1293 Sergeant Richard Nicholas HUMBERSTONE DCM MiDCC
3rd Battalion AIF
By Robert Simpson
The only known picture of Richard.
Richard Humberstone was born in Winchester, Hampshire, England, according to his World War 1 Australian service record. His age at enlisting was given as 39, meaning he was born about 1875. Other records give other ages and a British birth record cannot be identified, certainly none with that middle name. His middle name only appears in some documents later on. There is only one Richard Humberstone born in England from 1850 to 1890 (searching Free BMD), but he was born in the district Pancras St.
There is an entry in the new South Wales Government Gazette of September-October 1890 for number ‘490 Humberstone R. N., North Shore’. It is in a list of letters returned from branch and suburban offices and now lying at the General Post Office unclaimed. Is it related to him?
The medal roll for the Queen’s South Africa medal for the Duke of Edinburgh’s Own Volunteer Rifles has an entry for 2424 Lance Corporal R M Humberstone. It appears the medal was issued on 25 November 1910 and a replacement issued on 26 October 1915. He was entitled to a clasp of Cape Colony. He is also on the medal roll for the King’s South Africa Medal, a 2424 Private R Humberston, with the clasps South Africa 1901 and South Africa 1902. It also stated his service was from 27 February 1900 to 31 May 1902. The medal was originally issued in 1910 and a replacement and clasps were issued in 1915.
The Recipients of the Natal 1906 Medal has an entry for Trooper R Humberstone, with the Natal Carbineers.
There are a few shipping records for an R M Humberstone. A record for an emigration in 1900 to Sydney shows he was 48 years old (estimated birth year 1852) and on 9 June 1907 another emigration record shows he was aged 48 (birth year 1859), leaving Cape Town and passing through Victoria while heading to Queensland. Are they Richard?
Richard Nicholas Humberstone is listed in the 1911 Australia Electoral Rolls under Townsville, Herbert, Queensland, Australia. Two 1913 electoral rolls have a Richard Humberstone living in Cawley, Wollongong, New South Wales or Canterbury, New South Wales. There is also another listing in Cunnamulla, Maranoa, Queensland in 1913. Are any/all him?
Richard enlisted on 29 August 1914 with 3rd Battalion G Company as 1293 Private (1393 was originally written, but the 1293 number was certified correct) for the duration of the war and four months afterwards. He stated he had served 3 years with the DEOVR and 1 year with the Natal MP previously. Richard provided no middle name and stated he had been born in Winchester Hampshire and was 39 years old. He was a labourer, had not been apprenticed and was not married. There were no convictions or rejections. His next of kin was recorded as J MacMalay (crossed out) and J McMorley written of New Bridge Bathurst. A comment in pencil reads ‘stated to have gone to war’ or ‘gone away’. But no one of that name served. Another copy has an addition in pencil stating ‘since deceased’ (possibly- hard to read). Richard enlisted in Kensington NSW. His description on enlistment was 5 foot 4 inches tall, weighed 147 pounds, had a chest measurement of 37 inches and had a dark complexion with grey eyes and black hair. Richard had a scar on his chest and on his head and his religious denomination was Church of England. He was passed medically fit on the same day.
The Nominal roll for G Company 3rd Infantry Battalion shows that 1293 Private Richard Humberstone was a 39-year-old labourer, single, with both his address on enlistment and next of kin address were given as ‘J McMorley, butcher, Newbridge, Bathurst, N.S.W.’ His religious denomination was Church of England. His pay of 5 shillings a day was fully taken by him. The battalion embarked from Sydney on board HMAT A14 Euripides on 20 October 1914.
The 3rd Battalion was recruited from New South Wales and formed part of the 1st Brigade. It was raised in August 1914 and after departing, stopped in Albany before proceeding to Egypt, arriving there on 2 December. Richard embarked on Derflinger to join the Mediterranean Expeditionary Force on 5 April 1915. They were part of the second and third waves to land at Anzac on 25 April 1915, in the face of heavy fire. They were all ashore by 8.30am. A comment in the war diary states ‘Altogether the day’s battle was in favour of the Allies’. The next day the Turks tried to ‘regain the trenches, but the men hung out bravely & again showed our superiority of fire & discipline’. The Turkish shelling was accurate and attacks continued. On 28 April, at midnight, they were relieved. ‘Our men were completely exhausted having been 4 days & 4 nights under the strain of a fierce battle.’ They moved back into the trenches on 1 May.
He was appointed Lance Corporal on 1 May 1915. ‘Promotion was given to other NCOs in recognition of their services.’ Determined attacks and shelling occurred during the next few days. Sniping was a daily occurrence. An attack by the Turks on 19 May inflicted great casualties on them which caused them to retreat. The diary the next day noted the enemy ‘were reluctant to attack us again so soon after loosing (sic) as heavily.’ On 21 May it was noted ‘The effect of these shells is very demoralising.’ Richard’s name is recorded in the war diary on 12 May to do with the conduct of the patrols, but is hard to read. June began quiet, with trenches being improved. The mortar they had was used with good effect. The month was usual trench warfare. The war dairy gives a report on using periscope rifles. June was fairly quiet.
A Corps Complimentary was published with his name included in a Supplement to Army Corps Routine Orders dated 29 June 1915: – ‘The Army Corps Commander has very much pleasure in publishing the names of the Junior Regt Officers, WO, NCO’s and men in the attached supplement which have been brought to his notice for having performed various acts of conspicuous gallantry or valuable service during the period from 25th April to 5th May 1915. He cordially thanks them for the good work they have performed which more than testifies to their devotion to duty towards King & Country. His only regret is that they cannot all be rewarded.’ This was promulgated in Australian Military Orders No. 570 of 1915.
On 1 July 1915 Richard was promoted to Corporal.
Mrs Wilson, c/o C Humberstone of Warburton wrote to the Minister of Defence in Melbourne on 5 July 1915 asking: ‘Will you please let me know what particulars you have of Private R. Humberstone who has been awarded a Distinguished Conduct Medal? I have a relative of that name from whom we have not heard for a couple of years & the last time we heard from him he was in N. S. Wales I am anxious to find out if he is identical with above. Your kind attention to this matter will be appreciated. Yours faithfully G. Wilson’. A formal acknowledgement was sent on 7 July. Handwritten at the bottom is “Mrs Mackay’. A reply from Base Records on 13 July said ‘I have to acknowledge receipt of your communication of 5th instant, and regret that so far I have no official report concerning awards of Distinguished Conduct Medals etc., to members of the Australian Imperial Force. I have to inform you that I have on my records a No. 1293 Private Richard Humberstone, 3rd Battalion, born near Winchester, England. He is 39 years of age, and his next-of-kin is shown as J. McMorley, New Bridge, Bathurst, New South Wales. Should this be the soldier to whom you refer the following is suggested as his address:- No. 1293 Private R. Humbertsone, 3rd Battalion, 1st Infantry Brigade, 1st Australian Division, Alexandria, Egypt.’
July began with the Turks continuing to be ‘alert and active in his firing trenches’. A patrol went out on 4 July but ‘reported nothing of consequence’. On 6 and 7 July there was much shelling, but not many casualties. The Turks exploded a mine on 10 July but as it was closer to their lines, it did no damage to trenches or tunnels. On 11 July it was recorded ‘Casualties 2 O.R. wounded’.
On 11 July 1915 Richard was admitted to 1st Casualty Clearing Station after being wounded, was transferred to ‘Fleet Sweeper’ the same day and then to SS Gascon on the same day as well, with a gunshot wound to the eye. His AIF service page states ‘slightly wounded’ and ‘12/7/15 Wounded in action Dardanelles’.
A card from the Hamrun Military Hospital at Malta shows 1293 Corporal R Humberstone 3rd Battalion AIF, B Company, age 39, with MEF at Gallipoli, had his left eye excised after being admitted to the hospital on 18 July 1915 and transferred on 15 August 1915, with 29 days under treatment. A line marked observations states ‘Conv. All Saints Camp’.
On 28 August he was transferred from Malta on HS Demosthenes to England.
He was admitted to The King George Hospital Stamford Street SE England on 9 September 1915 with a ‘G.S.W. Left Eye (Loss of Eye)’. The remarks on his case stated: ‘Wounded July 12/15 at Gallipoli. Wound of entrance on upper eyelid where F.B. penetrated the eye ball causing blindness with pain & swelling in eye. F.B. removed July 12th. Operation for removal of eye July 16th.’ It was entered by Major Mackay RAMC. They stated he was 39 years old, had served for 13 months, with 5 months in the Field. He had 13 days treatment. Richard was discharged on 21 September 1915 to furlough. In his service records are two cards from the hospital noting the loss of the eye and time there. Both have his age at 39 and the hospital number was M975.
Letters were sent to J McMorley on 31 July that Richard was wounded, on 11 August that he was transferred to Malta, on 17 September that he embarked for England and on 26 September that he was in hospital in London. Letters were also sent advising him of the nature of the wound on 8 October, of the award of the DCM on 26 November (and the citation below) and that he was returning to Australia on 23 December 1915.
Richard was recommended for a Distinguished Conduct Medal, the entry reads: ‘This man has shown conspicuous coolness and bravery on several occasions. He is always the first to volunteer for a dangerous mission, and carries out his part with coolness and judgement. (Reported by Lt.Col. Owen, Commdg. 3rd Bn.) Another recommendation reads ‘On the 25th April and subsequently, Private Humberstone on many occasions showed conspicuous coolness and bravery. He is always the first to volunteer for a dangerous mission and carries out his part with coolness and judgement. (Reported by Leut.-Colonel Owen, Commdg. 3rd Battalion.) It was documented in the List “A” honours. His citation for the Distinguished Conduct Medal reads 1293 Private R Humberston 3rd Australian Infantry Battalion (New South Wales) ‘On 25th April, 1915, and subsequently during operations near Kapi Tepe, for conspicuous coolness and bravery in volunteering on many occasions for dangerous missions and for judgement in carrying them out.’ The award of the Distinguished Conduct Medal was promulgated in the Commonwealth of Australia Gazette of 11 September 1915 on page 1748 at position 13 and the London Gazette Third Supplement No 21980 of 3 June 1915 on page 5332 at position 20.
The award of a Mention in Despatches to him was recorded in the Commonwealth of Australia Gazette on 28 October 1915 on page 2736 at position 33 and the London Gazette 2nd Supplement No 29251 of 5 August 1915 on page 7668 at position 31. It was part of General Hamilton’s despatch dated 12 June 1915 ‘For gallant and distinguished services in the Field’.
His MiD is still in his service records.
The original Medical Board findings on 11 October 1915 showed his sight was destroyed in the left eye by a gunshot wound while on active service. He had a glass eye in the left eye and his sight in the right eye was slightly impaired. His capacity to earn was reduced by a half. The Board recommended he be discharged as permanently unfit for war service but was fit for service at home.
Richard was posted to the supernumerary list of NCOs vide AIF orders dated 23 November 1915.
On 26 November 1915 Base Records sent a letter to Mr J McMorley of Newbridge Bathurst NSW an account of Richard being awarded the DCM as recorded in the London Gazette.
The nominal roll shows that 1293 Private Richard Humberstone 3rd Battalion enlisted on 29 August 1914 and returned to Australia on 12 December 1915. He left from Portland on Star of England on that date. Another entry records he returned on the Star of England with a gunshot wound to the left eye (loss of) ‘(eye fitted)’ on 29 January 1916, disembarking at Melbourne. He was discharged from the AIF in consequence of medical unfitness on 22 May 1916 in the 2nd Military District.
The Sydney Morning Herald of Wednesday 2 February 1916 in page 14 had the following article on Richard: –
‘SERGEANT HUMBERSTONE D.C.M.
With four ribbons on his breast – the D.C.M., Queen and King’s South African, and the Bambatta Rebellion – Sergeant Richard Humberstone, of the 3rd Battalion, was a conspicuous figure at the hospital. He spent many years in South Africa, but was at Bathurst when the war broke out, and promptly offered his services. He landed at Gallipoli at 5 o’clock on the glorious April 25, just behind the Queenslanders, and took part in the wild rush up the cliffs, which has made the name of Australians famous. Bit by bit the Anzacs worked their way inland, until they occupied trenches facing Lonesome Pine Ridge, and it was here under the withering fire of the Turks that the sergeant won the coveted distinction. According to the official statement Sergeant Humberstone had taken part in several hazardous enterprises, showing conspicuous gallantry and coolness on each occasion, and bringing each enterprise to a successful issue to the entire satisfaction of his officers. His gallant conduct had been reported to the War Office, and he has received an official communication as well as the Distinguished Conduct Medal, appraising him of the fact that the War Office is cognisant of his fine services, which extended over ten days, on each one of which he had volunteered for some forlorn hope or other. But a man who has served under Colonel Mackenzie in the Bambatta rebellion knows how to take advantage of every inch of cover, not to mention the experiences he gained when trying conclusions with brother Boer, and as a consequence the sergeant was able to do a lot and save his men from needless danger.
Just at this point in his narrative Lieutenant Brodziak, orderly officer to the District Commandant, came up to grip the sergeant’s hand. The last time they had met had been in a trench nearly full of dead, and the lieutenant himself had fallen, shot through the neck. Sergeant Humberstone and his men attended to him, and at 10 o’clock at night managed to crawl out and remove him to a place of safety.
“That trench was just hell,” said the sergeant. “It was half full of dead, but I sent back word that we – there were 20 of us left -would hold on till support arrived. Well, we held on, but it was a tight corner, and not the sort of experience a man wants to go through twice. I was under fire for 14 weeks before I was knocked out, and then a sniper or some other Turkish bullet, whipped my left eye out. I’m all right now, and only too anxious to get back. My one eye is as good as ever, and the glass one I have been supplied with is a good match, and no one would know the difference.”’
The Ballarat Star of Monday 7 February 1916 in page 2 recorded: –
‘GALLIPOLI EVACUATION.
N.S.W. SERGEANT’S VIEW. Sydney, Saturday.
Sergeant R. Humberstone, D.C.M of the 3rd (N.S.W.) Infantry Battalion, has come home with a military decoration, bought at the price of an eye. He says that the Turks are good fighters— too good in the positions they occupied. There was good fighting on both sides, bad management, perhaps, on both sides, and a lot of clever work. “We heard of the evacuation when we reached Durban.” said the sergeant, “and it did not surprise us much. We knew that when the Turks commenced to get their reinforcements through the Balkans it would be scarcely worth while to make further sacrifices in an effort to push through. All the same. I confess that we felt disappointed.” A bullet caught the sergeant in the eye while he was at Anzac and a glass eye bad to be substituted for the lost one. (sic- part of this sentence has been left out) hospital had been selected as filling that role.’
On 2 March 1916 the detailed medical history of an invalid form for 1293 Lance Sergeant R Humberstone 3rd Battalion at Sydney showed his capacity to earn a livelihood had lessened a quarter then and the Board did not recommend discharge yet. The general recommendation said ‘Treatment of socket of eye at No. 4 A.G.H. as O.P for a month. Present condition. socket of eye looking well except for slight purulent discharge.’ At the bottom of the form another entry on 30 March 1916 said ‘Present condition. Still some discharge from eye Recommend further treatment for a month at No. 4 A.G.H.’ Richard attended the hospital three times that month. A Medical Board form at Sydney on 3 February stated he was not fit for discharge to earn a living, needed further treatment and the Board recommended ‘One month’s leave’. An outpatient department form showed he was with B Company 3rd Battalion and noted it was recommended he have treatment for a month for his eye socket and one month leave. It stated he had a gunshot wound to the left eye, his eye was enucleated three days after and an artificial eye was fitted. A progress report on 30 March 1916 stated ‘Still some discharge from socket of eye. Wearing prosthesis comfortably.’
A letter from Captain J Wilson at No 4 Australian General Hospital at Randwick to Major Halliday on 5 April 1916 about Richard Humberstone asked if he could ‘Kindly report on eye condition of above and if will be fit for further service.’ His reply on that day just said ‘fundus normal wearing prosthesis socket comfortable’. Their reply asked him to forward papers to them and indicate if he was to be discharged from service or released to duty. His reply said he ‘was every anxious to return to duty, and has been promised consideration for a commission.’ He also asked before signing off as fit or unfit it would be proper to consult with other officers. A final note on that page to Major Halliday said ‘This patient now wants a discharge will you kindly sign Egyptian papers’.
A detailed medical history of an invalid form was filled in on 11 October 1915 at Australian Auxiliary Hospital No 1 at Harefield for 1293 Sergeant R Humberstone 3rd Battalion who was 39 years old, and enlisted at Sydney in August 1914. It stated his previous employment was Railway employee and he returned to Australia on 4 February 1916 on HMAT Star of England. His disability was due to a G.S.W. of the left eye which occurred on 18 July 1915 on Gallipoli and destroyed the sight in the left eye while he was on active service. His present condition was ‘Glass eye (left). Sight in right eye slightly impaired.’ An operation was performed, the removal of his eye and no teeth had been lost due to active service. In this form they noted his disability to reduce his capacity to earn by a half. They recommended to discharge as permanently unfit for war service but he was fit for service at home. Richard was under treatment from 4 February 1916 to 13 April 1916. The final Medical Board on 13 April 1916 noted ‘Left eye has been removed. Socket healthy. Wearing prosthesis comfortably. Right eye sight good 6/5 – fundus normal. Recommend discharge and pension.’ A previous form on 2 February 1916 stated he returned on 1 February 1916 and ‘While in trenches struck by bullet in Left eye Loss of sight immediately. Eye enucleated 3 days after.’ ‘Glass eye causing no trouble in socket.’ A form in his file listed his address as ‘Empire Bay Woy Woy’. It also stated he served in Egypt and Gallipoli and he was single, with no dependants. It stated he was discharged in Sydney on 22 May 1916 due to loss of sight in left eye. Oddly, someone wrote on the form and circled it ‘age now 90’.
His medical file has an entry stating ‘31/5/16 discharge pending pension’. Another note to Base Records from Victoria Barracks in Sydney on 7 June 1916 said he was discharged from the AIF ‘in consequence of medical unfitness on 22.5.1916’ and documents relating to it were included.
The Sydney Morning Herald of 23 June 1916 in page 6 had: –
‘TROOPS REVIEWED
SERGEANT HUMBERSTONE DECORATED
HERO OF GALLIPOLI
Though a bitterly cold wind was driving across the old review ground, Moore Park, yesterday afternoon, it failed to prevent the gathering of a large crowd to witness the parade of a number of infantry and Army Medical Corps men. On the arrival of the District-Commandant, Brigadier-General Ramaciotti, V.D., and his A.D.C., Lieut. Frank Smith, the general was joined by his staff, Major Sadler, General Staff Officer; Captain Stokes, of the General Staff Office; and Captain Conway, who was accompanied by Major Weaver, of Queensland; and no time was lost in making an inspection of the troops after the Commandant had received the general salute. Immediately the inspection was concluded the troops were formed into three sides of a hollow square and an interesting function took place. Facing the General stood the sturdy figure of Sergeant Richard Humberstone, 3rd Battalion, wearing on his breast the Queen’s and King’s South African war medals, and the medal of the [1906] Bambatha [Zululand] Rebellion. Addressing the sergeant and the men formed up around him, General Ramaciotti said, “Parade! His Majesty the King has been graciously pleased to approve of the award of the Distinguished Conduct Medal to Private Humberstone. I am glad,” added the General, “to notice that since the issue of this information Private Humberstone now has a sergeant’s stripes placed on his arm. The official statement goes on that your comrade has been awarded the medal for an act of gallantry and devotion to duty whilst serving with the Mediterranean Expeditionary Force at the Dardanelles.”
Pinning the coveted decoration on the non-commissioned officer’s breast, the Commandant continued, “Sergeant, I congratulate you very sincerely on having achieved this honour, and I am proud to represent the Minister. In decorating you with it, I say to you, ‘Well done,’ and to every man on parade I say, ‘Go thou and do likewise.”
Then, as the sergeant saluted and retired the General turned to the men and said “It is not my custom to address parades as rule, but I would Iike to say half a dozen words to you. I cannot tell you where you are going, but it is to a country where Australia’s credit stands high. By your behaviour and discipline when you arrive there I want you to uphold the fair name of Australia, and to keep our credit as high as it is to-day. When in that far country, remember your mother, your wife, and your sisters, and then I am perfectly certain our credit will be safe in your hands.”
At the conclusion of this ceremony the men were formed up in column and companies and to music supplied by the Engineers and Liverpool Headquarters bands marched past the saluting base, headed by Captain Cooney, O.C. of the parade, where General Ramaciotti look the salute. At the General’s request, Sergeant Humberstone D.C.M., and Captain Soane, staff-officer for returned soldiers, stood on his left hand as the new drafts swung past. The men kept remarkably good lines, and their swinging gait and easy but erect bearing won them hearty applause.
HOW THE DCM WAS WON
Sergeant Humberstone, who was the hero of the day spent many years in South Africa, but was in Bathurst when the war broke out, and promptly offered his services in the A.I.F. He landed at Gallipoli with the 3rd Battalion, at 5 o’clock on the morning of the original Anzac Day, and, just behind the Queenslanders, took part in the wild rush up the cliffs. Bit by bit, he said, the Anzacs worked their way inland until they occupied trenches facing Lone Pine Ridge, and it was here, under the withering fire of the Turks that he won the D.C.M. The official statement issued at the time set forth that the sergeant had taken part in several hazardous enterprises showing conspicuous gallantry and coolness on each occasion, and bringing each enterprise to a successful issue, to the entire satisfaction of his officers. A man such as Sergeant Humberstone who has fought over most of South Africa and served under such leaders as Lord Methuen and Colonel Mackenzie, the latter of whom conducted the operations against the rebel Zulu chief Bambatta, knows how to take advantage of every inch of cover, and as a consequence the sergeant was able to do a lot and save his men from needless exposure and risks. Reverting to his final exploit, the sergeant remarked “that the trench in front of Lone Pine was just hell. It was half full or dead men, but I sent back word that we – there were only 20 of us left, and our officer, Lieutenant Brodziak (who has just returned again to the front), was shot through the neck – would hold on till supports arrived. Well, we did manage to hold on, but it was a tight corner, and not the sort of party a man wants to be at twice. I got knocked out in the end after 14 weeks in those trenches, when a Turkish sniper’s or some other bullet whipped my left eye out. My one eye is as good as ever, and if they’d let me I’d be off again.”’
The Daily Telegraph of 23 June 1916 also recorded the above entry from the second part and a photo of the NSW District Commandant shaking hands with him as shown above.
His pension of £68 per annum, which was granted on 23 May 1916 was amended to £3:8/- per fortnight from that date and then was reduced to £1:14/- from 18 January 1917.
Richard died on 29 May 1917. He is recorded as 1293 Corporal Richard Humberstone at Waverley General Cemetery.
His pension of 34/- per fortnight was ‘cancelled on ground that member is now deceased.’ It stated his address was 5 St Mary’s Terrace Lower Domain.
The Sydney Morning Herald of Tuesday 29 May 1917 in page 5 had his entry in Funerals: –
‘HUMBERSTONE.—The Funeral of the late Sergt. RICHARD HUMBERSTONE, D.C.M., A.I.F., will leave Charles Kinsella’s Private Mortuary, 143 Oxford-street, city, THIS TUESDAY, at 9.45 a.m., for Waverley Cemetery. CHARLES KINSELA. HUMBERSTONE.—Dean Talbot, President of R.S.A., invites the returned Officers and Men of the A.I.F. to meet at Charles Kinsella’s Private Mortuary, 143 Oxford-street, city, THIS TUESDAY, at 9.45 a.m., and then to follow the funeral of their late Comrade, RICHARD HUMBERSTONE, D.C.M., to Waverley Cemetery.’
The Advertiser of Adelaide also ran the story on Friday 1 June 1917 in page 7 under the heading: – ‘FATALITIES AND ACCIDENTS.
WINNER OF D.C.M. KILLED.
While crossing Stanley-street, Sydney, near its intersection with Riley-street, on Saturday, Richard Nicholas Humberstone, a returned soldier, living at Empire Bay, Woy Woy, was knocked down by a tram. His skull was fractured, and on his arrival at the Sydney Hospital life was pronounced extinct. In his clothing were his discharge papers, which showed that he had been awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal in the present war, and was also entitled to wear both the King’s and Queen’s medal in connection with the South African War.’
In the Sun of Sydney on Thursday 7 June 1917 in page 6 was: ‘SOLDIER KILLED BY TRAM Holder of Military Distinctions. The City Coroner held an inquiry this morning into the death of Richard Nicholas Humberstone, 64, a native of Hampshire, England, who was knocked down by a tram in Stanley-street, city, on May 26. A verdict of accidental death was returned. Humberstone was a returned soldier. A medal for the Zulu War, two South African War medals, and a D.C.M. medal for the present war were found on his body. He resided at St. Mary’s-terrace, and had a, small selection at Woy Woy. As far as is known he had no relatives.’
The Daily Telegraph of Sydney on Friday 8 June 1917 in page 6 under the heading of ‘Fatalities and Accidents’ had the following article: ‘RETURNED SOLDIER KILLED. An inquest was held by Mr. Hawkins (City Coroner) yesterday regarding the death of Richard Nicholas Humberstone (64), lately residing at St. Mary’s Terrace. Sydney. Deceased, a returned soldier, held several military medals, including a D.C.M. for the present war. Evidence was given that deceased was walking across the road towards the tram. The driver rang the bell, and deceased hesitated. The brakes were then applied, but the car struck the unfortunate fellow, and killed him. A verdict of accidental death was recorded.’ An age of 64 would mean he was born about 1853.
These are pictures of his grave and a memorial plaque above in another section of the cemetery.
Richard is buried in Sydney (Waverley) General Cemetery in C.E. Spec. 15. 6498. (GRM/2*). According to the grave registration report at Commonwealth War Graves Commission it is in the no denomination general section in grave number 6498 with another person, Private Horace Elliott Bryant AIF who died on 5 October 1916. (There are no service records for Horace, and some of the CWGC files do not mention AIF or rank and he has no service number. His grave plaque may say AIF Depot). The register entry form shows him as 1293 Corporal Richard N Humberstone of 3rd Battalion AIF who died on 29 May 1917. There are no details for parents or wife or other particulars. He appears in CWGC records in the book under Sydney (Waverley) General Cemetery Aus. 112 as: –
His campaign medals, the 1914-15 Star, British War Medal and Victory Medal, were issued and as they were never claimed, they were retained by the Department of Base Records at Victoria Barracks, Melbourne.
The Coroner’s inquest held on 7 June 1917 at the City Coroner’s Court stated his age as 64 and that he was born in Hampshire England. The incident occurred in the city and the verdict was that death was due to ‘injuries accidently received through being knocked down by an electric tram’. For cash or property possessed by the deceased it was recorded ‘unknown’. No autopsy was held.
New South Wales Will Books has an entry for Probate on 17 July 1917 at Woy Woy, New South Wales, Australia.
On 17 June 1921 Base Records sent out a certificate covering a Mention in Despatches to Mr R Humberstone DCM, 5 St Mary’s Terrace Lower Domain NSW, which of course was returned unclaimed. A handwritten note on the back of the receipt form (which is torn and incomplete) says ‘… from … 10.11.21 that … Soldier died since discharge- now awaiting advice re disposal of medals.’ His AIF service page has at the top in red ink ‘Apparently (crossed out) Deceased – see pension’.
Headquarters 2nd DB asked Base Records for Richard’s next of kin address on 19 September 1922.
A typed note in his service records on 12 September 1923 states ‘Reg. particulars furnished to H’qrs, 2nd DB in connexion with headstone. M.56/344 E.G.’
The District Finance Officer at the District Accounts Office in Victoria Barracks in Sydney wrote to Base Records in Melbourne on 4 June 1924, advising them: ‘With reference to your memorandum of 27th. May, I have to advise that Gratuity of the abovementioned deceased soldier (Richard) has not been claimed nor is there any trace of blood relations of his.’ It also has written in pencil to try Repat and see if any pension paid on account of him. Repat replied to them on 19 June 1924 about Richard, advising them that ‘In reply to your memorandum dated 12th June, 1924, I have to advise that this Department is not aware of the addresses of the relatives of the abovenamed deceased solider. I would suggest that you communicate direct with the Public Trustee, Culwulla Chambers, 67 Castlereagh Street, Sydney, with a view to being supplied with the desired information, as the Estate of the deceased ex-soldier was being administered by him in May, 1917.’
A note was written by Base Records to DFO 2nd Military District on 27 May 1924 asking ‘if, from your War Gratuity or other files, you can furnish me with any information regarding the blood relations of the late Richard HUMBERSTONE, (ex No. 1293, Corporal, 3rd Battalion). The favour of early attention will be much appreciated.’
On 12 July 1924 Base Records wrote to the Department of Repatriation in Sydney, asking ‘if you will kindly let me know whether any pension is being paid on account of ex-no. 1293 Corporal Richard HUMBERSTONE, 3rd Battalion, who has died since his discharge from the Australian Imperial Force and if so, the name, address and relationship of the pensioner is requested.’
Base Records wrote to The Public Trustee in Sydney on 11 July 1924 asking them: ‘I understand that you administered the estate of the late Richard HUMBERSTONE (ex-no. 1293, Corporal, 3rd Battalion) and shall be much obliged if you can furnish me with any information regarding his blood relations.’ On 19 July 1924 The Public Trust Office in Sydney wrote back to Base Records in Melbourne regarding the estate of Richard that ‘In reply to your letter of 11th inst., I have to inform you that the next of kin of the deceased are unknown to me.’
Base Records replied to the Honourable Historian, 3rd Battalion AIF Association at “Therma” 21 Cooper Street Strathfield on 9 February 1933 from a letter he sent to them on 9 February, advising him of a list of men who served with the 3rd Battalion and were awarded the DCM. The list included ‘Late No. 1293 Cpl. R. HUMBERSTONE, D.C.M., 3rd Battalion’ and they also noted his prior service being ‘3 years Duke Edward’s Rifles 1 year Natal Mounted Police ) South Africa. No details of actual previous active service.’
On 2 March 1939 Base Records again wrote to Mrs G Wilson asking: ‘It is noted that you previously communicated with this office in regard to the affairs of No. 1293 Corporal Richard HUMBERSTONE, D.C.M., 3rd. Battalion, since deceased, and as I am now desirous of disposing of certain war mementoes (sic) available in this connection, I should be glad to be informed whether you have any knowledge of the present whereabouts of next-of-kin of this soldier, or of other surviving relatives.’
On 8 March 1933 Mrs G Wilson c/o C Humberstone of Warburton wrote to Base Records, replying ‘Re – No 1293 Corporal Richard Humberstone D.C.M. 3rd Battalion – since deceased – In reply to your communication of 2nd March, I desire to state that I have no knowledge of any relatives of the above soldier but have always heard & believe that there is only one original family of Humberstone’s in the world. There are various branches but to which one he belonged to, I cannot say. To the best of my Knowledge & belief, my father, William Richard Humberstone (aged 86) who lives with me is the oldest surviving (male) member of the family in Australia & is probably the dead soldier’s next-of-kin but there may be others who have a better right claim to the war mementoes you speak of & if so, we do not wish to dispute them, but if no one else comes forward, we would greatly appreciate them. Trusting to hear from you again & thanking you in anticipation’.
Base Records replied on 9 March: ‘Dear Madam, … In the absence of any known relatives, the question of your Father’s relationship to the deceased would appear to be somewhat complicated, and for the present it is proposed to retain the late soldier’s mementoes in the custody of the Department. Should you have occasion to visit Melbourne, however, and find it convenient to call at this Office, I shall be glad to afford you the opportunity of discussing the matter further.’ A note at the bottom of the copy reads: ‘Medals and M.I.D. certificate available for disposal, please’.
National Archives Australia has listings for two more files for him: – Series number A6586, item barcode 420623 for the year 1907 which is in Canberra, and M579, 31805265, 1916 – 1927, which is in Sydney. Both are open to view but are not online.
New South Wales State Archives also have some records for him, but they are only accessible by visiting there. They are: – NRS-12409-1-[13/2344]-535/17 | Estate of Richard Nicholas Humberstone [deceased soldier] 29-05-1917 to 17-06-1917; NRS-13660-7-462-Series 4_80079 Richard Nicholas Humberstone – Date of Death 26/05/1917, Granted on 29/06/1917; HUMBERSTONE Richard Soldier Settlement Miscellaneous Files Index 1916-1925 Previous System No: [19/7034] Land District: Metropolitan; and HUMBERSTONE Richard Nicholas Deceased Estates Index 1880-1939 Item No: [19/10204] | Reel No: 3027 | Date Duty Paid: 17/07/1917 | Place: Woy Woy.
Richard Humberstone’s name is located at panel 36 in the Commemorative Area at the Australian War Memorial. His name will be projected onto the exterior of the Hall of Memory on:
Mon 04 January 2021 at 1:09am
Fri 19 March 2021 at 11:37pm
Tue 15 June 2021 at 8:51pm
His medals displayed are Distinguished Conduct Medal, GVR (stamped 1293 Pte. R. Humberston. 3/Aust: I.B. – N.S.W.); Queen’s South Africa Medal 1899-1902 with 1 clasp, Cape Colony (2424 L. Cpl. R. M. Humberstone. D.E.O.V.R.); King’s South Africa Medal 1901-02 with 2 clasps, South Africa 1901, South Africa 1902 (2424 L. Cpl. R. M. Humberstone. D.E.O.V.R.); and Natal Medal 1906 with 1 clasp, 1906 (Tpr. R. Humberstone, Natal Carbineers.). The 1914-15 Star, British War and Victory medals (with large oak leaf) are unnamed.
As displayed in the Museum.
Upgraded cemetery photos below.
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.