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

Posted November 22, 2021 by Admin

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 belonging to the

Maryborough Military & Colonial Museum,

Maryborough, Queensland, Australia.

STUMM, Major Colin Pride

Posted October 2, 2021 by Admin

Major Colin Pride STUMM MC MiD

11^th Light Horse Regiment AIF

2^nd Light Horse Regiment AIF

By Robert Simpson

Colin Pride Stumm was born on 6 May 1892 in Gympie Queensland. His birth was registered in Queensland under 1892/C/5558. He was one of ten children to Jacob John Stumm and Margaret Pride. Jacob had been born on 26 August 1853 in Germany. Margaret had been born in 1856 in Sydney. They were married on 17 April 1878 in Queensland.

In the 1903 electoral roll Jacob and Margaret were living in Southside Gympie with Annie, Isabel and Nellie. Jacob was listed as being a journalist with the others doing domestic duties. In the Week of Brisbane on Friday 7 February 1913 in page 21 had under ‘CANDIDATE FOR LILLEY. Mr. Jacob Stumm Selected. Nambour was a busy town on Saturday last, when about 50 delegates, representing branches of the P.P.L., the Women’s Electoral League, and the Farmers’ Union, from the nine State electorates included in the federal division, assembled at that town to select a candidate to contest the Lilley electorate at the forthcoming federal elections. … The first ballot decided the selection, and Mr. Jacob Stumm chosen by a clear majority. The voting was: Jacob Stumm, 52; O. J. Fenwick, 12; T. Glassey, 7; J. Hamilton, 5; K. Isgar, 5; G. Bradley, nil. Mr. J. Stumm, the selected candidate, is one of the proprietors of the Gympie Times, and for some years represented that city in the State Parliament. He briefly returned thanks for his selection, and Mr. Fenwick addressed the delegates appealing for unity.’ The 1919 electoral roll shows the same address and occupation for Jacob. Jacob John Stumm died on 23 January 1921 in Gympie. The Maryborough Chronicle, Wide Bay and Burnett Advertiser of Tuesday 25 January 1921 on page 2 had his obituary as follows ‘DEATH OF MR. JACOB STUMM.

A sensation was caused in Mary street on Saturday morning (says Monday’s “Gympie Truth”) when it became known that Mr. Jacob Stumm, the well-known ex-Federal and State parliamentarian and part proprietor of the “Gympie Times,” had been stricken, down with a serious illness in his office, afterwards diagnosed as haemorrhage of the brain. He remained in a semi-conscious condition at the Hospital until early in the afternoon, when he gradually sank into a state of coma, and never rallied, death taking place about seven o’clock on Sunday morning. The late Mr. Stumm was born in Germany, in 1854, and in the following year his parents emigrated to Australia, settling at Toowoomba shortly after their arrival. He was the eldest of a family of six— four sons and two daughters — one of whom, died in 1881. Soon after the discovery of Gympie, Mr. Stumm, then a mere lad, accompanied the late Mr. G. W. Stables, solicitor, to the field, and he resided here continuously all his life, He soon became associated with the staff of the “Gympie Times” and in the course of a few years acquired along with Mr. A. R. Ramsay, an interest in the paper, which subsequently developed into a joint partnership and continued until the present time. In 1877 Mr. Stumm was married to Miss Margaret Pride, of Maryborough, who now survives him. There is also a grown-up family of five sons and five daughters, all of whom were born in Gympie. The sons are Charles, Frederick, Robert, Otto, and Colin. The first-named four are engaged in pastoral pursuits, and Mr. Colin Stumm is a, solicitor now established in Rockhampton. Three of the sons — Frederick, Otto and Colin — saw active service in the late war. The daughters are Lady Glasgow, Mrs. F. E. Elworthy, Mrs. D. Glasgow, and Misses Delphine and Doris Stumm. During his lifetime here, the late Mr. Stumm became a prominent and honored figure in the public life of the field. In his early years of journalism he was on the Parliamentary “Hansard” staff for several years, and subsequently edited the “Gympie Times” until a few years ago, when his brother. Mr. A. L. Stumm, took the chair. In 1896, when Gympie was a two-member constituency, the late Mr. Stumm entered the State Parliament with the late Mr. Wm. Smythe as a representative of the field, and served for the term of that Parliament. At the Federal elections of 1913, the new Lilley Division having been formed on Queensland becoming entitled to a tenth member of the House of Representatives, Mr. Stumm became the first member for that constituency, and was re-elected in 1914. At the 1917 election he decided not to seek re-election. Personally the late Mr. Stumm was a man of high character and probity, in public and private affairs, and retained the esteem of a large circle of friends, as well as the respect of the citizens generally. He was buried in Gympie Cemetery on 24 January 1921 in section CESB plot 7-247.

Jacob Stumm.

The State Library of Queensland has a collection titled ‘Stumm family collection, 1868-1980’ which contains ‘Personal papers, correspondence, military records, one textile and a devotional book’ and is available to view at the library. It also records a biography on Trove indicating ‘Jacob Stumm (1853-1921) was born in Germany and emigrated to Australia with his family at the age of 2. He was a journalist and the owner of the “Gympie Times” newspaper, and served as a politician in the Queensland Legislative Assembly, being the member for Gympie from 1896 to 1899. He was elected to the Australian House of Representatives in 1913 as the Liberal member for the new seat of Lilley, a position he held until his retirement in 1917. During World War I several of his sons served in the armed forces, including Colin Pride Stumm who was awarded the Military Cross and rose to the rank of Major. Jacob Stumm’s daughter, Annie Isabel, married Thomas William Glasgow, who rose to the rank of Major General and was in charge of the 1st Australian Division during World War I, later pursuing a career in politics and being appointed Australia’s first High Commissioner to Canada.’

Margaret was living with her daughter Margaret Delphine Stumm at Lawrence Street Gympie in the 1925 electoral roll, both doing home duties. She died on 9 June 1925 in Gympie. The Daily Mail of Brisbane on Thursday 11 June 1925 in page 9 under ‘Obituary’ had ‘MRS. MARGARET STUMM. GYMPIE, Wednesday- — Mrs. Margaret Stumm, widow of Mr. Jacob Stumm, died from heart failure yesterday morning. She had been suffering from heart trouble for some time past, and took a bad turn about 8 o’clock, which proved fatal. She was 69 years of age, and survived her late husband for four years. She leaves a family of five sons and four daughters. Of the latter the eldest is Lady Glasgow, wife of General Sir William Glasgow, a Queensland Senator. The second daughter is Mrs. P. Elworthy, of Gympie. Another is Mrs. David Glasgow, at present living at Innisfail. The fourth daughter is Miss Delphine Stumm, while the fifth daughter, Miss Doris Stumm, died suddenly Iast year. The sons include Mr. Charles Stumm, who till recently had been engaged in pastoral pursuits in the Cunnamulla district. Messrs. Otto, and Robert Stumm, who are pastoralists in the Kilkivan district. Mr Fred Stumm, who until recently was similarly engaged near Mackay, and Mr. Colin Stumm, a solicitor at Rockhampton. Three of the sons are married. The late Mrs. Stumm was born at Sydney, and came to Mackay with her parents over 50 years ago. The whole of her married life, some 46 years, has been spent at Gympie. Her late husband, Jacob Stumm, was well-known as part proprietor of the Gympie “Times” newspaper, and was at one time member of the State, and also the Federal Parliaments. The funeral took place at Gympie cemetery today, the service being conducted by Rev. T. G. Allan, Presbyterian minister at Gympie.’

With their children: –

Annie Isabella Stumm was born on 24 January 1880 in Queensland. In the 1903 electoral roll she is listed as Annie Isabel and is living in Southside Gympie with her parents and sister Nellie. On 24 April 1904 Annie Isabel Stumm married Thomas William Glasgow. Thomas had been born in Tiaro on 6 June 1876, a son to Samuel Glasgow (1842-1916) and Mary Margaret Trotter Anderson (1850-1912). Thomas had served in the Boer War as a Lieutenant with the 1^st Queensland Mounted Infantry. They had two girls, Joan Stumm Glasgow born on 21 May 1905 in Queensland and Beth Stumm Glasgow born 27 April 1908 in Queensland. Beth died in 1991 and is buried in Toowoomba Garden of Remembrance. In the 1908 and 1913 electoral rolls they were living in Stewart Terrace Gympie, where Thomas was a storekeeper. He served in the First World War, initially as a Major with the 2^nd Light Horse Regiment. His biography is here: – https://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/glasgow-sir-thomas-william-6397 and https://www.awm.gov.au/collection/P11013529 . In the 1919 and 1922 electoral rolls they were living in Pallas Street and he was a grazier, with Annie doing home duties. The 1925 roll only shows him. Electoral rolls in the 1920’s for Annie have her living at 12 Domain Road South Yarra with a daughter Joan. In the 1927, 28 and 29 UK Navy Lists he is listed under ‘The Department of Defence, Minister of State for Defence’ as ‘Senator The Hon. Sir Thomas William Glasgow, K.C.B., C.M.G., D.S.O., V.D.’ In August 1928 he departed Southampton and on 24 August arrived at Quebec Canada. He still appeared in the 1928 electoral roll with the same details. By the 1936 and 1937 electoral rolls they were living at Newlands Road Indooroopilly, and both had the same occupations listed. The same details were recorded in the 1949 and 1954 rolls. William passed away on 4 July 1955 in Brisbane. Annie continued to live at the same address up to after the 1963 electoral roll. Unfortunately, after that, no information can be found on her.

Lady Glasgow in 1936.

Nellie Stumm was born on 7 September 1881 in Gympie. On 22 April 1909 she married Francis John Elworthy (1878-1944). In the 1915 Queensland electoral roll they were living at Pine Street Gympie, Francis was an accountant and Nellie was a housewife. The same details were recorded in the 1916 and 1919 rolls. Nellie died on 11 June 1937 in Brisbane. The Maryborough Chronicle, Wide Bay and Burnett Advertiser of Tuesday 15 June 1937 in page 8 had under Personal: ‘The death occurred in a private hospital in South Brisbane on Saturday night of Mrs. Nellie Elworthy, the wife of Mr. Francis Elworthy of Horse-shoe Bend, Gympie. Deceased suffered an injury to her back as the result, of an accident some time ago, and about a fortnight ago entered the hospital for further treatment. Her death came suddenly, and caused a grievous shock to her relatives and many friends. Mrs. Elworthy was born in Gympie, and was the second eldest daughter of the late Mr. J. J. Stumm, former editor and part, owner of the ‘Gympie Times’ and who represented Gympie in the Queensland Parliament and was later the Member for the Lilley division in the Federal Parliament. She is survived by her husband and three sons — Francis (Dovedale station, Biggenden district), Morris (Gympie), and Geoffrey (Clifton). Messrs. Charles Stumm (Penton Downs), Fred Stumm (Charleville), Robert and A. Stumm (Coongan, Goomeri district) and Colin Stumm (Gympie) are brothers. Lady Isobel Glasgow (Indooroopilly), Mrs. David Glasgow (Brisbane), and Miss D. Stumm (Rockhampton) arc sisters. The funeral took place in Brisbane yesterday.’ Francis departed from Brisbane on Moreton Bay, arriving at Southampton on 18 May 1939. He was listed as Francis J Elworthy, age 60, in tourist class, a grazier with a UK address of C/o Bank of NSW Berkeley Square. He departed at the Port of London on 12 August 1939 on Ormonde in tourist class with all the same details recorded, except his age which was 61. He died on 12 May 1944 in Queensland. A NSW death index card shows he was a grazier of Brooweena.

Charles William Stumm was born on 2 December 1882 in Queensland. He married Nellie Farmer on 7 February 1912 in Queensland. In the 1930 and 1932 electoral rolls they were living at Penlan Downs, near Longreach, and he was a grazier with Nellie doing home duties. One of their sons was killed in WW2, as recorded in CWGC: ‘STUMM . Wing. Cdr. (Pilot) HARLEY CHARLES, 70656, D.F.C. R.A.F. (O), Cdg. 167 Wing. 13^th May, 1944. Age 30. Son of Charles William and Nellie Stumm, of Chelmer, Queensland, Australia; husband of Lorraine Juliet Stumm, of Hazelbrook, New South Wales, Australia. B.A. (Queensland University)); B.A., B.C.L. (Oxon); Rhodes Scholar. 9.B.3.’ He is buried in Madras War Cemetery India. Harley is noted in the following links – http://www.militarian.com/threads/raf-australians-wing-commander-harley-charles-stumm-dfc.5841/ , https://gps100.org.au/historymakers/harley-charles-stumm-tss-1913-1944/ and https://www.wikitree.com/wiki/Stumm-65 . The 1942 Queensland PO Directory lists Charles as ‘Stumm C W, pastl inspr, 398 Queen st, Brisbane’. Charles died on 10 March 1951 in Brisbane. The Courier-Mail of Wednesday 14 March 1951 in page 5 had ‘C. W. Stumm dies at 69 Mr. Charles William Stumm, well-known Queensland grazier, has died in Brisbane aged 69. Mr. Stumm was the son of Mr. John Jacob Stumm, of Gympie, first M.H.R. for Lilley. He was educated at Maryborough Grammar School and Gatton Agricultural College. In 1911 Mr. Stumm took up Merthyr cattle station, on the Dawson River, with his uncle, the late Judge Stumm. They subsequently owned Huelva sheep station (Cloncurry), Uplands cattle station (Burnett district), Glencoe, and Ginnebah sheep stations (Cunnamulla), and Penlan Downs sheep station (Cloncurry). In 1938 Mr. Stumm was appointed stock inspector for the Union Trustee Co. of Australia. He held this position until his death. He has left a widow and two married daughters. His son, Wing-Commander Harley Stumm, D.F.C., 1935 Rhodes Scholar, was killed on active service in India in 1944.’

Frederick Ernest Stumm was born 23 August 1884 in Queensland. He served in WW1 as Private 416 in the 2^nd Light Horse Regiment, enlisting on 9 September 1914 at Brisbane. In May 1915 he went to Gallipoli. He had gastro-enteritis in July 1915 before being sent to England with tuberculosis in August. A letter to his father in October 1915 said he had influenza. Frederick spent quite a bit of time with the Pay Corps from October 1916 in England. He returned to Egypt in May 1918 and in July 1918 he was wounded in the left arm. He embarked on Port Darwin to return to Australia in November 1918. He was discharged in Brisbane on 26 February 1919 and was entitled to the standard trio of medals. Frederick married Muriel Frances Woods (1891-1919) in St John the Evangelist, Smith Square, London, Westminster on 1 January 1916. He was recorded as a 29-year-old bachelor, a Trooper with the 2^nd Australian Light Horse, living at Peel House Regency St Westminster with his father Jacob Stumm a Member of Federal Parliament in Australia. Muriel was a 24-year-old spinster living at Bethnal Green Military Hospital London. Her father Philip Stanley Woods was a journalist. In the 1918 London electoral roll they were living at 10 Himley Road Wandsworth, with Frederick listed as absent. In the absent voters list he was recorded as ‘416 Pte., 2^nd Light Horse, Australian Forces’. Muriel died on 1 June 1919 in Queensland. By the 1930 Australian Electoral Rolls Frederick was living at Alfred Street Charleville and he was a traveller. The same details were recorded in the 1932 roll. The 1942 Queensland PO Directory lists him as ‘Stumm F E, agt, Charleville’. He died on 5 May 1946 in Brisbane and was cremated at Mount Thompson Memorial Gardens and Crematorium. Their daughter, Marion Joyce Stumm (1917-1980), is buried beside him. Victoria probate records show he was a salesman in Queensland with probate granted on 10 June 1947.

Robert Pride Stumm was born on 3 December 1885 in Gympie. On 31 August 1921 he married Doreen Cicely Pennefather Ryan (1896-1983) in Queensland. In the 1934 electoral roll they were living at Coongan, Kilkivan (or Boonara). Robert was recorded as a dairyman and Doreen was doing home duties. The 1958 roll shows the same details. In WW2 Robert served as Q210113 in the Army Citizen Military Forces, enlisting on 23 May 1942 at Kilkivan. His service records are open under NAA: B884, Q210113 but not online yet. Robert died on 29 October 1972 and is buried at Albany Creek cemetery. Doreen died on 5 February 1983 and is buried at Buderim cemetery.

Elsie Marion Stumm was born on 14 May 1888 in Queensland. On 11 September 1912 she married David Glasgow in Queensland. In the 1912 electoral roll she was living at Southside doing home duties and in the 1913 electoral roll her details had not changed. David was a brother of Thomas. By the 1919 roll they had moved to Blackall. In the 1936 roll they were living at 46 Racecourse Road in Hamilton and David was an agent. David died on 4 September 1942 in Brisbane and is buried in Mount Thompson Memorial Gardens and Crematorium. An article in Morning Bulletin Saturday 31 October 1942 in page 3 under Coroner’s Court said: – ‘The circumstances surrounding the death of David Glasgow, 59, clerk, late of Glostermin private hotel, Hamilton, concerning which evidence had been given in Brisbane, were further investigated in Rockhampton yesterday before the Deputy Coroner (Mr T. Eite). Elsie Marion Glasgow, widow of the deceased, living in Caroline Street, stated she did not see her husband when he returned from a walk, until informed of his collapse, but she was satisfied there were no suspicious circumstances surrounding his death. A constable who gave evidence in Brisbane had expressed the same opinion.’ No further records can be found for Elsie.

Louis Otto (Otto) Stumm was born on 10 February 1890 in Gympie. He enlisted in WW1 as Private 3569 with the 8^th Reinforcements 26^th Battalion AIF on 4 September 1915. He received a shell wound to his thigh in July 1916. In early 1918 he spent a few weeks in England with gonorrhoea. He was then attached to the Army Pay Corps and was sent back to his regiment in France in November 1918. Louis returned to Australia mid-1919, where he was discharged. He was entitled to the British War and Victory medals. In the 1919 electoral roll he was living at Coongan and was a dairyman. He married Agnes May Blackburn in March 1928. The 1928 electoral roll shows they were living at Beeabah Goomeri and he was a grazier with Agnes doing home duties. The 1954 pastoral directory shows him living at Beeabah station with the postal address of Goomeri. He passed away on 17 September 1956 and Agnes died on 5 September 1983. They were cremated and a memorial plaque is at Mount Thompson Memorial Gardens and Crematorium.

Margaret Delphine (Delphine) Stumm was born on 7 May 1894 in Queensland. In the 1917 electoral roll she was living at Coongan, via Kilkivan and doing home duties. In the 1958 roll she was living at Caroline Street Rockhampton with her brother Colin and was doing home duties. In the 1963 roll her address was confirmed as 197 Caroline Street. After that no more records can be found for her.

Ena Doris (Doris) Stumm was born on 22 October 1896 in Queensland. In the 1919 electoral roll she was living at Coongan Kilkivan, doing home duties. She passed away on 5 July 1924 in Queensland and is buried in Gympie Cemetery.

Photo of him in the Queenslander on 10 July 1915.

Colin Pride Stumm was born on 6 May 1892 in Gympie. His education included Gympie State School and 2½ years at Maryborough Boys Grammar School. Early in 1908 he joined the Union Bank in Pittsworth but resigned at the end of the year to take articles with F B Sykes, Solicitor of Gympie. Colin had private tuition to help with his studies. Most of that time he lived with his parents and sometimes did the banking for his father. He was in a list of Senior Cadets in the Commonwealth Military Cadet Corps in Queensland who were to be Lieutenants (provisionally), dated 9 October 1911 as approved in the Commonwealth of Australia Gazette No 82 of Saturday 28 October 1911. In 1913 he was Orderly Sergeant with the 1st Light Horse Regiment (Central Queensland).

In January 1915, a few months short of completing his articles Colin attended a compulsory officer’s school at Enoggera for a month and then offered his services for the AIF. After being call up, he took leave and went back to Gympie where he served for a week under his articles. In May 1915 his uncle, Mr Charles Stumm KC, moved an order that his articles of service be deemed sufficient and the Solicitor’s Board consented to and the Full Court excused him from further service of articles from 3 January 1915.

He applied for a Commission in the Australian Imperial Force in the 1^st Military District on 25 May (January crossed out) 1915. (His statement of service says 20 March 1915). For educational qualifications he recorded ‘State School & 2½ years Maryborough Grammar School’. Previous Military Service and Qualifications were recorded as ‘Two years Orderly Room Sergeant 1^st (CQ) Light Horse & Eleven months (p) 2Lt. in same Regt.’ He stated for present civil employment he was lately an articled law clerk (articles expired). Colin was a single British subject, born in Gympie and age 23 years and 18 days. His original address was recorded as C/o J Stumm esq of Sandgate (as was his next of kin details), but the address was later changed to Coongan, Goomeri Queensland. The medical officer examining him signed that he was fit and his particulars were height 5 foot 8 inches, chest measurement 35 to 37 inches, weighed 146 pounds and had normal eyesight. After a severe riding test, Colin was posted to the 11^th Light Horse Regiment, A Squadron as a 2^nd Lieutenant. His pay book number was 238842. They underwent intense training at Fraser’s Paddock Camp, Enoggera.

He was to be Lieutenant on 1 June 1915.

The 11^th Australian Light Horse Regiment, A Squadron, embarked from Brisbane, Queensland on board HMAT A7 Medic on 2 June 1915. They were part of the 4^th Light Horse Brigade. In the nominal roll, Colin was listed as a 23-year-old 2^nd Lieutenant, previously an Articled Law Clerk, of Gympie. His next of kin was his father Jacob Stumm MP of Coonigan, Goomeri, Queensland. Presbyterian was recorded as his religion and he had joined on 23 May 1915. Colin had been serving with the 1^st ALH as the AMF unit he was with at the date of enrolment to the AIF. His daily rate of pay was 15 shillings. He allotted 6 shillings to Australia, had a daily rate of 8 shillings 3 pence and deferred 3 shillings. After a stop at Aden on 10 July 1915 for an attack that did not eventuate, they arrived at Cairo on 23 July for training.

They embarked on HT Marquette on 25 August 1915 for the MEF at Gallipoli from Alexandria. On 29 August Colin was transferred to the 2^nd Light Horse Regiment from the 11^th Light Horse Regiment at Gallipoli and was taken on their strength that day. The 2^nd Light Horse Regiment played a defensive role for most of the campaign on Gallipoli. Colin was sent to hospital on 5 October and was admitted to the General Hospital at Gibraltar from hospital carrier Caledonia on 14 October with severe enteric. A note states he had ‘Enteric fever, doing well, temperature normal for ten days’. He was convalescent at Gibraltar on 15 December (as recorded in his service record, maybe November?) 1915, transferred to England on 25 November, arriving at 3^rd London General Hospital on 29 November and reported to and was taken on strength of the Australian Base Depot at Weymouth, being fit for general service on 16 February 1916. He was transferred to the Supernumerary list on 1 March 1916.

A cable sent to J Stumm of Sandgate Queensland on 23 October 1915 from Base Records said reported Lieutenant CP Stumm transferred to General Hospital Gibraltar from Hospital Carrier Caledonia 15^th instant nature casualty not stated will promptly advise if anything further received. Another letter written on 3 November 1915 which changed his father’s address to J Stumm Esq. MHR, Federal parliament House, Melbourne said ‘With reference to my wire of the 23^rd ult., I now beg to inform you that I am in receipt of a cable from the General Officer Commanding Gibraltar, which states that Lieutenant C. P. Stumm, 11^th Light Horse Regt., is suffering from enteric fever. The message adds that he is doing well, and that his temperature, for the ten days preceding the 1^st instant, was normal. Any further information received concerning the above Officer will be promptly transmitted.’ Another cable on 28 November 1915, sent to Coongan Kilkivan, stated Colin had been reported convalescent and was transferred to England.

Base Records wrote to his father at Coongan Kilkivan on 6 December 1915 advising him ‘that information has been received to the effect that Lieutenant C.P. Stumm in now in Hospital at London, suffering from Enteric.’ They also supplied a postal address to write to him and said they would let him know if any more details came through.

The British Army list of 1916 records he was a Lieutenant in the 1^st Light Horse (an error?). Australian electoral rolls still show Colin living in Southside Gympie as a clerk in 1916, 1917 and 1919. Colin was found unfit by a Medical Board held in London on 14 January for 2 weeks, then found fit on 28 January 1916. On 4 March 1916 he was part of the forming of the 30^th Draft to re-join the EEF. He disembarked the Arcadian at Alexandria on 15 May 1916, returned to his unit and was taken on their strength on 16 May. On 14 May 1916 he was transferred from 2^nd Light Horse to 11^th Light Horse Regiment. As part of the 11^th Light Horse, he marched into Serapeum at Tel-el-Kebir on 17 May 1916. On 30 September 1916 he was appointed Intelligence Officer in A Squadron 11^th Light Horse Regiment.

Base Records wrote to his father at Coongan on 15 March 1916 saying that ‘Advice had now come to hand by post which shows that Lieutenant C.P. Stumm, 2^nd Light Horse Regiment late 11^th Light Horse Regiment was found fit for duty by a Medical Board held at London on 28/1/16.’ The Director of Medical Services AIF in London wrote to Base Records in Melbourne about Lieutenant C P Stumm 11^th Light Horse (they wrote surname as Stunun), saying ‘I am directed by the D.M.S. to forward for your information, Army Form A/45 – Medical Board Proceedings – in respect of the above named Officer, who left England to re-join his unit on 4.5.16.’ It was received by Base Records on 16 July.

Captain Colin Pride Stumm was listed in the London Gazette of 1 December 1916 on page 11808 at position 1 for a Mention in Despatches from General Murray’s despatch in October 1916.

He ceased to act as Intelligence Officer on 17 January 1917 at Khan Yunis. On 19 April he was wounded in action at Kh Sihan, but remained on duty. This was during the Second Battle of Gaza, which was a defeat for the EEF and led to a six-month stalemate with a line of trenches established.

On 23 April 1917 J Stumm MP of Goomeri Queensland was sent a note from Base Records in Melbourne advising him that Lieutenant Colin Stumm was wounded and he would be advised if anything further was received. He sent a cable to Base Records in early May stating ‘Feel anxious about Condition my son Lieutenant Colin Pride Stumm serving Egypt and officially reported wounded kindly cable for particulars my expense reply to Goomeri’. Base Records sent his father a telegram on 7 May 1917 advising him that they had cabled an enquiry asking for the present condition and whereabouts of Lieutenant Stumm. A note from them on 8 May to J Stumm Esq. MHR at Federal Parliament House in Melbourne advised him that Colin had returned to Egypt. They sent him another telegram on 12 May letting him know that London replied that Lieutenant Stumm was with his unit and did not evacuate on being wounded. They changed his address from Goomeri to Coongan Kilkivan. Apparently, Colin had been looking through his binoculars and a sniper had fired at him. The bullet passed through the front lens and was deflected, to exit through the right side and damage a finger.

Base Records also sent him a letter on 25 April 1917 stating they had ‘much pleasure in forwarding hereunder copy of extract from Supplement No. 29845 to the London Gazette of 1^st December, 1916, relating to the conspicuous services rendered by your son, Captain C.P. Stumm, 2^nd Light horse Regiment.’ He had been Mentioned in Despatches ‘In accordance with the final paragraph of the Despatch dated 1^st October, the following are mentioned for distinguished services rendered during the period of General A.J. Murray’s Command of the Egyptian Expeditionary Force:- Captain COLIN PRIDE STUMM.’ It was also promulgated in the Commonwealth of Australia Gazette No 62 of 19 April 1917.

An enquiry to the AIF on 3 May 1917 for Lieutenant C Stumm of ‘1 Tpt Corps Cairo’ asks “latest Report Has he returned to Aust?’ On 7 May 1917 Base Records sent a note to the Receiving Officer, Defence (Central) advising him ‘Herewith Money Order for 18/9 – duly endorsed – in payment of the cost of cabled inquiries to Cairo on behalf of J. Stumm, Esq., (ex M.H.R.) in connection with his son, Lieutenant Stumm, 11^th Light Horse Regiment. The outgoing cable and its reply consisted of 10 words (coded) which at the Government rate of 1/10½ per word totals the above amount. Please give bearer official receipt for transmission to Mr. Stumm.’ A slip in his service record, an extract of B.A.322 sent to Stralis Cairo and dated 9 May 1917 concerning Lieutenant Stumm of 11^th Light Horse said ‘Ascertain present condition and whereabouts’. On 14 May, Base Records sent his father a reply advising him of the cables sent and received and the full cost. The reply from Stralis Cairo said “Lieutenant Stumm with unit not evacuated’ and they apologised for an error in a previous telegram to him where they had stated that London had reported his wounding, when it should have been Cairo. On 28 May, Mr J Stumm of Coonyan Kilkivan sent a letter and post office money order to Base Records for the cost of the cables and thanking them for their prompt attention. Base Records sent his father a receipt on 11 June 1917 for his letter of 28 June for the sum of 18/9d, being the cost of cables sent about Colin.

On 5 June 1917 he went to a school of instruction and returned to duty on 14 June. He passed as a Qualified Instructor with the 27^th Hotchkiss Course of Instruction at Zeitoun on 13 June.

Lieutenant Colonel W Grant, Commanding Officer of the 11^th Light Horse Regiment, recommended Lieutenant Colin Pryde (sic) Stumm for the Military Cross, with the form dated 26 June 1917. The recommendation reads; ‘For most conspicuous gallantry and initiative in operations at KHIRBET SIHAN on 19.4.1917, in skilfully handling his Squadron after his Squadron Leader, Major LOYNES, had been wounded. Although himself wounded Lieut. STUMM maintained command under exceptionally heavy shell and rifle fire and continued to lead with great skill and courage throughout the operations, and by his example greatly inspired his men.’ On List “A” his award was approved. A handwritten form of the recommendation also included ‘(mentioned in Despatches 13.10.16’ and ‘Awarded M.C. London Gaz 1/1/18’.

On 24 August 1917 Colin was promoted to Captain at Tel-el Fara. In Palestine, on 18 September 1917 he was to be Adjutant. An entry in his record on 28 September 1917 stated he performed duties of Acting Adjutant vice Lieutenant H L Marsland from 10/8/17 to 28/9/17.

In the Supplement to the London Gazette of 1 January 1918 on page 52 at position 11 is an entry for ‘Lt. Colin Pride Stumm, L.H.R.’ for the Military Cross. The 1918 New Year Honours were appointments by King George V to various orders and honours to reward and highlight good works by citizens of the British Empire.

Colin was Mentioned in Despatches in the London Gazette of 12 January 1918 on page 804 at position 33.

In the 11^th Australian Light Horse Regiment diary of January 1918, as shown below, is an entry on the 30^th which includes ‘A Wire was received from Brigade that Captains Gee H.J. and Stumm C.P. of this Regiment had been granted the Military Cross.’

The diary also includes the recommendation for a Special Mention, as shown below in Appendix I for January 1918. The Commanding Officer of the 11^th Light Horse Regiment recommended Captain Colin Pride Stumm ‘For devotion to duty, as adjutant of the Regiment he carried out his duties in a most cheerful manner, thereby creating a good and cheerful feeling through the Regiment, often under most trying circumstances In rendering returns whether by day or night he gave them his personal attention and was always prompt and punctual. He gave me great assistance in seeing that my orders were carried out promptly and correctly and often by his forethought anticipate events thus saving the men of the Regiment a lot of discomfort.’ Army Form W3121 words it a bit differently: ‘For devotion to duty as adjutant of the Regiment. His work at all times has been most satisfactory. His exceptional ability for the work and his untiring energy was throughout the operations a keen incentive and splendid example to all officers and other ranks By his forethought he often anticipated events and thus saved the men of the Regiment a lot of discomfort and hardships His personal attention to all details enabled me to devote much time to other matters. In the absence of the Regimental Signalling Officer his handling of signalling arrangements was most complete and satisfactory.

He was sent to AIF Headquarters in Cairo on 23 February 1918 for duty and re-joined his regiment at Belah on 1 March.

General Sir Henry George Chauvel, GCMG, KCB wrote a letter to Colin on 3 February 1918 saying ‘Dear Stumm, Please accept my hearty congratulations on the Military Cross which I was very pleased to see has been awarded to you.’

Colin was involved with the Es Salt raid in late April and early May 1918, which although initially a success with the village being seized, due to Turkish resistance and counter-attacks, resulted in the withdrawal back to the Jordan River.

On 7 May 1918 Base Records sent Mr J Stumm of Coongan, Goomeri Queensland a letter advising him that Lieutenant Colin Pride Stumm had been awarded the Military Cross by The King for distinguished service in the Field, dated 1 January 1918. It had been promulgated in “Supplement No. 30450 to the ‘London Gazette,” dated 28^th December, 1917, relating to the conspicuous services rendered’ by him. It was also promulgated in the Commonwealth of Australia Gazette No 57 dated 18 April 1918.

Base Records sent his father a letter at his usual address on 11 June 1918, advising him of a ‘copy of extract from Second Supplement, No. 30474, to the “London Gazette,” dated 14^th January, 1918, relating to the conspicuous services rendered by the undermentioned member of the Australian Imperial Force.’ Colin was Mentioned in Despatches in the despatch from ‘General Sir Archibald Murray, K.C.B., late Commander-in-Chief, Egyptian Expeditionary Force:- “In accordance with the concluding paragraph of my despatch, dated 28^th June, 1917, I have the honor to submit herewith the name of the undermentioned, whose name I wish to bring to your notice for gallant or distinguished conduct in the field, or for valuable service’. It was also ‘promulgated in “Commonwealth of Australia Gazette,” No. 76, dated 23^rd May, 1918.’

On 4 July 1918 Colin was to command A Squadron temporarily and was then sent to a school of instruction at Richon on 19 July, returning from there on 13 August 1918. He took over duties of Adjutant for the 11^th Light Horse Regiment on 4 September 1918.

While in Syria, on 10 October 1918, he wrote a letter to his sister Belle (Mrs T Glasgow). It was posted on 12 October as a registered letter with the original address crossed out and 1 Granville Terrace Portman Square London added. It was typewritten ‘as I havea (sic) rather sore hand and I think it will be more liegible (sic), even if there are numerous typing errors.’ It mentions that a letter from their brother Fred to him ‘mentions that he has heard from you’ which prompted Colin to write this letter. He then went on to give some detailed stories of battles and the ‘whole affair has been just one hugh (sic) success after success.’ Starting at Jaffa he commented on all the abandoned Turkish effects that had been strewn on the roads and the large amount of prisoners taken. At Nazareth they surprised a German Staff Major who did not even know ‘the line had been broken’. The following attack at Semakh on 25 September was described: – (from page 3 of his letter)

The museum also holds the medals to Captain Herbert John Gee MC who led one of the squadrons and was killed in action at that battle. This action was the regiment’s last major operation of the war.

A letter handwritten to Belle from Colin on 4 August 1915 at a place just outside of Cairo, where he was staying, is also held by the museum. It is not the easiest to read and mainly goes into descriptions of where he was, what he saw and a description of a failed attack by a party of Turks.

He also wrote a letter to his sister, which is part of a collection of ‘29571 Sir Thomas William Glasgow and Lady Glasgow Papers 1894-1955 that is held at the State Library of Queensland and is transcribed below. With thanks to his granddaughter for permission to include this.

‘Palestine

24 November 1917

Dear Belle

Many thanks indeed for your letter received a few weeks ago, I have not up to the present had much of a chance of answering same, but now that the Division is back a little having a rest, opportunity offers its self and I am trying to clean up a lot of back mail by typing letters in manifold and doing the job in one clean sweep, so please pardon the typewritten letter.

Since the 28th November last I and of course the others here have had a fairly and continuous hard time of it, sleep being the main trouble as most of our travelling has been done at night. We left F… on a Sunday and after travelling due south for two nights and resting mainly with little sleep in the day time we reached a native village K… Here we left one night at six o’clock to do the last and final dash for our goal, the back door to Beersheba. The March was kept up all night with intermittent halts every hour and eventually at eleven o’clock the next day we could see our objective standing out well above the skyline about five miles away. Beersheba one of the largest native villages in Southern Palestine is hemmed in by a natural chain of mountains just as steep and in some places steeper than the “V” and Tye Country at home, but with just one loose link on the eastern side. Here a wadi runs through the town and leaves a flat about two miles wide between the mountains and it was along this flat that the mounted troops were asked to operate.

The Turks thought Beersheba was impregnable, from the three sides and that this side being so unapproachable except for this flat that it was not necessary to strongly entrench. You can naturally judge their surprise when about this time the advance scouts of the Corps were seen coming over the skyline, scouts to a column that was anything up to twelve miles long without necessary transport. Our trip round had been hard, the road was good but the horses had been without water in our Brigade since four o’clock the previous day and had not yet watered. I must confess I wondered what would happen if we had to return the way we came. Still that was not the intention of the C in C. After resting for about a couple of hours word was received that Beersheba “must be taken at all costs”, word that I might mention that subsequently in after operations became almost common, knowing what it meant. Our Brigade was given the task of starting the ball rolling towards the attack. The G.O.C., our late Colonel, decided to attack the place mounted. This meant that the Brigade would form in line and as there was practically no cover on this flat, draw the bayonet and with as much bravado as possible, misleading the Turks into the delusion that there were cavalry charging, when the bayonets flashed in the sun, make one wild charge at the trench. The first trench had, or rather, gave no opposition. Fortunately there were no rifle pits such as the Turk is fond of building round his trench to prevent such an attack, and the men jumped these trenches. The Turks crouched in the bottom of the trench until the first line was over and then fired into their rear, after first some of them putting up their hands, but the second line came along and I think that not many Turks had a chance of doing a similar thing. After this there was practically no opposition. The Brigade formed up under the cover of darkness and this Regiment which had been doing outpost duty on the left when the charge came off re-joined the Brigade, and led the advance on the town. There was very little opposition, the Turk in the meantime had bolted leaving everything behind him, all kinds of war materials, sword bayonets, the most gruesome weapon any civilised person could use, bombs, gas cylinders and all kinds of clothing. The town was occupied without very much opposition, but the Turk had taken good care to mine most of the principal streets and dynamite the gas engines on the wells, and generally did everything to mar our occupation. The rout of the Turkish army was so complete that whole hospitals with complete nursing staffs were taken. A cordon was formed round the town that night and mounted patrols who were sent out in all directions returned pretty well all night bringing in prisoners from all kinds of hiding places such as dirty mud houses, filthy gullies and holes, old trenches etc. The prisoners were of all descriptions, German machine gunners, Austrian, Turks, Syrians and Armenians. The inhabitants had fled but were enticed to return the next day. The Turks had loaded bottles and such like with explosives, the mere lifting of which would explode the charge and blow one to pieces, as some of the unfortunate niggers discovered. Streets as I before mentioned were mined and board so placed that one had to tread on them and thus blow things up. These mined streets were discovered by a very observant sub of this Regiment who noticed that some of the prisoners were very reluctant to go down certain of the streets, and on the interpreter getting to work discovered that these streets were mined. Consequently he collected a batch of prisoners, got a good escort and made these prisoners walk through nearly all the streets marking the streets that they traversed as safe and those they would not go down as dangerous. Somewhere early in the attack the enemy set fire to a large ammunition dump which contained all kinds of explosive star shells, rockets, flares, and almost every conceivable kind of fireworks used in trenches, the display for the time at any rate was interesting although fairly dangerous to go near. During the following morning the Brigade was relieved and allowed a rest. The C. in Chief came out in his car from Army Headqrs. made one rush to Brigadier, shook hands with him, and threw another D.S.O. at him making the second he had been awarded, told him he was proud of the charge, was memorable, etc. etc.

In all for this attack the Brigade was awarded five D.S.O.’s, four Military Crosses and a certain number of Military Medals. For some time afterwards the talk of the day was the charge of the 4th Brigade. The taking of Beersheba started the ball rolling, the Turks were broken and as they had no second line of resistance and with such a large force of mounted troops threatening their flanks night and day they became practically a mob and split. We followed them up North East and West eventually pushing them right up past Jaffa and through Jerusalem. We hold, I am informed, Jerusalem, although none of our troops so far have been allowed to go there. The Regiment was within about eighteen miles of the town and I think that is about the nearest any troops have been. The country is particularly good and my remarks are based on the opinion of experts who seem to know what they are talking about. There are certainly no running streams, the inhabitants depending mainly on the water supply given them from wells which are anything from one hundred to one hundred and fifty feet deep. This water they raise by means of a very kind of rope attached to a goat skin bucket holding about eight gallons and hauled to the surface by means of a camel or a bullock. Fruit, one of the natural products of the country, is in its particular kind plentiful. The inhabitants profiting by modern ideas which have been introduced into the country go in a little for irrigation on a scientific way. In the larger towns they raise the water by oil engines which the Turks took very good care to destroy. The European town stand in contrast to the usual eastern mud hut of the Egyptian, the former neat little villages with houses made of stone, painted or white washed white and roofs tiled, galvanised iron seems as if it were not known here or perhaps the tiles are cheaper.

Oranges bear well but are of a poor marketable class. Almonds, figs, dates and olives are of course plentiful. The wine made from a small grape is very palatable and the inhabitants seem to make a rather big thing of it from the size of the distilleries they build. Further north the Jews are everywhere, plainly picked out about a mile away not so much from their features as their universal mode of dressing, a small black hat and a long black or white coat reaching well down to the knee. These Jews are the worst to trade with and drive a very hard bargain, for mutton they ask as much as three pounds for a miserably small sheep and for vegetables as much as sixty piastres which is equivalent to about 12/6 for a small pumpkin or marrow. Vegetables generally seem to be scarce, the inhabitants not seeming to go in for them very much.

I can readily understand the commercial Jew in his grasping way wanting to get a hand on this fertile place using his religion in his effort and then draining the place to its utmost. The railway built by the Military authorities and put to commercial use when the war is over will, with a good port at Port Said, have a remarkable effect on this country. Formerly, there was only one outlet and that Jaffa taught in the public schools “as the worst port in the world”. The outlet to the south was practically blocked by the almost unpassable Sinai Desert and to the north a miserable metre gauge Railway with an uncertain time table.

Hoping all are well at home

I remain your affectionate brother

Colin

I am addressing this ‘Care Fred’ as I have lost same last letter, Colin.’

In his service records is a piece of paper which says ‘EGYPT LIST No. 35 dated 15/5/19. Capt. (T/Major) C.P. STUMM to be Major, 25/11/18.’ On 27 May 1919 his appointment in the AIF was terminated in the 1^st Military District.

With the 11^th Light Horse, he was to a temporary Major while commanding A Squadron from 25 October 1918. He was sent to hospital (Malaria Field Hospital), being sick, on 31 October 1918, admitted to Aust Div Col on 2 November and returned to duty, re-joining the 11^th Light Horse on 3 November. On 29 January 1919 he was marched out of the 11^th Light Horse Regiment to Moascar where he marched in to the Details Camp in the Field the next day. He was listed in the nominal roll to embark for return to Australia on HT Lancashire on 18 February 1919. Major Colin Pride Stumm MC, 11^th Light Horse Regiment, returned to Australia on 19 February 1919 to resume his legal studies.

A confidential form in his service records shows that Captain C. P. Stumm MC of 11^th Light Horse Regiment, whose present appointment was Officer Commanding A Squadron was to be recommended for advancement to Major and his appointment for which he was best fitted was Adjutant and Squadron Leader. The form showed he was 26 and 2/3 years old, for service he was provisionally 2^nd Lieutenant in CMF 1^st (CQ) Light Horse Regiment. For services in the present war, he ‘Enlisted 24.3.15. and appointed 2^nd. Lieut. In A.I.F. in IIth. Light Horse Regt., Embarked 2.6.15. Landed at Gallipoli 25.8.15. and transferred to 2^nd. Light Horse Regt. With “A” Squadron. Evacuated sick 5.10.15. Admitted Hospital Gibraltar with enteric 14.10.15.Convalescent 15.12.15. Reported at Weymouth 16.2.16. Rejoined unit in EGYPT Apptd. Intelligence Officer “A” Sub-Section Canal Zone. Nov 16. Mentioned in Sir. Archibald Murray’s Despatches of 13.10.16. Awarded M.C., 1.1.18. Mentioned in Ge.Sir.Arch. Murray’s Despatches of 28.6.17. Promoted Captain on 24.8.17. Apptd. Adjutant on 18.9.17. Commanded “A” Sqdn. Temporarily from 4.7.18 to 3.9.18. Resumed duties as Adjutant on 4.9.18. Commanded “A” Sqdn. From 1.11.18. to 28.1.19. Left Regt. on 29.1.19 to embark for Australia to resume studies. SERVICE. As a Troop Leader on Gallipoli 2 months. Romani, MAGHARA and NEKL and 2^nd. GAZA operations. As Adjutant during all the reconnaissance work before BEERSHEBA during the Beersheba xxxxx SHERIA, ET TINE and while the Regiment was dismounted in the Hills at TAHTA, also during the 2^nd. ES SALT and JORDAN VALLEY Operations and during operations from JAFFA to HOMS. SCHOOLS. Hotchkiss Gun. Course June 1917. Cavalry, July 1918. Handwritten below that was ‘This officer possesses special qualifications for Staff work. His ability and professional knowledge of Military work and law has been of great service in the unit. As a Troop Leader he was twice mentioned in despatches for Conspicuous work and with experience he will be a very successful Squadron leader. As adjutant he has done splendid work. He is physically fit.’ It was signed P J Bailey on 29 January 1919. The side column included the Higher Commander’s remarks: ‘A very good Adjutant and has also proved to be a good Squadron Leader. He is much above the average ability and very reliable. One of the best officers in the Regiment.’ It was signed by Brigadier-General W Grant, Commanding 4^th ALH Brigade. A copy of the record was also sent to Colin on 23 February 1919.

His appointment was terminated on 27 May 1919.

On 30 July 1919 Base Records in Melbourne sent a letter to The Officer in charge of Records, AIF Headquarters in Cairo asking ‘The following extract of communication from Ex Captain C.P. Stumm, 11^th Light Horse Regiment, is forwarded for favour of any information you may be able to supply as to what has become of the Decoration :- “Whilst I was a member of the 11^th Light Horse Regiment, I was awarded a Military Cross for services rendered, and in January or February 1918, on the occasion of the visit of H.R.H. the Duke of Connaught to Palestine, I, with several others, was presented with the decoration abovementioned. After the presentation, and in consequence of instructions I received, I returned the Military Cross for the purpose of having my name engraved thereon. When returning the Military Cross for inscription I gave the name of my father – J. Stumm, Via Kilkivan, Queensland, Australia, as the next-of-kin, where I desired the Military Cross sent. So far I have not received, nor has my father received the Military Cross in question, although a period of nearly eighteen months has elapsed since the presentation, and recipients of other decorations subsequent to mine, have received their respective awards.”’ On 30 July 1919 the AAG 1^st Military District wrote to Base Records saying ‘So far no advice of the despatch of the above Decoration has been received, but in view of the length of time since its award, a communication has been despatched to A.I.F. Headquarters, London, and upon receipt of a reply Captain Stumm will be advised.’ AIF Headquarters in London wrote to Base Records in Melbourne on 17 October 1919 about Lieutenant C P Stumm MC 11^th Light Horse Regiment advising them ‘In reply to your communication of 30.7.19, addressed to A.I.F. Headquarters, Egypt, you are advised that the Military Cross awarded to the abovenamed officer vide L.G.30450 of 1.1.18. was forwarded to you by this office on 18.8.19. for disposal.’ Base Records received it on 1 December 1918. An entry in his service record shows on 24 November 1919 his ‘M.C. Medal was received; Sent to Comd’t 1 M.D.

On 1 September 1919 his Form of Commission was sent out to him.

Colin resumed his studies. On 12 December 1919 his address was Garth House, Wickham Terrace Brisbane. He was admitted as a solicitor to the Full Court of Queensland in March 1920 and joined Mr Hugh Grant in partnership at Fitzroy Chambers, Denham Street Rockhampton on 10 May 1920. Their address in 1925 was Archer Chambers, Quay Street.

The Lieutenant and Adjutant of the 5^th (Central Queensland) Light Horse in Gympie on 18 February 1920 wrote to Base Records asking ’With reference the A.I.F. rank of Lieutenant (Hon Capt) C.P. Stumm.,M.C., late 11^th L.H.R. A.I.F. Please inform me if you have received any notification of the confirmation of the temporary rank of Major granted to the above Officer, dated 25/10/18, M.O.421/1919, page 322. Captain Stumm states that the confirmation of his temporary appointment appeared in the A.I.F. List No 35, dated 25/11/18. No record of this can be found in Military Orders.’ Their reply reads ‘The following entry appears in Egypt List No. 35 dated 15/5/19 – “Capt. (T/Major) C.P. STUMM, to be Major, 25/11/18.” This promotion has not been promulgated in A.I.F. Lists received to date.’

On 27 March 1920, Colin signed for two certificates for a ‘Mention in Despatches, London Gazette No. 30474/78 (Capt. C.P. Stumm MC, 11^th L.H.R.)’ and ‘London Gazette 29845. Cert.No. 2907. (Major C.P. Stumm, M.C., 11^th L.H.R.)’. He signed for ‘two oak leaves (one large and one small) – Mentioned in Despatches emblem’ on 18 September 1920.

A note in his service record dated 1 April 1920 says he was promoted to Major and it was to be promulgated in CAG at an early date. This was also forwarded to Defence on the same day, after they had sent Base Records a note saying ‘Have you any further advice re this officer, please’.

Pressure of work forced Colin to decline an invitation to command B Squadron 5^th (Central Queensland) Light Horse in Rockhampton in early 1921.

The Victoria Government Gazette No 73 of Wednesday 3 June 1925 has an entry on page 1855 ‘HIS Honour the Chief Justice has been pleased to appoint the undermentioned gentlemen to be Commissioners of the Supreme Court of Victoria’ for taking affidavits, and the list included Colin Pride Stumm, Solicitor, of Rockhampton Queensland. The duration of his Commission was ‘Until Commissioner ceases to reside at or near Rockhampton aforesaid or until he ceases to practice the profession of a Solicitor there.’

His Officer’s Record of Service records him as Colin Pride Stumm MC of 1^st Light Horse, who was born on 6 May 1892 and had a civil profession as a Solicitor. It shows his appointment as 2^nd Lieutenant (P) on 27 June 1914, Lieutenant (P) on 1 July 1915, then Lieutenant confirmed with no date, Honorary Captain on 24 August 1917 and Captain on 1 June 1920. Military appointments including AIF were – 2^nd Lieutenant 20 March 1915, Lieutenant 1 June 1915, Captain 24 August 1917, to 5^th (C.Q.) Light Horse 1 October 1918, temporary Major ‘whilst C.O., Sqdn L.H.’ 25 October 1918, Major 25 November 1918, appointment terminated 27 May 1919, to Reserve of Officers and to be Captain 1 June 1920, appointed to Australian Intelligence Corps 1 November 1939, the next line is an abbreviation, then ‘Apptd N. C. Intell. Corps’ 21 February 1940 and transferred to Reserve of Officers (Intelligence) 23 January 1940. His form of Commission was issued on 29 May 1920. For Active Service it records ‘The war of 1914-18. Ops. of Aden Field Fce. Fr. 10-17.7.15. Ops. in Gallipoli fr. 25 Aug to Oct. 1915. Ops. w/ E.E.F. fr. 6.6.16 to 31.10.18 (wounded). Adjt. 11^th L.H. Aug 1917 to 31.10.18. Desp. Lond. Gaz. 1.12.16, 12.1.18. Light Horse’. It records his medals as Military Cross, Mentioned in Despatches, 1914-15 Star, British War and Victory medals. His address and that of next-of-kin was recorded as Caroline Street Rockhampton in 1938 and 1940. For special employment it notes ‘Local Intell Officer (Rockhampton) Capt.’

In the 1934 electoral roll they were living at Caroline Street Rockhampton and he was a solicitor, with his sister Margaret doing home duties. The 1942 Queensland PO Directory lists him as ‘Stumm Colin P, solr, Wm st, Rton’. In the 1943, 1949 and 1958 electoral rolls all their details were the same.

On 5 October 1939 a Lieutenant Colonel for AA & QMG 1^st MD at Victoria Barracks in Brisbane wrote to Base Records in Canberra asking if they could forward the AIF service of Captain Colin Pride Stumm MC ‘who states that he was gazetted as Major in the A.I.F.’ Base Records replied on 13 October: – ‘In reply to your No. 8018 of 5^th. October, 1939, I am appending for information as requested particulars of service in the A.I.F. relating to Major Colin Pride Stumm, M.C., ex-11th. Light Horse Regiment: – 20.3.15 Appointed 2nd. Lieutenant. 1.6.15 To be Lieutenant. 2.6.15 Embarked from Australia. 30.9.16 Appointed Intelligence Officer, “A” Subsection. 17.1.17 Ceased to act as Intelligence Officer, “A” Subsection. 13.6.17 Passed Qualified Instructor 27^th. Hotchkiss Course of Instruction. 10.8.17 to 28.9.17 Performed Duties of A/Adjutant. 24.8.17 To be Captain. 4.7.18 To command “A” Squadron, (temporarily) 4.9.18 To be Adjutant. 25.10.18 To be Temporary Major. 25.4.18 To be Major. (check) 24.3.19 Returned to Australia 27.5.19 Appointment Terminated.

Colin was appointed Intelligence Officer to the 42^nd Battalion at Rockhampton with the rank of Captain on 20 September 1939. He was awarded Life Membership of the RSSAILA in Rockhampton in June 1940. Around that time his partnership was dissolved and he practiced alone until bad health forced him to retire. Colin never married and his sister Delphine kept house for him in their large house on the Range at Rockhampton. He was interested in Freemasonry.

Colin left the partnership of Grant and Stumm in 1940 and practiced by himself until 1951, when he went into partnership under the name C P Stumm and Watt, with the firm continuing to day under another name.

His medical record is open at NAA Brisbane under M19164 from 1915 to 1958, but it is not online. Base Records replied to a request from the Repatriation Commission in Brisbane on 18 March 1958, sending them the documents they requested for the AIF service of Captain C P Stumm 11^th Light Horse Regiment.

Colin died on 4 October 1962 in Rockhampton and was cremated.

In The Morning Bulletin of 23 April 2017 and The Queensland Times was an article titled ‘Rocky solicitor makes greatest sacrifice of all’ and went on to say ‘THE biography of a former Rockhampton solicitor and soldier is being proudly displayed at the Virgil Power Courts complex in East Street. The display is part of an exhibition at the Supreme Court Library in Brisbane: “In Freedom’s Cause”, which pays tribute to Queensland Lawyers who served in World War I. Colin Pride Stumm, founder of Connolly, Schirmer and Batts Solicitors, served in the Eleventh Light Horse Regimen in World War I and was awarded the Military Cross and mentioned in dispatches. In 1921, he entered into partnership with solicitor Hugh Grant, and practised as Grant & Stumm in Rockhampton, now know today as Connolly, Schirmer and Batts Solicitors. Colin left that partnership in 1940 to practise in his own right at William St. Rockhampton as CP Stumm, Solicitor. In 1951, Archibald James Watt, the local deputy public curator at Rockhampton and a qualified solicitor, entered into partnership with Colin Pride Stumm and they practised under the firm name, CP Stumm & Watt. Colin Pride Stumm died in 1962.’ (note – errors not fixed).

In the Sir Harry Gibbs Legal Heritage Centre in the Supreme Court Library Queensland is a list of lawyer soldiers which includes Colin Pride Stumm; his date of admission was 5 May 1920.

Members of Queensland’s existing and future legal profession served in the Gallipoli campaign. That service, and that of Queensland lawyers generally in the Great War, are the subject of a special project of the Supreme Court Library Committee, titled “In Freedom’s Cause”. The Hon Justice John Logan RFD co-chairs the project subcommittee. – from https://www.hearsay.org.au/the-bar-at-gallipoli/ . According to records accessed thus far by the project subcommittee, those members of the profession who served at Gallipoli were: Frederick Steuart Hope, Harry William Lee (later killed in action in France), Francis Thellusson Lukin, Herbert Francis McLaughlin, John Thomas McNamee, Norman Rupert Mighell, Francis Roger North, Walter Byron James Pattison (died of wounds sustained at Gallipoli), Leonard Plunkett Power, Raymond Ferrers Shirley (killed in action at Gallipoli), Thomas Harold Stabler, Colin Pride Stumm, Percival John Thorn, Lachlan Chisholm Wilson and Rupert George Young.

Another article in The Gympie Times and Whitsunday Times of 25 April 2016 was titled ‘Maryborough heroes more than soldiers’ which stated ‘NOT all Anzacs were career-soldiers; some were doctors, farmers and even lawyers before they joined the war. The Supreme Court Library of Queensland’s Anzac exhibition ‘In Freedom’s Cause’ tells the stories of 82 lawyer-soldiers who fought in the First World War, including six men who lived in Maryborough. Five of the Maryborough men studied and another taught at Maryborough Boys Grammar School, now Maryborough State High School. Supreme Court librarian David Bratchford said the exhibition gave visitors a unique opportunity to gain an insight into these soldiers’ lives. “To coincide with the exhibition, a new commemorative publication produced in collaboration with the Federal Court of Australia tells the stories of 82 lawyer-soldiers,” Mr Bratchford said. “We greatly appreciate the support of the families of the lawyer-soldiers and the assistance of our current colleagues who helped us to bring these important stories to a wider audience.”’ The story went on to describe the Maryborough soldiers and included ‘Colin Pride Stumm: Born in Gympie on May 6, 1892 to Jacob and Margaret Stumm, the eighth of 10 children. His father owned The Gympie Times newspaper. After spending two-and-a- half years at Maryborough Boys Grammar School, Stumm went to work in the Union Bank at Pittsworth in 1908. In 1915, a few months short of completing his five years of legal studies in Gympie, he enlisted and was called to duty as a 2nd lieutenant in the Central Queensland Light Horse. On August 25, 1915, Stumm went to Gallipoli as a troop leader with the 2nd Light Horse Regiment. Stumm was appointed captain in August 1917 and then took on the role of adjutant of the regiment. Stumm left the regiment in 1919 to return to Australia and finish his legal studies. From 1921 to 1951 he practised as a solicitor in Rockhampton. He died on October 4, 1962 at the age of 70.’

The Gympie Family History Society has a series of books called Gympie’s Great War Series and includes in Book 1 an entry for Major Colin Pride Stumm MC DSO (sic) on page 163.

His medals are Military Cross, 1914-15 Star, British War Medal and Victory Medal with oak leaf.

Naming on back of MC and 1914-15 Star and an older picture of his medals and miniatures.

Studio portrait of Captain Colin Pride Stumm MC, 11th Light Horse Regiment of Gympie, Qld. From AWM H00026, a photo taken by G Lekegian & Co. in Cairo Egypt.

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.

DENSHAM, Lieutenant John Humphrey

Posted September 17, 2021 by Admin

Lieutenant John Humphrey DENSHAM MC MM

C Squadron, 1st/1st The Surrey Yeomanry (Queen Mary’s Regiment)

4th Bn, The Queen’s Own (Royal West Kent Regiment) attached

10th Bn, The Queen’s (Royal West Surrey Regiment)

By Robert Simpson

John Humphrey Densham in uniform, newly commissioned into the Royal West Kent Regiment.

John Humphrey Densham was born on 1 March 1894 in Croydon Surrey England, a son to John Lane Densham and Marion Emilia Olivia Costine. He was one of fourteen children they had. John Lane Densham had been born on 17 May 1853 in Plympton St Mary, Devon, England and Marion had been born on 5 January 1857 in Bagshot, Surrey, England. They were married on 17 October 1878 in St Peter’s Church, Croydon, Surrey, England. The church register shows John was 25 years old, a bachelor and a Tea Merchant, living at Hurst Road. His Father, John Boon Densham, was also a Tea Merchant. Marion was a 21-year-old spinster, living at Bramley Hill and her father, Barry Alexander Boyd Costin (as spelt in that record) was a Gentleman. In the 1881 census they were living at 7 Cannon Place Brighton, with John Boon Densham listed as a Tea Dealer. By the 1891 census they had moved to Deanfield, 51 St Peter’s Road Croydon with John Lane Densham a wholesale tea dealer. They had eight children (with the baby of 1 month unnamed) and four servants and a nurse. In the 1893 electoral register, it shows John Lane Densham living at Dearfield (sic), St Peter’s Road Croydon. In the 1901 census all the children were living at 24 The Waldrons in Croydon. The parents were not listed in that census. The 1911 census shows the family living at Waldronhyrst, Croydon. They had five domestic servants. John Lane Densham was listed as father, aged 57, married for 32 years with 13 children born alive and 12 still living. He was listed as Chairman and Director of Mazawattee Tea Company. His wife and all the children were listed as living by private means, including John Humphrey, who was 17 years old. In 1911 John Lane Densham was involved in a discussion by the Weights and Measures Committee for the County of Fife which involved the weighing of tea in paper, with inspectors finding a deficiency in weight. John said that most people would no know what gross weight was, ‘but the inscription “Full weight of tea, including wrapper,” was worse, in his opinion. He considered to sell by gross weight was an immoral system.’ Mr and Mrs J Lane Densham, along with Mr P and Miss C Lane Densham returned to Southport on RMS Edinburgh Castle in 1^st Class from Cape Town on 24 February 1914. His occupation was recorded as Chairman, with the others having no occupation. All intended to reside in England. The 1915 London Directory has him residing in The Waldrons at “Waldronhyrst”. John Lane Densham passed away on 13 February 1918 in Vogelfontein, Boksburg, Gauteng, South Africa. Under the heading of Deaths in The News on 1 March 1918 was an entry for ‘DENSHAM. – On February 13th, at Boksburg, Transvaal, South Africa, John Lane Densham, late of Waldronhyrst, Croydon, aged 64.’ Probate of his will was granted to the executors on 17 July 1918 with a value of over £185000. The Scotsman of 7 September 1918 recorded under Wills and Estates an entry for Probates with Scottish Estate with the ‘following probates and letters of administration have been lodged in H.M. Commissary Office, Edinburgh, for resealing to make the effective to deal with estate in Scotland: – John Lane Densham , of Waldronhyrst, Croydon, Surrey …. £185,883.’ Marion also passed away in South Africa on 12 May 1919. She had been living at Becker Street Bellevue Johannesburg. Her effects were valued at over £14000.

The family was involved in setting up the Mazzawattee Tea Company. National Archives Australia in Canberra has a series of 5 different folders which list ‘Application for Trade Mark titled Mazawattee in respect of tea, coffee and cocoa – by Densham and Sons’ with dates from 1891 to 1905, which are open but not online. The following is an article on the company: – ‘An early PR coup for the Mazawattee Ceylon tea Company happened in March 1891 when tea buyer Alexander Jackson bid an astounding ten pounds twelve shillings and sixpence a pound (equivalent to around £950 per kg in 2012 terms) for an invoice of Ceylon Gartmore Estate Golden Tips brought to London on the clipper ship Cutty Sark. The Pall Mall Gazette called the price “unprecedented” but conceded that the tea possessed “extraordinary quality in liquor, and is composed almost entirely of small Golden Tips, and the preparation of such tea is, of course, most costly.” Reverberations to this story ran in the national press for weeks. Another innovative promotion was to use Mazawattee Ceylon Tea delivery vans pulled by teams of African zebras which, while undoubtedly traffic stoppers in London, had little geographical connection with Ceylon. Latterly the zebra vans were replaced by motorized tea packets crowned by a large silver tea pot on the roof – the smoking exhaust pipe diverted through the spout! As tea sales soared Mazawattee paid huge amounts in duty on imports. When Mazawattee made a record excise duty payment of £63,147 John Lane Densham turned this cost to profit by advertising the record and milking it for every ounce of free publicity. On 4 May 1898 the Daily Mail reported of Mazawattee: “They have filled the town with reverberant announcements about it; and pictorial representations about it confront one everywhere. If you get into a hansom, you find a cheque for £63,147 lying on your seat; if you ride in a bus, or tram, or penny steam boat, this sum haunts your gaze.” Subsequently the duty sum was often exceeded and always exploited – in 1900 it was claimed in The Graphic to be equivalent to the company selling 1,300,000,000 cups of tea! By 1894 Mazawattee had built a seven storey factory on Tower Hill to blend and pack tea and in 1901 opened a huge factory in New Cross that at its height employed 2,000 workers, not only packing tea but making and printing tins, and diversifying into cocoa and chocolate, spices, confectionary and cakes. John Lane Densham was in control during the halcyon years but ill health caused his stepping down in 1902 to travel abroad managing the company tea estates, arranging direct sales of tea to Russia, the USA and the British Colonies. During his absence the seeds of downfall were sown for Mazawattee. Dazzled by the lightning success of Joseph Lyons with his tea shops the new chairman Benjamin Densham was convinced that Mazawattee could follow suit – and did so in an unplanned frenzy that drained the company of capital – and caused panic among long established grocer customers suddenly confronted on their doorsteps by competing retailers of Mazawattee tea. John Lane returned to the Board, Benjamin was dismissed, and John continued until 1915. After World War I the tax on tea was increased and the market was sluggish; with John Lane gone the company declined, though its name was still a household word. Their cocoa sales dropped and the confectionary business was abandoned in 1936. World War II brought tea control with companies allocated a quota based on annual sales and little opportunity for marketing. Then, in 1940 the Luftwaffe destroyed any hope of Mazawattee surviving – the Tower Hill factory was bombed and demolished and a few weeks later the New Cross factory was obliterated. Brooke Bond co-packed the Mazawattee label until 1951 when tea control ended. The end of the dynasty came in 1953 when John Boon Densham’s grandson Joseph Alexander sold the few remaining assets and the Mazawattee name to the Excelsior Biscuit Company. Mazawattee tea continued to be co-packed and sold in economy stores like Woolworths until it quietly vanished in the early 1960s.

A sad end to a brand that had virtually shaped the British tea industry.’

As an aside, the company has been brought back – About us | Mazawattee Tea – Est. 1887 (mazawattee-tea.com)

The family portrait in 1898, from left: Minnie Rosalie (1885-1981), Cicely Amelia Lane (1893-1963), Margery Alice (1889-1951), Marion Evelyn (1879-1942), Amelia Cerf (1886-1978), Patrick Lane (1895-1984), Janet (1891-1974), Marion Emilia Oliva ne Costine (1857-1919), Stephen Hugh (1896-1917), John Lane (1853-1918), Olive Gertrude (1887-1971), Dorothy Ann (1881-1956), John Humphrey (1894-1967) and Joseph Alexander (1883-1960).

First born to John and Marion was Marion Evelyn Densham, born on 10 September 1875 in Purley Surrey. In the 1901 census Marion was listed as first and as a single daughter age 21. Marion married Frederick David Tryon in the first quarter of 1907 in Croydon. Frederick had been born around 1878 in West Deeping, Lincolnshire. In the 1911 census they were living at “Billifarm” Burcott Road Purley with Frederick a Departmental Manager to do with tea, coffee and cocoa and Marion was listed as ‘Chocolate & Confectionary Departments’ to do with their manufacture. They had been married for four years and had three children. The house also had three servants. On 15 January 1927 Frederick, who was living at 27 York Gardens Clifton, Bristol, embarked on American Trader for New York. He was a 49-year-old Traveller who intended to return to England. Returning in Cabin Class on Tuscania on 30 July 1928, Frederick, age 50, gave his occupation as Merchant and was returning to his address in Bristol. He passed away on 23 February 1929 at his home with probate to Marion on 27 March 1929 included effects of over £1300. Marion passed away on 24 April 1942 in Lincolnshire and was buried in Newport Cemetery in Plot E455, as shown below.

Dorothy Ann Densham was born on 30 July 1881 in Redhill, Surrey. At some stage she married Harold Lancelot Vavasour Durell. She returned on the Johan van Oldenbarnevelt at Southport on 3 April 1933 from Genoa via Algers, listed as Dorothy Ann Durell, age 51, of Whitelea Shootersway Berkhamstead Herts. Two children, Jean Vavasour Durell age 19 and Diana Vavasour Durell age 13 were with her. In the 1939 register she was recorded living at 14 Turner Close Hendon, a widow doing unpaid domestic duties with Stephen H V Durell, born 22 September 1916, a single student. She passed away on 25 May 1956 in Hendon, Middlesex. She was buried in St. Mary’s Churchyard, Northchurch, Dacorum Borough, Hertfordshire. A note of the gravestone says ‘Widow of Harold Lancelot Vavasour Durell with whom she rests. They lost a son to WWII, Sgt Stephen Harold Vavasour Durell who is remembered on their grave.’ Sergeant Stephen Durell (1257744) of the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve was killed on 27 July 1941 when his Spitfire Ia X4662 from 131 Squadron crashed in the UK. He is buried at Catterick Cemetery, C. of E. Sec. Row M. Grave 20, as shown below.

Joseph Alexander Densham was born on 9 September 1883 in Redhill, Surrey. In the 1901 census Joseph was listed under Marion as single, age 17, and was a tea taster (wholesale). No one else of the family had an occupation. In the first quarter of 1914 he married Winifred Alice Easter (born 27 February 1890). He was a 30-year-old bachelor and a Director of a Public Company, living at Waldronhyrst Croydon. She was a 24-year-old spinster living at St Matthews Vicarage in Croydon. Her father was Arthur Easter, a Clerk in Holy Orders. The 1932 electoral register showed them living at 66 Park Hill Road Mitcham. In the 1939 register they were living at Stradella, Woodcote Avenue Beddington, with Joseph a Director of Public Company, Winifred doing unpaid domestic duties and two children; Winifred Jenny Densham (born 31 August 1918) a ‘Froebel Teacher’ (also noted on the side page was ‘W.V.S.’) and David Alexander Densham (born 14 June 1922) an ‘Auditors Articled Clerk’. Joseph arrived on the RMMV Warwick Castle at Southampton on 31 January 1948 from East London, South Africa. He was 64-years-old and his address was 18 Heath Drive Sutton, Surrey and his occupation was Managing Director. He passed away on 22 November 1960 in Sutton, London. Probate went to his widow Winifred with effects of over £69000. (Photos below)

Minnie Rosalie Densham was born on 8 February 1885 in Croydon, Surrey. In the 1932 London electoral register she was living at 86 Finchley Road, Priory Ward. By the 1936 phone book, she was listed at 80 Fairhazel Gardens, Maida Vale. In the 1939 electoral register she was a single female living at 343 Woodstock Road Oxford by her own means. The London electoral register of the same year also lists her at 6 New College Court Finchley Road. She was living at 14 Littleheath Road Selsdon in Surrey in the 1950 electoral register. Minnie passed away on 27 October 1961 at 40 Norton Road Hove Sussex with probate going to Humphrey Ashley Densham company director and Henrietta Maud Densham spinster, with effects of over £5000.

Amelia Cerf Densham was born on 3 April 1886 in Croydon Surrey. By the 1939 electoral register she had married John H B Woods and they were living at ‘Deanfield’ 34 The Haven-Tongaeum Lane, Brighton. John was a retired Land Agent (born 4 June 1876) and Amelia was doing unpaid domestic duties. Amelia passed away on 27 December 1978. Her probate stated she was ‘of Brighton and Hope Bethesda Home 5 Hove Pk Gdns Old Shoreham Rd Hove’. Probate was over £70000.

Olive Gertrude Densham was born on 5 April 1887 in Croydon, Surrey. By the 1939 register she had married William E Thompson (born 25 June 1879). They were living at 43 Mansfield Gardens Hampstead. He was a retired solicitor and she was retired but was also recorded as a driver with the volunteer ambulance. She passed away in the last quarter of 1971 in Brighton, Sussex.

John Lane Booth Densham was born mid-1888 in Croydon, Surrey but unfortunately passed away in early 1889.

Margery Alice Densham was born on 14 October 1889 in Croydon, Surrey. During the war she was with the British Red Cross. She joined in October 1915, with had address listed as 17 Fairfield Rd Croyden. Additional information stated she did ‘13 months nursing at 2nd Eastern General Hospital Stove 6 months nursing at Attingham Park Aux. Hospital Shrewsbury 26 weeks nursing at V.A.D. Hospital Montimer Berks 1298 hours (here) 3 months doing clerical work at Kingston Surbiton & District Hospital New Malden’, and was still serving. She returned to England from Adelaide on P.O.S/S Morea in First Class as a spinster, after living in Australia for a while, intending to reside in England. Margery married Percy Alexander Robinson at some time. She passed away on 18 July 1951 at Southlands Hospital Shoreham Sussex. Their address was recorded as 3 Castle-way Steyning Sussex. Effects were over £4700.

John Densham was born and died in 1891 in Croydon, Surrey.

Janet Densham was born on 28 February 1891 in Croydon, Surrey. She returned to Plymouth on Carthage on 14 September 1934 from Port Said in 1^st Class. She was a 43-year-old school principal at Thorbank School, Bexhill-on-Sea. On 9 April 1936 she departed from London on Banpura for Marseilles. Her address and profession were the same. The 1939 register lists her as a single School Principal at Bexhill MB Sussex. In the 1955 phone book she was living at Rupert House School Northfield End Henley. She passed away in the last quarter of 1974 in Hove, Sussex.

Cicely Amelia Lane Densham was born in early 1893 in Croydon, Surrey. She served in World War 1 with the Voluntary Aid Detachment BRCS & St John and was awarded the British War and Victory medals. Her rank was listed as VAD in the medal roll, and she served in 1(a) from 24 April 1917 to 19 February 1919. The British Red Cross Register Of Overseas Volunteers 1914-1918 records her as Clerk, Post Office, Boulogne. In other records she was listed as a nurse, with address ‘C/o J. A. Densham Esq. 12 Tower Hill, E.C.’ or ‘9 Chepstow Road Croyden’. Service was from 30 September 1915 to February 1919 as a voluntary nurse, originally at ‘Weir Hospital, Grove Road, Balham, SW.’ Additional information recorded for her stated ‘Enrolled 20/9/15 Weir Hp. 30/9/15 – /1/16 Sick leave Jan – March /16 Weir Hp. /4/16 – 2/3/17 B.R.C.S. H.Q. Boulogne 21/4/17 – Feb 1919 Resigned 28/3/19 to go abroad.’ While overseas she was at France Headquarters Post Office. She married Grenville W Wilson in the last quarter of 1922 in Steyning Sussex. On 27 March 1953 she returned to Southampton in cabin class from South Africa. Her address was listed as c/o Overseas league, Overseas House, London SW1. She intended to return to South Africa. Cicely passed away in 1963 in South Africa.

Patrick Lane Densham was born on 30 March 1895 in Croydon, Surrey, England. While at Dulwich College he was listed in the register for Rugby in the 2^nd XV for the 1911 – 1912 season. He returned to Southampton from Cape Town on the RMS Edinburgh Castle on 24 February 1914 with his parents and sister. Patrick had no occupation listed and was 18-years-old. He served with the HAC in the 1^st World War and then the 58^th Siege Battery, which had been in France from April 1916. A listing in the book of Members of the Honourable Artillery Company, who were on the roll on 30 June 1915, for him shows he was admitted in 1915 and lived at 12 King’s Bench Walk Temple, London. Other entries state he attested on 8 November 1915 with the service number 625302. The London Gazette of 2 May 1919 records under Royal Garrison Artillery that 2^nd Lieutenant P L Densham was to be a Lieutenant from 4 November 1918. He married Victoria Millie Nellie Yates (1897-1987) on 16 August 1920 in St Andrews Church Fulham London. Patrick was recorded as a 25-year-old with profession as motor business and Victoria was a 23-year-old spinster. They were both living at 59B Fairholm Road West Kensington. His father was a Tea Merchant and Victoria’s father was Arthur Du Pasquier Yates, a theatrical manager. National Archives UK has a document titled ‘Divorce Court File: 6689. Appellant: Victoria Millie Nellie Densham. Respondent: Patrick Lane Densham. Type: Wife’s petition for divorce [wd]’ dated 1924. In the 1924 Berkshire electoral register he was living at Scotswood. The 1935 London directory has him listed at 7 Thurloe Close South Kensington, as does the 1939 Kensington directory. The London Gazette of 14 September 1939 records under Land Forces that the undermentioned were to be granted emergency commissions as 2^nd Lieutenants and included on 11 September 1939 Lt. P L Densham (98565). In the 1939, 1940 and 1945 British Army Lists he is listed as a 2^nd Lieutenant with Royal Regiment of Artillery. He re-married Victoria in the last quarter of 1944, as recorded in the civil registration marriage index. In the 1950 British phone book he is listed at 87 Addison Road W14 in London. He was living at in 27 Edith Grove SW10 the 1963 London electoral roll with a Marion Densham. He passed away on 21 June 1984 in London at 8 Edith Grove London and probate was granted on 14 March 1986 with effects of £106505. His death was recorded in the Death Notices from The Times on 26 June 1984.

Stephen Hugh Densham was born in mid-1896 in Croydon Surrey. On 7 November 1912 he departed Southampton on B Castle in 1^st Class with his parents, Patrick, Dorothy and Cicely. They were going to Natal and intended to return to England. Stephen and Marion returned to England in 1^st Class on Egypt from Bombay, disembarking at Plymouth on 14 March 1913. Stephen served in WW1 with 1/5^th Battalion London Regiment, C Company, as Private 303254. The battalion had been transferred to 169^th Brigade in 56^th (London) Division on 10 February 1916. They were holding the trenches at the Hindenburg Line near Berneville during early December 1917, with heavy shelling during the first few days. They were then relieved by another battalion before returning to the trenches on 7 December, but there was ‘no hostile activity’ during the next few days. He is recorded on the 31st Ambulance Train on 3 December with index number 441707, with 5^th London Regiment, C Company as Rifleman 303254 S H Densham. His wounds were described as ‘B.W. Back Shdls.’ And above that was ‘paralasys (sic) Legs.’ He entrained to Grevillers and died of wounds in No 56 General Hospital in France on 10 December 1917. Stephen was processed in the register of soldier’s effects in March 1918 in London and a payment of 6 pounds 13 shillings and 9 pence was granted on Letters of Administration to Joseph A Densham Esq on 2 May 1918. War gratuity of 8 pounds 10 shillings was also paid to Joseph on 24 November 1919. Stephen is listed in the CWGC register for Etaples Cemetery as ‘DENSHAM, Rfn. Stephen Hugh, 303254’ London Rifle Brigade. Died of wounds 10^th Dec., 1917. Son of Mr. and Mrs. John Lane Densham. Native of Croydon, Surrey. XXXI. C. 25A.’ His battalion is recorded in Soldiers Died in the Great War as ‘5th (City of London) Battalion (London Rifle Brigade)’ with all the other details as shown elsewhere. It also shows he was born in, and resided in Croydon.

The medal roll for his British War and Victory medals shows he served with the 5^th London Regiment as Rifleman 5340 in 1(a) (France) from 4 December 1916 to 2 May 1917 and as Rifleman 303254 (after renumbering in 1917) in France from 27 September 1917 to 10 December 1917. The remarks column noted he died of wounds on that last date. Stephen is buried in Etaples Military Cemetery. There are two entries for probate for him: ‘DENSHAM Stephen Hugh of Cheslyn Chepstow-road Croydon Surrey rifleman 1/5^th City of London regiment London Rifle Brigade died 10 December 1917 at 56 General Hospital Etaples France Administration (limited) London 20 February to Joseph Alexander Densham tea merchant the attorney of John Lane Densham. Effects £2781 13s. 9d.’ It then appeared in a later entry with the following underneath ‘Revoked 13 September 1918. Further grant 28 September 1918, and another entry: ‘DENSHAM Stephen Hugh of Cheslyn Chepstow-road Croydon Surrey rifleman 1/5th City of London regiment (London Rifle brigade) died 10 December 1917 at the 56^th General Hospital Etaples France Administration (limited) London 28 September to Joseph Alexander Densham tea merchant and Alexander Jackson company director. Effects £2781 13s. 9d. Former Grant P.R. February 1918 revoked 13 September 1918.’

Stephen is also remembered at Dulwich College. He was there in 1911 and 1912. They record him in ‘The record of the Fallen in the Great War’. This gives a few more details as ‘Stephen was born on July 5^th 1896, the youngest of 12 surviving children born to John Densham, chairman of the Mazawattee Tea Company, and his wife, Marion. He was the third Densham to come to the College, having been preceded by two of his elder brothers, John and Patrick. After leaving he went on to work in the city, something he was still doing when war was declared. Having volunteered as a member of the London Rifle Brigade, Stephen was sent over to France for the first time in November 1916, and the following April he was serving at the Battle of Arras when he was invalided home for a time due to illness. In September that year he returned to France, joining up once more with the 1st Battalion of the London Rifles. During the battle of Cambrai in November he was serving in Bourlon Wood when he was severely wounded in the back by a rifle grenade. He never recovered from these injuries, passing away as a result at Étaples on December 10th 1917, aged 21.’

Most of the information they received from a letter from his brother John, who wrote it on 11 November 1921 while at Forge House Falmer Sussex. He wrote ‘Dear Sir, I am very sorry you have waited such a long time for a reply to your letter to my sister re the College War List. Our family is so scattered that the letter has been forwarded all over the country before reaching me eventually. I am now enclosing a photo of my late brother & will give you all the information I can. I sincerely hope it is not too late. My brother went into business in the city after leaving school & when war broke out, joined up as a rifleman in the London Rifle Brigade. He joined the 1^st Battalion in France in November 1916. He took part in the Arras battle of April 1917 & came home, sick, during the same month. He was in England until September 1917, when he again joined the 1^st Batt, L.R.B. in France. He was wounded in Bourlon Wood during the Cambrai battle of November 1917 & died of wounds at Etaples on the 10^th December 1917. He was wounded in the back by a rifle grenade. He is buried in Etaples Military Cemetery. He was 22 years old when he died. I think this is all the information (news crossed out) I can give you & hope it is what you want. Yours sincerely J. H. Densham’.

He is recorded in the book ‘Croydon & the Great War: Official History of Borough & Citizens 1914 – 1919. WWI’ in page 289 as ‘DENSHAM, STEPHEN HUGH, Rflmn., L.R.B. (5 Lond. Regt.) b., “Waldronhyrst,” Croydon ’96 ; y.s., late John L., & Mrs. Densham, “Waldronhyrst,” Croydon. Educ., Limes Sch., Croydon, & Dulwich Coll. Single. ‘Cellist. Enl. ’16. D., 10 Dec., ’17, at 56 Gen. Hosp., Etaples, of wounds recd. Nr. Arras, 2 Dec ’17. (Plate VI., 6).’ He is also on the Memorial at Sutton Rugby Football Club (WMR 52407) Cheam Greater London.

With his parents, John departed on the Adriatic in 1^st Class on 31 May 1911 from Southampton, bound for New York. Arriving at New York on 8 June, a passenger list was recorded which included his description of height 5 foot 10 inches, with a fair complexion with brown hair and blue eyes.

John Humphrey Densham served in the First World War. He was in the 1^st/1^st Surrey Yeomanry as a private in C Squadron at the outbreak of the war, joining sometime before May 1914. The Surrey Yeomanry (Queen Mary’s Regiment) had been formed in 1908, being headquartered in Clapham Park. In August 1914 it was mobilised and moved to Kent. During November the regiment was split up with C Squadron coming under orders of 29^th Division in Warwickshire in January 1915. They embarked at Avonmouth for service at Gallipoli on 17 March 1915. After landing at Alexandria on 2 April 1915 they travelled to Mudros on the Southland on 21 June and then on to Imbros on 26 June and remained there as GHQ Troops as clerks and orderlies. As the 29^th Division was involved in the fighting on Gallipoli, small parties of C Squadron went there to collect stores and one party of twelve men worked for a time as trench police. John must have been a member of one of the parties on Gallipoli, as his sister Cicely stated in a letter (below) that he had been awarded the Military Medal in August 1915. There is however no official record of how or where the award was gained. After being evacuated to Egypt in February 1916 they landed at Marseilles on 11 March 1916 on the Nessian. In May they came under orders of XV Corps Cavalry Regiment on the Somme and joined III Corps Cavalry Regiment that month. At the beginning of the Somme offensive they worked in taking supplies and regulating traffic flow up to the front line for three weeks. In July 1917 they dismounted and moved to base for infantry training. John was picked at that time to train as an officer and was sent to No. 3 Officer Cadet Battalion at Bristol. He was commissioned as a 2^nd Lieutenant into the 4^th Battalion Royal West Kent Regiment on 26 September 1917. During September 1917 they were absorbed into the 10^th (Service) Battalion of the Queen’s (Royal West Surrey Regiment).

John was one of three men to be awarded a Military Medal on Gallipoli while serving with a Yeomanry unit there. The card for his Military Medal records J H Densham Private 1626 Surrey Yeomanry, with the date of Gazette 14/12/16. It is stamped ‘France’ in error.

The Western Daily Press of Bristol on Monday 30 July 1917 had an article headed A Great Day for the Volunteers, inspection by General Sclater. Further down in the article is a heading Presentation of War Medals, in which General Sclater ‘presented distinctions won by soldiers in battle’. The list included ‘Cadet John Densham (former rank private), Surrey Yeomanry, Military Medal’.

An entry in the London Gazette of 15 October 1917 under Territorial Force stated ‘The undermentioned from Officer Cadet Units, to be 2^nd Lieutenants, 26 September 1917.’ ‘Royal West Kent Regiment – John Humphrey DENSHAM’.

His medal index card (MIC) shows he served as Private 1626 with Surrey Yeomanry (Queen Mary’s Regiment) and was then promoted to 2^nd Lieutenant with the Queen’s Own (Royal West Kent) Regiment, being commissioned on 26 September 1917. Egypt (3) was the first theatre of war he entered into on 3 April 1915. The card shows he was issued the 1914-15 Star, British War and Victory medals. It also noted his Military Medal but not his Military Cross. He was awarded a Military Medal as Private 1626 with Surrey Yeomanry and a Military Cross as 2^nd Lieutenant with 4^th Battalion. The card refers to the medal rolls and all have the reference NW/1/3942. The medal roll for (QMR) Surrey Yeomanry for the 1914-15 Star shows 1626 Private J H Densham disembarked at (3) on 3/4/15 and was discharged to Commission with Royal West Kent Regiment 26/9/17. The roll for the British War and Victory Medals for the RWKR shows 2^nd Lieutenant J H Densham was issued them with the 1914-15 Star issued as above. The same roll for the Surrey Yeomanry (QMR) shows Private 45125 John H Densham MM, previously serving as 1626 Private in the Surrey Yeomanry Lancers, had them issued ‘from off 156/208 R W Kent R NW/1/3942’ and ‘Dis to Comm. 25/9/17’. It records his address as Flat 3 122 King’s Road Brighton.

John did not embark from the UK to join the 10^th Royal West Surrey Regiment until 31 July 1918 and arrived with them on 26 August 1918. He was a part of the Army of Occupation before relinquishing his commission.

He is listed in the 10^th Battalion Queen’s Royal West Surrey Regiment regimental roll and recruitment register, under the nominal roll of officers who served in France … between 5^th August 1914 and 30^th November 1918, as 2^nd Lieutenant J H Densham, date of disembarkation 31 July 1918 and date of joining and re-joining as 26 August 1918 with unit. There is also a reference code, NW/1/3942, which also is recorded on his MIC.

The London Gazette of 15 February 1919 had an entry ‘His Majesty the KING has been graciously pleased to approve the following Awards to the undermentioned Officers and Warrant Officers in recognition of their gallantry and devotion to duty in the Field. The acts of gallantry for which the decorations have been awarded will be announced in the London Gazette as early as practicable: AWARDED THE MILITARY CROSS Second Lieutenant John Humphrey DENSHAM, M.M., 4^th Battalion, Royal West Kent Regiment, Territorial Force, attached 10^th Battalion Royal West Surrey Regiment.’ In the London Gazette of 30 July 1919, an entry relating back to the above entry of the award of the Military Cross to John, and stated ‘For conspicuous gallantry and ability in commanding two platoons on the right flank guard during the action near Comines on September 28^th/30^th 1918. When an enemy field battery was outflanking the advance of the brigade, he, by the able handling of his Lewis guns immediately silenced the battery and drove off the gunners, killing many. On the 29^th he personally captured two machine guns, killing some of the detachment and capturing the others. Throughout he showed the greatest courage and initiative.’

On 25 February 1919 Mr J H Densham departed from Liverpool on the Balmoral Castle bound for Cape Town. He was 24-years-old from England and intended to return to England. No occupation was listed.

In the Royal Artillery Attestations 1883-1942, he is listed as John Humphrey Densham, age 26, born in 1894 in Falmer, with the service number 736988. Patrick is also recorded with a service number of 1396181. John is listed in the UK, Military Discharge Indexes, 1920-1971 as J H Densham, birth date 1 March 1894, service number 736988 and was recorded in Army Other Ranks, Discharges for 1921-1939 with reference number ADT000154765. He also has another listing with the same birth date and service number P116976 under Army Officers and reference number AOP000013689.

His sister, Cicely Densham wrote a letter to Mr C Christison esq. of Dulwich College on 16 August 1920, giving her address as Kensington Mansions, Warwick Rd London. She wrote ‘Seeing the paragraph in todays Sunday Times with reference to the Dulwich College War Service Record, I send these particulars of my three brothers J.H. P.L. and S.H. Densham who were all in the College between the years 1909 & 1913. J.H. Densham. 1914-1917. Trooper. Surrey Yeomanry. Served in Egypt, Gallipoli & France. Military Medal won August 1915. 1917-1918. Lt. Royal West Kent Reg. attchd. 10^th Quens. Served in France. Military Cross won September 1918. P.L. Densham. 1915-1917 Bombardier H.A.C. 1917-1918 Lt. Royal Garrison Artillery 58^th Siege Battery. Served in France. S.H. Densham. 1915-1917. Rifleman London Rifle Brigade. Died of wounds received in Bourlon Wood, December 10^th 1917. I am sending these particulars as I very much doubt whether you will have received them from any other source.’ They appear in The Dulwich College War Record 1914 to 1919 with the entries reading ‘DENSHAM J.H. (1909-11). 2^nd Lieutenant, 4^th Bn. The Queen’s Own Royal West Kent Regt. (T.F). M.C. M.M. Densham P.L. (1909-12). Lieutenant Royal Garrison Artillery, 58^th Siege Battery. *DENSHAM S.H. (1911-12). Rifleman, 5^th (London Rifle Brigade) Bn. London Regt. (T.F.) Died of wounds at Etaples, 10^th December, 1917.’ Also included on the letter under each other is ‘J.H. 7344’, ‘P.L. 7463’ and ‘S.H 7758’.

The three of them are also recorded in the Dulwich College Register. For John Humphrey Densham the register notes he was there in 1908 as number 7344, with brothers 7463 and 7758. His birth was 1/3/1894, son of J L Densham of Waldronhyrst Croydon. He was in Ivyhome and left July 1911. It noted he was in the ‘Great War. Tr. Surrey Yeomanry. Egypt, Gallipoli, France. Q.O.R.W. Kent Regt. 10^th Bn 2^nd Lt. 1917 ; Lt. 26 Mar. 1919. France. M.M. Aug 1915. M.C. Sept. 1918.’ Patrick (7463) had his entry as birth 30 March 1895, ‘2^nd XV 1911-2 ; L. Dec. 1912 ; U. 4^th M. Great War, B. H.A.C. ; Lt. R.G.A.58^th Siege Batty. ; France ‘ Middlesex XV 1921-2. Address : 11 St. Paul’s Mansions, Hammersmith’. Stephen was recorded as ‘b. 5 July 1896; br. Of 7344 and 7463; L. Dec. 1912; U. 5^th; business in the City. Great War, Rfm. 5^th Bn. (L.R.B.) London Regt. France, Nov. 15; Arras, Apr 1917; invalided; rejoined; w. in Bourlon Wood in Battle of Cambrai, Nov 1917; d. 10 Dec. 1917 at Etaples of wounds. Ref. his br. 7463 q.’

John played for the Sussex Rugby XV in 1923 (as noted in the College list).

Embarking at Southampton on Kildonian Castle on 18 December 1924 in 1^st Class for East London, John was listed in the passenger list as Mr J H Densham of 122 Kings Road Brighton age 30. No occupation was listed. He intended to return to England. HMS Windsor Castle arrived in Southampton on 6 April 1925 with John Humphrey Densham, who had embarked at East London, in 1^st Class. His address in England was 122 Kings Road Brighton. No profession was listed and he was by himself, age 31 and intended to live back in England.

John applied for his medals and they were sent to him under Issue Voucher B/468 on 11 January 1927. His address at that time was Flat 3, 122 King’s Road Brighton.

He departed from Avonmouth on 26 February 1927 on the Ariguani bound for Cristobal, Canal Zone. His UK address was 122 Kings Road Brighton and he was a Company Director age 32. John intended to return to England.

On 12 April 1927 John arrived at Southampton on Berengaria from New York. His address and other details were the same and he recorded he was a 33-year-old Director. After another trip to East London, South Africa on the Lebina in early December 1930, John Densham returned to England, disembarking at Southampton from Njassa on 23 March 1931 from 1^st Class. But it lists he was a 36-year-old Company Director who was living in South Africa and intended to live in England at 62 East Street Brighton. On 5 January 1934 he boarded Warwick Castle in 1^st Class, bound for East London. His age was 39 and all other details were the same. John again returned to Southampton on 26 March 1934 on Winchester Castle in First Class from East London. He was a 40-year-old Company Director living at Flat 1 122 Kings Road Brighton.

In the 1939 register John is listed at 122 Kings Road Brighton, born 1 March 1894, single and a company director. He was living with Lilian Annie Densham (Taylor was originally written, then crossed out), born 12 February 1902, single and living by private means. Mid-July 1940 John did marry Lillian in Brighton, Sussex. It is not known if they had any children, but may have.

The London Gazette of 25 June 1940 recorded ‘Royal Sussex Regiment – John Humphrey Densham, MC, MM, (116976), late Lieutenant, Royal West Kent Regiment, to be 2^nd Lieutenant, 27^th January 1940. (Substituted for the notification in the Gazette (Supplement) dated 30^th April 1940.)’ He was given and Emergency Commission in the Regular Army as a 2^nd Lieutenant. He had to relinquish his commission however, due to ill-health, on 24 August 1940.

John passed away on 4 July 1967. The Probate index states: ‘DENSHAM John Humphrey of 36 Salisbury Road Hove Sussex died 4 July 1967 Probate Lewes 28 July to Lloyds Bank Limited. £164483.’ Lilian passed away on 5 September 1994 ‘of Waldron 36 Salisbury Road Hove East Sussex’ and her death was registered in Reading and Wokingham, Berkshire, England. Probate was given at Brighton on 7 October of £467545.

A newspaper entry reads ‘DENSHAM.- On July 4, 1967. JOHN HUMPHREY (Hum) DENSHAM, M.C., M.M., age 73 of 36, Salisbury Road, Hove, beloved husband of Lilian. Service at the Downs Crematorium Bear Road, Brighton, on Saturday July 8, at 11.30 a.m. Please, no flowers but donations if desired may be sent to the Richard Dimbleby Cancer Research Fund, King Street, Richmond, Surrey.’ Another newspaper cutting says ‘DENSHAM, Mr. John Humphrey, of Hove, Sussex (duty paid, £80,290) £160,819’.

His medals are MC MM 1914-15 Star, British War medal, Victory medal and WW2 Defence Medal.

ANZAC Biographies

HART, Major Geoffrey Leonard

Posted July 8, 2021 by Admin

Major Geoffrey Leonard HART

Australian Military Forces

Australian Coronation Contingent EIIR

Author: Russell Paten

Edited by Alan Quinney

I still have a mental picture of him appearing on daily rounds (we were living in holes) – smart looking, carrying a pace stick and very well received by the soldiers. He was a very good RSM which is a very difficult role to fill. He was a very good man and a well-respected soldier.

Tribute provided by General Sir Francis Hassett for the eulogy of Geoffrey Leonard Hart based on their shared service in Korea. Hassett was the Commanding Officer of 3^rd Battalion and Hart was his Regimental Sergeant Major.

Geoffrey Leonard Hart

The date of 26 April 1915 was a significant day for Australia. On that day, Australian and New Zealand troops were desperately trying to hold on to their small patch of captured ground on the heights above Anzac Cove after landing in the face of intense resistance the day before. Also on that day, a future prominent, long serving, Australian soldier, Geoffrey Leonard Hart was born. The time of his birth is not known but if the time difference between eastern Australia and Gallipoli is taken into account, he may have been born on 25 April Gallipoli time – now recognised as Anzac Day.

His military career, which began in 1933, was to span an incredible four wars before finally coming to an end in 1967. He was the third of four children. His twin older sisters, Lillian May and Amy Elizabeth were born on 19 August 1908. Unfortunately, Lillian May died when she was only 11 days old on 30 August. His younger brother, Oscar Herbert was born on 2 April 1921. Amy married and had seven daughters. Geoff had a close and happy relationship with these nieces.

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Daughters of Amy Elizabeth, Geoff’s sister.

Back, left to right – Joyce, Gwen, Jeanette

Centre, left to right – Marita, Shirley, Kathy

Front (baby) – Dorothy

The Hart family immigrated to Australia on 24 December 1852 when Geoff’s grandfather, Joseph Hart brought his family out from their home in Bottisham Lode, Cambridgeshire, landing in Victoria to start their new life. Joseph Hart was the father of seven children, including Geoff’s father, Leonard John Hart, who was born in Wollongong on 26 July 1885. Leonard was still in Wollongong when he married Geoff’s mother, Mary Bulch, on 25 February 1908.

Geoff was born in Wollongong and became an apprentice plumber in February 1931. Plumbing obviously did not inspire him as he changed to become an apprentice fitter and turner in February 1932. He is listed as being an oxy welder prior to his enlistment on 29 November 1938.

Geoff joined the 34^th Infantry Battalion, Citizens Forces on 26 April 1933 and remained a member of that battalion with a service number of 286717 until 28 November 1938, reaching the rank of sergeant during this period. This unit also carried the title of Illawarra Regiment with a motto of Malo Mori Quam Foedari (I would rather die than be dishonoured) and was to play a part in Geoff’s future military career as the machine gun company from the 34^th became part of the 6^th Machine Gun Battalion which Geoff was to join.

The Hart family had already contributed towards the military service of Australia with Geoff’s uncle Oscar Herbert Hart joining the 6^th reinforcement group of 4^th Battalion in 1915. He travelled to Egypt and joined the 4^th Battalion with the remainder of the reinforcement group in Gallipoli on 4 August. He was in Gallipoli for only four days before being wounded on 8 August during the battle of Lone Pine. He received a gunshot wound to his hand and a shrapnel wound to his head and was evacuated to Heliopolis.

He never rejoined his unit in Gallipoli as his recovery took several months. He was however able to perform light duties and was discharged from hospital to Zeitoun on 22 August. After spending some time in the 1^st Training Battalion, he rejoined 4^th Battalion at Serapeum on 1 March 1916. He embarked with the battalion on HT Simla at Alexandria on 23 March and disembarked in Marseilles on 30 March. He continued training with 4^th Battalion and was with them during their first major action on the Western Front, the battle of Pozieres. It was during this battle that Oscar was killed in action on 23 July.

Geoff’s younger brother, also named Oscar Herbert Hart, joined 2^nd AIF and fought in the Pacific theatre including New Guinea. He was in the Ramu Valley with 6^th MG Battalion at the time that Geoff was there but contracted malaria and was evacuated. His date of discharge was 20 January 1945.

Geoff applied to join the Darwin Mobile Force (DMF), Royal Australian Artillery Regiment on 29 November 1938. The DMF was the first regular infantry-based unit established since The Great War. He was successful in his application which was a creditable achievement as more than 5000 men applied for only 245 positions. He attributed his success largely to the fitness and discipline he attained while serving as a lifesaver in the North Wollongong Life Saving Club where he won the ironman competition.

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North Wollongong Life Saving Club members. Geoff is on the far right, back row.

While with the DMF, his service number was NP4915. He is listed as being a Presbyterian, height of 5ft 10ins, weight of 180 pounds, with dark complexion and dark hair.

He boarded the SS Montoro at Sydney on 14 March 1939 for Darwin. The ship paused briefly in Brisbane and the unit paraded in the city before resuming the journey.

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Darwin Mobile Force parading in Brisbane before proceeding to Darwin. Major ‘Bandy’ McDonald is on the right of the picture. Inspecting the troops with Major McDonald is the Brisbane Lord Mayor, Alderman A J Jones. Geoff is the soldier on the far left.

The Brisbane parade was widely reported in the press. The Morning Bulletin in Rockhampton reported on 4 March:

The arrival of the troops in the Square was the signal for a great outburst of cheering which was renewed as the unit came to a halt, with the King George Memorial crowded with spectators as a background.

A salute to the city was taken by the Lord Mayor who, with Brigadier Williams and Major General Neville Cameron (honorary colonel of the Queen’s Own Cameron Highlanders) subsequently inspected the force. Afterwards, the Lord Mayor congratulated Major Macdonald on the wonderful precision of the unit’s movements and upon the physique of the personnel.

Addressing the troops, the Lord Mayor said he wished to thank them for the great compliment they had paid in saluting the city. He was pleased that the troops had been able to march through Brisbane to show the people what a fine display Australian soldiers could make. He congratulated them on their bearing, physique and turn out. In this, he included the 9/49^th Battalion Band.

He wished the troops the best of luck in their new sphere of activity at Darwin and he hoped just as sincerely that their services would not be required there on active service.

Geoff’s role while in the DMF was gunner, although he was given the task of driver as well.

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SS Montoro

The DMF’s formation marked a rare departure from the Australian focus upon part-time and volunteer citizen forces and is arguably a key moment in the development of a professional standing army. Due to legislative restrictions at the time, it was established as part of the Royal Australian Artillery and was attached to the 7^th Military District in Darwin. As no permanent barracks were available in Darwin, the unit was initially housed in the abandoned buildings of Vestey’s Meatworks. Conditions at the site were very basic and the lingering smell of an abattoir was pervasive.

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Vestey’s Meatworks, the first campsite of the Darwin Mobile Force

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Accommodation at Vestey’s. The sign displays the typical Australian ‘wag’ opinion of the accommodation.

The force was used to garrison Darwin until it was disbanded in 1941 and its members transferred to other units following the creation of the 2^nd AIF. While in the DMF, Geoff was affectionately called Steve Hart after the famous Kelly Gang bushranger.

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Swimming enclosure constructed by Geoff on the beach adjacent to Vestey’s. His previous experience as a surf life saver may have prompted this construction.

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Any excuse to go for a swim. The construction of the swimming enclosure provided the DMF troops with opportunities to cool off in Darwin’s tropical climate.

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Time out for some skylarking as ‘Steve’ Hart poses atop a huge anthill near Darwin. Lt Hassett was probably aware of these antics which would appear to have coloured his judgement in Korea.

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Partners in crime. Members of the DMF, including Geoff (feathers in hat back row) posing in front of a giant termite mound in the Northern Territory. The initials GB carved into the mound could refer to one of the four members of the DMF with these initials (G. Bannon, G. Bingham, G. Bosworth and G. Burgess)

Although the primary role of the DMF was the defence of Darwin, it also provided command and training experience for graduates from Royal Military College, Duntroon and to members of the Australian Instructional Corps (AIC). It was to the AIC that Geoff was transferred on 25 March 1940.

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Darwin Mobile Force on parade – note the distinctive capes (known colloquially as Mandrake capes) only worn by the DMF

Geoff did not carry his rank of sergeant from 34^th Battalion to the DMF, arriving as a private, but was soon on the promotion path again. He was appointed lance corporal on 5 October 1939. On 25 March, he was transferred to AIC at Randwick and promoted to acting sergeant. This appointment became permanent on 25 April 1940. He was then promoted to temporary warrant officer on 3 July and spent the next two and a half years as a WO2 instructor. He was released to the War Establishment of 21 Field Regiment at Rutherford on 19 February 1942 in his first role as RSM, where he remained until 11 May.

His next transfer was to 14 Motor Regiment, also at Rutherford on 12 May where he again performed the role of the RSM. From there, he moved to the Tank Transport Company of 3 Aust Army Motor Brigade on 7 July and then posted back to 14 Motor Regiment on 28 August. He remained in this position until his transfer to the AIF on 27 October 1942 and was allocated a new service number of NX171160.

Geoff’s first posting in the AIF was as RSM to 6 Australian MG Battalion on 9 December 1942. This was a regular battalion formed by combining the MG companies of several militia battalions, one of which was 34^th Battalion, Geoff’s original unit, so he would have been in the company of past acquaintances. He was appointed A/WO1 on 5 April 1943. Training was conducted around Wollongong and Shellharbour until, on 16 July, the battalion entrained for Townsville in preparation for embarkation to New Guinea. Geoff, along with the battalion embarked on the Taroona on 31 July, disembarking at Port Moresby on 2 August.

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Geoff demonstrating the operation of a Vickers Medium Machine Gun. 6 MG Battalion was equipped with these guns.

Upon arrival, the battalion undertook defensive duties around Port Moresby, mainly at Ward’s Airfield. Two months later, it was sent to Donadabu and attached to the 7^th Infantry Brigade. On 26 September, Geoff’s WO1 rank was confirmed with Brigade Command and a few days later, the battalion was attached to 7^th Division. With the exception of one company that stayed in Port Moresby, the battalion joined the Ramu Valley-Finisterre Range campaign. The role of the battalion during this campaign was to defend Gusap Airfield during heavy fighting around Shaggy Ridge.

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Ramu Valley-Finisterre Range area of New Guinea

Constant patrolling was required to ensure that the Japanese were not close enough to pose a threat to the airfield. As well as the Japanese, these patrols had to constantly be vigilant against attacks from natives who were not always friendly towards the Australians. On 20 December, 30 arrows were discharged by natives at a patrol.

Two Japanese air attacks on the Gusap Airfield were recorded in the battalion war diary. The largest was on 15 November, when 25 enemy bombers with fighter escort attacked and dropped 30 bombs. Twenty of the enemy planes were destroyed.

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Geoff in New Guinea 1943-44 (exact date unknown).

Geoff took advantage of his skill as a marksman while in the Ramu Valley. In his book Machine Gunners, John Campbell states: “Geoff Hart and Tom McDermott tried to supplement their diet with duck. Unlike Colonel Hearne, they didn’t have a shot gun and used their .303s. Tom scored a cricket ‘duck’ whilst Geoff proved a better shot and several real ducks were bagged.”

Malaria was a major problem around the airfield and, as malarial cases were withdrawn, the company based in Port Moresby was utilised as a reinforcement pool until it had used all of its personnel and was disbanded completely. The battalion was relieved from Gusap Airfield in March 1944 and returned to Dobodura by air. It was then moved to Semina where they set up camp to await available shipping for its return to Australia. Geoff and half of the battalion embarked on the Katoomba at Buna on 12 March, disembarking at Townsville on 19 March.

Unfortunately, Geoff was one of the huge number of soldiers who contracted malaria while in New Guinea and upon disembarkation, he was immediately transferred to 2/14 Army General Hospital (AGH). He remained there until 29 March when he was transferred to 116 AGH until being discharged and sent on leave on 2 April. He remarked that even while in hospital in Townsville he had not escaped the war as he was there when Townsville was bombed by the Japanese.

After leave in Sydney he rejoined his unit but, on 12 June was evacuated to 113 AGH with a recurrence of malaria. He was discharged from 113 AGH on 20 June and transferred to the General Details Depot (GDD) in Sydney. He remained in GDD until he rejoined 6 MG Battalion on 22 June. His relief was short lived however as he was again hospitalised, this time to 120 Australian Specialist Hospital with a ‘not yet determined’ condition on 14 July. He was sent back to GDD on 21 July. He rejoined his unit on 29 July.

His illnesses continued however and on 24 September he was evacuated to 63 Army Combined Hospital (ACH) with a condition diagnosed as Pyrexia of Unknown Origin. He remained in 63 ACH until the Pyrexia was determined to have been caused by Malaria. He was eventually discharged and rejoined his unit on 10 October.

The next transfer for Geoff was to the 2^nd Australian Recruit Training Brigade (2 ARTB), Jungle Warfare group at Canungra on 6 November 1944. It is possible that he was transferred to Canungra at the request of Major Alex (Bandy) McDonald who had been the commanding officer of the Darwin Mobile Force while Geoff was a member and after serving in Syria, had been transferred to command the Jungle Warfare Group in Canungra. Geoff remained in this unit until transferring to 2/2 MG Battalion on 18 December and then to 2/23 Infantry Battalion on 6 January 1945 as RSM.

The 2/23 Battalion had already been very heavily involved in operations in the Middle East and New Guinea and at the time of Geoff’s transfer was training in the area around Ravenshoe on the Atherton Tablelands. They were assigned, as part of the 9^th Division, to participate in Operation Oboe, the capture of Tarakan in Borneo. The battalion, as part of 26^th Brigade, moved down to Cairns from Ravenshoe and on 3 April embarked on the Lindley M Garrison for Morotai, disembarking there on 17 April. Geoff, as RSM of the battalion, conducted preparatory operations on Morotai prior to landing at Tarakan in May.

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Kalimantan region of Borneo. The island of Tarakan is in the top right corner of the map.

The 26^th Brigade comprised 2/23, 2/24 and 2/48 Infantry Battalions, as well as 2/9 Armoured Regiment with 18 Matilda tanks and the 2/7 Field Regiment with 24 twenty-five pounder guns. The allied plan was to transform Tarakan into a major base within days of the landing.

The battalion was assigned a lead role in the landing and after negotiating the muddy beaches, advanced into Tarakan town. Several actions were fought during the day as they came up against Japanese pillboxes and snipers. Despite the heavy opposition, the battalion secured almost all of its objectives for the first day. Over the next few days, it also fought actions to secure the high ground around the beachhead and airfield.

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Map of Tarakan showing the areas of the landings and the main battle areas.

The action remained intense throughout May and June as the battalion advanced to clear enemy forces from the steep inland areas of the island. Despite plans for a swift conquest, it took until the middle of June for the fighting to subside and the battalion then began mopping up operations in the central sector of the island.

Japanese stragglers were still being cleared in July. The battalion was still on the island when hostilities ceased on 15 August prior to the official Japanese surrender on 2 September after the dropping of the atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

Historians now generally agree that the battle for Tarakan, in which 251 Australian soldiers were killed and a further 669 wounded, was not necessary. The major objective was the capture of the airfield to quickly allow expanded air operations. The airfield was, however, so heavily damaged that ultimately it could not be repaired in time to be of any use. The battalion was gradually reduced in size as its members were transported back to Australia and demobilised.

During the fighting at Tarakan, Geoff captured and brought home a Japanese flag. The flag, still a family possession, contains the names of many Japanese soldiers written around the red centre. It is poignant to consider that, given the Japanese casualty rate during the battle of Tarakan, every Japanese soldier who signed the flag would probably have been killed.

While on Tarakan, Geoff rescued a large monkey that had become trapped in a building. Being an animal lover, he kept the monkey as a pet, however the monkey would not allow anybody to come near it, only Geoff and his batman. Interestingly, a visiting war correspondent took a photograph of Geoff and his batman with the monkey and the photograph was published in the press with the caption stating that this was a “pet orangutan” This photo remains in the Australian War Memorial (AWM) archives with the erroneous caption.

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Geoff and his batman with the monkey they rescued on Tarakan.

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Japanese flag captured on Tarakan adorned with many Japanese names. This flag is now available for viewing at the Maryborough Military and Colonial Museum.

Geoff was transferred to Officer Cadet Training Unit (OCTU) for officer training on 21 August and, on 25 August, he was transported across to Morotai and then flown back to Australia, prior to the Japanese surrender. He arrived in Townsville the next day. He was an attendee in Course 19 for OCTU but was withdrawn from the course on 20 December. He was then transferred to the General Details Depot to await re-allotment.

The next major event in Geoff’s life was his marriage to Nancy Wanda Kay on 5 January 1946. The newlyweds moved in with Nancy’s parents, Alf and Vera Kay at 38 Harrison Ave, Eastwood until they were allocated an army house in Yeend St, Merrylands. They subsequently purchased Nancy’s parents’ house and moved back to Eastwood where they lived until Geoff’s next army relocation.

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Geoff and his wife Nancy Wanda

Returning from leave, Geoff was transferred to NSW Line of Command on 22 February 1946, transferred to HQ Recruit Training Centre on 4 April and attached to 5 Recruit Training Battalion on 5 April. He remained in this unit until 18 July and was then transferred to 2/46 Armoured School which was a component of the Australian Armoured Corps. He was a member of this unit until 3 February 1947 when he was transferred to Royal Military College (RMC), Duntroon, resulting in Geoff’s relocation to Canberra.

His family remained in Sydney and only saw him occasionally. Shortly after this move, Geoff’s responsibilities again expanded as he became a father on 28 February with the birth of his first son Peter John.

In September 1946, the Australian Government announced that Australia would have an interim Army of 39,000 and a permanent military force of 17,954 including 4,000 reinforcements. Geoff was destined for the interim army and was transferred to it on 1 July 1947 with the service number of NX171160. He continued as an instructor at RMC until 9 December 1949 when he was posted as RSM to 1^st Battalion Royal Australian Regiment (1 RAR).

On 22 June 1951, he re-enlisted for a further six years and was transferred to the Australian Regular Army. He remained with 1 RAR until 3 October 1951 when he was transferred to Reinforcements Special Force and sent to Sydney prior to being sent overseas once again.

The Korean war had by this time been under way for more than a year and Australia was heavily involved. The initial North Korean advance was first held by the UN (mainly US) forces in front of Pusan and then shattered by the amphibious landings at Inchon. The charge of the UN forces north of the 38^th Parallel had then in turn been held and reversed by the entry of Chinese forces on the side of North Korea. The front then see-sawed as one side and then the other gained advantages.

Australia was represented by the 3^rd Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment (3RAR) as well as by naval and air units. It was attached to the Commonwealth 28^th Brigade and fought several bloody battles during this early war phase, including the battle of Kapyong in April.

Geoff travelled to Sydney where he emplaned on 5 October and flew to Japan (via Darwin), arriving there on 7 October. He remained in Japan until 19 October when he emplaned for Korea and was appointed RSM of 3 RAR. As such, Geoff became the only person to be the RSM of 1 RAR and 3 RAR during their army career.

This appointment was challenged by the commanding officer of 3 RAR, Lt Col F G Hassett. Upon hearing that Geoff had been appointed as the RSM of his battalion, he advised that: “…he considers Hart lacks sufficient drive and strength of character for appointment to RSM”. He then advised that, if no other warrant officer was available for appointment, he proposed to promote an existing member of 3 RAR.

The response from Army stated that: “Hart was selected as a result of correspondence between Hassett and Daly (commander 28^th British Commonwealth Brigade). He was the best available at the time of selection. As Hart has been under orders for movement since 28 August 1951 and is due to emplane for Japan, we consider it is not justified in cancelling his move at this juncture. We desire he be given trial as RSM 3 RAR and, if after reasonable time he proves unsatisfactory, we request you forward a recommendation as to his future employment.”

Interestingly, the recommendation was based on correspondence from Hassett who then rejected him when appointed. The flow of the correspondence indicates that Geoff was selected by the army based on Hassett’s communicated requirements. Following the communication exchange, Brigadier Campbell, Administrative Commander in Japan, instructed Hassett to “Send me copies of all such correspondence in future to obviate the repetition of this misunderstanding”.

It is noteworthy that Hassett served in the Darwin Mobile Force with Geoff. He held the rank of lieutenant at that stage of his career. It is possible that an interaction between the two men at that early stage of their respective careers coloured Hassett’s impression of Geoff. Like Geoff, he went on to have a long and proud career in the Australian Army, culminating in his appointment as Chairman of the Defence Force Staff and the rank of general on 24 November 1975.

Geoff served under him for the next 12 months in Korea without any recorded complaint from Hassett so it is clear he met his expectations as an RSM in an active war situation. When asked for details of Geoff’s repute following his death in 1999, Hassett stated, “The RSM is responsible for morale and well-being of the other ranks – he is the senior other rank. The wartime role includes ammunition supply and evacuation of casualties. Geoff took over from a very good RSM who set a very high standard. Geoff was able to match that standard.”

This is further reinforced by a letter received from Lt General Wells, Commander in Chief, British Commonwealth Forces, Korea on 28 February 1953. It stated:

2/772 WO1 Hart GL

Royal Australian Infantry

Your devotion to duty has been brought to my notice. I wish to thank you for your valuable services and by the issue of this certificate to signify to you my appreciation of the fine example you have set. I have given instructions that a note of your devotion to duty shall be made in your Record of Service.

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Certificate of Appreciation from Lt Gen Wells.

Geoff had joined 3 RAR in the concluding phases of the Maryang San campaign during which it had fought ferociously and successfully for Hills 217 and 317. Following the main fighting, the battalion was withdrawn to rest and refit and while in this position, heard the news that both hills, taken at great cost and effort had been lost to the Chinese.

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Geoff (left) enjoying a rare drink in Korea to celebrate the completion of the Imjin River bridge by Australian engineers (see below).

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Pintail bridge across the Imjin. The bridge to the left was the one constructed by Australian engineers.

The battalion experienced good weather during November but this was of little comfort to the soldiers of 3 RAR. Following the recapture of Hills 217 and 317, the Chinese could now look down on the brigade defences and no one was safe from harassing mortar fire, sporadic artillery and snipers. Cases of shell shock and battle fatigue increased and the installation of barbed wire defences and the digging of trenches had to be done at night.

The Chinese launched strong attacks during November, but these were primarily directed at other Commonwealth battalions, mainly the Shropshires and Leicesters. In late November, the Chinese probed the defences of the battalion and captured some outposts, but these were recovered the next day.

On 29 November, the battalion position was taken over by the Philippines battalion and the entire 28^th Brigade was withdrawn from its sector. Winter set in solidly and temperatures dropped below zero. Living in the trenches was taking its toll. An outbreak of Manchurian Fever occurred and Hassett became very concerned about the health of his men. The troops were deloused, poison baits for vermin were laid and every care was taken with garbage. The misery was somewhat relieved by a Christmas celebration that included gift parcels from Australia and a dinner in the bunkers of the Shropshires. Interestingly, they also received Christmas cards from the Chinese urging peace and suggesting that bombs and bullets would never break the spirit of the Koreans or the Chinese. A ceasefire was declared while peace negotiations occurred and the battalion spent the entire winter repairing and strengthening defences and patrolling no man’s land.

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Geoff in a snow proof clothing in Korea – 1952. Caption on back of photo reads, “This is my jeep on way to Seoul. I’m eating a melon and no I’m not fat, it’s the snowproof jacket”.

And Shopping in Seoul.

The largest battle during this time took place on January 26 when the battalion decided to celebrate Australia’s national day by attempting to recapture Hill 227 which they had nicknamed Fanny Hill. They were repulsed by a much larger force and lost seven killed and nine wounded. As the winter waned, the battalion set itself the goals of controlling no man’s land and learning as much as possible about the enemy positions. To this end, an intensive patrolling plan was executed and the two Australian battalions (1 RAR had now joined the brigade) carried out more patrols than any other unit in the brigade.

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Geoff on the 38^th Parallel – Korea 1952

The onset of spring and summer was dramatic. Snowdrifts and icicles melted, water dripped and ran through the emplacements, laboriously dug trenches caved in and the roads and tracks turned to mud. Senior allied officers were reminded of conditions on the Somme. Mosquitoes and rats arrived in droves, bringing fever and malaria. Washing in the front line was impossible and the men had to be rotated to the rear for ablutions. In the position of RSM, Geoff would have been responsible for much of the administration and conduct of the activities required to keep the men in fighting condition and the battalion combat effective.

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A moment of rest – Korea 1952

On 28 March 1952, news arrived from Australia that Geoff was again a father with the birth of his second son Keith Geoffrey. This news would have been most welcome amid the harsh conditions being experienced by the battalion at that time.

On 2 July, 1952, Colonel Hassett was relieved by Lieutenant Colonel R L Hughes as Commanding Officer of 3 RAR so Geoff had a new battalion commander. Hughes immediately implemented an aggressive patrolling program and on 12 July he ordered out a night fighting patrol of 25 men. It was a disaster with one man killed, two missing believed captured and 10 wounded. The battalion was still entrenched in this position facing a heavily fortified enemy line when Geoff’s 12-month active service period expired and on 6 October he emplaned for Japan and then on to Sydney, arriving there on 16 October. It is interesting to note that an official army memorandum dated 13 July 1960 that related to Geoff’s posting to the role of Commander 3 Cadet Bn, stated that he completed two tours of duty in Korea as RSM. His Army record however does not contain details of a second tour.

One day later, on 17 October, Geoff was transferred from 3 RAR and on 4 January 1953 was transferred to 2 Cadet Brigade in Eastern Command. The time in 2 Cadet Brigade was however short as he was selected to be the RSM of the Queen’s Coronation Contingent and boarded HMAS Sydney on 24 March, bound for England. This was an extremely prestigious appointment as he was chosen from all RSMs in Australia.

The trip confirmed that Geoff was a land soldier and certainly no sailor. He kept a diary of the entire voyage, a transcript of which is available for viewing at the Maryborough Military and Colonial Museum. The only entries for the first days of the journey are as follows.

Wednesday 25 March – Very sea sick and most miserable, laying down most of day. No meals.

Thursday 26 March – Sea sick, no meals

Friday 27 March – Sea sick, no meals

Saturday 28 March – At last sea sickness wearing off. Ate first meal. Navy chaps most sympathetic assisted me to rig my hammock.

The ship docked in Perth the following day and the contingent marched through the city. One day later (30 March), they again boarded Sydney and sailed for Ceylon (Sri Lanka), arriving there on 9 April. After a short overnight stay, the ship departed and headed towards the Suez Canal.

The next stop was Aden (16 April) where Geoff was able to get a glimpse of the ancient nature of the country. He visited baths built for the Queen of Sheba, a museum displaying coins dated to two centuries BC and shipyards where Arab dhows had been built for centuries. He returned to the ship the same night to continue the journey.

The fleet transited the Suez Canal on the night of 20 – 21 April and continued on to Tobruk which was visited (by punt) on 23 April to allow a visit to the Australian War Cemetery. Geoff was very impressed with the subsequent service and wreath laying ceremony. They then departed Tobruk enroute to Malta which they reached on Anzac Day. The fleet spent two nights in Malta where Geoff was able to visit a number of historic sites. He also met with Lord Louis Mountbatten who spoke to him about his war service. They departed Malta on 27 April and proceeded to Gibraltar for an overnight visit. The fleet then passed through the Straits of Gibraltar and on to Portsmouth, arriving on 5 May.

The contingent then travelled by train and bus to Pirbright, a Guards training area which was to be their home while in England. The next two weeks were spent on administration and intense training for the Coronation parade. He also had the opportunity to meet with the Australian High Commissioner, Sir Thomas White, travel on the tube and visit quite a few of the more famous London sites.

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Australian Military Force Coronation Contingent. Geoff is seated front row, 2^nd from right.

26 May was a special day for the contingent as they participated in the Guards Parade, taking the handover from the Grenadier Guards in the forecourt of Buckingham Palace. He noted that there was a tremendous crowd and many notaries inside on the forecourt and the Queen and children were at the windows. He also stated that Prime Minister Menzies was very pleased with the performance. Geoff took great pride in the result and he stated “We out-guarded the guards”. As RSM of the contingent, this success can be directly attributed to him.

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Australian Coronation Contingent parading in front of Buckingham Palace. Geoff is the soldier closest to the camera carrying a pace stick.

The following day, while parading in the rain, the Queen drove past very slowly and waved to them. Geoff wrote, “What a lovely woman she is, so tiny, so graceful and charming. We are certainly blessed with a mighty Queen.” The training continued for several more days until the Coronation Day of 2 June.

Coronation Day was an anticlimax for Geoff. It comprised a morning march to the starting position and then a 20-mile march in wet weather. He stated the Australians were given a great ovation but it was a very tiring day. They had to stand in pouring rain for 15 minutes, soaked and cold. They saw nothing of the Queen or anything else, only the necks of the men in front. The march band was bad, too far away, causing them to be constantly changing step. He saw the whole thing on television that night.

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Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II on Coronation Day.

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Australian Coronation contingent marching up the Mall.

The following day they were taken to Kensington Gardens to receive their Coronation Medals. The Queen inspected each front rank and Geoff had a good view of her inspecting the Canadians. He wrote, “She is positively radiantly beautiful and very tiny. Phillip with her and they make a wonderful pair. As it was raining, Queen had on top coat of pale blue with small hat tilting well down on head. Princess Margaret on balcony, also Charles and Anne, both lovely children perfectly natural, Anne very blonde. She was laughing and pointing and I heard her say, ‘look at the funny man’ who incidentally was an African Chief.”

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Geoff receiving his Coronation Medal – 3 June 1953

During the next 10 days, Geoff visited highlights of the city and country areas of England, describing quaint villages, grand estates, castles and even Stonehenge. He admitted that by the end of the visit he was getting a little sick of ruins.

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Outside of 10 Downing St, London

Sydney departed Portsmouth on 17 June with the Canadian fleet (HMCS Quebec, HMCS Magnificent, HMCS Sioux and two frigates) bound for Canada and sailed straight into cyclonic weather. The storm conditions were so bad that the fleet broke up with each ship having to make its own way. Geoff’s curse of seasickness returned and he remained ill for five days, not being able to eat at all during that time. He was very pleased when the ship docked in Halifax on June 25.

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Social occasion in Halifax with Canadian personnel during the Coronation tour

The contingent spent several days in Halifax but Geoff was not impressed with the city. One highlight of the visit however was a catch up with some of the lads he had served with in Korea. The ship departed Halifax on 29 June and sailed to Baltimore.

Arriving in Baltimore on 2 July, the contingent appeared on television and Geoff was interviewed at a local radio station. The day finished with an organised dance. They boarded buses the following day for a tour of Washington which impressed Geoff far more than Baltimore.

The Sydney departed Baltimore on 5 July and headed south into much balmier weather. After a brief stop in Kingston, Jamaica, they traversed the Panama Canal on 12 July. From there they sailed to Pearl Harbour, reaching it on 26 July. After a brief visit and sightseeing, they departed Hawaii on 30 July and sailed for Auckland, arriving there on 10 August. After disembarking the New Zealand contingent, the Sydney then set sail for her namesake city, arriving on 14 August.

Upon arrival in Sydney, a film crew for the prominent news service, Cinematic News, was waiting at the dockside and filmed a very eager soldier racing down the gangplank, across the wharf and into the arms of his loving family while the remainder of the contingent was still at the railings on the higher decks. It was Geoff, keen to greet his wife and son Peter. The film clip was displayed widely in cinemas across Australia.

On 15 August he was detached from the Coronation Contingent and transferred back to HQ 2 Cadet Brigade. He received a Long Service award on 4 July and continued service with 2 Cadet Brigade until 21 June 1960. While in this position, the family again increased in size with the birth of a third son, Roger Ian on 15 June 1955. He also won the Puckapunyal Service Shoot in 1954, proving he was still a highly-skilled marksman.

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Royal Australian Infantry Corps hat badge

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Warrant Officer Course – 1954. Geoff is seated second from right, front row.

Following this assignment, Geoff was discharged from the Regular Army for the purpose of being appointed to commissioned rank. On 22 June, he received a commission and began serving as a 2^nd Lieutenant in the Royal Australian Infantry.

Geoff was then offered a choice of Rockhampton or Launceston for his next posting. He chose the position of Adjutant of the Launceston Company , 1 Royal Tasmanian Regiment (1 RTR) at Patterson Barracks and took up his duties there on 30 October 1960. He was appointed honorary captain in this position on 21 December. The family transferred to their new home at 3 Robin St, Launceston. Geoff was sent for NBC training at the Infantry Centre, Singleton from 7 June to 27 June 1961.

While in Launceston, Geoff struck up a close friendship with Captain Gordon John Fitzgerald of 112^th Field Battery, Royal Australian Artillery. Like so many of Geoff’s acquaintances, Gordon went on to complete a long and distinguished army career, culminating in the rank of major general and the position of Chief of Army Personnel.

Geoff was promoted to 1^st Lieutenant on 22 June 1962 but continued serving with 1 RTR as an honorary captain until 11 September 1963 when he was again posted overseas, this time to Singapore. He was attached to Far East Land Forces (FARELF) based at Tanglin Barracks. The posting resulted in another family move to a new home at Thompson Rise Estate and later to 236 Dunearn Road, Dunearn Park, Singapore.

This time however, the family was split as their eldest son Peter was unable to accompany them. He had reached his final secondary school year and it was deemed by the army that he should remain in Australia. Peter moved in with his grandparents in Sydney while the rest of the family relocated to Singapore. The Indonesian Confrontation was at its peak and his son Roger remembers the nightly curfew imposed on the citizens of Singapore at the time. He also remembers Geoff, now almost 50 years of age, winning the veterans swimming race, despite being given a time handicap.

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Handover from Captain Neil Anderson to Geoff upon taking up his post in Singapore.

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A happy reunion – Geoffrey (centre) with two colleagues who served with him in the Darwin Mobile Force (DMF) during World War 2. They are Major Cliff Johnson (right) and Captain Keith Kennedy (left). The trio had not met since their time in the DMF.

At this time, the US involvement in the Vietnam War was becoming more prominent and the Australian Government was assessing whether Australia should also become involved and, if so, to what extent. To assist with this analysis, on 15 September 1964, Geoff was flown to Saigon and tasked to compile a report highlighting the methods being used by South Vietnam and the US to prosecute the war.

For nine days, from 15 September to 24 September, he visited several encampments and accompanied an ARVN unit and their US advisers as they patrolled their area of responsibility. The resulting report was blunt, hard hitting and damning of the way the war was being conducted. He stated:

In general, the tour is of immense value as it permits those participating to gain first-hand knowledge of problems which must be seen to be believed. Three basic factors appear to emerge from my personal observation. These are:

The magnitude of the task of eliminating the VC element
The apparent apathy of the people of Vietnam generally
The keenness of the advisers to get on with the job.

He first visited the Australian embassy for a briefing and then HQ US Military Assistance Command in Saigon to gather data regarding the estimated size and composition of the enemy forces and the plan being implemented to defeat them. He was impressed with the presented plan to clear VC occupied areas, secure these areas from future incursions and then develop them by strengthening government structure and aiding the economy. He was advised by General Westmoreland that the plan had begun to be implemented. As a result, the VC were very angry and were increasing their disruptive activities.

Geoff visited several hamlets and started gaining an understanding of the real problems on the ground. Some of the hamlets he visited were in much better condition and more prosperous than others. When he enquired why, he was simply told that the hamlet leaders paid the VC to leave them alone so they could prosper – a disturbing situation. The tour concentrated on Phuoc Tuy province and Vung Tau, both of which would feature prominently in Australia’s role in the war in later years.

He accompanied a South Vietnamese unit (38^th Ranger Bn) on a ‘Clear and Destroy’ mission aimed at ridding the target area of VC. He was very critical of the operation. His comments on the operation include the following:

Very poorly executed operation.
No formations, no thorough searching on either side and overhead, weapons not prepared or carried in a manner to enable immediate fire if necessary.
Bunching of troops consistent. Too much noise, troops smoking and talking.
Leading scouts only 5 to 10 metres from main party.
Though clear signs of enemy observed, no attempt made to make contact.
No side tracks checked.
Discipline very poor.
No blocking forces.

He noted that it was most noticeable when signs were seen of recent enemy activity, the noise of the troops increased considerably, obviously to ensure that the enemy knew a large force was participating in the operation, thus minimising the chance of ambush or fire being brought down.

During this exercise, the helicopter that Geoff travelled in received heavy fire, highlighting the danger he was constantly in.

He concluded that at any time a small VC element could have caused considerable casualties.

His summary states that although the South Vietnamese forces are well equipped, they avoid night patrols, lack discipline and have not been taught many of the rudiments of warfare. His summary of the VC forces was much more complementary.

Interestingly, he concluded from this that it would be a wonderful opportunity for Australian troops as the country lends itself to infantry tactics. He suggested that as many infantry officers as possible should get an opportunity to see what he had seen. He considered the most interesting area to be the Delta region as the type of country is completely new to Australian troops and the methods of fighting and holding in this type of terrain presents many problems which require to be seen to be believed.

His report appears to have influenced the Australian Government and Army as Australian troops were subsequently sent to operate in Phuoc Tuy province in the Delta area and their supply base would be Vung Tau.

He returned to Singapore on 24 September 1964.

Geoff’s Army record makes two mentions of him being attached to Special Services Malaysia but no detail is included to describe his activities in this role. Although Geoff must have performed service in Malaysia during this time as he was awarded the Pingat Jasa Malaysia medal, in addition to Malaysia clasps to other medals, there is no mention of his specific role in his army records. He performed the role from 7 July 1965 until 5 December 1965.

The time in Singapore for Geoff and his family came to an end on 8 December 1965 and they boarded the P&O cruise ship SS Orsova bound for Sydney. The ship visited Fremantle on 11 December and reached Sydney on 17 December. He was again posted to Canberra in the role of quartermaster and on 24 February 1966 was placed on higher duties with the pay rate of major. The new address for next of kin as noted on the Army record is 15 Dunstan St, Curtin ACT.

Geoff had always attended regular medical check-ups but in that year the army missed one which was to have grave consequences. On 20 August 1966, while playing golf, he suffered a major stroke and was admitted to Canberra Community Hospital. He remained there until 29 August when he was transferred to Royal General Hospital Concord. His condition improved somewhat and on 2 September he was removed from the seriously ill list but remained in hospital for three and a half months before being discharged on 13 December.

The damage from the stroke however was lasting and extensive. It had paralysed the left side of his body. After much physiotherapy, he regained some independence and learned again how to drive but his ability to continue in the army was severely limited.

He returned to work and remained in service until 22 December 1967 when he was medically discharged. He was also granted the military title of major with permission to wear the prescribed uniform. Geoff’s long and distinguished career in the military service of Australia had come to an end.

The Geoffrey Hart Pace Stick

An essential item carried by all RSMs in the Australian Army is the pace stick which originated in the artillery as a ‘Gunners Stick’ used to measure the distance between guns. It was later adapted to measure the length of the pace taken by soldiers to get them all pacing the same. The pace stick is actually two pieces of timber, hinged at the top and able to be set to a particular distance, similar to a compass used for geometry at school.

The pace stick is two things.

Firstly, it is an indicator of rank – only the RSM carries a pace stick.

Secondly, it is used to measure distance, most commonly the pace of a marching soldier although it is also used by the RSM when laying out marker points on a parade ground so that troops turn and finish up at the correct point during ceremonial parades.

After his retirement from the Army, Geoff presented the pace stick he carried as RSM of 3 RAR to the current leadership of 3 RAR. It was warmly appreciated and he received a note from the current RSM, WO1 Noel Smith, thanking him for the pace stick.

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Note of appreciation from the RSM of 3 RAR received by Geoffrey upon the presentation of the pace stick used by him when he held the same position.

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The Geoffrey Hart Pace Stick being inspected by the CO of 3 RAR, Lt Col Michael Bindley on the occasion of the 3 RAR Battalion Parade (RSM’s Parade) on 26 January 1979. Holding the pace stick is the 3 RAR RSM Noel Smith.

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Engraving on the pace stick presented by Geoff to 3 RAR

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After returning from Korea, 3 RAR was based in Ingleburn, Sydney until October 1959 when it relocated to Enoggera, Brisbane. It then moved to Woodside, near Adelaide in 1963 where it was stationed until 1981. It was during this time the pace stick was donated to the battalion with the agreement that it would be used on ceremonial occasions.

The battalion however, was not destined to remain stationery and was relocated to Holsworthy, near Sydney in 1981 and then to Townsville in 2011. Sometime during this period, the pace stick ‘disappeared’, not surprising considering the dual relocation. In the meantime, another pace stick was donated to 3 RAR by the O’Sullivan family and was used on ceremonial parades. WO2 J B O’Sullivan was RSM of 3 RAR from December 1954 to March 1955 and again as WO1 (MBE) from October 1959 to July 1962. It was highly likely that he and Geoffrey would have been acquainted.

As part of the preparation of this biography, Geoffrey’s son, Peter, contacted the current RSM of 3 RAR, WO1 Adam West and provided him with information and photos of the pace stick. This contact resulted in a search by 3 RAR and the subsequent rediscovery of the Hart pace stick. Peter has now been advised by Adam West that the Hart pace stick will be reinstated and again carried by the RSM on ceremonial parades. The only exception to this will be Kapyong day when the O’Sullivan pace stick will be carried.

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The Geoffrey Hart pace stick in the hands of the current RSM of 3 RAR (Adam West – DSM) at Lavarack Barracks in Townsville. When Adam was asked if it was really him holding the pace stick, he replied, “Yes, that’s me, but the pace stick is forever”, meaning, it doesn’t matter who’s holding the pace stick, because it’s only the pace stick that’s important in the long run.

The Hart pace stick has an amazing history. General Sir Francis Hassett mentioned it in his following quote:

I still have a mental picture of him appearing on daily rounds (we were living in holes) – smart looking, carrying a pace stick and very well received by the soldiers.

This tribute referred to Geoffrey’s approach and outlook while in the active war zone in Korea. Following Korea, the pace stick accompanied Geoffrey on the coronation tour. He can be seen carrying it in a picture elsewhere in this biography. It is likely the pace stick was also used in other units where Geoffrey was RSM prior to 3 RAR which would make it unique. It is truly an exceptional artifact linked to Geoffrey’s career.

Geoffrey’s retirement from the army did not mean the end of his achievements. He called upon his talents as an artist and created a number of drawings and paintings. He was also the inaugural president of the Canberra Stroke Club and treasurer of Hawks Junior Rugby Union Club. He remained in Canberra until his death on 14 May 1999.

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Painting of Lake Burley Griffin, completed by Geoff after his retirement.

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Painting of the Australian War Memorial completed by Geoff after his retirement. This painting is titled ‘Memories’, an apt title for the subject.

During his career, Geoff was awarded the following medals:

1939/45 Star
Pacific Star
Defence Medal
War Medal 1939-1945
Australia Service Medal 1939-45
Australia Active Service Medal with clasps ‘KOREA’, ‘MALAYSIA’, ‘VIETNAM’
Korea Medal
United Nations Service Medal for Korea
General Service Medal 1962 with Clasp ‘MALAY PENINSULA’
Vietnam Logistic and Support Medal
Australian Service Medal (ASM) 1945-75 with Clasp SE ASIA
Queen Elizabeth II Coronation Medal
Australian Defence Medal
Medal for Long Service and Good Conduct
Pingat Jasa Malaysia
Republic of Korea War Service Medal

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Medal set of Geoffrey Leonard Hart. His family has generously loaned the set for display to the Maryborough Military and Colonial Museum.

Geoff’s three sons, from left, Keith Geoffrey, Peter John and Roger Ian.

This project was initiated by Peter Hart in conjunction with the Maryborough Colonial and Military Museum but would not have been possible without the collaboration of all three of the sons of Geoffrey Leonard Hart.

Bibliography
National Archives Australia – War Service Record – NX171160 HART Geoffrey Leonard
National Archives Australia – War Service Record WW1 – Oscar Herbert Hart
Australian War Memorial, Canberra – War Diary of the Sixth Australian Machine Gun Battalion Extract provided by 6 (Aust) MG Battalion (AIF) Association
Norman Bartlett – With the Australians in Korea – Australian War Memorial, Canberra 1960
John Campbell – Machine Gunners – a history of 6 Australian machine-gun Battalion, Loftus NSW 2007
Time-Life Books – Australians at War – Korea the Forgotten War 1989
Wikipedia – Sir Francis George ‘Frank’ Hassett
Geoffrey Leonard Hart – Diary of WO1 Geoffrey Hart RSM – Australian Coronation Contingent 1953
Geoffrey Leonard Hart – Report – Orientation Visit to South Vietnam 15 Sep 64 to 24 Sep 64 – Geoffrey Leonard Hart 25 September 1964
Australian Electoral Rolls 1903 – 1980
Hart Family Records

ANZAC Biographies

TILNEY, Lieutenant Colonel Leslie Edward DSO MiD VD

Posted June 5, 2021 by Admin

Lieutenant Colonel Leslie Edward TILNEY DSO MiD VD

5^th Australian Commonwealth Horse

16^th Battalion AIF

13^th Battalion AIF

Leslie Edward Tilney was born on 3 March 1870 in Tinonee, New South Wales, Australia. He was one of eleven children born to George Edward Tilney and Isabella Chloe Benjamin. George had been born on 30 August 1818 in Greater London and Isabella had been born on 21 November 1841 in Bathurst, New South Wales, Australia. She had been baptised on 10 January 1847 in Macquarie NSW. In the 1848 return of the colony, George was shown in the County of Gloucester as having 55 acres of land for which he paid £55. On 8 September 1858 he married Isabella, who was only 16 at the time. George passed away on 29 December 1894 in Taree NSW. In the 1930 electoral roll, Isabella was living with her son John. She passed away on 14 August 1934 in Taree and is buried in the Taree Estate Cemetery in row 31, with George.

George and Isabella’s first child, Isabella C Tilney was born in 1859 in Wingham NSW but sadly died in the same year.

John Downman Tilney was born in 1860 in Tinonee, New South Wales. In 1896, money for rent of his lease was overdue to the government. It was listed as Bellbrook in Kempsey and he had leased it in 1894. The 1930 electoral roll shows him living at Ventnor, Albert Street Taree and he was a farmer. He was living with Isabella Chloe Tinley, who was doing home duties. He died on 22 December 1934 in Sydney and is buried in Rookwood General Cemetery.

Lionel George Tilney was born 27 May 1862 in Manning River NSW. In 1901 he married Katherine Davis with the wedding being registered in Bombala, New South Wales. (Her name is spelt with a C elsewhere). A listing in the 1922 New South Wales Police Gazette, under pensions, is an entry for Constable 1^st Class Lionel George Tilney, with ‘rate of pension 13s. 2¼d. per diem, less 3 per cent., from 28^th May 1922.’ In 1926 Sands Directory is a listing for Lionel Tilney, living at 9 Keith Street Clovelly. The 1930 directory also includes the house is in the ‘East Side’. In the 1935 electoral roll, living at 9 Keith Street Clovelly were Lionel George Tilney, constable; Jack Downman Tilney, traveller; Catherine Tinley and Marie Gladys Tinley, both doing home duties. Lionel passed away on 12 April 1941 in Clovelly, Randwick City, New South Wales, a retired police constable. He is buried in Eastern Suburbs Memorial Park in plot GA – General FM A, Position 732. The Wingham Chronicle and Manning River Observer of NSW had an article on him on Thursday 24 April 1941: – ‘MR. LIONEL GEORGE TILNEY. Many of the older residents of Taree, particularly those of 40 or 50 years ago, will remember the well known Tilney family when they resided in Taree. For years most of them have moved far afield, and the only remaining member locally is Mrs.Percy W. Flett, of Victoria St. This week word was received in Taree of the death of her brother, Mr. Lionel George Tilney, who passed away on Saturday night, April 12th, at his home at 9 Keith Street, Clovelly, at the age of 79 years. He suffered from heart trouble and passed away quite suddenly and unexpectedly. Deceased was a son of the late Mr. and Mrs. George Edward Tilney, who resided in Taree in the long ago. The late Mr. Lionel Tilney left the Manning many years ago, subsequent to which he followed farming in several places in New South Wales. Eventually he retired and for a good many years be spent the evening of his life in his home at Clovelly. In addition to his widow he is survived by two sons and one daughter— Mr. Frederick Tilney, of the S.M. Herald staff. Mr. John Tilney, of Sydney, and Miss Marie Tilney, also of Sydney. Surviving brothers include Messrs. Richard and Herbert Tilney, of Sydney, while the living sisters are: Mrs. Percy W. Flett, of Taree: Mrs. A. J. Homewood of Melbourne; and Mrs. W. E. Browning of Sydney. Deceased brothers are Messrs. John and Leslie Tilney, while Mrs. George Nowland. of Manly, whose husband is a retired manager of the Bank of N.S.W. and in the long ago was on the staff of the Taree branch, being a very prominent footballer then. The remains of the late Mr. Lionel George Tilney were interred on Monday afternoon week, in the Botany cemetery.’ Catherine passed away on 17 May 1955 and is buried in the same cemetery in the same plot.

Richard Benjamin Tilney was born in 1864 in Tinonee NSW. In 1899 in Sydney, he married Ethel Harrop Robinson. She had been born mid-1871 in Birkenhead Cheshire England. Her mother Louisa had been born in Sydney and her father must have passed away, as Louisa is recorded as the head of the house in the 1881 census. The 1920 directory had Richard living in High Street Epping. In the 1930 electoral roll they were living at Woorilla Govett Street Katoomba, with Richard a traveller and Ethel doing home duties. Richard died on 24 May 1944 and is buried in the Anglican section of Rookwood General Cemetery in section 14, row 24, Grave 1087 with John Tilney as in the picture above. His address was listed as West Ryde in the deceased estate file, with his wife the administrator.

Laura Mary Tilney was born in 1867 in Tinonee NSW. She married William E Browning in 1896 in Young, New South Wales. Laura passed away on 27 November 1926 in Belmore NSW and is buried in Rookwood General Cemetery in Zone C Section 9 Grave 171.

Mary Charlotte Tilney was born in 1873 in Manning River NSW. In 1903 she married George William Alexander Nowland (1874-1956) in Taree, New South Wales. Mary passed away on 29 February 1940 and was buried on 1 March in Manly Cemetery in Section U Plot 329. Her address was listed as Hawthorn Flats 124 Addison Road Manly.

Isabella Chloe Tilney was born on 12 November 1875 in Taree NSW. She married Percival William Flett in Taree in 1909. Percival was a farmer who was born in 1859 in New South Wales and died on 17 September 1931 in Taree. In the 1934 electoral roll she was living at Victoria Street West Taree and doing home duties. Isabella passed away on 10 April 1959 in Taree and her ashes are in Taree Anglican Columbarium.

Emma Mildred Tilney was born in 1879 in Manning River, New South Wales. On 3 March 1903 she married Alfred James Homewood (1879-1960) in St Matthias Church of England in Sydney. Her father was listed as a journalist. In the 1916 electoral roll they were living at Chaplin Carinya Crescent Caulfield and Alfred was a manager. She passed away on 7 December 1952 in Victoria.

George Lee Tinley was born and died in 1882 in Wingham NSW.

Herbert Heath Tilney was born on 3 November 1884 in Tinonee NSW. He married Amy Venetia Painter (1887-) in 1909 in Randwick Sydney. In the 1932 electoral roll they were living at Frazer Road Normanhurst, with Herbert a clerk and Amy doing home duties. By the 1963 roll they were living at 5 Chapman Avenue Beecroft and had the same occupations. He died on 28 September 1970 in Beecroft NSW.

The New South Wales Government Gazette in 1892 had a listing ‘[9790] Colonial Secretary’s Office, Sydney 26^th November, 1892. His Excellency the Governor, with advice of the Executive Council, has been pleased to make the following appointment in the Volunteer Force, viz,:- Mr. LESLIE EDWARD TILNEY to be First Lieutenant in the Young Corps, First Regiment Partially-paid Infantry, vice Mallard, promoted.’

On 26 October 1898 Leslie married Cordelia Beatrice Lurline Cronin at St Michael’s Church Surrey Hills Sydney. She was a widow who had been born in Forbes NSW in 1870. Leslie was listed as a Post and Telegraph Assistant, age 27, of 136 Point Piper Road Paddington and Cordelia was age 25, doing domestic duties and living at Fernleigh Canley Vale near Liverpool. His parents were recorded as George Edward Tilney (deceased), a Journalist and Isabella Chloe Benjamin. Her parents were recorded as William Worner (deceased), a Station Owner and Dorothy Gimeson.

Leslie and Cordelia had three children. Lurline Dorothy Laura Tilney was born on 3 January 1900 in Paddington and was baptised on 9 January 1901 at St. Matthias Paddington Church of England. Their address at the time was 9 Oakey Road Paddington and Leslie was listed as a Telegraph Operator. She married George Herbert Newman in Perth in 1922. In the 1931 electoral roll they were living at 40 Thomas Street Nedlands. George was recorded as a collector and Lurline was doing home duties. She passed away on 12 June 1941 in Wembley, Western Australia.

Leslie Edgecliff Tilney was born on 2 April 1907 (according to his service records; he was actually born in 1901) in Woollahra NSW. In the 1927 electoral roll he was living with his parents at Crimea Court Charnwood Road St Kilda, and, like his father, was a traveller. In January 1929 Leslie (a salesman) & his wife Marie Tilney were up on charges for having obtained money and goods by false pretenses. Also, in August 1923 Leslie aged 22 an insurance inspector was arrested on alleged fraud charges, and was later acquitted. The NSW Police Gazette of 1930 had an entry for ‘HERBERT JOHN BROWN, alias FOLEY (28), charged with illegally using a motor car, and with stealing motor tools, value £8, the property of Leslie Edgecliffe Tilney, has been arrested by Constable Ferguson, Sydney Police. Sentences to twelve months’ and three months’ hard labour respectively. Sentences accumulative. Identical with discharged prisoner Herbert Foley, alias Herbert Corliss &c. (vide Police Gazette, 1930, page 151).’

In 1940 in Paddington, NSW he married Janet Elizabeth Wharton (his third wife; first married to Marie Morris in 1928 in Victoria and second marriage to Queenie Constance Binney in 1931 in Western Australia – The West Australian of Thursday 17 Feb 1921 ‘TILNEY-BINNEY.–On February 8, 1931, at Christ Church, Claremont, by the Reverend Canon McLemans, Leslie Edgecliffe, only son of Colonel and Mrs. Tilney, of Mt. Lawley, to Queenie Constance, youngest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Binney, of Subiaco.’). She had been born about 1901 in Mansfield Victoria and had previously married Gordon Kitchener Rattray on 29 June 1922 in Hawksburn Victoria, before being divorced by him in 1938 in Victoria. He was a Chemist and they had had two girls. Gordon did serve in WW1, joining as Gunner 38070 with the 3^rd Field Artillery Reinforcements in April 1917. He served with 11^th Field Artillery Brigade in France from August 1918, and returned to Australia in January 1919. In the divorce record he stated that for a few years she had been going out a lot to parties and dances and was drinking a lot and was neglecting the family. She then left him as she was sick of being married. His sister came to look after the children. Then she moved to Sydney and was working at Darrods. After various correspondence the marriage was dissolved by the court on the grounds that the wife had willfully deserted him. Gordon died on 10 December 1964 in Sandringham Victoria. He was listed as an Oil Merchant in his probate record. Janet died on 19 September 1981 in Heidelberg Victoria with her surname as Rattray.

Leslie enlisted in WW2 as NX3856 in the Australian Army on 20 October 1939 in Paddington NSW. He stated his birth year as 1907. His next of kin was Nellie Tilney. As some stage he was captured defending Crete and became a POW. Leslie was held at Stalag XC, Oflag VIB, Oflay IX & Oflag VIIB and died at Lazarett Neuburg Brothers of Charity Hospital. He died on 5 February 1944 of illness, with the rank of Lieutenant and his posting was recorded as Headquarters 16 Infantry Brigade (2/1 Infantry Battalion). His service record is open at NAA, but not online; another file headed ‘TILNEY Leslie Edgecliffe – NX3856 AIF; Year of Death – 1944; Cemetery – Durnvach (sic) War Cemetery, GERMANY’ is also open but not online, and his pay file ‘Tilney, Leslie Edgecliffe – NX3856 [WWII Army Pay File]’ has not yet been examined.

Leslie is buried in the Durnbach War Cemetery in Germany in Section 4, Row B, Plot 11. The gravestone says “Resting”. CWGC has ‘Son of Colonel Leslie E. Tilney DSO, MM and Bar, and Lurline Tilney, and the husband of Janet Elizabeth Tilney, of North Fitzroy, Victoria’. His name is also memorialised on the Australian War Memorial, located at panel 12 in the Commemorative Area, the Australian Ex- Prisoners of War Memorial in Ballarat and the Roll of Honour in Sydney.

From AWM: ‘Germany. Prisoner of War (POW) identification photograph of NX3856 Lieutenant Leslie Edgecliffe Tilney, 2/1st Battalion, Australian Infantry. Lieutenant Tilney, aged 36, died on 5 February 1944, as a POW, after being captured defending the island of Crete against the German land and airborne invasion. He was the son of Colonel Leslie E. Tilney DSO, MM and Bar, and Lurline Tilney, and the husband of Janet Elizabeth Tilney, of North Fitzroy, Vic. He is buried in the Durnbach War Cemetery, Germany, Section 4, Row B, Plot 11. (Photograph supplied by the Army’s Soldier Career Management Agency. Information from the Commonwealth War Graves Commission Database.)’

Marjorie Ruth Tilney was born on 1 October 1914. In the 1936 electoral roll she was living with her parents at 15 Lysterville Avenue Malvern in Victoria and was doing home duties. She married twice, to Cecil Dunn (no record can be identified) and Richard Godfrey Cruttenden in 1937. Marjorie died in 1966 according to a family tree on Ancestry, but another records 8 December 1996 in Canada- neither have proof.

Leslie Edward Tilney attested with a Commonwealth Contingent for service in South Africa, joining in Sydney on 24 April 1902. He was commissioned with the 5^th Commonwealth Horse. His answers stated he was a British subject, born in Tinonee, Manning River NSW, was 32 years and 2 months old and was a Telegraphist. He was married with his next of kin being his wife C B L Tilney of “Laura” Harkness Street Woollahra NSW. Leslie had no previous service and was willing to serve for 12 months or the duration of the war and to be vaccinated. His permanent address was the same as his wife and his religion was Church of England. He was certified medically fit with his description as 5 foot 9 inches tall and chest measurement of 33 to 36½ inches. No other details were recorded. They were part of the 3^rd Contingent, embarking on transport Columbian at Sydney, on 22 May 1902, but did not see combat as the war came to an end on 31 May 1902. After a short stay in South Africa, they embarked at Durban on the transport Manchester Marshal on 1 July 1902 and arrived at Sydney on 1 August.

His service record notes under Special Employment that Leslie was Militia Adjutant 1^st Australian Infantry Regiment from 1 October 1906 to 31 October 1911 and Area Officer from 1 November 1910.

The London Gazette of 19 March 1909 recorded that ‘The undermentioned Officers of the Citizen Forces of Australia are granted the local rank of Captain in the Army, whilst serving with Imperial Troops in the United Kingdom or in India, and to have seniority as from the dates stated against their names, i.e., the date of their present rank as Captain in the Military Forces of the Commonwealth’: – with the list including ‘Captain Leslie Tilney, 1^st Australian Infantry Regiment. Dated 20^th June, 1900.’ Listed as a married Gentleman, Captain L E Tilney left Sydney on the Mongolia on 29 August 1908, bound for Bombay, India. He departed from London on the Ophir, listed as Captain L E Tilney, arriving in Sydney on 1 May 1909.

Leslie’s name appeared in the British Army Lists in 1902 as a Captain in the First Infantry Regiment. In the Commonwealth Public Service List of 1904, he is listed under the category ‘Education & work’ under Civil service. The 1908 Sands Directory lists him as living at 1 Maddock Street Petersham Sydney. In the 1910 directory he is listed at 23 The Avenue Strathfield North Side. The 1912 British Army Lists show him as a Major in the 1^st Australian infantry Regiment with precedence from 9 August 1909. In the 1915 lists he was a Major on the Unattached List in one and 21^st Infantry (Sydney Battalion) in the other. The 1916 lists had him still with the 21^st and the 1917 lists are like the 1915 ones. In the 1918 lists he is under graduation List of Officers or Infantry as a Major. In the 1919 Navy List he is recorded as Leslie Edward Tilney DSO VD as a Radio Lieutenant with seniority from 1 July 1916. He was serving in the Central Office Sydney.

In November 1914, Leslie applied for a Commission in the 16^th Battalion AIF. For educational qualifications he stated no certificate. For military qualifications, Leslie stated he had 20 years commissioned service with the 1^st AIR, he was in India from 1908 to 1909 and served in South Africa with the 5^th ACH in 1902. For his present civil employment, he stated he was Officer in Charge of Perth Radiotelegraph Station. He had been born on 3 March 1870 and was 44 years and 8 months old and was a British subject, born in Manning River NSW. Leslie was married with his next of kin being his wife C B L Tilney. His postal address was Wireless Station Applecross WA. That was later changed to Regent St Mt Lawley Perth WA. He was certified medically fit with his description being 5 foot 10 inches, weight 12 stone and for eyesight he had good vision 6/6. His chest measurement was not recorded. The Commanding Officer of the 16^th Battalion appointed him to Headquarters on 14 November 1914 and the District Commandant recommended him on 20 November 1914. His term of service was for the duration of the war and 4 months. He was appointed Major on 1 October 1914, as also recorded on his record of Officer’s service form.

‘BLACKBOY HILL, WA, 1914. MARCHPAST OF 16TH BATTALION TROOPS IN TRAINING CAMP. COMMANDING OFFICER COLONEL LESLIE EDWARD TILNEY STANDS AT THE SALUTING BASE, WHILE AN UNIDENTIFIED CIVILIAN TAKES THE SALUTE. DONOR: R.T. NEWMAN’ From AWM.

The Nominal Roll for the 16^th Infantry Battalion shows they embarked on Troopship A40 Ceramic at Melbourne on 22^nd December 1914. Major Leslie Edward Tinley, listed under Headquarters, was age 44, a married civil servant whose address was given as Wireless Station, Applecross, Western Australia. His next-of-kin was recorded as ‘Mrs Cardelia (sic) Beatrice Lurline Tilney, wife, 161 Thomas-street, Subiaco, Perth, W.A’. His religion was Church of England and he joined on 1 October 1914, with previous service in 88^th Infantry AMF. Leslie was paid 30 shillings a day, of which 21 shillings was allotted to his wife, 4 shillings to himself and 5 shillings was deferred. After a brief stop in Albany, Western Australia, they proceeded to Egypt, arriving in early February 1915.

‘Group portrait of the officers of the 16th Battalion. Identified, left to right, back row: unidentified interpreter; Captain (Capt) Harold Alfred Southern, killed in action on 2 May 1915; Lieutenant (Lt) William Buchanan Kerr, killed in action on 2 May 1915; Capt Leslie Duncan Heming, killed in action on 8 August 1915; Lt John Kingsley Langsford; Lt William Ernest Elston; Lt Harry James Burton, killed in action on 2 May 1915; Lt Edwin Theodore Knight; possibly Lt Gordon Levason Curlewis. Middle row: Lt Alexander Peter Imlay; Lt Robert Balmain Blyth; Capt Eliazar Lazar Margolin; Capt Samuel Edward Townshend, killed in action on 9 May 1915; Lt Ross Harwood; Wilton (no further information); Lt Arthur Edward Carse, died of wounds on 2 May 1915; Capt Francis George Chabrel (killed in action on 7 August 1915); Lt Ernest Otto Alfred Bruns, killed in action on 2 May 1915; Lt Frank Barnes Gladman; Lt Arthur Henry Torres Mountain, killed in action on 27 April 1915. Front row: Major Francis Bird Carter, killed in action on 27 April 1915; Major Edgar Kendall Baker; Chaplain Colonel George Willis Kendrew; Lt Colonel Leslie Edward Tilney; Lt Colonel Harrold Pope; Capt (Adjutant) Ronald Tracy Alexander McDonald; Hon Lt Thomas Gorman (Quartermaster); Major William Owen Mansbridge; Capt James Miller, killed in action on 2 May 1915; Lt Edmund Herman Kretchmar, killed in action on 6 May 1915. Lying in front: Lt Norman Henry Durston, died of wounds on 9 May 1915; Lt Cyril Arthur Geddes, killed in action on 2 May 1915; Lt Kieran Leopold Anderson, killed in action on 2 May 1915.’ From AWM.

‘13th Battalion officers play a game of donkey polo with hockey sticks at a camp between Cairo and the Suez Canal. Identified left to right: Captain Francis Maxwell Barton (later killed in action on 11 August 1916); Captain Phillips RMO; Major Edward Twynam; Lieutenant Colonel Leslie Edward Tilney DSO, VD.’ From AWM.

He proceeded to join the Mediterranean Expeditionary Force for Gallipoli on 12 April 1915. As part of the 4^th Brigade, the battalion landed at Anzac Cove late in the afternoon of 25^th April 1915.

Major L E Tilney of the 16^th Australian Infantry Battalion was recommended for the Distinguished Service Order as on ‘2^nd/3^rd May, his command suffered severe losses, and it was largely due to his personal influence that the ground was held. On the morning of the 3^rd May, the line being seriously shaken by artillery fire, a very critical moment had arrived, and I believe it to be entirely due to Major Tilney’s exertions, who, by fearlessly exposing himself, although himself wounded, succeeded in rallying his men, and so averted what might have been turned into a disaster. Since then Major Tilney has acted as Second in Command at Quinn’s Post, until relieved on June 1^st, and has actively participated in all the offensive and defensive operations of that post, during the whole period, and where he rendered particularly conspicuous service on the night of the 19^th/20^th May during the attack by the enemy on our lines.’ Another note reads ‘MAJOR L E TILNEY, 16^th Battalion, 4^th Australian Infantry Brigade. On the evening of the 2^nd May this Officer led the assault which took the “Razor Ridge”. During the whole of the night,’ and the rest of the note is missing. DSO was handwritten on the note. Temporary Lieutenant Colonel Leslie Edward Tilney 16^th Australian Infantry Battalion was created a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order, for distinguished service in the Field during the operations at the Dardanelles, which was promulgated in the London Gazette on 8 November 1915 on page 11027 at position 5, and the Commonwealth Gazette on 27 January 1916 on page 157 at position 50. His service records contain an entry ‘A.I.F. Orders 6/2/16. List No. 22. To be Companion of the Distinguished Service Order. Major (Temporary Lieutenant Colonel) Leslie Edward Tilney. Extracts from the London Gazette No. 29354 5/11/15.’

The Australian War Memorial has files of papers relating to the First World War service of Colonel John Monash, 4th Infantry Brigade. They include information on officers, suggestions for awards and promotions, and other information. One file notes: – ‘Serial Number 198, Major L E Tilney of 16^th Battalion, originally appointed Second in Command, was wounded on 2and 29 May 1915 and is present and effective.’

Leslie was transferred from the 16^th Battalion to command the 13^th Battalion, vice Lieutenant Colonel Burnage being wounded, and was granted the temporary rank of Lieutenant Colonel whilst so employed on 28 June 1915 at Gallipoli. While with the battalion, on 26 August 1915 he was sent to hospital and his temporary rank was cancelled. He was sent to HS Maheno on 29 August and on the next day at Mudros he embarked for England on HS Huntsgreen with dysentery. Leslie was admitted to 3^rd General Hospital in London with dysentery on 16 September 1915 and was unfit for two months, as found by a Medical Board held in London on 3 December 1915. He was found fit for duty by a Medical Board held in London on 14 January 1916. At Weymouth Depot on 1 February 1916, he was part of the nominal roll forming No 17 Draft returning to join the MEF, leaving Devonport on 2 February on HT Saturnia and re-joining his battalion at Moascar on 16 February 1916. On 20 February 1916 he was to be a Lieutenant Colonel with the 13^th Battalion ‘and to Command vice Burnage to Supernumerary List.’ An extract from List No. 27 20/2/16 A.I.F. Orders reads ‘Major (Temp Lieut Colonel) L. E. Tilney D.S.O. V.D. from 16^th Battalion to 13^th Battalion to be Lieut Colonel and to Command, vice Burnage to Super List dated 20/2/16’. He proceeded to join the BEF from Alexandria on 1 June 1916, disembarking at Marseilles on 8 June.

Mrs CBL Tinley of Wireless Station Applecross WA was sent a note from the Secretary of Defence on 30 September 1915 stating: – Regret reported husband Lieutenant Colonel L E Tilney admitted hospital London sick will promptly advise if anything further received. On 10 February 1916 another letter sent by Base Records in Melbourne to her read: – ‘I now beg to advise you that Lieutenant Colonel L.E. Tilney 13^th Battalion has returned to duty Egypt. In the event of any further reports being received concerning the above soldier you will be immediately notified.’

Base Records sent a letter to Mrs G B D Tilney of 161 Thomas Street Subiaco, Perth on 11 April 1916 advising her that ‘I have much pleasure in forwarding herewith copy of extract from Supplement No. 29354 to the “London Gazette” of 5^th November, 1915, relating to the conspicuous services rendered by Lieutenant-Colonel L. E. Tilney, D.S.O., V.D., 16^th Battalion. “In continuation of my Despatch of 26^th August, 1915, I have the honour to submit herewith the additional name of Lieutenant-Colonel L. E. Tilney, 16^th Battalion.” The above has been promulgated in Australian Military Order No. 44 of 1916.’

He was Mentioned in Despatches in the London Gazette of 5 November 1915 on page 11003 at position 5 and the Commonwealth of Australia Gazette of 27 January 1916 on page 157 at position 3. A medal index card shows that Major (Temporary Lieutenant-Colonel) L E Tilney 16^th Battalion (South & West Australia) Australian Infantry was Mentioned in Despatches in the London Gazette of 5 November 1915 in page 10023(sic).

Headquarters of 4^th Australian Infantry Brigade replied to Headquarters of 4^th Australian Division on 18 August 1916 stating ‘In reply to A 1/276, of 15^th. instant, it is recommended Lt. Col. Tilney, D.S.O., now commanding 13^th. Battalion, be appointed to command the 4^th. Training Battalion. For some weeks Lt. Col. Tilney has not enjoyed the best of health, and remained in command of his battalion during 6 strenuous days 8/13 August near Moquet Farm, at the risk of a general break-down. A statement from his M.O. is attached hereto. Lt. Col. Tilney is quite qualified to take up the appointment referred to, he having trained his Battalion which did very good work on the aforesaid dates. The question of a successor to command the 13^th. Battalion will form the subject of separate correspondence.’ Captain WJE Phillips RMO wrote a letter to ‘the Brigadier, Commanding 4^th. Brigade’ on the same date saying ‘I wish to bring to your notice the state of health of my C.O., Colonel Tilney. Colonel Tilney is quite capable to carry out his duties efficiently provided he is able to live his normal regular mode of life, but if he experiences any extra strain or exertion, evidence of cardiac insufficiency appear. The main symptoms are a continued quickened rate of the heartbeat, shortness of breath and cyanosis, ample evidence that his heart was not equal to the extra strain put upon it. These symptoms, I know, originated in the first place from a bad attack of Amsebic (sic) Dysentery together with hepatitis that he contracted in June 1915 on the Gallipoli Peninsula, together with a relapse with cardial symptoms that he had in early convalescence. I have been associated with Colonel Tilney now for 9 months and have had ample opportunity of watching the effect that extraordinary exertion has upon him. On that account, I would suggest that, if possible, he be removed for an extended rest into some sphere where he could get regular rest and have sufficient opportunity of looking after himself. I’m sure that his experience in military matters would be valuable in a number of positions, which would not entail the necessary hardships of campaigning in the field. Hoping you will be able to arrange something of this nature for him, as I feel continuance of field service would be distinctly inimical to his future health and welfare.’ A note at the bottom of the page from Major General H V Cox, Commanding 4^th Australian Division to the 13^th Battalion and forwarded to 1^st Anzac said ‘I do not recommend that Lt. Colonel Tilney should be given the command of the 4^th. Training Battalion as I do not consider it likely that his health would stand the work.’

In France on 21 August 1916, he was transferred to hospital and embarked for England on HS Newhaven from Calais on 31 August. That same day he was diagnosed with disorderly action of the heart (DAH) slight at 4^th London General Hospital at Denmark Hill. He was discharged on 13 September 1916.

On 27 August 1916 a note was sent from 1^st Anzac Corps to DMS Administrative Headquarters AIF London advising them that ‘I am to forward for your information the enclosed correspondence, relative to Lt.Colonel L.TILNEY,D.S.O., 13^th. Battalion. It is understood that Lt.-Col.Tilney is being evacuated to England through the 1^st Australian Casualty Clearing Station, and in due course he will, no doubt, come before a Medical Board.’

The AAG of 1^st Anzac Headquarters wrote to Headquarters Fourth Australian Division on 13 September 1916 regarding ‘Notification has been received that Lieut.-Colonel TILNEY has been reported fit for duty, and I am to ask you for your recommendation as to his disposal. The Lieutenant-General Commanding desires me to say that, except under very special circumstances, it is only in the cases of officers who are invalided as unfit for service at the Front or for duty with Training Battalions that their return to AUSTRALIA is considered.’

On 14 September 1916 AIF Headquarters in London wrote to AAG AIF attached Headquarters 1^st Anzac about ‘Lieutenant-Colonel L.E. TILNEY. D.S.O., C.O., 13^th Battalion. A.I.F., has been found fit for General Service, and has been instructed to report to No.1 Command Depot, Perham Downs. Have you any instructions with regard to disposal of this officer, please.’

A Colonel in ADMS 4^th Australian Division wrote to DAA & QMG 4^th Australian Division on 15 September 1916, stating ‘Reference attached. When Lieut.-Col. TILNEY was evacuated from this Division the Medical Officers concerned considered him “Unfit for Active Service” with the Division and did not consider he would become fit. If Lieut.-Col. TILNEY returns to the Division it is highly probable that he would be again evacuated as “Unfit for Service”. This was in reply to a hand-written note from the acting DAA & QMG, marked urgent, which reads ‘The G.O.E. desires your remarks please.’

A note written by Major General H V Cox commanding 4^th Australian Division to HQ 1/Anzac, dated 17 September 1916, reads: – ‘ConfidentialPlease see ADMS’ memo. of 15^th^.Lt. Colonel Tinley will not be permitted to return to this Division. I have already stated that I do not consider him at all fitted to command a Training Battn. I hope therefore that this case may be considered as a special one & that he may be sent to Australia – Perhaps a long period of leave there, say 6 months, would meet the case?’

A letter from the First Australian and New Zealand Army Corps Headquarters to Administrative Headquarters AIF in London on 21 September 1916 was received on 30 September and reads ‘Disposal of Lieut.-Colonel L.E.TILNEY, D.S.O., V.D. Reference your Ab.16848 of the 14^th. September, I am to say that the Lieutenant-General Commanding has approved of Lieutenant-Colonel TILNEY being returned to AUSTRALIA. Will you, therefore, cause the necessary arrangements to be made for his passage, and notify this office of the date of his embarkation, so that an A.I.F. Order may be issued striking him off the strength of the 13^th. Battalion. The papers regarding the matter are forwarded herewith for your information and for favour of transmission to Defence, Melbourne.’

On 11 October 1916 he reported for duty in Australia in the 5^th Military District, embarking on HT Orsova from England for duty in Australia, and he was struck off strength on that date. His appointment was terminated on 30 November 1916 in the 5^th Military District. His wife was notified of his returning on 21 October 1916.

A receipt form from Base Records to Lieutenant Colonel L E Tilney DSO VD 13^th Battalion for his DSO Warrant and Statues was eventually signed by him on 31 October 1918 after being sent to his new address of Bezant Street, Mount Lawley Perth. An application for War Service Gratuity was passed on 19 March 1919 for account number 18732. On 19 November 1918, the address for his wife was changed to Regent Street Mt Lawley Perth. He signed for two oak leaf emblems for his Mentioned in Despatches on 13 September 1920, after them being sent to him on 19 August 1920.

His name is recorded in the Commonwealth Public Service List in 1920 under Civil service. A form of commission was issued on 29 December 1922 showing Leslie was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. The 1925 Sands Directory lists Leslie at 663 Inkerman Road Caulfield. In the 1927 electoral roll they were living at “Crimea Court,” Charnwood Road St Kilda. Leslie was a traveller and Cordelia was doing home duties. Their son was also with them. In the 1928 Police Gazette, along with other charges, Harold Herbert Armstrong alias Harold Berry was ‘charged with taking and using a motor car without the consent of the owner Leslie Tilney. Fined £5, in default one month hard labour.’ The 1933 Rate Book shows that Leslie Edward Tinley was living at 15 Lysterville Avenue Malvern as an occupying tenant. The house had 7 rooms and a garage. His occupation was Commissioner. In the 1936 electoral roll they were still living at the same address, with Leslie listed as a civil servant and Cordelia and Marjorie doing home duties.

His entry in Who’s Who in Australia in the 1933-4 edition reads: ‘TILNEY, Lieut.-Col. Leslie Edward, D.S.O., V.D. (Vic.): son of George Edward Tilney; b. 1870; served Gt. War A.I.F., Lt.-Col. 1914-16, Gallipoli; despatches, D.S.O. 1914; Member Repatriation Commission; address, 680 Inkerman Rd., Caulfield, S.E.7, Vic.; club, Naval and Military (Melb.).’

Leslie was the League’s Nominee on the Repatriation Commission from 1 July 1923 to 31 October 1935.

His record of service shows he was he was a Lieutenant with the 1^st Australian Infantry Regiment from 26 November 1892 to 19 June 1900, a Captain with the same regiment from 20 June 1900 to 8 August 1909 and a Major with the same regiment from 9 August 1909 to 21 October 1912. He was then on the Unattached List as a Major from 22 October 1912 to 17 June 1918. It records in red ‘For A.I. Force Service, see detail under heading “Active Service”’ and then he was to command 11^th Battalion as Lieutenant Colonel from 1 October 1921 to 15 June 1923. He had a leave of absence from 6 June 1923 to 15 September 1923 before being transferred to the Reserve of Officers in the 3^rd Military District from 16 September 1923. Leslie was transferred to the Retired List with the Honorary rank of Colonel on 3 March 1930. For his ranks, the form lists Lieutenant 26.1.92, Captain 20.6.00, Major 9.8.09, Honorary Lieutenant Colonel 20.2.16 and then substantive Lieutenant Colonel 8.6.18 and finally Honorary Colonel 3.3.30. For Active Service he had listed Major AIF 1.10.14, Major 2^nd in Command 16^th Battalion AIF 16.12.14, Temporary Lieutenant Colonel and to Command 13^th Battalion 28.6.15, temporary rank of Lieutenant Colonel cancelled 26.8.15, Lieutenant Colonel and to Command 13^th Battalion 20.2.16 and AIF appointment terminated 30.11.16. For Orders, Decorations and Medals the following are listed: – Awarded Distinguished Service Order, Awarded Colonial Auxiliary Forces Officers Decoration and Mentioned in Despatches.

He has a couple of service records at National Archives Australia which are open but not online: – B73 M101006 TILNEY, Leslie Edward – Service Number – N/A Access status: Open Location: Melbourne 1914 – 1949 20863878 and B73 101006 TILNEY, Leslie Edward – Service Number – N/A Access status: Open Location: Melbourne 1936 – 1937 20863879.

The Repatriation Commission in Melbourne wrote to Base Records there on 10 August 1936, asking them to supply a copy of his service records.

Leslie passed away in Perth on 21 January 1937 of natural causes (heart failure) in Perth Hospital, and is buried in Karrakatta Cemetery and Crematorium in the Church of England portion, Anglican Section ZC, Section 0083.

His obituary was recorded in the Wingham Chronicle and Manning River Observer NSW on Friday 29 January 1937 in page 6: – ‘Colonel Leslie Edward Tilney. Many friends of past years oil the Manning will regret to hear of the death of Colonel Leslie Edward Tilney, for as a youth he was a man among men and in adult life these characteristics never left him. A son of the late Mr. and Mrs. George Tilney, he was born at Tinonee, and when he was old enough entered the service of the postal Department, eventually becoming one of the finest telegraphists in the State. Amongst other places where he was stationed were Bundara, Narrabri, and Young, and then his ability as a telegraphist was recognised by him being called in to head office, Sydney, where he remained for a good number of years. He enlisted for the South African war and went through that campaign at the beginning of the present century. On returning to Australia, still with the military, he went to India on exchange for experience in military matters. Returning to Australia he was appointed chief telegraphist on one of the earliest wireless stations established on this continent, situated in West Australia. His patriotic instinct impelled him to volunteer for the Great War, and there his valor — gained for him the D.S.O. He was wounded several times and invalided. He spent much of this time, during his recovery, in Scotland, and for many years after he kept up correspondence with friends he made in that country, which he considered had the finest and most hospitable people in the world. On returning to Australia, lie was appointed Deputy-chairman of the Repatriation Commission, and in this position he visited every State in the Commonwealth, where his geniality and fair dealing with the matters which came under his consideration won for him an enviable popularity and the approval of his superiors. His home was in Melbourne, but for the last seven months he suffered from heart trouble and was confined to his bed for a lot of the time. His Taree sister, Mrs. P. W. Flett, spent nine weeks in Melbourne, with a sister, and during that time she saw much of her brother, who was then in very poor health. However, he rallied and on the 29^th December he sailed in the Duntroon for West Australia on a health trip. He enjoyed the trip across immensely and appeared to be making splendid progress, but he had another attack and was forced to enter hospital, where he passed away on Thursday last, at the age of 66 years. A widow, two daughters and a son survive. Brothers and sisters of deceased who survive include the following: Mr. Leo Tilney, Sydney; Mr. Richard Tilney, Katoomba; Mr. Herbert Tilney, Sydney; Mrs. George Nowland. Manly; Mrs. Percy W. Flett, Taree, and Mrs. Homewood, Melbourne. Mr. George Nowland will be well remembered as having been on the staff of the Bank of New South Wales at Coopernook and Taree. He retired from the management of the Bank’s Wellington branch some time ago, and is now living in retirement at Manly. The late Colonel Tilney visited the Manning frequently, the last being shortly before his mother died a little over two years ago last August. He was a fine stamp of British-born Australian, and whatever he had to do he did thoroughly.’

Also, in the Riverine Herald at Echuca on Saturday 23 January 1937 in page 2 was an article: – ‘COLONEL TILNEY DEAD Fine War Record PERTH, Friday: After a long illness Colonel Leslie Edward Tilney, 66, died in Perth hospital last night. Colonel Tilney, until his retirement in 1932, after an association of nearly 50 years with the public service, was deputy chairman of the Repatriation Commission. He leaves a widow, two daughters and a son. He served in the Great War as major with the 16th Battalion. He was at the Landing, and soon after was appointed second in command at Quinn’s Post, a vital part of the Anzac defences. In the night attack on Sari Bair, on August 7, 1915, he was in temporary command of the battalion which was leading half of General Monash’s 4th Brigade. Later in the same month he was evacuated, because of sickness, and sent to England. With the rank of Lieut.-Colonel, he rejoined the battalion as its commanding officer at Moascar, in February, 1916, wearing the ribbon of the D.S.O., which he had received for his services on the peninsula. His health affected he returned to Australia in August, 1916. (Last year Colonel Tilney, accompanied by his wife and daughter, visited Echuca while on a caravaning tour, but he was taken suddenly ill and was an inmate of the District Hospital for some time. During their stay here they made many friends.)’

From https://alh-research.tripod.com/gallipoli_album/index.album/leslie-edward-tilney?i=272

He is one in a list of ex-soldiers in Western Australia whose deaths have been accepted as due to war service in the 1914-1918 war, as done by the Highgate RSL. The list was originally subsequent to 30/11/1936, but then up to and including 30/6/46. He is listed as Lieutenant Colonel Leslie Edward Tilney 13^th Battalion. His name is also located on the 16^th Australian Infantry Battalion memorial in King’s Park Perth, which gives a list of battle honours and is in ‘memory of those who served the 16^th Battalion during the Great War’. His name is in a list of ‘soldiers shown on the WA State Memorial but not listed by the Australian War Memorial’ and is recorded as ‘TINLEY Leslie Edward Died (WA): 1937.

The Argus of Melbourne on Saturday 23 January 1937 had an entry:

‘Colonel L. E. Tilney

After a long illness caused by his war service, Colonel Leslie Edward Tilney died in Perth at the age of 66 years. Colonel Tilney had a splendid war record and a long career in the public service. He was decorated with a D.S.O. for his services on Gallipoli, and later was awarded the V.D. for his work as deputy chairman of the Repatriation Commission. He was born at Tinonee (N.S.W.) In 1870, and joined the Postal Department as a probationer at the age of 15 years. When the South African War broke out he enlisted and served through the campaign. While still working in the Postal Department he retained his connection with the Army, and was appointed major in the 16th battalion in 1914. He served with distinction in Egypt, Gallipoli, and France, but his health was seriously impaired, and he was invalided home in 1916. He joined the newly formed Repatriation Department in 1918 and served on it until his retirement in 1935. He leaves a widow, two daughters, and a son. The funeral will be held to-day.’

Probate was granted on 24 May 1937 and lists his occupation as ‘Repatriation Commission’.

The West Australian of Friday 20 April 1951 had: – ‘TILNEY: On April 13, at a private hospital. Lurline Tilney. of Park Mansions, Park-street South Yarra. Melbourne, beloved wife of the late Col. Leslie Tilney and beloved mother of Lurline (deceased). Leslie (deceased), and Judy (Mrs. R.Cruttenden. 26 Reynolds-street. Cremorne, N.S.W.), loved Nanna of Robert and Nerida Newman. And Diane Cruttenden.’ She was buried on 16 April at Brighton Cemetery. She is recorded in Victoria BMD as Lurline Cardelia Beatrice Tilney with father’s name Warner and mother Dorothy (unknown).

On 2 May 1968 the Repatriation Department in Victoria wrote to Central Army Records Office in Melbourne asking them for a copy of the Officer’s Records of Service for Lieutenant Colonel Tilney, which was received by them on 6 May. They forwarded back his record on 8 May.

The gravestone reads: In memory of our beloved husband and father Leslie Edward Tilney, D.S.O. V.D. Died 21^st Jan. 1937. Aged 66 years. – Lurline beloved wife of Geo. Newman & daughter of above died 12^th June 1941 aged 41 years. Nerida loved wife of Peter Jowett daughter of Lurline 1927-93.

His medals are Distinguished Service Order, 1914-15 Star, British War Medal, Victory Medal with oak leaf, Colonial Auxiliary Forces Officers Decoration (EVIIR), hallmarked for London 1909, with brooch bar suspender. Lieut. L.E. Tilney. 21st Infantry (Sydney Battn), Volunteers Decoration. He was one of twelve Companions of the Distinguished Service Order (DSO) awarded for the 16^th Battalion AIF.

The museum just holds the one medal, which is the Colonial Auxiliary Forces Decoration (EVII).

ANZAC Biographies

BLAKE, 2nd Lieutenant Valentine

Posted April 25, 2021 by Admin

2nd Lieutenant Valentine BLAKE

Canterbury Infantry Battalion NZEF

By Ian Curtis

2^nd Lieutenant Valentine Blake

The last New Zealand officer killed at Gallipoli

(Source: anzacs.org)

Valentine Blake was born at Windsor, New South Wales on 7 October 1887, the son of Vincent Blake and Kathleen (née Hunter). Soon after his birth the family moved to New Zealand where Vincent worked as draughtsman for the Commissioner of Crown Lands in Gisborne. Valentine was a foundation student at Sacred Heart College in Auckland, 1903-1904. Originally located at Richmond Road in Ponsonby, Auckland, Sacred Heart College was officially opened on Sunday 21 June 1903 as a day and boarding school. As the first school owned by the Marist Brothers in New Zealand, the College grew quickly and boarding facilities soon became stretched. Consequently, land was acquired in Glendowie in Auckland’s Eastern Suburbs, to build a new school. The re-sited Sacred Heart College was opened on 5 June 1955 with a roll of 250 students.ⁱ

Valentine represented Sacred Heart College in the 1^st X1 Cricket and 1^st XV Rugby teamsⁱⁱ. He was an outstanding cricketer and it is believed that if he had concentrated on cricket, he would have represented New Zealand. In addition to his sporting prowess, he was the top student in science.

On leaving secondary school after passing the Junior and Senior Civil Service and Matriculation examinations, Valentine studied at Victoria College, Wellington. After finishing his education, he was in charge of the Wellington Astronomical Observatory.ⁱⁱⁱ He became a licensed surveyor under the New Zealand Institute of Surveyors and Board of Examination Act, and was employed by the New Zealand government.

Valentine joined D Battery New Zealand Field Artillery and served for 4½ years before he left the battery to take up duties as a staff surveyor. He later joined the 5^th (Wellington) Regiment. He undertook his first appointment to commissioned rank in February 1915, and passed the exams successfully.

Valentine enlisted in the New Zealand Expeditionary Force on 15 March 1915 as a sergeant. He gave his address as Windsor Hotel, Wellington. Next of kin was his father, Vincent Blake, who worked as a draftsman in the Land Transfer Survey office, Gisborne. Valentine stood 5 feet 9 inches (1.79m), weighed 10 stone 10 pounds (64.13kg), fair complexion, brown eyes and brown hair. His stated religion was Roman Catholic. Regimental number 6/2832.

Valentine undertook his pre-embarkation training at Trentham Camp, Upper Hutt and was appointed to 6^th Reinforcements, B (Canterbury) Company. He quickly showed his leadership potential and was recommended for a commission by Colonel Robert Ward Tate^iv commanding officer Wellington Military District, on 28 June 1915. Colonel Tate wrote a glowing reference which included a note on Valentine’s expert knowledge of map reading and topography. Valentine was appointed 2^nd Lieutenant on 31 July 1915 thus filling a vacancy.

On 14 August 1915, the 6^th Reinforcements departed New Zealand aboard HMNZT 27 Willochra and arrived in Egypt on 19 September. 1915. During the voyage, many officers and men provided articles and produced two editions of a magazine published at sea on 28 August and 11 September.

When Valentine and the other members of the 6^th Reinforcements arrived at Mudros, they were taken on strength of the battalion on 30 September 1915. The battalion had been withdrawn from Gallipoli for rest and training. During this time the strength of the battalion began to mount with the arrival of the 6^th and 7^th Reinforcements providing an additional four officers and 254 other ranks. By the end of October, the battalion strength had reached 21 officers and 604 other ranks. This number included men who had returned from hospital and those from a detail which had been left at Anzac Cove when the battalion was relieved.

It had been intended that the brigade would return to Gallipoli at the end of October, but due to unfavourable weather it could not embark on HMT Osmanieh until 7am, 8 November. The battalion arrived on Gallipoli at 6:30pm and bivouacked for the night in a gully off Chaliak Dere, below Durrant’s Post. The following day, the battalion commenced taking over from the 27^th Battalion AIF, who were holding the Upper Cheshire Ridge trench.^v

The inactivity of the enemy during the month of November allowed the battalion to work on developing deeper shelters and trenches, necessary because of the possibility that the enemy might bring up heavier artillery. However, on 22 and 28 November, the Turks sent out small parties to undertake recognisance to establish whether the trenches were being held in strength. Late in the month the weather broke with heavy rainfall and snow which made progress in the trenches difficult.

Unbeknown to troops on the Peninsula, planning for the withdrawal from Gallipoli was underway. The Canterbury Battalion continued to develop their trenches and to run out wire in front of some of the trenches. On 9 December 1915, 2^nd Lieutenant Valentine Blake became the last member of the battalion to be killed at Gallipoli.

‘On 9 December our artillery carried out a bombardment of the Pinnacle. The Turks naturally retaliated, and at dusk one of our new officers, Lieutenant Blake was killed by a sudden volley.’ ^vi

He was buried originally in the Apex Burial Ground on 9 December. His body was exhumed after the war and re-buried in Embarkation Pier Cemetery.

Later in the month, the battalion withdrew, the rear party joining the remainder of the battalion at a camp near Mudros on the afternoon of 20 December. Most of the battalion spent Christmas there.

On 18 December 1915, the Dominion newspaper reported, “Lieutenant Blake, Canterbury Battalion, reported killed in action, was a son of Mr V Blake, of the Gisborne Land and Survey Office. Lieutenant Blake was a surveyor, and was engaged in survey work in the Auckland Province when he enlisted. He left New Zealand with the 6^th Reinforcements, receiving a commission just prior to the departure of the troops.”

The Headstone of 2^nd Lieutenant Valentine Blake in the Embarkation Pier Cemetery, which states:

Believed to be buried in this Cemetery

6/2832 Second Lieut V Blake

NZ Canterbury Regiment

9 December 1915 Age 28

Their glory shall not be blotted out

(Source; New Zealand War Grave Project)

After the war, Valentine’s parchment Commission, Memorial Plaque and Scroll were mailed to his father c/- Lands and Survey Department, Napier. In memory of Valentine, who was a founding pupil at Sacred Heart College, the Year 11 Science Prize was given each year in his honour. In 2015, a number of the students made a pilgrimage to his grave at Embarkation Pier Cemetery.

2^nd Lieutenant Valentine Blake is remembered on the Sacred Heart College Roll of Honour, Victoria University College Roll of Honour, Auckland War Memorial Museum World War I Hall of Memories and the Australian War Memorial on the Commemoration Roll.

Auckland War Memorial, World War I Hall of Honours

(Source: aucklandmuseum.com)

1914-15 Star (unnamed original medal), British War Medal and Victory Medal

Gallipoli Medallion

Valentine Blake’s personal whistle. His initials are engraved in gold on the reverse side and a horseshoe is engraved in gold on the obverse side.

Kit Bag

Pocket Knife

2^nd Lieutenant Valentine Blake’s 1914-15 Star (unnamed original), British War Medal, Victory Medal and Gallipoli Medallion, whistle, kit bag and pocket knife – are all proudly on display at the Maryborough Military & Colonial Museum.

Lest we Forget

Endnotes

i Sacredheart.school.nz

ii Two of the school’s students were Sean Fitzpatrick New Zealand All Blacks captain and Greg Davis Australian Wallabies Captain.

iii Trademe.co.nz

iv Colonel Robert Ward Tate CMG, CBE, VD was the Adjutant General for New Zealand in World War 1 and the first Civil Administrator of Samoa from 28 January 1919 to 16 March 1923

v The History of the Canterbury Regiment, page 72

vi Malthus page 143

References

Nzetc.victoria.ac.nz – The History of the Canterbury Regiment NZEF 1914 – 1919

www.aucklandmuseum.com

www.awm.gov.au

www.paperspast.norlib.govt.nz

nzhistory.govt.nz

ancestry.com

nzwargraves.org,nz

Malthus C, Anzac – a Retrospect

Dominion newspaper 18 December 1915, page 5

NZ Medals Ltd – Medal Mounting & Restoration, Face Book page

The Magazine of the 6th Reinforcements, New Zealand Expedition Force, published at sea, 28 August and 11 September 1915

Archives New Zealand, AABK 18805 W5520 0015519 Valentine Blake

ANZAC Biographies

ARTHUR, 5 Sergeant Percy Acrill

Posted March 6, 2021 by Admin

5 Sergeant Percy Acrill ARTHUR

26^th Battalion AIF

by Robert Simpson

October 2021

883406

P.A. Arthur, one of the soldiers photographed on p. 27 of The Queenslander Pictorial, supplement to the Queenslander, 5 June, 1915. From State Library of Queensland.

Percy Acrill Arthur was born in Maryborough on 17 July 1895, the second child and son to John Acrill Arthur and Ellen Blonk Seastron and was one of eight children in the family. John had been born in 1865 in Old Brampton, Derbyshire to George and Elizabeth Arthur. George was a farmer. John was baptised on 24 December 1865 in Saint Peter Church, Brampton. They moved to Sheffield before the 1871 census, and George was a Coachman. By the 1881 census George was a gardener (domestic servant) and Elizabeth was a dressmaker. At the age of 15, John was an errand boy, but was unemployed. In the 1891 census, George was a jobbing gardener (domestic), Elizabeth was still a dressmaker and John was a blacksmith. In early 1892 he married Ellen Blonk Seastron. Ellen had been born in 1871 in Sheffield. In the 1881 census, her father, William Seastron was a retired ‘table knife hafter’ at the age of 43 and her mother Emma had no occupation. By the 1891 census, just all the children were listed, with Ellen a dressmaker. Their parents had died in 1884 and 1885.

The above picture of John Acrill Arthur is from a book done on the history of the Arthur family which says ‘photo possibly taken between 1881 and 1891’. The uniform is of the Royal Dragoon Guards but no military records have been sourced to confirm any details.

John and Ellen departed London on Oroya on 23 September 1892, bound for Sydney. They were listed as Mr J (27) and Mrs Arthur (21) and he had nil written in the occupation column. The 1912 electoral roll shows them living at Tooley Street and John was a fisherman. (Family records state he was working as a blacksmith at Walkers though). John passed away on 14 December 1912 in Maryborough and was buried in the Maryborough Cemetery on the next day in Monumental L plot 894. The funeral director was Kirk & Son, with Reverend H Harris officiating. John had been suffering back pain, was ill and unable to work and had gone into his room, got his rifle and shot himself. An inquest mentioned he was a ‘heavy drinker’. The Maryborough Chronicle of Friday 20 December 1912 had a lengthy article on the shooting, and included that Ellen had called Percy who went to get a friend and when they returned heard a gunshot. His father was dead in the bedroom. The paper noted that Percy was 17, an apprenticed blacksmith at Walkers. As a widow, Ellen made men’s dress shirts for Stuparts store. She was an active worker for the Red Cross during the two world wars, mainly knitting and sewing and was a member of the Women’s Auxiliary RSSALIA.

They migrated over to Australia on the Oroya, for their honeymoon.

After his death, Ellen married George William Nunn on 20 May 1924 (in Maryborough?). George had been born in Maryborough in 1883 (according to his service record, no birth record can be found) and had served in the AIF in WW1 as 21146 Driver with 35^th Battery 9^th Field Artillery Brigade, enlisting on 29 November 1915. He was a boilermaker. During the war he was wounded. He returned to Australia in May 1919 and was then admitted to hospital with VD, before being discharged in September. George was entitled to the British War and Victory medals. They lived in Eva Street and George was a labourer. George died on 24 September 1957 in Maryborough. Ellen died on 7 February 1961 at 134 Churchill Street Maryborough. They are buried together in the Maryborough Cemetery in Monumental O plot 119.

Grave picture and picture of Private 21146 George William Nunn.

John and Ellen’s first son, John Blonk Arthur was born in Maryborough on 20 December 1892. He married Florence Hilda Godfrey (born 1896) on 04 December 1915 in Queensland. In the 1916 electoral roll they were living at Tooley St and he was a painter. By the 1925 census they had moved to Woodstock Street. In the 1943 roll they were residing at 214 Tooley Street and John was still a painter. A son said John found it hard to get a job in the depression and he was a master painter, working for Rogers and Comber, painting contractors. Two of their sons served in WW2. John Robert (Jack) Arthur (1916-1994) enlisted as Q25286 in August 1940 and was discharged on 7 August 1945 as a Sergeant with the 47^th Battalion. Mervyn George Arthur (1920-2009) enlisted in May 1941 as Q105928 Private in the 47th Battalion and, on his request, was discharged on 1 November 1944 as a Gunner with the 6 AA Heavy Battery. His service records are available to view online.

214 Tooley Street.

John Robert Arthur and Mervyn George Arthur.

Their details were the same for the 1954 roll. Florence died on 27 September 1971. In the 1972 roll, John was living at 26 Waterson Street and had retired. John Blonk Arthur died on 2 November 1977 in Wahroonga Nursing Home Maryborough. He was buried in Maryborough Cemetery on 4 November in Garden of Rest vii plot 1755, with Florence in plot 1754.

George William Arthur was born on 28 July 1897 in Tooley Street Maryborough. He enlisted on 27 October 1915 as Private 257 with the 42^nd Battalion B Company. He was a baker and had been apprenticed to PC Miller and Sons Maryborough for 3 years. Ellen Arthur of Eva Street was listed as his next of kin. George had 7 years with the cadets or militia in Maryborough and Citizens Forces 4^th Infantry. He was 18 years and 2 months old, height 5-foot 9½ inches, weighed 125 pounds, had a chest measurement of 32 to 35 inches, and had a fair complexion with hazel eyes and brown hair. His religious denomination was Church of England. For distinctive marks he had a tattoo on his left forearm, a scar on his forehead and a mole on his right scapula. Eyesight was 6/6. He embarked from Australia on 5 June 1916. In October 1916 he went AWOL while in England and was awarded 10 days field punishment No 2 and lost 13 days’ pay. When he got to France, he spent a bit of time going sick to hospitals before getting a severe gunshot wound to the foot in June 1917, which was self-inflicted (negligence). After being sent to England he committed more offences before being sent back to France in January 1918. He was subject to a Court Martial in April 1918, for which he was found guilty and had to forfeit 1 days’ pay. The statement from the Commanding Officer about George, in his service records, is less than flattering. In June 1918 he received a gunshot wound to the right arm and was sent to hospital and then to England. He returned to Australia in September 1918 and was discharged in the 1^st Military District on 31 December 1918. George was entitled to the British War and Victory medals.

George William Arthur.

In the 1919 electoral roll George was living at Eva Street with his mother and was a baker. On 14 May 1921 he married Elsie Bertha Begick (born 6 June 1900 in Maryborough). By the 1931 electoral roll they were living at Iindah road Tinana and he was still a baker and she was doing home duties. By the 1934 roll they had moved to Gayndah Road Maryborough and he had changed occupations to a labourer. Their details were the same for the 1937 roll. George had changed occupation again by the 1949 roll to fettler, and they had moved to Muan, Gayndah Line, Biggenden. In the 1958 roll they were living in Eidsvold and George was a railway ganger. The 1963 roll shows them living in 17 Pilot St Urangan and George had retired. They were living with Josephine Ann Arthur who was doing home duties. George died on 4 May 1968 in Maryborough. His last address was recorded as 17 Pier Street, Urangan. Elsie died in September 1971 (last address 42 Zephyr Street, Scarness) and is buried in the Maryborough Cemetery in Garden of Rest vii in Plot 1171 with George.

Dorothy Emily Arthur was born on 1 July 1889 in Queensland. On 30 March 1918 she married William Henry Henningsen in Queensland. William had been born in Maryborough in 1895. He enlisted in August 1914 in Maryborough as Private 335 with the 9^th Battalion AIF. William had previous service with the 4^th Infantry and was described as being 19 years and 3 months old, 5 foot 8 ½ inches tall, weighing 140 pounds, a chest measurement of 31 ½ to 34 ½ inches and had a dark complexion with grey hair and brown eyes. His religious denomination was Church of England. He was discharged on the same day. In the 1925 electoral roll they were living at 19 Constance Street Fortitude Valley, with William listed as a painter and Dorothy doing home duties. In the 1943 roll they were living at 26 James Street Valley with the same occupations. She passed away on 12 September 1947 and is buried in Toowong Cemetery Brisbane in plot 20-39-9. William passed away on 7 July 1950, was buried with Dorothy and also has a memorial at Lutwyche Cemetery at ANZAC – 8-4-66.

Dorothy Emily Arthur

Dorothy Emily Arthur.

Edward Seastron Arthur was born on 11 July 1901 in Maryborough. He married Gladys Vivian Goodwin on 25 May 1923 in Maryborough. Gladys had been born on 15 October 1902 in Queensland. By the 1925 roll they were living at Victoria Street Mackay, with Edward a mercer and Gladys doing home duties. Her name is listed in the Police Gazette Index in 1925, but the actual record is not online. In the 1930 electoral roll Edward was at the Prince of Wales Hotel in Mackay and his occupation was listed as mercer (a merchant or trader, more specifically a merchant who deals in textiles). Their relationship broke down and he is found later in documents with Millie Louisa Bell. He died on 1 July 1940 and is buried in Norman Gardens, North Rockhampton Cemetery in Church of England Sec 2 Row 10 Grave No 1713. Gladys died on 30 July 1963 in Queensland.

Nellie Gertrude Arthur was born on 8 Aug 1904 in Maryborough. She married Andrew Gory Puller (born 19 April 1902 in Queensland) on 10 August 1923 in Queensland. In the 1925 electoral roll they were living in Ann Street and Andrew was a carter. The 1937 electoral roll shows them living at 86 Lennox St Maryborough, he was a carter and she was doing home duties. By the 1943 roll they were living at 46 Richmond Lane and Andrew was a labourer. In the 1958 roll they had moved to 38 Richmond Lane. The same details were recorded in the 1977 and 1980 rolls. Andrew died on 24 January 1986 and his ashes are in the Maryborough Crematorium in Courtyard Wall 1. Nellie passed away on 15 June 1994 and her ashes are in the same place.

Ethel Beatrice Arthur was born on 1 October 1906 in Maryborough. She married William George Schmidt on 19 November 1927 in Maryborough (according to Queensland Birth, Marriages and Deaths). In the 1927, 1928 and 1936 electoral rolls she was living at Iindah Road Tinana doing home duties, with Walter George Schmidt, a farmer (Looks like Walter should be his first name). Ethel died on 21 March 1941 in Brisbane and is buried in Maryborough Cemetery in Monumental K 627/3. After her death Walter moved and by the 1958 roll was a labourer, living at 32 Campbell Street Baddow. By the 1968 roll he had moved to Bundaberg and was a farm hand at 28 Johnson Street. According to other family trees he died in Bundaberg on 5 November 1979 and is buried in Bundaberg Cemetery, Location: Gen-A7A Grave No: A2478.

Ethel Schmidt grave.

Margaret Jean Arthur was born on 20 July 1910 in Queensland. The 1931 electoral roll shows her living at Eva Street Maryborough and she was a waitress. She passed away on 10 June 1933 and was buried in the Maryborough Cemetery on 11 June 1933 in Monumental L plot 894, with her father. Kirk & Sons did her funeral, with Reverend J Elliott officiating. Her last address is recorded as Eva Street Maryborough.

Enid Mary Arthur was born on 30 April 1914. Her birth record only lists her mother. She married Geoffrey Thomas Murray (1917-1983) on 12 April 1941. Geoffrey served in WW2 as Sergeant Q24865 in the 47^th Battalion AIF, enlisting on 27 November 1941 and being discharged on 17 December 1945. Enid died on 1 April 1989 at 134 Churchill Street Maryborough and is buried in the Maryborough Cemetery with Geoffrey in section Monumental O, plot 486. Geoffrey died on 24 February 1983.

Percy enlisted on 1 May 1915 with the 26^th Battalion AIF and was made a Private with the service number 5. The 26^th Battalion was raised at Enoggera in April 1915. His service record has a big blue 15 written over that, with a stamped date 11 September 1918 and another number A124337 written above that. He stated that he was born in Maryborough and was a Natural Born British subject of 19 9/12 years. He was a blacksmith and had been apprenticed to Walkers Ltd in Maryborough for 5 years. Percy was not married and his next of kin was his mother Ellen B Arthur of Tooley Street Maryborough. He had no convictions or discharges and had served with 4^th Battalion Senior Cadets for 2 years and the 1^st Engineers 1 year. Underneath that is written ‘now exempt, residing outside’. He had never been rejected as unfit for service. He took the oath on the same day in Toowoomba as witnessed by 2^nd Lieutenant Chas P Wallin.

His description was age 19 years and 9 months, height 5 foot 6 inches, weight 10 stone, chest measurement 33 to 35 inches, and had a fair complexion with grey eyes and fair hair. His religious denomination was Church of England. For distinctive marks he had an operation scar on the outside of the right knee. Percy was considered fit to serve on the same day. He was appointed to No. 5 Section, No.2 Platoon, A Company 26 Battalion AIF on 23 May 1915 at Enoggera.

In the embarkation roll, he is recorded as 5 Private Percy Aceill Arthur, in error, a 19-year-old blacksmith of Eva Street Maryborough. He was with A Company 26^th Battalion who embarked on HMAT A11 Ascanius at Brisbane on 24 May 1915. He was single and his next of kin was his mother, with the same address details as recorded in his service records. He was keeping pay of 3 shillings a day, sending 2 shillings a day to Australia and 1 shilling a day was deferred. His service record states he embarked at Tasmania ‘of Queensland’ on HMAT Ascanius on 24 May 1915, which is obviously an error, as A and B Companies left on A11 as above. More men arrived from Tasmania after they left and they embarked on HMTS Aeneas on 28 June, leaving on 29 June. Nothing else is recorded in the 26 Battalion war diary until August 1915. HMAT Ascanius arrived in Egypt on 30 June 1915. The battalion trained in Egypt and landed on Gallipoli on 12 September 1915 from SS Abbassieh. They were involved in just defensive roles, acting as a reserve Battalion for the Division, and at times were responsible for the defence of Courtney’s and Steele’s Posts, and Russell’s Top.

Percy was part of the 25-man squad that was sent to Imbros for guard duty during October 1915, under Lieutenant Gustav Herbert Schemalleck. All 25 men were from the No. 2 Platoon A Company, and were tasked with guarding GHQ, the canteen and the airfield. Lieutenant Schemalleck is mentioned in Sir Ian Hamilton’s diary as having had lunch with the C in C on 3 October 1915 at Imbros.

The battalion withdrew from Gallipoli on 12 December. On 11 November 1915 Percy was to be a Lance Corporal “Temporarily” and on 11 March 1916 he was to be a Corporal. The battalion moved to France in March 1916 and was part of the first trench raid undertaken by Australian troops on the Western Front on 6 June. They were also involved in actions around Pozieres in late July, early August.

Percy was to be a Sergeant (one record says temporarily) on 30 July 1916 ‘vice 34 Clegg A.H. Killed, France.’

On 5 August 1916 Percy was wounded in action in France. He was admitted to 26^th General Hospital with a gunshot wound to the arm, classed as mild. On 13 August embarked per HS Dieppe at Calais for England with a gunshot wound to the forearm and then he was admitted to 1/5^th Northern General Hospital in Leicester, with what they record as a ‘GSW LEFT BUTTOCK ( Slight )’. Another record states it was a gunshot wound to the left arm. A line in his records states on 19 August 1916 ‘Evacuated wounded reverts to rank of Cpl.’

He was marched into No 3 Commonwealth Depot at Weymouth from Southall on 13 October 1916. On 21 October 1916 he was reprimanded and forfeited 7 days’ pay ‘under R.W.’ for going AWOL at Bovington Camp from 4pm 13 October to 7pm 19 October 1916. Percy was also reprimanded by Major C R Lowe.

Percy proceeded overseas to France from Folkestone on HT Princess Clementine on 12 January 1917 and on 18 January he re-joined his unit. The 26^th Battalion was involved in attacks at Warlencourt on 1-2 March. On 2 March 1917 Percy was wounded in action for a second occasion. On 6 March 1917 he embarked on HS St David from Rouen for England with ‘SW.L.Calf.Rt.Heel.’ He was admitted to 2^nd Birmingham War Hospital on 7 March with a gunshot wound to the calf and right heel. On 28 May 1917 he was transferred from there to 3^rd Auxiliary Hospital with his wound described as a gunshot wound to the left and right calf and right foot.

He proceeded overseas to France from the Overseas Training Depot at Perham Downs, via Southampton on 30 July 1917 and re-joined his battalion on 17 August 1917. In Belgium, the battalion fought in the battle of Menin Road on 20 September, and participated in the capture of Broodseinde Ridge on 4 October.

On 27 February 1918; as a part of 7^th Australian Brigade, 2^nd Australian Division, Australian Corps; 5 Sergeant Percy Acrill Arthur 26^th Battalion was recommended for a Military Medal by Lieutenant Colonel Reginald John Albert Travers.

The citation reads ‘BRAVERY AND DEVOTION TO DUTY. This NCO Commanded a platoon in the attack on ZONNEBEKE on 4/10/17. Although subjected to very heavy shell fire while on the jumping off line this NCO showed great coolness and held his platoon together splendidly. On gaining objective owing to casualties in officers he did excellent work in re-organising the Company and consolidating the objective gained. He has always set a fine example to the men by his Coolness, Courage and Devotion to Duty.’ Nothing else is mentioned in his service records, so it is assumed the recommendation did not progress any further.

From the Australian War Memorial E01084 ‘The 26th Battalion returning from the line along the duckboard track between Zonnebeke and Westhoek Ridge, in the Ypres sector. The Butte de Polygon can be seen on the right.

Percy was detached and proceeded to AIF Headquarters London on duty on 1 March 1918. On 19 March 1918 he re-joined the battalion ‘from Op detachment to Adm. Hdqrs London’. Percy was wounded in action for a third occasion on 12 June 1918, with the record stating he was a Sergeant at the time. On 15 June he was admitted to L of C Hospital from “FM unit wnded (Sgt)’. While in hospital he wrote a note for the Red Cross on the killing of Private 1693 William David Lynch 26^th Battalion which reads: ‘Kl Oct 6^th 1917. Dets. He was in my platoon No II of A.Co. and on Oct 6^th about 10 or 11 p.m. we were holding the position just in front of Zonnebeke when a shell landed close to us, hitting him on the back of thehead. I was close to him and saw him killed instantly. About three yards away from the trench was a shell hole where, owing to the enemy barrage, we decided to bury him at once. Two of my men buried him and as Sergeant I was standing by. All we could do was to mark the place with a stick and piece of paper with name on. I took all his books and papers and sent them to Hqrs. Was a short thick-set man, clean shaved, aged about 23, medium complexion, – home address Campbell Street, Bowen Hills, Brisbane. I got this address from his pocket and intended writing to his mother but have never had time. Inf: Sgt P.A.Arthur 5. A.Co. No. 13 Gen.Hosp. BOULOGNE 18.6.1918.’

He was discharged to Base Depot on 22 July 1918 ‘from LOC Hospl, ex Wnd.’ While away from the battalion, the 26^th Battalion captured the first German tank to fall into Allied hands – No. 506 Mephisto on 14 July at Monument Wood. On 18 August 1918 he re-joined his battalion. Percy was again wounded for the fourth time on 2 September 1918 and was admitted to L of C Hospital on the next day. This was during an attack east of Mont St Quentin. On 4 September he was invalided to the UK as wounded and on 5 September Percy was admitted to Military Hospital Boscombe with a bullet wound to the left hand. He was discharged from hospital on 16 October 1918 to furlough and reported to L’moor Camp.

His mother, as next of kin, was sent letters on him being wounded and in hospital on 4 September 1916, 12 September 1916, 21 March 1917 and 28 June 1918. Copies of the letters are not in his service records.

Percy returned to Australia on 28 May 1919 on Port Macquarie. His mother was notified of his return on 17 April 1919. The nominal roll records his return as 28 March 1919 (obviously an error) and enlistment as 1 May 1915. It also has his rank as Private. He was discharged on 27 July 1919 in the 1^st Military District.

A file for him is at NAA Queensland under ARTHUR, Percy Acrill – Service Number – 5 [File Cover Only] J26 M21859. The date range is 1919 – 1922. Presumably it is his medical file, which was then sent to NSW.

In the 1919 electoral roll for Toowoomba, Percy was recorded as ‘care of Fredlien, Gowrie rd.’ and was a blacksmith. Percy is listed on the Toowoomba Railway Roll of Honour Board 1914-1919, which included 559 names. He is listed under the name Arthur PN.

Mr P A Arthur embarked on Orsova at Sydney in 3^rd Class, arriving at London on 6 November 1920. He was listed as a 25-year-old blacksmith and intended to return to Australia to live there permanently.

On 1 January 1921 Percy Acrill Arthur, a 25-year-old bachelor, married Ivy Maude Boyden, a 20-year-old spinster at Christ Church North Brixton, in the Parish of Lambeth in the County of London according to the Rites and Ceremonies of the Established Church. He was recorded as a blacksmith and she had no occupation. Both were residing at 44 St Lawrence St SW9 at the time. Fathers were listed as John Acrill Arthur (deceased), a blacksmith and John William Boyden, an army pensioner. Banns had been previously called on Sunday 5 December, 12 December and 19 December 1920. Ivy had been born on 26 June 1900 in Floriana Malta.

Ivy’s parents were John William and Annie Gertrude Boyden. John served in WW1 as SSM, Acting RSM in the Army Service Corps, service number S2/SR/04402. He had home service only and was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal. Previously he had served in the Army Service Corps as Staff Sergeant Major 5144, as recorded in a Royal Hospital Chelsea admission form, which was dated 31 December 1908 and a discharge date of 7 January (presumably 1909). One of her brothers, George Frederick Boyden served in WW1, enlisting on 19 November 1914 with the 6^th (Reserve) London Brigade RFA as Driver 955763. George was appointed Lance Bombardier, then promoted to Bombardier and then to Corporal before discharge in 1919. He was awarded the Military Medal in WW1, with the 1914-15 Star, British War and Victory Medals.

They both departed London on Commonwealth and arrived in Sydney on 4 July 1921.

Percy and Ivy had two boys. Acril Idress Boyden Arthur was born on 17 October 1921 in Hamilton NSW (23 Elcho Street). He married Maud Elizabeth Emma Anderson on 22 January 1944. Marine engineer was his occupation. Acril died on 10 January 1967. He had been living at 96 Menangle Road Camden. Alroy Clyde Bowden Arthur was born on 23 March 1925 in Adamstown. He married Christina Lucy Bolton (1926-1997) before 1947. Alroy served in WW2, enlisting as 444316 in the RAAF on 12 February 1944 and being discharged on 22 August 1947 as a Leading Aircraftman with ‘EAHQ TD&R ARCH’. His service record is open but not yet online. He died on 10 September 1994. Alroy and Christina had three children, one of whom was Desmond Clyde Arthur, born 12 February 1947 in Cairns. He served in the Vietnam War as Private 1733261 in the 4^th Battalion, The Royal Australian Regiment from 21 May 1968 to 3 December 1968. He died in December 2005.

By the 1930 electoral roll Percy and Ivy were living at Joan Street Adamstown in Newcastle, and Percy was a blacksmith with Ivy doing home duties. The same details were recorded in the 1932 roll. In the 1934 roll, the division name had changed, but their details were all the same. The same details were in the 1935, 1936 and 1937 rolls. There was no change during WW2 as recorded in the 1943 roll. By the 1963 roll, they had moved to 587 Glebe Road Adamstown and Percy had a change of occupation to tool smith. The same details were recorded in the 1968 roll.

587 Glebe Road Adamstown.

Base Records sent files of the service records of Percy on 21 October 1937 to the Repatriation commission in Sydney after their request on 14 October asking for them, but it noted that AF B103 was not available.

On 23 March 1967 Percy wrote to the ‘Secretary Dept of the Army Dear Sir, I hereby make an application for the medallion to be issued to members who served on Gallipoli during 1915. No. 5 P.A. ARTHUR. SGT on discharge. 26 Battalion AIF. Served on Gallipoli Sept to Dec 1915. Enlisted at Toowoomba Qld 1915 Discharged at Maryborough Qld 1919 At present living at 587 Glebe Rd. Adamstown NSW. Yours faithfully Percy A Arthur. Register No. U.407 Dis No. 148094’. It was received by the Army Registry in Canberra on 29 March 1967.

Central Army Records Office in Melbourne sent Percy a letter on 10 April 1967, advising him that ‘In reference to your application for the Gallipoli Medallion and Lapel badge, it is regretted that no record is held at this Office of your Service in Gallipoli. It would assist in establishing your eligibility if you could complete the attached Statutory Declaration before one of the persons listed in Note 2 at the foot of the Declaration, and return it to this office promptly.’

Meanwhile, Percy also wrote a letter to ‘The Officer in Charge, Army Records Section A Block Albert Park Barracks’ again applying for the Gallipoli medallion, giving all the details he put in his first letter and also including ‘4 years 66 days active service’. He sent the letter to them, as he explained ‘My first action on this matter was that I had to make an application to the Secretary of the Army Canberra, which I did, & I don’t know if my application was sent on to you or not so really this is a duplicate request.’

Percy filled out the Statutory Declaration on 13 April stating ‘I, Percy Acrill Arthur, 587 Glebe Rd. Adamstown NSW Retired do solemnly and sincerely declare that I served in the Gallipoli Campaign as a member of the Australian Forces, and that the following particulars of my service there are correct to the best of my knowledge: a. Name of ship from which I landed at Gallipoli (was not stated) b. Date of landing at Gallipoli 12^th Sept 1915. c. Unit or units I served with on Gallipoli 26^th Btn. d. Name of ship on which I left Gallipoli Abbassia e. Date of my departure from Gallipoli mid Dec 1915 f. My commanding officer at this time was Coy Commander Major McDunold or O’Donald. Batn Commander I believe LtCol Ferguson was still in charge.’ Percy declared that the statements were true and correct and were declared at Hamilton on 13 April and witnessed by T Fitzgerald JP.

Also on 13 April 1967, Percy wrote a letter to Central Army Records Office stating ‘Further to my claim regards my entitlement claim for the medallion etc. for those who served on Gallipoli, I wish to state that I left Alexandria near the end of August 1915 on the Troopship Northland, when we got near Lemnos Island I was transferred to a smaller Vessel & taken to Gallipoli, landed there 12^th Sept 1915 After I left Gallipoli about the middle of Dec 15 on the S.S. “Abbasia” (probably SS Abbassia) which took me to Lemnos Island, after some days there I embarked on S.S. “Horroato” (probably HMAT A20 Hororata) which took me back to Egypt. Trusting by this you have found further records of my claim’. The letter was also signed by a JP.

The Gallipoli Legion Club of Beaumont Street Hamilton NSW wrote to the Officer in Charge of Army Records in Melbourne on 23 April 1968 asking ‘Re: Percy Acrill ARTHUR Regimental No. 5, Date of Attestation 1^st. May, 1915. Date of Discharge 27^th. May, 1919. 26^th Batt. A.I.F. Would you please advise whether Mr. Arthur served at Gallipoli. Yours faithfully, H. C. LAWRENCE Secretary/Manager.’ Their reply written on 1 May 1968 listed his full name and service details and said ‘According to records held at this office, the abovenamed served at Gallipoli during the 1914/18 war.

Percy Acrill Arthur passed away in January 1972 in Adamstown Newcastle, and was cremated on 11 January 1972. His ashes are located in Newcastle Memorial Park in the section Loggia 12/2 N/10.

Percy’s ashes are beside his wife, Ivy, who died on 29 November 1992 and son Acril Idris Arthur.

His medals are 1914-15 Star, British War and Victory Medals, and Gallipoli Medallion. It was awarded in 1967 to recognise 50 years since the campaign.

Percy is also remembered on the memorial roll of honour for Queensland Railways Toowoomba employees 1914-1919. The names of 559 rail workers who fought in World War I are listed on the memorial at Toowoomba Railway Station. This memorial is heritage-listed and is recognised as one of Australia’s significant war memorials. The board was designed by a railway architect and built at the Ipswich railway workshops and unveiled in April 1918. He is in the middle section, in the 4^th column below 1919, 12^th from the top, as Arthur P.N. (in error).

Picture of Percy during the war as a Sergeant. Note 1914-15 Star ribbon and 4 wound stripes.

With thanks to Jay D’Souza for supplying information on Percy and A Company, 26^th Battalion, as recorded in Trove: https://trove.nla.gov.au/list/136892

Also from https://thebottomdrawerbook.com.au/2022/04/24/toowoombas-intriguing-railwaymen-honour-board/?unapproved=307&moderation-hash=d04b3a6f3fa1e1126b95697309e401e5#comment-307

HUMBERSTONE, 1293 Sergeant Richard Nicholas DCM MiDCC

Posted February 6, 2021 by Admin

1293 Sergeant Richard Nicholas HUMBERSTONE DCM MiDCC

3^rd Battalion AIF

By Robert Simpson

The only known picture of Richard.

Richard Humberstone was born in Winchester, Hampshire, England, according to his World War 1 Australian service record. His age at enlisting was given as 39, meaning he was born about 1875. Other records give other ages and a British birth record cannot be identified, certainly none with that middle name. His middle name only appears in some documents later on. There is only one Richard Humberstone born in England from 1850 to 1890 (searching Free BMD), but he was born in the district Pancras St.

There is an entry in the new South Wales Government Gazette of September-October 1890 for number ‘490 Humberstone R. N., North Shore’. It is in a list of letters returned from branch and suburban offices and now lying at the General Post Office unclaimed. Is it related to him?

The medal roll for the Queen’s South Africa medal for the Duke of Edinburgh’s Own Volunteer Rifles has an entry for 2424 Lance Corporal R M Humberstone. It appears the medal was issued on 25 November 1910 and a replacement issued on 26 October 1915. He was entitled to a clasp of Cape Colony. He is also on the medal roll for the King’s South Africa Medal, a 2424 Private R Humberston, with the clasps South Africa 1901 and South Africa 1902. It also stated his service was from 27 February 1900 to 31 May 1902. The medal was originally issued in 1910 and a replacement and clasps were issued in 1915.

The Recipients of the Natal 1906 Medal has an entry for Trooper R Humberstone, with the Natal Carbineers.

There are a few shipping records for an R M Humberstone. A record for an emigration in 1900 to Sydney shows he was 48 years old (estimated birth year 1852) and on 9 June 1907 another emigration record shows he was aged 48 (birth year 1859), leaving Cape Town and passing through Victoria while heading to Queensland. Are they Richard?

Richard Nicholas Humberstone is listed in the 1911 Australia Electoral Rolls under Townsville, Herbert, Queensland, Australia. Two 1913 electoral rolls have a Richard Humberstone living in Cawley, Wollongong, New South Wales or Canterbury, New South Wales. There is also another listing in Cunnamulla, Maranoa, Queensland in 1913. Are any/all him?

Richard enlisted on 29 August 1914 with 3^rd Battalion G Company as 1293 Private (1393 was originally written, but the 1293 number was certified correct) for the duration of the war and four months afterwards. He stated he had served 3 years with the DEOVR and 1 year with the Natal MP previously. Richard provided no middle name and stated he had been born in Winchester Hampshire and was 39 years old. He was a labourer, had not been apprenticed and was not married. There were no convictions or rejections. His next of kin was recorded as J MacMalay (crossed out) and J McMorley written of New Bridge Bathurst. A comment in pencil reads ‘stated to have gone to war’ or ‘gone away’. But no one of that name served. Another copy has an addition in pencil stating ‘since deceased’ (possibly- hard to read). Richard enlisted in Kensington NSW. His description on enlistment was 5 foot 4 inches tall, weighed 147 pounds, had a chest measurement of 37 inches and had a dark complexion with grey eyes and black hair. Richard had a scar on his chest and on his head and his religious denomination was Church of England. He was passed medically fit on the same day.

The Nominal roll for G Company 3^rd Infantry Battalion shows that 1293 Private Richard Humberstone was a 39-year-old labourer, single, with both his address on enlistment and next of kin address were given as ‘J McMorley, butcher, Newbridge, Bathurst, N.S.W.’ His religious denomination was Church of England. His pay of 5 shillings a day was fully taken by him. The battalion embarked from Sydney on board HMAT A14 Euripides on 20 October 1914.

The 3^rd Battalion was recruited from New South Wales and formed part of the 1^st Brigade. It was raised in August 1914 and after departing, stopped in Albany before proceeding to Egypt, arriving there on 2December. Richard embarked on Derflinger to join the Mediterranean Expeditionary Force on 5 April 1915. They were part of the second and third waves to land at Anzac on 25 April 1915, in the face of heavy fire. They were all ashore by 8.30am. A comment in the war diary states ‘Altogether the day’s battle was in favour of the Allies’. The next day the Turks tried to ‘regain the trenches, but the men hung out bravely & again showed our superiority of fire & discipline’. The Turkish shelling was accurate and attacks continued. On 28 April, at midnight, they were relieved. ‘Our men were completely exhausted having been 4 days & 4 nights under the strain of a fierce battle.’ They moved back into the trenches on 1 May.

He was appointed Lance Corporal on 1 May 1915. ‘Promotion was given to other NCOs in recognition of their services.’ Determined attacks and shelling occurred during the next few days. Sniping was a daily occurrence. An attack by the Turks on 19 May inflicted great casualties on them which caused them to retreat. The diary the next day noted the enemy ‘were reluctant to attack us again so soon after loosing (sic) as heavily.’ On 21 May it was noted ‘The effect of these shells is very demoralising.’ Richard’s name is recorded in the war diary on 12 May to do with the conduct of the patrols, but is hard to read. June began quiet, with trenches being improved. The mortar they had was used with good effect. The month was usual trench warfare. The war dairy gives a report on using periscope rifles. June was fairly quiet.

A Corps Complimentary was published with his name included in a Supplement to Army Corps Routine Orders dated 29 June 1915: – ‘The Army Corps Commander has very much pleasure in publishing the names of the Junior Regt Officers, WO, NCO’s and men in the attached supplement which have been brought to his notice for having performed various acts of conspicuous gallantry or valuable service during the period from 25^th April to 5^th May 1915. He cordially thanks them for the good work they have performed which more than testifies to their devotion to duty towards King & Country. His only regret is that they cannot all be rewarded.’ This was promulgated in Australian Military Orders No. 570 of 1915.

On 1 July 1915 Richard was promoted to Corporal.

Mrs Wilson, c/o C Humberstone of Warburton wrote to the Minister of Defence in Melbourne on 5 July 1915 asking: ‘Will you please let me know what particulars you have of Private R. Humberstone who has been awarded a Distinguished Conduct Medal? I have a relative of that name from whom we have not heard for a couple of years & the last time we heard from him he was in N. S. Wales I am anxious to find out if he is identical with above. Your kind attention to this matter will be appreciated. Yours faithfully G. Wilson’. A formal acknowledgement was sent on 7 July. Handwritten at the bottom is “Mrs Mackay’. A reply from Base Records on 13 July said ‘I have to acknowledge receipt of your communication of 5^th instant, and regret that so far I have no official report concerning awards of Distinguished Conduct Medals etc., to members of the Australian Imperial Force. I have to inform you that I have on my records a No. 1293 Private Richard Humberstone, 3^rd Battalion, born near Winchester, England. He is 39 years of age, and his next-of-kin is shown as J. McMorley, New Bridge, Bathurst, New South Wales. Should this be the soldier to whom you refer the following is suggested as his address:- No. 1293 Private R. Humbertsone, 3^rd Battalion, 1^st Infantry Brigade, 1^st Australian Division, Alexandria, Egypt.’

July began with the Turks continuing to be ‘alert and active in his firing trenches’. A patrol went out on 4 July but ‘reported nothing of consequence’. On 6 and 7 July there was much shelling, but not many casualties. The Turks exploded a mine on 10 July but as it was closer to their lines, it did no damage to trenches or tunnels. On 11 July it was recorded ‘Casualties 2 O.R. wounded’.

On 11 July 1915 Richard was admitted to 1^st Casualty Clearing Station after being wounded, was transferred to ‘Fleet Sweeper’ the same day and then to SS Gascon on the same day as well, with a gunshot wound to the eye. His AIF service page states ‘slightly wounded’ and ‘12/7/15 Wounded in action Dardanelles’.

A card from the Hamrun Military Hospital at Malta shows 1293 Corporal R Humberstone 3^rd Battalion AIF, B Company, age 39, with MEF at Gallipoli, had his left eye excised after being admitted to the hospital on 18 July 1915 and transferred on 15 August 1915, with 29 days under treatment. A line marked observations states ‘Conv. All Saints Camp’.

On 28 August he was transferred from Malta on HS Demosthenes to England.

He was admitted to The King George Hospital Stamford Street SE England on 9 September 1915 with a ‘G.S.W. Left Eye (Loss of Eye)’. The remarks on his case stated: ‘Wounded July 12/15 at Gallipoli. Wound of entrance on upper eyelid where F.B. penetrated the eye ball causing blindness with pain & swelling in eye. F.B. removed July 12^th. Operation for removal of eye July 16^th.’ It was entered by Major Mackay RAMC. They stated he was 39 years old, had served for 13 months, with 5 months in the Field. He had 13 days treatment. Richard was discharged on 21 September 1915 to furlough. In his service records are two cards from the hospital noting the loss of the eye and time there. Both have his age at 39 and the hospital number was M975.

Letters were sent to J McMorley on 31 July that Richard was wounded, on 11 August that he was transferred to Malta, on 17 September that he embarked for England and on 26 September that he was in hospital in London. Letters were also sent advising him of the nature of the wound on 8 October, of the award of the DCM on 26 November (and the citation below) and that he was returning to Australia on 23 December 1915.

Richard was recommended for a Distinguished Conduct Medal, the entry reads: ‘This man has shown conspicuous coolness and bravery on several occasions. He is always the first to volunteer for a dangerous mission, and carries out his part with coolness and judgement. (Reported by Lt.Col. Owen, Commdg. 3^rd Bn.) Another recommendation reads ‘On the 25^th April and subsequently, Private Humberstone on many occasions showed conspicuous coolness and bravery. He is always the first to volunteer for a dangerous mission and carries out his part with coolness and judgement. (Reported by Leut.-Colonel Owen, Commdg. 3rd Battalion.) It was documented in the List “A” honours. His citation for the Distinguished Conduct Medal reads 1293 Private R Humberston 3^rd Australian Infantry Battalion (New South Wales) ‘On 25^th April, 1915, and subsequently during operations near Kapi Tepe, for conspicuous coolness and bravery in volunteering on many occasions for dangerous missions and for judgement in carrying them out.’ The award of the Distinguished Conduct Medal was promulgated in the Commonwealth of Australia Gazette of 11 September 1915 on page 1748 at position 13 and the London Gazette Third Supplement No 21980 of 3 June 1915 on page 5332 at position 20.

The award of a Mention in Despatches to him was recorded in the Commonwealth of Australia Gazette on 28 October 1915 on page 2736 at position 33 and the London Gazette 2^nd Supplement No 29251 of 5 August 1915 on page 7668 at position 31. It was part of General Hamilton’s despatch dated 12 June 1915 ‘For gallant and distinguished services in the Field’.

His MiD is still in his service records.

The original Medical Board findings on 11 October 1915 showed his sight was destroyed in the left eye by a gunshot wound while on active service. He had a glass eye in the left eye and his sight in the right eye was slightly impaired. His capacity to earn was reduced by a half. The Board recommended he be discharged as permanently unfit for war service but was fit for service at home.

Richard was posted to the supernumerary list of NCOs vide AIF orders dated 23 November 1915.

On 26 November 1915 Base Records sent a letter to Mr J McMorley of Newbridge Bathurst NSW an account of Richard being awarded the DCM as recorded in the London Gazette.

The nominal roll shows that 1293 Private Richard Humberstone 3^rd Battalion enlisted on 29 August 1914 and returned to Australia on 12 December 1915. He left from Portland on Star of England on that date. Another entry records he returned on the Star of England with a gunshot wound to the left eye (loss of) ‘(eye fitted)’ on 29 January 1916, disembarking at Melbourne. He was discharged from the AIF in consequence of medical unfitness on 22 May 1916 in the 2^nd Military District.

The Sydney Morning Herald of Wednesday 2 February 1916 in page 14 had the following article on Richard: –

‘SERGEANT HUMBERSTONE D.C.M.

With four ribbons on his breast – the D.C.M., Queen and King’s South African, and the Bambatta Rebellion – Sergeant Richard Humberstone, of the 3rd Battalion, was a conspicuous figure at the hospital. He spent many years in South Africa, but was at Bathurst when the war broke out, and promptly offered his services. He landed at Gallipoli at 5 o’clock on the glorious April 25, just behind the Queenslanders, and took part in the wild rush up the cliffs, which has made the name of Australians famous. Bit by bit the Anzacs worked their way inland, until they occupied trenches facing Lonesome Pine Ridge, and it was here under the withering fire of the Turks that the sergeant won the coveted distinction. According to the official statement Sergeant Humberstone had taken part in several hazardous enterprises, showing conspicuous gallantry and coolness on each occasion, and bringing each enterprise to a successful issue to the entire satisfaction of his officers. His gallant conduct had been reported to the War Office, and he has received an official communication as well as the Distinguished Conduct Medal, appraising him of the fact that the War Office is cognisant of his fine services, which extended over ten days, on each one of which he had volunteered for some forlorn hope or other. But a man who has served under Colonel Mackenzie in the Bambatta rebellion knows how to take advantage of every inch of cover, not to mention the experiences he gained when trying conclusions with brother Boer, and as a consequence the sergeant was able to do a lot and save his men from needless danger.

Just at this point in his narrative Lieutenant Brodziak, orderly officer to the District Commandant, came up to grip the sergeant’s hand. The last time they had met had been in a trench nearly full of dead, and the lieutenant himself had fallen, shot through the neck. Sergeant Humberstone and his men attended to him, and at 10 o’clock at night managed to crawl out and remove him to a place of safety.

“That trench was just hell,” said the sergeant. “It was half full of dead, but I sent back word that we – there were 20 of us left -would hold on till support arrived. Well, we held on, but it was a tight corner, and not the sort of experience a man wants to go through twice. I was under fire for 14 weeks before I was knocked out, and then a sniper or some other Turkish bullet, whipped my left eye out. I’m all right now, and only too anxious to get back. My one eye is as good as ever, and the glass one I have been supplied with is a good match, and no one would know the difference.”’

The Ballarat Star of Monday 7 February 1916 in page 2 recorded: –

‘GALLIPOLI EVACUATION.

N.S.W. SERGEANT’S VIEW. Sydney, Saturday.

Sergeant R. Humberstone, D.C.M of the 3rd (N.S.W.) Infantry Battalion, has come home with a military decoration, bought at the price of an eye. He says that the Turks are good fighters— too good in the positions they occupied. There was good fighting on both sides, bad management, perhaps, on both sides, and a lot of clever work. “We heard of the evacuation when we reached Durban.” said the sergeant, “and it did not surprise us much. We knew that when the Turks commenced to get their reinforcements through the Balkans it would be scarcely worth while to make further sacrifices in an effort to push through. All the same. I confess that we felt disappointed.” A bullet caught the sergeant in the eye while he was at Anzac and a glass eye bad to be substituted for the lost one. (sic- part of this sentence has been left out) hospital had been selected as filling that role.’

On 2 March 1916 the detailed medical history of an invalid form for 1293 Lance Sergeant R Humberstone 3^rd Battalion at Sydney showed his capacity to earn a livelihood had lessened a quarter then and the Board did not recommend discharge yet. The general recommendation said ‘Treatment of socket of eye at No. 4 A.G.H. as O.P for a month. Present condition. socket of eye looking well except for slight purulent discharge.’ At the bottom of the form another entry on 30 March 1916 said ‘Present condition. Still some discharge from eye Recommend further treatment for a month at No. 4 A.G.H.’ Richard attended the hospital three times that month. A Medical Board form at Sydney on 3 February stated he was not fit for discharge to earn a living, needed further treatment and the Board recommended ‘One month’s leave’. An outpatient department form showed he was with B Company 3^rd Battalion and noted it was recommended he have treatment for a month for his eye socket and one month leave. It stated he had a gunshot wound to the left eye, his eye was enucleated three days after and an artificial eye was fitted. A progress report on 30 March 1916 stated ‘Still some discharge from socket of eye. Wearing prosthesis comfortably.’

A letter from Captain J Wilson at No 4 Australian General Hospital at Randwick to Major Halliday on 5 April 1916 about Richard Humberstone asked if he could ‘Kindly report on eye condition of above and if will be fit for further service.’ His reply on that day just said ‘fundus normal wearing prosthesis socket comfortable’. Their reply asked him to forward papers to them and indicate if he was to be discharged from service or released to duty. His reply said he ‘was every anxious to return to duty, and has been promised consideration for a commission.’ He also asked before signing off as fit or unfit it would be proper to consult with other officers. A final note on that page to Major Halliday said ‘This patient now wants a discharge will you kindly sign Egyptian papers’.

A detailed medical history of an invalid form was filled in on 11 October 1915 at Australian Auxiliary Hospital No 1 at Harefield for 1293 Sergeant R Humberstone 3^rd Battalion who was 39 years old, and enlisted at Sydney in August 1914. It stated his previous employment was Railway employee and he returned to Australia on 4 February 1916 on HMAT Star of England. His disability was due to a G.S.W. of the left eye which occurred on 18 July 1915 on Gallipoli and destroyed the sight in the left eye while he was on active service. His present condition was ‘Glass eye (left). Sight in right eye slightly impaired.’ An operation was performed, the removal of his eye and no teeth had been lost due to active service. In this form they noted his disability to reduce his capacity to earn by a half. They recommended to discharge as permanently unfit for war service but he was fit for service at home. Richard was under treatment from 4 February 1916 to 13 April 1916. The final Medical Board on 13 April 1916 noted ‘Left eye has been removed. Socket healthy. Wearing prosthesis comfortably. Right eye sight good 6/5 – fundus normal. Recommend discharge and pension.’ A previous form on 2 February 1916 stated he returned on 1 February 1916 and ‘While in trenches struck by bullet in Left eye Loss of sight immediately. Eye enucleated 3 days after.’ ‘Glass eye causing no trouble in socket.’ A form in his file listed his address as ‘Empire Bay Woy Woy’. It also stated he served in Egypt and Gallipoli and he was single, with no dependants. It stated he was discharged in Sydney on 22 May 1916 due to loss of sight in left eye. Oddly, someone wrote on the form and circled it ‘age now 90’.

His medical file has an entry stating ‘31/5/16 discharge pending pension’. Another note to Base Records from Victoria Barracks in Sydney on 7 June 1916 said he was discharged from the AIF ‘in consequence of medical unfitness on 22.5.1916’ and documents relating to it were included.

The Sydney Morning Herald of 23 June 1916 in page 6 had: –

‘TROOPS REVIEWED

SERGEANT HUMBERSTONE DECORATED

HERO OF GALLIPOLI

Though a bitterly cold wind was driving across the old review ground, Moore Park, yesterday afternoon, it failed to prevent the gathering of a large crowd to witness the parade of a number of infantry and Army Medical Corps men. On the arrival of the District-Commandant, Brigadier-General Ramaciotti, V.D., and his A.D.C., Lieut. Frank Smith, the general was joined by his staff, Major Sadler, General Staff Officer; Captain Stokes, of the General Staff Office; and Captain Conway, who was accompanied by Major Weaver, of Queensland; and no time was lost in making an inspection of the troops after the Commandant had received the general salute. Immediately the inspection was concluded the troops were formed into three sides of a hollow square and an interesting function took place. Facing the General stood the sturdy figure of Sergeant Richard Humberstone, 3^rd Battalion, wearing on his breast the Queen’s and King’s South African war medals, and the medal of the [1906] Bambatha [Zululand] Rebellion. Addressing the sergeant and the men formed up around him, General Ramaciotti said, “Parade! His Majesty the King has been graciously pleased to approve of the award of the Distinguished Conduct Medal to Private Humberstone. I am glad,” added the General, “to notice that since the issue of this information Private Humberstone now has a sergeant’s stripes placed on his arm. The official statement goes on that your comrade has been awarded the medal for an act of gallantry and devotion to duty whilst serving with the Mediterranean Expeditionary Force at the Dardanelles.”

Pinning the coveted decoration on the non-commissioned officer’s breast, the Commandant continued, “Sergeant, I congratulate you very sincerely on having achieved this honour, and I am proud to represent the Minister. In decorating you with it, I say to you, ‘Well done,’ and to every man on parade I say, ‘Go thou and do likewise.”

Then, as the sergeant saluted and retired the General turned to the men and said “It is not my custom to address parades as rule, but I would Iike to say half a dozen words to you. I cannot tell you where you are going, but it is to a country where Australia’s credit stands high. By your behaviour and discipline when you arrive there I want you to uphold the fair name of Australia, and to keep our credit as high as it is to-day. When in that far country, remember your mother, your wife, and your sisters, and then I am perfectly certain our credit will be safe in your hands.”

At the conclusion of this ceremony the men were formed up in column and companies and to music supplied by the Engineers and Liverpool Headquarters bands marched past the saluting base, headed by Captain Cooney, O.C. of the parade, where General Ramaciotti look the salute. At the General’s request, Sergeant Humberstone D.C.M., and Captain Soane, staff-officer for returned soldiers, stood on his left hand as the new drafts swung past. The men kept remarkably good lines, and their swinging gait and easy but erect bearing won them hearty applause.

HOW THE DCM WAS WON

Sergeant Humberstone, who was the hero of the day spent many years in South Africa, but was in Bathurst when the war broke out, and promptly offered his services in the A.I.F. He landed at Gallipoli with the 3rd Battalion, at 5 o’clock on the morning of the original Anzac Day, and, just behind the Queenslanders, took part in the wild rush up the cliffs. Bit by bit, he said, the Anzacs worked their way inland until they occupied trenches facing Lone Pine Ridge, and it was here, under the withering fire of the Turks that he won the D.C.M. The official statement issued at the time set forth that the sergeant had taken part in several hazardous enterprises showing conspicuous gallantry and coolness on each occasion, and bringing each enterprise to a successful issue, to the entire satisfaction of his officers. A man such as Sergeant Humberstone who has fought over most of South Africa and served under such leaders as Lord Methuen and Colonel Mackenzie, the latter of whom conducted the operations against the rebel Zulu chief Bambatta, knows how to take advantage of every inch of cover, and as a consequence the sergeant was able to do a lot and save his men from needless exposure and risks. Reverting to his final exploit, the sergeant remarked “that the trench in front of Lone Pine was just hell. It was half full or dead men, but I sent back word that we – there were only 20 of us left, and our officer, Lieutenant Brodziak (who has just returned again to the front), was shot through the neck – would hold on till supports arrived. Well, we did manage to hold on, but it was a tight corner, and not the sort of party a man wants to be at twice. I got knocked out in the end after 14 weeks in those trenches, when a Turkish sniper’s or some other bullet whipped my left eye out. My one eye is as good as ever, and if they’d let me I’d be off again.”’

The Daily Telegraph of 23 June 1916 also recorded the above entry from the second part and a photo of the NSW District Commandant shaking hands with him as shown above.

His pension of £68 per annum, which was granted on 23 May 1916 was amended to £3:8/- per fortnight from that date and then was reduced to £1:14/- from 18 January 1917.

Richard died on 29 May 1917. He is recorded as 1293 Corporal Richard Humberstone at Waverley General Cemetery.

His pension of 34/- per fortnight was ‘cancelled on ground that member is now deceased.’ It stated his address was 5 St Mary’s Terrace Lower Domain.

The Sydney Morning Herald of Tuesday 29 May 1917 in page 5 had his entry in Funerals: –

‘HUMBERSTONE.—The Funeral of the late Sergt. RICHARD HUMBERSTONE, D.C.M., A.I.F., will leave Charles Kinsella’s Private Mortuary, 143 Oxford-street, city, THIS TUESDAY, at 9.45 a.m., for Waverley Cemetery. CHARLES KINSELA. HUMBERSTONE.—Dean Talbot, President of R.S.A., invites the returned Officers and Men of the A.I.F. to meet at Charles Kinsella’s Private Mortuary, 143 Oxford-street, city, THIS TUESDAY, at 9.45 a.m., and then to follow the funeral of their late Comrade, RICHARD HUMBERSTONE, D.C.M., to Waverley Cemetery.’

The Advertiser of Adelaide also ran the story on Friday 1 June 1917 in page 7 under the heading: – ‘FATALITIES AND ACCIDENTS.

WINNER OF D.C.M. KILLED.

While crossing Stanley-street, Sydney, near its intersection with Riley-street, on Saturday, Richard Nicholas Humberstone, a returned soldier, living at Empire Bay, Woy Woy, was knocked down by a tram. His skull was fractured, and on his arrival at the Sydney Hospital life was pronounced extinct. In his clothing were his discharge papers, which showed that he had been awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal in the present war, and was also entitled to wear both the King’s and Queen’s medal in connection with the South African War.’

In the Sun of Sydney on Thursday 7 June 1917 in page 6 was: ‘SOLDIER KILLED BY TRAM Holder of Military Distinctions. The City Coroner held an inquiry this morning into the death of Richard Nicholas Humberstone, 64, a native of Hampshire, England, who was knocked down by a tram in Stanley-street, city, on May 26. A verdict of accidental death was returned. Humberstone was a returned soldier. A medal for the Zulu War, two South African War medals, and a D.C.M. medal for the present war were found on his body. He resided at St. Mary’s-terrace, and had a, small selection at Woy Woy. As far as is known he had no relatives.’

The Daily Telegraph of Sydney on Friday 8 June 1917 in page 6 under the heading of ‘Fatalities and Accidents’ had the following article: ‘RETURNED SOLDIER KILLED. An inquest was held by Mr. Hawkins (City Coroner) yesterday regarding the death of Richard Nicholas Humberstone (64), lately residing at St. Mary’s Terrace. Sydney. Deceased, a returned soldier, held several military medals, including a D.C.M. for the present war. Evidence was given that deceased was walking across the road towards the tram. The driver rang the bell, and deceased hesitated. The brakes were then applied, but the car struck the unfortunate fellow, and killed him. A verdict of accidental death was recorded.’ An age of 64 would mean he was born about 1853.

These are pictures of his grave and a memorial plaque above in another section of the cemetery.

Richard is buried in Sydney (Waverley) General Cemetery in C.E. Spec. 15. 6498. (GRM/2*). According to the grave registration report at Commonwealth War Graves Commission it is in the no denomination general section in grave number 6498 with another person, Private Horace Elliott Bryant AIF who died on 5 October 1916. (There are no service records for Horace, and some of the CWGC files do not mention AIF or rank and he has no service number. His grave plaque may say AIF Depot). The register entry form shows him as 1293 Corporal Richard N Humberstone of 3^rd Battalion AIF who died on 29 May 1917. There are no details for parents or wife or other particulars. He appears in CWGC records in the book under Sydney (Waverley) General Cemetery Aus. 112 as: –

His campaign medals, the 1914-15 Star, British War Medal and Victory Medal, were issued and as they were never claimed, they were retained by the Department of Base Records at Victoria Barracks, Melbourne.

The Coroner’s inquest held on 7 June 1917 at the City Coroner’s Court stated his age as 64 and that he was born in Hampshire England. The incident occurred in the city and the verdict was that death was due to ‘injuries accidently received through being knocked down by an electric tram’. For cash or property possessed by the deceased it was recorded ‘unknown’. No autopsy was held.

New South Wales Will Books has an entry for Probate on 17 July 1917 at Woy Woy, New South Wales, Australia.

On 17 June 1921 Base Records sent out a certificate covering a Mention in Despatches to Mr R Humberstone DCM, 5 St Mary’s Terrace Lower Domain NSW, which of course was returned unclaimed. A handwritten note on the back of the receipt form (which is torn and incomplete) says ‘… from … 10.11.21 that … Soldier died since discharge- now awaiting advice re disposal of medals.’ His AIF service page has at the top in red ink ‘Apparently (crossed out) Deceased – see pension’.

Headquarters 2^nd DB asked Base Records for Richard’s next of kin address on 19 September 1922.

A typed note in his service records on 12 September 1923 states ‘Reg. particulars furnished to H’qrs, 2^nd DB in connexion with headstone. M.56/344 E.G.’

The District Finance Officer at the District Accounts Office in Victoria Barracks in Sydney wrote to Base Records in Melbourne on 4 June 1924, advising them: ‘With reference to your memorandum of 27^th. May, I have to advise that Gratuity of the abovementioned deceased soldier (Richard) has not been claimed nor is there any trace of blood relations of his.’ It also has written in pencil to try Repat and see if any pension paid on account of him. Repat replied to them on 19 June 1924 about Richard, advising them that ‘In reply to your memorandum dated 12^th June, 1924, I have to advise that this Department is not aware of the addresses of the relatives of the abovenamed deceased solider. I would suggest that you communicate direct with the Public Trustee, Culwulla Chambers, 67 Castlereagh Street, Sydney, with a view to being supplied with the desired information, as the Estate of the deceased ex-soldier was being administered by him in May, 1917.’

A note was written by Base Records to DFO 2^nd Military District on 27 May 1924 asking ‘if, from your War Gratuity or other files, you can furnish me with any information regarding the blood relations of the late Richard HUMBERSTONE, (ex No. 1293, Corporal, 3^rd Battalion). The favour of early attention will be much appreciated.’

On 12 July 1924 Base Records wrote to the Department of Repatriation in Sydney, asking ‘if you will kindly let me know whether any pension is being paid on account of ex-no. 1293 Corporal Richard HUMBERSTONE, 3^rd Battalion, who has died since his discharge from the Australian Imperial Force and if so, the name, address and relationship of the pensioner is requested.’

Base Records wrote to The Public Trustee in Sydney on 11 July 1924 asking them: ‘I understand that you administered the estate of the late Richard HUMBERSTONE (ex-no. 1293, Corporal, 3^rd Battalion) and shall be much obliged if you can furnish me with any information regarding his blood relations.’ On 19 July 1924 The Public Trust Office in Sydney wrote back to Base Records in Melbourne regarding the estate of Richard that ‘In reply to your letter of 11^th inst., I have to inform you that the next of kin of the deceased are unknown to me.’

Base Records replied to the Honourable Historian, 3^rd Battalion AIF Association at “Therma” 21 Cooper Street Strathfield on 9 February 1933 from a letter he sent to them on 9 February, advising him of a list of men who served with the 3^rd Battalion and were awarded the DCM. The list included ‘Late No. 1293 Cpl. R. HUMBERSTONE, D.C.M., 3^rd Battalion’ and they also noted his prior service being ‘3 years Duke Edward’s Rifles 1 year Natal Mounted Police ) South Africa. No details of actual previous active service.’

On 2 March 1939 Base Records again wrote to Mrs G Wilson asking: ‘It is noted that you previously communicated with this office in regard to the affairs of No. 1293 Corporal Richard HUMBERSTONE, D.C.M., 3^rd. Battalion, since deceased, and as I am now desirous of disposing of certain war mementoes (sic) available in this connection, I should be glad to be informed whether you have any knowledge of the present whereabouts of next-of-kin of this soldier, or of other surviving relatives.’

On 8 March 1933 Mrs G Wilson c/o C Humberstone of Warburton wrote to Base Records, replying ‘Re – No 1293 Corporal Richard Humberstone D.C.M. 3^rd Battalion – since deceased – In reply to your communication of 2^nd March, I desire to state that I have no knowledge of any relatives of the above soldier but have always heard & believe that there is only one original family of Humberstone’s in the world. There are various branches but to which one he belonged to, I cannot say. To the best of my Knowledge & belief, my father, William Richard Humberstone (aged 86) who lives with me is the oldest surviving (male) member of the family in Australia & is probably the dead soldier’s next-of-kin but there may be others who have a better right claim to the war mementoes you speak of & if so, we do not wish to dispute them, but if no one else comes forward, we would greatly appreciate them. Trusting to hear from you again & thanking you in anticipation’.

Base Records replied on 9 March: ‘Dear Madam, … In the absence of any known relatives, the question of your Father’s relationship to the deceased would appear to be somewhat complicated, and for the present it is proposed to retain the late soldier’s mementoes in the custody of the Department. Should you have occasion to visit Melbourne, however, and find it convenient to call at this Office, I shall be glad to afford you the opportunity of discussing the matter further.’ A note at the bottom of the copy reads: ‘Medals and M.I.D. certificate available for disposal, please’.

National Archives Australia has listings for two more files for him: – Series number A6586, item barcode 420623 for the year 1907 which is in Canberra, and M579, 31805265, 1916 – 1927, which is in Sydney. Both are open to view but are not online.

New South Wales State Archives also have some records for him, but they are only accessible by visiting there. They are: – NRS-12409-1-[13/2344]-535/17 | Estate of Richard Nicholas Humberstone [deceased soldier] 29-05-1917 to 17-06-1917; NRS-13660-7-462-Series 4_80079 Richard Nicholas Humberstone – Date of Death 26/05/1917, Granted on 29/06/1917; HUMBERSTONE Richard Soldier Settlement Miscellaneous Files Index 1916-1925 Previous System No: [19/7034] Land District: Metropolitan; and HUMBERSTONE Richard Nicholas Deceased Estates Index 1880-1939 Item No: [19/10204] | Reel No: 3027 | Date Duty Paid: 17/07/1917 | Place: Woy Woy.

Richard Humberstone’s name is located at panel 36 in the Commemorative Area at the Australian War Memorial. His name will be projected onto the exterior of the Hall of Memory on:

Mon 04 January 2021 at 1:09am

Fri 19 March 2021 at 11:37pm

Tue 15 June 2021 at 8:51pm

His medals displayed are Distinguished Conduct Medal, GVR (stamped 1293 Pte. R. Humberston. 3/Aust: I.B. – N.S.W.); Queen’s South Africa Medal 1899-1902 with 1 clasp, Cape Colony (2424 L. Cpl. R. M. Humberstone. D.E.O.V.R.); King’s South Africa Medal 1901-02 with 2 clasps, South Africa 1901, South Africa 1902 (2424 L. Cpl. R. M. Humberstone. D.E.O.V.R.); and Natal Medal 1906 with 1 clasp, 1906 (Tpr. R. Humberstone, Natal Carbineers.). The 1914-15 Star, British War and Victory medals (with large oak leaf) are unnamed.

As displayed in the Museum.

Upgraded cemetery photos below.

ANZAC Biographies

SIMON, Lieutenant Eric Wilson MM and BAR

Posted December 27, 2020 by Admin

Lieutenant Eric Wilson SIMON MM and BAR

15^th Battalion AIF

By Robert Simpson

The description of the above photo from the Australian War Memorial: ‘Studio portrait of (formerly 1393A) Lieutenant (Lt) Eric Wilson Simon, MM. Lt Simon was also awarded a Bar to Military Medal and a Commander in Chief’s Congratulatory Card. Simon is wearing hospital blues and is recovering from one of the instances in which he was wounded.’

According to Queensland birth records, Eric was given the name Eric Wilson Hermann when he was born on 29December 1895 at Coomera. He was the middle child of seven children to Henry Hermann Simon and Helen Jane Doig. Henry and Helen had been married on 16 November 1886 in Queensland. The marriage was recorded in the Telegraph of Brisbane on Friday 19 November 1886 in page 4: ‘Marriage. SIMON—DOIG. —At Brisbane, on the 16th November, Henry Hermann Simon, fourth son of Mrs. George Simon, of Whidmore Lodge, Kent, and Old Trinity House, Water Lane, London, England, to Helen Jane Doig, third daughter of the late Mr. Silvester Doig, of Brisbane.’ In the 1885 Queensland Directory, Henry had been listed as a timber merchant at Lytton Road Bulimba under Henry H Simon. Their first child, George Silvester Simon (28 April 1888) was born under the surname Hermann also. Their next child, Helen Maude Simon was born on 4 November 1889, then Henry De Paravacini Simon on 14 December 1891, Eric, Ivan Honnet Simon on 21 February 1898, Hermia Doig Simon on 12 December 1899 and Isabel Caroline May Simon, who was born on 9 March 1902 but sadly died on 12 October 1903. Henry had been born in 1848 in Lambeth Surrey and Helen in 1858 in Brisbane. Why two of the seven children had Hermann as their surname initially is not known.

Henry Hermann Simon, ‘of South Brisbane, in the said colony, Gentleman’, was one of ‘the Executors named in the said Will’ of John Allen in August 1885 and probate was granted in October 1885, according to Brisbane newspapers. The Queensland Times, Ipswich Herald and General Advertiser of Tuesday 24 December 1889 on page 2 had: ‘Henry Hermann Simon, of Brisbane and Burleigh Heads, timber merchant, has filed a petition for the liquidation of his estate, the total liabilities being set down at £6020.’ This article may be some of the reason for the surname change. Another article in the Queenslander on Saturday 11 January 1890 in page 53 read: ‘A meeting of creditors in the estate of Henry Hermann Simon, of Brisbane, timber merchant and saw-mill proprietor, was held at the office of Mr. G. V. Hellicar, Adelaide-street, on Tuesday last. Creditors representing liabilities to the extent of nearly £5000 were present. Mr. R. J. Cottell was voted to the chair. The statement of affaire which was read showed the total debts to be £5659 and the assets £4188 17s. 6d. The causes of insolvency were stated to have been heavy expenditure at the Burleigh Heads saw-mill, depression in trade, bad debts, and pressure of creditors. Mr. Simon made an offer to pay 10s in the pound by promissory-notes at 4, 8, and 12 months, with 8 per cent interest thereon as a composition. The offer was accepted, and after some discussion the proposal was carried by a large majority. The consenting creditors then signed the deed of composition and the meeting was brought to a close.’ Further notices in Brisbane newspapers read in the Telegraph of Wednesday 1 June 1892 in page 1 ‘IN THE SUPREME COURT OF QUEENSLAND. In Insolvency. In the MATTER of a SPECIAL RESOLUTION for Liquidation by Arrangement of the Affairs of HENRY HERMANN SIMON, of Brisbane, in the Colony of Queensland, Timber Merchant. HENRY CHARLES CLEVE, of Brisbane, in the Colony of Queensland, Accountant, has been appointed Trustee of the property of the Debtor. All persons having in their possession any of the effects of the Debtor must deliver them to the Trustee, and all debts due to the Debtor must be paid to the Trustee. Creditors who have not yet proved their debts must forward their proofs of debts to the Trustee. Dated this thirty-first day of May, 1892. M. JENSEN, Deputy Registrar. Unmack & Fox, Queen street, Brisbane, Solicitors for the Trustee.’ Also, in the Brisbane Courier of Saturday 18 November 1893 in page 7: ‘Legal Notices. IN the MATTER of HENRY HERMANN SIMON, of Brisbane, Timber Merchant, in Liquidation. A First and Final DIVIDEND, at the rate of 2s. 1d. in the Pound, on all duly proved and admitted Claims in this Estate, is now payable at my office. H. C. CLEEVE, Trustee.’

In the 1903 Electoral roll, Henry was listed as a farmer at Upper Coomera, Oxley. The details were the same in 1905 roll and in the 1908 roll, the address was the same but the area has been changed to Southport. By the 1913 roll he was listed at Ironside vis Toowong and was still a farmer. The 1922 and 1926 rolls have him living at Broughton Estate at Toowong and he was a Clerk. Henry died on 7 June 1927 in Queensland. Helen had passed away on 7 May 1936.

George Silvester Simon has two listings in the index of the Queensland Police Gazette in 1913 and 1917, but the actual records are not online. In the 1913 electoral roll he was a labourer at Esk. In the 1915 roll he had moved to Rosewood in the Moreton Shire with the same occupation. By 1925 he had moved to Grantham and was still a labourer. In the 1937 roll he was living at Rose’s, Bell St Ipswich and had no occupation. The 1943 roll had him at 8 Warril St West Ipswich, again with no occupation. By the 1949 roll he had been admitted to Eventide at Sandgate and on 17 July 1949 he passed away.

Helen Maude Simon was living at Ironside Toowong in the 1913 electoral roll, doing home duties. In the 1928 roll she was at Broughton Estate doing home duties. The same details were recorded in the 1949 roll. By the 1963 roll she was living at 64 Duke St Toowong and had no occupation. In the 1968 roll her address was given as ‘C/o Mrs Cane Commercial Rd Wellington Point’. She passed away on 25 December 1972 in Queensland.

Henry De Paravacini Simon was living with the family in the 1913 electoral roll at Ironside Toowong and was a labourer. The 1921 and 1925 rolls have him at Broughton Estate as a labourer. After that he seems to disappear and nothing else is recorded of him until his death on 27 August 1956 in Queensland.

Ivan Honnet Simon served in WW1 as 5316 Private with the 15^th Battalion, enlisting on 12 November 1917. His service records have his middle name as Nonnet. He was 19 years and 9 months old when he joined, and was a clerk, 5 foot 4 inches tall, weighed 115 pounds, had a chest measurement of 30 to 33 inches, and had a fair complexion with blue eyes and fair hair. His religious denomination was Brethren. Previously he had served 4 years Senior Cadets Area 6A and 1 year with Citizen Forces 2^nd Australian Light Horse. Originally, he was with the 15^th Reinforcements, 31^st Battalion, embarking at Sydney on RMS Ormonde on 2 March 1918. After having measles on the trip and staying at Suez, he arrived in England on 5 June 1918, and on 9 July 1918 he was transferred to the 15^th Battalion, presumably to be with Eric. Eventually, he arrived in France on 27 August 1918 and was sent to a signal school on 29 September, re-joining his unit on 16 October 1918. He returned to Australia on 22 August 1919 and was discharged in Brisbane on 6 November 1919. Ivan was issued the British War and Victory medals. In the 1925 electoral roll he was living at Weston’s Seventh St, Railway Estate, in Townsville and was recorded as a clerk. By the 1931 roll he have moved to Brisbane and was living at Gower Street Toowong as a clerk. He married Elsie Jean Baulch on 26 October 1932 in Queensland. She had been born in 1911. He moved around a bit, with the 1943 roll showing him at Gower Street Toowong. Also, in 1943 he was a Deputy Price Commissioner in the Northern Territory, as his appointment was terminated there on 11 March 1943. In 1949 he was at Athelstane Street Fitzroy, and he received a promotion as recorded in the Government Gazette of that year while in the Public Service Board. In the 1954 roll, he has two listings, 8 Abbott St Cairns as a clerk and Customs House, Strand in Townsville as a ‘sub-collector customs’. The 1958 and 1963 rolls show him in Townsville and he is also listed at 68 Thorn St Kangaroo Point in a 1963 roll with no occupation. He joined the Legacy Club of Brisbane in 1966. In the 1968, 1972, 1977 and 1980 rolls he was living at 45 Ella St Redcliffe and had no occupation. Elsie was listed as doing home duties. Ivan died about 1997 and Elsie died in 1990 in Brisbane.

Hermia Doig Simon was living with her parents in the 1921, 1922 and 1925 electoral rolls at Lambourne Broughton Estate Toowong and she was a typist. The 1936 roll has her at Gower St Toowong as a secretary. On 9 February 1937 she married William Russell Taylor in Queensland. They both appear in the 1939 register of England in London where she was recorded as a temporary secretary and doing unpaid domestic duties. The 1949 electoral roll showed they moved from Brunswick West Victoria to 28 Irvine Crescent Brisbane and she was doing domestic duties. By the 1958 roll they were living at Point Lookout Cleveland where she was doing home duties and her husband was an investor. William passed away on 20 February 1976 in Brisbane. In the 1980 roll she was living at 46 Modred Street Carina. Hermia passed away on 14 August 1988 in Toowoomba and was cremated. She is remembered at the Toowoomba Garden of Remembrance.

Photograph appears on p. 26 of The Queenslander Pictorial, supplement to the Queenslander, 16 January, 1915. Title E.W. Simon, one of the soldiers photographed in The Queenslander Pictorial, supplement to The Queenslander, 1915.

Eric Simon Wilson enlisted on 14 December 1914 as Private 1393 and was originally unallotted. He was born in Coomera Queensland, a natural born British subject of 18 years and 11 months old. He was a School Teacher, had never been apprentice and was not married. His Mother, Mrs H J Simon of Ironside Estate Toowong (later Broseley Road Toowong) was his next of kin. Eric had no convictions or dismissals and had served as an Officer in the Senior Cadets. He took the oath on the same day in Brisbane. Eric was described as being 5 foot 6 inches tall, weighed 130 pounds, had a chest measurement of 31 to 34 inches, and had a dark complexion with brown eyes and ginger hair. Both his eyes were 6/6 and he had no distinctive marks. His religious denomination was Brethren. He had been deemed medically fit on 12 December 1914. Eric was assigned to the 15^th Battalion.

The 15^th Battalion AIF was formed in late September 1914, mainly from Queensland and a quarter from Tasmania.

Private 1393A Eric Wilson embarked on HMAT Seang Bee A48 from Brisbane on 13 February 1915 with the 15^th Australian Infantry Battalion 2^nd Reinforcements. In the embarkation roll he was listed as a teacher and was single. His address was Ironside Estate Toowong Brisbane Queensland and his next of kin was his mother, Mrs H J Simon of the same address. Brethren was listed as his religion and it stated he enlisted on 14 December 1914. His pay was 5 shillings a day and a note on the page says ‘Acting Corporal’.

Photograph appears on p. 26 of The Queenslander Pictorial, supplement to the Queenslander, 9 October, 1915. Title: L.-Sgt. E.W. Simon, one of the soldiers photographed in The Queenslander Pictorial, supplement to The Queenslander, 1915.

He proceeded to join the Mediterranean Expeditionary Force to Gallipoli on 13 April 1915. At Gallipoli, they landed there late in the afternoon of 25 April 1915. The battalion was heavily involved in establishing and defending the front line from May until August. An attack was made in late May 1915 to clear enemy trenches on the order of General Godley. During the attack, ‘Little’s party, which included Sergeant Eric Simon of “A” Company and Sergeant Bob Hunter of “C” Company, besides Quinn, Hayes and other members of the same company, had gained the crest, but could not venture any further without risk of annihilation.’ (1) The Story of Anzac by Charles Bean also recorded the action on 29 May: ‘At this juncture a sergeant, by name Simon, suggested to Little that they should attempt to rush the place. (2^nd Lieutenant Edwin Maurice Little – School teacher prior to enlisting, born at Barcaldine). That venture seemed too desperate, but Simon, Little, and a youngster by name Traise (354 Private J H Traise) crept closer, until Simon, from the trench by the entrance, actually slipped a bomb through the loop-hole. There was a scuffle inside, followed by an explosion. The fire from the loop-hole ceased.’ Later Little was throwing bombs and after one went off in his hand, ‘he was supported to the rear. “We’ve got them beaten all right,” he said to Durrant; and then had himself taken to Major Carter in order to impress upon that officer the need for rewarding Sergeant Simon’s work.’ Eric was wounded in action on that day.

Sketch of trenches involved in the book.

On 18 June 1915 Secretary Defence wrote to Mrs H J Simon of Ironside Estate Toowong that they regretted advising her that her son Lance Sergeant E W Simon was wounded not reported seriously and that no other particulars were available and she would be advised if anything further was received.

In August they were involved in the attack on Hill 971, which was a forlorn exercise as the Turkish machine guns and rifles cut them down. During the attack, ‘Sergeant Eric Simon, who was wounded in the shoulder, stopped to succour another wounded man, but found it impossible to aid one who could not walk. The man passed to Simon his last message to his people in Australia, all of which the sergeant took down in writing. Months afterwards when he was in France, Simon received word from Australia that the insurance due upon this soldier’s death was paid to the relatives upon production of the letter.’ (1) After the battle, Eric was again mentioned in a list of men who had been wounded in battle on 8 August and who, at a later date, would receive a commission in France. He received a bullet wound to his femur and was sent to 29^th Field Ambulance that day and onto a Casualty Clearing Station.

On 9 August 1915 Eric was admitted to No 2 Australian Stationary Hospital at Mudros West with a gunshot wound to the right thigh. He was recorded as 1393 Acting Corporal E W Simon, 15^th Battalion, age 19. He was discharged back to duty on 11 September 1915 after 34 days under treatment. He reported to Australian Base Details at Mudros and returned to his unit on 15 September. He was promoted to a Sergeant from 12 August 1915. On 16 December 1915 he was sent sick to hospital on Gallipoli and his service record notes he re-joined his battalion on the same day. He disembarked from Ascanius from Mudros at Alexandria on 23 December 1915.

After being withdrawn from Gallipoli the battalion was split in Egypt, with some going to form the 47^th Battalion.

The battalion sailed to France in June 1916, proceeding to join the British Expeditionary Force at Alexandria on 1 June, embarking on Transylvania and disembarking at Marseilles on 8 June. Their first major action was at Pozieres in August 1916. Moving up to the front line was the cause of many casualties for the battalion. ‘About a mile behind Gibraltar Sergeant Eric Simon was skittled in the sap. Half of our platoon was wiped out with one shell’. (1) On 6 August he was admitted to the 3^rd CCS in France and on 7 August 1916 Eric was admitted to 2^nd Australian General Hospital at Wimereux with a shell wound to the right shoulder, and was transferred to England from Boulogne the next day, with an injury described as a shell (or shrapnel) wound to left forearm and left shoulder, being wounded in action. On 8 August 1916 he embarked on HS Cambria at Boulogne for England. At the 2^nd Western General Hospital in Manchester, he was admitted with a GSW shoulder and left forearm (slight). On 18 September he was transferred to 5^th London General Hospital at Camberwell and then discharged to Administrative Headquarters in England on 29 September 1916.

On 2 September 1916 Base Records wrote to his mother, at Ironside Estate Toowong, stating he had been reported wounded for a 3^rd occasion.

The award of the Military Medal was promulgated in the London Gazette of 27 October 1916 on page 10487 at position 145 and the Commonwealth Gazette of 19 April 1917 on page 919 at position 169.

At Perham Downs on 7 October 1916, he was granted furlough from No1 Commonwealth Depot and was received back on 19 October and ‘classified in A’. On 21 October he was marched out to the 4^th Training Battalion. He was placed on the supernumerary list of NCOs on 6 August ‘owing to an absence from unit for a period of 3 months.’ On 7 November 1916 he was reported as ‘overstaying leave from Reveille 7.11.16 till reporting back to camp at 1400 10.11.16 (4 Days R/U) Reprimanded by Major Twynam 13/11/16’. He also lost 4 days’ pay. At Folkstone on SS Princess Victoria he proceeded overseas to France on 4 December 1916, arriving at Etaples the next day. He was sent to re-join the 15^th Battalion on 3 January 1917, was withdrawn from the supernumerary list on the 5^th and joined them in the Field on 6 January.

In January 1917 the 15^th Battalion was in the Somme. ‘Some idea of the intense cold may be gauged by the fact that when “A” Company left Melbourne Camp at Mametz for Bull Trench at Gueudecourt, the two “A” Company Sergeants Eric Simon and Jack Fleet, filled a thermos flask with scalding hot coffee, intending to drink some when they got to their destination. This flask – for all its guarantee – had its contents frozen long before Bull Trench was reached.’ (1) In a letter to his wife, Sir John Monash had stated it was ‘2 degrees below freezing point during daylight and 12 degrees below at night.’ (1) While in the trenches, “The hail of shell lasted for three hours,” Sergeant Eric Simon wrote when in hospital a few days later. “It tore huge holes in the earth, threw great clods of earth and fragments of shells hundreds of yards, smashed the telephone wires and killed four and wounded half-a-dozen men. The ‘grumps’ fell like hail, and the small number of casualties with such a great expenditure of ammunition was little short of marvellous.” (1) An attack was made on German trenches on 1 February. They could not hold the trenches and the order was given to retire. …’Sergeant Eric Simon and a number of others became casualties. At Lennon’s request Simon left the trench. Writing from hospital some days later Simon said: “It became very dark at about 4 a.m. – the moon had gone down. The enemy artillery began to pound us and when it stopped a very strong bomb attack was made on out right. Exhausting their few bombs, and losing heavily, the right fell back to where I was, about seventy yards from the original right. The enemy’s bombs were exploding around us everywhere – in the trench, on the parapet, and behind the trench. We could not see an enemy anywhere, but the bombs continued. A bomb exploded beside me, as a man of my platoon, Paddy Lennan, was speaking. (Probably 614 Private Ernest Albury Lennan). The explosion knocked me silly for a moment, and I reeled around the corner. Recovering, I called, ‘Paddy Lennan, are you there?’ ‘Yes, Eric, got a bad one,’ he answered. I could just discern him, badly wounded, working his way along the bottom of the trench with his elbow. By this time what was left of the right was driven right in on us. Bombs fell thick, casualties were occurring. We tried to make a stand, but had no bombs. The rifles were useless. We could not see the enemy who must have been in the trench and the saps.’ A few moments later, as Simon was attempting to get some bombs from Lennan’s back where he had a bag slung, another bomb landed wounding him.’ A footnote on the page added ‘Sergeant E. Simon in his letter referred to Paddy Lennan urging the men to stand and fight, though himself seriously wounded and incapable of rising from the ground.’ (1)

He was reported wounded in action in the Field on 1 February 1917. On 2 February 1917 he was admitted to No 12 Australian Field Ambulance, then sent to No 15 Casualty Clearing Station on that day. Leaving them on 4 February he arrived at the No 11 Stationary Hospital at Rouen on the 5^th with a gunshot wound to the right arm and wrist and was sent to England on 8 February. Eric embarked on HS Dunluce Castle at Havre on 9 February with a gunshot wound to right thigh, upper arm and wrist. After being at the 3^rd Southern General Hospital he was sent to the 3^rd Auxiliary General Hospital at Dartford on 9 March.

Base Records sent a letter to his mother on 21 February 1917 advising her that Sergeant E W Simon had been reported wounded for a 4^th occasion, but it was not serious and she would be advised if any further information was supplied. The way to address a letter to him was documented also. Her address was recorded as Ironside Estate Toowong. Another letter from them on 26 February to her let her know he was ‘admitted to the 3^rd Southern General Hospital, 10/2/17, suffering from gunshot wound right thigh, arm and wrist, mild.’

While on furlough, he was admitted sick to Military Hospital 1^st Commonwealth Depot on 19 March. On 27 March he was ‘absent from …’ and that is all that is written for that entry.

The recommendation for a Bar to his Military Medal while a Sergeant in the 15^th Battalion was written on 4 February 1917. He ‘Was noted for his gallant behaviour on attack on enemy position during the night of 1st/2nd February 1917 North East of Gueudecourt. He showed great courage in the bomb fighting that ensued after enemy position was captured. He was seriously wounded during the operation.’ It was recommended by Lieutenant-Colonel T P McSharry (Commanding Officer of the 15^th Battalion) and signed by Major-General William Holmes GOC 4th Australian Division. It was approved on 18 March 1917.

Base Records sent his mother a letter on 25 April 1917 outlining his award of a Military Medal for bravery in the field by the King and advising her of which London Gazette and Commonwealth of Australia Gazette it had been published in. On 26 April he was placed on the supernumerary list of NCOs.

Eric was sent back to France on 14 May 1917, marching into 4^th ADBD at Etaples on 15 May and re-joined his battalion on 30 May. He was removed from the supernumerary list that day.

On 3 June 1917, ‘the “A” Company Sergeant, Eric Simon, was promoted to commissioned rank.’ (1) He was commissioned as a 2^nd Lieutenant in the Field on 3 June 1917.

The award of a Bar to the Military Medal was promulgated in the Commonwealth of Australia Gazette of 21 August 1917 on page 1784 at position 8 and the London Gazette of 17 April 1917 on page 3696 at position 1 for Sergeant 1393A Eric Wilson Simon 15^th Australian Infantry Battalion.

The battalion was involved at Bullecourt in April 1917, where they suffered heavy losses.

On 30 August 1917 Base Records again wrote to his mother, advising her that Eric had been awarded a Bar to his Military Medal and which London and Australia Gazettes it had been recorded in.

On 26 August, while in the Field, Eric was sent sick to hospital, going through the 4^th Australian Field Ambulance on 28 August to the 2^nd Casualty Clearing Station, where he was admitted with influenza. He stayed there until 3 September, when he was returned to duty and re-joined his battalion that day. He was promoted to Lieutenant on 16 September.

In late September 1917, Eric was one of the Lieutenants in “A” Company of the 15^th Battalion that were involved in the Battle of Polygon Wood. He had been promoted to Lieutenant on 16 September 1917.

Second Lieutenant Eric Wilson was awarded a Commander in Chiefs Congratulatory Card on 1 October 1917. The recommendation, while with the 15^th Battalion, 4th Australian Infantry Brigade, 4^th Australian Division, 1st ANZAC Corps, for 2^nd Lieutenant Eric Wilson Simon was for ‘his conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty during operations near ZONNEBEKE from 26th. – 29th. September 1917. The Battalion is most fortunate in possessing this Officer and his work on this occasion had a great effect on the result we achieved. He is a brilliant tactician and behaved with admirable bravery and dash. He lead (sic) the leading platoon on our left flank and was placed there on account of our expecting strong opposition from enemy. He dealt successfully with enemy strong points on his front taking many prisoners. He was noted for his great work in the consolidation of the Blue line and kept his men cheerful and confident throughout operation. He has behaved with great gallantry on previous occasions.’ The recommendation was written by a Lieutenant-Colonel in the 15^th Battalion and was signed by the Major General Commanding the 4^th Australian Division, Ewen George Sinclair-Maclagan, CB, CMG, DSO, and was received and passed on 2 October 1917.

The 15^th Battalion was one of the battalions involved in stopping the German spring offensive in 1918 and was involved in allied offensive near Amiens on 8 August 1918. The advance was the greatest success in a single day on the Western Front. On 6 August the enemy unleashed a fierce bombardment including the 15^th Battalion who were at Hangaard Wood. The shelling caused a lot of casualties, including the Commanding Officer, Adjutant and the Intelligence Officer, ‘Lieutenant Walter Hynes, who had replaced Lieutenant Eric Simon … only a short time before …’ ‘… Lieutenant Eric Simon once again took over the duties of I.O.’ (1) On the day of the attack, a lot of the battalions’ Officers and NCO’s were Gallipoli veterans, including Eric, who took part in the battle as intelligence Officer. During the attack, ‘It was not until the arrival of the Intelligence Officer, Lieutenant Eric Simon, that the men in the 15^th learnt of the heavy casualties the Englishmen had suffered and which prevented them conforming with the general plan of attack.’ (1)

The Commanding Officer of the 15^th Battalion reported Eric was wounded in action (Gassed) on 25 August 1918 and he was sent to 4^th Australian Field Ambulance and then the 5^th Casualty Clearing Station on the same day. On 26 August he was admitted to the 8^th General Hospital at Rouen and then sent to England the next day, embarking on the St David. On 28 August he was admitted to 3^rd London General Hospital with ‘Gassed slt.’ He went on leave on 12 October. Eric was discharged from the hospital on 15 October and proceeded overseas to France on 25 October from Southampton, arriving at Havre the same day. He re-joined his unit on 29 October.

Base Records sent a letter to his mother at her usual address on 4 September 1918 letting her know he had been ‘reported gassed, classed as wounded 4^th occasion casualty’. On 10 September 1918 his father wrote back to Base Records, acknowledging their letter and advising them that ‘According to official records, already received from your office, this is the fifth occasion in which he has become a casualty.’ He also advised them of their new address of Broseley Street Toowong. They replied on 16 September stating the entry was incorrect and should have ‘read “5^th occasion”. The necessary amendment to the records has been made.’ Another letter on 13 September 1918, stated ‘Lieutenant E.W. Simon (M.M.) admitted to 8^th General Hospital, Rouen, France 26/6/18 gassed, mild’. Another letter on 23 September advised her that Eric had been ‘transferred 28/8/18 to 3^rd London General Hospital, Wandsworth, London’. They sent it to her new address of Broseley Road Toowong.

Eric went on leave in France on 27 December 1918. On 21 January 1919 he was marched out from 15^th Battalion to return to Australia. He left from Havre to England on 27 January, arriving at the No 1 Commonwealth Depot the next day. He was marched out to the Overseas Training Brigade on 30 January 1919.

Lieutenant Eric Simon MM and Bar of the 15^th Battalion returned to Australia on 3 April 1919 from Devonport on Armagh as Company Commander and was struck off strength of the battalion. He disembarked in the 2^nd Military District on 20 May 1919 and proceeded to 1^st Military District. His appointment was terminated on 21 July 1919.

His picture in the Battalion History book, as a Lieutenant.

A letter from his father, dated 10 May 1919, was sent to Base Records thanking them for the letter they sent them about Eric returning home on 8 May, but querying why they ‘only credit him with the distinction of “MM”, whereas … he was granted a bar to the “MM” on 17^th April 1917.’ They replied on 19 May 1919, advising them ‘when a member of the Australian Imperial Force is awarded a bar to his decoration, it is contrary to Army Regulations to add the words “and bar” after the name.’

On 3 June 1919 Base Records wrote to him care of his mother at Broseley Road advising him that ‘I have much pleasure in forwarding per separate registered post, the Military Medal and Bar which were awarded to you whilst serving with the Australian Imperial Force. This decoration has only just been received from A.I.F. Headquarters, London, with the request that it be transmitted to your mother, Mrs. H. J. Simon, Broseley Road, Toowong, Brisbane, but as you arrived in Australia before the decoration, I am sending it direct to you, and trust you will be spared to wear it for many long years to come. I shall be obliged if you will kindly let me know whether it comes safely to hand, by signing and returning the receipt form which is attached hereto.’ They sent another letter to Eric at his mother’s address on 10 July 1919 asking if he would confirm if he had received them yet. The receipt for them was signed by Eric on 19 July 1919 and received by Base Records on 22 July.

The Toowong School celebrated 125 years in 2005. In a book titled ‘School Rules! Toowong State school History’ by Julie Martin are a few entries for Eric. ‘At the ANZAC Day ceremony in 1921, the Australian Flag was allowed to be flown for the first time, but only under the Union Jack. A wreath was laid at the base of the Honour Roll, and an address given by a staff ex-serviceman, like Mr Eric Simon, M.M. and Bar. A magnificent cedar Honour Roll listing names of all who served from 1914 to 1918, in the school community and marking with the “Rising Sun” those who were killed, was presented to the school.’ It went on to say Eric taught the boys Rugby League, with 3 boys being selected in 1926 for ‘the Queensland Schools Football Team. Mr. Simon was the football coach at that time.’ It also mentioned he had trouble with ‘an old shrapnel wound to his leg, obtained during the War’. The book went on to say ‘Lieutenant Eric Wilson Simon, swimming and football coach, and extraordinary teacher was and ex-serviceman. He had received a Military Medal and Bar for his bravery on the front and, despite his strict demeanour, was a hero to all the boys. Mr Simon taught one of the Scholarship classes.’ The students were discussed and then it went on as below for their centenary. A couple of students from that time gave recollections of him: Miss Mason said ‘Mr. Simon (was a good footballer), that’s right. I only knew him as a teacher. I think he was in the War, the early War. (World War I).’ Mr Alec Pascoe said ‘Other teacher that stick in my mind were Eric Simon, tragically killed on holiday’. During World War 2 it was stated: ‘1942 was also the last year the Eric Simon Medal was awarded to the school’s highest achiever in Scholarship. Clive Dart with 85% won it.’

In the 1926 electoral roll, Eric was living at Lembourne Broseley Street Toowong in Brisbane and was a teacher. A book published for Toowong State School’s centenary in 1980 included some notes on Eric in its’ pages. In 1926, they were discussing the students having swimming lessons at Toowong Pool, which was filled with river water and that ‘Mr. Simon taught swimming to the boys, despite some trouble with his leg due to a shrapnel wound during the war. He was something of a hero to the boys, having returned with a Military Medal and Bar.’

Picture of Eric from the school Centenary book.

The book went on to say ‘Mr. Simon taught the Scholarship class and in 1927 and 1928 two of his pupils won the Lilley Medal for the highest scholarship pass in Queensland, an unusual achievement for any school.’ It then discussed the winners and went on to say ‘Unfortunately, at the height of his success with the scholarship class, and with sports coaching Mr. Eric Simon died tragically in a swimming accident on the 14-1-1929 at Tugun. He was sorely missed by pupils, staff and parents. His work was remembered with an award known as the “Eric Simon Medal” for the highest school Scholarship pass, the first of which was won by Jack Rowell with 79.7% in 1929. A framed photograph of the late Mr. Simon was unveiled on Anzac Day in the same year.’

The Brisbane Courier of 16 July 1928 in page 3 had an article on the Toowong School which included ‘The Toowong School has now achieved the proud distinction of winning the Lilley medal two years in succession’ … and ‘it was decided to place on record the committee’s high appreciation of the splendid work continued year after year of the head teacher (Mr. F. Bennett, B.Sc.) and his staff, particularly Mr. Eric Simon, M.M. who has had charge of the scholarship class for some years …’

Eric died on 14 January 1929. It was said ‘During the school holidays in January 1929, Mr Simon was holidaying at Tugun with friends and when he prepared to dive into the Currumbin Creek, the sand on the sloping bank gave way throwing him into the water and his head hit a submerged sandbank and as a result he broke his neck and died shortly afterwards.’

His Officer’s Record of Service notes he died at Currumbin on that date and AHQ was advised on 16 January. It lists him as being in the Reserve of Officers and to be a Lieutenant from 1 July 1920. Previously, it lists him as a 2^nd Lieutenant 15^th Battalion AIF from 3 June 1917, then Lieutenant from 16 September 1917 and his appointment was terminated on 21 July 1919. For Active Service it records: ‘The War of 1914-18; – Ops. in Egypt 23 Mar to 13.4.15 & 29.12.15 to 18.3.16, Gallipoli 25 Apr to 20.12.15, (wounded 2 occs.); with E.E.F. 19 Mar to 1.6.16; France & Belgium 8 June to 9.8.16 (wounded 3^rd occ.) & 5.12.16 to 11.11.18 (wounded 4^th & 5^th occs.) 15^th. Bn.’ Entered in the next of kin section, it just records an address of ‘Gower St, Toowong’. Nothing was recorded on the reverse of the form.

The Sydney Morning Herald of Tuesday 15 January 1929 on page 12 had ‘FATAL DIVE TEACHER BREAKS HIS NECK BRISBANE, Monday. Eric Simon, a teacher at the Toowong State School, who was holidaying at Currumbin, dived into shallow water to-day and broke his neck. He died shortly afterwards.’

The Brisbane Courier of Tuesday 15 January 1929 in page 13 had a fuller article and picture: ‘NECK BROKEN. SWIMMING TRAGEDY. PROMINENT SCHOOL TEACHER’S DEATH. COOLANGATTA, January 14. Mr. Eric Simon (aged 32 years), single, of Toowong, met his death under unusual circumstances at Currumbin this afternoon, when he dived into the creek at that centre and broke his neck on a slightly submerged sandbank.

In company with three friends, the late Mr. Simon had been holidaying under canvas at Tugun, and this afternoon the party went for a bathe in Currumbin Creek, near its mouth. The young men had been bathing for some time, when the deceased left the water for the purpose of diving from the sloping bank of the creek. Whilst poised for a dive the sand gave way beneath him and this resulted in his being precipitated into the water in an almost flat position. When he came to the surface he floated apparently unhurt, and his friends noticed nothing amiss, until the tide commenced to carry his body towards the mouth of the creek. One of the party, Mr. G. Mullan, a son of the Attorney-General, then dragged the body from the water, and. being unaware that his friend was dead, resuscitative methods ware commenced, and continued for some time until the arrival of a doctor, who pronounced life to be extinct, and expressed the opinion that death must have been instantaneous. Investigations disclosed a bank of sand under the surface in the position where Simon’s head would strike when he was precipitated into the creek, and It is surmised that the sudden jolt resulted in a fractured neck.

As a member of the teaching staff attached to the Toowong State School, the late Mr. Simon had charge of the scholarship class for several years past, and the many excellent results which have been obtained yearly by children attending this class are a compliment to the ability of their teacher. He also had charge of both the school football teams, and spent considerable portion of his time in promoting their Interests. As a young teacher, Mr. Simon relinquished his position at the outbreak of the war, and enlisted in December, 1914. He saw active service at Gallipoli and in France, where he gained his lieutenant’s commission, and previously was decorated with military bar (sic) and bar. On his return, after four and a half years, he regained his position at the Toowong school, and lived at his home in Gower-street, Toowong, up till the time of his death. He was also a prominent member of the Toowong Presbyterian Church. In paying a tribute to Mr. Simon, the head master of the Toowong school (Mr. F. Bennett, B Sc) said last evening that the deceased was a man of exemplary industry, untiring in his devotion to the studies and sports of his scholars. He felt that by his death he had lost not only a most competent teacher, but also a great personal friend.’

THE LATE MR. ERIC WILSON SIMON, of Gower-street, Toowong, who met his death in a diving accident at Currumbin yesterday.

His funeral was mentioned in the Telegraph of Brisbane on Wednesday 16 January 1929 in page 6

‘Late Mr. E. W. Simon

Funeral This Morning

The funeral of the late Eric Wilson Simon, scholarship teacher at the Toowong State School, who met an untimely death at Currumbin on Monday, took place at the Toowong Cemetery this morning. The esteem in which he was held by scholars and the Toowong community was shown by the large attendance at the graveside and at his house at Broughton Estate from which the cortege moved. The services at the house and at the graveside were conducted by Rev. J. Caulfield, in the absence from the State of Rev. Wilson Smith, minister of the Toowong Presbyterian Church, of which the late Mr. Simon was a member. Amongst those present were the Vice-Mayor (Alderman A. Watson), members of the Toowong State School Committee including Messrs. W. Martin (secretary), J. A. Shield, and J. Mackay; , Messrs. F. Bennett, B.Sc. (head teacher), and J. Fowler, of the teaching staff; D. W. Nicol and F. McMurtrie, representing the Queensland Primary Schools’ Football Association; J. F. Maxwell, M.L.A., W. H. Smith, B.A., Lieutenant-Colonel J. I. Corrigan, D.S.O., Lieutenant-Colonel D. Dunworth, M.C., Captain A. V. Watkinson, representing First Battalion A.I.F., of which the late Mr. Simon, was a member; Messrs. A. J, Russell, representing the Anzac Memorial Club; T. H. Keene, representing the Toowong Sub-branch R.S.S.I.L.A.; Captain H. Maddock, representing Brisbane sub-branch R.S.S.I.L.A.; Messrs. Malcolm Finlayson, R. W. Baird, A. Collins, A. Macdonald, and J. Carter. The members of the Hearts of Oak Druids Lodge formed a body guard at the entrance to the cemetery.’

A letter written on 16 January and published in The Brisbane Courier of 18 January 1929 from H Bowen Banier at Caboolture read ‘Sir, -It is with profound regret that I read in to-day’s “Courier” of the death of Eric Simon I know nothing of him as a teacher and football coach, but as a soldier in the 15th Battalion I feel I could write a volume on his exploits could I be persuaded that my pen was worthy. Time was when Eric Simon’s was a name to conjure with in the great days when the 15th Battalion began to make history. He was as well known in the 15th as Captain Quinn himself, and his deeds were the talk of the brigade. He was wounded no fewer than four times within the first few months on Gallipoli (actually twice on Gallipoli and three times in France), and his gay courage was an inspiration to many less spirited soldiers. There were good and bad even in the 15th Battalion, but Simon was one of the best. He was no parade ground soldier being too intelligent, but as a brave fighter and a ‘daredevil’ he stood out even amongst brave men. There are two things I find it difficult to understand about Eric Simon. One is how he managed to come through the war alive and the other is how he came through without receiving the V.C. God rest him in peace. He was a true and manly man.’

The Brisbane Courier of Thursday 25 April 1929 in page 19 had

‘LIVED FOR OTHERS.

LATE MR. ERIC SIMON.

TOOWONG’S TRIBUTE TO HIS MEMORY.

“I know of no more extraordinary instance of self-sacrifice than where a person lives for others. This was what the late Mr. Eric Simon did. His was a life of self-denial, robbed of all that might give it colour, ambition, and hope, in order to please and make others happy. It was a life-long crucifixion.”

This was the tribute, which the head master of the Toowong State School (Mr. F. Bennett, B.Sc.) paid to the memory of the late Mr. Eric Wilson Simon at the unveiling of a portrait in his honour at the school grounds yesterday. It is intended that the picture shall be hung in the scholarship room; and to further commemorate the memory of Mr. Simon, what will be known as the Eric Simon medal is to be awarded annually to the scholar, boy or girl, who gains the highest pass in the scholarship examination. The simple inscription- “To the memory of Lieut. Eric Wilson Simon, M.M. with bar, whose work won the admiration of all concerned. Accidentally killed, January 14, 1929” appears on the portrait.

In unveiling the portrait, Mr. Bennett said that in saying that he missed Mr. Simon greatly he did not mean to convey any disrespect to the other teachers. For five years Mr. Simon, had been in charge of the scholarship class, and during that period the school on more than one occasion had been represented among the first ten candidates who passed the qualifying examination. But, perhaps, the greatest achievement of all was that the school had secured the Lilley gold medal two years in succession while Mr. Simon was in charge of that Class. That was a record unique in Queensland, and probably would never be equalled. It only went to show the excellence of Mr. Simon’s teaching on the mental side. But Mr. Simon always tried to develop not only the head, but the heart. He wanted the scholars to be clever, industrious, and good. He also took an interest in sport, and excelled on the side of developing the body. Indeed, it probably would be a long time before they had a teacher who would be able to train the child’s head, heart, and body as Mr. Simon had done. Another thing about Mr. Simon which had appealed to him as quite remark-able was the way he sacrificed himself for other people. He practically lived for others.

“THEIR MEMORY LIVES.”

A brief address on the significance of Anzac Day was given by Mr. H. Frazer East, who pointed out that the occasion was a” particularly sad one, because for years past an address had always been given to the scholars by one who was very near and dear to all, and who was looked upon among returned men as one of the best chaps who ever trod in shoe leather-Eric Simon. Prior to August 4, 1914, said Mr. East, Australia had practically no traditions as a nation; her traditions were bound up in the marvellous and mighty deeds of the great British Empire. Then, when Germany threw down the gauntlet and the Mother Country called herself to arms, people from the far-flung parts of the Empire-from Canada, New Zealand, and Australia-hastened to her assistance. Thousands of young Australians rallied to the colours, and finally, 20,000 troops embarked for an unknown destination. After training in Egypt, the historic landing on the steep shores of Gallipoli was made. Against an enemy, hidden from view, the Australians scaled the cliffs, achieving many acts of heroism which proved to the world that Australia could produce men who were fit to take their places beside brothers in the Mother Country, and uphold the traditions of the British Empire which had been so worthily handed down to them. After months of hardship on the Peninsula, orders came from the authorities to evacuate, and this was done almost without a casualty. But from the day of landing to the time of evacuation many of Australia’s sons had made the supreme sacrifice for their country.

“It Is not only the Gallipoli landing that we commemorate on Anzac Day,” emphasised the speaker, “but the deeds of the Australians right throughout the duration of the war, their exploits in France, Palestine, Belgium, and whenever they were engaged. We should remember on that day the spirit which prompted 60,000 of Australia’s most gallant sons to give their lives for freedom, right, and justice. Boys and girls, the citizens of the future, should be inspired by the deeds of those men, for so long as speech remains their memory will live and their heroism will be told, and so long as history is written their bravery and fortitude will be recorded.”

The Vice-Mayor (Alderman A. Watson) also referred “to the glorious record Mr. Simon had left, and to the noble ideals he had set for the future citizens of the State to emulate.” Some of Mr. Simon’s deeds of heroism, he said, were such that had they been brought under the notice of the authorities he would have been given the Victoria Cross.’

Also, in the Telegraph of Brisbane on that day in page 6 was another article on his funeral:

‘LATE LIEUTENANT SIMON.

The ceremony of unveiling a photograph of the late Lieutenant Eric Simon. M.M., who for five years was scholarship class teacher at the Toowong State School, took place at the Toowong school on Wednesday. Present senior scholars and past scholars and a large number of parents and friends were present. The head teacher (Mr. F. Bennett. B.Sc.). who performed the ceremony, paid tribute to the late Lieutenant Simon’s ability as a teacher, his self-sacrificing efforts in the interests of his pupils, and his many sterling qualities as a citizen. Alderman A. Watson (Vice-Mayor of Brisbane) also spoke. Amongst those present were Mrs. H. H. Simon (the deceased lieutenant’s mother). Misses E. and H. Simon (his sisters). Alderman A. Watson (chairman of the school committee), Messrs. J. A. Shield. A. Tilbury. E. A. Keller (members of the school committee). Mr. H. Frazer East, Rev. W. Wilson Smith and Mrs. Smith. Mr. and Mrs. de Lacy Dunn. Mrs. Shield, Mr. J. L. Briggs. B.A., Mrs. Reece and daughter. An apology was received for the absence of Mr. J. F. Maxwell, M.L.A.’

Eric is buried in Toowong cemetery with his parents and brother, George, in location 8-10-26.

His grave is unmarked, as indicated with markers.

The index to his will is recorded as ‘Will Number1929/238, Item ID743462’ in Queensland State Archives. The will is not online.

The Brisbane Courier of Wednesday 24 April 1929 on page 11 recorded under ‘TOOWONG STATE SCHOOL The first meeting of the new committee of the Toowong State School was held on Monday evening, Alderman A. Watson in the chair. Discussion took place regarding he unveiling of the enlarged photograph of the late scholarship teacher, Lieutenant Eric Simon, M.M., and it was decided that the ceremony be performed by the head teacher (Mr. F. Bennett, B.Sc.) this morning at 11 o’clock, immediately after the Anzac address to the scholars by Mr. Frazer East.’

The Repatriation Department in Brisbane requested his service files from Base Records in Melbourne on 27 June 1929.

A statement of his service reads: – 1. Lieutenant Eric Wilson SIMON, “M.M.” 15^th Battalion 2. January 1896 – Coomera, Qld. 3. Toowong, Qld. 4. Brisbane, Qld. 5. School Teacher. 6. 14.12.14. Lance/Sergeant (Date of Enlistment). 12.8.15. Appointed Sergeant. 3.6.17. Promoted 2^nd Lieutenant. 16.9.17. “ Lieutenant. 7. 13.2.15. Emb. With 15^th Battalion. 2^nd Rfts. 8. Awarded the Military Medal (L.G. 29794). “ Bar to M.M. (L.G. 30023). 9. 21.7.19. Appointment terminated. 10. C/o Mrs. H.J. Simon, Broseley Road, TOOWONG, Queensland. 11. 29.5.15. Wounded in action at Gallipoli. 8.8.15 “ “ “ “ “ 6.8.16. “ “ “ France. 1.2.17. “ “ “ “ 25.8.18. “ “ “ “ ———- Officer, Senior Cadets.

Under the In Memoriam section of The Brisbane Courier of 14 January 1930 on page 14 are two entries: ‘SIMON.- In sad and loving memory of our dear friend and teacher, Eric Simon, who passed away January 14^th, 1929. Inserted by his loving friends, Mr. and Mrs. De Lacey Dunn and Ted; and ‘SIMON.- In loving memory of my dear friend, Eric Wilson Simon, M.M. and Bar, accidently killed at Tugun, 14.1.’29. Life’s work well done, Life’s race well run, Life’s crown well won, Then came rest. Inserted by Jack.’

An article in The Brisbane Courier of Saturday 28 March 1931 on page 7 included a reference to Eric and was about another award of the ‘LILLEY MEDAL.

TOOWONG PUPIL HONOURED.

In the presence of the assembled pupils and staff of the Toowong State School yesterday afternoon, the Minister for Public Instruction and Works (Mr. R. M. King) presented the Lilley Medal to Miss Joyce Lowndes, a former pupil of the school, who, in the last scholarship examinations, acquitted herself with distinction, Miss Lowndes also received the T. J. Ryan Memorial book prize, and the Simon Medal. The Minister and Mr. W. J. Maxwell, member for Toowong, were welcomed by the Lord Mayor (Alderman A. Watson), who is chairman of the school committee. The Lord Mayor paid a high tribute to the work of the head teacher (Mr. F. Bennett, B.Sc.), Mr. L. L. Richards (in charge of the scholarship classes), and other members of the staff. He complimented the school upon its record of securing passes for the 34 scholarship candidates presented at the last examinations, and upon 19 of them being A grade passes. The school had the distinction of winning the Lilley Medal in 1927, 1928, and 1930. It was appropriate, he said, that one of the prizes to be received by Miss Lowndes was the Simon Medal, in memory of the late Lieutenant Eric Simon, who, while in charge of the scholarship classes at Toowong, achieved such a success.

In presenting the Lilley Medal and other prizes to Miss Lowndes, the Minister congratulated her heartily, and expressed the hope that it would be the first of many successes. To signalise the honour which this pupil had brought to the school, he granted a day’s holiday, to be added to the schools’ Easter vacation. A vote of thanks was accorded the Minister on the motion of Mr. Maxwell.’

Another article in The Courier Mail of 1 July 1937 about Retiring Teachers Honoured, under the heading of ‘At Toowong School’, with a retiring teacher, Miss E A Dunne who had served for 51 years, presenting a student, Eileen Becker, with ‘the Eric Simon memorial gold medal for having obtained the highest percentage in the last scholarship examination.’

The Australian War Memorial holds a collection which is described as a ‘Collection relating to the service of Lieutenant Eric Wilson Simon, MM, 15 Battalion, AIF, Gallipoli, Western Front, 1915 & 1917. Collection consists of typed copies of two letters written by Lieutenant Simon, one to his parents, written from Lemnos Island in 1915, and one to a school teacher in Brisbane (Miss Dunne) written from England in 1917. The letter to Miss Dunne is notable for its lengthy account of the action in which Lieutenant Simon and the 15 Battalion were involved, in the Gueudecourt area during late January/early February 1917.’ It is listed under Accession Number 1DRL/0567 and is able to be viewed there but is not online. National Archives of Australia also has two records for him that are open in Brisbane, but not online. They are Citations NAA: J34, C23152 and NAA: J26, M23152.

His form of Commission was issued on 21 December 1922 and receipt was acknowledged on 29 January 1923.

His medals are Military Medal and Bar, 1914-15 Star, British War and Victory medals. Eric was one of 18 soldiers in the 15^th Battalion to be awarded a MM and Bar. The 1914-15 Star in the photos is an unnamed original medal.

(1). Excerpts taken from ‘History of the 15^th Battalion AIF 1914-1918’ by Lieutenant T. P. Chataway.

ANZAC Biographies

ANZAC stories from the Maryborough Military & Colonial Museum, Queensland

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