Dave Summers (1893–1916)

David Summers was born on 23 April 1893 in Avoca, the son of David Summers and Mary Elizabeth nee Kaye.

He was educated at Avoca State School and later worked as a saddler and harness maker.

He played football for Avoca and was a member of the Avoca Rifle Club, the Avoca Fire Brigade and the Avoca Brass Band.

On 18 August 1914 Dave Summers of Avoca was among the first to enlist in the Australian Imperial Force. At the time he was working as a saddler and harness maker. He was 21 years 4 months old and unmarried. He noted previous service with the Avoca Rifle Club.

Avoca Free Press and Farmers’ and Miners’ Journal, Saturday 10 October 1914, page 2

The members of the Avoca Brass Band have sent a fountain pen to Bugler D. Summers and Private Reg. C. Johnson, of the first expeditionary force now at Broadmeadows as a parting gift to each. With the gifts has been sent a letter from the President of the Band (Mr. G. H. Downton). The Avoca Fire Brigade, of which Bugler Summers was also a member, has sent him, as a memento, a solid silver double sovereign case.

On 19 Oct 1914 Bugler Summers, 635, F Company 8th Infantry Battalion, embarked on HMAT Benalla, Melbourne.

From the Embarkation rolls of October 1914, it appears that most of the men who enlisted from Avoca served together. There was a deliberate policy of keeping locals together. Gus Ebeling, Matthew Rafferty, Arthur Summerfield, William French, Dave Summers and Rege Johnson were all in the 8th Infantry Battalion, F Company. Ebeling was Lieutenant, the officer-in-charge of this company. Alfred Golder was assigned to 8th Infantry Battalion Headquarters.

Avoca Free Press and Farmers’ and Miners’ Journal, Wednesday 21 July 1915, page 3

AUSTRALIA'S HEROES.
BUGLER DAVE SUMMERS.
Writing to his parents, Mr and Mrs D Summers, of Avoca, Bugler Dave Summers says: "We are having as good a time as possible. Most of the Avoca boys are wounded, but are doing well and will soon be back with us again. Captain Ebeling, who was wounded, is with us again. He is on the staff at the Brigade headquarters. Rege Johnson was progressing well the last time I heard about him. I suppose there was a stir at home when the people heard about us landing, and doing our little bit towards downing the enemy. Alf Golder stopped a bullet. He got hit in the arm. I did not see him after he was wounded, but was told it was not serious. I saw the Yea boys this week, just before they went into the trenches. Lew was always wanting me to hunt them up. I live in a dug-out on the side of a hill, but get swamped out every time it rains. It has rained five times since we landed here. I have got wet through every time, and have to let my clothes dry on me. I manage to get a wash twice a week, so that is not too bad. The sailors and Tommies think a lot of the Australians here. They call us the white Gurkhas, so that is a bit of a compliment. One of the Harrowfield lads arrived here last night with some reinforcements for our battalion, which makes another volunteer from the Sweet Vale. Captain Ebeling wishes to be remembered to all."

Avoca Free Press and Farmers’ and Miners’ Journal, Wednesday 11 August 1915, page 2

BUGLER DAVE SUMMERS
Bugler Dave Summers writes to his parents thus under date 19th June:-"Just a few lines to let you know how things are at present with me and the rest of the boys. We are having splendid weather lately, but things get a bit lively at times, especially when the enemy start shelling us. Then it is a case of keep under cover until things quieten down again. Arthur Summerfield and myself are at present working a trench mortar and get some good fun out of it, although it can't be too much fun for the enemy, as the bombs make a terrible mess when they burst. My word, you ought to see us now; we look like a lot of sweeps. I have not had a wash for over a week, and it is about a fortnight since I slept with my clothes off; in fact, I am beginning to wonder when we shall be able to have a good rest again. Have just had some rum issued to me, also another fellow's share; they don't give us too much, just enough to get the taste. We get it about once a fortnight; we also get cigarettes and box of matches every week, so we are not without a smoke. The afternoons here are very warm, but the nights are lovely and cool. We have a good view of the sea from the trenches, and can see all the ships as they come and go away after unloading. Also some very lovely sunsets, a long way ahead of anything I have seen at home. The trenches are not more than 100 yards apart and in some places a lot less. Remember me to all at home."

Avoca Mail, Friday 17 September 1915, page 2

AT THE FRONT.
The following letter, from Bugler Dave Summers, was read by Captain Chellew to the members of the Avoca Fire Brigade last evening : —
Gallipoli, 
In the trenches, 
July 25th, 1915. 
To Captain Chellew and members — I am writing these few lines to let you know that I am well, and also to give you some idea of how things are with the Australians here at present. When I first joined the Expeditionary Force I had a vague idea of what war was like, but now I have the real thing, and it is not all toast and butter. Anybody looking for anything exciting can find it here at present, in fact more than he looks for. When the force left Australia, we had no idea where we were bound for and when we were told that we were to land in Egypt we had to make the most of things, I had a fairly good time in Cairo, and saw most of the sights there. Was also on the Canal, but the Turks had retreated and we saw nothing but a few of the prisoners. That was my first look at the enemy, but we didn't know then that we would be having a smack at them on their own ground. Well, to come to actual facts. The Battalion I am in (the 8th) left Mena on Easter Sunday, marched into Cairo, a distance of ten miles, with full-packs up, and entrained for Alexandria. We reached there next morning and embarked on the Clan Macgillivray, and after standing outside for a few days, left for Lemnos, an island about fifty miles from the peninsula. All the transports and warships were gathered here, and I had the opportunity of looking over one of our hospital boats and one of the warships (the Agamemnon) — it has since been damaged at the Dardanelles. The Queen Elizabeth (Lizzie) was also here, she is a bonza and no mistake. We were at Lemnos about a fortnight when, on the 24th April, we moved out round the island and next morning the fun began. Since then it hasn't been altogether a picnic. You will have seen by the papers that the 3rd Brigade landed first, and the 2nd followed soon after. The boat I was in landed about 6 a.m., and then the hard work commenced. I had full equipment with rifle, 200 rounds of armmunition, and a pick for trench work, so it was no light load to be chasing the enemy over the hills. I was under Lieut. Yates (from Colac), and we got in touch with the blighters about 3 p.m after scrambling all over the hills, and they are not very small hills either, all covered with scrub and prickly bush ; also they are very steep on the side facing the sea. The bullets and shrapnel were buzzing about ; it reminds one of a hive of bees that have been disturbed. I saw any amount of our fellows lying dead and wounded but we couldn't help them as we had to push on as far as we could and keep the enemy back until the reserves had started our line of trenches. My word, it was hot work. I can't describe my feelings exactly but I can safely say that I was frightened. I don't think there were many who were not. When we finished up that night Lieut. Yates was the only officer left in G Company ; two were killed and three wounded, including Capt. Ebeling, as he was then (he has since been promoted to the rank of Major). The first week was very hot work as the enemy, attacked every night and we could get but very little sleep, as we had to dig trenches in the daytime and stand to all night. Then the 2nd Brigade went to Cape Helles and made an advance. I think while it lasted it was the hottest bit of work I have been in. Our Brigade lost a lot of men while it lasted. The Tommies thought we were mad when we went straight on over their trenches. They called us the White Gurkhas after that. I suppose it is an honour as the Gurkhas stop at nothing. They are bonza little fellows and whenever we meet them they say (''Hullo Johnny''). I think it is about all some of them can say. I saw a good deal of the French at the Cape. Their artillery is about the best here at present. Especially the seventy-fives. The Australians have lost very heavily up to date, but considering what they have done it is not to be wondered at. We are at present in the trenches in the centre of the Australian position. The enemy trenches here are from fifteen to fifty yards from ours, so we are very close — so close, that we have wire netting screens in front of the trench to stop the bombs from being thrown in. We had some of it blown down with shrapnel yesterday but put it up again at night. There is nothing doing in the daytime but a bit of sniping mostly at periscopes and loop holes. We have what we call periscope rifles which enable the sniper to shoot in safety with his rifle over the top of the sandbags while he is under cover. It seems funny to shoot with a rifle and sight it through a looking-glass about 2 feet below, the stock of the gun. They give us some hurry up now and again with shells, especially the big howitzer shells. They make a mess of the trenches when they land. You can hear them coming before ever they hit and burst. Most of the boys from the district have been wounded, and, I am sorry to say, one missing. Charlie Willmott was missed the first Sunday, so it has taken a long time, for the news to reach his people. I have asked at his battalion but I can't find anyone who saw him on that day. At present time of writing all left here are well and send kind regards to all friends. Alf Golder is at present in hospital with a wound from a shrapnell bullet. Will have to close now as they, have started to send shells over so will have to get under cover. Will write again when I have any news to send. Excuse bad writing, as I am penning this under difficulties. With kind regards to all fellow firemen and self, I remain, yours truly, 
BUGLER D. SUMMERS. 
[There was no necessity for Bugler Summers to offer an apology for his writing, as the foregoing very fine letter is beautifully written, which can be accepted as an indication of the iron nerve of its author.]

Summers was part of the general Gallipoli evacuation and disembarked Alexandria, 7 January 1916. He was subsequently stationed at Tel el Kebir, Egypt..

Avoca Free Press and Farmers' and Miners' Journal, Wednesday 1 March 1916, page 2
BUGLER DAVE SUMMERS.
When the war broke out Bugler Dave Summers, son of Mr and Mrs D Summers, of Avoca, was one of the first of our brave men to enlist. He was also one of the first of the dashing young Australians to set foot on Gallipoli, where the greatest feat in connection with the war was performed. After those fearless and wonderful series of charges upon the Turks, in which Bugler Summers bravely played his part, he spent a long time in the trenches, and engaged in much fierce fighting. The Australians were being constantly bombarded, but Dave escaped injury. He also holds the distinction of being one of the last to bid adieu to the Peninsula, being amongst the Anzac heroes in that most sucсеssful evacuation. Subsequently he and his comrades were given a rest, which they richly deserved. Writing to his parents from Tel-el-Kebir, Egypt, under date January 9th, Bugler Summers says:-"I suppose you will be wondering what has happened, not having a letter for about two months, but we have not been allowed to send any letters since November last on account of evacuating Anzac, but now that we are back in Egypt again we can write as much as we like. The weather has been lovely here during the last few days, but it gets chilly at night time. All the boys received a billy and a pudding at Xmas. We were on Lemnos for Xmas, and left for Egypt on New Year's Day, and arrived here on the 4th. It was raining when we landed, and we had to make the best of a bad job. Dave Doodt was up to see us the other day; he is looking splendid. We are all going to get our photos taken to-day (all the Avoca boys), so will be able to send some home shortly. We are camped about forty miles from Cairo, but Les Yates and I are going into the city on leave this week. There are two of the boys allowed to go on leave each day for 48 hours, but it does not come round very often as there are about sixty men in the battery altogether. We are camped on one of the old battlefields of Egypt just at the back of the camp; there are the old trenches that were used still intact. Some of the boys have been out looking for relics, but I do not think they found anything to speak of. Let me know when you answer this letter what battalion Bill Barnett is in, so that I can hunt him up if ever he so that I can hunt him up if ever he lands in this country. I don't think the division will do much fighting for a while, as most of the old boys want a good spell, and this is just the place where we will get fit and ready for another go at the Turks. Kindly remember me to all friends."

The 60th Battalion was raised in Egypt on 24 February 1916 as part of the “doubling” of the AIF. Half of its recruits were Gallipoli veterans from the 8th Battalion, and the other half, fresh reinforcements from Australia. The majority of both groups were Victorians. The new battalion formed part of the 15th Brigade of the 5th Australian Division.

On 24 February 1916 Summers was one of the Gallipoli veterans transferred to the 60th Battalion.

Avoca Free Press and Farmers’ and Miners’ Journal, Wednesday 14 June 1916, page 2

For the Empire.
Australia's Heroes.
BUGLER DAVE SUMMERS.
Bugler Dave Summers, son of Mr and Mrs Summers, of Avoca, writes from Canal Zone, Egypt, on April 28th, as follows:- "We are having very hot weather here now, and it is bowling a lot of the boys over, especially working on the desert here with only a limited supply of water. The Turks have been busy around here again; they have not come near our part of the line yet, but are supposed to be very close to us. However, we don't expect to be here long, so may not get the chance of a scrap. Easter came in very hot here; in fact, too hot for words. Of course, as you know, Easter Sunday was my birthday. Well, I worked all the day digging trenches; also all day Monday, but on the Tuesday (Anzac Day), we had a sports gathering on the desert. All the boys who were in the landing wore a red ribbon, and all after wore a blue, so I had both red and blue ribbon up. We had a memorial service in the morning, and the sports started about nine o'clock. I ran in three races, and managed to win the Anzac Hundred, dead heat for first in the 220, and third in the 120. There were no records broken, as the track was between sand hills, and the sand would come over our ankles every stride. I don't know what the prizes were, as I have not heard anything more about the sports since Tuesday. I have not heard anything of Bill Burnett yet, but I think he is in the 67th Battalion; if so, he will be with Jimmy Yates, and as I might see Jimmy any day now I will be able to find out for certain. We might be moving any day now, where to we do not know for certain, but hope that it is somewhere near the first division, so that I will be able to see all the boys. We just shifted into this camp to-day, and the last place was too far out on the desert to have any time to write too much and so shift."

Summers embarked from Alexandria with the 60th Battalion to join the British Expeditionary Force on 18 June 1916. They disembarked at Marseilles, France, on 29 June 1916.

Within weeks, the battalion was committed to its first major action on the Western Front on 19 July. The battle of Fromelles was a disaster for the battalion. When the troops of the 5th Australian and 61st British Divisions attacked at 6 pm on 19 July 1916, they suffered heavily at the hands of German machine-gunners. The 5th Australian Division suffered 5,533 casualties, rendering it incapable of offensive action for many months; the 61st British Division suffered 1,547. The 60th Battalion was virtually wiped out, suffering 757 casualties.

Summers was one of those casualties. He was reported Missing on 19 July 1916.

Avoca Free Press and Farmers’ and Miners’ Journal, Saturday 9 September 1916, page 2

For the Empire.
Australia's Heroes
Mr D. Summers, of Avoca, has been notified by the Defence Department that his son, Private Dave Summers, is missing in France. This young man was one of the first volunteers from Avoca, and he also, held the distinction of being amongst the first Australians to land on Gallipoli, and the last to leave, Dave is very popular in Avoca, and his many friends, hope that good news concerning him will soon be received by his parents.

A Court of Enquiry held on 4 August 1917, pronounced his fate as ‘Killed in Action, 19 July 1916’.

Avoca Free Press and Farmers’ and Miners’ Journal, Saturday 8 September 1917, page 2

For the Empire.
Australia's Heroes.
In a recent casualty list it is announced that Lance Corporal D Summers was killed in action. This brave young soldier rendered splendid service for the Empire, and went right through the Gallipoli campaign. He was a valued member of the Avoca Band, being a fine musician. Lance Corporal Summers was a good rifle shot, and a pedestrian of great promise. He was highly esteemed, and the news of his death has caused profound regret

Argus (Melbourne, Vic.), Saturday 22 September 1917, page 19

AUSTRALIAN CASUALTIES,
537 DEATHS NOTIFIED. 
THE TOLL OF POZIERES.
Casualty list No. 339, which was issued by the Defence department yesterday, was notable for high proportion of fatalities. No fewer than 537 out of a record of 1,014 names were of those who had made the supreme sacrifice. This total was made up as follows:—Killed in action 16 officers, 461 men: died of wounds, 2 officers, 31 men; died from other causes, 2 officers, 24 men; accidentally killed, 1 man. In most cases there occurred the phrase "previously reported missing," and the dates show that they were sustained at Pozieres, where the Australians made so brilliant and successful an entrance early in the Somme campaign. Victorians appear to have suffered especially.

Avoca Free Press and Farmers’ and Miners’ Journal, Wednesday 3 October 1917, page 3

Avoca Brass Band
Annual meeting.
… 
The hon, secretary, Mr HC Classen, presented his report as follows :-"In submitting the first annual report of the Avoca Town Band, it gives me great pleasure to refer to the satisfactory progress made during the year, The band was formed on 7th September, 1916, and Mr A C Summers has rendered valued service since that time in the capacity of conductor. This gentleman carried out the duties gratuitously, and under his able guidance the young members have shown marked improvement. With regular attendance at the practices, the players will make still further advancement, as they show great promise. Former bandsmen in Messrs F Kaye, A Ahpee, J Hutchison, C R Mockett, and Reg Johnson have given much assistance, which is duly appreciated. …
… On behalf of The band, Mr Downton then presented Mr Summers with a purse of sovereigns. …
Mr Downton said he had a sad resolution to move. As all were aware, since their last annual meeting they had lost one of their prominent bandsmen, in the person of the late Lance-Corporal Dave Summers, who had given his life for his country in the far-off battlefields of Northern France. In addition to being a first-class cornet player, and a splendid athlete, Dave was a lad of excellent character, and he would be sadly missed. He had died one of the noblest deaths any man could die, but because of his true manliness and heroic deeds he would live long in the memory of all who knew him. Mr Downton then moved that the sincere sympathy of the band be sent to Lance Corporal Summers' parents and relatives
Mr AG Lalor seconded the motion, and also spoke in praiseworthy terms of the later Lance-Corporal Summers, who was one of the bravest lads he had ever known. ln fact, a soldier informed him that Dave had said he would never be taken prisoner by the enemy
The motion was carried in silence, all present standing with bowed heads.
…

Avoca Free Press and Farmers’ and Miners’ Journal, Saturday 11 November 1916, page 2

AVOCA FIRE BRIGADE… He [Captain Chellew of the Avoca Fire brigade] deeply regretted the death of Fireman Les Yates, who had given his life for King and country. He also mentioned that Fireman Dave Summers was reported missing, and hoped that brave young hero would return safe and sound. Dave had done magnificent work in the trenches at Gallipoli, and then went to France. Possibly he was a prisoner of war. He referred to these matters with feelings of sorrow, and trusted that a photo of the late Fireman Yates would be hung in the hall. He also suggested that the photographs of all local firemen who had enlisted be procured, framed, and hung in the station, for if men ever deserved recognition they did. …

His body was never recovered. Lance Corporal David Summers is commemorated at the V.C. Corner Australian Cemetery Memorial. He is also remembered on the Avoca Soldiers’ Memorial.

Wikitree: David Summers (1893-1916)

Records:

• ADFA – AIF Project
• AWM – Embarkation Roll
• AWM – Nominal Roll
• AWM – Red Cross Wounded and Missing File
• AWM – Roll of Honour
• AWM – Roll of Honour Circular
• CWGC – File
• NAA – Service Records