The Koo Wee Rup Swamp Historical Society houses the Koo Wee Rup Honour Board, which was originally installed in the Memorial Hall. It was unveiled on February 6, 1917, by the Cranbourne Shire President, Cr O'Brien. There were initially 41 names, with eight added soon after. There are now 64 names on the memorial, so another 15 were also added.
The Koo Wee Rup Honour Board
The Honour Board unveiling
Lang Lang Guardian, February 14 1917 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article119514233
What follows is the list of the 64 soldiers and their Service Number (SN) so you can look up their full record on the National Archives of Australia website www.naa.gov.au Additional information comes from the Victorian Indexes to the Births, Deaths and marriages; Electoral Rolls on Ancestry; and family notices in the newspapers, Nominal and Embarkation Rolls at the Australian War Memorial, https://www.awm.gov.au/
Backhouse, Herbert Arthur Burder (SN 612)
Geoffrey enlisted on June 30, 1916 at the age of 26. he was a farmer. He was Killed in Action in Belgium on October 4, 1917.
Herbert enlisted on August 20 1914. He was a 23 year old farmer. He Returned to Australia, May 4, 1917 and discharged on medical grounds - myocarditis - in the August. Herbert married Edith Varley in in 1926 and he died in Mornington in 1961, aged 69.
The boys were the sons of Talworth Burder Backhouse and his well connected wife, Emily A'Beckett, the daughter of William Arthur Callendar A'Beckett, of The Grange, Berwick, whose father William was the Chief Justice of Victoria. Emily's sister, Emma Minnie, married the artist Arthur Boyd. Talworth and Emily had their address as Wahroonga, Murrumbeena on Geoffrey's enlistment paper and c/o the Melbourne Metropolitan Board of Works on Herbert's enlistment paper. Talworth's occupation in the Electoral Roll is an Architect. Backhouses Road is named for the family.
Death of Geoffrey Backhouse
The Argus, October 29, 1917 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article1659422
Banbury - surname is actually Bambury
Bambury, Jacob (SN 762) Jacob was a 28 year old labourer when he enlisted on March 15, 1915. His next of kin was his brother Charles of Bayswater. Jacob was Killed in Action in France on July 19, 1916. What was his connection to Koo Wee Rup? That's a good question and I have no idea. He is the only Bambury to have died in the War and there are no Banburys that died in the War, and that is why I believe that Jacob is the man on the Honour Board. Jacob was the son of George Bambury and Harriet Simmonds or Simmons and their eight children were all born around Scoresby or Bayswater. If you have any information on J. Banbury or J. Bambury, then please let me know. Jacob is also listed on the Koo Wee Rup Fallen Soldiers Memorial Hospital plaque, see here.
Bethune, Alexander John (SN 2833a) Alexander was a 24 year old farmer when he enlisted on July 6, 1916. He Returned to Australia June 12, 1919. Alexander married Beatrice Hodgson in 1922 and he died in Leongatha in 1981, aged 90.
Bethune, David Gordon (SN 1504) David enlisted on March 22, 1916 at the age of 25. He was a blacksmith. David was Killed in Action in France on August 22, 1918. David is also listed on the Koo Wee Rup Fallen Soldiers Memorial Hospital plaque, see here.
The boys were the sons of John and Janet (nee Duncan) Bethune of Koo Wee Rup.
Death notice of David Bethune
Koo Wee Rup Sun September 11, 1918 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article127198299
Bicket, William Vaughan (SN 1441) William was a 24 year old farm hand from Koo Wee Rup, when he enlisted on July 13, 1915. His sister, Mrs Richard Ryan, of Essendon was his next of kin. Born in Tungamah, he was the son of William and Bridget (nee Vaughan) Bicket. William Returned to Australia May 15, 1919. William died in 1965, aged 74. Surname listed as Bickit on the Embarkation Roll.
Binder, Arthur Harold Lancelot (SN 3259 / Lieutenant) Arthur enlisted on July 8, 1915 at the age of 21. He was a farmer and his next of kin was his mother, Mrs G. S. Binder of Koo Wee Rup, later of Toorak. He was the son of Elijah and Grace Susan (nee Hawkins) Binder. Arthur was awarded the Military Cross for conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. Arthur Returned to Australia April 10, 1919. He married Amy Louise Pink in 1920 and died in 1970, aged 78.
Lieutenant Binder awarded the Military Cross
Koo Wee Rup Sun, July 17, 1918 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article127198034
Blake, Sydney (SN 6958) Sydney was a 21 year old farmhand when he enlisted on October 18, 1916. His address was care of Mrs H. Davies of Koo Wee Rup. He was an orphan and his next of kin, his sister Kathleen, was was a nurse at the Mental Hospital in Kew. Sydney Died of Wounds on October 4, 1917 - he had received multiple gun shot wounds. Sydney is also listed on the Koo Wee Rup Fallen Soldiers Memorial Hospital plaque, see here. Mrs H. Davies is Helen Davies - sometimes called Ellen - Davies (nee Mathison). She is listed in the Electoral Rolls at Koo Wee Rup along with her daughter Elizabeth Myra Davies (born 1891 in Campbellfield). Helen's son, Douglas, also enlisted, see below.
Bryant, J and Bryant, T - surname is actually Bryan.
Bryan, Edward John (SN 1128) Listed as J. Bryant, so presumably known as John. John was 21 when he enlisted in January 23, 1915. He was a farmer. John died of disease on August 26 1918 - malignant malaria and acute atrophy of the liver.
Bryan, Thomas (SN 1709) Thomas enlisted at the age of 19 on November 6, 1914. His occupation was farm hand. He was Killed in Action at Gallipoli on June 24, 1915.
John and Edward were brothers, the sons of Edmund and Margaret Bryan of Pakenham South. John had his mother listed as his next of kin and Thomas had his father as next of kin. Margaret (nee English) died 1918 aged 56 at Pakenham and Edmund was living at Longwarry when he died in 1937. There is a fair bit of confusion at to whether the surname is Bryan or Bryant - the boys enlisted as Bryan, Margaret and Edmund are in the Electoral Roll as Bryan - although they are listed as Pakenham East not Pakenham South and Thomas had Pakenham East on his enlistment paper - in spite of all this I still believe that John and Thomas Bryan are actually the men listed on the Honour Roll and also the Koo Wee Rup Fallen Soldiers Memorial Hospital plaque, see here.
In Memoriam notice inserted for Michael Callanan
Koo Wee Rup Sun, December 4, 1918 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article127198640
Carter, A Not really sure who this is - the closest I can find, geographically, is Alfred Nathaniel Carter (SN 2467), of Bunyip, but there just doesn't seem to be any Koo Wee Rup connection and I don't really feel he is the man on the Honour Board. Alfred was born in Kent, England and enlisted on July 20, 1915 at the age of 26; his next of kin was his mother Anne, of Maidstone House, Bunyip. Alfred attained the rank of Corporal, but he suffered a Shell wound to the right forearm and a Gun shot wound to the right arm, and Returned to Australia December 20, 1917. He was discharged on medical grounds on July 25, 1918. Alfred died on May 14, 1921 at the age of 32 and is buried in the Bunyip Cemetery. His two brothers, William and Frederick also enlisted and I have written about them on the Bunyip War Memorial, post, see here. There was a Harry and Emma Carter in the 1909 Electoral Roll at Yallock, so maybe A. Carter is connected to them.
Coates, Lawrence (SN 2623) Lawrence was born in Koo Wee Rup, the son of Lawrence and Mary (nee Wilson) Coates. He enlisted at the age of 21 on July 28, 1915 and his occupation was a farm labourer. Lawrence was Killed in Action in France on August 18, 1916. Lawrence is also listed on the Fallen Soldiers Memorial Hospital plaque, see here; the Yallock Honour Board, see here and the Yannathan Honour Board, see here.
Lawrence Coates, with his sister Susie.
Australian War Memorial. Photograph DASEY2403
Cochrane, Leslie James (SN 2162) Les was born in Bentleigh in 1894 to David and Lucy (nee Burgess) Cochrane. The family moved to Caldermeade when he was eight. Les, a farmer, enlisted on May 2, 1916 at the age of 21 and his next of kin was his father. He served in France and was twice wounded in action. Les Returned to Australia February 15, 1918 and in the December of the same year he married Ivy, the daughter of Harry and Sarah Wildes of Yannathan. Mr Cochrane later became a Cranbourne Shire Councillor and a Member of the Legislative Assembly - you can read more about him here.
Les Cochrane with Bill Gilchrist and Billy McGree at their Welcome Home in April 1918.
Davies, Douglas James (SN 1524) Douglas enlisted on March 22, 1916, at the age of 20, and was a farmer and his next of kin was his mother Ellen, of Rossiter Road, Koo Wee Rup, and later of George Street, Fitzroy. Douglas Returned to Australia June 12, 1919. Douglas was the son of James and Ellen (nee Mathieson) Davies and had been born in Glenroy (birth registered at Campbellfield). Ellen is at times called Helen on official documents. Sydney Blake (see above) was living with Ellen/Helen when he enlisted. Douglas died in 1982, aged 87.
Davis, Percy (SN 96) Percy enlisted on February 28, 1916 at the age of 21. His occupation on enlistment was a motor mechanic, working at McLeod Brothers in Sale, where he did his apprenticeship. Percy had been born in Koo Wee Rup to Charles and Mary (nee Dimmick) Davis in 1895; Charles was a farmer. Percy was Killed Action in France on August 31, 1918. Percy is also listed on the Koo Wee Rup Fallen Soldiers Memorial Hospital plaque, see here.
Short obituary of Percy Davis
Koo Wee Rup Sun, September 18, 1918 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article127198741
The death of Percy Davis
The Age, September 24, 1918 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article155139829
Davy, John Edward (SN 770) Jack, as he was known as, enlisted on August 25, 1914. He was a 21 year old farmer, living at Koo Wee Rup. He was the son of Arthur and Julia Davy, of North Melbourne who later moved to Marshall Avenue, Kew. Jack was Killed in Action on the Gallipoli Peninsula on May 4, 1915. Jack is also listed on the Koo Wee Rup Fallen Soldiers Memorial Hospital plaque, see here.
Death notice of John Davy
The Argus, September 29 1915 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article1565397
Denham, Robert Alexander (SN 392) Robert was born in Koo Wee Rup and was living in Carlton and he was a fireman when he enlisted at the age of 28 on February 17, 1915 (that's the date according to the Embarkation roll and July 17, 1915 is the date according to the Enlistment papers). His next of kin was his friend Annie Ritchie. Robert Returned to Australia July 10 1916 and was discharged on medical grounds due to a form of rheumatism. Robert was the son of John and Janet (nee Dunlop) Denham. John Denham was the Cranbourne Shire Secretary from 1909 to 1911 and the Rate collector for nine years, he also had a store at Yallock and a dairy farm at Koo Wee Rup. Janet's father, Alexander Dunlop, had the Harewood Mains property at Tooradin and had a successful cheese making business. Robert died in 1955, aged 68. Robert is also listed on the Tooradin State School Honour Roll, see here.
Dunlop, Alexander (SN 2811) Alexander, born in Hawthorn, was a 18 year old farmer, when he enlisted on May 8, 1915. He was the son of Alexander and Florence Mary (nee Hooker) Dunlop, and their address when he enlisted was Hawthorne Lodge, Koo Wee Rup. Alexander Returned to Australia March 31, 1919. Alexander married Janet Muir Forrest in 1933 and he died in 1980, aged 83. Alexander was the first cousin of Robert Denham, above.
Ellett, Alfred (SN 439) Alfred enlisted on January 21, 1916 at the age of 18. His occupation was farmer. Alf Returned to Australia January 8, 1919 and he married Grace Forscutt in 1922. He died in 1958, aged 60.
Ellett, John Alfred 'Jack' (SN 2773) Jack enlisted on December 14, 1914 at the age of 20. He was also a farmer. Jack had been wounded whilst serving - gun shot wound to the right thigh - and had also suffered from Enteric Fever (typhoid). Jack Returned to Australia December 3, 1918 and he married Ellen Sayers in 1919. He died in 1965 aged 70.
Ellett, Robert Henry. (SN 2772 and 2407) Robert, or Bert as he was called, enlisted twice firstly on October 20, 1914 at the age of 26 and secondly on April 18, 1916. The first time he enlisted he was sent overseas but Returned to Australia December 4, 1915 and was discharged on medical grounds in March 1916 - amongst the conditions mentioned were deafness, rheumatism and asthma. Bert then re-enlisted on April 18, 1916 and was wounded in action - gun shot wound to the right arm - and was discharged again on medical grounds on December 12, 1917. Robert married Ada Perrin in 1919 and sadly died in 1925, aged only 37.
Alfred, Jack and Robert were the sons of John and Jane (nee Margaret Jane Webster) Ellett of 'Wattle Vale' Pakenham South. John and Jane had moved to McDonalds Drain Road in 1901 and they had fifteen children, of whom all except one survived to adulthood - Rosanna Jane (b. 1887), Robert Henry (1888), Jane (1889), William Edward (1890), John (1891-1892), Dora Mary (1892), John Alfred (1894), Maggie May (1895), Alfred (1897), Alice (1899), Edward (1900), Walter (1902), Harry (1904), Maude (1906) and Minnie (1907). The family had been market gardeners in Springvale, before they came to Pakenham South where they operated the Post Office and store and were involved in many community groups and activities.
A report on Alf's enlistment
South Bourke and Mornington Journal June 1, 1916 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article66189972
Franks, Ernest Victor William (SN 5598) Ernest, born in Barkstead, was a 36 year old farmer when he enlisted on August 1, 1916. His next of kin was his wife, Elizabeth, of Koo Wee Rup. Ernest was blinded by a gun shot wound in the right eye and Returned to Australia October 31, 1917. After the War, Ernest and Elizabeth lived in Ringwood. Ernest died in 1956, aged 74.
Garbellini, George (SN 378) George enlisted on February 3, 1915 aged 23. He was the second child of Peter and Jane (nee Crombie) Garbellini of 'Five Mile Drain', Koo Wee Rup. He had eleven siblings - Mina, Joseph, Peter, Mary, Annie, Tony, Kitty, Celia, Andrew, Will and Mathew. George was Killed in Action in France on May 3 1917. George is also listed on the Koo Wee Rup Fallen Soldiers Memorial Hospital plaque, see here and the Five Mile (Koo Wee Rup North) School Honour Roll, see here.
Death notice for George Garbellini
The Age, June 6 1917 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article154974001
Lovely notice from George's friends
The Age, June 9, 1917 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article154981436
Gilchrist, William John (SN 1648) Known as Bill, he was born in Collingwood in 1889 to Robert and Florence (nee Hiam) Gilchrist. He was 26 year old farmer when he enlisted on January 13, 1916. His brother, Albert, of Koo Wee Rup was listed as his next of kin, as his parents were deceased. After serving overseas, Corporal Gilchrist Returned to Australia January 31, 1918. Bill was discharged on medical grounds on May 25, 1918 - his disability was listed as Myocarditis. Bill applied for a Soldier Settler block and was granted 40 acres (Allotments 106 and 119, Section 0, Parish of Koo Wee Rup East, off Little Road in Iona) in May 1921 but had to give up the land due to his on-going ill health two years later. His application form said that he was receiving a pension of 14 shillings per week due to shell shock. There is a photograph of Bill with Les Cochrane and Billy McGree at their Welcome Home in 1918, above.
Gunson, John Livingstone (SN 52823) John enlisted on December 19, 1917 at the age of 20. He was a farmer of Bunyip and his next of kin was his mother Sarah, of Koo Wee Rup. John was born in Maryborough to Daniel and Sarah (nee Nelson) Gunson. Sarah had grown up at Bay View, Jetty Road, Lang Lang and Daniel was a Wesleyan Methodist Minister, whose parish covered Yannathan to the Powlett River. John Returned to Australia July 3, 1919; he married Flora May Wright in 1930. John died in 1979, aged 81.
Hamilton, Henry Campbell (SN 4719) When Henry enlisted on January 14, 1916 at the age of 39 his occupation was 'Manager, General Store' and his next of kin was his 'friend', Miss O'Riordan of Koo Wee Rup. Miss Margaret O'Riordan soon became his wife as they were married on January 29, 1916 at the Catholic Church in Koo Wee Rup and they had one child together, a little girl called Mary. Henry was listed in the 1914 and 1916 Electoral as a 'horse trainer' and I assume that he managed O'Riordans store; so did he get that job when he became sweet on Miss O'Riordan or did he get into the family business after they started going out? Perhaps being the manager of a general store provided a more consistent income than being a horse trainer. Henry Died of Wounds on October 8, 1917. Margaret Hamilton took part in the official opening ceremony of the hospital in 1923, opening a ward in honor of her friend, the late Mrs Kitty Townson. Read about Margaret Hamilton, here. Henry is also listed on the Fallen Soldiers Memorial Hospital plaque, see here.
Hannaker, John (SN 5363) John was born in 1871 in St Kilda to Edward and Maggie (nee Hunter) Hannaker; he married Clara Usher in 1893. The couple are listed in the Electoral Rolls at Woodhead Street, North Fitzroy and they were living there when he enlisted at the age of 43 on February 19, 1916. John was Killed in Action in Belgium on October 4, 1917. What is the Koo Wee Rup connection? On John's Attestation papers Clara was listed as the next of kin, her address initially being Woodhead Street, but it was later changed to Koo Wee Rup. In April 1921 she was living in Keith Avenue, Edithvale, and in 1928 with her sons Marcus and Norman in Mentone. However in the 1931 and 1936 Electoral Rolls, Clara is back in Koo Wee Rup, in Boundary Road. It doesn't seem like a very long term connection to Koo Wee Rup, so I feel I must be missing something as John was memorialised not only on the Honour Board, but also the Koo Wee Rup Fallen Soldiers Memorial Hospital plaque, see here.
Jenkins, Thomas Edward (SN 188) Thomas, born in Koo Wee Rup, was a nineteen year old bricklayer when he enlisted on January 11, 1915. His next of kin was his mother, Bella Jenkins, of Boundary Road, Koo Wee Rup. Annabella Jenkins (nee Thompson), was listed in the Electoral Rolls at Koo Wee Rup at this time, along with husband Thomas, who was a farmer and their daughter, Florence. Thomas was wounded in August 1916 - gun shot wound to face, left hand and right leg - recovered; returned to the battle field - wounded again October 1917 - gun shot wound right hand. Thomas Returned to Australia April 5, 1918 for 'change' and was discharged in the July on medical grounds. Thomas died in 1963 aged 67 at Katunga. Thomas is also listed on the Koo Wee Rup North State School Honour Roll, see here. Thomas is the first cousin of George Smith, see below.
Welcome home to Tom Jenkins
Lang Lang Guardian June 14, 1918
read the rest of the article here - http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article119515575
Johnson, A I cannot work out who this is. I believe it is the A. Johnson, mentioned in the Lang Lang Guardian in July 1915 in a cricket match report of having joined the team at Seymour, that is having enlisted and now at the Seymour military training camp. Then in September 1918, the Koo Wee Rup Sun could report that Gunner A. Johnston, visited his home at Koo Wee Rup, after three months in hospital. I have been through the Nominal Rolls, Embarkation Rolls and the National Archives Attestation files for a soldier with a local connection, but cannot find one. Of course his name may actually have been Johnstone or Johnston. He remains a mystery to me at the moment.
'A. Johnson, absent from cricket match, as at the Seymour Military Camp.
Lang Lang Guardian, July 14, 1915 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article119512630
Gunner A. Johnston - returns to Koo Wee Rup for a visit
Koo Wee Rup Sun, September 4, 1918 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article127198255
Johnson, John Gull Bickford (SN DEPOT) John was born in Birchip on July 11, 1893 to Henry George and Fanny (nee Bickford) Johnson. On his enlistment papers and in a statuary declaration his birthplace is listed at Northgate, even though I cannot find any trace of such a place in Victoria, but I believe this is Northcote, as that's where his sister was born in 1891. The family later moved to Cora Lynn, and their other son, Tudor, is listed on the Cora Lynn War Memorial, see here. John is listed in the Electoral Rolls from 1914 as a farmer at Koo Wee Rup, however he enlisted in Brisbane under name John Beckford on September 11, 1916. His next of kin was Miss Alice Wilson of Malvern. On February 5, 1917 he signed the statuary declaration that he had enlisted under a false name and his real name was indeed John Gull Bickford Johnson. At some stage he fell from a train on way from Toowoomba and suffered a fractured skull and an injury to the right knee. The knee injury led to John being discharged from the Army as unfit and he was discharged on medical grounds on May 4, 1917. However, before he was discharged he was granted ten days home leave in January 1917 to be married and other business; he wasn't married during this time - he married 18 year old Elizabeth Annie Dixon in August 1918 at St George's Anglican Church in Koo Wee Rup. There is also an interesting letter in his file from Molly Squire, of Charles Street, Seddon, dated September 1918 (over a year after he had been discharged) asking for John's current address, as last she knew was that after training in Queensland, he had come back to to Seymour and got his commission - Lieutenant. So a few mysteries there - why did he enlist under a false name?, who was Alice Wilson?, who was Molly Squire?, who was he planning to marry in January 1917 during his the days of leave and why did the marriage not go ahead? After the War John and Elizabeth farmed in Koo Wee Rup on Main Drain Road; he died March 25, 1947.
John Gull Bickford Johnson's obituary
Bunyip and Garfield Express, April 4, 1947 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article282210017
Johnson, M. Another mysterious Johnson (or maybe Johnston or Johnstone). M. Johnson, returned soldier, attended the Patriotic Carnival in Koo Wee Rup in June 1918, but as with A. Johnson, above, I cannot identify who is is.
Returned Soldier, M. Johnson, attends the Patriotic Carnival
Lang Lang Guardian June 7, 1918 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article119515552
Keely, Patrick (SN 388) There is a Patrick Keely in the 1916 and 1917 Electoral Rolls at Caldermeade; occupation - labourer. The only Patrick Keely (or Keeley) I can find who enlisted is this Patrick, SN 388. Patrick enlisted September 18, 1915 and Returned to Australia July 26, 1919, which doesn't explain why he was listed in the Electoral Rolls when he was overseas. On enlistment, Patrick was aged 25, he was a stableman; his next of kin was his sister Annie Keely of Kildare Ireland, Patrick's birthplace. After the war, various letters in his file gives his location in 1939 at Cairns in Queensland and 1962 at Frankston. There is a Peter Keeley, born in South Australia, who enlisted; he was a tinsmith, but I feel as there is a Patrick Keely in the Electoral Roll that he is the most likely one to be on the Honour Board.
Keighery, Christopher (SN 340) Christopher was born in Dandenong and enlisted on May 13, 1916, he was 26 years old and a saddler. He Returned to Australia July 5, 1919. Christopher's brother, Frank, was killed at Gallipoli on September 11, 1915. Chris and Frank were the sons of Edward and Annie (nee Elliott) Keighery. Edward and Annie moved to Lang Lang in 1903 where Edward had a Bootmakers shop. In 1920, Chris married Eva Emily Misson and they lived in Koo Wee Rup where he operated a saddlers and bicycle shop. He died in 1958, aged 68.
Chris and Frank Keighery
Lang Lang Guardian May 11, 1918 https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/119515432
Killeen, Patrick (SN 772) Patrick was 24, a farmer and he enlisted on October 1, 1914. Patrick, born in Queensland, was the son of Thomas and Maria (nee Moore) Killeen and his next of kin was listed as his father, who lived in Koo Wee Rup. Patrick Returned to Australia on July 3, 1919. He died in 1970, aged 80. Patrick was also listed on the Koo Wee Rup North State School Honour Roll, see here.
Leversha, Percy Daniel (SN 417) Percy was born in Woodbrook, near Castlemaine and enlisted on August 12, 1916 at the age of 27. He was a farmer. His father, Robert, also of Woodbrook was his next of kin; his mother was Maria Albina (nee Waters or Walters). Percy Returned to Australia December 24, 1918 and was discharged on medical grounds - Acute Rheumatism. After the War he married Alice Hilda Pellas in 1921 and they lived in various Melbourne suburbs; and he was employed by the Victorian Railways. Percy died in 1977, aged 88. What was the Koo Wee Rup connection? Percy was listed in the 1916 and the 1921 Electoral Roll at Koo Wee Rup, with his occupation as a farmer. His brother Herbert and his wife Lily, were also at Koo Wee Rup from 1916 until at least 1920.
Loveday, Cyril William (SN 7532) Cyril was 21 when he enlisted on July 3, 1917. He had been born in Batesford and was an engine driver. He Returned to Australia December 12, 1918, His next of kin was his father William Bolden Loveday of Koo Wee Rup; his mother was Elizabeth (nee Founds). They were listed in the Electoral Rolls in 1909 at Tooradin; 1914 in Cardinia and 1918 at Pakenham South. Cyril married Elvine Mary Mortensen in 1925; they lived in Koo Wee Rup and then Moonee Ponds. Cyril died in 1966 aged 70.
Lyall, Cecil Theodore (SN 39203) Cecil was the son of Theodore Lyall (who was the son of William Lyall of Harewood) and his wife Mabel Barbara Norquay; he was born in Lang Lang in July 1898.Cecil enlisted at the age of 18 on September 27, 1916. His mother was his next of kin, his father having died in August 1915. Even though Mrs Lyall gave permission for Cecil to enlist, she sent a letter on October 4, 1916 to the Officer in Command at Seymour, stating that I shall not give my permission for my son to leave Australia until he attains his nineteenth birthday 13th July 1917. I believe parents have that privilege. However, she relented and on March 18, 1917 Mrs Lyall wrote again giving Cecil permission to go abroad with the A.I.F. Cecil finally embarked at the end of 1917. He Returned to Australia July 7, 1919. Cecil married Gladys Eva Sutherland in 1925; they lived in New South Wales where they farmed at Goolgowi, north of Griffith. He died in 1941 and is buried at the Griffth Cemetery.
Mallcott, Claude Gibson (SN 3824) Claude enlisted on February 10, 1916. He was 21 years old, a labourer, and had been born at Koo Wee Rup. His next of kin was his father, William James Mallcott, of Mount View, Koo Wee Rup; his mother was Mary Ann (nee Girvan). Claude Returned to Australia June 23, 1919. After the War Claude lived in Koo Wee Rup; he married Elsie Mary Williams in 1925 and in 1931 they were living in Dandenong and Claude was employed by the Victorian Railways. Claude died in 1973, aged 79.
Marshall, Frank (SN 2458) Frank was born in Malvern and enlisted at Tumbarumba, NSW on May 5, 1916, but his address was Cora Lynn. He was a 26 year old labourer, and his father, Samuel, was his next of kin whose address was railway Camp, Tumbarumba, so we can assume that both men were working for the Railways up there. The line from Forest Hill, near Wagga Wagga opened in stages from 1917 to 1921, Tumbarumba being the last station on line (see here). Frank Returned to Australia June 23, 1919 and lived at Cora Lynn with his brother George. He died in 1950, aged 62.
McGree, William Francis (SN 3110). Known as Billy, he was born in Launceston, in December 1893 to Michael and Mary (nee Walsh) McGree. He was a 23 year old farm labourer, when he enlisted at Dandenong on February 2, 1917 and his next of kin listed was his father, who lived at Karoola in Tasmania. Billy served overseas and was wounded in action (gun shot wound to left leg) in France. He Returned to Australia February 15, 1918. Billy was given a Soldier Settlement Farm in 1918 and like William Gilchrist, had to give up his land in July 1921 due to ill health. His land was of 84 acres, Allotment 23a, Section J, Parish of Koo Wee Rup - off the Pakenham-Koo Wee Rup Road. Billy married Elizabeth Margaret (Maggie) Neal in 1919 and he died in Ararat in 1957 aged 63. There is a photograph of Billy with Les Cochrane and Bill Gilchrist at their Welcome Home in 1918, above.
Marshall, George (SN 1780) George was born in Rhynie in South Australia in December 1883, and enlisted at the age of 31 on January 11, 1915. His next of kin was his father, Samuel of Koo Wee Rup, but George lived at Cora Lynn. He was wounded in 1915 - a gun shot wound, left side under his arm and another in his left arm. On September 9, 1915 he was sent home to Australia for change and discharged on medical grounds on January 5, 1916 - due to the bullet wounds and debility. After the War George returned to Cora Lynn and was there in 1934 as there is a statuary declaration in his file that he lost his discharge and other papers in the 1934 flood at Cora Lynn. He later moved to Bullumwaal in East Gippsland. George died in 1967, aged 83.
Frank and George were the sons of Samuel and Mary Jane (nee Black) Marshall. They were listed in the Electoral Rolls at Koo Wee Rup from around 1909.
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From Frank Marshall's Attestation file, proving the Cora Lynn connection.
Archives of Australia www.naa.gov.au
First Australian Imperial Force Personnel Dossiers, 1914-1920
Martin, Charles Richard (SN 3197) Richard enlisted on October 18, 1916, aged 32. He was a farmer from Koo Wee Rup and his next of kin was his brother, Isaac, of Harford in Tasmania, which was also where Richard was born. Richard was Killed in Action in France on April 4, 1918. Richard is also listed on the Koo Wee Rup Fallen Soldiers Memorial Hospital plaque, see here.
Short obituary for Charles Martin
North Western Advocate (Tasmania), April 19, 1918 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article65104987
Moore, James Campbell (SN 7100) James was a 31 year old labourer when he enlisted on October 13, 1916 at Maryborough in Queensland. He had been born in Collingwood in 1885 to Alexander and Mary (nee Brown) Moore. James suffered a gun shot wound to his spine and as a result was sent home to Australia and discharged on medical grounds on November 24, 1918, the injury having caused what was listed as Spasts Paraplegra. His parents and some other siblings are in the Electoral Roll at Koo Wee Rup from around 1913 and during the War years; Alexander's occupation was a farmer. Alexander died in 1920, but two of his sons, Joseph and Alexander junior, remained farming in the area. The family had previously lived in Kensington where Alexander was stationed as a Police Sergeant. However there was an earlier connection to the town of Koo Wee Rup as Alexander's daughter (and James' sister) Margaret had married Joseph Morrison, the blacksmith at Koo Wee Rup in 1907, and she had thus been living in the town since then. Sadly she died in 1926, aged 47. James himself died on August 30,1934 at his home in Coolangatta, and his informative obituary, below, tells us something of his life after the War, and the effects of his injuries.
James Campbell Moore obituary and his sad death
Tweed Daily, September 1, 1934 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article192458990
Morden, John Patrick (SN 5138) John enlisted on February 7, 1916 at the age of 24. He had been born at St James and his occupation was a plate layer (someone who lays and maintains railway lines). He was medically discharged on December 12, 1917, having served in France and been wounded in the right knee by shrapnel; but the cause of his discharge was diabetes, a report said that on enlistment he weighed 10 stone 7 pounds but now weighted 8 stone 11 pounds and was under nourished and always thirsty. Sadly, John died in Koo Wee Rup on October 16, 1919 at the age of 28, from his diabetes and was buried at the Pakenham Cemetery.
Morden, William Henry (SN 22951) William, born in Millbrook, also worked for the Victorian Railways where he was a porter. He enlisted at the age of 20 on December 9, 1915. He Returned to Australia May 12, 1919. William died in 1957, aged 62.
John and William were the sons of John and Norah (nee O'Brien) Morden. John senior was a ganger with the Victorian Railways and was stationed at Koo wee Rup during the War years. Along with John and William there were also nine other children - James, Clement, Mary, Daisy, Kitty, Nellie, Beryl, Statsia and Maggie.
John Morden's obituary
Koo Wee Rup Sun, October 22, 1919, p. 1
Osborn, George Sydney (SN 2933) Listed as Osborne on the Honour Board. George, born in Koo Wee Rup, enlisted at the age of 21 on October 3, 1916. George Died of Wounds on November 6, 1917. His parents were George and Mary (nee Swanston) Osborn. Osborn Road between Koo Wee Rup and Bayles is named after the family. George's brother Percy was a cyclist of some note and competed in the 1928 Tour de France with Hubert Opperman, Ern Bainbridge, and Harry Watson. George is also listed on the Koo Wee Rup Fallen Soldiers Memorial Hospital plaque, see here.
Touching death notices for George Osborn
The Argus, November 27 1917 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article1665589
O'Shea, John (SN 3350) John was born in May 1896 in Koo Wee Rup to Ellen and Michael O'Shea. His next of kin was his father, Michael, also of Koo Wee Rup, however when he enlisted at the age of 21 on October 25, 1917 he (John) was living at Balldale (north of Corowa) in New South Wales. Ellen was also living in Balldale in 1917 (not sure if Michael was also, or if they had separated). John Died of Wounds August 7, 1918. John is also listed on the Koo Wee Rup Fallen Soldiers Memorial Hospital plaque, see here.
O’Toole, Michael Thomas (SN 6920 or 6920A) Michael was born in Koo Wee Rup and enlisted firstly on January 21, 1917 when he was 20. He was discharged on June 15, 1917 as he was underage and his widowed mother, Mary, had not given consent. In fact she wrote three letters to the Officer in Charge at the Seymour Camp, asking him to be discharged as he was her main support, she had younger children to look after and a farm which was at a standstill as there was no one to work it. She also noted that she had another son at the Front and her other son was at the point of sailing when he went off his mind a bit and is now in a receiving home. Mrs O'Toole ended the letter by stating that - I think I have done a fair thing for the War. In spite of all this Michael re-enlisted on September 10, 1917, 2 days before he was 21, with his mother's consent, and served overseas and Returned to Australia July 22, 1919.
O’Toole, Patrick (SN 165) Patrick was born in Williamstown, but was living in Junee in New South Wales when he enlisted on January 1, 1917 at the age of 23. His occupation was a fireman and he served in the 6th Broad Gauge Railway Operating Company, so presumably worked for the Railways. Patrick Returned to Australia July 1, 1919.
Michael and Patrick were brothers, the sons of Patrick and Mary (nee Tracy) O'Toole. I really feel for Mary and the awful predicament she was in - trying to keep the farm and look after her children. I can also see why Michael wanted to enlist - whether it was patriotism or just a sense of adventure. When Patrick enlisted in January 1917, Mary was his next of kin and her address was Koo Wee Rup, however by the September of that year she had moved to 73 Carter Street, Albert Park. I don't know what happened to her but I hope she had some happiness in her life.
Preston, Henry (SN 3209). Henry enlisted on October 21, 1916. He was a 36 year old labourer, born in Scotland, and his next of kin was his wife Eva (nee Towsey); he was living in Young Street, Fitzroy at the time. Henry Returned to Australia September 5, 1919 and he died in 1962, aged 82.
Preston, Robert Walter (SN 2635) Robert, born in Maryborough, Victoria, was a 25 year old farmer when he enlisted on June 14, 1916. His next of kin was initially his father, Robert, also of Koo Wee Rup and later his wife, Grace (nee Wilson) whom he married in 1916. Robert Returned to Australia May 12, 1919. Robert died in 1958, aged 68.
Henry and Robert were the sons of Robert and Martha (nee Dick) Preston. The Prestons had arrived in Koo Wee Rup in 1905 and had a farm on the South Gippsland Highway, in the vicinity of Preston Road which is named for the family. They had migrated from Scotland and had lived in Queensland, before moving to Victoria. The family consisted of Robert and Martha and their children - Jim, Jack, Henry, Jessie, Maggie and Bob. I have written about the family here.
Rundle, James (SN 4758) James, born in Daylesford, was a 31 year old Theatrical Agent when he enlisted on September 24, 1915 - not an occupation you see listed very often. His next of kin was initially his mother, Jessie McDonald Rundle, of Koo Wee Rup and later his wife, Margaret. Margaret lived in Queensland, which is where James enlisted. James Died of Wounds on November 14, 1916. Jessie (nee Campbell) and her husband James Charles Rundle, who was a farmer, are listed in the Electoral Roll at Koo Wee Rup from 1912 to 1918. When Jessie died in 1922, they were living in Traralgon. James is also listed on the Koo Wee Rup Fallen Soldiers Memorial Hospital plaque, see here. There was a touching short obituary to James in the Dandenong Advertiser, below.
Obituary of James Rundle of Five Mile (Koo Wee Rup North)
Dandenong Advertiser, March 1, 1917 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article88664576
Scanlon, Joseph Bernard (SN 3452) Joseph enlisted on May 9, 1916. He was 21 years old and a labourer. He Returned to Australia on July 5, 1919. Joseph also served in the Second World War from June 1940 to May 1944. The World War Two Nominal roll states that he was born July 2, 1900, which only makes him 16 when he enlisted in the Great War, however the Index to the Victorian Births, Deaths and Marriages have him listed as being born 1895, so it seems he knocked 5 years off his age in 1940!
Scanlon, Thomas (SN 505) Thomas was 21 when he enlisted on January 12, 1915. He was a farmer. Thomas was awarded the Military Medal. He Returned to Australia on April 5, 1919. They are also listed in some official records with the surname Scanlan. They were the sons of William and Ellen Scanlon of Cora Lynn, one newspaper report in a local paper says they were from Scanlon's Drain, Cora Lynn. Joseph and Thomas are also listed on the Cora Lynn War Memorial, see here.
Slocombe, Bernard Griffiths (SN 6592) Listed as J. Slocombe but I believe that this is Bernard Slocombe who was a 22 year old farm hand when he enlisted on March 6, 1916. His next of kin was his wife, Margaret, from Koo Wee Rup, although she had various addresses listed at various times many up in the Buchan area, which is where Bernard was born. Bernard was Killed in Action in France on October 4, 1917. Margaret (nee Hopkins) then married Arthur Edwin Charman in 1920, at one stage before her marriage to Arthur her address was c/o Mr S Charman of Koo Wee Rup. This was Stephen Charman, the father of Arthur and Margaret's uncle and thus her second husband was her first cousin (not so unusual for those times). Bernard is also listed on the Koo Wee Rup Fallen Soldiers Memorial Hospital plaque, see here.
Smith, George (SN 15590) George was born in 1898 to George and Mary (nee Thompson) Smith. He enlisted when he was 18 years of age on June 18, 1917. His occupation was a labourer. His next of kin was his widowed mother Mrs Mary Smith of Westgarth, later changed (due to her death) to Mrs Bella Jenkins, his aunt, of Koo Wee Rup. George Returned to Australia August 1, 1919. After the War he lived in Perth, Western Australia and he died in Subiaco, a Perth suburb in 1946, aged 48. There is one discrepancy, his Attestation papers note his birth place as Koo Wee Rup, but the Victorian Index to Births, Deaths and Marriages say that he was born in Carlton at the Women's Hospital. Bella Jenkins - this was Annabella Jenkins (nee Thompson), listed in the Electoral Rolls at Koo Wee Rup at this time, along with husband Thomas, who was a farmer and their daughter, Florence; their son Thomas Jenkins, also enlisted, see above.
Funeral notice of Mary Smith, George's mother.
The Argus, October 3 1917 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article1653503
Turner, Benjamin (SN 1188) Benjamin was born in Yorkshire, England. He enlisted on July 13, 1915 when he was 31 years old. He was a farmer and his next of kin listed was his friend, Miss V. Stephenson, Five Mile, Koo Wee Rup. Benjamin Returned to Australia May 15, 1919. Benjamin and Violet married on October 12, 1920, at her parents home in Ballarto Road. Benjamin presented his new bride with an organ, an unusual gift for a wedding present. They settled on their 63 acre farm at Koo Wee Rup North; this was a Soldier Settler Farm and you can read his file at the Public Records Office of Victoria, here. Benjamin enlisted in the Australian Army to serve in World War Two, from March 1942 to June 1943. He died in 1971, aged 86.
Benjamin Turner and Violet Stephenson's wedding.
Koo Wee Rup Sun, November 11, 1920, p.2
Verinder, Charles Henry (SN 6758) Charles, a blacksmith, was born in Brunswick in 1893 to Francis and Eliza (nee Fleming) Verinder. Charles, known as Harry, was 21 years old when he enlisted on July 3, 1915. His next of kin was his widowed mother, Eliza, of McFarlane Street, West Brunswick; his father Francis having died in 1894. Harry Returned to Australia May 15, 1919. He married Elizabeth Raines in 1925 and she sadly died on May 11, 1936, leaving behind Dulcie and baby Francis. Harry remarried in 1941 to Reta Myrtle Evans (nee Bayfield). Charles died in 1974, aged 80. The only mystery which remains is what is Harry's connection to Koo Wee Rup. I can only presume he was employed as a blacksmith in the town. He was an inaugural member of the Koo Wee Rup Caledonian Society formed in April 1914 (Bunyip Free Press, April 23, 1914, see here)
Death notice of Elizabeth Verinder, Charles' wife.
The Argus, May 12, 1936 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article11033937
Ward, Albert Edmund (SN 2899 or 2899A) Albert was a 22 year old farm hand when he enlisted on October 3, 1916. He was born in Neerim South to Robert and Ellen (nee Cotchin) Ward. His of kin on his enlistment papers was his father Robert, living in Neerim South. Albert Returned to Australia July 22, 1919. Albert was listed in the 1916 Electoral Roll as farm hand at Koo Wee Rup. The only way I know for sure that the Albert listed in the Electoral Roll and the Albert who enlisted were the same man is from a notation on his Attestation paper (see below) -in answer to Question 10 - Do you now belong to, or have you served in His Majesty's Army the answer was No. Reg V.T. Koo Wee Rup exempt area. Not actually sure what that means, but it does link him to Koo Wee Rup. Albert died in 1966, aged 72. Albert's father, Robert, was a pioneer of the Neerim South district, and the Gippsland Independent of July 25, 1918, had a report of his farewell function when he was leaving the district (read it here)
Albert Ward's Attestation papers.
National Archives of Australia www.naa.gov.au
First Australian Imperial Force Personnel Dossiers, 1914-1920
Whelan, Herbert Allan (SN 341) Allan (as he was known) enlisted on May 18, 1916. He was 23 years old, born in Lang Lang and his next of kin was his father, Thomas, of Rutherglen. His mother, Sarah (nee Pell) had died in 1906. Allan's occupation on his Enlistment papers was a Hairdresser, although he was listed in the Electoral Rolls at Lang Lang at this time as a Teamster. Allan was taken Prisoner of War on April 15, 1917 and repatriated back to England on Christmas Day, 1918. He Returned to Australia February 7, 1919. After the War, Allan moved to Maryborough, and his occupation was a Motor Proprietor. He married Margaret Elizabeth Nicholls in 1927, who sadly died September 7, 1928. In 1930 he married Helena Sarah Neyland. Allan and Helena lived in Carisbrook, where he was a Motor Mechanic. Allan died in 1965, aged 72.
Williams, Arthur Carter (SN 147) Arthur enlisted on October 1, 1914, he was a 26 year old farmer and his next of kin was his step father, William George Williams. There is another enlistment paper dated June 10, 1915 and his next of kin was his mother, Jessie Charlotte Williams. Arthur was Killed in Action in France on July 8, 1918. What was Arthur William's Koo Wee Rup connection? His Roll of Honour circular that the family filled out has Koo Wee Rup listed as the answer to the question 'With what town or district in Australia was his name chiefly connected?' so clearly the family had some connection to the town. The same form says his step father 'but regarded as his real father' was a retired State School teacher, so he was possibly a teacher at Koo Wee Rup. Arthur was born in Stawell, his real father was Joshua Whitby Carter and his mother had married his step father in 1894 - so I don't feel that Joshua was the Koo Wee Rup connection. In Arthur's enlistment papers it says that his Will was with Miss Alice Thewlis of Pakenham. Was Alice his girl friend or financee? Alice (born 1893) was the daughter of James and Susannah (nee Young) Thewlis who had arrived in Pakenham from Euroa around 1912. Her brother Syd Thewlis was later a Shire of Berwick Councillor. So I am assuming that Arthur farmed in the Pakenham/Koo Wee Rup area and that Alice was his girlfriend. Arthur is also listed on the Koo Wee Rup Fallen Soldiers Memorial Hospital plaque, see here.
Amongst the Fallen - Private Woods
We deeply regret to record the death in action at the Dardanelles of one of our Koo Wee Rup boys, Pte Charles Gordon Woods, son of Mr & Mrs C. Woods of Essendon and nephew of Mr and Mrs Stephens of Koo Wee Rup and Mr and Mrs Christin of Dalmore. He offered his services about six months ago and was not then accepted, but shortly afterwards, again offered himself and was passed. He was in camp at Broadmeadows and was afterwards transferred to Seymour, in the 7th Battalion, 6th Reinforcements. He left for Egypt in June and in a letter received from him, dated July 14, he gave a very interesting description of his travels in that land. Again in a letter dated 30th August he mentioned he was sailing for the Front on September 1st so that he could not have been at the Front more than two or three days when he fell for his Country. After leaving School he went to work in The Age office but this did not agree with his health and about four years ago he came to his uncle, Mr Stephens at Koo Wee Rup for whom he worked up to the time he enlisted. He is the first local soldier who has fallen in his country's cause and deep feelings of regret have been expressed by his large circle of friends.
Charles is also listed on the Koo Wee Rup Fallen Soldiers Memorial Hospital plaque, see here.
