Lieutenant-Colonel Harold Arthur Maunder DSO MiD
1st Light Horse Brigade Train
Anzac Mounted Divisional Train ASC HQ
by Robert Simpson
Portrait in The Queenslander
Harold Arthur Maunder was born on 15th April 1891 in Spring Hill, Brisbane, Queensland. He was a son to Herbert Maunder and Elizabeth Sharpe who had been married in Queensland on 2nd October 1890. Herbert Maunder had been born in Holton, Oxfordshire, England on 19th May 1867 and his father was an agricultural labourer. The family left England for Australia on the Toroaster, arriving in Brisbane on 25th September 1874. Herbert was a stonemason. Elizabeth had been born in Ipswich, Queensland on 26th January 1871. He had two sisters, Ruby Lilian Maunder born on 28th May 1893 in Bogantungan and Ivy Jane Sharp Maunder born on 31st July 1901 in Charters Towers. In the 1896 roll, Herbert was living at Railway Street Ipswich and was a Stonemason.
In the 1913 Australian electoral rolls, Harold was listed as living at Normanby Terrace Brisbane and his occupation was a clerk. He was recorded in British Army Lists in 1913 and 1914. In Regimental Lists, under Army Service Corps for the 1st Military District was 2nd Lieutenant H A Maunder (1.8.13) of 2nd Company in Brisbane.
.
Picture from the State Library of Queensland. “This recently uncovered photograph was taken in 1914 at what is now known as Gallipoli Barracks. The flag identifying the unit is proudly held above the Officers and NCO’s who were the 1st Light Horse Brigade Train, part of the 5th Australian Army Service Corps, shortly to depart for Egypt and Gallipoli.” For “Harold Arthur MAUNDER, DSO, MB, B.Sc.”, (front row far right) they wrote “Maunder was a mechanical engineer when he enlisted age 23 and served with distinction in the Gallipoli, Sinai and Palestine campaigns. He was awarded the DSO for services as the C.O. Australian Mounted Divisional Train, & Mentioned in Despatches twice. Lieut. Col. Maunder returned to Brisbane and gained entry to the School of Medicine, University of Sydney. After graduating he practiced in Victoria, before moving to England in 1936.” (Error in civilian occupation and University).
Harold filled out his application for a commission in the Expeditionary Force on 13th August 1914. For educational qualifications he stated he went to State School to 6th Standard and passed the Commonwealth Public Service Clerical Exam. His previous military service was 4 years in the Army Service Corps and he was serving as a 2nd Lieutenant with the 2nd AASC. He listed Public Servant as his present Civil Employment. Harold was a single British subject, born on 15th April 1891 His postal address was “Glenalvon” Ithaca Street Brisbane (later changed to Normanby Terrace Brisbane) and his next of kin was his father, Herbert Maunder. A Captain in the AAMC filled in his medical certificate, stating Harold was 5 foot 8½ inches tall, weighed 9 stone 4½ pounds, had a chest measurement of 31 to 34 inches and had 6/6 eyesight in both eyes. He was recommended to be a 2nd Lieutenant in the Force and was recommended by the District Commandant on 24th August 1914. His pay book number was 238519. He enlisted for the war and 4 months after.
In a list of the 1st Light Horse Brigade, Light Horse Brigade Train, No. 5 ASC Company (Queensland), Supply Details, Requisitioning Duties (Captain or Subaltern) was 2nd Lieutenant H A Maunder 20.8.14.
Herbert is listed in the nominal roll of 1st Light Horse Brigade Train (5th Company ASC [Army Service Corps]) (September 1914), which embarked on 24th September 1914 at Brisbane on HMAT Omrah A5, as a 2nd Lieutenant. He was promoted to Lieutenant with 1st Light Horse Brigade on 1st February 1915.
On his Statement of Service page in his record it stated his next of kin was his father, H Maunder with the address listed as “No. 7 Remount Section Maadi”, with an entry in the remarks column of “Mother Mrs. Maunder Ithacca St Normanby St Brisbane Q’land”. His father did serve in WW1, enlisting on 23rd September 1915 with the 2nd Remounts Unit, 7 Squadron as Trooper 1869. He was a married storeman of Ithaca Street, Normanby Hill, Brisbane, Queensland. His wife Elizabeth was his next of kin and he had no previous service. The Unit embarked from Sydney on board HMAT RMS Orontes on 10th November 1915. After arriving in Egypt, he spent a bit of time in hospitals with rheumatism and bronchitis. He returned to Australia on Port Sydney with multiple peripheral neuritis on 22nd July 1916 and was discharged in Brisbane on 16th August 1916. Herbert was entitled to the standard trio of medals.
The Queenslander of Saturday 26th June 1915 on page 41 published a letter “With Our Boys. “FOUGHT LIKE LIONS.” THE QUEENSLANDERS’ BAPTISM OF FIRE. In the course of a letter to his mother (Mrs. H. Maunder, Glen Alvon, Ithaca-street, Normanby Hill) Lieutenant H. A. Maunder writes under date Cairo, May 2:—”The gallantry and dash of our lads at the Dardanelles is a ready theme. You have probably read as much as I can tell you of it, but perhaps I know some details, heard from wounded officers, which the papers have not mentioned. I shall copy from my diary. On April 29 the first batch of wounded were returned here from the Dardanelles, and are in hospital, only half a mile from our camp. The landing of our boys at Gallipoli Peninsula commenced at 4 a.m. on Sunday, April 25. When within a couple of hundred yards of the shore a murderous fire was opened by the Turks, the machine guns (of which they have 30 to a battalion) doing great damage. As soon as our boys landed they fought like lions, and the Turks hadn’t the ghost of a show against them. The Australians were simply irresistible in their bayonet charges, and General Sir Ian Hamilton said he could not speak in terms too eulogistic of their bravery and enthusiasm. The Queenslanders were the first to land, and every one who saw them go into action and receive their baptism of fire cannot say too much for them; all affirm that they would be proud indeed to be a Queenslander. Some of the wounded say that when the Turks started firing it was simply hell, and an officer who had been in the retreat from Mons said that this, while it lasted, was even worse than that great retreat. Wire entanglements were placed, in the sea, pits were dug in which were embedded sharp pikes, mines were exploded, aeroplanes bombs, artillery bombarded them, and a galling fire was kept up by snipers and machine guns. In addition the Turkish forts, seven miles away, were hurling great shells at our troops, who under it all behaved as if they were on manoeuvres, except that they were more earnest and excited. To make matters worse the enemy had to be routed from trenches on a very steep hill, which meant climbing under great difficulties at any time. However, immediately our troops landed they were given the order, ‘Off packs! Fix bayonets!’, and then began their first bayonet charge. With cries of ‘Imshi Yalla!’ the position was captured. The officers are very proud of their men, who, though worked up to the highest pitch of excitement, were under control the whole time, and obeyed every order implicitly. On the other hand, the men speak in the highest terms of their officers. Joe Costin, whose home, you will remember, I used to visit, did great work with his machine gun. Up till the time that the first batch of wounded were brought away, all of his men had been shot down, and he and his sergeant-major were firing two guns them-selves. Dr Butler, whom I described to you as judge in the fancy dress evening we had on board the —-, also did splendid work, attending wounded under fire, &c. At one stage he was blown up by a mine, but managed to escape unhurt. Of course, this is only hearsay, but I have it from a chap who says he saw it happen and was blown up himself, and is in hospital with a damaged back. Without doubt the Australians did great work, but un-fortunately our casualties are very heavy. To take the place of the wounded the reinforcements here have been despatched post-haste to the Front. The 4th Brigade has been in action, and has had many casualties. All the officers of the 9th Battalion who are in hospital here are very happy, despite the fact that up to yesterday some still had the bullets in them, and they are very anxious to return to the firing line.”.”
Harold embarked on Anchises for ANZAC on 14th December 1915. From Mudros, he disembarked from MT Tunisian on 3rd January 1916 at Alexandria. He re-joined his unit ex ANZAC at Heliopolis on 8th January 1916. The Officer Commanding 5th Company AASC recorded that Harold transferred to Bir-Nooker on 15th January and transferred from Warden to Minia on 18th February 1916. On 13th March 1916 he was transferred to 5th Australian Divisional Train and was promoted to Captain on the same day. At Ismailia on 26th March 1916, he was transferred to ASC Anzac Mounted Division from 5th A D Train as a Captain. On 23rd May 1916 he was taken on strength of the Australian Mounted Division. At Romani on 11th September 1916 Harold was transferred to Headquarters Australian Service Corps Anzac Mounted Division from 1st Light Horse Brigade Supply Section AMD and was taken on their strength on the same day. On 20th September 1916 he was posted as Senior Requisitioning Officer with Headquarters Division ASC AMD at Cairo.
On 1st March 1917, as part of the Egyptian Expeditionary Force, Harold was detached temporarily to the 3rd Light Horse Brigade Supply Section from HQ ASC AMD and struck off ration strength. He transferred temporarily at Ma’ Said. At Rafa on 22nd March 1917 he detached to HQ ASC Anzac Mounted Division, returning from 3rd Light Horse Brigade Supply Section and taken on ration strength at Bir Abu Shumman. He was to be a Major to complete establishment with the EEF on 1st July 1917. Harold was appointed to command the Australian Mounted Divisional Train on 1st August 1917. On 6th August 1917 Harold was taken on strength at Moascar on temporary duty with HQ ASC AMD and was transferred to Australian Mounted Divisional Train and struck off strength on the same day.
Harold was Mentioned in Despatches in General Sir A J Murray’s despatch dated 18th March 1917. A note in red adds “main despatch dated 1/3/17 Published in London Gazette No 30169 dated 6/7/17” and published in the Commonwealth Gazette in 11th October 1917. It appeared in the London Gazette of 6th July 1917 on page 6773 at position 97, noting he was a Captain in the AASC.
Base Records sent his father a letter to “Glenaloon” Ithaca Street Normanby on 17th November 1917 stating “I have much pleasure in forwarding hereunder copy of extract from Supplement No. 30169 to the London Gazette dated 6th July, 1917, relating to the conspicuous Services rendered by your son, Captain H. A. Maunder, Anzac Mounted Divisional Army Service Corps Headquarters. MENTIONED IN DESPATCHES The Secretary of State for War has received the following despatch from General Sir Archibald Murray, G.C.M.G., K.C.B., Commander-in-Chief, Egyptian Expeditionary Force, enclosing a list of those officers, non-commissioned officers, and men, whose name he desires to bring to notice for gallant or distinguished conduct in the field, or for other valuable services:- Captain H. A. MAUNDER.”
The organisation of the Australian Army Service Corps in February 1918 included: “Australian and New Zealand Mounted Divisional Train. Commanded by Lieutenant-Colonel W. Stansfield (Qld) Assistant Director of Supplies and Transport, Desert Mounted Corps. Australian Mounted Divisional Train. Commanded by Major H. A. Maunder (Qld).”
He was sent to a School of Instruction at Cairo on 21st January 1918 while in the field with HQ Australian Mounted Divisional Train and returned to them from the School on Instruction in Cairo on 7th March 1918. On 2nd July 1918 he was to be Lieutenant-Colonel temporarily while commanding and on the same day he was to be Lieutenant-Colonel under AIF (Egypt) Order List 31. He was promoted to Honorary Captain with Australian Military Forces AASC on 3rd June 1918 and was to “be noted for the Brevet rank of Major in promotion to substantive rank of Captain, for meritorious service during the present war”. Another entry has recorded that he was recommended to be Honorary Captain on 14th June 1918.
As a Major in the Australian Mounted Divisional Train, he was recommended for a Mention in despatches on 6th September 1918.
He was recommended for a Distinguished Service Order with it reading “Major (temporary Lieutenant-Colonel) Harold Arthur MAUNDER, Australian Army Service Corps. For continuous and good work as Commander of the Australian Mounted Divisional Train. His administrative duties have been carried out very successfully and his services are worthy of recognition.” The recommendation was approved. Another recommendation for the “Peace Gazette”, dated 23rd December 1918 read “Lt.Col. Harold Arthur MAUNDER Div’l Train This officer has shown marked ability as Commander of the Train since its formation. Has very materially assisted in the Supply and Transport services of the Division by his close and continued attention to the consistently heavy responsibilities of those particular services.” The DSO was recommended by the GOC Australian Mounted Division.
Major (temporary Lieutenant-Colonel) Harold Charles Maunder of the Australian Mounted Divisional Train was recommended for a Mention in Despatches by GOCC Australian Mounted Division “For continuous good work as Commander of the Divisional Train. His administrative duties have been carried out to my entire satisfaction and I consider his services are worthy of recognition.” The form also mentions he was awarded the DSO in New Year Honours 22/1/19 and Mentioned in the London Gazette.
In the London Gazette Supplement No 31138 dated 22nd January 1919 Harold was Mentioned in Sir General E H Allenby’s despatch dated 23rd October 1918. It was recorded on page 1165 at position 34, with his rank as a temporary Lieutenant-Colonel in the AASC. On 1st January 1919 he was awarded the Distinguished Service Order.
He was recommended on 23rd December 1918 for Distinguished Service Order as a Lieutenant Colonel in the Divisional Train AASC. The award was published in the London Gazette on 1st January 1919 on page 55 at position 4 and the Commonwealth Gazette on 23rd May 1919 on page 890 at position 24.
Harold was Mentioned in despatches as a Temporary Lieutenant Colonel in the AASC in London Gazette of 22nd January 1919 on page 1165 at position 34.
A Confidential report was filled out on Lieutenant-Colonel H A Maunder DSO, CO of Australian Mounted Divisional Train which stated he was recommended for advancement and the appointment for which he was best fitted was Store or Transport duties. The form noted he was 27 9/12 years old, had service of 3 8/12 years in CMF and 4 5/12 years in AIF. For PSC it recorded “no (one weeks Senior officers School Cairo).” For Services in the present War was entered “Embarked Sept 23rd 1914. Landed Lemnos Is. Dec 1915 on S. H. Frontier of Egypt (Senussi Campaign) Jany-May 1916. Sinai campaign from May 1916. Palestine & Syrian campaigns from March 1917 to date. “Mentioned” in dispatch up to 28.2.17; made Hony. Capt & noted for Brevet Major in C.M.F. 3.6.18; awarded D.S.O. Jany 1918. Promoted. “Mentioned” in dispatch up to Sept 18th 1919.” Remarks of Reporting Officer included “This Officer has carried out his duties in a very satisfactory manner.” It was signed by the Brigadier-General and Commanding Officer of the Australian Mounted Division, with a “I concur” written underneath by a Major. Under Higher Command Remarks was “I concur. Has performed his duties with particular zeal and energy. Is strict about discipline and shows much ability in all his work.” It was signed by Major-General H W Hodgson, Commanding the Desert Mounted Corps on 7th April 1919.
From Headquarters Australian Divisional Train, he was marched out to Details at Moascar on 20th May 1919 and attached to Details Camp on that day. He was to embark on HT Nile at Port Said on 2nd June 1919 for UK for 1914 leave. A recommendation on 14th June 1918 by the GOC AMD for Major Harold Arthur Maunder A.M.Div. Train AASC reads “The work of this officer has been known to me for the last 12 months during which time he has carried out his duties in a most creditable and conscientious manner. He has served in the field for 3 years and 9 months.”
The United Grand Lodge of England Freemason membership register shows that the date of initiation for Harold Arthur Maunder was 18th September 1915, passing was 19th February 1916 and raising was 1st November 1916. He was a 24 years old Lieutenant and living in Cairo. A certificate was issued on 14th July 1916. Harold resigned from the lodge on 21st June 1919.
On 14th June 1919 Base Records sent a letter to his father, advising him that Harold had been awarded the Distinguished Service Order. It had been recorded in the Second Supplement No. 31093 to the London Gazette dated 1st January 1919 relating to his conspicuous service rendered. The entry was listed in the London Gazette on page 55 under Australian Force awarded the Distinguished Service Order as “Maj. (T./Lt.-Col.) Harold Arthur Maunder, Aust. A.S.C.” On 23rd June 1919 Base Records sent his father a notification of his Mention in Despatches, recorded in the Second Supplement No 31138 to the London Gazette dated 21st January 1919 for conspicuous services rendered by Major (Temporary Lieutenant-Colonel) H A Maunder DSO from General Sir E H H Allenby GCB GCMG Commander-in-Chief of the EEF who submitted names deserving of special mention. Both were sent to Mr H Maunder Esq. of “Glenalvon” Ithaca Street Normanby Brisbane.
Lieutenant-Colonel Maunder reported to AIF Headquarters ex Egypt, on leave till 16th August 1919 and then for immediate return to Australia, on 16th June 1919 at London. He was granted leave from 28th July 1919 to 29th October 1919 with pay assist, the reason being he was attending an Accountancy course at G W College Tottenham Court Road London. With his period of leave expired he was marched out to DAAG for disposal on 30th October 1919. He returned to Australia from England on 28th November 1919.
Harold signed a form which stated he had paid all accounts owing to him in England and if he was not aware of any they were to be forwarded to “Fernleigh” Normanby Terrace Brisbane and he signed it as a Lieutenant-Colonel in the AMDT.
The Australian War Memorial has quite a collection of photos on Harold. Unfortunately, they are not dated.
Colonel Harold Arthur Maunder and soldier, Australian Mounted Divisional Train, inspecting the trenches at Rafa. J01134
Portrait of Colonel Harold Arthur Maunder, Australian Mounted Divisional Train (3rd from right) and six other unidentified officers standing on the platform at a train station. J01153
Colonel Harold Arthur Maunder, 5th Australian Mounted Division Train, (right) with another officer, sit outside his tent at Romani, under date trees laden with fruit. J01056
Colonel Harold Arthur Maunder, Australian Mounted Divisional Train, and soldier Field inspecting the trenches at Rafa. J01135
Major Stansfield (centre) and Colonel Harold Arthur Maunder, 5th Australian Mounted Division Train (right), with their horses, under the palms at Romani. J01055
Colonel Harold Arthur Maunder, Australian Mounted Divisional Train and Captain Dickenson, stopped for lunch during their patrol after the Turks at Salmana. A shady area has been constructed with palm fonds. The horses are feeding from their nosebags on. J01103
Portrait of Colonel Harold Arthur Maunder, DSO, (later Australian Mounted Divisional Train, AASC) 5th Division, mounted on his horse outside his tent at Mazar. J00916
Colonel Harold Arthur Maunder, (right), beside one of the four captured Turkish mountain battery guns, left on the ground where they had been abandoned. The gun is a 7.5cm Gebirgskanone M1904, a Krupp-manufactured design with a sliding wedge breech. J01088
The Australian Mounted Divisional Train trekking along the shores of the Sea of Galilee, towards Damascus. Colonel Harold Arthur Maunder is in the lead. J01193
Portrait of Major William Stansfield, 1st Light Horse Brigade Train and Colonel Harold Arthur Maunder, Australian Mounted Divisional Train, poring over the maps and working out a method by which troops could be fed if they moved to a certain place. J00918. The museum has medals and information on William Stansfield.
The sun on the desert beats down unmercifully and every advantage is taken of what little shade there is. Colonel Harold Arthur Maunder, Australian Mounted Divisional Train, rests under the shade of some canvas, reading a book and smoking his pipe. J01086
Four officers stop for afternoon tea at Salmana. They are from left to right:- Lieutenant Broadbent, Colonel Harold Arthur Maunder, Captain Price, Captain Dickenson. J00925
Informal outdoor group portrait of officers of the Headquarters Staff of the Australian Mounted Divisional Train. Identified from left to right: Captain Robert Norman Wardle, Veterinary Corps; Major Francis Sidney Dickinson (later awarded OBE); Lieutenant Colonel Harold Arthur Maunder (later awarded DSO); Lieutenant John Whitty; and Major Cyril James Weedon, Medical Corps. B02497
Informal outdoor group portrait of officers of the Headquarters Staff of the Australian Mounted Divisional Train. Identified from left to right, back row: Lieutenant (Lt) Lewis George Cole (later Captain); Lt Edward Charles Upfold; Lt Alexander Edward Nicholl Simpson; Lt Frederick Joseph Pawsey; Lt Reginald Thomas Hunt; Lt Arthur Gill; and Lt Henry Alfred Cook (later awarded MC). Second row: Major (Maj) Cyril James Weedon, Medical Corps; Captain (Capt) Derrick Peter Sellars; Maj Francis Sidney Dickinson (later awarded OBE); Lieutenant Colonel Harold Arthur Maunder (later awarded DSO); Lt John Whitty; Capt Frank Howson, Medical Corps; and Capt Sydney Robert Young. Front row; Lt Short and Lt Skiff. B02498
The AWM also has 2 photos which are listed: – Colonel Harold Arthur Maunder, Australian Mounted Divisional Train leading a road reconnaissance. J01159 and Types of Arabs, riding horses with the Sheikh of Mecca’s army. Colonel Harold Arthur Maunder, DSO, Australian Mounted Divisional Train is on the right of the two standing in the foreground. J01110. There are no photos online for them, but a link suggests they can be purchased.
Harold filled out a form for Australian War Records Section after the war which are the biographical details of Lieutenant-Colonel H A Maunder DSO. The form was filled out and returned to the AWRC at 103 Horseferry Road London. In it he gave his personal details as Harold Arthur Maunder, born 15th April 1891 at Brisbane. He was educated at Boys’ Central School Charters Towers Queensland and his occupation was in the Commonwealth Public Service. He had no other “active service other than in present war”. For service in the Australian Military Forces he wrote “Joined December 1910 as Private in A.A.S.C. 1st Military District. Promoted to Corporal, Sergeant & Quartermaster Sergeant respectively, & in August 1913 appointed 2nd Lieut. Attended A.S.C. School of Instruction held at Enoggera, near Brisbane, during July 1913. Held appointments as Supply officer & as Transport officer during above period.” He was Transport Officer 24th Company ASC as his appointment held on the outbreak of war. For War Service in Australia he wrote “On August 5th 1914, was sent to Lytton near Brisbane, to act as Supply officer to the Garrison there. Carried out these duties until joining the A.I.F. on August 21st 1914.” He had no service in the AN&MEF.
For service in the AIF he joined at Brisbane on August 21st 1914 with the rank of 2nd Lieutenant and appointment of Requisitioning officer with the 5th Company ASC 1st Light Horse Brigade Train. On 8th May 1915 he was O/C 5th ASC details & supply officer at Aerodrome Camp Cairo Egypt. He was then O/C 5th ASC reinforcements for Gallipoli on 21st November 1915. On 26th March 1916 he was Supply Officer 1st Light horse Brigade, from September 1916 he was Senior Requisitioning officer HQ ASC Anzac Mounted Division, from May 1917 he was Senior Supply officer Anzac Mounted Division and from 1st August 1917 to May 1919 he was CO Australian Mounted Divisional Train. Also, in that time he was O/C ASC Damascus Area & Line of Communication Syria from 12th October 1918 to 26th October 1918 and O/C AASC in Egypt from 17th October 1918 to 20th November 1918. He listed promotions as 2nd Lieutenant to Lieutenant on 1st February 1915, Lieutenant to Captain on 13th March 1916, Captain to Major on 1st July 1917 and Major to Lieutenant-Colonel on 2nd July 1918. For transfers he wrote 5th ASC to 5th Divisional Train (but did not take up duty) on 15th March 1916, 5th Divisional Train to Anzac Mounted Division ASC on 26th March 1916 and AMD ASC to command Australian Mounted Divisional Train on 1st August 1917.
He wrote for operations: 21st November 1915, taken on strength on Mediterranean Expeditionary Force & sent to Gallipoli; landed at Lemnos but not allowed to proceed further on account of the evacuation of the Peninsular. 9th January to 13th May 1916: South Western Frontier of Egypt (Senussi Campaign). Sinai Peninsular Campaign from 16th May 1916 to 24th March 1917 which included Romani, Bir el Abd, Mazar, El Arrish, Maghdaba & Rafa operations. Palestine Campaign from 25th March 1917 until Syria entered. This included 1st Gaza, 2nd Gaza, Beersheba & Jerusalem operations. “Also was in the Jordan Valley from April 26th ‘18 to August 20th 1918 (less one month of this time spent at Bethlehem) during which period took part in 2nd Esalt & Amman operations. Syrian Campaign from 19th September 1918 to 31st October 1918 where he “took part in the advance to Damascus with the Aust. Mtd. Divn.
In the Honours and Awards section, he wrote: Mentioned in General Murray’s despatch up to 28th July 1917, AIF List No. 200 of 6.7.17; Mentioned in General Allenby’s despatch up to 18th September 1918, AIF List No. 441 of 31.1.19; awarded the DSO in General Allenby’s despatch up to 18th September 1918, AIF List no. 427 if 1st January 1919. Promoted in AMF to Provisional Lieutenant on 1st July 1915. Promoted in AMF to Honorary Captain & to be noted for the Brevet rank of Major on promotion to substantive rank of Captain, AIF List No. 438 of 24.1.19.
For “Period during service in A.I.F. considered most important or interesting” Harold wrote “I consider that the most important and interesting period during my service was that which commenced on Sept. 19th 1918 & finished when the Armistice was signed on Oct 31st 1918, because during this time it was shown what Mounted Troops could do even in modern warfare, & also, this from my point of view, it demonstrated that a Divisional Train attached to such Mounted Troops could keep in touch with them & deliver supplies as required. Before the war it would not have been considered possible for a divisional Train, loaded most of the time, to keep in touch with rapidly moving Mounted Troops, who in 12 days traversed more than 200 miles of country, over for a good part of the way, sandy, heavy or broken roads. Yet my Train did this, with only one drink a day for the animals sometimes, & entered Damascus on Oct 1st 1918, the day after the town had been captured. At Damascus, besides having to ration the Division & many other Units, about 20,000 Turkish & German prisoners had to be fed. This had to be done with a greatly depleted staff owing to sickness, & when Motor Convoys for the first three weeks were very few & far between. But it was done in spite of almost insufferable difficulties & not one day from Sept 19th (the commencement of operations) did the Division go without rations. It shows that in Australia, where probably Mounted Troops would be used a great deal, that a Divisional Train for a Mounted Division is a very useful Unit & greatly assists operations.”
He signed the form on 18th May 1919 at Moascar Egypt as H A Maunder Lt Col Commanding Australian Mounted Divisional Train.
In the British Army Lists he appears in 1915 as 2nd Lieutenant AASC, 1916 as Lieutenant (1st July) AASC, 1917 as Lieutenant AASC (under Forces of the Overseas Dominions and Colonies, Australian Commonwealth Graduation List, 1st July 1915) and 1918 as Lieutenant in Graduation List of Officers. In one Graduation List he was listed under Light Horse, Harold Arthur Maunder, born 15.4.91, 2nd Lieutenant 1.8.13 AASC (rank, date and Corps in the Commonwealth Military Forces) and date of 1st appointment 21.8.14, 2nd Lieutenant in Light Horse Brigade Train in the Australian Imperial Force.
His father signed for the Commission Form of Lieutenant-Colonel H A Maunder DSO Australian Mounted Divisional Train on 25th September 1919 and Base Records received the form back on the 30th. He was also advised of Harold’s return to Australia on 8th December 1919. Harold returned to Australia on 22nd November 1919 on HT Anneas to be demobilised.
On 1st February 1920 Harold wrote to the Officer in Charge at Base Records from Normanby Terrace Brisbane. He wrote “During the war I was mentioned in dispatches as follows: 1. General Murrays dispatch up to 28.2.17. A.I.F. List No. 200 of 6.7.17. 2. General Allenbys dispatch up to 18.9.18. A.I.F. List No. 441 of 31.1.19. The certificates bearing the King’s signature, issued in this connection have not yet reached me. I shall be glad if you would forward them to the above address. If these certificates have not yet reached you it would appear that they have been overlooked. Could you kindly make enquiries.” They received the letter on 10th February 1921 and his change of address was noted. All other dates on the letter are 1921, so Harold must have mistakenly put 1920. Their replied on 11th February 1921 and said”… Certificates for all members of the Australian Imperial Force who were mentioned in Despatches have not yet been received from A.I.F. Headquarters, London. It is anticipated that a further batch will be to hand shortly, and should yours be included, they will be individually transmitted to you at the under-mentioned address.” It was the same address as in his letter. Both certificates were sent on 1st June 1921.
His appointment was terminated in the 1st Military District on 14th March 1920 with his rank as Lieutenant-Colonel.
Harold signed for the two oak leaves (one large and one small) – Mention in Despatches emblems on 24th September 1920 and Base Records received the receipt back on 4th October.
The Darling Downs Gazette of Thursday 25th November 1920 had in page 3 under “QUEENSLAND UNIVERSITY. EXAMINATION RESULTS” and Faculty of Science Day Students “The following students have passed in the subjects necessary to exempt them from the first year’s work of the medical course at the University or Sydney and Melbourne: Aubrey George Bennett, Francis Robert Guinane, James Alfred Larwill, Harold Arthur Maunder, Alexander Dunbar Aitken Mayes, Laurence Ruth Reisz.” The 1920 Commonwealth Public Service List has an entry for Harold as a Class 5 Clerk, showing he was first appointed on 1st March 1912 with a yearly salary of £198 from 1st March 1920.
Harold appears in the 1922 Who’s Who in Australia as “MAUNDER, Lieutenant-Colonel Harold Arthur, D.S.O. (Queensland): b. Brisbane, 15 Apr. 1891; s of Herbert Maunder: ed. Boy’s Central School, Charters Towers. Commonwealth Public Officer. Served in European War – embarked Sept. 1914 – in Senussi, Sinai, Palestine and Syrian campaigns (mentioned in despatches twice); D.S.O. Jan. 1919. Address – Normanby Terrace, Brisbane, Q.” The 1929 entry reads: “MAUNDER, Harold Arthur, D.S.O. medical student, Melbourne Univ.; b. 15 Apr. 1891; s, of Herbert and Elizabeth Maunder; unmarried. Educ. Charters Towers, Queensland. Entered the Commonwealth Public Service; was in the Australian Military Force before the war; enlisted in the A.I.F., and was given a Commission (2nd Lieut.); left Australia with the first fleet, Sep. 1914 service with the Mediterranean Expeditionary Force; took part in the Senussi, Palestine, and Syrian Campaigns with the Anzac Mounted Division; commanded the Australian Mounted Divisional Train, Aug. 1917 till end of war; discharges from A.I.F., March 1920 (despatches twice, D.S.O., Brevet rank); promotions by successive stages from 2nd Lieut. To Lieut.-Colonel; after the war, matriculated at the University of Queensland (Honours), Recreations: golf, tennis. Address: 205 Park Street, Partville, Melbourne, Australia. T.: C11427. Club: United Services, Melbourne.” Another entry (1932?) has “MAUNDER, Lieut.-Colonel Harold Arthur, D.S.O., M.B. B.S. (Melb.) (Vic.): son of Herbert Maunder; b. Ap. 15, 1891, Brisbane; ed. Univ. Melb.; served Great War, A.I.F. 1914-19, Egypt, Palestine, despatched twice, brevet rank, D.S.O. 1919; m Feb. 16, 1929, Ruth Cust, 1 s.; address, Warracknabeal, Vic.”
The 1924 electoral roll Harold was living at 205 Park Street Melbourne by himself and was a student. The University of Melbourne has an entry in the annual year book under degrees conferred 1924-25 under the heading Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery, in “absented” is a list which includes Harold Arthur Maunder. In the 1924 Officers List, he was in the Unattached List with the 11th Mixed Brigade as Brevet-Major H A Maunder DSO (AIF), transferred from the AASC on 1st August 1921. He was also in the Honours List and Graduation List which showed his promotions.
Brevet Lieutenant-Colonel G E Badcock wrote “A History of the Transport Services of the Egyptian Expeditionary Force”, published in 1925. In his Personal Reminiscences he wrote of the Australian Imperial Force and of his friendship with Lieutenant-Colonel Stansfield, who wrote him a farewell letter saying how the Australians appreciated him. He also wrote about an incident involving one AASC Horse Transport unit stealing some horses from another unit at night as a joke. He stated “I wonder if my two friends Lieutenant-Colonels Loveridge and Maunder remember the episode!” Further on, he added that in his experience that Australians were not difficult to deal with and he would work with “such as Stansfield, Howell-Price, Loveridge and Maunder – good fellows all.”
Harold is mentioned in a court case here – https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/244052198/26531147 , where it states he was resident surgeon at the Melbourne hospital when he examined the person who was hit by a car and also later on, before the trial. The person was seeking compensation.
In 1929 Harold married Ruth Millicent Cust in Warrnambool Victoria. Ruth had been born in Hopetoun Victoria on 9th February 1910. Their marriage notice reads “MAUNDER-CUST. The friends of Dr. H. A. Maunder, D.S.O., formerly of Brisbane, will be interested to hear of his marriage to Miss Ruth Cust, (second daughter of Mr. E. A. Cust, Prospect Hill road, Camberwell, Victoria), which took place on February 16, at Trinity Church, Camberwell. Dr. and Mrs. Maunder left Melbourne by the Nieuw Holland on February 18 for a trip to Java and Singapore, after which the doctor will return to his practice at Warracknabeal, Victoria.” The wedding was discussed in Table Talk (Melbourne) of Thursday 14th March 1929 on page 64 under the heading “Maunder Cust THERE was a pretty wedding at Trinity Presbyterian Church, Camberwell, on Saturday evening, February 10, when Ruth Millicent, younger daughter of Mr and Mrs E. A. Cust, of Prospect Hill road, Camberwell, became the wife of Dr. Harold Maunder, only son of the late Mr and Mrs Maunder, of Brisbane. Rev. Wilson Macauley officiated. The bride’s pearl-tinted duchesse satin coat on medieval lines had a low, square neck to its fitting bodice with tight tulle sleeves. There was a bouffant pannier at each hip, and the skirt, dipping in points at each side, was lengthened by a wide, undulating band of tulle. Wings of tulle fell from her shoulders, and the filmy tulle veil which formed a train, was secured with orange blossoms at the back of her head. A sheaf of pink and white gladioli was carried. Misses Phyllis Oust and Jean Devereux, as bridesmaids, wore shell pink chiffon, the full skirts dipping in points at the sides to reach the ground, with wide, softly swathed hip bands, the ends caught at the back and falling to the ground. Their droop hats of felt in a deeper shade were swathed with ring velvet. Dr. David Brown was best man, and Mr Beresford Darke groomsman. Wedding dinner was served at Menzies’.” They had two boys, David Halford Maunder born on 12th August 1931 in Richmond Victoria and Kenneth Halford Maunder born in 1933 in England and a girl, Rosanne Elizabeth born in 1945 in Dartford, Kent, England.
Base Records sent a reply on 11th January 1929 to The Director of the Australian War Memorial Exhibition Buildings in Melbourne stating “In reply to your L/12/11/1635 of 7th January, 1929, I have to advise that the latest address held here of Lieut.-Colonel H.A. MAUNDER, D.S.O.,A.A.S.C., A.I.F., is identical with that quoted in your communication.” The letter they wrote had initially been dated 21st December 1928, but that was crossed out and a date stamp of the above date added. They had wanted to get in touch with “Lieutenant-Colonel H. A. Maunder, D.S.O., Anzac Mounted Divisional Train, A.I.F. whose A.I.F. appointment was terminated on 14/3/1920.” His last recorded address was Normanby Terrace Brisbane but a letter sent to that address had been returned marked “left”. A record has his address in 1932 as Woolcock Street Warracknabeal Victoria.
On 18th April 1934 Base Records replied to a letter from the Repatriation Commission asking for service records for “Lieutenant-Colonel H H Maunder DSO” and included a list of those sent.
Ruth and the two boys are listed in the passengers arriving at Southampton from Melbourne on 10th September 1936 on Largs Bay. Their proposed address in England was “c/- Commercial Bank of Australia Ltd. 17, Moorgate. London”, with country of permanent residence as Australia. Ruth was doing home duties.
In the Bexley, Kent, England, Electoral Registers of 1937, Harold was living at 68 Bexley Road, Bexley, Kent, England with Ruth and Ruby Lamont. The 1938, 1939 and 1940 registers have the same details. In the 1945 register, there is only Harold and Ruth. The 1940 UK Medical Directory lists “MAUNDER, Harold Arthur, 68, Bexley Rd., Erith, Kent – M.B., B.S. Melb. 1925”. The 1943 directory has the same details.
68 Bexley Road, Erith, Kent, England – the block above tip of arrow.
Kelly’s Directory for Kent England in 1938 has an entry “Maunder Harold A., D.S.O., M.B., B.S.Melb. physcn. & surgn. (firm, Carrie & Maunder), 8 Pier rd. TN 2058”. The 1938 directory has a listing in Public Establishments under Erith, Crayford, Belvedere & Abbey Wood Hospital for “H. A. Maunder D.S.O., M.B., B.S.Melb.” It also gave his address in Erith as “Maunder Harold A., D.S.O., M.B., B.S. 68 Bexley road”.
In the 1939 register Harold was living at 68 Bexley Road Erith with two domestic servants. He listed his date of birth as 15th April 1891 and he was a Medical Practitioner. A note on the side says “Australian Military Forces Reserve of Officers A.S.C. Lieut-Col”. His servants were Ruby Lamont, born 3rd July 1915 and Pearl Pearse, born 22 February 1921. He had some service during WW2, but no record is available to detail what that was.
Masters D H Maunder aged 8 and K H Maunder aged 5 left Southampton on the Orcades with Miss R H Lamont, a nurse aged 24, of 68 Bexley Road Erith Kent, bound for Australia, with that listed as their country of intended future permanent residence. They arrived in Freemantle on 5th August 1940 with an address of 223 Church Street Brighton listed.
Harold was listed in the Reserve of Officers on 18th January 1945, under Australian Army Service Corps as “MAUNDER, Harold Arthur, DSO (Vic.), Born 15/4/91, 2/Lt AASC 1/8/13, Lt AASC 1/7/15, Capt AASC 1/2/20, (H’/Capt 3/6/18 to 31/1/19), Maj (Brevet) AASC 1/2/20, UL 1/8/21, Lt-Col R of O (Vic) 1/8/26.”
On 9th January 1948 Ruth and Elizabeth travelled on the Stratheden from London to Melbourne. Their English address was recorded as 68 Bexley Road, she was a housewife and their intended future residence was Australia. They returned to London from Melbourne on the same ship, arriving on 6th July 1948 and giving England as their county of permanent residence. The Kalgoorlie Miner (WA) of Friday 5th May 1950 on page 5 had an entry “Presentation at Court FIVE WEST AUSTRALIANS London, May 4.— The following West Australian women will be presented at Buckingham Palace to-day:— Mrs. Jean Richardson, Mrs. Phyllis Pansy Lamb, Mrs. Ruth Millicent Maunder, Dr. Done L. Officer, Miss Mary J. Officer.” On 1st April 1952 they did another trip to Australia on the Himalaya from London to Melbourne. All their details were the same.
The 1972 Australian electoral roll shows Ruth living at 10/844 Malvern Road Armadale Victoria with her occupation listed as “housmtrs”. Ruth passed away on 9th November 1977 in Melbourne and probate was granted on 5th January 1978 with her being listed as a widow.
In the 1955 England electoral register, a Kenneth H Maunder was living at Half Acre, Crawley Down, Reigate, Surrey with Geraldine G Maunder. The 1967 phone book has a K H Maunder listed at Canada cottage, Cross Keys, Sevenoaks. In the 1967 Australian electoral roll for Malvern in Victoria are entries for Kenneth Halford Maunder, a manager and Diana Louise Maunder, doing home duties. Both were living at 16 Horsburgh Grove. The Age in May 1976 had an entry under Deaths for “MAUNDER. – On 11th May (suddenly), at Cairns, Kenneth Halford Maunder, beloved younger son of Ruth Maunder, of Armadale, and the late Dr. Harold Arthur Maunder.”
David left Southampton on the Orcades bound for Melbourne Australia in 1940, with Kenneth, listed as students. They travelled on the MV Glenstrae, arriving in New York USA in 1944 (both listed as born in Melbourne Australia- aged 13 and 10), heading for the United Kingdom. David was listed as a British crew member on the Peter Dal II arriving in New York USA in 1952, at the age of 21 as an apprentice from 14th March 1952. His description was Australian, 5 foot 11 ½ inches, 150 pounds and had no scars. David was listed in the 1967 electoral roll as living at “C’villa Mtl. Princess H’way” and he was a business manager, with a Merle Junice Maunder, a business manageress. He died on 17th February 2000 in Heidleburg Victoria.
The Sunday Mail in Brisbane had on Sunday 27th January 1946 on page 8 under Births “MAUNDER.— On November 5, 1945, at Ormiston, Erith, Kent, to Ruth, Wife of Harold Maunder, D.S.O., M.B., B.S. a Daughter (Rosanne Elizabeth).” In the 1968 Australian electoral roll for Victoria, Rosanne was living at 10/844 Malvern Road Armadale with her mother. Her occupation was listed as secretary. The Age in January 1970 had an entry under Engagements “MAUNDER-BAIRD. – The engagement is announced of Rosanne Elizabeth, the only daughter of Mrs. R. M. Maunder, of Armadale and the late Dr. Harold Maunder to Richard Hutchison, only son of Mr. and Mrs. Neil Baird of The Esplanade, Peppermint Grove, Perth, WA.” In the 1972 electoral roll they were living at 8/183 Broome Street Cottesloe and he was a financial advisor and Rosanne was a travel consultant. By the 1977 roll they had moved to 7 Andrews Place Cottesloe and Richard was a manager with Rosanne doing home duties. The 1980 roll had the same details.
In the 1919 electoral roll Herbert and Elizabeth were living in Normanby Terrace Kelvin Grove and he was a postal assistant. Herbert passed away on 10th March 1922 in Brisbane and was buried in Toowong Cemetery on the 11th. He was buried in Portion 13-Section 21-Plot 27 at Toowong Cemetery. The grave reads “In Loving Memory Of Herbert Maunder Died 10th March 1922 Aged 53 Years And Only Son Harold Maunder D.S.O., M.B., B. CH. Died Kent England 3rd March 1951 Aged 59 Years.”
Elizabeth married Evan Griffiths on 11th May 1931 in Brisbane.
Elizabeth was buried on 12th October 1953 in Portion 13-Section 29-Plot 20 in Toowong Cemetery. The grave reads “Elizabeth Wife Of Herbert Maunder Died 11th Oct 1953 Aged 81 Years.” Herbert is also mentioned there, with the date of service 11th March 1922.
Ruby married Robert Ker Bell in 1914 in Queensland. He had been living at Cloncurry and was an engine driver (according to the 1913 electoral roll). By the 1937 electoral roll they were living at “Restholme” Mareeba Road Ashgrove and Robert was a public servant. He died on 15th September 1942. Ruby was living at 55 Lewis Street Buranda in the 1958 roll, doing home duties. She died on 9th June 1963 in Brisbane.
Ivy married Stewart Fletcher McIntosh on 28th September 1927 in Queensland. Stewart had been born on 6th March 1898 in Brisbane. In WW1 he served as Private 5076. He enlisted on 5th May 1917 in Brisbane after being previously rejected due to “under chest standard”. Stewart had been a storeman and stated he was 19 years and 1 month old, was 5 foot 3 inches tall, weighed 114 pounds, had a chest measurement of 30 to 33 inches and had a fair complexion with blue eyes and light brown hair. He had a scar on his right shin and was a Presbyterian. He was with the 14th Reinforcements to the 31st Battalion. Embarking on A20 from Sydney on 14th June 1917, they arrived in Liverpool and disembarked on 26th August 1917. From the training battalion in England he was sent to France to reinforce the 41st Battalion and was taken on strength on 4th January 1918. He was gassed on 26th May 1918 and sent to England in June with “Gas-shell wd- severe” In September he was transferred to the Machine Gun Corps and was sent to the 5th Machine Gun Battalion in France on 2nd December 1918. He had gone AWOL in November, for which he was confined to barracks for 7 days and lost pay. Stewart returned to Australia on the Melbourne on 5th July 1919 and was discharged in Brisbane on 22nd September 1919. Stewart was entitled to the British War and Victory medals. He died on 30th June 1963 in Brisbane. Ivy died on 21st June 1977 in Brisbane and is buried in Mt Gravatt Cemetery.
Harold passed away on 3rd March 1951 in London. He was living at 68 Bexley Road Erith. Probate in London was granted on 29th August 1951 to Ruth Millicent Maunder widow. Effects of £13899 16s. 10d. Probate in Victoria was granted on 5th November 1951, and he was recorded as a Medical Practitioner. The New South Wales index to deceased estates file shows he was living in Kent England, was a medical practitioner and the date of grant was 27th May 1952. The Courier-Mail (Brisbane) of Friday 16th March 1951 on page 5 had “Doctor’s death Dr. Harold Arthur Maunder, 59, who was born at Spring Hill in April, 1891 and educated at Charters Towers, has died at his Erith (England) home. A second lieutenant with the first contingent of Queenslanders to go to World War I, he became a lieutenant-colonel, and won a D.S.O. He took his doctor’s degree after demobilisation, and practised in Melbourne before settling in England in 1936.” He is also mentioned on his father’s grave in Portion 13 at Toowong Cemetery with a plaque saying “and only son Harold Maunder D.S.O. M.B., B.CH. Died Kent, England 3rd March 1951. Aged 59 years.” The British Medical Journal of 10th March 1951 has under Deaths “Maunder.- On March 3, 1951, at Erith, Harold Arthur Maunder, D.S.O., M.B. B.S., of Ormiston, 68, Bexley Road, Erith, Kent.”
For some unknown reason, a card summarising his military history during the war has a handwritten entry stating he “Died 27 July1961”?
At the Shrine of Memories, ANZAC Square in Brisbane is a plaque to the AASC. The unit motto is included ‘PAR ONERI’ or ‘EQUAL TO THE TASK’.
There is also a memorial “In Honour of the Members of A.A.S.C. 1st M.D. who served in The Great War 1914-1919”. It lists Lieutenant H. A. Maunder and was “erected by comrade members of the Corps in Appreciation of Services Rendered.” A sketch of the memorial is in documents held by the museum, but the actual memorial is not found in memorial registers online.
Harold’s medals are Distinguished Service Order, 1914-15 Star, British War Medal, Victory medal with oak leaf and WW2 Defence Medal.
The museum has both pictures below of him.
ANZAC Biographies
On our website you will find the biographical details of ANZAC (as well as British) servicemen & women
whose medals or other memorabilia form part of the collection on display at the
Maryborough Military & Colonial Museum,
Maryborough, Queensland, Australia.