There are two World War One Honor boards at the Yannathan Hall - one from the Yannathan State School, No. 2422 and the original board from the Hall.
The Yannathan Roll was made by Mr H. Rawlings of Dandenong and unveiled at the Yannathan Hall, on March 28, 1919 (1). There is a Herbert Rawlings, of Melbourne Road, Dandenong listed in the Electoral Rolls at this time, so I presume he is the man who made the board. Herbert's occupation is a bricklayer, but he obviously had other skills as well. Mr Rawlings also made the Heath Hill State School Honor Board (see here) which is also now at the Yannathan Hall.
What follows is information on the soldiers on the two Yannathan Honor Rolls. I have included their Service Number (SN) so you can look up their full record on the National Archives of Australia, www.naa.gov.au
Addison, William Dailey (SN 806) William was born in Lang Lang and was 26 years old when he enlisted on February 23, 1916. He was a motor mechanic and his next to kin was his mother, Mrs Kenwright, of Prahran. In July 1917 he was declared unfit for military service and discharged to take up employment as a Munitions Worker. In 1937 he sent a statuary declaration to Army Base Records to say that his real name was Oswald Mann Addison. This is a bit odd as his birth was registered at Cranbourne in 1889 as William Dailey Addison to James Dailey Addison and Mary Jane Henderson. William was granted a Soldier Settlement farm, you can read his file, here, on the Battle to Farm website.
Bateson, Archibald Clarence (SN 4735) Archibald was born in Yallock and he joined the Navy on April 23, 1915 when he was 16. He remained in the Navy until April 1924.Bateson, George (SN 1307) George was born in New Zealand and he enlisted on November 10, 1914 at the age of 21. He was a labourer. George Returned to Australia on December 30, 1918.
Binding, Albert Dorman (SN 4134) Albert was born in Yannathan and enlisted at the age of 26 on August 13, 1915. He was a farmer, his next of kin was his father, James, of Toora. Albert Returned to Australia June 23, 1919 and was later living at Jandowae in Queensland (Jandowae is east of Chinchilla and north of Dalby)
Boxshall, Albert Victor (SN 3481) Bert enlisted on July 7, 1915 at the age of 29. He was a Tram Conductor. He Returned to Australia on May 8, 1919. Bert was the son of Thomas and Elizabeth (nee Mills) Boxshall, who moved to Yallock in 1895. You can read about the family, here. Bert is also listed on the Yallock Honor Board.
Brodie, Frederick Arthur (SN 94) Frederick was born in Clyde and was a 27 year old motor mechanic when he enlisted on January 4, 1918. His next of kin was his mother, Jane, of Cranbourne and his address was Yannathan. Frederick embarked on January 16, 1918 and Returned to Australia May 15, 1918. Before his enlistment, Frederick had been attached to the Remount Unit, A.A.S.C., Maribyrnong for three years. The Remount Unit trained and cared for the horses before they were shipped overseas for military use.
Burton, Gordon Frederick (SN 184) Gordon was born in Yannathan, enlisted on July 5 1915 at the age of 23. He was grocer and his next of kin were his parents, Frederick and Elizabeth, of Wonthaggi. Gordon Returned to Australia April 13, 1919.
Cadd, Percy John (SN 3365) Percy enlisted on April 4, 1917. He was a 19 year old farmhand, from Yannathan, and his next of kin, his father William, was also at Yannathan. Percy Returned to Australia December 9, 1918. Percy also served in the Second World War, enlisting at the age of 41 in January 1941 and serving until June 1943.
Carson, Louis William (SN 2559) Louis was born in Yannathan and he enlisted at the age of 21 on April 12, 1916. His occupation was listed as scholar. Louis Returned to Australia in August 1918 and was discharged on medical grounds (neurasthenia). Louis was the son of James and Elizabeth (nee Smethurst) of Myrtlewood, Yannathan. The family came to Yannathan in 1878, you can read about the farm, here.
Casey, Arthur William. Arthur enlisted on August 12, 1916. He was a 26 year old farmer. He was discharged ten days later on August 21 on medical grounds.
Casey, John Alfred 'Jack' (SN 2593) Jack enlisted on July 13, 1915. He was a 29 year old farmer. John was Killed in Action in France on August 2nd or 3rd, 1918.
Casey, Victor (SN 57423) Victor was only 18 when he enlisted on January 5, 1918. He was also a farmer and he Returned to Australia January 17, 1919.
The boys were the sons of George and Lydia (nee Gardner) Casey of Yannathan. George, John and Victor are also listed on the Yallock Honor Board.
Coates, Benjamin Wilson (SN Depot) Benjamin enlisted on October 5, 1918. He was a 21 year old farmer. He was discharged due to the War ending.
Coates, Lawrence (SN 2623) Lawrence was a 21 year old farm labourer when he enlisted on July 19, 1915. He was Killed in Action in France, August 18, 1916.
The boys, both born in Koo Wee Rup, were the sons of Lawrence and Mary Jane (nee Wilson) Coates of Koo Wee Rup. The Coates brothers are also listed on the Yallock Honor Board.
Cozens, James (SN 1085) James enlisted on June 26, 1917 at the age of 30. He was born at Yannathan and was a farmer. In May 1919 James was granted leave to study 'Agriculture and Hog raising' in the United States. He returned to Australia July 17, 1920. His next of kin was his father, Henry Edwards Cozens, of Pine Grove Yannathan. His mother Jane, who died in 1891, was the sister of Joseph Carson of Myrtlewood, Yannathan and thus James was the first cousin of Louis Carson (see above). James was also the step-brother of James Payne, listed below.
Denney, Powley (SN 2273) Powley enlisted on December 27, 1915. He was a 22 year old farmer and his next of kin was his father, David Edward Denney, of Yannathan. Powley Returned to Australia January 19, 1919.
Donaldson, Norman Stanley (SN 84) There is only one N.S. Donaldson in the Nominal Rolls. Norman enlisted in the AIF on August 18, 1914 at the age of 22, and later transferred to the Australian Flying Corps as a 2nd Lieutenant. Norman was a motor driver and his next of kin was his father, John Walter Donaldson, of Elsternwick. Norman Returned to Australia July 12, 1919. What is his connection to Yannathan? Norman is also on the Yallock Honor Roll and I have an explanation of his local connection there.Esler, Gordon (SN 534) Gordon enlisted on July 8, 1915. He was a 30 year old farmer, from Modella. His next of kin was his mother, Mrs Helen Smethurst, of Avondale, Yannathan. Gordon Returned to Australia April 13, 1919. Gordon was granted a Soldier Settlement farm, you can read his file, here, on the Battle to Farm website. Gordon is also listed on the Modella Honor Board.
Gardiner, Balfour (SN 4232) Balfour was an 18 year old student when he enlisted on December 7, 1915. He Returned to Australia August 13, 1919.Gardiner, Harold Edward (SN 870) Harold enlisted at the age of 23 on October 3, 1914. His occupation was carpenter. He Returned to Australia April 29, 1919.
Harold and Balfour were the sons of William Herbert and Maria Louisa (nee Wells) Gardiner of Yannathan.
Gardiner, Robert Edward (SN 6815a) Robert enlisted on July 25, 1917 at the age of 22. He was a farmer. He eventually Returned to Australia March 12, 1920. He had been scheduled for return on four other occasions and did not embark and was subsequently declared an 'illegal absentee'. Robert was the son of Robert George and Annie (nee Head) Gardiner of Yannathan. Robert senior and William, the father of Harold and Balfour, were brothers.
Glover, Robert Leslie (SN 1118) Robert was born at Yannathan, was 22 years old and a farmer when he enlisted on February 14, 1916. His next of kin was his father, James Glover, of Tatura. His mother was Henrietta Harvey. He Returned to Australia July 1, 1919. Robert was granted a Soldier Settlement farm, you can read his file on the Battle to Farm website, here. James Glover was the brother of Abraham Patullo's mother, Sarah Glover. I have written about Abraham, below. This Abraham and Robert were first cousins and their other cousins, Robert and George Glover are listed on the Heath Hill State School Honour Roll.
Greaves, Gordon Henry (SN 3128) Gordon was a 26 year old Stock Agent, from Lang Lang, when he enlisted on August 6, 1918. His next of kin was his wife, Mona, of Albert Park. He served in the Australian Remount Unit in the Middle East until August 1919. Gordon also served in the Army during World War Two from June 1940 until May 1947, he was a Lieutenant.Greaves, Richard Leonard (SN 5799) Richard enlisted on August 2, 1916. He was a 21 year old farmer. Richard Returned to Australia on January 11, 1918 and was discharged on medical grounds (Facial paralysis). His next of kin when he enlisted was his father, of Yannathan. Richard was granted a Soldier Settlement farm, you can read his file on the Battle to Farm website, here. Gordon and Richard are the sons of Henry and Annie (nee Nuttall) Greaves.
The boys are the sons of Thomas and Catherine (nee Griffiths) Harker of Yallock. George, Robert and their brother, William, are also listed on the Yallock Honor Board.
Hatty, David Samuel (SN 279) Known as Sam, enlisted at the age of 22 on August 25, 1914. He served overseas and Returned to Australia on March 8, 1917 and was medically discharged as he suffered from chronic rheumatism.
Hatty, Thomas Alfred ( SN 5607) Thomas enlisted on November 25, 1914 when he was 24. He Returned to Australia on February 19, 1919. Thomas was granted a Soldier Settlement farm, you can read his file on the Battle to Farm website, here.
The Hatty boys were the sons of William and Jessie Augusta (nee Brown) Hatty and the family were living in Timboon when they enlisted. According to the Electoral Rolls they had previously lived in Yallock for a number of years. The Hatty brothers are also listed on the Yallock Honor Board.
Head, Alfred John (SN 316) Alfred enlisted on July 19, 1916 at the age of 19. He was a farmer. Alfred Returned to Australia on April 8, 1919. After the War, Alf was granted a Soldier Settlement farm, read his file on the Battle to Farm website, here.
Head, Charles enlisted on May 31, 1918 at the age of 29. He was a wheelwright. He did not serve overseas and was discharged due to the War ending. The boys are also listed on the Heath Hill State School Honor Board. The boys were the sons of John and Margaret (nee Forster) Head of Lang Lang.
Henderson, S. S. Henderson is on the Yannathan State School Roll, with the notation that he was wounded. I cannot identify who this is.
Hockley, George (SN 5577). George was born in England and his father, Arthur who lived in England was listed as his next of kin. He enlisted on October 26, 1914. He was a 22 year old labourer. George Returned to Australia April 19, 1919. The Embarkation roll lists George's address as c/o Mr J. Leamon, Yannathan. This was Joseph Leamon, listed in the Electoral Rolls as a farmer.
Hodgson, Joseph (SN 5390) Joseph enlisted on March 9, 1916. He was a 23 year old farm labourer whose address on the Embarkation Roll was c/o J. T. Parker, Yannathan. Joseph was born in England and his next of kin was his father, who lived in England. Joseph Returned to Australia June 12, 1919. Joseph was granted a Soldier Settlement farm, you can read his file, here on the Battle to Farm website.
Holcombe, A A. Holcombe who is mentioned in the advertisement above is not on either Honor Board. I believe this man is either Allan Holcombe, who had a business in Caldermeade (see below) or connected to him, but I can't actually identify him, unless of course he was just invited to the social function, not because he enlisted, but because he was leaving the district. In 1915 Holcombe and Monaghan also sold their property and choice dairy herd at Kernot, see advertisement in the Powlett Express, here.
Izzard, Horace Valentine (SN 373) Horace enlisted on February 22, 1915, aged one month off 28 years of age. He was a farm labourer. He Returned to Australia on March 9, 1919.
Izzard, Ralph Charles (SN 2636) Ralph, a labourer, enlisted on June 9, 1915 aged 22. He served overseas and Returned to Australia on November 12, 1916 and was discharged in February 1917 as medically unfit, it mentioned in his record that he suffered from rheumatism. Horace and Ralph were the sons of Charles and Mary (nee Cant) Izzard of Yallock. The Izzard brothers are also listed on the Yallock Honor Board.
Jones, J. J. Jones is also listed on the Yallock Honor Board and I believe that it is
Jones, John Owen (SN 2674) John enlisted on August 2, 1915 at the age of 26, he was a miner and his next of kin was his mother, Marian, of Campbell Street in Wonthaggi. He suffered a severe gun shot wound to the right thigh in France on April 24, 1918 and Returned to Australia on December 24, 1918 and was medically discharged in June 1919. The 1909 Electoral Rolls show a John William Jones, Marian Jones and Maud Jones at Yallock.
Josephs, J This man is listed on the Yannathan State School Honor Board and the Yallock Honour Board (under J. Joseph). There is a Joseph Josephs on the Electoral Roll at Yannathan in 1909, his occupation is a labourer. This is possibly the man on the Honor Boards or some connection. There are two J. Josephs that I can find who enlisted who are from Victoria.
Josephs, James Rolfe (Lieutenant). James enlisted on May 24, 1915. He was a clerk, 24 years old and his next of kin was his father, James, who lived in Prahran. James Returned to Australia May 10, 1918 and was discharged on medical grounds (otitis media).
Josephs, Joseph Isaac (SN 3824) Joseph was 27 when he enlisted on July 13, 1915, so would have been around 21 in 1909 and thus old enough to be on the Electoral Roll. His parents were dead and his next of kin was Clara Letitia Cutts of Ringwood. Joseph was discharged on medical grounds, due to rheumatism on December 3, 1917 having Returned to Australia on August 25 of the same year. I believe the man on the Yannathan and Yallock Honor Boards is this Joseph Isaac Josephs. As a matter of interest, Clara was a school teacher and in 1918 she married Joseph Isaac Josephs. I was hoping they had a long and happy marriage together, however she died in 1918, so that's very sad.
Kelly, Thomas (SN 16078) Thomas was 21 when he enlisted on December 10, 1915, He was wounded in action and Died of Wound September 27, 1917.
Kelly, William (SN 16077) Nineteen year old William enlisted the same day as his brother. He Returned to Australia September 23, 1919.
Thomas and William, both born in Yannathan, were both labourers and were the sons of William and Sarah Ann (nee Stephens) Kelly. The Kelly brothers are also listed on the Heath Hill State School Honor Board.
Leeson, Alfred Ernest (SN 485) Alfred was 22 when he enlisted on November 1, 1915. He Returned to Australia on March 16, 1919.
Leeson, Arthur Leslie (SN 4797) Arthur enlisted on July 13, 1915 at the age of 28. He Returned to Australia on May 29, 1919.
Leeson, Claude Albert (SN 3103) Claude enlisted on October 5, 1916 aged 18 years old. He Died of Wounds (a gun shot wound to the skull) in Belgium on October 18, 1917.
The Leeson boys were the sons of Arthur and Mary (nee Kalmbach) Leeson of Yannathan; Arthur had already died at the time of their enlistment. Both Alfred and Arthur were granted Soldier Settlement farms, you can read Alf's file here and Arthur's file, here. They were all born locally - Alf in Clyde, Claude in Caldermeade and Arthur's birth place is listed as Monham Heath, but I believe this is actually Monomeith. The Leeson brothers are also listed on the Yallock Honor Board.
Lemming, Frederick Thomas (SN 1953) Frederick was born England and his next of kin, who was his father, also lived in England. When he enlisted on April 1, 1916 his occupation was a farm labourer and his address was Yannathan. Frederick Returned to Australia July 1, 1919 and he was granted a Soldier Settlement farm, you can read his file, here, on the Battle to Farm website.
Lineham, William James (SN 2711) William, born in Clyde, enlisted on July 19, 1915 aged 20. His next of kin were his parents, Benjamin and Eliza Maria Agnes (nee Knott) Lineham of Yannathan. William Returned to Australia on April 13, 1919. William was granted a Soldier Settlement farm, you can read his file, here, on the Battle to Farm website. William is also listed on the Yallock Honor Board.A letter William wrote to his parents was published in the Lang Lang Guardian on February 28, 1917 (see here)
Mrs B. Lineham, of Yannathan, has received the following letter from her son, Driver W. J. Lineham, who has been ill for some time -
Dear Mother and Father,
Just a few lines to let you know I am about well again. I had a touch of bronchitis, but it was not very severe, also a septic toe, but it is quite well again. I am in the British Red Cross Hospital at Netly [sic] near Southampton. I have been in four Hospitals, and have had no letters from you for over two months, so I expect the letters are still chasing me from one Hospital to another. I expect to be back in France by the time you receive this letter. I had a letter from father's cousin in England this morning, and was pleased to have one. We are very busy to-night decorating our ward and have nearly finished. I am very lucky, I think, to be in England for Christmas, and have had a real good time in every Hospital, being treated real well.
There are only three Australians in the hut, and nearly every day someone comes in to see us. In the Hospital I was in at Rouen, France, there was one Australian nurse, and there are a few here. One came in to see us last night. On the way over from Le Havre to Southampton our boat ran into the mud twice, and the second time it took two days to pull us off. The boat had a hole knocked into front of her, but it could not have been very large as we got to port safely. It was very foggy, so I suppose that accounted for it.
Mann, John. John is listed on the Yannathan Board, however, I cannot find a John Mann with a local connection.
McCraw, Herbert William (Depot 81956). Herbert enlisted on November 2, 1918 and was discharged in December due to the War ending. Herbert was born at Yannathan and was 20 years old on enlistment. His occupation was Agent. He was the son of Francis William and Mary Lee (nee Charman) McCraw of East Malvern.
McDonald, Hector Rodney (SN 3425) Hector was 25 and a farmer when he enlisted on January 1, 1917. He Returned to Australia July 24, 1919.McDonald, Lachlan John. Lachlan was born in 1881 and served in the Royal Flying Corps and was accidently killed.
McDonald, Neil Lamont (SN 2060) Neil enlisted on February 8, 1916. He was 29 years old and a labourer. He Died of Wounds on May 14, 1917
McDonald, Norman Victor (SN 934) Norman was 31, and a labourer, when he enlisted on February 8, 1916, the same day as Neil. He Returned to Australia July 4, 1919.
The boys were born in Ardmona and were the sons of Charles Stewart and Margaret (nee Matheson) McDonald of Yannathan.
McGhee, Gordon General (SN 22949) Gordon enlisted on October 27, 1915, he was a 23 year old labourer. Gordon Returned to Australia May 12, 1919. He was granted a Soldier Settllement farm, you can read his file on the Battle to Farm website, here. Gordon is also listed on the Heath Hill State School Honor Board.
McGhee, Donald Malachi (SN 3416) enlisted, on June 24, 1915. He was a 19 year old railway porter and he was Killed in Action in France on July 19, 1916.
The boys were the sons of John and Margaret (nee Johnston) McGhee; they were living at 61 Bridge Street, Northcote when their sons enlisted. Donald was born in Heath Hill. Gordon was born in Lang Lang, according to the Victorian Births, Deaths and Marriages Index or Warragul according to his enlistment papers. The brothers are also listed on the Yallock Honor Board.
McMillan, Alexander Walton (Lieutenant) Alexander was 20 years old and a salesman when he enlisted on February 15, 1916. His address was Oak Street, Hawthorn. His next of kin was his father, also called Alexander McMillan of Caldermeade Estate, Caldermeade. His mother was Jessie Walton. He returned to Australia April 1, 1919.
McNalty, Ed - Ed is listed on the Yannathan Board, but I cannot work out who he is. I have looked for M(a)cNalty, M(a)cNolty, M(a)cNaulty and M(a)cNally and cannot find a man with a connection to Yannathan.
Mitchell, Frederick Ernest (SN 716). Frederick was 19 years old when he enlisted on September 1, 1914. He was born in Yannathan, was a labourer and his next of kin was his aunt, Mrs Mary Ann Bissett of South Melbourne. He was wounded at Gallipoli, severe gunshot wound to the arm, and discharged in England on his request, on medical grounds in May 1916. His reasons given for his discharge in England were that he had no family, parents or dependents in Australia and that he had been promised a billet driving a motor car. He returned to Australia eventually as his address in the 1920s was Northcote, in Melbourne.
Monoghan, James. The only James Monoghan (SN Depot) who enlisted was 36 years old and a clerk, who was born in South Melbourne. His wife, whose address was Latrobe Street, Melbourne was his next of kin. James enlisted on June 8, 1915 and was discharged in the September on medical grounds. There was a John Arthur Monaghan listed in the 1916 Electoral Roll at Koo Wee Rup and a Martin Henry Monoghan listed in the 1917 Electoral rolls at Caldermeade (see above under Holcombe). James may be connected to either of those men. Another possibility is Michael Monaghan (SN 430), name spelt lightly different, who was born in Drouin and enlisted on February 2, 1915. He was a 21 year old labourer. His next of kin was his father, James, of Drouin and later of Lang Lang. He Returned to Australia January 30, 1920. I have checked for the surnames Monohan, Monahan and Monaghan and can't find a soldier with a Yannathan connection.
Nelson, William Holroyd (SN 22961) William was born in Yannathan and he was a 20 year old medical student when he enlisted on June 16, 1915. His next of kin was his father, William Nelson, of Elsternwick. William was wounded on two occasions - gunshot wound right eye and gassed. He was also awarded the Miltary Medal. He was discharged in England as he found employment with the Civil Service - in his application for discharge he wrote that it is generally admitted that it is a sound policy of a %age of Colonials to be in the English Civil Service. He had another reason to stay in England and that was because he was married there on October 1, 1919. His bride was Freida Helen Havelock (nee Bower), a 29 year old widow. Sadly, the marriage did not last. In 1920, William was appointed to the Colonial Office in Uganda, and Helen (as she was known) began an affair with another man and in 1928 William returned to Victoria and instituted divorce proceedings. The divorce was granted, their daughter, Joy, born 1921, remained in Nairobi in Kenya, with her mother. You can read a report of the divorce proceedings in The Argus, here. He had a varied life and ended up as the Director of the Melbourne Zoo.
O'Donnell, Joseph Daniel (SN 3602) Joseph enlisted on September 17, 1915 aged 25. He was a labourer. His next of kin was his father, M. O'Donnell of Koo Wee Rup and he was also born in Koo Wee Rup. He Returned to Australia on September 26, 1917 and had 'severe corns on the sole of the left foot'. Joseph was listed as Michael's next of kin, after he returned home because their father 'could not be traced'. Joseph was granted a Soldier Settlement farm, you can read his file on the Battle to Farm website, here.
O'Donnell, Michael Alexander (SN 730) Michael enlisted at the age of 25 on November 27, 1914. He was born in Ballarat and he was a driver. He had a colourful military history with a range of disciplinary issues. He received a gun shot wound to his shoulder, suffered a fractured skull and Died of Wounds on July 17 1918. Michael was living in Sydney when he enlisted but his next of kin was his father, Michael James O'Donnell of Yannathan. Michael's will, in his file at the National Archives has the family's address as Yallock. The O'Donnell brothers are also listed on the Yallock Honor Board.
O'Rourke, Alexander Dennis 'Alick' (SN4877) Alick enlisted on September 29, 1915. He was a 33 year old farmer and his next of kin was his brother, Frederick, of Loch. Alick Returned to Australia May 8, 1919. Alick and Fred are listed in the 1914 Electoral Roll at Heath Hill.
Parker, William Alexander (SN 6562) William was 21 years old when he enlisted on May 22, 1916. He was a driver and his next of kin was his father, John Thomas Parker, of Yannathan. William Returned to Australia June 12, 1919. William was granted a Soldier Settlement farm, you can read his file here on the Battle to Farm website.
Patullo, Abraham Albert (SN 31500) Abraham enlisted on October 2, 1916, at the age of 25. He was a farmer and his next of kin was his father, Thomas, of Lang Lang, which is also where Abraham was born. His mother was Elizabeth Glover and he was the first cousin of Robert Glover, listed above. Abraham Returned to Australia July 13, 1919. Abraham is also listed on the Heath Hill State School Honor Board.
Payne, James (SN 1561) James was born in Lyndhurst and was 28 when he enlisted on October 6, 1916. His next of kin was his mother, Mrs Christina Cozens, of Yannathan, which is where he was also living at the time of his enlistment. He suffered a number of gun shot wounds and Returned to Australia on February 15, 1918. When he applied for his medals in April 1918 he was living in Five Mile (Koo Wee Rup North). Christina was the second wife of Henry Edwards Cozens and thus the step-mother of James Cozens, listed above. James was granted a Soldier Settlement farm, you can read his file here on the Battle to Farm website.
Pritchard, George (SN 433) George enlisted on September 11, 1915. His next of kin was his wife Janet, of Yannathan. He returned to Australia on October 18, 1916 and was discharged on medical grounds. George was 47 years old when he enlisted and had also been in the Boer War - the 4th Contingent Imperial Bushmen where he served for 1 year and 123 days. George was granted a Soldier Settlement farm, you can read his file on the Battle to Farm website, here.
Priestley, Alfred (SN 6877) Alfred enlisted on July 11, 1917, one month short of his 21st birthday. He was a farmer. He Returned to Australia December 20, 1918 and was discharged on medical grounds - gunshot wound, right shoulder.Priestley, Arthur (SN 2200) Arthur enlisted at the age of 21 on June 20, 1916. He was a farmer. He was wounded in action and died on January 6, 1918.
The boys were born in Lang Lang to Alfred Turner and Fanny (nee Gray) Priestley. Their father was listed as their next of kin, and at the time his address was Nullawil, which is north of Wycheproof, although they were later living in St Kilda. An A. Priestley is listed on the Heath Hill State School Honor Board, I am not sure if it is Alfred or Arthur.
Rietschel, Percy George Oscar
Arthur (b. 1888) and Percy (b. 1889) are the sons of Otto William and Helen (nee O'Neil) Rietschel. Helen is in the Electoral Roll at Yallock in 1905 and 1906 and then I can't find her and I believe Otto died in 1901. This is what I had found out about Arthur and Percy, but I couldn't find any trace of their enlistment until Lynne Bradley from the Narre Warren & District Family History Group discovered the answer. It turns out that Helen (also known as Ellen) remarried in 1903 to William James Jones and the boys enlisted as Arthur Jones and Percy Jones. Perhaps it was because there was so much anti-German feeling at the time, they wanted to hide a German sounding name. Arthur (SN 2673) enlisted on July 28, 1915 aged 27, occupation wheeler, next of kin was his mother Ellen Jones of Hicksborough, Wonthaggi. Arthur Returned to Australia on January 8, 1919. Percy (SN 1403) enlisted a day later than his brother, on July 29. He was 26 years old and also a wheeler, Ellen was also his next of kin. Percy served overseas and then Returned to Australia on January 31, 1918 and was discharged on medical grounds on May 28, 1918 suffering from 'myalgia and muscular atrophy.' The Rietschel brothers are also listed on the Yallock Honor Board.
Ridgway, Mark (SN 449) Mark was born in Lang Lang and he was a 23 year old Buttermaker when he enlisted on February 11, 1915. His next of kin was his father, William Ridgway of Hazeldean, Lang Lang. In the 1914 Electoral Roll, he was living in Yannathan. Mark received a gun shot wound to his knee and his tibia and fibula were fractured. He Returned to Australia on September 9, 1916 and was medically discharged on March 30, 1917. Mark is also listed on the Yallock Honor Board.
Ridgway, Norman Frederick (Lieutenant) Norman was born in Yannathan and enlisted on August 18, 1914. He was a 27 year old driver and his next of kin was his father, John, of Kilcunda. Norman Returned to Australia September 14, 1918, suffering from Neurasthenia and Debility.
Robertson, George. There is a George Daniel Robertson (SN 33273) born at Tooradin who enlisted on October 10, 1916. He was 25 years old and a Soldier. His next of kin was his father, Robert, of Tooradin. George Returned to Australia June 16, 1919. This man is the closest I can find, geographically. The 1918 Electoral Roll has a George David Robertson, farmer, of Yannathan listed. He may have been the man who enlisted, even though I can't find a matching record or he may be related to the George on the Honor Roll.
Rogers, Eric Cyril Patullo (SN V81381) Son of Henry and Margaret (nee Patullo) Rogers of Yannathan. Eric was two months off 21 years of age when he enlisted on October 21, 1918. His occupation was a mechanic. He did not serve overseas due to the War ending.
Scharf, Alfred (SN 962) Alfred was a 26 year old carpenter when he enlisted on January 18, 1915. Alfred was Killed in Action in France on August 24, 1916.
Alfred and Richard were the sons of Henry and Liselle (nee Fritz) Scharf. The family had lived on Finck's Road at Yallock, although they were in St Kilda Road, Elsternwick when the boys enlisted. The Scharf brothers are also listed on the Yallock Honor Board.
Sly, Cecil (SN 574) Cecil was born in England and his next of kin was his father, William, who lived in England. Cecil was 19 when he enlisted on October 26, 1914 and he was a butcher. He Returned to Australia July 12, 1919. What was his connection to Yannathan? I assume he must have worked in the area before enlistment.
Smethurst, Herbert Claude (SN 441) Herbert enlisted at the age of 23 on September 18, 1914; he was a chaffeur. He married Lillian Dorothy Sanders in England on November 2, 1916. Herbert Returned to Australia July 26, 1919. His next of kin on enlistment was his mother, Annie (nee Redfern), of Coburg. His father, John Henry Smethurst had died in 1898.Smethurst, S.J. The State School Roll has this person listed. We believe it is Samuel James Smethurst, born in 1888 and a brother of Herbert. He served in the Indian Army - he was a second Lieutenant in the Infantry branch, appointed February 1, 1917. You can see his appointment in the London Gazette, here. Thank you to Lynne Bradley of the Narre Warren & District Family History Group for supplying this information on Samuel.
Smethurst, John Samuel (SN V77589) John was a 39 year old farmer, who was born in Yannathan and lived in Yannathan, when he enlisted June 6, 1918. His next of kin was his wife, Mable. John did not serve overseas and was discharged due to the War ending.
Steen, Arthur Walter (SN 1964) Arthur was a 19 year old labourer when he enlisted on February 16, 1916. His next of kin was his father, James, of Yannathan. Arthur Returned to Australia May 3, 1919.
Stephens, James Bennett (SN 2367) James enlisted at the age of 21 on August 7, 1916. His occupation was Drover. His next of kin was his father, Francis Stephens of Yallock. James was Killed in Action in Belgium on October 4, 1917. James is also listed on the Yallock Honor Board.
Thompson, James Henry 'Harry' (SN 4953) Harry was the son of Thomas and Catherine Thompson of Yannathan. He enlisted at the age of 22 on October 11, 1915. Harry Returned to Australia May 15, 1919.
Ware, Charles William Francis (SN 3285a) Charles enlisted at the age of 23 on July 27, 1915. He was employed on the Railways and had been born at Nyora. He suffered a severe gun shot wound to his right buttock and Returned to Australia on March 17, 1917 and was discharged for medical reasons on July 9, 1917. His next of kin was his mother Mrs Christina Wilson Ware who lived at Kongwak. His father was Charles Joseph Ware. Charles is also listed on the Yallock Honor Board.
Watson, Robert Charles (SN 2018) Robert enlisted on February 28, 1916.He was a 21 year old farmer. He was wounded in action - gunshot wounds to arm and jaw - and Returned to Australia November 5, 1917. Robert was granted a Soldier Settlement farm, you can read his file on the Battle to Farm website, here.Watson, William Dunbar (SN 730) William was a 27 year old blacksmith when he enlisted on March 15, 1915. He died of pleurisy in France on March 5, 1917.
The boys were the sons of Charles and Grace Watson (her maiden name was also Watson), of Yannathan.
Whitehead, Clarence Cecil (SN 26755) Clarence was a farmer at Yannathan when he enlisted on March 4, 1916. His next of kin was his mother, Margaret, of Cora Lynn. He was Killed in Action in France on October 30, 1917.
Wright, Frederick Charles (SN 271A) Frederick was a 19 years old farmer from Yannathan, when he enlisted on January 27, 1916. He had been born in England and his next of kin was his father, Charles, of England. Frederick Returned to Australia September 22, 1919.
Wright, John William (SN 646) John enlisted on September 24, 1914 aged 21. He was a farmer and born in Yannathan. John Returned to Australia on October 26, 1918.
Wright, Marmaduke George 'Duke' (SN 703) Duke was born in Koo Wee Rup and he enlisted on February 23, 1916 aged 20, he was also a farmer. Duke Returned to Australia on January 25, 1919. he was granted a Soldier Settlement farm, you can read his file on the Battle to Farm website, here.
The brothers listed their mother, Isabella Wright, of Shepparton East as their next of kin. Isabella and George Wright were in the 1909 Electoral Roll at Yannathan. John and Duke are also listed on the Yallock Honor Board.
Footnotes
(1) Koo Wee Rup Sun, April 2 1919.
(2) All the school dates come from Vision and Realisation : a centenary history of State Education in Victoria, edited by L.J. Blake. Published by the Education Department of Victoria, 1973. The 1980s closing dates come from the fact that I found this advertisement, below, about the sale of the school properties
A version of this story, which I wrote and researched, appears on my work blog, Casey Cardinia Commemorates: Our War Years
