Service Details:

21 June	1915                      Perth
2 September	1915                      Embarked from Fremantle
17 Oct	1915                      Gallipoli
21 March	1916                      France
6/7 June	1916                      Trench Raid
29 July – 27 Aug.	1916                      Pozieres (Sausage Valley)
4 August	1916                      Pozieres
6 September	1916                      Belgium
October	1916                      Ypres and Dernacourt
5 November	1916                      Killed In Action, Flers, France

 

 

Biographical Details:

Herman Thomas Dedman was born in Northam, W.A.,  in 1894, to parents George Thomas Dedman and Sarah McCreery. He had 4 brothers and 8 sisters.
He attended the Bunbury Infants’ School where he received awards for attendance and geography.

Herman enlisted 21st June, 1915. Although not quite 21 y.o. he gave his age as 22yrs and 1 month. He was part of the third reinforcements for the 28th battalion and joined it in Gallipoli in October.

On February 21st 1916 Herman was fined 10 days pay for being absent overnight and on the 26th was given 48 hrs. Field Punishment No.2, plus forfeiture of 2 days pay, for being absent a second night.

Herman took part in the trench raid. He and Sgt Walsh were responsible for ensuring that there were no survivors in the listening post. Herman is one of the soldiers shown in the Black Anzacs group photo.
Probably as a consequence of special leave in London, Herman was diagnosed with Gonorrhoea and hospitalised for 47 days.  He returned to duty in late August.

Herman Dedman was killed in action at Flers on 5th November 1916. His was buried at the Warlencourt New British Cemetery near Bapaume, France.

In 1918 George Dedman received his son’s effects:
Diary, 2 Coins, Purse.  Jack Knife, Razor, Knife Sheath, 2 Handkerchiefs, Curio.
His mother was granted a 25 shilling fortnightly pension.

On the 10 anniversary of Herman’s death the following notices were  placed in the West Australian:
Dedman: -- In loving memory of our dear son and brother, Private Herman Thomas (Tom) Dedman , killed in action, at Flers, France, November 5, 1916 aged 22 1/2 Years.
Though only a lad he fought for his side;
His young life he gave for a cause so true,
Fighting for his country, for me, for you.
Inserted by his loving mother, sister Hilda, niece and nephew, Hilda and Gordon.

Dedman.- In loving memory of our dear brother and uncle. H. T. Dedman, killed in action November 5, 1916, at Fleurs.
Oh for a touch of a vanished hand, and a sound of a voice that is stilled.
  Ever remembered.
Inserted by G. J. Dedman, Bellevue.