SCOTT, Brigadier William Henry CMG, DSO and Bar, MID

Brigadier William Henry SCOTT CMG, DSO and Bar, MiD

9^th Light Horse Regiment AIF

By Robert Simpson 

Portrait of Lieutenant Colonel W H Scott CMG, DSO and Bar, Commanding Officer of the 9^th Australian Light Horse Regiment. Taken around December 1918 at Lebanon, Tripoli. B01131 from Australian War Memorial.

William Henry Scott was born on 11 April 1881 in Omaru, New Zealand, the son of William Henry Scott, a civil engineer from Scotland (born in Edinburgh in 1839) and his English wife Marion Louisa Balfour, nee Wilson (born in Portsmouth in 1841). William was an engineer. They had married in Bombay, India on 14 April 1873. Marion’s father was Colonel John Alexander Wilson, and he had married at ‘Craig Park, Lanarkshire, Captain John Alexander Wilson, Royal Regiment of Artillery, to Marion, eldest daughter of the Rev. Lewis Balfour, of Colinton.’ John had been commissioned when he was 18 years and 11 months old, and had risen in the ranks from Gentleman Cadet in 1808 to Colonel by 1854. William, Marion and their four children departed Plymouth in early 1880, arriving in Melbourne in May 1880.

The family moved to Victoria in 1890. An article in The Argus dated 31 March 1892 stated that his father had been appointed engineer to the shire of Glenelg. In the 1903 and 1909 electoral rolls, they were living in Casterton.

William had three sisters and two brothers. The eldest, Marion Forbes Scott was born in Bombay India on 18 August 1874. Marion lived in 18 Gisborne St Elsternwick, with Janet and Helen. She passed away on 17 August 1941 in Victoria and is buried in Brighton General Cemetery. Janet Susan Scott was born in Bombay on 26 August 1876. She passed away on 25 Jul 1958 in Victoria and is also buried in Brighton General Cemetery. Janet received her probate. Helen Maud Scott was born in 1878. In the 1906 electoral roll she was living with the family in Casterton, doing home duties, as was Marion and Janet and their mother. William senior was a surveyor and William junior was an engineer. In the 1926 electoral roll she was listed as a missionary, with her sisters doing home duties. She passed away in Amritsar, India on 9 December 1926. Her probate went to her sisters. None of the sisters married. Alexander Lewis Scott was born on 30 April 1879. In 1933 he visited England, then, embarking at London on Barrabool on 15 September 1933 he returned to Australia. He was listed as a clerk. In the 1936 electoral roll he was living at 13 Gisborne St Elsternwick and was a clerk. He passed away on 10 July 1965 and is buried in Brighton General Cemetery. Probate was granted on 8 November that year and he was described as a Gent. John George Balfour Scott was born in the January quarter of 1885 in Oamaru, New Zealand. In 1922 he married Gertrude Ethel Hawkins (born 25 July 1889 in Victoria). In the 1925, 1928 and 1943 electoral rolls they were living at the National Bank in Terang, where John was the bank manager. He passed away in about 1962 in Box Hill, Victoria. In the 1963 electoral roll Gertrude was living at 82 Fairmont Avenue Camberwell, doing home duties. She passed away on 6 May 1978.

With thanks to brightoncemetorians.org.au for the grave pictures.

Top: John George Balfour Scott and his wife Gertrude. Bottom: Colonel John Alexander Wilson

William began education at Greymouth, New Zealand and went to schools at Casterton and Melbourne after they moved. He then attended Dookie Agricultural College where he was a gold medalist. The Argus of Saturday 9 February 1901 in page 14 had an article on Dookie College and a visit by the Minister of Agriculture which mentioned ‘The following students were successful at the examination:- Diplomas- W. H. Scott, science and English’. The family was living in Casterton in the 1903 electoral roll. In the 1909 roll he was still at Casterton, listed as a surveyor with his father an engineer.

Qualifying as a civil engineer, he worked in and around Wangaratta. William married Rosamond Maplesden Carter on 26 June 1912. From The Argus of 3 July 1912 in page 9: ‘SCOTT-CARTER. —On the 26th June, at St. Andrew’s, Middle Brighton, by the Rev. E. A. Crawford, William Henry, second son of Mr. and Mrs. W. H. Scott, Elsternwick, late Casterton, to Rosamond Maplesden, youngest daughter of Mrs. Carter, Claremont, Middle Brighton, and the late W. J. Carter, Tarrington Station, Hamilton.’ They had 7 children. In 1914 they were living at Vallima Wangaratta Victoria, where they were recorded in the electoral roll with William a civil engineer and Rosamond doing home duties.

For his military career, he joined the Victorian Mounted Rifles (a militia battalion) at about 19, and was commissioned on 4 April 1903, promoted to Captain in the 11^th Light Horse in 1907 and joined the 58^th Infantry (Essendon Rifles) six years later.

He applied for a commission in the 9^th Light Horse AIF on 4 August 1914 in the 3^rd Military District. His educational qualifications were civil engineer, being employed as a consulting engineer for the borough of Wangaratta, Wangaratta waterworks and Shire of Oxley. For previous military service he recorded that his first commission as a Lieutenant for the VMR was on 4 April 1903. William was then a Lieutenant with the 11^th Australian Light Horse from 1 July 1903, a Captain with them from 19 July 1907 and was then on the Unattached List as a Captain from 28 November 1910. He was then a Captain with the 58^th Infantry from 1 December 1913. William was a British subject of 33 years and 8 months old, married to Rosamond Maplesden Scott and residing at Vailima Wangaratta Victoria. His religion was Church of England. A medical certificate was signed, stating he was 6 foot 4 inches tall, weighed 168 pounds, had a chest measurement of 34 to 37 inches and 6/6 vision in both eyes.

William was commissioned into the Australian Imperial Force on 11 November 1914 and was appointed Captain in C Squadron, 9^th Light Horse Regiment. The regiment was formed in Adelaide and trained in Melbourne from October 1914. He was appointed to command C Squadron from 20 February 1915. They embarked from Melbourne on 11 February 1915 on HMAT Karroo A10. William was listed in the nominal roll as Captain in “C” Squadron 9^th Light Horse Regiment, 3^rd Light Horse Brigade. He was a married 34-year-old Civil Engineer. His home address was Vailima Wangaratta Victoria with his next of kin as his wife, Rosamond Maplesden Scott of the same address. Church of England was recorded as his religion. His civil occupation was civil engineer. He joined on 11 November 1914 and was previously with 58^th Infantry Regiment AMF. He was paid 22 shillings and 6 pence daily, with 14 shillings and 6 pence allotted to Australia, 4 shillings 6 pence net rate and 3 shillings 6 pence deferred. They arrived in Egypt on 14 March 1915 and proceeded to join the Mediterranean Expeditionary Force to Gallipoli on 16 May.

The regiment landed under shrapnel fire at Gallipoli on 21 May 1915.

On 1 August, he was promoted to Major. He was to be second in command on 8 August. On the 29 August, following the Commanding Officer’s death at Hill 60, where they suffered 50 per cent casualties during the attack on 27 August, he took command, but on 6 September William was evacuated on the Hospital Ship Maheno, arriving in Malta on 12 September. He was then sent to England with dysentery, on 27 September and was admitted to a hospital in London on 5 October. The regiment played a defensive role at Gallipoli for the rest of the time until it finally left on 20 December 1915.

The Pay Office AIF sent a letter to the paymaster of the 3^rd Military District in Melbourne on 16 July 1915 about changing the pay rate from Major W H Scott 9^th Light Horse to his wife from 14 shillings per day to 18 shillings. Base Records sent his wife a letter on 30 September 1915 reporting to her that Major W H Scott had disembarked at Malta Hospital from the ship Maheno on 12 September, slightly sick, and that she would be promptly advised if anything else was received. His wife was sent a note from Base Records referring to a ‘wire of the 30^th ulto., … that your husband Major W. H. Scott, is now in the 3^rd General Hospital London, suffering from “DYSENTRY”.’

He was in a list of recommendations, dated 7 December 1915, for mention in the New Year Honour Gazette. Major William Henry Scott of 9^th Light Horse was in position 1 of the order of merit for action at Anzac, Gallipoli. He had not been previously recommended.

On 27 December 1915, Base Records sent a note to Rosamond at Wangaratta saying that ‘your husband Major W.H. Scott had returned to duty Egypt. on 20/12/15.’

William rejoined the unit on 1 January 1916 in Egypt and had temporary command during February and March. On 11 April, he was ordered to lead a column against a Turkish force that was well-sinking at Jifjafa. They attacked on the 13 and it was a complete success, resulting in the death or capture of all but two Turks. This was the first time the Light Horse had fought as mounted troops. For this he was awarded the Distinguished Service Order (DSO) for conspicuous ability and good work as a Major with the 9^th Australian Light Horse Regiment. It was promulgated in the London Gazette of 16 May 1916 on page 4927 at position 1 and the Commonwealth of Australia Gazette of 21 September 1916 on page 2621 at position 21. A letter ‘To accompany List of Appointments, Commissions, Rewards, &c. No.117, dated 16^th April, 1916’ for the Distinguished Service Order for Major William Henry Scott, 9^th Light Horse Regiment AIF, read ‘On the Sinai Peninsula, April 11^th to 13^th, Major Scott carried out the following highly successful operation :– Starting on April 11^th, in command of a small column, consisting of a squadron with Engineers, Wireless Detachment and Camel Transport, he conducted a reconnaissance of the Turkish Post at Jifjaffa, 58 miles east of the Suez Canal. Arriving within eight miles of his objective, on the night of the 12/13^th, he decided to attach the Post on the morning of the 13^th. His arrangements for the attack were so well conceived, and so well executed that, with the loss of only one man and one horse killed, he accounted for the whole of the Turkish garrison, with the exception of two unwounded, mounted men who escaped. He brought back as prisoners the Austrian Lieutenant in command of the Post, and four wounded and thirtythree unwounded prisoners, leaving six of the enemy dead on the scene of action. In carrying out the above operation Major Scott displayed the highest possible qualities of a leader of Mounted troops. He has previously been mentioned in despatches for good work on the Gallipoli Peninsula.’ He was also number 1 in order of merit in a list of recommendations accompanying the 3^rd Light Horse Brigade Despatch of 29 April 1916. It also mentioned his previous recommendation on December 1915.

On 12 May 1916, the Principal of Dookie Agricultural College wrote to the Secretary of the Defence Department, who passed it to Base Records on 13 May, asking ‘Would you please let me have the address of Major W.H. Scott who gained the D.S.O. at Jif Jaffa. He is an old student of this College & I would like to get into communication with him.’ Their reply on 17 May gave his address as Major WH Scott, 9^th Light Horse Regiment, 3^rd Light Horse Brigade, Australian Imperial Force.

The Wangaratta Chronicle of Saturday 3 June 1916 in page 3 had a letter from William to his wife ‘THE JIF JAFFA RAID HOW MAJOR W. H. SCOTT WON HIS D.S.O. Mrs R. M. Scott, of “Vallima,” Wangaratta, has received the following letter from her husband, Major W. H. Scott, D.S.O., dated 17th April:— “You will have received by cable the news that I have been given the D.S.O. for work on April 13th. It was really from the 11th to 14th, and I think I am right in saying that my decoration was one of the quickest ever given. My reports only reached Brigade headquarters on the morning of the 14th, and I had a wire from the Commander-in-Chief by the afternoon of 15th that I had received the D.S.O. Now you will want to know all about it, Well on my birthday, April 11th, at 2 p.m. my column, composed of 130 Light Horse, machine gun, a few engineers, wireless, A.M.C., Camel transport, Royal Flying Corps and 25 Indian Camel Corps, left here to go and capture an enemy post and destroy his artesian well, boring plants, etc. We had to travel a distance of about 80 miles. We had lots of camels to carry water for the first 24 hours, then we were to go to the old cisterns, made years ago by the Romans and Crusaders, for our water. We arrived at these cisterns at about 11.30 next day, having camped over night from mid-night till 5 a.m. We remained there till after dark and reconnoitered the country and found more water. We left our camp at 8 p.m., marched till 2.30 a.m. on 13th, rested and moved off again at 5.30, reaching a hill where we halted at 7.30 to wait for aeroplane reports, which gave all clear. This is not taken as reliable as it was known that the enemy concealed himself when the planes went over. We did not know the exact position of his works, which were now only three miles away. At 9 a.m. the attack was launched, with the result that we captured the post. We had one man, Corpl. Managan (Stephen Frederick Monaghan 976 8^th ALH) killed, one horse killed and two wounded. The enemy had six men killed and five wounded. We took 34 prisoners away with us, including a German officer of Engineers. One of the wounded was too bad to move as we had only camel stretchers. We had to leave the Ambulance sand carts at the cisterns. We smashed up all the machinery, blew in the bores and burnt the camp. I brought away their flag which is red with white crescent and star. I will send it home first chance. I also have a Turks shovel entrenching tool, a German Arabic grammar and spirit level, and a piece of an aeroplane bomb as trophies. They had tried to destroy the bores by aeroplane. We also got a lot of valuable papers. As two horsemen were seen to gallop away as we attacked we did not wait too long, as we know there were several thousand troops between the place and Beersheba. We left for home at 12, reached the camp we had left in the morning at 2.30 p.m., watered our horses from the fantasies, carried on the camels and moved for the cisterns at 4.30 p.m., arriving at 10.30 p.m., and camping for the night. Next morning we started on our return. I arrived at mid-night, the column and camps a few hours later. I had pushed on when about 20 miles out. The distance covered was 160 miles in 3½ days. It was the first piece of Light Horse work carried out in this war. We felt it a great honor to be selected to take it, as there are 11 Light Horse regiments and four regiments of New Zealand Rifles in this region. It is believed that we destroyed the whole of the boring plant in Asia Minor besides spoiling between seven and eight months’ work. On our way back we had a great sight of a wadi coming down in flood. We had marched down the wadi, which was perfectly dry and had halted in it and were feeding horses when the rearguard galloped in to warn us. The water came down like white paint in a wall of about 6 inches high and in two minutes the waves were 6 to 8 feet deep. Our wireless was working at the time, and had to shift. I had six hours sleep on the trip, and had to get my report in by 8 a.m. on the 15th. It was five pages closely type-written foolscap. Tomorrow I have to tell the official correspondents all about it, and in the afternoon parade before General Godley, who is the Commander of the Quanz (sic) Corps to which we are attached.’

Rosamond received a letter from Base Records, sent on 22 September 1916, advising her that Major William Henry Scott, 9^th Light Horse Regiment, was recorded in the London Gazette No 29584 of 16 May 1916. He had been approved by The King his appointment ‘to be Companion of the Distinguished Service Order in recognition of his gallantry and devotion to duty in the field. … For conspicuous ability and good work. He led a small column to reconnoiter a distant enemy post, attacked it, killed several of the enemy, and brought in thirty-eight prisoners, including the officer in command. His plans were so well laid that he affected this with the loss of only one man and one horse.’ It was also promulgated in the Commonwealth of Australia Gazette No 129 of 21 September 1916.

Group portrait of the Commanding Officer and Staff officers of the 3rd Australian Light Horse Brigade. Identified from left to right, back row: Lieutenant (Lt) Latham; Major (Maj) Harry Worthington; Captain (Capt) James Kincraig Lyall, MC; Capt George Harry Bryant; and Lt Arthur Stanley Barker.

Front row: Colonel (Col) John Mitchell Young Stewart, (later DSO); Col Thomas John Todd, CMG, DSO (died of illness on 23 January 1919); Brigadier General Lachlan Chisholm Wilson, CB, CMG, DSO; Col William Henry Scott, CMG, DSO and Bar; and Col Thomas Joseph Daly, DSO.

Seated on the ground: Lt Henry Armstrong Hammond, aide de camp to General Wilson. From AWM B00812.

He was given command of the 9^th Light Horse Regiment on the 16 June as a Temporary Lieutenant Colonel and promoted to Lieutenant-Colonel on 17 September. He played a notable roll at Romani in August. William was Mentioned in Dispatches by General A J Murray on 13 October 1916. After being sent to a School of Instruction on 14 October, William returned for duty at Zeitoun on 22 October. His MiD was promulgated in the London Gazette on 1 December 1916 on page 11807 at position 54 and the Commonwealth of Australia Gazette on 19 April 1917 on page 926 at position 62 while he was a Temporary Lieutenant Colonel with the 9^th Australian Light Horse Regiment. The 9^th Light Horse was involved in the fighting to secure the Turkish outposts of Maghdaba on 23 December and Rafa on 9 January 1917, both of which were captured at bayonet point.

On 26 March 1917, the 1^st Battle of Gaza began and the 9^th Light Horse Regiment helped oppose Turkish reinforcements from Huj and acted as a rearguard during the retirement to the Wadi Guzza. The 2^nd Gaza Battle was fought unsuccessfully on the 19 April. Scott was wounded by shellfire during the battle and was evacuated. It was a slight wound to the upper left arm on the 2^nd occasion. He went through the ½ M. B. Field Ambulance to the 3^rd Light Horse Field Ambulance and to the 53^rd Casualty Clearing Station to the Ambulance Train and he was admitted to the 24^th Australia Stationary Hospital. On 23 April 1917 he was admitted to the 14^th Australian General Hospital at Abbassia with a gunshot wound to the left arm. For his work during these actions, he was appointed C.M.G. (Companion of the Most Distinguished Order of St. Michael and St. George). The recommendation for the award for Lieutenant Colonel William Henry Scott DSO, 9^th Australian Light Horse Regiment, was ‘For gallant and continuous work of the highest order carried out by this officer during the GAZA operations, right up to the time of his being wounded. He was always well in touch with his command and engaging the enemy heavily. Previous award: D.S.O. Recommended for C.M.G.’

Mrs R M Scott of Vailima Wangaratta was sent a letter by Base Records on 23 April 1917 advising her that Lieutenant Colonel W H Scott 9^th Light Horse was reported wounded on 19 April, but nothing else was known and would be reported to her if more information was supplied.

Base Records sent Rosamond a letter on 25 April 1917 regarding an entry in the London Gazette Supplement 29845 of 1 December 1916 for a Mention in Despatches for Lieutenant Colonel William Henry Scott DSO, 9^th Light Horse Regiment. They wrote ‘In accordance with the final paragraph of the Despatch dated 1^st October, the following are mentioned for distinguished services rendered during the period of General A. J. Murray’s command of the Egyptian Expeditionary Force’. Another letter to her from them, dated 27 April 1917 let her know that William had been admitted ‘to the 24^th Stationary Hospital Egypt 21/4/17. suffering from gun shot wound left arm.’

His wife was sent a note form Base Records on 30 May 1917, stating Lieutenant Colonel W H Scott had been reported ‘slightly wounded (2^nd occasion)’. Another note was sent on 2 June 1917, stating that he had been ‘admitted 54^th Casualty Clearing Stat 28.5.17, suffering from bomb wound elbow.’ Both were sent to her address in Wangaratta. He was Mentioned in Despatches, which was promulgated in the Commonwealth of Australia Gazette of 23 May 1918 on page 1123 at position 13 and the London Gazette of 12 January 1918 on page 804 at position 30. After a month convalescence, William was discharged and returned to duty on 24 May, but on the 28 May he was wounded (elbow) by machine-gun fire near Shellal. After going through the 6^th L.M. Field Ambulance on 29 May and the 54^th CCS on the 30^th, he was sent to the 2^nd Australian Stationary Hospital the next day and on to the 24^th Stationary and then the 14^th Australian General Hospital on 1 June. William was transferred to Alexandria on 16 June and admitted to the Convalescent Depot at Bulkeley, before being discharged on 2 July 1917. He returned from hospital on 6 July and resumed command of the regiment.

On 16 September 1917 Lieutenant Colonel William Henry Scott DSO of the 9^th ALH Regiment was recommended for a CMG by General Royston. The action read ‘GAZA operations 19.4.17 I wish to express my highest appreciation of the gallant and continuous work carried out by this officer which right up to the time his being wounded was of the highest order he being well in touch with his Command and engaging the enemy heavily (Mentioned in Despatches 1-10-16 awarded DSO 16.4.16)’.

William was involved in Beersheba-Jerusalem operations from late October to December, which included the wide outflanking move via Beersheba that began on 31 October, which led to the taking of Gaza on 7 November 1917. On 25 November 1917 he was admitted to 44^th Stationary Hospital with a gunshot wound to the left foot.

On 1 December 1917 Rosamond signed for a Commission Form sent to her by Base Records for Lieutenant Colonel W H Scott DSO 9^th Light Horse Regiment.

Lieutenant-Colonel W H Scott was awarded the Companion of The Most Distinguished Order of St. Michael and St. George in the New Years’ Honors list of 1918 for services rendered in connection with Military Operations in the Field. It was promulgated in the Commonwealth of Australia Gazette of 18 April 1918 on page 846 at position 16 and the London Gazette of 1 January 1918 on page 6 at position 16. Base Records sent his wife a letter advising her that he had been Mentioned in Despatches in the Second Supplement No 30747 to the London Gazette in the despatch from General Sir Archibald Murray KCB, late Commander in Chief of the Egyptian Expeditionary Force. ‘In accordance with the concluding paragraph of my despatch, dated 28^th June, 1917, I have the honour to submit herewith the name of the undermentioned, whose name I wish to bring to your notice for gallant or distinguished conduct in the field, or for other valuable services’ which included Lieutenant Colonel W H Scott CMG DSO. It was also promulgated in the Commonwealth of Australia Gazette No 76 of 23 May 1918.

On 21 January 1918 he was detached from the 9^th LHR to attend a Senior Officer’s School at Heliopolis, returning to his unit on 7 March.

In early May 1918 the 9^th Light Horse was involved in the Es Salt raid which was a tactical failure, but the Turks thought the next attack would be launched across the Jordan.

On 3 May 1918 Base Records sent a letter to Mrs R M Scott of Vailima Wangaratta Victoria advising her that in the ‘Supplement No. 30430 to the London Gazette dated 28^th December, 1917, relating to the conspicuous services rendered by your husband. Lieutenant-Colonel W. H. Scott, D.S.O., 9^th Light Horse Regiment.’ ‘The KING has been graciously pleased to give directions for the following appointment to the Most Distinguished Order of Saint Michael and Saint George, for services rendered in connexion with Military operations in the Field. Dated 1^st January, 1918 :- To be additional member of the Third Class, or Companion of the said Most Distinguished Order’. It was also promulgated in the Commonwealth of Australia Gazette No 57 dated 18 April 1918.

On 14 July 1918, William was recommended to be Brevet Colonel by GOC AMD while he was a Colonel (temporary Brigadier General with the 11^th Light Horse Regiment, 4^th Australian Light Horse Brigade). The recommendation reads ‘For meritorious service and continuous devotion to duty. This officer has served in the Field for 3 years and 3 months.’ An expanded recommendation read ‘This officer is now C.O. 9^th L H REGT AIF. He is an original member of the Regt. During his 3½ years war service with the Regt his services have been specially meritorious. He holds the rank of Captain in the C.M.F. 58^th Infantry’. This was recommended by the GOC 3^rd LH Brigade and states ‘To be BREVET MAJOR C.M.F.’

William was admitted to 14^th Australian General Hospital with pyrexia not yet diagnosed on 25 August, ending up in the 14^th Australian General Hospital on 29 August. He re-joined the 9^th Light Horse on 11 September.

The allies’ great offensive was launched in September 1918 along the coast instead and Damascus was soon captured. On the 2 October, at Kubbett I Asafir, his regiment made a dash to cut off a retreating enemy column. About 1500 Turks were captured. This last Light Horse engagement of the war earned Lieutenant Colonel William Scott CMG DSO a bar to his DSO. The recommendation was made by the GOC 3^rd ALH Brigade on 9 October 1918, with the action for the recommendation reading: ‘On 2^nd October 1918, while the Brigade was bivouaced near DUMA a report was received at 0725 that a large column of enemy was moving across the front of the Brigade to enter the foothills at KUBBET-I-ASAFI. The Brigade was at once ordered out in pursuit. This officer got his Regiment away in particularly quick time and, moving at the trot & gallop, a distance of six miles, headed the enemy off, drew swords, charged & captured the whole column consisting of 1450 Turks (including 318 cavalry) 26 Machine guns, 1 Mountain gun, 2. 77m.m. Field Guns, 12 automatic rifles. If this advance Regiment had been 20 minutes later the enemy could have gained the entrance to the foothills & could have easily have kept the Brigade off with the machine guns & Artillery they had & so escaped.’ The award was promulgated in the London Gazette on 4 October 1919 on page 12219 at position 2 and the Commonwealth of Australia Gazette on 17 June 1919 on page 1010 at position 9. He was also Mentioned in Despatches on 5 March 1919. It was promulgated in the London Gazette on 11 June 1920 on page 6452 at position 17 and the Commonwealth of Australia Gazette of 2 September 1920 on page 1145 at position 7. A letter containing the above award and reference was sent to his wife by Base Records on 9 February 1920. It is worded slightly differently and included ‘He did splendid work.’ and noted it was in the Second Supplement No 31583 to the London Gazette of 4 October 1919 and is also entered in the Commonwealth of Australia Gazette No 10 of 29 January 1920. William was to be Brevet Major on 24 December 1918.

Group portrait of officers of the 9th Australian Light Horse Regiment. Identified from left to right, back row: (1527) Lieutenant (Lt) Harold James Cattle, DCM; (265) Lt Howard James Hahn; Lt Arthur Stanley Barker; (218) Lt George Ernest Aikman; (73) Lt Robert Cameron Sharp; Captain (Capt) McDonal; Capt Ernest Marshall Luxmore, MC; (3526) Lt Arthur James Stephens; (1281) Lt Baron George Bridger Lane; and (503) Lt Basil Selwyn Whalley Wagg.

Front row: Capt Rev Reginal Clark Turner; Major (Maj) Thomas Anglesea Brinkworth; Maj Harry Meshash Parsons, DSO; Lieutenant Colonel William Henry Scott, CMG DSO; (493) Lt Oliver John Shaw; Maj Thomas Henry Darley, OBE; and 536 Lt Arthur Graham Burns.

From AWM B00815, Place made Ottoman Empire: Lebanon, Tripoli, Date made December 1918

He briefly commanded the 3^rd Light Horse Brigade and helped to quell the Egyptian rebellion in early 1919. His service records state he was attached from 9^th Light Horse Regiment to command the 3^rd Light Horse Brigade temporarily from 14 January 1919. On 4 February 1919 he ceased to command 3^rd Brigade Headquarters and returned to duty with the EEF. He was sent to 14^th Australian General Hospital and was admitted with debility on 2 June 1919. On 17 June he re-joined the 9^th Regiment and was discharged to AIF Headquarters the next day. He was admitted to 14^th AGH with debility on 30 June. Brevet Major William Henry Scott CMG DSO and Bar of the 9^th Light Horse Regiment returned to Australia on 26 December 1918 according to the nominal roll, but that is not correct. He actually returned to Australia on HT Dunluce Castle on 17 July 1919 from Egypt, embarking at Suez, with debility.

Lieutenant Colonel Scott was awarded a Bar to the Distinguished Service Order, which was recorded in the Commonwealth of Australia Gazette on 17 June 1919 on page 1010 at position 9 and the London Gazette on 4 October 1919 on page 12219 at position 2. He was also given a Mention in Despatches, which was promulgated in the Commonwealth of Australia Gazette of 2 September 1920 on page 1145 at position 7 and the London Gazette of 11 June 1920 on page 6452 at position 17.

A confidential report in early 1919 on Lieutenant Colonel W H Scott CMG DSO, Commanding Officer of the 9^th Australian Light Horse Regiment recorded he was recommended for advancement and would be best fitted for Brigade Commander. His age was 37 9/12 years and his service included ‘Victorian Mounted Rifles 1900, Commissioned 3/4/1903 11 L.H.Regt. Lieut. 1/7/1903. do. Capt. & Sqdn. Leader 19/07/07 to June 1910. Unattached List June 1910 to 1/12/13. 58^th Inf. 1/12/13 to 11/10/14. SERVICES IN PRESENT WAR 11/11/14 9^th L.H.Regt. AIF. Capt. 11/11/14 2/Command ‘C’ Sqdn. 25/1/15 Command ‘B’ Sqdn. 21/2/15 Command ‘C’ Sqdn. Major 1/6/15. 2/Command Regiment 8/8/15. Tempy. Lt.Col. 16/6/16 Lieut.Col. 17/9/16. Awarded DSO List No. 117 16/4/16- Mentioned in Despatches 1/10/16. Awarded CMG AIF In Egypt List No. 16 of 2/2/18. Mentioned in Despatches AIF in Egypt List No. 18 of 5/3/18. Awarded Bar to DSO 22/10/18- List No. 339.’ In remarks of reporting officer, it recorded his professional knowledge, power of maintaining discipline and power of leadership were all very good; he was fit for promotion; he had no knowledge of a foreign language; his physical fitness was good and his knowledge, capacity and tact for training was very good. The higher commander’s remarks were ‘I concur.’ It was signed on 27 February 1919 by the Brigadier General Commanding the Australian Mounted Division. Below that, added in pencil, was ‘A fine regimental Commander. Full of dash & determination. Maintains strict discipline, is full of knowledge from his Cavalry training books and knows how to impart it to others.’ It was signed on 14 March 1919 by H W Hodgson Major General Commanding Desert Mounted Corps.

His father passed away on 14 August 1919. A note in the personal column in The Argus of Saturday 16 August 1919 said ‘The friends of Mr. W. H. [William Henry] Scott, M. Inst.C.E., will regret to learn of his death, which took place on Thursday at Colinton, Gisborne Street, Elsternwick, after a few weeks’ illness. He leaves a widow and a grown-up family, one of whom is Lieut. Colonel W. H. Scott, C.M.G., D.S.O., and bar, of the 9th Light Horse Regiment, who is due in Melbourne next week after an absence of more than four and a half years on active service.’ He is buried in Brighton General Cemetery. Marion passed away on 20 October 1924 and his buried with her husband.

On 22 July 1919 Base Records sent Mrs. R M Scott a ‘copy of extract from Second Supplement No. 31219 to the London Gazette, dated 8^th March, 1919, relating to the conspicuous services rendered by your husband, Lieutenant-Colonel W. H. Scott, C.M.G., D.S.O., 9^th Light Horse Regiment.’ He was awarded a Bar to the Distinguished Service Order. It was also promulgated in the Commonwealth of Australia Gazette No 75, dated 17 June 1919.

Arriving in Melbourne on the Dunluce Castle on 9 August 1919, William was struck off the strength of the AIF on 26 August 1919 and his appointment was terminated on 21 November 1919 in the 3^rd Military District. He then returned to consulting civil engineering and worked for the Preston City Council from 1926 to 1932. William was then the engineer to the Shire of Bass for 27 years. When his wife’s sister, Ethel Mary Carter passed away on 26 October 1927, she made several gifts to relatives, and left the income from her estate to Mrs. Rosamond Maplesdon Scott, wife of William Henry Scott, of Preston, shire engineer. Mrs. Scott’s children subsequently inherited the estate.

On 1 April 1920 he signed for a certificate of a Mention in Despatches in the London Gazette No 30474/75, after it was sent to him on 18 March. At Wangaratta on 26 April 1920, he signed for his 1914-15 Star. The form said Captain and he signed it as Lieutenant Colonel. He signed for two MiD emblems (oak leaves) on 6 September 1920, after them being sent to him on 20 August. Another certificate for a MiD in the London Gazette No 29845 was signed by him on 20 November 1920 after being sent to him on 16 November. On 22 March 1921 William signed for his British War Medal at Wangaratta. William signed for a certificate of a Mention in Despatches in the London Gazette No 31939, Certificate No 5069 for Lieutenant Colonel W H Scott CMG DSO 9^th Light Horse Regiment on 30 July 1921. It was sent to him on 6 July 1921. His Victory medal was signed for by L H Oakes on 19 April 1922. His 1914-15 Star, British War and Victory medals were all issued to him.

From 1919 to 1931 William commanded various militia Light Horse formations and rose to the rank of Brigadier in 1929. He was Aide-de-Camp to 3 Governor-Generals from November 1928 to October 1932. In the 1931 to 1937 electoral rolls, they were listed at 82 Cramer Street Preston and William was a Civil Engineer. On 19 July 1923 he was sent a ‘Report in Connection with Annual Service etc. of Orders of St Michael & St George, re-directed to Officer.’

The Argus of Melbourne on Thursday 6 November 1924 in page 13 had an article on ‘Investiture at Government House.’ This included ‘The following received the Colonial Auxiliary Forces Officers’ Decoration’ which included ‘Colonel W H Scott’.

In 1925, an incident occurred on the night of 27 June, when Brigadier Scott was about to leave his office as shire engineer of Daltston. Wilfred Milligan had been hiding in the bathroom for about half an hour, saying he had gone in after 8pm to ask for work. When Scott came out of his room, he startled him by saying “What do you want?” Milligan drew a revolver and fired a shot, without effect. Milligan was arrested and also charged with other offences and pleaded guilty.

William is listed in Who’s Who in Australia of 1933-4, with the entry reading: ‘Scott, Brigadier William Henry, C.M.G., D.S.O., V.D., A.D.C., to the Gov.-Gen. (Vic.): son of W. H. Scott of Colinton, Vic.; b. Ap. 11, 1881; consulting engineer; first commissioned Vic. Mtd. Rifles Ap. 4, 1903; served Gt. War. A.I.F. 1914-19, commanded 9^th Light Horse 1916-19, despatches, D.S.O. 1916, Bar to D.S.O. 1919, C.M.G. 1918; commanded 5^th Light Horse Bde. 1919-21, commanded 3^rd Cav. Bde. 1921-26, commanded 2^nd Cav. Div. 1926-31, A.D.C. to the Governor-General since Nov. 1, 1928; m. 1912, Rosamund, d. late W. J. Carter of Farrington (sic) Station near Hamilton, Vic.; address, Vailima, Wangaratta, Vic.’ It is actually Tarrington Station.

In 1938 they were living at Cramer Street Preston.

Rosamond died on 5 January 1940 in Melbourne. She is buried in Burwood Cemetery Victoria, with other family members.

During World War II William again saw war service in a lines-of communication posting, enlisting on 18 April 1942 at Caulfield, Victoria. His regimental number during that service was V375025. Although his service file for WW2 is open in Canberra, it is not online yet.

Above from State Library of Victoria. In The Argus (Melbourne, Vic.) (1943). [Officers of the General Training Wing of the V.D.C. during World War II]. From left: Brigadier Weavers, Brigadier W. H. Scott and Lieutenant G. A. Lavers. FL15736715.

Under the pseudonym of “Nugget” he contributed items to The Bulletin.

He was an honorary life member of the Melbourne Naval and Military Club.

On 3 May 1947 William married Susan Eleanor Isobel Langlands (a journalist) at Scots Church Melbourne, in a quiet celebration, officiated by an old friend of both families, Reverend A. J. Stewart and he was devoted to his family. Susan had five brothers that served, two of them twice. They were:

David John Langlands was born on 28 August 1892 in Bourke, New South Wales. He served in WW1 as Private 6894 in the 23^rd Battalion AIF and in WW2 as N350617, enlisting in Parkes on 24 Mar 1942. All his records are open, but most are not online yet. David married Audrey Ursula Sutton.

Robert Whitton Langlands was born in 1893 in Bourke, NSW. He served in WW1 as Driver 1435 with 2nd Brigade Ammunition Field Artillery and was killed at Cape Helles, Gallipoli on 8 May 1915. Apparently, he had jumped ship and swam ashore, joining the 7^th Battalion with the intent of ‘killing Turks by the dozen’. Robert is remembered at Lone Pine Memorial on Panel 11.

Alexander Jocelyn Langlands was born on 12 April 1895 in Bourke, NSW. In WW1 he served as Private 5792, joining the 5^th Battalion on 19 June 1915. He served in WW2 as V81844, enlisting at Albert Park, Victoria on 27 Oct 1939 and being discharged as a Private on 30 Jun 1941 with is posting as Area Staff. He had re-enlisted on 13 Jun 1941 at the same place and as Sergeant VX57693. He was a POW in Thailand and given the POW number 1341. Alexander was discharged as a Sergeant with 6^th Australian Line Section on 3 December 1945. Most of his service records are not open or online yet. He married Edith Quinn. Alexander died 12 Dec 1974 in Nunawadding, Victoria.

Thomas Hunter Langlands was born on 18 December 1896 in Bourke. In WW1 he served as Trooper 4654 with the Light Horse Reinforcements, joining on 4 January 1918. He married Eileen Alice Feebrey in 1928 at Condobolin NSW. In WW2 he served as NX67004 in the 2/31^st Battalion, enlisting on 10 January 1941 at Paddington NSW, and was killed on 17 November 1942 in New Guinea as a Corporal with the 2/31^st Australian Infantry Battalion. He is on the roll of honour at Parkes and is commemorated at Port Moresby Memorial on Panel 4.

Valentine Goodwin Langlands was born on 7 March 1901 at Tumbarumba, New South Wales (had 1905 in his service record). He married Janet Henderson Dickson (1909-1991). In the 1930 electoral roll they were living at Umang Street Totenham and he was an agent. He served in WW2 as VX450, enlisting on 23 October 1939 at Caulfield and being discharged on 29 August 1945 as a Sergeant with 7^th Carrier Company. His service records are not online. It is not known when he died.

James Arnot Langlands was born on 12 Aug 1903 at Tooma, New South Wales. He married Muriel Constance Hale (1909-1999) and they lived in Victoria. James served in WW2 as VX60685, enlisting on 31 July 1941 at Royal Park and being discharged on 19 November 1945 as a Signalman in the 2/8^th Armoured Regiment. In the 1980 electoral roll they were living at 13 Vernon Road Wangaratta and he had no occupation. James died on 2 December 1989 and is buried in Wangaratta Cemetery.

Cairns Rae Langlands was born on 9 June 1907 at Tumbarumba, New South Wales. He married Elizabeth Nancy Claire Rogers in 1937 in Victoria. They had 3 boys. He enlisted in WW2, first as V44067 on 3 January 1941 at Mount Martha, Victoria and then as VX52852 on 7 April 1941 at Royal Park, Victoria. He was discharged on 26 Nov 1945 as a Lieutenant in the 2/5^th Australian Infantry Battalion. None of his service records are online yet. In the 1963 and 1967 electoral rolls they were living at 89 Main Street Trafalgar Victoria, and he was a bank manager. He died on 20 July 2001 in Paynesville, Victoria.

From The Argus on page 8: ‘A Relic of Waterloo

Although we remember the anniversary of Trafalgar with pomp and ceremony at Flinders Naval Depot, we are apt to forget that Sunday was the anniversary of Waterloo. That is, we recall the pride of Nelson but do not remember the glory of the Iron Duke. On the eve of Waterloo Brigadier W. H. Scott, C.M.G., D.S.O. and Bar, shire engineer of Bass, in the county of Mornington, came down to an Engineers’ celebration of the historic battle at the Engineers’ Depot in Batman avenue. Engineers do not forget! He took with him a curious and priceless relic, the theodolite that surveyed the field of battle, handed down since 1815 from his ancestor, who was a captain of Royal Horse Artillery under the Duke of Wellington.’

In the 1949 electoral roll they were living at White Rd. Hicksborough, and William was an Engineer; by the 1954 roll they had moved to 15 Graham Street. By 1955, they were living at 22 Coolgardie Avenue East Malvern Victoria.

William retired from the Bass Shire in 1959 and was reported to be the oldest practicing civil engineer in Victoria. He was a member of the Naval and Military Club in Melbourne.

On 21 September 1960, he passed away at his East Malvern home and was cremated. William is remembered in Burwood Cemetery with other family members. He is remembered at Springvale Garden of Remembrance & Crematorium, Victoria. The Age (Melbourne) on 23 September 1960 in page 1 had ‘Mr. William Henry Scott, 79, died at his home in Coolgardie Avenue, East Malvern, on Wednesday night. He attained the rank of a Brigadier-General, and had a distinguished war record, winning the D.S.O. and Bar in World War I.

He also served in the second world war. Mr. Scott was the engineer of the shire of Bass for 25 years and on his retirement two years ago was the oldest practicing civil engineer in Victoria. Mr. Scott is survived by his wife. A funeral service will be held at the Bathurst Memorial Chapel, at the corner of Kooyong Road and Glen Huntly Road, Elsternwick, this morning.’

His wife, five daughters and a son from the first marriage, survived him. His children were:

(Left) Mavis, sitting on a chair in the Wangaratta Cathedral that was provided by her family in memory of her mother. Table Talk (Melbourne) Thursday 26/11/1931- Miss Mavis Scott, eldest daughter of Brigadier and Mrs. W. H. Scott, who was a debutante at the United Service Institution Ball, held at the Plaza, St. Kilda, recently. (Right) Hugh.

Mavis Maplesden Balfour Scott was born 25 April 1913 in Wangaratta. The 1936 electoral roll shows her living at 82 Cramer St with her occupation as a nurse. In 1936 she married Hugh Joseph Russell Gamble (7 May 1911 – 15 July 1967), as shown in this newspaper. The Argus (Melbourne) on Thursday 23 April 1936 – ‘Gamble—Scott A charming wedding took place at the Scotch College Chapel last night, when Mavis Maplesden Balfour, eldest daughter of Brigadier and Mrs. W. H. Scott, of 82 Cromer street, Preston, was married to H. J. Russell, elder son of Mr. and Mrs. W. J. Gamble, of 483 Neerim road, Murrumbeena, by the Rev. A. Irving Davidson. The bride made a most attractive picture in her gown of Limerick lace mounted on stiff silk, which had been worn by her grandmother on her wedding day. The close-fitting bodice had pretty bell sleeves, and the very full skirt fell into a train at the back. A tulle cap encircled with pearls was worn on her head and a veil of Limerick lace flowed from the nape of her neck. The bride, who was given away by her father, was attended by her cousin, Mrs. J. H. Begg, her sister, Miss Lorraine Scott, and by two small girls—Betty Gamble and Helen Scott. They were dressed alike in picturesque frocks of parchment coloured taffeta, with pleated fichus edging the bodices, and full graceful skirts. Salmon-pink roses were worn on their dresses and the same flowers formed their becoming wreaths. The two little girls carried baskets of roses, and the two older attendants held period posies of roses. The bridegroom’s brother, Mr. Herbert Gamble, acted as best man. After the ceremony a reception was held at 9 Highbury grove, Kew.’

In 1937 and 1942 electoral rolls they were living at 4 Taylor St Malvern East with Hugh a pharmacist. They were living at Taylor St Malvern 1938 and by the 1949 roll, they were living at Hilcrest Road Lilydale and Hugh was a chemist. Hugh served in WW2 in the Royal Australian Air Force as 251685 and was discharged on 14 Nov 1945 with the rank of Squadron Leader from 1^st Stores Depot. He had previous RAAF service from 1929 to 1933.

In the 1963 electoral roll they were both living at 6 Gellibrand St Kew with Janette Rosamond Gamble, a student. Hugh was a director and Mavis was doing home duties. Mavis was by herself in the 1972 roll (as Hugh had passed away), living at 40 Grove Road Hawthorn, doing home duties. In the 1977 and 1980 rolls, she was living at 23 Melville St Hawthorn.

She passed away on 24 March 2008 in Hawthorn, a widow, with her probate granted on 19 September 2008.

Lorraine Marion Maplesden Scott was born on 7 March 1915 in Wangaratta, Victoria. In 1944 she married Paul Frank Kaemmerer (born 26 Apr 1896 in Gowidlino Germany) in Victoria. After being detained in England as an alien internee, he sailed to Australia on SS Dunera on 10 July 1940. Before then he was a painter living at 12 Princess Crescent N4. Paul served in WW1 as a 1^st Lieutenant with the German Artillery and during WW2 as V378118, enlisting on 26 April 1942 with the Australian Labor Corps and was discharged as a Lance Corporal on 20 October 1943 from 8^th Employment Company and was declared medically unfit on 4 September 1944. His service records are not online, but some other records are. In the 1947, 1963 and 1967 electoral rolls they were living at 1/17 Charnwood Grove St Kilda and he was an artist. Paul is not in the 1968 roll and Lorraine is living with John Paul Kaemmerer, a student. Lorraine passed away on 9 January 1988 in Kew, a widow, with probate granted on 8 April 1998.

William John Maplesden Scott was born on 22 August 1920 in Wangaratta.

He served in WW2 as 40186, enlisting on 28 April 1941 in Melbourne and being discharged on 2 May 1946 as a Flight Lieutenant with 1^st Aircraft Depot.

On 7 April 1947 he married Jessie Olive Morris (1908-1986) in Melbourne. In the 1980 electoral he was living at 5 Chester Street Surrey Hills and was an accountant. William died on 24 January 2008 in Camberwell, Melbourne with probate granted on 2 Jul 2008 and his occupation was listed as Economist.

Carol Rosamond Maplesden Scott was born on 9 December 1921 in Wangaratta. In the 1967 and 1977 electoral rolls she was living at 29 Edgerton Street Hawthorn and was a clerk. He passed away on 18 March 1983 in Melbourne. Carol was buried in Burwood Cemetery in Church of England 4, Section W, Grave 616A. Probate was granted on 23 June 1983 and shows she was a Retired Office Supervisor.

Ethne Margot Maplesden Scott was born on 4 March 1923 in Wangaratta, Victoria. She married Murray Adams (1919-2015) in September 1946 in Victoria. Murray had served in WW2, enlisting on 18 Sep 1940 in Melbourne. He served in the Middle East, Italy, England and Europe. Murray was discharged on 25 Aug 1945 as a Flight Lieutenant O35266 with 80 Squadron. He was mentioned in despatches in 1943. Two of their five children died in infancy. In the 1972 electoral roll they were living at 16 Lohe Street Indooroopilly where Murray was a Field Officer and Ethne was doing home duties. She passed away on 16 June 2009 in Brisbane and was buried in Burwood Cemetery, Victoria in Church of England 4, Section W, Grave 616A. Murray died on 5 Oct 2015 at Burleigh Waters, Queensland and was buried in Mansfield Public Cemetery in Victoria. His obituary is produced below.

Graham Alexander Maplesden Scott was born on 20 March 1925 in Victoria. He married Marjorie Joan Barber (born 13 February 1927) in Victoria in 1949. His address that year was 601 Pt Nepean Road Brighton and he was a telegraphist. On 24 October 1955 the family arrived on the Queen Mary at Southampton from New York. They had two children, Ian born on 1 May 1952 and Louise born on 18 May 1955. They intended to stay for 3 weeks before returning to Australia and he was still a telegraphist. They departed on 21 November 1955 on the Himalaya from London to Sydney. He passed away on 20 January 1956 in Wonthaggi, Victoria and probate was granted on 30 July 1956 with his occupation listed as Senior Telegraphist. In 1958 Marjorie was living at 26 Parer Street Frankston and was a secretary. Nothing is known of her or the children after this.

Helen Roslyn Maplesden Scott was born on 30 April 1933 in Preston, Melbourne. She married Alan Frederick Jewell (1932-2017). On 7 May 2014 she passed away in Frankston, Victoria.

Probate to his will was granted on 12 December 1960 and shows William as a retired Civil Engineer.

A civil case file in the Supreme Court of Victoria over the estate of Brigadier William Scott has a listing under VPRS 267/P5 unit 158, item 1961,2998 which reads ‘1961,2998 William John Maplesden Scott as Trustee of the Estate of Rosamond Maplesden Scott deceased, and personally, Ian Richard Scott & Louise Rosamond Scott by their next friend William John Maplesden Scott, Mavis Maplesden Balfour Gamble, Lorraine Marion Maplesden Kammerer, Carol Rosamond Maplesden Scott, Ethne Margot Maplesden Adams & Helen Roslyn Maplesden Jewell V Susan Eleanor Isabel Scott as Executrix of the Will & Trustee of the Estate of William Henry Scott deceased & personally’.

On 7 February 1968, the Repatriation Department in Victoria asked CARO for a copy of his record of service. A reply was sent by them on 9 February, with a photo. The copy of his history card is produced below. A letter received by Base Records on 22 May 1968 was written by Isobel Scot at The Cottage Bass Highway Wonthaggi 3995 on 18 May and was an application for the Anzac Memorial Plaque. She applied ‘for the above Anzac Memorial Plaque on account of my late husband, William Henry SCOTT. He left Australia on 11/2/1915 with the 9^th Australian Light Horse Regt with the rank of Captain, and was in the Landing at Gallipoli with that regt.- and served throughout the Campaign.’ She signed it ‘yours faithfully – Isobel Scott.’ Susan Eleanor Isabel Scott filled out a form on 27 May 1968 applying for the Gallipoli Medallion for her late husband, William Henry Scott 9^th Light Horse Regiment, as she was the widow and sole beneficiary under will. It was received by Base Records the next day.

There are a few records for him at National Archives Australia, they are open but not online and are: SCOTT William Henry – V375025 AIF; Year of Death – 1960; Crematorium – Springvale VIC, Citation NAA: A8233, 7/SPRINGVALE [VICTORIA]/SCOTT WILLIAM HENRY; SCOTT, William Henry – Service Number – V375025, Citations NAA: B73, M79378 and NAA: B73, H79378; SCOTT WILLIAM HENRY : Service Number – V375025 : Date of birth – 11 Apr 1881 : Place of birth – OMARU NZ : Place of enlistment – CAULFIELD VIC : Next of Kin – SCOTT LORRAINE, Citation NAA: B884, V375025.

William was the sixth most decorated Light Horseman for World War I.