Shire of Cranbourne certificate presented to Edwin Spencer Johnson

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

Edwin Johnson's Shire of Cranbourne certifcate

Koo Wee Rup Swamp Historical society collection

The certificate was presented at a function at the Koo Wee Rup Memorial Hall on Saturday, March 27, 1943 and it was reported on in the Koo Wee Rup Sun of  April the 1st. The dance and presentation night was held under the auspices of the Koo wee Rup Citizens' Send-off and Welcome Home Committee. 250 people were present to farewell the 16 local boys who enlisted - only four of whom were present - Ken Child, Wallie Ellett, Gordon Hobson and Keith Barnes. Cr Cochrane said that the Committee had farewelled 93 servicemen and each man (or their family) were given £2 and the Cranbourne Shire Certificate shown here. The twelve men who could not be present were listed as J. O'Brien, H. Jacob, Ted Johnson, J. Davey, K. McInnes, C. Loveday, L. Colvin, L. Seddon, B.L. Broadbent, A. Burton, Colin Burton and G. Cuff.

Here's some information about Ted Johnson, the man whose certificate we have -
Johnson, Edwin Spencer (SN VX117828 Australian Army) Ted was born in Dandenong on August 29, 1914 and was living in Koo Wee Rup when he enlisted. He was discharged Janaury 11, 1946. On July 15, 1944, Ted married Gladys Warren, of Upper Yannathan, at St Johns Church of England in Lang Lang. Gladys wore a graceful frock of white chantilly lace, with an ivory tuille veil. There is a lovely report of their wedding in the Dandenong Journal of  August 2, 1944, read it here. The report also tells us that Ted Johnson was the eldest son of Mr & Mrs W. Johnson of Charles Street in Koo Wee Rup. Ted and Gladys are listed in the 1954 Electoral Roll in Lang Lang, his occupation was  a butcher. Ted died on August 23, 1990  and Gladys on July 28, 1997 and they are both buried at the Lang Lang Cemetery.

Here is some brief biographical information  of the other men who are listed in the Koo Wee Rup Sun article. The information is from the World War Two Nominal Rolls http://www.ww2roll.gov.au/ and  includes their Service numbers (SN)

Barnes, Keith Henry  (SN 119759 Royal Australian Air Force). Born in Swan Hill, lived in Koo Wee Rup. Discharged March 18, 1946.

Broadbent, Benjamin Lane ( SN VX112302 Australian Army)  Born in Northcote, lived in Koo Wee Rup. Discharged May 10, 1946. Ben Broadbent was well known in Koo Wee Rup as the owner of Broadbent's Drapery store.

Burton, Allan Edward  (SN VX123516 Australian Army).   Born and lived in Koo Wee Rup. Discharged September 24, 1946.

Burton, Colin Stewart (SN VX113988 Australian Army) Born and lived in Koo Wee Rup. Discharged December 15, 1943.

Child, Kenneth Samuel (SN PM5468 Royal Australian Navy) Born and lived in Koo Wee Rup. Discharged April 12, 1946.

Colvin, Leonard Michael (SN VX122263 Australian Army). Born and lived in Koo Wee Rup. Discharged December 19, 1945.

Cuff, Gordon George (SN VX110054 Australian Army). Born in Lismore in NSW, lived at Koo Wee Rup. Discharged June 2, 1948.

Davey, John Arthur  (SN VX117309  Australian Army) Born in Dandenong, lived in Koo Wee Rup. Discharged June 7, 1946.

Ellett, Walter Lyell (SN PM5217  Royal Australian Navy) Born and lived in Koo Wee Rup. Discharged February 14, 1946.

Hobson, Gordon James (SN VX67536 Australian Army) Born in Bunyip, lived in Rythdale. Discharged January 8, 1944.

Jacob, Harold Allen (SN PM5297  Royal Australian Navy)  I believe this is the right man - he was born in Murrayville and he doesn't have  a place of residence listed, however his next of kin is listed as W. Jacob and there is a William Alexander and Anne Olive Jacob in the Electoral Roll at Koo Wee Rup in 1942, so I believe I have the right man. Harold was discharged June 3, 1946. The family are listed in Tynong North in the 1949 Electoral Rolls.

Loveday, Cuthbert Lyall  (SN VX112913 Australian Army)  Born and lived in Koo Wee Rup. Discharged October 31, 1945.

McInnes, Keith Gordon  (SN 120614  Royal Australian Air Force)  Born in Rushworth, lived in Koo Wee Rup. Discharged April 11, 1945. 

O'Brien, J Not sure who this is. The Koo Wee Rup Sun article said that he joined the Royal Australian Navy, but I can't find a J. O'Brien with a Koo Wee Rup connection.

Seddon, Charles Leonard  (SN VX106720 Australian Army)  Born in Stanley and lived in Koo Wee Rup. Discharged January 14, 1946.

The men who signed the certificate were - 

Bennett, Matthew (1862 - 1951) Owned a  dairy farm  at Catani. He was a Cranbourne Shire Councillor from 1925 until 1951. He was a member of the Legislative Assembly for Gippsland West from 1929 until 1950 for the Country party and was succeeded Les Cochrane.

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

Buchanan, Allan Frank.  Cranbourne Shire Secretary from 1935 until 1950. In October 1950 he took leave of absence due to ill health and retired in April 1951. You can read about his retirement in the Dandenong Journal, here.

Men from the Berwick Show Committee enlist

This is an interesting article about the Berwick Show Committee - seven of the men enlisted to serve in the Second World War and the article also lists the Committee members who served in the First World War. The Berwick Agricultural & Horticultural Society, to give the Show Committee its formal name, was established in 1856 and they held their first show in the form of a ploughing match in 1857 at Holly Green, Thomas Walton's farm at Narre Warren. You can read about the 1857 and 1858 ploughing matches, here.

Dandenong Journal November 15, 1939

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article201308643

We will have a look at the men in more detail. For information on the World War Two men, you can access the Nominal rolls, here http://www.ww2roll.gov.au/  The World War Two records are in the process of being digitised by the National Archives of Australia, so you may be lucky and find a fully digitsied record, here www.naa.gov.au The Archive series number is B883, so that will help you locate the records. The World War One men have their Service Numbers (SN) listed and you can see their full record on the National Archives of Australia, website.

The newspaper article is dated November 15, 1939 and implies that the men enlisted at that time, even though they (apart from David Knox) all enlisted much later according to the Nominal Rolls, in fact, all in July 1942 and they all have more than one service number, so it seems there is something about this that I don't understand. I believe the digitising of the National Archive records will be completed in September 2020 and they will provide more information.

Anderson, J. W - This maybe John Wilson Anderson, son of Leslie Wilson  and Isabella Henderson Anderson of Girvan, Wilson Street, Berwick. He was born in 1918 in Warnambool, and the family are listed in the 1942 Electoral Rolls at Berwick. However the only John Wilson Anderson who enlisted was born in 1912, also by coincidence in Warnambool - so J.W. Anderson's identity is unconfirmed at the moment.

Gamble, William Crawford  (VX 102742 / VX 23433) William  lived at  Hazeldene, Berwick. He was a farmer, born April 20, 1916. He enlisted on July 7, 1942 and was discharged April 24, 1946 and he  returned to farming at Berwick after the war.

Gardiner, John Morris (VX89492 / V23862) John was born February 26, 1916 and was a dairy farmer from Glenbarr, Berwick. He enlisted on August 27, 1942 according to the Nominal Rolls, but December 16, 1938 according to his record at the National Archives. His application form includes a medical examination, and it was conducted by long-term Berwick doctor, Percy Langmore.  John was discharged on December 7, 1945 and he returned to his farm on Buchanan's Road in Berwick. 

Knox, David William Robert Lieutenant  (VX 174) (listed  in the report as Know) David was born December 4, 1916  and his parents were Sir Robert and Lady Knox of Greenknowe, St George's Road in Toorak. In February 1939 David was engaged to Miss Peggy Mollard, you can read an account of their engagement party, here and see a photo of the lovely couple, here.  David enlisted on October 26, 1939, and his occupation was 'merchant and agent.' Sadly, his engagement to Peggy did not last and in December 1941 he announced his engagement to Eirene Rose Angliss and they were married in January 1942. David was discharged March 3, 1944.  I presume the Knox family had a farm in the Berwick region and that is why he was involved with the Show Committee. After the war, David is listed in the Electoral roll as a farmer at Nagambie. 

Lloyd, John Charles.  John lived at Brechin at Narre Warren, now the site of the Fountain Gate shopping centre, you can read about John and Brechin, here.  John's uncle, Charles Lloyd, had purchased the property, then called Holly Green,  in 1924, from the Webb family. Sidney Webb had purchased Holly Green from Thomas Walton, and it was as we said where the first 'Berwick Show' was held in 1857.  John, born October 21, 1906, enlisted on July 26, 1942 and was discharged May 9, 1944. His service numbers were VX104306 and V42081. 

John Lloyd (1906 - 1984)

Moran, Laurence Alexander (VX 102747, V23861, V23863)  Laurence was born December 31, 1917, in Berwick. He enlisted on July 7, 1942. Laurence was discharged February 13, 1944 and he returned to farming at Narre Warren.

Wilson, George Pritchard Harvey  (VX89093 / V23857) George enlisted on July 20, 1942 and was discharged August 16, 1944. He was born on March 10, 1918 to George and Maria (nee Pritchard) Wilson. George was the grandson of James Wilson (1833-1910) and great nephew of William Wilson (1830 - 1907) early Berwick pioneers. It was William Wilson who started the Berwick Quarry, now Berwick Botanic Park. You can read about the Wilson family and the Quarry, here. 

The article also lists the Show Committee men who served in the First World War. 

Beaumont, Norman Edward.   Norman was born October 1895, had an operation to fit himself for active service, but did not pass the medical, so he took himself off to England to offer his services to the Empire and was employed at the Ministry of Munitions as as trainee chemist. He wrote to the Pakenham Gazette in May 1917 outlining his role, you can read it here. Norman Beaumont is a co-author of Early Days of Berwick. He is also a grandson of Ann Wilson (1827-1909, Mrs James Buchanan), the sister of William and James Wilson, mentioned above.

Cooper, Robert William (SN 199)  Robert enlisted at the age of 28 on September 14, 1914, his occupation was a farrier. He Returned to Australia December 9, 1919. Robert is listed in Electoral Rolls at Berwick from 1931.   

Gamble, William.  William served in the Boer War in the First Victorian Mounted Infantry Company. He was the father of William Cooper, listed above, William, snr, had been Principal of the Dookie Agricultural College and they came to Berwick in 1922. I found this out from Mrs Gamble's obituary, which was in the Dandenong Journal in January 1944, you can read it here.  

Gardiner, John James (SN 1651) John served in the Boer War and the First World War. I have written about John and his three brothers and two nephews who served in the Great War, here. John and his wife, Moya, did not have children, so I don't know if he is connected to John Morris Gardiner, listed above.

Greaves, Charles Forrester (SN 13156) Charles enlisted on July 10, 1915 aged 24.  Charles Returned to Australia  May 6, 1919.

Greaves, Sydney Alexander (SN 6523) Lieutenant Greaves enlisted at the age of 23 on July 16, 1915. He Returned to Australia  May 29, 1919. 

Charles and Sydney were the sons of of Edwin and Margaret (nee Forrester) Greaves of The Springs, Berwick. Edwin's brother, William, owned Picnic Park at Lyndhurst. The brothers are listed on the Cranbourne Presbyterian Church Honor Roll, see here. 

Rae, George Frederick (SN 5071) George enlisted on January 20, 1916 at the age of  23 and he Returned to Australia March 25, 1919. George was the son of Frederick William and Annie (nee Troup) Rae.  George's grandfather, George (1830-1899) opened a store in Narre Warren North (then just called Narre Warren) in the late 1860s. George was a Berwick Shire Councillor and was also involved in the Dandenong Agricultural & Pastoral Society, read about this here. 

Ryan, Rupert  Colonel  (1884 - 1952).  Colonel Ryan was the brother of Lady Casey and they inherited Edrington  in Berwick from their aunt, Winifred Chirnside in 1934, read about the Caseys and Edrington, here.  Colonel Ryan had a distinguished military career and after the War he was an arms salesman for Vickers Ltd and was also involved in intelligence-gathering (he was a spy!) In 1935 he returned to Australia and had a Romney Marsh sheep stud at Edrington. He was also a politician and held the seat of Flinders. This biographical information comes from his Australian Dictionary of Biography entry, written by Diane Langmore, read it here.

Sturken, John Ferdinand (SN 75) John was 21 when he enlisted on March 19, 1915.  He Returned to Australia October 31, 1915 and was discharged on medical grounds (neurasthenia)  in March 1916. John also enlisted to serve in World War Two in March 1942 and was discharged in the November. John married Euphemia 'Effie' Wilson in 1923. Effie was the granddaughter of  Ann Buchanan (nee Wilson) who we mentioned before and thus the first cousin of Norman Beaumont. Effie was also the granddaughter of William Wilson (1830-1907) as her mother, Annie Buchanan, had married her first cousin William Wilson jun (1860-1938). People did that in those days, married their first cousins, it's still legal to do so, but appears to be a rare thing now. You can read John's obituary in the Dandenong Journal of February 3, 1943, here. 

Thewlis, James Sydney (SN 609)  James enlisted on November 22, 1916 at the age of 20 and he Returned to Australia April 5, 1919.  He was a farmer at Pakenham and also a Shire of Berwick Councillor for many years. Thewlis Road in Pakenham is named after the family.

Armistice Day

November 11 is the day we commemorate the Armistice, or the end of World War One. It is also called Remembrance Day, for obvious reasons, when we remember those that died in the Great War and other conflicts.

Here are some World War One statistics from the Australian War Memorial website. In 1914, Australia had a population of about 4.9 million people - 416,809 enlisted - mainly men, but the figure includes 2,861 nurses. In fact, 38.7% of the male population aged between 18 and 44 enlisted. 336, 931 embarked for service overseas and of these 60,000 were killed and 156,000 wounded, gassed, or taken prisoner. You can see what a massive impact the War had on the population and the figures don’t count the number of returned soldiers who died prematurely from their injuries - both physical and psychological - and one estimate from the Australian War Memorial is that between 1919 and 1933 38,000 returned soldiers died.

In 1918,  the announcement of the end of the War was on a Monday and the newspapers had reports on how local communities celebrated the end of the War. The language is a bit more nationalistic and jingoistic, than what you will see in the mainstream media these days. 

Alex Dunlop of  Koo Wee Rup. Alex was only 18 when he enlisted on May 8, 1915 and he survived the War, saw the Armistice declared and Returned to Australia March 31, 1919. His Service Number was 2811. 

Image: Australian War Memorial

Koo Wee Rup -  from Koo Wee Rup Sun, November 13, 1918.
News was received here on Monday night.  It was accepted with reserve by many, who remembered former fiascos, and waited for official intelligence. Fog detonators were exploded on the line, and there was some cheering, but many people resolved, to wait till morning before getting unduly excited. Then, when the morning papers came through, it was seen that the long war was over at last, and the Huns' fangs had been drawn.

A little after ten o'clock the hall doors were thrown open, and the school children, marshalled by Mr Eason, head teacher, marched into the building, where a programme of patriotic airs was rendered, with songs by Miss Mickle, Mr E.J. Lupson and Sergeant Finck. Messrs Eason and Hopkins made suitable speeches. Mrs Townson presided at the piano. The National Anthem was sung with great fervour. ‘The Marseillaise’, and ‘Rule Britannia,’ ‘Anzacs Every One,’ ‘Soldiers of the King,’ etc. Cheers were given lustily, and a collection was taken up to give the school children a picnic during the afternoon, Mrs J. A. Mickle kindly offering the use of a paddock. A couple of returned soldiers were present, and these got an ovation. The afternoon was spent, pleasantly, with a really capital sports programme, about £3 being collected.

In the evening a dance was given, by Mr and Mrs M'Namara in honor of the victory at which there was a very large attendance. The utmost happiness was in everybody's face, and all enjoyed themselves thoroughly. Excellent music was furnished by a band from Tooradin - Miss King, (piano), E. King (cornet), and J. Glasheen (violin). Songs were rendered by Mrs Donald. Miss Jessie Coates, Messrs Lupson, Donald, and Pepper. Cr E. Simpson Hill made a speech, in which he referred to the doings of our boys at the front, and gave instances of their heroism, which were loudly applauded. 

An excellent supper was provided. Considering that the social was not arranged until mid-day and that it was a postal holiday, the goods having to be ordered from Melbourne, it seemed an impossible performance to get these sent on the 1.15 p.m. train, to arrive in time for the evening's festivities. Yet it was done, reflecting great credit on Dance's, the Melbourne caterer, and Mrs M'Namara. The McNamara’s were the owners of the Royal Hotel.

This is Robert Henry, from Yallock. Robert enlisted on July 8, 1915 at the age of 19. He Returned to Australia March 2, 1919, so he also lived to see the Armistice declared. His Service Number is 344.

Image: Australian War Memorial.

Lang Lang -  Koo Wee Rup Sun, November 13, 1918
When the news came of the signing of the armistice by Germany at 8.45 p.m. there was an expression of over-whelming joy amongst the townspeople, who soon turned up from bed and fireside. In the midst of all the jubilation there was a certain amount of sober seriousness, and also of deep sympathy for the mourners of loved ones.

It wasn't long before a town band made its appearance, and Mr E. Cougle rode round, breaking the news at front doors. Everybody resorted to the hall, where patriotic airs were sung after ‘Oh, God, our Help in Ages Past’ and ‘Praise God, from Whom all Blessings Flow.’ Rev. N. Danne, Constable Cole, Mr E. Wiseman. Mr  E. Cougle, and others made short speeches, punctuated by the band, on the platform. Everybody went home at 11.30 p.m. with light hearts and prepared to make a day of it on Tuesday in the Show Grounds, where all sorts of sports were indulged in.

Clyde  (Koo Wee Rup Sun, November 20, 1918
Great excitement was caused locally by the news that Germany had signed the armistice. The news was received here on the Monday night. Fireworks, rattling of tins, ringing of bells, etc. hailed the glorious news. On Tuesday morning the school children marched up and down the station, singing patriotic songs, to the accompaniment of the tin can band. On the Tuesday evening the celebrations were continued at the local school, which was crowded. Addresses were given by Cr. Hardy, the chairman of the School committee, Mr C. Croskell, and Mr M. Forrest, after which a bonfire, built earlier in the day, was lighted, and the various kinds of fireworks were distributed amongst the children, who imagined they were shooting imaginary Germans. After the handing round of refreshments, the singing of ‘Auld Lang Syne’ and the National Anthem brought, the most memorable day in the history of Clyde to a close.

Bunyip and Garfield
The Bunyip & Garfield Express of November 15, 1918 had a report on the end of the War, it was headlined Peace at Last, Germany Surrenders. It then had an understandably emotional report about the ‘Mad Dog of Europe’ being beaten and brought to his knees but the joy of the announcement was tempered by this statement The price of victory has been dearly won, as many thousands of our brave men have had to pay the supreme sacrifice in the struggle for liberty and the triumph of right over might. 

Garfield    Bunyip & Garfield Express November 22, 1918
There were celebrations on the day of the announcement of the end of the War, which was on a Monday, as we said,  and the next day the Garfield Children paraded the streets with 50 kerosene tins, 2 drums, whistles and bells. They played in front of each shop and £3 was collected for a school flag. The next day, Tuesday, a meeting was held in Garfield and they decided to hold a monster picnic on Peace Day, to be followed by a bonfire and camp fire concert. 

Peace Day was celebrated on Wednesday, November 20, 1918. The Garfield Picnic commenced at 11.00am by the saluting of the flag.  A procession marched to the recreation ground the National flag came first, carried by two returned soldiers, followed by an effigy of the Kaiser on horseback and under guard. This was followed by a field gun, manned by an up to date crew and a machine gun in charge of boy scouts.

Preminent [sic] in the procession was an aeroplane, pilot and observer. A pretty picture was a decorated cart and seated therein was the Queen of Peace (Miss O. Dawes). Practically all the children and most of the adults were in fancy dress. These were most novel and artistic and reflected credit on the proceedings.

The children were put through the various drill evolutions by Mr Hill, and the word ‘Peace’ was skilfully formed, each letter being taken by a child. The effigy of the Kaiser was hanged and left swinging all day. The ladies supplied dinner, and a program of events was run off. The events included various foot races, with Mrs Heath winning the married ladies’ race.

In the evening a concert was held in Barker’s paddock. It was followed by a display of fireworks and a bonfire. The paper concluded that the promoters are to be congratulated on the success of the function.

Bunyip    Bunyip & Garfield Espress November 22, 1918
Similar celebrations were held in Bunyip at the Show grounds.  The paper reported Not even the most sanguine could have anticipated the warm-hearted spontaneous demonstration of a thankful community, which even at this distance, has felt the grip and menace of a mighty war that has shaken the earth on its very foundations for the past four years. Many of those who assembled have not had a light heart since the war began, for someone near and dear to them had cast their chance of life into that whirlpool of death that has taken so many of our bravest and best. But now it is over and are boys are coming home, and their people rejoiced.

Soldiers on the Nyora and District Honor Roll

The Koo Wee Rup Sun of July 24, 1918  had a report on the unveiling of the Nyora and District Honor Roll.  You can see the article on Trove, here. You can read a short history of the town of Nyora, here.  Many of the men listed here had a  connection to the Victorian Railways, not surprising as Nyora was a railway junction - the line to Wonthaggi, which opened May 9, 1910 started at Nyora, which was  a stop on the Great Southern Line.

What follows is information on the soldiers on the Nyora Honor Roll. I have included their Service Number (SN) so you can look up their full record on the National Archives of Australia, www.naa.gov.au

Berry, James George (SN 3354) James was 34 years old when he enlisted on June 8, 1917. He was Killed in Action  in France on September 27, 1918.
Berry, Robert Ernest (SN 10323) Robert was 25 when he enlisted on September 13, 1915. He Returned to Australia February 9, 1919.
Robert and James were the sons of Mary Moffat Berry, of Elgrove farm, Nyora. Their father, James, was deceased at time of the boy's enlistments.

Brown, Frederick Gordon (SN 5970)  There is a Frederick Gordon Brown, railway employee listed in the 1914 Electoral Roll at Nyora. There is a Frederick Gordon Brown who enlisted on March 30, 1916 at the age of 27. He was a shunter in the Railways, so I assume he is the same man.  His next of kin was his father, Charles, of Castlemaine. Frederick was wounded in action - gunshot wound, right arm - and Returned to Australia January 20, 1918 for a medical discharge

Champion, Henry Howard  (SN 457) Henry enlisted on  September 26, 1916. He was a 27 year old farm labourer. He was born in Wales, his next of kin was his father, Henry, of Cardiff, in Wales. His address was listed as Nyora. The Electoral Roll of 1916 has his address as Devon Meadows, Cranbourne. That makes him an early  resident of the area as the first land sales took place there in late 1913, read more of this, here. Henry Returned to Australia August 1, 1919.

Chessell, Albert William (SN 3372). Albert enlisted on April 2, 1917 at the age of 28. He was a labourer and his next of kin was his sister, Mrs Mable Cozens, of Nyora. Albert Returned to Australia March 25, 1919.

Cochrane, Harry Stanley (SN 5762) Harry was 19 when he enlisted on March 13, 1916. He was a farmer and he was Killed in Action in France, July 4, 1918, although the Nominal Rolls state that he Returned to Australia May 29, 1919, but sadly, this is incorrect.
Cochrane,  William David (SN 5761) William enlisted on the same day as his brother and he was 20 years old and also a farmer. He was wounded in action on three occasions and Returned to Australia November 8, 1918.
The boys both had their mother, Mrs Jessie Cochrane, of Musk Park, Poowong North, as their next of kin.

Conroy, John Patrick (SN 1123 / 2146)  I am not one hundred per cent sure this is the right J. Conroy, but he is the best fit I can find. John was a railway repairer, his next of kin was his sister, Johanna Conroy of Cranbourne. He is listed in the 1914 Electoral Roll at Kernot, which was three stops down the railway line from Nyora on the Nyora to Wonthaggi line. John enlisted at the age of 32 on September 28, 1914;   he was wounded at Gallipoli and returned to Australia and then re-embarked in April 1916 and was Killed in Action in France September 26, 1917.

Glover, Abraham Samuel (SN 1916)  Abraham was a 21 year old farmer when he enlisted on April 3, 1916. He Returned to Australia July 1, 1919.
Glover, Roderick Thomas  (SN 4199A) Roderick enlisted on November 25, 1915 at the age of 24 and he was also a farmer. Roderick married Florence Ada McWilliams when he was in England in February 1917. He Returned to Australia July 3, 1919.
Abraham and Roderick were the sons of Thomas and Hetty Elizabeth (nee Harvey) Glover, of Nyora. Thomas was the son of Abraham and Ann (nee Lee) Glover. Three of Thomas' nephews also served - Robert and George Glover and Abraham Patullo, you can read about these three boys on my Heath Hill post, here.

Gordon, Bertrand Denman (SN 5982)  Bertrand was  a porter in the Victorian Railways and he enlisted on September 2, 1916 at the age of 30. Less than a year later, on May 3 1917 he was Killed in Action in France. His address on the Embarkation Roll was Nyora.  Bertram's father, Thomas, of Majorca was his next of kin.

Hansen, Arnold Alfred  (SN 5458)  Arnold enlisted on April 5, 1916 at the age of 21. He was a farmer, and he lived at Nyora with his wife Florence Victoria Hortop Hansen. Arnold Returned to Australia July 4 1919. Arnold applied for a Soldier Settlement farm, you can read his file here, on the Battle to Farm website, however he was not successful as the Board did not consider it suitable for the purposes of Soldier Settlement. The farm Arnold applied for was owned by Mr Hortop, so presumably this was his father-in-law, or some relation to his wife, as Hortop was her second middle name.

Hills R
Hills T. F
My best guess for these two are brothers, Robert and Thomas Frederick Hill.  Robert was born in Lillimur, between Kaniva and Serviceton, so very close to the South Australian border and Thomas was born in Murtoa. Their parents were George and Mary (nee Jackson) Hill and they were living at Hallam or Hallam's Road as it was called then, when the boys enlisted. Another brother, David, also enlisted, you can read about him, here on my Hallam soldiers post.
Hill, Robert (SN 1591) Robert was a 19 year old farmer when he enlisted on August 2, 1915. Less than a year later on July 20 1916 he was Killed in Action in France.
Hill, Thomas Frederick (SN 4516) Thomas enlisted on September 6, 1915 at the age of 23. He was a Police Constable. He was wounded in action, gun shot wound right arm. He Returned to Australia March 13, 1918 and was discharged on medical grounds in the June. What is their connection to Nyora? I do not know, I may have the wrong people, but I can't find any Hills who enlisted with an obvious connection to Nyora.  If you have any more information, I would love to know.

Horsburgh, Albert (SN 1931)  Albert enlisted  on April 3, 1916. He was a 22 year old farmer. Albert was wounded in action on three occasions and a gun shot wound to his right arm resulted in it being amputated. Albert Returned to Australia July 31, 1918.
Horsburgh, George  (SN 1932)  George enlisted on the same day as Albert, he was also  a farmer and was 25 years old. George Returned to Australia December 12, 1918. George was a granted a Soldier Settlement Farm, you can read his file here,  on the Battle to Farm website.
Horsburgh,  James  (SN  675) James enlisted on August 22, 1914, he was a 22 year old carpenter. James Returned to Australia October 14, 1918. James also served in World War Two in March 1942 in the 23rd Battalion Volunteer Defence Corps.
Horsburgh, Robert  (SN  1933A) Robert enlisted on the same day as Albert and George, he was a 29 year old farmer. Robert was Killed in Action in Belgium, October 1, 1917.
The boys were the sons of Robert and Margaret (nee Watt) Horsburgh of Nyora.

Lang Lang Guardian October 31, 1917

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article119514812

Humphries,  George  (SN 1081)  George was nearly 36 years old when he enlisted on January 4, 1915. He was a roads and bridges contractor, from Nyora, and his sister, Sarah Wildes, of Yannathan his next of kin. George Returned to Australia May 12, 1918 and was discharged on medical grounds - 'chronic rheumatism'

Johnson, Leslie Robert (SN 2935) I presume this is the right L.R Johnson - there is a Leslie Robert Johnson on the Electoral Roll in 1916 at Nyora, his occupation is rabbit trapper and there was a Leslie Robert Johnson who enlisted on January 31, 1916, he was 22 and his occupation was a driver. His next of kin was his mother, Mary, of Fitzroy. Leslie Returned to Australia June 2, 1919.

Laidlow, R  I am not sure who this is. The only Laidlow I can find who enlisted was born in Sydney and enlisted in Perth, so I do not believe he is our man. The surname is more likely to be Laidlaw. I have two possibilities - Reuben Campbell Gordon Laidlaw (SN 13959) who enlisted at the age of 25 on July 13, 1915. His next of kin was his mother, Mary, of Ballan. Reuben was awarded the Military Medal and Returned to Australia May 11, 1919. His occupation was Railway Signalman, so he was possibly based at Nyora. The other possibility is Rodney Goulburn Laidlaw (SN 2037), he was a blacksmith, he enlisted at the age of  28 on May 24, 1917. He Returned to Australia May 6, 1919. His next of kin was his father, Robert of Cranbourne. His address in the 1914 Electoral Roll was Bass  - so clearly neither Cranbourne nor Bass are next door to Nyora, they are however not a long way from Nyora either, so it is possibly him. If you can identify this man, I would love to hear from you.

Littledike, Henry Hensler Neville (SN 3092)  Henry enlisted on November 6, 1916 at the age of 29. Henry was born in Nyora.  He was a bacon curer, his next of kin was his mother, Abigail, of Greensborough. Henry Returned to Australia January 14, 1919.

Moulton, Louis Leeds (SN 2744) Louis enlisted at Korumburra on July 12, 1915. He was a 29 year old carpenter. His next of kin was his mother, Charlotte, of Port Macquarie in NSW. Louis died of wounds July 26, 1916, he had received a gunshot wound which caused a  compound fracture in the left femur.

Noonan, Richard Hugh (SN 5990)  Richard was a leading shunter with the Victorian Railways when he enlisted on September 2,  1916. He was living at Nyora and his next of kin was his father, Richard, of Moriac. Richard Returned to Australia January 30, 1918 and was discharged on medical grounds in the April of the same year.

Payne,  Richard Stanley (SN 1691)  Richard enlisted on July 24, 1915, he was 26 years old and his next of kin was his wife, Lilian May, of Nyora, she later moved to Bait Street, St Kilda. Richard Stanley Payne is listed in the Electoral Roll at Nyora in 1914, 1916 and 1917. His occupation is baker, there is also a Lilian May Payne on the same roll. Richard's enlistment papers says that he is a blacksmith, so that does not tally with his Electoral roll occupation, so possibly one of them is a mistake. Richard was discharged on medical grounds on June 16, 1916 suffering from rheumatism. In the 1925 Electoral roll Richard and Lilian were living in Waverley Road in Malvern and his occupation was baker, so I would say that was the correct calling.

Poole, Ernest James (SN 2512a)
Poole, Harry  (SN 2423)
Ernest and Harry both enlisted on June 5, 1916. They were both born in Clyde, Ernest was 27 when he enlisted and Harry was 22. They were both farmers. Their next of kin was their father, Harry, of Poowong, and their mother was Elizabeth, nee Jennings. Sadly, both boys were Killed in Action - Ernest on September 15, 1917 and Harry on October 21, 1917.

A letter from Elizabeth Poole asking for 'the plaque' for her '2 boys', Ernest and Harry, poignantly signed 'Their mother'. 

National Archives of Australia www.naa.gov.au 

First Australian Imperial Force Personnel Dossiers, 1914-1920

Rowe, Clive Terril (SN 2246)
Rowe, Vernon Wasley (SN 12814)
Clive and Vernon were the sons of Alfred Rowe, the Station Master at  Nyora, he was transferred to Cressy in November 1916, having arrived at Nyora from Morwell in October 1915.  Clive was 18 when enlisted, on March 17,  1916 and he was a draper. Vernon was 19, when he enlisted on January 25, 1916, and he was a grocer. Clive Returned to Australia March 28,  1919 and Vernon September 22, 1919.

Stewart, Frederick Richard (SN 5468)   The Great Southern Advocate, a Korumburra paper, had a list of  'Volunteers from the Shire' in their March 2, 1916 issue (see here) and it listed a Frederick Stewart of Nyora.  As it appears that he enlisted in early 1916 and his initials were F.R. Stewart according to the Honor Board report, the the most likely man I can find is Frederick Richard Stewart , and as he enlisted in Leongatha on February 22, 1916, I believe this is correct. Frederick was 22 years old when he enlisted, and he was a baker. I wonder if he worked with Richard Payne, listed above, who was also a baker? His next of kin was his mother, May Merriman of Kew. Frederick Returned to Australia September 6, 1919.

Stewart, Norman James Campbell (SN 517)  Norman enlisted on April 28, 1915 at Wonthaggi, his occupation was listed as miner and he was 21.  His next of kin was his mother, Mary, of Nyora. Her address later changed to Boort Railway Station; her husband William was the Station Master at  Nyora from around 1913 to 1915. Norman Returned to Australia January 14, 1919.

Stewart, W.  William and Mary Stewart (see above) had  another son, William, born in 1890 at Toolamba (east of Tatura, north of Murchison)  he was listed in the 1913 Electoral Roll at Nyora, occupation clerk. I believe this is the W. Stewart listed on the Honor Roll, but can't work out who he is exactly and can't find  a record at the National Archives that matches that information. Which may mean I am wrong, so if you know who this person is, I would love to hear from you.

Uren, Edgar Albert (SN 672) Edgar was a  fireman with the Victorian Railways and he was 24 when he enlisted on January 24, 1917. His next of kin was his father, Thomas, of Melbourne and he Returned to Australia July 7, 1919. What was the connection to Nyora? Edgar was listed in the 1918 Electoral Roll at Nyora, so I presume he was living there when he enlisted.

Wuchatsch,  Benjamin George (SN 504) Benjamin enlisted on October 5, 1914. He was a 22 year old labourer. Benjamin was awarded the Military Medal. He Returned to Australia July 10, 1919.
Wuchatsch, Frederick Joseph (SN 1174/1208)  Frederick enlisted on September 21, 1914 at the age of 24. He Returned to Australia September 24, 1918. Frederick's initial application is missing and  a replacement form lists him as Francis Joseph, however the Embarkation and Nominal Roll list his name as Frederick.
Wuchatsch, Raymond Royal (SN 39) Raymond enlisted on March 22, 1915. He was a 24 year old grazier. He Returned to Australia April 8, 1919. Raymond made two applications for a  Soldier Settlement Farm, you can read the applications here and here, on the Battle to Farm website.
The brothers were the sons of August Wuchatsch, of Bena, and his wife, Sarah, whose surname is listed in the Indexes to the Victorian Births, Deaths and Marriages as Grundil, Grendel, Grundel, Greedel and Gruendel, so I presume one of these is the correct spelling.

The obituary of August Wuchatsch, the father of Benjamin, Frederick and Raymond.

Great Southern Advocate, May 3 1917

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article130740157

Phillip, Rupert and Robert Gay of Lang Lang

As part of our series of Brothers who enlisted, this post will look at the Gay brothers of Lang Lang. The three brothers - Phillip, Rupert and Robert - all enlisted and all returned. They were the sons of Robert and Alice Elizabeth (nee Bray) Gay of Lang Lang. Robert and Alice farmed at their property, Noorong, at Lang Lang and they had nine children - Phillip (born 1891), Rupert (1893), Susan (1895), Robert (1897),  Arthur (1899), Alice (known as Dot, 1902), Marjorie (1904), Sam (1908) and Gus (1910) and Keith (1912). I believe the family arrived  at Lang Lang in 1905 as the boys and their sister, Susan, are listed in the school roll for that year. The School roll is published in the book, Protector's Plains: history of Lang Lang Primary School, No. 2899 and district, compiled by Barbara Coghlan in 1988. Robert Gay died in February 1939 at the age of 79 and Alice died in June 1951 at the age of 84. They are both buried at the New Cheltenham Cemetery.

Alice Gay's death notice

The Argus, June 18, 1951   http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article23060725

Here are the details of the War Service of the brothers. I have included their Service number (SN), so you can look up their full record on the National Archives, www.naa.gov.au

Gay, John Phillip McCandlish (SN 1474) Phillip as he was known,  was 23 when he enlisted on July 31, 1915. He was a farm labourer, his next of kin was his mother, Alice, and he Returned to Australia April 12, 1919.

Gay, Rupert Alfred   (SN 1479)  Rupert was in the 1st ANZAC Cyclist Corp, and he enlisted on August 14, 1915 at the age of 21. He was labourer and his next of kin was his father, Robert. Rupert Returned to Australia June 12, 1919.

Gay, Robert  (SN 5356)  Robert enlisted on April 10, 1916 at the age of 18. His next of kin was his father, Robert, and his occupation was farm labourer. Robert Returned to Australia October 8, 1919. Robert was granted a soldier settler farm, you can read his file, here, on the Battle to Farm website.

A farewell was held at the Lang Lang Hall on August 30, 1915 to say goodbye to some of the local boys who had joined up - including Rupert Gay.

Lang Lang Guardian September 1, 1915.   http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article119512821

This very nationalistic and patriotic poem, written by Robert Gay, was published in the Lang Lang Guardian, June 14, 1916. I don't know if it was Robert Gay, the father or Robert Gay, the son. I suspect  it was the father,  as Robert Junior was only 18 in 1916.

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article119513685

Heath Hill State School Honor Roll

The Heath Hill State School unveiled their Honor Roll on Friday, March 28, 1919.  William Kelly whose son, Thomas, was one of the fallen, had the honour.  According to the report in the Koo Wee Rup Sun of April 2, 1919 the Hon. A. Downard, M.L.A spoke, as did the Reverend Nasib Jaboor (1), the Presbyterian Minister;  Mr E. Cougle, J.P and the head teacher, Lewis Tamblyn. After the ceremony refreshments were served and the report finished with the day was perfect and a most enjoyable outing resulted.  The Board was made by Herbert Rawlings of Dandenong (2), who also made the Yannathan Honor Board. The Board is now at the Yannathan Hall. Some of the soldiers on the Heath Hill Board are also on the Yannathan Honor Boards, see here.

Heath Hill State School Honor Board.

Image courtesy of the Narre Warren & District Family History Group website http://www.caseycardiniaremembers.org.au/

The Heath Hill State School, No. 3225, opened in April 1895, under the name Protector's Flat. The school moved from its Lang Lang East location to Heath Hill in 1914 and the name was changed to Heath Hill. In 1951, the name changed again to Yannathan South (3).

Unveiling of the Heath Hill Honor Board

Koo Wee Rup Sun, April 2, 1919

What follows is information on the soldiers on the Heath Hill Honor Roll. There are eighteen names on the Roll. I have included their Service Number (SN) so you can look up their full record on the National Archives of Australia, www.naa.gov.au

Brunt, Archibald Andrew (SN 101)  Archibald enlisted January 11, 1915. He was a 21 year old farmer. Archie Returned to Australia December 18, 1918. Archie's brother Trevor (SN 358)  also enlisted. Trevor enlisted at the age of 24 on August 20, 1914 and he  Returned to Australia March 5, 1919. The boys were the sons of William and Sarah (nee Buckland) Brunt, who lived at Pines, Lang Lang.  William died on September 3, 1912 and Sarah moved the family to Albert Park to live. William was the son of Ralph and Mary Jane (nee Funston) Brunt of Gin Gin Bean, Officer, and thus Archie and Trevor are also listed on the Officer Honor Board.

South Bourke & Mornington Journal February 27, 1913

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article66182634

Glover, Robert Henry (SN 3179)  Robert was born in Nyora, he was a farmer and he enlisted at the age of 21 on November 15, 1916. Robert Returned to Australia July 3, 1919. Robert was granted a Soldier Settlement farm in Poowong, you can read his file, here, on the Battle to Farm website. Robert's brother George Edward Glover  (SN 3774) also enlisted on July 24, 1915, when he was 21. He was wounded in action and died as a result on March 16, 1917. The boys were the sons of Daniel and Emily (nee Jolley/Jolly) Glover, they were also the first cousin of Abraham Patullo, listed below.

Hatty, George Frederick (SN 66) George enlisted March 27, 1916 at the age of 21. George was Killed in Action in Belgium on October 12, 1917. George was the son of William and Jessie Augusta (nee Brown) Hatty and the family was living in Timboon when he enlisted. According to the Electoral Rolls they had previously lived in Lang Lang East and Yallock for a number of years. Two of George's  brothers also enlisted -  David Samuel (SN 279) and Thomas Alfred (SN 5607). The three brothers are listed on the Yallock Honor Board.

Head, Charles Arthur (SN 77664)  Charles enlisted on May 31, 1918, he was a 29 year old wheel wright, born in Oakleigh,  and was living in Goroke when he enlisted. His next of kin was his father, John, of Lang Lang. Charles did not serve overseas and was discharged December 24, 1918, due to the War ending.
There is also a C. Head on the Honor Board. I can't find another C. Head with  a local connection, however Charles' brother Alfred also enlisted. 

Head, Alfred John Head (SN 316). Alfred enlisted on July 19, 1916 at the age of 19, he was born in Lang Lang and he was a farmer.  Alfred Returned to Australia April 8, 1919. He was granted a Soldier Settlement farm, you can read his file, here, on the Battle to Farm website. 

The brothers were the sons of John and Margaret (nee Forster) Head of Lang Lang.

Henham, F. There are two F. Henhams on the Honour Board and it was difficult enough to indentify one F. Henham, so it there really are two F. Henhams, I have no idea who the other one is. I could not find an enlistment for a F. Henham, so  I looked on the Victorian Births Deaths and Marriages Index and found a Frederick Ernest Henham born in 1895 in Berwick to William Iden Henham and Annie Simmons.  He looked likely, but I could not find his enlistment papers. Then I looked on Trove and found a divorce report of William and Annie from 1906 (read it here). The report said they had lived in Lang Lang and that William was divorcing Annie on the grounds of her 'misconduct' with William Brisbane of Hawthorn. Brisbane was a 'land agent' and the Henhams had purchased their Lang Lang farm through him. In the end the divorce was granted. Now I knew that Frederick  Ernest Henham had a connection to the local area, but I still couldn't find his enlistment records, but discovered the enlistment of a Frederick Ernest Brisbane, who I believe is the same man.

Annie Henham and William Brisbane married on December 10, 1906. Whether William Brisbane was Frederick's real father or he just took his name, I cannot  tell you. William died in November 1910. In 1912, Annie married Gordon Forrest. Annie Forrest died at Loch in 1939 aged 75  - her father's surname was listed as Simmonds, so that confirms she was the same woman as Annie Henham.  Frederick's death record in the Victorian Births Deaths and Marriages Index lists his father as William Brisbane. His two brothers James William (1888-1955) and Reginald Walter (1899-1919) also changed their surname to Brisbane.  There were two sisters as well Annie Grace (b.1884) and Ethel Rose (b. 1885), I am still tracking them down. Here's Frederick's details-
Brisbane, Frederick Ernest (SN 3969). Fred was born in Berwick and was a 21 year old farmer when he enlisted on July 9, 1915. He Returned to Australia April 11, 1916 and was discharged on medical grounds (chronic laryngitis) in August 1916.  When he enlisted, Frederick's next of kin was his mother, Mrs G. Forrest, of Athlone, who as we know was the former Mrs William Brisbane and the former Mrs William Henham.

Kelly, Thomas (SN 16078) Thomas was 21 when he enlisted on December 10, 1915, He was wounded in action and Died of Wound September 27, 1917.
Kelly, William (SN 16077) Nineteen year old William enlisted the same day as his brother. He Returned to Australia September 23, 1919.

Thomas and William, born in Yannathan, were the sons of William and Sarah Ann (nee Stephens) Kelly.

From Thomas Kelly's Roll of Honor circular, held at the Australian War Memorial. It tells us that he attended Heath Hill State School.

https://www.awm.gov.au/collection/R1641913

Ketels I cannot find a Ketels who enlisted, or a Ketel, Kettel, Kettels, Kietel, Kietels or a Kettles. There were 14 men with the name Kettle who enlisted, however, none had a local connection that I could find, so this person is a mystery. There is, of course, Kettle's Road in Lang Lang that goes from McDonald's Track to the South Gippsland Highway, so I wonder if that has a connection.

McGhee, Gordon General (SN 22949) Gordon enlisted on October 27, 1915, he was a 23 year old labourer.  Gordon Returned to Australia May 12, 1919. Gordon's brother, Donald Malachi McGhee (SN 3416) also enlisted, on June 24, 1915. He was a 19 year old railway porter and he was Killed in Action in France on July 19, 1916. The boys were the sons of John and Margaret (nee Johnston) McGhee; they were living at 61 Bridge Street, Northcote when their sons enlisted. Donald was born in Heath Hill and Gordon was born in Lang Lang, according to the Victorian Births, Deaths and Marriages Index or Warragul according to his enlistment papers. Donald's Roll of Honor circular says he attended Yannathan State School. Gordon and Donald are also on the Yallock Honor Board.

McGrath, Edmund (SN 2604)  Edmund was born in Lang Lang and he enlisted at the age of 19 on June 30, 1916.  He was a farmer and his next of kin was his father, Patrick, of  Woolamai. Edmund was wounded in action, gun shot wounds to the shoulder and thigh, and Returned to Australia March 12, 1918. Edmund was the son of Patrick William and Anne Jane (nee Carlton) McGrath. They held a clearing sale on November 23, 1899, so we can clearly establish Edmund's connection to Heath Hill.

Warragul Guardian November 10, 1899

https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/68741445

Patrick later became the Valuer at the Shire of Phillip Island and Woolami and he will be assisted in the work by his soldier son, who has recently returned from the front. I presume this was Edmund

Powlett Express July 12, 1918

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article130665842

McGrath, M - this person is also on the Heath Hill Honor Roll, but I cannot find a M. McGrath with a local connection. Edmund (above) had a brother, Michael, born in 1894 in Lang Lang, so he is a potential, but I can't find an enlistment record for him so at the moment this man remains a mystery. 

O'Connor, Robert James (SN 382) Robert was 34 when he enlisted on November 21, 1914. He was born in Heath Hill, was a farmer and his next of kin was his sister, Mary Hanley of Longwarry South.  Robert Returned to Australia May 11, 1919. Robert and Mary were the children of James and Bridget O'Connor. Bridget had died in 1903 and James in 1909.

O'Keefe, Matthew John Allan (SN 3591) Matthew enlisted on April 25, 1916. He was born in Lang Lang, was 19 years old and employed by the Victorian Railways. His next of kin listed was his mother, Charlotte, of Lang Lang. His father was Nicholas Francis O'Keefe. Matthew Returned to Australia May 11, 1919.

Patullo, Abraham Albert (SN 31500) Abraham enlisted on October 2, 1916, at the age of 25. He was a farmer and his next of kin was his father, Thomas, of Lang Lang, which is also where Abraham was born. He Returned to Australia July 13, 1919. Abraham was the cousin of Robert and George Glover, listed above; his mother Elizabeth was the sister of Daniel Glover. Elizabeth and Daniel were the children of Abraham and Ann (nee Lee) Glover.

Priestley - brothers Alfred and Arthur both enlisted, I am not sure which brother was honoured on the Board.
Priestley, Alfred (SN 6877)   Alfred was born in Lang Lang and enlisted on July 11, 1917. He was a 20 year old farmer. Alfred Returned to Australia December 20, 1918 and was discharged on medical grounds - gunshot wound, right shoulder. 

Priestley, Arthur (SN 2200) Arthur enlisted at the age of 21 on June 20, 1916. He was a farmer and also born in Lang Lang.  He was wounded in action and died on January 6, 1918.

Their next of kin was their father, Alfred Turner Priestley, of Nullawil. Their mother was Fanny Gray. Her sister, Ellen, was married to David Johnston McGhee, the brother of Gordon and Donald McGhee, mentioned above. Ellen and Fanny were the daughters of George and Mary (nee Kelly) Gray. George's obituary in the Gippsland Independent of October 29, 1915 (read it here) said that the deceased was well known and highly respected around the district, having lived at Heath Hill for a number of years before coming here [Modella].

Shandley, John Adam (SN 2206) John is not actually on the Heath Hill roll, but he was living in Heath Hill when he enlisted, so he deserves a place in this blog post. John was born in Bunyip, enlisted on October 12, 1916 at the age of 21 and he was a horse breaker. His next of kin was his father, Adam, of Longwarry. John Returned to Australia July 1, 1919.

Thompson, James Henry (SN 4953) James enlisted on October 11, 1915. He was a 22 year old farm labourer and his next of kin was his father, Thomas Alfred Thompson, of Glen Wattle, Yannathan. In September 1916,  his parents Thomas and Catherine, were informed that their son had been Killed in Action on July 21, 1916, this fortunately for the family turned out to be false and James Returned to Australia May 15, 1919.

.......................................................................................................................................................

Footnotes
(1)  The Reverend Nasib Murad Jaboor, came to Lang Lang in 1916. He was born in Syria and did his B.A at the American University in Beirut. When he came to Melbourne he studied at Ormond College and Lang Lang was his first Parish. He died at the age of 66 in 1942. You can read his obituary, here.
(2) South Bourke & Mornington Journal, March 13, 1919, see here.
(23) School history from Vision and Realisation: a Centenary history of State Education in Victoria.

The Gardiner brothers of Berwick and their nephews, the Sibert boys

Four brothers from the Gardiner family of Berwick served in the Great War. They all returned, however, two grandsons, who also served in the War did not return. The Gardiner boys were the sons of  James and Mary (nee Church) Gardiner, who had married in 1870. They lived in Brisbane Street.  Mary was the daughter of Isaac Church, she died in 1920, aged  71, and according to her obituary she had been a resident of Berwick for 53 years, hence since 1867. James died in 1923 at the age of 77, and his obituary said that he had been a resident of Berwick for 60 years, thus since 1863.

Brisbane Street, Berwick, c. 1880

This is a great photo - seated on the wagon is John Gardiner, who served in the Boer War and the Great War; his father James Gardiner;  E. Sibert, who I assume is Edward Sibert, the husband of Amelia Gardiner. Standing is G. Church, who is probably Mary Gardiner's brother.

Source: Early Days of Berwick

The couple had the following children, all born in Berwick -

1. John James (1870, married Matilda Ann McCann in 1903 and died 1946) 
2. Amelia Jane (1872, married Justin Edward Sibert in 1890, died 1941 in Western Australia) It was Amelia's two sons, Frederick and Edward, who died in the War. 
3. Isaac Henry (1874 - 1875)
4. Mary Anna (1876,  married Francis Henry Montgomery Marsh in NZ in 1902, died 1962 in Queensland)
5. George Peter (1878 - 1968, never married)
6. Walter Israel (1880 - 1881)
7. Joseph Arthur (1882, married Martha Elizabeth Glenn in 1908, died 1924)
8. Albert Charles (1884, married Ruth Sherriff in 1909, died 1961)
9. Clyde (born and died 1886)
10. Alexander (born and died 1886)
11. Ernest Edward (1887, married Daisy Campbell in 1925, died 1967)
12. Emily Edith (1890 - 1970, never married)
13. Clarence Eustace (1892, married Margaret Fogarty in 1918, died 1965)

Berwick Shire News May 10, 1916

https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/92090768

Here are the details of war service of the Gardiner Boys. I have included their Service number (SN), so you can look up their full record on the National Archives, www.naa.gov.au

Gardiner, John James (SN 1651) John enlisted at the age of 44 on May 11, 1916.  His occupation was Civil Engineer and Surveyor and his next of kin was his wife, Mary Ann, of Berwick. Mary is called Matilda and Moya in some sources. John Returned to Australia August 24, 1918. John had also served in the Boer War, he was part  of the 2nd Tasmanian Imperial Bushmen and was Mentioned in Commander-in-Chief's Despatches on April 2, 1901. John  was a Shire Engineer in New South Wales and Queensland and after his retirement in 1935 he returned to Berwick and was elected as a Shire of Berwick Councillor. You can read his obituary in the Dandenong Journal of January 9, 1946, here.

Gardiner, George Peter (SN 4401)  George enlisted on January 5, 1916. He was 37 years old, his occupation was Slaughterman and his address was Cockatoo Creek, a previous name for Cockatoo. George's next of kin was his father, James, and he Returned to Australia April 10, 1919.

Gardiner, Ernest Edward (SN 48) Ernest enlisted on August 22, 1914 at the age of 27. He was a farmer and he enlisted in New South Wales. He was reported as being 'dangerously ill'  and invalided to Australia July 31, 1915 and medically discharged June 6, 1916. Ernest is incorrectly listed on the Embarkation Roll as Gardener.

Gardiner, Clarence Eustace (SN 4707) Clarence enlisted on August 7, 1915. He was a 23 year old fireman, working for the Victorian Railways. His father was his next of kin.  Clarence was Wounded in Action  - gun shot wound left ankle and compound fracture right thigh. Clarence was discharged on medical grounds on April 9, 1918.

Sadly, for James and Mary Gardiner, even though their four sons survived, two of their grandsons did not, Frederick and Edward, who were the sons of Amelia Gardiner and her husband, Justin Sibert, did not return.

Sibert, Frederick John  (SN 3482) Frederick was born in Berwick and  living in Blackbutt in Queensland when he enlisted at the age of 22 on October 18, 1916. He was a timber-getter. His next of kin was his mother, Amelia, of Yarloop in Western Australia. Frederick Died of Wounds received whilst fighting in France, on October 10, 1917.

Sibert, Edward Justin (SN 4551, listed in NAA as 4557) Edward was born in Collie in Western Australia and was 18 when he enlisted on March 1, 1916. His mother was his next of kin. Edward was Killed in Action, sometime between November 3 and November 6, 1916.

Edward's death notice in the West Australian of April 27, 1917

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article27296914

The report on Edward Sibert's death in the Pakenham Gazette - it is transcribed, below.

Pakenham Gazette May 11, 1917 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article92152744

News has been received of the death of Private Sibert, an old Berwick school boy, and grandson of Mr and Mrs Jas. Gardiner. He was 18 years of age, enlisted from Western Australia, and sailed for the Front early last year. He was killed in France on 5th Nov. last when charging across " No Man's Land," when the Australians took Baupaume. He has a brother still in the fighting line, and also three uncles -Sergeant C. Gardiner, Sergeant major J. Gardiner and Private George Gardiner. Another uncle - Sergeant E. E. Gardiner who is now with us, took part in the memorable landing at Gallipolli and was severely wounded. Trooper Arthur Gardiner was at the South African war, where his brother, now sergeant-major, was twice mentioned in despatches by Lord Roberts. (Pakenham Gazette May 11, 1917)

The report on Frederick's death in the Pakenham Gazette

Pakenham Gazette  December 7, 1917  https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/92152769

The Fisher family of Bunyip - eight sons and a grandson fight for Australia

I came across this article in The Herald with the headline - Footscray Family Produces Nine Men for Ranks. As it turns out four of the sons were born in Bunyip and some of the children also went to school in Bunyip. These men were the family of John and Annie (nee Whelan) Fisher. They were the parents of twelve children born between 1881 and 1898, the ten boys listed below and two daughters, Theresa and Catherine. The family had their story written up in The Herald of May 27, 1916 (see it here) It is transcribed below, in italics. Eight of their sons enlisted in the A.I.F, one son had poor eye sight so was not accepted.  Their eldest son, had enlisted in a Scottish Regiment years before and had been killed, but his son, John,  had enlisted in Melbourne to fight along side his eight uncles. I have added their Service Number (SN) so you can look up their full record on the National Archives, www.naa.gov.au

The article has a photos of all the Fisher boys, and this photo of their mother, Annie, who deserves a medal for giving birth to twelve children and having the heart break of three of her sons dying due to fighting for their country.

The Herald May 27, 1916 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article242326933

A remarkable record of enlistments is claimed by the family of the late Mr. John Fisher, formerly of Bunyip, Gippsland, and Mrs. Fisher, of 2 Newell street, Footscray. Eight of their sons enlisted and a ninth has been rejected.

The eldest son, John, was a lieutenant in the Scottish Regiment, but was killed many years ago, leaving a son, who is now at the front.

Staff sergeant - major, Edward Fisher, the eldest son, is now in the Broadmeadows camp. He was born Kangaroo Flat, Bendigo, and later attended school at Bunyip, Gippsland. He was a member of the Fourth Contingent in the South African War, under Colonel Kelly, and gained a Distinguished Conduct Medal. His wife and children live at Essendon. Edward (SN 6765)  Returned to Australia July 24, 1919.

Edward, went to school at Bunyip.

The Herald May 27, 1916

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article242326933

Lieutenant Walter Fisher was the next son, and he is now at Broadmeadows camp. He was formerly a color-sergeant in the 5th Australian Infantry Regiment, and won the battalion badge for shooting and the company's badge five yearn in succession. His is the only name on the merit-hoard of the company. He enlisted as a private on September 24, 1914, in the 7th Battalion, and was promoted lieutenant at Gallipoli. He commanded the battalion in the battle of Lone Pine. In the first landing he was wounded in the arm, leg and side, but returned to the firing line after four weeks' absence. At Lone Pine he was again wounded in the right arm, the bone being partly shattered. He was buried at Steel's Post, Gallipoli, in July, 1915 through the bursting of a high explosive shell, and it took 20 minutes to dig him out. In the following week he had a similar experience. He was invalided home  on August 20, being discharged as unfit, for further, service. His wife and five children live at Frankston. Walter was born at Kangaroo Flat, he Returned to Australia March 20, 1916.

Sgt James Joseph Fisher is now in Wandsworth Hospital, London, having been wounded in Galllpoli in the Lone Pine attack. He is married, 30 years of age, and his wife and five children live at Sunshine. James (SN 1621) was born in South Melbourne and Returned to Australia in August 1916 and discharged on medical grounds in March 1917 and died June 29, 1919.

Sgt.-Major Terence Rufus Fisher, 38, is married, and has a wife and four children. He is an engineer, and lived in Milton street, West Melbourne. He is in camp, being a member of the Pioneer Battalion. Terence (SN 1502) was born in Bunyip. He Returned to Australia June 12, 1919.

Mr Robert Fisher, 36, married, of Footscray, has made five efforts to enlist, but has failed to pass the sight test. He is the only living boy in the family that has not enlisted.

Martin, was born at Bunyip and Killed in Action at Lone Pine

The Herald May 27, 1916

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article242326933

Cpl. Martin J. Fisher, 24, single, was killed at Lone Pine. He was shot through the thigh on the day of the landing, and returned to the firing line five weeks later. He was a first-class shot and was selected as one of five battalion snipers. He was a member of the Coburg Harriers, and lived at Sunshine where he worked as a carpenter.  Martin (SN 439) was born in Bunyip.

Armourer-Stg George Fisher, 22, of  Sunshine, has a wife and two children. George (SN 63) was born in Bunyip. He Returned to Australia June 12, 1919.

Eli, Cecil and their nephew John Fisher.

The Herald May 27, 1916

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article242326933

Driver Eli Fisher, 20, single, is now at Broadmeadows, in the Pioneer Battalion. Eli (SN 12) was born in Melbourne. He Returned to Australia June 12, 1919.

Private Cecil Fisher, 18, is in camp at Broadmeadows. Cecil (SN 2742A) was born in North Melbourne. He was awarded the Miltary Medal and  Returned to Australia December 18, 1918.

Pte. John Fisher, 18, of the 8th Battalion, is the son of Lieutenant John Fisher.  John (SN 3754) was born in Brunswick, and he Returned to Australia April 12, 1919.