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. See her Service record at the National Archives of Australia, here. 

Anderson, Athol David. V42467. See his Service record at the National Archives of Australia, here. 

Bailey, Francis Allan. V64177. See his Service record at the National Archives of Australia, here. 

Bonnett, Joseph William. VX50670. See his Service record at the National Archives of Australia, here.

Burnett, John Thomas. VX44163. See his Service record at the National Archives of Australia, here. 

Corbin, Clarence William. VX127664. See his Service record at the National Archives of Australia, here.

Corbin, Florence May. VF387856. See her Service record at the National Archives of Australia, here. 

Corbin, Leslie Raymond. RAAF 126139. 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. See his Service record at the National Archives of Australia, here.

Fisher, Ronald Ephraim.   RAAF 42380. See his Service record at the National Archives of Australia, here.

Goddard, Bruce. VX140059. See his Service record at the National Archives of Australia, here.

Goddard, James Thomson. VX26064. See his Service record at the National Archives of Australia, here. 

Goddard, Nancy. Corporal Nancy Toby (nee Goddard) was welcomed home in October 1945 (see below), but I still can't find her service record under either Goddard or Toby.

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.