Heath Hill State School Honor Roll

The Heath Hill State School unveiled their Honor Roll on Friday, March 28, 1919. William Kelly whose son, Thomas, was one of the fallen, had the honour. According to the report in the Koo Wee Rup Sun of April 2, 1919 the Hon. A. Downard, M.L.A spoke, as did the Reverend Nasib Jaboor (1), the Presbyterian Minister; Mr E. Cougle, J.P and the head teacher, Lewis Tamblyn. After the ceremony refreshments were served and the report finished with the day was perfect and a most enjoyable outing resulted. 

Heath Hill State School Honor Board.

Image courtesy of the Narre Warren & District Family History Group website http://www.caseycardiniaremembers.org.au/

The Board was made by Herbert Rawlings of Dandenong (2), who also made the Yannathan Honor Board. The Board is now at the Yannathan Hall. Some of the soldiers on the Heath Hill Board are also on the Yannathan Honor Board. 

Mr Rawlings completes the Honor Board

 South Bourke & Mornington Journal, March 13, 1919 https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/66195756

The Heath Hill State School, No. 3225, opened in April 1895, under the name Protector's Flat. The school moved from its Lang Lang East location to Heath Hill in 1914 and the name was changed to Heath Hill. In 1951, the name changed again to Yannathan South (3). I believe it closed in the 1980s.

Unveiling of the Heath Hill Honor Board

Koo Wee Rup Sun, April 2, 1919

What follows is information on the soldiers on the Heath Hill Honor Roll. There are eighteen names on the Roll. I have included their Service Number (SN) so you can look up their full record on the National Archives of Australia, www.naa.gov.au

Brunt, Archibald Andrew (SN 101)  Archibald enlisted January 11, 1915. He was a 21 year old farmer. Archie Returned to Australia December 18, 1918. Archie's brother Trevor (SN 358)  also enlisted. Trevor enlisted at the age of 24 on August 20, 1914 and he  Returned to Australia March 5, 1919. The boys were the sons of William and Sarah (nee Buckland) Brunt, who lived at Pines, Lang Lang.  William died on September 3, 1912 and Sarah moved the family to Albert Park to live. William was the son of Ralph and Mary Jane (nee Funston) Brunt of Gin Gin Bean, Officer, and thus Archie and Trevor are also listed on the Officer Honor Board.

Mrs Brunt and family move to Albert Park.

South Bourke & Mornington Journal February 27, 1913   http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article66182634

Glover, Robert Henry (SN 3179)  Robert was born in Nyora, he was a farmer and he enlisted at the age of 21 on November 15, 1916. Robert Returned to Australia July 3, 1919. Robert was granted a Soldier Settlement farm in Poowong, you can read his file, here.  Robert's brother George Edward Glover  (SN 3774) also enlisted on July 24, 1915, when he was 21. He was wounded in action and died as a result on March 16, 1917. The boys were the sons of Daniel and Emily (nee Jolley/Jolly) Glover, they were also the first cousin of Abraham Patullo, listed below.

Hatty, George Frederick (SN 66) George enlisted March 27, 1916 at the age of 21. He was a Labourer. George was Killed in Action in Belgium on October 12, 1917. George was the son of William and Jessie Augusta (nee Brown) Hatty and the family was living in Timboon when he enlisted. According to the Electoral Rolls they had previously lived in Lang Lang East and Yallock for a number of years. Two of George's  brothers also enlisted -  David Samuel (SN 279) and Thomas Alfred (SN 5607). David and Thomas are listed on the Yannathan Honor Board and the three brothers are listed on the Yallock Honor Board.

Head, Charles Arthur (SN 77664) Charles enlisted on May 31, 1918, he was a 29 year old Wheelwright, born in Oakleigh, and was living in Goroke when he enlisted. His next of kin was his father, John, of Lang Lang. Charles did not serve overseas and was discharged December 24, 1918, due to the War ending.There is also a C. Head on the Honor Board. I can't find another C. Head with a local connection, however Charles' brother Alfred also enlisted.
Head, Alfred John Head (SN 316). Alfred enlisted on July 19, 1916 at the age of 19, he was born in Lang Lang and he was a farmer. Alfred Returned to Australia April 8, 1919. He was granted a Soldier Settlement farm, you can read his file, here, on the Public Records Office of Victoria website.
The brothers were the sons of John and Margaret (nee Forster) Head of Lang Lang.

Henham, F. There are two F. Henhams on the Honour Board and it was difficult enough to indentify one F. Henham, so it there really are two F. Henhams, I have no idea who the other one is. I could not find an enlistment for a F. Henham, so  I looked on the Victorian Births Deaths and Marriages Index and found a Frederick Ernest Henham born in 1895 in Berwick to William Iden Henham and Annie Simmons.  He looked likely, but I could not find his enlistment papers. Then I looked on Trove and found a divorce report of William and Annie from 1906 (read it here). The report said they had lived in Lang Lang and that William was divorcing Annie on the grounds of her 'misconduct' with William Brisbane of Hawthorn. Brisbane was a 'land agent' and the Henhams had purchased their Lang Lang farm through him. In the end the divorce was granted. Now I knew that Frederick  Ernest Henham had a connection to the local area, but I still couldn't find his enlistment records, but discovered the enlistment of a Frederick Ernest Brisbane, who I believe is the same man.

Annie Henham and William Brisbane married on December 10, 1906. Whether William Brisbane was Frederick's real father or he just took his name, I cannot tell you. William died in November 1910. In 1912, Annie married Gordon Forrest. Annie Forrest died at Loch in 1939 aged 75 - her father's surname was listed as Simmonds, so that confirms she was the same woman as Annie Henham. Frederick's death record in the Victorian Births Deaths and Marriages Index lists his father as William Brisbane. His two brothers James William (1888-1955) and Reginald Walter (1899-1919) also changed their surname to Brisbane. There were two sisters as well Annie Grace (b.1884) and Ethel Rose (b. 1885), I am still tracking them down. Here's Frederick's details-
Brisbane, Frederick Ernest (SN 3969). Fred was born in Berwick and was a 21 year old farmer when he enlisted on July 9, 1915. He Returned to Australia April 11, 1916 and was discharged on medical grounds (chronic laryngitis) in August 1916. When he enlisted, Frederick's next of kin was his mother, Mrs G. Forrest, of Athlone, who as we know was the former Mrs William Brisbane and the former Mrs William Henham.

Kelly, Thomas (SN 16078) Thomas was 21 when he enlisted on December 10, 1915. He was a Labourer. Thomas was wounded in action and Died of Wounds September 27, 1917.

Kelly, William (SN 16077) Nineteen year old William enlisted the same day as his brother. He was also a Labourer.  William Returned to Australia September 23, 1919.
Thomas and William, born in Yannathan, were the sons of William and Sarah Ann (nee Stephens) Kelly.

From Thomas Kelly's Roll of Honor circular, held at the Australian War Memorial. 

It tells us that he attended Heath Hill State School.

https://www.awm.gov.au/collection/R1641913

Ketels. I cannot find a Ketels who enlisted, or a Ketel, Kettel, Kettels, Kietel, Kietels or a Kettles. There were 14 men with the name Kettle who enlisted, however, none had a local connection that I could find, so this person is a mystery. There is, of course, Kettle's Road in Lang Lang that goes from McDonald's Track to the South Gippsland Highway, so I wonder if that has a connection. That is what I wrote when I first did this research in 2019. In May 2023, I had a phone call from David Ketels, who told me that the Ketels were indeed locals and that Kettles Road was originally called Ketels Road, but after a car wiped out the road sign in the 1960s the new sign was put up with incorrect spelling, and it has remained that way ever since, obliterating the Ketels family connection to the area.  David said that the most likely man to have enlisted was his great-uncle Albert Augustus Ketels born in 1895, the younger brother of his grandfather, Charlie. I still cannot find a record of Albert enlisting in Australia, or New Zealand (where he moved after the War) or England. I did find the following article on Trove, from the Kyneton Guardian, which shows that Albert has volunteered, but perhaps was not accepted on medical grounds. I feel we can safely say, thanks to David's information, that the entry on the Honour Board refers to Albert Augustus Ketels.

Albert Ketels, who has volunteered, visits his brother and mother at Metcalfe. His brother was Charlie, who also taught at Garfield State School.

Kyneton Guardian July 27, 1915 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article129605157

McGhee, Gordon General (SN 22949) Gordon enlisted on October 27, 1915, he was a 23 year old Labourer. Gordon Returned to Australia May 12, 1919. Gordon was granted a Soldier Settlement farm, you can read his file here. 

Gordon's brother, Donald Malachi McGhee (SN 3416) also enlisted, on June 24, 1915. He was a 19 year old Railway Porter and he was Killed in Action in France on July 19, 1916.
The boys were the sons of John and Margaret (nee Johnston) McGhee; they were living at 61 Bridge Street, Northcote when their sons enlisted. Donald was born in Heath Hill and Gordon was born in Lang Lang, according to the Victorian Births, Deaths and Marriages Index or Warragul according to his enlistment papers. Donald's Roll of Honor circular says he attended Yannathan State School. Gordon and Donald are also on the Yallock Honor Board.

McGrath, Edmund (SN 2604)  Edmund was born in Lang Lang and he enlisted at the age of 19 on June 30, 1916.  He was a farmer and his next of kin was his father, Patrick, of  Woolamai. Edmund was wounded in action, gun shot wounds to the shoulder and thigh, and Returned to Australia March 12, 1918. Edmund was the son of Patrick William and Anne Jane (nee Carlton) McGrath. They held a clearing sale on November 23, 1899, so we can clearly establish Edmund's connection to Heath Hill.

Notice of Mr McGrath's Clearing Sale.

Warragul Guardian November 10, 1899. https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/68741445

Patrick later became the Valuer at the Shire of Phillip Island and Woolami and he will be assisted in the work by his soldier son, who has recently returned from the front. I presume this was Edmund

Mr McGrath becomes the Shire valuer.

Powlett Express July 12, 1918   http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article130665842

McGrath, M - this person is also on the Heath Hill Honor Roll, but I cannot find a M. McGrath with a local connection. Edmund (above) had a brother, Michael, born in 1894 in Lang Lang, so he is a potential, but I can't find an enlistment record for him so at the moment this man remains a mystery. 

O'Connor, Robert James (SN 382) Robert was 34 when he enlisted on November 21, 1914. He was born in Heath Hill, was a farmer and his next of kin was his sister, Mary Hanley of Longwarry South.  Robert Returned to Australia May 11, 1919. Robert and Mary were the children of James and Bridget O'Connor. Bridget had died in 1903 and James in 1909.

O'Keefe, Matthew John Allan (SN 3591) Matthew enlisted on April 25, 1916. He was born in Lang Lang, was 19 years old and employed by the Victorian Railways. His next of kin listed was his mother, Charlotte, of Lang Lang. His father was Nicholas Francis O'Keefe. Matthew Returned to Australia May 11, 1919.

Patullo, Abraham Albert (SN 31500) Abraham enlisted on October 2, 1916, at the age of 25. He was a farmer and his next of kin was his father, Thomas, of Lang Lang, which is also where Abraham was born. He Returned to Australia July 13, 1919. Abraham was the cousin of Robert and George Glover, listed above; his mother Elizabeth was the sister of Daniel Glover. Elizabeth and Daniel were the children of Abraham and Ann (nee Lee) Glover.

Priestley - brothers Alfred and Arthur both enlisted, I am not sure which brother was honoured on the Board.
Priestley, Alfred (SN 6877) Alfred was born in Lang Lang and enlisted on July 11, 1917. He was a 20 year old farmer. Alfred Returned to Australia December 20, 1918 and was discharged on medical grounds - gunshot wound, right shoulder.
Priestley, Arthur (SN 2200) Arthur enlisted at the age of 21 on June 20, 1916. He was a farmer and also born in Lang Lang. He was wounded in action and died on January 6, 1918.
Their next of kin was their father, Alfred Turner Priestley, of Nullawil. Their mother was Fanny Gray. Her sister, Ellen, was married to David Johnston McGhee, the brother of Gordon and Donald McGhee, mentioned above. Ellen and Fanny were the daughters of George and Mary (nee Kelly) Gray. George's obituary in the Gippsland Independent of October 29, 1915 (read it here) said that the deceased was well known and highly respected around the district, having lived at Heath Hill for a number of years before coming here [Modella].

Shandley, John Adam (SN 2206) John is not actually on the Heath Hill roll, but he was living in Heath Hill when he enlisted, so he deserves a place in this post. John was born in Bunyip, enlisted on October 12, 1916 at the age of 21 and he was a horse breaker. His next of kin was his father, Adam, of Longwarry. John Returned to Australia July 1, 1919.

Thompson, James Henry (SN 4953) James enlisted on October 11, 1915. He was a 22 year old farm labourer and his next of kin was his father, Thomas Alfred Thompson, of Glen Wattle, Yannathan. In September 1916,  his parents Thomas and Catherine, were informed that their son had been Killed in Action on July 21, 1916, this fortunately for the family turned out to be false and James Returned to Australia May 15, 1919.

Footnotes
(1) The Reverend Nasib Murad Jaboor, came to Lang Lang in 1916. He was born in Syria and did his B.A at the American University in Beirut. When he came to Melbourne he studied at Ormond College and Lang Lang was his first Parish. He died at the age of 66 in 1942. You can read his obituary in The Argus, here.
(2) South Bourke & Mornington Journal, March 13, 1919, see here.
(3) School history 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

Soldiers on the Nyora and District Honor Roll

The Koo Wee Rup Sun  had a report on the unveiling of the Nyora and District Honor Roll, which took place on July 12, 1918. The Board was in the Nyora Hall, which was destroyed by fire in 1968. Many of the men listed here had a  connection to the Victorian Railways, not surprising as Nyora was a railway junction - the line to Wonthaggi, which opened May 9, 1910 started at Nyora, which was  a stop on the Great Southern Line. Nyora is not on the Koo Wee Rup Swamp, of course, but it is close enough. I have written a short history of the town, here.

Unveiling of the Nyora Honor Board on July 12, 1918.

Koo Wee Rup Sun, July 24, 1918 https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/127198074

What follows is information on the soldiers on the Nyora Honor Roll. I have included their Service Number (SN) so you can look up their full record on the National Archives of Australia, www.naa.gov.au

Berry, James George (SN 3354) James was 34 years old when he enlisted on June 8, 1917. He was Killed in Action in France on September 27, 1918.

Berry, Robert Ernest (SN 10323) Robert was 25 when he enlisted on September 13, 1915. He Returned to Australia February 9, 1919.
Robert and James, both farmers, were the sons of Mary Moffat Berry, of Elgrove farm, Nyora. They were both born in Little River. Their father, James, was deceased at time of the boy's enlistments.

Brown, Frederick Gordon (SN 5970)  There is a Frederick Gordon Brown, railway employee listed in the 1914 Electoral Roll at Nyora. There is a Frederick Gordon Brown who enlisted on March 30, 1916 at the age of 27. He was a shunter in the Railways, so I assume he is the same man.  His next of kin was his father, Charles, of Castlemaine. Frederick was wounded in action - gunshot wound, right arm - and Returned to Australia January 20, 1918 for a medical discharge

Champion, Henry Howard  (SN 457) Henry enlisted on  September 26, 1916. He was a 27 year old farm labourer. He was born in Wales, his next of kin was his father, Henry, of Cardiff, in Wales. His address was listed as Nyora. The Electoral Roll of 1916 has his address as Devon Meadows, Cranbourne. That makes him an early  resident of the area as the first land sales took place at Devon Meadows in 1913.  Henry Returned to Australia August 1, 1919. Henry was granted a Soldier Settlement farm, you can read his file on the Battle to Fam website, here.

Chessell, Albert William (SN 3372). Albert enlisted on April 2, 1917 at the age of 28. He was a Labourer and his next of kin was his sister, Mrs Mable Cozens, of Nyora. Albert Returned to Australia March 25, 1919.

Cochrane, Harry Stanley (SN 5762) Harry was 19 when he enlisted on March 13, 1916. He was a farmer and he was Killed in Action in France, July 4, 1918, although the Nominal Rolls state that he Returned to Australia May 29, 1919, but sadly, this is incorrect.
Cochrane, William David (SN 5761) William enlisted on the same day as his brother and he was 20 years old and also a farmer. He was wounded in action on three occasions and Returned to Australia November 8, 1918.
The boys both had their mother, Mrs Jessie Cochrane, of Musk Park, Poowong North, as their next of kin.

Conroy, John Patrick (SN 1123 / 2146)  I am not one hundred per cent sure this is the right J. Conroy, but he is the best fit I can find. John was a railway repairer, his next of kin was his sister, Johanna Conroy of Cranbourne. He is listed in the 1914 Electoral Roll at Kernot, which was three stops down the railway line from Nyora on the Nyora to Wonthaggi line. John enlisted at the age of 32 on September 28, 1914;   he was wounded at Gallipoli and returned to Australia and then re-embarked in April 1916 and was Killed in Action in France September 26, 1917.

Glover, Abraham Samuel (SN 1916) Abraham was a 21 year old farmer when he enlisted on April 3, 1916. He Returned to Australia July 1, 1919.
Glover, Roderick Thomas (SN 4199A) Roderick enlisted on November 25, 1915 at the age of 24 and he was also a farmer. Roderick married Florence Ada McWilliams when he was in England in February 1917. He Returned to Australia July 3, 1919.
Abraham and Roderick were the sons of Thomas and Hetty Elizabeth (nee Harvey) Glover, of Nyora. Thomas was the son of Abraham and Ann (nee Lee) Glover. Three of Thomas' nephews also served - Robert and George Glover and Abraham Patullo, you can read about these three boys on my Heath Hill post, here.

Gordon, Bertrand Denman (SN 5982)  Bertrand was  a porter in the Victorian Railways and he enlisted on September 2, 1916 at the age of 30. Less than a year later, on May 3 1917 he was Killed in Action in France. His address on the Embarkation Roll was Nyora.  Bertram's father, Thomas, of Majorca was his next of kin.

Hansen, Arnold Alfred  (SN 5458)  Arnold enlisted on April 5, 1916 at the age of 21. He was a farmer, and he lived at Nyora with his wife Florence Victoria Hortop Hansen. Arnold Returned to Australia July 4 1919. Arnold applied for a Soldier Settlement farm, you can read his file here, on the Battle to Farm website, however he was not successful as the Board did not consider it suitable for the purposes of Soldier Settlement. The farm Arnold applied for was owned by Mr Hortop, so presumably this was his father-in-law, or some relation to his wife, as Hortop was her second middle name.

Hills, R
Hills, T. F
My best guess for these two are brothers, Robert and Thomas Frederick Hill. Robert was born in Lillimur, between Kaniva and Serviceton, so very close to the South Australian border and Thomas was born in Murtoa. Their parents were George and Mary (nee Jackson) Hill and they were living at Hallam or Hallam's Road as it was called then, when the boys enlisted. 
Hill, Robert (SN 1591) Robert was a 19 year old farmer when he enlisted on August 2, 1915. Less than a year later on July 20 1916 he was Killed in Action in France.
Hill, Thomas Frederick (SN 4516) Thomas enlisted on September 6, 1915 at the age of 23. He was a Police Constable. He was wounded in action, gun shot wound right arm. He Returned to Australia March 13, 1918 and was discharged on medical grounds in the June. 

Another brother, David, also enlisted - David  Ernest Hill (SN 4645) enlisted on October 4, 1915, He was a 21 year old labourer.  David Returned to Australia August 29, 1919. 

What is their connection to Nyora? I do not know, I may have the wrong people, but I can't find any Hills who enlisted with an obvious connection to Nyora. If you have any more information, I would love to know.

Horsburgh, Albert (SN 1931) Albert enlisted on April 3, 1916. He was a 22 year old farmer. Albert was wounded in action on three occasions and a gun shot wound to his right arm resulted in it being amputated. Albert Returned to Australia July 31, 1918.
Horsburgh, George (SN 1932) George enlisted on the same day as Albert, he was also a farmer and was 25 years old. George Returned to Australia December 12, 1918. George was a granted a Soldier Settlement Farm, you can read his file here, on the Battle to Farm website.
Horsburgh, James (SN 675) James enlisted on August 22, 1914, he was a 22 year old carpenter. James Returned to Australia October 14, 1918. James also served in World War Two in March 1942 in the 23rd Battalion Volunteer Defence Corps. James was also granted a Soldier Settlement Farm, you can read his file here, on the Battle to Farm website.    

Horsburgh, Robert (SN 1933A) Robert enlisted on the same day as Albert and George, he was a 29 year old farmer. Robert was Killed in Action in Belgium, October 1, 1917.
The boys were the sons of Robert and Margaret (nee Watt) Horsburgh of Nyora.

Report of the death of Robert Horsburgh

Lang Lang Guardian October 31, 1917   http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article119514812

Humphries,  George  (SN 1081)  George was nearly 36 years old when he enlisted on January 4, 1915. He was a roads and bridges contractor, from Nyora, and his sister, Sarah Wildes, of Yannathan his next of kin. George Returned to Australia May 12, 1918 and was discharged on medical grounds - 'chronic rheumatism'

Johnson, Leslie Robert (SN 2935) I presume this is the right L.R Johnson - there is a Leslie Robert Johnson on the Electoral Roll in 1916 at Nyora, his occupation is rabbit trapper and there was a Leslie Robert Johnson who enlisted on January 31, 1916, he was 22 and his occupation was a driver. His next of kin was his mother, Mary, of Fitzroy. Leslie Returned to Australia June 2, 1919.

Laidlow, R  I am not sure who this is. The only Laidlow I can find who enlisted was born in Sydney and enlisted in Perth, so I do not believe he is our man. The surname is more likely to be Laidlaw. I have two possibilities - Reuben Campbell Gordon Laidlaw (SN 13959) who enlisted at the age of 25 on July 13, 1915. His next of kin was his mother, Mary, of Ballan. Reuben was awarded the Military Medal and Returned to Australia May 11, 1919. His occupation was Railway Signalman, so he was possibly based at Nyora. The other possibility is Rodney Goulburn Laidlaw (SN 2037), he was a blacksmith, he enlisted at the age of  28 on May 24, 1917. He Returned to Australia May 6, 1919. His next of kin was his father, Robert of Cranbourne. His address in the 1914 Electoral Roll was Bass  - so clearly neither Cranbourne nor Bass are next door to Nyora, they are however not a long way from Nyora either, so it is possibly him. If you can identify this man, I would love to hear from you.

Littledike, Henry Hensler Neville (SN 3092)  Henry enlisted on November 6, 1916 at the age of 29. Henry was born in Nyora.  He was a bacon curer, his next of kin was his mother, Abigail, of Greensborough. Henry Returned to Australia January 14, 1919.

Louis Moulton

Australian War Memorial Photograph DASEY2278

Moulton, Louis Leeds (SN 2744) Louis enlisted at Korumburra on July 12, 1915. He was a 29 year old carpenter. His next of kin was his mother, Charlotte, of Port Macquarie in NSW. Louis died of wounds July 26, 1916, he had received a gunshot wound which caused a  compound fracture in the left femur.

Noonan, Richard Hugh (SN 5990)  Richard was a leading shunter with the Victorian Railways when he enlisted on September 2,  1916. He was living at Nyora and his next of kin was his father, Richard, of Moriac. Richard Returned to Australia January 30, 1918 and was discharged on medical grounds in the April of the same year.

Payne,  Richard Stanley (SN 1691)  Richard enlisted on July 24, 1915, he was 26 years old and his next of kin was his wife, Lilian May, of Nyora, she later moved to Bait Street, St Kilda. Richard Stanley Payne is listed in the Electoral Roll at Nyora in 1914, 1916 and 1917. His occupation is baker, there is also a Lilian May Payne on the same roll. Richard's enlistment papers says that he is a blacksmith, so that does not tally with his Electoral roll occupation, so possibly one of them is a mistake. Richard was discharged on medical grounds on June 16, 1916 suffering from rheumatism. In the 1925 Electoral roll Richard and Lilian were living in Waverley Road in Malvern and his occupation was baker, so I would say that was the correct calling.

Ernest and Harry Poole

Australian War Memorial Photograph P03887.001

Poole, Ernest James (SN 2512a)
Poole, Harry (SN 2423)
Ernest and Harry both enlisted on June 5, 1916. They were both born in Clyde, Ernest was 27 when he enlisted and Harry was 22. They were both farmers. Their next of kin was their father, Harry, of Poowong, and their mother was Elizabeth, nee Jennings. Sadly, both boys were Killed in Action - Ernest on September 15, 1917 and Harry on October 21, 1917.

A letter from Elizabeth Poole asking for 'the plaque' for her '2 boys', Ernest and Harry, poignantly signed 'Their mother'.

National Archives of Australia www.naa.gov.au

First Australian Imperial Force Personnel Dossiers, 1914-1920

Rowe, Clive Terril (SN 2246)
Rowe, Vernon Wasley (SN 12814)
Clive and Vernon were the sons of Alfred Rowe, the Station Master at Nyora, he was transferred to Cressy in November 1916, having arrived at Nyora from Morwell in October 1915. Clive was 18 when enlisted, on March 17, 1916 and he was a draper. Vernon was 19, when he enlisted on January 25, 1916, and he was a grocer. Clive Returned to Australia March 28, 1919 and Vernon September 22, 1919.

Stewart, Frederick Richard (SN 5468)   The Great Southern Advocate, a Korumburra paper, had a list of  'Volunteers from the Shire' in their March 2, 1916 issue (see here) and it listed a Frederick Stewart of Nyora.  As it appears that he enlisted in early 1916 and his initials were F.R. Stewart according to the Honor Board report, the the most likely man I can find is Frederick Richard Stewart , and as he enlisted in Leongatha on February 22, 1916, I believe this is correct. Frederick was 22 years old when he enlisted, and he was a baker. I wonder if he worked with Richard Payne, listed above, who was also a baker? His next of kin was his mother, May Merriman of Kew. Frederick Returned to Australia September 6, 1919.

Stewart, Norman James Campbell (SN 517)  Norman enlisted on April 28, 1915 at Wonthaggi, his occupation was listed as miner and he was 21.  His next of kin was his mother, Mary, of Nyora. Her address later changed to Boort Railway Station; her husband William was the Station Master at  Nyora from around 1913 to 1915. Norman Returned to Australia January 14, 1919.

Stewart, W.  William and Mary Stewart (see above) had  another son, William, born in 1890 at Toolamba (east of Tatura, north of Murchison)  he was listed in the 1913 Electoral Roll at Nyora, occupation clerk. I believe this is the W. Stewart listed on the Honor Roll, but can't work out who he is exactly and can't find  a record at the National Archives that matches that information. Which may mean I am wrong, so if you know who this person is, I would love to hear from you.

Uren, Edgar Albert (SN 672) Edgar was a  fireman with the Victorian Railways and he was 24 when he enlisted on January 24, 1917. His next of kin was his father, Thomas, of Melbourne and he Returned to Australia July 7, 1919. What was the connection to Nyora? Edgar was listed in the 1918 Electoral Roll at Nyora, so I presume he was living there when he enlisted.

Wuchatsch, Benjamin George (SN 504) Benjamin enlisted on October 5, 1914. He was a 22 year old labourer. Benjamin was awarded the Military Medal. He Returned to Australia July 10, 1919.
Wuchatsch, Frederick Joseph (SN 1174/1208) Frederick enlisted on September 21, 1914 at the age of 24. He Returned to Australia September 24, 1918. Frederick's initial application is missing and a replacement form lists him as Francis Joseph, however the Embarkation and Nominal Roll list his name as Frederick.
Wuchatsch, Raymond Royal (SN 39) Raymond enlisted on March 22, 1915. He was a 24 year old grazier. He Returned to Australia April 8, 1919. Raymond made two applications for a Soldier Settlement Farm, you can read the applications here and here, on the Battle to Farm website.
The brothers were the sons of August Wuchatsch, of Bena, and his wife, Sarah, whose surname is listed in the Indexes to the Victorian Births, Deaths and Marriages as Grundil, Grendel, Grundel, Greedel and Gruendel, so I presume one of these is the correct spelling.

The obituary of August Wuchatsch, the father of Benjamin, Frederick and Raymond.

Great Southern Advocate, May 3 1917 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article130740157

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

Tonimbuk Honour Board

Denise Nest wrote about the Tonimbuk Honour Board in her book, Call of the Bunyip: a history of Bunyip, Iona and Tonimbuk, 1847 - 1990 (1). She said that the names and portraits of the men of the district were enclosed in a massive oak frame and that the Roll was unveiled by Mr Pearson and a concert completed the occasion (2). The Board was presented  by the Tonimbuk Patriotic People’s Friendly Society on  August 15, 1916 (3). The Honour Board is at the Tonimbuk Hall.

Tonimbuk was settled it the 1890s as part of  a Village Settlement Scheme.  The aim of the scheme was to move unemployed families from Melbourne so they could have a  self sustaining life in the country as farmers, saw millers or by supporting themselves with any work they could obtain. It was not always successful for  a variety of reasons including the fact that many men lacked the necessary skills and the farms were too small to be viable. The Tonimbuk State School, No. 3363, opened on July 1, 1900, it closed in January 1906, reopened September 1910 and closed in 1947 (4).

Tonimbuk, is not part of the Koo Wee Rup Swamp, it is really Bunyip North, however as some of the men on the Tonimbuk Honour are also honored on the Bunyip War Memorial, which I have written about here, it's well worth looking at.

What follows is a list of the soldiers on the Honour Roll, plus a few others with a Tonimbuk connection,  their fate (i.e. when they Returned to Australia after active service or when they were Killed in Action) and their Service Number (SN) so you can look up their full service record on the National Archives website (www.naa.gov.au). Some of the extra information about the families of the soldiers comes from Call of the Bunyip: a history of Bunyip, Iona and Tonimbuk, 1847 - 1990

Bridle, Charles William (SN 5629) Charles enlisted as a 19 year old on July 31, 1915. He was a Clerk, born in Williamstown and was living there when he enlisted,  his next of kin was father, Richard.  Charles married Erine (also listed as Eileen)  around 1917. A letter in his file, dated August 1, 1918 states that Erine had moved  from Williamstown to Bunyip. He Returned to Australia on May 8, 1919. Mrs Nest, in Call of the Bunyip,  has his name listed as Bridal, which is not correct, however as George and Elizabeth Bridal settled in Tonimbuk in the early 1900s and they are presumably the source of the name Bridal Road it's an obvious mistake.

Ellis, H.   Corporal H. Ellis is listed on the Honour Roll, but I am unsure who that is. It may possibly refer to Albert Bruthniaux Ellis (SN 44) who enlisted on June 7, 1915 aged 27. His next of kin was his mother, Mrs Martha Ellis of  Mt Juliet, Bunyip. Albert Returned to Australia on September 23, 1919. He was a Lieutenant (which doesn't tally with him being listed as a Corporal)  and was awarded the Military Cross. Albert was the son  of the grandly named Harcourt Whipple Ellis and his wife, Martha (nee Graham). They had another son, Havelock Graham Ellis, born in 1889 but I can't find any reference to him enlisting  - he is not in the Embarkation or Nominal Rolls and does not have a record at the National Archives of Australia. 

Jewell, Frederick William (SN 57) Frederick enlisted on August 22, 1914 when he was 26. His occupation was a labourer. Sergeant Jewell Returned to Australia on January 7, 1919.
Jewell, John George (SN 55) John was 19 years and 10 months old when he enlisted the same day as his brother, Frederick.  John was also a labourer. Whilst serving overseas John suffered from influenza, then mumps, then appendicitis and then he was Wounded in Action in France. John Returned to Australia on January 23, 1918. John is also listed on the Bunyip Methodist Honor Board. 
Jewell, William James Peter (SN 6136) William enlisted on May 4, 1916 aged 22. He Returned to Australia on October 29, 1918 and had suffered from Trench feet and a fractured thigh. William is not listed on the Honour Roll, presumably due to his date of enlistment.
William and Elizabeth (nee Leask) Jewell came to Tonimbuk about 1892 and took up 50 acres of land; they had nine other children beside Fred, John and William.

Leask, George Clifford (SN 2784) George was 18, and a Horse Driver, when he enlisted on July 26, 1916. In August 1918 he suffered a gun shot wound to the abdomen (penetrating) and Returned to Australia on October 20, 1918. George was the son of  Thomas and Rose (nee Hawking) Leask, who are listed in the Electoral Rolls from 1914 to 1919 at Tonimbuk.  On New Years Eve, 1918 a welcome home was given at Tonimbuk School to the three Jewell boys and George Leask. George is not listed on the Honour Roll, presumably due to his date of enlistment. George was granted a Soldier Settlement farm, you can read his file on the Public Records Office of Victoria  website, here. 

Welcome home at Tonimbuk to the Jewell boys and George Leask.

Bunyip & Garfield Express, January 10, 1919.

Nylander, Alexander (SN 3435) Alexander was a 27 year old Labourer, when he enlisted on July 15, 1915. His next of kin was his mother, Mrs J. Nylander, of  St Minians, Bunyip. He was discharged for medical reasons, suffering from shell shock and neurasthenia (a nervous condition)  Alexander Returned to Australia on August 25, 1917. Alexander's parents, Carl and Jessie (nee Forrester) had come to Tonimbuk in 1892.

Pearson, Frederick Francis (SN 869) Frederick enlisted on September 4, 1914, when he was 25. He was a Clerk.  Frederick was Killed in Action on April 25, 1915 at Gallipoli. It wasn't until June 1916 that a Board of Enquiry finally confirmed that he had been Killed in Action, he was previously listed as missing. This information was not communicated to the family straight away as there is a letter from his father in his file dated September 1916 asking for confirmation of his death, he writes "Personally I am sure of his death but it is his mother who keeps on hoping to hear from him"  Frederick was the son of Charles and Blanche (nee Cox) Pearson who had arrived in Tonimbuk in 1893, they had 320 acres of land which they used as an orchard. Frederick is also listed on the Bunyip War Memorial. 

Pilkington, Archibald Clarence (1268) Archie was living in Williamstown and his occupation was a Driver, when he enlisted on July 12 1915 at the age of 21. He  served overseas but was injured and also suffered from bronchitis and so was discharged due to medical reasons and Returned to Australia on Apri1 11, 1916. Archie and his wife Vera are listed in the 1917 Electoral Roll as living at Tynong. In 1919 they are back in Williamstown and he has  motor garage.  In 1924 Ada is listed alone in Williamstown and there is an Archibald Clarence Pilkington in Rocklea near Brisbane, occupation motor driver, so it seems that the marriage had broken up by then.  Vera was born in Longwarry and was the daughter of John and Catherine (nee Parsons) Topp, and so was the sister of Charles and John Topp, listed below.

Eric Reardon

Australian War Memorial Photograph P12700

Reardon, Eric Charles (SN 2524). Eric enlisted on June 3, 1915 at the age of 18, he was a Farmer. Eric Died of Wounds on September 9, 1918. Eric is also listed on the Bunyip War Memorial.
Reardon, William Horace (SN 16) William enlisted on August 19, 1914 at the age of 19. He was also a farmer. They were both born in Tatura and were the sons of James Edward and Seline (nee Bradley) Reardon of Bunyip. William Returned to Australia on November 12, 1917 after being discharged as permanently unfit. William had suffered from months of diarrhoea and bilharziosis (a parasite infection from a flatworm)

Sleigh, John (SN 58) John enlisted on August 22, 1914, the same day as Fred and John Jewell, when he was 25 years old. He was a labourer. John had a colourful military record and was charged with a number of offences whilst on active duty and also suffered from a leg injury that became quite a bad ulcer which wouldn't heal and he was discharged as medically unfit after he Returned to Australia on February 15, 1918.
Sleigh, T I believe that this may actually be Stephen Sleigh (SN 3244) who is also listed on the Bunyip War Memorial. Stephen enlisted on July 16, 1915. He was 28 years old and a Shunter. Stephen was listed as missing on July 28, 1916 and a later Court of Enquiry found that he was Killed in Action on July 19, 1916.
Stephen and John were both born in Trentham and they were the sons of Charles and Mary Jane (nee Shand) Sleigh of Bunyip.

Report on the Sleigh Brothers

Bunyip Free Press, October 25 1915 https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/129630990

Topp, Charles William (SN 3656) Charles was a jockey, aged 24, and he enlisted on September 6, 1915. He Returned to Australia on May 15, 1919. Charles died on July 24, 1925. 
Topp, John Henry Thomas (SN 1312) John enlisted at the age of 26 on July 29, 1915. He was a Saw Mill employee. He Returned to Australia on July 18, 1919.
Charles and John were the sons of John Henry and Catherine Theresa (nee Parsons) Topp of Bunyip.  Call of the Bunyip mentions a John Topp who had a property near the Tonimbuk School which consisted of 450 acres and a home on the banks of Dingle Creek.

Death notices for Charles Topp

The Argus, July 25, 1925  http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article2146153

Short obituary of Charles Topp

Albury Banner & Wodonga Express, July 31 1925  http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article102324372

Towt, O.O  Listed as O.O. Towt in the Call of the Bunyip, but I believe that it is Canterbury Oliver Towt (SN 72). Canterbury was the son of Catherine Towt of  Glen Evergreen, Tonimbuk. He was an orchardist and enlisted at the age of 25 on July 19, 1915. He Returned to Australia on May 11, 1919.

Footnotes
(1) Nest, Denise Call of the Bunyip: a history of Bunyip, Iona and Tonimbuk, 1847 - 1990 (Bunyip History Committee, 1990)

(2) Nest, op. cit., p. 28

(3) Casey Cardinia Remembers http://www.caseycardiniaremembers.org.au/tonimbuk-hall/
(4) 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 

World War One Soldiers with a connection to Garfield

This is a list of First World War Soldiers who have a connection to Garfield. The names come from various sources including the Garfield State School Honor Roll, the new Garfield Honor Roll which was unveiled in May 2014 (both of these Honor Boards are at the Community Centre) and a list of soldiers from Bill Parish’s notes that are held at the Berwick Pakenham Historical Society.  I am under the impression that Bill’s list is of the names on the original Honor Board that was destroyed when the Garfield Hall was burnt down in April 1937.  Either way there are 80 names listed below, so it shows that the Garfield community made a huge commitment and, at times, a huge sacrifice to support Australia’s war effort.

Since I first researched this post in 2015 I discovered an article about the unveiling of the original Garfield Honor Board at the Garfield Hall, which took place on November 26, 1919. It was unveiled by Mr Shreeve. The list of names confirms that Bill Parish's list was from the original Honor Board.

Bunyip & Garfield Express November 21, 1919

From the report of the unveiling of the Garfield Honor Board, names are transcribed below.

Bunyip & Garfield Express December 5, 1919.

The following names are inscribed on the board - Fallen in Gallipoli - P. Gunnelson, W. Leeson, C. Mynard, L. Plant.

Fallen in France - E. Beswick, E. Bullock, E. Gunnelson, J. Gaghin. A. M'Donald. F. Toner, A Watson, J. Whiston, F. Whiston.

Returned - A. Boase, W. Body, W. Burnett, J Burrows, A. Barker, F. Bullock, G. Dunne, E. Edis, R. Gunnelson, G. Gillespie, E. Hobson, G. Hobson, R. James, S. King, R. Leeson, T. Lambden, R. Morgan, T. Mynard, J Mynard, F. Mynard, W. Ottoway, K. Olsson, H. Roberts,  F. Shreeve, H. Trasler, D. Tynan and T. Vaughan.

What follows is a list of soldiers, their connection to Garfield , their fate (i.e. when they Returned to Australia after active service or when they were Killed in Action) and their Service Number (SN) so you can look up their full service record on the National Archives website (www.naa.gov.au)

If the soldiers are on the Garfield State School Honour Roll they have GSSHR after their name; if the are on the Garfield Honour Roll at the Community Centre they have GHR after their name and if they are on Bill Parish’s Garfield Honour Roll list/original Garfield Honor Board they have BPGHR after their name.

Baker, George (SN 16373) George enlisted on October 13, 1916, aged 22. He was a telephone mechanic and his next of kin was his father, David Baker, of Garfield. He Returned to Australia July 7, 1919.

Barker, Albert Stirling (SN 1212)   Albert was a 27 year old farmer from Garfield when he enlisted on July 17, 1915. His next of kin was his father, James, of Newmarket. He Returned to Australia on January 18, 1919. GSSHR, BPGHR.

Beswick, Edwin Ezard  (SN 6725) Edwin enlisted on September 16, 1916. He was 18 years old, was born in England and his next of kin was his father, John, of Garfield.  He made a will on July 26, 1917 and left everything to his mother, Mary Elizabeth Beswick. Edwin died in France of wounds and gas poisoning on October 9, 1917. Edwin is listed on the Bunyip War Memorial as well as the GHR and BPGHR.

Boase, Arthur Leslie (SN 7213) Arthur enlisted on August 2, 1915 at the age of 26 and his next of kin was his mother, Mrs H. Jolly of Garfield.  He was discharged due to suffering from pulmonary tuberculosis on September 16, 1915. He re-enlisted in July 1916 for ‘home’ not active service, but was discharged again on November 7, 1916. Obviously he was very persistent as he enlisted for the third time on November 10, 1916. He was sent to England but Returned to Australia on September 27, 1917 and was discharged as medically unfit on February 1, 1918 as he suffered from bronchitis.  At the time of the second enlistment he was living in Officer and by the time of the third enlistment he was married to Linda and still living in Officer. Arthur is listed on the Honour Board at the Officer Public Hall, see here.   GSSHR, BPGHR.

Body, William (SN 36896)  William was born in Garfield and was 20, a farmer,  when he enlisted on February 28, 1917. His next of kin was his father, John, of Garfield.   He Returned to Australia on July 13, 1919.  William is the brother of Daisy Body, the first teacher at Garfield North State School when it opened in 1914. BPGHR.

Memorial card for Ernest Bullock

Australian War Memorial Photograph P06855.002

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 (see below) when he enlisted and that’s his Garfield connection. Ernest was Killed in Action in France on October 4, 1918. Ernest and Thomas are listed on the Garfield Honour Roll as well as the Clyde North State School Roll, where they attended school. Ernest also had a tree in the Tynong Memorial Grove, which was planted in July 1917. GHR, BPGHR
Bullock, Thomas (SN 6292) Thomas was nearly 26, a labourer from Garfield and enlisted on July 7, 1916 the same day as his brother, Ernest, above. His next of kin was his wife, Rose. Thomas Returned to Australia on July 22, 1919. BPGHR.

Burnett, William Wernham Thomas  (SN 3019) William was born in Longwarry and was 18 years old when enlisted on July 22, 1915. His next of kin was his mother, Lilly Finnie of Garfield.  He Returned to Australia on April 27, 1919. GSSHR, BPGHR.

Burrows, John James (SN 3259)  John was born in Garfield and enlisted on August 2, 1915 when he was 19. He was  a Butcher and his next of kin was his father of Mitchell Street, Brunswick. John Returned to Australia on April 12, 1919.  GSSHR, BPGHR.

Cantini, R   This man is listed on the Garfield State School Honour Roll. I believe the surname should be Cantieni. I can’t find the family on the Electoral Roll in the area, but I found some references to the family on Trove - in 1900 there is a letter to the editor from a Peter Cantieni of Garfield; in 1906 there is an advertisement from an A.A Cantieni of Garfield inviting tenders to plough 30 acres of new land; and in February 1907 there was a report that Mrs Cantieni’s newly built residence  burnt down. This man may be Richard Cantieni (SN 5310) who enlisted on March 18, 1916 aged 22 and Died of Wounds on February 27, 1917, and whose next of kin was his father, Peter.  However the Honour Roll does not list him as having  died, so I am not sure.

Cock, John Alfred (SN 414C) John enlisted on August 17, 1916 aged 19. He was a Farmer. His address was the New Bunyip Hotel, Bunyip  (the hotel that was where the Princes Highway crossed the Bunyip River)  which was owned by his parents and his father, Frederick, was listed as his next of kin. John Returned to Australia on March 28, 1919. GSSHR.

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 at the Public Records Office of Victoria, 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. Clifford is listed on the Bunyip War Memorial.
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.
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.
I believe these boys were brothers, and they are all listed on the Iona Honour Board There is also more information about the family in that post.

Devaney, A   This man is listed on the Garfield State School Honour Roll. He is possibly connected to David and Eleanor Devaney who had the New Bunyip Hotel on the Gippsland Road. They both died in  1909 - Eleanor (nee Fitzpatrick), aged 59,  was tragically burnt to death when her dress caught fire and she passed away two days later on November 22. David, her invalid husband, aged 80, died of shock as  a result on November 24 (1).  They had at least five children - Margaret (born 1880); Ann (1883); Neil (1885); Arthur Charles (1890) and George Alfred (1892). I believe that A. Devaney is either Arthur or George, who may have been known by his middle name. I just can't find any trace of either enlisting.

Donald, Arnold James (SN 6000a) Donald, a Farm Manager, enlisted at 27 years of age on March 3, 1916. His next of kin was his mother, Mrs Elizabeth Donald of Garfield. He was wounded in France and Returned to Australia on April 5, 1918.
Donald, Henry Gordon (SN 6001a) Henry enlisted the same day as his brother, Arnold (above) He was 21, born in Iona, was a farmer and his next of kin was also his mother, Elizabeth. He was Killed in Action in Belgium, sometime between June 7 and June 9, 1917. The brothers are listed on the Iona Honor Board.

Drake, James Patrick (SN 13281)  James was born in Garfield and enlisted on July 13, 1915. He was 20 years old and a Clerk. James Returned to Australia on May 5, 1919. James’ parents, James and Elizabeth, had arrived in Garfield around 1888 and later moved to Bunyip - James’ brother Tom was T.D Drake Real Estate and Auctioneers.    GSSHR

Dunne, George Michael  (SN 3379) George enlisted on March 14, 1917 at the age of 33. He was a Labourer.  His next of kin was his wife, Laura, and they lived in Garfield North.  George Returned to Australia on March 17, 1919. BPGHR.

Edis, Eric Henile (SN 3509)  Eric was born in Garfield and his next of kin listed when he enlisted on August 2, 1915 was his father Frederick. Eric Returned to Australia on December 22, 1918, he then worked as a farrier and wheelwright in Garfield.  GSSHR, BPGHR.

Gaghin,  John (SN 2528) - his last name is listed as Gachin (his name is spelt this way on the Bunyip War Memorial) and Gaghain on other sources, but looking at his signature on his enlistment paper, Gaghin is the correct spelling. John is the son of Michael Gaghin of Garfield and enlisted on June 6, 1916.   He was Killed in Action in France on April 11, 1917. GHR, BPGHR

Gillespie, John Gordon  (SN 17902)  John was born in Garfield and enlisted on  January 28, 1916. He was a 25 year old Carpenter. His next of kin was his father, Andrew, of Garfield. John Returned to Australia on January 18, 1919. GSSHR, BPGHR.

Green, Thomas Cole (SN 2421)  Thomas was from Garfield and his next of kin was his mother, Catherine, and he enlisted on April 11, 1916. He was 28 years old and a Commission Agent.  Thomas Returned to Australia on May 6, 1919. Thomas also enlisted to serve in World War Two in 1941 when he was 53 years old.

Gunnelson, Ingebert Thomas (SN 3160)
Gunnelson, Percy Oscar (SN 893) Ingebert enlisted on September 2, 1916, aged 23 and Percy enlisted August 24, 1914 aged 20. Inglebert and Percy were the sons of James and Mary (nee Duff) Gunnelson of Garfield. James (sometimes called Ingebert) was born in Norway and was a builder. Sadly they were both Killed in Action, Percy on May 8, 1915 at Gallipoli and Ingebert on October 4, 1917 in France. Inglebert and Percy are listed on the Bunyip War Memorial as well as the GSSHR, GHR, BPGHR
Gunnelson, R There is an R. Gunnelson listed on Bill Parish’s list and on the Garfield State School Honour Roll. I believe this is Robert Herman Gunnelson, brother to Ingebert and Percy, who was born in 1900, however I can’t find any listing of him on the records at the National Archives of Australia or the Australian War Memorial, so maybe he enlisted just before the War ended.

Hobson, Edwin Ernest (SN 3506) Edwin enlisted on August 23, 1915 when he was 24, a Labourer, and his next of kin was his wife, Emily, of Garfield. Edwin Returned to Australia on February 9, 1919. He was granted a Soldier Settlement farm, you can read his file at the Public Records Office of Victoria, here. BPGHR
Hobson, George (SN 1164) George enlisted on July 28, 1915 at the age of 19, was a farmer and his next of kin was his brother, William, of Garfield. On April 25, 1918, George married May Malpas in London, and his marriage certificate in his file listed his father as Edward Ernest Hobson, deceased. He Returned to Australia on January 4, 1919. BPGHR
I believe the boys are brothers, the sons of Edwin and Esther (nee Holt) Hobson and that the father was incorrectly listed as Edward in George's marriage certificate. Edwin Hobson Snr died in an accident in October 1904, when his horse bolted. You can read a report, here.

James, Reginald Alfred John  (SN 3806) James enlisted on March 1, 1916 at the age of 22, he was a farmer and his next of kin was his father, Alfred, of Garfield. He Returned to Australia on January 10, 1918. BPGHR

Jewell  The Garfield State School Honour Roll has a Jewell listed with no initial. This could possibly be Frederick William Jewell, born 1888  (SN 57) or William James Peter Jewell, born 1893 (SN 6136) or John George Jewell, born 1894 (SN 55). They are the sons of William and Elizabeth (nee Leask). In the book Call of the Bunyip (2) it says that the Jewells had fifty acres as part of the Tonimbuk Village Settlement Scheme and they arrived at Tonimbuk around 1892. John is listed on the Bunyip Methodist Church Honor Board and Frederick and John are also on the Honor Roll at the Tonimbuk Hall, see here.

Kimberley, John Robert (SN 857)  John enlisted on September 18, 1914. He was 25 years old and a Farrier.  He was born in Garfield, but was living in Sebastapol, near Ballarart, when he enlisted. His mother, Christina Kimberley, was listed as his next of kin.  John Returned to Australia on October 4, 1918.

King, S  This man is on Bill Parish’s list and the original Garfield Honor Board, but I can’t work out who he is. There was an Ernest King listed in the 1912 Electoral Roll at Iona and there was a  William and Lily King listed in the 1914 Electoral Rolls and throughout the War years at Garfield, so it is possible S. King is connected to these people. Another option is Sydney Arthur King, a farmer, listed in the 1919 Electoral Roll at Garfield. There was a Sydney Arthur King (SN 613) who enlisted but he was a painter from Richmond. Don't know.

Lambden, Thomas William (SN 6050)  Thomas enlisted on March 3, 1916 at the age of 30, he was a Farmer and his next of kin was his wife, Emma, of Garfield.  Thomas Returned to Australia on December 24, 1918. BPGHR

Leeson, Robert Victor (SN 2589) Robert enlisted, at 20 years of age, on June 30, 1916. His next of kin was his father, Phillip Leeson of Garfield and he was the brother of William (below). Robert and William’s grandmother, Kathleen Leeson, was the licensee of the Pig & Whistle Hotel on Cannibal Creek (read more here.) Robert Returned to Australia on December 18, 1918. GSSHR, BPGHR

Leeson, William Herbert Charles (SN 1178) William, the brother of Robert, above, enlisted 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 as well as GSSHR, GHR, BPGHR

Obituary of William Leeson (note: his date of death was actually May 2, 1915)

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

Leithhead,  David (SN  V80710) David was born in Garfield in 1900 and was the son of George and Alice Leithhead of Vervale. David enlisted on September 28, 1918. The war ended before David saw any active service, but in 1941 in the Second World War, he enlisted in the Air Force.

McDonald, Allan Walter (SN 2474) Allan enlisted on March 3, 1916 and his next of kin was his wife, Jessie, of Garfield. He was 40 years old and a farmer. Allan Died of Wounds received whist fighting in France, on March 28, 1917.  Allan is listed on the Bunyip War Memorial where I have written more about him, as well as GHR, BPGHR

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.

McParland, Maurice Matthew (SN 420) Maurice was 18 when he enlisted on October 4, 1916.
McParland, Patrick (SN 868) Patrick was 22 when he enlisted on March 17, 1915. They were both born in Bunyip and had been at school at Garfield as they are listed on the Garfield State School Honour Roll. Their mother, Catherine, who was their next of kin was living in Springvale when they enlisted. Maurice Returned to Australia on March 3, 1919. Sadly, Patrick died September 15, 1915 of disease and was buried in Egypt. GSSHR.

They were the sons of John and Christine (nee Hoyne) McParland.

McLean, Norman Angus (SN 39206)  Norman enlisted on April 4, 1917 aged 21. His next of kin is his father, Roderick, who was the Station Master at Garfield from 1907 until 1911 when he was transferred to Tynong.  In August 1918, Norman was gassed whilst serving in France, transferred to a hospital in England and was discharged from the Army as medically unfit in March 1919 after he had arrived back in Melbourne.  GSSHR.

Mannix,  William (SN 81948) William was born at Garfield and enlisted at the age of 18 on October 26, 1918. His next of kin was his father, Patrick, a farmer of Garfield. Due to the fact the War ended he was discharged in December 1918.

Mather, James Alexander (SN 85662)  James was born in Garfield and enlisted after the War finished on January 6, 1919. He left Australia on January 25 and returned after a short stint overseas in June 1919.

Miller, Ivan Valentine (SN 3163)  Ivan enlisted on December 3, 1917 aged 20. He was an ‘Assistant Dispenser’ in a pharmacy.  He Returned to Australia on December 24, 1918. Ivan attended the Garfield State School in the 1910s and he his memories of the school are published in the book Cannibal Creek to Garfield: the history of Garfield Primary School (3).   GSSHR 

Morgan, Robert Glyn  (SN 68844) Robert enlisted on August 27, 1918 at the age of 21. His occupation was listed as Bank Teller, London Bank, Garfield (read about the Bank, here). His next of kin was his father, Thomas Morgan, of Scott Parade, Ballarat East. He embarked on October 22, 1918, but the troopship was recalled, due to the War ending. Robert was also listed in the 1917 Electoral Roll at Garfield, occupation Bank Teller. BPGHR.

Mynard, Charles (SN 459) Twenty one year old Charles enlisted on August 17, 1914 and his next of kin was his father, T.C Mynard of Garfield. Charles was Killed in Action at Gallipoli on April 25, 1915. Charles is listed on the Bunyip War Memorial and GHR, BPGHR 

Mynard, John (SN 2867) John was 18 when he enlisted on June 25, 1915. He Returned to Australia March 21, 1919. BPGHR
Mynard, Thomas (SN 17653) Thomas was a 42 year old farmer from Garfield when he enlisted on July 7, 1915. His next of kin was his wife, Elizabeth Ann Mynard and they had four children. Thomas and Elizabeth are the parents of Charles, John and Walter. He Returned to Australia on March 14, 1919. BPGHR
Mynard, Walter Frank (SN 36909) Walter enlisted in February 27, 1917 when he was 19. He Returned to Australia on September 6, 1919. BPGHR

Olsson, Alexander Emil (Lieutenant) Alexander was a 25 year old police constable when he enlisted on August 28, 1915. His next of kin was his mother, Antonetta, of Garfield. Alexander was born in Tynong. Alexander was the brother of Karl, below. He Returned to Australia June 2, 1919. GSSHR

Olsson, Karl Napier (SN 3769) Karl enlisted February 27, 1917 aged 29. He was a carpenter and his next of kin at time of enlistment was his father Mr John Olsson of Garfield and later his wife Alice May Olsson of Vervale. Karl Returned to Australia on July 20, 1919. GSSHR, BPGHR

Orrock, Percy Newton (SN 3580) Percy enlisted on July 16 1915 and he was a 28 year old grocer. His next of kin was his father, David, of Tynong.  Percy was Killed in Action in France on February 8, 1917. Percy and his brother, Harold, both had trees in  the Tynong Memorial Grove, which was planted in July 1917. GHR  

Ottaway, William Arthur  (SN 540)  William was born in New Zealand and his next of kin was his mother who lived in Scotland. He was living at Garfield when he enlisted at the age of 30 on September 21, 1914. He was a labourer. William suffered a number of wounds and Returned to Australia on October 8, 1918. BPGHR

Pettman, George Edward  (SN 3908) George was born at Garfield and enlisted at the age of 18 on August 7, 1915. He was the son of Isaac and Ellen Pettman, who were from Bunyip.  George Returned to Australia on February 9, 1919. His brother, Isac, is listed on the Nar Nar Goon Honour Roll, see here.

Pittman, R
Pittman, W These two are listed on the Garfield State School Honour Roll. I can’t work out who they are. According to articles in newspapers (4), there was a W. Pittman who, in 1905, had his house in Garfield destroyed by a bush fire and later on in 1907 was awarded the ‘contract for sanitary services at Bunyip at 4d per pan, weekly service’ so I presume that they are connected to him.

Plant,  Lawrence (SN 1804)  Lawrence was born in Garfield and enlisted at Tynong on  December 30, 1914 at the age of 19. His next of kin was his father, John.  Lawrence was Killed in Action in France on May 12, 1917. Lawrence is listed on the Bunyip War Memorial as well as the GSSHR, GHR, BPGHR

Pomeroy , Alfred John  (SN 2745) There is an A. Pomeroy listed on the Garfield School Roll and I believe it is Alfred. He was 23 when he enlisted on March 21, 1916. His occupation was farmer and his next of kin was his father Richard of Brunswick.   There was a Richard and Sarah Pomeroy listed in the Electoral Rolls at Bunyip South (Iona) from around 1905 to 1909 who I am assuming were his parents. Alfred Returned to Australia on July 1, 1919. He is also listed on the Bunyip Methodist Honor Board and I have more information about him in that post. GSSHR  

Pratt, Percy (SN 12369/7894) Percy was born in England and was living at Garfield 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 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 is also listed on the Iona Honor Board and I have more information about him on that post.

Ritchie, Sydney Richard (SN 6854)  Sydney was born in Garfield and enlisted on July 14, 1915. He was 36 and a blacksmith and living in Thomastown. His next of kin was his father, W. Ritchie, of Sunbury. Sergeant Ritchie Returned to Australia on March 9, 1919.

Roberts, Herman (SN 1276) Herman was born in Paynesville and enlisted on February 1, 1916, aged 33.  Herman Returned to Australia on June 16, 1919. He was a builder and is listed on the 1919 Electoral Roll at Garfield. BPGHR.

Robertson, John (SN 4576)  John enlisted on October 13, 1915, aged 22.  John’s enlistment papers say he was born in Garfield and his next of kin was his mother, Myrtle, who lived in Port Kembla. In reality, his name was Thomas Robinson, he was born in Drouin in 1893 and was the son of George and Rachel (nee Clark) Robinson. Rachel lived in Wollongong during the War and she was a widow. It would be interesting to find out his true story.  As John Robertson he was Mentioned in Despatches. He was Killed in Action, in France, on October 15, 1917. 

Robinson,  Alexander Patrick (SN 3216)  Alexander enlisted on November 1, 1916 aged 22.  He was a farmer from Garfield.  Alexander Died of Gas Poisoning in France on October 16, 1917. Alexander had also enlisted under another name, his real surname was Robas.  Correspondence in his file at the National Archives, says that his parents were divorced and the location of his father was unknown and his mother, Lotttie Robas, was in Rhodesia and she didn’t find out about her son’s death until 1923.

Shreeve, Charles Frederick (SN 338) Charles was a farmer from Mount Marshall, Garfield and he enlisted on May 4, 1916 aged 30. His next of kin was his father, William, of the same address. He Returned to Australia on April 19, 1919. BPGHR
Shreeve, James William. Captain Shreeve enlisted on February 23, 1916. James is the brother of Charles, above, and they are the sons of William and Emma (nee Daniels) Shreeve.  James was professional soldier, had served in the Boer War and was living in New South Wales when he enlisted. He Returned to Australia on January 5, 1919. GSSHR

Sims, Herbert Victor (SN 1999) Herbert enlisted at Bunyip on March 3, 1916, when he was 20. One source has his next of kin listed as Mrs G. Bird of Garfield. I believe this is Mrs George Bird, the wife of the baker.   Herbert stayed overseas for a time working for the Australian Graves Registration Detachment.

Steele, John Alan Patterson (SN 2391) John was born in Garfield and enlisted  on  September 7, 1916. He was 20 year old. John was Wounded in Action on June 7, 1917 – gun shot wound left leg – and he was sent back to Australia on October 31, 1917 and was discharged as medically unit in February 1918. John was granted a Soldier Settlement farm, you can read his file on the Public Records Office of Victoria website, here.

Thomson, J. and Thomson, K.  These two are listed on the Garfield State School Honour Roll. I couldn't work out who they were until I found that a Robert Keith Thomson was granted a Soldier Settlement farm and he listed, amongst his experience, farming at Garfield. Then it all fell into place.

Thomson, John (SN 1765) John enlisted on July 26, 1915. He was 21 years old, a Labourer and his next of kin was his mother, Ada Thomson, of Evelyn. John was wounded - gun shot wound right knee. He Returned to Australia September 10, 1917 and discharged on medical grounds in the December. 

Thomson, Robert Keith (SN 51477). Robert enlisted at the age of 20 on March 27, 1918. He was an Orchardist and his address and that of his father, John, who was his next of kin was Evelyn. John Returned to Australia June 3, 1919.You can read his file on the Public Records Office of Victoria website, here.

John and Ada Thomson were listed in the 1903 Electoral Roll at Tynong -  he was a railway employee and she was the postmistress at Tynong. 

Toner, Francis John (SN 5092)   Francis enlisted, at Bunyip, on March 3, 1916 at the age of 33. His next of kin was his mother, Catherine Toner, of Garfield.  Francis was Killed in Action in France on March 20, 1917. Francis is listed on the Bunyip War Memorial.  BPGHR.

Trasler, Harold  (SN 36918) Harold enlisted on February 28, 1917. He was born in England and was a 19 year farm hand, living at Garfield when he enlisted. As he was under 21 when he enlisted permission was given by his guardians, Thomas and Elizabeth Mynard.  Harold Returned to Australia on September 22, 1919. BPGHR.

Tynan, Daniel John  (SN 2171)  Daniel enlisted on March 3, 1916. He was a railway track repairer, 44 years old and his next of kin was his wife Emma and they lived in Garfield.  Daniel  Returned to Australia on March 25, 1919. BPGHR

Vaughan, Thomas  (SN 243) Thomas enlisted on February 5, 1916. He was 20 years old, a Labourer  and his next of kin was his mother, Caroline Vaughan, of Garfield.  Thomas Returned to Australia on January 18, 1919. He was granted a Soldier Settlement farm, you can read his file on the Public Records Office of Victoria here.   GSSHR, BPGHR

Wallace, E   This man is listed on the Garfield State School Honour Roll. It is possibly Thomas Wallace - also listed as A. Thomas Wallace in one newspaper report (5).I can't find any record for him, or for that matter any of the other men listed in this report, below. I presume the War ended before they went into Camp. I could not find an E. Wallace who enlisted with any local connection, so this is the best I can do.

Report saying that Thomas Wallace of Garfield has passed his medical.

Koo Wee Rup Sun, September 25, 1918 https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/127198322

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. Albert is listed on the Bunyip War Memorial, the Iona Honor Board and GSSHR, GHR, BPGHR

Webb, Elmglade (SN 26645)  Elmglade was born in Garfield and was 19 years old and a Clerk when he  enlisted on  March 15, 1916. He was the son of James Arthur and Margaret Ann Webb, of Ormond Street, Kensington. He had attended Port Melbourne State School according to his Roll of Honor Circular at the Australian War Memorial. Elmglade was Killed in Action in Belgium on September 30, 1917.

Short obituary of Elm Webb

Essendon Gazette November 8 1917 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article74604238

Whiston, Frederick (SN 3524) Fred enlisted on August 2, 1915 aged 23. Fred Died of Wounds received in action in France July 21, 1916. GHR, BPGHR
Whiston, John Ernest (SN 3252) John enlisted on August 7, 1915 aged 26. He Returned to Australia June 21, 1916 and was discharged as he was suffering from Otitis Media and he became deaf.
Whiston, Julian Thomas (SN 3526) Julian enlisted on August 7, 1915 aged 18. He Died of Wounds received in action in France on March 21, 1918. GHR, BPGHR.
John, Fred and Julian are the sons of Frederick and Elizabeth (nee Oxenham) whose address was listed as both Garfield and Cora Lynn. John was born in Port Adelaide, Fred in Garfield and Julian was listed as being born at ‘Bunyip Swamp’ on his enlistment paper but he was actually born at Bunyip South or Iona. Fred and Julian are also listed on the Bunyip War Memorial. There is a J. Whiston on the Iona Honor Board and a T. Whiston was listed in the article as having been honoured with a tree in  the Tynong Memorial Grove.

Wilson, Clifford Scott (SN 1016) Clifford was born at ‘Iona Station’ Garfield and was 19 when he enlisted on January 7, 1915. He was living on Queensland when he enlisted and his occupation was listed as scrub felling. His next of kin was his mother, Mrs A. Lawson, of Undulla Creek, Tara in Queensland.   He Returned to Australia April 8, 1919.

Footnotes

(1) The Age, November 23, 1909, see here; The Age, November 26, 1909, see here.
(2) Call of the Bunyip: a history of Bunyip, Iona and Tonimbuk, 1847 - 1990 by Denise Nest (Bunyip History Committee, 1990)
(3) Cannibal Creek to Garfield: the history of Garfield Primary School, No. 2724, 1886-1986 (Centenary Committee, 1986)

(4) Pittman - House destroyed by fire - South Bourke & Mornington Journal, January 18, 1905, see here. Contract for sanitary service - South Bourke & Mornington Journal, February 6, 1907, see here.  

(5) The other report where he is called A. Thomas Wallace is from the South Bourke & Mornington Journal. September 19, 1918, see here.