Tynong Grove planted in honour of local Great War soldiers

A grove  'to honour the men who had gone from the district to the Great War' was planted at the Tynong State School to celebrate Arbor Day on July 6, 1917.  There was a report on this event in the Dandenong Advertiser of July 12, 1917.   You can read the full report here and it is transcribed  below.  The same day this grove was planted, trees were also planted at the Cardinia State School in honour of local soldiers, you can read about this here.

Part of the article, transcribed below, about the planting of the Tynong Grove

Dandenong Advertiser of July 12, 1917. https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/88658717

 The Arbor Day proceedings at the school were marked by the planting of a grove in honor of the men who have gone from the district to the Great War. Mr. W. S. Keast, M.L.A. attended, and was welcomed on behalf of the residents by Mr T. W. Cunningham, chairman of the School Committee and President of the Progress Association. Mr Keast, in the course of his remarks, said that he was pleased and proud to be present on the occasion. Nothing was too good for the men who had gone to fight the Empire's battles, and it would be the duty of the Federal and State Government to do the best possible for them. He had been pleased to learn how well the pupils of the school had been working for the War Relief Funds, and to show his appreciation of their efforts he would be pleased to forward a cheque for a pound, and another for a similar amount when the school fund reached 100 pounds.  He recognised also the splendid work being done by the ladies of the Red Cross Societies. It was the first time he had been present on an occasion such as this, and he was pleased to pronounce the first acre of the grove well and truly planted. 

Mr T. Gleeson, in proposing a vote, of thanks to Mr Keast, mentioned his ever willingness to assist in all matters for the welfare of the district, and the appreciation of those present for his assistance on that day. Subsequently trees were planted to: Pte. E. Bullock, Pte. R. Brown, Pte. Bourke, Trooper Coombs, Pte. L. Doherty, Pte. F. Doherty, Corporal L. Gordon, Gunner Harris (killed in action), Pte. J. Hargraves, Pte. V. Jones, Pte. C. Lamb, Pte. Leeson, Trooper Madden, Ptes. P. and L. Orrocks (killed in action), Pte. L. Orde, Pte.W. Rowe, Pte. J. McQualter, Pte G. Rowley, Pte. J. Robinson, Pte. F. Snow, Corporal R. Thompson, Ptes. F. and A. Weatherhead, Pte. H. Wright, Pte. T. White, and Pte. T. Whiston. The fencing of the grove was nearly completed, whilst the School Committee and helpers also further improved the school ground by planting many trees and shrubs around its border, by fencing a portion for the children's ponies and a start was made at the pipe draining of the ground. During the day's program, a talk on local timbers was given by Mr H. Weatherhead, and Mr J.H. Lord of Bunyip gave a demonstration on tree-planting. After afternoon tea, which had thoughtfully been provided by the ladies, had been served, Mr D. Danson expressed the thanks of the committee to those who had attended and made the day's proceedings such a success.

Here is a first hand account of the planting out of the Memorial Grove, through the eyes of a seven year old -
Dave Danson, living at Tynong, writes:—
On Arbor Day, in the morning, we sang songs and the teacher told us about trees. Then the ladies came and gave us a jolly good spread. In the afternoon we planted a grove of trees for the soldiers who have gone from Tynong. Then we had our photos taken and had our tea. The men made a paddock for our horses. I am seven years of age, and in the third grade at school. We get "The Weekly Times" every week. (Weekly Times, October 6, 1917, see here)

The Tynong State School, No. 2854, opened May 1, 1905 in the Tynong Hall. It moved to the new site in Tynong Road in 1908, to a building which had been shifted from Cardinia. In April 1915, a new school building was opened. The School closed on April 14, 1951 as it became part of Pakenham Consolidated School. St Thomas Aquinas School now occupies the site of the Tynong State School. There was a previous school in Tynong, which operated part-time with Garfield, from August 1887 until 1892 and it was in the Mechanics' Institute.* I have written a short history of Tynong, here.

Some years ago a new memorial was erected in Tynong in memory of all the men and women from the Tynong area who served in the Boer War, the two World Wars and the Korean and Vietnam War.

Tynong War Memorial in honour of all conflicts.

Image: Heather Arnold, 2023

What follows is a list of the 27 men honoured with a tree, I have had mixed success in identifying them, so if you can help I would appreciate it. Of the 27, eleven were Killed in Action or Died of Wounds.  I have listed their Service Numbers (SN) so you can look up their full record on the National Archives of Australia www.naa.gov.au

Bourke  Listed as Private Bourke, I don't know who this is, but it is possible that he was connected to the Pakenham Bourkes -  Michael and Kitty Bourke who took up the 12,800 acre Mintons Run property in 1843 and in 1849 built the La Trobe Inn (also known as Bourke's Hotel for obvious reasons) on Toomuc Creek.

Brown, R.  I am not sure who this is, I cannot find a R. Brown with  a local connection.  There is a Richard Vincent Brown listed in the Electoral Roll at Tynong from 1916 to 1919 - his occupation is pensioner, so our soldier may be connected to him. 

Memorial card for Ernest Bullock

Australian War Memorial https://www.awm.gov.au/collection/C1220979

Bullock, Ernest (SN 6291) Ernest was nearly 21 and a farmer when he enlisted on July 7, 1916.  He was born in Murrumbeena and his next of kin was his mother, Mrs Mary Bullock, of Oakleigh. I assume that Ernest was living with his brother Thomas, who was a labourer from Garfield, who enlisted on the same day as Ernest.  Ernest was Killed in Action in France on October 4, 1918. Ernest and Thomas are also listed on the Garfield Honour Roll as well as the Clyde North State School Roll, where they attended school.  

Coombs, Henry Ernest (SN 4080) Henry enlisted on August 9, 1915 aged 18. His next of kin was his father, also called Henry, of Tynong and his mother was Inez (nee Ffrost). Henry Returned to Australian March 4, 1919.

Doherty, Edward Francis (SN 1218) Listed as F. Doherty on the memorial and known as Frank. Frank enlisted on March 9, 1915 at the age of 26. Frank was Killed in Action on August 4, 1916.
Doherty, Louis Michael (SN 12392). Louis enlisted at the age of 21 on July 17, 1915. Louis Returned to Australia in May 30, 1919. 

Frank and Louis were the sons of John and Bridget (nee Smith). John Doherty was a Veterinary Surgeon and they lived on Nine Mile Road, Tynong. Both of the men also had their occupation listed as farmer. The brothers are also listed on the Cora Lynn War Memorial.

Gordon, L Corporal   You would think Corporal L. Gordon would be easy to identify, but I  can't.  I have checked every Corporal Gordon in the Nominal Rolls and none have an obvious local connection. The only Gordon I could find in the area in the Electoral Rolls was a Duncan Gordon of Bunyip in the 1909 roll. 

Hargraves, J  Private Hargraves is another mystery. I cannot find a Hargraves with a local connection. There was a Edward and Mary Hargrave at Bunyip from 1903 to 1909 in the Electoral Rolls, but that's the closest Hargraves I could find to Tynong. 

Harris, Leo  (SN 3132)  Leo enlisted on July 20, 1915 at the age of 20 and he was a farm labourer. His next of kin was his mother,  Josephine Harris of Nar Nar Goon. Leo was Killed in Action, in France, on August 9, 1916 and his name also appears on the Nar Nar Goon Honor Roll (see here)

Gertie Brent's In Memoriam notice from The Age September 25, 1918

in honour of her fiance, Victor Jones.

Jones, Victor Herbert (SN 3150)  Victor was 27 when he enlisted on July 26, 1915. His occupation was 'engine cleaning', a Railway's job. His father and next of kin was William Jones of Moe who was a railway ganger, so working for the  Victorian Railways was  a family affair. As you can see from the article below, he was positioned at Tynong for some years. Victor was Killed in Action in Belgium on September 25, 1917. His will left his estate to his father and to his fiancee, Miss Gertie Brent of Tynong.   

Notice of the death of Victor Jones

Narracan Shire Advocate November 17, 1917 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article129625905

Lamb, Charles Hargrave (SN 3092)  Charles was the son Joseph and Annie Lamb. Joseph Lamb was listed in the 1909 and 1914 Electoral Rolls at Nar Nar Goon, his occupation was a boot maker. Charles,  a blacksmith, was 18 when he enlisted on December 4, 1914. He Returned to Australia in March 1916 to recover from a gun shot wound to the neck. He re-enlisted on  February 2, 1917 and was Killed in Action, in Belgium, on October 4, 1917. When he enlisted in 1917, his father was deceased and his mother, Annie, lived in East Brunswick. Charles is also listed on the Nar Nar Goon Honour Board (see here)

Leeson Private Leeson could be either Robert Leeson or William Leeson, the sons of Phillip and Amelia (nee Ransom) Leeson of Garfield. Robert and William’s grandmother, Kathleen Leeson, was the licensee of the Pig & Whistle Hotel on Cannibal Creek.
Leeson, Robert Victor (SN 2589) Robert enlisted in Melbourne, at 20 years of age, on June 30, 1916. Robert Returned to Australia on December 18, 1918.
Leeson, William Herbert Charles (SN 1178) William enlisted at Tynong on September 26, 1914, aged 24. William was Killed in Action on  May 2, 1915 at Gallipoli.
William is listed on the Bunyip War Memorial and he and Robert are on the Garfield State School Honour Roll.

Madden, Trooper Trooper Madden could be either Frank or Thomas Madden. They are the sons of Thomas and Grace (nee Cook) Madden of Nar Nar Goon, although they are later listed at 9 Caroline Street, Clifton Hill. There is also a Thomas Madden in the 1914 Electoral Roll listed at Tynong on 1914 so clearly they lived somewhere between the two towns. Frank and Thomas were both wool sorters by occupation.
Madden, Frank (SN 1798) Frank enlisted on January 13, 1915 at the age of 19. Frank was awarded the Military Medal and he Returned to Australia on April 8, 1919.
Madden, Thomas William (SN 2232) Thomas' address on the Embarkation Roll is Nar Nar Goon, and he was 25 years old when he enlisted on April 1, 1916. He Died of Wounds on October 17, 1917 in Belgium.

The brothers are also listed on the Nar Nar Goon Honor Board (see here).

McQualter, John Hughes (SN 3199) John enlisted on December 18, 1916 aged 23. His wife, Ellen (nee Watt) was listed as his next of kin. They lived at Tynong.  John Returned to Australia on July 8, 1919. John  was granted a Soldier Settlement farm after the war, you can read his file here. 

Ord, Albert Leslie (SN 3889) Listed as L.Orde in the newspaper report. Albert enlisted on August 7, 1915. He was 22 years old and  a labourer.  He was the son of Frederick Thomas and Margaret (nee Leishman or Leichman) Ord. Their address on Albert's Attestation papers was Nar Nar Goon, however they were at Tynong in the 1914 Electoral Rolls. Albert Died of Wounds in France on September 25, 1916 - he was accidentally shot in the hip by another soldier who was cleaning his gun. Albert's Roll of Honour Circular at the Australian War Memorial said that he attended Tynong State School.  Albert is also listed on the Nar Nar Goon Honor Board (see here).

Orrock, Harold Augustus Alexander (Alex) (SN 552)

Orrock, Percy Newton (SN 3580)
Percy and Alex were the sons of David and Emma Orrock of Tynong and were sadly killed within three months of each other. Alex was 20 when he enlisted on March 3, 1916, he was a farm labourer and was Killed in Action on April 22, 1917. Percy was a 28 year old Grocers Assistant when he enlisted on July 16, 1915. Corporal Orrock was Killed in Action on February 8, 1917.

Notice of the deaths of Harold and Percy Orrock

Mount Wycheproof Ensign and East Wimmera Advocate May 18, 1917 

  http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article154455039

Robinson, John Richard (SN 2304)  John enlisted at the age of 22 on July 7, 1915. His occupation was listed as an 'Agent'.  His next of kin was his guardian, Mrs Hollingsworth of Tynong. John married Elizabeth Maskell on November 29, 1918 when he was in England and the Returned to Australia April 27, 1919.  Mrs Hollingsworth was, I believe, Julia Hollingsworth, listed in the Electoral Rolls as a storekeeper.

Rowe, W.  Private W. Rowe is on the list but I can't work out who he is - there are number of W. Rowes with a Gippsland connection but no-one with a specific Tynong connection. There is a William Rowe in the Shire of Berwick Rate Books listed at Tynong, occupation farmer, around 1914;  a F.H. Rowe of Tynong  wrote  a letter to the Berwick Shire in September 1916 complaining about drainage - so Private Rowe may well be connected to either of these men. W. Rowe is also listed on the Nar Nar Goon Honour Board (see here).

Rowley, George Albert  (SN 1989)  George was a 23 year old labourer and he enlisted on March 11, 1916. His next of kin was his father,  Joseph, of Tynong.  George Returned to Australia April 19, 1919 and was granted a Soldier Settlement farm, you can read his file, here.

Snow, F.  I can't find a Snow with a local connection. 

Thompson, Robert Henry (SN 664)  Robert enlisted on December 16, 1916 at the age of 27, he was a fireman with the Victorian Railways. His next of kin was his father, Samuel, of Tynong.  Corporal Thompson Returned to Australia January 30 1918 and was discharged on medical grounds (rheumatism) in May 1918. 

Alf Weatherhead, taken in 1915

Image: Rouse family collection

Weatherhead, Alfred (SN 1005)

Weatherhead, Frank (SN 6960)
Alf and Frank were the sons of Horatio and Eleanor (nee Hunt) Weatherhead. In 1908, Horatio took up the lease, for saw milling purposes, of 2,000 acres at Tynong North and in December 1909 he built a mill at Wild Dog Creek, the east branch of Cannibal Creek. The family had previously lived in Lyonville. Frank enlisted on July 8 1915 at the age of 22 and Returned to Australia on January 14, 1919. Alf enlisted at the age of 19 on February 13, 1915 and Returned to Australia March 17, 1919. Frank and Alf are my great uncles, brothers of my Grandma, Eva Rouse (nee Weatherhead).

Frank Weatherhead, in Edinburgh, 1917

Image: Rouse family collection

Whiston, Julian Thomas (SN 3526) I assume that T. Whiston is Julian Thomas Whiston, presumably called Thomas, so that's what we will call him. Thomas, a farmer,  enlisted on August 7 1915 aged 18. Thomas Died of Wounds on March 21, 1918. Thomas had two brothers who also enlisted Frederick (SN 3524) and John (SN 3525) - they were  the sons of Fred Whiston of Cora Lynn. Thomas and Fred are also listed on the Bunyip War Memorial.

Julian Thomas Whiston

Australian War Memorial https://www.awm.gov.au/collection/C1115272

White, T  I am unsure who this is. There was a Robert Anthony White listed in the Electoral Roll at Tynong in 1914 so this man may possibly have  a connection to  Private White, but I don't know. 

Wright, H  This is possibly Harold Sidney Wright (SN 6407) I say this because he enlisted at Warragul on October 24, 1916 as a 22 year old and his occupation was an orchardist - and there were orchards close by at Garfield, however his address was listed as Mooroolbark on his enlistment papers. His next of kin was his father who lived in England. Harold Returned to Australia June 4, 1919. If it isn't Harold, then H. Wright may have some connection to William Wright, Railway Employee, who was listed in the 1915 Electoral Roll as living at Bunyip; an Elizabeth Wright was also listed. 

* School information from Vision and Realisation : a centenary history of State Education in Victoria, edited by L.J. Blake. Published by the Education Department of Victoria, 1973.

A version of this story, which I wrote and researched, appears on my work blog, Casey Cardinia Commemorates: Our War Years It has also been published in the Garfield Spectator.

Iona World War One Honor Board

The Iona Honor Board is at Columba Hall, at St Joseph's Catholic Church at Iona. It was originally at the Mechanics' Institute / Pioneers' Hall. The Hall which opened April 26, 1895,  was demolished maybe in the 1940s, I believe. I have written about the Hall, here. The Honor Board was then re-located to the Iona State School. The School closed in December 1993 and the Honor Board eventually moved again, this time to the Columba Hall. I don't have a date for the unveiling of the Honor Board.

Pioneers' Hall, Iona. 

The Advocate November 16, 1922 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-page20363246

The very elegant Iona Honor Board

Image: Heather Arnold

I have done some research into the forty five soldiers on the Iona Honor Board and found six more soldiers with an Iona connection and they are all listed here, along with same basic information and their Service Number (SN) so you can look up their full service record on the National Archives website (www.naa.gov.au).

I have used two books by Denise Nest in the preparation of this post - On the Edge of the Swamp: a history of the Iona Primary School, No. 3201, 1894 - 1994 (1) and Call of the Bunyip: a history of Bunyip, Iona and Tonimbuk, 1847 - 1990 (2).

Bailey, William Stephen (SN 3771) William enlisted on July 19, 1915. He was born in Kilmore and was a 30 year old farmer and his wife, Annie, was his next of kin and her address was North Melbourne. William was Killed in Action in France on May 3, 1917; he left behind three children Jean, John and Henry. It took me a while to work out who this W. Bailey was and then I read about the Baillee family in the Call of the Bunyip by Denise Nest. Mrs Nest writes - Thomas Baillee was born in County Cork, Ireland, and came to Australia aged seven years, with his parents Thomas and Hannah, brother Dan and sisters, Lucy and Helena....After a few years in Melbourne where a daughter, Kate was born, the family moved to Kilmore where three more children, Bill, Joe and Walter were born. Bill died in France in 1916.  It was Thomas and his wife Rose and their family that moved to Iona in 1908, where he operated a blacksmiths shop.
Why did Bill spell his name as Bailey and not Baillee? I don't know. Did he ever live in Iona? I don't know. Am I sure that the Bill Baillee who died in France is the W. Bailey on the Iona Honour Roll? No, but I cannot find a better alternative.

Black, Charles Frederick (SN 10586) Charles' address on the Embarkation Rolls is Iona and he enlisted on July 17, 1915 at the age of 39, his occupation was Ship Steward. This is not a occupation that I would have thought could have been carried out in Iona. His next of kin was his father who lived in England. Charles was discharged October 18, 1915 for 'larceny of Government property' then rejoined two days later and was discharged August 25, 1919 whilst still in England. Charles is one of the six soldiers in this post who is not on the Honor Board.

Report of Artur Bolger's death

Bunyip Free Press June 3, 1915 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article129631431

Bolger, Arthur Ernest  (1338)  Arthur was a 21 year old labourer, working at Mr Schmutter's farm at Iona,  when he enlisted on November 2, 1914. His next of kin was his foster mother, Charlotte Bolger, of the Ragged Boys Home at Frankston. Her occupation at the time according to the Electoral Roll was Matron and she later moved to Richmond. Arthur was Killed in Action at Gallipoli on April 27, 1915. Mrs Bolger wrote the Army a letter in 1920 saying that Arthur had been in my care from the age of 6 weeks and was adopted by me and I have not seen either his father or mother since that time and have no knowledge of them whatsoever and he has neither brothers or sisters. In an interesting twist, Private Bolger's war medals were found amongst the property of  an 'old Age pensioner' John James Patterson when he died at the Corowa Hospital in 1935 and the Public Trustees were seeking to locate someone to give them to. Perhaps, Mr Patterson was a friend of Mrs Bolgers. I don't know. Arthur is one of the six soldiers in this post who is not on the Honor Board.

Letter written by Charlotte Bolger about her son, Arthur.

National Archives of Australia www.naa.gov.au

First Australian Imperial Force Personnel Dossiers, 1914-1920

Bolger, William Joseph  (SN 1784) William (listed as Joseph on the Embarkation Roll) was born in Footscray and his brother, Patrick, who was his next of kin, was also in Footscray. They were the sons of Michael Bolger and Mary Dowling. William enlisted on July 17, 1915 at the age of 26  and was Killed in Action in France on March 23, 1917. Was there any connection between Arthur and William? Once again, I don't know.

Clarkin, William (SN 1522). William was the fifth child of John and Elizabeth (nee Moore) Clarkin. They had eight children - John (1886), Mary (1887-1888), James (1889), Catherine (1891), William (1894), Margaret (1896), Mary (1899) and Ada (1902). John died in 1902, aged 55, leaving Mrs Clarkin with a young family to look after. William enlisted at Tynong on December 7, 1914 at the age of 21; his next of kin was his eldest brother, John Clarkin of Garfield. William fought at Gallipoli where he was shot in the chest and bayonetted in the leg. He recovered and was serving in France when he was officially  reported as missing in August 1916 but had actually died of wounds as a Prisoner of War at Caudrey in Germany on August 26, 1916.  William is also listed on the Bunyip War Memorial and on the Cora Lynn War Memorial, and I have more details about the family there. 

Crudden, Thomas  (SN 15)  Thomas was born in Scotland and was 31 when he enlisted on October 7 1914. His next of kin was his mother, Mrs Crudden, of Iona. He Returned to Australia on December 23, 1918. Thomas was a Soldier Settler - you can read his full record here on the Public Records Office of Victoria website. 

Curtain, William Patrick (SN 1701) William was 23, a farm labourer, and he enlisted on May 20 1915. His next of kin was his father, John, of Iona.  He was awarded the Military Medal and Returned to Australia August 1, 1919.

Daw, Charles Henry (SN 4091) Charles was a 22 year old farmer when he enlisted on January 11, 1916. He Returned to Australia on May 15, 1919.
Daw, Christopher (SN 1372) Christopher enlisted on August 2, 1915 at the age of 26. He was a Labourer. He Returned to Australia on July 5, 1919.
Charles and Christopher had their mother, Mrs Margaret Eaton, of Iona as their next of kin.

Dawes, Albert (SN 736) Albert was a 24 year old carpenter when he enlisted on October 20, 1914. His next of kin was listed as 'Father and Mother' Kirwan's Post Office, via Garfield and as 'Mr Dawes' on the Embarkation Roll. He sustained a bullet wound in the left wrist and Returned to Australia on February 9, 1916 for a medical discharge. Albert was a Soldier Settler - you can read his file on the Public Records Office of Victoria website here.
Dawes, Clifford Gordon (SN 5086) Clifford was an 18 year old farmer when he enlisted on January 26, 1916. His next of kin was his father, Alfred, of Iona. He Returned to Australia on July 21, 1917 for a medical discharge - 'Gun shot wounds multiple' was the reason.
Dawes, Gladstone (SN 4178) Gladstone enlisted on July 20 1915 aged 18. His next of kin was his mother, Mrs A. Dawes of Iona, and his father was listed as Alfred Dawes, Senior. Gladstone was Killed in Action in France on June 17, 1918. Gladstone is also listed on the Bunyip War Memorial.
Dawes, Victor (SN 3080) Victor enlisted on July 20, 1915 aged 21 and his next of kin was his mother, Mrs Elizabeth Dawes of Garfield. He Returned to Australia on July 3, 1919.
Dawes, Walter (SN 4093) Walter enlisted on January 10, 1916. He was a 22 year old carpenter and his next of kin was his father, Albert. Albert's address was Kirwan's Post Office, via Garfield. Walter Returned to Australia June 4, 1919.

Gladstone Morgan Dawes, standing.  

Photo possibly taken in Egypt. The  two seated soldiers are said to be Gladstone's cousins perhaps  Raymond Oswald Dawes (SN 430) and Edmond Withers Dawes (SN 2368)

https://discoveringanzacs.naa.gov.au

Alfred and Elizabeth (nee Morgan) Dawes are listed in the Electoral Roll in 1914 at Iona. Were these boys brothers? According to the Indexes to the Victoria Births, Deaths and Marriages - Albert was born with the surname Morgan in 1890 to Louise Morgan, unknown father, but the middle name was Dawes, so that's a clue. When he died in 1962 he had Dawes as a surname, Alfred Henry as the father and Louise Morgan as his mother.
Walter was born in Richmond in 1893 as Walter George Dawes Morgan to Louise Morgan, no father listed.
Victor was born in 1896 at Bunyip South (old name for Iona), with Dawes as the surname, to Alfred Dawes and Elizabeth Morgan.
Gladstone was born with Morgan as the surname in 1898 to Louise Morgan, father unknown. Clifford was also born in 1898 with Morgan as the surname to Frances Morgan and unknown father, however when he died in 1972 he was listed as a Dawes, father Alfred and mother Elizabeth Morgan.
So what does all this tell us? I believe they were raised as brothers. However, there are a few unanswered questions such as - was Elizabeth also known as Louise and/or Frances? Why was the third child registered as a Dawes but the two born in 1898 registered as Morgans - or were Louise and Frances Morgan relatives of Elizabeth and she took the three boys in and raised them with her only child Victor? I don't know.

Donald, Arnold James (SN 6000A) Arnold was 27 when he enlisted on March 30 1916. He served in France where he was Wounded in Action in May 1917. Arnold Returned to Australia on April 5, 1918 and was medically discharged in the July.
Donald, Henry Gordon (SN 6001A) Henry enlisted on the same day as his brother, Arnold, above. He was a 21 year old farmer. Henry was Killed in Action in Belgium sometime between June 7 and June 9, 1917.
Arnold and Henry were the sons of Charles and Elizabeth (nee Nairn) Donald of Garfield.

Doran, F  Mr Doran did not survive the War so I would have thought it would not be difficult to work out who this is, but I cannot. I have found a number of connections between Dorans and Iona - according to the book On the Edge of the Swamp: a history of the Iona Primary School - May, Elizabeth, Fred, Henry, James, Patrick and Violet Doran attended the school in the 1890s/1900s, so I presume that Fred is our man. There is a Michael Doran, farmer, at Bunyip South / Iona in the Electoral Rolls from 1909 to 1913 and in 1914 there is a Frederick Joseph Doran, labourer, at Iona. There are no Dorans listed in the 1916 Electoral Roll. I cannot find a Doran in the Roll of Honour that had a connection to the local area, so another mystery.

Duckett, James Percy  (SN 2164)  James enlisted on February 3 1916, he was a 25 year old farmer and his next of kin was his brother who lived in England. James served overseas but Returned to Australia on December 21, 1917 and medically discharged in March 1918. He suffered from a number of conditions including 'infection and strain' and 'mitral systelic murmer' and 'dyspnoea on exertion'  John Percy Duckett is listed in the 1917 Electoral Roll at Iona,  his occupation was labourer. He had previously lived in Gormadale and attended a 'welcome home' there in September 1918.

Private Duckett attended a welcome home in his old town of Gormandale.

Traralgon Record September 6, 1918. https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/67484065#

Fitzgerald, Daniel (SN 3312)

Fitzgerald, David William (SN 37563)

Fitzgerald, John Lawrence (SN 2474)
Fitzgerald, Maurice (SN 6488)
John was 24 when he enlisted on July 15, 1915 and Daniel was 21 when he enlisted on October 5, 1914. John was Killed in Action on July 19, 1916 and Daniel Died of Wounds exactly three years after he enlisted on October 5, 1917. David enlisted on February 24, 1917 at the age of 21. He Returned to Australia April 10, 1919. Maurice served in the Navy, signing up on April 3, 1918 at the age of 18. These boys are the sons of David and Margaret Fitzgerald of Iona. The family arrived in the area in 1893. The Call of the Bunyip book says that both John and Dan were involved in cycling and Maurice took up the sport with gusto after the War, he used the name Jack, in honour of his brother. There is a a great article in the Sporting Globe of May 1, 1929 about Maurice's career, read it here. Daniel and John are also listed on the Bunyip War Memorial.

Fraser, Donald John,(SN 5074) Donald was born in Morwell and was 22 when he enlisted on October 15, 1914. His next of kin was his father, John Fraser, of Bunyip. Donald Returned to Australia December 14, 1918.

Green, Francis Regis (SN 6013) Francis enlisted on April 17, 1916 at the age of 20, his occupation was a farmer. Francis was Killed in Action in France on May 12, 1917.Francis is also listed on the Bunyip War Memorial.
Green, Thomas Cole (SN 2421) Thomas was a 28 year old Commission Agent who enlisted on April 11, 1916. Thomas Returned to Australia May 6, 1919. Francis and Thomas were brothers, their next of kin was their mother, Catherine, of Iona. Her address was later changed to Kirwan's Post Office, Garfield, this was later changed to Vervale (same place, different name).

Gully, James (SN 1167 SN sometimes indexed as 1147) James enlisted on September 28, 1914 at the age of 32. He was a miner. His next of kin was his father, Harry, of Bunyip. James Returned to Australia December 3, 1918, for 'Special Leave' and was discharged on medical grounds in March 1919 - having been wounded with gun shot in the shoulder and later wounded in the left thigh. What was his connection to Iona?  Even though his father's address was Bunyip on the enlistment paper, in the 1914 Electoral Roll his address is Iona. Plus the Bunyip Free Press of June 10, 1915 associated him with Iona, so that's good enough for us. James is one of the six soldiers in this post who is not on the Honor Board.

Notice that Privates Clarkin and Gully of Iona have been wounded.

Bunyip Free Press June 10, 1915 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article129630559

Gunn, Archibald (SN 265) Archibald enlisted on August 19, 1914, he was a 23 year old farmer and his next of kin was his father, Daniel, of Iona. In July 1918 he suffered a severe gun shot wound to the left thigh and Returned to Australia November 20, 1918.  Archibald is one of the six soldiers in this post who is not on the Honor Board.

Hardy, W  I cannot find a Hardy who enlisted with a connection to the local area - or any Hardy family with a connection to Iona - so Mr Hardy is a mystery.

Harrold, Reginald Clarke (SN 26) Reginald was a 36 year old farmer from Iona when he enlisted on August 22, 1914. His next of kin was his wife, Mary, whose address was Somerset in England. Reginald Returned to Australia October 8, 1919. Reginald is one of the six soldiers in this post who is not on the Honor Board.

Hopgood, Arthur Norman (SN 208)  Arthur was a 20 year old brass finisher when he enlisted on August 17, 1914. His next of kin was G. Hopgood of Lygon Street in Carlton. Arthur Returned to Australia on October 23, 1918. What was his connection to Iona?  On March 14, 1919 he changed his address to Iona and he is listed in the 1919 Electoral Roll at Iona, his occupation is a farmer. Arthur was granted  a Soldier Settlement farm at Bunyip, you can read his file, here, on the Public Records Office of Victoria website.

Kelly, William Vincent (SN 3832) William enlisted on August 20, 1917. He was a 21 year old labourer and his father, William, of Iona was his next of kin. William Returned to Australia November 15, 1918. William was granted  a Soldier Settlement farm at Iona. You can read his file, here, on the Public Records Office of Victoria  website.

Knight, Harold Thomas  (SN 26780) Harold, was born in England, and enlisted on February 1, 1916, he was a 25 year old painter and his next of kin was his wife, Florence, of Iona. Harold Returned to Australia August 22, 1919.

Larsen, Olaf (SN 2404) Olaf was born in Bunyip and was a 21 year old sawmill hand when he enlisted on April 28, 1915. His next of kin was an aunt who lived in Port Melbourne. He suffered a severe gun shot wound to the face in November 1917 and Returned to Australia March 16, 1918.

Llewellyn, Charles Jatho  (SN 2197) Charles enlisted on November 21, 1916 at the age of 24. He was a farm labourer from Bunyip. Charles married Rosa Youdell in England on June 25, 1918 and the couple, along with their two children, Returned to Australia December 22, 1919 and arrived in Melbourne on February 5, 1920. Charles was granted a Soldier Settlement Farm, at Vervale, you can read his file, here on the Public Records Office of Victoria website.

Mannix, Patrick  (SN 4754) Patrick was 32 and a Repairer on the railways, when he enlisted on February 17, 1916. His next of kin was his wife, Daisy, of Garfield. Patrick Returned to Australia May 4, 1917 and was discharged on medical grounds - Fibrosis Lungs.

Maybury, Albert Walter (SN 3075)  Albert enlisted on July 12, 1915. His next of kin was his father W.M Maybury, of Iona. Albert Returned to Australia on August 24, 1918 and was medically discharged in the November. He had a severe gun shot wound to the left shoulder,  which required amputation of the arm.

Albert Maybury died from a fall when he was 50, he had been working as a liftman. It was a sad end and I hope he had some happiness in his life.

The Herald April 29, 1940.  http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article245081644

McAllister, Andrew James (SN 2702) Andrew was a 35 farmer when he enlisted on August 4, 1916. His address was Iona and his next of kin was his sister, Minnie Sinclair, also of Iona. He Returned to Australia July 16, 1917 and was discharged on medical grounds 'mitral incompetency' in October 1917.

McDonald, William Michael (SN 3192) William enlisted on July 16, 1915 at the age of 21.  His next of kin was his mother of Preston. William Died of Wounds on May 8, 1917 - he had a gun shot wound right knee and haemorrhage and sepsis. What is William's connection to Iona? I don't know, I don't even know if I have the correct W.M. McDonald. He was, however, a cheese maker by occupation and thus could have been working in a local cheese factory, such as the one at Cora Lynn.  There was a Allan Walter McDonald (he was a farmer) and Jessie McDonald in the Electoral Roll at Garfield in 1914, and Allan (SN 2474) enlisted on March 3, 1916, when he was 40 years old. Allan Died of Wounds received whist fighting in France, on March 28, 1917.  Allan is listed on the Bunyip War Memorial as well, but would A.W. McDonald be mistaken for W.M McDonald?

McGrath, Patrick (SN 51412)   Patrick enlisted on September 14, 1917 aged 28. His next of kin was his father, Michael, of Garfield.  He went overseas and in November 1918 was charged with unlawfully entering property and he was court martialled and sentenced to two years jail. He was released from prison in June 1919 and Returned to Australia July 8, 1919.

McRae, Eric Douglas (SN 3872a)  Eric was a 23 year old cheese factory manager  at Iona when he enlisted on  July 7, 1915.  His next of kin was his father, Christopher McRae of Bacchus Marsh. He was Killed in Action in Belgium on October 4, 1917.

McTighe, Thomas Francis  (SN 9346) Thomas was a 'motor bus driver mechanic' an unusual occupation for the time and he was 28 when he enlisted on July 7, 1915. His next of kin was his mother, Sarah, of Iona. Thomas Returned to Australia June 4, 1919.  Thomas is one of the six soldiers in this post who is not on the Honor Board.

Milligan, Joseph Lewellen (SN 5376)  Joseph was born in 1897 in Bunyip South (now called Iona) to James and Catherine (nee Hopkins) Milligan. He was the last of their ten children and the only one born locally - the others were - James (1875), Charles (1877), William (1880), Francis (1881), John (1883), Frederick (1885), Susan (1887), Catherine (1888), Thomas (1891) and then Joseph.  He enlisted at the age of 21 on March 8, 1916, his occupation was a farm hand, and his address was Cora Lynn. Joseph was Killed in Action on February 23, 1917. Joseph is also on the Bunyip War Memorial and the  Cora Lynn War Memorial and I have more details about the family there. 

Murdoch, Arthur Charles (SN 2634).  Arthur was born at Iona but was living in Brighton at the time of his enlistment on October 29, 1917. He was 19 years old and a motor driver. Arthur Returned to Australia August 22, 1919. Arthur was the oldest of the nine children of George Petrie Murdoch and his wife Emma Parker and he died in 1984, aged 85.  George established the Cora Lynn store in 1907 and owned it until 1922; you can read about this and the Murdoch family here.  Arthur is also on the Cora Lynn War Memorial.

O'Neill, E  According to the book On the Edge of the Swamp: a history of the Iona Primary School, there was an Edward, Daniel and Joseph O'Neil at the Iona State School in the 1890s. In 1908,  a Michael O'Neil is on the Electoral Roll at Iona, he is a farmer. I believe that Edward who was at the State School is the man on the Honour Board, but I cannot find an O'Neil, O'Neill or an O'Neal who enlisted with  a local connection.

Paul, Thomas (SN 2878)  Thomas Paul is listed in the 1914 at Iona, occupation is labourer. There are four men named Thomas Paul who enlisted but I believe our man is Thomas who was a 28 year old farmer when he enlisted on July 21, 1915. Thomas was born in England and his next of kin was his mother, who lived in Liverpool in England. Thomas Returned to Australia in September 1917 and was discharged on medical grounds - gunshot wound left arm.

Pratt, Percy (SN 12369/7894) Percy was born in England and was living at Garfield, according to the Embarkation rolls,  when he enlisted on April 15, 1915 at the age of 26. He appears to have two enlistment records and one of them has his address as C/O Miss  De Lacy Evans (3) of Vervale, via Garfield. His occupation was ‘sheep station hand’.  Lance Corporal Pratt received the Military Medal in July 1917 and the Bar in February 1918. He Returned to Australia on April 5, 1919. Percy was granted a Soldier Settlement at at Garfield, you can read his file, here, on the Public Records Office of Victoria website.

Letter showing Percy Pratt's address as C/O Miss D. Lacy-Evans, 'Vervalac', Vervale, Via Garfield.

National Archives of Australia www.naa.gov.au

First Australian Imperial Force Personnel Dossiers, 1914-1920

Percy Pratt and Miss Grace De Lacy Evans married on June 24, 1919 at 'Vervalac'

The Age July 12, 1919.  http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article202441556

Rogers, Llewellyn Edward (SN 2537) Llewellyn enlisted on June 6, 1916. He was a 38 year old farmer and his next of kin was his mother, Elizabeth, of Iona. Llewellyn Returned to Australia August 1, 1919.

Schmutter, William (SN 21937) The Honor board entry is listed as Schmutter and there are only two Schmutters who enlisted, both from Sydney. There is however, a William Smutter who enlisted at the age of 44 (hence born c. 1872) on January 27, 1916. He was a bricklayer and his next of kin was his wife, Mary, of Malvern.  William Returned to Australia January 1918 and was discharged on medical grounds on April 8, 1918 - 'casualty senility.' 

The 1914 Electoral Roll has a William Schmutter, farmer, and a Mary Ann Schmutter of Iona listed. This William died in 1932, aged 74, thus born c. 1858. Would he have enlisted at the age of 58? I have come across other chaps who were in their 50s when they enlisted, so more than  possible and 44 was the upper age limit, that's why they said they were that age.  There is also  a William Schmutter, Junior, farmer and a Mary Ann Schmutter, of Bunyip South listed. William the younger was born in 1882, and there would be no reason for him to add ten years to his age to enlist. So, in spite of the different spelling, the incorrect ages and occupation, I believe our William Smutter is one of the William Schmutters in the Electoral Roll - Senior or Junior - I cannot say. 

To add to the confusion, in the death notice of William the elder, his son Jack is listed as 'late A.I.F.' This is George John 'Jack' Schmutter, but I cannot find any enlistment papers for him, and why isn't he on the Honour Board, as he lived in the area until around 1950. I have written about George /Jack here. Or does the phrase 'late A.I.F.' actually apply to William himself and he did actually enlist at 58 years of age? 

William Schmutter's death notice 

The Age, March 24, 1932, https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/205096553

Sheahan, T   There is a Timothy and  Mary Ann Sheahan in the 1909 Electoral Roll at Bunyip - he is a farmer; in the same roll there is also a Daniel Sheahan, Hotel Manager at Garfield. In 1912 and 1914 Mary Ann, Timothy Michael and Michael Patrick are in the Electoral Roll at Iona - the men are listed as farmers. In 1918 we have Mary Ann, Daniel, Michael Patrick and Timothy Michael at Iona and Thomas John Sheahan at Bunyip. In spite of all these leads I cannot find a Sheahan or a Sheehan who served with a local connection.

Slattery, Gerald Malyon   (SN 272) Gerald was born in Castlemaine and was 26 years old when he enlisted on March 15, 1915. His occupation on his enlistment papers was butter maker and the 1914 Electoral Rolls show he was living at Iona and his occupation was Creamery Manager. Gerald was Killed in Action in France on July 19, 1916. Gerald is also on the Bunyip War Memorial.

Watson, Albert (SN 3664) Albert was a 'Manager, General Store' when he enlisted at the age of 22 on August 25, 1915. He Died of Wounds March 9, 1918. Albert was the son of Jessie Adamson of Garfield. His Will stated that he would leave his estate to his mother or is she predeceased him, his sister Mrs F. Gross of Garfield. He also left 50 pounds to his niece, Agnes Ritchie. Mrs F. Gross was Elsie May Watson who married Gottfried Gross in 1905. Albert's mother Jessie was born Jessie Ritchie.

Whiston, J  This is either Julian Thomas (SN 3526)  or John Ernest (SN 3525)  They were the sons of Fred Whiston of Cora Lynn. Julian's place of birth was listed as  'Bunyip Swamp' and he was 18 when he enlisted on August 7, 1915. John was born in Port Adelaide in South Australia and was 26 when he enlisted. on the same day as his brother.  Julian Died of Wounds received on March 21, 1918. John Returned to Australia on May 21, 1916 and was discharged on medical grounds in the August  suffering from 'Otitis Media mild' or deafness. Julian and his brother, Frederick, are on the Bunyip War Memorial, see the entry here. There is also a T. Whiston listed in a newspaper article about a Memorial  Grove  being planted at Tynong, see here. I can only assume that Julian may have been know by his middle name, Thomas, and the entry refers to him.

Footnotes
(1) On the edge of the swamp: a history of the Iona Primary School No. 3201 1894-1994 by Denise M. Nest ( Iona Primary School Back-To-Committee, 1994)
(2) Call of the Bunyip: a history of Bunyip, Iona and Tonimbuk, 1847 - 1990 by Denise Nest (Bunyip History Committee, 1990)
(3) My family has an interesting connection to Miss Grace De Lacy Evans, as my grandparents named their dog, Delacy, after her. They thought it was a nice name and it was meant as a compliment. You can see a photo Delacy, here.

A version of this story, which I wrote and researched,  appears on my work blog, Casey Cardinia Commemorates: Our War Years and it has also been published in the Koo Wee Rup Blackfish and Garfield Spectator.

Koo Wee Rup Memorial Hospital plaque

On May 23, 1923 the Fallen Soldiers Memorial Hospital was opened in Station Street, Koo Wee Rup, by the Shire President, Cr E.Simpson Hill. The Hospital could accommodate medical, surgical and midwifery patients. The town was previously served by a Bush Nurse. From 1911, Bush Nursing Centres were established in country towns. The Bush Nursing movement provided a country town with a qualified, experienced Nurse and the local community had to raise the money to fund the cost of the nurse’s salary, board, uniform and transport. At Koo Wee Rup, the Bush Nursing Centre opened in July 1918, the first nurse being Nurse Ellen Amelia Homewood, who had previously been at Cowangie. The nurse treated patients in their home. In 1921, a Nurses Cottage was built by the community, which provided accommodation for the Nurse, up to two midwifery patients and  a consultation room (more on this Cottage, here). The Fallen Soldiers Hospital was replaced by the Western Port Memorial Hospital, which was built in Rossiter Road and opened December 4, 1955. 

The Fallen Soldiers Memorial Hospital in Koo Wee Rup, 1923.

Photo: Koo Wee Rup Swamp Historical Society collection.

When the Fallen Soldiers Memorial Hospital was opened, a plaque was unveiled to honour the 'fallen soldiers' and this plaque is now at the old hospital now known as the Koo Wee Rup Regional Health Centre.

The Memorial Plaque

Image: Heather Arnold

Who were these soldiers? What follows is a list of the soldiers with their Service Number (SN) so you can look up their full service record on the National Archives of Australia website, www.naa.gov.au

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 plaque. 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.

Death notice of David Bethune

The Australasian September 14, 1918 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article140211904

Bethune, David Gordon   (SN 1504)  David enlisted on March 22, 1916 at the age of 25. He was a blacksmith and his father was John Bethune of Koo Wee Rup. David was Killed in Action in France on August 22, 1918.

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. Mrs H. Davies is I believe, Helen Davies (nee Mathison), listed in the Electoral Rolls at Koo Wee Rup along with her daughter Elizabeth Myra Davies (born 1891)

Bryan, Edward John (SN 1128) Listed as J. Bryant on the plaque, 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 Memorial plaque.

This is from The Age, published under the heading Careers of the Fallen and has two references to Thomas Bryan/Bryant.

The Age August 10, 1915. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article154996613

This article, above,  shows why there may be some confusion between the names - two Thomas Bryans/Bryants from the Pakenham region. But the article does confirm that Thomas Bryant (who I actually believe was a Bryan) was from the Koo Wee Rup Swamp so that confirms the Koo Wee Rup connection. It is interesting that the father was not listed in the article.

Callanan, Michael Joseph (SN 2583) Michael enlisted on June 24 1915, he was 24 and the son of John and Lizzie Callanan of Koo Wee Rup. He had attended Five Mile (Koo Wee Rup North) State School.  Michael Died of Wounds received in France, on December 3, 1917.

Lawrence Coates and unnamed woman, looks like his sister.

Photographer: Darge Photographic Company. 

Australian War Memorial https://www.awm.gov.au/collection/C1064853

Coates, Lawrence (SN 2623) Lawrence was born in Koo Wee Rup, the son of Lawrence and Mary 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 Yannathan State School Honour board, see here, and the Yallock Honour Board, see here.

Davis, Percy (SN 96)  Percy enlisted on February 28, 1916. He was a 21 year old motor mechanic and had been working at McLeod Brothers in Sale, where he did his apprenticeship.  He was Killed Action in France on August 31, 1918. Percy's next of kin was his father, Charles of Koo Wee Rup.

Davy, John Edward  (SN 770)  Jack, as he was known as, enlisted on August 25, 1914. He was a 21 year old farmer and his next of kin was his father, Arthur, of North Melbourne. Jack was Killed in Action on the Gallipoli Peninsula on May 4, 1915. Jack is listed in the Electoral Roll of 1914 at Koo Wee Rup.

George Garbellini

Darge Photographic Company. Australian War Memorial https://www.awm.gov.au/collection/C966853

Garbellini, George  (SN 378)  George enlisted on February 3, 1915 aged 23. He was the son of Peter and Jane (nee Crombie)  of 'Five Mile Drain', Koo-Wee-Rup. He was Killed in Action in France on May 3 1917.

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. 

Hannaker, John (SN 5363) John enlisted at the age of 43 on February 19, 1916. He was a carpenter and his next of kin was his wife, Clara, of Koo Wee Rup. John  was Killed in Action in Belgium on October 4, 1917. 

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. 

Osborn, George Sydney (SN 2933)  Although listed as C. Osborne on the memorial plaque, I believe this is actually George who enlisted at the age of 21 on October 3, 1916. He was from Koo Wee Rup and his parents were George and Mary Osborn. George Died of Wounds on November 6, 1917. 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. 

O'Shea, John (SN 3350)  John was born in Koo Wee Rup and 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 was living at Balldale (north of Corowa)  in New South Wales. John Died of Wounds August 7, 1918. 

Rundle, James  (SN 4758) James 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.  James Died of Wounds on November 14, 1916.  

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) 

Here's some Charman family history - Stephen Charman was an early settler in Mordialloc (Charman Road is named after the family) He and his first wife, Harriett,  had arrived in Victoria in 1842. Harriet died and in 1852 Stephen married Mary Ann Gettens nee Rees, a widow with five children. Stephen and Mary Ann had a number of children together including Stephen Herbert Charman born in 1856 and Frances Maria Charman born in 1857.  Stephen Herbert Charman married Mary Ward in 1875 and had a number of children including Arthur Edwin in 1886. Frances Maria married William Hopkins in 1895 and had (amongst others) Margaret born 1897, the wife of Bernard Slocombe. The City of Kingston local history website has more information on the Charman family
http://localhistory.kingston.vic.gov.au/htm/article/323.htm

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.  

Form in Arthur's file listing the location of his Will, which was with Miss Alice Thewlis.

National Archives of Australia www.naa.gov.au

First Australian Imperial Force Personnel Dossiers, 1914-1920

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.

Woods, Charles Gordon (SN 2252)  Charles was a 20 year grocer when he enlisted on April 14, 1915 - four months later he was Killed in Action at Lone Pine on the Gallipoli Peninsula - the date was listed as August the 8th or 9th, 1915. His next of kin was his father, Charles, of Essendon. Charles' connection to Koo Wee Rup is explained in this article which appeared in the Lang Lang Guardian of September 22, 1915. It's a bit hard to read, so I have transcribed it, below.

Charles Woods' connection to Koo Wee Rup

Lang Lang Guardian September 22, 1915 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article119512898

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.

Some of the information in the article does not tally  with the facts in his service record, but that is to be expected with communications of the era. Charles, born 1894,  was the son of Charles Woods and Minnie Margaret (nee Hazlett). Minnie died the year after her son was born in 1895.  Charles' uncle and aunty, Mr and Mrs Stephens, were Arthur William Stephens and his wife Frances Edith (nee Hazlett) - Charles was a storekeeper.  The other uncle and aunty, Mr and Mrs Christin,  were actually Samuel Kerr Christie and his wife Rebecca Evelyn (nee Hazlett) - Samuel was a farmer of Dalmore. 

Another version of this post, which I wrote and researched, has appeared on my work blog Casey Cardinia Commemorates: Our War Years and other places

The Frawley Brothers pay the Supreme Sacrifice

There are two Frawleys listed on the World War Two section of the Bunyip War Memorial - J.W. Frawley and K.D. Frawley. They are John William Frawley and his brother Kevin Dennis Frawley. They were the sons of James Patrick and Margaret (nee Bannan) Frawley of the Iona Hotel, Garfield.

The Frawley commemorated on the Bunyip War Memorial.

Photograph courtesy of the Casey Cardinia Remembers website

www.caseycardiniaremembers.org.au

John and Kevin had five other siblings - Ada Mary, Kathleen Bridget 'Keenie', Francis James, James Patrick and William. See footnote (1) for more family information. According to the Electoral Rolls the family were living at Leigh Creek during the time most of the children were born, but around 1920 they moved to North Melbourne, where Kevin the youngest child was born. On May 7, 1928 James Frawley applied for the licence of the Floodgate Hotel in Port Melbourne (2). The Frawleys were at the Floodgate Hotel until March 1940 and a year later in June 1941, they took over the license of the Iona Hotel in Garfield from Ellen O'Donohue, although the building remained in the ownership of Eileen and Teresa O'Sullivan. This time it was Margaret Frawley who held the licence (3).

The Floodgate Hotel, corner Ingles and Crockford Streets, Port Melbourne.

James and Margaret Frawley held the licence from 1928 until 1940.

Photographer: John T. Collins, taken February 15, 1969.

State Library of Victoria Image H98.250/2179

The Frawleys soon became involved in the community life of Garfield and in September 1941 a football match was organised to raise money for the Prisoners of War fund. This match was clearly organised by the Frawleys. This is from the report in the Emerald Hill Record - in ideal weather last Sunday, a large number of members of the Floodgate Social Party, Port Melbourne, and their friends visited Garfield, where a football match was arranged between a team representing the Social Party and the Garfield club. Two chars-a-banc conveyed over 70 players and friends, and as many travelled by train. The match ended in a draw, £20 was raised for the Prisoner of War fund and at the conclusion of the match teams and supporters adjourned to the Iona Hotel for dinner, after which presentations were made (4).

The Iona Hotel at Garfield. c. 1915, operated by Margaret and James Frawley in the 1940s.

Image: Berwick Pakenham Historical Society

Sadly, the Frawley boys did not have much opportunity to enjoy life in Garfield as they soon enlisted. Here are the details of their life and service (5).

John William Frawley (VX90347), born October 1, 1917 at Leigh Creek. He enlisted in the Army on September 24, 1942 and was Killed in Action in Papua on January 18, 1943. John's obituary in the Emerald Hill Record said that Pte. Frawley was a former pupil of the Christian Brothers' School, South Melbourne, and left a protected industry to join the A.I.F. (6). He had worked at General Motors-Holden. A Mass was offered for the repose of his soul at SS. Peter and Paul's Church, South Melbourne on Sunday, February 7, 1943 (7).

Kevin Dennis Frawley (VX67337), born May 12, 1920 at North Melbourne. Kevin enlisted on December 10, 1941 in the Army and was Killed in Action in New Guinea on September 4, 1943. His obituary in the Emerald Hill Record said that Kevin was educated at SS. Peter and Paul's School, South Melbourne, and later at St. Patrick's College, Ballarat. It was in February of this year that he returned from the Middle East after serving with the 9th Division, and left later for the battle station in the north where he met his untimely death (8). On October 3, 1943 a Mass was also offered for the repose of his soul at SS. Peter and Paul's Church, South Melbourne (9).

Another son of James and Margaret also enlisted - James Patrick Frawley (V71945), born September 23, 1919 at Leigh Creek, enlisted on January 21, 1941 and was discharged September 1, 1944.

The Emerald Hill Record wrote that Widespread sympathy has been extended to members of the Frawley family since the news was received that Private Kevin Dennis Frawley had been killed in action in New Guinea on September 4. Private Frawley was the second member of his family to make the supreme sacrifice, his eldest brother, Jack, having lost his life in New Guinea in January of this year (10). It must have been in the back of Mr and Mrs Frawley's mind that having lost two sons, they may well have lost a third and this fear was very real for Margaret Frawley as three of her brothers had died while serving in World War One. You could hardly blame her for perhaps thinking that her family had sacrificed enough for Australia's War effort.

These are the details of the service (11) of Margaret's brothers -
Francis Thomas Bannan (SN 1878), enlisted at the age of 20 on June 16, 1915. He was a draper. Francis was Killed in Action in France on July 28, 1916.
William James Bannan (SN 1783), enlisted on June 7, 1915 at the age of 18. He was a bootmaker. William was Killed in Action in France on August 24, 1916.
Francis and William were from Kerang.
John Joseph Bannan (SN 1126) John was 24 when he enlisted on June 14, 1915 and his wife, Mary Ann, whose address was Berwick, was his next of kin. His occupation was Quarryman, so it is more than possible that he worked at Wilson's Quarry in Berwick. John died of Malaria at the English Hospital in Damascus on October 16, 1918. John is listed on the Berwick War Memorial in High Street.

John Bannan's obituary in The Advocate of November 23, 1918.

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article152180895

As a matter of interest another of Margaret's brothers enlisted in the Army in World War Two. He was Vincent James Bannan (VX92045) who served from April 1943 until February 1946.

Kathleen 'Keenie' Frawley is pictured on the right, with other members of the 

Garfield Red Cross in 1945

Weekly Times, August 22, 1945 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article226563046

James Frawley died September 7, 1947 at the Iona Hotel at Garfield. He was 63 years old. The 1948/1949 Shire of Berwick Rate Books list the new licensee as John Joseph Smith and in 1949 Margaret and her son James were listed in the Electoral Rolls at 237 Blyth Street, Brunswick East. James' occupation was a barman. Margaret Frawley died on July 4, 1973 at the age of 80. She is buried with her husband at the Melbourne General Cemetery (12).

As an aside, the Frawley family were well entrenched in the Hotel industry - this is from James' obituary in 1947 - Well-known hotel keeping families at South Melbourne and Port Melbourne have been bereaved by the death of Mr. James Patrick Frawley, of the Iona Hotel, Garfield, which occurred suddenly at his home on Sunday night. He commenced his trade career at the Floodgate Hotel, Port Melbourne. Surviving sisters are Mrs. W. Bell (Freer's Hotel, South Melbourne), and Miss Agnes Frawley and Miss Millie Frawley (Railway Club Hotel, Port Melbourne). The late Mrs. J. Fisher (Town Hall Hotel, South Melbourne) was a sister, and the late Mr. R. S. Frawley (Station Hotel, Port Melbourne) was a brother (13).

Bell's Hotel, also known as Freer's Hotel (14) corner Moray Street and Coventry Streets,

South Melbourne, c. 1970-1974, operated at one time by Annie Bell (nee Frawley),

an aunty of John and Kevin.

Photographer: Committee for Urban Action, Melbourne

State Library of Victoria Image CUASM264/2-3 Image 7

Town Hall Hotel, Bank Street, South Melbourne, c. 1970-1974, operated at one time by

another aunty of John and Kevin, Margaret Fisher (nee Frawley).

Photographer: Committee for Urban Action, Melbourne

State Library of Victoria Image CUASM179/5 Image 2

Trove list
I have created a Trove list of various articles connected to the Frawley family, access it here.

Footnotes
(1) Family information
This information is from the Victorian Births, Deaths and Marriages, the Electoral Rolls on Ancestry.com, family notices in the newspapers (see my Trove list, here) and Victoria, Australia, Cemetery Records and Headstone Transcriptions, 1844-1997, also on Ancestry.com
James Patrick Frawley was born c. 1884, in Bungaree, to Patrick and Bridget (nee McDermott) Frawley. I can't actually find a record of his birth in the Victorian Births, Deaths and Marriages Index. Margaret Ellen Bannan was born in 1893, in Kerang to Dennis and Mary (nee Maher) Bannan. James and Margaret married in 1913.  They had the following children.
Ada Mary - born in 1913 and birth registered at Port Melbourne. Ada married Stewart Plumridge in 1936 and had two boys, Frank and John, perhaps named for Ada's uncles who died in the First World War.
Kathleen Bridget 'Keenie' - born in 1914 and birth registered Bungaree 1914. She married Stephen James Holland in 1946. They were living in Garfield until at least 1954, but I have no other information.
Francis James - born in 1916 and birth registered at Bungaree 1916. He died at Warrenheip at the age of 11 months in 1917. I suspect that Kathleen and Francis were actually born at Leigh Creek, like the next two boys were.
John William - born October 1, 1917 at Leigh Creek. Killed in Action on January 18, 1943. See above.
James Patrick - born September 23, 1919, at Leigh Creek. Served in the 2nd A.I.F. In the 1954 Electoral Roll James was still living with his mother at 237 Blyth Street, where they moved to from Garfield in 1949. In the 1963 Electoral Roll, an Ursula May Frawley is also living with them, so I presume James got married, between 1954 and 1963. I have no other information about him.
William - William is listed in his father's death notice as being deceased, but I can find neither a birth or death record for him.
Kevin - born May 12, 1920 at North Melbourne. Killed in Action on September 4, 1943 See above.
(2) Notification for application of licence transfer was in The Herald, April 27, 1928, see here. The address of the Hotel was listed at Raglan Street in the transfer notice, however it is on the corner of Ingles Street and Crockford Street, Port Melbourne.
(3) Licence transfer of the Floodgate Hotel in The Argus, March 19, 1940, see here. Licence transfer for the Iona Hotel was in The Age, June 10, 1941, see here. Ownership - Shire of Berwick Rate Books.
(4) Emerald Hill Record, September 27, 1941, see here.
(5) Details of life and service come from obituaries in the Emerald Hill Record, death notices inserted by family and friends - see my Trove list, here, for these. Also the WW2 Nominal Rolls https://nominal-rolls.dva.gov.au/home
(6) Emerald Hill Record, February 6, 1943, see here.
(7) Emerald Hill Record, February 6, 1943, see here.
(8) Emerald Hill Record, October 2, 1943, see here.
(9) Emerald Hill Record, October 2, 1943, see here.
(10) Emerald Hill Record, October 2, 1943, see here.
(11) World War One service details from the National Archives of Australia, www.naa.gov.au
(12) This information is from the Victorian Births, Deaths and Marriages, the Electoral Rolls on Ancestry.com, family notices in the newspapers and Victoria, Australia, Cemetery Records and Headstone Transcriptions, 1844-1997, also on Ancestry.com
(13) Emerald Hill Record, September 13, 1947, see here.
(14) I came across this photo and was fairly sure that it was Freer's Hotel, but it was confirmed by this article, which also includes an 1880's photo of the building https://melbournewalks.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/SOUTH-MELBOURNE-HOTELS.pdf

Another version of this post, which I wrote and researched, has appeared on my work blog Casey Cardinia Commemorates: Our War Years.