Lieutenant Eric Wilson SIMON MM and BAR
15th Battalion AIF
By Robert Simpson
The description of the above photo from the Australian War Memorial: ‘Studio portrait of (formerly 1393A) Lieutenant (Lt) Eric Wilson Simon, MM. Lt Simon was also awarded a Bar to Military Medal and a Commander in Chief’s Congratulatory Card. Simon is wearing hospital blues and is recovering from one of the instances in which he was wounded.’
According to Queensland birth records, Eric was given the name Eric Wilson Hermann when he was born on 29 December 1895 at Coomera. He was the middle child of seven children to Henry Hermann Simon and Helen Jane Doig. Henry and Helen had been married on 16 November 1886 in Queensland. The marriage was recorded in the Telegraph of Brisbane on Friday 19 November 1886 in page 4: ‘Marriage. SIMON—DOIG. —At Brisbane, on the 16th November, Henry Hermann Simon, fourth son of Mrs. George Simon, of Whidmore Lodge, Kent, and Old Trinity House, Water Lane, London, England, to Helen Jane Doig, third daughter of the late Mr. Silvester Doig, of Brisbane.’ In the 1885 Queensland Directory, Henry had been listed as a timber merchant at Lytton Road Bulimba under Henry H Simon. Their first child, George Silvester Simon (28 April 1888) was born under the surname Hermann also. Their next child, Helen Maude Simon was born on 4 November 1889, then Henry De Paravacini Simon on 14 December 1891, Eric, Ivan Honnet Simon on 21 February 1898, Hermia Doig Simon on 12 December 1899 and Isabel Caroline May Simon, who was born on 9 March 1902 but sadly died on 12 October 1903. Henry had been born in 1848 in Lambeth Surrey and Helen in 1858 in Brisbane. Why two of the seven children had Hermann as their surname initially is not known.
Henry Hermann Simon, ‘of South Brisbane, in the said colony, Gentleman’, was one of ‘the Executors named in the said Will’ of John Allen in August 1885 and probate was granted in October 1885, according to Brisbane newspapers. The Queensland Times, Ipswich Herald and General Advertiser of Tuesday 24 December 1889 on page 2 had: ‘Henry Hermann Simon, of Brisbane and Burleigh Heads, timber merchant, has filed a petition for the liquidation of his estate, the total liabilities being set down at £6020.’ This article may be some of the reason for the surname change. Another article in the Queenslander on Saturday 11 January 1890 in page 53 read: ‘A meeting of creditors in the estate of Henry Hermann Simon, of Brisbane, timber merchant and saw-mill proprietor, was held at the office of Mr. G. V. Hellicar, Adelaide-street, on Tuesday last. Creditors representing liabilities to the extent of nearly £5000 were present. Mr. R. J. Cottell was voted to the chair. The statement of affaire which was read showed the total debts to be £5659 and the assets £4188 17s. 6d. The causes of insolvency were stated to have been heavy expenditure at the Burleigh Heads saw-mill, depression in trade, bad debts, and pressure of creditors. Mr. Simon made an offer to pay 10s in the pound by promissory-notes at 4, 8, and 12 months, with 8 per cent interest thereon as a composition. The offer was accepted, and after some discussion the proposal was carried by a large majority. The consenting creditors then signed the deed of composition and the meeting was brought to a close.’ Further notices in Brisbane newspapers read in the Telegraph of Wednesday 1 June 1892 in page 1 ‘IN THE SUPREME COURT OF QUEENSLAND. In Insolvency. In the MATTER of a SPECIAL RESOLUTION for Liquidation by Arrangement of the Affairs of HENRY HERMANN SIMON, of Brisbane, in the Colony of Queensland, Timber Merchant. HENRY CHARLES CLEVE, of Brisbane, in the Colony of Queensland, Accountant, has been appointed Trustee of the property of the Debtor. All persons having in their possession any of the effects of the Debtor must deliver them to the Trustee, and all debts due to the Debtor must be paid to the Trustee. Creditors who have not yet proved their debts must forward their proofs of debts to the Trustee. Dated this thirty-first day of May, 1892. M. JENSEN, Deputy Registrar. Unmack & Fox, Queen street, Brisbane, Solicitors for the Trustee.’ Also, in the Brisbane Courier of Saturday 18 November 1893 in page 7: ‘Legal Notices. IN the MATTER of HENRY HERMANN SIMON, of Brisbane, Timber Merchant, in Liquidation. A First and Final DIVIDEND, at the rate of 2s. 1d. in the Pound, on all duly proved and admitted Claims in this Estate, is now payable at my office. H. C. CLEEVE, Trustee.’
In the 1903 Electoral roll, Henry was listed as a farmer at Upper Coomera, Oxley. The details were the same in 1905 roll and in the 1908 roll, the address was the same but the area has been changed to Southport. By the 1913 roll he was listed at Ironside vis Toowong and was still a farmer. The 1922 and 1926 rolls have him living at Broughton Estate at Toowong and he was a Clerk. Henry died on 7 June 1927 in Queensland. Helen had passed away on 7 May 1936.
George Silvester Simon has two listings in the index of the Queensland Police Gazette in 1913 and 1917, but the actual records are not online. In the 1913 electoral roll he was a labourer at Esk. In the 1915 roll he had moved to Rosewood in the Moreton Shire with the same occupation. By 1925 he had moved to Grantham and was still a labourer. In the 1937 roll he was living at Rose’s, Bell St Ipswich and had no occupation. The 1943 roll had him at 8 Warril St West Ipswich, again with no occupation. By the 1949 roll he had been admitted to Eventide at Sandgate and on 17 July 1949 he passed away.
Helen Maude Simon was living at Ironside Toowong in the 1913 electoral roll, doing home duties. In the 1928 roll she was at Broughton Estate doing home duties. The same details were recorded in the 1949 roll. By the 1963 roll she was living at 64 Duke St Toowong and had no occupation. In the 1968 roll her address was given as ‘C/o Mrs Cane Commercial Rd Wellington Point’. She passed away on 25 December 1972 in Queensland.
Henry De Paravacini Simon was living with the family in the 1913 electoral roll at Ironside Toowong and was a labourer. The 1921 and 1925 rolls have him at Broughton Estate as a labourer. After that he seems to disappear and nothing else is recorded of him until his death on 27 August 1956 in Queensland.
Ivan Honnet Simon served in WW1 as 5316 Private with the 15th Battalion, enlisting on 12 November 1917. His service records have his middle name as Nonnet. He was 19 years and 9 months old when he joined, and was a clerk, 5 foot 4 inches tall, weighed 115 pounds, had a chest measurement of 30 to 33 inches, and had a fair complexion with blue eyes and fair hair. His religious denomination was Brethren. Previously he had served 4 years Senior Cadets Area 6A and 1 year with Citizen Forces 2nd Australian Light Horse. Originally, he was with the 15th Reinforcements, 31st Battalion, embarking at Sydney on RMS Ormonde on 2 March 1918. After having measles on the trip and staying at Suez, he arrived in England on 5 June 1918, and on 9 July 1918 he was transferred to the 15th Battalion, presumably to be with Eric. Eventually, he arrived in France on 27 August 1918 and was sent to a signal school on 29 September, re-joining his unit on 16 October 1918. He returned to Australia on 22 August 1919 and was discharged in Brisbane on 6 November 1919. Ivan was issued the British War and Victory medals. In the 1925 electoral roll he was living at Weston’s Seventh St, Railway Estate, in Townsville and was recorded as a clerk. By the 1931 roll he have moved to Brisbane and was living at Gower Street Toowong as a clerk. He married Elsie Jean Baulch on 26 October 1932 in Queensland. She had been born in 1911. He moved around a bit, with the 1943 roll showing him at Gower Street Toowong. Also, in 1943 he was a Deputy Price Commissioner in the Northern Territory, as his appointment was terminated there on 11 March 1943. In 1949 he was at Athelstane Street Fitzroy, and he received a promotion as recorded in the Government Gazette of that year while in the Public Service Board. In the 1954 roll, he has two listings, 8 Abbott St Cairns as a clerk and Customs House, Strand in Townsville as a ‘sub-collector customs’. The 1958 and 1963 rolls show him in Townsville and he is also listed at 68 Thorn St Kangaroo Point in a 1963 roll with no occupation. He joined the Legacy Club of Brisbane in 1966. In the 1968, 1972, 1977 and 1980 rolls he was living at 45 Ella St Redcliffe and had no occupation. Elsie was listed as doing home duties. Ivan died about 1997 and Elsie died in 1990 in Brisbane.
Hermia Doig Simon was living with her parents in the 1921, 1922 and 1925 electoral rolls at Lambourne Broughton Estate Toowong and she was a typist. The 1936 roll has her at Gower St Toowong as a secretary. On 9 February 1937 she married William Russell Taylor in Queensland. They both appear in the 1939 register of England in London where she was recorded as a temporary secretary and doing unpaid domestic duties. The 1949 electoral roll showed they moved from Brunswick West Victoria to 28 Irvine Crescent Brisbane and she was doing domestic duties. By the 1958 roll they were living at Point Lookout Cleveland where she was doing home duties and her husband was an investor. William passed away on 20 February 1976 in Brisbane. In the 1980 roll she was living at 46 Modred Street Carina. Hermia passed away on 14 August 1988 in Toowoomba and was cremated. She is remembered at the Toowoomba Garden of Remembrance.
Photograph appears on p. 26 of The Queenslander Pictorial, supplement to the Queenslander, 16 January, 1915. Title E.W. Simon, one of the soldiers photographed in The Queenslander Pictorial, supplement to The Queenslander, 1915.
Eric Simon Wilson enlisted on 14 December 1914 as Private 1393 and was originally unallotted. He was born in Coomera Queensland, a natural born British subject of 18 years and 11 months old. He was a School Teacher, had never been apprentice and was not married. His Mother, Mrs H J Simon of Ironside Estate Toowong (later Broseley Road Toowong) was his next of kin. Eric had no convictions or dismissals and had served as an Officer in the Senior Cadets. He took the oath on the same day in Brisbane. Eric was described as being 5 foot 6 inches tall, weighed 130 pounds, had a chest measurement of 31 to 34 inches, and had a dark complexion with brown eyes and ginger hair. Both his eyes were 6/6 and he had no distinctive marks. His religious denomination was Brethren. He had been deemed medically fit on 12 December 1914. Eric was assigned to the 15th Battalion.
The 15th Battalion AIF was formed in late September 1914, mainly from Queensland and a quarter from Tasmania.
Private 1393A Eric Wilson embarked on HMAT Seang Bee A48 from Brisbane on 13 February 1915 with the 15th Australian Infantry Battalion 2nd Reinforcements. In the embarkation roll he was listed as a teacher and was single. His address was Ironside Estate Toowong Brisbane Queensland and his next of kin was his mother, Mrs H J Simon of the same address. Brethren was listed as his religion and it stated he enlisted on 14 December 1914. His pay was 5 shillings a day and a note on the page says ‘Acting Corporal’.
Photograph appears on p. 26 of The Queenslander Pictorial, supplement to the Queenslander, 9 October, 1915. Title: L.-Sgt. E.W. Simon, one of the soldiers photographed in The Queenslander Pictorial, supplement to The Queenslander, 1915.
He proceeded to join the Mediterranean Expeditionary Force to Gallipoli on 13 April 1915. At Gallipoli, they landed there late in the afternoon of 25 April 1915. The battalion was heavily involved in establishing and defending the front line from May until August. An attack was made in late May 1915 to clear enemy trenches on the order of General Godley. During the attack, ‘Little’s party, which included Sergeant Eric Simon of “A” Company and Sergeant Bob Hunter of “C” Company, besides Quinn, Hayes and other members of the same company, had gained the crest, but could not venture any further without risk of annihilation.’ (1) The Story of Anzac by Charles Bean also recorded the action on 29 May: ‘At this juncture a sergeant, by name Simon, suggested to Little that they should attempt to rush the place. (2nd Lieutenant Edwin Maurice Little – School teacher prior to enlisting, born at Barcaldine). That venture seemed too desperate, but Simon, Little, and a youngster by name Traise (354 Private J H Traise) crept closer, until Simon, from the trench by the entrance, actually slipped a bomb through the loop-hole. There was a scuffle inside, followed by an explosion. The fire from the loop-hole ceased.’ Later Little was throwing bombs and after one went off in his hand, ‘he was supported to the rear. “We’ve got them beaten all right,” he said to Durrant; and then had himself taken to Major Carter in order to impress upon that officer the need for rewarding Sergeant Simon’s work.’ Eric was wounded in action on that day.
Sketch of trenches involved in the book.
On 18 June 1915 Secretary Defence wrote to Mrs H J Simon of Ironside Estate Toowong that they regretted advising her that her son Lance Sergeant E W Simon was wounded not reported seriously and that no other particulars were available and she would be advised if anything further was received.
In August they were involved in the attack on Hill 971, which was a forlorn exercise as the Turkish machine guns and rifles cut them down. During the attack, ‘Sergeant Eric Simon, who was wounded in the shoulder, stopped to succour another wounded man, but found it impossible to aid one who could not walk. The man passed to Simon his last message to his people in Australia, all of which the sergeant took down in writing. Months afterwards when he was in France, Simon received word from Australia that the insurance due upon this soldier’s death was paid to the relatives upon production of the letter.’ (1) After the battle, Eric was again mentioned in a list of men who had been wounded in battle on 8 August and who, at a later date, would receive a commission in France. He received a bullet wound to his femur and was sent to 29th Field Ambulance that day and onto a Casualty Clearing Station.
On 9 August 1915 Eric was admitted to No 2 Australian Stationary Hospital at Mudros West with a gunshot wound to the right thigh. He was recorded as 1393 Acting Corporal E W Simon, 15th Battalion, age 19. He was discharged back to duty on 11 September 1915 after 34 days under treatment. He reported to Australian Base Details at Mudros and returned to his unit on 15 September. He was promoted to a Sergeant from 12 August 1915. On 16 December 1915 he was sent sick to hospital on Gallipoli and his service record notes he re-joined his battalion on the same day. He disembarked from Ascanius from Mudros at Alexandria on 23 December 1915.
After being withdrawn from Gallipoli the battalion was split in Egypt, with some going to form the 47th Battalion.
The battalion sailed to France in June 1916, proceeding to join the British Expeditionary Force at Alexandria on 1 June, embarking on Transylvania and disembarking at Marseilles on 8 June. Their first major action was at Pozieres in August 1916. Moving up to the front line was the cause of many casualties for the battalion. ‘About a mile behind Gibraltar Sergeant Eric Simon was skittled in the sap. Half of our platoon was wiped out with one shell’. (1) On 6 August he was admitted to the 3rd CCS in France and on 7 August 1916 Eric was admitted to 2nd Australian General Hospital at Wimereux with a shell wound to the right shoulder, and was transferred to England from Boulogne the next day, with an injury described as a shell (or shrapnel) wound to left forearm and left shoulder, being wounded in action. On 8 August 1916 he embarked on HS Cambria at Boulogne for England. At the 2nd Western General Hospital in Manchester, he was admitted with a GSW shoulder and left forearm (slight). On 18 September he was transferred to 5th London General Hospital at Camberwell and then discharged to Administrative Headquarters in England on 29 September 1916.
On 2 September 1916 Base Records wrote to his mother, at Ironside Estate Toowong, stating he had been reported wounded for a 3rd occasion.
The award of the Military Medal was promulgated in the London Gazette of 27 October 1916 on page 10487 at position 145 and the Commonwealth Gazette of 19 April 1917 on page 919 at position 169.
At Perham Downs on 7 October 1916, he was granted furlough from No1 Commonwealth Depot and was received back on 19 October and ‘classified in A’. On 21 October he was marched out to the 4th Training Battalion. He was placed on the supernumerary list of NCOs on 6 August ‘owing to an absence from unit for a period of 3 months.’ On 7 November 1916 he was reported as ‘overstaying leave from Reveille 7.11.16 till reporting back to camp at 1400 10.11.16 (4 Days R/U) Reprimanded by Major Twynam 13/11/16’. He also lost 4 days’ pay. At Folkstone on SS Princess Victoria he proceeded overseas to France on 4 December 1916, arriving at Etaples the next day. He was sent to re-join the 15th Battalion on 3 January 1917, was withdrawn from the supernumerary list on the 5th and joined them in the Field on 6 January.
In January 1917 the 15th Battalion was in the Somme. ‘Some idea of the intense cold may be gauged by the fact that when “A” Company left Melbourne Camp at Mametz for Bull Trench at Gueudecourt, the two “A” Company Sergeants Eric Simon and Jack Fleet, filled a thermos flask with scalding hot coffee, intending to drink some when they got to their destination. This flask – for all its guarantee – had its contents frozen long before Bull Trench was reached.’ (1) In a letter to his wife, Sir John Monash had stated it was ‘2 degrees below freezing point during daylight and 12 degrees below at night.’ (1) While in the trenches, “The hail of shell lasted for three hours,” Sergeant Eric Simon wrote when in hospital a few days later. “It tore huge holes in the earth, threw great clods of earth and fragments of shells hundreds of yards, smashed the telephone wires and killed four and wounded half-a-dozen men. The ‘grumps’ fell like hail, and the small number of casualties with such a great expenditure of ammunition was little short of marvellous.” (1) An attack was made on German trenches on 1 February. They could not hold the trenches and the order was given to retire. …’Sergeant Eric Simon and a number of others became casualties. At Lennon’s request Simon left the trench. Writing from hospital some days later Simon said: “It became very dark at about 4 a.m. – the moon had gone down. The enemy artillery began to pound us and when it stopped a very strong bomb attack was made on out right. Exhausting their few bombs, and losing heavily, the right fell back to where I was, about seventy yards from the original right. The enemy’s bombs were exploding around us everywhere – in the trench, on the parapet, and behind the trench. We could not see an enemy anywhere, but the bombs continued. A bomb exploded beside me, as a man of my platoon, Paddy Lennan, was speaking. (Probably 614 Private Ernest Albury Lennan). The explosion knocked me silly for a moment, and I reeled around the corner. Recovering, I called, ‘Paddy Lennan, are you there?’ ‘Yes, Eric, got a bad one,’ he answered. I could just discern him, badly wounded, working his way along the bottom of the trench with his elbow. By this time what was left of the right was driven right in on us. Bombs fell thick, casualties were occurring. We tried to make a stand, but had no bombs. The rifles were useless. We could not see the enemy who must have been in the trench and the saps.’ A few moments later, as Simon was attempting to get some bombs from Lennan’s back where he had a bag slung, another bomb landed wounding him.’ A footnote on the page added ‘Sergeant E. Simon in his letter referred to Paddy Lennan urging the men to stand and fight, though himself seriously wounded and incapable of rising from the ground.’ (1)
He was reported wounded in action in the Field on 1 February 1917. On 2 February 1917 he was admitted to No 12 Australian Field Ambulance, then sent to No 15 Casualty Clearing Station on that day. Leaving them on 4 February he arrived at the No 11 Stationary Hospital at Rouen on the 5th with a gunshot wound to the right arm and wrist and was sent to England on 8 February. Eric embarked on HS Dunluce Castle at Havre on 9 February with a gunshot wound to right thigh, upper arm and wrist. After being at the 3rd Southern General Hospital he was sent to the 3rd Auxiliary General Hospital at Dartford on 9 March.
Base Records sent a letter to his mother on 21 February 1917 advising her that Sergeant E W Simon had been reported wounded for a 4th occasion, but it was not serious and she would be advised if any further information was supplied. The way to address a letter to him was documented also. Her address was recorded as Ironside Estate Toowong. Another letter from them on 26 February to her let her know he was ‘admitted to the 3rd Southern General Hospital, 10/2/17, suffering from gunshot wound right thigh, arm and wrist, mild.’
While on furlough, he was admitted sick to Military Hospital 1st Commonwealth Depot on 19 March. On 27 March he was ‘absent from …’ and that is all that is written for that entry.
The recommendation for a Bar to his Military Medal while a Sergeant in the 15th Battalion was written on 4 February 1917. He ‘Was noted for his gallant behaviour on attack on enemy position during the night of 1st/2nd February 1917 North East of Gueudecourt. He showed great courage in the bomb fighting that ensued after enemy position was captured. He was seriously wounded during the operation.’ It was recommended by Lieutenant-Colonel T P McSharry (Commanding Officer of the 15th Battalion) and signed by Major-General William Holmes GOC 4th Australian Division. It was approved on 18 March 1917.
Base Records sent his mother a letter on 25 April 1917 outlining his award of a Military Medal for bravery in the field by the King and advising her of which London Gazette and Commonwealth of Australia Gazette it had been published in. On 26 April he was placed on the supernumerary list of NCOs.
Eric was sent back to France on 14 May 1917, marching into 4th ADBD at Etaples on 15 May and re-joined his battalion on 30 May. He was removed from the supernumerary list that day.
On 3 June 1917, ‘the “A” Company Sergeant, Eric Simon, was promoted to commissioned rank.’ (1) He was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the Field on 3 June 1917.
The award of a Bar to the Military Medal was promulgated in the Commonwealth of Australia Gazette of 21 August 1917 on page 1784 at position 8 and the London Gazette of 17 April 1917 on page 3696 at position 1 for Sergeant 1393A Eric Wilson Simon 15th Australian Infantry Battalion.
The battalion was involved at Bullecourt in April 1917, where they suffered heavy losses.
On 30 August 1917 Base Records again wrote to his mother, advising her that Eric had been awarded a Bar to his Military Medal and which London and Australia Gazettes it had been recorded in.
On 26 August, while in the Field, Eric was sent sick to hospital, going through the 4th Australian Field Ambulance on 28 August to the 2nd Casualty Clearing Station, where he was admitted with influenza. He stayed there until 3 September, when he was returned to duty and re-joined his battalion that day. He was promoted to Lieutenant on 16 September.
In late September 1917, Eric was one of the Lieutenants in “A” Company of the 15th Battalion that were involved in the Battle of Polygon Wood. He had been promoted to Lieutenant on 16 September 1917.
Second Lieutenant Eric Wilson was awarded a Commander in Chiefs Congratulatory Card on 1 October 1917. The recommendation, while with the 15th Battalion, 4th Australian Infantry Brigade, 4th Australian Division, 1st ANZAC Corps, for 2nd Lieutenant Eric Wilson Simon was for ‘his conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty during operations near ZONNEBEKE from 26th. – 29th. September 1917. The Battalion is most fortunate in possessing this Officer and his work on this occasion had a great effect on the result we achieved. He is a brilliant tactician and behaved with admirable bravery and dash. He lead (sic) the leading platoon on our left flank and was placed there on account of our expecting strong opposition from enemy. He dealt successfully with enemy strong points on his front taking many prisoners. He was noted for his great work in the consolidation of the Blue line and kept his men cheerful and confident throughout operation. He has behaved with great gallantry on previous occasions.’ The recommendation was written by a Lieutenant-Colonel in the 15th Battalion and was signed by the Major General Commanding the 4th Australian Division, Ewen George Sinclair-Maclagan, CB, CMG, DSO, and was received and passed on 2 October 1917.
The 15th Battalion was one of the battalions involved in stopping the German spring offensive in 1918 and was involved in allied offensive near Amiens on 8 August 1918. The advance was the greatest success in a single day on the Western Front. On 6 August the enemy unleashed a fierce bombardment including the 15th Battalion who were at Hangaard Wood. The shelling caused a lot of casualties, including the Commanding Officer, Adjutant and the Intelligence Officer, ‘Lieutenant Walter Hynes, who had replaced Lieutenant Eric Simon … only a short time before …’ ‘… Lieutenant Eric Simon once again took over the duties of I.O.’ (1) On the day of the attack, a lot of the battalions’ Officers and NCO’s were Gallipoli veterans, including Eric, who took part in the battle as intelligence Officer. During the attack, ‘It was not until the arrival of the Intelligence Officer, Lieutenant Eric Simon, that the men in the 15th learnt of the heavy casualties the Englishmen had suffered and which prevented them conforming with the general plan of attack.’ (1)
The Commanding Officer of the 15th Battalion reported Eric was wounded in action (Gassed) on 25 August 1918 and he was sent to 4th Australian Field Ambulance and then the 5th Casualty Clearing Station on the same day. On 26 August he was admitted to the 8th General Hospital at Rouen and then sent to England the next day, embarking on the St David. On 28 August he was admitted to 3rd London General Hospital with ‘Gassed slt.’ He went on leave on 12 October. Eric was discharged from the hospital on 15 October and proceeded overseas to France on 25 October from Southampton, arriving at Havre the same day. He re-joined his unit on 29 October.
Base Records sent a letter to his mother at her usual address on 4 September 1918 letting her know he had been ‘reported gassed, classed as wounded 4th occasion casualty’. On 10 September 1918 his father wrote back to Base Records, acknowledging their letter and advising them that ‘According to official records, already received from your office, this is the fifth occasion in which he has become a casualty.’ He also advised them of their new address of Broseley Street Toowong. They replied on 16 September stating the entry was incorrect and should have ‘read “5th occasion”. The necessary amendment to the records has been made.’ Another letter on 13 September 1918, stated ‘Lieutenant E.W. Simon (M.M.) admitted to 8th General Hospital, Rouen, France 26/6/18 gassed, mild’. Another letter on 23 September advised her that Eric had been ‘transferred 28/8/18 to 3rd London General Hospital, Wandsworth, London’. They sent it to her new address of Broseley Road Toowong.
Eric went on leave in France on 27 December 1918. On 21 January 1919 he was marched out from 15th Battalion to return to Australia. He left from Havre to England on 27 January, arriving at the No 1 Commonwealth Depot the next day. He was marched out to the Overseas Training Brigade on 30 January 1919.
Lieutenant Eric Simon MM and Bar of the 15th Battalion returned to Australia on 3 April 1919 from Devonport on Armagh as Company Commander and was struck off strength of the battalion. He disembarked in the 2nd Military District on 20 May 1919 and proceeded to 1st Military District. His appointment was terminated on 21 July 1919.
His picture in the Battalion History book, as a Lieutenant.
A letter from his father, dated 10 May 1919, was sent to Base Records thanking them for the letter they sent them about Eric returning home on 8 May, but querying why they ‘only credit him with the distinction of “MM”, whereas … he was granted a bar to the “MM” on 17th April 1917.’ They replied on 19 May 1919, advising them ‘when a member of the Australian Imperial Force is awarded a bar to his decoration, it is contrary to Army Regulations to add the words “and bar” after the name.’
On 3 June 1919 Base Records wrote to him care of his mother at Broseley Road advising him that ‘I have much pleasure in forwarding per separate registered post, the Military Medal and Bar which were awarded to you whilst serving with the Australian Imperial Force. This decoration has only just been received from A.I.F. Headquarters, London, with the request that it be transmitted to your mother, Mrs. H. J. Simon, Broseley Road, Toowong, Brisbane, but as you arrived in Australia before the decoration, I am sending it direct to you, and trust you will be spared to wear it for many long years to come. I shall be obliged if you will kindly let me know whether it comes safely to hand, by signing and returning the receipt form which is attached hereto.’ They sent another letter to Eric at his mother’s address on 10 July 1919 asking if he would confirm if he had received them yet. The receipt for them was signed by Eric on 19 July 1919 and received by Base Records on 22 July.
The Toowong School celebrated 125 years in 2005. In a book titled ‘School Rules! Toowong State school History’ by Julie Martin are a few entries for Eric. ‘At the ANZAC Day ceremony in 1921, the Australian Flag was allowed to be flown for the first time, but only under the Union Jack. A wreath was laid at the base of the Honour Roll, and an address given by a staff ex-serviceman, like Mr Eric Simon, M.M. and Bar. A magnificent cedar Honour Roll listing names of all who served from 1914 to 1918, in the school community and marking with the “Rising Sun” those who were killed, was presented to the school.’ It went on to say Eric taught the boys Rugby League, with 3 boys being selected in 1926 for ‘the Queensland Schools Football Team. Mr. Simon was the football coach at that time.’ It also mentioned he had trouble with ‘an old shrapnel wound to his leg, obtained during the War’. The book went on to say ‘Lieutenant Eric Wilson Simon, swimming and football coach, and extraordinary teacher was and ex-serviceman. He had received a Military Medal and Bar for his bravery on the front and, despite his strict demeanour, was a hero to all the boys. Mr Simon taught one of the Scholarship classes.’ The students were discussed and then it went on as below for their centenary. A couple of students from that time gave recollections of him: Miss Mason said ‘Mr. Simon (was a good footballer), that’s right. I only knew him as a teacher. I think he was in the War, the early War. (World War I).’ Mr Alec Pascoe said ‘Other teacher that stick in my mind were Eric Simon, tragically killed on holiday’. During World War 2 it was stated: ‘1942 was also the last year the Eric Simon Medal was awarded to the school’s highest achiever in Scholarship. Clive Dart with 85% won it.’
In the 1926 electoral roll, Eric was living at Lembourne Broseley Street Toowong in Brisbane and was a teacher. A book published for Toowong State School’s centenary in 1980 included some notes on Eric in its’ pages. In 1926, they were discussing the students having swimming lessons at Toowong Pool, which was filled with river water and that ‘Mr. Simon taught swimming to the boys, despite some trouble with his leg due to a shrapnel wound during the war. He was something of a hero to the boys, having returned with a Military Medal and Bar.’
Picture of Eric from the school Centenary book.
The book went on to say ‘Mr. Simon taught the Scholarship class and in 1927 and 1928 two of his pupils won the Lilley Medal for the highest scholarship pass in Queensland, an unusual achievement for any school.’ It then discussed the winners and went on to say ‘Unfortunately, at the height of his success with the scholarship class, and with sports coaching Mr. Eric Simon died tragically in a swimming accident on the 14-1-1929 at Tugun. He was sorely missed by pupils, staff and parents. His work was remembered with an award known as the “Eric Simon Medal” for the highest school Scholarship pass, the first of which was won by Jack Rowell with 79.7% in 1929. A framed photograph of the late Mr. Simon was unveiled on Anzac Day in the same year.’
The Brisbane Courier of 16 July 1928 in page 3 had an article on the Toowong School which included ‘The Toowong School has now achieved the proud distinction of winning the Lilley medal two years in succession’ … and ‘it was decided to place on record the committee’s high appreciation of the splendid work continued year after year of the head teacher (Mr. F. Bennett, B.Sc.) and his staff, particularly Mr. Eric Simon, M.M. who has had charge of the scholarship class for some years …’
Eric died on 14 January 1929. It was said ‘During the school holidays in January 1929, Mr Simon was holidaying at Tugun with friends and when he prepared to dive into the Currumbin Creek, the sand on the sloping bank gave way throwing him into the water and his head hit a submerged sandbank and as a result he broke his neck and died shortly afterwards.’
His Officer’s Record of Service notes he died at Currumbin on that date and AHQ was advised on 16 January. It lists him as being in the Reserve of Officers and to be a Lieutenant from 1 July 1920. Previously, it lists him as a 2nd Lieutenant 15th Battalion AIF from 3 June 1917, then Lieutenant from 16 September 1917 and his appointment was terminated on 21 July 1919. For Active Service it records: ‘The War of 1914-18; – Ops. in Egypt 23 Mar to 13.4.15 & 29.12.15 to 18.3.16, Gallipoli 25 Apr to 20.12.15, (wounded 2 occs.); with E.E.F. 19 Mar to 1.6.16; France & Belgium 8 June to 9.8.16 (wounded 3rd occ.) & 5.12.16 to 11.11.18 (wounded 4th & 5th occs.) 15th. Bn.’ Entered in the next of kin section, it just records an address of ‘Gower St, Toowong’. Nothing was recorded on the reverse of the form.
The Sydney Morning Herald of Tuesday 15 January 1929 on page 12 had ‘FATAL DIVE TEACHER BREAKS HIS NECK BRISBANE, Monday. Eric Simon, a teacher at the Toowong State School, who was holidaying at Currumbin, dived into shallow water to-day and broke his neck. He died shortly afterwards.’
The Brisbane Courier of Tuesday 15 January 1929 in page 13 had a fuller article and picture: ‘NECK BROKEN. SWIMMING TRAGEDY. PROMINENT SCHOOL TEACHER’S DEATH. COOLANGATTA, January 14. Mr. Eric Simon (aged 32 years), single, of Toowong, met his death under unusual circumstances at Currumbin this afternoon, when he dived into the creek at that centre and broke his neck on a slightly submerged sandbank.
In company with three friends, the late Mr. Simon had been holidaying under canvas at Tugun, and this afternoon the party went for a bathe in Currumbin Creek, near its mouth. The young men had been bathing for some time, when the deceased left the water for the purpose of diving from the sloping bank of the creek. Whilst poised for a dive the sand gave way beneath him and this resulted in his being precipitated into the water in an almost flat position. When he came to the surface he floated apparently unhurt, and his friends noticed nothing amiss, until the tide commenced to carry his body towards the mouth of the creek. One of the party, Mr. G. Mullan, a son of the Attorney-General, then dragged the body from the water, and. being unaware that his friend was dead, resuscitative methods ware commenced, and continued for some time until the arrival of a doctor, who pronounced life to be extinct, and expressed the opinion that death must have been instantaneous. Investigations disclosed a bank of sand under the surface in the position where Simon’s head would strike when he was precipitated into the creek, and It is surmised that the sudden jolt resulted in a fractured neck.
As a member of the teaching staff attached to the Toowong State School, the late Mr. Simon had charge of the scholarship class for several years past, and the many excellent results which have been obtained yearly by children attending this class are a compliment to the ability of their teacher. He also had charge of both the school football teams, and spent considerable portion of his time in promoting their Interests. As a young teacher, Mr. Simon relinquished his position at the outbreak of the war, and enlisted in December, 1914. He saw active service at Gallipoli and in France, where he gained his lieutenant’s commission, and previously was decorated with military bar (sic) and bar. On his return, after four and a half years, he regained his position at the Toowong school, and lived at his home in Gower-street, Toowong, up till the time of his death. He was also a prominent member of the Toowong Presbyterian Church. In paying a tribute to Mr. Simon, the head master of the Toowong school (Mr. F. Bennett, B Sc) said last evening that the deceased was a man of exemplary industry, untiring in his devotion to the studies and sports of his scholars. He felt that by his death he had lost not only a most competent teacher, but also a great personal friend.’
THE LATE MR. ERIC WILSON SIMON, of Gower-street, Toowong, who met his death in a diving accident at Currumbin yesterday.
His funeral was mentioned in the Telegraph of Brisbane on Wednesday 16 January 1929 in page 6
‘Late Mr. E. W. Simon
Funeral This Morning
The funeral of the late Eric Wilson Simon, scholarship teacher at the Toowong State School, who met an untimely death at Currumbin on Monday, took place at the Toowong Cemetery this morning. The esteem in which he was held by scholars and the Toowong community was shown by the large attendance at the graveside and at his house at Broughton Estate from which the cortege moved. The services at the house and at the graveside were conducted by Rev. J. Caulfield, in the absence from the State of Rev. Wilson Smith, minister of the Toowong Presbyterian Church, of which the late Mr. Simon was a member. Amongst those present were the Vice-Mayor (Alderman A. Watson), members of the Toowong State School Committee including Messrs. W. Martin (secretary), J. A. Shield, and J. Mackay; , Messrs. F. Bennett, B.Sc. (head teacher), and J. Fowler, of the teaching staff; D. W. Nicol and F. McMurtrie, representing the Queensland Primary Schools’ Football Association; J. F. Maxwell, M.L.A., W. H. Smith, B.A., Lieutenant-Colonel J. I. Corrigan, D.S.O., Lieutenant-Colonel D. Dunworth, M.C., Captain A. V. Watkinson, representing First Battalion A.I.F., of which the late Mr. Simon, was a member; Messrs. A. J, Russell, representing the Anzac Memorial Club; T. H. Keene, representing the Toowong Sub-branch R.S.S.I.L.A.; Captain H. Maddock, representing Brisbane sub-branch R.S.S.I.L.A.; Messrs. Malcolm Finlayson, R. W. Baird, A. Collins, A. Macdonald, and J. Carter. The members of the Hearts of Oak Druids Lodge formed a body guard at the entrance to the cemetery.’
A letter written on 16 January and published in The Brisbane Courier of 18 January 1929 from H Bowen Banier at Caboolture read ‘Sir, -It is with profound regret that I read in to-day’s “Courier” of the death of Eric Simon I know nothing of him as a teacher and football coach, but as a soldier in the 15th Battalion I feel I could write a volume on his exploits could I be persuaded that my pen was worthy. Time was when Eric Simon’s was a name to conjure with in the great days when the 15th Battalion began to make history. He was as well known in the 15th as Captain Quinn himself, and his deeds were the talk of the brigade. He was wounded no fewer than four times within the first few months on Gallipoli (actually twice on Gallipoli and three times in France), and his gay courage was an inspiration to many less spirited soldiers. There were good and bad even in the 15th Battalion, but Simon was one of the best. He was no parade ground soldier being too intelligent, but as a brave fighter and a ‘daredevil’ he stood out even amongst brave men. There are two things I find it difficult to understand about Eric Simon. One is how he managed to come through the war alive and the other is how he came through without receiving the V.C. God rest him in peace. He was a true and manly man.’
The Brisbane Courier of Thursday 25 April 1929 in page 19 had
‘LIVED FOR OTHERS.
LATE MR. ERIC SIMON.
TOOWONG’S TRIBUTE TO HIS MEMORY.
“I know of no more extraordinary instance of self-sacrifice than where a person lives for others. This was what the late Mr. Eric Simon did. His was a life of self-denial, robbed of all that might give it colour, ambition, and hope, in order to please and make others happy. It was a life-long crucifixion.”
This was the tribute, which the head master of the Toowong State School (Mr. F. Bennett, B.Sc.) paid to the memory of the late Mr. Eric Wilson Simon at the unveiling of a portrait in his honour at the school grounds yesterday. It is intended that the picture shall be hung in the scholarship room; and to further commemorate the memory of Mr. Simon, what will be known as the Eric Simon medal is to be awarded annually to the scholar, boy or girl, who gains the highest pass in the scholarship examination. The simple inscription- “To the memory of Lieut. Eric Wilson Simon, M.M. with bar, whose work won the admiration of all concerned. Accidentally killed, January 14, 1929” appears on the portrait.
In unveiling the portrait, Mr. Bennett said that in saying that he missed Mr. Simon greatly he did not mean to convey any disrespect to the other teachers. For five years Mr. Simon, had been in charge of the scholarship class, and during that period the school on more than one occasion had been represented among the first ten candidates who passed the qualifying examination. But, perhaps, the greatest achievement of all was that the school had secured the Lilley gold medal two years in succession while Mr. Simon was in charge of that Class. That was a record unique in Queensland, and probably would never be equalled. It only went to show the excellence of Mr. Simon’s teaching on the mental side. But Mr. Simon always tried to develop not only the head, but the heart. He wanted the scholars to be clever, industrious, and good. He also took an interest in sport, and excelled on the side of developing the body. Indeed, it probably would be a long time before they had a teacher who would be able to train the child’s head, heart, and body as Mr. Simon had done. Another thing about Mr. Simon which had appealed to him as quite remark-able was the way he sacrificed himself for other people. He practically lived for others.
“THEIR MEMORY LIVES.”
A brief address on the significance of Anzac Day was given by Mr. H. Frazer East, who pointed out that the occasion was a” particularly sad one, because for years past an address had always been given to the scholars by one who was very near and dear to all, and who was looked upon among returned men as one of the best chaps who ever trod in shoe leather-Eric Simon. Prior to August 4, 1914, said Mr. East, Australia had practically no traditions as a nation; her traditions were bound up in the marvellous and mighty deeds of the great British Empire. Then, when Germany threw down the gauntlet and the Mother Country called herself to arms, people from the far-flung parts of the Empire-from Canada, New Zealand, and Australia-hastened to her assistance. Thousands of young Australians rallied to the colours, and finally, 20,000 troops embarked for an unknown destination. After training in Egypt, the historic landing on the steep shores of Gallipoli was made. Against an enemy, hidden from view, the Australians scaled the cliffs, achieving many acts of heroism which proved to the world that Australia could produce men who were fit to take their places beside brothers in the Mother Country, and uphold the traditions of the British Empire which had been so worthily handed down to them. After months of hardship on the Peninsula, orders came from the authorities to evacuate, and this was done almost without a casualty. But from the day of landing to the time of evacuation many of Australia’s sons had made the supreme sacrifice for their country.
“It Is not only the Gallipoli landing that we commemorate on Anzac Day,” emphasised the speaker, “but the deeds of the Australians right throughout the duration of the war, their exploits in France, Palestine, Belgium, and whenever they were engaged. We should remember on that day the spirit which prompted 60,000 of Australia’s most gallant sons to give their lives for freedom, right, and justice. Boys and girls, the citizens of the future, should be inspired by the deeds of those men, for so long as speech remains their memory will live and their heroism will be told, and so long as history is written their bravery and fortitude will be recorded.”
The Vice-Mayor (Alderman A. Watson) also referred “to the glorious record Mr. Simon had left, and to the noble ideals he had set for the future citizens of the State to emulate.” Some of Mr. Simon’s deeds of heroism, he said, were such that had they been brought under the notice of the authorities he would have been given the Victoria Cross.’
Also, in the Telegraph of Brisbane on that day in page 6 was another article on his funeral:
‘LATE LIEUTENANT SIMON.
The ceremony of unveiling a photograph of the late Lieutenant Eric Simon. M.M., who for five years was scholarship class teacher at the Toowong State School, took place at the Toowong school on Wednesday. Present senior scholars and past scholars and a large number of parents and friends were present. The head teacher (Mr. F. Bennett. B.Sc.). who performed the ceremony, paid tribute to the late Lieutenant Simon’s ability as a teacher, his self-sacrificing efforts in the interests of his pupils, and his many sterling qualities as a citizen. Alderman A. Watson (Vice-Mayor of Brisbane) also spoke. Amongst those present were Mrs. H. H. Simon (the deceased lieutenant’s mother). Misses E. and H. Simon (his sisters). Alderman A. Watson (chairman of the school committee), Messrs. J. A. Shield. A. Tilbury. E. A. Keller (members of the school committee). Mr. H. Frazer East, Rev. W. Wilson Smith and Mrs. Smith. Mr. and Mrs. de Lacy Dunn. Mrs. Shield, Mr. J. L. Briggs. B.A., Mrs. Reece and daughter. An apology was received for the absence of Mr. J. F. Maxwell, M.L.A.’
Eric is buried in Toowong cemetery with his parents and brother, George, in location 8-10-26.
His grave is unmarked, as indicated with markers.
The index to his will is recorded as ‘Will Number1929/238, Item ID743462’ in Queensland State Archives. The will is not online.
The Brisbane Courier of Wednesday 24 April 1929 on page 11 recorded under ‘TOOWONG STATE SCHOOL The first meeting of the new committee of the Toowong State School was held on Monday evening, Alderman A. Watson in the chair. Discussion took place regarding he unveiling of the enlarged photograph of the late scholarship teacher, Lieutenant Eric Simon, M.M., and it was decided that the ceremony be performed by the head teacher (Mr. F. Bennett, B.Sc.) this morning at 11 o’clock, immediately after the Anzac address to the scholars by Mr. Frazer East.’
The Repatriation Department in Brisbane requested his service files from Base Records in Melbourne on 27 June 1929.
A statement of his service reads: – 1. Lieutenant Eric Wilson SIMON, “M.M.” 15th Battalion 2. January 1896 – Coomera, Qld. 3. Toowong, Qld. 4. Brisbane, Qld. 5. School Teacher. 6. 14.12.14. Lance/Sergeant (Date of Enlistment). 12.8.15. Appointed Sergeant. 3.6.17. Promoted 2nd Lieutenant. 16.9.17. “ Lieutenant. 7. 13.2.15. Emb. With 15th Battalion. 2nd Rfts. 8. Awarded the Military Medal (L.G. 29794). “ Bar to M.M. (L.G. 30023). 9. 21.7.19. Appointment terminated. 10. C/o Mrs. H.J. Simon, Broseley Road, TOOWONG, Queensland. 11. 29.5.15. Wounded in action at Gallipoli. 8.8.15 “ “ “ “ “ 6.8.16. “ “ “ France. 1.2.17. “ “ “ “ 25.8.18. “ “ “ “ ———- Officer, Senior Cadets.
Under the In Memoriam section of The Brisbane Courier of 14 January 1930 on page 14 are two entries: ‘SIMON.- In sad and loving memory of our dear friend and teacher, Eric Simon, who passed away January 14th, 1929. Inserted by his loving friends, Mr. and Mrs. De Lacey Dunn and Ted; and ‘SIMON.- In loving memory of my dear friend, Eric Wilson Simon, M.M. and Bar, accidently killed at Tugun, 14.1.’29. Life’s work well done, Life’s race well run, Life’s crown well won, Then came rest. Inserted by Jack.’
An article in The Brisbane Courier of Saturday 28 March 1931 on page 7 included a reference to Eric and was about another award of the ‘LILLEY MEDAL.
TOOWONG PUPIL HONOURED.
In the presence of the assembled pupils and staff of the Toowong State School yesterday afternoon, the Minister for Public Instruction and Works (Mr. R. M. King) presented the Lilley Medal to Miss Joyce Lowndes, a former pupil of the school, who, in the last scholarship examinations, acquitted herself with distinction, Miss Lowndes also received the T. J. Ryan Memorial book prize, and the Simon Medal. The Minister and Mr. W. J. Maxwell, member for Toowong, were welcomed by the Lord Mayor (Alderman A. Watson), who is chairman of the school committee. The Lord Mayor paid a high tribute to the work of the head teacher (Mr. F. Bennett, B.Sc.), Mr. L. L. Richards (in charge of the scholarship classes), and other members of the staff. He complimented the school upon its record of securing passes for the 34 scholarship candidates presented at the last examinations, and upon 19 of them being A grade passes. The school had the distinction of winning the Lilley Medal in 1927, 1928, and 1930. It was appropriate, he said, that one of the prizes to be received by Miss Lowndes was the Simon Medal, in memory of the late Lieutenant Eric Simon, who, while in charge of the scholarship classes at Toowong, achieved such a success.
In presenting the Lilley Medal and other prizes to Miss Lowndes, the Minister congratulated her heartily, and expressed the hope that it would be the first of many successes. To signalise the honour which this pupil had brought to the school, he granted a day’s holiday, to be added to the schools’ Easter vacation. A vote of thanks was accorded the Minister on the motion of Mr. Maxwell.’
Another article in The Courier Mail of 1 July 1937 about Retiring Teachers Honoured, under the heading of ‘At Toowong School’, with a retiring teacher, Miss E A Dunne who had served for 51 years, presenting a student, Eileen Becker, with ‘the Eric Simon memorial gold medal for having obtained the highest percentage in the last scholarship examination.’
The Australian War Memorial holds a collection which is described as a ‘Collection relating to the service of Lieutenant Eric Wilson Simon, MM, 15 Battalion, AIF, Gallipoli, Western Front, 1915 & 1917. Collection consists of typed copies of two letters written by Lieutenant Simon, one to his parents, written from Lemnos Island in 1915, and one to a school teacher in Brisbane (Miss Dunne) written from England in 1917. The letter to Miss Dunne is notable for its lengthy account of the action in which Lieutenant Simon and the 15 Battalion were involved, in the Gueudecourt area during late January/early February 1917.’ It is listed under Accession Number 1DRL/0567 and is able to be viewed there but is not online. National Archives of Australia also has two records for him that are open in Brisbane, but not online. They are Citations NAA: J34, C23152 and NAA: J26, M23152.
His form of Commission was issued on 21 December 1922 and receipt was acknowledged on 29 January 1923.
His medals are Military Medal and Bar, 1914-15 Star, British War and Victory medals. Eric was one of 18 soldiers in the 15th Battalion to be awarded a MM and Bar. The 1914-15 Star in the photos is an unnamed original medal.
(1). Excerpts taken from ‘History of the 15th Battalion AIF 1914-1918’ by Lieutenant T. P. Chataway.
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.