Welcome home to Garfield soldiers, 1945

The Bunyip and Garfield Express published the following article in December 1945 about a Welcome Home to local service men and women. 

Garfield's Big Night. Welcome Home To the Boys.
It was a great night in Garfield on Friday, December 7, when an official welcome home was extended to discharged members of the services. The hall was crowded and the decorations of flags and bunting added to the gaiety of the scene. Cr. T. C. Whiteside, president of the Shire, was in the chair, and Cr. J. Fallon, who introduced the lads, and Cr. J. C. Anderson, were also present. An old Digger of the last war, Cr Whiteside paid a simple but sincere tribute to the courage and loyalty of the district men in the country's hour of danger. They were delighted to have them home again and proud of their achievements, he said. He hoped they would live long to enjoy the peace and prosperity so bravely won.

In memory of those who would never return, one minute's silence was
solemnly observed.

Gladstone bags, initialled, were presented to the following, as well as certificates from the Shire of Berwick : W. Attrill, J. Field, L. Field, R. Gross, T. Giblin, A. Jennings, F. Kennedy, G. Pumphrey, I. Pumphrey, A. Starke, J. Sutton, S. Sutton, C. Terrill, F. Cox, E. Judd, E. E. Judd, H. Juers, J. Miller, J. Frawley, W. Green, H. Hampton, W. McKillop, E. Cotter, P. Holland and L. Holland.

Mrs R. Gross (A.W.A.S.) was presented with a case of silver teaspoons.

The boys got a great reception as they came forward, and the warmth of the welcome left no doubt of the sincerity of the sentiments voiced by the various speakers, on behalf of district residents.

Dancing was thoroughly enjoyed, and songs well sung by Miss Stewart, Mr Tom Baillie and Mr W. Toy were greatly appreciated and warmly applauded. The set supper was freely acknowledged to be the best ever served in Garfield hall, and that is saying something. Decorations were appropriate too, red, white and blue flowers being used with artistic effect. There were many willing helpers, all anxious to play a part in making the night a memorable one for the boys and their kith and ken. Arrangements for the
function were admirably carried out, reflecting great credit on the organisers.

(Bunyip and Garfield Express, December 14, 1945, see here)

Following are the names and service numbers of the men and one woman who were welcomed home. There were of course, many more men and women with a Garfield connection who enlisted. The Department of Veteran Affairs World War Two Nominal roll https://nominal-rolls.dva.gov.au/ww2  lists 212 people who served who were either born in Garfield, lived at Garfield or enlisted at Garfield (plus many others associated with Iona, Vervale, Cora Lynn and Bunyip)

Attrill, William James Chaston. RAAF 56916. See his Service record at the National Archives of Australia, here. 

Cotter, Edward Jervis.  Army NX69412. See his Service record at the National Archives of Australia, here.   

Cox, Frederick Charles.  RAAF 56625. See his Service record at the National Archives of Australia, here. 

Frederick Cox

National Archives of Australia 

https://recordsearch.naa.gov.au/SearchNRetrieve/Interface/ViewImage.aspx?B=204168153

Feild, John.  Army V42196. See his Service record at the National Archives of Australia, here. 

Feild, Thomas.  Army V129139. See his Service record at the National Archives of Australia, here.  

Frawley, James Patrick  Army V71945. See his Service record at the National Archives of Australia, here.   James' parents owned the Iona Hotel in Garfield, and his two brothers, John and Kevin, were both Killed in Action during the War; you can read about the family here. 

Giblin, Thomas John.  Army VX139427. See his Service record at the National Archives of Australia, here. 

Green, William Alexis. Army VX104338. See his Service record at the National Archives of Australia, here. 

Gross, Robert Joseph. Army VX28046. See his Service record at the National Archives of Australia, here. 

Robert Gross

National Archives of Australia

 https://recordsearch.naa.gov.au/SearchNRetrieve/Interface/ViewImage.aspx?B=6218309&S=3&R=0

Gross, Mrs R.  Mrs Gross served in the Australian Women's Army Service. Robert Gross (above ) married Annie Schonewille in 1943, so I presume Annie is the woman presented with the case of silver teaspoons, but I cannot find her service record.

Hampton, Robert Henry. Army  VX3940. See his Service record at the National Archives of Australia, here.  

Holland, Leo.   Army VX23490. See his Service record at the National Archives of Australia, here. 

Holland, Patrick.  Army VX23494. See his Service record at the National Archives of Australia, here. 

Patrick Holland

National Archives of Australia

https://recordsearch.naa.gov.au/SearchNRetrieve/Interface/ViewImage.aspx?B=6226659&S=6&R=0

Jennings, Allan Stanley.  Army VX82390. See his Service record at the National Archives of Australia, here. 

Judd, Edward Charles.  Army VX35619. See his Service record at the National Archives of Australia, here. 

Judd, Edward Ernest.  Army V8017. See his Service record at the National Archives of Australia, here. 

Juers, Hugo Martin.   Army VX23073. See his Service record at the National Archives of Australia, here.  

Kennedy, Francis Michael. Army VX137119. See his Service record at the National Archives of Australia, here.  

McKillop, William John.  Army VX32810. See his Service record at the National Archives of Australia, here. 

William McKillop

National Archives of Australia
https://recordsearch.naa.gov.au/SearchNRetrieve/Interface/ViewImage.aspx?B=6225513

Miller, J - possibly Lindsay Francis Miller.  Army V285310. See his Service record at the National Archives of Australia, here. 

Pumphrey, George Alan.  Army VX80036. See his Service record at the National Archives of Australia, here. 

Pumphrey, Ivan Robert.  Army VX41899. See his Service record at the National Archives of Australia, here.  Ivan is listed on the Catani World War Two Honour Board, see here.

Stark, Arthur.   Army VX26111. See his Service record at the National Archives of Australia, here.  

Terrill, Clifford Leslie.   Army VX135600. See his Service record at the National Archives of Australia, here. 

Tutton, John Lang.  Army V285782 (listed as Sutton in the article).  See his Service record at the National Archives of Australia, here. 

Tutton, Leonard Stewart.  Army VX141585 (listed as Sutton in the article). See his Service record at the National Archives of Australia, here. 

Catani World War Two Honor Board - those honoured

The Catani World War Two Honour Board was unveiled on July 13, 1947 (read about this here.) The Honour Board is housed in the Soldiers' Memorial Hall (read about this here.)

Catani Roll of Honour. 

 Image: Photographer: Sandra Brown. 

https://www.monumentaustralia.org/themes/conflict/ww2/display/98477-catani-roll-of-honour. 

This is a list of all the men and women who are honoured on this Board. I am in the process of identifying them all, with their service number, so this is a work on in progress. Some of the identifications are a guess, based on a local place of birth or a connection to a local town such as Longwarry, Modella, Bunyip, Garfield, Bayles, Cora Lynn, Vervale, Iona, Heath Hill, Yannathan, Yallock, Caldermeade, Monomeith,  Koo Wee Rup and, of course, Catani. There are seven women on the Honour board and they are listed under their maiden name, but their file at the National Archives of Australia is  sometimes under their married name, so they are a bit trickier to find. Two men made the supreme sacrifice and did not return -  Norman Neil McDonald and Stanley Stratton.

Alchin, Jean Mary (Meaker). VF397022. Jean was born in Sydney on October 21, 1920; her next of kin and guardian was Mrs Gardiner of Ferndale, Catani. Jean enlisted on November 25, 1942 and was discharged on May 30, 1945 at her own request on compassionate grounds. See her Service record at the National Archives of Australia, here. 

Anderson, Athol David. V42467. David said he was born on September 1, 1900 in Tasmania, however when he enlisted in February 1916 in the First AIF, his stated age was 24 years old, thus born in 1892. It appears he  took 8 years off his age to enlist the second time. What was his local connection? His address was Heath Hill Post Office.  See his Service record at the National Archives of Australia, here. 

Bailey, Francis Allan. V64177. Francis was born November 14, 1913; he was a farmer and his address was Yannathan. See his Service record at the National Archives of Australia, here. 

Bonnett, Joseph William. VX50670. Joseph was born September 9, 1916 and he was a farm hand and his address was Catani. See his Service record at the National Archives of Australia, here.

Burnett, John Thomas. VX44163. John was born in Garfield on December 28, 1916 and his address on enlistment was Vervale.See his Service record at the National Archives of Australia, here. 

Corbin, Clarence William. VX127664. Clarence was born in Koo Wee Rup on December 23, 1923.  His next of kin was his father, William Osment Corbin of Catani. See his Service record at the National Archives of Australia, here.

Corbin, Florence May. VF387856. Florence, the elder sister of Clarence and Leslie,  was born in Bunyip, on November 12, 1922. Her next of kin was her mother, Nabetha Ellen Corbin of Catani.  See her Service record at the National Archives of Australia, here. 

Corbin, Leslie Raymond. RAAF 126139. Leslie was born on December 14, 1924 in Koo Wee Rup and his next of kin was his father, William Osment Corbin of Catani. See his Service record at the National Archives of Australia, here.

Exell, L. An uncommon surname, and there are eight L. Exells in the WW2 Nominal rolls, but I cannot find one with a local connection.

Fechner, B. The Fechners are a well known family in the area, but I cannot work out who this B. Fechner is who enlisted. 

Fisher, Edward Bert. V506404. Edward was born in Bunyip on September 2, 1924. His next of kin was his father, William Fisher, of Modella.  See his Service record at the National Archives of Australia, here.

Fisher, Ronald Ephraim.  RAAF 42380. Ronald is the older brother of Edward and he was born October 17, 1922. His father William was also his next of kin. See his Service record at the National Archives of Australia, here.

Goddard, Bruce. VX140059. Bruce was born on October 15, 1917 in Maffra. His next of kin was his father, James Henry Goddard of Cora Lynn. See his Service record at the National Archives of Australia, here.

Goddard, James Thomson. VX26064. James is the older brother of Bruce and he was born on July 30, 1916. His father  James was also his next of kin. See his Service record at the National Archives of Australia, here. 

Goddard, Annie Urquhart, listed as Nancy on the Honour Board. VF346971. Nancy was born on July 30, 1916, which makes her a twin of James. Her next of kin was also her father, James of Cora Lynn.  Corporal Nancy Toby (nee Goddard) was welcomed home, with other locals in October 1945 (see below). Her married name was actually Tober. See her Service record at the National Archives of Australia, here. 

Welcome Home

Bunyip & Garfield Express, October 26, 1945 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article282208538

Harker, Mavis (Schreiber). VFX66210. See her Service record at the National Archives of Australia, here. 

Hunnam, Frederick. VX35349. See his Service record at the National Archives of Australia, here.

Kitson, Brian Claude. VX123641. See his Service record at the National Archives of Australia, here.

Kitson, Harold Strachan. VX23324. See his Service record at the National Archives of Australia, here. 

Kitson, Lionel James. V37714. See his Service record at the National Archives of Australia, here.

Kitson, Mavis Eliza (Patullo) RAAF 95499.  See her Service record at the National Archives of Australia, here. Mavis was married to John Leigh Patullo, see below. 

Mavis Patullo (nee Kitson)

Image: National Archives of Australia

 https://recordsearch.naa.gov.au/SearchNRetrieve/Interface/ViewImage.aspx?B=204124132

The Kitsons -  Harold, Lionel, Mavis and Brian are the children of  Claude and  Margaret Kitson. 

Lennox, Keith. VX9720. See his Service record at the National Archives of Australia, here.

McDonald, Hector Rodney. V81659. See his Service record at the National Archives of Australia, here. Hector and his three brothers, also served in World War One. Norman, below, is his nephew; the son of his brother also called Norman.  Read about the McDonald brothers  here.

McDonald, Norman Neil. RAAF 409729.  See his Service record at the National Archives of Australia, here. Norman went missing in air operations over Germany and was presumed dead on May 22, 1944. 

Norman Neil McDonald. 

Image: National Archives of Australia

https://recordsearch.naa.gov.au/SearchNRetrieve/Interface/ViewImage.aspx?B=205701415

Matthews, Cyril James. VX116815. See his Service record at the National Archives of Australia, here. 

Matthews, Lawrie William. VX140045. See his Service record at the National Archives of Australia, here. 

Murnane, William Patrick. VX26110. See his Service record at the National Archives of Australia, here. 

Myers, Raymond Douglas. VX87098. See his Service record at the National Archives of Australia, here.

Mynard, Herbert William. RAN W/2179. See his Service record at the National Archives of Australia, here.

Norton, Edward John. VX132243. See his Service record at the National Archives of Australia, here.

Norton, Hazel Agnes. RAAF 174212. See her Service record at the National Archives of Australia, here. 

Hazel Norton

Image: National Archives of Australia

https://recordsearch.naa.gov.au/SearchNRetrieve/Interface/DetailsReports/ItemDetail.aspx?Barcode=204211015&isAv=N

Norton, Jack. VX63940. See his Service record at the National Archives of Australia, here. 

Norton, Noel Condah. VX150541.  See his Service record at the National Archives of Australia, here. 

O’Neill, James Joseph. V69948.  See his Service record at the National Archives of Australia, here.

Patullo, John Leigh. VX108565. See his Service record at the National Archives of Australia, here. John was married to Mavis Kitson, see above. 

Peck, Raymond Wallace. VX108571. See his Service record at the National Archives of Australia, here.

Pettit, Alfred Alexander. VX59101. See his Service record at the National Archives of Australia, here. 

Porter, G. Kenneth, see below, had a younger brother Gordon, and I believe he is the man on the Honour Board, but I cannot identify a service record for him. They were the sons of Donald Alexander Porter and Evelyeen Myrtle 'Ivy' Porter of Iona.

Porter, Kenneth Tasman. VX126552. See his Service record at the National Archives of Australia, here. 

Catani Honours Service Men and Women

Bunyip & Garfield Express, September 13, 1946 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article282208728

Pumphrey, Andrew Baird. VX69284. See his Service record at the National Archives of Australia, here.

Pumphrey, Ivan Robert. VX41899. See his Service record at the National Archives of Australia, here. 

Scanlan, Joseph Bernard. VX41879. See his Service record at the National Archives of Australia, here. 

Shreeve, Elsie Blanche (Griffin). VF346647. See her Service record at the National Archives of Australia, here.

Stratton, Stanley. VX48178.  See his Service record at the National Archives of Australia, here. Stanley was Killed in Action on October 24, 1942 and is buried at the El Alamein War Cemetery in Egypt. 

Stanley Stratton

Image: National Archives of Australia

https://recordsearch.naa.gov.au/SearchNRetrieve/Interface/ViewImage.aspx?B=6130654

Walsh, Michael Aubrey. VX142342. See his Service record at the National Archives of Australia, here. 

Weaven, William George. (listed as Weaver on Honour Board).  RAAF 147581. See his Service record at the National Archives of Australia, here. 

Sources

National Archives of Australia  www.naa.gov.au

World War Two Nominal roll https://nominal-rolls.dva.gov.au/ww2

Electoral Rolls on Ancestry.com

Catani World War Two Honor Board - the unveiling

The Catani World War Two Honor Board was unveiled on Sunday, July 13, 1947.  The Honor Board is  housed in the Catani Memorial Hall (see here), which is currently closed to the public, so I assume it is still there. The Koo Wee Rup Sun covered the event.  

Catani Roll of Honor. 

 Image: Photographer: Sandra Brown. 

https://www.monumentaustralia.org/themes/conflict/ww2/display/98477-catani-roll-of-honour. 

Catani Honor Roll.

Impressive Unveiling Ceremony.

Catani Hall seating accommodation was fully taxed last Sunday afternoon by local residents and visitors from both near and far. To witness the unveiling ceremony of an honor roll containing the names of forty-six Catani men and women who served their King and County in the Second War World.

The stage was nicely decorated with vases and jardinières containing flowers. Prior to unveiling the honor roll was screened by the Union Jack, with the Australian flag on the left and the Boys Scouts ‘on the right. Two members of the Bots Scout’s Troop acted as standard –bearers each side of the honor roll.  Mr. W. Hubbard of Kooweerup, officiated  as organist. Cr. M. Bennett, M.L.A., president of the Catani Welcome Home Committee, was chairman, and with him on the dais were Lt.-Col. R.S. Ryan. M.H.R.;  Col. Geo. J. Bowden, M.H.R.;  Cr. W.C. Greaves, President of the Cranbourne Shire. Among other visitors present were Cr. W. Taylor and L.J. Cochrane, of Kooweerup, and J. Fallon, President of the Berwick Shire, and Mr and Mrs J. Downer, former Catani residents.

In extending a warm welcome to all, Cr. Bennett said their presence showed sincere appreciation of the great services rendered by those who had left Catani homes to help save their country. The Catani Welcome Home Committee had organized welcome homes to local ex-service men and women and now had arrived, as it were, the last night of the drama. On the honor roll, he said, were inscribed the names of forty-six ex-service men and women who had heard their country’s call. Unfortunately two of them had failed to return, and to their relatives they tendered their deepest sympathy. They had the knowledge, however, that their loved ones had paid the greatest sacrifice possible for anyone to pay. It was delightful to see such an assembly present and the committee was delighted to have their presence. The ladies, he said, had provided afternoon tea and desired all after the ceremony to participate in same.

In supporting Cr Bennett’s welcome to those present, Cr. W.C. Greaves said as a representative of the shire it was a pleasure to him to be present do the honor to the men and women of the Catani district who had served in the forces. The shire, he said, was proud of the number of men and women who had enlisted within its boundary. They had served on land and sea and in the air and had given good service. On behalf of the shire he extended a hearty welcome to those present on such a memorable day.

The chairman then announced apologies for non-attendance from Lt.-Col. Dennett, M.L.A., and Mr Bailey, jun.

Following the singing of “All People That on Earth do Dwell” by the congregation, Mr. A. Freeman, of Kooweerup, and an ex-prisoner of war, spoke on behalf of the Church. He said that after his Army experience to again find himself that afternoon faced by two colonels gave him a kind of tremor and that vibration had increased by being asked to speak in the presence of politicians. Having been referred to by the chairman as a padre, he wished to say that he was only an “unofficial’’ padre of his unity while a prisoner of war. This unofficial office, however, had given him a better opportunity to contact the boys. He was pleased to be present to do honor to the men and women of the Catani district who had helped to attain ultimate victory. They should be ever thoughtful and grateful of their services. They went away, not counting the cost, to defend the Empire in its day of crisis, and all, he said, should dedicate their lives to their Country and their King. The supreme sacrifice made by many could only be justified by men and women in the days to come. They had played their part and were watching to see how the people had appreciated the work they had done. By looking back a lesson could be learnt and all should have faith and hope in the future. No sacrifice to them had been too great a price to pay. A kind of future to justify the past must rise to its moral demands. To him the war was still on, as greed, hate and selfishness were pulling the standard of Empire down. Service for the right is victorious and they should dedicate their lives to the service of mankind for the uplifting of the people. He believed the Government had not done its job to ex-service men and women, especially to the widows of those who had paid the supreme sacrifice. All should try to do all they could to repay those who had rendered such sacrifices.

The hymn, “Lest We Forget,” was then sung by the congregation.

Col. Bowden said he felt it a great honor to be associated with his Federal Government colleague (Lt.-Col Ryan) and shire councillors to join in paying tribute to the inscribed names on the honor roll. At some time and at some place all had taken a hand in the recent war. To the boys and girls who returned they said well done, but they owed a greater debt to those who had lost their greatest possession – life. They paid homage to the memory of those boys, also to their parents, wives and sisters. The people sympathised with them in their sorrow and hoped they would be comforted by the fact that their loved ones’ sacrifices had made victory possible. If the nation desires to appreciate their sacrifices, all should have the right to enjoy the freedom and justice won by the war, and no dictatorship should be accepted. The privileges the people now enjoy should always be with them, remembering they have retained these privileges only through the war service of their men and women. In paying tribute to ex-prisoners of war, Col. Bowden said it was their steadfastness which had delayed the occupation of Australia by the Japanese. Thousands of prisoners had lost their lives owing to starvation and disease, and the people should do their part in seeing that the country will ever remember them. The turning of the tide in the recent hostilities was not by wealth, but by the character of the people of the British Empire alone. At the outbreak of the war England was prepared, but the people’s courage and fortitude gave renewed hope, and Australia was proud to belong to the Empire.

Accompanied on the piano by Miss Jessie Coates, Mr Lindsay Mortimer nicely sang ”There is no Death”  and as an encore number rendered “Arise, O Sun.”

Cr. Bennett then called on Lt.-Col. Ryan to unveil the honor roll.

Lt.-Col. Ryan said the people of to-day were living in a Godless material age, seeking after the latter instead of spiritual things.  Peace will only be won and maintained by service, sacrifice and co-operation of man. There were, he said, forty-six named of ex-service men and women of Catani on the honor roll, two of whom had laid down their life.

He then unveiled the honor roll, all present standing in silence, while the organist played Handel’s “Dead March in Saul”, followed by “The Last Post,” sounded by Mr E.H. Lawrence, of Five Mile, and the singing of the National Anthem.

The chairman thanked Mr Hubbard and Mr Lawrence for assisting in the ceremony, and before dispersing all greatly appreciated a dainty afternoon tea provided by the ladies.

The following names are inscribed in gold on a nicely constructed board:-
D. Anderson, J.Bonnett, J. Burnett, F. Bailey, C. Corbin, L.Corbin, L. Excell, E. Fisher, 

R. Fisher, B. Fechner, J. Goddard, B. Goddard, F. Hunnan, H. Kitson, B. Kitson, 

L. Kitson, K. Lennox,  *N. McDonald, C. Matthews, L. Matthews, W. Murnane, 

H. McDonald, D. Myers, H. Mynard, J. Norton, N. Norton, E. Norton, J. O’Neill, A. Pettit, 

A. Pumphries, I. Pumphries, K. Porter, G. Porter, R. Peck, L. Patullo, *S. Stratton, 

J. Scanlon, M. Walsh, W. Weaver, Jean Allchin, Florence Corbin, Nancy Goddard, 

Mavis Harker, Mavis Kitson, Hazel Norton, Elsie Shreeve. 

*Paid the supreme sacrifice.

(Koo Wee Rup Sun July 16, 1947 page 1.)

Some of these names are spelt incorrectly, but they have been corrected in this post - https://kooweerupswamphistory.blogspot.com/2026/10/catani-world-war-two-honor-board-those.html which gives more information about the men and women on the Honour board. 

Soldiers' Memorial Hall at Catani

The Catani Soldiers' Memorial Hall was opened on October 19, 1928.  

Grand Opening Ball advertisement

Koo Wee Rup Sun, October 4, 1928. p.1

The Koo Wee Rup Sun of October 25, 1928 had the following report  -

Catani Soldiers’ Memorial Hall

Official Opening.

Friday, the 19th inst., was a night that will be long remembered by residents, it being the opening date of the new Soldiers’ Memorial Hall at Catani. The committee as well as the ladies who had charge of the decorations, catering, etc., anxiously watched all day the heavy clouds that forecasted a downpour, and about six p.m. a heavy storm broke, and in less than an hour over an inch of rain was recorded. This was welcome from a primary production standpoint, but not so by the committee. By 9.30 p.m., however, the hall being lighted by an installation of 10 Gloria lights, presented a crowded and brilliant scene. Over 200 people were present, visitors coming from all the surrounding districts.

As the gathering comprised old and young, it was decided to have old-time dances as well as modern, and at intervals songs, recitations and musical items were rendered, which kept the whole assemblage in a very happy mood.

Mr Walsh, chairman of the Hall committee, presided. At 10.45 p.m. he called a halt in the dancing and gave a statement of how the funds were provided for the erection of the hall, which had cost just on £1000 for construction. This amount was provided by the Closer Settlement Board , carrying interest and sinking fund to the amount of seven per cent per annum, liquidating the total indebtedness of construction in 20 years. Fifty pounds had been obtained from the H.V. McKay Estate fund, and over £200 had been raised by local effort in donations, gifts of stock, and local entertainments, which enabled the committee to pay £100 deposit to the C.S.B., install seating accommodation for over 200 people, a Gloria lighting plant, as well as pay £40 on a piano and erect entrance gate, fencing, etc. The committee still retains a credit balance, which will enable it to carry-out improvements later on. The chairman then called on Cr. Bennett to welcome visitors and invited guests, and read apologies from Anzac House, Mr Moore, of the C.S.B., Mr Onley (Lang Lang), and Mr Lawrie (Bunyip), expressing disappointment at not being able to attend.

Cr. Bennett, on behalf of the committee, said, like all other sections of the community, the people of Catani desired to express in some way their appreciation of what our soldiers had done for Australia and the Empire in the Great War. Hence the erection of a memorial hall, and as long as the building remained with its inscription it would be a reminder of what the hall stood for. He extended a hearty welcome to all, and the committee’s appreciation of the fine gathering.

Mr Hodgson (Kooweerup) replied on behalf of the various branches of the Returned Soldiers’ League.  The chairman then called on Mr Walter, M.L.A., to officially declare the hall open.

Mr Walter expressed pleasure at being present, and said he felt it an honor to be asked to open the hall. He complimented the committee and residents on the erection of such a well-equipped and excellently finished building and felt sure its usefulness would be appreciated by all and that the young people would have many happy evenings in the future. He then declared the hall open, after which the National Anthem was sung.

The comforts of the visitors were officially carried out by members of the Catani branch of the Women’s Section of the Country Party.

Ex-Cr. McCulloch moved a vote of thanks to Howell’s Orchestra, which provided the music free, the district business people, whose donations in kind helped very materially in providing the supper, and the district ladies, who worked splendidly for the comfort of the visitors. The vote was carried by acclamation.

Cr. Greaves, Shire President, expressed pleasure at being present and congratulated residents on having such an up-to-date hall and concluded by moving a hearty vote of thanks to the chairman. Mr Walsh suitably responded.

At about 2.30 a.m. the strains of music ceased and the assemblage drifted away, all agreed that they had spent a most happy and enjoyable evening.

1928 - Plan of the Catani Soldiers' Memorial Hall. Note the Bio-box is above the entrance.

Image: Catani Hall file - Public Building Files (VPRS7882)

I looked at the file at the Public Records Offices  of Victoria and the following is a time line from information from the Catani Hall file - Public Building Files (VPRS7882) at the Public Records Office of Victoria, created by the Department of Public Health. Two of the  1959 entries were supplied by the Cardinia Shire, the other four, as indicated are from the Shire of Cranbourne meeting minutes.

1928 Plans and specifications for the hall were completed by Evan Smith, Chief Architect, Closer Settlement Branch of the Public Works Department.

1928 October 19  Hall opened.

1928 Secretary – W.J. Henwood.

1930 March  Inspection by Health Commission, who could not inspect the bio-cabin and it was not to be used before a separate inspection was undertaken.

1930 April 11 Health Commission objection to bio-cabin withdrawn and it may be used at your own risk pending further inspection.

1930 Secretary A.A. Patullo

1936 August Ten electric lights installed

1938 August Inspection by Health Commission – the floor of the bio-cabin to be covered with fire resisting material…you are further advised that the use of the Hall for cinematograph purposes is prohibited.

1938 Secretary C.E. Bourne

1939 Erection of store room approved for the storage of military equipment so they could lease the Hall to the Army for drill purposes for the local unit of the 14th Battalion.

1939 Health Commission inspection report - provide all weather path to toilets

1940 - 1950 Secretary - Hugh Carr Mc Donald

1940 March Health Commission inspection – notify the Commission before again using the bio-cabin.

1941 December Renewal of application for use of the building as a public building – 400 people was listed as the maximum accommodation.

1950 February 8 Health Commission inspection report – provide all weather path to toilets

1952 Renewal of application for use of the building as a public building – 499 people was listed as the maximum accommodation.

1955 July 28 Health Commission inspection report – provide all weather path to toilets and remove blackberries and grass from toilet enclosures

1959 January 7 Crown Grant of the land to Leslie Albert Ashby, Clifford Burrall Sutton and Wallace George Malcolm of Catani and Hector Templeton McColl of Bunyip dated 7 January 1959.

1959 January 16 - Cranbourne Shire Council meeting minutes - Trustees of Catani Soldiers' Hall. Asking Council to act as Trustees for the Catani Soldiers Hall. Crs Evans and Fechner: - That the letter be received and the Hall Trustees be informed that the Council would agree to the transfer of the Hall Site to the Council, provided the Trustees pay all legal transfer fees, the Hall is managed and maintained, without cost to the Council, by a Committee elected at a Public Meeting and approved by the Council.

1959 September 11  Cranbourne Shire Council meeting minutes - Trustees Catani Hall. Accepting Council's offer to accept ownership of the Catani Hall. Crs Webb and Fechner: - That letter be received and the transfer of Catani Public Hall Site to the Council be arranged.

1959 October 9  Cranbourne Shire Council meeting minutes - Hall Sites - Transfer to Council. Crs Webb and Greaves:- That the transfers of the Catani Public Hall Site and the South Lyndhurst Community Centre Site to the name of the Council be signed.

1959 November 7 Land Transferred to Cranbourne Shire Council as a gift by above named on 7 November 1959

1959 November 13 - Cranbourne Shire Council meeting minutes - Catani Soldiers Hall Committee. Understand Council is making funds available to assist Hall Committees. Asks for a grant to renovate the Hall. Crs Cochrane and Fechner: - That the letter be received and the Committee be advised that the Council is assisting with the maintenance of Recreation Reserves only.

1961 Health Commission inspection report – provide all weather path to toilets and remove blackberries and grass from toilet enclosures

1961 July 14 Shire of Cranbourne Medical Officer report re inspection of toilet facilities in the Shire – Catani Hall – Unsatisfactory – require attention right through.

1961-1964 Mr Matthews Secretary

1964 Nov 24  Health Commission inspection report - Remove blackberries and grass from toilet enclosures

1972 December Toilet plans drawn up. They were an extension to the hall, to replace the external toilets.

1974 November Cranbourne Shire plans for toilets submitted – 15 pages of specs plus plans.

1975 July Toilet plans resubmitted as first application was missing

1975 October Toilet plans approved

1976 September 28 Approval from Commission of Public Health to open new toilets

1978 Structural alteration discussed but were not proceeded with

1979 December 20 Last item in file. It is regarding proposed alterations.

The Hall was closed by the Cardinia Shire around 2024.  

One day, I will do another post on the Hall, with a focus on the social activities which took place there.

The Gay Brothers of Lang Lang serve in World War One

Three sons of Robert and  Alice Elizabeth Gay, of Lang Lang, served in the First World War. Robert Gay and Alice Elizabeth Bray had married in 1890 and they had nine children; the place of registration of the births gives us some indication as to where the family were living at the time - Phillip John McCandlish (born 1891 at Napoleons), Rupert Alfred (1893, Napoleons), Susan Elizabeth (1895, Wycheproof), Robert (1897, Wycheproof),  Arthur (1899, Wycheproof), Alice (known as Dot, 1902, Wycheproof), Marjorie Ada (1904, Meeniyan), Sam Bamford (1908, St Kilda) and Gus Davies (1910, Napoleons) and Keith (1912, Ballarat). (1)

The family purchase Noorong, Lang Lang

The family are first  listed in the of Cranbourne Rate books in the 1904/1905 year and this date is confirmed by the fact that four of the children - Phillip, Rupert, Susan and Robert are listed on the school roll for the first time in 1905. (2) The farm, Noorong, was 492 acres, lots 9,16 and 17 in the Parish of Lang Lang, owned by John McGann (and originally owned by William Lyall and then his son Theodore ).  McGann had put the property up for auction in November 1904, so we can assume that Robert Gay was the purchaser. (3) They had previously been at Drumdlemara, in the Koonwarra district.  (4)

However, in the 1906 to 1913 Electoral Rolls they are listed as farming at Emerald, so they possibly leased the Lang Lang farm out during this time.  They then returned to Lang Lang, which is where they were living when the three boys enlisted . (5)

Robert senior subdivided the farm into three blocks in 1920 and in the 1925 Cranbourne Shire Rate books  Philip is listed for 118 acres,  Rupert 100 acres and Robert junior 131 acres. Robert junior purchased his block under the Soldier Settlement scheme (6) In 1930 Rupert had sold his land, and Philip and Robert junior had the same land holdings as in 1925. (7)

Left: Sale of Noorong.
Shepparton Advertiser, November1, 1904.
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article270026807

By 1924, Robert senior and Alice had moved to a farm in Watsons Road, Glen Waverley. In 1931, Robert had retired and they had made a sea change and moved to Second Avenue in Mentone and in 1934 to 89 Patty Street in Mentone. (8) This is where they were living when Robert died on February 24, 1939 at the age of 79. Alice then moved to 51 St Vincent's Place in Albert Park. Alice died on June 16, 1951 at the age of 84. They are both buried at the Cheltenham Memorial Park Cemetery. (9)

Death notices of Robert and Alice

Death notice of Robert
The Age, February 25, 1939 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article205969890

Death notice of Alice

The Age, June 18, 1951 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article209818891

As we said, three of the sons of Robert and Alice served in World War One Here are the details of the War Service of the brothers. I have included their Service number (SN), so you can look up their full record on the National Archives, www.naa.gov.au

Gay, Phillip John McCandlish (SN 1474) Phillip was 23 when he enlisted on July 31, 1915 and served in the 13th Light Horse.  He was a farm labourer, his next of kin was his mother, Alice. Phillip Returned to Australia April 12, 1919. (10)  After the War he lived at Lang Lang and married Hilda Augusta Ollson on October 12, 1920; they had one son, Ian. By 1936 they had moved to 104 Victoria Avenue, Albert Park and later to 41 Fisher Street, Malvern East.  Phillip died on April 21, 1956 and was cremated at Springvale. Hilda died in Queensland in 1995. (11)

Phillip and Hilda get married

The Argus, October 28, 1920  http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article4574938

Phillip's death notice

The Argus, April 24, 1956 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article71799156

Gay, Rupert Alfred   (SN 1479)  Rupert was in the 4th Light Horse and the 1st ANZAC Cyclist Corp, and he enlisted on August 14, 1915 at the age of 21. He was labourer and his next of kin was his father, Robert. Rupert Returned to Australia June 12, 1919. (12) A farewell was held at the Lang Lang Hall on August 30, 1915 to say goodbye to some of the local boys who had joined up - including Rupert Gay. Below are two excerpts from the Lang Lang Guardian report (13) -

Farewell at Lang Lang

Lang Lang Guardian, September 1, 1915. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article119512821

After the War, Rupert lived in Lang Lang and married Elizabeth Bonfield 'Bonnie' Holmes on November 23, 1929 and they had two children, Mervyn and Valerie.  They lived at Korumburra after their marriage, where he was a carpenter and by 1943 they were living at 298 Williams Road, Toorak.  Rupert died on February 18, 1967 and was cremated at Springvale. Bonnie died in 1995 and is buried at the Heathcote Cemetery. (14)

Rupert and Bonnie get married

The Argus, December 21 1929 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article4058278

Rupert's death notice

The Age, February 20, 1967, p.15 from newspapers.com

Gay, Robert  (SN 5356)  Robert enlisted on April 10, 1916 at the age of 18. He served in the 23rd Battalion and later the Graves Regiment.  His next of kin was his father, Robert, and his occupation was farm labourer. Robert Returned to Australia October 8, 1919 (15) Robert married Eleanor Lois Ellison on July 3, 1926 and they three daughters - Dorothy, Roma and Bobbie.  By 1934 the couple were operating a mixed business at 256 Johnston Street, Abbotsford and they were living at Rosemore Road in Rosebud when Robert died on November 3, 1966. Eleanor died in 1973 and they were both  cremated at Springvale. (16)

Robert and Eleanor get married

The Argus, September 4, 1926 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article3807032

Robert's death notice

The Age November 4, 1966, p.20 from newspapers.com

Robert Gay's poem
This very  patriotic poem Britain's Glory was written by Robert Gay and published in the Lang Lang Guardian in June 1916. 

Britain's Glory

The British Fleet, so dauntless and grand,

Still rides triumphant round our dear Home land,

Despite the arrogant boast of the wily Germ-Hun,

Following his usual jaunt of "Tip and run."

England's glory is still Britain's glory,

And rings still true to the Test sublime; 

It is the thrill and tingle of the People's blood,

Surging- boisterously and appealingly every time.

It is the might and bite of the Nation's right

To straighten out this tangle of the world,

It is the will and strength of those noble parents

Who have flung their loved ones into the whirl,

Resolved to control and blend into a whole

The liberties and freedom of weak-lands,

Still amply rewarded when our Allies recorded

Their grateful response, "Thank you, England."

O, the British Fleet, so stately and true,

With its seamen so chivalrous and grand,

We honor your stupendous sacrifices and dash,

Our gallant, brave hearted, and leal [loyal] British men.

Robert Gay, Lang Lang.

(Lang Lang Guardian, June 14, 1916, p. 2)

The Gay family of Lang Land sent three of their sons off to serve in the Great War, and were fortunate that they all returned home

Footnotes

(1) Index to the Victorian Births, Deaths and Marriages

(2) List of pupils is published in  Protector's Plains: history of Lang Lang Primary School, No. 2899, 1888-1988, and district compiled by Barbara Coghlan (C.B.C. Publishing 1988)

(3) Shire of Cranbourne Rate Books; report on Theodore Lyall and Noorong  in the The Australasian, March 12, 1892, see here; Shepparton Advertiser, November 1, 1904, see here.

(4) Electoral Rolls on Ancestry.com

(5) Electoral Rolls on Ancestry.com

(6) Robert junior's Soldier Settlement file at the Public Records Office of Victoria - https://prov.vic.gov.au/archive/006420E0-F907-11E9-AE98-B358F3DB02A0?image=1  Shire of Cranbourne Rate books. 

(7) Shire of Cranbourne Rate books. 

(8) Electoral Rolls on Ancestry.com

(9) Robert death notice - The Age, February 25, 1939, see here; Electoral Rolls on Ancestry.com. Alice death notice - The Age, June 18, 1951, see here; Friends of Cheltenham & Regional Cemeteries database https://www.focrc.org/

(10) Phillip's Service record at the National Archives of Australia
https://recordsearch.naa.gov.au/SearchNRetrieve/Interface/ViewImage.aspx?B=4026888

(11) Electoral Rolls on Ancestry.com;  Phillip: Marriage notice - The Argus, October 28, 1920, see here;  Phillip: Death notice - The Argus, April 24, 1956, see here; Springvale Cemetery database https://www.smct.org.au/deceased-search; Index to Queensland Births, Deaths and Marriages. 

(12)  Rupert's Service record at the National Archives of Australia https://recordsearch.naa.gov.au/SearchNRetrieve/Interface/ViewImage.aspx?B=4104256

(13) Lang Lang Guardian, September 1, 1915, see here. 

(14) Rupert: Marriage notice - The Argus, December 21 1929, see here; Electoral Rolls on Ancestry.com; Rupert: Death notice - The Age, February 20, 1967, p.15 from newspapers.com; Bonnie had remarried - https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/285065479/elizabeth-bonfield-fellows

(15) Robert's Service record at the National Archives of Australia https://recordsearch.naa.gov.au/SearchNRetrieve/Interface/ViewImage.aspx?B=4026881

(16) Robert: Marriage notice - The Argus, September 4, 1926, see here; Electoral Rolls on Ancestry.com; Robert: Death notice - The Age November 4, 1966, p.20 from newspapers.com; Springvale Cemetery database https://www.smct.org.au/deceased-search

This is a revised and expanded version of a post, which I wrote and researched, that appears on my work blog, Casey Cardinia Commemorates: Our War Years.  I wrote this originally as I am interested in stories of Brothers who Served in World War One and Two, because I just feel for their families, having many sons away overseas. I have written about the McDonald Brothers of Yannathan here;  the Dawes Brothers of Iona, here - five of them are listed on the Iona Honor Board; the Carter Brothers of Bunyip, here, in my post about the Bunyip War Memorial; the Gabbett brothers of Pakenham, here;  the Fisher brothers of  Bunyip and Footscray, here and the Campigli Brothers of Bunyip, who I wrote about in the my post on the Bunyip Methodist Honour Board, here; the Maher Brothers of Pakenham, here and the Gardiner Brothers of Berwick, here.  From the Second World War,  I have written about the Frawley brothers, of the Iona Hotel in Garfield, here; three of their uncles, the Bannan Brothers were killed or died during World War One.

The McDonald Brothers of Yannathan serve in World War One

Four sons of Charles and Margaret McDonald of Yannathan served in World War One and two sadly died whilst serving their country.

Charles Stuart McDonald and Margaret Matheson were married on December 7, 1876 at  the Presbyterian  Manse in Heathcote by the Reverend David Renton. Charles was a 28-year old farmer, born in Malmsbury and Margaret was 24 years-old and had been born in Knowsley; both their fathers were farmers. (1)  The couple had fourteen children, with all the births registered at Mooroopna (2)  - Donald Alexander (1877 - 1945), Charles Stuart Black (1879 - 1957), Lachlan John (1881 - 1918), Ann Euphemia (1883 - 1960), Violet Ida Helen (1883 - ?), Norman Victor (1885 - 1968), Neil Lamont (1886 - 1917), Lionel Munro Matheson (1888 - 1963), Malcolm McLean (1890 - 1890, died aged one month), Eliza (1891 -1891, died at 2 days old), Hector Rodney (1892 - 1952), Hugh Carr (1895 - 1971) and Duncan McLean (1897 - 1963). (3)

The family moved to Yannathan sometime after Duncan was born but before November 1901 when Charles placed the advertisement, below, for the sale of a Stripper and winnower in good working  order.  (4) The McDonalds first appear in the Shire of Cranbourne Rate books in the 1901/1902 year.  Where the McDonald farm was located is now called Catani. The name of Catani (after Carlo Catani -1852-1918) was adopted for the name of a station of the Strzelecki railway line, which opened in June 1922. The town grew up around the station and the name eventually spread to the surrounding area, including the McDonald farm. (5)

Charles McDonald's advertisement

Euroa Advertiser, November 1, 1901 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article65537988

Their farm was of 129 acres on the corner of the Bayles-Modella Road and McDonald Road, the southern section of Simpson Road (Lot 37, section V, Parish of Koo Wee Rup East). (6) McDonald Road was presumably named for the family.

The McDonald property on the corner of the Bayles-Modella Road and McDonalds Road.

Koo-Wee-Rup East, County of Mornington; photo-lithographed at the

 Department of Lands and Survey, Melbourne, by T. F. McGauran, 1907

See the full plan at the State Library of Victoria https://handle.slv.vic.gov.au/10381/104853

I found this report in the Lang Lang Guardian concerning Charles and an unfortunate incident due to one of the many floods on the Koo Wee Rup Swamp, this one was in 1915, when three feet of water covered the road. The No. 6 drain, the location of the incident, runs besides the Bayles-Modella Road.

Fell in a Drain.
While returning from Bunyip to Yannathan in a buggy Mr Charles McDonald had an alarming experience. The flood water covered the road to a depth of about 3 feet. The horse got in one of the holes, and then plunged into No. 6 drain, which is about 12ft deep. Mr McDonald jumped from the buggy when the horse first went down. The horse was drowned, the horse and buggy not being found for some time afterwards. (7)

Mr McDonald's mishap

Lang Lang Guardian, November 17, 1915 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article119513134

Charles died on April 20, 1919, aged 69 and Margaret died on December 18, 1925 aged 73. They are buried at the Warragul cemetery. (8)

Charles' death notice

The Argus, April 23, 1919 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article1460018

Here are the details of the four McDonald boys - Lachlan, Norman, Neil and Hector -  who served in World War One.  I have included their service number (SN) so you can look at their full record on the National Archives website, www.naa.gov.au. The four McDonald boys are listed on the Yannathan Honour Roll, which you can read about here.  

McDonald, Lachlan John Lachlan enlisted in the Royal Flying Corp and was killed in a flying accident on January 19, 1918. The Dookie and Katamatite Recorder of February 14, 1918 had the following tribute to Lachlan.

Our Heroes.
Died, in the service of his country, Lachlan J. McDonald, horticulturist, attached to the staff of the Dookie Agricultural College, and well known to residents of this and surrounding districts. The late Mr McDonald ("Mac" to all his numerous friends) spent his early days in the Mooroopna district, and received special training at the orchard and school of horticulture of Mr John West, of Ardmona. Further experience was gained at the well-known Nobelius Nurseries at Gembrook, and landscape gardening on station homesteads in the Western district contributed its share towards putting a finish on an education which was to be used, at a later period, in imparting a first-class knowledge of horticultural work to the numerous students who came under his care.

During the years of his connection with the College, Mr McDonald contributed a great number of articles on subjects connected with his work to various agricultural journals and papers, and was a splendid lecturer and teacher. He was an enthusiast in all matters pertaining to his particular branch, and had the faculty of being able to enthuse others. Mr McDonald joined the College staff in 1907, and left for England in October 1915, where he received a commission as Lieutenant in the Royal Flying Corps, became Instructor in Aviation, and, as the result of an accident when flying, met his death at Stockbridge, Hants, England, on the 19th January of this year.

A good public-spirited citizen, and one whose loss will be regretted by all classes in the community. We offer his relatives our heartfelt sympathy. "Vale!" (9)

McDonald, Norman Victor (SN 934) Norman enlisted on February 8, 1916, in the 39th Battalion, same day his brother, Neil, enlisted.  He was a 31 year old labourer. Norman Returned to Australia July 4, 1919. (10) Norman was granted a Soldier Settlement farm at Catani, which was actually 89 acres of his parents farm, see plan below. (11)

Norman's farm, part of his parent's farm.

Koo-Wee-Rup East, County of Mornington; drawn and reproduced at the 

Department of Lands and Survey, Melbourne, 1960. 

See the full plan at the State Library of Victoria https://handle.slv.vic.gov.au/10381/136774 

He married Florence Mary Jackson and lived the rest of his life in Catani. Norman died on October 18, 1968. The Koo Wee Rup Sun published the following obituary in their October 23 issue. 

Well Known Catani Resident passes. 
Norman Victor McDonald of Catani, who died on 18th October at the age of 83, was the son of one of the original land settlers at Catani.

He came to Catani in 1906 [sic] with his parents, Charles and Margaret McDonald and eleven brothers and sisters, when the Kooweerup Swamp was first thrown open to settlement. The late Charles McDonald selected land at McDonalds Road, Catani, and took up farming on the property where his son Norman resided till his death. 

The late Mr. Norman McDonald was closely associated with the early growth of Catani, having been a member of the committee which built the Soldier’s Hall and the State School. He enlisted with the 1st AIF and served with the 39th Bat. Two of his brothers lost their lives in that War. He was a life-long member of the Catani RSL.

One brother, Carr McDonald, who resides at Catani survives him. The late Mr McDonald was in ill health for some weeks being a patient in the Westernport Memorial Hospital and Melbourne Hospital where he passed away. He is survived by a wife Florence and was the father of two sons, Robert and Norman (Bill) RAAF dec’d. District relations and friend paid their last respects at the funeral held today, Wednesday at Springvale. (12)   

As a matter of interest Norman married Florence Jackson (nee Yaxley), a widow on February 11, 1925. She was born in Norwich, England and stated on the marriage certificate that she was a widow with no children, and Norman also stated he had no children. (13)  This was not quite the truth because she actually had two sons, and Norman was the father of the younger son.  Florence  had married George Albert Jackson in Perth in 1913. They had a son, Robert Frank Jackson, in 1915 in Perth. (14)  George (SN 548) enlisted on September 25, 1914, in the 16th Battalion, stating that he was not married and listed his sister, Sarah, who lived in England as his next of kin. He embarked on December 22, 1914 and a Court of Enquiry held in April 1916, determined that George had been Killed in Action at Gallipoli, nearly a year before on May 2, 1915. 

So, it appears that the marriage was over by September 1914; however Florence received a pension as his widow and signed a statuary declaration in September 1920 stating that she was in receipt of the pension from the Repatriation Department and had never been been divorced nor legally separated from George.  Which was true, but she didn't mention her son Robert, nor was he listed as a dependent regarding her pension, as was normally the case. (15) As well, in 1916 she gave birth to another son, Norman Neil McDonald in Carlton. Her surname for the birth is listed as Yaxley and the father was Norman Victor McDonald. (16) In September 1920, in another letter written by Florence, this time concerning George's medals,  her address was Garfield. (17)   I presume that she didn't marry Norman until 1925 as it may have impacted on her receiving the pension. Her son Robert died in 1981; her son Norman (Bill) was in the Royal Australian Air Force (SN 409729) and was Killed in Action in May 1944. Florence died in 1972, aged 77. (18)

McDonald,  Neil Lamont (SN 2060) Neil was a 29 year old labourer when he enlisted on February 8, 1916, the same day as Norman, in the 60th Battalion. (19)  His father was his next of kin, but this was later changed to his wife Matilda (nee McFarlane) of Longwarry, whom he married on March 4, 1916 between his enlistment and his embarkation. They were married at the Presbyterian Manse, North Road in Elsternwick, by the Rev. R. Wilson Macaulay. (20)  Reverend Macaulay was appointed as a Chaplain in the Australian Imperial Force in August 1916 where  he served with the 3rd Brigade on the Western Front from February to October 1917 and suffered shell-shock. (21)

Norman and Matilda 'Tillie' are married

The  Argus, April 8, 1916 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article2110216

Sadly, Neil  Died of Wounds, multiple gun shot wounds, on May 14, 1917 received whilst fighting in France. (22)  Matilda, the daughter of Galbraith and Mary McFarlane, did not remarry, and died in 1967, aged 84. (23)

Death notice inserted by Tillie

The Argus, June 2 1917 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article1622545

Neil's Roll of Honour Circular

Australian War Memorial https://www.awm.gov.au/collection/R1650209

McDonald, Hector Rodney (SN 3425) Hector enlisted on January 1, 1917 in the 58th Battalion.  He  was 25 year old farmer and his father was his next of kin. Hector Returned to Australia July 24, 1919. (24)  Hector was also granted a Soldier Settlement farm, the other section of his father's farm. (25). Hector was listed  in the Electoral rolls at Catani, until his death, which took place on February 10, 1952, when he was aged 60. (26)

Hector's death notice 1952

The Age February 12, 1952 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article204972444

The McDonalds are another family who pioneered settlement on the newly drained Koo Wee Rup Swamp and over two generations served their country in the two World Wars, paying, on three occasions, the ultimate sacrifice. 


Footnotes
(1) McDonald/Matheson marriage certificate
(2) Indexes to the Victorian Births, Deaths and Marriages. The three sons who enlisted in Australia all have Ardmona as their place of birth. Victorian Places (see here) has this to say about Ardmona - Ardmona is a rural village and orchard area in northern Victoria, 3 km west of Mooroopna. It is in the west Goulburn Valley irrigation area. Its name came from a farm named ‘Ardmona’, owned by Charles and Lochie McDonald. It was purchased by a private syndicate in 1886 for subdivision for irrigated farms. I presume then, that Charles Stuart McDonald, who married Margaret Matheson  in 1876 is either the Charles who owned the Ardmona property or the son of either Charles or Lochie.

(3) Indexes to the Victorian Births, Deaths and Marriages.
(4) Euroa Advertiser, November 1, 1901, see here.  
(5) Strzelecki Railway line - https://kooweerupswamphistory.blogspot.com/2021/12/koo-wee-rup-to-strzelecki-railway-line.html
(6) Land as listed in Charles' Probate papers - 

https://prov.vic.gov.au/archive/9D7D712E-F22B-11E9-AE98-E57A4D5EA9E6?image=1
(7) Lang Lang Guardian, November 17, 1915, see here. 

(8) Death notices - Charles The Argus, April 23, 1919, see here; Margaret - The Age, December 26, 1925, see here. Margaret was buried at Warragul, according to her death notice, and I assume that Charles was. 
(9) Dookie and Katamatite Recorder, February 14, 1918, see here. 
(10) Norman - Service record from National Archives of Australia -  https://recordsearch.naa.gov.au/SearchNRetrieve/Interface/ViewImage.aspx?B=1843306
(11) Norman - Soldier Settler file from the Public Records Office of Victoria - 

https://prov.vic.gov.au/archive/DD9B61A4-F8CE-11E9-AE98-3B396DEC0BC8?image=1

(12) Koo Wee Rup Sun, October 23, 1968, p. 4

(13) Marriage certificate of Norman and Florence.

(14) Western Australia - Marriages registration 100580/1913 and Birth registration 101102/1915.
(15) George - Service record from National Archives of Australia

https://recordsearch.naa.gov.au/SearchNRetrieve/Interface/ViewImage.aspx?B=7367068

(16) Victoria Birth registration - 27565/1916
(17) See Footnote 15.
(18) Robert - Victoria Death registration - 15321/1981; Norman RAAF WW2 Nominal Rolls https://nominal-rolls.dva.gov.au/veteran?id=1013488&c=WW2; Florence - Victoria Death registration 14297/1972
(19) Neil - Service Record from the National Archives of Australia

https://recordsearch.naa.gov.au/SearchNRetrieve/Interface/ViewImage.aspx?B=1843051
(20) The  Argus, April 8, 1916, see here 

(21) Reverend Macaulay - https://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/macaulay-robert-wilson-10895 

(22) See Footnote 19

(23) Matilda - Victoria Death registration - 2702/1967.

(24) Hector - Service record from National Archives of Australia 

https://recordsearch.naa.gov.au/SearchNRetrieve/Interface/ViewImage.aspx?B=1840490

(25) Hector - Soldier Settler file from the Public Records Office of Victoria 

https://prov.vic.gov.au/archive/DD9B61A4-F8CE-11E9-AE98-3B396DEC0BC8?image=9

(26) The Age February 12, 1952, see here.  

This is a revised and expanded version of a post, which I wrote and researched, that appears on my work blog, Casey Cardinia Commemorates: Our War Years. I wrote this originally as I am interested in stories of Brothers who Served in World War One and Two, because I just feel for their families, having many sons away overseas. I have written about the Gay Brothers of Lang Lang here;  the Dawes Brothers of Iona, here - five of them are listed on the Iona Honor Board; the Carter Brothers of Bunyip, here, in my post about the Bunyip War Memorial; the Gabbett brothers of Pakenham, here;  the Fisher brothers of  Bunyip and Footscray, here and the Campigli Brothers of Bunyip, who I wrote about in the my post on the Bunyip Methodist Honour Board, here;  the Maher Brothers of Pakenham, here and the Gardiner Brothers of Berwick, here.  From the Second World War,  I have written about the Frawley brothers, of the Iona Hotel in Garfield, here; three of their uncles, the Bannan Brothers were killed or died during World War One.