Letters to Iona from World War One soldiers

This post looks at letters sent to people in Iona from three Great War soldiers - Robert Bruce Forsyth (1892-1980), William Clarkin (1894-1916) and James Gully (1882-1931)

Robert Bruce Forsyth (1892-1980)
On April 15, 1915 Bruce Forsyth, of Iona, wrote a letter from Cairo to his parents. Robert Bruce Forsyth was born in Bunyip in 1892 to William and Naomi (nee Bull) Forsyth. Bruce (SN 203) was a 23 year farmer when he enlisted on August 18, 1914. Captain Forsyth was twice Mentioned in Despatches and was also awarded the Military Cross. He Returned to Australia November 6, 1918 and took up a Soldier Settlement farm near Alexandra. He married Amy Williams in 1920 and died in 1980, aged 88.

The Bunyip Free Press of May 27 1915, (see here) published Bruce's letter.

The following letter has just been received by Mr. and Mrs. W. Forsyth, of Iona, from their son Bruce, who is in Egypt with the First Expeditionary Force: -
Mena Camp, Cairo,
15th April, 1915.

Dear Mother and Father
I received your over-welcome letters yesterday, dated 16th March, and was glad to hear you were all well. You said you heard the first contingent had left Egypt. Well, the infantry and one squad of light horse have gone but we don't know where to. There are only A and B squadrons of the light horse left here now. We are, unluckily, the last ones to shift.

Last Tuesday my mate and I took a trip to the Citadel and also went all through the Mosques, they are marvellous places. We had a guide to show us through them. There are several Mosques around the Citadel all fixed up inside as places of worship. The brother, sister and parents of the present Sultan, also the man who built the Mosque, are buried in them, and they have lovely tombs. We had to put on a pair of slippers they gave us before we were allowed to enter, as they say it is holy ground.

There were natives kneeling around every where, rubbing their noses on the ground; and going through all kinds of forms. There are large fountains inside where the people have to wash three times before they pray. It was here Napoleon fired on those mosques from the citadel, and there are great lumps of masonry knocked out of the walls, and also one big cannon ball still wedged in the wall where it struck. There are also holes in the door going up to the citadel. One door in one of these places cost half a million pounds, and is made of gold and silver.

The Citadel is full of wounded Indian soldiers from the front. We went in and saw them. Now that the others are gone we get a very easy time of it, mostly just exercising our horses, and we are getting quite lazy. 

All the chaplains have gone with the infantry, so our Colonel holds the service on Sunday mornings. He is a good speaker and is well liked. Well, I think I've told you all the news for this time. Remember me to all my friends. I was very sorry to hear of "Bill " Sullivan's death."

Your ever affectionate son,
R. B. FORSYTH.
(The letter is edited, you can read the original, here.)

The Citadel in Cairo, as Bruce would have seen it.

Image dated c. 1914-1918. State Library of Victoria Image H99.166/305

William Clarkin (1894-1916)
The Bunyip Free Press of July 22, 1915 (see here) published these letters from local soldiers, Will Clarkin and James Gully.

William Clarkin (SN 1522) was born in 1894, enlisted at Tynong on December 7, 1914 at the age of 21. He died of wounds in France on August 26, 1916. William is listed on the Cora Lynn War Memorial, see here, (where I have more information about the Clarkin family);  the Iona Honor Board, see here, and the Bunyip War Memorial, see here. 

Letters from Will Clarkin

Mr. William Clarkin, who some time ago was wounded at the Dardanelles, has sent the following letters to his relatives at Iona : -

No. 17 General Hospital, Alexandria.
I suppose you are wondering why I have not written lately. Well, you you see, two days after I wrote my last letter we were ordered off to the Dardanelles. We had to land under fire, but we got there alright. I was about a fortnight in the trenches when I had the misfortune to get bowled over. I have been in the hospital for about three weeks, but I will soon be out again. We were ordered to take a good position that the Turks held, so about 1 o'clock in the morning our company, along with three more, were ordered out to do it.

The night was fairly dark, so we could not see the enemy too well. Anyway, it settled into a hand-to-hand go. I don't know exactly what happened, but a Turk must have got home on me with the butt end of his rifle, for I don't remember any more until I was picked up about 5 o'clock in the morning. My head felt as if it had been drawn (dragged) through a six-inch pipe, but I am getting as right as rain again. What makes it worse is that I went as deaf as a post. One of the drums of my car is broken but I can hear alright out of the other one.

I suppose you get all the news over there. The Turks are a treacherous lot. They take no prisoners, nor do they respect the Red Cross. But never mind, the war will soon be over, for news has just come that Italy will soon be into it. We get treated like kings over here - chicken for dinner every day and plenty of cigarettes. When we are discharged from hospital we are sent to a rest camp, where we pick our selves together again.

Part of the 17th General Hospital, Alexandria - where William Clarkin was treated.

Tented accommodation of 17th British General Hospital established for treatment of casualties with serious wounds.

Australian War Memorial Image H00871

Luna Park Convalescent Home, Heliopolis, 30/5/15.

Since I last wrote I have been shifted again, this time to a convalescent home about four miles out of Cairo. I don't know whether I will be sent to a rest camp or back to the front when I leave here; but I hope they will send me somewhere, for I am sick and tired of bed. Of course, I can walk about as good as ever, but you see, we are not allowed to leave the hospital. I suppose you hear all the war news. I wonder do they publish the casualty list; it must be a pretty big one. The Turks got home on our officers; there are only a few of them left.

The Convalescent Hospital in Heliopolis, where William Clarkin also received treatment.

It was called the 'Luna Park Convalescent Hospital' as it was located in the Palace Hotel at Heliopolis and an amusement park, called Luna Park, had been established in the grounds in 1911.

Australian War Memorial P00229.007

Convalescent Camp, 4/6/15.
As we have not got to do anything here but keep our tents clean, I can write a bit more often; I was shifted out into the open-air tents to-day. It is far better in the tents. It is terribly hot in Egypt now; the hottest I have ever been in. It is no place to send wounded men. The wounds will not heal up, only on the inside; only a dry scab comes over the outside. An eye and ear specialist attends me; but I am afraid he can do nothing with my ear. My other one is about as right as can be. It affected my eyes, too, but they are as right as rain. The haze that rises from the sand in the hot weather affects everybody's eyes, and my eyes were a bit weak when I left for the Peninsula. The first batch of wounded men who were fixed up left for the front again last Wednesday week, I think we will be going back again on Wednesday. But don't worry about me; I will get through alright. You might not believe me, but there is a certain fascination about the firing line, although I am not too anxious to hear the shells all around a fellow, and he has got to sit as he can get. But, cheer up; I think next 'Xmas is going to be a real happy one.

James Gully (1882-1931)
James, born in 1882, to Harry and Henrietta (nee Robinson) Gully enlisted on September 28, 1914 at the age of 32 (SN 1167). James Returned to Australia December 3, 1918, for 'Special Leave' and was discharged on medical grounds in March 1919 - having been wounded with a gun shot in the shoulder and later wounded in the left thigh. He died in July 1931 at the Repatriation Hospital in Caulfield, and is buried at the Fawkner Cemetery.

James' death notice

The Age, July 2, 1931 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article203033276

The Bunyip Free Press of July 22, 1915 (see here) published this report of the letter.
Mr. Gully, of Iona, received a short letter last Thursday from his son (Private James Gully), who was recently wounded at the Dardanelles. Writing from the Base Hospital, Private Gully did not (or perhaps could not) state the extent of his injuries. He was eleven days in the firing line before he was wounded, and must have remained where he fell for some time, as afterwards he contracted pneumonia. Mr. Gully is anxiously awaiting another letter from Jim, whose younger brother has enlisted for active service, and is now in camp at Seymour.

James' younger brother was John Harry Gully (SN 607) who enlisted in June 1915 and Returned to Australia May 1919.

Sources used in this post - 

Indexes to the Victorian Births, Deaths and Marriages; First Australian Imperial Force Personnel Dossiers, 1914-1920 at the National Archives of Australia; Personal notices in the newspapers on Trove; Electoral Rolls on Ancestry.com; Soldier Settlement files at the Public Records Office of Victoria - VPRS 5714.

A version of this post first appeared on my work blog -  Casey Cardinia Commemorates: Our War Years https://caseycardinia1914-1918.blogspot.com/

RAAF Plane damaged in forced landing at Iona

On April 27, 1934 a Royal Australian Air Force Moth was damaged after a forced landing in a paddock at Iona. The pilot Squadron-Leader E. Daley and the observer Flight-Lieutenant J. Swift escaped injury. Here are some reports of the incident.

Caption:  A picture of the Royal Australian Air Force Moth, showing the damage which occurred when it made a forced descent in a paddock at lona, Gippsland, yesterday afternoon. It was going to Lake Reeve to assist in salvaging the seaplane which made a forced landing there recently. The occupants were unhurt.

The Herald, April 27, 1934 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article243253316

The Argus newspaper of April 27, 1934 had the following report -
'Plane Damaged in Forced Landing. Air force Men Escape - One wing and the undercarriage were damaged, and the propeller was smashed, when a Moth aeroplane made a forced landing in a paddock about half a mile from the Iona post-office, at 11.30 a.m. yesterday. The pilot (Squadron-Leader Daley) and the observer (Flight-Lieutenant Swift) escaped injury. The aeroplane was being flown from Point Cooke to Seaspray, where a seaplane was damaged a fortnight ago, when the pilot lost his bearings in the clouds, and decided to land in the paddock. Two aeroplanes from Point Cooke later took the pilot and his companion back to Point Cooke, but the damaged machine will not be carried in for repairs until to-day. (The Argus, April 27, 1934 see here)

The Sun News-Pictorial of April 27, 1934 published this report -
Plane lands in Paddock. Damage To Air Force Machine. Occupants Unhurt - Royal Air Force Moth was damaged yesterday afternoon when it made a forced landing through engine trouble in a ploughed paddock at Iona, Gippsland. Two officers in the plane escaped injury. The plane was on its way to Lake Reeve, Gippsland Lakes, to assist in the salvaging of the seaplane that made a forced landing in the lake and contained Squadron-Leader Daley and Flight-Lieutenant Swift. The two airmen were brought back to Point Cook in two planes sent to the scene of the mishap. A motor tender reached the plane last night, which will be dismantled and brought back to Point Cook. (Sun News-Pictorial, April 27, 1934 see here)

Caption: Dismantled at Iona, Gippsland, where it made a forced landing on Thursday, this R.A.A.F. Moth plane was taken back to Point Cook by a motor tender yesterday. The photograph was taken at Dandenong.

The Sun News-Pictorial, April 28, 1934 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article276359452 

The incident was also reported in interstate newspapers and some of these had extra information, not published in the Victorian papers, such as this report from the Brisbane Courier Mail -

Plane crashes in Fog. Air Force Pilots' Escape - An R.A.A.F. Moth 'plane, from the Point Cook Training School, made a forced landing in a heavy fog in a ploughed field at Iona, near Bunyip, Gippsland, to-day. The 'plane was badly damaged, but the two pilots, Squadron-Leader E. Daly and Flight Lieutenant J. Swift, were not hurt. According to eye-witnesses, the machine seemed to circle around as if the pilots were looking for a landing ground. Suddenly the 'plane dived to the ground and crashed with a terrific roar, in a rough paddock. The propeller was smashed, the lower wing was crumpled, and the undercarriage was completely wrecked. A light tender was sent from Point Cook to transport the damaged machine back to the aerodrome. The machine was on its way to Lake Reeve, near Sale, where the crew of the Southampton supermarine flying boat, which was forced down a fortnight ago, has dismantled it for transport to Point Cook. (Brisbane Courier Mail, April 27, 1934, see here)

Who were the two pilots involved in the incident? 

Squadron-Leader E. Daley was possibly Edward Alfred Daley, born January 23, 1901, enlisted July 1928, retired in 1961 with the rank of Air Commander. His file at the National Archives of Australia is not digitised but there is a summary of his service here. 

I believe Flight-Lieutenant J. Swift was John Joseph Swift, born in England on March 24, 1885, enlisted in the RAAF in July 1921, became a Flight-Lieutenant in July 1928, rose to the rank of Wing Commander and retired from the RAAF in 1946. You can read his service file at the National Archives of Australia, here. 

I found 14 reports of the incident all up - four of them, as referenced above in the Victorian newspapers; eight from Queensland newspapers - the one from the Brisbane Courier Mail is transcribed above and  the following seven articles  - Cairns Post, April 27, 1934, see here; Mackay Daily Mercury, April 27, 1934, see here; Rockhampton Morning Bulletin, April 27, 1934, see here; Charters Towers Northern Miner, April 27, 1934, see here; Townsville Daily Bulletin, April 27, 1934, see here; Bundaberg Daily News and Mail, April 27, 1934, see here; Ipswich Queensland Times, April 27, 1934, see here. There were two reports in the New South Wales papers -  Sydney Daily Telegraph, April 27, 1934, see here; Murwillumbah Tweed Daily, April 27, 1934, see here.

Mr Pincott's Model Farm at Iona

On October 31, 1896, The Australasian published an article on the Koo Wee Rup Swamp Settlement, written by 'Thistledown.' There was a general account of the settlement, followed by this description of James Pincott's Model Farm. The address of the Pincott farm has been listed variously over the years as Bunyip South or Bunyip Junction or Iona. 

A Model Farm

Although there are many very nicely kept farms in the swamp, the block owned by Mr. James Pincott, which is situated on the main channel about three miles from Bunyip, is one of the most interesting and best managed in the settlement. Mr. Pincott carried out some experiments for six months for the Agricultural Department on this plot, when the fertility of the soil was being tested, and the place locally has consequently be come known as the " experimental farm." It is true that Mr. Pincott got a rather more favourable start than some of his neighbours, but no one can deny that, independently of the Government experiments, Mr. Pincott is doing admirable work. His block consists of 10 acres, which has all been cleared and drained. There are a couple of acres or so at the back which has not been cultivated as yet, however, and where good pasture is available for the cows, and also a run for the ducks.

 It may seem a paradox, but it is true, nevertheless, that in the midst of a swamp a man has to construct a tank for water. Partly natural and partly artificial, this tiny lake on Mr. Pincott's property affords drinking water to the three cows which are maintained, and at the same time a swimming pond for some beautiful ducks of the Aylesbury-Pekin cross, which are splendid layers, and help a long way towards the support of the family or in reducing the account at the store. Three cows and the ducks are all the live stock maintained at present. Poultry, strange to say, are not popular or numerous on the various holdings on the swamp. They scratch up and spoil all the garden produce if allowed to run about, and when fenced in—as is necessary in most cases— they cost a deal to feed, and do not lay nearly so well as those reared in the open. Very little can be made from poultry on a small farm of 10 acres unless they are given the whole block for a run, and a specialty made of the business.

Cropping Experiments
From the very start Mr. Pincott commenced to make experiments with various kinds of products, and he has now arrived at definite conclusions with regard to the utility of a great number of crops. The character of the soil is changing every year, as it is gradually becoming drier, and this renders it necessary to adjust and select the plants accordingly. The principal crop sown this season is onions, which occupy 1¼ acres. Onions do very well here, and if prices are as high next season - good onions are now selling at £12 a ton - with an average yield of six tons per acre, it may be guessed that onions are a highly profitable crop. But, as has often happened before, this industry is likely to be over-done, for every one seems to be trying to grow onions this year. Farmers at Portarlington, near Geelong, who make onion-growing a feature of their practice, will some of these days, however, wake up to the fact that they have strong competitors in this line at Koo-wee-rup. A patch of potato onions is also grown at Mr. Pincott's place, and he considers the Red Lisborne the best variety. It is not a very large onion, but of beautiful shape and flavour. Potatoes grow to perfection in the dry peat-soil of the swamp. Mr. Pincott recommends a new variety named "Duke of Albany," as a prolific grower, and dry and floury when cooked, even when half grown. Another potato he thinks suitable to the ground is called  "Windsor Castle." 

All kinds of roots grow well here. Turnips and mangels grow to enormous size. Among other products Mr. Pincott finds that peas, beans, and garlic can be grown to perfection, and was surprised to see a patch of strawberries ready for picking. There are no strawberries in the Melbourne market, as a rule, till Cup week, but the hint may be given that a very fair supply can be obtained, if needed, a month earlier from Koo-wee-rup. As regards fruit trees Mr. Pincott has tried a few of nearly every kind, and although he is not sure about some, owing to the short experience, he is confident already that apples and peaches will both do well. Raspberries and filberts are no good. Rhubarb and gooseberries do splendidly, and I was surprised to learn that while borage - a plant which bees are fond of - was specially grown, that bees did not do well. Perhaps Mr. Pincott does not know how to manage them. Asparagus and celery can be raised to wonderful perfection in this deep virgin soil with very little trouble. Rye-grass and white clover are favourite pasture plants with those who keep a cow. Mr. Pincott has tried lucerne, but it did not succeed. He finds that the Bokhara or Cabul clover, a plant similar to lucerne, grows most vigorously. To raise the variety of crops here enumerated will fully occupy any settler's time, and there is no doubt they can all be grown to perfection. But the great question, after all, is, will it pay? Time alone can furnish the answer. (1)

This is what the Koo Wee Rup Swamp would have looked like, 

when the Pincott family first arrived.

Settlements on the bank of the Main Drain.  

The Koo Wee Rup Swamp from The Illustrated Australian News February 1, 1894.

State Library of Victoria http://handle.slv.vic.gov.au/10381/46198 

Who was the model farmer Mr James Pincott? James Pincott was born in Berkshire in England in 1848 to Luke Pincott and his wife Hester (sometimes called Esther) Selby. He had an older brother William (1846-1857), a younger brother Mark (born 1851) and a younger sister, Ellen, born in 1858. The family arrived in Melbourne on the Telegraph in July 1859. Sadly little Ellen died soon after their arrival aged 8 months old. This was followed by the death  the next year, 1860, of Hester, who was only 38 years old, which left Luke a widower with the two boys, James and Mark. (2)

It wasn't an easy life for the boys as their father was an alcoholic, and he disappeared on May 30, 1869 from his house in Mary Street, Richmond. His body was found in a  water hole at the Richmond Quarry on June 14. This is the report of his Inquest from The Argus -

An inquest was held at Richmond on Wednesday, by the district coroner, on the body of a man named Luke Pincott, aged forty-eight years, who was found dead in a water-hole, and was last seen alive on the night of the 30th May. The deceased on the afternoon of that day received half a sovereign from his son to purchase vegetables for tea. He went to the Swan Hotel, and after staying there some time, went to the house of a man for whom he had promised to do some work the next day. At that time he was under the influence of liquor. He started to go home, and was never seen alive again. The son of the deceased stated that his father was given to drinking to excess whenever he had an opportunity. The jury returned a verdict to the following effect.-"That the deceased was found drowned on the 14th inst., in a quarry hole known as the Corporation Quarry-hole, Richmond. The jury were of opinion that the said quarry is in a very dangerous and unprotected state, and that it should be fenced." (3)

The younger son, Mark, married Mary Pearse in 1872 and he died on Christmas Eve, 1918. He had a very interesting and informative obituary in the Richmond Guardian which is transcribed below -
Father of Heroic Soldier Dies on Christmas Eve.- Mr. Mark Pincott. Was Pioneer of Burnley. With the passing of the old year there crossed to the Better Land one of Burnley's first and most prominent citizens. Mr. Mark Pincott, for more than 30 years a resident of Madden Grove, died on December 24. He was buried at Springvale on Boxing Day. The Rev. Ashby Swan officiating. Mr. Pincott had been in failing health for some time, and the end was not unexpected. With his father he landed in Australia from the sailing vessel Telegraph In July, 1859. From the beginning the Pincotts took up residence in Richmond. On his marriage to the daughter of a Richmond resident in 1872
he removed to Burnley The east end at that time was mostly open park lands. There were only two homes between Burnley-street (which was yet unmade) and the end of the present Richmond Park. Mr. and Mrs Pincott were among those who signed the petition for a railway station at Burnley.

Mr. Pincott was born in Berkshire (Eng) in 1851 and would have celebrated his his 68th birthday on the tenth of this month. For over 23 years he was an employee of the Victorian Railways, retiring some eight years ago. He leaves a widow and four sons and four daughters, one of whom is in America. One son, Petty Officer Jack Pincott, is one of the real heroes of the war. "Guardian" readers will remember that he was the subject for a notable full-page story on his return last year. Petty Officer Pincott served with the British Armored Train in Russia, Armenia, Roumania and Galicia, and was mentioned several times in dispatches, awarded the Distinguished Service Medal, and is the only Australian to gain the Russian Order of St George, with which he was decorated by the late Grand Duke Michael. He was recalled for further service some months ago. (4)

Back to James, the model farmer. James married Amelia Frances Flett on September 18, 1888 at her parents house in Scott Street, South St Kilda (now called Elwood).  (5)

Marriage notice of James Pincott

The Age, September 29, 1888 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article196000838

Amelia was the daughter of Charles Clouston Flett and his wife Amelia Jones. Charles and Amelia Flett and their four daughters had arrived in Melbourne on the Green Jacket on March 26, 1861. (6) James, as we can see by the marriage notice was a builder at the time. James and Amelia had five children - 

Frank Selby, born in Richmond in 1889 and died in Nowra, NSW in 1968.

Alice Louise, born in Richmond in 1892, married Albert Masters in 1913 and died in Richmond in 1944.

Amelia, birth registered in Longwarry in 1894. Married William Overend Fordyce in 1924 and died in Melbourne in 1934.

Esther Selby, birth registered in Bunyip  in 1896 and died in Bunyip in 1915.

Mark Pearse, birth registered in Bunyip in 1898 and I can't find his death date. (7)

The places of birth of the children tells us that the family moved to the Koo Wee Rup Swamp around  1894. By 1901, James Pincott had acquired four parcels of land -  the model farm of ten acres on the Main Drain, two five acres blocks off Evans Road and a nineteen acre block of Murray Road (8)

Land owned by James Pincott. Section 7a of 10 acres on the Main Drain, at the intersection of Bunyip-Modella Road - this was the Model farm. Also 2 lots of 5 acres off Evans Road - Lots 76 & 84 and 19  acres on Murray Road, Lot 23.  

Click here for an enlargement -  http://handle.slv.vic.gov.au/10381/104853 

Part of Koo-Wee-Rup, County of Mornington, photo-lithographed at the Department of Lands and Survey, 

Melbourne, by T. F. McGauran, 1907. State Library of Victoria 

Both James and Amelia were appointed to official positions. On November 2, 1894 James was appointed the Deputy Electoral Registrar for the Pakenham Division of the Mornington Electoral Division. (9)

James appointed Deputy Electoral Registrar

Victoria Government Gazette, November 2 1894, p. 4113. https://gazette.slv.vic.gov.au/images/1894/V/general/138.pdf 

In January 1897 Amelia took over this role from James and she was also appointed as the Registrar of Births and Deaths  for  Bunyip South in his place. (10)

Amelia's appointments

Victoria Government Gazette, January 8, 1897, p. 1

https://gazette.slv.vic.gov.au/images/1897/V/general/1.pdf

Amelia - Deputy Electoral Registrar 

South Bourke & Mornington Journal, January 17, 1906 https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/66144219

In September 1899 James was appointed as a Trustee of the Bunyip Cemetery. (11) I have written about the Bunyip Cemetery, here.

James appointed Trustee of the Bunyip Cemetery

Victoria Government Gazette September 22 1899, p.3628 

https://gazette.slv.vic.gov.au/images/1899/V/general/78.pdf 

Whilst the Pincotts were at Bunyip the deaths of three family members occurred. On February 16, 1899, Amelia's father Charles Flett died. (12)

Death of Charles Flett

The Age, March 25, 1899 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article189689150

On February 9, 1915 Amelia Pincott's 95-year old mother Amelia Flett died. The Bunyip and Garfield Express reported that -

Mrs Flett, mother of Mrs James Pincott, had the misfortune to fall and break her leg at the thigh. It appears that Mrs Flett, who is residing with her daughter, slipped on the doorstep, when returning to the house on Wednesday last with the result as stated. The victim is 95 years of age, but nevertheless bears her injury with cheerfulness and fortitude.  (13) The next week, the newspaper would report on her passing. She was buried with her husband at Bunyip Cemetery (14)

Only ten days later, on  February 19,  their daughter Esther died and this  obituary was in the Bunyip and Garfield Express -  

One of the saddest happenings in this district for some time past was the unexpected death of Miss Essie Pincott at Dr Withington's private hospital on Friday morning after coming through two severe internal operations. Miss Pincott was only 19 years of age, and was one of the most popular young ladies  in this district. Figuring as she did in most of the young peoples organizations she was known to young and old as a bright,  intelligent young girl, to whom the residents became attached and it is no exaggeration to say that a pall was thrown over the town when the news of her death became generally known on Friday. 

The tragic suddenness of  demise was all the more acute since deceased appeared amongst her chums and schoolfellows, apparently in the best of health, strength and spirits only a week or two previous to the crisis, and it would be difficult to express the sorrow with which the news was received. Deceased was the youngest daughter  of Mr and Mrs James Pincott, who are very old and highly respected residents of Iona, and are perhaps the best known couple in the district, having resided on their present farm since the inception of settlement and it goes without saying that the deepest sympathy is extended to them by all classes and creeds in their hour of great grief. We wish to express our feelings in common with those of our readers for the distress this kindly couple and their family to whom time alone can bring relief. 

The funeral took place on Sunday afternoon when a cortege half a mile long followed the coffin to the grave side. The internment was made in the Bunyip cemetery and an impressive burial service was read by Reverend A. banks, of St Thomas' Church of England, Bunyip. Mr W.W. Browne had charge of the mortuary arrangements.  (15)

The Age reported in February 1913  that James Pincott had sold his farm (16), so it was either  a delayed settlement or the sale fell through as they were still at the farm in 1915. The Shire of Berwick Rate books lists a sale of the property having taken in 1915/1916.

James Pincott is pictured middle row, third from left, outside the Bunyip Mechanics' Institute in September 1915.

 Image: Call of the Bunyip: a history of Bunyip, Iona and Tonimbuk, 1847 - 1990 by Denise Nest 

(Bunyip History Committee, 1990)

In 1921 the Electoral Rolls have the couple in 26 Railway Place, Kensington and Amelia is listed as a shopkeeper, and James had no occupation. In 1928 they were at 110 Edwards Street, Preston, once again she was a shop keeper. In 1932 their address was 260 Johnston Street, Fitzroy and in 1937 they were at 62 Station Street, Fairfield, which is where they was living when James died on August 25, 1943, aged 94. James is buried at the Booroondara Cemetery at Kew. (17)

James Pincott's death notice

The Age August 23 1943  http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article206363446

Almost a year to the day later on August 24, 1944, Amelia Pincott died at her son's house in Naremburn, in New South Wales, aged 84. (18)

Amelia Pincott's death notice

Sydney Morning Herald, August 25, 1944 https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/17918438

James and Amelia were some of the early pioneers of the Koo Wee Rup Swamp, one of the richest agricultural regions in Australia and his work at his Model Farm would have inspired other settlers to  experiment with a variety of crops. 

Footnotes

(1) The Australasian, October 31, 1896, see here.

(2) From Ancestry.com - 1851 English Census, England & Wales, Civil Registration Birth Index, 1837-1915; England & Wales, Civil Registration Death Index, 1837-1915; Shipping Records at the Public Records Office of Victoria; Indexes to the Victorian Births Deaths and Marriages.

(3) Report of disappearance - The Herald, June 5, 1869, see here; Luke Pincott's body found - The Herald, June 15, 1869, see here; Inquest report - The Argus, June 17, 1869, see here.

(4) Richmond Guardian, January 4, 1919, see here; the report of Jack Pincott's heroic war service - Richmond Guardian, November 19, 1917, see here. Short obituary of  Mary Pincott - Richmond Guardian, July 9, 1927, see here.

(5) The Age, September 29, 1888, see here. 

(6) Shipping Records at the Public Records Office of Victoria

(7) Indexes to the Victorian and New South Wales Births Deaths and Marriages. Amelia Fordyce death notice - The Age, April 19, 1934, see here.

(8) Shire of Berwick Rate Books

(9) Victoria Government Gazette, November 2 1894, p. 4113   https://gazette.slv.vic.gov.au/images/1894/V/general/138.pdf 

(10) Victoria Government Gazette, January 8, 1897, p. 1   https://gazette.slv.vic.gov.au/images/1897/V/general/1.pdf

(11) Victoria Government Gazette September 22 1899, p.3628   https://gazette.slv.vic.gov.au/images/1899/V/general/78.pdf 

(12) The Age, March 25, 1899, see here  

(13) Bunyip and Garfield Express, February 2, 1914, p. 2. Death notice - The Argus, February 10, 1915, see here.

(14) Australia Cemetery Index, 1808-2007, on Ancestry.com

(15) Bunyip and Garfield Express, February 23, 1915, p.2.  Death notice - The Age, February 22, 1915, see here; Also a short obituary in the Bunyip Free Press, February 18, 1915, see here.

(16) The Age, February 21, 1913, see here.

(17) Electoral Roll on Ancestry.com; Death notice - The Age, August 26, 1943, see here;  Funeral notice The Age, August 26, 1943, see here.

(18) Sydney Morning Herald, August 25, 1944, see here. 

Iona World War One Honor Board

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

Pioneers' Hall, Iona. 

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

The very elegant Iona Honor Board

Image: Heather Arnold

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

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

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

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

Report of Artur Bolger's death

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

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

Letter written by Charlotte Bolger about her son, Arthur.

National Archives of Australia www.naa.gov.au

First Australian Imperial Force Personnel Dossiers, 1914-1920

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

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

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

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

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

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

Gladstone Morgan Dawes, standing.  

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

https://discoveringanzacs.naa.gov.au

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

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

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

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

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

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

Fitzgerald, Daniel (SN 3312)

Fitzgerald, David William (SN 37563)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

National Archives of Australia www.naa.gov.au

First Australian Imperial Force Personnel Dossiers, 1914-1920

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

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

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

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

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

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

William Schmutter's death notice 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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