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.

Nar Nar Goon and Nar Nar Goon North State School Honour Rolls

There are 51 soldiers listed on the Nar Nar Goon  Honour Board and 15 soldiers listed on the Nar Nar Goon North State School Honour Board. Eleven men are on both the Honour Rolls, thus 55 different men are honoured by having their name on the Honour Rolls.  The Nar Nar Goon Honour Board is at the Nar Nar Goon Public Hall and the Nar Nar Goon North State School Roll is at the Nar Nar Goon North Public Hall. The Nar Nar Goon North School, opened in 1889 and closed when it was amalgamated into Pakenham Consolidated School.

According to Discovering ANZACs and the Australian ANZACs in the Great War websites  there were 50 men who were either born or enlisted in Nar Nar Goon. Of the 55 men on the Honour Rolls only 22 are amongst the 50 listed on Discovering ANZACs and  Australian ANZACs in the Great War' websites.  Once again, it would be interesting to know how the local community selected the men who would be honoured on the War Memorials as obviously some with a local connection were not chosen.

Nar Nar Goon North State School Honour Board

Photograph courtesy of the  Casey Cardinia Remembers website

www.caseycardiniaremembers.org.au

Here is  a list of the soldiers with their Service Number (SN) so you can look up their full service record on the National Archives of Australia website, www.naa.gov.au

Aalto, Atolf Aleksanter (SN 3676)  Listed as Alto on the Honour Roll. Atolf was born in Nystad in Finland, he was a miner, he was Naturalised on July 6, 1915  and he enlisted at Bendigo on July 29, 1915. Atolf  was awarded the Military Medal and he Returned to Australia May 4, 1919. The Australian War Memorial website has used Atolf as a case study for their Education section - you can read about him here. What is his connection to Nar Nar Goon? He obviously spent some time there after his arrival in Australia  and before he enlisted at Bendigo. I can't find him in the Electoral Rolls after the War but there is a Adolf Aalto listed in the United States Federal Census, living in Michigan. He is the right age and arrived in the U.S in 1919. Is this the same man?

Blackwell, Gilbert Darlow (SN 4137) Gilbert enlisted July 12, 1915. He was the son of William and Primrose Blackwell who are listed in the Electoral Rolls at Nar Nar Goon in 1914; William  was a boot maker. Gilbert Returned to Australia on July 4, 1919.

Blackwell, Bernard Robert (listed as R,B on the Honour Roll) Bernard was also the son of William and Primrose. He enlisted on October 2, 1916. He had 'Bronchial Asthma' and was considered unfit for Military Service and was discharged in March 1917

Cahir, Joseph Keith (SN 960) It seems that he was known as Keith by his family, so that's what we will call him - Keith enlisted on October 1, 1914. His next of kin was listed as his sister, Stella Maris Cahir, of Mt Ararat house, Nar Nar Goon. Keith was reported missing in August 1915, held as a Prisoner of War in Turkey and not released until the end of the War in 1918. Keith had malaria in prison and then caught Spanish Influenza when he was released. He Returned to Australia on December 2, 1918. Keith is on both Honour Rolls.

Carter, George Henry (SN 2314)   I had no idea who this was and there were 32 G. Carters who had enlisted so I started going through their records to find a Nar Nar Goon connection and on the 20th one I found George! George enlisted on June 30, 1916. His occupation was a trapper, he was born in Yorkshire and his next of kin was his friend, Samuel Batten of Nar Nar Goon. He was Killed in Action, in France,  on April 5, 1918. However on the Honour Roll, George was not listed as dying in the War, so I am now unsure whether this is the correct G. Carter, but having gone though all the G. Carters I still have no-one else with any local connection, tenuous though this one is. As  a matter of interest, George was only 18 when he enlisted and he claimed both his parents were dead, however it turns out that his father lived in California and he didn't find out that his son had enlisted or been killed until 1919.

Castle, Frederick William (SN 1213) Frederick enlisted on July 26, 1915. His next of kin was his mother, Frances Castle of Nar Nar Goon and he was a saw miller. He Returned to Australia May 29, 1919.

Chatfield, Frederick Norman (SN 62) Frederick enlisted on February 25, 1916 and he was a 'chaff cutter feeder'. His next of kin was his mother, Mary Chatfield of Nar Nar Goon. He was discharged from the Army on April 19, 1920.

Childs, Albert George (SN 2599) Listed as Child on the Honour Roll. Albert enlisted in Melbourne on July 9, 1915, his occupation was Dairyman. He was born in England, his address on the Nominal Roll is Primrose Park, Beaconsfield, however he is listed as living at Nar Nar Goon in the 1914 Electoral Roll. Albert Died of Wounds on August 5, 1917 in France.  Albert is also honoured on the Beaconsfield War Memorial.

Dore, David (SN 2637a) David was born at Nar Nar Goon and when he enlisted on July 20, 1915 his next of kin was his uncle, Mr J, Dore of Nar Nar Goon. He was 18 years old and was an orphan. He was Killed in Action in France on August 9, 1918. David is on both Honour Rolls.

Drummond,  Walter Neil (SN 2571)  The only W.N Drummond I could locate was this Walter, he was a Blacksmith and was born in Eskdale and was from Officer, which is only two railway stops west of Nar Nar Goon, so this could well be our man. He was the son of  William and Margaret Drummond. of Pinehurst, Officer. Walter enlisted June 28, 1915. He Returned to Australia on April 13, 1919.

Edwards E.S -  I don't know who this is - The only E.S Edwards I can find is  Ernest Samuel Edwards (SN 1346) from Walhalla, he is a stoker and blacksmith.  There is an Ernest Edwards (SN 5327) who was a blacksmith from Longwarry (just four railway stops east of  Nar Nar Goon) There was a John Edwards who was the Station Master at Tynong from 1914 to 1917, so was E.S Edwards connected to him? There was also a Thomas Henry and Christine Edwards in the Electoral Roll at Nar Nar Goon in 1914 - so E.S Edwards connected to them?  Any help appreciated.

Ferguson, Alexander  (SN 798) There is a Nina Grace Lambert Ferguson listed at Nar Nar Goon on the Electoral Roll in 1914 and an Alexander Ferguson listed at Pakenham; there is also a marriage of a Nina Grace Lambert Heeps to an Alexander Ferguson in 1913. Alexander Ferguson (SN 798) enlisted on July 26, 1917 and his next of kin was his wife, Nina Grace L. Ferguson of Prahran. Alexander was born in South Australia, but given the evidence from the Electoral Roll I believe this is the correct man.  Alexander Returned to Australia on April 27, 1919. Alexander leased his farm to enlist, Nina must have moved to Prahran and during the War she moved to Portland and later on was on the Electoral Roll in St Kilda, but Alexander wasn't listed at all so did they divorce, live separately or did he just refuse to be enrolled?

Pakenham Gazette May 25, 1917.

Gaskett, Albert James (SN 1481) Albert was 19, a farmer from Nar Nar Goon, when he enlisted on November 9, 1915. He Returned to Australia on July 17, 1919. Albert is on both Honour Rolls.

Gaskett, William John  (SN 1830) William enlisted on February 2, 1916, when he was 20.  He Returned to Australia on July 21, 1917. William and George are brothers. William is on both Honour Rolls.

Harris, Leo  (SN 3132)  Leo enlisted on July 20, 1915. He was the son of Josephine Harris of Nar Nar Goon. Leo was Killed in Action, in France, on August 9, 1916.

Heffernan, William  There are nine W. Heffernans who enlisted, all called William, so we can be pretty sure his name is William - but I cannot find a W, Heffernan with a local connection. William is only on  the Nar Nar Goon North State School Honour Board , so I presume he went to school there - no William Heffernans are teachers, so he didn't teach there. Any help appreciated.

Holcombe, Archibald Jones (SN 68586)  Born in Wales and he was the son of Francis Holcombe of Nar Nar Goon. He enlisted on July 1, 1918 when he was 19 and embarked on October 22, however the troop ship was recalled to Australia due to the end of the War, so Archie did not see any active service, not through the want of trying it seems. There is a Statutory Declaration signed by Archie on July 1, 1918 stating that his mother and father refused to sign the verification paper, stating that he could go if he wished, but that they would sign nothing!

Huby,  Walter Percy Clarence  (SN 11351) He seems to have been known as Clarence, so that's what we will call him. Clarence enlisted on June 6, 1915 and he Returned to Australia on November 7, 1919. Clarence was born in York, England and his next of kin when he enlisted was his mother also from York. He married Ada Hollick, in England on October 16, 1919. Clarence's occupation was sawyer on his Enlistment papers and 'mill labourer' in the 1914 Electoral Roll when he was living at Nar Nar Goon. In the 1924 Electoral Rolls he and Ada are living at Gembrook, where he is commemorated in the Avenue of Honour. Clarence also enlisted for service in World War Two.

Jones,  Arthur Alfred Charles   (SN 5117) Arthur enlisted on January 4, 1916. He was living with his aunt in Northcote at the time, but his next of kin was his father, Robert Jones on Nar Nar Goon. He Returned to Australia on September 6, 1919.

Northcote Leader  October 26, 1918

Keddie, Bert John (SN 4833) Bert was a School Teacher, born in Stratford and his father who was his next of kin lived at Murrumbeena.  When he enlisted on January 1, 1916, he was 20 and was teaching at Ouyen State School and had received leave from the Education Department to enlist. He Returned to Australia on September 25, 1919, but before he returned had married Jean Hamilton on April 16, 1919 in Scotland. Bert and his brother Thomas, below, are on the Nar Nar Goon North State School Honour Board.

Keddie, Thomas Lee Heard (SN 856)  Thomas, like his brother Bert, above, was born in Stratford and was also a School Teacher. He was at Byaduk State School (south of Hamilton) when he enlisted, at age 24, on  August 18, 1914. He was discharged on December 12, 1915 as he was medically unfit after suffering a  gun shot wound on April 25, 1915. He then re-enlisted on June 19, 1916 and was discharged on August 1, 1916.   So what was the connection of the Keddie boys to Nar Nar Goon? Their brother,  Richard James Keddie, was  a teacher at Nar Nar Goon in in 1909-1910 is he the connection? The boy's parents are James and Jane - James is listed in the Electoral Roll as being a Railway employee - did he work at Nar Nar Goon and the boys went to school there?  According to Thomas' grand daughter, Elspeth, James was a civil engineer who designed bridges for the Railways. 

The Argus May 17, 1915

Kidd,  James Edward  (SN 64477) James enlisted on May 21, 1918. He was 20 years old and his father, James, was a blacksmith at Nar Nar Goon.  He Returned to Australia on July 3, 1919.

Lamb, Charles Hargrave (SN 3092)  Charles was the son Joseph and Annie Lamb.  Joseph Lamb was listed in the 1909 and 1914 Electoral Rolls at Nar Nar Goon, his occupation was boot maker. When Charles enlisted on February 2, 1917 his father was deceased and his mother, Annie, lived in East Brunswick. Charles was Killed in Action, in Belgium, on October 4, 1917.

Ledger,  John  (SN 4666) John enlisted on September 9, 1916 as Francis George Moore. he said he was 19 years and three months old, was born in Nar Nar Goon, he said he was an orphan and his next of kin was his Guardian, Mrs R.E. Smith of Nar Nar Goon. He Returned to Australia on July 7, 1919. There is a statutory declaration in his file, signed September 23, 1919 which says that he enlisted under the assumed name of Francis George Moore as at the time he was under eighteen years of age. He requested that all the records be amended so that his correct name was listed. Was he really an orphan? There is a Rosalie Emma Smith listed in the Electoral Roll at Nar Nar Goon in 1914, so she existed, and he obviously had some contact with Nar Nar Goon as he was recognised on the Honour Roll.  Ironically, when he returned from active service, lets say he was 17 when he joined up, he would only have been 20 when he returned, still not old enough to enrol to vote! You certainly have to admire his spirit.

Lia,  Matthew (SN 471) Matthew enlisted in Lithgow, N.S.W, on January 2, 1916. His next of kin was his father, Joseph Lia of Nar Nar Goon.  Matthew was awarded the Military Medal. After the War he was granted leave for 'non military employment' at A.C Carson Artificial Flower Manufacturing Company  and was discharged on June 7, 1920.

Liston,  Thomas   (SN 1514)  The Honour Board has a C. Liston  listed, but the only Liston  I could find with a Nar Nar Goon connection was Thomas. Thomas was 29 when he enlisted on November 10, 1914. He was a farm labourer and his next of kin were his parents who lived in Brunswick. Thomas enlisted at Tynong, the Attesting Officer was William Carney, Shire of Berwick President and his medical examination was held in Nar Nar Goon. He Returned to Australia on June 23, 1919. As a matter of interest, there was a Private A. Liston who had a connection to Hallam, and I don't know for sure who he is, either, so for some reason the Liston soldiers are proving hard to identify.

Madden, Frank  (SN 1798) Frank enlisted on January 13, 1915 at the age of 19. His mother, Mrs G. Madden of Nar Nar Goon was listed as his next of kin.   Frank was awarded the Military Medal. He Returned to Australia on April 8, 1919.  Frank and Thomas (below) are brothers and they were both wool sorters by occupation - their parents are later listed at 9 Caroline Street, Clifton Hill.

Madden, Thomas William  (SN 2232)  Thomas' address on the Embarkation Roll is Nar Nar Goon and he was 25 years old when he enlisted on April 1, 1916. He Died of Wounds on October 18, 1917 in Belgium. He is the brother of Frank, above.

Matthews, Frederick George Gladstone  (SN 2272)  George, the son of William Matthews of Nar Nar Goon enlisted on July 24, 1915.  He  Returned to Australia on July 22, 1917 and was discharged from the Army when he got home due to a gun shot wound in the left knee.

McCarthy, Daniel Patrick  (SN 10447) Daniel enlisted on August 10, 1915. He was an orphan and his next of kin was his brother, Edward, of Nar Nar Goon. He Returned to Australia on May 20, 1919.

Moore,  Walter Frederick (SN Depot) Walter enlisted on September 18, 1918. He was 21 and the son of Arthur Charles Moore of Nar Nar Goon. Walter did not get to serve overseas as the War ended. Walter is on both Honour Rolls.

Pakenham Gazette September 20, 1918

Mortimer, Thomas Ernest Gregory (SN 6900A)  Thomas enlisted on August 17, 1917. He was born in Longwarry,  He was  school teacher and his next of kin was his father, George Mortimer, of Nar Nar Goon. He Returned to Australia on July 23, 1919.

Nash,  H   I haven't worked out who this man is. We know that he did not  return (or made the Supreme Sacrifice as the Honour Board states) but I can't find a Nash on the Australian War Memorial Roll of Honour with a Nar Nar Goon connection. I thought he might have a connection to the Nash family of Bunyip, but he isn't on the Bunyip War Memorial. so I don't feel that is the case.

O'Brien,  James Arthur (SN 2737) James was born in Nar Nar Goon and enlisted on May 3, 1916. He was a hardware assistant and the family was living in Yarroweyah (between Strathmerton and Cobram) when he enlisted.  He Returned to Australia on October 20, 1918. James is listed only on the Nar Nar Goon North State School Honour Board. 

O’Brien, James Joseph   (SN 1876) James was born in Nar Nar Goon and was 20 when he enlisted on July 20, 1915. His next of kin was his mother, Elizabeth Mary O'Brien of Nar Nar Goon. He Returned to Australia on November 25, 1917 and discharged as he had a gun shot wound to the left leg 'involving the joint.'  James is on both Honour Rolls.

O’Brien, Daniel Francis (SN 2379)  Daniel enlisted on August 16, 1916. His next of kin was his sister, Katherine O'Brien, of Nar Nar Goon. He Returned to Australia on  February 15, 1918.

Olsen, Charles Christian  (SN 3898) Charles was born and lived in Nar Nar Goon and was  sawmill worker. He enlisted on July 14, 1915. He was Killed in Action on June 12, 1917.  Charles and Richard (below) are brothers, the sons of Andrew and Martha (nee Warren) Olsen. Charles is on both Honour Rolls.

Olsen, Richard Henry  (SN 3026) Richard was born in Williamstown, Victoria and his next of kin when he enlisted on June 8, 1915 was his mother, Martha Olsen of Nar Nar Goon. Richard enlisted in South Australia.  He Returned to Australia on March 23, 1919. Richard is on both Honour Rolls.

Ord, Albert Leslie (SN 3889) Albert enlisted on August 7, 1915. He was the son of Frederick Ord of Nar Nar Goon. He died in France, of wounds  on September 26, 1916

Pepper, Harry Higham (SN 2744) Harry enlisted on August 2, 1915, his next of kin was his mother, Mary Ann Pepper of Nar Nar Goon and his occupation was farmer. He was Killed in Action in France on August 9, 1918.

Perry, Silas Cole  (SN 1337)  Silas was born at Nhill, his next of kin was his father, James Perry of Nar Nar Goon and he enlisted on November 2, 1914. He Returned to Australia on February 2, 1919.

Pettman, Isac William (SN 2419) Isac (unusually spelt with only one a) enlisted at Tynong,  on May 31, 1915. His next of kin were his parents, Isaac and Ellen, who were from Bunyip; he was labourer and 19 years old. He Returned to Australia on July 1, 1919. In 1919, Isac married Doris Augusta Blackwell, the sister of Gilbert and Bernard, listed above.

Prior, James Stanley Glenth (SN 31721) Mr Prior enlisted using only his middle name Stanley.   He was a Compositor, born in South Melbourne and enlisted in Claremont, Tasmania on October 16, 1916. His next of kin was his father, James, of Braeburn, Nar Nar Goon. He Returned to Australia on July 1, 1919

Reid, Kenneth Sutherland  (SN 14065) Kenneth was 18 when he enlisted on March 17, 1916. He was the son of Mr W. Reid of Nar Nar Goon and was a Medical Student at the time and had already spent a year with the Melbourne University Rifles. He Returned to Australia on February 28, 1919. According to the Electoral Roll he later became a research chemist.

Richardson, Henry Christopher (SN Depot) Henry, the brother of  Walter, below, enlisted on September 16, 1918. He passed the Light Horse riding test, but did not get to serve overseas as the War finished.

Richardson, Walter Sidney  (SN 3227)  Walter enlisted on July 14, 1915, his next of kin were his parents, Christopher and Jessie Richardson of Nar Nar Goon. He Returned to Australia on August 8, 1919.Walter is the brother of Henry, above.

Rogers, Vaughan Arthur  (SN 1275)  The  Honour Roll has a T.A Rogers listed, but I am pretty sure that it should be V.A Rogers and I cannot find any T. Rogers with a  Nar Nar Goon connection. Vaughan enlisted on July 20, 1915, he was the son of  W.H Rogers of Nar Nar Goon. He caught Rheumatic Fever and was sent home to Australia from England in October 1916 and discharged from the Army on February 16, 1917. Vaughan is on both Honour Rolls.

Rowe W  I have not discovered who this is. There is a W. J Rowe listed on  a list of  soldiers who enlisted from the Shires of Berwick and Cranbourne, but even with the initial of the middle name, I still can't find a Rowe with a Nar Nar Goon connection.

Smith, James Francis  (SN 2563) James was born and lived at Nar Nar Goon, he was the son Marmaduke Smith. He enlisted on April 19, 1916. He was Killed in Action in France on February 14, 1917. James is on both Honour Rolls.

Startup, Rupert Walter   There are no Startups who enlisted in the First World War according to the records at the War Memorial and the National Archives, however Rupert, born in 1896, did enlist in the Second World War in 1940, so I can only assume that this is the man on the Honour Board. Rupert was listed on the 1919 Electoral roll at Nar Nar Goon. Startup is a very well known Nar Nar Goon name - John Startup and a Mr Kettle took up the Mt Ararat run in 1854 - this run was said to extend from Pakenham to Drouin.

Nar Nar Goon Honour Roll

Photograph courtesy of the  Casey Cardinia Remembers website

www.caseycardiniaremembers.org.au

Taylor,  William David (SN 4530) William enlisted January 31, 1916, he was 30 years old and living with his wife, Cecelia,in Nar Nar Goon.  He was Killed in Action in France on March 27, 1917.

Wade, A   I don't know who this. There is an Arthur Wade on the 1914 Electoral Roll at Nar Nar Goon - his occupation is a groom. but if he did enlist I cannot work out  which of six Arthur Wades he might be (if any) as none have a Nar Nar Goon connection. I have checked the 14 A.Wades who enlisted and once again none have an obvious Nar Nar Goon connection and neither do the other 128 Wades.

Warren, Robert James (SN 5099) Robert was 18 and an orchardist when he enlisted on February 2, 1916. His next of kin was his mother, Catherine Warren of Nar Nar Goon. He Returned to Australia on April 1, 1919. Robert is on both Honour Rolls.

White, Sydney Pleno (SN 3638)  Sydney enlisted on July 12, 1915. He was born in England and his next of kin was his father in England and he was a coachsmith. His address on his Embarkation papers was Toorak however there is a Sydney Pleno White on the 1914 Electoral Roll at Nar Nar Goon (occupation farmer) so I presume, with that unusual middle name, that they are the same person. Sydney Returned to Australia on July 4, 1919. He was in Pakenham in the 1924 Roll, occupation orchardist and in Berwick in the 1931 Roll, occupation Dairy farmer. He died in Berwick in 1954.

Wilson, Robert Charles Percy (SN 685) Robert enlisted in January 3, 1917. He and his wife, Rachel, lived in Nar Nar Goon where Robert was the Station Master. He was part of the 1st Australian Light Railway Operating Company and was  awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal.  Robert Returned to Australia on May 11, 1919

Acknowledgement: 
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.

Narre Warren War Memorial

The Narre Warren War Memorial was officially unveiled by Colonel George Knox on March 12, 1922 (1).  It was originally erected on the corner of the Princes Highway and the Narre Warren North Road at the recreation reserve. The original memorial had a lovely arch, which you can see in the photograph, below. The arch was removed in 1949 or 1950.  The War Memorial was moved in 1993 to a location near the Civic Centre at Narre Warren and is now located on the Bunjil Place forecourt.

Narre Warren War Memorial, erected 1923.

Photograph: Oak Trees and Hedges: a pictorial history of Narre Warren, Narre Warren North and Harkaway

I have done some research on the men listed on the Narre Warren War Memorial, which has the names of 29 men. The list of names came from the Casey Cardinia Remembers website entry on the Memorial, read it here.  It took a while to identify some of the men and there are still a few I still haven't been able to identify. If you know any information about these soldiers, then I would love to hear from you. It's interesting to note that seven of the men had a Narre Warren connection because their fathers were Victorian Railway employees and had been appointed to the Narre Warren Railway Station. What follows is the list of First World Soldiers who are listed on the War Memorial, their connection to Narre Warren and their Service Number (SN) so you can look up their full service records on the National Archives website, www.naa.gov.au

I have also researched the 18 men on the Narre Warren North War Memorial and any other men not on either Memorial, but who have a connection to the area. You can read about them here.

Brown, J  This man is currently a mystery. There were two Mr Browns who had a Narre Warren address  and they were brothers -   Robert Woodside Brown (SN 3040) who enlisted July 21, 1915. He was a 24 year old farmer.  Robert Returned to Australia on May 18, 1919. His brother,  Alfred Hart Brown (SN 1217) was a 21 year old carpeneter and he enlisted on November 8, 1916.  Alfred Returned to Australia on December 11, 1918. They were the sons of Edward and Claudia (nee Kerr) Brown of Narre Warren North. Neither of them are J. Browns, so if anyone knows who this is, I would be interested to know.

Farewell to Alf Brown, Herbert Battersby and Walter Young.

Berwick Shire News May 3, 1916  http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article92089861

Buchanan, Eric Alexander  (SN 1676) Eric was from Station Street, Berwick and enlisted on July 14, 1915. He was a 21 year old Clerk, the son of Charles and Christina (nee McPhail) Buchanan. Eric Returned to Australia on July 23, 1919. I am not sure of Eric's full connection to Narre Warren  - he was born in Yarrawonga, but his mother changed her address as next of kin in January 1919 to Narre Warren North. The Dandenong Advertiser had an article on October 10, 1918 (see here) about the death of Trooper Louis Tchampian of Cockatoo and it mentioned that he was a pal of Sergt. Eric Buchanan of Narre Warren, so Eric was obviously identified with Narre Warren.

Farewell function for Eric Buchanan

Berwick Shire News October 13, 1915 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article92091152

Burns, Charlie  I know this is Charlie Burns, as there are various reports in local papers at the time of his talents as a entertainer at local functions. At the annual cricket club concert held October 9, 1914, Charlie was again to the fore with his humourous songs, clog dances and spoon items (Berwick Shire News and Pakenham Gazette October 14, 1914)  There was  a report of his recent enlistment in the February 16, 1916 issue of the paper. The AIF Project website has five Charles Burns who enlisted from Victoria and going by occupation (he's  a labourer) and date of enlistment I believe (but I cannot confirm) that our Charles has the Service Number of 4373 and enlisted on December 24, 1915. He Returned to Australia May 29, 1919.

Charlie Burns enlists

Pakenham Gazette  February 16, 1916

Dewar, Alfred James (no SN listed) Alfred enlisted on July 20, 1915 and he died of 'cerebro spinal meningitis'  less than a month later on August 15, 1915. His father's address was Drouin on the enlistment papers. A report in the Berwick Shire News and Pakenham Gazette of August 18, 1915 said the  Dewar family of Drouin who have suffered so severely through the meningitis epidemic were some years ago residents of Harkaway. Mr Dewar owned a property on Hessell's Road near the old church. An earlier report in The Argus (August 13, 1915) said that Private Dewar had returned home suffering form what he thought was influenza, but it turned out to be meningitis and his mother, who was nursing him contracted the disease and died after 24 hours illness. A tragic story.

Duncan, D   I believe this may be David Baird Duncan  (SN 2366) based solely on his occupation of Orchardist. There were two other D. Duncans who enlisted from Victoria -  David John Duncan (SN 2292)  was a coach builder and David Francis Duncan (SN 6665) was a jeweller, both have a Melbourne address. The Bailey family has established  an orchard at Narre Warren North in the 1890s and this was the first of many orchards in this area, thus being an orchardist is a likely occupation for someone from Narre Warren, but I cannot find any actual connection to this area. David was born in Scotland and enlisted on May 10, 1915 at the age of 20. He Returned to Australia April 5, 1919.

Duncan, James Ramsay (SN 432) James was born in Berwick and he enlisted on September 28, 1914. He was a 30 year old commercial traveller.  James was a Lieutenant and he returned to Australia on April 15, 1918. He was discharged on medical grounds suffering from Pulmonary Tuberculosis.

Dunwell, Fred   (SN 1392)    Fred was from Narre Warren and he enlisted July 31,  1915. He was a 25 year old carpenter, born in Yorkshire, and his next of kin was his sister, Hannah, also of Narre Warren.  Fred returned to Australia on July 18, 1919.

Hillbrich, A  I am not sure who this is - There are only three Hillbrichs (or Hillbricks as they are spelt on the Nominal and Embarkation Rolls) who enlisted - Ernest and Harold are written about below and the other one was Norman (SN 5326) who enlisted on January 4, 1916 and Died of Wounds on May 6, 1917. He was the son of Gustav Wilhelm and Jessie (nee Neame) Hillbrich and born in Korumburra according  to his enlistment paper. His mother was living in Western Australia, which is where he enlisted. The Memorial lists A. Hillbrich as having returned, so that doesn't tally with Norman's record. 
Hillbrich, Ernest William  (SN 3989 and 1045)  Ernest was a  19 year old farmer from Narre Warren when he enlisted on March, 9, 1915. He was born in New South Wales, the son of Edward Gustave and Amy (nee Morton) Hillbrich. Ernest Returned to Australia on March 28, 1919.
Hillbrich, Harold Herbert (SN 11760)  Harold was born in Narre Warren to Ernst Johann Gottlieb and Maria Augusta (nee Schoppe) and enlisted on November 3, 1915. He was a 22 year old postman. Harold Returned to Australia on June 12, 1919.

The three Hillbrich boys are all descendants of Johann and Maria (nee Wagner) Hillbrich who settled in Harkaway in 1855. Norman and Harold were grandsons; Ernest was the son of Harold's older brother and he was thus a great grandson. (Some of this family information is from Early Settlers of the Casey Cardinia District, see here).

Ireland, Percy Markham De Courcy (SN 1116) Percy's parents, De Courcy and Margaret Ireland are listed in the Electoral Rolls at Narre Warren in 1903, so it is possible that Percy went to school at Narre Warren. In 1914 the family was living in Heidelberg. Percy enlisted on May 25, 1915; he was a 21 year old Electrical Engineer. Percy Returned to Australia on April 13, 1919.

Kent, Alfred Ernest (SN 3336). Alfred enlisted on August 2, 1915 at the age of 40.   Alfred is also on the Berwick Grammar School memorial in Church Street, Berwick.  He was born in Berwick and was married to Alice Webb, the daughter of Sidney and Ann Webb.  Lance Corporal Kent was Killed in Action in France on May 5, 1916.
Kent, Charles Edward  ( SN 237)  Charles was a 36 year old farmer from Narre Warren and he enlisted on February 28, 1916. He was born in Berwick. Charles Returned to Australia on April 5, 1918. 
Kent, Norman Archibald  (SN 1009) Norman enlisted on October 1, 1914. He was 32 years old, born in Narre Warren and a farmer.  Second Lieutenant Kent Died of Wounds on April 12, 1917.

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. 

The sad news of the Kent family

Pakenham Gazette, May 18 1917 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article92155593

MacKenzie, Dugald (SN 6069) Dugald enlisted on March 22, 1916. He 33 years old, was a widower and his occupation was 'nurseryman labourer'. His address on enlistment was Cecil Street in South Melbourne, but a Dugald MacKenzie is listed in the 1914 Electoral Rolls at Narre Warren, occupation Nurseryman, so I am sure that we have the right man. Dugald was Killed in Action in France on May 4, 1917. He left behind a daughter, Edna, who was being cared for by her grandmother, Kate O'Shea of Footscray.

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article120982275

I came across this note from the Upper Murray & Mitta Herald of May 31, 1917 about the death of  a Dugald MacKenzie. Firstly, the age does not tally with the age of 'our' Dugald, however Mr Stedman was the Station Master at Narre Warren in from 1898 until 1906 and his two sons are also on the Memorial. Mrs Stedman was Helen Jane Bell and Dugald was the son of Archibald MacKenzie and Jessie Bell. This means that Dugald was the first cousin of the Stedman boys, listed below.

McClure, Alexander David  (SN 516) Alexander enlisted on February 10, 1915. He was the son of Colin McClure. Alexander was a miner from Benalla when he enlisted and I found his connection to Narre Warren in a report in the Berwick Shire News and Pakenham Gazette of May 17, 1916. the report states that McClure, road foreman on the Victorian railways at Yackandandah, who was well known in this district as one of the prominent members of the Narre Warren Cricket Club, has had the sad misfortune to lose his son in the war. The article then has some reports from his friends about his death and his friend said that Alexander died as he lived, game and cheerful to the last. Alexander Died of Wounds, received at Gallipoli,  November 20, 1915.

Mouser, George.   Lieutenant George Mouser  enlisted on May 1, 1916. 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.  He Returned to Australia on July 24, 1919. George is also listed on the Bunyip Methodist Church Honour Roll  His father was at the Bunyip Station around 1903.

Muffett, John Henry (SN 3104) He is listed as Muffit on the War Memorial.   John enlisted on January 6, 1917 and was Killed in Action on August 26, 1918. I believe that the connection to Narre Warren can be found in a report in South Bourke and Mornington Journal on April 8, 1903. The article reports that railway line repairer, Benjamin Muffit (sic) was killed on the railway line. Muffit resided in a gate house on Lalor's Road, about a quarter of a mile from the Narre Warren Station. He was 42 years old at the time of the accident and he left a wife and four children. There is a birth of a John Henry Muffett in 1892 to a Benjamin and Mary Muffett and his next of kin on his enlistment paper is his mother, Mary. I believe that John is the son of the deceased railway worker and may have went to school at Narre Warren.

The Narre Warren War Memorial at the Civic Centre.

Photograph courtesy of the  Casey Cardinia Remembers website

www.caseycardiniaremembers.org.au

Neil,  W  No luck so far in identifying this soldier. There was a William Neill who was the Station Master at Narre Warren from April 1912 until he was transferred to Yarra Glen on June 1, 1914. Is this the connection? He had a son Wilfred Vivian born 1894 but I can't find any evidence that he enlisted.  Any help appreciated on this one.

Nutter, S  There were only four men who enlisted with the surname of Nutter - Alan and Lawrence are brothers from Killara in Sydney; John Nutter was from England and enlisted in Sydney and doesn't seem to have any connection with the area. There is also a William  Nutter Scott, born in England and enlisted in Sydney and once again I can find no connection between him and this area.

Sage, Louis Francis (SN 30437)  When Louis enlisted on March 2, 1916 his next of kin was his mother, Margaret Sage of Narre Warren North and he was 23 years old and  a farmer. He Returned to Australia on January 30, 1918. He was discharged on medical grounds, due to acute rheumatism.

Smith George Stephen (SN 3679).  George was born in Horsham and was living at Longwarry when he enlisted on  August 7, 1915. He was Killed in Action in France on March 31, 1917.  It took some research to identify George as, according to the Australian War Memorial website, there were 53 G. Smiths who did not return, of these 19 were Victorians, so I concentrated on these 19 and still could not find  a Narre Warren connection until I found a George Adolphus Smith listed in the 1903 Electoral Roll, where he was the Station Master at Narre Warren. Then I went back to my 19 soldiers and discovered that our George was the son of a George Adolphus Smith and that the elder George was listed as the Station Master at Longwarry in 1914 Electoral rolls, so it all fitted. George was 19 when he enlisted in 1915, thus born around 1896. An article in the South Bourke and Mornington Journal of  June 23, 1909 reports that Mr George Smith was leaving Narre Warren after eight years as Assistant Station Master, so both young George and his brother, William (see below) would have attended Narre Warren State School. As a matter of interest, Colin McClure, the father of Alexander McClure, above, 'occupied the chair' for the Smith's farewell social.
Smith William Edward (SN 20121) William is also the son of George Adolphus and Alice Elizabeth (nee Bail) Smith and was born at Creswick and was living at Longwarry when he enlisted on April 4, 1917, just four days after his brother was killed. He was 18, thus born about 1899. William Returned to Australia July 18, 1919.

Stedman, Albert  (SN 3262) Albert enlisted on July 14, 1915 at the age of 18 years and 8 months, or so he said.  He was an 'asbestos worker' not an occupation that you hear of today. His father, also called Albert, was Station Master at Outtrim, was listed as his next of kin.  Albert was Killed in Action in France on July 28, 1916 and a newspaper report on The Herald said he was actually on 17 years and 8 months old, so he was only 16 when he enlisted. 
Stedman, Walter (SN 3909) Walter enlisted on November 4, 1915. He was 26 years old and a grocer. Walter Returned to Australia February 13, 1917 and discharged on medical grounds due to a gun-shot wound to his right foot. 

Albert senior was the Station Master at Narre Warren for eight years and he left in July 1906 as he was appointed to Port Fairy. A report in the South Bourke and Mornington Journal of July 11, 1906 says that Mrs and Mrs Stedman had a very enjoyable farewell  social at the Mechanics' Institute. The boys are the first cousins of Dugald MacKenzie, listed above.

Report of Albert Stedman's death.

The Herald November 29, 1916 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article242453294

Wanke, Arthur Robert (SN 1427)  Arthur enlisted on March 3, 1916. He Returned to Australia on December 12, 1918.
Wanke, Frederick William (SN 6379) Frederick enlisted on April 28, 1916 and Died of Wounds received May 17, 1918.

The boys were the sons of Emmanuel and Bertha (nee Aurisch) Wanke of Narre Warren.  Fred's death and this photograph was in the Dandenong Advertiser on July 4, 1918 - 

Quite a gloom was cast over the district of Harkaway when the sad news recently came to hand, that

Private Fred. Wanke had been killed in action "Somewhere in France," on 17th May. This young hero was born and educated at Harkaway, and took a keen interest in any movement that was likely to improve the district. He was a member of the Harkaway Young Men's Club, and was always a true sport. When in camp, while on many of the numerous expeditions with his mates, his motto was: "Age before honor," and he never could do too much for any of the older members of the party. "Fred" was of most genial and obliging disposition, and was 28 years of age. He left a good home and loving parents, to go forth and do his share with the boys in the trenches, where he made the extreme sacrifice. When on furlough he devoted his time to studying the different methodsof farming, and was keen on acquiring a knowlege of new ideas. Much sympathy is expressed by his many friends throughout the district, for Mr and Mrs Wanke and family, of "Hillcroft" who have lost a noble son, and brother. Private Arthur Wanke a brother of this fallen soldier, and who was also a member of the Harkaway

Young Men's Club, is on active service in France. (Dandenong Advertiser on July 4, 1918, see here)

Wauchope, Neil Andrew (SN 2239)  Neil was born at Narre Warren and he enlisted on July 9, 1915. He was 26 years old and a butter maker. He Returned to Australia on August 24, 1918 and discharged on medical grounds due to  cardiac insufficiency. Neil was the son of William and Maggie Jane (nee Brunt) Wauchope. 

Woodley, George Herbert (SN 4570)  George enlisted on August 18, 1915. He was a 32 year old salesman and his next of kin was his wife, Maggie, whose address was Powlett Street, East Melbourne. On July 3, 1919 George requested that he be discharged in London, rather than having to return to Australia, as he had a position waiting for me in Calcutta and my presence is necessary there in August.  This was granted. George's brother, Ernest Simmill Woodley, had enlisted on August 16, 1915 but  he was discharged due to being medically unfit on May 29, 1916 as he suffered from 'traumatic epilspsy'.  George and Ernest were the sons of Thomas and Hannah (nee Buckley) Woodley. Thomas operated a baker's shop on the corner of the Princes Highway and Webb Street (click here to see a picture of the shop). Thomas had died on New Year's Day, 1906, he had gone to Melbourne to watch an interstate cricket match and partook of a meat pie after leaving the cricket ground, and that the pie caused ptomaine poisoning, which, with a subsequent sharp attack of peritonitis, was the cause of death (South Bourke & Mornington Journal January 3, 1906).

This picture was taken in 1993, just after the Memorial was moved to the Civic Centre site.That's long serving Council Officer, David Westlake with a colleague.

Footnote

(1) A short report of the unveiling can be found in the Box Hill Reporter, March 17, 1922, see here. You can read Colonel Knox's Australian Dictionary of Biography entry here. The City of Knox is named after him. 

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.

Berwick Footballers who enlisted

This is a report from the Berwick Shire News of March 8, 1916 which lists the 23 Berwick Football Club players who had enlisted for active service (even though the article says 24). I have done some research to try to work out who these men were and I have also used the research of Chris McKenna of the Berwick RSL, who has researching local soldiers for many years.  I have listed their Service Numbers (SN) so you can look up  their full record on the National Archives site www.naa.gov.au

Berwick Shire News March 8, 1916

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-page8579525

Avard, Hugo (Richard Hugo Turnbull Avard) (SN 1851) Hugo worked for the Post Office before he enlisted on September 11, 1915. He returned to Australia on September 26, 1917.

Bannan, John Joseph. (SN 1126) He is listed as Bannon on the War Memorial in Berwick and as Badnan on the Nominal rolls. John was quarryman, who enlisted on June 14, 1915 aged 24. He was married to Mary Ann and they lived in Berwick. He died of disease on October, 16, 1918.

Baxter, Frederick Edward (SN 4440) Fred enlisted on March 5, 1915. He was a gunner. He was Killed in Action in France on August 22, 1918. 

This is a report from The South Bourke and Mornington Journal of May 6, 1915 about Gunner Baxter's enlistment.

Bragg, Arthur Robert (SN 2564)  Arthur and his wife Emily had the Central Hotel Beaconsfield. Arthur enlisted on August 2, 1915 at the age of 39. He was Killed in Action on July 19, 1916.   Arthur is also listed on the Beaconsfileld War Memorial.

The Truth November 27, 1915

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article119779493

I found this interesting account of Arthur Bragg's divorce in The Truth newspaper of  November 27, 1915 - it's a bit hard to read but it appears that Mrs Bragg owned a hotel in Cloncurry, which she sold and she then purchased the Central Hotel in Beaconsfield. Arthur got into debt, they quarrelled and he joined up, but later admitted that he had been 'misconducting himself with women' The couple had three children. It lists his age as 44, 5 years older than the age he gave when he enlisted.  

Brocklebank, Ralph Thomas. (SN 3012) Lieutenant Brocklebank enlisted on July 20, 1915 age 22. He was a Bank Clerk. He returned to Australia April, 27 1919.

Buchanan, Eric Alexander. (SN 1676). Eric was a Clerk from Berwick when he enlisted on July 14, 1915 age 21. He was in the Light Horse and returned to Australia on July 23, 1919.

Clements, John William Henry  (SN 5995) John was a teacher at Officer State School when he enlisted on June 16, 1916. he returned to Australia September 25, 1919.

Crabtree, Walter (SN 242a). Walter, a driver, enlisted in Berwick on February 29, 1916. He returned to Australia August 22, 1919.

Faragher, Leslie Victor (SN 2624) Leslie was employed by R. J Espie as a blacksmith before he enlisted on August 2, 1915. He was Killed in Action in France on May 16, 1916.

Fleer, Harold Edward (SN 3112). Harold was a farmer from Harkaway when he enlisted on July 7, 1915 aged 18. Hist parents Edward and Martha Fleer, gave permission as Harold was under 21. Harold returned to Australia on April, 13, 1919.

Griffin, James Daniel (SN 26752) James, a labourer,  was living in Berwick when he enlisted on January 17, 1916. Returned to Australia June 16, 1919.

Grigg, Donald Douglas (SN 85a) Donald was a farmer and lived in Berwick when he enlisted on March 24, 1915.   Returned to Australia January 2, 1919.

Lewis, Frederick (SN 3897) Frederick was 24 when he enlisted. His occupation was baker's driver. His next of kin was his father, Caleb Lewis, of Wilson Street, Berwick.  Fred Returned to Australia March 28, 1919. Fred worked for Donald Rowe, baker, of Narre Warren. You can read about him, here. 

Loveridge, Ellis (Alfred Ellis Loveridge) ( SN 7880) Storekeeper of Berwick and enlisted on June 15, 1915. Returned to Australia May 3, 1919. 

Lyall, Edmund Ramsden (SN 3170). Edmund was a teacher at the Berwick State school when he enlisted July 24, 1915 aged 20 years, 11 months. He was the son of  John Lyall of Jindivick. Edmund was Killed in Action, in France, on November, 11 1916.

McKay, Albert Duncan (SN 4758) Albert, a labourer,  enlisted on February 2, 1916 and Returned to Australia on June 6, 1918.

Munro, Robert (SN 6542) Robert was a Quarryman and enlisted on June 5, 1915. Not surprisingly, as he had worked in a Quarry he was a Sapper. He returned to Australia April 13, 1919.

O'Sullivan, William (SN 3867) William was 27 when he enlisted on July 9, 1915. He is next of kin was listed as his cousin, Maud Maynard. He died of a self-inflicted gun shot wound on July 19, 1916. 

Randle, Henry George (SN 1274). Henry enlisted on July 7, 1915 aged 27. He was an orchardist from Narre Warren. Henry returned to Australia on May 15, 1919. He was in the First Light Horse Regiment.

Sherriff, Arthur Mason (SN 4529)  Arthur was a nursery man of Narre Warren and enlisted on December 24, 1915. He returned to Australia August 25, 1917. 

Smith, Clarence John (SN 107) Clarence, a horse driver,  enlisted February 4, 1916 and was Killed in Action in Belgium on June 8, 1917.

Warne, Charles Frederick Peneligon  (SN 254) Charles was 42 years old and a painter when he enlisted on January 29, 1916. He Returned to Australia Septermber 23, 1919.

Young, Walter Leslie (SN 632) There is a Walter Leslie Young listed in the 1914 Electoral roll, occupation merchant, address Narre Warren North and a Walter Leslie Young, occupation grocer, enlisting on February 2, 1916 so I believe that W. Young is this person. Plus there is an account of a Private Walter Young having a farewell social at Narre Warren North in April 1916, so I am confident we have the correct man. Walter Returned to Australia on May 27, 1919.

Patriotic Concerts

Not long after the  Great War commenced, communities had already began to hold concerts and events to raise money for the 'war effort'.  Here are reports about three  early concerts - one held at Berwick on August 26, 1914; Tonimbuk on October 3, 1914 and the other held at Koo-Wee-Rup on October 30, 1914. These reports are of interest for a number of  reasons - firstly they show how quickly small towns were to support the 'war effort.' Secondly, the reports provide an interesting snapshot of the social life of small towns at the time - who was involved and what songs and music were presented. Finally, they are interesting from a family history point of view - perhaps one of your ancestors or relatives were involved in the concerts. 

South Bourke and Mornington Journal September 3. 1914

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article66186065

Bunyip Free Press October 8, 1914

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article129629643

South Bourke and Mornington Journal  November 5, 1914

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article66186454