13/438 Sergeant Raymond Reynolds Carr Rollett

Auckland Mounted Rifles

By Robert Simpson 2024

Raymond Reynolds Carr Rollett was born on 2 October 1888 at Sumner, a son to William Carr Rollett and Helena Annie Woodhouse. Sumner is a coastal seaside suburb of Christchurch. He was one of five children to them. William had been born in Thorne, Yorkshire, England on 1 June 1856 and Helena was born in Doncaster, Yorkshire, England on 11 March 1861. He married Helena on 9 September 1885 at Amberley, Hurunui, Canterbury, New Zealand. Raymond’s surname is spelt Rollitt on New Zealand BDM with the listing under Births as 1888/9337 and also only showing his first two names, with his parents listed as Raymond Reynolds and Helena Annie Rollitt. William passed away on 21 January 1930 and is buried in Hamilton East Cemetery in plot BB-B-27. There is no grave marker. Helena passed away on 23 March 1946 in Auckland and was cremated at Waikumete Cemetery & Crematorium.

Their first child was Margaret Winifred Rollett, born on 24 February 1887 at Hororata, Selwyn, Canterbury, New Zealand. She married Guy Rupert Evans in 1922 in Hamilton. Guy had been born on 11 October 1892 in Christchurch. In the 1941 electoral roll they were living at Weraroa Road, Levin and he was an agent. She passed away on 19 March 1971 in Christchurch and he died on 16 December 1973 in Levin, New Zealand.

Harold William Carr Rollett was born on 18 March 1892 at Ashburton, Canterbury, New Zealand, again surname spelt Rollitt. He is listed in a site, ‘British Families in Southern Patagonia’, as Harold William CARR-ROLLITT with a biography of ‘b. 1891 New Zealand; son of William CARR ROLLITT & Elena Annie WOODHOUSE; sheep-farmer at Cerro Castillo, Ultima Esperanza; later, farmer at Ea. La Luchita, near Tres Lagos, Santa Cruz; later, settled in Puerto Santa Cruz; sold farm products, insurance, Ford cars; d. 1969 Buenos Aires.’ He married Cecilia Melville Cater in 1916 in Punta Arenas. She had been born in 1894 and died in 1960 in Buenos Aires. He then married Blanche Ridley. There are no other details on her. A note with the records at the museum state he ‘went to Argentina for 49 years and owned a 50000 acre sheep property.’

An advertisement in the newspaper Ovina in 1941 and a picture of him.

Frederick (Derick) Guy Rollett was born on 19 Oct 1896 at Christchurch, New Zealand. He enlisted on 20 September 1916 as Private 33515 with the 3^rd Battalion Canterbury Infantry Regiment. Frederick was 19 years and 11 months old, was 5 foot 11 inches tall and had a dark complexion with grey eyes and brown hair. He was gassed on 16 October 1917 and was sent to England to the Royal Victoria Military Hospital. He convalesced at Netley Hill. Derick was classified unfit for service by a Military Board in February 1918 and was sent back to New Zealand, where he was discharged at Wellington on 12 April.

Derick married Doris Dive (1898-1998) in 1936.

He passed away on 17 July 1992 in Auckland and was cremated at Purewa Cemetery.

Derick and Doris about 1936.

Norman Carr Rollett was born on 27 Jul 1890 in Ashburton, Canterbury, New Zealand. In the 1911 electoral roll he was living at Matanuku, Lichfield and was a farm hand. All their surnames were spelt Rollitt. The same details for him were recorded in the 1914 roll.

He enlisted in September 1916 as 33516 Private with the 22^nd Reinforcements Special Company Signal Section. In England he was transferred to the 3^rd Battalion Canterbury Regiment in the field in November 1917. After spending some time in hospital in December 1917, a medical board determined he had chronic gastritis and astigmatism, both due to active service and he was unfit for service in March 1918. He served overseas for 1 year and 28 days, being discharged on 12 April 1918. His medals were the British War and Victory Medals.

He died on 7 May 1963 at Te Pahu and is buried in Hamilton Park Cemetery.

On 18 December 1909 Raymond was issued a Competitor’s Season Ticket for the New Zealand Athletic Union with his address as Wayson and description as eight 5 foot 9 inches and complexion as fair.

Raymond enlisted on 11 August 1914. He was recorded as being a farmer and had not been an indentured apprentice. His father was recorded as his employer at Canterbury. He did record he had previous military experience. Raymond was described as being 25 years and 10 months old, height 5 foot 9 inches, weight 150 pounds, a chest measurement of 32 to 37 inches and of dark complexion with grey eyes and black hair. His religious profession was Anglican. He had a slight scar on his forehead. His medical examination showed he was fit and had no issues to interfere with the efficient performance of his duties. He enlisted with the Auckland Mounted Rifles, Machine Gun Section.

In his attestation form Raymond joined the Auckland Mounted Rifles. He was born in New Zealand and was a British subject. His date of birth was 2 October 1888 and he was a farmer. Raymond had not been apprenticed. Matanuku Downs Tokoroa Putaruru was his address. He had passed the Fourth Educational Standard. William Carr Rollett of Canterbury was his current employer. He was not married, had not been imprisoned and was not currently serving. His previous service was recorded as shown below with his discharge due to change of residence. Raymond had not been previously rejected for military service and was willing to be vaccinated and serve overseas. He signed it at Hamilton on 11 August 1914. His description on enlistment stated his age was 25 years and 10 months, height 5 foot 9 inches, weight 150 pounds, chest measurement 32 to 37 inches, and he had a dark complexion with grey eyes and black hair. His religion was Anglican and for distinctive marks he had a slight scar on forehead. With the medical examination, he had normal vision, hearing and colour vision. He had no issues apart from his teeth, which were fair and had no vaccination marks. He was signed off, fit for service. His medical history record showed the same details.

Raymond wrote a series of letters (of which the museum has some), the first one to his father (addressing him as ‘Dear Boss’) on 6 August 1914 in which he discussed giving both his parents power of attorney and being loaned some money to clear up his accounts. Most of the other letters are written to his mother, addressing her as ‘Dearest Mother Gumph’. He wrote 15 letters to her during the rest of 1914, mainly from various camps he was in in New Zealand, on a ship waiting to sail, and then from Tasmania, Albany and at sea. In them he describes life in the camps and notes he was in the Mounted Machine Gun Section and how busy they were. Raymond did not have a kind word for ‘these muddling Territorial officers things are already in a mixup; the infernal idiots are drawing on us for horse picquets & we look after other troops horses…’ A note was added to one letter ‘Have been offer (sic) acting N.C.O. stripes but declined.’ In the letters he talks about his horse, ‘The Beetle’. When the battalion was embarking to sail, he sent his mother a telegraph letting her know he was departing as shown in the copy below. In late November he mentions in a letter that he hopes ‘that Norman has recovered from his accident’. While at sea he describes the convoy with mention of the Syndey, Melbourne and a Japanese battleship. At Egypt, he was discussing going to Marseilles and then to the front. He only wrote one letter to her in January 1915 and one in February 1915 from Cairo. He wrote 2 letters in February one in May and one in June to his ‘Aunt Lu’. The letter on 7 May says they are going to Alexandria and then off to the Dardanelles, dismounted, and it would be his ‘last opportunity to write for a while’.

He is listed in the ‘Alphabetical Roll of the New Zealand Expeditionary Force, 1914’ as Trooper 13/438 Raymond Reynolds Carr Rollett of the Main Body Draft, with the Auckland Mounted Rifles. Raymond was single, with his last address of Matanuka Downs, Tokoroa, via Putaruru. Auckland was listed as the Military District and his next of kin was W Rollet (sic) of the same address. The battalion was raised in August 1914 and trained until late September. He left New Zealand on 12 October 1914 and arrived in Egypt on 3 December 1914. Moving to Cairo by train, they established their camp at Zeitoun. The following months they practised horsemanship, small arms and bayonet training and learned to construct trenches. He was sent to hospital on 2 February 1915 with influenza, which was recorded as mild, and had recovered by 9 February. In May 1915 they moved to Gallipoli, moving to the area at Walker’s Top and The Nek. On 19 May they defeated a Turkish attack on their trenches, at a cost of nearly 50 wounded or dead. They moved in and out of the trenches over the next few months.

A copy of his will, dated 27 May 1915, and said ‘in the event of my death give to Wm. Carr Rollett all money and effects’.

Raymond was promoted to Corporal at the Dardanelles on 7 July 1915. He was admitted to No 2 Stationary Hospital on Mudros on 25 July 1915 with pyrexia, was transferred to Base on 31 July 1915 and returned to duty with the Auckland Mounted Rifles at the Dardanelles on 13 August 1915. A hospital record records that he had influenza for 9 days and it was mild and he recovered. While recovering he was promoted to Sergeant on 20 August 1915.

In August an advance was proposed against Sari Bair system to cut off the Turkish Army with the New Zealand troops taking the main thrust. The Auckland Mounted Rifles were to clear the Turks from Old No 3 Outpost, Big Top Table beyond it, to the right Destroyer Hill and to the left Bauchop’s Hill. It was to be a surprise attack without artillery on 6 August. They took and held Old No 3 Outpost for 3 days, repelling many Turkish attacks, but at a huge cost, with only 66 of the 310 men being relieved then. Some of the New Zealand troops reached the crest but then were halted by Turkish artillery and machine guns. On 27 August the survivors, with other battalions, were involved in an attack on Hill 60 where they suffered heavy casualties and had to fight off several counter-attacks.

A history of the Auckland Mounted Rifles is recorded here: – https://nzhistory.govt.nz/page/1915-auckland-mounted-rifles-regiment

The story of his demise is in his service record as a typed statement, which was sent to his father, is shown below: –

Raymond died of his wounds (recorded as a GSW to the head) on Sunday 29 August 1915 on board H.M.H.S. Devanha, and he was buried at sea between Anzac and Mudros.

An officer of the regiment also wrote a letter to his father from 13 Lewis Crescent, Brighton in Sussex on 4 November 1915. It was recorded in the Waikato Times, Volume 86, Issue 13094 of 31 January 1916 in Page 7 as

SERGT. ROLLETT’S DEATH

ALONE WITH MACHINE GUN.

EXCEEDINGLY POPULAR OFFICER.

In response to a request by his parents, Mr and Mrs H. A. Carr Rollett, of Putaruru for some particulars of the death of their son, Sergt. R. R. Carr-Rollett, who left with the A.M.R. Machine-gun Section, Main Body, the New Zealand High Commissioner, made enquiries amongst wounded New Zealanders in England, and Sergt. Rollett’s parents have now received the following letter from Lieut. Walter Haeata, of the A.M.R.:

“Dear Sir,-The O.C. Records. N.Z.E.F., has informed me that you were seeking information re Sergt. R. R. Carr-Rollet, and he asked me to write to you about him. On the night of the 27th August we had made an attack on a hill occupied by the Turks. After we had driven them off they commenced to counter-attack time after time, and I was making a round of inspection of our new position when I came across Sergt. Rollett working one of our machineguns by himself, the rest of the gun crew all being killed or wounded. I spoke to Sergt Rollett, and told him as soon as I could get reinforcements I would send some men up to him. He replied quite cheerfully that he was all right and thoroughly enjoying the night’s entertainment, and he had got a very good bag of Turks. I conversed with him for several minutes, and left him. During the night the Turks tried to recapture the hill, and attacked us about six times, and it was in one of these rushes that Sergt Rollett was unfortunately shot in the head and died almost instantaneously. We buried him next morning amongst the trenches. In our military maps, (later issue), the place where he is buried is Knoll 60, Kaiajikaghala. I should like to mention that the officers of the Auckland Mounted Rifles thought a lot of Sergt Rollett, and about a week previous to the date on which he was killed, I, as Acting-Adjutant, had recommended him for a commission in one of the armies now being formed in England, and felt sure he would have obtained one without any difficulty.” Other letters we have received from time to time have mentioned Sergt. Rollett was an exceedingly capable and highly respected and popular officer. In a letter published on Friday in our columns. Lieut McGregor referred to Sergt Rollett’s death.’

In the New Zealand WW1 Army Roll of Honour, he is listed as 13/438 Sergeant Raymond Reynolds Carr Rollett M.I.D. with is unit listed as A.M.R., and the particulars of casualty recorded as ‘Died of wounds at sea x Gallipoli, 29/8/15’. He is remembered at Lone Pine Cemetery and Memorial on Gallipoli on Panel 71.

On 13 November 1917 the Minister of Defence wrote to Mr W Carr Rollett of Matanuku Downs, Tokoroa, Putaruru, saying ‘In reply to your letter of the 3^rd instant, my Department’s records show that your son – 13/438, Raymond Reynolds Carr Rollett was mentioned in Sir Ian Hamilton’s Despatches in December, 1915 for meritorious services rendered in connection with the Gallipoli campaign. I have instructed the Director of Base Records to communicate with Lieut. McGregor with a view to obtaining a statement from him on the subject. When this is received I will refer the matter to General Sir Alex. Godley for his report. The enclosures which accompanied your letter will be retained in the file in the meantime. Your other son – 33575. Derrick Carr Rollett was gassed on October 16^th. He was not wounded in the ordinary sense but for official purposes soldiers who are gassed are classified as wounded. I regret I cannot give you any further information respecting him at present but a progress report should be received shortly. In the meantime I do not think you need be unduly anxious as to his condition.’

A certificate of his death was sent to Messrs Buddle, Richmond and Buddle of 6 Wyndham Street Auckland on 13 September 1915. It reads that 13/458 Corporal Raymond Reynolds Carr Rollett of the Auckland Mounted Rifles, New Zealand Expeditionary Force, died of wounds received in action at Gallipoli on the Twenty-Ninth day of August 1915.

In a list of ‘CASUALTIES. Sun (Christchurch), Volume II, Issue 506, 23 September 1915, Page 8 AUCKLAND MOUNTED. (August 29.) Rollett, Raymond Reynolds Carr, corporal.’

‘NEW ZEALAND’S ROLL OF HONOUR. New Zealand Herald, Volume LII, Issue 16030, 23 September 1915, Page 9 DIED OF WOUNDS. AUCKLAND MOUNTED Rifles. Raymond Reynolds Carr Rollett (Corporal)-W. Rollett, Matanuka Downs’.

He is mentioned under the heading ‘MEN WHO HAVE FALLEN New Zealand Herald, Volume LII, Issue 16031, 24 September 1915, Page 9 CORPORAL R. CARR ROLLETT. Corporal Raymond Reynolds Carr Rollett, who died of wounds on August 29 was the eldest son of Mr. William Carr Rollett, of Matanuku Downs, near Lichfield. He left New Zealand for Egypt with the first contingent, in the machinegun section of the Waikato Mounted Rifles, and was among the first of the mounted men in Egypt to volunteer for service on Gallipoli. He was born in Canterbury and was 26 years old at the time of his death. He received his first military training in the Christ’s College Rifles, and later was for some time, in the Amuri Mounted Rifles. He became chief scout to his section and gained his corporal’s stripes some months ago. He was an exceedingly fine horseman and rode frequently in hunt club and cross-country races He took with him to Egypt his horse. The Beetle, caught wild on the Tokoroa Plains, and broken in by himself to a most useful and capable hack. After finishing he education in Christchurch he joined his father on their sheep-run in Otago, but about five years ago came up to Auckland when his father bought a large block of land in what is called the Pumice Country. Corporal Rollett took an active part in the work of transforming this class of land to useful farming purposes, and his knowledge of modern agriculture and stock made him a very valuable member of the pioneer community, in the Matanuku district.

Also, under ‘WAR ON TURKEY. Sun (Christchurch), Volume II, Issue 509, 27 September 1915, Page 8

CORPORAL R. CARR ROLLETT. Corporal Raymond Reynolds Carr Rollett, who died of wounds on August 29. was the eldest son of Mr William Carr Rollett, of Matanuku Downs, near Lichfield. He left New Zealand for Egypt with the first contingent in the machine-gun section of the Waikato Mounted Rifles, and was among the first of the mounted men in Egypt to volunteer for service on Gallipoli. He was born in Canterbury, and was 26 years old at the time of his death. He received his first military training in the Christ’s College Rifles, and later was for some time in the Amuri Mounted Rifles. He became chief scout to his section, and gained his corporal’s stripes some months ago. He was an exceedingly fine horseman, and rode frequently in hunt club and cross-country races. He took with him to Egypt his horse. The Beetle, caught wild on the Tokoroa Plains, and broken in by himself to a most useful and capable hack.’

On 21 September 1916 a newspaper recorded ‘21st Reinforcements Carr-Rollett, D – Tokoroa; Carr-Rollett, N – Tokoroa.’ In another newspaper on 15 November 1917, it recorded ‘ROLLETT A cablegram – stating that Dereck Carr ROLLETT was wounded and gassed in France on 16 October. Owing to some mistake this name appeared in the casualty lists as D CARR. He is the youngest son of Mr Wm Carr Rollett of Matamuku Downs, Tokoroa and joined the 22nd Specialist Corps but transferred to the infantry. Mr Rollett’s eldest son Ray was killed at Gallipoli. The third son Norman, who was also in the NZ Expeditionary Forces, is in an English hospital recovering from an attack of pneumonia.’

His Mention in Despatches was recorded in the London Gazette of 28 January 1916 on page 1210 in connection with the operations described in General I. Hamilton’s despatch dated 11 December 1915. A letter was sent to his father at River Road Hamilton on 19 August 1921, which contained the certificate of the mention in despatches. (See below).

William applied for the payment of the Overseas War Service Gratuity for Raymond in 1920. A letter sent to his father on 15 March 1920 from the War Expenses Office was in reply to his letter to them asking for the Active Service Gratuity and asked two questions which would help them dispose the claim. They wanted to know what his relation to Raymond was, to which he answered ‘father’, and had he ever received a pension as a dependant of the deceased, to which he replied ‘no’ and signed it. In April 1920 they sent his father his pay book and advised him ‘that any balance shown therein has been taken into consideration in the compilation of deceased’s pay account.’

On 29 February 1916 Ewin McGregor wrote to his father saying ‘Your letter of 12^th February to hand, . (sic) Sorry I could not answer sooner. Pressure of work. My son’s address is 13/395 B.W.McG. c/o High Commissioner for New Zealand 13 Victoria St. London. SW. My son wrote very nicely of your son. What a fine man he was and how sorry they all were at losing him. He also said he had been recommended for the D.C.M. but they had made it a rule not to give dead men honours. So you have a reason to be proud of your son, who gave his life for his country. My son will soon be fit to take his place again in the firing line. Captain Wallingford is again passed as medically fit for the front, if he is allowed to go back the men will be pleased as he was a tower of strength to them.’

A statement of his service shows he was a Private and promoted to Corporal on 7 July 1915. An attachment to that form records him as a Sergeant and deceased, with his medal posted to his father at Hamilton. The British War Medal was sent on 11 November 1922 and the Victory medal on 21 September 1922. There is no date for the 1914-15 Star. Another attachment shows his plaque and scroll were sent by certified post on 24 October 1922, according to a note on the top of the form, but it states “Scroll despatched (date)’ was 2 August 1921 and the plaque 3 February 1922. They were sent to his father, but the address had changed to Claudelands Hamilton.

The plaque and scroll for him was sent to his father in 1921 and 1922 at Hamilton. His medals were also forwarded to him, they being the 1914-15 Star, British War and Victory medals, with all being completed by 23 October 1923.

Records posted his father the certificate for his Mention in Despatches on 19 August 1921 and sent a letter with it with a receipt to reply with.

A letter written to his father at River Road Claudelands Hamilton on 3 October 1921 reads: ‘In reply to your letter of the 20^th September, I have to advise that your son when attesting signed the form “R.R.C.Rollett”, and as the Memorial Scroll was prepared overseas, it will not be possible for me to supply you with another copy showing the name of “Carr-Rollett”. The records show that your son was promoted Corporal on the 7^th July, 1915, and Sergeant on the 20^th August, 1915. The despatch in which his name was mentioned would no doubt refer to his conduct prior to July, 1915, and therefore the rank of Trooper would be shown upon it. A Plaque issued as a memorial of the services rendered by your late son has arrived in New Zealand and I hope to despatch it at an early date.’

His History Sheet shows Raymond Reynolds Carr Rollett was with the Auckland Mounted Rifles with the service number 13/438. His rank was originally written as Corporal, then crossed out to Sergeant. Church of England was recorded as his religion and he was born in New Zealand on 2 October 1888. His occupation was farmer, with his last employer being Matanuka Downs. That was also part of his last New Zealand address, with Tokoroa, Putaruru added. Mr. W Rollett was his next of kin, at the same address. It was later changed on 20 January 1920 to River Road Hamilton. It recorded he died of ‘wounds at sea 29/8/15 (Received in action)’ and under that in red pen is ‘Died of GSW Head 29.8.15 Gaba Tepe on HS Devanha BR 23/8’. His medals were sent to his father at the River Road address by PMG on 13 January 1921. A sheet attached to that one had information that his rank at death, highest rank and highest rank held in theatre of war were all Sergeant. It also noted that the medal action was completed on 23 October 1923 and had a stamp which showed ‘Egyptian: 1914-1915’ and ‘Balkan {Gallipoli Mudros 1915’. It also recorded he was Mentioned in Despatches by Sir Ian Hamilton in the London Gazette on 11 February 1916. The record showed he served in New Zealand from 11 August 1914 to 16 October 1914 and foreign service from 16 October 1914. It also noted he was buried ‘at sea between Anzac & Mudros’. Another record stated it was on 30 August from the Nominal Roll of Deaths from the Senior Medical Officer on HS Devanha.

A family tree on Ancestry has Raymond attached with Ruth Ann Beaumont Thomson. There is no marriage record, so maybe she was his girlfriend/ fiancée? She had been born on 14 June 1891 in Gisborne, New Zealand. On 10 January 1921 she married Richard James Butt (1897-1986). In the 1916 directory he was a farmer, living at Dipton, Southland. He enlisted in WW1 on 11 December 1917 as Private 76684 with the 42^nd Reinforcements D Company, but according to the tree he ‘Contracted Bronchitis aboard the ship on way to England and was hospitalized for the term of his deployment. He was never involved in any conflicts.’ Richard was entitled to the British War Medal. After the war he was a railway labourer. They had four children. Ruth died on 12 July 1982 and is buried in Eastern Cemetery Invercargill.

In the book Honours and Awards to the New Zealand Expeditionary Force in the Great War 1914-1918 he is listed on page 276 as ‘ROLLETT, Raymond Reynolds Carr 13/438 M.I.D. Trooper, Auckland Mounted Rifles L.G. 28 January 1916, p1210 In connection with the operations described in General I. Hamilton’s despatch dated 11 December 1915. D.O.W. at sea ex Gallipoli 29 August 1915’.

His certificate was posted to Mr W Carr Rollett at River Road Hamilton on 20 August 1921 and reads ‘The War of 1914-1918. New Zealand Forces 13/438 Tpr. R.R.R.C.Rollet, Auckland Mtd.Rif. was mentioned in a Despatch from General Sir Ian S. M. Hamilton, G.C.B. D.S.O. A.D.C. dated 11^th December 1915 for gallant and distinguished services in the Field. I have it in command from the King to record His Majesty’s high appreciation of the services rendered.’ It was signed by Winston Churchill, the Secretary of State for War at the War Office at Whitehall on 1 March 1919. Lone Pine Memorial at Gallipoli, Panel 71. The museum has the British War and Victory medals to 33515 Private D Carr-Rollett NZEF and the 1914-15 Star, British War Medal and Victory Medal with Oak Leaf attached to 13/438 Serjeant R.R.C. Rollett NZEF. There is also a gold fob which is engraved on the reverse ‘PUTARURU Patriotic Association Presented to Pte. N Carr-Rollett Feb 1919’.

Lone Pine Memorial at Gallipoli, Panel 71.

The museum has the British War and Victory medals to 33515 Private D Carr-Rollett NZEF and the 1914-15 Star, British War Medal and Victory Medal with Oak Leaf attached to 13/438 Serjeant R.R.C. Rollett NZEF. There is also a gold fob which is engraved on the reverse ‘PUTARURU Patriotic Association Presented to Pte. N Carr-Rollett Feb 1919’.

 

His MID was in the original envelope addressed to Mr W Carr Rollett, River Rd, Hamilton; posted on 21 August 1921.

The museum also has other items that have been kept which include these items and photos.

 

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.

 

Private 955 Matthew Michael Mulcahy MiD CC

3^rd Battalion AIF

By Robert Simpson

Matthew Michael Mulcahy was born on 23 January 1892 Murrumburrah, New South Wales, a son to Thomas Mulcahy and Catherine Dacey. He was one of five sons they had. Thomas had been born on 7 April 1854 in Boorowa, New South Wales and baptised on 14 August 1954 in Yass. His parents had come from Ireland, with his father being a convict. He married Catherine in Young on 12 October 1884. Catherine had been born on 8 June 1868 in Binalong, New South Wales. Thomas died on 10 May 1896 at Gundilyngal, New South Wales and is buried in Cootamundra General Cemetery. The Cootamundra Herald of Saturday 23 May 1896 in page 6 recorded ‘Death of Mr. T. Mulcahy.— News has reached us of the death at 11 o’clock on Wednesday night, at Springdale, of Thomas Mulcahy, son of one of our early pioneer settlers in the county of the Yeo Yeo creek. Deceased was about 40 years of age, and leaves a wife and five sons, the eldest being 11 years of age. He will be remembered as a stout built young man, but hydatids had lately reduced him to a mere skeleton. The funeral left Springdale at an early hour on Friday morning.’

In 1899 in Cootamundra, New South Wales, Catherine re-married to John Fredrick Ebinger (1857-1933), a German who migrated to Australia in 1881. On 18 February 1914 in the New South Wales Police Gazette, he reported a missing a ‘Silver hunting stop-watch No. 102183, “Stewart Dawson” on dial. (Since recovered).’ In 1924 he was listed in the Sands Directory as living at 23 Kalgoorlie Street Leichhardt. In the 1930 electoral roll, they were both listed as living at The Cottage, Cardigan Street Auburn, with Catherine doing home duties and John retired. He died on 28 August 1933 in Newtown, with his occupation listed as engineer in the Index to Deceased Estate Files. She died on 18 December 1949 in Camperdown, New South Wales and is buried in Rookwood Catholic Cemeteries and Crematoria in an unmarked grave in Sect. M2 Row 15 Plot 886.

Their first son was John Thomas Mulcahy (Jack), born on 17 August 1885 at Stockinbingal, New South Wales. He married Ethel Ester James (1887-1980) at Young, New South Wales in 1909. They had four children, including twins. In the 1943 electoral roll, the family was living at 56 Ivy Street in Sydney, with John a railway employee. He died on 9 September 1947 and is buried in Rookwood Catholic Cemeteries and Crematoria in R.C. Mortuary 2; Sect. 15 Plot 886, an unmarked grave with his mother. Ethel died on 15 February 1980 in New South Wales. William Felix Mulcahy was born on 15 September 1887 in Murrumburrah, New South Wales. In the 1913 electoral roll he was living at 44 Shepherd Street Chippendale, Sydney and he was a labourer. He enlisted on 28 November 1915 with the 4^th Battalion as Private 6051. They embarked from Sydney on HMAT Wiltshire A18 on 22 August 1916. In the embarkation roll of 19^th Reinforcements, 4^th Infantry Battalion he was listed as a single 28-year-old foundry man, living in Galong NSW, with his next of kin listed as his mother at 58 Bind Street (actually Vine Street as noted on his service record) Redfern. His religion was Roman Catholic and he was paid 5 shillings a day. He was 28 years and 2 months old, was 5 foot 8 inches tall, weighed 168 pounds, had a chest measurement of 35 to 40 inches and was of dark complexion with hazel eyes and black going grey hair. His vision in both eyes was 6/9. After arriving in England, he was in trouble for going AWOL. During July 1917 he was detached for duty with Corps Workshops (3^rd F. C. Engineers) and went on leave to England in August 1918. While there he contracted VD and remained there until he was sent home. In 1917 the battalion was mainly involved in fighting around Ypres. After moving to the Somme in 1918, they helped to stop the German spring offensive in March and April before being involved in the offensive east of Amiens on 8 August 1918, which was the greatest success in a single day on the Western Front. He returned to Australia on 21 December 1918. William was entitled to the British War and Victory medals. In the 1935 electoral roll he was living at 28 Albermarle Street Newtown, Sydney and was a labourer. By the 1954 roll he was living at 96 Denison Street North Sydney and was still a labourer. He died on 30 January 1955 and is buried in Macquarie Park Cemetery and Crematorium. Owen Joseph (Owen Thomas?) Mulcahy was born on 10 November 1889 at Wallendbeen, New South Wales. He married Alice Hickey (1889-1964) in 1915 at Hornsby, New South Wales. They had five children. He died on 18 December 1926 at Temora, New South Wales and is buried in Temora Cemetery. Owen was recorded as being a carrier.

Their last child, Phillip Mulcahy was born on 12 May 1894 at Stockinbingal, New South Wales. The Grenfell Record and Lachlan District Advertiser of Friday 15 November 1912 in page 2 had ‘A shocking accident occurred on the Young show ground on Saturday afternoon last while some motor cyclists were doing time trials in preparation for the Eisteddfod sports. Amongst those on the track was Philip Mulcahey son of Mrs J. F. Ebinger of Young; he had attained a high speed when something went wrong with the machine and he attempted to apply the brakes; instead of doing this however, he increased the speed, and the machine dashed into the new hardwood fence encircling the track, striking a post in the fence, and lifting both post and rail out of the ground. The impact was said to have been terrific; Mulcahey’s left leg struck the post, and he received a compound fracture above the knee. It was stated that a piece of the bone was found firmly imbedded in the post, but this is ridiculed by the medical attendant, who stated that the piece of bone shown him was a piece of decayed substance. Besides the broken leg, the unfortunate man received injuries and bruises of a minor character to various parts of the body; he was taken to the Burrangong District Hospital, and on enquiry on Tuesday we learned that the patient was doing as well as the circumstances would allow. The motor bicycle was very badly damaged.’ In the 1954 electoral roll he was living at Major’s Creek, Araluen, Eden Monaro, New South Wales and was a labourer. He died in 1970 and is buried in Braidwood Cemetery.

The 3^rd Battalion was among the first infantry units raised for the AIF in August 1914 and it was recruited from New South Wales. With the 1^st, 2^nd and 4^th Battalion it formed the 1^st Brigade. Matthew joined the 3^rd Battalion, 1^st Infantry Brigade on 25 August 1914 as Private 955. He stated he had been born in Murrumburrah and was a Natural Born British Subject. He was 25 years and 7 months, a fireman in the New South Wales Railway and was not married and had not been an apprentice. His next of kin was his mother, Mrs J F Ebinger of 44 Shepherd Street Sydney (later changed to 58 Vine Street Redfern, Sydney). Matthew answered no to the other questions, except for a yes, that he has stated all his previous service. He took the oath on 27 August at Kensington. His enlistment description showed he was 25 years and 7 months old, was 6-foot 1½ inches tall, weighed 14 stone 3 pounds, had a chest measurement of 37½ to 40½ inches and had a dark complexion with blue eyes and black hair. His religious denomination was Roman Catholic. For distinctive marks he had a tattoo which was ‘clasped hands under a ½ star on right arm’. He was medically certified and appointed to E Company of 3^rd Battalion 1^st Infantry Brigade on the same day. Matthew enlisted for the duration of the war plus four months. He embarked on HMAT Euripides A14 on 20 October 1914. After a brief stop in Albany the 3^rd Battalion arrived in Egypt on 2 December. They embarked on HMT Derfflinger for MEF on 5 April 1915. As part of the second and third waves the battalion took part in the Gallipoli landing on 25 April 1915. Privates 955 M M Mulcahy and 896 T Blackburn of the 3^rd Battalion were recommended as ‘On 25^th and 26^th April these two soldiers behaved in a conspicuous manner, going out when called for to any part of the firing line. (Reported by Lieut. Barlow.)’ Lieutenant J E Barlow was later killed in action on 6 August 1915 during the battle for Lone Pine. He returned to HMT Derfflinger with a compound fracture of the humerus from Gallipoli. His service record has a date range of 25 to 30 April 1915 recorded for that incident. He was recorded on 6 May 1915 as dangerously ill in Heliopolis with wounds to his hip, and still dangerously ill on 13 May. Matthew died on 8 May 1915 from the effects of a wound to the hip that was received in action, at Heliopolis in Australian General Hospital No. 1. It was recorded as due to septicaemia and exhaustion. He was buried by Reverend McKenzie in Cairo British Cemetery on 11 May. His next of kin was advised that he was dangerously ill on 8 May. In the Cowra Free Press on Wednesday 12 May 1915 in page 2 was: ‘OUR BOYS AT THE FRONT Among the wounded from this district we notice the names of Troopers M. M. (Tiny) Mulcahy, who was one time on the railway here and has two brothers residing here now, and S. Warren, son of Mr. and Mrs. Warren, of Wattamondara, who is serving with the New Zealanders.’ The Inverell Times of Friday 14 May 1915 had on page 4: ‘A Soldier’s Death. The Very Rev. Dean O’Neill received the following telegram front Colonel Luscombe on Tuesday evening: — “Officially reported that Number 955, Private M. M. Mulcahy, third battalion, died septicaemia and exhaustion, eighth of May; was previously reported wounded. Kindly inform his mother, Mrs. J. F. Ebinger, Inverell, and convey deep regret and sympathy of their Majesties the King and Queen, as well as Commonwealth Government, in the loss that she and the Army have sustained by the death of her son.” Also, in the Co-operator (of Sydney) on Thursday 10 June 1915 in page 4 was ‘PERSONAL. Fireman Matthew Michael Mulcahy, who was killed at the Dardanelles, hailed, from Harden, and was a son of Mrs. Ebinger, of Wallendbeen. Mulcahy was 23 years of age and will be much missed in athletic circles, he having been a keen sport.’ The Sydney Morning Herald of Saturday 5 June 1915 in page 14 had: ‘PRIVATE M. M. MULCAHY. Private Matthew Michael Mulcahy (killed in action) was a son of Mrs. Ebinger of Wallendbeen. He was 23 years of age, and previous to enlisting was employed as railway fireman at Harden. A keen sportsman, the dead soldier took great interest in boxing, and was a member of a local football club.’ The Co-operator of Sydney on Thursday 10 June 1915 in page 4 under ‘PERSONAL. Fireman Matthew Michael Mulcahy, who was killed at the Dardanelles, hailed, from Harden, and was a son of Mrs. Ebinger, of Wallendbeen. Mulcahy was 23 years of age and will be much missed in athletic circles, he having been a keen sport.’ He also received a special mention as a Corps Complementary for the period of 25 April to 5 May 1915, for acts of conspicuous gallantry or valuable services. This was recorded in Part II 2056: 17.7.15 and MEFO 17/11-15. On 7 October 1915 his mother wrote to Base Records, enquiring of his pay and will. They replied on 14 October. She let them know of a change of address on 6 January 1916, which they acknowledged on 14 January and they also let Thomas Cook know the change on the same date. A letter was sent to Mrs J F Ebinger, 58 Vine Street Redfern, Sydney from Base Records on 1 February 1916 which said ‘I am directed to forward herewith the following extract from the Army Corps Routine Orders for 29^th June, 1915. “153 COMPLIMENTARY. The Army Corps Commander has very much pleasure in publishing the names of the Junior Regimental Officers, Warrant Officers, N.C.O’s and men, in the attached supplement, which have been brought to his notice for having performed various acts of conspicuous gallantry or valuable service during the period from 25^th April to 5^th May, 1915. He cordially thanks them for the good work they have performed, which more than ever testifies to their devotion to duty towards King and Country. His only regret is that they cannot all be rewarded.” No. 955 Private M. M. Mulcahy. (Died of Wounds) 3^rd Battalion. The above has been promulgated in Australian Military Orders No. 570 of 1915.’ A copy of his will, which was written on 10 November 1914 stated ‘In the event of my death I leave all my property and effects to my mother Mrs. J.F.Ebinger, No. 6 Cleveland Street, George Street West Post Office, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.’ It was signed “Private M.M.Mulcahy No.955, A.I.F. 3^rd. Batt D Coy.’ The Sydney Mail of Wednesday 17 November 1915 in page 6 under the heading of Honoured by the King and Mentioned in Despatches was this picture of him:

Base Records sent his mother a letter on 6 April 1916 which was a ‘copy of extract from Supplement 29354 to the “London Gazette” of 5^th November, 1915, relating to the conspicuous services rendered by the late No. 955 Private M. M. Mulcahy, 3^rd Battalion.’ He had been Mentioned in Despatches in ‘continuation of my Despatch of 26^th August, 1915. I have the honour to submit herewith the additional name of No. 955 Private M.M.Mulcahy, 3rd Battalion. They also noted it had ‘been promulgated in Australian Military Order No. 44 of 1916.’ Army Form B. 2090 A. was filled out on 16 June 1915 by Lieutenant H S G Hall, Officer Commanding Records Section Australia for AAG GHQ 3^rd Echelon MEF at Alexandria. It stated Private 955 M M Mulcahy D Company 3^rd Battalion AIF died of wounds received in action at No 1 General Hospital Heliopolis on 8 May 1915. It stated he had left no will (which was incorrect). His 1914-15 Star was sent to the Commandant in the 2^nd Military District on 1 October 1920. The Where the Australians Rest pamphlet was sent to his mother on 10 February 1921. His British Ward Medal was sent to her on 4 March 1921 and his Victory medal was sent on 9 August 1922. The Memorial Scroll and Memorial Plaque were sent to her in late 1921, as was his Mention in Despatches. C Ebinger signed for four copies of photographs of the grave of 955 Private M M Mulcahy 3^rd Battalion on 22 August 1921 and Base Records received the receipt slip on 27 August. (An order form for the photographs is still in his service records, filled out by the Department of Defence, but not by anyone else, which seems odd. It includes his CWGC entry and where he is buried.) The receipt for his Memorial Scroll and King’s message was received by Base Records on 27 August 1921 after being signed by his mother on 23 August. His mother signed for his Mention in Despatches (London Gazette No 29354/5450) on 17 October 1921 and the receipt was received by Base Records on 22 October. She also signed for his Memorial Plaque and King’s Message on 25 November 1921 and Base Records received the receipt on 29 November. On 18 August 1922 Catherine Ebinger signed for his Victory Medal with Oak Leaf attached, with Base Records receiving the receipt on 25 August. The effects of the late Private 955 W Mulcahy 3^rd Battalion were described as 1 brown paper parcel containing one photo. It was despatched on 29 September 1915 with Thomas Cook and son to his next of kin on HMS Ulysses. Another page has despatched ‘3-1-16 . J.F Ebbinger (sic) N. S. Wales’. The Repatriation Commission requested his service records from Base Records in 1936. Matthew Michael Mulcahy is buried in the Cairo War Memorial Cemetery and in recorded in CWGC register as ‘MULCAHY, Pte. Matthew Michael, 955. 3^rd Btn. Australian Inf. Died of wounds 8^th May, 1915. Age 23. Son of Thomas and Catherine Mulcahy, of Milton, South Coast, New South Wales. Born at Wallendbeen, New South Wales. M. 30. Personal Inscription FOR LIBERTY AND TRUTH HE STOOD A SOLDIER TO THE END R.I.P.’ The inscription was written by his mother. He is also recorded at the Australian War Memorial at panel 37 in the Commemorative Area.

His medals are the 1914-15 Star, British War Medal and the Victory Medal with Oak Leaf. The museum just has the last medal as pictured.

 

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.

462 Corporal Albert Christopher Julius Graffunder C.C.

2^nd Light Horse Regiment AIF

By Robert Simpson

“Cpl. A.C.J. Graffunder , one of the soldiers photographed in The Queenslander Pictorial, supplement to The Queenslander, 1915.” It was on a page titled ‘Non-Commissioned Officers and Men of the Queensland A.L.H. FEGAN PHOTO’

Albert Christopher Julius Graffunder was born at Te Kowai near Mackay, Queensland on 21^st July 1890. He was a son to Julius Christopher Albert Graffunder and Sylvia Ronilda Frances Beaton. Julius had been born in Petinyck, West Prussia about 1851 and was a 39-year-old labourer. It may have been the death of his father Karl in 1875 that caused the family to migrate to Brisbane in 1876, arriving there on 6 October from Hamburg on the Reichstag. His name was recorded as Julius Grawinder. He was naturalised in Queensland in 1879. Julius married Sylvia on 10 May 1883 in Mackay. Sylvia had been born in Mackay on 4 November 1865, with her parents coming from the United Kingdom and marrying in Mackay in 1864. Albert was one of five children to them. He was admitted to the Mackay Hospital on 21 November 1891. The Mackay Hospital Admissions has an entry on 25 March 1899 for Albert Graffunder, and another entry on 7 June 1908. In the Queensland Police Gazette Index of 1902, under Complainants, is an entry for an A C J Graffender. In the 1906 electoral roll, Julius was recorded as a labourer at Cattle Creek, near Mirani. By the 1915 roll, he was listed under Gruffunder at Boonah as a labourer. He passed away on 26 May 1920 in the Goodna Mental Institution, with his name recorded in death records as Julius Graffenden. He is buried in the Goodna Cemetery in an unmarked grave.

A newspaper report on 22 Oct 1888 reads ‘MAD WOMAN. On the 7th instant, says the Mackay Standard, a selector named Crawford residing at Ball’s Creek reported to the police that a woman who lived on the opposite side of the creek had gone mad, and was so violent that be had been obliged to leave his house and take refuge with a neighbour named Blakeley who lived several miles away. The woman is the wife of a selector named Graffunder who was working at Homebush, and she attacked Graffunder’s house with a tomahawk declaring she would have blood, and so terrified his family that they watched their opportunity, and, stealing away from the house, took a circuitous route for Blakeley’s. On receiving this intelligence, the Judge at once despatched Constable Fogarty, who, on arrival, found everything broken and thrown outside both houses and the woman gone, and neither she nor her three children aged three, four, and one year, were anywhere to be found. Constable Fogarty then went on to the Chase and here found the woman with the youngest of her children, the others however not being with her. It appears that the woman had come to the lower boundary of the Chase, and, throwing the child roughly on the ground, furiously attacked the fire with a stick which she carried in her hand, shouting out at the same time that she would kill the child as she had killed the other two. When the men at the camp tried to seize her she took up the child again by the dress and with its head hanging downwards, ran as hard as she could up the creek. Lavaring and a man named Wagner followed her, and after a long run secured her and conveyed both mother and child to Mr. A. Kemmis’s house. Here, the child was washed and attended to but the woman became so furious that she had to be tied up. On Constable Fogarty arriving on the scene the unfortunate woman was handed over to him, and he attempted to elicit from her some information as to what had become of the other two children, but could get no satisfaction. Eventually they were tracked by Mr. Kemmis’s black boy, who discovered them in the scrub about half way between the Chase and Graffunder’s house. The children were alive and well, and, with the exception of a few bruises, which they said their mother had inflicted with a stick, were unhurt. They were taken in charge by their grandmother, Mrs. Donald Beaton, and the unfortunate woman was conveyed to Eton in a buggy and from thence to town by train, and safely lodged in the lockup. She will probably be despatched in charge of a Constable to Woogaroo on the first opportunity.’

Another article in 1891 contains the following: ‘Sylvia Graffunder charged her husband, Julius Graffunder, with assault. Mr. Wright appeared for the defence. The plaintiff said that her husband had quarrelled with her on account of two men seen near the place. He had promised that her grave should be in Bell’s Creek that night, and that he would report to the police that she had drowned herself, whilst insane. He then administered a thrashing with some plough reins. In cross-examination she admitted that she had not always been virtuous but had reported her lapses to her husband. Mr. Wright pointed out the provocation which defendant had suffered, and the husband was eventually bound over to keep the peace for six months in his own recognisance of £30.’ Somewhere between 1895 and 1896, Sylvia must have left him and married (no record found?) James Harrison. She then had four children to him. In the 1905 electoral roll she was living at Millchester Creek in North Queensland and was doing domestic duties. She passed away on 14 September 1930 in Charters Towers and is buried in Charters Towers Monumental & Lawn Cemetery in LYND, Section 28, Plot 451, Grave # 7821, an unmarked grave.

Other children from her first marriage were:

– Donald Angus Graffunder was born on 28 June 1884 in Queensland. In the 1919 electoral roll, he was living at Bauple and was a labourer. An article in a Queensland newspaper dated Saturday 6 February 1926 reads ‘DONALD ANGUS GRAFFUNDER. of Bauple, In the State of Queensland, Farmer, was adjudged Insolvent on the First day of February, 1020. The First Meeting of Creditors will be held at the Principal Registry, Brisbane, on the Eighteenth day of February, 1926, at eleven o’clock in the forenoon.’ Another article on Tuesday 21 October 1930 read ‘Donald Graffunder, aged 47 years, fell down a well at Mirani, a distance of 30 feet, last evening. Fully 100 residents gathered about the well watching the ambulance bearers affect a rescue. After the lapse of over an hour Graffunder was brought to the surface, suffering from severe abrasions and concussion. He was taken to the District Hospital for treatment.’ He died on 27 May 1948 and is buried in Mackay City Cemetery.

– Olga Augustina Albert Graffunder was born on 24 January 1886 in Mackay. On 16 December 1908 she married Isaac Robert Gomersall (1886-1966) in Queensland. The local newspaper recorded the marriage as ‘A quiet but pretty wedding was celebrated at St. Paul’s Presbyterian Church yesterday afternoon, the contracting parties being Miss Olga Graffunder, eldest daughter of Mr. Julius Graffunder, of this town, and Robert Gomarsell (sic) of the Logan District. The bride was given away by Mr. O. Ungerer, and attended by her sister, Miss Sylvia Graffunder, as bridesmaid, while Mr. Albert Graffunder accompanied the bridegroom in the capacity of best man. After the ceremony a reception was held at the residence of Mr. O. Ungerer, where the happy couple received the congratulations of their many friends.’ The 1919 electoral roll shows them living at “The Palms” near Mackay, with Isaac a farmer and Olga doing home duties. She passed away on 15 March 1965 and is buried in Walkerston Cemetery Mackay in Presbyterian Section 1, Line 9, Plot 18 with her husband.

-Sylvia Ronilda Frances Victoria Graffunder was born on 16 September 1887 at Te Kowai, in Queensland. She married William Phillips (1883-1944) on 27 September 1911 at the English Church, Mackay. In the 1949 electoral roll she was living at 7 Pirie Street Mackay, doing home duties. She died on 23 April 1963 and is buried in Mackay City Cemetery with her husband.

-Vera Barbara Graffunder was born on 4 March 1895 in Queensland. She married William Morran (1883-1969) on 2 September 1933 in Queensland. She died on 28 December 1964 in Brisbane and is buried at Mount Bassett Cemetery, Mackay in C of E Section 1, Line 20, Plot 27, an unmarked grave.

Her children to James Harrison were:- Richard James Harrison was born on 29 November 1896 in Mackay. On 21 January 1916 he joined the 11^th Reinforcements of the 26^th Battalion as Private 4432 and gave his occupation as labourer. In France, while with A Company, 26^th Battalion, he got influenza in June 1916 and then was wounded in action in August 1916. He was wounded in action again in March 1917 and after returning to his battalion was sent to hospital as being sick (ingrown toenails) in June 1917, after which he went AWOL for a day. For that he was awarded Field Punishment No 2 and forfeited pay. He was sent back to Australia ‘for family reasons’ on 27 August 1917, and was discharged in the 1^st Military District on 9 November 1917.

On 26 January 1921 Richard married Isabella Hogg Laing Paterson. In WW2 he was with 16 Battalion Volunteer Defence Corps (QLD) as Q218236, enlisting on 11 August 1942 at Home Hill and being discharged as a Lieutenant. He died on 6 October 1973 at Home Hill and is buried in Home Hill General Cemetery.

Copy of request to discharge for Richard Harrison

Herbert Mackay Harrison was born at Old Sawmill Paddock, Homebush via Mackay on 28 December 1898. He enlisted on 21 January 1916 with the 11^th Reinforcements 26^th Battalion as Private 4433. He was a labourer and had previous military experience with the RANR for 3 years, which he left as he left the district. Herbert was 5 foot 5¾ inches tall, weighed 8 stone, had a chest measurement of 30 to 33 inches, and had a dark complexion with brown eyes and curly brown hair. His religious denomination was Church of England. He landed at Etaples from Egypt on 9 June 1916 and proceeded to join his unit on 31 July. Herbert was killed in action in France on 5 August 1916. He is remembered at Villers Bretonneux Memorial MR 26, Part III G-J. His CWGC records reads ‘HARRISON, Pte. Herbert Mackay, 4433. 26^th Bn. 5^th Aug., 1916. Age 18. Son of Sylvia Ronilda Frances Beaton Harrison, of Tierney St., Queenton, Charters Towers, Queensland, and the late James Harrison.’ For his will, he left all his property and effects to his mother. Sylvia signed for his Victory medal, Memorial Plaque and Scroll in the early 1920’s. His British War Medal was sent to the Commandant in the 1^st Military District on 9 December 1921, but there is no document to say she received it. His mother wrote some letters to Base Records in which she noted she had been ridiculed in Charters Towers and gave an account of some of her life and that four of her sons served. She noted ‘one of my sons was reported killed with liquid fire serving with the Argyleshire and Sunderland Highlanders (sic) Names of my sons age 31 Donald Angus Graffunder killed March 1915 France, 25 Albert Christopher Julius Graffunder May 1915 killed Gallipoli … age years 19 Richard James Harrison died of wounds and fever Lemnos Hospital, age 17.6 years Herbert Mackay Harrison killed 5 August France 1916’. She was sent his effects in 1918, which included a ‘Bible, photos, 2 Knives, Beads, Badge, Scissors’.

  Percival Rupert Harrison was born on 18 January 1902 in Mackay. In the 1925 electoral roll he was living at Rita Island near Ayr and was a farmer. He enlisted in Rockhampton in WW2 on 9 June 1940 and was given the service number QX8255. Percival was with the 2/2 Australian Tank Attack Regiment attached to AAMC. He served in North Africa and New Guinea. After getting malaria in December 1943, he was sent back to Australia. After a few attacks of malaria he was sent to Morotai in late 1945 and then Balikpapan until sent back to Australia for discharge in November 1945. Percival died on 27 January 1978.  

Euphemia Arabella Argyle Harrison was born on 12 July 1905 in Mackay but sadly passed away on 22 February 1906 and is buried in Charters Towers Monumental & Lawn Cemetery.

In the Daily Mercury of Mackay on Tuesday 20 February 1906 in page 2 was an article about an inquiry into a fire that destroyed the Greyhound Hotel in which ‘Albert Graffunder, stable-boy in the employ of Mr. Sleep, deposed that on Monday evening, the 12th inst, he drove Mr. Eagles to the Greyhound Hotel. They left town at half-past nine o’clock. At the Caledonian Hotel they pulled up for five minutes and went in and had a drink. They drove on, and arrived at the Greyhound Hotel at about half-past -ten. The only light about the place that witness noticed was a lamp hanging out-side. He did not see anyone on the hotel verandah. There were two or three persons lying on the hall verandah. Mr. Eagles appeared to be pretty well on in drink, but he appeared to have his senses about him. He got out of the sulky, and went on to the end verandah next to the town. He knocked at some door for a good while, when he came back and said to witness that he could not wake up any-body. Previously Mr. Eagles had told witness to wait for the 10/-. Witness waited for about 10 minutes altogether. Witness thought someone came out to Mr. Eagles, but he did not see anyone. Mr. Eagles said to witness, “I cannot wake anyone up I’ll see Sleep in the morning.” Witness then left.’

Albert Christopher Julius Graffunder was recorded in the 1912 electoral roll at Marian, near Mackay, and he was a farmer. In 1912 he had acquired a selection at Kolijo (near Calen) and had to clear the land for farming. The 1913 roll show him at the same place and occupation. The Daily Mercury of Mackay on Thursday 30 July 1914 in page 8 was an article titled ‘THE RIFLE’ which recorded ‘Following are the handicaps of the Farleigh Rifle Club for August 1st and 2nd, 1914; ranges 200 and 600 yards:— H. Windsor, A. Graffunder, 8:’ and a list of other handicaps followed. He was a member of the Marian Rifle Club. The same newspaper on 22 August 1914 in page 5 was a story ‘SEND OFF TO VOLUNTEERS. A fitting send-off will be tendered the local volunteers in the Star Theatre this evening, after the business houses close, at 9 o’clock. The Light Horse and Cadets have been called upon to parade at the Drill Shed at 8.45 and they will march with the departing soldiers to the Star Theatre. Members of the Mackay Rifle Club, the newly formed Town and District Guard, and the Citizens and Caledonian bands will also take part in the procession. A suitable programme has been arranged for and the volunteers will be extended the best wishes of what is expected will be a very large gathering. Following is a complete list of those who have been selected from Mackay to accompany, the expeditionary force:— , Light Horse: -W. Treermann, W. Henman, E. Illingworth, W. H. Adams; M. Murry, H. Mulherin, A. C. J. Graffunder, James Swinton, P. Hunter, R. McAleese. Infantry: D. R. Ward. J. Mudie, J. Farrell. W. J. Dewar, A. Gardiner, W. Lennon, W. Batchel, J. Dixon, H. G. Carthew, R. Graham. Capt. Graham; O.C. 27th Light Horse, has been asked to take charge of a squadron, and Lieut. G. S. Birkbeck (Mackay) has been offered the position of second in command.’

Photo of him in pre-WW1 Light Horse uniform.

On 26 August 1914, Albert attested with the Expeditionary Force in Gladstone. He stated his birth date and place and that he was a single British subject. His religion was Church of England. Albert had previous service with two and a half years with the 15^th Australian Light Horse and 27^th Light Horse. He now belonged with B Squadron, 27^th Light Horse. Albert was a farmer by profession and lived at St Helens, Mackay. His next of kin was listed as his sister, Mrs Gomersall of the same address. For his medical certificate, he was listed as being 5 foot 7½ inches tall, weighed 11 stone 7 pounds, had a chest measurement of 36 to 37½ inches. His physical development was good, and he had a sallow complexion with greyish blue eyes and brown hair. Albert had no vaccination marks and a scar on his left thigh and a cut under his chin.

Albert was promoted to Lance Corporal on 29 August 1914 and then to Corporal on 4 September 1914.

Photo of him with the rank of Corporal.

The Nominal Roll for 2^nd Light Horse Regiment, C Squadron shows that 462 Corporal Albert Christopher Julius Graffunder was a 24-year-old farmer and single. His address at embarkation was Fairleigh, Mackay, Queensland; his next of kin was Mrs Gomersall of “The Palms” St Helens, Mackay. Albert joined on 21 August 1914, had been serving with the 27^th Light Horse AMF on joining and recorded Church of England as his religion. He was paid 9 shillings a day before embarking and afterwards, 3 shillings to remain in Australia, 5 shilling 6 pence as net pay and 1 shilling 6 pence deferred pay. The battalion embarked on HMAT Star of England A15 at Brisbane on 24 September 1914.

In a newspaper in March 1915, an article included ‘Two of our lads represent us with stripes, namely Sergeant Tom Mulherin and Corp. Graffunder (known as get out and get under) they have proved themselves quite worthy of the positions they hold’.

In April 1915, the 2^nd Light Horse Regiment was training in Egypt. At Heliopolis, four of their men died of measles and pneumonia during the month. On 8 May they entrained at Helmiah Railway Station at 1.20am and arrived at Alexandria at 6.30 the next morning, where they embarked on SS Devanha and sailed for the Dardanelles that evening. At 7am on 12 May, they disembarked at Kaba Tepe where they moved up to bivouac near Quinn’s Post. The next day at noon they relieved the 15^th Battalion at Quinn’s Post. On 14 May they were relieved by the 15^th Battalion, but C Squadron was left on post. C Squadron assaulted Quinn’s Post on 15 May with casualties recorded as ‘Major D Graham killed and 13 men killed, 11 men missing, 25 men wounded’. The war diary seems to be different to most other records on the date of his death. The History of the 2nd Light Horse Regiment, Australian Imperial Force, August 1914-April 1919 records that at ‘noon on May 13 we took over “Quinns” – “C” Squadron on the right …’ and ‘the enemy bombed us well all the afternoon.’ They had a number of casualties until they worked out to either smother or throw the bombs back. General Birdwood visited them on ‘the afternoon of the 14^th’ and they were relieved. ‘Our “C” Squadron under major Graham, however, was detailed to remain on the post, to assault the enemy position during the night, to fill in the communication trenches, damage the enemy trenches and return before daylight.’ At 1.45am on 15 May the assault began, and the ‘assaulting parties had hardly mounted the parapet when they were met by showers of bombs and a tremendous volume of rifle fire’, and then the machine guns opened up. Only four men reached the enemy trench and then retired. Out of ‘60 men who made the sortie 25 were killed and 21 wounded.’

A letter published in the Daily Mercury of Tuesday 27 April 1915 in page 5 titled ‘LETTERS PROM THE FRONT. A SLANDER REFUTED.’ contains ‘Captain Birkbeck, 2nd L.H. Regt. A.I.E.F., writing from Heliopolis, under date March 15, states :— “Knowing the interest you took in the first volunteer force that left Mackay under myself for active service abroad, I feel sure will contradict the unjust and cruel statement that has been circulated in Mackay and district regarding one of its members, i.e., Albert Graffunder. This, I need hardly say, is an utter false-hood, without a vein of truth in it. In fact, Graffunder was made a Corporal a week after joining, and is Senior Corporal of my Squadron, and is looked upon by the whole regiment as one of the best Non-Commissioned Officers we have. There is not a mark against him, and he is the next for promotion to Sergeant. This, I think, speaks for itself as to the esteem in which he is held by his officers and comrades. Trusting you will give the above publicity and thus remove a slur cast upon one who is doing his duty for his King and country.’

A report of his death shows that 462 Corporal Albert Christopher Julius Graffunder of the 2^nd Light Horse was killed in action at Monash Gully on Gallipoli on 14 May 1915. He had a will in his pay book. Albert was buried by Chaplain G Green at Pope’s Hill Cemetery on 15 May. It was 5/8 mile North-East of Anzac Cove. His will states ‘I hereby bequeath all my money coming to me from the Australian Imperial Forces to Mrs. W. Phillips, of Palms, Mackay, to Mrs. Robert Gomersall, of Palms, Mackay, North Queensland, Australia. The said money to be equally divided. I also appoint J.V. Brown, of Mackay, to administer same.’ His death was cabled on 29 May 1915. “Pope’s Hill Cemetery, taken from the side of a steep hill at the back of Courtney’s Post. Dead Man’s Ridge (which was held by the Turks) is on the right top corner, Pope’s Hill is in the centre, the lower spur getting out to the left was the extreme left of our position on Pope’s. The forward end of Russell’s Top is showing on the extreme left. The faint line showing in the col between Pope’s and Russell’s Top is a Turkish trench which they dug in July 1915 and which used to receive special attention from our destroyers. This trench is facing down Pope’s Reserve Gully. The steep side of the gully leading to the Bloody Angle and Quinn’s Post can be seen on the bottom of the picture. The sap showing at the back of the cemetery leads to the side of Pope’s where the steps carried on to the top. Ou trench line runs from the X on the extreme right to the X in the left centre. Most of the men buried in this cemetery are Australian 1st Light Horsemen and were killed on Popes. The crosses on the right hand side are all 2nd Australian Light Horsemen who were killed on Quinn’s Post on 14 May 1915. The white peg between the end crosses and the crosses at the back but slightly in front, marks the spot where five Turks were buried after they attacked us on 19 May 1915. This cemetery was in full view of the Turks on Dead Man’s Ridge and near Quinn’s Post. One of a series of photographs taken on the Gallipoli Peninsula under the direction of Captain C E W Bean of the Australian Historical Mission, during the months of February and March, 1919.” From AWM G01852

In the local newspaper on 5 June 1915 was a story under ‘PERSONAL. Mr. Jack Langdon, Sarina, left yesterday to enter the military camp at Enoggera. May the best of good fortune favour the young volunteer. The sorrow which the news of the death of Trooper J. Wentford occasioned in Mackay was manifested yesterday on all sides. From the flag poles of the various public and semi-public buildings, stores, wharves, shipping, hotels and other places in the town, flags were flown at half-mast — a tribute to the memory of the first Mackay native who has given his life to his country in the present clash of nations. It was a tribute that his sorrowing parents may well cherish with the memory of their son. The feeling of public sorrow was intensified when news came through of Corporal Graffunder’s death in action. Following quickly on the news of Trooper J. Wentford’s death came the sad intelligence that Corporal Alfred Graffunder had been killed in action. Corporal Graffunder was the youngest son of Mr. and Mrs. Julius Graffunder, of the Mackay district, and before his departure for the front was farming at Marian. He also was a native of the district, and about the same age as Trooper Wentford; in fact, the two were schoolmates at the local Boys’ State School, and were very popular amongst their school chums. Corporal Graffunder was a keen member of the local squadron of Light Horse and was amongst the first to enlist. So capable did he prove himself in training that he was quickly promoted to the position of Corporal. Quite recently Captain Birkbeck wrote to the “Mercury” in the terms of the highest praise of Corporal Graffunder’s attention to his duties since he left Mackay, and this good, opinion is borne out by other comrades in arms.’ Another entry that day about the Red Cross Society included ‘It was decided to send a letter of sympathy to the parents of ‘Private Wentford and Corporal Graffunder, the two Mackay natives who have already given their lives for their country.’

Another article in the Daily Mercury of Tuesday 15 June 1915 in page 3 read ‘Quite a gloom was cost over the young people of this district at the sad news of the death of yet another of Mackay’s heroes in action. I refer to the late J. Wentford, to whose sorrowing parents and kindred our deepest sympathy goes forth. Then again comes the news of the fall of Corporal Graffunder. whose untimely end we deplore. The Corporal was well known to this scribe as of sterling worth, and one of our most determined Australian soldiers. In the death of Albert his company has lost a marksman of no mean degree, as the following resume of some of his scores at Enoggera and Abassia will show, which was sent by him to his friend, Mr. Jack Thornton, to whose courtesy I am indebted for their publication as a fitting tribute to his memory: Corporal Graffunder’s musketry at Enoggera. — Grouping: 100 yards, 25 out of a possible 25; 200 yards, 18 out of a possible 20 ; 300 yards, rapid fire, 20 out of a possible 20; total 63, equal to 96.9 out of 100. Abassia Rifle Club, Cairo (grouping). —100 yards, 20 out of a possible 25; 200 yards (18 shots per minute), 18 out of a possible 20; 300 yards (18 shots per minute), 31 out of a possible 32; 500 yards, 10 but of a possible 20; total, 85 out of a possible 97, equal to 87.6 per cent. In a footnote to the above he writes: “In rapid firing I beat everyone here, 10 bulls out of 13 shots.” At 200 yards, 8 shots rapid fire (time, 1 min.), 7 bulls, one centre, 31 out of a possible 32 ; 200 yards, disappearing target (time five seconds exposure), 3 bulls, 2 centres, total, 18 out of a possible 20. Farleigh, 11th June, 1915.’

The Daily Mercury of Thursday 8 July 1915 in page 6 had the following letter ‘A GLORIOUS CHARGE. CAPTAIN BIRKBECK’S LETTER. News detailing how Corporal A. Graffunder and Private J. Wentford lost their lives at the Dardanelles, is graphically told in a letter received by Mrs. G. S. Birkbeck from her husband, Captain Birkbeck, whose own heroic conduct in leading the Mackay boys on a charge and in extricating them, though himself wounded, may be read between the lines. Captain Birkbeck writes from the hospital in Alexandra. He says :-”During the last fortnight things happened pretty rapidly, for me any way. We landed on Gallipoli on the 12th, went into trenches next day and I was back on hospital ship at ?(unreadable) a.m. on 15th with bullet in my right arm. As stated, we went into trenches, did twenty-four hours and then were relieved. On the same day I was informed that I had to lead an attack that night on some of the enemy’s trenches in our front and to hold them while another party came out and destroyed them. At half-past 1 a.m. we took up our position in our trench, myself and thirty men, and at a quarter past 2 crawled over the parapet and made a charge on the enemy’s trench. We cleared them out. Going over the parapet was hell, as the enemy kept up an incessant rifle fire and when we came over the top of our own trench they turned seven machine guns on us. I lost several men there, among them A. Graffunder. Well, we got through, and, as I said, cleared the enemy out and held the trench waiting for the others to come with picks and shovels. I saw them start but they had not the luck we experienced, and were mown down like grass before a mower. Then we destroyed as much of the trench as possible with our hands and bayonets, afterwards thought of retuning and found we were pretty well surrounded, but fought our way back to our own trenches. Of the Mackay boys with me the following casualties occurred — A. Graffunder, killed , Sergeant T Mulherin, wounded in the shoulder ; A. Howard, bomb exploded in the face , J. Wentford, bullet wound in the leg. (Private Wentford since died— Ed ‘DM’); and myself, a bullet in the arm. All the wounds are more or less slight, and all should be back in the firing line before many weeks. Poor Crabam led the second party and was killed before he reached us. Mulherin and I were wounded just after we got out of our trench, but as no bones were broken went on, in fact I did not take much notice of mine other than to feel if the arm was broken.’ The letter went on, mainly taking about himself.

Under the title ‘LETTERS OF SYMPATHY.’ in the Daily Mercury on Wednesday 8 September 1915 in page 4 it includes ‘He mentions that when wounded the first time Captain Birkbeck was sent to Alexandria, but on the second occasion he was sent to Heliopolis, where Dr. Kay is serving. The latter mentions Corporal Graffunder as having “done excellent work.” He adds, “The only consolation we have is that it is the great big lion heart and strong will of lads like yours that made the landing possible.”’

Base Records was sent a note on 25 October 1915 stating that Albert had been killed in action at Gallipoli, noted by ‘Cable No. M.F.C. 3396 from the Officer Commanding Intermediate Base, dated Alexandria 28^th May, 1915 and confirmed by Army Form B 104 – 52.’

The Daily Mercury of Mackay on Monday 25 October 1915 in page 7 had an article titled ‘HOW CORPORAL GRAFFUNDER DIED. Speaking at the recruiting meeting at the Town Hall on Saturday evening Shoesmith Henman, who recently returned from Egypt, said he had heard rumours, since returning, about Corporal Graffunder being a spy, but he could tell them that was absolutely untrue and further, it took five bullets to kill him. He had the muscles of his arm blown away and was ordered by the Red Cross orderly to go back and have his arm dressed. He replied “No, I am good enough for a few of the —’s yet,” and as he turned round a machine gun got him and he fell with four bullets in the chest. “Major Graham, Corporal Graffunder and Arthur (Sarah) Anderson from Ayrlie buried side by side on the Gallipoli peninsula – three of the best, said the speaker; and there never was a more loyal man to serve his King and country than Corporal Graffunder, he was a soldier from start to finish, hard on the men under him at times — an officer had to be hard to make the men obey him — but never favouring one set of men more than another. He was an honest straightforward man and no one who had fought as he had done could be accused of being a spy. (Applause).’

A letter received from Captain Birkbeck was published in the local newspaper and noted ‘Next morning we were ordered into the trenches to take over from the 15th (Queenslanders) at Quinn’s Post, named after Hughie Quinn, of Townsville.’ It followed on with ‘Graffunder did splendid work here sniping, and so did others of the Mackay boys.’ Finally ‘It was just hell; the Turks turned seven machine guns on to us. Five men were killed going over, including Graffunder, and five or six more hit badly, including Mick Wentford.’ In November another story said ‘When I get back, if ever I hear a man say a word against Corporal Graffunder I will knock his teeth down his throat; a braver man never stepped. He was first shot through the head; but kept on; I hear the machine gun got him. He lies buried with Major Graham and “Sarah” Anderson at the foot of Quinn’s Post in the same grave, at the foot of the hill where they gave their noble lives.’

A letter was sent to Messrs. S B Wright & Wright Solicitors of Victoria Street Mackay from Base Records on 25 October 1915 supplying them with a ‘certificate of report of death of the late No. 462 Corporal Albert Christopher Julius Graffunder, 2^nd Light Horse Regiment’. They were replying to a letter sent by the solicitor on 12 October and needed necessary proof of his death to obtain probate of his will.

Base Records replied to Mrs O A Gomersall of Palms Mackay on 29 October 1915, advising her that the personal effects of her brother would come by Thomas Cook and Son and would be forwarded to the next of kin noted in his service records, unless a will was available that stated otherwise. As for owing pay, ‘Mr. Wright should lodge a copy of the Will stated to be held by him, with the Military Paymaster, Brisbane.’ She had received the wire notifying her of his death and had written to Base Records on 19 October. In it she stated that he had made his will in favour of her and her sister. On 9 November 1915 SB Wright & Wright Solicitors thanked Base Records for sending a death certificate and asking if there was any money due to him and the amount.

On 18 November 1915 a letter from the solicitors was replied to by Base Records stating that the letter they sent had been sent to the District Paymaster, who would reply to them. The letter was sent by Base Records to the District Paymaster in Brisbane for their attention on the same day as well.

An inventory of his personal effects by the Camp Quartermaster showed there was 1 brown paper parcel which contained a pair of hair bushes and a leather case. Another brown paper parcel contained 3 pocket books and a purse. The two packets of personal effects were delivered by Thomas Cook and Son on consignment from Egypt on 14 February 1916 on SS Nestor to Mrs W Phillips, who signed for them on 28 March 1916.

The Daily Mercury on Wednesday 15 March 1916 in page 7 had a notice of ‘A SOLDIER’S ESTATE. Probate of the will of Albert Christopher Julius Graffunder, late of St. Helens, near Mackay, formerly farmer- but lately of His Majesty’s Imperial Forces, was last week granted to Eli. Beldon, of North Eton, near Mackay, farmer, the sole executor named in the will. (Messrs Roberts, Leu and Barnett, as town agents for Messrs. S. B. Wright and Wright, solicitors for executor). Personalty under £670.

Base Records sent a letter to Mrs Gomersall on 27 March 1916 stating they were ‘now in receipt of advice which shows that he was killed in action at Monash Gully, Gallipoli Peninsula, on 14^th May 1915.’

Grave pictures on Gallipoli.

Quinn’s Post Cemetery (Image Credit: Shutterstock)

His grave is in Quinn’s Post Cemetery at plot D.2. His name is recorded in the CWGC on page 48 under Index No. GI.8 Quinn’s Post Cemetery ANZAC and reads ‘GRAFFUNDER, Cpl. Albert Christopher Julius, 462. 2^nd Australian Light Horse. Killed in action 14^th May, 1915. Son of Sylvia Ronilda Frances Harrison (formerly Graffunder), of Tierney St., Queenton, Charters Towers, Queensland, and the late Julius Christopher Albert Graffunder. Native of Mackay, Queensland. D. 2.’ A form from the Graves Registration Units has a list of men in Popes Hill Cemetery Anzac Gallipoli, 5/8 of a mile North East of Anzac Cove which includes 462 Corporal A C J Graffunder 2^nd Light Horse Regiment with a date of 14.5.15. A Personal Inscription was added to the gravestone: ‘THE LORD GAVE THE LORD TAKETH AWAY AGAIN’. Another form of the list of graves at Pope’s Hill Plot, Quinn’s Post Cemetery lists Albert’s date of death as 15 May.

Albert is also recorded in the Queensland Death Indexes with registration number 003376 on page 762. His parents are listed as Julius Christooher (sic) Albert Graffunder and Sylvia Frances Victoria Beaton.

There is a file at NAA in Brisbane, titled ‘HARRISON, Sylvia Ronilda Frances beneficiary of GRAFFUNDER, Albert Julius Christopher – Service Number – 462’, which ranges from 1915 to 1930. It is open but not online.

Albert was recommended for a French Medaille Militiare with seven other members of the 2^nd Light Horse Regiment on 15 November 1915 for ‘Gallantry in charge from Quinn’s Post’ and all were also ‘Mentioned in Army Corps Order No 183. Brigade Oder No 4 a 19/10/15’. A report in his service records from 1^st Light Horse Brigade on 19 October 1915 that he was ‘Mentioned in despatches for valuable Services rendered between dates 6.5.15 & 26.5.15. Army Corps Order 183 Gallipoli Peninsula’.

A pension was claimed by his mother, Sylvia R F Harrison of Millchester Creek, Charters Towers. It was rejected as she was not ‘dependent on deceased member.’ Another document, this one dated 7 April 1916 showed the claim was granted ‘at £26 per annum from 2-11-15.’

Base Records sent Mrs Gomersall of Mackay a letter on 24 April 1917 adding to the previous letter ‘and buried at Pope’s Hill Cemetery, Gallipoli, on the 15^th May, 1915. Chaplain G. Green officiating.’

The Daily Mercury of Mackay on Monday 14 May 1917 in page 2 under ‘IN MEMORIAM. GRAFFUNDER.— In loving memory of Corporal A. C. J. Graffunder, who was killed in action at Monash Gully, Gallipoli, 14th May, 1915. (Inserted by his loving sisters, Mrs. Armstrong and Mrs. Phillips.)’

On 29 May 1920 Base Records sent a letter to Mrs SRF Harrison in Charters Towers, asking her if Albert’s father was still alive, and his name and address, ‘so that the late soldier’s military affairs may be finalized.’

Base Records was sent a note from AMF Headquarters 1^st Military District on 6 October 1920 with a letter from W T Mitchell MA Solicitor of Charters Towers.

On 15 September 1920 Base Records sent a letter to Headquarters in the 1^st Military District stating that “On 29^th May last, a communication was forwarded to Mrs. S.R.F. Harrison, at Millchester Creek, Charters Towers, Q., requesting her to let me know whether the father of the late No. 462, Corporal A.C.J. Graffunder, 2^nd Light Horse Regiment, was still alive, and if so, to furnish his name and address. As no reply has so far been received I shall be obliged if you will endeavour to obtain the information required and advise me as soon as possible, as it is desired to dispose of the 1914/15 Star and other War Medals, etc., issuable on account of the abovementioned late soldier’s service.’

W T Mitchell, Solicitor of Charters Towers wrote to Military Headquarters in Brisbane about a letter they had sent Mrs S R F Harrison. He records that she ‘is the soldier’s mother, his father being dead.’ He enclosed a copy of Albert’s birth certificate and made a claim to Albert’s ‘war medals and decorations’.

Base Records received a receipt back on 6 September 1921, a receipt of photos of the grave of Albert that Sylvia Ronilda Frances Harrison had signed for on 27 August 1921. In his service file are a few envelopes that have been returned to Base Records due to incorrect addresses. Sylvia signed for his Victory Medal on 27 June 1922. It was noted that his Memorial Scroll was amended on 21 July 1922 to read ‘Cpl ACJ Graffunder 2 LHR AIF’. She signed for his Memorial Scroll on 8 August 1922. There was an issue on 2 August 1922, with his Memorial Plaque with the surname incorrectly embossed as Grallunder. Sylvia signed for it on 29 January 1923. A letter sent to Sylvia on 17 April 1925 let her know that the remains of 462 Corporal ACJ Graffunder had been exhumed and re-interred in Quinn’s Post Cemetery, Anzac, about ¾ mile North-East of Anzac Cove, with reference as Popes Hill Plot, Row D, Grave 2. A letter from Base Records to her on 28 January 1927 they said they would send her a copy of the register of Quinn’s Post Cemetery in a few days and included her receipt. They also acknowledged an error in the age of Albert, which they could not amend as ‘printed copies had already been prepared for publication.’ His details and death were also recorded on a Nominal Roll.

She also filled out the Roll of Honour for the War Museum, recording ‘ Albert Christopher Julius Graffunder, 462, ‘2^nd Australian Light Horse Regiment 26^th Battalion’, was connected with the town of Mackay in the Howard District of Queensland. He died on 14 May 1915 at ‘Gallopli (sic) Dardanells (sic) Egypt.’ Albert was a farmer, age 26, State School Mackay was his school and he had other training with the ‘Volinteer (sic) Kennedy Regiment’. She stated her full name and address as ‘Tierney street Queenton Charters Towers’ and for a reference put ‘Police Magistrate Court House Wood Street Mackay’.

‘The Last Post Ceremony is presented in the Commemorative area of the Australian War Memorial each day. The ceremony commemorates more than 102,000 Australians who have given their lives in war and other operations and whose names are recorded on the Roll of Honour. At each ceremony the story behind one of the names on the Roll of Honour is told. Hosted by Charis May, the story for this day was on (462) Corporal Albert Christopher Julius Graffunder, 2^nd Australian Light Horse Regiment, First World War.’ From AWM – https://www.awm.gov.au/collection/C2124598, his story was read out on 12 October 1915. Albert Christopher Julius Graffunder’s name is located at panel 3 in the Commemorative Area at the Australian War Memorial. His name will be projected onto the exterior of the Hall of Memory on: Thursday 18 January 2024 at 4:59am and Friday 10 May 2024 at 7:29pm.

Various streets in Mackay were named In honour of fallen Mackay soldiers. Graffunder Street is in South Mackay as is about 800m in length. This is in the Remembrance Garden at Hampden State Primary School, Bruce Highway, via Kuttabul (picture from Glen Hall Collection, October 2006)

The Maryborough Military and Colonial Museum only has his British War Medal.

Photo of his Memorial Plaque in the museum display.

Family Memorial. A nephew had visited his ‘former farm at Kolijo, from where a pair of Hames Hooks, known to be part of Albert’s draught hose equipment and salvaged from the original farm shed long since flattened by a cyclone, were presented by the family who purchased the farm from Albert’s estate. These hooks were used to mount a family tribute plaque, presented to the Hampden State School Museum at Kuttabal’.

His display in the Gallipoli Room at the museum.

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.

12112 Lance Corporal Robert REECE DCM

4^th Battalion Worcestershire Regiment

By Robert Simpson

Robert Reece was born in Birmingham, Warwickshire, England in about 1891. Free BMD (https://www.freebmd.org.uk/ ) has an entry for a Robert Reece born in Kington in the June quarter of 1891. There are other listings around that year, but they have middle names, so this appears to be the best option. Purchasing birth certificates would confirm his birth and family. Parents are not listed in English indexes. The Record of Deceased Soldiers’ Effects in 1915 lists his brother as Henry and sister as May, so their parents must have passed before then. A Maysie Reece was born in Kings Norton in Birmingham in the September quarter of 1884 (closest possibility) and Henry is a bit harder to find with no possibility under Henry or Harry in the Birmingham region. The 1901 England census has an entry for a Robert (age 10) and Harry (age 14) Reece, both living as inmates at Cottage Homes Marston Green in Warwickshire. A description of the Cottages in the census is recorded as ‘For children removed by Birmingham Board of Guardians from their Birmingham Workhouse’ and lists quite a few children. In the 1911 census for Louth in Lincolnshire, there is a May Reece (single) living at ‘The Firs’ as a housemaid, with her age as 26 and she was born in ‘Great Bridge Birmingham’. No more records can be found for Henry. On 7 October 1911 May Reece married Walter Poole in Louth Lincolnshire. The marriage record would need to be purchased to confirm all details. It is possible May passed away in 1960, but again the death record would need to be purchased. Walter may have served in WW1 as 58961 Private in the Welsh Regiment, as there is a listing in the WWI Pension Record Cards and Ledgers for a Walter Poole with May Poole as a dependent. Again, confirmation would involve purchasing records of him. He was only entitled to the British War Medal. If it is him, he died on 16 February 1922. The 4^th Battalion of the Worcestershire Regiment was raised in Ireland on the 10 March 1900. The battalion was stationed at Malta from 1905, at Bareilly from 1909, at Burma from 1914 and Gallipoli (from April 1915). Robert enlisted sometime with them between 1910 and 1911, as service number 12064 joined on 8 January 1910 and 12458 joined on 31 May 1911. He was given the service number 12112 as a Private. The main body of the 4^th Worcesters landed at W Beach on 25 April and linked up with the troops at V Beach the next day. On 28 June 1915, the British launched an attack on five lines of Turkish trenches across Gully Spur behind Y Beach at the north of the Allied line across Cape Helles. This was accompanied by an attempt to push up Gully Ravine and, on Fir Tree Spur on the other side of the Ravine, to capture trenches H12 and H12a, which the British had briefly taken on 4 June, the first day of the Third Battle of Krithia. On Fir Tree Spur British casualties were very high but short sections of H12 and H12a were captured. The British had not yet given up their determination to secure the whole of H12 and H12a. A new assault was planned for 1 July and then deferred until the 3rd. The assault was made by bombing-parties from the 4^th Worcesters and 2^nd Hampshires. The London Gazette of 6 September 1915 records 12112 Lance-Corporal R Reece, 4^th Battalion Worcestershire Regiment being awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal ‘For conspicuous gallantry on the 3^rd July 1915, on the Gallipoli Peninsula. He advanced alone up a trench, and by setting up and holding, under fire, a temporary barricade in an exposed traverse, he assisted greatly to repel repeated rushes by the enemy, during which time a strong defense was being constructed behind him. He set a splendid example to all near him of great bravery and devotion to duty.’ It is also recorded in the Edinburgh Gazette of 10 September 1915 on page 1400. He was involved in the action where 2^nd Lieutenant Herbert James was awarded the Victoria Cross. The Worcestershire Regiment website describes the action of the 4^th Battalion Worcestershire Regiment at Krithia on 3 July 1915 thus ‘In Gallipoli, Lieutenant James was attached as liaison officer to the Royal Scots. When all the officers of a sector of the front line had been killed, he took command of the troops and reorganised them. He went back for help, and found on his return that the Turks had again attacked, and he undertook the task of again restoring the situation. Three days later, Lieutenant James was back with the Regiment, and leading a party of thirty men in a raid on a Turkish trench. The Turks fell back until they reached their main lines, and a fierce fight took place, in which all but four of our men became casualties. A messenger had been sent for reinforcements, but he had been killed. A bomb killed the only two privates who were left, so, sending back Lance-Corporal Reece for help, Lieutenant James fell back, keeping the Turks at bay by bombing from each bend of the winding trench. Halfway back, where the trench was blocked by bodies, he found a wounded bomber, Private Parry, and here he piled sandbags on the top of the bodies, forming a barricade. Luckily, he found a sack of bombs, and, alternately firing from behind the barricade and rising to bomb the Turks behind the bend, he kept the enemy back until help arrived. Lance-Corporal Reece helping him, the others made a new barricade in rear, to which they afterwards retired. For this, and for his work with the Royal Scots, Lieutenant James received the Victoria Cross. He was the first of the Regiment so to be honoured.’

Impression of 2^nd VC action of Lieutenant H James, with Lance Corporal Robert Reece.

Lieutenant James was awarded the VC at the age of 26. Herbert later achieved the rank of Major. He died in London on the 15th August 1958 and was buried at Kensal Green Cemetery.

A dramatic drawing of him defending the sap in Gully Ravine is a painting by Gilbert Holiday which shows Lieutenant James with two rifles and a sack of “Jam Pot” bombs holding the trench single-handed. This painting was presented to the Regiment by the late Lieutenant J. M. P. Baird, (one of James’ Gallipoli contemporaries) and is owned by the Worcestershire Regiment Museum.

His medals: Victoria Cross; Military Cross; 1914/15 Star; British War Medal; Victory Medal with Mentioned in Dispatches emblem; Coronation Medal GVI – 1937; Coronation Medal EIIR – 1953; French Croix de Guerre with palm; Panama Medal De La Solidaridad 1917.

Reverse of his VC.

Some pictures of him and one with his 1^st wife on the award of his VC.

In the War Diary for 4^th Battalion Worcester Regiment, 88^th Infantry Brigade, 29^th Division for the Dardanelles it reads for Monday 28^th June. ‘5.30a.m. paid a visit to the place allotted to us to put in order, also issued the necessary instructions for carrying out the work. 9.15a.m. watches synchronized. 9.0a.m. Heavy Artillery bombardment. 10.0a.m. All artillery have joined in the bombardment. The battalion does not take part in the first attack, but has to hold on to the present line at all costs. 11a.m. The first troops to move to the attack have started and appear to do very well. For some reason or other the 8^th Scottish Rifles have retired. All the remainder of the line appear to have gained trenches off the enemy, and are hanging on to them. The 5^th Royal Scots and Essex Regiment were ordered up from the Reserve to join the attack. This was done but owing to the Scottish having retired, these two regiments met a very heavy rifle, machine gun and shrapnel fire. The whole of the left flank of trenches of the enemy were captured, in fact all that it was hoped to get accomplished with the exception of about 200 yards of trenches.’ Tuesday 29^th June. ‘After a very restless night all begins to settle down, and our Battalion is very busy cleaning up the trenches and rebuilding the parapets knocked down by the enemy’s artillery.’ Wednesday 30^th June. ‘Still holding our original line in the firing line. All quiet on our front. The French have been firing all night and from what we can see this morning their guns appear to be blowing the old Turk’s trenches to bits. We are spending a quiet time. 12.midday. I spoke a little too soon as orders have now been received that the 4^th Worcestershires will now make an attack on H12 and H.12.A. This is the portion of the line that was not taken. This attack will take place later in the day, when further instructions will be issued.’ The attack was postponed. Friday 2^nd July. The operations postponed yesterday are timed to commence at 7.a.m. Everyone is now getting busy to his position. This attack is a trench mortar and bomb attack, and we hope for success. 2.30.p.m. After repeated attempts we have been unable to gain H.12 H.12.A. Total casualties three killed and twelve wounded.’ Saturday 3^rd July. ‘All quiet on our front.’ The diary continues on 6^th August 1915 with ‘Relieved the Muster Fusiliers in trench “H II”, south of KRITHIA. Order for attack.’ It goes on to say ‘The objective of the attack was trench “H 13” which was flanked on either end by and advanced redoubt and the trenches running from the redoubts into our front line. These were originally communication trenches but have been converted by the enemy to within bomb throwing distance from our line.’ After shelling those areas of the line, in which time their own lines were heavily shelled, the attack started at 3.40 pm, but was met with heavy machine gun fire and the lines were considerably thinned out. Only ‘isolated groups reached the slope to the Turkish trenches.’ Some men made it to the trenches and put out markers, but the attacks on the flanks had both failed. Due to the ‘failure of these attacks that our men were subjected to the terrible enfilade Machine Gun fire’ which continued with shelling until almost all of them were cut down. By night, it was ascertained that the trench H13 was back in Turkish control. The battalion lost 16 officers and 752 other ranks in the attack. The museum has an article on Herbert James VC MC which reads ‘For the award of the Victoria Cross: For most conspicuous bravery during the operations in the Southern Zone of the Gallipoli Peninsula. On the 28^th June 1915, when a portion of a Regiment had been checked owing to all the Officers being put out of action, Second Lieutenant James, who belonged to a neighbouring unit, entirely on his own initiative gathered together a body of men and led them forward under heavy shell and rifle fire. He then returned, organised a second party, and again advanced. His gallant example put fresh life into the attack. On the 3^rd July, in the same locality, Second Lieutenant James headed a party of bomb throwers up a Turkish communication trench, and, after nearly all his bomb throwers had been killed or wounded, he remained alone at the head of the trench and kept back the enemy single-handed till a barrier had been built behind him and the trench secured. He was throughout exposed to a murderous fire.’ Herbert James was invested with his Victoria Cross by King George V at Buckingham Palace on 15 January 1916. For his award of the Military Cross, the citation for Lieutenant (T/Captain) Herbert James, 1^st Battalion, Worcestershire Regiment reads ‘During an attack, he rode forward when the situation was obscure under heavy fire, and brought back most valuable information. He then reorganised and led forward parties of men from other units and skillfully formed a defensive flank where a gap had occurred, exposing himself for many hours to a very heavy fire. By his gallantry, coolness, and utter disregard of personal safety, he set a splendid example to all ranks.’ ‘By the mid-1950s James was separated from his second wife and renting a back room flat at Brunswick Gardens, Kensington, apparently making a living as a fine art dealer. It was here in August 1958 that he was found by his landlord lying unconscious – it appeared that he had a seizure but remained undiscovered for six days. None of his fellow residents had any idea he was a Victoria Cross recipient, for James lived a very reclusive life, had no visitors nor took any telephone calls. It was only when the landlord returned to James’ room, after the ambulance had departed, that he picked up a book of a complete list of VC recipients open to the page against Major James’ name, under which was a pencil line. That was the first he knew that Herbert James was the holder of the Victoria Cross.’ James has two memorials to him, both revealed in 2010. A memorial stone was unveiled on 2 July at the East Chapel in Kensal Green Cemetery, where he was cremated, and on 12 November a plaque was unveiled at Bearwood Road School, which was presented to the school by Smethwick Heritage Centre.

Various maps of the action that killed Lance Corporal Robert Reece.

In the book Soldiers Died in the Great War it records 12112 Lance Corporal Robert Reece of the 4^th Battalion was born in Birmingham, resided in Liverpool and enlisted in Worcester. It also records he was killed in action in the ‘Balkan Theatre’ and had been awarded the DCM. His Medal Index Card lists him as 12112 Robert Reece shows he was awarded the 1914-15 Star (with the rank of Lance Corporal on it) and the British War and Victory Medals (with the rank of Private on them). The Theatre of War he first served in was 2b (Balkans) and he entered there on 25 April 1915. It records he was killed in action. Apart from a list of file numbers on the front, it has an entry under Correspondence on the back, stating the Officer Commanding the Records at Warwick forwarded a Nominal Roll of individuals entitled to the 1914-15 Star. The medal rolls confirm what was written on the card. An index card for his DCM includes his name, rank, service number, battalion and the London Gazette number. Robert was killed in action on 6 August 1915. A report stated ‘Regret attack has failed…’. He has no grave and is remembered on the Helles Memorial on Gallipoli. Name listed on Panel 104 to 113. In the Army Resister of Soldier’s Effects under record number 281910, registry number E/203590/1 for Robert Reece 4^th battalion Worcester Regiment, 12112 Lance Corporal, was killed on 6 August 1915 at Gallipoli. Money was issued to his sister, May and brother, Henry for the sum of 16 pounds, 9 shillings and 6 pence each. A War Gratuity was issued to each of them in 1920 of 2 pounds 15 shillings. His name is also listed in British Red Cross & Order of St John Enquiry List, Wounded & Missing, 1914-1919, but to view it a subscription has to be bought and it is only a transcription. Helles Memorial The DCM for Robert Reece only came up in an English auction some years after the Museum acquired Herbert James group. The trio with the DCM are unnamed (not name erased) medals.

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.

1395 Private Gerald Gilbert Stanley ALLSEBROOK CC

1^st Australian Clearing Hospital

By Robert Simpson

Gerald Gilbert Stanley Allsebrook was born in Hobart, Tasmania on 12 June 1894, a son to William Allsebrook and Agnes Martha Smith. William had been born in 1864 in Hobart and Agnes on 27 July 1863 in Hobart. They had been married on 9 July 1884 in Hobart. The parents of William were Richard Allsebrook and Elizabeth Morris who had married in Tasmania on 4 May 1849 in Hobart. Richard had been sent to Tasmania in 1845 as a convict. In all they had six children. They were living at 16 Star Street, Fitzroy Place, Hobart in the 1919 electoral roll, with William a painter and Agnes doing domestic duties. By the 1922 roll they had moved to 39 Colville Street Hobart with the same occupations. Agnes passed away in Hobart on 3 May 1932 and William died on 15 June 1939 also in Hobart. William and Agnes are both buried in Cornelian Bay Cemetery in area or denomination: Church of England, Section: XX, Site number: Number 160.

His parent’s grave.

William John Allsebrook was their firstborn and was born on 20 November 1885 in Hobart. He married May Fahey in 1910 in Hobart. The 1922 and 1928 electoral rolls show William Junior living at 39 Colville Street, Battery Point, Hobart and an occupation of driver, but no mention of May. In the 1929 Police Gazette he is in a list of people as having a motor vehicle transferred to him. A Police Gazette dated 27 June 1930 has him recorded as follows ‘PERTH. – WILLIAM ALLSEBROOK (JUN.), 33 Cromwell-street, reports stolen from his disabled motor-car on the Main-road, about 6 miles from Perth, between noon on the 21^st and morning of the 22^nd instant:- A 6-volt Willard battery, in Masse case; 2 rims and glasses of headlights; and an Eastern ignition distributor; value £20; identifiable.’ He died on 31 March 1935 in Hobart and is buried in Cornelian Bay Cemetery and Crematorium in Church of England, Gg, Number 70. Silfris May Allsebrook was born 0n 4 October 1887 in Hobart. She married Joseph William Kirkby in 1909 in Tasmania. In the 1919 electoral roll they were living at 12 Montpelier Street in Hobart, he was a lineman and Silfris had altered her name to Sylvia and was doing domestic duties. The Advocate of Burnie Tasmania had an entry on 19 May 1931 which read ‘Mr. A. E. Richardson represented the petitioner in a divorce suit brought by Silfris May Kirkby against her husband Joseph William Kirkby. Amy Millbra Howie was cited as co-respondent. Mr. Richardson explained that in November last a decree nisi was obtained by Gordon Howie against his wife Amy Millbra Howie, who was the co-respondent in the present action. The respondent in the present action was the co-respondent in that suit. Joan Hayton, law clerk, gave evidence that a decree nisi was granted to Gordon Howie against his wife, Joseph Kirkby being cited as co-respondent. Witness served the papers on the respondent in the present action at 238 Elizabeth Street. Mrs. Howie answered the door and called Kirkby, who admitted that he was the person named in the petition. Amy Devereux, midwifery nurse, gave evidence of having attended Mrs. Howie in March, 1929. Kirkby was in the house at the time. A decree nisi was granted.’ In 1930 she married Montressor Joseph Hu Arnold in Waverley NSW (her name was recorded as Silfris). She placed a notice in the Hobart Mercury on 3 May 1940 ‘ALLSEBROOK- In loving, memory of my darling mother, who passed away on May 3, 1932; also my dear father, who passed away on June 15. 1939: also my dear brothers, William, who passed away on March 29, 1935, and Gerald, killed in action on Gallipoli, June 20, 1915. At rest. Inserted by her loving daughter and sister, Sylvia Arnold.’ In the 1943 and 1949 electoral rolls they were living at 17 Waterloo Crescent, Montressor was a hairdresser and Silfris was doing home duties. It is not sure when she passed. Bingham Charles Allsebrook was born on 11 June 1889 in Hobart. His birth record surname (and his father’s) is translated as ‘Walsebrook’. No other details of his life can be found. Iris Agnes Fitzroy Allsebrook was born on 2 May 1892 in Hobart. On 26 October 1909 she married Lyndhurst Richard Harcourt McGuffie (1884-1967) in Tasmania. In the 1922 electoral roll they were living at Rokeby Road Bellerive. He was a photographer and she was doing home duties. They moved to Adelaide sometime, as on 25 January 1937 she was admitted to the Adelaide Hospital and was in there for 24 days. Her address was recorded as 47 Myers Street Torrensville. She was admitted into the hospital again on 26 June 1939 and was in there for 6 days. Her occupation was listed as a cleaner. They had moved to 126 Unley Road Unley, Adelaide, South Australia. The South Australia Police Gazette of 18 September 1940 had an entry under Warrants Issued for Mary Anne McGuffie, who was accompanied by Alex Claude Dawe, and who ‘did unlawfully by fraud take away a certain child’, who was Irie (sic) Doris McGuffie (nearly six years old), from her parents, Lyndhurst and Iris. The report went on to give descriptions of both and the child, and that arrest was urgently desired. In the 1943 electoral roll, they had the same address and occupations. It is not sure when she passed away. Ruth Dorothy Allsebrook was born on 3 March 1896 in Hobart, but unfortunately passed away on 18 March 1898 in Hobart. She was buried in Queenborough Cemetery, Sandy Bay. By 1913 the Queenborough Cemetery Company had run out of money to maintain the cemetery and the entire site lay derelict until the Hobart City Council purchased the site in 1915 and later built sports grounds on the lower portion, named Queenborough Oval. The remainder of the cemetery was used until it was closed in 1934 and was later dismantled in 1961 for the construction of The Hutchins School and associated sports grounds. In Peel Street, the headstones of many of the dead have been preserved in a memorial garden. Other headstones from the original Queenborough Cemetery have been removed to a dedicated area at Cornelian Bay Cemetery in New Town. William and Agnes were also guardians for Montressor Joseph Arthur. He served in WW1 with C Section, 7^th Field Ambulance as Private 3746. His address was given as Battery Point, Hobart and he was a hairdresser. In May 1915 he was promoted to Sergeant, but asked to revert back to Driver in March 1916. He was ill a couple of times in 1917. In mid-1918 he went AWOL a couple of times. He returned to Australia in March 1919 and was discharged in August. Montressor was entitled to the 1914-15 Star, British War and Victory medals. An article in the Tasmanian News on Thursday 15 August 1907 in page 4 reads ‘ASSAULT. William Hill was charged before the Police Magistrate (Mr W. O. Wise) and L. H. Macleod at the City Police Court this morning with having, on August 9 last, in the Barrack Square, assaulted one Gerald Allsebrook, aged 13 years. He pleaded guilty. The Bench imposed a fine of 5s and 8s costs. Mr C. Davenport Hoggins (Hoggins and Gilmore) appeared for the plaintiff, and Mr David Crisp (Crisp and Crisp) for defendant.’ His name appears in The Mercury in 1909 in a list for the Davey Street team, as ‘G Alsebrook’, who were playing against West Hobart. Gerald played Australian Rules football with North Hobart and was a member of its state premiership-winning team of 1914. The newspapers spelled his name ‘Aulsebrook’ in a lot articles they wrote about games he played in and about him during the war. (There seems to be a family living in Devonport of that name at that time, so the confusion may be due to this). They also recorded his first name initial as ‘O’ due to his nickname ‘Ocker,’ which all his mates called him. In the Daily Post of Hobart on Tuesday 31 March 1914 in page 8 under the title ‘FOOTBALL. NORTH HOBART CLUB, ANNUAL MEETING. There was a large number of members of the North Hobart Football Club present at their annual meeting held in the Masonic Hall last night. Trophies were awarded as follow:’ and the list included ‘O. Aulsebrook; Mr. E. J. O’Brien’s trophy, for most deserving junior player.’ The Critic of Hobart on Friday 1 May 1914 in page 9 had an article about the first match of the year between North Hobart and the Cananore Club. Part of the article read: ‘Aulsebrook and Newman comprised a pair of grafters on their respective wings. Aulsebrook and Newman comprised a pair of grafters, and did more than the (sic) share.’ In a game of North vs South as recorded in The Mercury of 13 July 1914 he is mentioned a few times ‘When Umpire Green set the ball free Flanagan was the first to get it away, and there were some smart interchanges between Dunn Pugh Aulsebrook, and Richardson over the Southern defence lines’… ‘Aulsebrook came to the side and kicked down the centre’ …, ‘ North assailed the Southern position in force, and an injudicious move on Aulsebrook’s part left Whittle an opening which he was quick to seize and running right in, he goaled securely.’…, and ‘with barely six minutes to go Aulsebrook saved a certain goal, but Peden secured and rushed for the opening, sending in a hot shot, which, amid a great volume of shouting J. Dunn arrested with a brilliant mark.’

Gerald sometime before the war.

Gerald Allsebrook enlisted with the 1^st Australian Clearing Hospital on 21 September 1914 as Private 1395. He stated he had been born in Hobart, was a British born subject, and was a 20-year-old painter who had not been apprenticed and was not married. His next of kin was listed as his father, William Allsebrook of 16 Star Street Hobart. The address was later changed to 39 Colville Street, Battery Point. He had previously served with 2 years in the 23^rd AMC. Gerald took the oath on the same day. His description on enlistment was recorded as age 20 years 4 months, height 5-foot 6½ inches, weight 10 stone 9 pounds, chest measurement 33½ to 36½ inches, and a clean complexion with green eyes (both 6/6 vision) and light brown hair. For distinctive marks he had a scar on outside of left leg above knee, and his religious denomination was Church of England. A medical examination on 17 September had considered him fit for active service. The Commander of the 1^st Australian Clearing Hospital appointed him to the unit on 21 November 1914 at Claremont Camp. The Mercury of Hobart on Saturday 14 November 1914 in page 6, under the heading ‘TASMANIAN CONTINGENT’ had ‘Members of the North Hobart Football Club assembled the other evening to say farewell to one of their leading players in the person of G. Aulsebrook, who has joined the second Tasmanian Expeditionary Force for service abroad. The occasion was marked by the presentation of a wristlet watch to the player. Mr. W. Leitch, the club’s delegate to the Football League, made the presentation on the club’s behalf, and made reference to the many sterling games the recipient had played for the club. Private Aulsebrook suitably responded.’ The Examiner of Launceston on Monday 16 November 1914 in page 3 added ‘Members of the North Hobart Football Club assembled the other evening to say farewell to one of their leading players in the person of G. Aulsebrook, who has joined the second Tasmanian Expeditionary Force for service abroad. The occasion was marked by the presentation of a wristlet watch to the player. Mr. W. Leitch, the club’s delegate to the Football League, made the presentation on the club’s behalf, and made reference to the many sterling games the recipient had played for the club. Private Aulsebrook suitably responded. He will be remembered here as one of the south’s best representatives in the last North v. South match in Launceston.’ The 1^st Australian Casualty Clearing Station (1ACCS) was raised in Hobart and consisted of 93 men including 7 doctors. After some seven weeks of training in camp, the new unit embarked for Egypt on 5 December 1914 and the Gallipoli offensive. The Nominal Roll for the 1^st Australian Clearing Hospital that embarked at Melbourne on HMAT Kyarra A55 on 5 December 1914 lists 1395 Private Gerald Allsebrook as a 20-year-old painter of 15 Star Street Hobart and his father William as next of kin at the same address. After embarking his pay was 5 shillings a day, of which half he allocated to Australia. He proceeded to join the MEF for Gallipoli on 7 March 1915. They landed on the beach at Anzac Cove at 11am on 25 April 1915, and remained on a 20-metre stretch of beach through eight months of the Gallipoli campaign. On 5 June 1915 he was fined 5 shillings for being AWOL from his tent at Roll Call. The War Diary for No 1 Australian Casualty Clearing Station for June 1915 had an entry on 14 June at ANZAC, with ‘The hospital was subjected to severe bombardment for a short time with high explosive shells, about 20 fell in vicinity. One patient a stoker F. Upwood was killed No. 1395 Pt. G. Aulsbrook – severely wounded compound fracture of tibia To H.S. Sicilia.’ The diary is in both handwritten and typed formats, with the typed format adding in writing ‘One of the Unit sustained a severe compound fracture of the tibia. Both were transferred to H.S. Sicilia.’ His service records have recorded ‘wounded in action Anzac comp Fract Leg’ on 14 June 1915. The July 1915 dairy has an entry on 15 July at ANZAC with ‘The following names mentioned in Army Corps Routine Orders :-‘ with the list including ‘No.1395. Pte. Aulsebrook. G.’. In his service record is recorded ‘N.R.W. 6/1259 dated 22/6/15 {Confirmation of Cable W.B. 604/769 1/7/15 G.S.W. & Comp. frac. Tibia & Fibula. Died on board “Sicilia” in harbr. Malta 10.10pm 20/6/15’. A report on his death, forwarded to the War Office from the First Clearing Hospital, shows that Private 1395 G Allsebrook died of wounds, received in action, on 20 June 1915 on board HS Sicilia. He had not left a will, but his pay book was not yet to hand. The form was signed in Alexandria on 7 July 1915. Gerald was buried in Pieta Military (New) Cemetery at Malta in Row 1 Grave 2. On 22 June C1752, an extract from Cable WB411 confirmed he died of wounds on HS Sicilia on 20 June 1915. The Mercury of Tasmania has an entry on 2 July 1915 for ‘Allsebrook Gerald G S Pte Death Date 20 Jun 1915 died of wounds’. There is a letter in his service file, but only the last page is visible. It reads ‘His mother as well as myself are deeply anxious to know the particulars I have asked you. If you cannot give me the particulars could you send this (my letter) on to Egypt, or where my son was taken to the Hospital, to those who had charge of him, and they may be able to give the particulars I have asked. I apologise for troubling you, but the deep sorrow & grief to me and his mother must be my excuse. I am, Sir, Your Obedient Servant W Allsebrook, 16 Star St.’ The letter had been written to The Honourable Senator Pearce, Minister of Defence, Melbourne, Victoria. Base Records replied on 14 July 1915 stating ‘In reply to yours of the 7^th inst., it is regretted that the only information received was contained in a cable message from Malta, to the effect that your son No. 1395 Private Gerald Allsebrook, 1^st Australian Clearing Hospital, was reported as having died of wounds on board the Hospital ship “Sicilia”, on the 20^th June, 1915. No further particulars will be available until the necessary official confirming documents have been received from the Front, when you will be immediately notified.’ Gerald was recorded with a special mention in Divisional Orders for gallantry or valuable service rendered during the period from 6 May to 28 June 1915, as recorded in No 16 Part II orders MEF 22 September 1915. Package number 3079, dated 15 December 1915, contained the effects of 1395 Private Gerald Allsebrook 1^st CCH AMC and included 3 razors, salts bottle, holdall, postcards, letters and 2 hairbrushes. Package 4412, dated 23 December, contained more of his effects which were letters, photos, coin, pencil and a comb. They were sent to his father, via Thomas Cook and Son on Demosthenes from Egypt, who signed for them on 8 May 1916. On 23 December 1915 army pay book 64 for him was forwarded to Paymaster, as noted in his service record. Form D2416, dated 13 January 1916, to the Officer Commanding 23^rd AAMC, Hobart, Tasmania, reads ‘Herewith Record Books, C.M.Form M7-8 with A.I.F. service entered) relating to No. 1395 Private Allsebrook, Gerald Gilbert, 1^st Australian Clearing Hospital, Australian Imperial Force, and formerly of your command, reported as – Died of wounds, on board Hospital Ship “Sicilia”, 20^th June, 1915.’ It was sent from Base Records, and they also asked for a receipt. The Officer Commanding 23^rd AAMC acknowledged receipt of the forms on 21 January 1916 in a letter to Base Records. The Commonwealth War Graves Commission has an entry in the Register of the Graves under Pieta Military Cemetery at Malta for ‘ALLSEBROOK, Pte. Gerald, 1395. 1^st Clearing Hosp. Australian Army Medical Corps. Died of wounds 20^th June, 1915. A. V. 5.’ He is also recorded in the Roll of Honour 1914-1918 in the front porch of Battery Point St Georges Anglican Church, the Queensborough Sandy Bay book as ‘ALLSEBROOK, Gerald Gilbert Stanley, D: 20 Jun 1915 – 20yrs – Died of wounds at the Dardanelles’, and is remembered in the Hobart Soldier’s Walk Memorial Trees with tree 25 near Davies Avenue. On 14 July 1916 a picture of his grave at Malta was sent to his next of kin. His description on the memorial walk is listed as: Final Rank: Pte Final Unit: 1 Clearing Hospital Aust Medical Corps Regt Number: 1395 Date of Death: 20/06/1915 Cause of Death: Died of Wounds Age at Death: 20 Awards/Citations: Enlistment Date: 21/09/1914 Enlistment Unit: 1st Aust Clearing Hospital Enlistment Rank: Private Place of Enlistment: Hobart Native Place: – Next of Kin: “Son of William Allsebrook 39 Colville St, Battery Point (1918)” Home Address: 16 Star St Battery Point Schooling: Albuera St (Old Model) Occupation: Hairdresser Place of Work: – Religion: Church of England Remarks: Mercury gives address as Star Street. Name misspelt on map as Allesbrook Well known North Hobart Footballer Photograph of grave appears on AWM site (caption gives name as Private C Alles Brook.) Embarkation Roll as “Painter” Cemetery/Memorial: “Pieta Cemetery, Malta” Honour Boards Tas: Albuera St Primary School; Hobart Town Hall; Tas Football League: St George’s Church AWM Roll of Honour: 132/182 Council Tree Number: 19 Planting: 3/08/1918 Below is the plaque with the tree on the memorial walk. Grave picture P00545.048 from Australian War Memorial. ‘PIETA MILITARY CEMETERY, MALTA. GRAVE OF 995 LANCE CORPORAL HARRY MERCER-SMITH OF THE 9TH BATTALION, AIF, WHO DIED ON 1915-06-17, AGED 22 YEARS, AND ALSO OF 1395 PRIVATE C. ALLES BROOK OF THE AUSTRALIAN ARMY MEDICAL CORPS, WHO DIED ON 1915-06-20. MERCER-SMITH AND ALLES-BROOK BURIED WITH A NEW ZEALAND SOLDIER. (DONOR PRESIDENT OF MALTA)’ Row 1 Grave 2. The First World War Nominal Roll lists 1395 Private Gerald Allsebrook 1^st ACS died of wounds on 20 June 1915. A copy of a message from Base Records on 21 December 1918 reads ‘No. 1395, — Private Gerald Allsebrook, 1^st Australian Clearing Hospital, wounds received in action — on board, H.S. Sicilia, 20^th June, 15. Cable No. M.F.C. 5998, from the Officer Commanding Intermediate Base dated Alexandria, 24^th June 1915, confirmed by Army Form B. 104-52, and Army Form B. 2090A, and Cable No W.B.412, from the Governor and Commander-in-Chief, dated Malta 21^st June 1915, confirmed by Army Form C.347-2 and Army Form B. 2090A.’ Agnes Martha Allsebrook of 16 Star Street Hobart applied for a pension on 18 November 1919, but it was rejected as she was not dependant on Gerald. Another statement dated 13 September 1915 also shows the war pension claim was rejected. His father William was listed as next of kin. On 15 May 1920 she filled out an application for War Gratuity in respect of a deceased solider. He was listed as 1395 Private Gerald Gilbert Stanley Allsebrook who was with the Australian Clearing Hospital. She was the deceased soldier’s mother, his father was still alive, he was not married and she was partly dependant on him as ‘He always out of his wage as an Employee at the “Mercury” newspaper Hobart gave me one pound a week which paid rent’. When he was away she received a separation allowance of 2 shillings 6 pence a day. She was drawing a war pension of 14 shillings a fortnight from the Hobart General Post Office in respect of Gerald. Agnes had received the balance of money owed to Gerald and he had no estate. She signed the form in front of a JP with an X, after he had read it to her and filled it out. She had to list his particulars for overseas service but could not give some of the information, such as date of enlistment (about October 1914), date first reported for duty (but she did state it was at Hobart Barracks), the date he embarked and on what transport. She stated date of death was ‘21^st June 1915’ which was corrected to 20 June. Again she signed with an X and the JP witnessed it all. In another page it was recorded the name of the camp was ‘Brighton Camp, Tasmania Afterwards Claremont Camp, Tasmania’ and the unit he was attached to was ‘Australian Clearing Hospital – Colonel Gibbon C.B. Commanding’. On 23 October 1920 a form for authority for payment of War Gratuity was made out for Mrs Agnes M Allsebrook, mother, in respect of 1395 Private Gerald Gilbert Stanley Allsebrook (deceased) ACH for the sum of 125 pounds and 8 shillings. A memo to the Chairman of the War Gratuity Board on 9 October 1920 stated that his father W Allsebrook ‘waives claim in favour of his wife’. He filled out a statutory declaration to advise that. The family placed a notice in the ‘In Memoriam’ section of the World (a Hobart newspaper) on Friday 20 June 1919 in page 1 which read ‘ALLSEBROOK. — In sad, but loving, memory of our dear loving brother Gerald, who died of wounds received in action at the Dardanelles on June 20, 1915, aged 20 years. Not gone from memory, not gone from love; But gone to a heavenly home above. —Inserted by his loving sister and brother-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. J. W. Kirkby. Hobart. ALLSEBROOK— A tribute to the memory of my old pal Gerald Allsebrook (Ocker), who died of wounds on June 20, 1915. Fond memories of the past will always bring regret. —Inserted by his old pal Harry Burrows, Sydney. ALLSEBROOK.—In loving memory of my dear mate, Gerald (Ocker) Allsebrook, killed in action on Gallipoli on June 20, 1915, aged 20 years. A hero he lived, a hero he fell. Though only a lad he did his part well; He gave his life for a cause that is true, Fighting for country, for home, and for you. —Inserted by his loving mate, Eric Corbett.’ Another entry in that newspaper on Monday 21 June 1920 in page 1 reads ‘IN MEMORIAM. ALLSEBROOK.-In loving memory of our old pal, Gerald (“Ocker”) Allsebrook, who died of wounds June 20^th 1915. Ever remembered as one of the best. – Inserted by his pals, H. Burrows and Chas. McNaught’. Base Records sent a letter and record book CM Form M7 relating to Gerald to the Officer Commanding 4^th AAMC in Hobart on 2 March 1920, saying it had previously been returned (with AIF service entered) by them on 13 January 1916 was re-forwarded to them in error. The letter was sent back to Base Records on 20 February, noting the book had been received. The pamphlet “Where the Australians Rest” was went to him on 21 April 1921. On 1 July 1921 his father was sent his Memorial Scroll and the Memorial Plaque on 1 August 1922. On 8 April 1921 his British War Medal was sent to the Commandant of the 6^th Military District. His father signed for his Victory Medal on 13 September 1922 (sent to him on 7 September) and sent the acknowledgement back to Base Records, who received it on 18 September. He also noted his address was 39 Cahill Street, Battery Point. A form from the AMF in the 6^th Military District for the 1914-15 Star for 1395 Private G Allsebrook was signed by his father at 16 Star Street, Fitzroy Place and was also witnessed on 17 September 1920. It was received back to them on 20 September. Confusingly, his father wrote a note on the bottom of the form, stating ‘P.S. to date I have not received Star yet’ which he dated and signed. On 8 May 1924 Base Records wrote to the Military Secretary at Australia House in London, replying to their letter and stating ‘With reference to your memorandum No. A.G.S. 1511 of 25^th March, the records at this office show that the late No. 1395 Private Gerald ALLSEBROOK, 1^st Australian Clearing Hospital, died of wounds on board H.S. “Sicilia” on 20/6/15.’ They had wished to confirm his details and spelling of his surname. Base Records wrote to Mr W Allsebrook at 39 Colville Street, Battery Point, Hobart asking him to confirm his address was the same as one of the form as they wished to send him the British War Medal for Gerald on 29 May 1924. On 20 November 1925, Mr W Crouch, Solicitor at 60 Queen Street Melbourne, wrote to base Records asking them of Gerald’s exact date and place of his death, as his father had asked him to do so. Base Records received the letter the next day and replied on 28 November stating ‘that according to the records at this office, he is reported to have died of wounds received in action at Gallipoli, on board the Hospital ship “Sicilia” at Malta on the 20^th June, 1915.’ They also asked for Gerald’s fathers’ current address, so they could forward the British War Medal that was issued for his son’s service. His father, William, of 39 Colville Street, Battery Point, Hobart filled out a form for the Roll of Honour of Australia in the Memorial War Museum stating that Gerald Gilbert Stanley Allsebrook, No 1395 1^st Australian Clearing Hospital was born in and was connected with Hobart. He died on 20 June 1915 at the Dardanelles. Gerald was a 20-year-old hairdresser, his school was Old Model (now Albuera Street School) and was a well-known North Hobart footballer. He also served in the military cadets. Base Records had sent him the form to fill out on 1 June 1929, asking him to fill out the Roll of Honor form for the ‘Official Historian’. The Saturday Evening Express of Launceston on Saturday 27 April 1946 in page 6, had under the title of Sports Shorts the following entry, ‘THE Tasmanian state team was on the water en route to the football carnival in Sydney when war was declared on August 4, 1914. On their return to Tasmania the following members of the touring side enlisted: — R. Bailey (Lefroy), O. Aulsebrook (North Hobart), Cecil Hannigan (Cananore). Jimmy Pugh (City), Alf. Whitney (North Hobart), G. Goddard and E. Randell (both of Cananore), Ivo. Margetts (Lefroy). Hannigan and Aulsebrook were killed at Gallipoli, whilst Margetts and Pugh paid the supreme sacrifice in France.’ This was taken from a story in the Examiner of Launceston on Monday 25 April 1932 in page 3 “LEST WE FORGET” War Time Footballers Some Never Came Back Contributed by. E.K.D. The anniversary of Anzac Day to-day recalls to my mind the names of great footballers of the past who so willingly gave up the game and everything they held dear to play a sterner game on the fields of France and elsewhere. Footballers, as well as other sportsmen, showed no hesitation in enlisting when the liberty of the nation was challenged seventeen years ago, and many of those who went made the supreme sacrifice. Let us recall some of these giants who played the game well on two fields.’ Another article in the Mercury of Hobart on Friday 24 April 1931 in page 14 at the start of the season talked about ‘The anniversary of Anzac Day-to-morrow recalls the great part which Tasmanian footballers played in the Great War, and their ready response to the call to the colours.’ It included ‘Another Anzac footballer who made the supreme sacrifice was O. (“Oker”) Aulsebrook, the North Hobart defender. Aulsebrook was also a player in the 1914 carnival team, and his stout defence saved North from many a defeat.’ He is also in an article in the Mercury of 31 August 2018 tilted ‘100 Days of Heroes: Footballer ‘Ocker’ Allsebrook made the ultimate sacrifice.’ Gerald Gilbert Stanley Allsebrook’s name will be projected onto the exterior of the Hall of Memory on: Friday 17 February 2023 at 9:21pm and Friday 19 May 2023 at 9:31pm. He was entitled to the 1914-15 Star, British War and Victory medals. The museum only has his Memorial Scroll.

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.

Major Richard Lewis Hay Blake JENKINS

NSWMR and 20^th Battalion, AIF

By Robert Simpson

Image: State Library of New South Wales, PXA 1011/11. Inscription “Major R.L.H.B. Jenkins, R.A.A. – Gwen Dad- Killed in action. Dardanelles 11th Dec 1915 – Russell’s top Anzac – to be returned Mrs Jenkins, Belmont, Hornsby”

Richard Lewis Hay Blake Jenkins was born on 7 April 1866 in Nepean Towers, Douglas Park, New South Wales; a son of Richard Lewis Jenkins and Mary Rae Johnstone. He was one of nine children to them. Richard had been born in Newport, Wales on 15 January 1816. It is not sure when he moved to Sydney, but he moved there for health reasons. He was a qualified medical doctor. On 7 January 1852 in Sydney, he married Mary Rae Johnstone, a daughter of the first magistrate in the Hunter Valley. Mary had been born in Southampton, England on 16 August 1827. In 1858 Richard was elected to the New South Wales Legislative Assembly for Liverpool Plains and Gwydir and was defeated in the 1860 election. He was an early advocate for compulsory universal public education.

Doctor R L Jenkins and a son arrived in Sydney on the Lady Young from Brisbane on 19 February 1869. Again, he returned from Brisbane to Sydney, on the City of Brisbane on 27 December 1872. Richard passed away on 13 August 1883 in Brisbane and was buried in Rookwood Cemetery in Zone B, Section 1 Row 1. His denomination was recorded as Old Church of England. The grave inscription and details are recorded as ‘of Nepean Towers, N.S.W. b. 16 Jan 1816 (Central pedestal surmounted by draped urn. Grass surface. Iron rail surround. Also includes Vault Nos. 16-17 Row 2)’. Mary had been born in Southampton, England on 16 August 1827. She passed away on 14 April 1904 in Edgecliff, New South Wales and is buried in the same grave with a comment ‘wife of above’. His story is here – Richard Lewis Jenkins (freesettlerorfelon.com)

Their first child was George Henry Vaughan Jenkins, born on 24 November 1852 at Woolamon station, Namoi River, New South Wales. In 1892, a block of land he had purchased in Springmount under the alias of John Martin Heagney fulfilled conditions to issue a certificate. He appears in the 1891 England Census with his wife Beatrice Mary at her father’s house (Robert Charles Hubert, a J P Barrister) in Wrockwardine, Shropshire. He was 38 and she was 28 and George was living on his own means. They had five children. George appears in a list of non-renewal of annual leases for two portions of land in the Armidale district in 1890, so the land became Crown Land. In 1895 a part of land he owned along the road from Armidale to Loch Abra was claimed by the Government to make a road, with an entry in the Gazette stating he could apply for compensation. George passed away in 1910 in Armidale. His estate was recorded in a newspaper article, which noted he was a grazier of Herbert Park Station near Armidale and it was valued at £51859. The story of the station and George is here – https://www.nswera.net.au/biogs/UNE0208b.htm

Edward Johnstone Jenkins was born on 24 October 1854 in Picton, New South Wales and was baptised on 24 November of the same year in the District of Liverpool Plains. In the 1930 and 1933 electoral rolls he was living at 35 New South Head Road, Vaucluse with other family members and was a Physician. He passed away on 2 September 1940 in Woollahra, New South Wales.

Emily Ellen Vaughan Jenkins was born on 14 June 1856 in Picton, New South Wales. She married George M Simpson in 1875 in Picton. In 1926 she embarked on Sophocles in Melbourne in 1^st Class, with a daughter Sybil, disembarking at Southampton on 26 May 1926. She was listed as a Grazier. On 3 September 1927 they embarked on Orvieto, returning to Sydney, Australia. In the 1930 electoral roll she was listed at Stonehenge, Glen Innes with two daughters and all three were listed as doing home duties. She passed away on 15 October 1930 in Glen Innes, New South Wales.

Elizabeth Lloyd Jenkins was born on 24 Dec 1857 in Richmond Terrace and was baptised on 9 Mar 1858 in St Mary, Denham Court, Cumberland, New South Wales. She married Richard Manning Firmin, from London, a labourer, on 28 April 1886 in St Peters Church, Cooks River Road. On 22 March 1879 she married William Augustus Concannon, but he died in 1885 in Queensland. They had three children, one of whom was George Lewis Blake Concannon, born on 4 February 1881 in Brisbane and killed on 27 April 1915 at Gallipoli as a Captain with the 2^nd Battalion AIF. His story is here – https://tgsoba.twgs.qld.edu.au/record/concanon-george-lewis-blake/ . Elizabeth then remarried, to Stanley Bruce Kennard in 1889 in Woollahra, New South Wales. She passed away in Steyning, Sussex, United Kingdom in late 1908 and was buried at Marnhull, Dorset.

Mary Rae Johnstone Jenkins was born on 20 October 1859 in Sydney. She married Henry Ralfe (born 1853) on 18 November 1882 in New South Wales. He died in 1895 in Waverley. A son of theirs was killed in WW1, Captain Henry Douglas Eyre Ralfe (1890-1918). His grave and story is here – https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/56434291/henry-douglas_eyre-ralfe . She then married Charles George Holmes A’Court (he had been married three times previously and all his wives had passed) on 26 June 1901 in Sydney. They lived in Brisbane for a while, before returning to England where he passed away in 1924. Mary passed away in Sturminster, Dorset, England on 28 December 1945 and is buried in St Peter and St Paul Church Heytesbury, Wiltshire with her husband.

Grace Llewellyn Vaughan Jenkins was born on 29 August 1861 at ‘Nepean Towers’, Picton, New South Wales. She married Thomas Charles Fenton in 1885 in Picton NSW. He was ranked fifteenth in order of merit of thirty-six candidates accepted as first-class Naval Cadets following the entrance examinations of December, 1864 and was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant on 15 October 1875. They moved to England. Thomas was Captain on HMS Boomerang from February 1891 to May 1894, then HMS Rattlesnake from July 1894 to September 1894. He was placed on the Retired List on account of age with the rank of Commander on 9 March 1896. In the 1911 census he was listed as a retired Commander in the Royal Navy. He passed away in 1931 in Hampshire and Grace had passed away in 1927. Their daughter, Mary Grace Sybil Omerod Fenton (Born in 1893 in NSW) had previously passed in 1925.

Sybil Maud Mary Jenkins was born on 14 May 1863 at ‘Nepean Towers’, Picton, New South Wales. She married John Hubert Plunkett Murray in 1889 in Sydney. Sybil passed away in 1929 in Ryde NSW. John’s story is here – https://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/murray-sir-john-hubert-plunkett-7711

Richard Lewis Jenkins was born on 23 November 1864 and died on 26 November 1864 at ‘Nepean Towers’, Picton, New South Wales.

Their last child, Sydney Vaughan Jenkins was born on 8 November 1868 but passed away on 16 February 1869 at Nepean Towers, Picton, New South Wales.

Richard was baptised at St Peters Anglican Church in Sydney on 7 February 1867 by G H Moreton. His father was listed as a Gentleman. He was educated at King’s School, Parramatta and Sydney Grammar School. The New South Wales Government Gazette has an entry for Richard from the ‘Colonial Secretary’s Office, Sydney, 19^th August 1899. His Excellency the Governor, with the advice of the Executive Council, has been pleased to make the following appointments in the Volunteer Force, viz.:- MR. RICHARD LEWIS HAY BLAKE JENKINS to be First Lieutenant … in the 5^th Regiment Reserve Scottish Rifles’.

He married Blanche Elizabeth Brown, of Belmont, Hornsby, New South Wales on 29 November 1893 in Waratah, New South Wales. The Sydney Morning Herald of Saturday 23 December 1893 had an entry under Marriages for ‘JENKINS – BROWN. – November 29, at St. Philip’s Church, Waratah, by the Rev. Archibald Shaw, assisted by the Rev. Sydney Grime, R. L. H. B. Jenkins, Lieutenant N.S.W. Artillery, youngest son of the late Mr. R. L. Jenkins, to Blanche, youngest daughter of the late Mr. George Brown, of Waratah, Newcastle.’ They had three children, Godfrey Blake Jenkins, Emily Mary Gwendolen Jenkins and Evan Stuart Jenkins.

Godfrey was born on 28 September 1894 at Woollahra, New South Wales. In 1911-12 he received the Senior Cadets’ District Competition Medal. He served in WW1, embarking on HMAT Berrima A35 on 19 August 1914 in Sydney as 896 Private with Naval and Military Expeditionary Force (Tropical Unit) (1^st Battalion). He was a single 20-year-old orchardist with his next of kin his mother. He had previous service with Garrison Artillery, 26 AMC and 19 Infantry. His description was 20 years and 1 month old, height 5 foot 5 inches, weight 8 stone 6 pounds, chest measurement of 35 inches and a dark complexion with brown eyes and dark hair. Church of England was his religious denomination and he had a leaf shaped birth mark on his left arm. They embarked for active service on 19 August. He was promoted to Lance Corporal on 27 August 1914 and was discharged with time expired on 18 January 1915. He then enlisted as Private 12 in the AIF on 25 February 1915 with 20^th Battalion. His description had changed a bit, with height 5 foot 3 ½ inches, weight 114 pounds, chest 30 to 33 inches and a dark complexion with blue eyes and brown hair. He embarked with the 20^th Battalion D Company 5^th Infantry Brigade on HMAT Berrima A35 at Sydney on 26 June 1915. His description in the nominal roll was a single 21-year-old of independent means, with his next of kin his mother Blanche Jenkins, both of Belmont, Hornsby NSW. His religion was Church of England and he was paid 5 shillings a day. On 16 August 1915 he embarked to go to Gallipoli, serving under his father. Promoted to Lance Corporal in October then Temporary Corporal on 25 November 1915 on Gallipoli.

He was promoted to 2^nd Lieutenant on 1 March 1916 and went to France that month. A letter was sent to his mother on 15 August 1916 stating he was ‘now in the Duchess of Westminster 1^st Red Cross Hosp, 30/7/16, suffering from gas poisoning, mild.’ In 1916 he had some service with the 22^nd Battalion and in 1917 he was with the 63^rd Battalion for a few months. He was promoted to Lieutenant 28 October 1916. Godfrey was placed on the Regimental Seconded List (Invalided) on 11 June 1918.

He returned to Australia at his own expense on 10 January 1919 with 1914 leave and his appointment was terminated on 29 April 1919. His medals included the 1914/15 Star, British War and Victory Medals. The Colonial Auxiliary Forces Long Service Medal and Colonial Auxiliary Forces Volunteer Decoration were also issued to him.

Group portrait of officers of the 20th Battalion. Left to right, Back row: Lieutenant (Lt) (later Captain ) John Allan Broadbent MC; Captain (Capt) Keith Stewart Cresswell Single, Padre; Lt Leslie Byrne MC (killed in action 18 September 1918); French Interpreter; Capt (later Major) Eric Lloyd Hutchinson DSO, Regimental Medical Officer; Lt (later Captain) Robert Rainy Harper DSO; Lt (later Captain) Harold Bourchier Dight Barlow MC; Lt (later Captain) Norman George Blanchard; Lt John Robert Porteous (killed in action 23 May 1916); Capt Horace Roy Rush (killed in action 15 November 1916): Second row: Lt J W O’Connor; Capt Stanley Roy Kent MC; Capt Albert James Roper; Major (Maj) (later Lieutenant Colonel) Harold Paul; Maj Richard Francis Fitzgerald DSO; Lieutenant Colonel (LtCol) John Lamrock VD CB, Commanding Officer; Capt (later Major) Charles Holmes Howard OBE, Adjutant; Maj Mauder Ross; Lt (later Captain) Arthur Gardere Ferguson (killed in action 14 June 1916); Front row: Lt (later Captain) Arnold Stratfall Evans; Capt Arnold Kingsley Hocking MC (killed in action 20 September 1917); Lt (later Captain) John Malcolm Moore; Lt (later Major) John James Lawton McCall DSO; Lt Godfrey Blake Jenkins. AWM A03620

In 1918 he married Dorothea Logan Johnson in Lanarkshire Scotland. Dorothea had been born in Barr Head Kilmarnock, Scotland on 13 March 1900. They had four children; Robert Lewis Blake Jenkins (1923-2017), David Rae Jenkins (1925-2011), Phillipa Vaughn Jenkins (1928-2016) and Michael Godfrey Jenkins (1931-1990).

After the war he was appointed to 2/18 Battalion on 1 October 1920, 18^th Battalion (new organization) on 31 March 1921 and was provisionally transferred to AGA on 17 October 1922, with the transfer confirmed on 11 April 1923. Godfrey was promoted to Major on 1 January 1929 and appointed SO for 1^st Heavy Brigade on 1 October 1929, relinquishing the position on 30 September 1935 and was transferred to the unattached list the next day. Godfrey served for many years in the Militia. On 1 October 1920 Godfrey was promoted to Lieutenant, Captain on 17 October 1922 and Major on 1 January 1929. He did some exams to become a Lieutenant-Colonel in 1930 and 1931, but on both times did not pass, with the comment ‘We are of opinion that he has not attained the necessary standard.’ Godfrey attested with the Australian Military Force on 20 August 1941 at Paddington, while living in Killara and was given the service number N76334. He enlisted for service at the Recruiting Depot E.C. Godfrey stated he was a managing secretary and for previous military service he listed AMF as a Major in 11th Brigade RAA (M), and for other military service as a Lieutenant with 20th Battalion AIF and then Major with RMPO Area 30. His wife and next of kin, Dorothy, was living with him at 88 Springdale Road Killara NSW. Their house – https://www.realestate.com.au/property/88-springdale-rd-east-killara-nsw-2071 . Godfrey served as Major N278217, as recorded on his Mobilization Attestation Form, with the Area Recruiting Staff on continuous Full Time War Service with the CMF from 27 November 1941 to 11 June 1944, only in Australia. His service ceased on that date in Sydney as 1^st Brigade Area Officer, Area 33-c. Medals were issued for his service, the 1939-45 War Medal and Australian Service Medal. In the 1963 electoral roll Dorothea was living at 11 Yarrabung Road St Ives, doing home duties, with Godfrey Blake, Michael Godfrey (both with no occupation) and Philippa Vaughan (a staging records clerk). Godfrey passed away on 25 October 1966 at Killara, Bradfield, New South Wales, with a newspaper report stating he was ‘Late of St Ives and Killara’.

Robert served in WW2 as NX36850, enlisting in New South Wales. He had changed his birth year to 1922. Previously he served in the Permanent Army 1^st Heavy Brigade RAA, as Gunner 9734 from February 1941, and transferred to the AIF on 18 June 1941. Robert was at Darwin and was then sent to Timor. In February 1942 he was reported missing, later reported to be a POW, being captured at Aircom on 23 February 1942 as part of 2/1 Heavy Battery. His description was 5-foot 7½ inches tall, weight 128 pounds, was of fair complexion with blue eyes and light brown hair. His religion was Church of England. Robert was previously a jackeroo and his father of 88 Springvale Street Killara was his next of kin. He was discharged on 12 December 1945. Robert was entitled to the 1939/45 Star, Pacific Star, 1939-45 War Medal, Australian Service Medal 1939/45, Australian Service Medal 1945/75 with clasp SW Pacific and Returned from Active Service Badge. In the 1949 electoral roll he was a jackeroo at Nelyambo station. From the 1958 to 1968 rolls, he was a working manager at Bowylie. In the 1972 to 1980 rolls he was in the ACT at 23 Andamooka St, Fisher. He married Elizabeth Anne Gill (1931-2009) and they had Tim and Wendy. David also served in WW2 as Private NX206774. He was also a jackeroo and enlisted on 23 April 1945. In March 1946 he was sent to Rabaul and served with the 31/51^st Infantry Battalion before being transferred to the 26^th Battalion in May. Returning to Sydney in July 1946, and after being trouble when he neglected to obey Military orders, he was discharged on 22 January 1947. David was entitled to 1939-45 War Medal, Australian Service Medal 1939-45 and Australian Service Medal 1945-75 with clasp PNG. Phillipa went to England in 1955 and returned in 1957. She was a receptionist/typist. In the 1968 electoral roll, Michael was living at Acron Street Bradfield and was a TV propsman. By the 1972 roll he was a caretaker at the Bowling Club Killeaton Street West, St Ives and in 1980 he had retired and was living at 15 Coventry Street, Kalgoorlie.

Emily was born in 1898 in Paddington. In 1926 she left from Sydney on the Moldavia, arriving in London on 4 June. The 1930 electoral roll has her living at Belmont, Peat’s Ferry Road Hornsby. She passed away on 6 December 1943 in Hornsby, New South Wales as a spinster with probate granted on 4 September 1944.

Evan was born on 7 August 1906. In the 1928 electoral roll he was living at the Officer’s Mess, Maytone Queensland and was ‘officer staff corps.’ In the 1930 and 1931 rolls he was living at George’s Heights, Mossman and was an officer. On 1 September 1934 he arrived at Adelaide on Maloja in 1^st Class from Bombay, India. He was an Army Officer, age 28 and intended to return to India. On 2 January 1952 he boarded Himalaha at Southampton, bound for Sydney. He was in 1^st Class, age 45, retired and intended to live in Australia. In the 1954 electoral roll he was living at 241 Pacific Highway, Hornsby and had no occupation. Evan passed away in early 1977 in Yeovil, Somerset, England. Probate was granted in Winchester on 3 June and showed he lived at Broke Gate Cottage, Bishops Down Sherborne Dorset and stated he died on 4 March 1977 and was valued at over £17000.

In 1880, at the age of 14, Richard enrolled at Sydney Grammar School. An entry in a register for The King’s School reads ‘Jenkins Richard Lewis Hay Blake 1444 (1879-83) 7 Apr 1866 Richard Lewis Jenkins Medical Practitioner Berrima 1852 M Mary Rae Johnstone; School Cdt. Medical Practitioner and Army Officer. 11 Dec 1915. M 1893 Blanche E. Brown.’

He commanded Fort Scratchley at Newcastle in 1895 and 1896.

Richard served as a Special Services Officer in the South African (Boer) War, with the RAA. He embarked at Sydney on transport Moravian on 17 January 1900. They arrived at Cape Town on 17 February 1900 and were ordered to Orange River Colony on 27 February. He took charge of a machine gun section of Royal Garrison Artillery at Fort Munster. Then he commanded a detachment of Royal Garrison Artillery with two 9 pounder guns at Zuit Pan Drift. After being admitted to hospital suffering dysentery on 20 March, he returned to duty 12 April, taking command of mounted infantry details at Fort Munster. Richard was appointed staff-officer and Provost Marshal on 19 May. He returned to Australia, invalided, on 17 August 1900. Captain Jenkins subsequently commanded a machine gun section in the 2^nd (New South Wales) Mounted Rifles Regiment. They left Sydney on 15 March 1901 and arrived at Port Elizabeth on 16 April 1901. They left Cape Town on 4 May 1902, arriving at Albany WA on 21 May, Melbourne on 29 May, and disembarked at Sydney on 4 June 1902. (From Murray page 106). He engaged in operations against Generals De La Rey, Kemp, Potgeitiers, and Vermaas: (a) Served in the Western Transvaal under command of Major General Fetherstonhaugh from 23 April to 1 October. Principal operations: Capture of Potgeitier’s convoy on the Vaal, 24 May 1901; capture by the regiment of General De La Rey’s convoy of 106 wagons, a large quantity of cattle, ammunition etc. (b) Served in the Eastern Transvaal, under command of Major General Fetherstonhaugh; engaged in many night marches, resulting in the capture of more than a thousand prisoners.

He was awarded the Queen’s South Africa Medal with three clasps (Cape Colony, Orange Free State and Transvaal) as a Captain with the 2^nd Regiment NSW Mounted Rifles. In the remarks column the medal roll has ‘1^st Co. W.D.R.C.A. 1900’. In a list of Officers of New South Wales Military Contingents serving in the Boer War from 1899 to 1900, he is recorded as Lieutenant R L H B Jenkins of NSW Royal Australian Artillery, serving as a Special Service Officer from Sydney District. He was also awarded the King’s South Africa Medal with two clasps (South Africa 1901 and South Africa 1902) as a Captain. The medal roll records he had previous service in South Africa with NSW Special Service in February 1900. (Murray page 199 and medal records).

In filling out his application for a Commission in the 20^th Battalion 5^th Brigade AIF, Richard listed his Educational Qualifications as The Sydney Grammar School, The Kings School, School of Instruction Wellington Barracks London and schools of instruction in New South Wales. His Military Qualifications were The Kings School Cadets, 4^th Battalion Royal Manchester Regiment England, Sydney Scottish Rifle Volunteers, Sydney Light Horse, 4^th Battalion Royal Manchester Regiment England (listed twice on the form), Royal Australian Artillery Regiment and South African War 1900-02. Twenty-seven years in all. Richard qualified at a competitive exam for appointment as a 2^nd Lieutenant in 1886 with the 4^th Battalion Royal Manchester Regiment in England. His current civilian employment was a farmer and orchardist. He was a married British subject with his next of kin and postal address the same as recorded on the nominal roll. The form was signed and dated on 18 May 1915. A medical examination showed he was 5-foot 6½ inches tall, weighed 10 stone 3 pounds, had a chest measurement of 36½ inches and had good eyesight. He was recommended to be a Major in the 20^th Battalion Headquarters on 24 June by the Commanding Officer and on 8 July by the District Commandant.

Richard was appointed to the AIF on 12 April 1915 as Second in Command of the 20^th Battalion. His record shows that Major Richard Lewis Hay Blake Jenkins, late R.A. Artillery was recorded in the Australian Gazette No 32 on 24 April 1915. He had 23 years’ service including Militia in England, Cadets Militia and Regulars in New South Wales. His civil occupation as listed as ‘Retired Officer R.A. Artillery Farming and Dairying etc.’ He was married with his next of kin recorded as ‘Wife B. E. Jenkins c/o J. C. Bragg 76 Pitt Street Sydney, N.S.Wales.’

Group portrait of officers of the 20th Battalion at Liverpool Camp, shortly before they embarked for Egypt on 25 June 1915 aboard the HMAT Berrima. Identified left to right: 598 Quartermaster Sergeant Stanley Roy Kent, (later awarded the MC as Captain (Capt) Kent); Capt Eric Lloyd Hutchinson, (later awarded a DSO); Brigadier General John Lamrock, VD (later warded a CB); Major Richard Lewis Hay Blake Jenkins, served in the Boer War, (later killed in action at Lone Pine on 11 Dec 1915; he is remembered with honour on the Lone Pine Memorial in the Anzac cemetery, Gallipoli, Turkey). AWM JO6327

From the Nominal Roll, Major Richard Hay Blake Jenkins embarked on transport HMAT Berrima A35 at Sydney on 25 June 1915 with Headquarters of the 20^th Infantry Battalion, as Second in Command; part of the 5^th Infantry Brigade. He was a 49-year-old farmer, married with and address of Care of J.C. Bragg, 76 Pitt Street, Sydney, NSW / Belmont, Hornsby, NSW. His wife, Mrs B E Jenkins, was next of kin and her address was recorded as the same. His religion was Church of England and he had been serving with the 41^st Infantry AMF when he enrolled in the AIF. His rate of pay was 30 shillings daily, with 15 shillings as an allotment to Australia, nett pay of 10 shillings and 5 shillings deferred. They arrived in Egypt on 24 July. After training there, they embarked on S.S. Saturnia at Alexandria on 15 August, and sailed the next day. Richard was listed as Commanding Officer. After arriving at Mudros on 19 August, they transferred to Osmanieh on 21 August and travelled to Anzac, landing there that night. The Museum has a transcript of a manuscript for the 20^th Battalion which gives a detailed account of what they did on Gallipoli.

He was sick on 7 September 1915 at Gallipoli, and was sent to hospital with dysentery. That day he was transferred to Mudros to the 13^th CCS and admitted to HS Maheno which sailed to Malta. A manuscript at the Australian War Memorial, listed as ‘AWM224 MSS148 – [Unit manuscript histories:] 20^th Australian Infantry Battalion: Narrative by Capt V B Portman. Gallipoli, Passchendaele, Somme, 1918.’ records an entry on 12 September which includes ‘On the evening of the 13^th Major R.L.H.B.Jenkins was evacuated, having become seriously ill’. (As he was writing it in 1919, he may have got the date wrong.) Disembarking there on 12 September (recorded in his service record as sick, slight), he was transferred to HS Brasile for England on 8 October. On 10 October he was admitted to the 3^rd London General Hospital in England. He embarked on HT Andania on 5 November at Devonport and was due at Mudros on 14 November. Richard then returned to Gallipoli to his unit on 6 December. Another entry in the manuscript reads on 6 November ‘It was during the month spent in Monash Gully that Lieut-Colonel J. Lamrock, and Major R.L. Jenkins re-joined the Battalion, but the dates I am not sure of.’ He also records on 5 December ‘I think it was on the 5^th or 6^th that Major R.L.H.B. Jenkins returned to the Battalion.’ The manuscript continues on, during 9 December ‘at 7.4. p.m. in the shape of a violent bombardment. Lone Pine was again badly damaged. It was now well-known that an evacuation was contemplated, and the definite orders were issued on the 9^th, Col. Lamrock taking command of the Brigade, and Major Jenkins assuming command of the Battalion. It was decided that the 20^th Battalion should evacuate Russell Top. December 11th and the Battalion received orders to take over the position again. The worst misfortune that befell the Battalion in its early history now overtook us. Majors Jenkins, Marcus and Uther, were killed by a shell when proceeding to reconnoitre the position. This was at 4 p.m. Where the sap ran up out of Monash Gully on to the ridge above, it was very shallow, and for some yards men passing there were head and shoulders out of it. The party stopped in this shallow section to look over the Turk positions – from there almost out of rifle range – and during that time one of the guns must have been trained on them, for they had hardly moved when a shrapnel shell burst against them killing Major Jenkins and Marcus immediately, and mortally wounding Major Uther who shortly after succumbed. This was a stunning blow to the Battalion, and cast a gloom over us that lasted for a very long time. Each of these Officers was greatly esteemed and personally admired in the Battalion – perhaps more so than any Officer has since been privileged to be. They were buried with all honour in the new cemetery at the seaward end of Monash Gully. In later years many thoughts will drift back to that Cemetery and many of us will envy them their graves when our times draws near. We could spend no time in melancholy reflections, however, and the relief took place as planned on the morning of’ the next day. Richard was killed in action 11 December 1915. He was buried on 12 December 1915 at the cemetery at the foot of Walker’s Ridge at Gallipoli.

Base Records sent a letter to his wife that Richard has disembarked at Malta from Hospital Ship Maheno on 12 September slightly sick. On 19 October 1915 a Medical Board for Major Jenkins 20^th Battalion AIF, age 49½ years with 23-years’ service, had been suffering from dysentery, but ‘since he was last boarded he has had no symptoms of Dysentery and has now recovered.’ The disability was caused and contracted while he was in service, he had no control over it and it was caused by exposure to infection. Leave was granted from 12 October. Base Records sent a note to Blanche regarding a wire they had sent on 30 September, on 13 October, advising her that he had embarked on HS Brasile on 2 October. They replied to another letter from Blanche on 28 October, saying that he was ‘now in the Hospital at London, suffering from “Dysentery” and stated his address for correspondence. A letter had been sent to Blanche on 11 November 1915 from Base Records advising her that he had returned to Egypt for duty.

The war diary of the 20^th Battalion recorded that at Fatigue Gully on 11 December 1915 ‘Cap. Single from hospital, 5 evacuated sick. Instructions received to take over Russels Top. Maj’s Jenkins, Harcus and Uther killed at the junction of Rest and Monash saps while on the way to take over Russels Top.’ The journal of 164 Private John Booth of A Company 20^th Battalion noted ‘On Dec/11/15 three of our majors, Jenkins, Harcus and Uther, were killed by shrapnel whilst going through the sap to Russels Top. It appears that the Turks were firing their 74s at our battery at the back of Walkers Ridge and generally fired three times in succession and a shell fell short and got them. It was a severe loss to the battalion as these officers were very popular and the best we had.’

Richard is commemorated on the Lone Pine Memorial; his grave of Walker’s Ridge having been lost. His name is recorded on Panel 64 of the memorial. Richard Lewis Hay Blake Jenkins’s name is located at panel 91 in the Commemorative Area at the Australian War Memorial.

The Governor General and MC2 were notified that he had been killed in action on 10 January 1916 and a copy was made for War Pensions on 12 January.

The Field Service form for a report on the death of an officer was filled out by the Commanding Officer of the 20^th Battalion AIF and shows that Major RHLB Jenkins of 20^th Battalion 5^th Brigade AIF was killed in action on 11 December 1915 on Gallipoli. His burial report or pay book were both not yet at hand, as signed by Major C Griffiths at Alexandria on 26 January 1916.

His photo in the Sydney Morning Herald of 29 January 1916 on page 10.

‘On Dec/11/15 three of our majors, Jenkins, Harcus and Uther, were killed by shrapnel whilst going through the sap to Russells Top. It appears that the Turks were firing their 75s at our battery at the back of Walkers Ridge and generally fired three times in succession and a shell fell short and got them. It was a severe loss to the battalion as these officers were very popular and the best we had.’ (Journal, Pte John Booth, No.164, A Coy. 20^th Battalion).

‘Poor Uther met his end on the 13^th November. He was a wonderful chap, a keen, lovable soldier. He was with two other good soldiers – Majors Jenkins and Harcus. It happened that when it was decided to evacuate Anzac, the new Brigade was ordered to go back to Mudros, and the 20^th were instructed to take over on the night of 13^th November, and on the morning of that date the Headquarters staff (Major R.C.H. Jenkins, A./C.O., Major R.F. Fitzgerald A./2nd-in-Command; Captain C.H. Howard, Adjutant; and the two senior Company Commanders, Majors J.L. Harcus and G.A. Uther) started to go to Russell [sic] Top to go over the details. When proceeding up Monash Gully sap, a couple of shells were fired at the party from a ’75’ at Olive Grove, but, as the trench was deep, no harm was done. When the party reached the top, the sentry there said the gun was shelling the wide sap heavily, and a halt was called. After a wait of a few minutes the party set off again, and had barely gone a dozen yards when a shell burst right among it, killing Uther, Jenkins, and Harcus, and only knocking down Fitzgerald and Howard.’ (Brigadier General John Lamrock, 20th Bn. ‘Surprised: But the Turks Were There.’ Reveille Vol.3 No.7 31 March 1930 page 57).

A photo of the burial of Majors Jenkins, Harcus and Uther, of the 20^th Battalion, at Anzac, published in the Sydney Town & Country Journal of 29 March 1916 on page 32 is captioned: ‘The cemetery is near the beach and contains the graves of officers and men from all posts of the Empire. The officers standing, from left to right, are: – Captain Single (Chaplain), Brigadier General Holmes, Major Fitzgerald. Standing at the foot of graves – Captain Rush.’ The graves have been lost and he is now commemorated at the Lone Pine Memorial.

A note shows that Major Richard Lewis Hay Blake Jenkins, 20^th Battalion AIF was killed in action at Gallipoli on 11 December 1915. This was recorded by cables number MFC 34248 and MFC 34672 from the Officer Commanding the Intermediate Base at Alexandria, dated 6 and 10 January 1915, and was confirmed by Army Form B 104-52.

Leisuis, Black & Way Solicitors wrote to Base Records on 27 January 1916 asking for a certificate of death for Richard, stating his full name and other military details. They also added, that due to it being a considerable estate, and could not be dealt with until Probate was granted, that could they expedite the certificate. On 3 February 1916 Base Records replied that the ‘official confirming documents covering report of death of Major R. H. L. B. Jenkins, 20^th Battalion, have not yet been received by this department’ and they would forward the details when received. Base Records sent them the ‘certificate of report of death’ on 3 March 1916.

The National Mutual Life Association wrote to Base Records on 28 January 1916 stating ‘that Richard Lewis Hay Blake Jenkins assured with this Association was killed whilst on Active Service with the Australian Imperial Forces in the Dardanelles on or about the 11^th December 1915. I shall be glad if you will kindly let me have the following information for identification purposes.’ They listed place of birth, age, height, complexion, colour of eyes and hair, any distinguishing marks and next of kin. On 3 February 1916 Base Records replied to them with a note and an enclosed list of identification particulars for Richard.

On 7 March 1916 the solicitors replied to Base Records, thanking them for the letter they sent including the ‘Certificate of Report of Death’.

The Times of 21 March 1916 recorded ‘MAJOR R. L. H. B. JENKINS, 20^th Australian Infantry, who was killed on December 11 at Anzac, was the youngest son of the late R. L. Jenkins, of Nepean Towers, N.S.W., Australia, and of the late R. L Jenkins, of Nepean Towers, N.S.W., Australia, and of the late Mrs. R. L. Jenkins, of Orielton, Sydney, his mother being a daughter of the late Major Edward Johnstone, 50^th Regiment, who settled in N.S.W. after the New Zealand War, having previously served in the Peninsular and Waterloo Campaigns, and who had 10 great-grandsons serving in this war. Major Jenkins served for many years in the Permanent Artillery and was A.D.C. to General Hutton when in command of the Australian Defence Forces. He served through the South African War gaining two medals, and retired from the Royal Australian Artillery some years later. He volunteered at once on the outbreak of the present war and was appointed to the 20^th Battalion, 5^th Brigade, which he commanded at Anzac when he was killed as he was proceeding up a sap to the front trenches at Russels Top in company with two other field officers. His adjutant writes:- “His death was a severe blow to the battalion, which held him in much esteem.” Major Jenkins leaves a widow and three children, the eldest of whom, Godfrey, volunteered at once for the expedition to seize Samoa and German New Guinea, being promoted to Corporal. He then joined the 20^th Btn. as a private, and was present when his father was killed. He has now received a commission.’

In his service record is a slip for a pension claim for his daughter Emily Mary Jenkins of “Belmont” Peats Ferry Road Hornsby which was withdrawn. Another form for his son, Evan B Jenkins showed a pension of £13 per annum was amended to £1 per fortnight, from 12 March 1916. His wife, of the same address above, was granted a pension of £116 per annum from the same date and their child Evan Stuart Jenkins was also granted a pension of £13 from the same date, with his mother as trustee.

Blanche wrote to Base Records on 6 April 1916 advising them that the address they had for correspondence was an office address and, as she had received a letter from the Camp Quartermaster at Zeitoun that the effects of her husband were being sent, she asked that the effects be delivered to their private address of ‘Belmont Hornsby N.S.Wales’. Base Records sent an acknowledgement to her on 13 April 1916, stating it had been recorded on his records.

The Sun of Sydney on Wednesday 19 April 1916 in page 9 under ‘WILLS’ a notice: ‘The will of the late Major Lewis Hay Blake Jenkins, of Peat’s Ferry-road, Hornsby, killed at Gallipoli whilst attached to the 20^th Battalion, A.I.F., on December 11 last, has, for probate purposes, been proved at £13,729. Testator appointed Joseph Charles Bragg and Lillian O’Grady executors and trustees. Subject to a bequest of £1000 to Lillian O’Grady in recognition of the manner in which she managed his affairs at Niagara Park, Narara (N.S.W.), he bequeathed the estate to his widow and children.’

On 9 May 1916, the Deputy Federal Commissioner of Land Tax wrote to Base Records asking if they could verify he died on active service and required details. Their reply on 15 May it was confirmed he had been killed in action on Gallipoli and also noted this ‘Officer is recorded as born on 7^th April 1866, a farmer and orchardist by occupation, next-of-kin being shown as’ his wife. A receipt acknowledging the letter being sent to them was sent back to Base Records on 22 May 1916. A tin trunk and kit bag of Major Jenkins were delivered to Blanche by Thomas Cook from Egypt on Demosthenes. She dated the form on 15 May 1916. The lists from the various items returned to Blanche are below. (With thanks to NAA).

In the Index to Deceased Estate Files he has a card which records him as Richard Lewis May Blake Jenkins, a Major in the Australian Imperial Forces with his usual residence of Belmont Peats Ferry Road Hornsby. His death date was recorded as 11 December 1915 and a file number of Z/14514. Probate of his will was granted on 28 June 1916. His will is quite involved and includes a codicil which changed the executors and stated which of his children was to get what from his estate. Godfrey got his South Africa medals and other items, with Evan receiving all his other medals. He left his wife the house and support to raise the children and look after the house. In the codicil he revoked his original trustees and appointed new ones and reduced the amount of money paid to his wife.

Blanche signed for a package of personal effects of the late Major RLHB Jenkins which had been consigned from Egypt from Thomas Cook and Son on Itonus on 4 August 1916.

An excerpt from The Sydneian, published September 1917, a magazine published by the Sydney Grammar School.

On 22 August 1918 Base Records sent Mrs B E Jenkins of Belmont, Peats Ferry Road Hornsby, NSW a ‘form of Commission which has been issued by the British War Office covering the appointment of your husband the late Major R.L.H.B. Jenkins, 20^th Battalion, as a temporary major in the Regular Forces of the British Army.’ They asked her to sign and return the receipt, which was signed and dated on 29 August and received back to Base Records on 2 September. His 1914-15 Star and British War Medal were sent to the Commandant of the 2^nd Military District on 24 December 1920, with his Victory Medal sent to his widow on 9 January 1923. She signed for his Memorial Scroll and King’s Message on 5 September 1921, which had been sent to her on 30 August, and Base Records received the receipt on 9 September. The ‘Where The Australians Rest’ pamphlet was sent to her on 22 August 1921.

Base Records sent Blanche a letter on 4 April 1922 referring to the Memorial Form A she filled out, regarding the personal inscription part to which she had put ‘Major R.L.H.B. Jenkins late R.A.A. 20^th Batt. A.I.F.’ which was nearly the same as what would be inscribed by the government on the memorial. They were wondering if she would like to submit a more personal epitaph or verse within the War Graves guidelines. She replied to them on 24 April 1922, asking if they could add the following verse to his headstone ‘Greater love hath no man than this that a man lay down his life’. Base Records received the letter on 28 April and amended the form on 5 May.

Blanche signed for a Memorial Plaque for her husband and returned the form on 8 December 1922. It had been sent to her on 4 December. Base Records received it on 13 December. She signed for his Victory Medal on 20 January 1923 and Base Records received the receipt on 24 January.

His name is also recorded on the family grave with the following information ‘Major. R.A.A. & C.O. 20^th Battn. A.I.F. 3rd son of above. Killed in action at Russells Top. Interred Nth. Beach, ANZAC, Gallipoli.’ The photo below shows the grave, with his parents listed on one face and his name at the bottom below them, but it is hard to read with other things in the way.

Godfrey Blake Jenkins, his eldest son, of Orielton Peats Ferry Road, Hornsby filled out a form for the Roll of Honour of Australia at the Memorial War Museum. He typed that Major Richard Lewis Hay Blake Jenkins of 20^th Battalion AIF was associated with Sydney and Hornsby district. He had been born at Nepean Towers, Douglas Park NSW and had died on 11^th December 1915 at ‘Russel Top ANZAC Gallipoli’, age 49. Richard was a regular solider in ‘Australian and Imperial Forces (not A.I.F.)’ He attended ‘Kings School Parramatta’ and Sydney Grammar School. For previous military service he recorded ‘Manchester Regt, Sydney Scottish Rifles, N.S.W. Permanent Artillery (R.A.A.)’. He served ‘in South African War and has Kings & Queens Medals with Five Bars, 2^nd in Command of 20^th Battn A.I.F. 1914/5 Medal, General Service and Victory Medals. For other members who served Godfrey recorded, ‘Captain G.L.B. Concannon of the 2^nd Battn Nephew of deceased (K.I.A.)’ and ‘Flight Commander B Ralfe R.A.G.A. and Australian Flying Corps (Nephew of deceased) (K.I.A.).’ For other references Godfrey listed his mother Blanche E. Jenkins and G.B. Jenkins (his brother) of Belmont or Orielton Peats Ferry Road Hornsby NSW.

An article in Reveille Volume 3 No 7 in page 30 on 31 March 1930 from Brigadier General John Lamrock reads ‘Poor Uther met his end on the 13^th November. He was a wonderful chap, a keen, lovable soldier. He was with two other good soldiers – Majors Jenkins and Harcus. It happened when it was decided to evacuate Anzac, the new Brigade was ordered to go back to Mudros, and the 20^th were instructed to take over on the night of 13^th November, and on the morning of that date the Headquarters staff (Major R.C.H. Jenkins, A/C.O., Major R.F. Fitzgerald A/2^nd-in Command; Captain C.H. Howard, Adjutant, and the two senior company commanders, Majors J.I. Harcus and G.A. Uther) started to go out to Russell (sic) Top to go over the details. When proceeding up Monash Gully sap, a couple of shells were fired at the party from a ‘75’ at Olive Grove, but, as the trench was deep, no harm was done. When the party reached the top, the sentry there said the gun was shelling the wide sap heavily, and a halt was called. After a wait of a few minutes the party set off again, and had barely gone a dozen yards when a shell burst right among it, killing Uther, Jenkins and Harcus, and only knocking down Fitzgerald and Howard.’

The Sydney Morning Herald of Tuesday 7 December 1943 on page 8 under ‘DEATHS’ had an entry ‘JENKINS.—December 6, 1943, at Belmont Hornsby, Emily Mary Gwendolen (Gwen), only daughter of the late Major R. L. H. B. Jenkins, and Mrs. Blanche Jenkins and sister of Major Godfrey and Major Evan Jenkins. (Private cremation. By request, no flowers.)’

His name is recorded by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission in Index No. MR for the Lone Pine Memorial at Gallipoli in Part II – H to M as ‘JENKINS, Maj. Richard Lewis Hay Blake, 20^th Bn. Killed in action 11^th Dec., 1915. Age 49. Son of Richard Lewis Jenkins and Mary Rae Jenkins; husband of Blanche E. Jenkins (nee Johnstone), of Belmont, Hornsby, New South Wales. Served in the South African Campaign. 64.’ He is also listed in the book Anzac Memorial 1914-1918 in the pages of those who died on service.

His medals are the Queens South Africa medal with clasps Cape Colony, Orange Free State and Transvaal, Kings South Africa medal with clasps South Africa 1901 and South Africa 1902, 1914-15 Star, British War and Victory medals. The last medal was presented to him by the Manchester Rifles in 1888.

The World’s Columbian Exposition bronze medallion 1893, to Lieutenant Jenkins.

The medals for Godfrey Blake Jenkins are the 1914-15 Star, British War Medal, Victory Medal, 1939-45 War Medal, Australian Service Medal, Colonial Auxiliary Forced Decoration, Colonial Auxiliary Forces Long Service Medal and the Australia Commonwealth Military District Competition Senior Cadet 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.

Private James Jensen Bak

15th Battalion, AIF

By James Martin

James Jensen Bak, the son of Julius and Christine Bak, was born in Maryborough on 2 October 1895 and lived at that time with his parents at Yengarie.

James was a farmer. He enlisted in the AIF on 17 September 1914 at Maryborough at the age of 18 years and 10 months.

James’ Army enlistment papers show that he was a member of the Tiaro Rifle Club. He was 5ft 6.5in tall and was posted to the 15^th Infantry Battalion, 4^th Brigade, at Enoggera, Brisbane.

He embarked on the Ceramic on 22 December 1914 and became part of the initial Gallipoli landing.

On 9 May 1915 (15 days after landing) he suffered a gunshot wound to the left arm and shoulder at Quinn’s Post.

On 15 May 1915 he sailed on the Lutzow to the 17^th AGH (Australian General Hospital) in Alexandria. Two days later he boarded the Nevasa for England and the No 1 Australian Auxiliary Hospital at Haresfield, Middlesex.

On 7 November 1915 he sailed from Portsmouth to Australia on the Runic and was discharged in Brisbane on 19 April 1916.

On 21 June 1919 James married Alice Ruby Keyburne. They had three sons, Les, Ken and Cecil. Cecil and Les were later members of North Queensland’s 51st Battalion. After their marriage Alice and James lived at Neardy Street, Bauple.

Their eldest son Cecil, a lieutenant with the 31^st/51^st Battalion, was killed on 11 February 1945 at Tsimba Ridge, Bougainville. He is buried at Bomana War Cemetery, Port Moresby.

Another son, Les, was awarded the Military Medal for carrying three of his comrades to safety, acting as a runner between sections during a flanking attack and taking command of his section after his section commander was killed.

James and Ruby left Helen Street, Cooktown in 1945 after hearing of Cecil’s Death, returning to their home at White Rock.

When the war was over in the Pacific and Islands, Les and Ken also returned to White Rock and their parents. They were only 23 and 22 years of age respectively and had lost their eldest brother to the war.

They just wanted to be together.

After the war Les worked on the wharves in Cairns.

Jim returned to work with the Main Roads after a while as foreman over a gang constructing roads well beyond Mareeba and the Atherton Tableland.

It was hard work and James passed away at Walsh River, Chillagoe on 12 August 1948 of coronary atheroma at only 53 years of age. He is buried at Chillagoe in Queensland. His workmen dug his grave to lessen the cost to his family who were still living at White Rock, south of Cairns at the time.

In 1954 Ruby bought a home on Hannam Street which was in Cairns but on the southern side as close as she could get to White Rock. Les lived with his mother for several years. In fact he probably bought the house for her.

On 12 July 1967 Alice applied, as next of kin, for the Anzac Medallion.

Jim is listed on memorials at Tiaro (township) Memorial, Tiaro Uniting Church Honour Board and the Granville State School Memorial.

 

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.

Lieutenant-Colonel Alexander Burnett CHARTERS CMG DSO VD MiD***

1^st Battalion Otago Regiment NZEF

By Robert Simpson

Photo of Alexander Burnett Charters wearing badges of the 17th Ruahine Regiment and his felt hat in Boy Scout style.

Alexander Burnett Charters was born on 30 June 1876 in Christchurch New Zealand. His parents were William Wombwell Charters and Isabella Burnett. William had been born in Stoke Newington, Middlesex, England on 13 February 1855 and Isabella in Hownam, Roxburgh, Scotland on 21 May 1858. They had married on 6 October 1975 in Christchurch, New Zealand. William was charged in the Supreme Court of Christchurch in 1882, as recorded in the Ashburton Guardian of 4 January 1882. He was accused of fraudulently using money of the Building Society of which he was a public officer at the time. He was sentenced to eight years penal servitude. At some time, he was manager for Messrs. Kinsey, Barnes and Company, of Christchurch. In the 1910 city directory he was listed as an accountant at the corner of Norwood and Fisher Streets, Heathcote. William passed away in Christchurch, Canterbury, New Zealand on 29 January 1930. He is buried in Bromley Cemetery in Row A 3856. Victorian wills and probate records show he was a Shipping Manager and probate was granted there on 18 December 1930. By the 1935 electoral roll Isabella was living at 186 Fitzgerald Street Christchurch and was listed as a widow. She passed away on 21 February 1936 in Christchurch and is buried with her husband. Her Victoria probate was granted on 29 August 1936.

A younger brother, Cecil William Wombwell Charters, was born on 21 November 1880 in Christchurch. In 1910 Cecil married Lily Gertrude Stephens in New Zealand. She was born in 1880 in Christchurch. The 1911 electoral roll shows them both living at Fisher Street Beckenham with Cecil a commercial traveller. In the WW1 New Zealand Army Reserve Rolls 1916-17 for the 2^nd Division of the New Zealand Expeditionary Force Reserve, Cecil was listed as a Hardware Salesman of 18 Whiteleigh Avenue Riccarton. He was in Class C, ‘Reservists who have two children’. Cecil passed away on 25 November 1979 in Christchurch.

Alexander was educated at the Opawa and West Christchurch public schools. After gaining a Soames’ scholarship, he spent two years at Christ’s College. He matriculated in 1892, gained his D certificate in 1895, and then spent twelve months in the Normal Training College, during which time he attended Canterbury College and gained his C certificate. For the next six years he was employed as a relieving teacher, at Inglewood, Taranaki and then the Thorndon and Clyde Quay schools in Wellington.

In January 1902, Alexander went to South Africa as a Regimental Sergeant-Major of the Eighth Contingent. Dr Collins did a preliminary medical examination on him at Wellington on 3 January 1902. The record shows he looked his age, was healthy and had no eye or ear problems. Alexander had brown eyes, a dark complexion, black hair and a vaccination mark. His Attestation Form for Volunteers to serve with Imperial Troops in South Africa stated his regimental number as 5015, with A Company. He had been with the Kelburne Rifles at Wellington as a Senior Lieutenant for 2 years. His address was 187 Wilson’s Road Christchurch and he was a School Teacher with the Education Board Wellington. Alexander was 25 years and 6 months old, height 5 foot 8 inches, chest measurement of 37 inches and weighed 11 stone 5 pounds. His religion was Presbyterian. W Cleburne Charters (his father) of the same address above (also recorded as c/o Kinsey Barns & Co Christchurch) was his next of kin. Alexander signed it on 5 January 1902 at Trentham. He returned to New Zealand in August of the same year and was appointed to the Territorial Force. On 22 August 1902 Alex B Charters of 8 Leve Street Wellington wrote a letter to The Commandant of the NZ Forces, stating ‘I have the honour to apply for my warrant as warrant officer in the 8^th N.Z.M.R. lately on service in South Africa. In Regimental Orders I was promoted to be Regimental Sergt. Major of the 1st. Regt. 8^th N.Z.M.R., and should like to have my warrant as a memento of that fact.’ A note on 4 July 1903 asked to ‘prepare papers and gazette Alexander Burnett Charters a Lieutenant in the New Zealand Militia.’ A letter from New Zealand Defence Force Headquarters at Wellington on 7 July 1903 to the Minister of Defence advising ‘Under instructions received by telephone, the accompanying warrant for a Lieutenancy in the New Zealand Militia for Alexander Burnett Charters is forwarded. I would point out that although Lieutenant Charters is an officer in the New Zealand Volunteers, he went to, and returned from South Africa, with the 8^th Contingent as a non-commissioned officer, and consequently his contingent services do not entitle him to a Commission in the Militia.’ A hand-written note underneath stated ‘Lieutenant Charters was recommended whilst in South Africa for promotion to be Lieutenant as his services & resume entitled him to the promotion otherwise he would not have been recommended’. Another note says the instruction was sent be letter, not by telephone. An official letter from the Minister of Defence approved the appointment of Alexander Burnett Charters to be Lieutenant in the New Zealand Militia on 7 July 1903. On 5 April 1906 he wrote a letter enquiring if he was entitled to more clasps to his South Africa medal. At Masterton on 18 April 1906, Alexander signed for the Cape Colony clasp.

A medical board held in Wellington on 8 September 1902 reported that Alexander had been taken ill on SS Britannic on 14 July 1902 with a bad throat that was treated privately for 1 week. His present condition was ‘Laryngitis, looks “run down” and he was recommended for 2 months leave with treatment in Taranaki Hospital. He was ‘unfit to do his ordinary work teaching’. He was granted 2 months leave at full contingent pay for the rank of Regimental Sergeant Major from 2 August 1902.

On 27 September 1902 he signed for his New Zealand Service Medal which was awarded to him for long and efficient service in the New Zealand Forces.

A letter written on 13 November 1902 from a Captain to the Colonel of the 1^st Battalion WRV at Wellington regarding the transfer of Lieutenant Charters of Kelburne Rifles E Company 1^st Battalion WRV to Wellington Engineers noted that he regretted his leaving but, as they had more than the required number of officers under the present regulations, he felt that by staying he was standing in the way of others. The captain recommended his application, being granted from 6 November 1902. Alexander’s address at that time was 8 Levy Street Wellington. The transfer form was filled out on 9 November and sent to the Orderly Room of the Battalion. A letter was sent from the Wellington Engineer Volunteers to the Officer Commanding District Colonel Newall CB, advising him that at a meeting in November 1902 Lieutenant A B Charters was ‘unanimously elected a Subaltern of the Corps’, and they were asking for him to clear the transfer.

He acted as relieving teacher for a short time at the Te Aro and Lower Hutt schools. In 1903 Alexander was appointed first assistant master of the secondary division of the Masterton District High School, where he remained for four years, during which time he completed his B.A. degree. Alexander was appointed as Headmaster of the Greytown District High School in June 1907. He was chairman of the Wairarapa Rugby Union, a junior warden of the Masonic Lodge, and was Captain for four years of the Masterton Rifle Corps.

Alexander married Eliza Caroline Curtis (born 17 Aug 1879 in Inglewood, Taranaki, died 1948) on 7 July 1903 in Inglewood, Taranaki. She was a daughter of Mr. Herbert Bloomer Curtis, of Inglewood (born 24 November 1852 in Omata, Taranaki; Mayor of Inglewood Borough Council 1907-1910; died 3 January 1915 in Inglewood) and Caroline Jorgensen Larsen (born 14 July 1860 in Horsens Weile, Denmark, died 18 February 1931 in Inglewood; married 14 April 1879 in New Plymouth). Eliza was the first of eleven children to them. Alexander and Eliza had two children, who were: (a) Jack Curtis Charters (born 11 December 1906 in Masterton, died 1980) married Shirley Kidson in 1936 (born 1 January 1918, died 1986). His occupation was a real estate salesman at Waikanae, then a farmer at Te Aroha. Their daughters were Andrea and Rachelle Charters. (b) Noeline Burnet Charters (born 4 January 1915 in Wellington; died 7 March 2007 in Whangarei) She was married on 3 May 1938 in Wellington to Horatio Nelson Duxfield (born 8 December 1905 in Horotiu, Waikato; died 2 September 1991 in Perth, Western Australia; buried in Nungarin, Western Australia) Their children: Shirley Dianne Lynnette Duxfield (born 11 February 1942 in Ngaruawahia, Waikato; died 2011 in Kununoppin, Western Australia ) and Jacqueline (Jackie) Joy Duxfield, married Robert James Paul (born 10 February 1927 in New Lynn, Auckland; died 15 May 2016 in Radius Lester Heights, Whangarei.)

In a letter to the Defence Department on 27 April 1903, Alexander asks for gratuity under Army Order 150 of July 1900 and gives his address as 8 Levy Street, Wellington. He was granted leave from 7 August 1903 to 1 October 1903 and wrote a letter to the Under Secretary of Defence on 10 October 1902 that ‘I am instructed on a form received from the Commandant’s office Hqrs. that my pay (full contingent) will be paid to me by you.’ He gave his address as Ingelwood Tarana Ri. Notes on the letter indicate he was paid £9.4.0 on 11 October 1902 ‘which pays him up to date.’ A letter sent to him on 25 October let him know of that.

On 25 January 1904 he wrote to the Commandant of the NZ Forces asking him to forward his medals to him as he would not be able to attend any of the big centres to collect them. Alexander stated his address as District High School, Masterton and noted he was ‘(late) No 5015 Regimental Sergt. Major 1^st Regiment 8^th N.Z.M.R.’ A reply on 27 January acknowledged his change of address and that the medals and clasps would be forwarded to him. Alexander signed an acknowledgement form for his medal and 2 clasps on 14 March 1904. A letter to the Officer Commanding, Wellington District listed the service in South Africa for ‘Charters Alexander Burnett Lieutenant (1) Natal Orange R. C. Border 1902 (2) South Western Transvaal 1902 (3) Northern Cape Colony; railway line from Nryburg to Mafeking (Devondale siding)’. His file has a series of letters which seem to be about his medal and clasp entitlement. A reply on 7 December 1904 stated ‘that no service in Natal is allowed to count after June 1900.’Alexander did sign a note which reads ‘South African War 1902. Operations in the Transvaal, Apr. to 31 May, 02. Operations in Cape Colony, May 02. Queen’s Medal with 2 Clasps.’ He requested a transfer to the Masterton rifles from No 5 Company NZ Engineer Volunteers on 1 December 1903, which was approved. Lieutenant Charters was appointed acting Captain with the Masterton Rifle Volunteers from 5 February 1904 for six months. After passing and examination on 7 September 1904 he was eligible to be Gazetted Captain.

Alexander resigned from the Masterton Rifle Volunteers with a request that he be placed on the Active Unattached List on 10 May 1907. He had been promoted to Headmaster of the Greytown North District High School and he would not be able to control them from Greytown. He was still keenly interested in volunteering.

An election was carried out on 22 September 1908 to appoint Captain Alexander Burnet Charters with the Greytown Rifle Volunteers due to a resignation. The University of New Zealand conferred a Masters of Arts Degree to ‘Alexander Burnet Charters (Victoria College)’ on 15 April 1909.

He resigned from Greytown Rifle Volunteers on 29 May 1909, on appointment as Acting Major with the 5^th Battalion Wellington Volunteers. Another form dated before that shows he was a Schoolmaster and for previous military experience lists: – Queens Rifle Cadets Christchurch (3 years), Canterbury Scottish Rifle Volunteers (3 years), Canterbury Engineers (1 year), Kelburne Rifles (2 years), 8^th NZMR in SA, Wellington Engineers (Lieutenant), Masterton Rifle Volunteers (Captain), Captain Unattached (1 year) and Captain Greytown Rifle Volunteers. A form from the New Zealand Defence Forces at Wellington on 10 June 1909 to Captain Alexander Burnet Charters declared he was appointed Acting Major to the 5^th Battalion Wellington (Centre or Ruahine) Rifle Volunteers for 12 months from 26 May 1909. He passed a military exam for a Volunteer Officer of the Wellington District, which he did on 1 December 1909. At the time he was a Captain, acting Major. He was then eligible to be Gazetted as Major and it was signed by the President of the Central Board of Military Examinations on 18 January 1910.

An application for the New Zealand Service Medal on 13 November 1911 shows that Major Alexander Burnet Charters was Acting Lieutenant in Kelburne Rifles from June 1900 to June 1901, a Lieutenant in the same from June 1901 to 12 January 1902, from that date with 8^th NZMR to South Africa until 13 August 1902, 13 August 1902 to 11 November 1902 with Kelburne Rifles, 11 November 1902 to 10 December 1903 with Wellington Engineer Volunteers, 1 December 1903 to 10 May 1907 with Masterton Rifle Volunteers, 10 May 1907 to 22 September 1908 as Active Unattached, 22 September 1908 to 1 December 1909 with Greytown Rifle Volunteers and 1 December 1909 to date as Major with 5^th Wellington Battalion then 9^th Wellington Battalion.

An extract from the New Zealand Gazette of 4 April 1912 under 9^th Regiment (Wellington East Coast Rifles) 2^nd Battalion shows that Major Alexander Burnett Charters was to be a Lieutenant Colonel. It was to be dated from 21 January 1912. It was the result of a Military Examination of him at Wellington on that date, where he was recommended to be promoted.

On 2 May 1912 a record of service list showed he served for a total of 12 years and 200 days with continuous efficient service and the award of the NZ Service Medal was approved.

The form headed Resignation of a Territorial Officer shows that Lieutenant Colonel Alexander Burnet Charters of 2^nd Battalion 9^th Regiment, who had 12 years and 9 months of continuous service, resigned and requested to be placed on the Unattached (A) or Reserve. The form and letter, both dated 20 June 1912 were forwarded. The letter added ‘the nature of my new duties absolutely precludes my commanding a Battn. at present’. He wished to keep in touch and hoped to be of some assistance with men, roads and information for the district. Also, he hoped to attend a camp annually during his holidays. It was recommended by Colonel EWC Chaytor, Commanding the Wellington District on 29 June 1912.

He had started his military career at the age of 14 with the Christchurch Queens Rifle Cadets. Alexander Charters was appointed Acting Major of the 5^th Battalion Wellington (Centre or Ruahine) Rifle Volunteers on 26 May 1909. He was appointed Lieutenant Colonel of the 9^th (W.E.C.) Regiment, 2^nd Battalion on the 21 January 1912 with the change from Volunteer to the Territorial system. The battalion became the 17^th (Ruahine) Regiment on the 27^th March 1914. On 8 July 1914, a letter was sent by Lieutenant Colonel A. B. Charters, the Commanding Officer of the 17^th (Ruahine) Regiment, to the Officer Commanding the Wellington Infantry Brigade, requesting permission for approval of a new regimental badge and motto. The letter was sent to the Officer Commanding the Wellington Infantry Brigade with a subject of ‘Regimental Badge & Motto’ and reads ‘I have the honour to enclose a more finished design for our Regtl. Badge, and trust that it will be accepted. The motto chosen is “Ad Unum Omnes”, meaning “All to a Man”, or “Presenting a Solid Front”. As a matter of fact the motto is capable of a variety of meanings Synonymous with those given above. I shall be glad if I may have an early reply re badge, Motto, and Honorary Colonel; in the case of the first I am very desirous of placing the order with a Home firm for delivery as early as possible.’ He signed it A B Charters Lieutenant Colonel Commanding 17^th (Ruahine) Regiment. The letter was received by Headquarters on 10 July 1914. They were officially approved by General Godley on the 14 July 1914.

Photo of Alexander Charters taken on December 1914 at Trentham Camp. Trentham Camp near Upper Hutt, opened in October 1914, was the Defence Department’s first training camp.

Portrait of Lieutenant Colonel A. B. Charters, Archives New Zealand, AALZ 25044 6 / F1902 11. Image is subject to copyright restriction

On 9 November 1914 10/1168 Alexander Burnett Charters of the Wellington Infantry Regiment filled out an attestation form for the New Zealand Expeditionary Force 2^nd Reinforcements. He had been born in Christchurch on 30 June 1876 and was a British Subject. He was an Inspector of Schools and had never been apprenticed. His current address was 69 Tainui Terrace, Lyall Bay Wellington. Alexander had passed the Fourth Educational Standard and had a MA degree from University of NZ. His present employer was the Education Board of the District of Wellington. He was married, had never been imprisoned, was serving with the 17^th Ruahine Regiment, had served time in South Africa with NZMR, being discharged in August 1902 on completion of service. He was over age for compulsory military training, had never been rejected for service, was willing to be vaccinated and to serve overseas.

A Medical Examination on 11 October 1914 showed his age was 38 years and 3 months, height 5-foot 8¾ inches, had a chest measurement of 35 to 40 inches, had a dark complexion with hazel eyes and black hair. His religion was Presbyterian. Both eyes and ears were normal, he had normal colour vision, good teeth and all other checks were answered with a yes. In the Remarks column was the only word ‘fit’. He had a certificate in Tactical Fitness. His next of kin was his wife Mrs Eliza Caroline Charters of the same address.

Alexander was appointed to the NZEF as a Major on 21 November 1914 with the 17^th (Ruahine) Regiment, Wellington Battalion, as recorded in the New Zealand Gazette. The embarkation roll of the NZEF from New Zealand shows that Major Charters embarked on the Willochra with the 2^nd Reinforcements (1752 men), leaving New Zealand on 14 November 1914 and disembarking at Suez on 28 January 1915.

Portrait of Lieutenant-Colonel Alexander Burnett Charters. On the back is written: 69 Tainui Terrace, Lyall Bay, Wellington. Date 1915. Photographer was T H Kofler, Cairo Studios.

On 5 April 1915, Alexander was appointed Temporary Lieutenant Colonel in charge of Base Depot MEF at Alexandria. The New Zealand Gazette of 8 July 1915 under Grant of Temporary Rank has listed ‘Major Alexander Burnett Charters, 17^th (Ruahine) Regiment, to have the temporary rank of Lieutenant-Colonel while in command of the New Zealand Section, Infantry Base Depot, Alexandria. Dated 5^th April, 1915.’

A list of his service record shows his efficient service from when he enlisted on 12/6 1900 to 8/7/1915, a period of 16 years and 349 days, and so the award of the medal was approved. His wife signed for his New Zealand Long and Efficient Service Medal, for long and efficient service in the New Zealand Territorial Force, at Lyall Bay Wellington on 30 September 1915.

Newly promoted 10/1168 Lieutenant Colonel Alexander Burnett Charters (in Wosley Helmet). His cap a badge is that of the 17th (Ruahine) Territorial Regiment. He wears the ribbon of the Commander of Michael and St George for his work as commander of the New Zealand Base Depot in Alexandria. The two other officers beside him are unidentified. With acknowledgement to National Army Museum of New Zealand. The photo was taken near the NZ Base Depot in Alexandria between April and December 1915. A B Charters, pictured on the left, is wearing a large size Ruahine badge on his sun helmet. A letter dated 18 February 1916 from a soldier in the NZ Veterinary Corps to his local Member of Parliament mentions, ‘The Ruahine Regiment arrived in Egypt without badges but on this being brought to the Sultans (Hussein Kamel of Egypt) notice he presented the corps with a complete set.’

On 21 October 1915 he was to be a Lieutenant Colonel, as recorded in Divisional Routine Orders.

The Supplement to the London Gazette of 5 November 1915 in page 11003 has a listing for New Zealand Infantry Wellington Battalion for ‘Charters, Lieutenant-Colonel A. B.’ who was mentioned in Despatches from General Ian Hamilton as being deserving of special mention.

On 3 January 1916 he was temporarily appointed AA&QMG to the NZ&A Division. He was struck off the strength of the Divisional Headquarters at Moascar on 20 January 1916. On 25 January he was transferred to the Otago Infantry Battalion and was appointed to command the 1^st Battalion Otago Regiment the next day.

A note from General John Monash to Colonel Charters in January 1916, with thanks to the AWM.

They embarked on HT Frankonia at Port Said for France on 6 April 1916.

He was to be an additional member of the 3^rd Class or Companion of the distinguished order of St Michael and St George, as recorded in the Supplement to the London Gazette No 29608 of 3 June 1916. The entry in the London Gazette states ‘Commanding NZ advanced base depot Alexandria upon whom all arrangements for the receipt and dispatch of details, sick, wounded and convalescent revolves; also matters connected with the comfort of the sick and wounded, has worked indefatigably.’

He was mentioned in despatches in the London Gazette of 21 June 1916 in connection with administration in Egypt while a Lieutenant Colonel with Staff, Australia and New Zealand Forces by Sir J J Maxwell.

The NZ Gazette No 69 of 22 June 1916 under Commands stated the period of command of Lieutenant Colonel Alexander Burnett Charters, 17^th (Ruahine) Regiment was extended during the period of the war.

He assumed temporary command of Divisional School on 26 December 1916.

On 4 January 1917, the Supplement to the London Gazette recorded on page 261 under New Zealand Force, Infantry, ‘Charters, Lt.-Col. A. B., C.M.G.’, as being mentioned in the despatch from General D Haig, dated 13 November 1916. He was Lieutenant Colonel with the 1^st Battalion Otago Regiment and also reads ‘Lieut-Col Charters took over command of the 1/Bn Otago Reg. when the Brigade returned to Egypt after the evacuation of ANZAC. He has built up this battalion. He is capable and industrious and has proved himself in the operations near Flers from 16 to 28 Sept. to be thoroughly reliable in action.

Alexander re-joined the 1^st Battalion Otago Regiment from Divisional School on 14 January 1917, but was sent to hospital on the same day. He had been admitted to No 2 Field Ambulance, then transferred to II Anzac Officer Res. Hospital and arriving there the same day. On 18 April 1917 he re-joined his battalion. He proceeded to Rouen on duty on 30 April and re-joined his battalion from NZ Section on 7 May 1917.

Photograph of the Otago Battalion Officers on the Western Front in France, May 1917, before the battle of Messines. Unknown provenance. Auckland War Memorial Museum – Tāmaki Paenga Hira PH-PR-179.

Some men of the Otago regiment referred to Lieutenant Colonel Charters as the ‘alphabetical bastard’, on account of his initials A.B.C. A WW1 diary belonging to a Sergeant in the 1^st Battalion Otago Infantry describes Lieutenant Colonel Charters as ‘useless as a commander’ and ‘should be in a glass case’ amongst other disparaging comments.

He departed to HQ 2^nd Infantry Brigade on 4 July 1917. He assumed temporary command of the brigade the next day. On 17 July he re-joined his battalion. On 18 July he was granted leave to UK, re-joining his battalion on 1 August 1917. He was gassed (also listed as wounded) on 22 October 1917 and was admitted to No 1 NZ Field Ambulance in the Field and admitted to NZ Stationary Hospital on the same day. On 31 October 1917 Alexander was discharged to duty, re-joined his unit and was detached to HQ II NZ Infantry Brigade, assuming temporary command of the brigade that day. He relinquished command and re-joined his unit on 26 November.

On 28 December 1917 he was Mentioned in Field Marshall D Haig’s despatch of 7 November 1917 ‘for Distinguished and Gallant Services and Devotion to Duty during the period Feb 26 to midnight Sept 20-21 1917.’

The Supplement to the London Gazette of 1 January 1918 on page 29 under the list on New Zealand Forces was an entry for ‘Lt.-Col. Alexander Burnet Charters, C.M.G., Inf.’ as being awarded the Distinguished Service Order for distinguished service in the Field, (France & Flanders). The citation reads ‘For Distinguished Service in the Field. Operations Messines – 7^th to 12 June 1917, and operations opposite Warneton 14 to 19 June 1917 as Officer Commanding the 1^st Otago Bn, Lieut-Colonel Charters has always displayed the highest qualities of organisation and Command. It was his Battalion which established the advanced line of assembly trenches opposite Messines preparatory to the attack. During the battle itself on the 7^th June, he commanded his Battalion with conspicuous success and showed fine qualities of leadership. He personally went forward under heavy artillery barrage, to ensure with the Division on his left, and on the night of the 8 June during the heavy counter-attack; at great personal risk made a most valuable reconnaissance without orders from any superior authority to himself and the Brigade that the troops on his left front were not retiring, but that a relief was taking place. This information was of the highest value as the situation at that moment was very obscure. During the whole of the battle Lieut-Colonel Charters moved about among his men inspiring them with confidence and setting a marvellous example of cheerfulness. During the later operations opposite Warneton he again led his Battalion forward with great gallantry and seized a line of posts in the final objective. He again personally reconnoitred the line and was present during its consolidation. Later during August after capture of LaBasse Ville Lieut-Colonel Charters personally supervised the scouting of the advanced line, his Battalion carrying out the work with the greatest success under heavy machine gun and shellfire.’

The Star of Wednesday 2 January 1918 has a list under the headings New Years’ Honours, Rewards for War Service, New Zealanders Decorated from Wellington on 1 January which advised that ‘The Prime Minister has received a list of New Years Honours conferred on members of the New Zealand Expeditionary Force’ which included in the list of those receiving the DSO ‘Lieutenant-Colonel Alexander Burnet Charters, C.M.G.’

On 16 January 1918 he re-joined his unit in the Field. He was gassed on a second occasion on 20 February 1918 and was evacuated on 7 March 1918, being admitted and transferred to NZ Stationary Hospital that day. Alexander was transferred to Michel Convalescent Home on 14 and admitted there on 20 March 1918. He was discharged to duty on 13 April and re-joined unit in the Field on 18 April. On 19 April he was wounded in action, being admitted and discharged to unit at No 3 NZ Field Ambulance on the same day. He was attached to HQ II NZ Infantry Brigade on 23 April and re-joined his battalion on 1 May 1918. On 7 August he went to the UK on leave, re-joining his unit on 3 September 1918 and was detached to Division Details Camp as Commandant on that day. He re-joined his unit on 14 September 1918.

On SS Hororata, he embarked for New Zealand from London on 1 February 1919.

After the war he was Commanding Officer of Northland Regiment from 1926 to 1928, also Commander of 1 NZ Infantry Brigade in 1925, Aide-de-camp (ADC) to NZ Governor-General from 1928 to 1930. He was also a registered Justice of the Peace (JP).

His middle name is spelled “Burnet” in numerous documents but his birth record has “Burnett”.

The Army War Museum in New Zealand has in its’ collection an album, titled ‘WWI Photograph Album of Major Alexander Burnett Charters – Egypt and Gallipoli’ which includes ‘Zeitoun Camp, shipboard life, England, Troopship Willochra, Troopship Aragon and Military Hospitals’. It is able to be viewed here: – https://nam.recollect.co.nz/nodes/view/1534#idx2827

Below are some photos from the collection with thanks to National Army Museum of New Zealand.

Soldiers, probably New Zealanders, dig in bivvies on the ridge leading to Plugge’s Plateau below Russell Top on the skyline, Gallipoli, 1915.

A camouflaged dugout close to No 2 Outpost (seen in the background), Gallipoli, 1915.

An unidentified warship in Mudros harbour Lemnos.

Lieutenant Colonel AB Charters of the 17^th (Ruahine) Regiment applied for the Colonial Auxiliary Forces Long-service Medal on 5 January 1918. He listed his service as Canterbury Scottish Rifles from 1891 to 1893 (2 years), Canterbury Engineer Volunteers from 1893 to 1894 (1 year), 5^th Wellington Battalion Volunteers as Major from 30/10/99 to 30/10/11 (12 years) and a Lieutenant Colonel with 17^th Regiment NZEF from 30/10/11 to 21/10/14 (2 years 10 months and 24 days) and 21/20/14 to 1/2/18 (6 years 6 months and 20 days on Active Service). The Acting Adjutant and Captain for the 17^th Regiment signed the document, adding ‘the service of applicant has been efficient for Medal purposes from 1^st March 1911, to 21/10/14 the date of his joining the N.Z.E.F.’

The above record of service was sent to the Governor General for approval and was approved on 12 March 1918.

‘On 13 January Lieut.-Colonel A. B. Charters, C.M.G., D.S.O., who had commanded the 1^st Battalion of the Regiment through its successes and vicissitudes of fortune in France and Flanders over a period of three years, bade farewell to officers and men, and departed for the United Kingdom and New Zealand. Under the command and influence of Lieut.-Colonel Charters, the Battalion had at all times, and under the most desperate conditions of warfare, maintained its splendid reputation for discipline, fighting efficiency, and esprit de corps, all of which qualities were remarkably in evidence during the many difficult operations carried out in the course of the Campaign on the Western Front.’ From OFFICIAL HISTORY OF THE OTAGO REGIMENT, N.Z.E.F. IN THE GREAT WAR 1914-1918 by A E Byrne.

Under the heading ‘FALLEN NEW ZEALANDERS’ in the New Zealand Times, Volume XLIII, Issue 9924, 20 March 1918, Page 3 was an entry under ‘WELLINGTON MILITARY DISTRICT WOUNDED.’ For ‘Charters, Alexander Burnet, D.S.O., 10/1668 Lieutenant-Colonel, 0.1. R. (Mrs B.C. Charters, Lyall Bay, w.); February 20th.’ In the ‘PERSONALS’ section of the Sun (Christchurch), Volume V, Issue 1280, 20 March 1918, Page 2 was an entry ‘Lieut.-Colonel Alexander Burnet Charters, C.M.G., D.S.O., who is reported to have “been wounded last month, is a son of Mr W. W. Charters of Christchurch. He was educated at the Opawa School, Christ’s College, and Canterbury College. Prior to leaving with the Expeditionary Force in 1914 he was an inspector under the Wellington Education Board. Lieut.-Colonel Charters always has taken a keen interest in military matters, and at one time he was a prominent member of the Scottish Rifles, in Christchurch. He served in South Africa, and holds the Queen’s Medal with three clasps. He is now in command of the Otago Battalion. Lieut.-Colonel Charters has been mentioned in dispatches four times in the present war, and for his services was awarded the C.M.G. and the D.S.O. He was gassed last November, but was less than a month in hospital before returning to the trenches.’ Another newspaper reported a list of New Zealand casualties published in Wellington on 3 May 1918, which under ‘Wounded’ ‘Otago Infantry’ had an entry for ‘CHARTERS, Alexander Burnet (D.S.O.), lieutenant-colonel (Mrs. E. Charters, Lyall Bay). – Apr. 19.’

In the Demobilisation Embarkation roll of NZEF to New Zealand Lieutenant Colonel Charters was listed as number 221, embarking on Horarata from the UK on 1 February 1919, with 42 other officers and 1462 other ranks. He was struck off the strength of the NZ Expeditionary Force on 30 April 1919 and was absorbed into the strength of the 17^th Regiment.

On 28 July 1919 he filled out a form saying he desired to continue his service in the New Zealand Military Forces in the Reserve of Officers (preferably with the 8^th Southland Regiment).

A list of his service was produced towards the award of Colonial Auxiliary Forces Officer’s Decoration and showed he served for 21 years and 230 days. It was awarded on 18 October 1919. He signed for it on 23 June 1920. His badge of the Distinguished Service Order was received for supply to Alexander on 21 July 1920.

He was one of 47 in the New Zealand Expeditionary Force to receive the CMG and one of 141 to be a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order with Bar. Alexander’s highest rank in the NZEF was Lieutenant Colonel from 21 October 1915. He served with the Wellington Regiment, then Otago Regiment, where he was Officer Commanding the 1^st Battalion, then Officer Commanding NZ Base Depot at Alexandria.

A file in his records stamped with the date of 23 March 1920 showed that 10/1168 Lieutenant Colonel Alexander Burnet Charters had been discharged on demobilisation and was residing in New Zealand. His nominated and legal next of kin was his wife of 69 Freyberg St, Lyall Bay Wellington. His medals were CMG (LG 3.6.16), DSO (LG 1.1.18), 1914-15 Star, British War and Victory Medals. He was entitled to 1 red and 4 blue service chevrons and 3 wound stripes (22.10.17, 20.2.18 and 19.4 18). Alexander was also Mentioned in Despatches 4 times; by Sir Ian Hamilton on 22.9.15, by Sir JJ Maxwell on 16.3.16 (LG 29632), by Sir D Haig on 2.1.17 (LG 76689) and by Sir D Haig on 7.11.17 (LG 30448).

Alexander signed for his ‘Kings Commission’ on 26 February 1920.

Lieutenant Colonel A. B. Charters – Companion St Michael and St George: Distinguished Service Order. Item Code: R24184627 Series Code:25044 Provenance: Transferred by agency AALZ

The Otago Daily Times has a picture and article headed ‘Colour ceremony at First Church’ which read ‘A ceremony absolutely unique in the history of Dunedin was performed yesterday afternoon when the colours of two of the Otago battalions presented by his Majesty the King in recognition of conspicuous services on the battlefields of France were consecrated and deposited in First Church. A number of ex officers of the Otago Regiment NZEF and a very large number of townspeople gathered in the church to witness the arrival of the soldiers with the colours, and to take part in the service. Lieutenant-colonel A.B Charters, CMG, DSO, handed the colours of the 1st Battalion of the Otago Regiment to the Rev. Graham Balfour, minister of First Church, in memory of the men who had fallen and for safekeeping until such time as they might be required; and Lieutenant-colonel D. Colquhoun, DSO, handed over the colours of the Third Battalion for the same purpose. Mr Balfour accepted them on these conditions and placed them in positions where they could be seen by the whole congregation.’

The picture reads ‘The colours of two of the battalions of the Otago Regiment are conveyed under escort to First Church on June 5, 1920.’

Alexander is listed in Who’s Who in New Zealand in 1925 as ‘CHARTERS, Alexander Burnet, C.M.G., D.S.O., principal Whangarei High School (1924). B. Chch. 1876, s. of W. W. Charters; m. 1903, e.d. of l. H. B. Curtis, Inglewood; one s., one d. Ed. Opawa, Christ’s Coll. (Somes scholar): Vic. Coll., M.A. 1909; Union Rowing Club, Chch., Athletic Football Club, Well.; life mem. Masterton Football Club; refereed in numerous inter-provincial Rugby matches and in British match 1908; asst. teacher at Inglewood, Clyde Quay, Thorndon, Masterdon D.H.S. (secondary); headmaster Greytown D.H.S. 1907-12; inspector of schools, Well.; chm. Wairarapa Rugby Union for 8 yrs.; served in S. African war (medal and 3 clasps); in Great War, 1^st Otago batt.; C.M.G., D.S.O.; desp. 4 times; T.D.; farming in N. Auckland; inspector of schs., Auck. to April 1924.’

The New Zealand Gazette of 16 July 1925 records under North Auckland Regiment that ‘Lieutenant-Colonel A. B. Charters, C.M.G., D.S.O., from the Reserve of Officers, to be Lieutenant-Colonel. Dated 31^st May, 1925.’ Also, under Commands is ‘Lieutenant-Colonel A. B. Charters, C.M.G., D.S.O., North Auckland Regiment, is appointed to command the 1^st Battalion, and to command temporarily the 1^st N.Z. Infantry Brigade. Dated 1^st June, 1925.’ More entries on 18 February 1926 shows he relinquished command of the 1^st Battalion North Auckland Regiment, dated 31 December 1925 and was confirmed in his appointment as Commander, 1^st NZ Infantry Brigade, and granted the rank of Colonel, dated 1 June 1925. Alexander was appointed Honorary Aide-de-camp to His Excellency General Sir Charles Fergusson on 15 May 1928 but had to vacate the position when Sir Charles Fergusson vacated the position in 1930. The NZ Gazette of 27 June 1929 records that ‘Colonel A. B. Charters, C.M.G., D.S.O., V.D., A.D.C., relinquished command of the 1^st N.Z. Infantry Brigade, and is transferred to the Reserve of Officers, Class 1(a). Dated 31^st May, 1929.’ A letter written in 1931 to Mr A Day at Government House Wellington says something about a ‘press notification’ and that Alexander had had a distinguished war records and excellent service post-war and ‘it would appear that this officer has been in considerable financial difficulties for some time.’

Letter to him acknowledging his long and honourable service.

A record filled out for 10/1168 Lieutenant Colonel Alexander Burnet Charters of 69 Freyberg Street, Lyall Bay, Wellington (later of Kiripaka, North Auckland) showed his periods of service was 99 days in New Zealand and 4 years 92 days overseas for a total service period of 4 years and 191 days. He commenced duty on 23 October 1914 and he was finally discharged on 30 April 1919 (which had been amended from the 17^th). For theatres of operation were Egyptian 1915-1916, Egyptian Expeditionary Force 1916, and Western Europe – France 1916 and 1917, Belgium 1918. The form recorded his decorations as CMG and DSO, and included a stamp which had 1914-15 Star, British War Medal and Victory Medal on it. A note was written on it which stated ‘Duplicate 388 made out, signed by Officer & desp. To Hqrs 8-12-20’. His history sheet records his unit was W.I.B. then O.I Regt, his rank was Major then Lieutenant Colonel, and his number was SA 5015, then 10/1168 with the 10 crossed out and 8 written, then 10/1168. Alexander Burnet Charters CMG DSO was an Inspector of Schools with his last employer was Education board of District of Wellington. He was born on 30 June 1876, religion was Presbyterian and his last address was 69 Tainui Terrace, Lyall Bay, Wellington. His next of kin was his wife, Mrs Eliza Caroline Charters of the same address. His service record has a stamp on it ‘Died Since Discharge’. It records he died of illness on 10 May 1948 at Hastings.

Alexander was Commanding Officer of Northland Regiment from 1926 to 1928, Colonel and Commander 1 New Zealand Infantry Brigade in 1925, and Aide-de-Camp to the Governor General from 1928 to 1930.

Having lost his life insurance policy, Alexander applied to the Government to issue a new copy policy, which they did in November 1927. They had noted he was ‘formerly of Wellington and Kiripaka, but now of Whangarei, Schoolmaster’.

In 1930 Alexander was involved in a court case, where he was the defendant. His address was recorded as Whangarei. Alexander had been leased some land in 1927 for three years. A house on that land was altered by him, but ‘the alterations were constructed of inferior materials and in such an unworkmanlike manner that the house fell into a state of disrepair.’ The complainant had the house repaired but Alexander would not pay for it. After much discussion an adjournment was made, during which a settlement was reached. It was reported in the Northern Advocate of 11 November 1930 on Page 3.

The New Zealand Gazette of 23 July 1936 had an entry under Reserve of Officers Class 1 (a)- for ‘Colonel A. B. Charters, C.M.G., D.S.O., V.D., is posted to the Retired List with permission to retain his rank and wear the prescribed uniform. Dated 1^st July, 1936.’

He wrote a letter on 4 June 1940, while headmaster of Lyall Bay School at Wellington, to an old service partner who was still in the army, asking if there was any way he could help in the current war. The letter goes on to outline his service in the Boer and ‘Great War’ and gives an outline of some rolls he could fill, even at his age of 64. A copy of the 6-page letter is in his file at the museum. On 31 January 1942 he wrote to Army Headquarters at Wellington stating his address was ‘Business – Lyall Bay School Wellington E3 Telephone 18-668 Home: 480 Evans Bay Road Wellington E2.’

Alexander died on 10 May 1948 from natural causes, age 71 at Hastings, Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand. His death notice was published in Press, Volume LXXXIV, Issue 25494 of 14 May 1948 on Page 1 and reads ‘CHARTERS – On May 10, at Hastings, H.B., Colonel Alexander Burnet, dearly loved brother of Cecil and Tom Charters, and of Mesdames Annie Hunt and Muriel McCure.’ He is buried in Hastings Cemetery in Block O, Plot 341. His gravestone says ‘In Loving Memory of Alexander Burnet Charters S.A. and 1^st World War Veteran Beloved Father of Jack and Noeline Died 1^st May 1948’.

His obituary was published in the Northern Advocate of 11 May 1948 on Page 2. It reads ‘Mr Alexander Burnet Charters, M.A., for eight years principal of the Whangarei High School, died at Hastings yesterday. He was head-master at Whangarei from 1924 to 1932. Born in Christchurch in 1876 Mr Charters was educated at the Opawa and West Christchurch primary schools. He gained the Somes Scholarship and entered Christ’s College, where he matriculated. His first appointment was as a pupil-teacher at Opawa School. Gaining his D certificate he entered the teachers’ training college. Mr Charters then became assistant master at Inglewood, Clyde Quay, and Thorndon Schools (Wellington), second assistant at Masterton District High School. His first appointment as headmaster was at Greytown District High School in 1907. Mr Charters took university courses at Canterbury College and Victoria College (Wellington) graduating M.A. in 1908. He became inspector of schools in Wellington in 1912 and from 1921-24 in Auckland. Mr Charters served in the Boer War as a regimental sergeant-major and was awarded the South African War Medal and three clasps. He attained the rank of colonel in the First World War, during the greater part of which he commanded the 1^st Battalion of the Otago Regiment with the rank of lieutenant-colonel. He served with the New Zealand Division in all big engagements on the Western Front, receiving the C.M.G., D.S.O. and V.D., and was four times mentioned in despatches. He was an honorary aide-de-camp to the Governor General from 1928 to 1930. Mr Charters had an extensive athletic career. He represented the Union Rowing Club at Christchurch regattas, played in the Athletic senior XV, Wellington, for several years, was chairman of the Wairarapa Rugby Union for eight years, and refereed many inter-union matches. During the tour of the Anglo-Welsh Rugby team in 1908 he was appointed to referee three matches. Mr Charters is survived by his wife, one son, Mr Jack Charters, of Hastings, and a daughter, Noeline (Mrs Duxfield).’

His medals are Companion of the Most Distinguished Order of St Michael and St George (CMG), Companion of the Distinguished Service Order (DSO), Queen’s South Africa Medal (with Cape Colony, Transvaal, South Africa 1902 clasps), 1914-15 Star, British War Medal, Victory Medal with oak leaf (MiD), Colonial Auxiliary Forces Officers’ Decoration (VD), Colonial Auxiliary Forces Long Service Medal, New Zealand Long and Efficient Service Medal, New Zealand Volunteer 12 Years’ Service 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.

Private Leslie Ronald BAK MM

31st/51st Battalion

By James Martin

Leslie Ronald Bak MM (Q38949) was born in Cairns on 19 February 1921, the son of James and Alice Bak.

He was educated at Woree Primary School and Cairns High School.

Les enlisted at the age of 18 for three years in the Militia in Cairns on 2 March 1939, joining the 51st Battalion. His obligation at this time was part-time. His occupation was listed as a plymill worker and his religion as Presbyterian.

He re-enlisted for full-time service on 24 December 1941 with the Citizens Military Forces (CMF) at the age of 20 years and 10 months for the duration of the war.

In 1943 a manpower shortage had developed within the Australian economy as a result of an overmobilisation of the military.

Subsequently, the government released a large number of rural workers from their full-time military commitment and decided to disband or amalgamate a number of Militia units. As a result, the 51st Battalion amalgamated with the 31st Battalion, Kennedy Regiment on 12 April 1943.

The new 31st/51st Battalion was deployed to New Guinea with the 11th Brigade, where it formed part of Merauke Force and was subsequently designated as an AIF battalion in 1944.

Following this, and a return to Australia, the battalion was deployed to the Solomon Islands, where it saw its heaviest fighting of the war at Tsimba Ridge and Porton Plantation, on Bougainville.

The battalion was finally disbanded on 4 July 1946. During the war, the 31st/51st Battalion lost 61 men killed in action or died on active service, while a further 168 men were wounded.

Members of the battalion received the following decorations: one DSO, one DCM, three MCs, 10 MMs, one British Empire Medal (BEM) and 27 MIDs.

As the war progressed closer to the Philippines, plans were made for the American forces to withdraw from Bougainville, New Guinea and New Britain and be replaced with Australian units.

On 23 November 1944, Australian units were informed that it was their responsibility to neutralise the Japanese forces in these locations.

Les Bak was awarded the Military Medal for carrying three of his comrades to safety, acting as a runner between sections during a flanking attack and taking command of his section after his section commander was killed.

The following details are from the book At War With 51^st Infantry Battalion and 31/51^st Battalion from 1940 to 1946 by Major W.E. Hughes MBE, RL and details the action which took place where Les was awarded his MM.

“The final attack on Tsimba Ridge raged from 5 February to 11 February 1945.

The Japanese needed to hold Genga River in order to transport their equipment. By 10 February the Genga had been cleared of enemy soldiers.

 

“On 11 February 1945 the Japanese were forced from their position some 150 yards from the river but artillery was frequently attacking the battalion. That was the day Lt Cecil James Bak (Cairns), Les’ brother, and his batman Joe (Hawk) Lewis (Home Hill) were killed by artillery fire while having a cup of tea on the beach. Joe apparently died instantly and Cec suffered serious shrapnel wounds and died on the barge taking him to Torokina Hospital.

“Meanwhile another battle was taking place nearby on Down’s Ridge. On 7 February 1945 the Japanese attacked 7 section of 7 Platoon. Cairns man Pte Jim Beh was struck in the eye with shrapnel when a round from a Japanese machine gun hit the regulator of his Bren Gun which shattered. Pte Les Bak, also of Cairns (under enemy fire), ran in and carried him to the perimeter for medical treatment.

 

“For this and his actions on 12 February, Les was awarded the Military Medal. On 12 February, 7 and 8 Platoons attacked the enemy who aggressively defended their position. Two of our boys were killed and eight wounded, one of who was Les Bak with a gunshot wound to his back. When his section commander died, Les Bak took control of the section and continued to attract enemy fire towards himself after having just heard that his brother had copped it the day before at Tsimba.

“At 0800, 8 June, 8 Platoon was despatched to reconnoitre the jetty area through open coral swamp. A patrol from 7 Platoon departed at 0905 to reconnoitre eastwards to determine the strength of the enemy. Les Bak was one of the forward scouts.

Eric Bradford and Les Bak were in a field dressing station with Lt Noel Smith who had been seriously wounded in the arm on 8 June. Noel was unable to carry on much longer and sent Eric and Les (both of Cairns) on to Ratsua to get his platoon some help.

However by the time they reached Ratsua they became confused, didn’t have a compass and doubted they would be able to find the position where they had left Lt Smith and the others.

 

“Les told Bill Hughes (the author) they came across an enemy soldier but didn’t fire on him because it would have alerted the others, but why the Japanese soldier didn’t open fire is a mystery. Lt Smith and his batman were never seen again.”

Years later Les told Carol West, Cecil’s daughter, that on 12 February when he heard Cecil had been killed he was so emotionally upset that when he sat in the clearing drawing attention to himself, he was wishing they would take him as well. Les was discharged on 11 October 1945.

Les’ citation reads:

“MILITARY MEDAL” (M.M.) “For courageous action and devotion to duty in that: During the period 7 to 12 February 1945, QX38949, Pte BAK, L.R. was a member of A Company which was operating against the enemy in vicinity of DOWNS RIDGE, Map Ref 269569. On 7 February 1945, 7 Platoon of which Pte BAK was a member, was strongly attacked by the enemy with covering fire from two light-machine guns. Three members of BAK’s section were wounded; Pte BAK on his own initiative, and with utter disregard for his own safety, jumped from his trench and, in the face of fire from the enemy light-machine guns, made three trips, and carried his wounded comrades to safety. On 12 February 1945, during a flanking attack by A Company, Pte BAK acted as runner between 7 Platoon HQ and the sections, and again displayed outstanding courage, in getting messages to and from the sections although he was fired on by three snipers. Later in the day, the Section Leader of No. 1 Section was killed. Pte BAK immediately took command of the section and was wounded whilst leading them against an enemy light-machine gun post. Throughout the period mentioned, Pte BAK’s courageous action and devotion to duty won the respect and admiration of all, and his utter disregard for enemy fire had a marked influence on the remainder of his Platoon.”

After the war, Les returned to Cairns and worked on the waterfront. He lived with his mother for several years. He loved his lawn and garden and they were always immaculate. One thing he loved more than that was his ducks and their ducklings. They were his pride and joy.

Les continued to work on the Cairns waterfront until the work dried up. He transferred to Fremantle where he met and married Anne Creighton, who had three children – two sons and a daughter. Anne passed away suddenly in March 1989, leaving a large gap in Les’ life. They had been together for 33 years.

In 1995 Les was diagnosed with lung cancer, no doubt caused by his years on the wharves. After treatment and hospitalisation, the end came, but not without displays of the courage and willpower shown in years gone bv. He was 75.