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.

Carter Brothers of Bunyip

The Age August 4, 1915

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article154996454

In this post, in our series of Brother who enlisted, we are looking at the Carter Brothers of Bunyip. You can read about the Cullen Brothers of Cockatoo here and the Maher Brothers of Pakenham, here.

William, Alfred and Frederick were the sons of William and Annie Carter (nee Saunders)  of Maidstone House in Bunyip. The Brothers came from Maidstone in  Kent in England, hence the name of their property in Bunyip. William had already died when the brothers enlisted as their next of kin was their mother. Annie died in 1924 aged 61 in Carlton. I believe there were at least two other children, George who died in 1962 aged 60 and the grandly named Victoria Georgina Augusta who was only 22 when she died in 1919 in South Melbourne.

Bunyip Free Press September 9 1915

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article129630845

Carter, Alfred Nathaniel (SN 2467)  Alfred enlisted on July 20 1915 at the age of 26. He was Driver. Alfred sustained  a Gun Shot  Wound to his right arm, which made him permanently unfit for service and thus he Returned to Australia  December 20, 1917 and was Discharged in July 1918. Alfred died on May 14, 1921 at the age of 32 and is buried in the Bunyip Cemetery.

Carter, Frederick Arthur (SN 1397)  Frederick, who was a baker,  enlisted at the age of 20 on July 28 1915. He did his training, was sent overseas to Egypt  and Returned to Australia on May 21, 1916 for discharge due to 'defective vision in right eye'  In the 1919 Electoral Roll, Frederick is living in Carlton, but not sure of what happened to him after that.

Carter, William (SN 2266) William enlisted on July 17 1915  - he was a 28 year old Labourer. William Died of Wounds received while fighting in France on August 6, 1916. William is listed on the Bunyip War Memorial.

Right sort of Colonist - Kenneth Fyffe

The Weekly Times published this article on August 4, 1917 and is interesting as it shows the connection at the time between  patriotism, colonialism and nationalism. Kenneth Thompson Grant Fyffe (Service Number 6798A) enlisted on September 3 1917, at the age of 21 and had been employed as a Farm Labourer at Bunyip. Kenneth was gassed while serving overseas in France. He Returned to Australia February 26 1920.

In the 1921 Electoral Roll Kenneth was living in North Fitzroy and had an occupation of 'Engine Cleaner' and three years later he was living at Brighton Avenue in Preston, with his wife Amelia, and he was a tram conductor. You can read more about Kenneth on the RSL Virtual War Memorial rslvirtualwarmemorial.org.au or click here to go directly to his entry. Sadly, his life after the war was not all smooth sailing and he died in 1964 at the age of 68. I wonder of he ever returned to Bunyip?

Weekly Times August 4, 1917 

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-page13611994

Bunyip Methodist Church Roll of Honour

The Bunyip Methodist Church Roll of Honour is in the Uniting Church at Bunyip. The Bunyip Methodist Church was in High Street, just up from the Post Office, and officially opened on October 8, 1899 and by 1902 the Church had been lined, a new porch added and,  later, a Vestry added. The Church closed in the 1970s and was later demolished.

Bunyip Methodist Church

Source: Call of the Bunyip by Denise Nest.

There are 25 names on the Honour Roll and I did naturally expect that they might all have been Methodists , however only 12 were. Five said they were Church of England, four were Presbyterian, one was Catholic and one was Baptist and two had no religion stated. So either the Bunyip Methodists were a very ecumenical lot or else there were some mistakes made at the time. Either way this is an interesting list and is an example of one of the thousands of Honour Boards established after the War by churches, schools and businesses.

Here is a list of the 25 servicemen and their Service Number (SN) so you can look up their full record on the National Archives of Australia website www.naa.gov.au  If you want to read about the other men from Bunyip who enlisted and are on the Bunyip War Memorial, then click here.

Barnett, Charles Henry  (SN 1673) Charles was born in 1896 in Bunyip. In June 1912 he signed up to Royal Australian Navy for seven years. He was on the Cerberus, the Protector and the Sydney. He was in Navy until 1921.  Charles and Clifford, below, were the sons of William and Emma (nee Mills) They were at Bunyip  from at least 1896 when Charles was born and were on the Electoral Roll at Bunyip  to 1912, but not on the Roll in 1914.

Barnett, Clifford (SN  2257)  Clifford was born in 1898 and he joined the Royal Australian Navy in October 1912, perhaps inspired by his brother, Charles, above. He was on the Tingira, the Australia, the Platypus and the Cerberus. Clifford was in the Navy until 1923.

Bastin,  John Alfred (SN 2339)  John was born in Bunyip and was a fisherman. He enlisted on January 7, 1916 and his next of kin was his father, Alfred Bastin. He Returned to Australia on March 14, 1919. His stated religion was Church of England.

Campigli, Donald Hugh (SN 7460)  Donald  enlisted on December 11, 1914 at the age of 19, and served in Gallipoli where he was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal, was later at Dardenelles, and was discharged February 1916 but then rejoined  on July 16, 1917 and Returned to Australia April 1920.   On his second enlistment he was  one of the 'Sportsmen's Thousand' a 1917 campaign to encourage sportsmen to join the AIF. His father, James, was the Station Master at Bunyip from February 1901 to May 1904 but the family had been in Bunyip earlier than that as Donald was born there in 1896. His stated religion was Presbyterian.

Australian War Memorial collection ARTV00026

Dale,  Charles Coning.  Lieutenant Dale enlisted on November 3, 1914. His next of Kin was his wife, Sibyl,  of Canning Street, North Carlton. Charles was a soldier and had already spent three years at the Royal Military College at Duntroon.   He was Killed in Action August 7, 1915 at Gallipoli. Charles was born in Longwarry in 1894 and his parents, James and Elizabeth,  are on the 1903 Electoral roll at Bunyip. His stated religion was Presbyterian. Charles left behind a widow who had the delightful name of Sybil Daffodill (nee Wootten) whom he married in 1914. They had  a little girl, Valda Rita, who was born in 1915. Did he ever get to see his daughter? I suspect not as he left Australia on February 25, 1915.

Forsyth,  Robert Bruce   (SN 203) Robert enlisted on August 18, 1914. He was the son of William Forsyth of Bunyip. According to Call of the Bunyip, William had worked on the drainage of the Koo-Wee-Rup Swamp and Robert was born near Five Mile (Koo-Wee-Rup North) William was allocated  a block on the Main Drain near the Juction bridge.  William was the Superintendent of the Methodist Sunday School as well as being a member of the Salvation Army. In spite of this, Robert said he was a Presbyterian when he enlisted.  Robert was twice mentioned in Dispatches and was awarded the Military Cross. Captain Forsyth Returned to Australia November 6, 1918.

Heatley Edward (SN 6945a)  Listed as Heatly on the Honour Roll. Edward enlisted on October 19, 1917. He was a farm labourer and his next of kin was his father, William, of Bunyip. His stated religion was Roman Catholic. He Returned to Australia on July 1, 1919.

Heatley, William Henry (SN 246 and 5603) Listed as H, Heatly on the Honour Roll, so we will call him Henry.  Henry enlisted on December 24, 1914 was discharged on June 18, 1915 as he was medically unfit due to 'small multiple subcutaneaous tremors and variciceie'. He re-enlisted on February 8, 1916, served in France and then  Returned to Australia on November 5, 1917. He was discharged from the AIF in August 1918 as he was medically unfit due to 'multiple lipomata and debility'. His father William Heatley of Bunyip was his next of kin, though this later changed to his wife Muriel. His stated religion was Church of England. In spite of the difference of religion I believe that Edward (above) and Henry were brothers - the sons of William and Margaret (nee Hannan).

Jenkin,  Samuel  (SN 6533)  Samuel and his wife Alexandrina lived in Bunyip and he enlisted on October 4, 1915.  He was a farmer. He Returned to Australia on May 4, 1919. His stated religion was Methodist.

Jewell,  John George (SN 55)   John enlisted on August 22, 1914. He Returned to Australia on January 23, 1918. John was born in Bunyip and his next of kin was his father, William, of Bunyip, although the 1914 Electoral Roll have William and his wife Elizabeth at Tonimbuk. Call of the Bunyip  says that the Jewells had fifty acres as part of the Tonimbuk Village Settlement Scheme and they arrived at Tonimbuk around 1892. John's stated religion was Church of England.

Masters,  Percy Thomas (SN 1777 or 1580) Percy enlisted on January 4, 1915. Percy was awarded the Military Medal. He Returned to Australia on March 9, 1919. He was the son of  William and Clara Masters of Bunyip. His stated religion was Methodist.

Miles,  Eric Clive  (SN 3733)  Eric was born in Bunyip and he enlisted on December 15, 1917, when he was 18 years old. His next of kin was his father, Henry Miles of  Bunyip.  He Returned to Australia on July 1, 1919. His stated religion was Methodist.

Miles,  Ronald Birkett  (SN 2715) Ronald enlisted on August 2, 1915, when he was 20.   His parents were William and Mary Miles of Bunyip.  He Returned to Australia on December 21, 1918. His stated religion was Methodist.

Miles, William Joseph  (SN 3388) William was 29 when he enlisted on November 4, 1916 . He was a farmer from Bunyip and his wife Harriet was his next of kin. William was born at Mt Doran, as well  Ronald, above, so I assume they were brothers.  He Returned to Australia on July 13, 1919.   His stated religion was Methodist.

Bunyip Methodist Church Honour Roll

Image: Heather Arnold

Morrison,  George Alfred   (SN 2135) George enlisted at Bunyip on July 27, 1915. His next of kin was his mother, Sarah Morrison of Bunyip. George was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal. He Returned to Australia April 19, 1919. His stated religion was Methodist.

Mouser,  George   Lieutenant George Mouser  enlisted on May 1, 1916. He Returned to Australia on July 24, 1919. His next of kin was his father, John Mouser of Narre Warren. John was the Station Master at Narre Warren from July 1915 to August 1918 and had also been the Station Master at Beaconsfield from June 1912 to March 1914.  John is listed on the 1903 Electoral Roll at Bunyip, occupation Railway employee, so that's the Bunyip connection. George is also honoured on the Narre Warren War Memorial. His stated religion was Methodist.

Pomeroy,  Alfred John (SN 2745)  Alfred was born at Beulah and he enlisted on March 21, 1916. His next of kin was his father Richard of Barrow Street in Brunswick. His stated religion was Methodist. He Returned to Australia on July 1, 1919. What is his Bunyip connection?  Richard and Sarah Pomeroy are listed in the 1903 and 1909 Electoral Rolls at Bunyip South (Iona); in the Victorian Births Index there is an Alfred John born in 1893 to a Richard and Sarah Pomeroy at Beulah, so I am convinced that Alfred is our man. It would seem that Richard and Sarah are some of the hundreds of families that moved to the Koo-Wee-Rup Swamp in the 1890s and early 1900s due to the availability of land.

Ransom,  Harry  (SN 6366)   Harry was a 19 year old postal assistant when he enlisted on July 21, 1916. He Returned to Australia on December 11, 1918. His stated religion was Methodist. His next of kin was his father, Harry, who was then Station Master at Tallarook. Harry senior had been the Station Master at Bunyip from June 1908 to November 1910, so it is likely that Harry and his brother Herbert, see below, attended school at Bunyip.

Ransom,  Herbert William (SN 128) Herbert enlisted on August 18, 1914. He was 19 and like his brother, Harry, above, he was also a postal employee. At the time he enlisted his father was at Maffra. His stated religion was Baptist. Herbert suffered a gun shot wound to the abdomen and the bullet was still in his body as an operation was not considered necessary. Harry was discharged from the AIF on medical grounds and Returned to Australia on October 8, 1915.  

Spence, James Sinclair (SN 10339) James was 30 when he enlisted on August 2, 1915. He was an Inspector at the Melbourne & Metropolitan Board of Works. His next of was his wife Jessie. He Returned to Australia on May 11, 1918. His stated religion was Methodist.  James, Malcolm and Russell (see below) were brothers. They were the sons of James and Zillah (nee Ward) Spence, who came to Bunyip in 1892. Both James and Zillah had died  by the time their sons enlisted.  (Information from Call of the Bunyip) The three boys all stated that they were Methodists on their enlistment papers.

Spence, Malcolm (SN 4614) Malcolm enlisted on August 31, 1915, his next of kin was his sister, Harriet Walker of Bunyip. He was 22 years of age and was a postal employee. He was Killed in Action, in France, on July, 20, 1916.  Malcolm is the brother of James and Russell. Malcolm is also listed on the Bunyip War Memorial.

Spence,  Russell Ayres (SN 3555)  Was enlisted when he was 19, on July 8, 1915. He was a taxi driver and his cousin was his next of kin. He suffered from various wounds and diseases and was still in hospital in England in 1919. He is listed in the 1924 Electoral roll at Footscray, so obviously came back to Australia. He later had a farm in Bunyip and he was the Superintendent of the Methodist Sunday School.  Russell is the brother of James and Malcolm.

Wheeler,  Ernest James (SN 22329)  Ernest enlisted  on January 10, 1916 His next of kin was his mother, Henrietta Wheeler of Bunyip. Ernest was a tile maker from Mitchum and he Returned to Australia May 29, 1919.  His stated religion was Church of England.

Withington,  Robert Charles     Major Withington was a Medical Practitioner who enlisted on December 2, 1915 at the age of 41.   He Returned to Australia March 16, 1919.   According to Call of the Bunyip, Dr Withington was Bunyip's first resident doctor. Robert, his wife Eleanor and daughter, Rewa, and had arrived there in 1904 from Fiji where he had been a Missionary Doctor. They had two other daughters, Irene and Elizabeth, born when they were at Bunyip.  Call of the Bunyip also says that Dr Withington held the distinction of being the first person in the Bunyip district to suffer in a motor accident when his car was hit by a passenger train. His stated religion on his enlistment paper was Presbyterian, however Call of the Bunyip says that the family was Methodist. After the family lived at St Georges Road in Elsternwick.

Williams,  Thomas Trevor (SN 7575)  Thomas was born in Bunyip and enlisted on July 18, 1917. His next of was his father, Benjamin, who lived in Elsternwick. He was 18 years and 2 months old at the time of his enlistment. He Returned to Australia on March 21, 1919. His stated religion was Church of England.

Bunyip War Memorial

The War Memorial at Bunyip was unveiled on Wednesday, February 9 1921 by Frank Groves, M.L.A. There  are 36 names from the Great War on the Memorial. It would be interesting to know how the names were selected as the Australian ANZACs in the Great War website lists 78 people with a  Bunyip address who enlisted and  a further 53 with a Garfield address and 16 with an Iona address, so there was no shortage of potential candidates who could have been honoured.

The Argus, February 12 1921

Here is a list of the 36 soldiers and their Service Number (SN) so you can look up their full record on the National Archives of Australia website www.naa.gov.au   If you want to read about other men from Bunyip who are listed and on the Bunyip Methodist Church Honour Roll then click here.

Beswick,  Edwin  Ezard (SN 6725) Edwin was the son of John Beswick of Garfield and enlisted on September 16, 1916.  He died of gas poisoning on October 9, 1917.

Bradshaw,  Stanley Guelph  (SN 2280) Son of Joseph Bradshaw of Bunyip, Stanley enlisted on August 21, 1916. Stanley was Killed in Action in Belgium on October 4, 1916.

Carter,  William  (SN 2266) Enlisted on July 17, 1915 and he died of wounds on August 6, 1916. William was the son of William Carter of Bunyip.

Clarkin, William.  (SN 1522). William was born at Bunyip and enlisted at Tynong in December 1914 at the age of 21. He died of wounds in France on August 26, 1916. His next of kin was listed as his brother L. Clarkin of Iona, although an annotation on his Attestation paper says it is his eldest brother, John Clarkin of Garfield. William is also on the War Memorial at Cora Lynn.

Dawes, Gladstone (SN 4178) Gladstone enlisted on July 20 1915 aged 18. His next of kin was his mother, Mrs A. Dawes of Iona, and his father was listed as Alfred Dawes, Senior. Gladstone was Killed in Action in France on June 17, 1918. Gladstone had four brothers who also enlisted, you can read about the family, here.

Bunyip War Memorial, c. 1921 

Museum Victoria https://collections.museumvictoria.com.au/items/1933450

Devine H. G I have not yet discovered who this is.

Doherty,  Edward Francis (Frank)   (SN 1218) The son of John Doherty, a farmer of Tynong,  Frank was Killed in Action on August 4, 1916 and is also listed on the Cora Lynn War Memorial.

Donald Henry Gordon (SN 6001A) Henry was the son of Elizabeth Donald of Garfield, He enlisted on March 30, 1916 and was Killed in Action in Belgium, exact date unknown, but from June 7 to June 9, 1917.

Fallon Joseph (SN 3521)  Joseph was  born in Bunyip and enlisted on April 17, 1917. He Returned to Australia July 8, 1919.

Fitzgerald D  This could be Daniel Fitzgerald (SN 3312) from Iona, who enlisted on October 5, 1914. He Died of Wounds on October 6, 1917.  It may also be David William Fitzgerald (SN 37563) also of Iona. David enlisted on February 27, 1917, he spent some time in a military hospital after the war and Returned to Australia on April 10, 1919.
Fitzgerald John Lawrence (SN 2474) John, from Iona,  enlisted on July 15, 1915.  He was Killed in Action in France on July 19, 1916. I presume these three boys were brothers as they all had a David Fitzgerald from Iona, listed as their father.

This is a report from the Dandenong Advertiser of  September 14, 1916 reporting the deaths of  Frank Doherty and Jack Fitzgerald.

Fitton James Herbert (SN 3979)  James was born in London and was the brother of Wilfred Fitton, who is listed as living at Bunyip in the 1914 Electoral Rolls. James enlisted on July 28, 1915 and was Killed in Action in Belgium on September 30, 1917.

Gachin John (SN 2528) - his last name is listed as Gaghin and Gaghain on other sources, but looking at his signature on his enlistment paper, I believe Gaghin is the correct spelling. John is the son of Michael Gaghin of Garfield and enlisted on June 16, 1916.   He was Killed in Action in France on April 11, 1917.

Green Francis Regis (SN6013)  Francis was the son of Catherine Green of Iona and enlisted on April 17, 1916 and was Killed in Action on May 12, 1917 in France.

Gunnelson Percy Oskar   (SN 893)
Gunnelson Ingelbert Thomas  (SN 3160) Percy and Inglebert were the sons of James Gunnelson of Garfield, sadly they were both Killed in Action, Percy on  May 8, 1915 and Inglebert on October 4, 1917.

Holland William George Sydney (SN 850) William was born in Bunyip and enlisted on June 3, 1915. He died on November 1, 1918 after being gassed.

Leeson William Herbert Charles (SN 1178) William was Killed in Action at Gallipoli on May 2, 1915. He was the son of Philip Leeson of Garfield.

Bunyip War Memorial

Photograph courtesy of the  Casey Cardinia Remembers website

www.caseycardiniaremembers.org.au

McDonald Allan Walter   (SN 2474) Allan and his wife Jessie lived at Garfield when he enlisted on March 3, 1916. He died of wounds received in France on April 17, 1917.

McIvor John Edward (SN 26655) His next of kin on enlistment was his wife Edith, who moved around after John enlisted on January 1, 1916. One of her addresses was C/O Mrs Scealy  of Bunyip, this was Margaret Ellen Scealy, Edith's sister. There may have been another Bunyip connection, but I haven't established it yet, as John was born in  Footscray and enlisted from North Carlton. John was Killed in Action on July 25, 1918.

Milligan, Joseph Lewellen. (SN 5376). Farm hand of Cora Lynn;  his mother was Catherine Milligan also of Cora Lynn. Joseph was Killed in Action on February 23, 1917. Joseph is also on the War Memorial at Cora Lynn.

Moore Walter Henry Edward  (SN 3428)  Next of Kin was his wife, Mrs E, Moore of 'Kia Ora' Bunyip. When he enlisted on July 7, 1915 his address was Prahran. Walter died of disease on February 1, 1919 and is buried in England.

Mynard Charles  (SN 459) Charles enlisted on August 17, 1914 and was Killed in Action at Gallipoli on April 25, 1915. He was from Garfield.

Pearson Frederick Francis (SN 869)  Frederick was Killed in Action at Gallipoli on April 25, 1915. He was the son of Charles Pearson of Bunyip and had enlisted in September 4, 1914.

Plant Lawrence (SN 1804)  Born in Garfield and enlisted at Tynong on he was Killed in Action in France on May 12, 1917.

Reardon Eric Charles (SN 2524). Eric enlisted on June 3, 1915 and died of wounds on September, 9 1918.  He was the son of James Reardon of Bunyip.

Slattery Gerald Malyon   (SN 272) Gerald's occupation on his enlistment papers butter maker and he enlisted on March 15, 1915. In the 1914 Electoral Rolls he was living at Iona and his occupation was Creamery Manager. He was Killed in Action in France on July 19, 1916.

Sleigh Stephen   (SN 3244) Stephen was the son of Mary Jane Sleigh of Bunyip and he enlisted on July 16, 1915. Stephen was listed as missing on July 28, 1916 and  a later Court of Enquiry found that he was Killed in Action on July 7, 1916.

Spence Malcolm (SN 4614) When Malcolm enlisted on August 31, 1915 his next of kin was listed as his sister, Harriet Walker of Bunyip. He was Killed in Action in France on July 20, 1916. Malcolm, and his two brothers, are also listed on the Bunyip Methodist Church Honour Roll.

Stacey Ernest William  (SN4298)  Ernest enlisted on July 7, 1915. He was the son of Thomas Stacey who owned the Railway Hotel in Bunyip. He was Killed in Action in Belgium on October 5, 1917.

Streeter Henry (SN 2402) Henry was from Bunyip and enlisted on October 17, 1916. He was a Lieutenant and was Killed in Action in France on February 17, 1918.

Toner Francis John  (SN 5092)  Francis, the son of Catherine Toner of Garfield, enlisted on March 3, 1916. He was Killed in Action in France, March 24, 1917.

Williams Percy Francis (SN 7099) Percy enlisted on April 28, 1916 and was the son of Mary Ann Williams of Main Street, Bunyip. He died of pneumonia in a Military Hospital in England on March 14, 1917.

Watson Albert (SN 3664)  Albert was the son of  Mrs Jessie Adamson of Garfield and enlisted on August 25, 1915. He died of wounds received in Belgium on March 9, 1918.

Whiston Julian Thomas (SN 3526)
Whiston Frederick (SN 3524)   Julian and Fred were the sons of Fred Whiston of Cora Lynn. Fred was born in Garfield and Julian at 'Bunyip Swamp'. Sadly both boys died of wounds received, Fred on July 7, 1916 and Julian on March 21, 1918.

I wish to acknowledge the research of Chris McKenna of the Berwick RSL, who has researching local soldiers for many years, it has been very helpful in correctly identifying these soldiers.