Pearcedale Great War Soldiers

This is a list of soldiers with a connection to the town of Pearcedale. There may be some I have missed, if you know of any, then please let me know.

Pearcedale was originally called Langwarrin. When the Mornington and Stony Point railway lines opened in the late 1880s, the railway station near the Military Camp (now a Flora and Fauna Reserve) was named Langwarrin. A new town developed east of the railway station and was locally called New Langwarrin.  Pearcedale was known as Langwarrin or Langwarrin Estate or Old Langwarrin until December 1905 when, at a  meeting of rate payers,  it was voted to rename the town Pearcedale to avoid confusion with the new settlement based near the Langwarrin Railway Station. Pearcedale was named after Nathanial and Mary Grace  Pearce,  early European settlers.

The soldiers listed below had their address on official papers as Pearcedale, sometimes Pearcedale, via Somerville and on occasions just Somerville. They may also have had Langwarrin listed as a birthplace, which when they were born was the name for Pearcedale. I have also included any soldiers whose family are mentioned in the book Pearcedale: Moments in history. You can read more about this book and Pearcedale here. If you want to borrow the book, click here

What follows is a list of soldiers, their connection to Pearcedale, 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)

Barton, George Ormond (SN 965) George was  a 25 year old orchardist when he enlisted on August 17, 1914. His next of kin was his father, Joseph, of Pearcedale. George Returned to Australia on September 23, 1918. You can read more about the Barton family in Pearcedale: Moments in history.

Charlie Bond (SN 3310) and his visit to Horsham.

Horsham Times June 17, 1919 page 5.

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article73049797

Bond, Charles Rundle (SN 3310)   Charles enlisted on July 20, 1915 at the age of  21. He Returned to Australia on April 13, 1919. Charles was the brother of William (below). They were the sons of William and Emily (nee Smith) Bond who came to Pearcedale about 1910 (Source: Pearcedale: Moments in history)

Bond, William Arthur  (SN 2575)  William enlisted on August 2, 1915. He was a 24 year old labourer and his next of kin was his father, also William, who was an orchardist. William was Killed in Action on July 19, 1916 at the battle of Fromelles.

Clark, Alfred Hoswell (SN 13933) Alfred was born at Langwarrin and enlisted on May 4, 1915 aged 19. He was an apprentice to his father, his occupation being mechanic and motor driver. Alfred Returned to Australia on June 2, 1919.

Evans, Thomas (SN 8830)  17/8/15  Twenty two year old Samuel enlisted on August 17, 1915. His next of kin was his father, Samuel, of Langwarrin. Thomas Returned to Australia on August 9, 1919.

This article reports on the welcome home function for local Pearcedale soldiers - Thomas Evans, Fred Knox, John Knox, William White and Martin Nicholson. 

Mornington Standard  November 21, 1919 page 3

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article65853222

Feltham, George (SN 3064)   George enlisted on February 2, 1917. He was born in Langwarrin, as Pearcedale was known at the time. He was a 26 year old boundary rider and his next of kin was his father, William, of Pearcedale. George Returned to Australia on September 25, 1919.

Grosvenor, James Edwin (SN 1044)    James was born in Langwarrin and enlisted on August 18, 1914. His next of kin was his sister of North Fitzroy, but he was living at Tallandoon (south of Tallangatta) at the time  He Returned to Australia on February 15, 1918. 

Heazlewood, Walter Frederick  (SN 7161)  Surname also listed as Hazlewood. Walter enlisted October 27, 1916. He was a 32 year old farmer. Walter was medically discharged on January 4, 1918 and he died on December 12, 1922, suffering from Tuberculosis.

Hobbs, Rupert Roxborough  (SN 13302) Rupert was a 36 year school master at Pearcedale when he enlisted on August 25, 1915 in the Field Ambulance Unit. He Returned to Australia on March 28, 1919.

Jarvis, Clarence James  (SN 3853) Clarence was nearly  19 years old and an apprentice  carpenter when he enlisted on August 16, 1915. On August 7, 1916 he received a gun shot wound to the chest, whilst serving in France. He Returned to Australia on March 17, 1917 and was discharged on medical grounds in July.

Jarvis, Oswald Lewis   Listed on the Discovering Anzacs site as having enlisted at the age of 29, with a Pearcedale address, which doesn't tally with his birth date of 1895. He was a brother of Clarence, above, they were both born in Cudgewa, but I cannot find out anything else about Oswald's service.

Kennough, William Henry (SN 144)   Surname is also listed on some sources as Kannough. William was living in Oakleigh when he enlisted on September 9, 1914. He was awarded the Military Medal in August 1918 and Returned to Australia  October 18, 1918.

Killeen, Michael Francis (SN 3124) Michael was born in Langwarrin and was 21 when he enlisted on October 16, 1916. He Returned to Australia on July 18, 1919.

Knox, John Henry (SN 4845)  John was 20 years old when he enlisted on November 10, 1915. He  Returned to Australia on July 7, 1919.  John and Thomas (below) were brothers. They were the sons of Edward and Mary (nee Pool) Knox of Pearcedale.

Knox, Thomas Frederick  (SN 4650)  Thomas was a 27 year old farmer and he enlisted on January 4, 1918. He arrived in Egypt in the June and saw some active service and Returned to Australia on July 17, 1919.

Larsen, Joseph (SN 3345) Joseph was 24 years old when he enlisted on July 6, 1915. He was born in Denmark and he had lived with James Ridley of Pearcedale for four years before his enlistment. He was Killed in Action in Belgium on September 20, 1917. They could find no trace of his parents in Denmark so his war medals were given to Mr Ridley in August 1920.

Lyons: There were four sons of Patrick and Louisa Lyons, of Pearcedale, who served in the Great War.

Lyons, Charles  (SN 6846)  Charles enlisted on May 9, 1916, he was 18 years old. When he was overseas he got married on September 6, 1919 to Agatha Richards. They came back to Australia in August 1920.

Lyons, John (SN 3568)   John was 22 years old when he enlisted on July 21, 1915. He Returned to Australia on February 9, 1919.

Lyons, Leslie William (SN 655)  Leslie enlisted on March 24, 1915 at the age of nineteen. Leslie was Killed in Action in France on October 5, 1918.

Lyons, Patrick Edward (SN 3194)  Patrick was nearly 23 when he enlisted on November 24, 1916. He Died of Wounds on September 27, 1917, the day after he was wounded in action whilst serving in France.

Patrick and Louisa (nee Henderson) had come to Pearcedale in 1910, they lived in East Road. Patrick died in June 1915, aged 52,  leaving Louisa a widow. They had eleven children. I wonder what happened to Louisa and I hope she found some happiness. You can read about the Lyons family in Pearcedale: Moments in history.

Marsh, Edmund John (SN 5730)  Edmund, born in Langwarrin,  enlisted on March 13, 1916 at the age of 18 and was living in Wandin at the time. He Returned to Australia on June  12, 1919.

This article from the Mornington Standard of June 21 1919 reports on the welcome home to Rupert Hobbs, Charlie Bond, Robert Young and a D. McCarthy.
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article65852679

McCarthy, D   As you can see from the article above D.McCarthy had a connection to Pearcedale, I just can't work out who he is. I feel that it is either Daniel McCarthy (SN 16051) a telephone mechanic from Traralgon or Daniel Patrick McCarthy (SN 10447) a farmer whose next of kin on his enlistment paper was his brother, Edward, who was from Koo-Wee-Rup and later changed his address to Nar Nar Goon and on the embarkation roll it was his uncle, T. McCarthy of Nar Nar Goon. Daniel McCarthy was an orphan, I feel that he is the more likely candidate, but if you ave any information then please let me know.

Monro: George and Amy (nee Ostler) Monro had six sons of which three  served in the Great War. George was a market gardener and flower grower and  had arrived in Pearcedale  in 1900. You can read more about George and Amy and family in a short piece written by their grandson, George Monro in  Pearcedale: Moments in history.

Monro, Allan Clarence  (SN 3208)   Allan  had first enlisted as a 19 year old on April 6, 1915 but was discharged as being medically unfit, due to bronchitis, on June 24 the same year. Then he enlisted again on March 25, 1916 and served in the Home Services until July 11 when he was discharged again. Allan enlisted for the third time on November 26, 1916, he went overseas in the December but Returned to Australia in October and was discharged from the Army as medically unfit on December 14, 1917. There are two interesting letters in his file -  a 1942 letter from the Lighthouse & Navigational Services asking for  a copy of his war record as Allan had been appointed the permanent lighthouse keeper at Cape Schanck and one written by Allan in 1947 asking for a copy of his discharge papers as they were destroyed when his house was burnt down in the Black Friday bush fires on 1939.

Monro, Eric Wilfred (SN  2732)  Eric enlisted on June 30, 1915 aged 22. He was a mail carrier. He Returned to Australia on December 21, 1918.

Monro, Roy (SN 1083a)  Roy enlisted on August 20, 1914 aged 24. He Returned to Australia on March 10, 1918.

Nicholson, Donald (SN 986) Donald was 22 when he enlisted on September 18, 1914. Donald was Wounded in Action at Gallipoli, gun shot wound to left forearm, and  he Returned to Australia on July 17, 1915 and was officially discharged in November 1916.

Nicholson, Martin Terris  (SN 7285) Martin enlisted on December 4, 1916 aged 20. He Returned to Australia on August 19, 1919.  Both Donald and Martin were born in St Arnaud, Martin's mother was listed as Mrs Annie Perry and Donald's as Mrs Nicholson - were they brothers and their mother had remarried?

Orchard, Cyril George (SN 4747)  Cyril was 27 when he enlisted on March 1, 1916. He was a farm hand and lived with his wife, Doris at the  Balla Balla property. He was Killed in Action in Belgium on October 4, 1917.

Pearce, William Henry (SN 2561)  William enlisted at the age of 21 on January 20, 1915. William was wounded whilst fighting in France on July 3, 1917 and died the next day. The town of Pearcedale was named for William's parents - Nathaniel and Mary Grace Pearce -  in 1905. Read about the family, here.

Potter, Thomas  (SN 7306)  Thomas was a boundary rider, was 37 years old and he and his wife, Isabella were living at Pearcedale when he enlisted on August 5, 1915. He Returned to Australia on April 13, 1919.

Watt, Horace Alfred  (SN 3147)   Twenty year old Horace enlisted  on July 8, 1915. He Returned to Australia on January 15, 1919.  He was the son of Alfred Watt of Pearcedale and his occupation was dairyman.

Another welcome home party - this time for William Young and George White

Mornington Standard, March 22 1919 page 3
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article65852345

White, George Edward (SN 69382)  George  enlisted at the age of 18 on May 20 1918. He left for service overseas on November 2 1918 and it doesn't say when he returned. His parents, Thomas and Grace had an orchard, Plumvale. You can read more about the White  family in Pearcedale: Moments in history. George's enlistment papers list his address as Somerville.

White, William (SN 5436)  William was a 27 year old gardener and he enlisted on March 18, 1916. He and his wife, Sarah, lived at Bayview, Pearcedale. William was born in England and was granted leave from the Army between March and June 1919 to work on Mr A. White's farm, presumably a relative. He Returned to Australia on August 1, 1919.

Willis, Thomas William (SN 4045)  Thomas was living in Tasmania when he enlisted on August 4, 1915, aged 18. He was born in Langwarrin. Thomas Returned to Australia on April 12, 1919.

Wisken, William (SN 985) William enlisted on July 3, 1915. He was 21 and his occupation was nursery hand. He Returned to Australia on September 9, 1916 for discharge due to 'adolescent insanity' he had previously been described as 'a simple childish boy'. I wonder what happened to him?  William was the son of Henry and Rose Wisken who had arrived in Pearcedale on Boxing Day 1909 with their nine children of which William was the eldest. His brother George was President of the Pearcedale Cricket Club for 50 years and is the namesake of the George Wisken  Memorial Oval (Source: Ian Wisken - from the book Pearcedale: Moments in history)

Young, Robert Charles (SN 3305) Robert enlisted on July 20, 1915 aged 23. He was a labourer and was a member of the Pearcedale Rifle Club. Robert was born at Mornington Junction, the original name for the town of Baxter.   Robert Returned to Australia on April 13, 1919.                                  

Young, William Hay (SN 1582)  William enlisted on April 17, 1915 aged 28, he was an orchardist. William was Wounded in Action on two occasions and also gassed and consequently spent a lot of time in hospital when he was serving overseas. He Returned to Australia on January 14, 1919.

Koo-Wee-Rup Red Cross by Don Jewell

Koo-Wee-Rup Red Cross is one hundred years old on July 7, 2015. It's formation was reported in the Lang Lang Guardian of July 21, 1915.

Lang Lang Guardian 

July 21, 1915

Unfortunately, our operation has not been continuous. Koo-Wee-Rup Red Cross operated for the duration of the First World War, and then closed down  ‐ only to become active again during the Second World War. Once again it closed down, only to be revived in 1962 ‐ and we celebrated our Golden Jubilee (and "third incarnation!") in 2002

Red Cross archives have given us a list of the Unit office bearers, and we have a marvellous "Treasurer's Book" covering the period 1940 to 1948, compiled by the late Margaret Robertson, in beautiful cursive handwriting. "Mrs. Robbie's book" contains annual lists of Red Cross members during this period. In 1943‐44, the Koo-Wee-Rup Red Cross Unit had 261 members -  which must have been most of the adult population of the town at the time. You can imagine a couple of determined ladies walking the town and informing everyone that it was their patriotic duty to join Red Cross to help the war effort! You can see Mrs Robbies list below.

The list contains some very familiar Koo-Wee-Rup names ‐ Cochrane, Broadbent, Mickle, Rossiter and Glasscock to name a few. And our Italian community was well represented by names such as Ventura, Crameri, Inverno and Rossetti. In fact it is quite a good genealogical resource: was your family living in Koo-Wee-Rup in the forties? Any information in your family archives?

According to Red Cross records, the first Secretary (in 1914‐15) was a Mrs. C.M. Jack (although she is later listed as Miss C.M. Jack)   From 1916 to 1919, Mrs. J.A. Morrison was President, Miss C.M. Jack was  Secretary and Mrs. M. Hamilton, the Treasurer.  Any information about these ladies would be much appreciated ‐ pictures of our pioneer office bearers would be especially valued. 

Editor's note: Congratulations to the Koo-Wee-Rup Red Cross!  If you have any information on early office bearers or on the history of the Unit leave a comment below and I will put you in touch with Don. 

The members of the Koo-Wee-Rup Red Cross 1943-1944

The members of the Koo-Wee-Rup Red Cross 1943-1944

The members of the Koo-Wee-Rup Red Cross 1943-1944

The members of the Koo-Wee-Rup Red Cross 1943-1944

World War One Soldiers with a connection to Garfield

This is a list of First World War Soldiers who have a connection to Garfield. The names come from the Discovering  ANZACS website, the Australian ANZACs in the Great War website, the Garfield State School Honour Roll, the new Garfield Honour Roll which was unveiled in May last year (both of these rolls are at the Community Centre) and a list of soldiers from Bill Parish’s notes that are held at the Berwick Pakenham Historical Society.  I am under the impression that Bill’s list is of the names on the original Honour Board that was destroyed when the Garfield Hall was burnt down in April I937.  Either way there are 80 names listed below, so it shows that the Garfield community made a huge commitment and, at times, a huge sacrifice to support Australia’s war effort. I wrote this article for the Garfield township newsletter, The Spectator, where it was originally published.  Heather Arnold. 

What follows is a list of soldiers, their connection to Garfield , 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)

If the soldiers are on the Garfield State School Honour Roll they have GSSHR after their name; if the are on the Garfield Honour Roll at the Community Centre they have GHR after their name and if they are on Bill Parish’s Garfield Honour Roll list then they have BPGHR after their name.

Baker, George (SN 16373) George enlisted on October 13, 1916, aged 22. He was a telephone mechanic and his next of kin was his father, David Baker, of Garfield. He Returned to Australia July 7, 1919.

Barker, Albert Stirling (SN 1212)   Albert was a 27 year old farmer from Garfield when he enlisted on July 17, 1915. His next of kin was his father, James, of Newmarket. He Returned to Australia on January 18, 1919. GSSHR, BPGHR.

Beswick, Edwin Ezard  (SN 6725) Edwin enlisted on September 16, 1916. He was 18 years old, was born in England and his next of kin was his father, John, of Garfield.  He made a will on July 26, 1917 and left everything to his mother, Mary Elizabeth Beswick. Edwin died in France of wounds and gas poisoning on October 9, 1917. Edwin is listed on the Bunyip War Memorial as well as the GHR and BPGHR.

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 due to suffering from pulmonary tuberculosis on September 16, 1915. 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.   GSSHR, BPGHR.

Body, William (SN 36896)  William was born in Garfield and was 20, a farmer,  when he enlisted on February 28, 1917. His next of kin was his father, John, of Garfield.   He Returned to Australia on July 13, 1919.  William is the brother of Daisy Body, the first teacher at Garfield North State School when it opened in 1914. BPGHR.

Bullock, Ernest (SN 6291) Ernest was nearly 21 and a farmer when he enlisted on July 7, 1916.  He was born in Murrumbena and his next of kin was his mother, Mrs Mary Bullock, of Oakleigh. I assume that Ernest was living with his brother Thomas (see below) when he enlisted and that’s his Garfield connection. Ernest was Killed in Action in France on October 4, 1918. Ernest and Thomas are listed on the Garfield Honour Roll as well as the Clyde North State School Roll, where they attended school.  GHR, BPGHR

Bullock, Thomas (SN 6292) Thomas was nearly 26, a labourer from Garfield and enlisted on July 7, 1916 the same day as his brother, Ernest, above.  His next of kin was his wife, Rose.  Thomas Returned to Australia on July 22, 1919.  BPGHR

Burnett, William Wernham Thomas  (SN 3019) William was born in Longwarry and was 18 years old when enlisted on July 22, 1915. His next of kin was his mother, Lilly Finnie of Garfield.  He Returned to Australia on April 27, 1919. GSSHR, BPGHR.

Burrows, John James (SN 3259)  John was born in Garfield and enlisted on August 2, 1915 when he was 19. He Returned to Australia on April 12, 1919.  GSSHR, BPGHR.

Cantini, R   This man is listed on the Garfield State School Honour Roll. I believe the surname should be Cantieni. I can’t find the family on the Electoral Roll in the area, but I found some references to the family on Trove - in 1900 there is a letter to the editor from a Peter Cantieni of Garfield; in 1906 there is an advertisement from an A.A Cantieni of Garfield inviting tenders to plough 30 acres of new land; and in February 1907 there was a report that Mrs Cantieni’s newly built residence  burnt down. This man may be Richard Cantieni (SN 5310) who enlisted on March 18, 1916 aged 22 and Died of Wounds on February 27, 1917, and whose next of kin was his father, Peter.  However the Honour Roll does not list him as having  died, so I am not sure.

Cock, John Alfred (SN 414) John enlisted on August 17, 1916 aged 19. His address was the New Bunyip Hotel, Bunyip  (the hotel that was where the Princes Highway crossed the Bunyip River)  which was owned by his parents. He Returned to Australia on March 28, 1919. GSSHR.

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.
I believe these boys were brothers, and I have done more research on the family, you can read about them here.

Devaney, A   This man is listed on the Garfield State School Honour Roll. He is possibly connected to David and Eleanor Devaney who had the New Bunyip Hotel on the Gippsland Road.

Donald, Arnold James (SN 6000a) Donald enlisted at 27 years of age on March 3, 1916. His next of kin was his mother, Mrs Elizabeth Donald of Garfield.  He was wounded in France and Returned to Australia on April 5, 1918.

Donald, Henry Gordon (SN 6001)  Henry enlisted the same day as his brother, Arnold (above) He was 21, born in Iona,  and his next of kin was also his mother, Elizabeth. He was Killed in Action in Belgium, sometime between June 7^th and 9^th,  1917

Drake, James Patrick (SN 13281)  James was born in Garfield and enlisted on July 13, 1915. James Returned to Australia on May 5, 1919. James’ parents, James and Elizabeth, had arrived in Garfield around 1888 and later moved to Bunyip - James’ brother Tom was T.D Drake Real Estate and Auctioneers.    GSSHR

Dunne, George Michael  (SN 3379) George enlisted on March 14, 1917 at the age of 33. His next of kin was his wife, Laura, and they lived in Garfield North.  He Returned to Australia on March 17, 1919. BPGHR.

Edis, Eric Henile (SN 3509)  Eric was born in Garfield and his next of kin listed when he enlisted on August 2, 1915 was his father Frederick. Eric Returned to Australia on December 22, 1918, he then worked as a farrier and wheelwright in Garfield.  GSSHR, BPGHR.

Gaghin,  John (SN 2528) - his last name is listed as Gachin (his name is spelt this way on the Bunyip War Memorial) and Gaghain on other sources, but looking at his signature on his enlistment paper, Gaghin is the correct spelling. John is the son of Michael Gaghin of Garfield and enlisted on June 6, 1916.   He was Killed in Action in France on April 11, 1917. GHR, BPGHR

Gillespie, John Gordon  (SN 17902)  John was born in Garfield and enlisted on  January 28, 1916. His next of kin was his father, Andrew, of Garfield. John Returned to Australia on January 18, 1919. GSSHR, BPGHR.

Green, Thomas Cole (SN 2421)  Thomas was from Garfield and his next of kin was his mother, Catherine, and he enlisted on April 11, 1916. Thomas Returned to Australia on May 6, 1919. Thomas also enlisted to serve in World War Two in 1941 when he was 53 years old.

Gunnelson, Inglebert Thomas  (SN 3160)

Gunnelson, Percy Oscar  (SN 893)  Inglebert enlisted on September 2, 1916, aged 23 and Percy enlisted August 24, 1914 aged 20.  Inglebert and Percy were the sons of James and Mary (nee Duff) Gunnelson of Garfield. James (sometimes called Inglebert)  was born in Norway and was a builder. Sadly they were both Killed in Action, Percy on May 8, 1915 at Gallipoli and Inglebert on October 4, 1917 in France.  Inglebert and Percy are listed on the Bunyip War Memorial as well as the GSSHR, GHR, BPGHR

Gunnelson, R   There is an R. Gunnelson listed on Bill Parish’s list and on the Garfield State School Honour Roll. I believe this is Robert Herman Gunnelson, brother to Inglebert and Percy, who was born in 1900, however I can’t find any listing of him on the records at the National Archives of Australia or the Australian War Memorial, so maybe he enlisted just before the War ended.

Hobson, Edward Ernest (SN 3506)  Edward enlisted on August 23, 1915 when he was 24 and his next of kin was his wife, Emily, of Garfield.  He Returned to Australia on February 9, 1919. BPGHR

Hobson, George (SN 1164)  George enlisted on July 28, 1915 at the age of 19 and his next of kin was his brother, William, of Garfield. He Returned to Australia on January 4, 1919. BPGHR

James, Reginald Alfred John  (SN 3806) James enlisted on March 1, 1916 at the age of 22 and his next of kin was his father, Alfred, of Garfield. He Returned to Australia on January 10, 1918. BPGHR

Jewell  The Garfield State School Honour Roll has a Jewell listed with no initial. This could possibly be Frederick William Jewell, born 1888  (SN 57) or William James Peter Jewell, born 1893 (SN 6136) or John George Jewell , born 1894 (SN 55). They are the sons of William and Elizabeth (nee Leask) In the book Call of the Bunyip by Denise Nest it says that the Jewells had fifty acres as part of the Tonimbuk Village Settlement Scheme and they arrived at Tonimbuk around 1892. John is listed on the Bunyip War Memorial and Frederick and John are also on a plaque at the Tonimbuk Hall. 

Kimberley, John Robert (SN 857)  John enlisted on September 18, 1914. He was born in Garfield, but was living in Sebastapol, near Ballarart, when he enlisted.  He Returned to Australia on October 4, 1918.

King, S  This man is on Bill Parish’s list, but I can’t work out who he is.

Lambden, Thomas William (SN 6050)  Thomas enlisted on March 3, 1916 at the age of 30 and his next of kin was his wife, Emma, of Garfield.    Thomas Returned to Australia on December 24, 1918. BPGHR

Leeson, Robert Victor  (SN 2589) Robert enlisted, at 20 years of age, on June 30, 1916.  His next of kin was his father, Phillip Leeson of Garfield and he was the brother of William (below). Robert and William’s grandmother, Kathleen Leeson, was the licensee of the Pig & Whistle Hotel on Cannibal Creek.   Robert Returned to Australia on December 18, 1918. GSSHR, BPGHR    

Leeson,  William Herbert Charles  (SN 1178) William, the brother of Robert, above,  enlisted on September 26, 1914, aged 24.  William was Killed in Action on May 2, 1915 at Gallipoli.  William is listed on the Bunyip War Memorial as well as GSSHR, GHR, BPGHR

Leithhead,  David (SN  V80710) David was born in Garfield in 1900 and was the son of George and Alice Leithhead of Vervale. David enlisted on September 28, 1918. The war ended before David saw any active service, but in 1941 in the Second World War, he enlisted in the Air Force.

McDonald, Allan Walter (SN 2474) Allan enlisted on March 3, 1916 and his next of kin was his wife, Jessie, of Garfield. He was 40 years old and a farmer. Allan Died of Wounds received whist fighting in France, on March 28, 1917.  Allan is listed on the Bunyip War Memorial as well as GHR, BPGHR

McGrath, Patrick (SN 51412)  Patrick enlisted on September 14, 1917 aged 28. His next of kin was his father, Michael, of Garfield.  He went overseas and in November 1918 was charged with unlawfully entering property and he was court martialled and sentenced to two years jail. He was released from prison in June 1919 and Returned to Australia July 8, 1919.

McParland, Maurice Matthew  (SN 420)  Maurice was 18 when he enlisted on October 4, 1916

McParland, Patrick  (SN 868) Patrick was 22 when he enlisted on March 17, 1915. They were both born in Bunyip and had been at school at Garfield as they are listed on the Garfield State School Honour Roll. Their mother, Catherine, who was their next of kin was living in Springvale when they enlisted.  Maurice Returned to Australia on March 3, 1919. Sadly, Patrick died September 15, 1915 of disease and was buried in Egypt.  GSSHR.

McLean, Norman Angus (SN 39206)  Norman enlisted on April 4, 1917 aged 21. His next of kin is his father, Roderick, who was the Station Master at Garfield from 1907 until 1911 when he was transferred to Tynong.  In August 1918, Norman was gassed whilst serving in France, transferred to a hospital in England and was discharged from the Army as medically unfit in March 1919 after he had arrived back in Melbourne.  GSSHR.

Mannix,  William (SN 81948) William was born at Garfield and enlisted at the age of 18 on October 26, 1918. His next of kin was his father, Patrick, a farmer of Garfield. Due to the fact the War ended he was discharged in December 1918.

Mather, James Alexander (SN 85662)  James was born in Garfield and enlisted after the War finished on January 6, 1919. He left Australia on January 25 and returned after a short stint overseas in June 1919.

Miller, Ivan Valentine (SN 3163)  Ivan enlisted on December 3, 1917 aged 20. He was an ‘Assistant Dispenser’ in a pharmacy.  He Returned to Australia on December 24, 1918. Ivan attended the Garfield State School in the 1910s and he his memories of the school are published in the book Cannibal creek to Garfield: the history of Garfield Primary School.  GSSHR 

Morgan, R  Bill Parish has this man  on his Honour Roll,  he survived the war, but I can’t establish who he is.

Mynard, Charles  (SN 459) Twenty one year old Charles enlisted on  August 17, 1914 and his next of kin was his father, T.C Mynard of Garfield. Charles was Killed in Action at Gallipoli on April 25, 1915. There is a C. Maynard listed on the Garfield Honour Roll, but I believe it should be C. Mynard. BPGHR

Mynard, John (SN 2867)  John was 18 when he enlisted on June 25, 1915. He Returned to Australia March 21, 1919.  BPGHR

Mynard, Thomas  (SN 17653) Thomas was a 42 year old farmer from Garfield when he enlisted on July 7, 1915.  His next of kin was his wife, Elizabeth Ann Mynard and they had four children. I believe that Thomas and Elizabeth are the parents of Charles, John and Walter. He Returned to Australia on March 14, 1919. (BPGHR) 

Mynard, Walter Frank  (SN 36909) Walter enlisted in February 27, 1917 when he was 19. He Returned to Australia on September 6, 1919. BPGHR

Olsson, Alexander Emil  (Lieutenant)  Alexander was a 25 year old police constable when he enlisted on August 28, 1915. His next of kin was his mother, Antonetta, of Garfield. Alexander was born in Tynong. Alexander was the brother of Karl, below.  He Returned to Australia June 2, 1919.  GSSHR

Olsson, Karl Napier  (SN 3769) Karl enlisted February 27, 1917 aged 29. He was a carpenter and his next of kin at time of enlistment was his father Mr John Olsson of Garfield and later his wife Alice May Olsson of Vervale.  Karl Returned to Australia on July 20, 1919. GSSHR, BPGHR 

Orrock, Percy Newton (SN 3580) Percy enlisted on July 16 1915 and he was a 28 year old grocer. His next of kin was his father, David, of Tynong.  Percy was Killed in Action in France on February 8, 1917.  GHR

Ottaway, William Arthur  (SN 540)  William was born in New Zealand and his next of kin was his mother who lived in Scotland. He was living at Garfield when he enlisted at the age of 30 on September 21, 1914. William suffered a number of wounds and Returned to Australia on October 8, 1918. BPGHR

Pettman, George Edward  (SN 3908) George was born at Garfield and enlisted at the age of 18 on August 7, 1915. His next of kin was his father, Isaac, of Bunyip. George Returned to Australia on February 9, 1919. His brother, Isac, is listed on the Nar Nar Goon Honour Roll.

Pittman , R

Pittman, W  These  two are listed on the Garfield State School Honour Roll. I can’t work out who they are. According to articles in newspapers on Trove, there  was a W. Pittman who, in 1905,  had his house in Garfield destroyed by a  bush fire and later on  in 1907 was awarded  the ‘contract for sanitary services at Bunyip at 4d per pan, weekly service’  so I presume that they are connected to him.

Plant,  Lawrence (SN 1804)  Lawrence was born in Garfield and enlisted at Tynong on  December 30, 1914 at the age of 19.   His next of kin was his father, John.  Lawrence was Killed in Action in France on May 12, 1917. Lawrence is listed on the Bunyip War Memorial as well as the GSSHR, GHR, BPGHR

Pomeroy , Alfred John  (SN 2745) There is an A. Pomeroy listed on the Garfield School Roll and I believe it is Alfred. He was 23 when he enlisted on March 21, 1916. His occupation was farmer and his next of kin was his father Richard of Brunswick.   There was a Richard and Sarah Pomeroy listed in the Electoral Rolls at Bunyip South (Iona) from around 1905 to 1909 who I am assuming were his parents. Alfred Returned to Australia on July 1, 1919.  GSSHR

Pratt, Percy (SN 12369/7894) Percy was born in England and was living at Garfield when he enlisted on April 15, 1915 at the age of 26. He appears to have two enlistment records and one of them has his address as C/O Miss De Lacy Evans of  Vervale, via Garfield. His occupation was ‘sheep station hand’.  Lance Corporal Pratt received the Military Medal in July 1917 and the Bar in February 1918. He Returned to Australia on April 5, 1919.

Ritchie, Sydney Richard (SN 6854)  Sydney was born in Garfield and enlisted on July 14, 1915. He was 36 and a blacksmith. Sergeant Ritchie Returned to Australia on March 9, 1919.

Roberts, Herman (SN 1276) Herman was born in Paynesville and enlisted on February 1, 1916, aged 33.  Herman Returned to Australia on June 16, 1919. He was a builder and is listed on the 1919 Electoral Roll at Garfield. BPGHR.

Robertson, John (SN 4576)  John enlisted on October 13, 1915, aged 22.  John’s enlistment papers say he was born in Garfield and his next of kin was his mother, Myrtle, who lived in Port Kembla. In reality, his name was Thomas Robinson, he was born in Drouin and was the son of George and Rachel (nee Clark) Robinson. Rachel lived in Wollongong during the War and she was a widow. It would be interesting to find out his true story.  He was Killed in Action, in France, on October 15, 1917. 

Robinson,  Alexander Patrick (SN 3216)  Alexander enlisted on November 1, 1916 aged 22.  He was a farmer from Garfield.  Alexander Died of Gas Poisoning in France on October 16, 1917. Alexander had also enlisted under another name, his real surname was Robas.  Correspondence in his file says that his parents were divorced and the location of his father was unknown and his mother, Lotttie Robas, was in Rhodesia and she didn’t find out about her son’s death until 1923.

Shreeve, Charles Frederick  (SN 338)  Charles was a farmer from Mount Marshall, Garfield and he enlisted on  May 4, 1916 aged 30. His next of kin was his father, William, of the same address. He Returned to Australia on April 19, 1919. BPGHR 

Shreeve, James William.   Captain Shreeve enlisted on February 23, 1916.  James is the brother of Charles, above, and they are the sons of William and Emma (nee Daniels)  James was professional soldier , had served in the Boer War and was living in New South Wales when he enlisted.  He Returned to Australia on January 5, 1919.  GSSHR

Sims, Herbert Victor (SN 1999) Herbert enlisted at Bunyip on March 3, 1916, when he was 20. One source has his next of kin listed as Mrs G. Bird of Garfield. I believe this is Mrs George Bird, the wife of the baker.    Herbert stayed overseas for a time working for the Australian Graves Registration Detachment.

Steele, John  Alan Patterson (SN 2391) John was born in Garfield and enlisted  on  September 7, 1916. He was 20 year old. John was Wounded in Action on June 7, 1917 – gun shot wound left leg – and he was sent back to Australia on October 31, 1917 and was discharged as medically unit in February 1918.

Thomson, J

Thomson, K  These two are listed on the Garfield State School Honour Roll. I can’t work out who they are - possibly connected to John and Ada Thomson – he was a railway employee and she was the postmistress at Tynong in the 1903 Electoral Roll; in the 1905 Roll we have a David Pratt Thomson and his wife Eliza at Bunyip North and in 1909 we  have a Mrs Mary Ann Thomson, occupation Sewing Mistress at Garfield.  I’m favouring that the connection is Mrs Thomson – just have to prove it. Any help appreciated.

Toner, Francis John (SN 5092)   Francis enlisted, at Bunyip, on March 3, 1916 at the age of 33. His next of kin was his mother, Catherine Toner of Garfield.  Francis was Killed in Action in France on March 20, 1917. There is a F. Tower listed on the Garfield Honour Roll -  I believe it should be Toner.   Francis is listed on the Bunyip War Memorial.  BPGHR.

Trasler, Harold  (SN 36918) Harold enlisted on February 28, 1917. He was born in England and was a 19 year farm hand, living at Garfield when he enlisted. As he was under 21 when he enlisted permission was given by his guardians, Thomas and Elizabeth Mynard.  Harold Returned to Australia on September 22, 1919. BPGHR.

Tynan, Daniel John  (SN 2171)  Daniel enlisted on March 3, 1916. He was a railway track repairer, 44 years old and his next of kin was his wife Emma and they lived in Garfield.  Daniel  Returned to Australia on March 25, 1919. BPGHR

Vaughan, Thomas  (SN 243) Thomas enlisted on February 5, 1916. He was 20 years old and his next of kin was his mother, Caroline, of Garfield.  Thomas Returned to Australia on January 18, 1919.  GSSHR, BPGHR

Wallace, E   This man is listed on the Garfield State School Honour Roll, but I cannot work out who he is. 

Watson, Albert  (SN 3664) Albert was 22 when he enlisted on August 25, 1915. His next of kin was his mother, Mrs Jessie Adamson of Garfield. Albert Died of Wounds, received on active service in Belgium, on March 9, 1918.  GSSHR, GHR, BPGHR

Webb, Elinglade (SN 26645)  Elinglade was born in Garfield and was 19 when he  enlisted on  March 15, 1916. His next of kin was his father, James, of Kensington. Elinglade was Killed in Action in Belgium on September 30, 1917.

Whiston, Frederick  (SN 3524) Fred enlisted on August 2, 1915 aged 23. Fred Died of Wounds received in action in France July 21, 1916.   GHR, BPGHR

Whiston, John Ernest  (SN 3252)  John enlisted on August 7, 1915 aged 26. He Returned to Australia June 21, 1916 and was discharged as he was suffering from Otitis Media and he became deaf. 

Whiston, Julian Thomas (SN 3526)  Julian enlisted on August 7, 1915 aged 18. He Died of Wounds received in action in France on  March 21, 1918. GHR, BPGHR.

John, Fred and Julian are the sons of Frederick and Elizabeth (nee Oxenham) whose address was listed as both Garfield  and Cora Lynn.  John was born in Port Adelaide, Fred in Garfield and Julian was listed as being born at ‘Bunyip Swamp’ on his enlistment paper but he was actually born at Bunyip South or  Iona. Fred and Julian are also listed on the Bunyip War Memorial.

Wilson, Clifford Scott (SN 1016) Clifford was born at ‘Iona Station’ Garfield and was 19 when he enlisted on January 7, 1915. He was living on Queensland when he enlisted.  He Returned to Australia April 8, 1919.

The first Anzac Day commemorations

I have found some reports about the commemoration of ANZAC Day in 1916 in the region.  The local papers had lots of reports about fund raising events, send-offs for the local boys who enlisted and sad news about injuries and deaths but I was interested in any reports that specifically referred to Anzac.

The Lang Lang Guardian covered reports from Lang Lang and Yallock (see below) The Pakenham Gazette/Berwick Shire News, which covered Pakenham, Berwick and parts of the Koo-wee-Rup Swamp, had two reports of Anzac commemorations held at the Berwick and Harkaway State Schools (see below)  The Dandenong Advertiser advertised a Patriotic Picnic Meeting at Pakenham on Anzac Day to raise money for the Red Cross.  The picnic had pony races, ‘flag and barrel’ races; ‘pitching the sheaf’ ‘throwing at wicket’ and ‘kicking football for goal’ events. The Advertiser also reported that Pakenham Upper, Pakenham, Toomuc Valley and Pakenham South schools had concerts planned.  The South Bourke and Mornington Journal, which also covered this area, reported only on an event at Dandenong State School.

There was an article in The Argus of April 22, 1916 which indicated that all Schools in the State held a service - The landing of the Australian and New Zealand soldiers on Gallipoli was commemorated in all the State schools of Victoria on Thursday by simple yet impressive ceremonies. The actual anniversary day is April 25, but Thursday was selected as the day of commemoration because next week the school children will be on holiday. 

So, it seems likely that all schools in Victoria must have held a ceremony similar to those at the schools mentioned in the reports below.

Lang Lang
The anniversary of the day on which the Australian and New Zealand soldiers landed on Gallipoli was celebrated at the Lang Lang State School on Thursday last. In the morning the ordinary school programme was carried out and in the afternoon a number of parents and friends assembled while the students sang Kipling’s ‘ Lest we Forget’, ‘ O God our help in ages past’ and the National Anthem, including the verse ‘God bless our splendid men’. The ceremony of saluting the flag was also gone through and the declaration made: ‘I love God and my Country, I will serve the King and cheerfully obey my parents, teachers and the laws’. During the afternoon short and appropriate addresses were delivered by the Rev H. De Putron Hitchcock and Mr W. Cole.
Lang Lang Guardian April 26 1916

Yallock
Anzac Day was celebrated at Yallock School on Thursday. The Rev H. De Putron Hitchcock addressed the children early in the afternoon owing to his having to attend a similar function at Lang Lang at 2 o’clock. The ladies supplied lunch for  the children in their usual sumptuous manner after which a new flag was unfurled and then the Education Department’s programme was adhered to with songs and recitation by the children who did credit to their teacher, Miss Merrigan, who has had the charge of the school for so short a time. Tennis for the grown-ups and races for the children filled in the rest of the afternoon when tea was served and all left for home having thoroughly enjoyed the outing.
Lang Lang Guardian April 26 1916

Harkaway
At the Anzac Day celebrations at Harkaway school an address was delivered in the morning by Mr G. O. Lyon,chairman of the school committee, and in the afternoon an address was given by Cr a’Beckett, correspondent of the committee.
Berwick Shire News May 3, 1916

Berwick
The report in the Berwick Shire News of April 26, 1916 about the Anzac Day celebrations at Berwick School was many paragraphs long. It started by saying that the event was a great success. There was a large attendance of both adult and children and the proceedings throughout were very interesting. The programme was opened by the children singing Kipling’s Recessional hymn ‘God of Our fathers’.

Cr a’Beckett later spoke It was a very important occasion. They had Arbor Day, Bird Day, Empire Day and he understood they were to have a Flower Day, but in the future Anzac Day would be the greatest of them all, as it was a time when they would meet to show their appreciation of and gratitude for the noble deeds of our soldiers at Gallipoli, where many had given their lives for King and Country. All should be proud of their feat of arms. We all believed that they were fighting in a good cause.  Cr a’Beckett went on to say  It was the greatest of sacrifices to lay down one’s  life for a friend , yet many of our soldiers had done this and it would be hoped that such acts of heroism would never be forgotten.  

Cr A’Beckett then presented the school with their Roll of Honour and read the names of the old scholars who had enlisted, numbering 51.  Sergeant Gardiner then spoke, followed by Sergeant-major Leo Rankine.  The Principal, Mr McCann then proposed  a hearty vote of thanks to the speakers. The article reported that the school had raised over £40 for the war effort and the girls had made  a large number of articles and that they also sold 116 Anzac badges. The proceedings closed with the evening hymn, ‘Abide with me’. The children saluted the flag and lollies and fruit were then handed around.
Berwick Shire News April 26, 1915.

Battle to farm: WW1 Soldier Settlement Records in Victoria

The Public Records Office of Victoria have digitised their Soldier Settlement Records from 1917 to 1935. This is the website - http://soldiersettlement.prov.vic.gov.au/ According to the website - Reports from the time indicated there were around 11,000 farms created, although it seems likely this figure includes successful applicants to the scheme who did not end up going on to the land.  Whether there were 11,000 applicants or farms - that's a lot of records and it makes you realise what an extraordinary amount of work the Public Records Office has undertaken to make these records available.

You can search these records by the name of the soldier or by the location of their farm. I just clicked on the map at random and came up with  Ernest  Russell Proctor's file. Mr Proctor had 43 acres, Allotment 44, Section J parish of Koo-Wee-Rup,  on McDonalds Drain Road in Pakenham South. Ernest applied for the land in October 1918.  His file is 6 pages long  - the first page is reproduced below.

Other pages in his file have information about him - marital status, previous farming experience, current assets etc.  There is also a page that lists what happened to the farm, for instance, this farm was transferred to another owner in 1926.

The website highlights the stories of a few individual settlers including that of Percy Pepper, one of the few Indigenous servicemen to be granted a Soldier Settlement block, in this case in Koo-Wee-Rup. Percy was on the farm from 1918 until 1924, when like many farmers on the Koo-Wee-Rup Swamp he was defeated by the many floods.

I have taken a screen-shot of the area of the  map, which covers our region and out-lined it in red (to the best of my abilities) - each black balloon represents at least one soldier settlement farm - so I estimate that there must have been at least 200 farms in the region.

These records make fascinating reading and give an insight into how many soldiers lived thier life after their return from fighting in the Great war.

1914-1918 Victorian Newspapers: commemorating the World War 1 centenary.

The State Library of Victoria  has helped digitise and make available online via Trove,  216 Victorian community newspapers from the Great War period.  These papers can be searched through a portal on the State Library website - www.slv.vic.gov.au/digitised-wwi-victorian-newspapers or through Trove.

These newspapers provide a rich source of information about how our communities lived during the Great War - from reports about how  communities raised funds for the War effort, names of soldiers who enlisted, reports about welcome home functions to reports about the erection of Honour Boards and other memorials.

Here's a list of the papers which covered the Casey Cardinia region:

Berwick Shire News
Bunyip Free Press
Dandenong Advertiser
Koo-Wee-Rup Sun
Lang Lang Guardian
Pakenham Gazette
Reporter (Box Hill - covered news from the Shire of Fern Tree Gully which Emerald was part of)
South Bourke and Mornington  Journal
West Gippsland Gazette

The Age and The Argus, the two state wide dailies, plus the Weekly Times  also include local news.

Here are some early reports on the War from the local papers.

This is from the South Bourke and Mornington Journal from August 6, 1914.

Editorial from the West Gippsland Gazette August 11, 1914

Finally, just to show that for some businesses, a war is a just another marketing opportunity, here's a great advertisement form the Bunyip Free Press!

Bunyip Free Press August 6. 1914.

Emerald ANZAC walk and Beaconsfield Avenue of Honour plaques

You are invited to attend these two events that honour the Great War soldiers from the Emerald Community and the Beaconsfield Community. All welcome.

March 11, 2015 at 11.30am

Emerald ANZAC Walk and ANZAC Place

The Governor General, Sir Peter Cosgrove, will  officially open the Emerald ANZAC Walk and ANZAC Place.

The Walk honours the sacrifice of the 32 soldiers, from Emerald, who enlisted in the Great War and did not return.

The organisers have put together a visual extravaganza of returning Emerald station to the 1915 era. Puffing Billy’s oldest train and passenger carriages along with a timber transporting carriage, a big band supplied by HMAS Cerberus, soldiers dressed in WW1 uniforms re-enacting returning from the War, children dressed in period costumes, and a smattering of Veteran cars help create this event. Add to this the Governor General arriving on the train with soldiers and school children and you will be witnessing a  spectacular event. All welcome.

More information: Visit the Emerald RSL website www.emeraldrsl.com.au

Friday, March 13 2015 at 10.00am

Beaconsfield Avenue of Honour Plaques

Mr Daniel Mulino MP will officially open the Plaques at  Beaconsfield Park, corner of Old Princes Highway and Emerald Road and afterwards for morning tea at the Beaconsfield Tennis Club, Perc Allison Reserve, Beaconsfield - Emerald Rd.
(Please park in Perc Allison Reserve/Tennis club car park)

The plaques honour the memory of the 65 servicemen from Beaconsfield and district who served in the Great War. These soldiers originally had  a plaque under a tree in the Beaconsfield -Berwick Avenue of Honour, but the original plaques have since been removed.

The ceremony will also include the launch of the booklet/digital Beaconsfield Avenue of Honour Servicemen remembered by Cardinia Shire Mayor Cr Leticia Wilmot.