ARTHUR, 2327 Driver William Herbert Leslie, MM

2327 Driver William Herbert Leslie Arthur, MM

Served in various units including:

3^rd Field Artillery Brigade Ammunition Column, 1st Division AIF

103^rd Howitzer Battery, 1st Division AIF

by Robert Simpson

William Herbert Leslie Arthur was born on 14 November 1890 at Broken Hill, a son to William B Arthur and Clara Jane (née Cowl). William (born in 1865 in Cornwall England) and Clara (born on 22 December 1868 in Kadina, South Australia) had been married at Broken Hill in 1889. They had two other children, Egbert Reginald Arthur (born 1892) and Clarence Roy Arthur (born 1894). Unfortunately, William B Arthur died on 18 July 1895 in Broken Hill. The Coroner’s Inquest Register of 26 July by A Barnett at the Court House in Broken Hill has a list of eight men, including William aged 29. The Inquest Register recorded that their deaths occurred at the Broken Hill South Mine due to “Effects of injuries accidently received by a lack of air in the Broken Hill South Mine caused by a fall of earth.”

The Barrier Miner of Broken Hill on Friday 19 July 1895, page 4 reported:

“Relics of the Victims. A Twisted “Spider.” In the changing-room at the mine are several relics of the deceased, consisting of pipes, pocket knives, match-boxes, &c. Presumably the men were smoking when they were so suddenly cut off. “Artie” Trembath’s pipe has the amber broken off, and is scratched as if it had scraped along the floor in his hand. Trembath’s watch was completely smashed; but William Arthur’s when recovered was ticking away merrily, while the pulse of its owner had ceased to beat. A ” spider” the miner’s iron candle-holder—found in the level had the point completely curled up, and another “spider” was found so firmly embedded in a piece of 10 x 4 timber that it could not be pulled out.”

On the evening of 19 July, the newspaper continued with a story on the accident, thought to be caused by a gas build-up being forced along the shaft after a crack opened and the ground gave way. It was also recorded “William Arthur leaves a wife and three children.”

It would appear from the newspaper that the accident actually occurred on18 July, just before 4pm, with eight men having been killed. The article noted William had lived at his residence in William Street South. He was buried in Broken Hill Cemetery in the Methodist Section, subsection Meth M4, row D, Grave 22 on 20 July 1895.

William Herbert Leslie Arthur enlisted on 21 September 1914, giving his name as Herbert Leslie Arthur. He stated he was a British subject, born at Broken Hill NSW, was aged 23 years and 9 months, was a labourer, had not been an apprentice, nor was he married. His next of kin was given as Mrs W J Winterford of Gossan Street Broken Hill. He had no convictions, had never served before nor been dishonourably discharged, nor rejected. A note on the first page suggests he was the support for his widowed mother. He had signed the Attestation form on 18 September 1914. He was given the service number 2327 and his unit was written as A.M.C. There is also a stamp “2^nd, F”. The Attesting Officer signed the form on 21September, Herbert took the oath on the same day at Pontville Tasmania (10^th Military District). His description on enlistment showed he was 23 years and 9 months old, height 5 feet 4 inches, weight 8 stone 11 pounds, chest measurement of 33 to 35 inches, pale complexion with brown eyes and black hair. Religious denomination Methodist. He had no distinctive marks. The examining medical officer signed him fit at the Barracks at Hobart on 18 September.

The Active Service Army Form B 103 for Driver 2327 Herbert Leslie Arthur of 3^rd Field Artillery Brigade Ammunition Column showed he enlisted on 21.9.14 for the duration of the war and four months. He was listed as a Gunner from 21 September to 12 December 1914; then he was a Driver. The 3^rd Field Artillery Brigade Ammunition Column was formed on 19 August 1914 at Morphettville. The first few months were taken up with practice, drills, inspections and marches. He embarked on SS Medic from Adelaide, South Australia on 20 October 1914. They moved to the Outer Harbour and boarded the ship which sailed at 4pm.

After arrival at Fremantle at 8am on 25 October, they spent the next few days there and some men were granted leave each day. On 2 November they weighed anchor and headed off, accompanied by Ascanius and the escort. They heard on 9 November that HMAS Sydney had engaged the German cruiser Emden which had beached on the Cocos Islands to avoid sinking. Weather on the voyage was very hot and sultry, which affected the horses. On 28 November they were advised they would go to Cairo. The ship arrived at Alexandria at 11am on 10 December 1914 and they disembarked two days later. After travelling by train, they arrived at Mena Camp at 2am the next day.

While in Cairo, Egypt, Herbert Leslie Arthur filled out and signed a form with the Military District Pay Office on 23 January 1915, which read: “I beg to request that on and after the 15^th January 1915, and during my service in 3^rd FA Brigade Ammunition Column AIF you will be good enough to pay on my behalf the sum of 3/- Three shillings per day to Mrs M J Winterford of Gossan St, Broken Hill, N.S.W. whose signature appears in the margin.”

On 5 March 1915, W J Winterford of Gossan Street, Broken Hill wrote to The Commandant Military Forces Tasmania. The letter was forwarded to and received by the District Pay Office, on 10 March. It read “I have received a communication from my step son William H. L. Arthur who left Tasmania with the First Expeditionary Force, And is now in Egypt, to the effect that he had left 3/- three shillings per day to his mother Mrs. W. J. Winterford, From the Twentyth of January 1915. Kindly communicate with me or his Mother Mrs. G. J. Winterford Trusting for an early reply I remain Yours faithfully”. The reply from the District Paymaster 6^th Military District at Anglesea Barracks Hobart on 11 March 1915 said: “In reply to your communication of the 5^th instant, I desire to inform you that I have not been advised of the Allotment mentioned therein; if same comes to hand you will be immediately communicated with.”

Herbert joined the Mediterranean Expeditionary Force on 4 April 1915. They arrived off Gaba Tepe on 25 April on HMT Cardiganshire, which moved in to discharge them but came under heavy gunfire and had to withdraw. They did not land until early May, sending men and ammunition in, in groups of 20 or more. Then they started constructing gun emplacements.

A typed letter from W J Winterford to the Paymaster, dated 17 August 1915 reads: “Two months ago I wrote to you, re my step son who went to the front with the First Tasmanian Contingent also enclosing letter from Tasmanian Military Department, re, the amount of four shillings a day from the 20^th January 1915, which is now amounting up to £35-0-4. You are very good in calling for recruits but if you treat all their dependants in the same way it is a wonder to me that you receive the response you have already got. Trusting to get a reply soon as I have been writing to Tasmania and you for the past 8 months. P.S. WH.L. Arthur No.2327 first A.M.C. Tasmania”.

The Department of Defence in Melbourne wrote to the District Paymaster in Tasmania on 12 September 1915 “re. allotment of pay of No.2327 W.H.LArthur, 1^st A.M.C. The attached copy of communication is forwarded for favour of early and full report. Please treat as very urgent.” They had attached a copy of the letter Walter wrote in August. The District Paymaster replied on 17 September, listing all the information and letters received and replied to and when, adding “So far the allotment form in question has not been received here.”

On 14 October 1915 the District Paymaster in the 6^th Military District sent a letter to the Staff Paymaster at Cairo Egypt saying “It has been represented to this office by Mr. W. J. Winterford of Gossan Street, Broken Hill, New South Wales, that his step son Private W. H. L. Arthur, No. 2327, 1^st. A. M. C. (Tasmania) had made an allotment of 3/- per day to his mother, Mrs. Winterford. As the allotment form in question has not yet been received at this office, I would be glad if you would take the necessary action to have another allotment form made out by this soldier.”

Another letter to the Chief Accountant in Melbourne on the same day, said: “in reply to inform you that no action was taken in the matter of obtaining a fresh allotment as the circumstances did not appear to necessitate such action” and that another letter had been sent to obtain a new one. The Staff Paymaster at Cairo wrote back to the District Paymaster in Hobart stating “In reply to your memo. 15/508, of the 14^th October last, please find herewith a duplicate allotment form from Driver H. L. Arthur for 3/- per diem in favour of Mrs. W. J. Winterford, Gossan Street, Broken Hill, N.S.W., from 15^th January, 1915. Please note that this soldier is a member of the 3^rd Field Artillery Brigade Ammunition Column, not 1^st A.M.C., as stated by you. Your attention is also invited to the fact that there is no Unit in the A.I.F. under the title of 1^st A.M.C. Correct Units should always be given, otherwise there will be a delay in tracing the man.”

The District Paymaster in Hobart wrote to the Chief Accountant in Melbourne on 8 December 1915 saying that they had received no reply to their memorandum No 15/508 of 14 October. They had written on 5 December asking if they had received a reply from Egypt and if not to send them a copy of the original letter as soon as possible.

On 2 February 1916, the District Paymaster in Hobart sent a letter to his counterpart in Sydney: “Herewith am forwarding Nominal Roll & allotment form of Member of A.I.F. payable in your District.” The allotment form said Driver 2327 H. L. Arthur 3^rd A.F.A. Brigade Ammunition Column wanted an allotment amount of 3/- per day sent to Mrs W J Winterford of Gossan Street Broken Hill NSW. It was to take effect from 15 January 1915.

He was transferred to the 4^th Artillery Division at Tel-el-Kebir on 27 February 1916 and was taken on strength of 21^st Howitzer Brigade and posted to 103 Battery at the same place on 6 March 1916. On 25 March 1916 he proceeded to join the BEF at Alexandria and disembarked at Marseilles on 1 April 1916. He was transferred to and taken on strength of 3^rd Field Artillery Brigade on 15 May 1916 in France.

Herbert was wounded in the upper part of the arm in France on 11 June 1916. He was admitted to 1^st ACCS with a slight wound on 12 June. On 17 June, he embarked for England ex 13^th General Hospital at Boulogne on HS Newhaven with a GSW arm (mild). On 17 June, he was admitted to 1^st Eastern General Hospital in England with a gunshot wound to the shoulder, and malaria.

On 23 June 1916, Base Records sent his mother a note to her address in Broken Hill advising her regretfully that Driver Herbert L Arthur was wounded and will promptly advise if anything further is received. On 26 June, they notified her he was in hospital.

From the 1^st Eastern General Hospital, Herbert was admitted to No 2 Aust. Comm. Depot at Weymouth England on 31 August 1916. On 1 October 1916, he was taken on strength of AATD at Parkhouse. While there he committed an offence in that he overstayed his leave from midnight 15 to midnight 18 October (72 hours). His Award – he was ordered on 19 October by Captain AFR Thompson to forfeit five days’ pay. He also forfeited three days’ pay under R.W. (a total of eight days’ pay).

2327 Driver Herbert Leslie Arthur of 103^rd Battery AIF was recommended by Major General H B Walker Commanding 1^st Australian Division for a Military Medal, with the action for which he was commended reading: “At ANZAC on the night of 12^th May, 1915 was in charge of a fatigue party constructing a gun pit in the open, under fire for two hours. He volunteered for this work and after being relieved still continued to assist by carrying sand-bags across the open, during which operation five men were wounded. When Major Villiers-Stuart was seriously wounded Arthur conveyed him to a place of safety and returned for this Officer’s sketching instruments. He was knocked down by the blast of a shell while on the latter errand.” (The museum has a uniform which belonged to Major Charles Herbert Villiers-Stuart, who was actually killed on 17 May 1915.) The award was recommended by C.R.A. Divisional Artillery 1^st Australian Division 1^st A. & N.Z.A.Corps. The war diary for the day just says “Heavily Shelled”.

Herbert was awarded the Military Medal on 27 October 1916 while in England. It was recorded in the London Gazette of 27 October 1916 on page 10486 at position 10.

He was transferred to 21^st FAB at Boyton Camp on 26 October 1916 from Artillery Training Depot and was taken on strength of 116^th Howitzer Battery from 3^rd FAB details on that day. While there he again overstayed his leave from midnight 18 November 1916 to 6am on 20 November (30 hours) for which he was awarded five days’ Field Punishment No 2 and forfeited seven days’ pay. On 1 January 1917 he again committed an offence at Boyton Camp where he was: – i) absent from the 7:30 parade on that day and ii) absent without leave from 12pm 2.1.17 to 7.30am 3.1.17. His Award was one day’s Field Punishment No 2 by Major D R Harris on 3 January and a total forfeiture of two days’ pay.

From No 1 Camp Boyton in Wiltshire on 28 March 1917, he embarked at Folkestone, and proceeded overseas to France, then on 30 March, marched in at AGBD, Etaples. From there on 4 April, he marched out to 102^nd Howitzer Battery. On 5 April he was taken on strength and posted to the 102^nd Battery in France. His record says from (originally) ADBD, but that is crossed out and 116^th Heavy Battery written beside that.

On 25 April 1917, Base Records wrote to Mrs W J Winterford, Gossan Street Broken Hill advising her: “I have much pleasure in forwarding hereunder copy of extract from Supplement No. 29805 to the London Gazette of 27^th October, 1916, relating to the conspicuous services rendered by, No. 2327, Driver H. L. Arthur, 103^rd Howitzer Brigade.” It went on to say he was “awarded the Military Medal and His Majesty The King had been graciously pleased to award it to Herbert for bravery in the Field.” It was also promulgated in Commonwealth of Australia Gazette No 62 of 19 April 1917.

The next entry in his record says he was with unit on 25 January 1918. On 15 February, he went on leave to England, re-joining his unit on 7 March 1918. On 2 August 1918 he went to hospital “sick”, first going to 137 Field Ambulance, then to 1^st Australian Casualty Clearing Station with a contusion on his left knee [“acc”- accidental?]. Next day he was admitted to 32^nd Stationary Hospital at Wimereux. He was marched in to ADBD at Le Havre from hospital on 20 August 1918 and marched out to England on 28 August with a contusion on the left knee. He was graded medically B1. Arriving in England on 30 August, he was marched in to No 2 CD at Weymouth.

On 9 September 1918 it was recorded in his service record that he committed an offence at Weymouth on 5 September in his “neglect to obey A.I.F. depot order 2256 of 16.10.17 in that he was found in Weymouth at 10.25 pm without a pass from his C.O.” and he was awarded six days confined to barracks by Lieutenant Colonel D A Lane. He marched out to No1 CD at Sutton Veny on 4 October 1918 and was marched in there from No 2 CD on the same date. Herbert was classified B1A2.

The next line in his service record refers to the Nominal Roll and says “Dvr. Returned to Australia per D.24 For Submarine Guard Duty” but then it was crossed out. On 10 October 1918 Herbert was marched out from No 1 Commonwealth Depot at Sutton Veny to St. Budeaux Barracks Devonport (1914 Person). He returned to Australia from England for 1914 Special Leave, per SS Leicestershire, having embarked on 9 December 1918. He was recorded on the nominal roll as Gunner Herbert Leslie Arthur MM of 2^nd F. A. Bde.

On 21 January 1919, a telegram was sent from the Paymaster 4^th Military District to the Paymaster in Hobart advising him that Herbert was an inter-district transfer. Another telegram on 31 January said that his Combination Card had been forwarded on 18 January to the District Paymaster in Adelaide and said they had been advised by Perth to send it.

The Discharge Section has a piece of paper in his service record which says 2327 Driver H L Arthur 102^nd Howitzer Battery, returned on HMAT Leicestershire on 22 January 1919 (TPE) and was discharged on 23 March 1919 in the 4^th Military District. Another sheet says he was 2^nd FAB, late 103^rd Howitzer Battery, late 3^rd FAB Ammunition Column and another page records that he embarked on HMAT Leicestershire in England on 9 December 1918. His mother was notified that he was returning to Australia on 6 January 1919. He disembarked in the 3^rd Military District on 22 January 1919 and proceeded to the 4^th Military District.

A letter from the District Paymaster in 2^nd Military District to the District Paymaster in the 4^th Military District in Adelaide on 11 February 1919 “re No. 2327 H.L. ARTHUR 102^nd How. Battery. With reference to your communication No. 1305 of the 24^th ult., I have to inform you that the abovenamed solider enlisted in Tasmania, and embarked with the 3^rd B.A.M,, Col., on 20.10.14. A complete roll of this Unit is not held at this Office, and there is no trace of any allotment left on embarkation. Form B. was received from the Staff Paymaster, Cairo, through the 6^th Military District, Tasmania – 2.2.16. The allotment provided for the payment at the rate of 3/- per diem to Mrs. W.J. Winterford, Gossan Street, Broken Hill, with effect from 15.11.16. For your information I would state that the date in the Allotment Form has been altered from 15.11.15 to 15.1.16. Payment was made in this District on Certificate No. 80, Broken Hill, from last date as under :- From 15.1.16 to 5.9.18 = 965 days @ 3/- = £144. 15. 0. The Chief Paymaster, London, has been advised per Appen. A. 179, that no allotment was paid here for period 15.1.15 to 14.1.16.”

On 26 February 1919, the District Paymaster in 2^nd Military District wrote to his counterpart in Hobart (6^th MD) “re No.2327 H.L. ARTHUR 102^nd How. Battery. I have to acknowledge receipt of your telegram No. 134, and in reply to inform you that the District Paymaster, 4^th Military District, has already been furnished with full particulars of the abovenamed soldier’s allotment, as per copy of communication, attached.”

On 3 April 1919 Captain A Mitchell, Staff Officer Invalids & Returned Soldiers in the 4^th Military District signed a form at Keswick Barracks Adelaide to go to Base Records in Melbourne. The form stated “The undermentioned soldier has been handed his Discharge. Medical Board Proceedings and other documents as follow forwarded herewith: – D.1.B. 178. Denatl Form X.” [probably Dental?] No. 2327 Rank. Dvr. Name. ARTHUR, Herbert Leslie. Unit. 102 How. Bty. 2^nd. F.A.B. Date of Attestation. 20/9/14. Date of Embarkation. 20/10/14. Date of Disembarkation. 22/1/19. Ex. “Leicestershire” Reason for Discharge. Cessation of Hostilities. Date of Discharge. 23/3/19. Total Service. 4 years – 185 days. Service Abroad 4 years – 95 days. Account Adjusted in Part.” Base Records received it on 8 April.

The District Paymaster in the 3^rd MD wrote to his counterpart in the 6^th MD (Hobart) on 7 March 1919 “re Acquittance Rolls H.M.A.T. “Leicestershire” A payment of £13.0.0 against No.2327 H.L.Arthur appears on “Leicestershire” Acquittance Rolls and is included in our P.R.20 No.6/303. As the soldier’s account is being finalized in 4^th.Military District, I shall be glad if you will please forward your Debit Advice to that District direct.”

His 1914/15 Star and British War Medals were issued to him but the Victory Medal was cancelled originally, with a note that he had transferred to 4^th Military District, where it was issued.

His allotment file is also open and online. It shows 2327 Driver H L Arthur 116 Howitzer Battery late brigade Ammunition Column attested on 17 October 1914, was single and was aged 23. He returned to Melbourne, Australia on HMAT Leicestershire on 22 January 1919. His next of kin was Mrs W J Winterford, Broken Hill NSW, later changed to Clara Jane Winterford, Beryl Street.

A confirmation of a telegram from the Paymaster to the Military Paymaster in Hobart on 6 May 1919 says “28 Panorama 2327 Arthur. H.L. 102 M. Battery. Urgent. It was stamped 24 May 1919 in District Pay Office 5^th Military District. The reply from the Paymaster 6^th Military District on 9 March 1919 to the District Paymaster 4^th Military District Adelaide: “re. No. 2327. H. L. Arthur 101^st. How. Bty.: In reply to your Telegram No. 28 of 6/5/19, I have to advise that an N.E.S. for this Soldier has not been received at this Office.” On 3 September 1919 the District Finance Officer, 6^th Military District replied to Mr H L Arthur, 74 Gossan Street Broken Hill NSW, saying “With reference to your letter of 14^th August, I desire to inform you that as you were discharged in the 4^th Military District, you will have to again refer the matter to the District Finance Officer of that District.” William had written to them on 14 August 1919, stating “having written to the District Paymaster of the 4 Military District re my Deferred pay I can get no satisfaction could you Kindly inform me as to when my remaining deferred pay is likely to be finalized seeing that I have been discharged since 23/3/1919 I enlisted in Hobart at the Barracks leaving Australia with the first Div and on returning transferred to the 4 District my home being in that District Hoping to hear from you at the earliest date”.

William married Myrtle Olive Alford in 1920 at Broken Hill. Myrtle had been born about 1890. Nothing else is known about her.

He signed for his 1914/15 Star at Broken Hill on 21 December 1920. Central Registry received the signed form the next day. His Victory Medal was signed for on 8 November 1922 at Broken Hill; the form to be sent back to the Medal Distributing Officer at Keswick Barracks Adelaide. His details were recorded as Driver 2327 H L Arthur 3 FAB AIF.

On 1 March 1922, Base Records wrote to Headquarters, 6^th District Base, Anglesea Barracks Hobart asking: “With reference to 1914/15 Star (No. 953) and British War Medal (No. 6523) which are forwarded to you for issue to ex-No. 2327 Driver H.L. ARTHUR, M.M., 2^nd Field Artillery Brigade, I shall be obliged if you will transmit same to 4^th District Base for disposal, as application has been received at that office for the medals.”

In August 1922 he was involved in a divorce case in Broken Hill, as recorded in the local paper. “William Herbert Leslie Arthur deposed that on May 6, 1922, he visited a house in North Broken Hill, where he saw Mrs. Perdikis and Don Devero. In reply to questions Mrs. Perdikis said she was not living with her husband and Devero would do her better than her husband.”

The Barrier Miner newspaper of Broken Hill had a series of articles on him, starting from Thursday 2 December 1926 on page 3:

“CLAIM FOR WAGES

VERDICT FOR A CLEANER AGAINST SHERIFF’S OFFICER!

In the Police Court this morning, before Mr. R. C. Atkinson, S.M., Charles Papst proceeded against William Herbert Leslie Arthur for the recovery of £9 19/ being due for wages as a cleaner. The defendant did not appear and the case was heard ex parte. The plaintiff deposed that the defendant was employed as sheriff’s officer at the time he engaged the plaintiff. The work was done at the Courthouse. The magistrate ordered the payment by the defendant of £9 19/ as wages, with 6 costs in default, one month’s imprisonment.”

On Friday 3 December 1926 in page 2:

“ALLEGED MISAPPROPRIATION

In the Police Court this morning, before Mr. H. C. Atkinson, S.M., William Herbert Leslie Arthur (34) was charged with having between the months of July and November fraudulently misappropriated the amount of £10 16/ collected from Walter Clarence Wilkinson to be paid to Frank Newnham. Mr. W. P. Blackmore appeared for the defendant, who was remanded until Monday next. Bail was allowed in self and surety of £30 each.”

Also, on Tuesday 7 December 1926 in page 3:

“MISAPPROPRIATION CHARGE AGAINST COURT OFFICIAL

COMMITTED FOR TRIAL

In the Police Court this morning, before Mr. R. C. Atkinson, S.M., William Herbert Leslie Arthur (34), on remand, was charged with having between the months of July and November fraudulently misappropriated the amount of £10 16/ collected from Walter Clarence Wilkinson to be paid to Frank Newnham.

Mr. W. P. Blackmore appeared for the defendant.

Constable A. A. Zahn deposed that about 6.45 p.m. on December 2 he arrested the defendant on the warrant produced. He read the warrant to the defendant, who made no reply.

Frank Newnham, motor garage proprietor, residing in Oxide-street, deposed that he knew a man named Walter Clarence Wilkinson. He owed witness money. Witness took steps to recover the money through the Small Debts Court. He did not file judgment against the defendant. He did not wish to give evidence.

The Magistrate: You go on and answer the questions.

Mr. Blackmore: I understood the defendant to say he did not wish to give evidence.

The Magistrate: This is an indictable offence Mr. Blackmore. If they are going to make use of the criminal court to recover the money I am not going to be a party to it.

Witness, continuing, said Wilkinson did not pay the money to witness. Witness called and saw the defendant who was sheriff’s officer at the time. He asked the defendant if he would collect the money. The money had not been paid to witness. Witness took out the warrant and the defendant saw him a few days afterwards and offered to pay the money. He only gave the defendant authority to collect the money.

To Mr. Blackmore: I am friendly with the defendant. I have had several dealings with him. I asked him about the money three weeks ago. I issued the warrant because I had an idea he was going away and became

[sic]

he had not come down with the money. I did not know it was outside the sheriff’s officer’s duties to collect the money. All I wanted was my money.

Walter Clarence Wilkinson, miner, residing at 81 Wolfram-street, deposed that he knew Newnham. He had dealings with Newnham last year in respect to repairs to a motor car. He received a summons from Newnham. The defendant delivered the summons. Later he saw the defendant at the Courthouse, and said. “I want to make arrangements to pay the amount in instalments.” The defendant said, “Righto, I’ll fix that up.” He paid the defendant the amount in fortnightly instalments to the full amount. He produced a receipt from the defendant for the amount. There was also a receipt on the summons signed by the defendant for the amount.

To Mr. Blackmore: I arranged to pay him something off the account every fortnight. I used to try to see him five or six times a day. He only came once to my place.

This closed the case for the prosecution.

Mr. Blackmore contended that then [sic] was no evidence of misappropriation on the part of the defendant.

The Magistrate: There is evidence of failure to account for the money. The defendant, being a public officer was in a different category to other men. He had no right to collect this money, but he should have accounted for it after he had collected it. I think it is a case to go on to a jury.

The defendant was then charged with having fraudulently omitted to account for money paid to him by Wilkinson on behalf of Newnham.

The Defendant: There was no intention to misappropriate any money. The money was there to be called for. I still have the same money and am prepared to pay it into court now.

Mr. Blackmore: We tender the money to the court as evidence of bona fides.

The Magistrate: The court cannot accept the money. The defendant is committed for trial at the Court of Quarter Sessions to be held at Broken Hill on December 8. Bail is allowed in self and surety of £30 each.”

Finally, on Wednesday 8 December 1926 on page 1: –

“A CASE ADJOURNED.

The case of William Herbert Leslie Arthur, charged with fraudulently omitting to account for money paid to him, was adjourned until the next Court of Quarter Sessions.”

The New South Wales Police Gazette of 15 December 1926 on page 675 had an entry under Apprehensions: “WILLIAM HERBERT LESLIE ARTHUR (34), charged with fraudulently misappropriating the sum of £10 16s., the property of Frank Newnham, has been arrested by Constable Zahn, Broken Hill Police. Committed for trial at Broken Hill Sessions. Admitted to bail.” The same gazette had an entry under “Return of prisoners tried at the different circuit courts and courts of quarter sessions” with the listing of William Herbert Leslie Arthur, offence of fraudulent misappropriation committed on Frank Newnham. He was tried at Broken Hill Quarter Sessions on 8^th December 1926 and his sentence was postponed to next Quarter Sessions. The Gazette of 12^th January 1927 recorded “Vide Police Gazette, 1926, page 675. The Attorney-General had declined to file a bill against WILLIAM HERBERT LESLIE ARTHUR, under committal, charged with fraudulently misappropriating the sum of £10 16s., the property of Frank Newnham.”

NSW State Archives has a file on this: –

• Number: INX-40-36652
• Index Name: Criminal Depositions (Deposition Books) Index 1849-1949
• Name: William Herbert Leslie
• Surname: ARTHUR
• Alleged Offence: Fraudulent misappropriation
• Committed for trial at: Broken Hill
• Place of Committal: Broken Hill
• Date of Committal: 7 Dec 1926
• Entry No: 401
• Series: NRS 849
• Item No: 15
• Page No: 47 Index Number: 40

On 14 June 1933, William filled out a Statutory Declaration that he “Herbert Leslie Arthur of (address) 67 Hanover St Fitzroy do solemnly and sincerely declare: – 1. THAT I served in the Australian Imperial Force and my regimental particulars were as follows: – Regimental No. 2327 Rank Private Unit 102 How Bty 2. THAT I have lost the Discharge Certificate issued to me by the Defence Department. 3. THAT the circumstances under which the said certificate was lost as are under: – Burnt with some papers on June 13^th 1933 at the above address”. He signed the declaration in the presence of a Commissioner for Declarations.

In 1933, William married Pearl Victoria Langley in Victoria. Pearl had been born on 1 June 1906 in Collingwood. Her parents had come from Tasmania. The 1934 electoral roll for Carlton has them living at 508 Drummond Street, William was a chef and Pearl a boot machinist. In the 1937 roll, they were at the same address and had the same occupations listed. On 29 September 1940, they had a son, Bruce Graeme Arthur in Melbourne. In the 1943 electoral roll they were still living at the same address and had the same occupations. The 1949 roll and the 1964 roll showed all details the same.

William wrote a letter to the Officer in Charge, which Base Records received on 12 April 1939, asking “Would you please send to the above address a copy of my Military Discharge the same was destroyed at the bushfire at Hoogee [sic; difficult to decipher handwriting; may be Wooragee] whilst I was working up there. The following are some of my particulars Reg. No 2327 Driver H L Arthur 102 How Battery I enlisted in Tasmania with the 3^rd F.A.B. sailed with 1^st Aust Div on the troopship … [difficult to decipher handwriting] returned on the SS (Liccestshire) [sic, he meant Leicestershire]. This is my signature H. L. Arthur M.M. 102 How Battery 1^st Aust Div. Hoping this will meet with your approval.” The address he gave was 508 Drummond St Carlton N3 Victoria.

On 14 April 1939, William made a statutory declaration: “I, Herbert Leslie Arthur, of 508 Drummond St. Carlton. N. 3. Victoria. do solemnly and sincerely declare: – 1. THAT I served in the Australian Imperial Force, and my Regimental Particulars were as follows: – Regimental No.2327 Rank Driver Unit 102 How Battery. 2. THAT I have lost the Discharge Certificate issued to me by the Department of Defence. 3. THAT the circumstances under which the said loss occurred are as under: – That the Discharge was destroyed by fire in the Bush fire while working at Woogee [sic; difficult to decipher handwriting; may be Wooragee] on the 13/1/39. 4. THAT the loss was unavoidable and, to the best of my knowledge and belief, the said Discharge Certificate is not in the hands of any other person.” He made the declaration at Carlton with a JP. He also gave his birth details as “Broken Hill, NSW 22 Nov. 1890” and next of kin details were “Mrs C J Winterford, Mother, cnr Beryl & Gossan St Broken Hill.”

Details of his family-

His mother Clara continued to live at Broken Hill. In the 1934 electoral roll she was living at 34 Beryl Street and had re-married. Walter John Winterford, a labourer had married her on 22 June 1904. She passed away on 16 September 1942 in Henley Beach, South Australia. A newspaper entry of her death reads “WINTERFORD.- On September 16, at her residence, 1 Beck street, Henley Beach. Clara Jane, wife of the late Walter Winterford, and mother of Will, Reg, and Roy Arthur, and W. D. Winterford, beloved sister of Mrs. Wood, aged 73 years. Late of Broken Hill.” She was listed as a widow, with her son Egbert the administrator. She is buried in Cheltenham Cemetery in Adelaide.

In the 1930 electoral roll, Egbert (Reg) was living at 34 Beryl St in Broken Hill, he was a clerk and was by himself. His details were the same up to the 1937 roll. He passed away on 13 September 1954 in Adelaide and is buried in West Terrace Cemetery in Adelaide.

Clarence Roy Arthur married Mabel Gertrude Northon in Broken Hill in 1916. In the 1937 electoral roll they were living at 52 Beryl Street, he was a shunter and she was doing home duties. He died on 5 October 1956 at Croydon, South Australia. He has a plaque in Centennial Park Cemetery. Mabel died in 1983.

In the 1935 Electoral roll, Myrtle was still living at Broken Hill at 132 Argent Street, doing home duties and she was still there in the 1943 roll. By the 1968 roll, she had moved to 530 Argent Street. There are divorce papers at NSW State Archives between Myrtle Olive Arthur and William Herbert Leslie Arthur which are dated 05-03-1965 to 21-12-1965. She passed away on 26 April 1970 at Broken Hill and is buried in the cemetery in Methodist, OB, row 15, plot 16, under her maiden name.

Bruce Arthur was living at 2/1009 Glenhuntly Road Caulfield East as a clerk, with Pearl Victoria Arthur doing home duties in the 1963 electoral roll. His middle name was spelt Graham. The same listings were in the 1967 and 1968 rolls. By the 1972 roll, he was living at 8 Epacris Close Kingswood and was a manager. Also living there was Janice Eileen Arthur, doing home duties. They were both at the same address and had the same occupations in the 1977 and 1980 rolls. He passed away on 23 September 2009 in Melbourne and is buried in Lilydale Memorial Park. Pearl was living at No 2 1009 Glenhuntly Rd Caulfield East doing home duties in the 1967 electoral roll, with her son Bruce. She passed away on 1 January 1970 in South Caulfield Victoria.

National Archives Australia also has a file on him B73, M115284, which is open in Melbourne but not online and says “ARTHUR, Herbert Leslie [aka William Herbert Leslie] – Service Number – 2327” with the content range from 1914 to 1957.

On 20 September 1955 the Repat Department in Melbourne replied to a query by the Deputy Commissioner on 13 September, referring to “2327 Arthur H L 2^nd FAB” that all documents were sent to your department on 13-9-55 reference telegram.” Another sheet in his service records gives a list of the required documents that were sent on 13 September.

Solicitors and Notary, John R Edwards, Brown and Brown, 281 Argent Street Broken Hill wrote to The Under Secretary, Department of the Army in Canberra on 19 November 1964, asking: “Re W.H.L. ARTHUR. Would you kindly advise whether you have any record of the following person said to have been enlisted in the A.I.F. in the 1914/18 War. “2327-DVR. H.L. Arthur 3F.A.B. A.I.F.”. The above is taken from an inscription on a First World War Victory Medal.” After receiving it on 25 November, the OIC of CARO replied on 26 November 1964 saying “Re: ex 2327 Herbert Leslie ARTHUR MM – 3 FAB Your letter GMT’LS of 19^th November 1964 is acknowledged. According to records held at this office the above-named enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force on 21^st September 1914 and was discharged on 23^rd March 1919. He served in the Middle East, France and the United Kingdom from 20^th October 1914 until 22^nd January 1919. His next of kin was recorded as Mother – W.J. Winterford of Broken Hill.”

William passed away in 1955 in Carlton, Victoria. His medals are the Military Medal, 1914-15 Star, British War Medal and Victory Medal. The Maryborough Military and Colonial Museum has only his Military Medal.

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.