Monday, July 5, 2021

World War One soldiers with a connection to Berwick and Harkaway

This is a list of World War One Soldiers with a connection to Berwick and some to Harkaway. I have included Harkaway because when soldiers listed their address. or that of their next of kin, on their Attestation papers, it was often written as Harkaway, via Berwick. There is an Avenue of Honour at Harkaway and a Memorial Stone. You can read my post on the men and women remembered in this way in Harkaway, here

Berwick has a War Memorial in High Street, with twenty names of  World War One Soldiers, these men are included here. There are three Avenues of Honour in Berwick - one connected to Berwick Grammar School, read about this here; one in Wilson Street and the other one along the Princes Highway, which is known as the Beaconsfield Avenue of Honour. Penny Harris Jennings has researched these men and you can read about them here. In 1916, the Berwick Shire News reported that 23 Berwick Football Club players had enlisted, you can read about these men, here. Some of the people commemorated on these resources are also listed here.


Berwick War Memorial in High Street
(Photo taken June 1989)

What follows is a long list of men with a connection to Berwick or Harkaway and their Service Number (SN) so you can look up their full service records on the National Archives website, www.naa.gov.au  If I have missed anyone, please let me know. Some of the family information in this post comes from Early Settlers of the Casey Cardinia District. 

Backhouse, Nigel A'Beckett Talworth (SN 15084) Nigel enlisted at the age of 28, on June 12, 1916, He was a 'Clerk in Holy Orders' and his address was the Vicarage at Ivanhoe. His role in the A.I. F was Chaplain. He served in Egypt and Palestine and Returned to Australia April 19, 1919. Nigel's next of kin on enlistment was his father, Talworth Backhouse, of Murrumbeena. Nigel's mother was Emily A'Beckett and he was born at the A'Beckett family home, The Grange, at Harkaway. Emily was the daughter of the Honourable William Arthur Callandar A'Beckett, M.L.C., J.P. 

Bannan, John Joseph (SN 1126) John was 24 when he enlisted on June 14, 1915 and his wife, Mary Ann, whose address was Berwick, was his next of kin. His occupation was Quarryman, so it is more than possible that he worked at Wilson's Quarry in Berwick. John died of Malaria at the English Hospital in Damascus on October 16, 1918. John is listed on the War Memorial in High Street, Berwick. His nephews, John and Kevin Frawley, whose parents had the Iona Hotel at Garfield, were Killed in Action in World Two, you can read about them here.

Barr, Edward John (SN 7440) Edward was 41 years old when he enlisted on July 30, 1917.  He had been born in Berwick but was farming at Neerim Junction when he enlisted. His wife, Rachael, was his next of kin. Edward Returned to Australia  September 23, 1918 and was discharged on medical grounds - ground shot wound, right knee.

Blackwood, James Allan (SN 33176) James was born in Berwick but was living in Pakenham South when he enlisted on October 25, 1916 at the age of 29. He was a farmer. His next of kin was his mother, Mary Ann Blackwood, also of Pakenham South. James Retuned to Australia July 8, 1919. You can read more about James, here, on the A Century After the Guns Fell Silent: Remembering the Pakenham District's WWI Diggers 1914-1918 website.

Blencowe, Clarence George (SN 6764A)  Clarence enlisted on March 7, 1916 at the age of 37. He was a gardener and his next of kin was his wife, Ellen, of Wootton Avenue, Caulfield. He was born in Berwick. Clarence Died of Wounds in France on September 1, 1918 - gun shot wound to the left shoulder.

Bolduan, Leo Alfred  (no SN) Leo enlisted in March 20, 1916, at the age of 31, and was rejected due to defective eyesight. He enlisted again on December 4, 1917 and was again rejected on medical grounds. Leo was born in Harkaway to Bernard and Emily (nee Halleur) Bolduan. There is a notation on his enlistment paper that his father had been born in Germany, but was naturalised 'about 50 years ago.' Leo enlisted in the 10 Battalion Volunteer Defence Corps during World War Two and served from March 1942 until October 1944. 

Brisbane, Frederick Ernest  (SN 3969) Frederick was a 21 year old farmer, born in Berwick, and he enlisted on July 9, 1915. He Returned to Australia April 11, 1916 and was discharged on medical grounds in the August, due to Chronic Laryngitis. Frederick's next of kin was his mother, Mrs G. Forrest of Athlone. Frederick is listed on the Heath Hill Honor Roll, under Frederick Henham - and you can read more about him on my Heath Hill post, here

Brown, Francis Paterson (SN 38951) Francis was born in Berwick and enlisted on February 23, 1917 at the age of 29. His next of kin was his wife, Edith of Parkville West. Francis Returned to Australia May 20, 1919.  Francis' occupation was listed as a grazier and before he enlisted, he was listed in the Electoral Rolls at Monea, near Euroa. 

Brown, Morris Rupert (SN 5664) Morris has two enlistment records - one says he enlisted on April 16, 1915 and that he was a 25 year old Clerk. The other says he enlisted on April 26, 1915 and that he was  a 26 year old Bank Accountant. His next of kin is his wife, Geraldine, whose address was East Melbourne on the first enlistment and then Port Fairy on the second enlistment. All of this could be correct, it just seems like a lot of activity in ten days. Morris was Killed in Action in France on November 2, 1916. Morris was born in Berwick in 1888 to John  and Frances Elizabeth 'Fanny' (nee Barr) Brown. Morris is listed on the War Memorial in High Street, Berwick.


The Berwick War Memorial in High Street

Brown, Oliver (SN 3447) Oliver was born in Berwick and he enlisted in Perth on August 30, 1915. He was a 37 year old Mill Foreman and his next of kin was his mother Kezia Milne of Footscray and later his wife, Agnes, who lived in Western Australia. Oliver was Killed in Action in France May 30, 1916. Oliver had previously served in the Boer War or South African War  in  the 6th Western Australia Mounted Infantry.

Buchanan, Eric Alexander (SN 1676) Eric was 21 when he enlisted on July 14, 1915. He was a Clerk and his next of kin was his mother, Christina Buchanan, of  Station Street, Berwick. Eric Returned to Australia July 23 1919. Eric is listed on the Narre Warren War Memorial (see here). 

Burrows, Frederick Bosingham (SN 4760) Fredrick was born in Berwick and enlisted in Western Australia on December 7, 1915. He was 44 years, 11 months old. His occupation was a Miner and his next of kin was his wife, Isabella of West Perth. Frederick Returned to Australia May 4, 1917 and was  discharged on medical grounds in the July.

Campbell, Charles Alexander (SN 658) Charles enlisted on December 30, 1915. He was a 30 year old Signwriter. He was born in Berwick and his next of kin was his mother, Rose Campbell on Newtown, Geelong. Charles Returned to Australia May 11, 1919.

Campbell, Colin Keith (SN 1670) Colin, born in Berwick, enlisted on July 13, 1915 at the age of 28. He was a Blacksmith. He was discharged as unfit a month later on August 16, due to an old injury on the right knee. He re-enlisted September 2, 1915 and was accepted. His next of kin was his father, J.H. Campbell of Leongatha.  Colin Returned to Australia February 19, 1919.

Cook, Joseph Allen (SN 7214) Joseph was an 18 year old carpenter when he enlisted on October 13, 1916. He was born in Harkaway and his next of kin was his father, Thomas, of Middle Brighton. Joseph was wounded in France - gun shot wound, right hand - and after time in hospital Returned to Australia June 6, 1918 and he was discharged on medical grounds in the August. I wondered how this injury affected his career as a carpenter, but Joseph is listed in the 1934 Electoral Rolls, living at Gladysdale, occupation carpenter, so it appears that he either made a good recovery or adapted well. 

Coote, Thomas Hugh (SN 4999) Thomas was born in Ballyjamesduff in Ireland and he was a 19 year old  farmer when he enlisted on January 13, 1916. His next of kin was his father, James, of Harkaway. 
Thomas Returned to Australia July 31, 1918. He had been wounded in France - a Gun shot wound left shoulder, penetrating chest - and was discharged on medical grounds. This was such a severe injury, I was worried what happened to him after the War, but he was granted a Soldier Settlement farm at Rupanyup, you can read his file on the Battle to Farm website, here. Thomas lived to be 83 years old and died at Rupanyup in 1980. Thomas has a tree in the Harkaway Avenue of Honour, see here.

Cox, Charles (SN 1467) Charles enlisted on December 21, 1914. He was teacher at Berwick Grammar School and 23 years old. His next of kin was his father, Charles, of Manchester, England. He Returned to Australia November 7, 1919. Charles had married Dororthy Poole in England on August 19, 1916, however the marriage ended in Divorce in 1927, due to her 'misconduct' (read the report in The Age, April 27 1927, here) Charles also served in World War Two - he enlisted in September 1942 at the age of 50 and served until January 1944. His occupation when he enlisted this time was a Rubber Chemist. 

Crabtree, Walter (SN 242a)  Walter enlisted on February 29, 1916 at the age of 27. His occupation was a Driver. His next of kin was his wife, Mabel Annie Crabtree of High Street, Berwick. Walter Returned to Australia August 22, 1919.

Crowle, William Clerk (SN 21687) William was a 26 year old Hairdresser, living at Canterbury Road, Albert Park when he enlisted on July 28, 1917. His next of kin was his father, Samuel Crowle, of the Police Station, Bourke Street West. William Returned to Australia January 5, 1920. His connection to Berwick comes from the fact that he was born there in 1891.

Crowley, John (SN 5989a) John, who was born in Berwick, enlisted on April 13, 1916. He was a labourer of Upper Ferntree Gully and his next of kin was his brother, William, of Blackburn. John Returned to Australia March 10, 1918, when he was discharged - he was considered to be unfit with rheumatism in shoulder and he was also overage - when he enlisted he said he was 35, but he was actually 45, and thus was 47 when he was discharged.

Cupples, Robert James (SN 4346) Robert was born in Winton, in Victoria and was 25 years old and a Labourer when he enlisted on August 26, 1915. His next of kin was his mother, Mrs Sarah Hill, of Wilson Street, Berwick. Robert Returned to Australia January 18, 1919.


Robert Cupples reported as ill
Berwick Shire News April 5, 1916 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article92094438

Currie, Reg (SN 1840)  Reg was the son of Donald Currie of Reserve Street in Berwick and he enlisted on November 6, 1915, at the age of 22.  His occupation was Horse Driver. He Returned to Australia April 13, 1919. Reg worked for Donald Rowe, a baker in Narre Warren. I have written about Mr Rowe's employees here.

Dalziell, Charles (SN 1219) Charles was a 27 year old Motor Mechanic when he enlisted on March 11, 1915. Eight months later he was dead -  Killed in Action at Gallipoli on November 13, 1915. Charles' next of kin was his aunt, Annie Dalziell who lived in Beechworth. However, in correspondence in his file she states that she is really his mother, that he was born in Carlton on January 9, 1886 and that his father was Charles Wilson.  The issue for the Army was who should receive his War medals, so various enquiries were made. A search undertaken at the Office of the Victorian Government Statist in 1920 could not find a birth certificate for Charles. The  local police man interviewed Annie and he reported that Charles was under the care of the Department of Neglected Children from about the age of three years and then went onto  a farm in Gippsland  and that Charles very seldom visits her. In Charles' will he left everything to Mr J. M. Bell of Pound Road in Berwick. This was John Murray Bell of Ellerslie, Berwick. He stated that before enlisting he [Charles] always made my place his home, the only relative he has is an aunt whom he never resided with. I look on him as one of my own.... In the end, in 1922,  the medals were sent to Annie Dalziell.


Death notice from John Murray and Elizabeth Margaret Bell for Charles Dalziell.
Berwick Shire News December 22, 1915 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article92090958

Davy, Humphry (SN 54893) Humphry enlisted on August 16, 1917. He was a Chemist's Assistant. He Returned to Australia March 26, 1919. Humphry was born in Balranald but lived in Berwick at the time of his enlistment. His next of kin was his mother, Mercy Jane Davy, of Kippenross, Berwick. You can read about the Davy family, here.

Dean, Henry (SN 5585) Henry enlisted in February 26, 1916 at the age of 29. He was a Labourer. He had been born in Elmore and enlisted in New South Wales at Carrathool. On August 9, 1918 Henry was hit by two machine gun bullets - one through the left wrist, smashing several carpal bones and the other went through him from the buttock and out through the thigh. Henry Returned to Australia November 20, 1918. 
Dean, Herbert Leslie (SN 570) Herbert was 23 when he enlisted on February 22, 1916. He was a labourer, born in Barham, New South Wales and enlisted in  Berwick. Herbert Returned to Australia January 25, 1919. 
Henry and Herbert were brothers, the sons of Thomas and Sarah Dean of Harkaway. They have a tree in the Harkaway Avenue of Honor, you can read more about the brothers, here.

Deans, Horace Watkins (SN 6991) Horace was born in Berwick, but was living in Yarraville when he enlisted on September 4, 1916, He was a 21 year old grocer and his father, James, who was his next of kin also lived in Yarraville. His next of kin was later changed to his wife Grace, who lived in Footscray. Horace Returned to Australia July 13, 1919.

Dorey, George Augustine (SN 4692) George was 32 years old when he enlisted on April 1, 1916. He had been born in Berwick but was living in Sale when he enlisted and his wife was his next of kin. George Returned to Australia September 4, 1918 and was discharged on medical grounds, suffering from shell shock.

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 granted a Soldier Settlement farm, you can read his file here. There is more information about William and his brother, Daniel, in my Harkaway Avenue of Honour posting, see here.

Duncan, James Ramsay (SN 432) James was born in Berwick and enlisted at the age of 30 on September 28, 1914. He was a Commercial Traveller and his next of kin was his mother, Elizabeth, who lived in Kew.  He was sent back to Australia January 1917 'for change' and returned to serve in Egypt in June 1917 and rose to the rank of Lieutenant. James Returned to Australia April 15, 1918 and was discharged as he was suffering from Pulmonary Tuberculosis.

Dutton, Walter (SN 144) Walter enlisted on January 18, 1915. He was a 34 year old Blacksmith, who was born in Lancashire. His next of kin was originally his sister, from England and then his wife, Betsy Dutton of Harkaway. Walter Died of Wounds in France on August 4, 1916. 

Ede, Charles Percival (SN 435) Charles enlisted at the age of 21 on August 26, 1914. He was a School Teacher. He was wounded - Gun Shot Wound Right Arm Amputated - and Returned to Australia July 3, 1917.
Ede, Horace (SN 19229) Horace was also a School Teacher and was 21 when he enlisted on December 9, 1916. He Returned to Australia February 28, 1919.
The boys were both born in Berwick to Alfred and Sarah (nee White) Ede. They were both living in Tasmania when they enlisted and their father, who was living in  Chatswood in Sydney, was their next of kin.

Edmondson, Alfred (SN 5493) Alfred enlisted on March 4, 1916, he was a 31 year old farmer and his next of kin was his father, John, of Harkaway.  Alfred Returned to Australia on July 22, 1917 and was medically discharged in November 1917. Alfred has a tree in the Harkaway Avenue of Honour, see here.

Elmes, Frederick Warre (SN 1254) Frederick was a 39 year old Land Surveyor when he enlisted, in Claremont, Tasmania on May 17, 1915. On November 9, 1919 he married Edith Warden in England. His age was listed as 45 and hers as 33. He was born in 1872, so was actually 43 when he enlisted and 47 when he was married. Frederick Returned to Australia April 19, 1920. 
Elmes,  Herbert Oliver (SN 1543) Herbert enlisted at the age of 40, on November 30, 1914 in Liverpool, New South Wales. His occupation was Station Hand. Herbert Returned to Australia 'for change' in January 1916 and remained until September 1916.   Two months later he was Killed in Action in France on November 5, 1916. Herbert is listed on the War Memorial in High Street, Berwick and the Berwick Grammar School Avenue of Honour, see here.
Frederick and Herbert both had their mother, Sarah Elmes of Berwick, listed as their next of kin. This is in spite of the fact that Herbert was married at the time and living in Sydney. His wife was Angela Mary Hore. The brothers were born in Berwick and their father, Dr Thomas Elmes, practiced in the town. Dr Elmes died in 1893, aged 54. 


Notice of the death of Herbert Elmes. It says that he worked for the National Bank and yet his enlistment papers said he was a Station Hand. The 'eldest son' referred to here was Thomas Patrick Elmes, born in 1896. He enlisted March 31, 1916 and had the unusual occupation of 'black and whte artist'. 
Berwick Shire News, December 6, 1916  https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/92095495


Herbert's son, Rick, the illustrator.

Espie, Harold (SN 14457) Harold was a Telegraphist in the Victorian Railways when he enlisted on May 30, 1916. He was 26 years old and born in Berwick. His next of kin was initially his father, Robert Espie, of Berwick, then his wife Ada Espie of East Malvern. Harold was Mentioned in Dispatches and  Returned to Australia March 22, 1919. 

Faragher, Leslie Victor (SN 2624) Leslie was employed by Robert Espie (the father of Harold, above) as a blacksmith before he enlisted on August 2, 1915. He was 28 years old and his next of kin was his father, Thomas, of Drouin. He was Killed in Action in France on May 16, 1916. Leslie is listed on the War Memorial in High Street, Berwick.

Fleer, Cyril August (SN 6263) Cyril was an 18 year old farm hand when he enlisted on May 5, 1916. His next of kin was his mother, Martha Fleer, of Harkaway. Cyril suffered from trench feet, a condition caused by prolonged exposure to water in the trenches which led to swollen feet, blisters, ulcers and even gangrene. He Returned to Australia on April 5 1918.
Fleer, Harold Edward (SN 3112) Harold was also 18 when he enlisted on July 12, 1915.  Harold Returned to Australia on April 13, 1919.
Fleer, Sydney Douglas   Sydney was born in 1900 and also applied to enlist, but presumably the War ended before he was accepted. 
Harold, Cyril and Sydney were the sons of Edward and Martha (nee Povey) Fleer of Harkaway. They are on the Harkaway Avenue of Honour. 

Fleer, Herbert Stephen (SN 7049) Herbert was born in Berwick and enlisted in Western Australia at the age of 23. He was a farmer. His next of kin was his father, of  'Berwick Farm', East Pingelly, Western Australia. Herbert Returned to Australia July 12, 1919. Herbert was the son of Ernest Charles and Louisa (nee Matthews) Fleer.  Herbert was the first cousin to Harold, Cyril and Sydney. Their fathers, Edward and Ernest were the sons of Harkway Lutheran Pioneers Carl Ernst August Fleer (1832-1904) and his wife Emma Metzenthin (1841-1927)

Gardiner, Clarence Eustace (SN 4707)
Gardiner, Ernest Edward (SN 48)
Gardiner, George Peter (SN 4401)
Gardiner, John James (SN 1651)
I have written about the Gardiner brothers and their nephew Frederick Sibert, here.

Gates, Clarence Bruce Taylor (SN 6801A) Clarence was 19 years old when he enlisted on August 13, 1917. He said he was born February 26, 1898. He was an orchardist and his next of kin was his father, Joseph, of Harkaway. Clarence Returned to Australia July 24, 1919. Clarence also served in the Second World War, enlisting in July 1940 and he said he was born February 26, 1901. He served until January 1942. Clarence was actually born in 1898.

Glismann, John (SN M1023) John was born November 18, 1900 in Berwick and joined the Navy October 11, 1916. He served throughout the War until November 1925 and served again in the Second World War from November 1939 until January 1942. John was the son of Hans and Harriett (nee Audsley) Glismann of Beaconsfield Upper.

Glover, Francis Dean Robert (SN 50059) Francis enlisted on November 24, 1917. He was 19 and his occupation was listed as Station hand and his next of kin was his uncle, George Lyon, of Harkaway. There is a letter in his file, from his mother, Edith Glover, who lived in Sydney asking why she was not listed as his next of kin. George Lyon had signed a paper saying that Francis was adopted by him when he was a child and that Francis' father was dead. He served in France and Returned to Australia January 18, 1919. Francis is on the Harkaway Avenue of Honour.

Grant, George Thomas (SN 2187) George was a 39 year old orchardist when he enlisted on October 28, 1916. His next of kin was his wife, Isabella, of Berwick. George Returned to Australia April 7, 1919. George was granted a Soldier Settlement farm. You can read his file here on the Battle to Farm website.

Greaves, Charles Forrester (SN 13156) Charles enlisted on July 10, 1915 aged 24. Charles Returned to Australia May 6, 1919.
Greaves, Sydney Alexander (SN 6523) Lieutenant Greaves enlisted at the age of 23 on July 16, 1915. He Returned to Australia May 29, 1919.
Charles and Sydney, both born at Berwick,  were the sons of of Edwin and Margaret (nee Forrester) Greaves of The Springs, Berwick. Edwin's brother, William, owned Picnic Park at Lyndhurst. The brothers are listed on the Cranbourne Presbyterian Church Honour Board, see here.

Griebenow, William Percy Herman (SN 2832)  William was born in Berwick but was living in Orbost at the time of his enlistment on November 26, 1916. He was a 21 year old farmer and his next of kin was his father, William, also of Orbost. William Died of Wounds in France on August 28, 1918.

Grigg, Donald Douglas (SN 85 or 85A) Donald enlisted on March 24, 1915 at the age of 29. He was born in Drysdale, was a farmer  and his next of kin was his father Thomas of the Metropolitan Farm, Werribee. Donald Returned to Australia January 2, 1919. The Embarkation Rolls lists his 'address at date of enrolment' as Berwick and he was in the 1916 Electoral Roll at Berwick - living at the Border Hotel (Berwick Inn).

Grimshaw, Thomas Roger (SN 545)  Thomas was born in Berwick and enlisted on July 19, 1915 at the age of 18. He was a farm labourer and his next of kin was his mother, Caroline Tripovich, of West Preston. Thomas Returned to Australia April 12, 1916 and was discharged on medical grounds in the June due to Rheumatism.  Thomas was granted a Solder Settlement farm, you can read his file, here, on the Battle to Farm website.

Halleur, Clarence (SN 1026) Clarence was 18 years old and a labourer when he enlisted on March 8, 1915. He Returned to Australia April 27, 1919. Clarence is on the Harkaway Avenue of Honour.
Halleur, Edward Roudolph (SN 81269) Edward was 20 years old and a farmer when he enlisted on October 26, 1918. He was discharged a few months later due to the War ending.
Clarence and Edward, both born in Harkaway, also lived in Harkaway and were the sons of Rudolph Ernest and Christina (nee Dugard) Halleur also of Harkaway.

Hawkins, Joseph (SN 2158) Joseph was born in Berwick and enlisted on July 10, 1915 at the age of 29. He was a Boot maker and his next of kin was his father, who lived in Richmond and later his wife Annabella, who lived in Malvern, Joseph Returned to Australia April 8, 1919. 

Henderson, Ernest Edward (SN 17) Ernest was a 33 year old Horse Breaker when he enlisted on August 20, 1914. He was born in Berwick, but lived in Inverloch. His next of kin was initially his father. Thomas, then his wife Winifred - both of Inverloch. Ernest Returned to Australia May 8, 1916 and was discharged in the July on medical grounds - Mitral Regurgitation and Sithitis. I haven't been able to find out what Sithitis is.

Henty, Robert Arthur (Lieutenant)  Robert enlisted March 9, 1915 in the Remount Unit, which trained and cared for the horses both before they were shipped overseas for military use and overseas. He was a 39 year old grazier and his wife Christian was his next of kin. Robert served in Egypt and Returned to Australia April 27, 1916. Robert was born in Berwick, is listed in the 1909 Electoral Roll at Berwick and the 1914 Electoral Roll at Wonga Park. 

Hill, Clarence Juan (SN 550) Clarence was born in England and living in Reserve Street, Berwick when he enlisted on October 11, 1916. He was a 28 year old Labourer and his next of kin was his mother, Mary Hill of St Kilda. Clarence married Margaret Alice Newbold  in England on May 10, 1919 and Returned to Australia August 9, 1919.

Hilliar, Henry (SN 552) Henry was a 25 year old Timber Worker, living in Bridgetown, Western Australia when he enlisted on August 19, 1914. He was born in Berwick and his next of kin was his mother, Alice, who lived in Abbotsford. Henry was Killed in Action in France on May 30, 1916. Henry is listed on the War Memorial in High Street, Berwick.

Hodgson, Sidney Bertram.   Sidney was the son of James Charles Hodgson, who was the Berwick Shire Secretary from 1890 to 1906, and his wife Catherine Fraser. Sidney was born in Berwick in 1891. In 1906 James resigned and the family moved to New Zealand. Sidney enlisted  in the New Zealand Expeditionary Force on May 31, 1916 at the age of 25. He lived at Khandallah, a suburb of Wellington and was an accountant. His next of kin was his wife, Florence. Sidney was Killed in Action October 4, 1917. He is listed on the War Memorial in High Street, Berwick.


Sidney Bertram Hodgson

Horne, Charles Hector (SN 643) Charles was born in Berwick and was 21 years old when he enlisted on October 1, 1916. He was a Seaman and his next of kin was his mother, Susan Horne, of Bay Street, Port Melbourne. Charles Returned to Australia May 6, 1919.

Hunt, Charles Victor (SN 5122)  Charles enlisted on January 5, 1916. He was a 26 year old Carpenter. He was born in Berwick and his next of kin was his father, John, of Woorinen, near Swan Hill. Charles married Alice Baldwin, a nurse, on March 12, 1917 when he was in England. He Returned to Australia March 5, 1920. Sadly the marriage to Alice was short-lived as she died in 1921 and Charles married Violet Irene Boscowitch in 1923. Charles also served in the Second World War from July 1940 until June 1947. 

Irvine, James (SN 78361) James, born in Berwick, enlisted at the age of 44 on November 26, 1914. He was a labourer and his next of kin was his wife, Ada, of Black Rock. He did not serve overseas and was discharged as unfit on January 10, 1916. James enlisted again on July 6, 1918 at the age of 48, but discharged after five days. James' enlistment papers also say that he served in the South African Imperial Light Horse. 

Irwin, Horace Mark (SN 967)
Irwin, James Purser (SN 5035)
Irwin, Walter Gray (SN 968)
I have written about the Irwin Brothers, here.

Jones, David Allan (SN 21752) David enlisted at the age of 26. He was an Orchardist from Berwick and his next  of kin was his father, Joshua, also of Berwick. David Returned to Australia August 28, 1919.

Kelly, Francis Louis (SN 3802) Francis was born in Berwick and enlisted on July 17, 1915. He was a 21 year old Bank Clerk. His next of kin was his father, Francis, of Bendigo and later his wife, Eileen, also of Bendigo. Francis Returned to Australia January 30, 1918 and was discharged on medical grounds. 


Francis' entry from the Bank of New South Wales Roll of Honour, 1921


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

Keogh, John George Valentine (SN 80406)  John was born in Berwick and enlisted on October 14, 1918. He was a 25 year old farmer and his next of kin was his father, John, of East Malvern. John was discharged due to the War ending. 

Lorimer, Thomas Ronald (SN 2903) Thomas was an 18 year old Clerk when he enlisted on June 23, 1916. At the time of enlistment he was living in Berwick.  His next of kin and his guardian was his Aunt, Mary Lorimer, of South Yarra. Thomas Returned to Australia March 10, 1918 and was discharged due to being unfit - Trench Fever amongst other ailments.

Loveridge, Alfred Ellis (SN 7880) Alfred enlisted on June 15, 1915. He was a 21 year old storekeeper. Alfred was born in 1893 in Berwick to Alfred Ellis and Emma (nee Crean) Loveridge. Alfred Senior established his store in Berwick in 1890. Alfred Returned to Australia May 3, 1919.

Lucas, Keith Mackie (SN 9315)  Keith was born in Bright and was an 18 year old student when he enlisted August 18, 1915. His next of kin was his mother, Mary Jane Lucas, of Kalimna, Harkaway. Keith Returned to Australia April 27, 1919. 

Lyall, Edmund Ramsden (SN 3170)   Edmund was a Teacher at Berwick State School when he enlisted July 24, 1915. He was 20 years old. His father, John, who was his next of kin was a Teacher at Jindivick State School. Edmund was Killed in Action in France on November 14, 1916. He is listed on the War Memorial in High Street, Berwick.


Report of Edmund Lyall's death
South Bourke & Mornington Journal, December 21, 1916  http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article66191232

Lyon, Charles Hugh (SN 412). Charles enlisted at the age of 26 on October 13, 1914 in Walebung in Western Australia. Lieutenant Lyon was Killed in Action in Palestine on November 7, 1917. His next of kin was his father, George, of Harkaway.  Charles is listed on the Harkaway Avenue of Honour and you can read more about him, here. Charles is also listed on the War Memorial in High Street, Berwick.


Report of the death of Charles Lyon
South Bourke & Mornington Journal December 6, 1917 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article66193170

Manson, Herbert John Maxwell (SN 2717). Herbert enlisted on August 19, 1916 at the age of 24. He was a Labourer. Herbert was Killed in Action  in France on April 27, 1918. He is listed  on the War Memorial in High Street, Berwick. Herbert was born in Seymour to John and Mary (nee Ash) Manson in 1892. They were living at Hilldene, near Seymour at the time of Herbert's enlistment. The fact that he is on the Memorial means that he had some connection to Berwick, but they only one I can find is  that his medical examination was conducted by Dr Percy Langmore of Berwick on April 3, 1916. 


Herbert John Maxwell Manson
Australian War Memorial  Photograph H06409

McCann, Harry Clifford Arlington (Lieutenant) Harry enlisted at 19 years of age, on December 29, 1914. His occupation was a Farmer and his next of kin was his father, Harry of Berwick. His father's address later changed to Malmsbury State School. His father was the Head Teacher at Berwick from 1911 until 1917. Harry was Mentioned in Despatches and Returned to Australia June 15, 1919. 

McDonnell, John Edward (SN 3193) John was born in Berwick and was an 18 year old Farm Labourer when he enlisted on July 24, 1915. His next of kin was his father, Thomas, of Trafalgar. John Returned to Australia December 18, 1918. John was granted a Soldier Settlement Farm, read his file on the Battle to Farm website, here.

Meyer, Alfred Jonathan (SN 4462) Alfred was a 26 year old Engine Driver when he enlisted on January 12, 1916. He was born in Berwick and his next of kin was his mother, Bertha Meyer, of Elgin Street, Berwick. Alfred was Killed in Action on August  5, 1916 in France. He  is listed on the War Memorial in High Street, Berwick.

Mickle, Arthur Clarence (SN 13168)  Arthur was born in Berwick and was living in Baker Street, St Kilda when he enlisted on September 5, 1916. He was 25 years old, a Motor Driver and his next of kin was his brother Reginald, of the same address. Arthur Returned to Australia July 23, 1919.

Miller, Alexander Henderson  (Lieutenant)  Alexander was a 29 year old School Teacher when he enlisted in July 15, 1915.  He was born in Berwick and his next of kin was first listed as his father, Alexander Miller of Berwick, and later his wife, Isabella, of East Malvern. Alexander was Killed in Action on September 25, 1917. He is listed on the War Memorial in High Street, Berwick.


Report of the death of Alexander Miller.
Pakenham Gazette & Berwick Shire News October 12, 1917 

Mitchell, George Anderson (Lieutenant) George enlisted in the A.I. F. on July 15, 1915. He accepted a commission to the Royal Flying Corps on October 23, 1916 and served until November 11, 1918. George was a 24 year old farmer of Tulliallan, Berwick on enlistment. His next of kin was first listed as his father, Captain James Mitchell of Melbourne and then his wife Mary Ione Mitchell of Beaconsfield. You can read more about Lieutenant Mitchell and Tulliallan, here.

Muir, Douglas Gordon  (SN 20) Douglas was born in Berwick. He enlisted at the age of 20 on June 10, 1915. He was a Clerk and his next of kin was his mother, Mary Muir, of Ascot Vale. Douglas married Elsie Marks in England on August 4, 1919 and he Returned to Australia November 7, 1919. 

Munro, Robert (SN 6542, incorrectly listed at the NAA as 65421) Robert enlisted on June 5, 1915. He was a 24 year old Quarryman and living in Berwick, so we can assume he was employed at the Wilson Quarry. His next of kin was his wife, Ettie, of Berwick, later of Neilborough. Robert was born in Neilborough, which is north of Bendigo. He Returned to Australia April 13, 1919.

Nash, Alfred Charles Douglas  (SN 3127) Arthur, born in Berwick,  was a 30 year old farmer when he enlisted on January 26, 1917. His next of kin was his wife, Dora, of East Malvern. Arthur Returned to Australia April 21, 1918 and was discharged as he was suffering from Pulmonary Tuberculosis. 

Officer, Roy Arthur (SN 2707) Arthur enlisted on January 16, 1915. He was a 22 year old Motor Driver, born in Horsham and living in Malvern at enlistment. His next of kin was his father, Arthur Edward Officer, of Minta, Berwick. He Returned to Australia November 22, 1919.

O'Neill, Michael Henry  (SN 2970)  Michael was born in Berwick and enlisted in Brisbane on August 25, 1916. His occupation was Hotel Runner and his next of kin was his wife, Elizabeth O'Neill, of Paddington, New South Wales. He embarked from Brisbane on October 27, 1916 and deserted at Fremantle and that is the last we hear of him. Elizabeth wrote to the Officer in Charge, Base Records in June 1919 and said that she had not heard from him for some considerable time.

Ogilvie, Alick (SN 1092) Alick enlisted on August 17, 1914. He was a 28 year old painter, born in Berwick. His next of kin was his unnamed mother of Middle Brighton. On October 30, 1918 Alick married Ethel Gertrude Houston in England; in May 1919 he was granted leave to study - book-keeping and marketing. Alick Returned to Australia April 16, 1920.

Ogilvy, Arthur James (Captain) Arthur enlisted on August 17, 1914 with the rank of Captain, He was a 40 year old farmer from Kyogle, New South Wales. Arthur was Mentioned in Despatches and  Returned to Australia March 13, 1919. 
Ogilvy, James (SN 259 / 423) James was a 29 year old Station hand when he enlisted in South Australia on August 21, 1914. He was Killed in Action in Gallipoli on August 2, 1915.  James is listed on the War Memorial in High Street, Berwick
Ogilvy, Reginald (SN 2061) Reginald enlisted in Lismore, New South Wales, on August 12, 1915. He was a 37 year old farmer. Arthur Returned to Australia August 11, 1917, suffering from Chronic Bronchitis. 
The brothers had their father, James Williamson Ogilvy, of Berwick as their next of kin. James and his wife, Elizabeth Charlotte Howe, had eleven children. The first nine including Arthur (born 1875), Reginald (1879) and James (1885) were all born in Toorak or Caulfield. The last two children, both born in 1890, were born in Berwick, so this gives some indication of when the family moved to Berwick. Sadly, Elizabeth died in 1890, presumably due to child birth at the age of 38.  James' occupation in the Electoral Roll was a Farmer.

O'Sullivan, William  (SN 3867) William enlisted on June 9, 1915. He was a 27 year old farmer. His next of kin was listed as his cousin, Maude Maynard of South Melbourne. William died of self-inflicted wounds, in France, on July 19, 1916. The Inquiry found that he committed suicide whilst of unsound mind. William is listed on the War Memorial in High Street, Berwick. There is nothing in William's Attestation papers which links him to Berwick and his address on the Embarkation Rolls was Capel Street, West Melbourne. There was, however, a William O'Sullivan listed in the Electoral Rolls at Berwick from 1912 until 1915, occupation labourer.  The Berwick War Memorial lists him as W. O'Sullivan and there is only one W. O'Sullivan on the Roll of Honour at the Australian War Memorial and this is William.

Paternoster, Frederick Leslie (SN Depot) Frederick was a 20 year old Grocer's Assistant when he enlisted on July 19, 1915. He was born in Berwick and his next of kin was his father, William, of Beaconsfield. He was discharged in the November as unfit due to Sciatica and Muscular Rheumatism.
Paternoster, James Robert (SN 6782) James enlisted on August 20, 1917. He was born in Berwick and was a 42 year old Clerk. His next of kin was his wife Edie, of Harold Street, Hawthorn. James Returned to Australia December 9, 1918.
James and Frederick were uncle and nephew. James, born 1875, was the son of Simon and Eliza (nee Harbrow) Paternoster. Simon opened a general store in Berwick in the 1860s. Simon and Eliza had seven other children, including William Simon born in 1865. He married Sarah Redfern and their son, Frederick Leslie was born in 1895. 

Paterson
, Alexander Thomas (Lieutenant Colonel) Alexander enlisted with the rank of Captain on May 1, 1916. He was a 29 year old Manufacturers Agent. His address was Berwick and his next of kin was his father, W.G. Paterson also of Berwick. Alexander rose to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel, was Mentioned in Despatches and received the Distinguished Service Order and the Military Cross. Alexander Returned to Australia August 23, 1919. Alexander was the son of William Golding Paterson, who is listed in the Electoral Rolls as a farmer, and his wife Jane Twyford. 

Paul, Ernest Hamilton  (SN 4515) Ernest was born in Berwick and was a 22 year old Salesman when he enlisted on January 29, 1916. His next of kin was his mother, Sarah Paul, of Coburg. Ernest Returned to Australia August 27, 1917 and discharged on medical grounds - Psoriasis.

Poole, Gilbert Graham  (SN 380) Gilbert was a 19 year old student when he enlisted, in Adelaide, on May 15, 1916. His was born in Berwick and his next of kin was his mother, Grace Mary Poole, of Mount Gambier. Gilbert Returned to Australia November 29, 1919.

Polson, Arthur Ernest (SN 14811) Arthur enlisted on July 16, 1915. He was 22 year old store keeper, born in Berwick and living at Cranbourne. His mother, Mrs S. Polson of Cranbourne was listed as his next of kin and this was later changed to his wife, Edith Alice Polson, of East Melbourne. Arthur Died of Wounds in France on July 10, 1917. He is listed on the War Memorial in High Street, Berwick.


Notice of the death of Arthur Polson
Dandenong Advertiser, July 26, 1917 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article88817797

Rankine, Wallis Crossley  (SN 5206)  Wallis was born in Berwick and he enlisted in New South Wales at the age of 26 on July 14, 1915. He was a Bank Clerk. His next of kin was first listed as his father, Henry, of Geelong and this was later changed to his wife, Ellen Elizabeth 'Nelly' Rankine of various addresses in New South Wales. Wallis was Killed in Action November 5, 1916 in France. He is listed on the War Memorial in High Street, Berwick.

Redfern, Arthur Richard  (SN 578)  Arthur was born in Berwick. He enlisted on February 19, 1916, at the age of 30. He was a Railway Telegraph Linesman. His next of kin was his mother, Susan Kane, of  Richmond. Arthur Returned to Australia June 7, 1918 suffering from Traumatic Neurasthenia.

Reed, Cyril John (SN 4571) Cyril enlisted September 29, 1915. He was a 30 year old store keeper. His father, John, of Newtown, Geelong was listed as his next of kin. Also listed as his next of kin, was his friend, Grace Holland, of the Border Hotel, Berwick. The Border Hotel was also Cyril's address on the Embarkation Roll. Cyril Returned to Australia July 16, 1919.

Reeves, Carlyle (SN 6777) Carlyle enlisted at the age of 18 on September 7, 1915. He was born in Berwick, was 18 years old and a Farm Labourer. His next of kin was his father, Thomas, of Mornington Road, Frankston. Carlyle Returned to Australia April 27, 1919. 

Roberts, David (SN 506) David was born in Mirboo North and was a 25 year old Farmer, when he enlisted on September 15, 1914. David died of Enteric Fever at a hospital in England, on September 28, 1915. David is listed on the War Memorial in High Street, Berwick.
Roberts, Thomas Edward SN 1505 / 1415) Thomas was born in Mirboo North and enlisted on October 22, 1914. He was a 19 year old Farm Labourer. As we can see in the article below, Thomas also suffered Enteric Fever. Thomas was captured and held as a Prisoner of War in Germany from April 1917 until the end of the War. He Returned to Australia March 2, 1919.
David and Robert were the sons of Stephen and Margaret (nee Tracy) Roberts. They were both living in Berwick when they enlisted.


Death of David Roberts
The Argus November 6, 1915 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article1577693
There is also an extensive obituary of David in The Gippslander & Mirboo Times of 

Roberts, Owen (SN 580)  Owen was born in Wales and his next of kin was his mother, Jane Roberts, of  Carnarvon, Wales.  Owen was a 25 year old Farm Labourer when he enlisted on February 19, 1916. His address on enlistment was Ardblair, Berwick.  Owen Died of Wounds in France on September 21, 1918. 

Robinson, Cyril Thomas  (SN 7303) Cyril was born in Berwick and enlisted on October 10, 1916 at the age of 20. He was a farmer, living at Dutson, near Sale. His next of kin was his father, Alfred of the same address. Cyril died of Bronco Pneumonia at a Military Hospital in England on April 24, 1919. 

Robinson, Herbert Leonard (SN 6548) Herbert was born in England and enlisted on August 28, 1916. His next of kin was initially his aunt, Mrs Walters, from England and later his wife, Hilda Constance 'Connie' Robinson of Box Hill. Herbert was a 23 year old Farm Hand when he enlisted and his address was 'Minta', Berwick. He was Killed in Action in France on October 4, 1917. 

Rogers, Walter James (SN 54976) Walter was an 18 year old Compositor when he enlisted on November 19, 1917. He was an apprentice at Swords Brothers, the owners of the Dandenong Advertister. Walter's next of kin was his father, James, of Reserve Street, Berwick. He Returned to Australia July 12, 1919.

Seeley, Albert (SN 4321).  Albert was born in England and his next of kin was father, who also lived in England. He enlisted on July 15, 1915. He was a 23 year old gardener and his address was Hilton in Berwick. Albert Returned to Australia March 8, 1919. Hilton was the home of Alexander Buchanan Pearson and his wife Mary Jane (nee Wishart). Alexander's occupation in the Electoral Rolls was 'independent means,' wealthy enough to employ a live-in gardener; he was, I believe, the son of William Pearson of Kilmany Park in Gippsland

Shelton, Alfred Gordon (SN 7067)  Alfred was living in Berwick when he enlisted on October 19, 1916. He was a 24 year old Labourer, born in Swifts Creek and his next of kin was his father, Robert, also of Swifts Creek. Alfred Returned to Australia January 30, 1918 and was discharged on medical grounds in the September due to being wounded - gun shot wounds to the arm, thigh and back.

Sherriff, Alfred (SN 2994) Alf enlisted on May 23, 1916 at the age of 36. He was born in Berwick, was  a farmer from Lang Lang and his next of kin was his wife, Sarah Janet Sherriff (nee Richardson). He Returned to Australia on January 2, 1919.  Alf is listed on the Yallock Honour Roll, see here.
Sherriff, Ernest Herbert (SN 572) Ernest enlisted on October 11, 1916 and was discharged due to being unfit for military service on December 13, 1916. A horse had fallen on him 13 years previous and he could not do any heavy lifting and had frequent gastric disturbances. Ernest was born in Berwick, was a 29 year old Labourer and his next of kin was his wife, Leila. The couple lived in Reserve Street, Berwick.
Arthur and Ernest were the sons of James and Martha (nee Brown) Sherriff.

Shorthouse, Charles Edgar  (SN Depot) Surname incorrectly listed as Shorhouse at NAA. Charles was born in Berwick. He enlisted on July 16, 1915 at the age of 33. He was a Veterinary Assistant and his next of kin was his wife, Annie, of East Prahran. Charles was discharged on February 10, 1916 as unfit - Pulmonary Tuberculosis.

Sibert, Frederick John  (SN 3482) Frederick was the nephew of the Gardiner brothers and I have written about the family, here.  Frederick is listed on the War Memorial in High Street, Berwick.

Smith, Clarence John (SN 107) Clarence enlisted on February 4, 1916 at the age of 20. He was a Horse Driver. Clarence was born in Berwick and his next of kin was his father, Alfred, of High Street Berwick, This was later changed to his mother, Hannah. Clarence was Killed in Action in Belgium on June 8, 1917. He is listed on the War Memorial in High Street, Berwick.


Report of the death of Clarence Smith
South Bourke & Mornington Journal  July 5, 1917 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article66192331

Sykes, Robert Andrew  (SN 3935)  Robert was born in Berwick. He was a 33 years old and a Farmer when he enlisted on July 14, 1915. His next of kin was his father, Alexander, of St Albans. Robert Returned to Australia November 12, 1916 and was discharged in March 1917 due to Deafness.

Talbot, Richard William  (SN 2283) Richard enlisted on May 29, 1915 at the age of 31. He was born in Berwick, was a Labourer and his next of kin was his sister, Mary Faull of Ryanston. Richard was Killed in Action in France on September 4, 1916. 

Tetley, Arthur Norman (SN 304) Arthur was born in Sale and enlisted on September 16, 1914. He was a 26 year old farmer. His next of kin was his father William of Weetwood, Berwick, who later moved to Surry Hills. Arthur died of wounds on August 8, 1915 on board the hospital ship, Delta, off  Gallipoli. Arthur is listed on the War Memorial in High Street, Berwick.
Tetley, Wilfred Lionel (SN 2657) Wilfred enlisted on December 10, 1917. He was a 31 year old Farmer, born in Wodonga. His next of kin was originally his father, William, but later changed to his wife Agnes of Wangaratta. Wilfred Returned to Australia April 28, 1919.
Arthur and Wilfred were the sons of William and Kate (nee Noyes) Tetley.


Arthur Norman Tetley
Australian War Memorial Photograph H05639

Thomas, William Nicholas Brunton (SN 1410) William enlisted on March 1, 1916 at the age of 21. He was Jam maker. He was born in South Yarra and his next of kin was his mother, Maria Thomas, of Wilson Street Berwick. William Returned to Australia January 24, 1919.

Walker, Leonard Adrian (SN 2257) Leonard enlisted at the age of 18 on May 1, 1916. His occupation was Farm Hand and his next of kin was his mother, Eliza Walker, of Berwick. Leonard Returned to Australia January 15, 1919.

Wallace, Charles John (SN 1522) Charles was born in Hobart. He enlisted at the age of 34 on August 19, 1914. He was discharged December 28, 1917 due to an Inguinal Hernia. Charles re-enlisted on September 6, 1918, this time his age was 42, so he was obviously a bit creative with his age the first time around. Charles embarked on October 2, 1918 for Rabaul and Returned to Australia June 6 1920 for duty in the Department of Native Affairs. His next of kin both times was his mother, Eliza - she was firstly living in Longwarry, but in 1918 her address was Station Street, Berwick.

Warne, Charles Frederick Peneligon (SN 245) Charles enlisted on January 29, 1916 at the age of 42 years, 11 months. He was a painter and his next of kin was his brother, John Warne of Berwick, Charles Returned to Australia December 16, 1917, suffering from Nephritis. He was discharged in March 1918 and died at the Caulfield Military Hospital on June 22, 1918. Charles is listed on the War Memorial in High Street, Berwick

Way, Leslie Gordon (SN 4547) Leslie was a 23 year old farmer when he enlisted on January 20, 1916. His next of kin was his father, Edward, of Harkaway, via Berwick. Leslie Returned to Australia March 31, 1919. He was granted a Soldier Settlement farm, read his file, here.

Webb, George Alexander (SN 4630) George was born in Berwick and enlisted on August 11, 1915. He was a 19 year old Labourer. His next of kin was his father, Joseph, of Penshurst. Just one year after he enlisted, George Died of Wounds in France on August 9, 1916.

White, Charles Albert  (SN 3967) Charles was born in Berwick and enlisted on December 15, 1915 at the age of 34. He was a Labourer and his next of kin was his wife, Mrs A.T. White, of Montague Street, South Melbourne. Charles had a few disciplinary issues, spent time in prison in both France and England on four occasions and Returned to Australia November 22, 1919.

Wilson, William  (SN Depot 62861) William was born in Berwick. He enlisted at the age  of 36 in Western Australia. William was a Blacksmith Striker and his next of kin was his wife, Elizabeth, of Midland Junction, also in Western Australia. William was discharged on October 23, 1918 on medical grounds. 

Yates, Charles Egerton (SN 2278) Charles enlisted at the age of 24 on February 29, 1916. Charles was awarded the Military Medal.  He Returned to Australia May 11, 1919.
Yates, Thomas Geoffrey (SN 431) Thomas was 21 years old when he enlisted on August 20, 1914. He was a driver. Thomas Returned to Australia October 8, 1918.
The boys were the sons of John Rogers and Jane Elizabeth (nee Low) Yates. John had died in October 1901 in Ballarat. Charles was born in Berwick according to his Attestation paper and Thomas in the 'Parish of  Labertouche, near the town of Berwick', which doesn't make sense geographically. However, according to the Victorian Indexes to the Births, Deaths and Marriages, Charles' birth was registered in Drouin and Thomas' in Longwarry (south of Labertouche) which is in the Parish of Drouin West, however their sister Constance was born in Berwick in 1894. I assume the family was living in Berwick sometime in the 1890s. Charles was living at Kangaroo Point, Queensland on enlistment and his next of kin was his mother, listed as Jennie Yates of Ballarat. Thomas was living in South Melbourne when he enlisted and his next of kin was his brother John, of Kangaroo Point. 

Tuesday, June 22, 2021

Baking for Victory

The Armed Forces require people with many skills, but I have just found out that the Army had Field Bakeries, and required bakers. I have never really thought about Military food provisioning, but clearly there was a raft of cooks, food preparers and bakers required to keep the men and women fed with  'enough food to feed an Army' as the saying goes. 

The Army Field Bakery in Victoria was established in April 1943 and The Argus (1) newspaper visited the 6th Australian Field Bakery and reported on it - [the bakery] can now bake enough bread in a day for 15,000 men if required. Army records were combed for men who in civil life were bakers, and eventually enough were found to complete the unit, which comprises 40 men under Lieut C. Longhurst, a third-generation master baker of Ballarat. Twenty-nine are tradesmen and the others are men doing general duties. They work different shifts.

Also attached to the unit is one large cat, described as the best mouse catcher in the camp; but so far the smell of freshly baked bread has not reached the camp mice, and Tom is idle.

Soldiers being served with the bread are equally enthusiastic. One reason is that when bread was delivered to them from Melbourne it was 72 hours old. Now the time is usually less than 24 hours, a fact which is leading to something of a crisis in the butter situation. Because the bread is fresher the men are eating more of it, and in consequence more butter (The Argus, April 14, 1943).


The Army Field Bakery Unit in Victoria

The Army not only had Field Bakeries in Australia, but wherever they served overseas. There was an article in the Dandenong Journal (2), which is transcribed below, about local man, George McGrath, from Nar Nar Goon who served in the Australian Field Bakery in Palestine and then in Pacific. He was listed as George in the newspaper report, but his real name was Thomas Raymond McGrath, so I presume he was known as George, to distinguish him from his Dad, who was also called Thomas, and who was also a baker. 

Nar Nar Goon Man Producing Bread For Jungle Fighters
Working shifts almost around the clock, members of an Army field bakery on a Pacific island produce thousands of pounds of bread daily. A Nar Nar Goon man with this unit is Pte. George McGrath, well known in local sporting circles as a member of cricket and football teams. Before the war George worked with his father, Mr. T. S. McGrath, for two years. He enlisted in 7th Division Signals in June, 1940, and served as a linesman before transferring to the bakery in Palestine in 1942.

Interviewed recently during a few minutes break from mixing dough in the iron-roofed bakery where the temperature soared around the century mark, George spoke of his service at Moresby and Milne Bay. He remembered how his unit produced bread in ovens improvised from copra kilns and reinforced with bricks salvaged from the ruins of Samarai, former trading settlement at the entrance to Milne Bay. Now the bakery uses steam pipe ovens fired with coke and capable of handling 80 loaves, in each batch. When the unit arrived at its present location the area was covered with dense jungle which had to be cleared before tents could be erected or bread baked. For several days bakers became timber-cutters, carpenters and road builders. Within a week they had cut themselves a camp site and were producing their full-scale quota of bread for thousands of Army and R.A.A.F. men on the island
(Dandenong Journal, May 16, 1945)


The Field Bakery at Dumpu in NewGuinea.
 I imagine George and his fellow bakers worked in similar conditions, and what you can't see in the photo is the Tropical heat and humidity.

Thomas Raymond McGrath was born in 1920 in Camperdown, to Thomas Stanley and Alice Eva (nee Membrey) McGrath. He married Merle Elsa Pavilach in November 1940. After the War, the couple continued living in Nar Nar Goon and George continued his career as a baker. George died in 2000 and Merle in 1994 and they are both buried at the Pakenham Cemetery (3).

Footnotes
(1) The Argus, April 14, 1943, see here. The Age newspaper also reported on the Field Bakery on the same day, you can read that report, here
(2) Dandenong Journal, May 16, 1945, see here.
(3) Indexes to the Victorian Births, Deaths and Marriages; Electoral Rolls on Ancestry database; Pakenham Cemetery records here http://www.australiancemeteries.com.au/vic/cardinia/pakenham.htm

Wednesday, June 9, 2021

Army Nurse Jane Eleanor Turner

In this post we look at another World War One Army Nurse with a connection to the Casey Cardinia region. Jane Eleanor Turner was born in Lysterfield on October 27, 1887 to Josiah Stansfeld Milne Turner and his wife and Lucy Ida (nee Billington) (1).  Soon after her birth, the family moved to Kilcunda Road, Kongwak and that is where her six sisters were born. They family operated a sheep and cattle farm (2).

Jane's birth notice 

Jane undertook her training at the Heathcote Hospital and qualified in November 1914 and worked there until her enlistment (3). As a matter of interest, her sister Bon commenced her nursing training at Heathcote in June 1914 and completeted it in May 1919 at Colac (4).


Jane Eleanor Turner successfully passes her Victorian Trained Nurses' Association examinations.
Bendigonian December 29, 1914 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article92054275

Jane enlisted in the Australian Army Nursing Service on July 13, 1917 at the age of 29 (5).  The Great Southern Advocate (6) reported  that on July 23, a very successful farewell social was tendered to Staff-nurse Turner, of Kilcunda Road on Monday night by some of her many Friends, prior to taking her departure for Salonika to fulfil military duties. Mr F. Bunn, on behalf of the residents, on presenting Nurse Turner with a handsomely engraved set of solid silver brushes, mirror and comb and a purse containing a considerable amount of money, said that he was in a position to know that their guest possessed many fine qualities as he had known her from childhood, and he felt very proud of her (7). 

Jane embarked from Sydney on August 31, 1917 and was assigned at the 31st General Hospital at Abbassia, Cairo where she commenced duty on October 5, 1917. 


31st General Hospital at Abbassia, Cairo, where Jane worked. 
Photographer: John Dougal Cramb. Australian War Memorial Image J05644

Jane left Abbassia on June 13 1918 and arrived at Salonika, Macedonia nine days later where she was assigned to the 52nd General Hospital and later to the 42nd and 43rd General Hospitals. During this time she was admitted to hospital with Influenza (8).


Jane also worked at the 52nd General Hospital
Patients' huts at 52nd British General Hospital. Australian War Memorial Image H15755

Not only did the nurses, soldiers and patients have to battle disease, they also had to battle mosquitoes, at the 52nd General Hospital as this amusing photo, below, shows. 


 A group of Australian Army Nursing Service nurses at the 52nd British General Hospital at Kalamaria ready for night duty wearing headdress provided for protection against mosquitoes. 
Kalamaria is just south of Salonika.
Australian War Memorial Image H15761

On March 3 1919, Jane departed Salonika for England. After arriving in London, she was granted leave to attend a Motor Driving course at the Mansion Motor Training Garage. She finally left Engand on August 9, 1919 to return to Australia, arriving on September 27 (9).  

Nurse Turner was welcomed home at a function held at the Bena Mechanics' Institute on Friday October 10. Once again the Great Southern Advocate (10) reported on the function - The Bena Mechanics' Institute was crowded to the doors on Friday evening last when a public welcome home was tendered to Staff-Nurse Turner, just recently returned from active service. Nurse Turner has seen two years' service in Egypt, two in Solonica (11) and some time in England, but despite the fact that she has gone through all the many hardships involved in the ardous life of a Red Cross nurse she has returned looking exceedingly strong and well......A very fine collection of musical talent had been got together, and the large audience highly appreciated each item....At the conclusion of the musical programmne, Mr Whittet called upon Nurse Turner, for the purpose of presenting her with an inscribed gold medal, in honor of her return......congratulating Nurse Turner on her safe return and good health; and trusted she would live long in the freedom she had helped to gain.  You can read the full report, here.

We can trace her life after she returned home through her address in the Electoral Rolls (12).  In 1926 she was living at Koo Wee Rup and working, I assume, in the Hospital. A Bush Nursing Hospital had opened in the town in July 1918 and in May 1923 a new Fallen Soldiers Memorial Hospital was opened in Station Street. In 1931 she was living with her parents at 14 Green Street, Ivanhoe. They had moved there from Kongwak.  Stansfeld Turner passed away at Ivanhoe in September 1927 (13) and Lucy in November 1937 (14).  The next address I can find is in 1943, where Jane is living in Kew. In 1949 she had returned to Heathcote, the town where she had undertaken her nursing training, and was living with her sister, Bon Tranter. In 1954 Jane was at Melvin Street in Frankston and this is where she died on May 28, 1957, aged 69 (15)


Jane's death notice
The Age May 29, 1957

Footnotes
(1) Indexes to the Victorian Births, Deaths and Marriages; Birth notice in The Leader November 5, 1887.
(2) Kilcunda Road, Kongwak address came from this report of a party at their house in the Great Southern Advocate, August 8 1895, see here.  The sisters were Hester Lucy (1889), Sara Elizabeth 'Bessie' (1894), Bon (1896), Violet May (1898), Ruby Alison (1900) Marjorie Ada (1905). Farming activities  - advertisement for a sale of one of their Alderney bulls in the Great Southern Advocate January 16, 1891, see here and report of sale of their sheep Weekly Times, March 30 1912, see here.
(3) I am assuming that she only worked at Heathcote as that is the only place of work listed on her enlistment paper in her  First Australian Imperial Force Personnel Dossiers, 1914-1920   https://recordsearch.naa.gov.au/SearchNRetrieve/Interface/ViewImage.aspx?B=1920646
(4) Bon Turner -  her succesful application to be a Probationer Nurse at Heathcote Hospital is from the McIvor Times June 4, 1914, see here. Bon Turner's  completion of her nursing exams at Colac comes from The Age, June 28, 1919, see here.
(5) First Australian Imperial Force Personnel Dossiers, 1914-1920, see here
(6) Great Southern Advocate July 26, 1917, see here.
(7) Great Southern Advocate July 26, 1917, see here.
(8) Details of service comes from her First Australian Imperial Force Personnel Dossiers, 1914-1920, see here.   
(9) As per Footnote 8.
(10) Great Southern Advocate October 16, 1919, see here.
(11) They have mistakenly reported that she was away for four years - it was two years.
(12) Electoral Roll available on Ancestry.com
(13) Stansfeld Turner's death notice was in The Argus, October 1, 1927, see here.
(14) Lucy Turner's death notice was in The Age, November 24, 1937, see here.
(15) Jane's Death notice was in The Age May 29, 1957. Jane was cremated at Springvale.

Thursday, June 3, 2021

Army Nurse Mary Alice Sherriff

Mary Alice Sherriff enlisted in the British India Nursing Service unit (1) of the Australian Imperial Forces on February 27, 1918. She was aged 27 and her next of kin was her mother, Mrs M. A. Sherriff,  of A'Beckett Street in Bunyip (2). Mary was born in Longwarry in 1890 to Alfred and Maria (nee Auchetto) Sherriff. She was the eldest of their seven children.  Alfred was a blacksmith and had a business in Longwarry for seventeen years, before moving his business to Bunyip and later to Tynong. Maria operated a  grocery and drapery in Bunyip (3)


Alf Sherriff opens up a his business in Tynong. The claim that Tynong some day may be the queen city of the east was ambitious (and as it turns out, wrong)
Bunyip Free Press July 15, 1915 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article129630666


Maria Sherriff's business.
Bunyip and Garfield Express September 9, 1913

Mary completed her training at Warragul Hospital  in May 1917 when she passed the Royal Victorian Trained Nurses Association examinations (4)


Nurse Sherriff was mentioned in this bereavement notice inserted in the Bunyip Free Press by Mr Fawkner after the death of his wife, who died on August 11, 1915 after a lengthy  illness that was borne with great fortitude (5).  Mary obviously made an impression on the Fawkner family to be mentioned in the notice. 
Bunyip Free Press, August 19, 1915 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article129630758


The only other reference I could find to Mary during her period of  nursing training was an article  in October 1915 in the West Gippsland Gazette (6) where she and some of her fellow nurses sold buttons, on Button Day,  as a fund-raiser for the Warragul Hospital. Nurse Sherriff, Nurse Percy, Sister McLeod and Nurse West sold 750 buttons on the day and being Thursday, market day, Warragul was very busy. The townsfolk were enthusiastic and they raised over £23 that day. On the Tuesday two other nurses, Nurse Perry and Nurse Hawkins, had raised over £11 in Drouin making a grand total of over £35. The report said that the people were very generous in their responses to the winning allurements of the nurses (7). I am taking this to mean that the Nurses were well regarded and looked upon with affection by the Community, because many reports I have seen over the years suggests that this was the case all throughout Australia.


Part of the report on Button Day, the Warragul Hospital fund-raiser.
West Gippsland Gazette, October 26, 1915 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article68619794

Army Nurses had to be qualified and experienced, so Mary could not enlist before she finished her training. Mary left Melbourne on March 6, 1918 for Bombay (as Mumbai was then called) and commenced duty at the Colaba War Hospital on May 1, 1918. Whilst she was serving at Colaba she was admitted to the Hospital suffering from small pox. Disease was an ever present danger to the Nurses and Soldiers who served overseas.


This photo was taken at the Colaba War Hospital, where Mary served.
Group portrait of the medical and nursing staff of the Colaba War Hospital, Bombay.
Australian War Memorial Image P07133.005

In August, she was transferred to the Station Hospital at  Barrackapore and in July 1919 to the 34th Welsh General Hospital at Deolali, a British Army Camp. 


The 34th Welsh General Hospital at Deolali, where Mary also served.
Australian War Memorial Image H12551

On November 17, 1919 Mary embarked from Bombay  to Singapore on the S.S Dilwara, where she transferred to the S.S. Charon. She arrived in Fremantle on January 19, 1920 and then overlanded to Melbourne where she arrived on January 23. On her arrival in Melbourne Mary was accomodated at the Nurses' Hostel, Grand Hotel, Spring Street. The Grand Hotel is now the Windsor Hotel.  Mary was discharged in September 1920 (8). 

On January 28, 1922 Mary was married to Archibald Duncan of Black Rock (9). At the time of their marriage Archibald was working for the Victorian Railways and they moved to Newstead, near Castlemaine; then Maryborough and from around 1931, they lived at Chelsea (10). Archibald died November 1, 1957 and Mary in on January 28, 1984 (11).  I don't know if they had any children.


Marriage notice of Mary and Archibald


Footnotes
(1) The Australian War Memorial website has some information about Australian nursing in India during the First World War here https://www.awm.gov.au/articles/blog/nursing-british-raj
(2) Mary Alice Sherriff's First Australian Imperial Force Personnel Dossiers, 1914-1920 see it here.
(3) This information is from the Indexes to the Victorian Births, Deaths and Marriages; from the book Call of the Bunyip: History of Bunyip, Iona and Tonimbuk, 1847-1990 by Denise Nest (Bunyip History Committee1990) and from the advertisment of Maria's business (shown above) from the Bunyip and Garfield Express September 9, 1913. Mary's siblings were Clarence, Hilda, Irene, Eileen, Albert and Roy.


Death notice of Alfred Sherriff, who died May 7, 1931. Maria died in September and is buried at Bunyip with Alfred.

(4) The Argus June 7, 1917, see here.
(5) Bunyip Free Press, August 19, 1915, see here.
(6) West Gippsland Gazette, October 26, 1915, see here.  
(7) West Gippsland Gazette, October 26, 1915, see here.  
(8) The information about Mary's War service is from her file at the National Archives of Australia, part of the First Australian Imperial Force Personnel Dossiers, 1914-1920, see it here.
(9) Marriage notice in The Argus March 9, 1922, see here
(10) Information from the Electoral Rolls, available on Ancestry.com
(11) Date of deaths from the Wills and Probate files at the Public Records Office of Victoria, www.prov.vic.gov.au