World War One Soldiers with a connection to Garfield

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

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

Bunyip & Garfield Express November 21, 1919

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

Bunyip & Garfield Express December 5, 1919.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Memorial card for Ernest Bullock

Australian War Memorial Photograph P06855.002

Bullock, Ernest (SN 6291) Ernest was nearly 21 and a farmer when he enlisted on July 7, 1916. He was born in Murrumbeena and his next of kin was his mother, Mrs Mary Bullock, of Oakleigh. I assume that Ernest was living with his brother Thomas (see below) when he enlisted and that’s his Garfield connection. Ernest was Killed in Action in France on October 4, 1918. Ernest and Thomas are listed on the Garfield Honour Roll as well as the Clyde North State School Roll, where they attended school. Ernest also had a tree in the Tynong Memorial Grove, which was planted in July 1917. GHR, BPGHR
Bullock, Thomas (SN 6292) Thomas was nearly 26, a labourer from Garfield and enlisted on July 7, 1916 the same day as his brother, Ernest, above. His next of kin was his wife, Rose. Thomas Returned to Australia on July 22, 1919. BPGHR.

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

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

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

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

Dawes, Albert (SN 736) Albert was a 24 year old carpenter when he enlisted on October 20, 1914. His next of kin was listed as 'Father and Mother' Kirwan's Post Office, via Garfield and as 'Mr Dawes' on the Embarkation Roll. He sustained a bullet wound in the left wrist and Returned to Australia on February 9, 1916 for a medical discharge. Albert was a Soldier Settler - you can read his file at the Public Records Office of Victoria, here.

Dawes, Clifford Gordon (SN 5086) Clifford was an 18 year old farmer when he enlisted on January 26, 1916. His next of kin was his father, Alfred, of Iona. He Returned to Australia on July 21, 1917 for a medical discharge - 'Gun shot wounds multiple' was the reason. Clifford is listed on the Bunyip War Memorial.
Dawes, Gladstone (SN 4178) Gladstone enlisted on July 20 1915 aged 18. His next of kin was his mother, Mrs A. Dawes of Iona, and his father was listed as Alfred Dawes, Senior. Gladstone was Killed in Action in France on June 17, 1918.
Dawes, Victor (SN 3080) Victor enlisted on July 20, 1915 aged 21 and his next of kin was his mother, Mrs Elizabeth Dawes of Garfield. He Returned to Australia on July 3, 1919.
Dawes, Walter (SN 4093) Walter enlisted on January 10, 1916. He was a 22 year old carpenter and his next of kin was his father, Albert. Albert's address was Kirwan's Post Office, via Garfield. Walter Returned to Australia June 4, 1919.
I believe these boys were brothers, and they are all listed on the Iona Honour Board There is also more information about the family in that post.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Leeson, William Herbert Charles (SN 1178) William, the brother of Robert, above, enlisted on September 26, 1914, aged 24. William was Killed in Action on May 2, 1915 at Gallipoli. William is listed on the Bunyip War Memorial as well as GSSHR, GHR, BPGHR

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Pratt, Percy (SN 12369/7894) Percy was born in England and was living at Garfield when he enlisted on April 15, 1915 at the age of 26. He appears to have two enlistment records and one of them has his address as C/O Miss De Lacy Evans of  Vervale, via Garfield. His occupation was ‘sheep station hand’.  Lance Corporal Pratt received the Military Medal in July 1917 and the Bar in February 1918. He Returned to Australia on April 5, 1919. Percy is also listed on the Iona Honor Board and I have more information about him on that post.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Short obituary of Elm Webb

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

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

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

Footnotes

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

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

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

Great War Soldiers with a connection to Koo Wee Rup North

This report on the Five Mile School Honor Roll was in the Lang Lang Guardian of June 9, 1915. Five Mile, also known as Koo Wee Rup North, was a small township on the corner of the Main Drain and Five Mile Road (the road being five miles from the start of the Main Drain at Western Port Bay). The School opened in July 1894 and closed in November 1959 when school became part of Pakenham Consolidated School (read more here). Two teachers who had taught at this school were awarded medals for bravery - Captain Frank McNamara a Victoria Cross and  Captain William Wilson a Military Cross. You can read about them below.

Roll of Honor Five Mile School

Lang Lang Guardian June 9, 1915  http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article119512454

Who were these soldiers who were honoured? I  have included their Service Number (SN) so you can look up their full record in the National Archives of Australia (www.naa.gov.au)

Backhouse, Bert (Herbert Arthur Burder) (SN 612)  Bert was 23 when he enlisted on April 20, 1914. Bert is listed in the 1913 Electoral Roll at Koo Wee Rup. His next of kin on his enlistment paper was his father, Talworth Backhouse, whose address is listed as Metropolitan Board of Works, Melbourne. Bert's mother was Emily A'Beckett, a daughter of W.A.C A'Beckett of The Grange in Harkaway, so they were a well connected family, socially. He Returned to Australia on May 4, 1917 and was discharged on medical grounds (septic knee)      

Bjurstrom,  Gustave Carl (SN 503 / V9457)  I can only find one instance of a Bjurstrom enlisting and it is this one, so even though he is listed in the newspaper article as A. Bjurstrom I believe I have the right soldier.  Gustave was 19 when he enlisted on August 27, 1914 and his occupation was sawmill labourer and his next of kin was his father C.G Bjurstrom of Heyfield. In the 1916 Electoral Rolls Charles and Agnes Bjurstrom are listed at Koo Wee Rup, two years previously they were at Heyfield, so obviously moved after their son enlisted. Gustave Returned to Australia July 5, 1915 and was discharged on medical grounds on August 31, 1915. He had received a gun shot wound to the shoulder and right side whilst fighting at Gallipoli; he also had rheumatism.  Gustave was granted a Soldier Settlement farm, you can read his file on the Battle to Farm website, here. 
Gustave also served in the Second World War; he enlisted at the age of 42 in March 1940. His address at the time was Cora Lynn, and his next of kin was his wife, Alice (nee Osborn). He was discharged in December 1943.

Burns, Joseph  (SN 1399)  Joseph enlisted on October 19, 1914 at the age of 33 and was then medically discharged in April 1916 due to receiving a Gun shot wound to the 'lower extremities' while fighting at Gallipoli. He rejoined April 27, 1917 and was discharged again in the May. Joseph was the son of Francis and Margaret Burns who are both listed as the next of kin, with an address in Moreland, however there was a Francis, Margaret and Joseph Burns in the Electoral Roll  at Koo Wee Rup from 1903 to 1913.

Chippindall, Robert Arthur (SN 375) Robert was a 23 year old painter when he enlisted on August 15, 1914. His next of kin was his mother, Sarah, of  South Yarra. Robert died of wounds on May 17, 1915.  What was his connection to the Five Mile region? His father was the grandly named Giles Tatlock Chippindall and his mother was Sarah Isaac Dawson. When Giles died at the age of 57 in 1900 his death notice said that he lived at Bunyip and was employed by the Lands Department. Giles had various government positions in Victoria and Queensland  - in 1893 he was appointed as a Crowns Land Bailiff.  I have found the notice, below from 1896, so I presume he was the Lands Department Inspector in the Koo Wee Rup region.  Giles and Sarah had fifteen children altogether of which ten lived to adulthood and she died in 1932 aged 80. Robert's brother, Henry Dawson Chippindall, was Killed in Action at Gallipoli on August 8, 1915. Another brother, Thomas, is listed in the Electoral Roll in 1908  at Garfield,  his occupation is also Crown Lands Bailiff.  Yet another brother, Giles, was the Director General of Post Masters General Department and had also headed the Department of War Organisation of Industry and was knighted in 1950. Sources: Giles Chippindall's death notice The Leader July 7, 1900, see here; Sarah Chippindall's death notice The Age July 4, 1932, see here; Article on Sir Giles Chippindall, in Smiths Weekly, June 20, 1942, see here.

Robert Chippindall's father is mentioned in this article.

Warragul Guardian June 12 1896 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article67438197

Death notice of Robert Chippindall

The Argus May 31, 1915 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article1520676

Denham, Robert Alexander  (SN 392) Robert was born in Koo Wee Rup  and was living in Carlton and was  a fireman when he enlisted at the age of 28 on February 17, 1915 (that's the date according to the Embarkation roll and July 17, 1915 is the date according to the Enlistment papers).  His next of kin was his friend Annie Ritchie. Robert Returned to Australia July 10, 1916 and was discharged on medical grounds due to a form of rheumatism. Robert was the son of John and Janet Denham. John Denham was the Cranbourne Shire Secretary from 1909 to 1911 and the Rate collector for nine years, he also had a store at Yallock and  a dairy farm at Koo Wee Rup. Janet's father, Alexander Dunlop, had the Harewood Mains property at Tooradin and had a successful cheese making business. Source: The Good Country: Cranbourne Shire by Niel Gunson (Cheshire, 1968).

Emmott, Robert Edmund  (SN 1083) Edmund enlisted at the age of 19 of September 12, 1914 at Inglewood. Edmund was born at Fairfield Park and his next of kin was his mother, Alphina Emmott, and her address was Red Hill. His father, Joseph, had died in April 1914.  Alphina and Joseph were listed in the Electoral Roll at Koo Wee Rup from 1903 to 1914.   Edmund was Killed in Action in France on April 15, 1918.

Report of Edmund's death

Ballarat Courier, May 1 1918 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article75185657

Garbellini, George  (SN 378)  George enlisted on February 3, 1915 aged 23. He was the second eldest of the twelve children of Peter and Jane (nee Crombie) Garbellini, of 'Five Mile Drain', Koo Wee Rup. He was Killed in Action in France on May 3, 1917.

A lovely tribute to George Garbellini

The Age June 9, 1917 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article154981436

George Garbellini

Australian War Memorial Photograph DA08084

Gray, William Albert  (SN 218)  William was 22 when he enlisted on January 22, 1915. His occupation was farm hand and his next of kin was his mother, Margaret Gray, of Koo Wee Rup.  He Returned to Australia April 27, 1919.

Jenkins, Thomas Edward   (SN 188)  Thomas was a bricklayer and 19 years old when he enlisted on January 11, 1915. His next of kin was his mother,  Annabel Jenkins, of Boundary Road, Koo Wee Rup. Thomas had been born in Koo Wee Rup.  He Returned to Australia on April 5, 1918 and was discharged in the July on medical grounds due to a Gun shot wound to the right arm, received while fighting in France.

Johnson,  Charles Tudor (SN 588).  Tudor, as he was known, was 19 when he enlisted on November 7, 1914. He was a farmer who lived at Cora Lynn and his next of kin was his mother,  Mrs Fanny (nee Bickford) Johnson, of Cora Lynn. Tudor had attended Dookie Agricultural College before he enlisted at Enoggera in Brisbane. His father was Henry George Johnson who for some reason was not listed as the next of kin, generally fathers are more likely to be the official  next of kin than mothers. Tudor Returned to Australia on December 23, 1918. Tudor is also on the Cora Lynn War Memorial.

Killeen, Patrick (SN 772)  Patrick was 24, a farmer and he enlisted on October 1, 1914. His next of kin was his father of Koo Wee Rup.  Patrick was the son of Thomas and Maria Killeen. Patrick Returned to Australia on July 3, 1919.

Marshall, George  (SN 1780)  George enlisted on January 11, 1915 at the age of 31. He was a carpenter and his address was Cora Lynn and his next of kin was Samuel Marshall who lived at Koo Wee Rup (a later document had the address as Phillips Drain, Five Mile) George sustained two gun shot wounds at Gallipoli -  one to the left side under his arm and one in his left arm. He Returned to Australia on October 13, 1915 and was discharged on medical grounds in January 1916. Georgre was granted a Soldier Settlement farm - you can read his file, here, on the Battle to farm website. There is an Statuary Declaration in his file from 1942 saying that he lost his discharge papers in the 1934 flood at Cora Lynn. He was living at Bullumwaal, north of Bairnsdale, when he wrote the Statuatory Declaration.

M'Gregor, Robert  I am unsure who this is, there is a John and Josephine McGregor on the Electoral Roll at Koo Wee Rup from 1903 to 1905 so they may have had a son who the attended the school but I don't know. If  you have more information on Robert,  I'd love to hear from you.

Scanlan, Thomas  Patrick (SN 505) Thomas Scanlon - his surname is spelt as both Scanlan and Scanlon on official documents - is  the son of William and Ellen Scanlon of Cora Lynn. Thomas was 21 when he enlisted on January 12, 1915. He was a farmer. Thomas was awarded the Military medal and he Returned to Australia  April 5, 1919. Thomas and his brother, Joseph, are listed on the Cora Lynn War Memorial. 

Watson, Percy I am not sure who this is - my best bet going on enlistment date, enlistment place, birth place and occupation is that it is Percy Kennedy Watson (SN 926) Percy was 29 and  a labourer when he enlisted on December 7, 1914. He Returned to Australia March 11, 1916 and was discharged on medical grounds (Asthma) in the November. Once again, if you can help identify Percy I would love to hear from you.

Koo Wee Rup North State School's brave teachers

After the First World War the Education Department of Victoria published a book called The Education Department's Record of War Service 1914-1919. There were two teachers listed who had taught at the Koo Wee Rup North State School. By coincidence, both of them were awarded medals for bravery - Captain Frank McNamara received the Victoria Cross and Captain William Wilson received the Military Cross. There were 64 Victoria Cross medals and around 2,400 Military Cross medals awarded in the First World War.

What follows is the extract and the photos from The Education Department's Record of War Service 1914-1919 book on the two soldiers, plus extra information I have found about their life.

Captain Frank H. McNamara, V.C

Captain Frank McNamara, V. C

Image: The Education Department's Record of War Service 1914-1919.

Captain McNamara was the son of Mr. F. McNamara of ‘Moondyne’, Royal Parade, Caulfield. On 2nd August 1915, he was selected with seven other officers of the Permanent and Citizens Forces for the third course in Military Aeronautics at the Central Flying School at Point Cook. Officers so trained were then due to be attached to the Indian Army for duty in Mesopotamia. The Commonwealth, however, offered to form a complete squadron, and this offer was accepted by the Imperial Authorities. The squadron was formed in January 1916, and it sailed on the Orsova on the 16th of March. He disembarked at Egypt on 24th of April, and on the 28th of the same month proceeded to England for training. He returned to Egypt on the 28th of August, and joined No.1 Squadron at Heliopolis. On 21st of October, he joined the 67th Squadron at Kantara. On 20th of March, 1917 he was wounded in action, and was evacuated to the hospital at Abbassia. Later, he was promoted Captain and Flight Commander of the 71st Squadron, and served in Sinai and Palestine. He returned to Australia as an invalid on the transport Boorara on the 27th of September.

Deed for which the Victoria Cross was awarded – ‘For most conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty during an aerial bomb attack upon a hostile construction train, when one of our pilots was forced to land behind the enemy’s lines. Lieutenant McNamara, observing this pilot’s predicament and the fact that hostile cavalry was approaching, descended to his rescue. He did this under heavy rifle-fire, and in spite of the fact that he himself had been severely wounded in the thigh. He landed about 200 yards from the damaged machine, the pilot of which climbed on to Lieutenant McNamara’s machine, and an attempt was made to rise. Owing, however, to his disabled leg, he was unable to keep his machine straight, and it turned over. The two officers, having extricated themselves, immediately set fire to the machine, and made their way across to the damaged machine, which they succeeded in starting. Finally, Lieutenant McNamara, although weak from loss of blood, flew this machine back to the aerodrome, a distance of 70 miles, thus completing his comrade’s rescue.’ Prior to enlisting, he was teaching at School No. 3198, North Koo-wee-rup.

Captain McNamara was the first Australian Airman to receive the Victoria Cross. He was born in Rushworth in 1894, the son of William McNamara and Rosanna O’Meara. He attended Shepparton Agricultural High School. In 1924 he married Hélène Marcelle Bluntschli of Brussels whom he had met in Egypt during the War and they had two children. After the War he served with the newly formed RAAF and was the Officer in Command at the Flight Training School at Point Cook and later at the RAAF base at Laverton. In World War Two he was promoted to Air Vice Marshall and, in 1942, moved to England where he worked with the RAF. Captain McNamara died in England in 1961. There is a bust of Frank McNamara in Rushworth.

Lieutenant Frank McNamara, in Hospital, most likely in Cairo.

State Library of Victoria Image  H2014.1135/3

Captain William G. Wilson, M.C

Captain William Wilson, M. C

Image: The Education Department's Record of War Service 1914-1919.

Killed in Action on 30th September, 1918. Captain W.G Wilson, M.C., late head teacher at Koo Wee Rup North. His widow, Mrs Lilias Wilson, lives at ‘Whroo’ Tooronga Road, East Malvern. William George Wilson was born on 19th September, 1882. He became a junior teacher at Moora South in 1901 and was head teacher at Lalbert Road from 1905 to 1908, then at Harrow till 1911 and at Koo Wee Rup North till 1912. He was an excellent teacher. In 1909, he received an official letter expressing the Director’s appreciation of the good work he was doing, and the success that had attended his well-directed and zealous efforts to secure the whole-hearted co-operation of parents and pupils. He enlisted in June 1915 and proceeded to camp early in July. After serving about six months and passing successfully through the Officers’ Training School, he obtained his commission. He embarked for Egypt on the 7th of March,1916. After spending some four or five months in Egypt, he embarked for England on the 29th of July 1916, going through France. He was Instructing Officer in the 14th Training Battalion for some time, and was chosen with other Australian officers to attend a three weeks’ course at Chelsea Barracks, London.  He passed the examinations successfully. On the 4th of November he embarked for France and was serving on the Somme some months when he contracted trench fever. After two weeks in hospital, he again rejoined his Company, and was in the line till the 24th March, when he crossed to England and was in hospital for four weeks, suffering from another attack of trench fever. Until the 4th of November, 1917 he remained in England, training and embarking reinforcements for France. On that date he again returned to France and was there in the line for a few weeks until he was prompted Captain (28h November).  He remained in line as officer in command of A Company. On 28th July 1918 he led his company so successfully through an engagement that he was awarded the Military Cross. The following is an account in the London Gazette of the deed for which he was awarded the Military Cross - ‘For conspicuous gallantry and initiative. He led his company forward during an attack with great judgement and skill, under heavy fire. Though there was a gap of several yards between his flank and the unit on his left, he pushed on and reached the objective with very small casualties. His courage and splendid example of determination materially contributed to the success of the operation’.

Captain Wilson had married Lilias McLennan in 1907 and they had four children, James (b. 1908, Roy (1909), Marie (1911) and Kenneth (1913), so when William was Killed in Action in France, Lilias was left a widow with four little children aged from five to 10 years old.

A version of this post, which I wrote and researched, appears on my work blog, Casey Cardinia Commemorates: Our War Years

Modella Great War Soldiers

This post lists the Great War soldiers who have  a connection to Modella, which is right on the edge of the Koo Wee Rup Swamp. It's  a work in progress, so if you know of any soldiers who should be included on this list, then please let me know. I have listed the  Service Number (SN) so you can look up each soldier's full service record on the National Archives website (www.naa.gov.au)

Modella began life as Koo Wee Rup East, the school started in 1903 and the name was changed to Modella in February 1905. The Public Hall was opened in 1924. 

Some of the information in this post comes from the book Modella : a brief history, 1904-1968 by Graham Utber (Published by the author, 1968)

A few Modella men who enlisted

Bunyip Free Press August 19, 1915  http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article129630757

Chambers, Michael James (Jim) (SN 64173)    Jim enlisted on  March 6 1918 at the age of 38. He lived in Modella and had a wife, Labela, and three children. Jim Returned to Australia on July 26, 1919 and on October 11 1919 a 'welcome home' was provided for him.  Jim had also served in the Boer War in the 5th Victorian Mounted Rifles for 18 months. Their son, Ronald, was the Shire of Berwick Engineer from 1948 until 1973, and then the Shire of Pakenham Engineer until 1977. The family are the source of the name Chambers Road, Modella. The R.J. Chambers Reserve in Pakenham Upper is named for Ronald.

Corbin, William Osment  (SN 5114) William was 19 years old when he enlisted on February 11, 1916. He was a farmer and his next of kin was his father, William, of Modella. Lance Corporal Corbin Returned to Australia May 20 1919. After the War, William took up a soldier settlement farm at Caldermeade - you can see his file on the Battle to Farm website here 

Doran, Matthew John (SN 1376)   M. Doran is listed in the newspaper article, above, and I believe it is Matthew Doran although I can find no specific connection to Modella, however he did have his medical examination at Warragul, prior to his enlistment on August 3, 1915, so I believe I have the correct M. Doran.  Matthew was a 29 year old labourer when he enlisted and his next of kin was his mother, Mary Scanlon, of Heathcote. Matthew was Killed in Action on October 23, 1916 in France,

Esler, Gordon  (SN 534) Gordon was 30 when he enlisted on July 8, 1915. He was a 30 year farmer from Modella and his next of kin was his mother, Mrs Helen Smethurst of Yannathan. Helen died in November 1916 and his brother, Hugh, who was a Policeman, then became his next of kin. Gordon Returned to Australia April 13, 1919 and was granted a Soldier Settler farm in the Parish of Tongala, you can read his file on the Battle to Farm website, here.

Hughes, Ephraim  (SN 11763) Ephraim enlisted at the age of 31 on September 7, 1915. His next of kin was his father, Robert, of Modella. Ephraim Returned to Australia April 20, 1919 and was granted a soldier settlement farm of 77 acres at Modella (off Bridge Road, Allotment 93, Parish of Yannathan) You can read his file on the Battle to Farm website, here.

Lugton, John Archibald (SN 3193) Archie (as he was called) enlisted on October 19, 1916 at the age of 27. He was a farmer and his next of kin was his father, Charles Edward Lugton, of Northcote. Archie received a gun shot wound to the chest on August 8, 1918, whilst fighting in France, and died the next day.  Graham Utber wrote that  A memorial service was held in the school to pay homage to Arch Lugton. 
Two other brothers of Archie Lugton also served. Frank Leslie Lugton (SN 447) enlisted at the age of 21 on April 28, 1915. He was an Electrical Engineer. Frank was Killed in Action at Pozieres on July 29, 1916. Edward Charles Lugton (SN 9317) was a 29 year old carpenter when he enlisted on July 5, 1915. He Returned to Australia May 15, 1919. Another brother Harold William Lugton also lived and farmed at Modella  

Death notice of Archie Lugton

The Argus August 19,1918  http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article1410001

Marchant, John (SN 897) John was a blacksmith and he was 24 when he enlisted on August 21, 1914. His next of kin was his wife, Mrs J Marchant, of Modella. John had a bit of mixed military record, and was absent without permission on a few occasion which meant that a form had to be filled out, and on two occasions this paperwork had his 'General character' listed as 'Bad'. I'm sure he wasn't bad - perhaps just not suited to Army life. John Returned to Australia March 3 1916 and was discharged on medical grounds on May 14 due to 'leucoma right eye' - which is a dense, white opacity of the cornea due to an injury. John was granted a Soldier Settler farm in the Mallee, you can read his file on the Battle to Farm website, here.   

Norton, Noel Condah  (SN 4498) Noel was born at Koo Wee Rup and enlisted on September 17, 1914. He was 22 and his next of kin was his wife,  Ann May Norton, of Modella and they had three children at the time of his enlistment. He was discharged as medically unfit on November 19, 1914. Noel then enlisted again on July 29, 1915.  He Returned to Australia on April 29, 1919.  Noel also became  a Soldier Settler and you can read his file on the Battle to Farm website, here. His land was on McDonald Road, Catani (Lots 36A and 35B, Section V, Parish of Koo-Wee-Rup East, 96 acres in all)

John Ryan from Modella enlists

South Bourke and Mornington Journal September 19, 1918  http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article66194707

Ryan, John Joseph     As we can see from the newspaper article, above, a John Joseph Ryan from Modella enlisted in  July, August or September 1918 - I can't find  a record for him on the National Archives of Australia website, so I have no other details. 

Warren, George William  (SN 6716) George was 32 and  a farmer when he enlisted on January 11, 1917 at the age of 32. His next of kin was his father, also called George Warren, of Modella. George served in France and  Returned to Australia on February 7, 1919. George was granted a Soldier Settler farm in Mildura, you can read his file on the Battle to Farm website,  here.

Webb, William George (SN 78198) William enlisted on July 1, 1918. He was  a 35 year old farmer, his next of kin was his wife, Henrietta and they had three children. A farewell social was held in September 1918, but as the War had ended, William was discharged on December 24, 1918. I found out about William through the following two articles. 

W.G. Webb enlists

The Herald July 2, 1918 https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/242733436

Farewell social for W. Webb

Gippsland Independent September 19, 1918  http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article120992300

Wilson, Joseph Daniel (SN 1869)  Joseph was born in Northern Ireland and was 26 years old and the teacher at Modella State School when he enlisted on September 11, 1915.  His next of kin were his parents, James and Minnie Wilson of Nicholson Street, South Yarra.  Joseph was awarded the Military Medal and he Returned to Australia on June 20, 1919. Before his return he married Ethel May Johnston of Dublin, in a Methodist service on January 8, 1919. After the War he resumed his career with the Education Department; in the 1921 Electoral Rolls their address in listed as 'Úpper Diamond Creek' and in 1922 they are listed at Newham, in the Lancefield / Kyneton region.

Joseph's Military Medal award

National Archives of Australia www.naa.gov.au

First Australian Imperial Force Personnel Dossiers, 1914-1920

Modella Honour Board

Image: Heather Arnold

On Saturday, December 15, 2018 a new World War One Honour board was unveiled at the Modella Public Hall, by Mr Colin Teese, the President of the Bunyip R.S.L. The wreath was laid by Mrs Dorothy Goodman, the niece of  John Archibald (Archie)  Lugton and  Mr Wayne  Rogers, the grandson of  William Corbin. The original board had been destroyed when the hall burnt down in November 1976.The existing hall was opened in April 1979. The new Board was donated by Mrs Mavis Martin and the names were based on my list which I had researched in 2016, so William George Webb does not appear on the Board as I only 'discovered' him in December 2021.

A version of this post, which I wrote and researched, appears on my work blog, Casey Cardinia Commemorates: Our War Years

World War One Soldiers with a Dalmore connection

Dalmore is a small town on the Great Southern Railway Line, one stop past Tooradin. This section of line from  Tooradin to Koo Wee Rup opened February 1890. The Dalmore Railway Station was originally called Peer’s Lane, then Koo Wee Rup West and then renamed Dalmore in January 1909 (1). Dalmore was the name of Duncan MacGregor’s estate, which he purchased in 1875. Peer’s Lane (now Dalmore Road) was named after a local land owner Frederick Peers (1843-1896) (2). The Dalmore Post Office and Store opened in 1915; the State School, No. 4002, in 1920 (and closed in 1978) and the Hall opened in 1925 (3). Dalmore had a population of 173 in 1921 (4) 

Here is a list of any soldiers I could find with a Dalmore connection. Some local men may have enlisted with Cardinia as an address, I have written about some Cardinia Soldiers, here, including some of these men on this list.  I haven't included soldiers who moved into the area after the War onto the Gowan Lea Soldier Settlement Estate.  I have listed the Service Numbers (SN) so you can read their full service record on the National Archives of Australia website

Andrews, Cecil (SN 2123)  Cecil was a 26 year old farmer when he enlisted on May 1, 1916. His address on the Embarkation Roll was Dalmore and his next of kin was his mother, Emily of Mordialloc. Cecil was Killed in Action in France on October 17, 1917. There are six In Memoriam notices for Cecil in The Argus from October 18, 1918 (see here) one of which is a lovely notice from his nieces and nephews, including 'wee Cecil' obviously named in honour of his Uncle. The other notices were from his parents, his sister Alice, his brother Walter and his wife Ethel, who lived in Mordialloc; his brother Will and his wife Lydia - they lived in Dalmore; and his brothers Arthur and Charles and sister-in-law Nellie, who also all lived in Dalmore. Cecil is listed on the Cardinia Honor Board and also had a tree planted in the Memorial Grove at the Cardinia State School, you can read about this here.

In Memoriam notices for Cecil Andrews

The Argus October 18, 1918  http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article1410553

Hardy,  Horace Robert (SN 19995)   Horace enlisted on June 20, 1917 at the age of 21. He Returned to Australia July 13, 1919. Horace was the son of William John Hardy (1855 - 1940) and  Sophia Wells Cadd (1856 - 1919) of Dalmore. His paternal grandparents, Emling and Emily (nee Gregory) Hardy took up land at Clyde North in 1856 - Hardy Road is named after the family. His maternal grandparents were Thomas and Sarah (nee Wells) Cadd who took up land at Clyde in 1862 (5). Horace had a tree planted in the Memorial Grove at the Cardinia State School, you can read about this here.

The following two grandly named men were the sons of Edward Simpson Hill and Charlotte Hill of Dalmore. Edward also enlisted.
Hill, Arthur George Leonard Curnow (SN 61869) was an 18 year old labourer when he enlisted on June 11, 1918. Arthur was born at Bunyip South, which was later called Iona. Arthur was sent overseas to England, but was not involved in any fighting and Returned to Australia September 22, 1919.
Hill, Graham John Dudley Bowman (SN 1574) Known as Dudley. Dudley  enlisted on September 6, 1915. He was a 22 year old farmer. Dudley Returned to Australia March 9, 1919. Dudley was granted a Soldier Settlement farm after the War, you can read his file here.

Dudley Hill granted a Soldier Settlement farm

Koo Wee Rup Sun, June 4, 1919, p. 4

Dudley Hill had a tree planted in the Memorial Grove at the Cardinia State School and Arthur Hill is listed on the Cardinia Honor Board, you can read about this here. 
Hill, Edward Simpson (SN V21471) Edward, the father of the two men above, enlisted on February 16, 1916. His next of kin was naturally his wife, Charlotte. His occupation was Engine driver/Engineer; he was however also the Dalmore Post Master and in March 1916, he had to amputate a man's leg (under telephone instructions from a doctor), read about it in the Weekly Times, here.  He was discharged on June 22, 1916 as he was unfit for service. He stated his age on enlistment as 44, but a notation on the file says 'is obviously very much over age' and lists his age as 56!

Kelly, Darcy (SN 5050) Darcy enlisted on October 3, 1917 at the age of 18 years and 4 months. He claimed to have been born in Dalmur, Gippsland which has been accepted as Dalmore.  Darcy was sent back to Returned to Australia March 17, 1919. Darcy claimed that he had no next of kin. His file states This lad asserts he has no relatives, parents dying in infancy and has lost trace of his guardian. Was last employed by a travelling hawker named McFadzen and left him on the River Murray this week. The enlisting officer seemed to have sympathy for his plight and was asking permission to enlist him in loco parentis as Darcy is now without means. 

Darcy signed  a statuary declaration on December 21, 1918 saying that he was actually born June 26, 1900 and so was only 17 years old when he enlisted. He added a next of kin, a Mrs Sadie Harper, 40 Cope Street, Coburg, who he said was his aunt. Darcy was sent back to Australia in January 1919, as he was underage, and disembarked in Melbourne April 30, 1919.  Another Statuary declaration was signed in 1958, this time he said he was only 15 years old on enlistment and was born June 26, 1902.   The 1958 declaration also said his real name was Norman Hunt, not Darcy Kelly. This is correct because a Miss O. Hunt from 14 Railway Avenue, Malvern wrote to Base Records in April 1918 asking for Darcy Kelly's address. The 1958 Declaration was made because Darcy/Norman wanted proof of his service to join the RSL in Iron Knob in South Australia where he was then living. So was Darcy Kelly / Norman Hunt really born in Dalmore? Well the answer is actually no, he was born in St Kilda on June 26, 1902 to George and Mary Kate (nee Walker) Hunt and the Miss O. Hunt who wrote the letter was his sister Olga, so she obviously knew what he was up to. His mother had died on December 31, 1916 but his father was still alive and died in 1938.  Even though, as it turns out, Darcy / Norman does not really have a Dalmore connection, he remains in my list because you have to admire the gumption of  a 15 year old boy enlisting and making up a very fanciful story about why his parents couldn't sign his enlistment papers. 

McNamara, Michael (SN 7532)  Michael enlisted on May 9, 1917, he was  a labourer from Dalmore and his next of kin was listed as a friend, Amelia Sorensen of Richmond. Michael Returned to Australia on January 30, 1918 and was medically discharged in the April on the grounds of 'premature senility.' Michael said he was 44 when he enlisted but this may have been a lie as a year later his medical reports listed his age at 52 so it appears he removed seven years from his age. 

Woods, William (SN 2728) William was 21 and  a farm labourer, when he enlisted on May 9, 1916. His address was care of William Hardy of Dalmore. His next of kin was his grandmother, Mary Woods, of Maribyrnong. He Returned to Australia January 25, 1919.  William also served in the Second World War, he enlisted at the age of  45 in January 1941 and was discharged in March 1944. William was granted a Soldier Settlement farm, firstly at Dalmore and then at Werrimull, south of Mildura, after the Great War and was living in Mildura when he enlisted in 1941.You can read his Soldier Settler files, here and here. William had a tree planted in the Memorial Grove at the Cardinia State School, you can read about this here.

Footnotes
(1) VicSig website https://vicsig.net/infrastructure/location/Dalmore

(2) Gunson, Niel The Good County: Cranbourne Shire (Cheshire, 1968).

(3) Tooradin: 125 years of coastal history - Blind Bight, Cannon's Creek, Sherwood, Tooradin North, Warneet 1875-2000 State school No. 1503 compiled by John Wells and the 'Tooradin Celebrates Together 125 Years of Education Committee' (The Committee, 2001)
(4) Victorian Places website http://www.victorianplaces.com.au/
(5) Clyde History website https://www.earlyhistory4clydevic.com/html/0404hardy.html

A version of this story, which I wrote and researched,  appears on my work blog, Casey Cardinia Commemorates: Our War Years