Seelenmeyer, Cyril Robert, LVSc 1914, BVSc 1914

Major Cyril Robert Seelenmeyer, M.C. Australian Army Veterinary Corps. Awarded Military Cross. Mentioned in Despatches. Died of wounds 8^th August, 1918. Age 26. Fouilloy [France] Communal Cemetery.

Cyril Seelenmeyer, the son of Dr. Adolphe Frederic and Alexandra Mary Seelenmeyer, was born at East Melbourne on April 29, 1892. His family lived at Lancox, North Brighton and attended Cumloden School, St. Kilda and Melbourne Grammar School, where he matriculated in 1906. 

A brilliant student, Seelenmeyer studied veterinary science at the University of Melbourne and won the Agricultural Society’s Silver Medal when he graduated in 1914, the same year he made his debut as a league footballer with the University Club.  Seelenmeyer made his VFL debut in the Round 2 match against Essendon at the East Melbourne Cricket Ground and later played in the final five rounds, in matches against Collingwood, Richmond, Melbourne, St. Kilda and Fitzroy.

Seelenmeyer, who was engaged to be married, enlisted just a month after the 1914 football season had been completed.  He was commissioned as a Captain on October 17, 1914 and served in Egypt before being sent to France with the Australian Army veterinary Corps, 4^th Brigade, and attached to the 12^th Australian Field Ambulance Brigade on June 13, 1916.

His main responsibility was the welfare of pack animals, especially horses, a task vital for the maintenance of supplies to the front line.  However, his veterinary training also proved useful for the treatment of wounded comrades.  From all accounts, Seelenmeyer was totally dedicated to the animals under his care and risked his own life to treat them even during terrible bombardments.  This devotion to duty won him the Military Cross soon after he was promoted to the rank of Major on April 16, 1918.  The citation read:

“For devotion to duty and most efficient service during the period 22^nd September, 1917, to 24^th February, 1918, and including all the operations leading up the capture of the Broodseinde Ridge (east of Ypres).

He performed his duties in a most efficient manner, not withstanding shell fire and aeroplane bombing attacks to which animals under his care were frequently subjected.  It was largely owing to his ready assistance, care and skill that the pack animals were enabled to keep the batteries supplied with ammunition, not withstanding their heavy expenditure during the above operation.”

Major Seelenmeyer was hit by a German shell at Fouilloy and mortally wounded.  He was buried at Fouilly, near the little town of Corbie.  This cemetery is communal and, although there are the graves of local villagers at the front of the cemetery, there are 40 military graves at the back.  Seelenmeyer rests among them.