At just 21, William Alexander Pavey departed his job as a laborer in Brisbane to serve on the Western Front.
During nearly three grueling years in France, Private Pavey endured the war, ultimately succumbing to gunshot wounds in May 1918.
“He persisted in combat until his death, just shy of the war’s conclusion,” Crimp shared with 9News.
“Spending that much time in the trenches of France is quite a feat,” Crimp remarked.
This courageous ANZAC was among those whose partial remains were recently returned to their final resting place.
For over a century, these remains had been preserved in the United States for medical research purposes.
“I was pretty uncomfortable with it initially,” Crimp said.
“I’m still trying to come to terms with what they might have done.
The remains were taken from the hospital from what I can gather.”
The medical research they underwent would have helped soldiers that came after them, Brenton Philp from the Department of Veterans’ Affairs tells 9News.
“It would have absolutely contributed to the survivability and treatment of military wounds and war wounds for others that followed,” he said.
“It does seem strange by our standards, but it was common after the first world war.”
Seven other Australian soldiers’ remains were also handed back.
“We understand that the remains have been treated with great respect and dignity,” Philp said.
The Commonwealth War Graves Commission completed burial works at Private Pavey’s grave and at others in the Mont Huon Military Cemetery ahead of Anzac Day commemorations, as people journey to France to pay their respects.
“We’re very proud that the Australian Army was able to be there as part of the reinterment ceremony to ensure that our soldiers are well respected,” Philp said.
And the news is comforting for Crimp.
“He wasn’t forgotten then and hopefully he won’t be forgotten now,” she said.
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