Major Douglas Dunbar Jamieson MC MiD
2nd Light Horse Field Ambulance and 8th Light Horse Regiment Australian Army Medical Corps
By Robert Simpson
H19241. ‘Studio portrait of Captain (later Major) Douglas Dunbar Jamieson, AAMC, attached to the 2nd Light Horse Field Ambulance’. From Australian War Memorial.
Douglas Dunbar Jamieson was born in Kew, Melbourne about 1879 with his birth being recorded in that year. In his service record his date of birth is stated as 5 July 1879. His parents were Francis Jamieson and Annie Hince. Francis had been born in about 1831 in Scotland and Annie about 1842 in England. Annie arrived in Melbourne on 25th October 1860 on the Merlin from Liverpool. They married in 1862 in Victoria. Douglas was the last child born to them, with them having thirteen children in all. Their first child was Francis Finlay Jamieson, born in 1864 in Kew. Then Caroline Constance Jamieson was born in 1867 in Kew. Alfred Edward Jamieson was born in 1869 in Kew and sadly died in the same year. Stanley Connebee Jamieson was the next born on 26th January 1879 in Kew (see his story for more on him). Harold Vincent Jamieson had been born in 1871 in Kew, but passed away in 1872. Annie Amy Jamieson was born in 1873 in Kew; and the next two daughters did not live long; Martha Jamieson born and died in 1875 and Minnie Jamieson born and died in 1877; both in Kew. A letter in the collection says there were 13 children, but only 9 can be found listed in Victoria births, as recorded above. It does add that several ‘were born on sailing ships or some of their various visits to and from England.’
On 9 March 1886, the rate assessment for 6 Brougham Street Kew showed Francis Findlay Jamieson, a solicitor, lived there and paid £10.
The Victoria Police Gazette of 19 August 1896 had an entry on page 252 for ‘FRANCIS JAMIESON, 37 Cotham-road, Kew, reports stolen from his harness-room, on the night of the 13th inst., a lady’s saddle; a boy’s saddle, worn; a single set of buggy harness, silver mounted, in good condition; and a bridle for a pony. Value £10.- O.7229. 15th August, 1896.’ In the 1896 rate assessment, Francis Jamieson (of no occupation) was living at 37 Cotham Road Kew and paid £2.
In the 1905 Australian electoral roll, Francis Jamieson was living at 37 Cotham Road Kew (of independent means) with Annie (home duties) and Douglas Dunbar (a student).
A list of ‘Legally Qualified Medical Practitioners’ from the Medical Board of Victoria was listed in the Victoria Police Gazette of 27 April 1905 on page 178 and included certificate number 2439, registered on 14 April 1905 for Douglas Dunbar Jamieson of 37 Cotham Road Kew with the qualification ‘M.B. et Ch.B. Melb. 1905’.
Punch (Melbourne) on Thursday 4 July 1907 in page 27 had under ‘Approaching Marriages’ ‘The marriage of Mr. Douglas Dunbar Jamieson, M.B., B.S., youngest son of Mr. Francis Jamieson, ‘ Nirvana ” Kew, and Miss Mary Gertrude, younger daughter of Mr. G. A. Russell, of “Warriston,” Brighton, will take place at South Perth, W.A., in the last week of July.’
In Perth, Western Australia in 1907, Douglas married Mary Gertrude Russell. It was registered that year as number 359. Mary had been born in Hunters Hill NSW on 11 November 1879, a daughter to George Alfred Russell and Louisa Gertrude Townsend Robey, who had been married on 26 December 1866 by Catholic rite as required by Chilean law, then on 27 December by the British chaplain, Mr Dennet, at 8am in Valparaiso, Chile. Their son, Douglas Ronald Jamieson, was born on 8 June 1908 in Brighton Victoria. Family portrait below.
In the Personal section of the West Australian on Saturday 12 October 1907 on page 12 was an entry for ‘The following have been appointed Justices of the Peace: -Dr. Douglas Dunbar Jamieson, of Laverton, for the Mt. Margaret district…’
The Victoria Police Gazette of 25 July 1908 on page 261 had a listing under ‘Officers of Health’ for Shire of Wannon-Coleraine and Nareen Ridings’ for ‘DOUGLAS DUNBAR JAMIESON M.B., to be Acting Officer of Health, during the absence on leave of Samuel Connor M.D.’ He was replaced by another doctor as recorded in the Police Gazette of 6 August 1908 in page 318.
After a hard life, Annie passed away on 16 November 1908 in Kew Victoria. She was buried in Boroondara Cemetery in Area PRES A, Grave Number 512-513. A church publication stated ‘what a sources {sic} of great grief was the sudden death of Mrs. Jamieson … who was so respected in Kew, Victoria, where she had been active for more than 40 years’. The article went on to say how ‘she was always so bright & cheerful inspite (sic) of the loss of so many of her children in infancy…’ The letter also said ‘Uncle Stan Jamieson (doctor) wrote that the Jamiesons were descended from the Stuarts of Bute who in tune were descended from John Stuart natural son of King Robert II (1371-1391)’ and went on to discuss other titles and names. Merlin
The 1911 Loxton’s Medical Directory had an entry for ‘JAMIESON, DOUGLAS DUNBAR, Katoomba – No. 2797; Oct. 14th, 1908; M.B.,B.S., 1905; Univ. Melb.’
The 1912 Australian electoral roll had Francis living at 37 Cotham Road Kew (of independent means).
In the Victoria Police Gazette of 12 June 1913 in page 299, was Douglas Jamieson ‘M.B. et Ch.B., to be Public Vaccinator for South-Eastern District’.
The Horsham Times of Victoria on Friday 5 September 1913 in page 5 had; ‘Dr. Douglas Dunbar Jamieson was the only applicant for the position of resident surgeon of the Stawell Hospital, and the Board of Management on Monday night decided to offer him the appointment. He has latterly been in private practice at Toora, Gippsland.’
Francis passed away on 20 June 1915. His death was recorded in The Age of 22 June 1915 under deaths as ‘JAMIESON.- On the 20th June, at “Nirvana,” Cotham-road, Kew, Francis Jamieson, aged 84 years.’ Probate jurisdiction in the will of Francis Jamieson ‘late of Cotham Road Kew in the State of Victoria – Gentleman deceased’ was handled by Madden, Drake & Candy, solicitors of 475 Collins Street Melbourne. The will is quite a lengthy one, with 3 codicils attached. Originally done in December 1904, he had left all to his wife Annie, with the house left to his daughter Caroline Constance while she remained a spinster and allowed her a monthly payment. The rest was to be split evenly between other family members, including other properties he owned. If all his children died without family, he directed the money should be provided to the University of Melbourne for two scholarships to help with Law or Medicine degrees. There were also provisions for money to be bequeathed to three Melbourne hospitals, to be called Annie Jamieson bequests. He added a codicil to it in December 1908, another in January 1909 and a final one in July 1910, which stated that any child indebted to him was to have their share adjusted for the debt.
In Loxton’s Medical Directory of 1911 in the New South Wales section is a listing for ‘JAMIESON, DOUGLAS DUNBAR, Katoomba- No. 2797; Oct. 14th,1908, M.B.,B.S., 1905; Univ. Melb.’
A directory in 1915 listed Douglas D Jamieson as living at Stawell. In the Victoria Medial Directory, he was also listed under Stawell as ‘JAMIESON, Douglas Dunbar, Stawell Hosp. – M.B., Ch.B., 1905 (Univ. Melb.) B.M.A.’ The Sands Victorian Directory of 1917 had the same details. The same directory in 1919 had Douglas as a physician in Stawell.
Douglas applied for a commission in the Australian Army Medical Corps AIF on 21 June 1915. His educational qualifications were MBBS Melbourne. For military qualifications he had four years as a member of a rifle club and he had been a Lieutenant in K Company 73rd Battalion Senior Cadets. His present employment was Medical Superintendent at Stawell Hospital. Douglas stated his birth date which made his age as 35 years 11 months. He was a British subject, married to Mary Gertrude Jamieson and was Church of England for religion. His medical certificate shows he was 5 foot 10 inches tall, chest measurement of 33 to 37 inches, weighed 11 stone 7 pounds and for eyesight was written ‘1.25 both eyes wears glasses good’. The Commanding Officer recommended him to be appointed as a Captain and to be posted to the Convalescent Depot AIF London on 7 July 1915. His pay book number was 234711. The address listed for his wife changed a few times. Other details on his description include fair complexion, grey eyes and brown hair.
In the nominal rolls is a file for Convalescent Depot, Harefield Park, London. In the list of men who embarked at Melbourne on HMAT Orsova on 17 July 1915 was Captain D D Jamieson, age 33, a Medical Practitioner, of Stawell Hospital Stawell. He was married and his next of kin was Mary Gertrude Jamieson of 5 Tennyson Street Brighton Beach. His religion was Church of England and he enlisted on 29 June 1915. His pay before embarkation was 22 shilling 6 pence and from 15 July 1915, 13 shillings were kept in Australia, he took 6 shillings and 3 shillings 6 pence were deferred. After arriving in Egypt, he was detached from the unit.
On 18 January 1916 Douglas joined the 2nd Light Horse and was taken on strength of 2nd Light Horse Field Ambulance at Maadi Egypt.
At the 2nd Light Horse Brigade Camp at Maadi Egypt, the brigade had a military sports day on Thursday 10 February 1916. A program is with his effects and lists the committee and the program, which included a variety of races and other events, starting at 12.30 pm. There was prize money on offer.
At Maadi he was marched out to Serapeum on 24 February 1916.
Douglas was recommended for an award as recorded in the 2nd Light Horse Field Ambulance war diary below.
Recommendation for an award from war diary.
On 27 June 1916 he was transferred to HS Magara at Kantara with enteritis and on 28 June at Et Maler he was admitted to hospital and transferred and admitted to the Casualty Clearing Station at Kantara, and the next day he was transferred to the Scottish Horse Field Ambulance at Port Said with enteritis. He was admitted to the Officers Convalescent Hospital at Cairo with enteritis on 8 July 1916. On 18 July 1916 he was transferred to Sirdarish Officers Convalescent Hospital at Alexandria with enteritis (mild) and on the same day was admitted to Ras-El-Tin Convalescent Depot. His wife was notified of him being in hospital on 26 July. He was transferred to 3rd Australian General Hospital at Alexandria on 26 July 1916 and was admitted there with enteritis and haemorrhoids on the same day. On 4 August 1916 Douglas was discharged to his unit (2nd LHFA) from 3rd AGH.
His service record showed he was awarded the Military Cross for ‘gallantry and devotion to duty in the Field’ with the EEF and it was recorded under General Routine Orders List No. 194 on 5 September 1916. Under AIF Orders List No 124 on 13 October 1916 he was Mentioned in General Murray’s despatches of that date.
In November 1916 he was awarded the Military Cross for leading the rescue of two wounded men who lay in front of the retreating line at Bir-El-Abd in August 1916. Although shells were bursting around them and the horses rearing, they managed to rescue the two wounded and then picked up another three wounded on the way back to safety. His citation, which was ‘To accompany List of Appointments, Commissions, Rewards, &c. No.194, dated 9th September, 1916’ for the Military Cross read ‘Captain Douglas Dunbar JAMIESON, Australian Army Medical Corps, attached 2nd Australian Light Horse Field Ambulance. At BIR-EL-ABD on 9th August, 1916. With 2 Drivers and a man he went with a sandcart to the left flank. Leaving the nearer wounded, they passed through the line which was rapidly retiring, reached two wounded men in front. Under heavy rifle fire and shell fire, loaded them into the cart with great difficulty, as bursting shells were frightening the horses and causing them to plunge. Captain Jamieson having searched in front to make sure there were no more, the party returned, with their harness in a tangled condition, picking up three other wounded on the way back.’ His service record stated it was on 21 November at Cairo that he was awarded the Military Cross as recorded in Routine order for No 2 Anzac Mounted Division.
One of the other soldiers involved was 529 Driver Charles Alexander James Crawford who was awarded the Military Medal ‘For distinguished gallantry. On 9th August, 1916, at BIR-EL-ABD, in company with Captain D. D. Jamieson, Driver Thomson and Private Davis, went with a sandcart to the left flank. Leaving the nearer wounded, they passed through the line which was rapidly retiring, reached two wounded men in the front. Under heavy rifle and shell fire, loaded them into the cart with great difficulty, as bursting shells were frightening the horses and causing them to plunge.’ The museum also has his medals.
Douglas was awarded the Military Cross as a Captain in the AAMC, which was recorded in the London Gazette on 25 November 1916 on page 11548 at position 4 and in the Commonwealth of Australia Gazette on 19 April 1917 on page 925 at position 106. His award was mentioned in various papers all around Australia in 1916 as one of the Australian officers to be awarded a Military Cross. He was Mentioned in despatches in the London Gazette of 1 December 1916 on page 11808 at position 22 and the Commonwealth of Australia Gazette on 19 April 1917 on page 926 at position 92.
The war diary for 2nd Australian Light Horse Field Ambulance on 11 February 1917 at Massid shows ‘Capt. D.D. Jamieson M.C. transferred to 8th L.H. & struck off strength of unit’. His service record stated he was transferred on 10 February and attached the next day. On 1 May 1917 the Director General AAMS at the Department of Defence in Melbourne wrote to Captain D D Jamieson AMC C/o DMS AIF 130 Horseferry Street London saying ‘I noted in the latest copy of Commonwealth Gazette that you have been awarded the Military Cross. Please accept my sincerest congratulations on the high honour which you have won, and in so winning have brought honour and credit to the Australian Army Medical Services. Hoping that I may soon have the opportunity of congratulating you personally.’
J02856 – ‘Captain Jamieson of the 2nd Australian Light Horse (2ALH) Field Ambulance (later killed in aeroplane crash) examining natives of the Camel Corps at the native sick parade. (Donated by Mr. F.H. Smith.)’ From AWM.
Base Records sent a letter to Mary Jamieson of 5 Tennyson Street Brighton Beach Victoria on 25 April 1917, stating ‘I have much pleasure in forwarding hereunder copy of extract from Supplement No. 29845 to the London Gazette of 1st December 1916, relating to the conspicuous services rendered by Captain D. D. Jamieson, 2nd Light Horse Field Ambulance. Mentioned in Despatches. “In accordance with the final paragraph of the Despatch dated 1st October, the following are mentioned for distinguished services rendered during the period of General A.J. Murray’s Command of the Egyptian Expeditionary Force:- Captain DOUGLAS DUNBAR JAMIESON.” The above has been promulgated in Commonwealth of Australia Gazette No. 62 of 19th April, 1917.’ They sent another letter on the same date stating ‘I have much pleasure in forwarding hereunder copy of extract from Second Supplement No. 29837 to the London Gazette of 24th November 1916, relating to the conspicuous services rendered by Captain D. D. Jamieson, Convalescent Depot, London, A.M.C.’ being awarded the Military Cross. ‘“HIS MAJESTY THE KING has been graciously pleased to confer the Military Cross on the undermentioned officer in recognition of his gallantry and devotion to duty in the field:- Captain DOUGLAS DUNBAR JAMIESON. For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. With two drivers and a man he went with a sand cart to the Left flank. He rescued the wounded men and loaded them into the cart under intense fire. Later, he searched the front for more wounded men.” The above has been promulgated in Commonwealth of Australian Gazette, No. 62 of 19th April, 1917.’
At Abasan on 19 July 1917 he was with the 8th Light Horse Regiment. On 24 August 1917 Douglas was to be a Major, under AIF Egypt Routine Order No 13.
On 19 February 1918 he was sent to the Rest Camp at Post Said from 8th LHR at Selah. He marched in to DMC Rest Camp at Post Said on 29 February and marched out to Moascar on 23 March 1918, where he marched in to 2nd Light Horse Training Regiment for rations only on the same day. On 29 March he was marched out to his regiment from Moascar, returning to duty with the 8th LHR at Selmeh on 31 March. Douglas was marched out from 8th LHR at Solomon Pools to 14th Australian General Hospital at Port Said on 27 June 1918, to await transport duty to Australia. On the next day he was attached to them for rations awaiting embarkation.
Entries in his service record on 18 and 25 July 1918 show he was admitted to the 14th Australian General Hospital with ‘abrasions, face Comp frac. of nasal and ethmoid bones, dangerously ill’.
In the admission form for the 14th Australian General Hospital AIF, it showed that Douglas was admitted on 18 July 1918 with a fractured skull and nose and meningitis. He was in hospital for 11 days. The records show ‘Aeroplane accident 18/7/18. Laceration of nose on both sides & along septum causing complete separation of cartilage of nose except at upper attachment. Marked haemorrhage into both upper lids. Nasal bones smashed. Optn. 18/7/18 nose stitched along sides and septum. While in hp’t’l continuous pyrexia & patient became delirious. X Ray report 24/7/18 “Extensive smashing of the nasal bone at its base, the nasal septum & the superior maxilla extending into the infra orbital plate inner walls of orbits. Whole area of nose appears to be flattened & pushed backwards. Frontal sinuses appear to be clear.” 26/7/18 On patient’s condition becoming worse – exploratory operation decided on. Wound of nose re-opened & explored. Flap turned down over L forehead, & skull trephined just above & extl to L frontal sinuses. Escape of clear fluid & some lymph on meninges. Escape of blood on raising frontal lobe. Scalp wound stitched & rubber drains inserted in angle – decompression operation. 27/7/18 Frequent convulsive attacks – pulse soft & quick – comatose condition. 29/7/18 Patient died at 8.30 A.M’.
His statement of service record showed he was appointed a Captain in the AIF on 14 July 1915, promoted to Major on 24 August 1917 with 2nd LHF Amb. and was RMO with the 8th Light Horse Regiment from 10 February 1917. It listed his civilian occupation as Medical Practitioner, that he was born at Stawell, his wife Mrs Jamieson lived at 45 Cotham Road Kew Melbourne (another record has 9 Pakington St Kew, crossed out and “Cradley” Studley Park Road Kew added), he was 38 years old, was 5 foot 9 inches tall, weighed 154 pounds, had a chest measurement of 36 inches, had a fair complexion with grey eyes and brown hair and his religious denomination was Church of England. The record showed he died at Port Said on 29 July 1918 as a result of an aeroplane accident.
The Age of Melbourne on Friday 2 August 1918 had under Death on active service: ‘JAMIESON. – At No. 14 Australian General Hospital Port Said Major Douglas Dunbar Jamieson, M.C., 8th Light Horse Regiment, dearly loved husband of Mary Jamieson.’ The same paper on 6 August had: ‘JAMIESON. – On the 29th July, at Port Said, Egypt, in No. 14 Australian General Hospital, Major Douglas Dunbar Jamieson (M.C.), of the A.I.F., surgeon in the 8th Light Horse Regiment, youngest son of the late Francis Jamieson and Annie Jamieson, of “Nirvana,” Cotham-road, Kew, by accident, after 3 years’ active service, aged 39 years.’
In the Tungamah and Lake Rowan Express and St. James Gazette (Victoria) on Thursday 8 August 1918 in page 2 was an article on ‘DEATH OF MAJOR JAMIESON’ which said: ‘The sad news was received on Friday by Dr. Jamieson, of Yarrawonga, that his brother Major Douglas Dunbar Jamieson, had died from the result of an accident at Port Said. The accident occurred on the 25th (sic) July, and Major Jamieson died on the 29th. No particulars of the accident have yet been received, but it is believed to have resulted in a fracture of the scull (sic), followed by meningitis. Major Jamieson had been on active service in Palestine for three years, and won the Military Cross, and was recommended for V.C. He was attached to the 8th Light Horse Regiment, and was returning home when he met with his tragic death. He leaves a wife and one son, who reside in Melbourne. Major Jamieson’s death was mentioned at the Commemoration service on Sunday evening by the Rev. G. Nelson, who said he felt sure that the sympathy of the people of Yarrawonga went forth to the widow and to the relatives in their sad bereavement.’
A copy of the proceedings of a court of enquiry held at 14th AGH at Port Said on 14 August 1918 by the Commanding Officer of the 14th AGH ‘Enquiring into the circumstances of the death of Major D. D. Jamieson (M.C.) was sent to Base Records. The first witness was Major A B Peck Commanding 144th Squadron RAF who stated ‘The accident was due to the machine stalling whilst at a low height, too low for the pilot to recover again before crashing. Pilot Gann has an excellent record since he began flying and is quite reliable. There is no question of alcoholism in connection with him on day of accident. There is a regulation that no Officers of Navy or Army can be taken up for flights without permission of Squadron Commander or his representative. This permission was given to Pilot Gann by the representative of the C. O. Pilot Rutherford for taking up Major Jamieson on the day of the accident.’ Five other people gave witness statements. 2nd Lieutenant William Holden Gann 144th Squadron RAF stated ‘About 17-7-18 Major Jamieson asked me if I would take him up for a flight and I replied that provided I obtained permission I was quite willing to do so. On July 18th 1918 Major Jamieson came down to the Aerodrome, found me there, we had tea about 1600, and immediately afterwards we started the flight. I had received permission from the Adjutant, Lieut. APPS to take Major Jamieson up with me, after I had found that the C. O., Major Peck was absent from the Aerodrome. Major Jamieson and I then got in the machine and the mechanic started the engine, after which I remember no more until about 0400 next morning, when I found myself in hospital. I had flown in that machine several times shortly before the accident and found the machine satisfactory. Major Jamieson and I had no alcoholic drinks that afternoon. I have had 100 hours flying up to July 18th 1918 and this is the first accident of any kind I have had in a machine. The Board found that at ‘the time of the accident Major Jamieson was not in performance of a Military Duty’ and ‘was not to blame for the accident’. The Court did note that ‘G.R.O. 3123 Bounds, puts aerodromes out of bounds to all ranks’ and although permission was obtained from the CO to fly, Douglas ‘was to blame primarily for being out of bounds in defiance of G.R.O.’s.’ The flying regulation was determined to be supplementary to the Order, but as all requirements were fulfilled for it ‘absolves Major Jamieson from blame’ and no other person was to blame. Both Lieutenants Rutherford and Apps gave statements stating they had been asked by Lieutenant Gann if he could take a friend up flying, with both stating they had no objections. Lieutenant Colonel Athol J H Saw of 144th AGH stated ‘I saw Major Jamieson on the 18th August 1918 when he was admitted to Hospital. He was suffering from fracture of the nasal bones, laceration of Ala Naer Septum. Fracture of Ethmoid bone extending into base of skull, also of both Frontal Sinuses. He was taken to the Operating Theatre, the wounds treated under an anaesthetic. His progress was satisfactory for 5 days and then he developed symptoms suggestive either of Cerebral Abscess or Meningitis. His condition became worse, a Trephining Operation was done with a view of relieving symptoms but no ameliorations ensued. He died 2 days later. The cause of his death was Septic Haemeptis (sic) supervening on fracture of the base of the skull.’
The Week (Brisbane) of Friday 16 August 1918 on page 19 added ‘GALLANT MEDICAL OFFICER Major Douglas Dunbar Jamieson, M.C., Australian Army Medical Corps, who is reported to have died at No. 14 Australian General Hospital, Port Said, was, before the outbreak of the war, a medical practitioner, at Stawell. He was a brother of Mrs. P. P. McBride of Brisbane. He was awarded the military cross for conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty, in connection with the fighting at Romani and Bir-el-Abd, Egypt in August, 1916. With two drivers, and a fourth man, he went with a sandcart (sic) to the left flank, rescued two wounded men and put them in the cart under intense fire. Later he searched the front, for more wounded men. Major (then Captain} Jamieson was mentioned in Sir A. Murray’s Egyptian Expeditionary Force despatches on 13th October, 1916. On 10th February, 1917, he was transferred from the 2nd Light Horse Field Ambulance to the 8th Light Horse as medical officer, and while serving in Palestine, he was again mentioned in despatches for gallantry. He was promoted major on 21st August, 1917.’
A part of a letter is with his records at the museum and states: ‘Dr. D. D. Jamieson, who is now a Major, came over here to see me yesterday, and again to-day and we spent most of the time together here (14th A.G.H. Egypt). He and I were always very good friends. I admire him very much. There are few in the Army I like better. He is very well considering his hard going as M.O. to the 8th L.H. While I lived with him at the Ambulance all our days were good days, full of fun (and work at times). These times we have been talking over again, so to-day has been a very good day. I wanted him to apply to come here for a spell, but he says he would never leave his regiment. That is “Jamie” all over. He is one of the real men. So if he does not write, tell his wife no man could be more respected by soldiers than “Old Jamie” as he is called. He will do anything for soldiers, thinks nothing of risking his life for them at every scrap, and the soldiers will do anything for him.’ A couple of newspaper cuttings with the letter say: ‘Gallant Medical Officer Major Douglas Dunbar Jamieson, M.C., Australian Army Medical Corps, who is reported to have died at No. 14 Australian General Hospital, Port Said, was before the outbreak of the war a medical practitioner at Stawell. He was awarded the Military Cross for conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty in connection with the fighting at Romani and Bir-el-Abd, Egypt, in August, 1916. With two drivers and a fourth man he went with a sandcart to the left flank, rescued two wounded men and put them in the cart under intense fire. Later he searched the front for more wounded men. Major (then Captain) Jamieson was mentioned in Sir A. Murray’s Egyptian Expeditionary Force despatches on October 13, 1916. On February 10, 1917, he was transferred from the 2nd Light Horse Field Ambulance to the 8th Light Horse as Medical Officer, and while serving in Palestine, he was again mentioned in despatches for gallantry. He was promoted Major on August 24, 1917.’ The other cutting said: ‘The following message through the Governor-General has been received by Mrs. M. E. Jamieson, “Cradley”, Studley Park-road, Kew, regarding the death of her husband, Major Douglas Jamieson M.C., :- “The King and Queen deeply regret the loss you and the army have sustained by the death of your husband in the service of his country. Their Majesties truly sympathise with you in your sorrow.” Major Jamieson, surgeon in the 8th Light Horse, was recently reportedly accidently killed at Port Said.’
Douglas has another two files at National Archives Australia, one is open but not online – Citation NAA: MT297/14, JAMIESON/D D, which is dated from 1915 to 1918; and Citation NAA: B73, R14614, which has not been yet examined and dates from 1918 only. It also says ‘File Cover Only’.
Two lots of personal effects were sent to Mary, one lot ex Wiltshire on 29 November 1918 and the other lot ex Sardinia on 18 February 1919, as shown below.
Inventories of his effects, page 15 and 29 in his service record.
The Commonwealth War Graves Commission has an entry for him – ‘Major JAMIESON, DOUGLAS DUNBAR Died 29/07/1918 Aged 39 8th Australian Light Horse M C, Mentioned in Despatches Son of Francis and Annie Jamieson; husband of Mary G. Jamieson, of “Warriston,” 47, Princess St., Kew, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. Native of Kew.’ Their documents also record he was AAMC attached 8th Light Horse Regiment and he died of accidental injuries. He was to have a cross on his stone and was buried in E. 3. Port Said War Memorial Cemetery. His name is recorded in the report of the Grave Registration Unit in report Egypt 14.f.1 which shows the place of his grave in a list. He was buried by Chaplain D. W. Weir at Port Said Military Cemetery on 30 July 1918; recorded in his service record as grave 54 B.
Grave photo P03569.027. ‘The original grave marker, covered in flowers, of Major (Maj) Douglas Dunbar Jamieson, MC, Medical Officer attached to the 8th Australian Light Horse, of Stawell, Vic. Maj Jamieson, a doctor and surgeon at the Stawell Hospital in Victoria, enlisted as a captain on 29 June 1915 and embarked from Melbourne aboard HMAT Orsova on 15 July 1915. He was appointed to the Convalescent Depot, Haberfield Park, London. On 18 January 1916 he was transferred to the 2nd Australian Light Horse Field Ambulance in Egypt. At Bir-El-Abd on 9 August 1916 he was awarded the Military Cross for his daring exploits in rescuing wounded soldiers under heavy rifle and shell fire. He died on 29 July 1918 from complications of a fractured skull received in an aeroplane accident in Egypt on 17 July 1918 aged 39 years.’ From AWM.
A photo of his grave was also sent to his wife in a card, with a description of where it is, on 12 December 1919.
New Gravestone. With thanks to TWGPP.
The nominal roll shows that Major Douglas Dunbar Jamieson (MC) AAMC died of accidental injury on 29/7/18. The Australian Red Cross had an enquiry on his death and has some records which show that Major D D Jamieson AIF AMC 8th Light Horse Regiment ‘Died 29/7/18 at 14th Gen. Hpl. Egypt Frac: skull Cart. by A.I.F. Hqrs List 5/9/18.’ They also had a couple of statements ‘I first knew Major Jamieson when he was admitted as a patient after an aeroplane crash that happened at Port Said while he was going up for a joy ride. Something went wrong with the engine and the aeroplane crashed nose first from a little over 100 feet high. The pilot suffered minor injuries – but Major Jamieson was very much hurt having his nose broken, his jaw broken and his skull fractured. He was brought into the officer’s ward at the 14th A.G.H. and attended to. A few days later septiceina (sic) set in and they performed trephining on him. He lived a few days afterwards in a semi-conscious condition. He used to get up and try to wander about but you had only just to speak to him and he would go and lie down. All hope of his recovery was given up on the night of the 28th but he lingered on till the morning at 8 o’clock when he passed away. The pilot of the aeroplane was very cut up when he died – they had to remove him from the ward while the body was being carried out to the mortuary. He attended the funeral in the afternoon and took it very hard. He is buried in the Military Cemetery in Port Said. He was a very brave man through his sickness – never once complaining – and it was a pleasure to nurse him. Sister Cooke was in charge of the Officer’s ward at the time and Col. Saw was the surgeon in charge of his case.’ The informant was 13628 Trooper J McGrath 14 AGH. Another statement by 9871 Driver W Spottiswood of 2nd Field Ambulance attached to 14th AGH read ‘I was in the same unit as Capt. Jamieson (the 2nd L.H.Field Ambulance) for about 18 months, and I knew him well. When he was appointed Major he went to the 8th L.H., for a long time and had left them and was at Port Said awaiting embarkation for Australia when the accident occurred. I had just gone to Alexandria on leave – when it happened – so I have arranged with Tpr. C. McGrath of 14th A.G.H. who nursed Major Jamieson to supply missing data of his death and burial. Major Jamieson was one of the best and liked by everybody.’
On 20 August 1918 the Secretary to the Governor-General in Melbourne sent a letter to Mrs M G Jamieson of “Cradley” Studley Park Road, Kew Victoria saying ‘I am desired by His Excellency the Governor-General to transmit to you the following message from Their Majesties The King and Queen:- “The King and Queen deeply regret the loss you and the Army have sustained by the death of your husband in the service of his Country. Their Majesties truly sympathise with you in your sorrow.” In addition to the above message, I am desired by the Governor-General to express Their Excellencies’ heartfelt sympathy with you on this death of their gallant officer.’
His obituary is recorded in The Medical Journal of Australia, published on 1 October 1918 on page 296, but it not freely available online. It is also mentioned in the Index-catalogue of the library of the Surgeon-General’s Office, U.S. Army in 1928 on page 16. He is listed as ‘Jamieson (Douglas Dunbar) [1879-1918]. Obituary. Med J. Aust., Sydney, 1918, ii, 296.’
Australian Headquarters at Cairo wrote to Base Records on 21 October 1918 referring to Major D D Jamieson MC AAMC and forwarding a ‘certified true copy of proceedings of Court of Enquiry in connection with the death of the above named Officer on 25.8.18.’
On 11 April 1919 the Secretary to the Governor-General again wrote to Mary advising her that ‘I am directed by His Excellency the Governor-General to inform you that the Army Council has transmitted to the Governor-General a Military Cross which was awarded to the late Major D.D.Jamieson.M.C. His Excellency will be glad to learn whether you would like the decoration to be presented to you on the occasion of a Parade of Troops, or whether you would prefer that it should be handed to you privately. In the event of you preferring to receive the decoration privately I shall be glad if you would communicate with me with a view to arranging a suitable morning on which you could attend at Federal Government House, when the Military Cross will be handed to you by the Governor-General.’
His temporary commission in the Land Forces of the Australian Military Forces as a Captain was dated from 14 July 1915 and was filled out on 4 January 1917. Mary signed for the Commission Form on 19 November 1917 and Base Records received the receipt the next day. On 2 December 1918 Mary signed for a package, ‘being the effects of the late Major D.D. Jamieson, 8th Light Horse Regiment’ from the Wiltshire. The receipt reached Base Records on 4 December.
On 18 August 1920 Australian Graves Services in London wrote to Base Records about Douglas, advising them he was buried in Port Said Military Cemetery in ‘Grave E.64’ and that the ‘O.C., Australian Graves Services, Egypt, has been instructed to ascertain whether the carved red gum tablet despatched by Mrs. Jamieson is still on the grave. The Imperial War Graves Commission have no objection to small tablets being placed on graves provided they are laid flat on the surface.’ Base Records received the letter on 30 September 1920. Another letter from Imperial War Graves Commission in London to Australian Graves Services there ‘regarding a small gum tablet placed on the grave of Major D.D. Jamieson. We do not allow as a rule private memorials of this nature to remain on graves unless the memorial is of such a nature and size that it will not interfere with the proper maintenance of the cemetery. In many cases memorials which the next-of-kin wish to lay on the graves interfere with the machine cutting of the grass. In the present case I judge that the memorial is so small that it can safely be left, but I think Mrs Jamieson should be told that it will be left providing it does not interfere with the proper maintenance of the graves.’
Mary signed for his Mentioned in Despatches certificate (number 2974) on 1 December 1920 and Base Records received it back on 4 December. On 19 January 1921 the pamphlet ‘Where The Australians Rest’ was sent to Mary. His memorial scroll was sent to Mary on 7 September 1921, she acknowledged the receipt on 22 September and Base Records received it back on 24 September. The memorial plaque was sent on 8 December 1922. Mary could not collect it, so she authorised Stanley to collect it; which he did on 17 January 1923 and signed for it. On 12 January 1923 his Victory medal and oak leaf was sent to her by registered post, which she received and signed for on 17 January and Base Records received the receipt back on 22 January. The register order form was posted to her on 16 January 1931 with two cemetery registers posted on 17 February 1931.
On 18 September 1937 Mary wrote, asking ‘Will you let me have the number of my husbands’ grave in the cemetery at Port Said. I had it once years ago, but it has unfortunately been lost. My husbands’ full name and rank was Major Douglas Dunbar Jamieson M.C. R.A.M.C. and the date of his death was July 29th 1918. Yours very truly Mary G. Jamieson’ She recorded her address as 67 Wellington St Kew EH. The Repat Commission of Victoria received it on the morning of 20 September 1937. They replied on 22 September, advising her that his grave was at ‘Port Said War Memorial Cemetery, Egypt. Plot (or Block) E, Grave No. 3’.
After his death, Mary remained a widow for the remainder of her life. She passed away in 1960 in Malvern, Victoria and is buried in the family grave. Their son, Douglas, married Beth Merritt Nickolls on 24 November 1939 at Melbourne Grammar Chapel in a double ceremony with her sister, Nancy Berkley Nickolls marrying Francis Guthrie. Beth had been born in 1908 and died in Queensland in 2005, as did Douglas in 1987.
The AWM also has in their collection a private record relating to the service of Major Douglas Dunbar Jamieson, MC, 8th Light Horse Regiment, Palestine, 1917-1918. It consists of one letter written by him to his wife in Australia. It is not available online, but is open to view at the museum. They also note of him: ‘Biographical note: Major Douglas Dunbar Jamieson, MC, 8 Light Horse Regiment, AIF, who died from a fracture of the skull on 29 July 1918, in Egypt. Other biographical details concerning him are: medical practitioner; of Stawell, Victoria; born Kew, Victoria; educated at Hawthorn Grammar School and Melbourne University (where he took his degree); was a good athlete, and on one occasion won a 10 mile cross country championship run; was also a frequent contributor of verse and prose to various papers; held a commission in the Commonwealth Military Forces; age at time of death, 39. An elder brother, Stanley Connebee Jamieson, served as a medical officer with the Tasmanians in the South African War, and was also a member of the AIF.’
Douglas Dunbar Jamieson’s name is located at panel 6 in the Commemorative Area at the Australian War Memorial. Douglas Dunbar Jamieson’s name will be projected onto the exterior of the Hall of Memory on:
• Thu 16 July 2020 at 9:43pm
• Sun 30 August 2020 at 4:32am.
Douglas originally had his will written on 13 May 1915 with D R Herald, a solicitor in Stawell. It was filed in Melbourne on 18 September 1918. He appointed his wife as sole executrix. Stanley was to get all his medical books and instruments and all else of his property was to go to Mary. The Supreme Court of Victoria recorded on his will that he was ‘formerly of Stawell in the State of Victoria Medical Practitioner but lately on active service in the Australian Imperial Forces Major deceased’. It was shown to Mary on 13 September 1918 when she submitted her affidavit to the court. There is also an entry in the New South Wales index to deceased estate files which shows his name and address, date of death and occupation and that it was resealed on 19 February 1940 with the estate valued at £30. The name Windeyer CO is also written at the bottom. A copy of the probate of his will outlining the above is included in his service record.
Windeyer & Co, Solicitors in Sydney, wrote to Base Records on 8 January 1940 asking ‘We have received instructions to apply for reseal in New South Wales of Probate of the Will of the late Douglas Dunbar Jamieson, Probate of whose Will was granted by the Supreme Court of Victoria on 22nd October 1918. For the purpose of obtaining relief from assessment of New South Wales death duties we desire to have a Certificate that the said deceased died on Active Service. The deceased was Medical Officer to the 8th Australian Light Horse, and died at Port Said on 29th July 1918.’ Their reply on 10 January 1940 stated they had to ‘advise that the cost of preparing a Departmental certificate of report of death of the late Major D.D. Jamieson, M.C., A.A.M.C., A.I.F., will amount to two shillings and six pence (2/6d)., and on receipt of remittance (postal note) the necessary action will be taken to comply with your request.’ The solicitors replied on 11 January and again on 8 March, enclosing the postal note which base Records received and posted out the receipt and the certificate on 16 January and 14 March 1940. A copy of the certificate in his service record reads ‘Major, Douglas Dunbar Jamieson, M.C., Australian Army Medical Corps, Australian Imperial Force. Fractured scull (sic)………… 14th, Australian General Hospital, Port Said, Egypt. 29th, July, 1918 xxx Cable No. C.E.B.C. 1179 from the Commandant, A.I.F. Headquarters, dated Cairo 29th, July, 1918, confirmed by Mail from the Commandant, A.I.F. Headquarters, dated Cairo 5th, August, 1918, and Army Form B.103.’
Francis Finlay Jamieson was living at 6 Brougham Street as a solicitor as listed in the Kew rate book for 1886. He passed away on 25 September 1889 in Kew and is buried in the family plot. The Age of Melbourne on Saturday 28 September 1889 in page 10 explained what happened ‘THE FATAL ACCIDENT TO A SOLICITOR. Mr. Candler, the District Coroner, held an inquest at Kew, yesterday, on the body of Mr. Francis Finlay Jamieson, aged 25 years, a solicitor, residing at Kew, who died on Wednesday from injuries received through a pony falling on him on the 24th inst. Miss Caroline Constance Jamieson stated the deceased was her brother, and on the 24th inst., at about 9 o’clock, he went to bridle a pony. It ran at him, reared on its hind legs and fell on him. She and her sister carried the deceased into the house. The occurrence was an unfortunate accident. Mr. W. E. Walshe, surgeon, stated that he saw Mr. Jamieson on the 24th inst. He was somewhat dazed, and told him what had happened. He ordered Mr. Jamieson to be put to bed, and afterwards the injured man vomited, and symptoms of congestion developed, death ensuing on the following day. A verdict of accidental death was returned.’
Caroline Constance Jamieson did not marry. In the 1934 electoral roll she was living at 45 Cotham Road Kew, doing home duties. An article in a Kew Historical Society newsletter was titled ‘Spinster who defeats Parliaments…’ and discussed an article in a newspaper of 1925 about her not willing to sell her property to allow the widening of Kew Road. It also discussed the family as recorded here – http://kewhistoricalsociety.org.au/khs/wp-content/uploads/KHS-Newsletter-2017-3.pdf . On 8 February 1955 she passed away in Kew and was buried in the family plot. Probate was granted on 24 May 1955 and her occupation was listed as a spinster.
45 Cotham Street Kew
Annie Amy Jamieson married Frederick Franz Schultz in 1904 in Victoria. Frederick had been born about 1880 in either Germany or Australia (1884 according to the cemetery headstone and middle name Frank). It was recorded in the Argus of Saturday 16 April 1904 in page 9 under ‘MARRIAGES. SCHULTZ—JAMIESON.—On the 24th February, at the Presbyterian Church, Kew, by the Rev. Maldon Robb, Frederick, second son of William Schultz, Sydney, to Amy, younger daughter of Frances Jamieson, “Nirvana,” Kew, Melbourne.’ The Weekly Times in Melbourne on 27 February 1904 in page 29 had their wedding under ‘SOCIETY and FASHION on Wednesday, Mr F. Schultz and Miss Amy Jamieson were married at Presbyterian Church, Kew, by the Rev. A. F. Robb. The bride was given away by her father. She wore a gown of ivory satin trimmed with old lace, and carried “a pretty shower bouquet. Miss Maggie Craig was bridesmaid. She wore white silk with lace yokes, chiffon sleeves, black velvet picture hats. The bridegroom’s gift was a miniature of the bride, “Nellie Stewart” bangles. Dr Jamieson was best man, and Mr Diddams groomsman. Breakfast was served at “Nirvana,” Kew, in a marquee on the lawn. The travelling gown was reseda green canvas, worn with light straw hat trimmed with green velvet, pink roses.’ They had a girl, Sheila Eveleen Schultz, in 1905 in Kew, Victoria. He changed his surname by deed poll in August 1915, which was recorded in The Advertiser of Adelaide on 11 August 1915. McBryde was his mother’s maiden name. Confusingly, NAA has an open file which is not online which states ‘Name of Lieut (Prov.) F.B. Schultze to be Altered to Read Lieut (Prov.) F.B. McBryde’ in Citation NAA: A2023, A257/5/7 in 1915. His service record has McBryde for his surname with his uncle, Frederick Frank McBryde, manager AMP Society Adelaide SA, recorded as next of kin. He is another Frederick Schultz, middle name was Balfour (his mother’s maiden name), so it is odd he would also pick McBryde for a surname. He had different parents and was married twice. His grandparents were William Schultz and Annie McBryde, Frederick Frank’s parents. Frederick Balfour McBryde enlisted in 1916 and was recommended for a commission. He left Australia in 1917 as a part of reinforcements for the 50th Battalion and was promoted to Lieutenant in 1918. After serving in France he returned to Australia. After the war he is mentioned in Who’s Who in Australia as having various roles in the Supreme Court. Frederick Frank McBryde was listed as a Justice of the Peace in Queensland on 15 October 1917. They are recorded it the electoral roll for 1921 and 1925 at Montpelier Wickham Terrace and he was a manager. They were in Wellington in the 1928 New Zealand electoral roll, at 14 Selwyn Terrance. He was a manager, Annie was listed as being married and Sheila Evelyn McBryde, a spinster, was also living there. In the 1943 electoral roll they were living at Monalto Marne Street South Yarra in Melbourne and Frederick had no occupation with Annie doing home duties, as well as Sheila. Frederick passed away on 27 July 1951 in South Yarra and was listed as a Gentleman when probate was granted on 3 October 1951. Sheila married a man named Tilbury. She passed away, with The Sydney Morning Herald of 4 September 1997 on page 4 recording under deaths ‘TILBURY, Sheila Eveleen. – August 31, 1997. Much loved mother and mother-in-law of Carol and Bruce and fond grandmother of Geoffrey and Hugh. Privately cremated.’ She is remembered in Northern Suburbs Memorial Gardens.
The headstone transcription for the family grave in Boroondara Cemetery in the Presbyterian A section for graves 512 and 513 reads ‘ILMO/Jeanne Emma JAMIESON/ BWO Major Stanley C. JAMIESON V.D. J. P., of Verdun, Yarrawonga & dau of the late Dr. A. A. DENIS, M.D., B, Sc., Bac. Lit. of Yarrawonga/ b at Mauritius 11 Sep 1876/ d at Yarrawonga 29 Jul 1930/ a dev wife & companion/ also the above Stanley C. Jamieson, R.M.D. of Tasmania AIF in the Boer War/ & 8th A.L.H. in the Great War/ born at Kew 26 Jan 1870/ d 10 Feb 1938/ Frederick Frank McBRYDE/ d 27 Jul 1951/ 87y. ILMO/ Francis Finlay/ eldest son of Francis & Annie JAMIESON./ d at Kew 25 Sep 1889/ 25y/ Annie/ BWO Francis JAMIESON/ d 16 Nov 1908 also Francis JAMIESON d 20 Jun 1915/ 84y. Caroline Constance JAMIESON/ d 8 Feb 1955 also Major Douglas Dunbar JAMIESON M.C. of the AIF/ Surgeon to the 8th Light Horse Regt d at Port Said Egypt on 29 Jul 1918/ after three years active service/ The LHO/ Mary Gertrude JAMIESON/ A gallant soldier/ also of their inf children/ Alfred, Harold, Martha & Minnie.’
His medals are the Military Cross, 1914-15 Star, British War Medal and Victory Medal with oak leaf. The medal group and memorial plaque are on display at the Maryborough Military & Colonial Museum.
His Memorial Plaque.
The museum also has on display various items from Douglas.
His identity disc.
A framed caricature.
His brandy flask, which was issued to Medical Officers.
His red cross armband.
The King’s Scroll for 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.