The Officer Public Hall has an Honor Board from the First World War. It was unveiled on Saturday, November 16 1918, in front of a large gathering of residents, according to a report in the Pakenham Gazette. The report goes on to say Like most districts in Victoria, Officer has done its share in providing men who were willing to go overseas to fight for the British flag, and to maintain that liberty and freedom so dear to every Britisher.....The Honor Roll, which was given by Mrs Brunt, sen., is of tasteful design and is constructed of Australian blackwood, on which the names have been painted in gold lettering. You can read the full report in the Pakenham Gazette of November 22, 1918, here. A supplementary report was published in the next edition of the Pakenham Gazette, listing the three other men who made the Supreme Sacrifice. You can read this, here.There is another memorial to soldiers in Officer and that is the War Memorial Gates at the Recreation Reserve. They were unveiled on November 11, 1951 (Armistice Day) in front a crowd between 300 to 400 people. This event was reported in the Pakenham Gazette of November 16, 1951. The plaques record the names of ten local men who died in the First World War and five who died in the Second World War.
What follows is a list of the First World War soldiers on the Honor Roll and Memorial gates, plus a few others with an Officer connection, 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).
The book Officer Primary School, No. 2742 Centenary 1886 - 1986 written by Eileen Williams was very useful in helping to identify the soldiers and is referred to as the Officer Primary School book.
Officer Honor Board at the Public Hall
Beadel, Percival Thomas (SN 820) Percival enlisted on March 29, 1915 at the age of 19. He was a labourer and his next of kin was his mother, Mary, of Officer. Percival Died of Wounds on January 17, 1917 - he had suffered multiple gun shot wounds to the abdomen and thigh. Percy is also listed on the Officer Recreation Reserve gates.
Bell, Thomas Stanley (SN 3773) Thomas was a 23 year old labourer when he enlisted on August 12, 1915. His next of kin was his mother, Mary Ann Bell, whose address was St Germains, Clyde. A notation on his file said that his father was 'not recognized'. Thomas Returned to Australia October 18, 1917 and was discharged on medical grounds in January 1918 - Gun shot wound to the thorax. Thomas was also honoured at Cardinia in 1917 when a memorial grove of trees was planted at the Cardinia State School. You can read about this, here.
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 on September 16, 1915 due to suffering from pulmonary tuberculosis . 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 also listed on the Garfield State School Honor Roll, see here.
Brown, P Cannot specifically find a P. Brown from Officer - there is a Percy Brown (SN 2111) from Beaconsfield Upper and a Percy Brown (SN 7211) from Pakenham, so possibly one of those. I cannot find a Brown in the Electoral Roll at Officer nor is there a Brown listed in the list of pupils from Officer Primary School book, so Mr P. Brown is a bit of a mystery at the moment
Bromley, John (SN 1171)
Bromley, Harold (SN 22094)
Bromley, Norman John (SN 20024)
John was 44 when he enlisted on May 4, 1917. He was a farrier and his enlistment papers said he had already served 394 days in the AIF, but had not served abroad. He was sent overseas but Returned to Australia March 16, 1918 suffering from bronchitis and pleuresy. John and his wife, Susan, were living at Officer when their two sons, Harold and Norman, enlisted. The boys both enlisted on June 28, 1915 - Harold was a 22 year old engine driver and Norman was a 19 year old farrier. Harold Returned to Australia June 21, 1919 and Norman in January 1920. Norman married Florence Louise Batchelor in England on August 27, 1919.
Brunt, Archibald Andrew (SN 101) Archibald enlisted January 11, 1915. He was a 21 year old farmer. Archie Returned to Australia December 18, 1918.
Brunt, Trevor William (SN 358) Trevor enlisted at the age of 24 on August 20, 1914. Lieutenant Brunt Returned to Australia March 5, 1919.
Archie and Trevor were the sons of William and Sarah (nee Buckland) Brunt. William was the son of Ralph and Mary Jane (nee Funston) Brunt of Gin Gin Bean, Officer.
Clements, John William Henry (SN 5995) John was a 26 year old teacher at Officer State School when he enlisted on June 10, 1916. He Returned to Australia September 25, 1919.
Letter from the Education Department to John Clements giving him permission to enlist.
National Archives of Australia www.naa.gov.au
First Australian Imperial Force Personnel Dossiers, 1914-1920
Davies, Alan Cathcart Lieutenant Davies was 25 when he enlisted on July 8, 1915. Alan Died of Wounds on April 25, 1918. Alan is also listed on the Officer Recreation Reserve gates.
Davies, Basil Rayner (SN 804). Basil enlisted on February 25, 1916 at the age of 24. He Returned to Australia April 5, 1919. He was awarded the Military Medal. Alan and Basil were farmers from Officer. The name of their property was Jesmond Dene. Their next of kin was their mother, Jessie, of Toorak.
Report of Alan Davies' death
South Bourke & Mornington Journal May 9, 1918
Drummond, A I don't know who this is. I cannot find him in the Electoral Roll at Officer nor is he on the list of pupils from Officer Primary School. I thought he might be connected to the family, below, but I cannot trace an A. Drummond with the parents listed below.
Drummond, Daniel George (SN 3082) Daniel enlisted on July 12, 1915 at the age of 27, he was a farmer and his next of kin was his mother, Margaret, of Officer. He married Annie Hopkirk in Scotland before he Returned to Australia April 13, 1919. Daniel was granted a Soldier Settlement farm, you can read about it here. For some reason Daniel, is not on the Officer Honor Roll.
Drummond, Walter Neil (SN 2571) Walter enlisted at the age of 18 on June 28, 1915. He was a Blacksmith. His next of kin was listed as his father, William, of Officer. Walter Returned to Australia April 13, 1919
Drummond, William John (SN 2902) William enlisted on January 31, 1916 at the age of 29. He was a baker and his next of kin was his father, William Peter Drummond of Harkaway. He Returned to Australia on September 5, 1919. William was also granted a Soldier Settlement farm, you can read his file here. I presume he is the J. Drummond listed on the Honor Board.
Daniel, Walter and William are the sons of William and Margaret (nee Duncan). Daniel was born in Mitta Mitta and William and Walter were born in the neighbouring town of Eskdale. I presume that William and Margaret moved from Officer to Harkaway in 1916. The boys also have a tree in the Harkaway Avenue of Honour, you can read about this here.
Gregson, Arthur Henry (SN 1552) Arthur was born at Officer and he enlisted on October 6, 1914. He was a 30 year old bushman and his next of kin was his father of Fitzroy. Arthur Returned to Australia October 17, 1916 and was discharged on medical grounds - DAH - Disordered action of the heart, a stress syndrome. [If you are looking for Arthur's Service Record on the National Archives of Australia website then they have his Service Number incorrectly listed as 1597]
Handley, C I cannot find a C. Handley with an local connection (or a Hanley in case the name was spelt incorrectly), nor can I find a Handley who went to school at Officer or a Handley at Officer in the Electoral Roll - so another mystery.
Harris, Claud Alfred (SN 12451) Claud enlisted on February 2, 1916 at the age of 25. He was a mechanic. His next of kin was his mother, Rosetta Harris, of Edgevale, Beaconsfield Upper. Claud Returned to Australia February 5, 1920. His parents, Solomon and Rosetta Harris are in the Electoral Roll at Officer in 1909. Claud and his sisters Isa, Lucy, Marian, Ethel and May are listed as starting as pupils at the Officer State School between 1890 and 1900.
Heggart, Edward John (SN 3858) Edward enlisted on July 10, 1915 at the age of 22. His next of kin was H.Heggart - his father according to the Embarkation Rolls and his brother according to his enlistment paper. It was actually his brother Harry who was living at Officer at the time with his wife, Edith, according to the Electoral Rolls.Their parents were Thomas and Ellen Heggart. Edward was Wounded in Action (gun shot wound right leg and left forearm) in November 1916 and Returned to Australia December 4, 1918.
Hullet, Charles Franklin (SN 5690) Charles was born in Officer and was 26 year old electrician (an unusual occupation for the time, he worked at the City Council electric light supply) when he enlisted on March 23, 1916. His wife, Ivy, was his next of kin and her address was Chelsea. Charles was Killed in Action in France on August 9, 1918. According to the death notice, Charles and Ivy had two children 'little Charlie and Ivy'.
Hunter, A Another mystery person - I cannot find a A. Hunter (or any Hunter for that matter) with an obvious local connection.
Johnson, Raymond James (SN 2013) Raymond was born at Officer but was living in Lilydale when he enlisted on March 16, 1917 at the age of 24. He was an Assistant Station Master. His next of kin was his father, James. Raymond Returned to Australia July 1, 1919.
Johnston, William (SN 4740) Incorrectly listed as Johnstone on the Honor Board and the Memorial gates. William was 44 when he enlisted on February 1 1916 and his next of kin was his wife, May, of Officer. William was Killed in Action in France on November 12, 1916. William is also listed on the Officer Recreation Reserve gates.
Kenworthy, Lindsay (SN 1816) Lindsay was 19 when he enlisted on March 21, 1916. His next of kin was his father, Ben, of Officer. His Dad later had Mansfield House, Berwick as his address. Lindsay was Wounded in Action in September 1917 - a gun shot wound to his right leg which was amputated. He Returned to Australia December 13, 1918.
Lecky, James Alexander (SN 19922) James enlisted on February 25, 1916 at the age of 25. He died of 'wounds received in action' in France on November 14, 1918. The wound was a gun shot wound to the chest, which he sustained on October 25 1918.
Lecky, William Mervyn (SN 6612) William enlisted on June 15, 1915 aged 20. He was killed in Action in France on September 1, 1918.
James and William were the sons of James Lecky of Cardinia Park in Officer. James (1841 to 1939) was a Cranbourne Shire Councillor from 1876 until 1905. Their grandfather, also James (1802 to 1884) had taken up the Gin Gin Bean Run (later named Cardinia Park) at Officer in 1846 and he was a member of the Cranbourne Road Board and the Cranbourne Shire from 1860 until 1881. Lecky Road in Officer/Pakenham is named for the family. The boys are also listed on the Cranbourne Presbyterian Church Honor Roll, see here and the Officer Recreation Reserve gates.
Lever, Harry (SN 2833) Harry was 21 and a farmer from Officer, when he enlisted on October 31, 1916. His next of kin was his sister, Nellie, of South Yarra. Harry Returned to Australia August 27, 1919.
Maxwell, Henry Charles Kempson (SN 1923) Henry enlisted on February 16, 1917 at the age of 26. He was a grazier. He Returned to Australia May 6, 1919. When Henry enlisted his next of kin was his wife Eileen Josephine Maxwell, c/o G. Tavener, Kerang and Henry's address was Moondah Park, Longreach in Queensland. However on another page of his enlistment papers his address is 'Luckham', Officer - or I think it says Luckham. Henry is listed in the Electoral Roll at Cardinia in 1914 with a Harriet Lucy Maxwell. Harriet was his mother, he married Eileen (nee Tavener) in 1917.
From Henry Maxwell's service record, showing his address at Officer.
National Archives of Australia www.naa.gov.au
First Australian Imperial Force Personnel Dossiers, 1914-1920
McMahon, John Peter Daniel Muldrick (SN 4151) John and his siblings, Eileen, Leslie and Albert are listed in the Officer Primary School book. As the book and the Death notice for his brother, Alfred, who died in December 1916 (see below) calls him Jack, that's what we will call him. Jack enlisted on October 15, 1914 according to the Nominal Roll, October 15, 1915 according to the Embarkation roll or January 19, 1916 according to his date on his 'oath of enlistment' in his service record - so take your pick. He was a 20 year old carpenter when he enlisted and was actually born in 1895 so the 1915 may be the correct one. Jack Returned to Australia September 25, 1919. His parents were John and Mary Ann (nee Muldrick). Mary Ann died in 1912, her death is registered at Berwick.
Death notice of John McMahon's brother, showing the family connection to Officer.
The Argus January 3, 1917
Moss, Albert (SN 6150) Albert was 18, a labourer, when he enlisted on August 27, 1915. His address was Officer, he was living with his aunt, Mary Maybury, but his next of kin was his father who lived in London. Albert married Kathleen Abram on May 5, 1919 before he Returned to Australia July 26, 1919.
Nichols, A Not sure who this is - I cannot find an A. Nichols (or Nichol, Nicholls, Nicholl, Nicols, Nicol etc ) with a connection to Officer or neighbouring towns. Nor is there a Nichols listed in the Officer Primary School book or a likely candidate in the Electoral Rolls, so Mr Nichols remains a mystery at the moment.
O'Brien, Henry James (SN 3369) There is a Henry James O'Brien in the 1914 Electoral Roll at Officer, occupation Railway employee, so based on this information I decided that serviceman No. 3369 was 'our man' and this was confirmed by a letter in his file from his wife in February 1919 to Base Records, asking where her husband was. Mrs H.J. O'Brien's address was Officer, Gippsland. Henry enlisted on July 13, 1915, he was an Assistant Station Master, born in Kensington and his next of kin was his father, John, of Flemington. Henry Returned to Australia January 25, 1919, so he was on the boat when Mrs James wrote her letter.
Letter from Mrs O'Brien asking where here husband was.
First Australian Imperial Force Personnel Dossiers, 1914-1920
Osborne, James Patrick (SN 2733) James was 36 when he enlisted on August 2, 1915. He was Killed in Action in France on August 19, 1916. James' next of kin was his mother, Bridget, of 'Lower Beaconsfield' - I hadn't heard of Lower Beaconsfield before, I presume it was to distinguish the town on the railway line from Upper Beaconsfield and not a location south of Beaconfield, but as it is next to Officer, I believe I have the right person. James is also listed on the Officer Recreation Reserve gates.
Peterson, Frederick Victor (SN 4056) Fred was an 18 year old driver when he enlisted on March 23, 1915. Fred Returned to Australia November 20, 1918.
Peterson, Oscar Frederick (SN 12407) Oscar was 43 when he enlisted on May 2, 1916. He had been born in Sweden, was a storekeeper and the father of Frederick. Oscar Returned to Australia March 25, 1919. Fred and Oscar's next of kin was their mother/wife Elizabeth, of the General Store, Officer. Oscar and Elizabeth are in the 1914 Electoral Roll at Officer and they obviously operated the General Store together. Their employee, Leonard Whittney, also enlisted in the War, see below.
Pryor, William Alfred Ernest (SN 26734) William was obviously known as Ernest, so that's what we will call him. The 1914 Electoral Roll had an Ernest and Mary Jane Pryor listed at Officer in 1914, so I knew what the Officer connection was, it just took some time to find his service record under William. Ern enlisted on January 3, 1916 at the age of 29. He had listed his next of kin as his daughter, Violet, but his brother Thomas of Warwick in Queensland was also listed because Violet was a child. Mary Jane had died August 14, 1915 and Violet was their only child. Violet was born in 1907, had enrolled at Officer State School in 1913 and her guardian was Mrs Ellen Wilding of Canterbury. Sadly, Ern was Killed in Action in France on April 8, 1917. Ern is also listed on the Officer Recreation Reserve gates, although his name is incorrectly listed as Prior.
Report of Ern Pryor's death
Pakenham Gazette May 18, 1917
Rix, Henry James (SN 10918) Henry enlisted on July 19, 1915 at the age of 29. His next of kin was his father, Henry John Rix, of 'Fairview' Officer. Henry and his father were farmers. Henry Returned to Australia May 25, 1919, but before he returned he married Mabel Hill in Liverpool, on May 8, 1919. They were both 35 years old at the time (which doesn't tally with his age at enlistment, but never mind) and he was listed as being a widower. Rix Road in Officer is named for the family.
Sackett, Edmond Herbert (SN 1138) Edmond was a 19 year old farmer when he enlisted on June 20, 1915. His next of kin was his mother who lived in Kent in England. He worked on a farm at Officer, Luckham, the same property as Harry Maxwell, listed above. Edmond was Killed in Action in France on October 8, 1918.
Edmond's Roll of Honor, which proves his connection to Officer. In Question 3 someone has written Luckham, then crossed it out. Luckham, Officer was the same address as Harry Maxwell, see above.
Skellett, Albert John Kempson (SN 997) As he is listed as K. Skellett, I presume he was called Kempson, so this is what we will call him. Kempson enlisted on February 24, 1915 at the age of 26. He was a farm manager and his next of kin was his mother, Mary, of Clunes. Kempson Died of Wounds on April 20, 1917 having being shot in the abdomen. What was the connection to Officer? I don't know - he was born in Picton in New South Wales, his mother's maiden name was Kempson and the Kempson family had a connection to Clunes. I am presuming he managed a farm in the area. Kempson is also listed on the Officer Recreation Reserve gates.
Waldon, H There are two H. Waldons who enlisted - Harold Victor, a printer from New South Wales and who enlisted in N.S.W and Harry Mansfield a 21 year old horse driver, who was born in Western Australia and enlisted in W.A. Neither of them seem likely candidates to be on the Officer Honor board. There are also no H. Waldrons that I can find with an Officer connection, the Electoral Rolls were no help, so this man is another mystery.
Were, Clive Wellington (SN 521) Clive enlisted on August 17, 1914 at the age of 25 and was Killed in Action at Gallipoli on April 25, 1915. His next of kin was his father, who lived in Hawksburn, in Melbourne and as we can see by his obituary, below, he had a farm at Officer. Clive is also listed on the Officer Recreation Reserve gates.
Clive Were's obituary
The Argus June 18, 1915
Whiteside, Thomas Clair (SN 2821) Known as Clair. Clair was born in California and his father was the Presbyterian Minister at Berwick. Clair was a 21 year old orchardist when he enlisted on July 17, 1915. He Returned to Australia December 4, 1918. The family lived on Whiteside Road at Officer or Beaconsfield Lower as it was sometimes listed in his service record. Thomas went back to the family farm after the War and was also a Shire of Berwick Councillor for ten years. Thomas' daughter, Elizabeth, has complied her father's letters and they were published as A Valley in France : World War I letters to his parents and sister while on Active Service from Egypt, France and Great Britain, 1915-1918.
Whittney, Leonard James (SN 3935) Leonard enlisted on July 22, 1915 at the age of 35. His occupation was storekeeper. Leonard was born in Kapunda in South Australia and his next of kin was his father, who also lived in South Australia. Leonard Died of Wounds (compound fracture of the skull) on February 13, 1917. What was his connection to Officer? Leonard worked at the Peterson's store (see Fred and Oscar Peterson's entry above) and this is confirmed by a letter Elizabeth Peterson wrote to Army Records asking for an address for Leonard and she wrote inter alia 'he enlisted from our house in Officer' Leonard is also listed on the Officer Recreation Reserve gates, although his name is incorrectly listed as Whitney.
Elizabeth Peterson's letter about an address for Leonard Whitney.
First Australian Imperial Force Personnel Dossiers, 1914-1920
Williams, Thomas Henry (SN 5776) Thomas was born at Officer and enlisted on February 14, 1916 at the age of 26. He was a farm labourer and his next of kin was his mother, Sarah Ridgway, of Clyde. Thomas died on April 18, 1917 when he was a Prisoner of War, held by the Germans. Sarah Ridgway was the grand daughter of Sarah Fagan and the daughter of Sarah and George Hall, you can read about the family, here.
Woods, Frederick (SN 5773) Frederick enlisted on March 14, 1916. He was 25 year old sawyer and his next of kin was his wife, Hazel. Fred was born at Officer. He Returned to Australia January 25, 1919.
