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 the Discovering  ANZACS website, the Australian ANZACs in the Great War website, the Garfield State School Honour Roll, the new Garfield Honour Roll which was unveiled in May last year (both of these rolls 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 Honour Board that was destroyed when the Garfield Hall was burnt down in April I937.  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. I wrote this article for the Garfield township newsletter, The Spectator, where it was originally published.  Heather Arnold. 

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 then 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.   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.

Bullock, Ernest (SN 6291) Ernest was nearly 21 and a farmer when he enlisted on July 7, 1916.  He was born in Murrumbena 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.  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 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 414) John enlisted on August 17, 1916 aged 19. 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. He 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 on the Battle to Farm website here.
Dawes, Clifford Gordon  (SN 5086) Clifford was an 18 year old farmer when he enlisted on January 26, 1916. His next of kin was his father, Alfred, of Iona. He Returned to Australia on July 21, 1917 for a medical discharge - 'Gun shot wounds  multiple' was the reason. 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 I have done more research on the family, you can read about them here.

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.

Donald, Arnold James (SN 6000a) Donald 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 6001)  Henry enlisted the same day as his brother, Arnold (above) He was 21, born in Iona,  and his next of kin was also his mother, Elizabeth. He was Killed in Action in Belgium, sometime between June 7^th and 9^th,  1917

Drake, James Patrick (SN 13281)  James was born in Garfield and enlisted on July 13, 1915. 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. His next of kin was his wife, Laura, and they lived in Garfield North.  He 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. 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. 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, Inglebert Thomas  (SN 3160)

Gunnelson, Percy Oscar  (SN 893)  Inglebert 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 Inglebert)  was born in Norway and was a builder. Sadly they were both Killed in Action, Percy on May 8, 1915 at Gallipoli and Inglebert 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 Inglebert 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, Edward Ernest (SN 3506)  Edward enlisted on August 23, 1915 when he was 24 and his next of kin was his wife, Emily, of Garfield.  He Returned to Australia on February 9, 1919. BPGHR

Hobson, George (SN 1164)  George enlisted on July 28, 1915 at the age of 19 and his next of kin was his brother, William, of Garfield. He Returned to Australia on January 4, 1919. BPGHR

James, Reginald Alfred John  (SN 3806) James enlisted on March 1, 1916 at the age of 22 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 by Denise Nest 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 War Memorial and Frederick and John are also on a plaque at the Tonimbuk Hall. 

Kimberley, John Robert (SN 857)  John enlisted on September 18, 1914. He was born in Garfield, but was living in Sebastapol, near Ballarart, when he enlisted.  He Returned to Australia on October 4, 1918.

King, S  This man is on Bill Parish’s list, but I can’t work out who he is.

Lambden, Thomas William (SN 6050)  Thomas enlisted on March 3, 1916 at the age of 30 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.   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

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 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.

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.  GSSHR 

Morgan, R  Bill Parish has this man  on his Honour Roll,  he survived the war, but I can’t establish who he is.

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. There is a C. Maynard listed on the Garfield Honour Roll, but I believe it should be C. Mynard. 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. I believe that 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.  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. 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. His next of kin was his father, Isaac, of Bunyip. George Returned to Australia on February 9, 1919. His brother, Isac, is listed on the Nar Nar Goon Honour Roll.

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 on Trove, 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.  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.

Ritchie, Sydney Richard (SN 6854)  Sydney was born in Garfield and enlisted on July 14, 1915. He was 36 and a blacksmith. 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 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.  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 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)  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.

Thomson, J

Thomson, K  These two are listed on the Garfield State School Honour Roll. I can’t work out who they are - possibly connected to John and Ada Thomson – he was a railway employee and she was the postmistress at Tynong in the 1903 Electoral Roll; in the 1905 Roll we have a David Pratt Thomson and his wife Eliza at Bunyip North and in 1909 we  have a Mrs Mary Ann Thomson, occupation Sewing Mistress at Garfield.  I’m favouring that the connection is Mrs Thomson – just have to prove it. Any help appreciated.

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. There is a F. Tower listed on the Garfield Honour Roll -  I believe it should be Toner.   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 and his next of kin was his mother, Caroline, of Garfield.  Thomas Returned to Australia on January 18, 1919.  GSSHR, BPGHR

Wallace, E   This man is listed on the Garfield State School Honour Roll, but I cannot work out who he is. 

Watson, Albert  (SN 3664) Albert was 22 when he enlisted on August 25, 1915. His next of kin was his mother, Mrs Jessie Adamson of Garfield. Albert Died of Wounds, received on active service in Belgium, on March 9, 1918.  GSSHR, GHR, BPGHR

Webb, Elinglade (SN 26645)  Elinglade was born in Garfield and was 19 when he  enlisted on  March 15, 1916. His next of kin was his father, James, of Kensington. Elinglade was Killed in Action in Belgium on September 30, 1917.

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.

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.  He Returned to Australia April 8, 1919.