DYTE, Lieutenant Norman Vincent, MM

Lieutenant Norman Vincent Dyte MM

24^th Battalion AIF

by Robert Simpson

According to his World War 1 Service Records, Norman was born in June 1890 in Valparaiso, Chile. According to his Chilean Civil Registration, he was actually born on 19^th July 1893 in Puerto Valparaíso. He was a son to (Robert) David John Dyte and Mary Emily Teychenne (born 11^th November 1858), who had been married in Brisbane on 19^th February 1879. Apparently, the couple were turned away from the first church because Mary was under 21 years old, but she stated she was 21 at the Brisbane Registry Office, and they were married. His father’s first name is only mentioned in birth or baptism records in Chile and in some other family trees on Ancestry. David John Dyte was born in Richmond England in 1855, a son to John Dyte and Miriam Joseph. David had been indentured in the Merchant Navy as an Apprentice on 26th October 1870 at the age of 15 years, to Devitt & Co. London on the Queen of the Thames in London. His indenture was for 4 years. David was a sailor, with three records for him having passed a Certificate of Competency by the Board of Trade, as qualified to fill the duties of a Second Mate on 1^st April 1875, a First Mate on 15^th April 1880, and a Master on 30^th April 1885 in the Merchant Service. The certificates have the same year and place of birth for him as above, and show his address as 3 Horbury Cres Notting Hill in 1875, 105 Norfolk St Liverpool in 1880 and 27 Clarendon Rd, Notting Hill London in 1885. David John Dyte was First Officer (or First Mate) on the A1 Clipper Ship Clara in August 1878 when she docked in Greenock, Scotland. There had been several adverts placed in newspapers stating that she would be available to take passengers (emigrants) to Queensland Australia, sailing in September 1878. The ship had been refitted to accommodate over 250 passengers and would be equipped with a doctor and matron for the three-month voyage. The Teychenne family from Warwickshire were onboard, amongst them a young Mary Emily. She and David Dyte fell in love and were married in 1879 in Brisbane. David continued to sail on merchant vessels and plied his trade along the west coast of South America, where he and Mary relocated to sometime before 1889, settling in Valparaiso. Norman had a sister Ethel Gilbert, born on 9^th June 1889 in Valparaiso. The only other record for her is a baptism record in Chile, recording her birth on 9^th June 1889 at Antofagasta Comuna, Antofagasta, Chile and her name recorded for the baptism as “Ethel Gilbert Dyte I Teychenne”, with parents Roberto David Juan Dyte and Maria Emilia Teychenne. They seem to be the only children to the marriage. With his father, there are two records for a Robert Dyte being admitted into the Greenwich Workhouse in London in February and October 1913, and they give his age as 56 and 57 respectively, which is close to his stated birth. There is a death index for Robert Dyte, who died in late 1916 in Wellington Shropshire at age 59, but these may all be for another person of the same name. Another family tree does not confirm both of Norman’s parents’ deaths, just stating unknown and possibly South America, so access to more records is needed to confirm details of what happened to them and the true facts. Family anecdotes record that Mary was ill with a tumour and stayed and possibly died in Chile. Another family tree has her dying before 1910 in Chile. Norman was sent with her sister, Lilian Gertrude Teychenne, as a shipping record shows them boarding the Rakaia in England, bound for Wellington, New Zealand on 24^th May 1899. Lilian was listed as a foreign adult and Norman as a foreigner of 5 years old. They had previously travelled to England, with Lilian completing her nurses training between 1896 and 1899. While there, Norman went to a Miss Hatfields School with Charles Twynam and Percy Teychenne, who were sons of Percy Fone Teychenne (brother to Lilian). (Charles Twynam Teychenne served in WW1, reaching the rank of Captain in the Royal Garrison Artillery and was awarded a Military Cross). Lilian was listed as Norman’s governess on the trip to New Zealand. There is also a shipping record for Robert Dyte, a photographer, aged 33 and Ethel Dyte aged 3 coming from Valparaiso to Liverpool, England on 3^rd March 1895 on the Indiana, via the USA and Canada. But Ethel should have been 5 and Robert 39, so errors were made in the entries. According to family, Robert started a photography business in Valparaiso around 1889 and is in a list of Chilean photographers of that time.

In New Zealand, Norman was looked after by the Teychenne family there. While there, a photo was taken of him with Lilian in Wellington. Lilian may have travelled on to Australia in or before 1904, with Norman who she has been looking after for a few years, because her mother Mary Ann Teychenne died in Boisdale Victoria in 1904 and her father had died in the same place in 1901.

Lilian and Norman in New Zealand.

In May 1905, Norman (aged 9 years 11 months) attended Tambo Upper Primary School and his guardian was listed as William Francois Teychenne, his uncle. William had sailed to Queensland with the family in 1878 and was a farmer at Boisdale. Sometime later, Norman must have returned to New Zealand as he was serving on NZS Amokura, a naval training ship which was commissioned by the New Zealand government in 1906 for the purposes of training of boys aged between twelve and fourteen in seamanship. They were to be under training for about a year. The name Amokura means ‘red-tailed tropic bird.’ The ship was originally HMS Sparrow, and had served in Africa, but was sold to New Zealand as it had become redundant and had deteriorated. Picture of the ship below. The below picture of Norman must have been taken between 1906 and 1909 (as the photographer was bankrupt in 1909). Before WW1 started, Norman was an Engineer in Dunedin, New Zealand, and then he moved to Australia and was working as a farmer, on his uncle William’s farm, as stated in his service record.

Picture taken when Norman was with Bairnsdale Light Horse before the war. The uniform is the 1903 Commonwealth pattern for other ranks and the hat badge is for the 10^th ALH (Victorian Mounted Rifles).

Norman enlisted in Melbourne on 26^th March 1915, and gave his occupation as a farmer, at Tambo Upper. Another form says it was at Bairnsdale on 19^th March. He was given the service number 801 as a Sergeant in D Company, the 24^th Battalion. Norman was a natural born British subject and had not been an apprentice. His next of kin was listed in his service record as Mrs J J Burgoyle (a spelling error), and she was Lilian Gertrude neé Teychenne, his aunt (as noted on his service record). She had married a local farmer, James John Burgoyne on 20th October 1910 in Brighton. The Victoria electoral rolls have him as a farmer living at Lower Nicholson, Gippsland. In the 1914 roll, they had moved to Metung and she was a nurse. Another copy of that page of his service record has her surname as Burgoyne of Metung. His previous service included 3 years with the Light Horse Infantry and 2 years with Engineers at Dunedin. He was not married. Another copy of the same record states 12 months Dunedin engineers (no discharge) and 2 years with Bairnsdale Light Horse. His description was age 21 years and 9 months, height 5 foot 4½ inches, weight 10 stone 5 pounds, chest measurement 38 to 41½ inches and of medium complexion with grey eyes and dark hair. His religious denomination was Church of England. He had 3 vaccination marks on his left arm. The medical officer deemed him fit for service on 26^th March 1915 and he was appointed to D Company, 24^th Battalion by the Commanding Officer on 29^th April 1915 at Broadmeadows. Another form stated he was 5 foot 6½ inches tall, chest 36 to 38 inches, had dark brown hair, his religious denomination was Anglican and he had no distinctive marks. He was at the Depot from 26^th March to 29^th April 1915 and then he was posted to D Company 24^th Battalion. A promotion to Corporal occurred on 8^th May 1915 and to Sergeant on 24^th August 1915.

He embarked on HMAT A14 Euripides on 10^th May 1915 as a part of the 24th Battalion, D Company. Another entry has 8^th May. A record of his officer’s service has that he left Australia on Transport A37 Barambah on 9^th July 1915.

The Bairnsdale Advertiser and Tambo and Omeo Chronicle of Victoria on Saturday 14^th August 1915 on page 4 had the article: “BAIRNSDALE AND THE WAR, NUMBER OF ENLISTMENTS, 411. Bairnsdale and district has responded nobly to the call to arms, as will be seen from the list of volunteers given below, which gives the names of those who were passed and accepted locally, with the added names of those who belonged to the town or district but enlisted elsewhere. The total number of name is 411 – highly satisfactory record, and the best evidence that could be given of the patriotism of the young manhood of the town and district. Proudly they went, with hearts aglow, To bravely do or die, The startled sea-birds winging low Have heard their battle-cry.” The list included Norman Vincent Dyte.

His Place of Association, according to the AIF Project, was Metung where his aunt Lilian, (Mrs. J. J. Burgoyne) had lived at “Iona” and also on Flanagan Island.

Norman proceeded to join the MEF at Gallipoli on 30^th August 1915. The Battalion served on Gallipoli from September 1915 to the withdrawal in December 1915. The 24^th Battalion had been holding the Lone Pine section of Gallipoli since early September. Their Commanding Officer was Colonel Watson. Through to November, they were exposed to the monotony of trench warfare, but as winter approached sickness became more prevalent. Rain, cold winds, snow and lack of clean water all contributed to an increase in illness occurring in Battalions on Gallipoli. A couple of Turkish barrages with heavy guns did not help. On 17^th December, Colonel Watson called a meeting with his officers and with a voice shaking with emotion, told them Gallipoli was to be evacuated. Norman, as a Sergeant, was part of C3, consisting of 3 officers and 34 men. They were in the front line, keeping up the appearances that everything was normal, firing as they usually had done. They left the trenches at 3am as the last party from the front and arrived at Watson’s pier at 3.20am on 20^th December.

A newspaper in Bairnsdale, Every Week on Thursday 16^th September 1915 in page 7 had: “SERGEANT V. DYTE.

The following is a letter from Sergeant Vince Dyte to his aunt and uncle. The soldier was well known in these parts, being a keen supporter of sporting : – Egypt, 17/7/’15. Everything is running along very smoothly so far. I have been promoted to the rank of sergeant, and am along well. Captain Parkes, of A Company, 24th Battalion, challenged the n.c.o.’s of the battalion with the n.c.o.’s of his company last week. And one of our officers answered the challenge by sending my name in as being willing to take on any two of his n.c.o.’s at a competition in drill and musketry. Captain Parkes came and asked me on the quiet if I would take on Sergeant Kerr, one of his sergeants, who is specially good, and I told him I would, or any other one he liked to bring forward. After that he allowed the matter to drop, and I have not heard anything more about it. Eric Haggar sprained his ankle last week, and was sent into Luna Park Hotel hospital. After he had been in for two or three days I went in to see him, and who should I see in one of the beds in the same ward but Clyde Johnson, from the Nicholson, who was wounded in the middle finger of the right hind. He was in a reserve trench in the rear, and stopped a piece of shrapnel; It went in at the back of the finger and jambed between the bone. The doctors at Lemnos had to lance the finger from the opposite side to get the slug out. I saw the nurses dressing it, and it looks a horrible sight. He thinks that he will eventually lose the finger, but seems to be quite cheerful about it ; in fact he has several times asked the doctors to take it off. He is kicking himself for not joining the infantry when he first volunteered, as the infantry is doing all the fighting, and the Light Horse, converted into infantry, left their horses in Egypt when they went to the front. The converted Light Horse, not having the infantry training the others have had, are only used as reserves, and as you know the reserves suffer worse from shrapnel than those in the firing line. Clyde is a sergeant, and reckons if he can get back to the front he will get a commission. We have been supplied with short trousers and helmets, so that we do not feel the heat quite so bad now. More news later. With love from VINCE. P.S. – I am thinking of joining the Engineers. I have been offered a full corporal’s stripes as Engineer fitter. It will be just into my hands, fitting engines, cars, etc., and not as dangerous as the infantry.”

At Alexandria, he disembarked after embarking at Mudros, on 10^th January 1916. He was admitted to Number 1 Australian General Hospital at Heliopolis on 15^th February 1916 with a popliteal abscess and was discharged to duty on 23^rd February. His Aunt was sent a note from Base Records on 24^th February advising her that he had been admitted to 1^st Australian General Hospital at Heliopolis on 15^th February with a popliteal abscess mild. The Battalion embarked at Alexandria on the 20^th and disembarked at Marseilles on 26^th March 1916. His Battalion moved to France and saw action at Pozieres (July-September 1916) and Mouquet Farm in July and August 1917. During the fighting at Pozieres, Norman was shot twice and was evacuated to hospital. On 30^th July 1916, he was admitted to 3^rd Casualty Clearing Station with a shell wound to the arm, after being wounded in action on the 27^th, and was transferred to ambulance train the next day and evacuated as wounded.

“The battle of Pozieres in July 1916 was one of the Australians’ first and bloodiest on the Western front. During the great British offensive on the Somme, the Australians took the village which crowned the most important ridge of the battlefield, and then had to endure prolonged horrific shelling as the Germans strove to get it back. Afterwards, the 2nd Australian Division sewed small rectangles of bright tin plate to the back of their tunics, which could be easily spotted by supporting artillery and aircraft when they assaulted at Pozieres. The plates were detested by the troops as they felt the markers would make them just as visible to the enemy. Later in the battle, the tin discs were covered until required to be shown.” (N. Anderson, Australian War Memorial: Treasures from a Century of Collection)

He was transferred to No 7 Convalescent Depot at Boulogne on 11th August 1916. On the 17^th, he was sent to Etaples, and re-joined his Battalion after being discharged from hospital on 24^th August 1916.

On 5^th September 1916, his Aunt at Metung was sent a letter from Base Records stating that Norman had been wounded and any more information would be passed on promptly.

He was recommended for the Military Medal by the Officer Commanding 24^th Battalion on 18^th June 1916; the citation reads: “These NCOs (NV Dyte and FS McCooey) have shown great devotion to duty and gallantry under fire. They volunteered to remain behind with C3 party at the evacuation. They were each in charge of a section of Lone Pine on that occasion and by their energy and with the aid of very few men maintained the usual fire from these positions thus deceiving the Turks. They were the last two NCOs to leave Lone Pine, Gallipoli.” Another record adds the dates 19/20^th December 1915. Norman had a medal card which recorded the award of the Military Medal. The card has recorded on it 68/121/67 with 34417 under that. It then lists his name, rank, Corps, regimental number and date of Gazette as Sergeant N V Dyte 24th Inf Bn Aust, 801 and 27/10/16. His name is listed in the Supplement 29805 to the London Gazette on that date on page 10487.

Norman was appointed 2^nd Lieutenant (late Sergeant 24^th Battalion) on 6^th September 1916.

On 8^th September 1916, his Aunt wrote to Base Records, asking “Have you received any more particulars Re, nephew Sgt. N. V. Dyte 801 wounded in “France” as I am anxious to know whether it is serious or not; also what hospital he has been sent to. Kindly reply at once & oblige.” It was received on the 14^th, and on the 15^th Base Records replied with “I have to acknowledge the receipt of your letter dated 8^th instant, and to state the nature of the wound sustained by your nephew and the name of the hospital at which he is located are unknown here. In the absence of these particulars, and as his injury was not stated to be serious it may be assumed that he is progressing satisfactorily, the practice of the overseas authorities being to notify this department of any material change in condition. The following is suggested as his postal address: – WOUNDED No. 801, Sergeant N. V. Dyte, 24^th Australian Infantry, c/o A.I.F. Headquarters, 130 Horseferry Rd, WESTMINSTER, LONDON, S.W. You will be promptly communicated with should any later information come to hand.”

Norman was reported missing on 6^th November 1916, but a later note stated he was not missing, and that entry was incorrect. He was admitted to 20^th General Hospital at Camiers with a gunshot wound to the right foot on 8^th November. On 11^th November, he embarked at Calais for England with a gunshot wound to the right foot. It was recorded that he had been wounded on a second occasion and he was admitted on 11^th November 1916 to the 1^st West General Hospital in Liverpool. He was transferred to the 6^th Auxiliary Hospital on 23^rd November. Norman was placed on the seconded list on 6th November 1916

On 27^th November 1916, he was admitted to Cobham Hall from 6^th Auxiliary Hospital with a gunshot wound to the right foot (slight). He was discharged on 24^th January 1917 and was to report to Perham Downs, being passed as fit for service on the 18^th. He marched in there on the 29^th after being at a Bomb School at Syndhurst on the 26^th.

He was promoted to Lieutenant on 1^st January 1917. He was discharged from Cobham Hall to Perham Downs on 24^th January 1917, marching in to the 4^th Infantry Draft Depot there on the 29^th. Norman was admitted to the 3^rd London General Hospital on 1^st March 1917 with neuritis to 24th January 1917 and was also sent to hospital in France as he was sick on that day (according to one entry). On 6th February 1917, he was placed on the supernumerary list.

The Rose of Denmark Lodge book has an entry for Norman Vincent Dyte, who was initiated on 16^th February 1917, passing on 20^th April and raising on 25^th May 1917. He was listed as a 23 year old from Hornsey, who was a Lieutenant in the AIF. In the same list are his cousins, Percy Frederick Teychenne, an engineer; and Charles Twyman Teychenne, Captain Royal Artillery who was awarded a Military Cross and was invalided in 1917.

His Aunt was sent a letter from Base Records on 12^th March 1917, stating that Norman had been admitted to the 3^rd London General Hospital on 1^st March with a mild illness, not yet diagnosed. He was then transferred to 6^th Auxiliary Hospital on 28^th March with neuritis. Mrs J J Burgoyne of Iona Metung was sent a letter by Base Records on 25^th April 1917, advising her of the “extract from Second Supplement No. 29794 to the London Gazette of 20^th October 1916, relating to the conspicuous services rendered by, Lieutenant N. V. Dyte, 24^th Battalion.” “HIS MAJESTY THE KING has been graciously pleased to award the Military Medal for bravery in the Field to” 801 Sergeant (now Lieutenant) Norman Vincent Dyte. On 27^th April, he was discharged from there to Perham Downs. He was employed on electoral duty while there. On 22^nd May 1917, he was passed fit for home service and on the 25^th, he was given leave until the 27^th, and then his leave was extended to 2^nd June, when he went to No 1 Commonwealth Depot.

On 27^th April 1917, he was discharged to Perham Downs after being admitted to 6^th Auxiliary Hospital with neuritis on 28^th March 1917. He marched into the Depot on 1^st May 1917. At Administrative Headquarters, on 5^th May 1917, he was temporarily attached for duty (election purposes) and was detached from there on 25^th May, marching out to No 1 Command Depot. On 5^th June 1917, he was marched out to Signal School Southampton for duty.

Norman married Rachel May Berg in early 1917 in Kensington Middlesex. Rachel had been born on 24^th December 1896 in London. They had a daughter, Mavis Bettine Sadie Dyte on 13^th September 1918 in Mayfield Wiltshire.

On 5^th January 1918, he was marched in to 6^th Training Battalion at Fovant from France. While still in the AIF, he qualified as an Instructor and Assistant Instructor at the British Army Signal School at the 15^th Course in Dunstable in January 1918. At Fovant, he was taken on strength of Permanent Cadre and was to be Signal Officer at 2^nd Division Signal School, ex 6^th Training Battalion. He was restored to establishment (24^th Battalion) from supernumerary list on 23^rd April 1918 and seconded for duty to 2^nd Signals Training Brigade as Signalling Officer. On 30^th April 1918, he marched in to the 5^th Training Battalion from 2^nd Training Brigade Headquarters.

A form for an alteration of an address was filled out on 25^th September 1918 and gave a change of address for Mrs May Dyte, his wife, from “Kia-Ora”, Copse Cottages, Compton Chamberlyne, Salisbury to “Mayfield” Fovant, near Salisbury. A note from Records asking for his next of kin and address confirmed the latter details.

On 30^th September 1918 at Southampton, he proceeded to France for the 24^th Battalion. He arrived at Havre on 2^nd October and went to hospital the next day with a NYD. Norman then went back to England with sciatica on the 4^th, being admitted to 3^rd London General Hospital on the 5^th. The sciatica was recorded as slight. He was to have convalescence until 14^th November. A Medical Board on that date found him fit for home service, sedentary exemption only.

On 8^th November 1918, Base Records sent a letter out stating that “Lieutenant N. V. Dyte, “M.M.” has been reported admitted to 3^rd London General Hospital, Wandsworth, London, England 5/10/18 suffering from sciatica mild.” His postal address was just to the 24^th Battalion. It was sent to his Aunt in Metung.

He was discharged on 29^th November he was discharged from hospital to No 1 C.D. with sciatica and was attached for duty from 24^th Battalion to Headquarters in London. In London on 30^th November 1918, he was temporarily attached to Records Section and was placed on subsistence roll from that date. On 9^th January 1919, a Medical Board found him fit for Home Service and he was to remain with Records for duty. Another board on 6^th February found him fit H/SII S. Emp only and unfit for active service for 3 months. He reported to DAAG on 13^th February 1919 and ceased to be seconded as Signal Officer 2^nd Training Brigade on 17^th February 1919.

In February 1920 from his address at 57 Gladsmuir Road Highgate, he wrote a letter to “The Commandant, A.I.F. Headquarters, 130 Horseferry Rd. W.1.” from himself, asking “I respectfully beg to apply for my discharge in England without stoppage of pay for my period of Non-military-employment, for the following reasons. I was granted leave without pay for the period 8^th Dec, to 8^th March, in order that I might dispose of my patent No32651/19. I was successful in securing a conditional sale of the patent, and it is owing to the conditions governing the sale that I am compelled to remain in this country for another twelve months. The following clause from the deed of sale will be explanatory. I John M Hyams of Tottenham Lane Hornsey agree to pay to Norman Vincent Dyte whose signature appears in the margin the sum of £1000 (one thousand pounds) for the rights to manufacture in the United-Kingdom under Patent No32651/19 filed at the Patent office in the name of the said Norman Vincent Dyte provided that the said N.V.Dyte will supervise the purchase and the installation of the necessary tools and machinery for the production of the finished goods. It will be seen that it is impossible for me to accept this advantageous offer, unless I am granted my discharge without stoppage of pay for my period of N-M-E, as this money will be necessary to meet my personal needs during the installation of the machinery. As my interests are in Australia I fully intend to return at the earliest opportunity and will certainly be back within twelve months from the date of my discharge. I attach the guarantees of Mr. J.M.Hyams, and Alderman P.F.Taychenne. Should my discharge with full settlement be granted I intend to use the money obtained for the English rights of my patent, in manufacturing in Australia.” Then in handwriting below this is “I hereby guarantee to return to Australia within 12 months.” The letter was signed N. V. Dyte Lieut. 24^th Bn. A.I.F. and witnesses by Major P L Coleman AAS on 17^th February 1920.

From early 1919 to March 1920 he undertook non-military work and patented and produced a trouser press. Norman also designed an alternate potato masher, which his daughter still uses today. He was granted leave from 27^th February 1919 to 17^th August 1919 with pay and subsistence of 6 shillings a day, the reason being “Engineering Attending W P Fraser Glass Hornsey”. His address was c/o 57 Gladsmuir Road Highgate. His period of NME expired on 17^th August and he was to report to DAAG for disposal on the 18^th. He went on leave until 2^nd September and that was extended to 17^th September 1919. He was granted leave from 8^th December 1919 to 8^th March 1920 without pay for business and his address was the same.

The AIF Department of Repatriation and Demobilisation filled out a form detailing the record of non-military employment for Norman. It showed his particulars as Lieutenant Norman Vincent Dyte of the 24^th Battalion, attesting on 26^th March 1915 in Victoria, embarked on 8^th May 1915 at age 21 years and he was now married. His previous trade was engineer and farmer. His employment was for practical experience with Manufacturing Engineers to study machinery and press tools for 6 months, from 17^th February 1919 to 17^th August 1919. His financial terms approved were for full military pay with subsistence allowance of 6 shillings a day and no other payments. His course was completed on 18^th August with no diploma or certificate issued. The report from the firm Fraser & Glass Assembly Works Middle Lane Hornsey, London said “Lieut Dyte has completed 6 months attachment to us. During the whole of this period his work and conduct has been quite satisfactory.” Another remark was “Lieut Dyte also attended evening classes at The London School of Economics in cost accounts & business efficiency methods, at his own expense.” It was signed on 5^th September 1919 by a Lieutenant Colonel in the Industrial Employment Branch.

A letter was sent from Base Records in Melbourne on 26^th September 1919 to Mrs M Dyte of “Kia-Ora” Copse Cottages Compton Chamberlayne Salisbury England, including Norman’s Form of Commission as a temporary 2^nd Lieutenant in the Regular Forces of the British Army. It stated that the form referred to his first appointment to Commission and not his present rank. It was “returned from this address”, as written in pencil on the letter and the receipt was not signed. It was then sent to his Aunt at “Iona” in Metung on 5^th January 1920.

On 1^st January 1920, Norman was appointed to RqO 3^rd Military District and was to be a Lieutenant.

Lieutenant Tucks wrote a note on 19^th February 1920 that Lieutenant N V Dyte MM 24^th Battalion was on Military Employment from 17^th February 1919 to 17^th August 1919 with pay of 6 shillings a day for subsistence. He was discharged from the AIF in April 1920. Another entry stated he resigned his appointment in the AIF being demobilised on 26^th April 1920 in London. A letter was sent to the Discharge Section on that date advising them his application for termination of his appointment had been approved and he was reporting to them for completion of the necessary arrangements.

From the Mayor’s Parlour Hornsey, on 16^th February 1920, Percy F Teychenne, the Deputy Mayor wrote a letter to the Commandant AIF Headquarters in London, saying: “Sir The bearer of this Lieut N. V. Dyte is a nephew of mine & I am in a position to state that it would be very detrimental financially for him to leave England for at least 12 months. He has Patented articles in this Country & is erecting plant & machinery to produce & place his Patents on the European market. He contemplates being in a position to erect a similar plant in Australia next year and manufacture his Patents there. His interests are in Australia & he has no intention of taking up a permanent residence in England.” A handwritten note on the back of the letter says “Passed to 4A. Will you kindly treat as urgent?” It was signed and dated 17^th February 1920. Another letter on that same day was sent to the Chief Paymaster AIF Headquarters from Records, asking if they could supply where his allotment was payable and how much, and if a marriage certificate had been seen. The reply was nil with a tag that his next of kin was his wife May Dyte in London. A letter written on 16^th February 1920 with an address of Ferrestone Buildings Tottenham Lane Hornsby N.8. reads “This is to certify that the details and particulars as set out by Lieut,N.V.Dyte in his attached application for discharge are true and correct, and further to guarantee that he will return to Australia within twelve months from the date hereof. If Lieut N.V.Dyte should fail to return, he is good health and able to do so, I undertake to refund to the A.I.F. a sum of money equal to that paid to him by the A.I.F. during this period of Non-Military-Employment, i.e, Six months pay and allowances totalling £242-7-6.” The name of the person who signed it is not known, but his signature was verified by Barclay’s Bank. Norman filled out an application for a discharge in a country other than Australia on 17^th February 1920 in London. He gave his present address as 57 Gladsmuir Road Highgate N19 and he wished to be discharged in the UK. His reason was stated in the attached documents. The Chief Paymaster wrote on 27^th February 1920, stating his Active and Deferred Pay account as at 21^st February 1920 was over £200, but an application of Ruling 27 would involve a further debt of over £194, leaving him a balance of over £8. A handwritten comment on the side stated “Rule 27 to apply only as far as subsistence on N.M.E. & Family ship leave is concerned.” The letter also stated “It is intimated that Lieut. Dyte has guaranteed to return to Australia within twelve months from the present time.” Someone wrote a question mark beside that statement. Another letter shows that Norman had a total period of N.M.E. from 27^th February 1919 to 17^th August 1919, where he was paid in respect of Pay £34.8.0, paid in respect of Subsistence (at a rate of 6 shillings a day) £51.12.0 and nothing in respect of fees. A letter was sent to Norman asking if he would send them a witnessed declaration from his wife that she agreed to his discharge in the UK. May signed a declaration on 23^rd February 1920 that “I hereby state that I have no objection to the discharge in England of my husband Lieutenant N.V.Dyte, 24^th Battalion,A.I.F.” It was sent to AIF Headquarters in London. His discharge was approved on 25^th February 1920.

A letter from AIF Headquarters in London to Norman on 25^th February 1920, advised him that his “application for termination of your appointment in the United Kingdom having been approved, you are instructed to report to the D.A.A.G., Room 13, these Headquarters for finalisation of the necessary arrangements relative to same.”

A War Badge and Certificate number 252141 were issued to him on 27^th February 1920. The badge was to be worn on the left side, but not when in uniform, and duplicates would not be issued. Norman signed but did not date the receipt.

A statement of active account of Lieutenant N V Dyte 24^th Battalion calculated to end of leave without pay to 8^th March 1920 shows a credit from 8^th May 1915 to 8^th March 1920 of £663 2s 6d and a debit of £686 12s 10d. So he owed £23 10s 4d. The back of the paper is full of calculations. He resigned in England and was terminated on 26^th April 1920.

A description of soldier on discharge shows Norman was 29 years old, 5 foot 6 inches tall, of medium complexion with brown eyes and hair and his trade was engineer and farmer. For wound marks or scars he had a gunshot wound the left wrist and right leg. His address was 57 Gladsmuir Rd Highgate N19. Another form from Discharges to AIF Headquarters in London showed that Norman applied for and was eligible for discharge in England in consequence of being demobilised. It also confirmed his address.

The London Gazette of 9^th September 1921 has an entry: “NOTICE is hereby given, that the partnership heretofore subsisting between us, the undersigned, Norman Vincent Dyte and John Michael Hyams, carrying on business as Trouser Press Manufacturers, at 1, Topsfield-parade, Hornsey, in the county of Middlesex, under the style or firm of “THE MELBO WORKS,” has been dissolved by mutual consent as and from the thirtieth day of August, 1921. All debts due to and owing by the said late firm will be received and paid by the said John Michael Hyams. – Dated this thirtieth day of August, 1921. N. V. DYTE. JOHN M. HYAMS.

His three campaign medals were inscribed and issued by Australia House in London.

In the 1923 London Electoral register he is listed at 46 Mount View Road, Stroud Green Ward. A note is in his records stating that Headquarters, 3^rd D.B. had asked for his address on 14^th November 1923. The 1924 and 1925 phone books have him listed as a builder and decorator with the number Mountview 4224 and the same address. It was said he briefly worked at Elstree Studios as a carpenter, and once worked on an Alfred Hitchcock set for a silent movie.

National Archives UK has a record under J 77/2244/322, which is a Divorce Court File: 322. Appellant: Rachel Dyte. Respondent: Normans Vincent Dyte. Type: Wife’s petition for divorce, dated 1925.

Rachel was living at 12a Longridge Road in Kensington with a lot of other people in the 1930 electoral register. On 5^th August 1938, she left London on Comorin, bound for Bombay. She was in 1^st Class by herself, a 42 year old Foot Expert of 35 Onslow Gardens, and she intended to return to England. She passed away in London on 15^th February 1940. Her probate says Rachel May Dyte “of 35 Onslow Gardens Kensington London single woman died 18 February 1940 Administration London 2 May to Mavis Bettine Sadie Dyte spinster. Effects £205 14s. 5d.”

In late 1926, Norman married Ruth Ryan in Hendon, Middlesex. They had two daughters, Cynthia Marie Dyte born on 16^th September 1928 and Jocelyn Mary Dyte born on 3^rd July 1945. He retired on 16^th May 1928.

In the 1939 Register for the UK, in Sunbury-on-Thames, Middlesex is a record for the Dyte household which includes Norman V, born 1894, Ruth Dyte and another person whose record is closed, and who is presumably Cynthia. The record has his date of birth as 19^th July 1894 and Ruth as 12^th December 1900. (Note his date of birth is 4 years younger than his service record.) Norman was a Joinery Works Foreman and Ruth was doing unpaid domestic duties. Above Norman’s name is O.W. Douglas, all in capitals with a comment on the side of Per I.C. 1-9.48. It is not known what that means or why it is there? It may be his place of employment.

The 1948 and 49 London electoral registers list them as living at 6 Heathcroft Avenue Sunbury Common Ward.

The Family travelled to Melbourne from Liverpool on board the Georgic on 8^th April 1949. Norman was listed as an Engineer, aged 51, Ruth a housewife aged 48, Cynthia aged 20 and Jocelyn aged 3. They intended to permanently reside in Australia and their last address in the UK was 6 Heathcroft Avenue Sunbury. By the 1954 electoral roll, they were living at 1 High Street Bairnsdale and Norman was a builder. Norman needed to establish himself in the Bairnsdale district as a builder, which would have been hard as he was in his 50’s. However, he was a master builder, as well as a cabinet maker/joiner, and to family knowledge, he was never out of work. Sometimes, due to slow payments, money was tight. “He was also rarely out of the workshop on our property, at 32 High Street, when he wasn’t on a building site. If cabinet-making jobs were lacking, he turned his hand to making wooden toys for sale at Dahlsen’s department store in Bairnsdale, and even decoy ducks for shooters.” The 1963 and 1967 rolls show the same details. Due to him being buried in a wet trench during the war, his hip problems caused by arthritis became quite pronounced as he got older. He would not take pain relievers and walked around with the aid of a cane. He kept working with wood up until his 70’s. By the 1968 roll, the address had changed to 24 High Street, with the same occupations. Ruth passed away in 1968 and was buried in Bairnsdale cemetery on 12^th July 1968. The cemetery records have under Remarks: S. Army Service, Register Number: 6119 and Occupation: Home Duties. Her nickname was Bib. The address was changed again to 32 High Street, before his death. Apparently, because it was a newly settled part of West Bairnsdale the numbers were arbitrary until the street was made. They were living in the same house, which was built by Norman for the family.

He followed the Bairnsdale Football Club, an Australian Rules team, known as the Redlegs, going to all home matches, and many at away venues. He also thoroughly enjoyed his cricket on the radio, and later on television when his daughter talked him into buying one in 1961. Norman was an avid reader also, but only of Westerns! Norman and Ruth spent their retirement years working as volunteers for the Bairnsdale Ambulance Service, raising money to build an ambulance station in Bairnsdale. He designed the building. He refused to go to Anzac Day parades, saying angrily to his daughter when she “kept on at him: “If you’d seen a group of your friends blown to smithereens, you wouldn’t want to remember either.” Or words to that shattering effect.”

Norman wrote to the Officer in Charge of Central Army Records Section “A” Block at Albert Park Barracks Victoria asking “Would you please forward to me Anzac Medallion & Lapel Badge.” He signed it Norman Vincent Dyte 801 (officer) 24^th Battalion and gave his address as 32 High Street Bairnsdale.

The Repatriation Department wrote to CARO in February 1964, asking them for Norman’s full service and medical documents to enable them to decide on the application for benefits for him under the Repatriation Act.

Norman passed away on 5^th August 1971 in Bairnsdale. His death index lists his father as Robert. He was buried in Bairnsdale cemetery on 9^th August in the Roman Catholic section with register number 6333, according to Australia Cemetery Index; this is obviously an error. The Bairnsdale Cemetery Trust has the details as register number 5553, and the location in ANG38-C-22 (Anglican Section), with Ruth, who was buried on 12^th July 1968 and register number 11158, so obviously someone transcribed the above records incorrectly. Funeral services for both for them were held at St. John’s Church of England in Bairnsdale. Probate was granted on 18^th November 1971, with confirmation of his death date in Bairnsdale and his occupation as builder. His death was recorded in a local newspaper.

National Archives Australia has a record listed as “[Australian Imperial Force Depots in the United Kingdom Headquarters (Salisbury Plain), Central registry files- Officers Records:] Lieutenant W V Dyte, 24th Battalion” for 1917, which is open but not online, so what it may contain is not known.

 

Mavis Bettine Sadie Dyte married John Edward Carruthers Kell in Fulham London in 1940. His father had served in WW1, serving in the Army Service Corps, Horse Transport. By 1963, they were living at 10 Douglas Street Corinda, in Brisbane. He was a sales manager and she had no occupation listed. The same details are in the 1968 roll. By the 1977 roll, they were living at 6/9 Taylor St Annerley and John had retired. In the 1980 roll, they had moved to 27 Bodalla St Norman Park. Mavis died on 22^nd December 1996 and John on 27^th February 2008 in Brisbane.

 

Cynthia Marie Dyte was born in 1928 in Hackney, London. In 1949, she migrated to Australia from London, arriving in Melbourne with the family. A newspaper article on Norman’s death shows Cynthia was married, but no other online records can be found. According to a family tree, she passed away on 16^th July 1979.

 

Jocelyn married George Matthes. Not many online records can be found for them. There are electoral rolls for Jocelyn Mary Dyte, living in 7 Wigton Street Ascot Vale in 1977 as a journalist, and at 73 Hotham Road Niddrie in 1980, with the same occupation. She is Norman’s daughter. In 2015, an ABN number was cancelled for an individual with her name in Ballarat. No other records can be found for her.

Lieutenant Dyte is named on the St. John’s Church Roll of Honour.

He has family members living in Metung and Lakes Entrance. Norman is listed in the Metung Roll of Honour.

In the British Jewry Book of Honour 1914-1920 is an entry for Lieutenant N V Dyte, an officer in the Australian Corps. He is recorded there as his 2x Great Grandfather Meir Deit was a Jew and was trading in Bristol in the 1770’s as a Quill Maker/Supplier. His son, David Moses Dyte went to London, possibly seeking better trade, and married Hannah Lazarus, the daughter of Harry/Hursch Lazarus, a Pencil Maker from Frankfurt. Their son John Dyte (b 1815) ran a Stationers shop with his mother Hannah at 106 The Strand, near Waterloo Bridge. John contributed to the Jewish charities supporting the poorer communities in London.

His gravestone mentions “late 13 Light Horse Regiment 1^st AIF”; it is not known why, but maybe confused with his pre-war service?

 

His medals are Military Medal, 1914-15 Star, British War and Victory medals. The museum also has his Gallipoli medallion.

With thanks for information, advice and pictures to Jocelyn Dyte and David Hadley (Cambridge, UK).

 

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.