World War One soldiers with a connection to Narre Warren and Narre Warren North

This is a list of any men I could find with a Narre Warren or Narre Warren North or Narre Warren East connection who enlisted in World War One. Twenty nine of the men are on the Narre Warren War Memorial, see here. Eighteen of the men are on the Narre Warren North War Memorial. One soldier, Louis Sage, is on both. The other names I found in newspaper reports including a report of the eight men who worked for Donald Rowe, a baker of Narre Warren, who all enlisted. I have written about the patriotic, Mr Rowe, here. If you know of anyone else, connected to Narre Warren or Narre Warren North, I would be interested in hearing about them.

Narre Warren originally referred to the township of Narre Warren North, which was surveyed around 1860. This was later known as Old Narre Warren to distinguish it from New Narre Warren which developed around the Railway Station, which opened in 1882. It is likely that some of these men who have their birthplace as Narre Warren, were actually born in 'old' Narre Warren or Narre Warren North.  Narre Warren East is a small town off Wellington Road in the Berwick Road and Mountain Flat, Edebohls and Haysey Roads vicinity. The State School No. 3719, opened in February 1912, in the Anglican Church Hall. It initially operated half time with Menzies Creek, No. 2457, but they both became full-time in 1914. In February 1921, a new school building was erected. The Church of England was called St Mungo's, there was also a public hall, which was opened on November 30, 1928.

The Narre Warren North War Memorial

Photograph courtesy of the  Casey Cardinia Remembers website. There are more photos of the memorial here

http://www.caseycardiniaremembers.org.au/narre-warren-north-war-memorial/

What follows is the list of First World Soldiers and their connection to Narre Warren or Narre Warren North and their Service Number (SN) so you can look up their full service records on the National Archives website, www.naa.gov.au   

Asling, Charles (SN 69229) 

Asling, Henry (69230)

Charles and Henry were twins, born February 24, 1899. They enlisted on August 17, 1918 at the age of 19.  They embarked on November 2, but the troopship was recalled due to the War ending and they were discharged in January 1919. The boys, both farmers, were born in Narre Warren North. They were the sons of Charles and Elizabeth (nee Meade) Asling of Narre Warren North. The brothers are listed on the Narre Warren North War Memorial.

Social for the Asling twins and Price Hill.

South Bourke & Mornington Journal October 31, 1918 https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/page/6365118

Battersby,  Herbert David (SN 1218) Herbert was born in and lived in Narre Warren North. He enlisted at the age of 21 on March 11, 1916. He was a labourer and his next of kin was his mother, Jane. He was wounded in action in Belgium and died as a result on May 29, 1917. His injuries were horrific - right leg blown off as were toes of his left leg. Herbert was the son of  Edward and Jane (nee Crowley) Battersby of Granite Grove, Narre Warren North. He is listed on the Narre Warren North War Memorial.

Report of the sad death of Lance-Corporal Battersby

Dandenong Advertiser, June 21, 1917 https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/88662435#

Brown, J

Brown, Alfred Hart (SN 1217)
Brown, Robert Woodside (SN 3040) The Narre Warren War Memorial lists a J. Brown, I have not identified him yet. Robert and Alfred are brothers from Narre Warren North, so it may refer to one of them. They are both listed on the Narre Warren North Memorial.  I have written about them, here. 

Buchanan, Eric Alexander (SN 1676) Eric  is listed on the  Narre Warren War Memorial, read about  him, here. 

Burns, Charlie. Charlie Burns is on the Narre Warren War Memorial. I have not positively identified him as yet, but you can read what I know about him, here.

Charman, Herbert Henry (SN 3360). Herbert was born in Narre Warren and enlisted at the age of 19 on February 9, 1917. He was a carpenter. His parents, Thomas William and Kate (nee Brown) Charman, gave their consent to his enlistment. They lived at Oxford Street, Oakleigh. Herbert Returned to Australia February 19, 1919.

Chitts, Vic. Vic was employed by Donald Rowe, the baker. I have not identified him as yet, but you can read about my efforts, here.

Colliss, Alfred (SN 6780) Alfred said he was 44 years and 3 months old when he enlisted on January 18, 1917. He lived at Narre Warren North and was a labourer. His next of kin was his sister Helena Smith, the mother of Harold Curtis (see below). In reality Alfred was actully 46 and looks his stated age...and not capaable of carrying on full training according to his medical report. He was sent home from England in November 1917 and discharged on medical grounds, and the fact that he was overage, in February 1918. Alfred is listed on the Narre Warren North War Memorial.

Colliss, Malcolm John (SN 6980) Malcolm enlisted on October 18, 1916 at the age of 31. He was a labourer, lived at Narre Warren and his next of kin was his brother, Joseph Colliss of Yallock. Malcolm Returned to Australia November 1, 1917 suffering from Tubercular peritonitis. He was discharged on July 2, 1918 and died on August 14, 1918. Malcolm is listed on the Narre Warren North War Memorial.

Alfred, Malcolm and Helena were born in Narre Warren and were the children of Joseph and Elizabeth (nee Charman) Collis. 

Report of Colliss family War service

Berwick Shire News February 28, 1917 https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/page/8579843

Cook, John Francis (SN 129) John enlisted on January 20, 1915. He was a 21 year old grocer. He Returned to Australia April 11, 1916 and discharged on medical grounds - he had Enteric fever (typhoid) and had also been wounded - shrapnel wound to knee and face.
Cook, Thomas Frederic (SN 10598) Thomas was a teacher at Warrandyte State School when he enlisted on January 19, 1916. He was 25 years old. He Returned to Australia April 30, 1919.

The brothers were born in Narre Warren. Their parents were Thomas Galliard and Annie Maria (nee Hayden) Cook of Westgarth Street, Northcote.

Crotty,  Gerald Francis Xavier (SN 6983) Gerald enlisted on October 24, 1916. He was a 23 year old Military clerk. Gerald Returned to Australia September 25, 1919. 
Crotty, John Patrick Joseph (SN 2783) John was 26 years old when he enlisted on April 26, 1916. He was a clerk. He did not serve overseas and was discharged as medically unfit on May 19, 1917.

John and Gerald were both born in Narre Warren. They were the sons of John Patrick and Teresa (nee Logan) Crotty of Frederick Street, Hawthorn.

Cunningham, Albert (SN 1245) Albert was a 30 year old butcher and farmer when he enlisted on February 25, 1916. He was wounded whilst serving - gun shot wound - shell right eye and Returned to Australia November 20, 1918.
Cunningham, Claude Sydney (SN 1246) Claude enlisted on March 18, 1916 at the age of 24. He was a farmer. Claude Returned to Australia April 30, 1919.

Albert was born in Dunedin in New Zealand; Claude was born in Sydney. Their next of kin was their mother, Emma Cunningham, of Narre Warren East.

Currie, Reg (SN 1840). Read about Reg, who was employed by Donald Rowe, here.

Curtis, Harold David (SN 4763) Harold was only 18 when he enlisted on September 28, 1915. He was  a blacksmith. His next of kin was his mother, Helena Smith, of Narre Warren North. Harold Returned to Australia April 13, 1919.  Harold is listed on the Narre Warren North War Memorial, along with his uncles, Alfred and Malcolm Colliss (see above).

Dean, James  (SN 2999) James was born in Sydney and was a 42 year old market gardener when he enlisted on March 17, 1916. His next of kin was his wife Frances, of Narre Warren North. James Returned to Australia March 28, 1919. James is listed on the Narre Warren North War Memorial. James was granted a Soldier Settlement farm, you can read his file on the Battle to Farm website, here.

Farewell to James Dean and Louis Sage

Dandenong Advertiser August 17, 1916 https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/page/8488325

Dewar, Alfred James.  I have written about Alfred, who is on the Narre Warren War Memorial, here. 

Drury, Wilfred (SN 566) Wilfred enlisted March 13, 1916. He was a 23 year old farmhand and his address was c/o Mr H. Hillbrick, Narre Warren. His next of kin was his mother, Margaret Taylor, of Geelong. Wilfred was wounded in action - gunshot wound to the scalp - and Returned to Australia September 27, 1917 and was discharged on medical grounds in January 1918. 

Duncan, D  There is a D. Duncan on the Narre Warren War Memorial who  I believe is David Baird Duncan  (SN 2366). Read about  him, here. 

Duncan, James Ramsay (SN 432)  James is listed on the Narre Warren War Memorial, read about  him, here. 

Dunwell, Fred   (SN 1392)  Fred is listed on the Narre Warren War Memorial, and I have written about him, here. 

Edebohls, Arthur (SN 3135) Arthur enlisted on October 31, 1916. He was a 23 year old labourer and he Returned to Australia March 2, 1919.
Edebohls, Edwin John (SN 3136) Edwin enlisted at the age of 26 on July 13, 1915 and was discharged at Broadmeadows on December 13, 1915. He re-enlisted on October 27, 1916 and this time was accepted, served overseas and Returned to Australia July 24, 1919.
The brothers were born in Narre Warren and they were the sons of Henry and Mary (nee Troup) Edebohls. At the time of enlistment the family was living at Frankston Road, Dandenong. Mary was the daughter of John and Elizabeth (nee Fox) Troup. John Troup had purchased land in the area in 1855. Mary was also the sister of Ann Rae, so the Edebohls boys were first cousins of the Rae brothers, written about below. 

Fordon, John Henry (SN 1230 / 1462) John was a 39 year old labourer, from Narre Warren, when he enlisted on October 13, 1914. His next of kin was his sister, Mrs Smith,  who lived in Western Australia. John Returned to Australia Fenruary 13, 1917 and was discharged on medical grounds - Chronic Alcoholism - in the June. 

Forrester, George (SN 4810) Read about George, who was employed by Donald Rowe, here.

Gander, Albert Frederick  (SN 7004) Frederick, as he was known, enlisted on October 18, 1916. He was a 28 year old farm hand. He Returned to Australia May 1917 and was discharged on medical grounds - hammer toes and Tachy Cardia. Fred enlisted for a second time on June 4, 1918 in the Australian Naval and Military Expeditionary Force and served in New Britain, and Returned to Australia from Rabaul August 6, 1919. Fred was born in England, his next of kin was his father who lived in Western Australia. His address on his first enlistment was Narre Warren and, on his second enlistment, was Hallam.

Haysey, Norman (SN 6813A) Norman was a 19 year old orchardist when he enlisted on August 12, 1917.  He was Killed in Action on July 4, 1918.
Haysey, Robert Ellesmere (SN 2588) Robert was a 20 year old orchardist when he enlisted on May 17, 1915. He was awarded the Croix de Guerre by the Belgium King and he Returned to Australia May 30, 1919.

The boys, both from Narre Warren North, were born in Seymour. Robert listed his mother, Annie Haysey (nee Adkins) of Narre Warren North as his next of kin and Norman, his father George of Seymour, as his next of kin. A notation on Norman's Attestation file said 'Mother, living apart from husband'. There is also a note that Norman's medals were to go to his mother. 

Report of the Haysey family

The Age July 29, 1918 https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/1405381

Hill, Abraham Price (SN 1716)  Mr Hill was known as Price and is listed on the Narre Warren North War Memorial as P. Hill. Price was a 37 year orchardist from Narre Warren North when he enlisted on June 22, 1918. His next of kin was his wife, Clara (nee Lehman). He did not serve overseas and was demobilised December 24, 1918. Price enlisted again on January 16, 1919 in the Australian Naval and Military Expeditionary Force, served in New Britain and Returned to Australia from Rabaul February 16, 1921.  

Hillbrich, A
Hillbrich, Ernest William WM (SN 3989 and 1045)
Hillbrich, Harold Herbert (SN 11760)
Hillbrich, Norman (SN 5326) 

Ernest and Harold and an A. Hillbrich are listed on the Narre Warren War Memorial. I cannot identify who A. Hillbrich might be and the only other Hillbrich to enlist was Norman. Norman and Harold are first cousins and Ernest is Harold's nephew. Read about them here. The surname is spelt as Hillbrick on the Attestation papers and Nominal Roll. 

Ireland, Percy Markham De Courcy (SN 1116).  Percy is listed on the Narre Warren War Memorial, read about him here. 

Johnstone, Harold. Harold was also one of Donald Rowe's employees, but I cannot idenitify him. I  have looked for Harold Johnson, Johnston and Johnstone and cannot find a man who enlisted with a connection to the area or to the bakers trade.

Kent, Alfred Ernest (SN 3336).
Kent, Charles Edward ( SN 237)
Kent, Norman Archibald (SN 1009)
The Kents were from Narre Warren and their parents, Anthony and Mary Kent, had arrived in Narre Warren around 1875 and purchased Granite Park, which they re-named Oatlands. They are on the Narre Warren War Memorial, and I have written about them, here. 

Le Mausrier, John William (SN 9564) John was born in Narre Warren, however he was living in Rathmines Road, Fairfield when he enlisted on July 6, 1915 at the age of 22. He was a salesman. His next of kin was his father, John, of the same address. John Returned to Australia June 20, 1919.

Lewis, Frederick (SN 3897) Fred was driver for Donald Rowe. Read about him here.

Lyons, Charles Jack  (SN 1394)  Another of Mr Rowe's employees. Read about him here.

MacKenzie, Dugald (SN 6069) Dugald, who is a first cousin to the Stedman boys, listed below, is listed on the Narre Warren War Memorial, and I have written about him, here. 

McClure, Alexander David  (SN 516) Alexander is listed on the Narre Warren War Memorial, and I have written about him, here. 

McGuire, Harry.  I cannot identify this man, who worked for Donald Rowe.  I have also looked at any Harry or Henry Maguires, but to no avail.

Moore, William Robert - see under Moors.

Moors, James Humphrey (SN 1169) James was 18 years old when he enlisted on October 11, 1915. He was a farmhand. James Returned to Australia January 25, 1919.
Moors, William Robert (SN 581) Enlisted under the surname Moore. Robert enlisted on July 5, 1915 at the age of 21. He was a labourer. He was wounded - gun shot wound hip, penetrating abdomen - and died as a result on July 28, 1916.

William and James were born in Broken Hill and were living in Narre Warren on enlistment.  They were the sons of Humphrey and Haddie Moore.  Humphrey has a statuary declaration in William's file that says my wife left me 8-9 years ago and that I bore all the responsibility of bringing up my family. There is also a letter in his file from his sister, Mrs H. J. Hall of  View Hill, Narre Warren. She had requested her brother's medals as her father considered I was entitled to my late brother's medals having carried out the responsibility of the mother towards the late soldier. The Moors brothers are listed on the Narre Warren North War Memorial.

Mouser, George.  Lieutenant Mouser is listed on the Narre Warren War Memorial, and I have written about him, here.

Moysey, William Brown Treeby (SN 239) William was born in Narre Warren and enlisted on March 31, 1916. He was a 29 year old farmer. He was the son of William Henry and Marie (nee Aurisch) Moysey of Jumbuk. William was awarded the Military Medal and Returned to Australia  November 7, 1919. William's grandparents, James Bickford and Susannah Brown (nee Treeby) Moysey arrived in Victoria around 1844 and had a farm in Moorabbin. In 1881 they moved to Narre Warren. 

Muffett, John Henry (SN 3104) John is listed on the Narre Warren War Memorial, read about him, here. 

Neil, W

Nutter, S T
Mr Neil and Mr Nutter are both listed on the Narre Warren War Memorial, but I cannot identify either of them. Read about my efforts to identify them, here.

Pennycook, Ronald (SN 1016 & 38069).  Ronald enlisted on August 17, 1914 at the age of 21. His occupation was Sailor and Labourer. His next of kin was his father, Captain Pennycook, Master Mariner, Liverpool in England. Ronald Returned to Australia May 8, 1916 with a fractured skull.  He re-enlisted April 7, 1917 and this time his occupation was Sailor and Horseman. His address on the Embarkation rolls at both enlistments was Narre Warren North.  Ronald Returned to Australia November 22, 1919. There is a notation in his Attestation file that he signed a Statuatory Declaration on October 13, 1920 that his real surname was Pennycuik.

Rae, George Frederick (SN 5071) George enlisted on January 20, 1916 at the age of 23. He Returned to Australia March 25, 1919.

Rae, Walter John (SN 820). Walter was 18 years old when he enlisted on March 1, 1915. He Returned to Australia April 19, 1919.

The boys were both born in Narre Warren and were farmers from Narre Warren North. Their next of kin was their other, Ann; their father Frederick had died January 3, 1915 at the age of 48. In the late 1860s Frederick's  parents, George and Agnes (nee Webb) Rae, took up land in Narre Warren North and built a store, said to be the first building in the town. Ann Rae was the daughter of John and Elizabeth (nee Fox) Troup and a sister to Mary Edebohls and an aunt to Arthur and Edwin Edebohls, written about above. The Rae brothers are listed on the Narre Warren North War Memorial.

Randle, Henry George (SN 1274).  Henry was born in Narre Warren and enlisted on July 10, 1915 at the age of 27. His occupation was Orchardist and his next of kin was his father, William, of Narre Warren North. Henry Returned to Australia May 15, 1919.  Corporal Randle is listed on the Narre Warren North War Memorial.

Welcome home to Henry Randle and Robert Brown

South Bourke & Mornington Journal July 31, 1919 https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/66196497

Rooney, Alfred George (SN 481) Alf was awarded the Military Medal and was an employee of Donald Rowe. Read about him here.

Sage, Louis Francis (SN 30437)  Louis is listed on the Narre Warren War Memorial, and I have written about him, here. Louis is also listed on the Narre Warren North War Memorial.

Sherriff, Arthur Mason (SN 4529) Arthur was 26 year old Nurseryman when he enlisted on December 24, 1915. Arthur's next of kin was listed as his wife, Violet, of Narre Warren.  He received a gunshot wound to the left wrist whilst serving in France in August 1916 and after treatment,  Returned to Australia in September 1917 and was discharged on medical grounds on December 14, 1917.  Arthur is listed on the Narre Warren North War Memorial.

Arthur Sherriff returns home

Dandenong Advertiser, November 8, 1917 https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/88818546

Sievers,  Frederick Richard (SN 1615). Frederick enlisted on December 16, 1914 at the age of 26. he was a labourer and his next of kin was his father, Richard, of Narre Warren. He fought at Gallipoli where a bomb burst close to him causing headaches, dizziness and defective eyesight. He was declared permanently unfit for War service. Frederick Returned to Australia October 1915 and was discharged January 24, 1916. 

Report of the return of Frederick Sievers and a presentation to Mrs Rae and Mrs Smith for her son, Harold. This is Harold Curtis, see above.

South Bourke & Mornington Journal March 2, 1916 https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/page/6366531

Smith, George Stephen (SN 3679).
Smith, William Edward (SN 20121)
George and William are the sons of George Smith who was the Assistant Station Master at Narre Warren at one stage. They are both on the Narre Warren War Memorial, and you can read about them, here.

Stedman, Albert (SN 3262)
Stedman, Walter (SN 3909)

The brothers are the sons of Albert Stedman, who was Station Master at Narre Warren for a time. They are both on the Narre Warren War Memorial, and you can read about them, here. 

Thomson, William Henry.  William was born in Narre Warren on December 31, 1897. He enlisted in the Royal Australian Navy on June 1, 1912, when he was not yet 15. His enlistment form says he was 4 feet 9 inches at the time and 'On Advancement to Man's rating' he had grown to 5 feet 3½ inches. His next of kin on enlistment was his mother, Elizabeth, who lived at Mordialloc.  William served until May 21, 1919. 

Wanke, Arthur Robert (SN 1427)
Wanke, Frederick William (SN 6379)

The brothers are the sons of Emmanuel and Bertha (nee Aurisch) Wanke. They are both on the Narre Warren War Memorial, and you can read about them, here. 

Wauchope, Neil Andrew (SN 2239)  Neil is listed on the Narre Warren War Memorial, and I have written about him, here. 

Webb, Frederick John (SN 28407) Frederick was 19 years old when he enlisted on May 29, 1916. He was a 'striker for blacksmith'. Frederick died of cerebro spinal meningitis in England on January 30, 1917. He was born in Narre Warren, the son of Frederick John and Amelia Webb, who were living in Richmond at the time of Fred's enlistment. Amelia's maiden name was also Webb. As you can see by the death notice, below, he was the brother of Alice, Leo, Doris, Sylvia, Stanley and 'little Reggie'. Reggie was Killed in Action in New Guinea on July 31, 1943, another tragic death for the family. I feel this family must somehow be connected to Sidney Webb, of  Narre Warren, the namesake of Webb Street, Narre Warren, but I am not sure how.

Loving tribute to Frederick from his sister, Alice. 

The Age February 17, 1917 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article155187526

Whinfield, David Horace (SN 2776).  David was a 27 year old teacher at Narre Warren East State School, when he enlisted on August 7, 1916. He was born in Macorna and his next of kin was his father, Stephen, of Macorna. David was awarded the Military Medal and he Returned to Australia November 15, 1919.

Report of David Whinfield's Military Medal

South Bourke & Mornington Journal November 14, 1918 https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/66195050

Woodley, Ernest Simmell. Ernest enlisted on August 16, 1915. He was born in Narre Warren and was a 25 year old clerk. Ernest was discharged due to being medically unfit on May 29, 1916 as he suffered from 'traumatic epilspsy'. Ernest was the son of Thomas and Hannah (nee Buckley) Woodley. Thomas, at one time, operated a baker's shop on the corner of the Princes Highway and Webb Street.
Woodley, George Herbert (SN 4570) George, a brother of Ernest, is listed on the Narre Warren War Memorial, and I have written about him, here.

Young, Walter Leslie (SN 632)  A Walter Young was farewelled at a social and dance in April 1916 along with Alfred Brown and Herbert Battersby. There is an Walter Leslie Young listed in the 1914 Electoral Rolls at Narre Warren North, his occupation is a merchant. I believe this is Walter Young who enlisted on February 9, 1916 at the age of 24. His occupation was a grocer. Walter was born in Diamond Creek and his next of kin was his mother, Mary, of Diamond Creek. Walter Returned to Australia May 27, 1919. 

Farewell to Alfred Brown, Herbert Battersby and Walter Young

Berwick Shire News, May 3, 1916 https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/92089861