The Lang Lang Guardian of March 15, 1916 published the following letter from Charles Ware of Yallock.
Do not worry about me, as I will be all right. I've got my chance to take like the rest, but I hope to get home again safe. I don't think any one could die for a better cause, and l'm willing to do my little bit as soon as they want me. I hear the boys in Australia are enlisting well. There are a lot of new lots coming forward. We are here just six weeks tomorrow, so we are used to the place now. The sand is crook, though, for drill, I have not done any drill now for a month, as I've been on light duties owing to having my stay in the hospital.
I've written nearly fifty letters since I've been here, so I am expecting a big mail. I was as pleased as if I were home when I got your letter last night, but I hope this time next year to be back again with you all. If you have any papers send them along, as we never get anything here to write about. I went in to Heliopolis on Saturday night and had my photo taken in a group. I had three of my old mates with me. I sent you five of my p.c. in my last letter. You can see I'm not looking to bad on it. I think I put in most of my time writing letters.
I am sick of Cairo. I don't go out much of week nights. I hope we get a shift before long, as this is very little good here as far as the safety of the soldier is concerned, as Cairo is the worst place on earth. I had a walk about yesterday, and went over to see the Virgin Tree and the Holy Well. It was lovely to see. First of all I went to the R.C. Church, which is supposed to be the first Church the Virgin Mary went into, after leaving Jerusalem, I am also sending you the piece of wood I cut off the tree.
I saw young Bob Gray from Lang Lang. He is camped in with Frank McGrath. He's a big fellow, too. I've met dozens of the boys here. They do a lot of heavy drill now, with full packs up and our rifle too. It weighs about 60lbs, and it's pretty crook carrying it all day.(Lang Lang Guardian, March 15, 1916 see here)
Charles William Francis Ware was born in 1892 at Nyora to Charles Joseph Ware and his wife Christine Wilson (nee Carlton); he was the second of their five children. (1) Charles (SN 3285a) enlisted at the age of 23 on July 27, 1915; his next of kin was his mother, Christina, of Kongwak and his occupation was a railways employee. Charles suffered a severe gun shot wound to his right buttock and Returned to Australia on March 17, 1917 and was discharged on medical grounds on July 9, 1917. (2) Charles was welcomed home at a function held at Yallock after his discharge and this is his thank you letter published in the Lang Lang Guardian -
Thanks To the Recruiting Committee of Yallock.Gentlemen,
I beg sincerely to thank you and all the kind residents of Yallock for the kindness shown to me in giving me such a warm welcome home on Thursday, July 12. I regretted very much at the time being unable to return thanks, owing to the fact that I was overcome by the very feeling remarks made by your President. I feel all the more grateful, seeing that I had left the district for some time, for your kind presentation, for which I thank you sincerely, and it will help me to keep in remembrance all my many kind friends for years to come.
C. Ware jnr.
Reservoir Park, Kongwak.
Charles married Elsie Priest in at St Mary's Catholic Church at Ararat in March 1919. The Advocate had this report -
After the ceremony, the happy couple motored to the residence of the bride's parents, Grano-street, where some 70 guests enjoyed the wedding breakfast. The Rev. M. Conlon, who presided, proposed the toast of "The Bride and Bridegroom." He had known the bride from childhood. She took great interest in Church matters, including the choir, and he regretted her departure from Ararat. He wished Mr. and Mrs. Ware every happiness and prosperity. The bridegroom suitably responded. Mr. Quiney proposed the toast of "The Best Man" (Mr. E. M'Grath), who suitably responded. Mr. Gardner proposed the toast of "Mr. J. Priest," who replied in a few appropriate words. Mr. Carroll proposed the toast of "Father of Bridegroom" (Mr. C. Ware), who made a happy little speech in reply. The health of the chairman was honoured, and the happy gathering then separated. Mr. and Mrs. Ware, who received many presents, left for Lakes Entrance, where they spent the honeymoon. Their future home will be Kernot, Gippsland. The bride's travelling dress was fawn velvet, with hat to match.
(The Advocate, March 15, 1919, see here)
Charles and Elsie had six children - Charles, Vera, Joan, Elsie, Patricia and Brien. Charles died on May 27, 1944, aged only 52 years of age; and Elsie died on April 16, 1991, aged 92. They are buried at the Grantville Cemetery. (4)
In his letter, Charles mentions 'Bob Gray from Lang Lang' - this is Robert John Gray (SN 1478). Robert enlisted at the age of 18 on August 14, 1915. He survived the War and Returned to Australia June 15, 1919. The Frank McGrath mentioned is possibly Francis Edmund McGrath (SN 1178), born in Poowong and who lived at Woodleigh. Frank enlisted at the age of 20 on June 8, 1915. He died of wounds at Beersheba on October 30, 1917, a long way from Gippsland. (5)
Footnotes
(3) Soldier Settlement Farm - see file at the Public Records Office of Victoria https://prov.vic.gov.au/archive/8FE663DB-F8CF-11E9-AE98-190BE0175593?image=1
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