Caulfield Area Memorials website

The centenary of World War One has not only been a time of reflection but has been an opportunity to create new memorials, especially on-line memorials, to commemorate our soldiers. One such new memorial is the Caulfield Area Memorials website http://www.caulfieldareamemorials.org 
This website, which is still  a work in progress,  covers  Great War Memorials in Glen Eira, Caulfield, St Kilda, McKinnon, Bentleigh and Murrumbeena. You can see the list of memorials covered by this website, here. The website partners are the Caulfield RSL, the Glen Eira Honour Roll project and the Brighton Cemetorians.

  

The City of Caulfield Honor Roll. The Roll was officially unveiled  February 25, 1931. 

www.gleneira.vic.gov.au

Even though these towns are outside the Casey Cardinia region some of our soldiers have links to these area, here are a few examples. SN stands for Service Number.

Frank McNamara is on the Caulfield Town Hall Honour Roll as his family home was Royal Parade, Caulfield. Frank, however, was a teacher at Koo Wee Rup North State School when  he enlisted. In spite of this, he was not listed on the Koo Wee Rup North State School Honour Board 
Frank was awarded the Victoria Cross, one of only 64 awarded during the Great War to Australians, so he was a remarkable man. You can read more about him, here.

Louis Andrews (SN 4493) is in the database and was living in Glenferrie Road in Malvern when he enlisted. After he served overseas he resumed his occupation of printer and lived at Noble Park. He is buried at the Brighton Cemetery and the Brighton Cemetorians (the 'Friends Group' of the Brighton Cemetery) are involved in this database project, as many of the soldiers listed are buried there. Louis came from a pioneering Hallam family, being the grandson of John and Bridget Andrews, who settled in Hallam in 1854. You can read about them, here.

Alfred Scharf (SN 962) and Richard Scharf  (SN 7961) have trees in the Brighton Avenue of Honor - Richard's tree was in North Road and Alfred's tree in Point Nepean Road (Nepean Highway). Their parents, Henry and Liselle had lived on Finck's Road in Yallock, but were living in St Kilda Road in Elsternwick when the boys enlisted. Sadly, neither of the boys returned home - Alfred was Killed in Action in France on August 24, 1916 and Richard Died of Wounds received whilst fighting in France on May 1, 1917. The boys are also on the Yallock Honour Roll, you can read about it, here. The State Library of Victoria has digitised the memorial booklet which lists all the names on the City of Caulfield and Town of Brighton Avenues of Honour, you can see it, here.

 

War Memorial, Caulfield Park. 

State Libary of Victoria Image Image H32492/1068

Bert Keddie (SN 4833) and Thomas Keddie (SN 856) are on the Honour Roll at the Caulfield Town Hall and the Caulfield War Memorial in Caulfield Park. They are also both on the Nar Nar Goon North State School Honour Roll, read about this, here. Their family home was in Toward Street, in Murrumbeena. The boys were both school teachers when they enlisted, one at Ouyen and one at Byaduk. I don't know the exact connection to Nar Nar Goon North - their brother,  Richard James Keddie, was  a teacher at Nar Nar Goon in in 1909-1910 so he  maybe the connection. The boy's parents are James and Jane - James is listed in the Electoral Roll as being a Railway employee - so he may have worked at Nar Nar Goon and the boys went to school there. Not sure.

Arthur Charles Murdoch (SN 2634) is listed on the Caulfield RSL Roll. Arthur was born at Iona but was living in Brighton at the time of his enlistment on October 29, 1917.  George Murdoch, his father,  owned the Cora Lynn store from 1907 until 1922. Arthur is also on the Cora Lynn War Memorial.

This is, as I said before, a work in progress, so if you would like to volunteer or submit information then click on this link -
http://www.caulfieldareamemorials.org/about-the-memorial-database/submitting-information 

Employment Schemes for Returned Soldiers 1919

In 1919 most of the soldiers who had served overseas (and survived) had returned home and they needed employment. Thus, the Commonwealth government has made a gift of £500,000, the amount granted the State of Victoria being £142,276, which is to be expended exclusively on works which will provide immediate employment for returned soldiers who cannot be it once absorbed into the ordinary activities of the community. The amount allotted to each municipality in Victoria was £742. (South Bourke & Mornington Journal (SBMJ) March 20, 1919)

Other conditions included  No portion of  the grant is to be available for the regular employee in the service of a local government authority, nor for any administrative expenses, and the local body must not consider applications for employment on these new works from men who are already in employment. If it should happen that returned soldiers are not available in sufficient numbers within the bounds of any local government area, the Repatriation department reserves the right to send soldiers from other centres, and thus take full advantage of tho new openings for employment. (The Age March 5, 1919)

When the Berwick Shire received the letter regarding this money The secretary suggested that Pakenham and Beaconsfield members expend their portion in clearing roads in their respective ridings, and that, in Berwick and Iona ridings, the money be expended in having metal crushed. The money had to be expended within six months. The clearing of roads was work suitable to put returned soldiers on. (SBMJ March 20, 1919) The suggestion was accepted by the Council.  The South Bourke and Mornington Journal approved  of this idea and wrote     A goodly number of returned men have availed themselves of this opportunity to become once more used to working conditions in their native land. Much valuable work may be done in this way, which other wise would have remained undone for years. (SBMJ July 10, 1919)

Road, Beaconsfield. c. 1914.  Photographer: G.G.M.

This road would have looked  much the same in 1919, when the Berwick Shire Council used the money for clearing roads. 

State Library of Victoria H2002.198/29

At a  Cranbourne Shire meeting   Cr. Hill, suggested that clearing be done on several roads. -Secretary said the money would be divided equally between the riding.-- Councillors were at first sceptical whether the money could be used, but after discussion Cr. Hill moved that the money be equally divided between the three ridings, councillors to draw up works in their respective ridings. (SBMJ April 10, 1919)

There were a number of suggestions as to how this money should be spent. The Closer Settlement Board wrote to Municipalities - suggesting that the council take into consideration the question of utilising a portion of such money in the improvement, of roads leading to estates purchased, for the settlement of returned soldiers. (SBMJ April 17, 1919)

Members of the public also had ideas as to how the money should be expended - this is a letter to the Editor from E.V. Purcell of Greenvale, Cranbourne. Now is the accepted time to make the Fisheries road suitable to travel upon. Seeing that the Commonwealth Government voted £500,000 to the various municipalities, to be spent on local government works, and to give returned soldiers employment, the Fisheries road could be made passable by a judicious and nominal outlay, for the time being. Eventually it will require to be put in order, as settlers will not be ignored indefinitely if it's their desire to make use of their holdings; such cannot be accomplished without good roads. (SBMJ, March 13, 1919)

I have created a short list of articles on Trove on this topic. You can access the list here. All the articles referenced in this post are on the list.

Modella Honour Roll

On Saturday, December 15 2018 a new honour board was unveiled at the Modella public hall, by Mr Colin Teese, the President of the Bunyip R.S.L. The wreath was laid by Mrs Dorothy Goodman, the niece of  John Archibald (Archie)  Lugton and  Mr Wayne  Rogers - the grandson of  William Corbin. The original board had been destroyed when the hall burnt down in the late 1970s. The community, led by Mrs Mavis Martin, should be commended for their work in replacing the board and giving 'their boys', their place in the history of the town. Mavis also generously donated the Honour board. The event was attended by over 50 locals of all ages, a great turn out.

If you want to know who all the soldiers are, then the names are on my Modella soldiers post, read it here.

A Century After the Guns Fell Silent: Remembering the Pakenham District's WWI Diggers 1914-1918

On Sunday, November 11, 2018 Patrick Ferry launched his book on the men and women from the Pakenham area who served in the Great War. The book is called A Century After the Guns Fell Silent: Remembering the Pakenham District's WWI Diggers 1914-1918. A limited edition of 250 copies of the book was produced courtesy of a Centenary of the Armistice Grant from the Department of Veterans' Affairs. However, you can also access the information and download  a free copy of the book on this new website  https://www.pakenhamww1.com/

The  book covers all the people listed on the Pakenham & District War Memorial, Pakenham Upper Roll of Honour, Pakenham Upper State School Honour book, St Patricks School Roll of Honour, Pakenham State School Roll of Honour and the Pakenham South War Memorial.

Patrick spent many hours talking to family members of the soldiers - sometimes it was easy to track down relatives as their family still lived in the area, at other times a fair bit of detective work went into finding family members, some of whom had no idea that their Digger was listed on a memorial in the Pakenham area. This has all resulted in a book with family photos and personal insights in the soldiers and their life after they returned home. The book was also produced with the assistance of members of the Berwick Pakenham Historical Society.The book and website is a great contribution to the history of our area and a tribute to the sacrifice that so many local families made to support Australia during the Great War.

Screen shot of the website showing two of the Ellett brothers of Pakenham South

Soldiers Welcome - Pakenham Upper

A welcome home to local men was held at  Pakenham Upper on June 29 1918. It was reported in the Pakenham Gazette of July 5, 1918.

A welcome home to local men was held in the hall on Saturday last, the 29th ult., when the following soldiers were entertained and each made the recipient of a handsomely framed certificate (except in the case of  Pte. E. Cook, who received a framed enlarged photograph of himself, suitably inscribed), Ptes. E. Cook, B. Mullett and E. Johnstone. The following returned soldiers, who are newcomers 
to the district, were also present, and were tendered a welcome: Lieut. Morris and Staff-Sgt. Lovell. The relatives of the following soldiers who have fallen also received certificates, except in the case of Pte. I. Slessar, in which instance a framed enlarged photograph was given;  Captain Raleigh, Ptes. R, Copeland, H. Warner, - Cornwall, F. B. Doyle and R. Slessar. Pte. Ede and A. Doyle, who have returned, but were not present, are also to receive certificates.

Pakenham Gazette July 5 1918

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article92151754

These are the men listed with their Service Numbers (SN) so you can look up their full record on the National Archives of Australia website www.naa.gov.au

Cook, Edward (SN 2423) Edward enlisted at the age of 29. He was an orchardist and his next of kin was his mother, Mrs M. Cook of Army Road, Pakenham East. Edward Returned to Australia January 10, 1918 and was discharged on medical grounds suffering from pleurisy and broncho pneumonia.

Copeland, Richard Baxter (SN 1097)  Richard was 37 when he enlisted on January 4, 1915. His next of kin was his father, Ware Copeland  of The Grange, Gembrook Road, Pakenham. Richard was Killed in Action on July 28, 1916.

Report on the death of  Bob and Rich. Dandenong Advertiser November 2 1916

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article88662898

Cornwall, Robert Charles (SN 1725)  Robert was 19 he enlisted on December 18, 1914. His next of kin was his mother, Mary Grace Cornwall of Pakenham. Robert was Wounded in Action - gun show wound to buttock and arm - and died on August 4, 1916.

Poignant letter from Mrs Cornwall about her 'laddie'

National Archives of Australia www.naa.gov.au 

First Australian Imperial Force Personnel Dossiers, 1914-1920

Doyle, Arthur James (SN 1374) Arthur was 28 when he enlisted on August 2, 1915. His next of kin was his mother Georgina.  He was sent  overseas but Returned to Australia January 1916 and was discharged on medical grounds on March 11, 1917 - Tubercular Pleurisy.
Doyle, Frank Bertram (SN  4165)  Frank was 19 when he enlisted on July 22, 1915. His next of kin was his father, John, of Nar Nar Goon. Frank died on December 16, 1916 in the University War Hospital, Southampton after being wounded whilst fighting in France. Frank and Arthur were brothers. I believe their parents were separated as the notation on Frank's record says 'father away from home for ten years' Frank's mother Georgina Doyle (nee Kirk) gave her consent to Frank's enlistment. Her address was 'Hill View', Pakenham Upper.

The letter from Georgina Doyle, giving her 19 year old son Frank permission to enlist.

National Archives of Australia www.naa.gov.au 

First Australian Imperial Force Personnel Dossiers, 1914-1920

Ede, Harry  (SN1634) Harry was 40 when he enlisted on November 20 1914. He was an Accountant and a widower and his next of kin was his friend, Mrs P. Fairbairn of Upper Pakenham.  Harry Returned to Australia March 3, 1916 and was discharged on medical grounds in the September. He had Neurasthemia (a 'nerve complaint'). Harry has spent 6 months at Gallipoli and according to his file had lost four stone in weight whilst on Gallipoli and was very tremulous and completely run down. Harry had also served in the Boer War in the Second Battalion, Australian Commonwealth Horse.

Johnstone, E Not sure who this is - I cannot find a E. Johnson or Johnstone with a local connection.

Lovell, Francis  (SN 7)  Francis was 24 when he enlisted on December 13, 1914. He was a fuel merchant. His next of kin was his friend, a widow, Mrs Grace Goland of Collingwood. They were married in 1915. Staff Sergeant Lovell  Returned to Australia January 19, 1916 as he was suffering from severe epilepsy. We know he lived in Pakenham Upper after his return as that was his address when his War pension was determined. Grace's son from her first marriage, William Martin Goland, had been born in 1903.

Francis Lovell's War Pension claims for himself, his wife Grace and his stepson, William.

National Archives of Australia www.naa.gov.au 

First Australian Imperial Force Personnel Dossiers, 1914-1920

Morris, John Crisop.   Lieutenant John Crisop Morris is listed in the Electoral Rolls at Pakenham Upper in 1919, his occupation is orchardist. He enlisted on September 24, 1914 at the age of 38. He had the unusual occupation of actor and he was born in Townsville, enlisted in Melbourne and his mother, who his next of kin, was also from Townsville. He Returned to Australia December 16, 1917 suffering from 'cardiac arythmia'. John had also served in the Boer War - he enlisted on May 1, 1902 in the '7th Battalion Australian Commonwealth Horse for service in South Africa' 

Mullett, Bertram James (SN 599) There is a Bertram James Mullett, farmer, of Gembrook South in the Electoral Rolls from 1909 and I am assuming that he is the same Bertram James Mullet who enlisted on October 26, 1914 at the age of 31. His occupation was farmer and his next of kin was his father, James, of Marshall in Victoria. He served in Egypt, as we can see from the report in the Dandenong Journal, below.  Bert had diptheria and Returned to Australia July 10, 1916 and was discharged on medical grounds in October 1916.

Under Pakenham Upper District News - Dandenong Advertiser March 25, 1915

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article88662237

Raleigh, George Hebden.  Captain Raleigh  has an entry on the Imperial War Museum website -  Unit: Essex Regiment, Squadron Commander of the 4th Squadron, Royal Flying Corps. Death: 20 January 1915 Dunkirk fell out of plane on ground Western Front. You can see a photo of him and read more about his career here.  George's parent - William Thorp and Matilda (nee Hebden) Raleigh, had a property 'Goronga' at Pakenham Upper.  William and Matilda married in 1873 and they had a number of children including George, who was  born in 1878.

Slessar, Robert (SN 3821) Robert enlisted on July 9, 1915. He was a 29 year old Engineer. His next of kin was firstly his father, Robert Slessar, of Pakenham East and after his father died in July 1916,  his mother Mary Grierson Slessar of 'Oak Bank' North Nar Nar Goon. Robert was Killed in Action in France on August 27, 1916. He must have died almost the same day as his father - see report of father's death, below.

The death of Robert's Dad in the Dandenong Advertiser August 3, 1916

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article88658638

Warner, Charles Henry (SN 7081) Harry, as he was known, was 30 when he enlisted on October 19, 1916. He was a farmer and his next of kin was his father, Andrew, of Pakenham Upper. In September 1917 he was shot in the chest by  a machine gun bullet and embarked for Australia, after treatment, on January 11 1918. He died on March 9, 1918.

Dandenong Advertiser March 14, 1918

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article88815793

Soldiers with a connection to Officer

The Officer Public Hall has an Honor Board from the First World War. It was unveiled on Saturday, November 16 1918, in front of a large gathering of residents, according to a report in the Pakenham Gazette. The report goes on to say Like most districts in Victoria, Officer has done its share in providing men who were willing to go overseas to fight for the British flag, and to maintain that liberty and freedom so dear to every Britisher.....The Honor Roll, which was given by Mrs Brunt, sen., is of tasteful design and is constructed of Australian blackwood, on which the names have been painted in gold lettering.  You can read the full report in the Pakenham Gazette of November 22, 1918, here. A supplementary report was published in the next edition of the Pakenham Gazette, listing the three other men who made the Supreme Sacrifice. You can read this, here.

There is another memorial to soldiers in Officer and that is the War Memorial Gates at the Recreation Reserve. They were unveiled on November 11, 1951 (Armistice Day) in front a crowd between 300 to 400 people. This event was reported in the Pakenham Gazette of November 16, 1951. The plaques record the names of ten local men who died in the First World War and five who died in the Second World War. 

What follows is a list of the First World War soldiers on the Honor Roll and Memorial gates, plus a few others with an Officer connection,  their fate (i.e. when they Returned to Australia after active service or when they were Killed in Action) and their Service Number (SN) so you can look up their full service record on the National Archives website (www.naa.gov.au).

The book Officer Primary School, No. 2742 Centenary 1886 - 1986 written by Eileen Williams was very useful in helping to identify the soldiers and is referred to as the Officer Primary School book. 

Officer Honor Board at the Public Hall

Beadel, Percival Thomas (SN 820)  Percival enlisted on March 29, 1915 at the age of 19. He was a labourer and his next of kin was his mother, Mary, of Officer. Percival Died of Wounds on January 17, 1917 - he had suffered multiple gun shot wounds to the abdomen and thigh. Percy is also listed on the Officer Recreation Reserve gates.

Bell, Thomas Stanley (SN 3773) Thomas was a 23 year old labourer when he enlisted on August 12, 1915. His next of kin was his mother, Mary Ann Bell, whose address was St Germains, Clyde. A notation on his file said that his father was 'not recognized'. Thomas Returned to Australia October 18, 1917 and was discharged on medical grounds in January 1918 - Gun shot wound to the thorax. Thomas was also honoured at Cardinia in 1917 when a memorial grove of trees was planted at the Cardinia State School. You can read about this, here.

Boase, Arthur Leslie (SN 7213) Arthur enlisted on August 2, 1915 at the age of 26 and his next of kin was his mother, Mrs H. Jolly of Garfield.  He was discharged on September 16, 1915 due to suffering from pulmonary tuberculosis . He re-enlisted in July 1916 for ‘home’ not active service, but was discharged again on November 7, 1916. Obviously he was very persistent as he enlisted for the third time on November 10, 1916. He was sent to England but Returned to Australia on September 27, 1917 and was discharged as medically unfit on February 1, 1918 as he suffered from bronchitis.  At the time of the second enlistment he was living in Officer and by the time of the third enlistment he was married to Linda and still living in Officer. Arthur is also listed on the Garfield State School Honor Roll, see here.

Brown, P   Cannot specifically find a P. Brown from Officer - there is a Percy Brown (SN 2111) from Beaconsfield Upper and a Percy Brown (SN 7211) from Pakenham, so possibly one of those. I cannot find  a Brown in the Electoral Roll at Officer nor is there a Brown listed in the list of pupils from Officer Primary School book, so Mr P. Brown is a bit of  a mystery at the moment

Bromley, John (SN 1171)
Bromley, Harold (SN 22094)
Bromley, Norman John (SN 20024)
John was 44 when he enlisted on May 4, 1917. He was a farrier and his enlistment papers said he had already served 394 days in the AIF, but had not served abroad. He was sent overseas but Returned to Australia March 16, 1918 suffering from bronchitis and pleuresy. John and his wife, Susan, were living at Officer when their two sons, Harold and Norman, enlisted. The boys both enlisted on June 28, 1915 - Harold was a 22 year old engine driver and Norman was a 19 year old farrier. Harold Returned to Australia June 21, 1919 and Norman in January 1920. Norman married Florence Louise Batchelor in England on August 27, 1919.

Brunt, Archibald Andrew (SN 101)  Archibald enlisted January 11, 1915. He was a 21 year old farmer. Archie Returned to Australia December 18, 1918.
Brunt, Trevor William (SN 358) Trevor enlisted at the age of 24 on August 20, 1914. Lieutenant Brunt Returned to Australia March 5, 1919.
Archie and Trevor were the sons of William and Sarah (nee Buckland) Brunt. William was the son of Ralph and Mary Jane (nee Funston) Brunt of Gin Gin Bean, Officer.

Clements, John William Henry (SN 5995)  John was a 26 year old teacher at Officer State School when he enlisted on June 10, 1916. He Returned to Australia September 25, 1919.

Letter from the Education Department to John Clements giving him permission to enlist. 

  National Archives of Australia www.naa.gov.au 

First Australian Imperial Force Personnel Dossiers, 1914-1920

Davies, Alan Cathcart  Lieutenant Davies was 25 when he enlisted on July 8, 1915. Alan Died of Wounds on April 25, 1918. Alan is also listed on the Officer Recreation Reserve gates.
Davies, Basil Rayner (SN 804). Basil enlisted on February 25, 1916 at the age of 24. He Returned to Australia April 5, 1919. He was awarded the Military Medal.  Alan and Basil were farmers from Officer. The name of their property was  Jesmond Dene. Their next of kin was their mother, Jessie, of  Toorak.

Report of Alan Davies' death

South Bourke & Mornington Journal May 9, 1918

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article66193949

Drummond, A I don't know who this is. I cannot find him in the Electoral Roll at Officer nor is he on the list of pupils from Officer Primary School. I thought he might be connected to the family, below, but I cannot trace an A. Drummond  with the parents listed below.
Drummond, Daniel George (SN 3082)  Daniel enlisted on  July 12, 1915 at the age of 27, he was a farmer and his next of kin was his mother, Margaret,  of Officer.  He married Annie Hopkirk in Scotland before he Returned to Australia April 13, 1919.  Daniel was granted a Soldier Settlement farm, you can read about it here. For some reason Daniel, is not on the Officer Honor Roll.
Drummond, Walter Neil (SN 2571) Walter enlisted at the age of 18 on June 28, 1915. He was a Blacksmith.  His next of kin was listed as his father, William, of Officer. Walter Returned to Australia April 13, 1919
Drummond, William John (SN 2902)    William enlisted on January 31, 1916 at the age of 29. He was a baker and his next of kin was his father, William Peter Drummond of Harkaway. He Returned to Australia on September 5, 1919. William was also granted a Soldier Settlement farm, you can read his file here. I presume he is the J. Drummond listed on the Honor Board.
Daniel, Walter and William are the sons of William and Margaret (nee Duncan).  Daniel was born in Mitta Mitta and William and Walter were born in the neighbouring town of Eskdale.  I presume that William and Margaret moved from Officer to Harkaway in 1916. The boys also have a tree in the Harkaway Avenue of Honour, you can read about this here.

Gregson, Arthur Henry (SN 1552)  Arthur was born at Officer and he enlisted on October 6, 1914. He was a 30 year old bushman and his  next of kin was his father of Fitzroy. Arthur Returned to Australia October 17, 1916 and was discharged on medical grounds - DAH - Disordered action of the heart, a stress syndrome. [If you are looking for Arthur's Service Record on the National Archives of Australia website then they have his Service Number incorrectly listed as 1597]

Handley, C   I cannot find a C. Handley with an local connection (or a Hanley in case the name was spelt incorrectly), nor can I find a Handley who went to school at Officer or a Handley at Officer in the Electoral Roll - so another mystery.

Harris, Claud Alfred (SN 12451)  Claud enlisted on February 2, 1916 at the age of 25. He was a mechanic. His next of kin was his mother, Rosetta Harris, of Edgevale, Beaconsfield Upper. Claud Returned to Australia February 5, 1920. His parents, Solomon and Rosetta Harris are in the Electoral Roll at Officer in 1909. Claud and  his sisters Isa, Lucy, Marian, Ethel and May are listed as starting as pupils at the Officer State School between 1890 and 1900.

Heggart, Edward John (SN 3858)  Edward enlisted on July 10, 1915 at the age of 22. His next of kin was H.Heggart - his father according to the Embarkation Rolls and his brother according to his enlistment paper. It was actually his brother Harry who was living at Officer at the time with his wife, Edith, according to the Electoral Rolls.Their parents were Thomas and Ellen Heggart.   Edward was Wounded in Action (gun shot wound right leg and left forearm) in November 1916 and Returned to Australia December 4, 1918.

Hullet, Charles Franklin  (SN 5690) Charles was born in Officer and was 26 year old electrician (an unusual occupation for the time, he worked at the City Council electric light supply) when he enlisted on March 23, 1916. His wife, Ivy,  was his next of kin and her address was Chelsea. Charles was Killed in Action in France on August 9, 1918. According to the death notice, Charles and Ivy had two children 'little Charlie and Ivy'.

Hunter, A   Another mystery person - I cannot find a A. Hunter (or any Hunter for that matter) with an obvious local connection.

Johnson, Raymond James (SN 2013) Raymond was born at Officer but was living in Lilydale when he enlisted on March 16, 1917 at the age of 24. He was an Assistant Station Master. His next of kin was his father, James. Raymond Returned to Australia July 1, 1919.

Johnston, William (SN 4740) Incorrectly listed as Johnstone on the Honor Board and the Memorial gates. William was 44 when he enlisted on February 1 1916 and his next of kin was his wife, May, of Officer. William was Killed in Action in France on November 12, 1916. William is also listed on the Officer Recreation Reserve gates.

Kenworthy, Lindsay (SN 1816) Lindsay was 19 when he enlisted on March 21, 1916. His next of kin was his father, Ben, of Officer. His Dad later had Mansfield House, Berwick as his address. Lindsay was Wounded in Action in September 1917 - a gun shot wound to his right leg which was amputated.  He Returned to Australia December 13, 1918.

Lecky, James Alexander (SN 19922)  James enlisted on February 25, 1916 at the age of 25. He died of  'wounds  received in action' in France on November 14, 1918. The wound was a gun shot wound to the chest, which he sustained on October 25 1918.
Lecky, William Mervyn  (SN 6612) William enlisted on June 15, 1915 aged 20. He was killed in Action in France on September 1, 1918.
James and William were the sons of James Lecky of Cardinia Park in Officer. James (1841 to 1939) was a Cranbourne Shire Councillor from 1876 until 1905.  Their grandfather, also James (1802 to 1884) had taken up the Gin Gin Bean Run (later named Cardinia Park) at Officer in 1846 and he was a member of the Cranbourne Road Board and the Cranbourne Shire from 1860 until 1881.  Lecky Road in Officer/Pakenham  is named for the family. The boys are also listed on the Cranbourne Presbyterian Church Honor Roll, see here and the Officer Recreation Reserve gates.

Lever, Harry (SN 2833)  Harry was 21 and a farmer from Officer, when he enlisted on October 31, 1916. His next of kin was his sister, Nellie, of South Yarra. Harry Returned to Australia August 27, 1919.

Maxwell, Henry Charles Kempson (SN 1923)  Henry enlisted on February 16, 1917 at the age of 26. He was a grazier. He Returned to Australia May 6, 1919. When Henry enlisted his next of kin was his wife Eileen Josephine Maxwell,  c/o G. Tavener, Kerang and Henry's address was Moondah Park, Longreach in Queensland. However on another page of his enlistment papers his address is 'Luckham', Officer - or I think it says Luckham.  Henry is listed in the Electoral Roll at Cardinia in 1914 with a Harriet Lucy Maxwell. Harriet was his mother, he married Eileen (nee Tavener) in 1917.

From Henry Maxwell's service record, showing his address at Officer.

 National Archives of Australia www.naa.gov.au 

First Australian Imperial Force Personnel Dossiers, 1914-1920

McMahon, John Peter Daniel Muldrick (SN 4151)   John and his siblings, Eileen, Leslie and Albert are listed in the Officer Primary School book. As the book and the Death notice for his brother, Alfred, who died in December 1916 (see below) calls him Jack, that's what we will call him. Jack enlisted on October 15, 1914 according to the Nominal Roll, October 15, 1915 according to the Embarkation roll or January 19, 1916 according to his date on his 'oath of enlistment' in his service record - so take your pick. He was a 20 year old carpenter when he enlisted and was actually born in 1895 so the 1915 may be the correct one.  Jack Returned to Australia September 25, 1919. His parents were John and Mary Ann (nee Muldrick). Mary Ann died in 1912, her death is registered at Berwick.

Death notice of John McMahon's brother, showing the family connection to Officer.

The Argus January 3, 1917

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article1589256

Moss, Albert (SN 6150) Albert was 18, a labourer, when he enlisted on August 27, 1915. His address was Officer, he was living with his aunt, Mary Maybury, but his next of kin was his father who lived in London. Albert married Kathleen  Abram on May 5, 1919 before he Returned to Australia July 26, 1919.

Nichols, A Not sure who this is - I cannot find an A. Nichols (or Nichol, Nicholls, Nicholl, Nicols, Nicol etc ) with a connection to Officer or neighbouring towns. Nor is there a Nichols listed in the Officer Primary School book or a likely candidate in the Electoral Rolls, so Mr Nichols remains a mystery at the moment.

O'Brien, Henry James  (SN 3369) There is a Henry James O'Brien in the 1914 Electoral Roll at Officer, occupation Railway employee, so based on this information I decided that serviceman No. 3369 was 'our man' and this was confirmed by a letter in his file from his wife in February 1919 to Base Records, asking  where her husband was. Mrs H.J. O'Brien's address was Officer, Gippsland.  Henry enlisted on July 13, 1915, he was an Assistant Station Master, born in Kensington and his next of kin was his father, John, of Flemington. Henry Returned to Australia January 25, 1919, so he was on the boat when Mrs James wrote her letter.

Letter from Mrs O'Brien asking where here husband was.

 National Archives of Australia www.naa.gov.au 

First Australian Imperial Force Personnel Dossiers, 1914-1920

                                         

Osborne, James Patrick (SN 2733) James was 36 when he enlisted on August 2, 1915. He was Killed in Action in France on August 19, 1916. James' next of kin was his mother, Bridget, of 'Lower Beaconsfield'  - I hadn't heard of Lower Beaconsfield before, I presume it was to distinguish the town on the railway line from Upper Beaconsfield and not  a location south of Beaconfield,  but as it is next to Officer, I believe I have the right person. James is also listed on the Officer Recreation Reserve gates.

Peterson, Frederick Victor (SN 4056)  Fred was an 18 year old driver when he enlisted on March 23, 1915. Fred Returned to Australia November 20, 1918.
Peterson, Oscar Frederick (SN 12407) Oscar was 43 when he enlisted on May 2, 1916. He had been born in Sweden, was a storekeeper and the father of Frederick.  Oscar Returned to Australia March 25, 1919. Fred and Oscar's next of kin was their mother/wife  Elizabeth, of the General Store, Officer. Oscar and Elizabeth are in the 1914 Electoral Roll at Officer and they obviously operated the General Store together. Their employee, Leonard Whittney, also enlisted in the War, see below.

Pryor, William Alfred Ernest (SN 26734) William was obviously known as Ernest, so that's what we will call him. The 1914 Electoral Roll had an Ernest and Mary Jane Pryor listed at Officer in 1914, so I knew what the Officer connection was, it just took  some time to find his service record under William.  Ern enlisted on January 3, 1916 at the age of 29. He had listed his next of kin as his daughter, Violet, but his brother Thomas of Warwick in Queensland was also listed because Violet was a child. Mary Jane had died August 14, 1915 and Violet was their only child. Violet was born in 1907, had enrolled at Officer State School in 1913 and her guardian was Mrs Ellen Wilding of Canterbury. Sadly, Ern was Killed in Action in France on April 8, 1917. Ern is also listed on the Officer Recreation Reserve gates, although his name is incorrectly listed as Prior.

Report of Ern Pryor's death

Pakenham Gazette May 18, 1917

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article92155590

Rix, Henry James (SN 10918)  Henry enlisted on July 19, 1915 at the age of 29. His next of kin was his father, Henry John Rix, of 'Fairview' Officer. Henry and his father were farmers.  Henry Returned to Australia May 25, 1919, but before he returned he married Mabel Hill in Liverpool, on May 8, 1919. They were both 35 years old at the time (which doesn't tally with his age at enlistment, but never mind) and he was listed as being a widower. Rix Road in Officer is named for the family.

Sackett, Edmond Herbert (SN 1138)  Edmond was a 19 year old farmer when he enlisted on June 20, 1915. His next of kin was his mother who lived in Kent in England. He worked on a farm at Officer, Luckham, the same property as Harry Maxwell, listed above.  Edmond was Killed in Action in France on October 8, 1918.

Edmond's Roll of Honor, which proves his connection to Officer. In Question 3 someone has written Luckham, then crossed it out. Luckham, Officer was the same address as Harry Maxwell, see above.

https://www.awm.gov.au/collection/R1664225

Skellett, Albert John Kempson (SN 997) As he is listed as K. Skellett, I presume he was called  Kempson, so this is what we will call him. Kempson enlisted on February 24, 1915 at the age of 26. He was a farm manager and his next of kin was his mother, Mary, of Clunes. Kempson Died of Wounds on April 20, 1917 having being shot in the abdomen. What was the connection to Officer? I don't know - he was born in Picton in New South Wales, his mother's maiden name was Kempson and the Kempson family had  a connection to Clunes. I am presuming he managed a farm in the area. Kempson is also listed on the Officer Recreation Reserve gates.

Waldon, H   There are two H. Waldons who enlisted - Harold Victor, a printer from New South Wales and who enlisted in N.S.W and Harry Mansfield a 21 year old horse driver, who was born in Western Australia and enlisted in W.A. Neither of them seem likely candidates to be on the Officer Honor board. There are also no H. Waldrons that I can find with an Officer connection, the Electoral Rolls were no help,  so this man is another mystery.

Were, Clive Wellington (SN 521) Clive enlisted on August 17, 1914  at the age of 25 and was Killed in Action at Gallipoli on April 25, 1915. His next of kin was his father, who lived in Hawksburn, in Melbourne and as we can see by his obituary, below, he had  a farm at Officer. Clive is also listed on the Officer Recreation Reserve gates.

Clive Were's obituary

The Argus June 18, 1915

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article1525264

Whiteside, Thomas Clair (SN 2821) Known as Clair. Clair was born in California and his father was the Presbyterian Minister at Berwick.  Clair was  a 21 year old orchardist when he enlisted on July 17, 1915. He Returned to Australia December 4, 1918. The family lived on Whiteside Road at Officer or Beaconsfield Lower as it was sometimes listed in his service record. Thomas went back to the family farm after the War and was also a Shire of Berwick Councillor for ten years. Thomas' daughter, Elizabeth, has complied her father's letters and they were published as A Valley in France : World War I letters to his parents and sister while on Active Service from Egypt, France and Great Britain, 1915-1918. 

Whittney, Leonard James (SN 3935) Leonard enlisted on July 22, 1915 at the age of 35. His occupation was storekeeper. Leonard was born in Kapunda in South Australia and his next of kin was his father, who also lived in South Australia. Leonard Died of Wounds (compound fracture of the skull) on February 13, 1917. What was his connection to Officer? Leonard worked at the Peterson's store (see Fred and Oscar Peterson's entry above) and this is confirmed by a letter Elizabeth Peterson wrote to Army Records asking for an address for Leonard and she wrote inter alia 'he enlisted from our house in Officer'  Leonard  is also listed on the Officer Recreation Reserve gates, although his name is incorrectly listed as Whitney.

Elizabeth Peterson's letter about an address for Leonard Whitney. 

National Archives of Australia www.naa.gov.au 

First Australian Imperial Force Personnel Dossiers, 1914-1920

Williams, Thomas Henry (SN 5776) Thomas was born at Officer and enlisted on February 14, 1916 at the age of 26. He was a farm labourer and his next of kin was his mother, Sarah Ridgway, of Clyde. Thomas died on April 18, 1917 when he was a Prisoner of War, held by the Germans. Sarah Ridgway was the grand daughter of Sarah Fagan and the daughter of Sarah and George Hall, you can read about the family, here.

 Woods, Frederick  (SN 5773)  Frederick enlisted on March 14, 1916. He was  25 year old sawyer and his next of kin was his wife, Hazel. Fred was born at Officer. He Returned to Australia January 25, 1919.

The Dawes Brothers of Iona

In our series of Brothers who Enlisted are the Dawes' brothers of Iona - Albert, Clifford, Gladstone, Victor and Walter  - the sons of Alfred and Elizabeth Dawes. Or were they the sons of Alfred and Elizabeth? First of all we will look at their enlistment details, then I have done some research into their family tree.

Dawes, Albert (SN 736)   Albert was a 24 year old carpenter when he enlisted on October 20, 1914. His next of kin was listed as 'Father and Mother' Kirwan's Post Office, via Garfield and as 'Mr Dawes' on the Embarkation Roll.  He sustained a bullet wound in the left wrist and Returned to Australia on February 9, 1916 for a medical discharge. Albert was a Soldier Settler - you can read his file on the Battle to Farm website here.

Dawes, Clifford Gordon  (SN 5086) Clifford was an 18 year old farmer when he enlisted on January 26, 1916. His next of kin was his father, Alfred, of Iona. He Returned to Australia on July 21, 1917 for a medical discharge - 'Gun shot wounds  multiple' was the reason. Clifford is listed on the Bunyip War Memorial.

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.

Dawes, Victor (SN 3080) Victor enlisted on July 20, 1915 aged 21 and his next of kin was his mother, Mrs Elizabeth Dawes of Garfield. He Returned to Australia on July 3, 1919.

Dawes,  Walter (SN 4093) Walter enlisted on January 10, 1916. He was a 22 year old carpenter and his next of kin was his father, Albert. Albert's address was Kirwan's Post Office, via Garfield. Walter Returned to Australia June 4, 1919.

Gladstone Morgan Dawes, standing.  

Photo possibly taken in Egypt. The  two seated soldiers are said to be Gladstone's cousins perhaps  Raymond Oswald Dawes (SN 430) and Edmond Withers Dawes (SN 2368)

https://discoveringanzacs.naa.gov.au

Alfred and Elizabeth (nee Morgan) Dawes are listed in the Electoral Roll in 1914 at Iona. Were these boys brothers? According to the Indexes to the Victoria Births, Deaths and Marriages - Albert was born with the surname Morgan  in 1890 to Louise Morgan, unknown father, but the middle name was Dawes, so that's a clue. When he died in 1962 he had Dawes as a surname,  Alfred Henry as the father and Louise Morgan as his mother.
Walter was born in Richmond in 1893 as Walter George Dawes Morgan to Louise Morgan, no father listed.
Victor was born in 1896 at Bunyip South (old name for Iona), with Dawes as the surname,  to Alfred Dawes and Elizabeth Morgan.
Gladstone was born with Morgan as the surname in 1898 to Louise Morgan, father unknown.  Clifford was also born in 1898 with Morgan as the surname to Frances Morgan and unknown father, however when he died in 1972 he was listed as a Dawes, father Alfred and mother Elizabeth Morgan.

So what does all this tell us? I believe they were raised as brothers. However, there are a few unanswered questions such as - was Elizabeth also known as Louise and/or Frances? Why was the third child registered as a Dawes but the two born in 1898 registered as Morgans - or were Louise and Frances Morgan relatives of Elizabeth and she took the three boys in and raised them with her only child Victor? I don't know.