Military Force. His father Alexander was the Manager of the English, Scottish and Australian Bank in Berry. Charlotte worked at the ES & A Bank in Kiama.
Ralph did not enlist for active service straight away. Early in 1916 his father died, with Ralph taking on his new role as head of the household seriously. Eventually, in March 1917, Ralph enlisted out of an overriding sense of duty.
Ralph was farewelled on Wednesday 23 May 1917, at the Berry School of Arts concert, along with Gunner Lane, who had previously returned to Australia wounded. The Mayor, Alderman Shepherd, commended the boys for their patriotism and wished them God speed and a safe return. On behalf of the Berry Recruiting Association, he presented each man with a money belt and a kit from the Red Cross Society. Earlier, Ralph had also been farewelled at Parramatta.
Ralph was promoted to Bombardier in the 3rd Field Artillery.
By late September 1918, the AIF was poised to participate in an operation against the last great German defence on the Western Front – the Hindenburg Line.
As the 3rd Field Artillery Brigade moved forward, they came under German artillery fire. Ralph was sitting on his gun as it was being pulled along the road when a shell burst alongside of him. He suffered wounds to his right leg, right foot and left buttock.
An informant who saw Ralph put on a stretcher and carried away described him as 'practically dead', although he survived long enough to get to a casualty clearing station. He died very shortly after admission, on 29 September 1918. He was aged 24.
It was written he was: 'as fine a type of young Australian as could be found'.
Ralph is buried at Doingt Communal Cemetery Extension, France.
Ralph’s mother pursued the military authorities in regard to his rank. Ralph was made 'Temporary Bombardier' on 4 September 1918. Previous to this, he was Gunner. A higher rank would provide Ralph’s mother, Charlotte, with a larger pension, which she did receive.
Ralph’s uncle, Private David Whittingham of Kiama, who is also listed on the Kiama Memorial Arch, was killed in action on 4 February 1917 in France.