Catani World War Two Honor Board - those honoured

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

Catani Roll of Honour. 

 Image: Photographer: Sandra Brown. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Exell, L. An uncommon surname, and there are eight L. Exells in the WW2 Nominal rolls, but I cannot find one with a local connection.  William Barclay Excell and his wife Eva are listed in the Electoral Roll in 1934; he is the bank manager at the Commercial Bank in Bunyip, so possibly is connected to them. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

Welcome Home

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

Harker, Mavis (Schreiber). VFX66210. Mavis was born December 12, 1920 in Yannathan. Her next of kin was her father,  George Ernest Harker of Yannathan, See her Service record at the National Archives of Australia, here. 

Hunnam, Frederick. VX35349. Frederick was born June 12, 1911, he was a farmer and  he lived at Catani. See his Service record at the National Archives of Australia, here.

Kitson, Brian Claude. VX123641. Brian was born on December 13, 1921. He was a farmer and his next of kin was his father, Claude James Kitson of Catani.  See his Service record at the National Archives of Australia, here.

Kitson, Harold Strachan. VX23324. Harold was born on August 24, 1916. His mother, Margaret Kitson, was his next of kin and her address was c/o Bayles Post Office; he was also a farmer. See his Service record at the National Archives of Australia, here. 

Kitson, Lionel James. V37714. Lionel was born October 7, 1917 and his father Claude was his next of kin; Claude's address was also the Bayles Post Office. See his Service record at the National Archives of Australia, here.

Kitson, Mavis Eliza (Patullo) RAAF 95499. Mavis, the sister of the three men, above, was born on April 11, 1919 and her next of kin was her father Claude of Catani.   See her Service record at the National Archives of Australia, here. Mavis was married to John Leigh Patullo, see below. 

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

Mavis Kitson

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

Lennox, Keith. VX9720. Keith was born on May 3, 1915 at Vervale. His next of kin was his father , Robert of Catani. See his Service record at the National Archives of Australia, here.

McDonald, Hector Rodney. V81659. Hector was born on January 20, 1893. His sister, Anne Euphemia McDonald of Catani, was his next of kin. See his Service record at the National Archives of Australia, here. Hector and his three brothers, also served in World War One. Norman, below, is his nephew; the son of his brother, also called Norman.  Read about the McDonald brothers  here.

McDonald, Norman Neil. RAAF 409729.  Neil was born on December 17, 1916. Norman went missing in air operations over Germany and was presumed dead on May 22, 1944. See his Service record at the National Archives of Australia, here. 

Norman Neil McDonald. 

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

Matthews, Cyril James. VX116815. Cyril was born on May 21, 1919; his next of kin was his father, William Matthews of Cora Lynn. See his Service record at the National Archives of Australia, here. 

Matthews, Lawrie William. VX140045. Lawrie was born on March 13, 1921; he is the younger brother of Cyril. His next of kin was also his father, William of Cora Lynn.  See his Service record at the National Archives of Australia, here. 

Murnane, William Patrick. VX26110. William was born on September 26, 1910. His mother, Mary Anne Murnane of Catani was listed as his next of kin.  See his Service record at the National Archives of Australia, here. 

Myers, Raymond Douglas. VX87098.  Raymond has two birth dates listed in his file - June 22, 1921 and December 8, 1920 and he also has two places of birth listed - Bunyip and Garfield. His birth places are the closest connection to Catani, which I could find. His next of kin was his father, David of Noble Park.  See his Service record at the National Archives of Australia, here.

Mynard, Herbert William. RAN W/2179. Herbert was born in Garfield on January 6, 1917.  His next of kin was his father, Christopher Henry Mynard of Catani. See his Service record at the National Archives of Australia, here.

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

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

Hazel Norton

Image: https://recordsearch.naa.gov.au/SearchNRetrieve/Interface/ViewImage.aspx?B=204211015

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

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

O’Neill, James Joseph. V69948. James was born in Yallock on December 14, 1914. His next of kin was his father. Francis Joseph O'Neill of Catani.  See his Service record at the National Archives of Australia, here.

Patullo, John Leigh. VX108565. John was born in Catani on February 24, 1921. He was a farmer and his next of kin was his father, Abraham Alfred Patullo, of Catani.  See his Service record at the National Archives of Australia, here. John was married to Mavis Kitson, see above. 

Peck, Raymond Wallace. VX108571. Raymond was born in Koo Wee Rup on March 7, 1921. His next of kin was Frederick Ernest Peck of North Road, Yannathan. See his Service record at the National Archives of Australia, here.

Pettit, Alfred Alexander. VX59101. Alfred was born in England on November 3, 1904. He was a farm labourer and his address on  enlistment was Catani.  Alfred was a widower and had one son, Alfred Willian Pettit, born in 1936, who was at the Salvation Army Creche in Canning Street, North Carlton and whose guardian was the Superintendent of St James' Mission, La Trobe Street, Melbourne.  See his Service record at the National Archives of Australia, here. 

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

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

Catani Honours Service Men and Women

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

Pumphrey, Andrew Baird. VX69284. Andrew was born on March 3, 1919; his next of kin was his father, Joseph Pumphrey, of Cora Lynn. See his Service record at the National Archives of Australia, here.

Pumphrey, Ivan Robert. VX41899. Ivan was born August 7, 1916 in Longwarry South. He was a farmer and is the older brother of Andrew. His next of kin was also his father, Joseph of Cora Lynn. See his Service record at the National Archives of Australia, here.

Scanlan, Joseph Bernard. VX41879. Joseph was born on July 25, 1900 and his next of kin was his mother, Ellen Mary Scanlan, of Catani.  However, Joseph also served in World War One, enlisting in May 1916, and at the time he said he was 21, which means he was born in 1895, so it appears he took five years  off his age, when he joined up the second time. See his Service record at the National Archives of Australia, here. Joseph is on the Cora Lynn First World War Memorial, read about this here.

Shreeve, Elsie Blanche (Griffin). VF346647. Elsie was born on April 30, 1921 in Garfield. Her next of kin was her father, William Herbert Shreeve of Eleven-Mile Road, Garfield.   See her Service record at the National Archives of Australia, here.

Elsie Shreeve

Image: https://recordsearch.naa.gov.au/SearchNRetrieve/Interface/ViewImage.aspx?B=6622333

Stratton, Stanley. VX48178. Stanley was born on June 21, 1915. His next of kin was his wife, Esme Gladys Stratton,  of Catani.  Stanley was Killed in Action on October 24, 1942 and is buried at the El Alamein War Cemetery in Egypt.  See his Service record at the National Archives of Australia, here. 

Stanley Stratton

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

Walsh, Michael Aubrey. VX142342. Michael was born on November 17, 1913. His next of kin was his father Thomas Walsh of Catani. I presume the family is the source of the name Walsh's Road in Catani.  See his Service record at the National Archives of Australia, here. 

Weaven, William George (listed as Weaver on Honour Board).  RAAF 147581. William was born on September 30, 1925. His address was Caldermeade and he was employed as a carrot weeder by Mr W. Lineham of Yannathan.  His next of kin was his father, Hector George Weaven,  whose address is listed variously as Tanjil South and Cora Lynn and Caldermeade. See his Service record at the National Archives of Australia, here. 

Sources

National Archives of Australia  www.naa.gov.au

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

Electoral Rolls on Ancestry.com

Catani World War Two Honor Board - the unveiling

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

Catani Roll of Honor. 

 Image: Photographer: Sandra Brown. 

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

Catani Honor Roll.

Impressive Unveiling Ceremony.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

*Paid the supreme sacrifice.

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

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

Shire of Cranbourne Certificate presented to Edwin Spencer Johnson

This certificate is from the Koo Wee Rup Swamp Historical Society collection and was presented to Edwin Spencer Johnson by the Shire of Cranbourne, in appreciation of your voluntary enlistment for active service overseas. It is dated March 27, 1943 and was signed by Shire President, Cr Matthew Bennett, M.L.A; Cr Leslie James Cochrane, M.L.A and Shire Secretary Allan Frank Buchanan.

The certificate was presented at a function at the Koo Wee Rup Memorial Hall on Saturday, March 27, 1943 and it was reported on in the Koo Wee Rup Sun (see full report at the end of this post).  The dance and presentation night was held under the auspices of the Koo wee Rup Citizens' Send-off and Welcome Home Committee. 250 people were present to farewell the sixteen local boys who enlisted - only four of whom were present - Ken Child, Wallie Ellett, Gordon Hobson and Keith Barnes. Cr Cochrane said that the Committee had farewelled 93 servicemen and each man (or their family) were given £2 and the Cranbourne Shire Certificate shown here. The twelve men who could not be present were listed as J. O’Brien, H.Jacob (R.A.N.R.), Ted Johnson,  J. Davey (A.I.F.), K. McInnes (R.A.A.F.), C. Loveday and L. Colvin (A.I.F.),  L. Seddon, B.L. Broadbent, A. Burton, Colin Burton, and C. Cuff (A.I.F.)

Here's some information about Ted Johnson, the man whose certificate we have -

Johnson, Edwin Spencer (VX117828 Australian Army) Ted was born in Dandenong on August 29, 1914 and was living in Koo Wee Rup when he enlisted on November 17, 1942. He was discharged January 11, 1946. You can read his full service record at the National Archives of Australia, here. 

On July 15, 1944, Ted married Gladys Warren, the second daughter of Mr and Mrs F. Warren of Glenfyne, Upper Yannathan, at St Johns Church of England in Lang Lang. Gladys wore a graceful frock of white chantilly lace, with an ivory tuille veil. There is a lovely report of their wedding in the Dandenong Journal of August 2, 1944, which you can read here.  The report also tells us that Ted Johnson was the eldest son of Mr & Mrs W. Johnson of Charles Street in Koo Wee Rup. Ted and Gladys are listed in the 1954 Electoral Roll in Lang Lang, his occupation was a butcher. Ted died on August 23, 1990 and Gladys on July 28, 1997 and they are both buried at the Lang Lang Cemetery.

Here is some brief biographical information  of the other men who are listed in the Koo Wee Rup Sun article. The information is from the World War Two Nominal Rolls, here. I have also included the link to their full service record at the National Archives. If I could find a photograph, I have included it. 

Barnes, Keith Henry  (119759 Royal Australian Air Force). Born in Swan Hill on September 22, 1924 and was living in Koo Wee Rup on enlistment, which was on October 15, 1942.  Discharged March 18, 1946. You can read his full service record at the National Archives of Australia, here. Keith was one of the four servicemen present at the send-off. 

Keith Henry Barnes

Image: National Archives of Australia 

Broadbent, Benjamin Lane (VX112302 Australian Army)  Born in Northcote on October 26, 1910; lived in Koo Wee Rup and enlisted on October 21, 1942.  Discharged May 10, 1946. Ben Broadbent was well known in Koo Wee Rup as the owner of Broadbent's Drapery store and he and his wife Bronwyn (nee Williams) were involved with many community organisations. You can read his full service record at the National Archives of Australia, here.

Burton, Allan Edward  (VX123516 Australian Army).   Born on January 28, 1913 in Koo Wee Rup; lived in Koo Wee Rup and enlisted February 18, 1943.  Discharged September 24, 1946. You can read his full service record at the National Archives of Australia, here.

Burton, Colin Stuart (VX113988 Australian Army) Born on May 16, 1916 in Koo Wee Rup; lived in Koo Wee Rup and enlisted November 1, 1942. Discharged December 15, 1943. You can read his full service record at the National Archives of Australia, here. 

Child, Kenneth Samuel (PM5468 Royal Australian Navy) Born on September 25, 1925 in Koo Wee Rup lived in Koo Wee Rup and enlisted on December 2, 1942.  Discharged April 12, 1946. You can read his full service record at the National Archives of Australia, here. Ken was one of the four servicemen present at the send-off. 

Colvin, Leonard Michael (VX122263 Australian Army). Born on December 26, 1920 in Koo Wee Rup; lived in Koo Wee Rup and enlisted on December 22, 1942. Discharged December 19, 1945. You can read his full service record at the National Archives of Australia, here.

Cuff, Gordon George (VX110054 Australian Army). Born in Lismore in NSW on August 1, 1905; lived in Koo Wee Rup and enlisted on October 1, 1942. Discharged June 2, 1948. You can read his full service record at the National Archives of Australia, here.

Davey, John Arthur  (VX117309  Australian Army) Born in Dandenong on March 16, 1917; lived in Koo Wee Rup and enlisted on November 3, 1942.  Discharged June 7, 1946. You can read his full service record at the National Archives of Australia, here.

Ellett, Walter Lyell (PM5217 Royal Australian Navy) Born at Koo Wee Rup on March 10, 1925; lived in Koo Wee Rup and enlisted on October 21, 1942. Discharged February 14, 1946. You can read his full service record at the National Archives of Australia, here. Walter was one of the four servicemen present at the send-off. 

Hobson, Gordon James (VX67536 Australian Army) Born in Bunyip on December 7, 1920;  lived in Rythdale and enlisted on December 11, 1941.  Discharged January 8, 1944. You can read his full service record at the National Archives of Australia, here. Gordon was one of the four servicemen present at the send-off. 

Jacob, Harold Allen (PM5297 Royal Australian Navy)  Born in Murrayville on May 12, 1925 and enlisted on December 16, 1942.  Harold was discharged June 3, 1946. You can read his full service record at the National Archives of Australia, here.

Loveday, Cuthbert Lyall  (VX112913 Australian Army)  Born in Melbourne on December 6, 1917; lived in Koo Wee Rup and enlisted on August 15, 1940.  Discharged  October 31, 1945.You can read his full service record at the National Archives of Australia, here.

McInnes, Keith Gordon  (120614  Royal Australian Air Force)  Born in Rushworth on February 11, 1916;  lived in Koo Wee Rup and enlisted on November 9, 1942. Discharged April 11, 1945. You can read his full service record at the National Archives of Australia, here. 

Keith Gordon McInnes

Image: National Archives of Australia 

O'Brien, J.  Not sure who this is. The Koo Wee Rup Sun article said that he joined the Royal Australian Navy, but I can't find a J. O'Brien with a Koo Wee Rup connection, who did that.  The only Koo Wee Rup O'Brien, I can find is Daniel Charles O'Brien (VX91602, Australian Army) who enlisted on March 3, 1943. He had been born at Koo wee Rup on December 22, 1905, lived in Koo Wee Rup and was discharged November 23, 1943. You can read his full service record at the National Archives of Australia, here.

Daniel Charles O'Brien

Image: National Archives of Australia 

Seddon, Charles Leonard  (VX106720 Australian Army)  Born in Stanley on June 22, 1909; lived in Koo Wee Rup and enlisted on September 18, 1942. Discharged January 14, 1946. You can read his full service record at the National Archives of Australia, here. 

The men who signed the certificate were -
Bennett, Matthew (1862 - 1951) Owned a dairy farm at Catani. He was a Cranbourne Shire Councillor from 1925 until 1951. He was a member of the Legislative Assembly for Gippsland West from 1929 until 1950 for the Country party and was succeeded by Leslie Cochrane. I have written about him here.

Cochrane, Leslie James (1894 - 1972) Cranbourne Shire Councillor from 1930 - 1964, Shire President 1935/1936, 1946, 1949/1950 and 1957/1958. He was a member of the Legislative Assembly for Gippsland West from 1950 to 1970. I have written about Cr Cochrane, here.

Buchanan, Allan Frank (1863-1965) Cranbourne Shire Secretary.  After spending 22 years as Shire Secretary at the Shire of Wycheproof, Mr Buchanan took up the same role at the Cranbourne Shire from February 1935.  In October 1950 he took leave of absence due to ill health and retired in April 1951. You can read about his retirement in the Dandenong Journal, here. He died in Torquay in July 1965, aged 72.

This is the transcription of the article about the send-off from the Koo Wee Rup Sun, of Thursday, April 1, 1943 

War Service Men Farewelled

On Saturday another dance and presentation night, under the auspices of the Kooweerup Citizens’ Send-off and Welcome Home committee, was tendered to local lads who\ have enlisted for active service overseas  in the Memorial Hall. About 250 persons were present and Rogers’ Orchestra supplied the dance music.  Unfortunately, only four of the 16 boys to be honored were able to be present, viz., Ken Child, Wallie Ellett (R.A.N.R.) Gordon Hobson (A.I.F.) and Keith Barnes  (R.A.A.F.).

Following supper, the president of the committee (Cr L. J. Cochrane) said they were present to do honor to another batch of local men who had voluntarily given their services to their country.

On behalf of the public of Kooweerup and district, Mr. E.R. Williams, J.P., said the armies of Australia to date comprise approximately 750,000 men, and of this number a little over half are in the volunteer army, which includes all in the R.A.A.F., Royal Australian Navy and Australian Imperial Force. The men who they were honoring that night, and those they had previously, belong to this glorious volunteer army of men – 400,000 Australians who do not recognise any line drawn on a map behind which to fight in defence of their country and the British Empire, but are willing to go anywhere their services are most needed. These men represent the true spirit of Australia; the spirit of the pioneers of this country, which has made it what it is to-day.

 Despite camouflage and propaganda, it cannot be denied that the Australian military war effort is still shackled  and bound by the narrow and tragic conception of  a divided army. However we can be thankful that we have 400,000 Australians loyal beyond party politics; who possess “the grander spirit and nobler vision,” and who have not forgotten pals in Singapore and Malaya. We also must make sacrifices, voluntary or by compulsion, to make sure that such men are properly equipped to do their part toward victory. This community is very proud of its fighting sons, and all wish them good health and an even brake, being quite confident that they will do the rest.

Mr W. Taylor, president of the local R.S.S.A.I.L.A, sub-branch, said on its behalf that the league stands for the soldiers of to-morrow, and he advised the guests on their return to throw in their lot with those who had already laid foundations in their interest. He was sure they would carry on the traditions of the old A.I.F.

In criticising the present Government  for turning down preference in employment to returned men, the speaker said that if men who fought for their country were not entitled to this preference he would like to know who is. He was sure the present servicemen would get a better spin on their return to civilian life than the old A.I.F. had received. He wished the guests God speed and a safe return.

Cr. Cochrane said the local committee had to date farewelled 93 servicemen. He congratulated the guests on the action they had taken and said he felt sure they would do their best wherever they went.

He then presented each guest with a money belt containing £2 in notes, also a Cranbourne Shire certificate. He said that owing to the inability to purchase wool without coupons the local R.S. Ladies’ Auxiliary was unable to make its usual presentation of comforts at such functions, but auxiliary members had asked him to convey to the guests their very best wishes.

Cr. Cochrane then made the same presentations to relatives of the following lads who were unable to be present:- J. O’Brien, H. Jacob (R.A.N.R.), Ted Johnson,  J. Davey (A.I.F.), K. McInnes (R.A.A.F.), C. Loveday and L. Colvin (A.I.F.)  [illegible] to make presentations to the following unrepresented boys at a later date: - L. Seddon, B.L. Broadbent, A. Burton, Colin Burton, and C. Cuff (A.I.F.)

The singing of “For They Are Jolly Good Fellows” was followed by three lusty cheers, and after short responses made by each guest the dancing programme was resumed.

Bayles honours Roland Boxshall and Donald McDonald

In September 1943 two men from the local area who joined the services were honored by Bayles residents at the monthly euchre and dance conducted by the Red Cross. The two men were Don McDonald who joined the  Air Force and Rowley Boxshall, who joined the Navy (1).

Presentation to Don and Rowley

Dandenong Journal, September 23, 1942 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article215710514

The Dandenong Journal reported on the event - Cr. L.J. Cochrane (2) on behalf  of residents, presented them with shaving outfits and Shire certificates (3). On behalf of Cora Lynn residents, Cr. D. Kinsella also presented Don McDonald with a fountain pen. Both lads responded and were given an ovation. Clark's Harmony orchestra supplied the dance music and the Bayles Red Cross ladies served a bountiful supper (4).

Establishment of the Bayles Red Cross

Koo Wee Rup Sun, June 27, 1940, p.4.

Before we look at the war service of the two men, we will have a look at the Bayles Red Cross group. The group was established on June 24,  1940 and the inaugural office bearers were President Mrs N. Maughan; vice presidents Mesdames E. Kane and L. Egan; secretary Mrs W. G. Taylor; treasurer Mrs K. Cole (5). These women are listed, as was usual in those day, under their husband's names but this is who they are (6) -

Mrs N. Maughan - Eleanor Eileen (nee Hogg) the wife of Norman Flett Maughan, listed in the 1942 Electoral Roll as a farmer from Bayles.

Mrs E. Kane - Holly (nee Harker), the wife of Edward Kane, labourer of Bayles.

Mrs L. Egan - Mary Adele (nee Maria Adela Du Frocq), the wife of Charlie Leslie Egan, labourer of Bayles.

Mrs W. G. Taylor - Eva Anne (nee Johnson), wife of William George Taylor, a baker, of Bayles.

Mrs K. Cole - Joyce Claudine (nee Hoath), wife of Keith Cole, a clerk, of Bayles.

It was a strong branch and in 1945 they had ninety members (7) which is amazing for a small town, I will write a history of the branch in the future.

Roland Arthur Boxshall (1920-1980)
Rowley Boxshall or Roland Arthur Boxshall to give him his full name was born on July 26, 1920, the son of Henry John and Violet (nee Izzard) Boxshall of Yallock. Henry was a local historian, you can read about him here.

Roland enlisted on June 3, 1941 in the Army (SN V190688);  his occupation was listed as a Casein maker, no doubt employed at the Bayles Milk factory. He was discharged from Army and joined the Navy as a stoker on September 7, 1942. (SN W2525). He was demobilised on March 28, 1946.  Roland married Pamela June Chapman in 1957, and they lived on Finck Road, in  Bayles (8). 

Roland becomes engaged to Pamela

Koo Wee Rup Sun, April 20, 1955, p. 4.

They were keen members of the Warragul & District Kennel & Obedience Club and as noted in their newsletter, their Roly Boxshall Memorial Owner Bred & Handled Sweepstakes is held in memory of Roly, who was our Club’s President from 1971 until his passing in 1980. Roly and his wife Pam were conformation judges, wonderful people, and always willing to help the Club. (9)

Roland died in Koo Wee Rup on August 9, 1980, at the age of 60.  His ashes are interred at the Springvale Botanical Cemetery.(10) 

Donald Alexander McDonald (1920-2021)

Donald McDonald

National Archives of Australia RAAF Officers Personnel files, 1921-1948

Donald Alexander McDonald (Service Number 410364) was born on October 7, 1920. Don, who was a telephonist with the P.M.G., enlisted in the Air Force on December 6, 1941. (11)  He was the the son of John James and Mabel (nee Wilkinson) McDonald of Scanlons Drain Road in Cora Lynn (right next door to Bayles). (12)

Don was a pilot and his service file tells us about his flight experience. Don had 415 hours of training in various aircraft in both Australia and overseas including an Oxford, Whitley V, and Halifax II and V. After his training he did 27 hours of 'Non-operational flying i.e Instructional.' (13)

Now we come to his Operational Flying details - his first tour commenced January 28, 1944 and ended August 30, 1944. He was located at the RAF base at Burn, in Yorkshire and undertook 40 sorties and 180 hours of flying, nearly all as 1st pilot. His second tour, in April/May 1945 based at the RAF base at Driffield in Yorkshire, involved one sortie and four hours of flying. All the Operational flying was in Halifax Bombers. (14) 

Don was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross on November 17, 1944 - his citation read - Pilot Officer McDonald has completed numerous operations against the enemy, in the course of which he has invariably displayed the utmost fortitude, courage and devotion to duty. (15)

The article about Don McDonald being awarded the D.F.C. Alister Nicholson, whom Don caught up with in London was serving with the Canadian Air Force (16).

Dandenong Journal, November 29, 1944 https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/214168113

Don was discharged from the Air Force on December 6, 1945. He married Flora May Barr, of Bayles on October 26, 1946. As noted in the Electoral rolls, Donald continued for a time in his career with the P. M.G., as in 1949 he was the Postmaster at Fawkner; but by 1954 Don was a grocer at Hampton and in 1968 a greengrocer in the  Moorabbin area. (17)

Donald marries Flora Barr

Koo Wee Rup Sun, November 20, 1946, p. 1

In 2015, Don along with four other Australians was awarded the Legion of Honour. This following account is from the (now defunct) website Bleu, Blanc, Rouge - 
Wednesday, the 25th of February, four Australians veterans of the Second World War became Knight of the Legion of Honor, at the French Honorary Consulate of Melbourne. His Excellency Mr. Christophe Lecourtier, Ambassador of France, thanked the courage and the sense of sacrifice of Ronald Cleaver, James Coulter, Dennis Kelly, Donald McDonald, with a special thought for Keith Stevens who unfortunately couldn’t be there due to illness, in a heart-felt and moving speech, expressing the gratitude of the French Republic for these war times heroes. Then, the ambassador and French Air Chief Marshal Denis Mercier, bestowed the Legion of Honor medal upon the lapels of the Veterans, in presence of their family and friends. The media was also present in force, showing the importance that the Australian community attaches to their history. (18)

Donald died on October 17, 2021 at the age of 101 years. (19)

Footnotes:
(1) Dandenong Journal, September 23, 1942, see here
(2) Cr Les Cochrane, M.L.A., read about him here.
(3) Shire Certificates, read about them here.
(4) Dandenong Journal, September 23, 1942, see here.
(5) Koo Wee Rup Sun, June 27, 1940, p.4; and another report here - The Argus, June 26, 1940, see here.
(6) Family information about the Red Cross women comes from the Electoral Rolls on Ancestry.com; the Indexes to the Victorian Births, Deaths and Marriages.
(7) Dandenong Journal, July 18, 1945, see here.
(8) Rowley's Citizen Military Forces Personnel Dossiers, 1939-1947 (Army file) at the National Archives of Australia, see here; Service Cards for Petty Officers and Men, 1911-1970 (Navy file) at the National Archives of Australia, see here; Indexes to the Victorian Births, Deaths and Marriages;  Electoral Rolls on Ancestry.com

(9) Warragul & District Kennel & Obedience Club, March 2026 newsletter, see here.

(10) Death Certificate; Springvale Cemetery records, see here;

(11) National Archives of Australia RAAF Officers Personnel files, 1921-1948, see here.

(12) Indexes to the Victorian Births, Deaths and Marriages;  Electoral Rolls on Ancestry.com

(13) National Archives of Australia RAAF Officers Personnel files, 1921-1948, see here.

(14) National Archives of Australia RAAF Officers Personnel files, 1921-1948, see here.

(15) National Archives of Australia RAAF Officers Personnel files, 1921-1948, see here.

(16) Dandenong Journal, April 21, 1943, see here. 

(17) Koo Wee Rup Sun, November 20, 1946, p. 1; Electoral Rolls on Ancestry.com

(18) The website Bleu, Blanc, Rouge was operative in 2021 when I accessed this information. This was the URL  https://www.bbrvic.com/en/diplomatic-news/a-moving-ceremony-of-the-award-of-the-legion-of-honour/

(19) https://www.mytributes.com.au/notice/death-notices/mcdonald-donald-alexander/5800697/

This is an updated version of a posy which I originally wrote for my work blog - Casey Cardinia Remembers: Our War Years.

The Frawley Brothers pay the Supreme Sacrifice

There are two Frawleys listed on the World War Two section of the Bunyip War Memorial - J.W. Frawley and K.D. Frawley. They are John William Frawley and his brother Kevin Dennis Frawley. They were the sons of James Patrick and Margaret (nee Bannan) Frawley of the Iona Hotel, Garfield.

The Frawley commemorated on the Bunyip War Memorial.

Photograph courtesy of the Casey Cardinia Remembers website

www.caseycardiniaremembers.org.au

John and Kevin had five other siblings - Ada Mary, Kathleen Bridget 'Keenie', Francis James, James Patrick and William. See footnote (1) for more family information. According to the Electoral Rolls the family were living at Leigh Creek during the time most of the children were born, but around 1920 they moved to North Melbourne, where Kevin the youngest child was born. On May 7, 1928 James Frawley applied for the licence of the Floodgate Hotel in Port Melbourne (2). The Frawleys were at the Floodgate Hotel until March 1940 and a year later in June 1941, they took over the license of the Iona Hotel in Garfield from Ellen O'Donohue, although the building remained in the ownership of Eileen and Teresa O'Sullivan. This time it was Margaret Frawley who held the licence (3).

The Floodgate Hotel, corner Ingles and Crockford Streets, Port Melbourne.

James and Margaret Frawley held the licence from 1928 until 1940.

Photographer: John T. Collins, taken February 15, 1969.

State Library of Victoria Image H98.250/2179

The Frawleys soon became involved in the community life of Garfield and in September 1941 a football match was organised to raise money for the Prisoners of War fund. This match was clearly organised by the Frawleys. This is from the report in the Emerald Hill Record - in ideal weather last Sunday, a large number of members of the Floodgate Social Party, Port Melbourne, and their friends visited Garfield, where a football match was arranged between a team representing the Social Party and the Garfield club. Two chars-a-banc conveyed over 70 players and friends, and as many travelled by train. The match ended in a draw, £20 was raised for the Prisoner of War fund and at the conclusion of the match teams and supporters adjourned to the Iona Hotel for dinner, after which presentations were made (4).

The Iona Hotel at Garfield. c. 1915, operated by Margaret and James Frawley in the 1940s.

Image: Berwick Pakenham Historical Society

Sadly, the Frawley boys did not have much opportunity to enjoy life in Garfield as they soon enlisted. Here are the details of their life and service (5).

John William Frawley (VX90347), born October 1, 1917 at Leigh Creek. He enlisted in the Army on September 24, 1942 and was Killed in Action in Papua on January 18, 1943. John's obituary in the Emerald Hill Record said that Pte. Frawley was a former pupil of the Christian Brothers' School, South Melbourne, and left a protected industry to join the A.I.F. (6). He had worked at General Motors-Holden. A Mass was offered for the repose of his soul at SS. Peter and Paul's Church, South Melbourne on Sunday, February 7, 1943 (7).

Kevin Dennis Frawley (VX67337), born May 12, 1920 at North Melbourne. Kevin enlisted on December 10, 1941 in the Army and was Killed in Action in New Guinea on September 4, 1943. His obituary in the Emerald Hill Record said that Kevin was educated at SS. Peter and Paul's School, South Melbourne, and later at St. Patrick's College, Ballarat. It was in February of this year that he returned from the Middle East after serving with the 9th Division, and left later for the battle station in the north where he met his untimely death (8). On October 3, 1943 a Mass was also offered for the repose of his soul at SS. Peter and Paul's Church, South Melbourne (9).

Another son of James and Margaret also enlisted - James Patrick Frawley (V71945), born September 23, 1919 at Leigh Creek, enlisted on January 21, 1941 and was discharged September 1, 1944.

The Emerald Hill Record wrote that Widespread sympathy has been extended to members of the Frawley family since the news was received that Private Kevin Dennis Frawley had been killed in action in New Guinea on September 4. Private Frawley was the second member of his family to make the supreme sacrifice, his eldest brother, Jack, having lost his life in New Guinea in January of this year (10). It must have been in the back of Mr and Mrs Frawley's mind that having lost two sons, they may well have lost a third and this fear was very real for Margaret Frawley as three of her brothers had died while serving in World War One. You could hardly blame her for perhaps thinking that her family had sacrificed enough for Australia's War effort.

These are the details of the service (11) of Margaret's brothers -
Francis Thomas Bannan (SN 1878), enlisted at the age of 20 on June 16, 1915. He was a draper. Francis was Killed in Action in France on July 28, 1916.
William James Bannan (SN 1783), enlisted on June 7, 1915 at the age of 18. He was a bootmaker. William was Killed in Action in France on August 24, 1916.
Francis and William were from Kerang.
John Joseph Bannan (SN 1126) John was 24 when he enlisted on June 14, 1915 and his wife, Mary Ann, whose address was Berwick, was his next of kin. His occupation was Quarryman, so it is more than possible that he worked at Wilson's Quarry in Berwick. John died of Malaria at the English Hospital in Damascus on October 16, 1918. John is listed on the Berwick War Memorial in High Street.

John Bannan's obituary in The Advocate of November 23, 1918.

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article152180895

As a matter of interest another of Margaret's brothers enlisted in the Army in World War Two. He was Vincent James Bannan (VX92045) who served from April 1943 until February 1946.

Kathleen 'Keenie' Frawley is pictured on the right, with other members of the 

Garfield Red Cross in 1945

Weekly Times, August 22, 1945 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article226563046

James Frawley died September 7, 1947 at the Iona Hotel at Garfield. He was 63 years old. The 1948/1949 Shire of Berwick Rate Books list the new licensee as John Joseph Smith and in 1949 Margaret and her son James were listed in the Electoral Rolls at 237 Blyth Street, Brunswick East. James' occupation was a barman. Margaret Frawley died on July 4, 1973 at the age of 80. She is buried with her husband at the Melbourne General Cemetery (12).

As an aside, the Frawley family were well entrenched in the Hotel industry - this is from James' obituary in 1947 - Well-known hotel keeping families at South Melbourne and Port Melbourne have been bereaved by the death of Mr. James Patrick Frawley, of the Iona Hotel, Garfield, which occurred suddenly at his home on Sunday night. He commenced his trade career at the Floodgate Hotel, Port Melbourne. Surviving sisters are Mrs. W. Bell (Freer's Hotel, South Melbourne), and Miss Agnes Frawley and Miss Millie Frawley (Railway Club Hotel, Port Melbourne). The late Mrs. J. Fisher (Town Hall Hotel, South Melbourne) was a sister, and the late Mr. R. S. Frawley (Station Hotel, Port Melbourne) was a brother (13).

Bell's Hotel, also known as Freer's Hotel (14) corner Moray Street and Coventry Streets,

South Melbourne, c. 1970-1974, operated at one time by Annie Bell (nee Frawley),

an aunty of John and Kevin.

Photographer: Committee for Urban Action, Melbourne

State Library of Victoria Image CUASM264/2-3 Image 7

Town Hall Hotel, Bank Street, South Melbourne, c. 1970-1974, operated at one time by

another aunty of John and Kevin, Margaret Fisher (nee Frawley).

Photographer: Committee for Urban Action, Melbourne

State Library of Victoria Image CUASM179/5 Image 2

Trove list
I have created a Trove list of various articles connected to the Frawley family, access it here.

Footnotes
(1) Family information
This information is from the Victorian Births, Deaths and Marriages, the Electoral Rolls on Ancestry.com, family notices in the newspapers (see my Trove list, here) and Victoria, Australia, Cemetery Records and Headstone Transcriptions, 1844-1997, also on Ancestry.com
James Patrick Frawley was born c. 1884, in Bungaree, to Patrick and Bridget (nee McDermott) Frawley. I can't actually find a record of his birth in the Victorian Births, Deaths and Marriages Index. Margaret Ellen Bannan was born in 1893, in Kerang to Dennis and Mary (nee Maher) Bannan. James and Margaret married in 1913.  They had the following children.
Ada Mary - born in 1913 and birth registered at Port Melbourne. Ada married Stewart Plumridge in 1936 and had two boys, Frank and John, perhaps named for Ada's uncles who died in the First World War.
Kathleen Bridget 'Keenie' - born in 1914 and birth registered Bungaree 1914. She married Stephen James Holland in 1946. They were living in Garfield until at least 1954, but I have no other information.
Francis James - born in 1916 and birth registered at Bungaree 1916. He died at Warrenheip at the age of 11 months in 1917. I suspect that Kathleen and Francis were actually born at Leigh Creek, like the next two boys were.
John William - born October 1, 1917 at Leigh Creek. Killed in Action on January 18, 1943. See above.
James Patrick - born September 23, 1919, at Leigh Creek. Served in the 2nd A.I.F. In the 1954 Electoral Roll James was still living with his mother at 237 Blyth Street, where they moved to from Garfield in 1949. In the 1963 Electoral Roll, an Ursula May Frawley is also living with them, so I presume James got married, between 1954 and 1963. I have no other information about him.
William - William is listed in his father's death notice as being deceased, but I can find neither a birth or death record for him.
Kevin - born May 12, 1920 at North Melbourne. Killed in Action on September 4, 1943 See above.
(2) Notification for application of licence transfer was in The Herald, April 27, 1928, see here. The address of the Hotel was listed at Raglan Street in the transfer notice, however it is on the corner of Ingles Street and Crockford Street, Port Melbourne.
(3) Licence transfer of the Floodgate Hotel in The Argus, March 19, 1940, see here. Licence transfer for the Iona Hotel was in The Age, June 10, 1941, see here. Ownership - Shire of Berwick Rate Books.
(4) Emerald Hill Record, September 27, 1941, see here.
(5) Details of life and service come from obituaries in the Emerald Hill Record, death notices inserted by family and friends - see my Trove list, here, for these. Also the WW2 Nominal Rolls https://nominal-rolls.dva.gov.au/home
(6) Emerald Hill Record, February 6, 1943, see here.
(7) Emerald Hill Record, February 6, 1943, see here.
(8) Emerald Hill Record, October 2, 1943, see here.
(9) Emerald Hill Record, October 2, 1943, see here.
(10) Emerald Hill Record, October 2, 1943, see here.
(11) World War One service details from the National Archives of Australia, www.naa.gov.au
(12) This information is from the Victorian Births, Deaths and Marriages, the Electoral Rolls on Ancestry.com, family notices in the newspapers and Victoria, Australia, Cemetery Records and Headstone Transcriptions, 1844-1997, also on Ancestry.com
(13) Emerald Hill Record, September 13, 1947, see here.
(14) I came across this photo and was fairly sure that it was Freer's Hotel, but it was confirmed by this article, which also includes an 1880's photo of the building https://melbournewalks.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/SOUTH-MELBOURNE-HOTELS.pdf

Another version of this post, which I wrote and researched, has appeared on my work blog Casey Cardinia Commemorates: Our War Years.     I wrote this originally as I am interested in stories of Brothers who Served in World War One and Two, because I just feel for their families, having many sons away overseas. I have written about the McDonald Brothers of Yannathan here;  the Gay Brothers of Lang Lang, here; the Dawes Brothers of Iona, here - five of them are listed on the Iona Honor Board; the Carter Brothers of Bunyip, here, in my post about the Bunyip War Memorial; the Gabbett brothers of Pakenham, here;  the Fisher brothers of  Bunyip and Footscray, here and the Campigli Brothers of Bunyip, who I wrote about in the my post on the Bunyip Methodist Honour Board, here;  the Maher Brothers of Pakenham, here and the Gardiner Brothers of Berwick, here.