The need for good literature at the Front

An interesting article from the Lang Lang Guardian of September 29, 1915 about the need for suitable literature for our soldiers at the Front. The Reverend Herbert de Putron Hitchcock, the Anglican Minister,  knew from experience that when a squad of men got together that they were apt to talk about what had better be left unsaid. Therefore good literature would keep the soldier's minds pure and clean. We have met the Reverend de Putron Hitchcock before in this blog - he helped to celebrate the first ANZAC Day commemorations in Lang Lang and Yallock in April 1916. Read about it here. 

Lang Lang Guardian September 29, 1915

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article119512947

Gippsland Times June 30, 1924

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article62565379

Herbert de Putron-Hitchcock died June 24, 1924 aged 74. A death notice says that he was the son of Edward and Mary Elizabeth Hitchcock of London. Mrs Hitchcock's maiden name was de Putron, so did Herbert adopt the double barreled name to sound  a bit posh or was the family one of modern thinkers who gave both parents names to their children?

Tonimbuk Honour Roll

Denise Nest wrote about the Tonimbuk Honour Board in her book, Call of the Bunyip. She said that 'the names and portraits of the men of the district were enclosed in a massive oak frame'.  The Roll was unveiled by Mr Pearson and a concert completed the occasion. The Honour Board is at the Tonimbuk Hall (1).

Tonimbuk was settled it the 1890s as part of  a village Settlement Scheme.  The aim of the scheme was to move unemployed families from Melbourne so they could have a  self sustaining life in the country as farmers, saw millers or by supporting themselves with any work they could obtain. It was not always successful for  a variety of reasons including the fact that many men lacked the necessary skills and the farms were too small to be viable. A State School opened in 1900, closed in 1906, reopened in 1910 and closed in 1950.

What follows is a list of the soldiers on the Honour Roll, plus a few others with a Tonimbuk connection,  their fate (i.e. when they Returned to Australia after active service or when they were Killed in Action) and their Service Number (SN) so you can look up their full service record on the National Archives website (www.naa.gov.au). Some of the extra information about the families of the soldiers comes from Call of the Bunyip.

Bridle, Charles William (SN 5629) Charles enlisted as a 19 year old on July 31, 1915. He was born in Williamstown and was living there when he enlisted,  his next of kin was father, Richard.   Charles married Erine (also listed as Eileen)  around 1917. A letter in his file, dated August 1, 1918 states that Erine had moved  from Williamstown to Bunyip. He Returned to Australia on May 8, 1919. Mrs Nest, in Call of the Bunyip,  has his name listed as Bridal, which is not correct, however as George and Elizabeth Bridal settled in Tonimbuk in the early 1900s and they are presumably the source of the name Bridal Road it's an obvious mistake.

Ellis, H  Corporal H. Ellis is listed on the Honour Roll, but I am unsure who that is. It may possibly refer to Albert Bruthniaux Ellis (SN 44) who enlisted on June 7, 1915 aged 27. His next of kin was his mother, Mrs Martha Ellis of 'Mt Juliet', Bunyip. Albert Returned to Australia on September 23, 1919. He was a Lieutenant (which doesn't tally with him being listed as a Corporal)  and was awarded the Military Cross. Albert had a brother, Havelock Graham Ellis (2), born in 1889 but I can't find any reference to him enlisting  - he is not in the Embarkation or Nominal Rolls and does not have a record at the National Archives of Australia. 

Jewell, Frederick William (SN 57) Frederick enlisted on August 22, 1914 when he was 26. His occupation was a labourer.  Sergeant Jewell Returned to Australia on January 7, 1919.
Jewell, John George (SN 55) John was 19 years and 10 months  old  when he enlisted the same day as his brother, Frederick, above. John was also a labourer. Whilst serving overseas John suffered from influenza, then mumps, then appendicitis and then he was Wounded in Action in France. John Returned to Australia on January 23, 1918.
Jewell, William James Peter  (SN 6136)  William enlisted on May 4, 1916 aged 22. He Returned to Australia on October 29, 1918 and had suffered from Trench feet and a fractured thigh. For some reason William isn't listed on the Honour Roll.
William and Elizabeth (nee Leask) Jewell came to Tonimbuk about 1892 and took up 50 acres of land;  they had nine other children beside Fred, John and William.

Leask, George Clifford (SN 2784) Call of the Bunyip reports on a homecoming function given on New Years Eve, 1918 to the three Jewell boys and George Leask. George for some reason isn't listed on the Honour Roll. George was 18 when he enlisted on July 26, 1916. In August 1918 he suffered a gun shot wound to the abdomen (penetrating) and Returned to Australia on October 20, 1918. George was the son of  Thomas and Rose Leask of Bunyip. I presume he was cousin of the Jewell boys as their mother was a Leask.

Bunyip Free Press September 10, 1914.

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article129629543

Nylander, Alexander (SN 3435) Alexander was 27 when he enlisted on July 15, 1915. His next of kin was his mother, Mrs J. Nylander, of 'St Minians', Bunyip. He was discharged for medical reasons, suffering from shell shock and neurasthenia (a nervous condition)  Alexander Returned to Australia on August 25, 1917. Alexander's parents, Carl and Jessie (nee Forrester) had come to Tonimbuk in 1892.

Pearson, Frederick Francis (SN 869) Frederick enlisted on September 4, 1914, when he was 25. Frederick was Killed in Action on April 25, 1915 at Gallipoli. It wasn't until June 1916 that a Board of Enquiry finally confirmed that he had been Killed in Action, he was previously listed as missing. This information was not communicated to the family straight away as there is a letter from his father in his file dated September 1916 asking for confirmation of his death, he writes "Personally I am sure of his death but it is his mother who keeps on hoping to hear from him"  Frederick was the son of Charles and Blanche (nee Cox) Pearson who had arrived in Tonimbuk in 1893, they had 320 acres of land which they used an orchard.

Pilkington, Archibald Clarence (1268) Archie was living in Williamstown and his occupation was a driver,  when he enlisted on July 12 1915 at the age of 21. He  served overseas but was injured and also suffered from bronchitis and so was discharged due to medical reasons and Returned to Australia on Apri1 11, 1916. Archie and his wife Vera are listed in the 1917 Electoral Roll as living at Tynong. In 1919 they are back in Williamstown and he has  motor garage.  In 1924 Ada is listed alone in Williamstown and there is an Archibald Clarence Pilkington in Rocklea near Brisbane, occupation motor driver, so it seems that the marriage had broken up by then.  Vera was born in Longwarry and was the daughter of John and Catherine (nee Parsons) Topp, and so was the sister of Charles and John Topp, listed below.

Reardon, Eric Charles (SN 2524). Eric enlisted on June 3, 1915 at the age of 18 and died of wounds on September, 9 1918.  Eric is also listed on the Bunyip War Memorial.
Reardon, William Horace (SN 16)  William, the brother of Eric, above, enlisted on August 19, 1914. They were both born in Tatura and were the sons of James Edward Reardon of Bunyip. William Returned to Australia on November 12, 1917 after being discharged as permanently unfit. William had suffered from months of diarrhoea and bilharziosis (a parasite infection from a flatworm)

A report form the Bunyip Free Press of September 9, 1915 on the local boys 

Jack Sleigh and Fred Jewell.

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article129630841

Sleigh, John (SN 58) John enlisted on August 22, 1914, the same day as Fred and John Jewell, when he was 25 years old. John had  a colourful military record and was charged with a number of offences whilst on active duty and also suffered from a leg injury that became quite  a bad ulcer which wouldn't heal and he was discharged as medically unfit after he  Returned to Australia on February 15, 1918.
Sleigh, T  I believe that this may actually be Stephen Sleigh (SN 3244) who is also listed on the Bunyip War Memorial. Stephen enlisted on July 16, 1915. Stephen was listed as missing on July 28, 1916 and  a later Court of Enquiry found that he was Killed in Action on July 19, 1916.
Stephen and John were both born in Trentham and they were the sons of Charles and Mary Jane Sleigh of Bunyip.

A sadly prophetic article - the visit made to his parents was indeed his final visit. 

Bunyip Free Press October 21, 1915

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article129630990

Topp, Charles William (SN 3656)  Charles was a jockey, aged 24, and he enlisted on September 6, 1915.  He Returned to Australia on May 15, 1919.
Topp, John Henry Thomas (SN 1312) John enlisted at the age of 26 on July 29, 1915. He was a saw mill employee. He Returned to Australia on July 18, 1919.
Charles and John were the sons  of John Henry Topp and Catherine Theresa Parsons of Bunyip. Call of the Bunyip  mentions a John Topp who had  a property near the Tonimbuk School which consisted of 450 acres and a home on the banks of Dingle Creek.

Towt, O.O  Listed as O.O. Towt in the Call of the Buyip, but I believe that it is the grandly named Canterbury Oliver Towt (SN 72). Canterbury was the son of Catherine Towt of "Glen Evergreen" Tonimbuk. He was an orchardist and enlisted at the age of 25 on July 19, 1915. He Returned to Australia on May 11, 1919.

Footnotes

(1) When I wrote this story in 2015, I said that the location of the Honour Board was unknown, as that is what Denise Nest had written in her book, Call of the Bunyip. However, according to a comment left on this post by 'Jacko' in July 2020, the Honour Board is back in the Tonimbuk Hall. That is good news.

(2) Thank you to 'Jacko' who left a comment on this post, for this suggestion. 

Lyndhurst and Skye (Lyndhurst South) Great War Soldiers

This is a list of soldiers with a connection to the towns of Lyndhurst and Skye.  I have linked these towns together as Skye changed its name to Lyndhurst South in 1903 (although some sources list the date as 1894) after a murder brought unwelcome attention to the area. It changed back to Skye in 1964. Parts of Lyndhurst have been re-named Lynbrook, but it traditionally covered the area roughly south of Abbotts Road, west of Dandenong Frankston Road, east of the South Gippsland Highway and north of Thompsons Road. Skye or Lyndhurst South roughly covered the area south of Thompsons Road, west of  McCormicks Road, north of Ballarto Road and  east of Dandenong Hastings Road, so it included both Hall Road and Wedge Road.  All this area used to be in the Shire of Cranbourne. If you know of any other soldiers that I have missed, then please let me know.

You can read more about Skye in the book 100 years in Skye: 1850-1950 by Dot Morrison, published by the Mornington Peninsula Family History Society http://www.mpfhs.org/

What follows is a list of soldiers, their connection to Lyndhurst or Syke, 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)

Anderson, John William (SN 10579)   John was born in Lyndhurst and enlisted on December 29, 1915 aged 23. He was a share farmer. He Returned to Australia on May 12, 1919.

Baker, Alexander George (SN 1782)  Alexander enlisted on June 5, 1915 aged 22. He was a farmer from Lyndhurst South. Alexander was awarded the Military Medal in 1917. He Returned to Australia on April 8, 1919. Alexander is listed on the Cranbourne Presbyterian Church Honour Roll.

Bassett, Thomas James (SN 2616). Thomas enlisted on July 10, 1916 at the age of 24. He was a farmer, whose address was Frankston Road, Dandenong, but he clearly had a connection to Lyndhurst as he was entertained with a 'social evening' at the Lyndhurst School, prior to his departure (see article below). His next of kin was his father, John, of the same address. Thomas Returned to Australia March 12, 1920.

Dandenong Advertiser, September 7, 1916

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article88659855

Cairns, Godfrey Brown (SN 16080) Godfrey was born in Rosebud and he was living at Lyndhurst when he enlisted on January 27, 1916. His occupation was driver and he was 28. He Returned to Australia on July 4, 1919.

Cozens, John Edwin  (SN 2602)  John was born at Lyndhurst and was living at Mornington Junction (the original name for Baxter) when he enlisted on August 2, 1915, at the age of 23 and eleven months. John Returned to Australia on April 13, 1919.

Fisher, Culbert Cecil (16926)  The unusually named Culbert enlisted on March 9, 1916 aged 18. He was a State School teacher, born in Lyndhurst and living there at the time of his enlistment. He Returned to Australia on September 25, 1919.

Culbert's wedding to Myrtle Poole was written up in Table Talk on May 28, 1925. By this time his parent's had moved to  Woodend, but it seems they were sentimental enough to call their property after their original location. The account of the wedding is very comprehensive - you can read it all here 

Hope, George  (SN 1394)   George was born in Lyndhurst and enlisted at the age of  26 on August 2, 1915. His next of kin was his brother, John. George embarked to return  to Australia on March 16, 1918, however never made it home as on April 20 he went over the side of the boat and his body was never found. The inquiry said that he was in great pain from rheumatism and trench fever which caused headaches and rashes amongst other things and he had also suffered a gun shot wound to his right thigh, however the verdict was that he had fallen overboard accidentally. There is correspondence in his file saying that his real name was Robert George Chrozier. In his will he leaves everything to his cousin John Chrozier (the name is also spelt as Crozier in the file)

Howse, Frederick Thomas   (SN 15911)    Frederick enlisted on October 9, 1916 when he was a 21 year old postal assistant. Thomas was born at Lyndhurst  and living in Dandenong when he enlisted. He Returned to Australia on January 2, 1919.

Kerr, Alfred William Charles  (SN 2080)  Alfred was born at Lyndhurst and enlisted at the age of 21 on November 10, 1916. His next of kin was his father, Gilbert, who lived in Hastings and he was a driver. Alfred Returned to Australia on March 31, 1919. Alfred is the brother of Frederick. (see below)
Kerr, Frederick John Lee   (SN 3420) Frederick enlisted on June 6, 1917 when he was 18 years old. He was born in Lyndhurst and was living at Hastings at the time of enlistment. Frederick was Killed in Action in France on August 25, 1918   Alfred (above) and Frederick were brothers and their parents were Gilbert and Clara (nee Kernot) Kerr.  Clara's family, the Kernots, were early settlers in Tooradin, you can read about them, here.

Kerr, Charles Thomas  (SN 2040)   Charles was born in Lyndhurst and was a 22 year old newsagents assistant living in Albany Park in Western Australia when he enlisted on November 1, 1915.  Charles Returned to Australia on January 14, 1919. His next of kin was his father, Moses, of Upper Hawthorn.

Kirkham, Malcolm (SN 913)  Malcolm was 29, and a farmer from Lyndhurst, when he enlisted on June 8, 1915. His next of kin was his mother, Margaret. Lieutenant Kirkham was Killed in Action in France on September 2, 1918. Malcolm is listed on the Cranbourne Presbyterian Church Honour Roll.

McFarlane, David James  (SN 77806)  David enlisted on June 14, 1918 didn't see active service and was discharged in December 1918. He was 21 year old butcher at the time of his enlistment and was born in Lyndhurst.

McLellan, Donald (SN 2207) Donald was 19 when he enlisted on May 1, 1916. He was born at Lyndhurst and his next of kin was his father, Alexander of Ferndale, Cranbourne. Alexander Returned to Australia on June 10, 1919. Donald is listed on the Cranbourne Presbyterian Church Honour Roll.

Norquay, Walter James (SN 1914)  Walter, born in Lyndhurst,  was a 27 year old Senior Postal Assistant when he enlisted on May 29, 1916. His next of kin was his wife, Dagmar. He was Killed in Action, in Belgium,  on October 13, 1917. Walter was the son of James and Margaret (nee MacPherson) Norquay and the grandson of Alexander and Barbara (nee Cromarty) Norquay, who had arrived in Lyndhurst in the 1850s.

Payne, Charles Lyndhurst (SN 4801) Charles Lyndhurst Payne was born in Lyndhurst, and presumably named after his place of birth. He was 21 when he enlisted on April 1, 1916 and his guardian was listed as Mrs Margaret Greaves of Picnic Park, Lyndhurst.   He Died of Wounds received whilst fighting in France on April 26, 1918. Margaret Greaves (1842-1921) was married to William Greaves and was the daughter of Stephen and Alice Payne, so I presume that Charles was her nephew. (Family information from 100 years in Skye: 1850-1950 by Dot Morrison)

Payne, James (SN 1561) James was born in Lyndhurst and was 28 when he enlisted on October 6, 1916. His next of kin was his mother, Mrs Christina Cozens, of Yannathan, which is here he was also living at the time of his enlistment. He suffered a number of gun shot wounds and  Returned to Australia on February 15, 1918. When he applied for his medals in April 1918 he was living in Five Mile (Koo-Wee-Rup North)

Reilly, Eric (SN 479) Eric was a 26 year old farmer from Lyndhurst when he enlisted on October 13, 1914. He was single when he enlisted but there is a note in his file dated May 7 1915 saying that he had married; his wife's name was Selina. Eric Returned to Australia on April 23, 1919.

Dandenong Advertiser  October 17, 1918

Reynolds, Henry Simpson (SN 80602) Henry, whose enlistment was announced in the Dandenong Advertiser (see above) was 34 and his next of kin was his wife, Olena, of Lyndhurst South, when he enlisted on October 5, 1918. He did not see active service and was discharged in December 1918.

Smith, Frederick William  (SN 7085)  Frederick was born in Lyndhurst and was living in Dandenong when he enlisted on September 17, 1916. He was 24 and his occupation was listed as grocer.  He Returned to Australia on February 19, 1919.

South Bourke and Mornington Journal  April 17, 1919

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article66195941

Strong, Albert Victor (SN 29789)  Albert enlisted on March 23, 1916, at the age of 24.  He Returned to Australia on February 2, 1919. Albert (or Victor as he must have been known as he is listed as Driver V. Strong) was welcomed home at a function in April 1919 - see the account from the South Bourke and Mornington Journal, above.

Strong, Frederick William (SN 29790) Frederick enlisted on March 23, 1916, the same day as his brother, Albert.   He was 27 and  a farmer. Frederick Returned to Australia  May 31, 1919.

Frederick and Albert were the sons  of William Strong of Ercildoune, Cranbourne. Frederick and Albert are  listed on the Cranbourne Presbyterian Church Honour Roll.

Taylor, William George (SN 1740) William was 24 when he enlisted on February 17, 1916. He was the son of Richard Thomas Taylor, of Lyndhurst and he was also born in Lyndhurst.   William Returned to Australia in January 8, 1919.    William or George, as he was seemingly known as, was welcomed home at the same  function in April 1919  as Victor Strong. William is listed on the Cranbourne Presbyterian Church Honour Roll.

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.