Lieutenant-Colonel Robert Haylock Owen CMG MiD

NSW Regiment Volunteer Artillery,
NSW Sudan Infantry Contingent 1885,
British Army,
New Zealand Army,
3rd Battalion AIF.

by Robert Simpson

Robert Haylock Owen was born on 7^th January 1862 in Wollongong, New South Wales, a son to Percy Owen and Eleanor Martha Haylock. He was one of six children to them, the eldest child and one of four sons. Percy was a solicitor in Wollongong. His father Robert was a solicitor, landholder, politician and judge who had moved the family from England to Australia in about 1840, on a schooner sailed by the family. Percy served in the Volunteer Corps Rifles as a Captain in the Wollongong Corps where he was appointed to on 27^th September 1872. He received his first appointment under the Colonial Government on 15^th June 1871 as an Ensign in the same Corps. On 23^rd February 1885, Percy was appointed as Major in the 2^nd Garrison Division Artillery at a pay of 31 pounds and 5 shillings. It was a position he still held as recorded in the 1893 Blue Book of New South Wales in Permanent and Partly-Paid Artillery Forces. Robert was educated at Sydney Grammar School.

In the Blue Book of New South Wales for 1881, 2^nd Lieutenant Robert Haylock Owen (New Artillery), is listed in the Volunteer Artillery section, with a date of Appointment as 10^th January 1881, which was also his first appointment date. He was appointed by the Governor and Executive Council. His annual salary was 25 pounds. The 1882 book has the same listing, but noted he was promoted. It also has him listed under Secretary for Public Works Railways, as a draftsman, appointed from 20^th March 1882, appointed by the Secretary of Public Works, with a yearly pay of 200 pounds. He was first appointed to the position on 17^th February 1878, but his service was not continuous. The 1886 Blue Book has Robert listed as 1^st Lieutenant NSW Regiment Volunteer Artillery with a date of Appointment of 29^th July 1882, pay of 30 pounds a year and a note saying he resigned 21^st June 1886.

In 1885, he was awarded the Sudan medal while with the New South Wales Contingent in Sudan. The contingent had arrived at the port of Suakin on 29^th March 1885 after departing from Sydney on SS Iberia. They marched to Tamai as part of a British Brigade, only experiencing minor skirmishing, where they destroyed whatever huts were standing and returned to Suakin. They then worked on constructing a railway toward Berber, hardly what they had imagined what they would be doing. The British decided to abandon the campaign, in which the NSW Contingent had not participated in any battles, and they left on 17^th May 1885 on SS Arab. His rank was Lieutenant at the time and he was entitled to the Suakin 1885 clasp. The Contingent was disbanded in July 1885, with the medal being sent to Brigade Office at Sydney.

He was in England, when on 28^th April 1886, he was commissioned in the Price of Wales Volunteers as a Lieutenant. Robert joined the 2^nd Battalion of the South Lancashire Regiment which was stationed in Natal. They then served in the Straits Settlement and in Gibraltar.

On 17^th February 1890, Robert married Hilda Grace Rowell at St Mary’s Church in Hampton. He was a bachelor of 28 years old and she was a spinster of 19 years old. Robert was a Lieutenant in the 82^nd Regiment who was stationed at Gibraltar at the time and Hilda was living in Hampton. Robert’s father, Percy, was listed as a Major and Hilda’s father, Thomas Irvine Rowell, was listed as a MD. They were married in the Parish Church according to the rites and ceremonies of the Established Church after Banns by Vicar D Rigby-Ram.

Thomas Irvine Rowell had been the Principal Civil Medical Officer of the Straits Settlement. He was also Municipal Commissioner, acting Colonial Surgeon in 1868 and President of the Municipality in 1888. In the 1890 New Year Honours, he was appointed Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George (CMG).

On 18^th November 1890, Hilda gave birth to their son, Percy Irvine Haylock Owen in Gibraltar. He was baptised at St Luke South Kensington Church of England on 18^th February 1891. The ceremony was performed by H Durge, Curate. Robert was listed as an officer and they were residing at 9 Redcliffe Square.

In the 1891 census, they were living at her father’s house at 8 Redcliffe Square in London, where Robert was listed as a son-in-law and a profession of Officer HM (regulars) Army Officer and born in New South Wales. Hilda was listed as a daughter and born in Straits Settlement. Their son Percy Irvine Haylock Owen of 4 months was also listed as being born in Gibraltar. Her parents were listed as T Irvine Rowell a Doctor of Medicine Surgical, born in Scotland and aged 50 and his wife Maria Grace Rowell, born in India and aged 42.

Robert was promoted to Captain in January 1894. Captain R H Owen (aged 40) with Mrs Owen (34) and Master P Owen (8) were cabin passengers on the Ortona, departing from London on 24^th November 1899, bound for Sydney. In 1900, he became chief staff officer of the New Zealand Local Forces. During the Boer War, he recruited, equipped and dispatched New Zealand contingents. In October 1902, he was promoted to Major. He retired from the British Regular Army in the end on 1902, but continued to serve in the New Zealand Militia as a Lieutenant-Colonel.

Their daughter, Eirene Grace Owen, was born on 11^th August 1904 in Hamilton (North) New Zealand (although the record spells her name as Irene). She married Hector William Andrews in Camberwell England in 1932 (again named as Irene) and died on 8^th December 1999 in Wantage Berkshire England.

Percy Irvine Haylock Owen was listed in New Zealand Christ College Grammar School List 1850-1921 as number 2217 at “Collins” February 1905-1905, and he was son of Lieutenant-Colonel Owen, Christchurch. There is then an entry of England with no explanation of what it means. Presumably he attended school there in 1905 while his father served in Christchurch and then they went to England. His service record stated his educational qualifications as Felsted College in England.

Lieutenant-Colonel R H Owen (retired) with his family left England on the Runic bound for Sydney on 30^th July 1908. In Hart’s Annual Army List for 1908, Robert is listed in the Reserve of Officers as a Major in the South Lancashire Regiment, on retired pay. It also lists that he was promoted to Lieutenant on 28^th April 1886, to Captain on 12^th January 1894 and to Major on 15^th October 1902. The List also states “Major Owen served in the Soudan campaign in 1885 with the New South Wales Contingent (Medal with Clasp, and Khedive’s Star).”

In the 1913 Australian Electoral Roll, they were living at Corrimal Street in Wollongong and Robert was a colliery proprietor and Hilda was listed as doing domestic duties. At the outbreak of WW1, they were still living in retirement near Wollongong.

Robert applied for a Commission in the AIF on 17^th August 1914 and was allotted to 3^rd Battalion Headquarters. His terms of service was the standard, for the duration of the war and 4 months afterwards. He was chosen by the Commander of the 1^st Brigade, Colonel H N MacLaurin and accepted, even though he thought he was too old. His previous military service included Lieutenant in the NSW Volunteer Artillery 1881-84, Lieutenant in Infantry Contingent Soudan 1885, a Lieutenant and then Captain in the South Lancashire Regiment 1885-1899, CSO (NZ) Commandant in addition 1900-1905, promoted Major in South Lancashire Regiment in 1902 and Lieutenant-Colonel in NZ Forces 1902. Robert led them through the training in Australia. His religion was Church of England. He was married to Hilda Grace Owen and their address was Wollongong NSW. His height was 5 foot 10 inches, chest measurement 36 to 38 inches, and he weighed 11 stone 6 ounces. His eyes were normal. They sailed from Sydney on HMAT A14 Euripides on 20^th October 1914, arriving in Egypt on 2^nd December 1914. At Cairo on 25^th March 1915, in the roll of the 1^st (NSW) Infantry Brigade in the 1^st Australian Division, Lieutenant-Colonel R H Owen was listed as Officer Commanding the Third Battalion. The 3^rd Battalion was part of the landing at ANZAC on 25^th April 1915, being part of the 2^nd and 3^rd waves. During May 1915, Robert briefly assumed command of the 1^st Infantry Brigade, resuming command of the 3^rd Battalion on the 20^th. He was noted for calling down supporting artillery fire more often than usual. One time though, the gunfire he called for and directed saved a difficult situation. On 30^th May, he was admitted to “Clacton” for rest and returned to duty on 4^th June at Gallipoli.

He was wounded in action (slightly) on 22^nd June 1915 and required hospitalisation at Cairo. Robert was granted leave on the 26^th. He was admitted to 19^th General Hospital at Alexandria on 8^th July 1915 with debility from the Hospital Ship Nile. A Medical Board at the 19^th General Hospital found “he is suffering from debility caused by prolonged suppuration of frontal sinus and nervous exhaustion. The Board recommends change to England for further treatment.” After being diagnosed with neurasthenia (nervous exhaustion) and declared unfit for general service, he was sent to England on 21^st July 1915 for 2 months leave on the Wandilla. A Medical Board, on 21^st August 1915 at Colchester, recommended that he was still unfit for service as “there is still some discharge from the frontal sinus though less than heretofore. Headaches from which he previously suffered have diminished, but he still suffers from marked nervous exhaustion.” Also in August, a note to the First Australian Division at Anzac let them know that Lieutenant-Colonel Owen proceeded on Wandilla to England on 20^th July and he had two months leave with a medical certificate. On 25^th September 1915, he was seconded from unit under rules of Promotion issued with DO 957 on that date. Robert returned to Australia on 8^th October 1915 on Suevic from Plymouth; being unfit for general service for 6 months, but fit for home service. On 28^th October 1915, he was struck off strength of the 3^rd Battalion. He was too old to be a battalion commander.

Major-General J E Legge, Commanding the 1^st Australian Division at Gallipoli, wrote from there to the AAG 3^rd Echelon on 23^rd July 1915, stating that he was aware that Robert’s health was very unsatisfactory and for some time he would not be fit again for the strenuous work of the front. He asked if a Military Board could be convened soon, and if found unfit, returned to Australia. He wanted to be made known of this, as he wished to write to the Commonwealth Defence Authorities “recommending that Lieut-Colonel Owen be employed in Instructional work with troops being prepared for service, a work for which I am of opinion he will be very well fitted owing to his experience with the 1^st Australian Division and the active part he has taken in the operations at Gallipoli.”

Percy wrote to Base Records in August 1915, thanking them for supplying the information to him, that Robert had been wounded at the Dardanelles and on his condition. It had been sent to Colonel Owen of Home affairs Department, saying that Chaplain Green advised that on 3^rd July 1915, that Robert was doing very well after being wounded at Gallipoli and being admitted to hospital with debility. They had also sent a note to Robert’s brothers, Ernest William and Lieutenant-Colonel Percy Thomas Owen of Bellambi.

Captain Lean, of Base Records, had a note put in Robert’s file, saying not to advise next of kin until further orders came from him. An entry in his service records says that the next of kin that was supplied on the attestation papers was now deceased and they were to advise E M Owen of Wollongong and also Colonel Owen of Home Affairs in Melbourne of any further casualty. Another note says that Percy Thomas or Ernest William were to be notified. It was dated 23^rd July 1915, but who it is referring to is not stated. E M Bayley of Runnymede Newtown Tasmania wrote to Base Records, asking as nothing had been heard of Robert since he was wounded, could they supply any information on his whereabouts. Base Records replied, saying Robert was on the transport Suevic, which was now in Melbourne and heading for Sydney, where he was disembarking. They also said a letter addressed to Military Headquarters Paddington NSW would find him. Captain H K Cavaye late of 1^st Battalion (40^th) South Lancashire Regiment, C/o Mount Morgan Gold Mining Co. of Mount Morgan wrote in late 1915, asking about Robert. He stated they were old brother officers. They served at Suakin together. Base Records gave him the same information, noted him being wounded and suffering from debility, and where to write to.

The Surgeon General wrote to the Commandant at the Australian Auxiliary Hospitals, seeking invaliding documents for Lieutenant-Colonel Owen, but was told in a reply that they had no records and they were all at the War Office. The reply was dated 2^nd September 1915. A Medical Board held in London on 6^th October 1915, stated that Robert developed neurasthenia at Gallipoli in early July 1915. The Board found that “he sustained a nervous breakdown in Gallipoli early in July; sent to hospital in Alexandria; board there invalided him to England; went before board at Colchester; granted sick leave until October 20^th. He cannot concentrate his mind, suffers from headaches, memory bad, sleep irregular, is emotional and excitable. He is improving.” They said it was of a serious nature but the effects were not permanent and was caused by trench life. It was stated he would be incapacitated for 9 months. Another medical record said he later developed neuritis in the left leg and later, while in the 9^th Australian General hospital, phlebitis in veins of the left lower leg which caused defective circulation and oedema. Further treatment was recommended after an examination.

AIF Orders List 22 recorded and entry from the London Gazette No 29357 of Monday 8^th November 1915 from Chancery of the Order of Saint Michael and Saint George that the “King has been graciously pleased to give directions for the following appointments to the most Distinguished Order of Saint Michael and Saint George for Distinguished services in the field during the operations at the Dardanelles:- To be additional members of the third class, of Companions of the said Most Distinguished order:- Lieutenant-Colonel Robert Haylock Owen. 3^rd. Battalion.”

Arriving at Wollongong station in late November 1915, Robert was greeted by the Mayor Alderman Smith (who was also a returned serviceman) and two soldiers carried him at shoulder height to an awaiting car.

Charles Bean wrote of him in “The Story of ANZAC” saying, “Colonel Owen, of the 3^rd, was a father to his men, a commander with the most gentle consideration, who persisted in treating every man as a gentleman in spite of disappointments from the occasional black sheep. “Because there are one or two black sheep in the regiment, I’m not going to treat nine hundred men as if they were blackguards,” he said. Each one of these leaders had by the end of the training at Mena produced a battalion corresponding in its qualities to his own.” Bean also said he was “gallant but anxious”. His men referred to him as “Dad Owen”.

On 8^th November 1915, Percy Irvine Haylock Owen attested with the 19^th Battalion AIF as a Private at Holsworthy NSW. He gave his occupation as planter. His next of kin was his father Colonel R H Owen of Bellambi NSW. Later addresses were Lynthorpe Bowral NSW and C/o Commercial banking Co at 18 Birchin Lane London. He had not previously served in any military capacity. His description was age 25 years and 11 months, height 5 foot 8.5 inches, weight 144 pounds, chest measurement 35 inches, with dark complexion, dark brown eyes and dark hair. The record also noted his eyes were “Good”. His religion was Church of England. He was promoted to Corporal on 30^th November with E Company and was sent to No. 8 Depot NCO School on 20^th March 1916. After being sent to Duntroon on 26^th April, he was posted to C Company 19^th Battalion at Liverpool on 26^th June. From 8^th July to 30^th July, he was posted to B Company. He passed his qualification exam for 2^nd Lieutenant on 20^th June 1916 and applied for a Commission in the AIF on 10^th July. On 31^st July 1916, he was commissioned as a 2^nd Lieutenant at Dubbo until 25^th August, when he was posted to Kiama. He was there until 31^st August and was then sent to A Company Depot Battalion at Bathurst from 1^st September. On 5^th October, he was posted to 7/58^th Battalion at Bathurst and then from 7^th October at Liverpool. He departed Australia with the 7^th Reinforcements of the 58^th Battalion on A19 Afric on 3td November 1916. On 14^th March 1917, he was transferred from 58^th Battalion to the 3^rd Battalion and taken on strength on 10^th May. His service record lists his father as next of kin and also records for special notification Dr T J Rowell CMG of Norman House Stanstead Essex. He was entitled to the British War and Victory Medals.

On 5^th November 1915, the London Gazette on page 11002 carried an entry for Lieutenant-Colonel R H Owen of 3^rd Battalion (New South Wales) Australian Infantry for receiving a Mention in Despatches from General Ian Hamilton in his despatch of 26^th August 1915.

Percy Owen passed away on 18^th June 1915 at Bellambi, New South Wales.

Base Records posted a notice of a copy of his Mention in Desptaches “In continuation of my Despatch of 26^th August, 1915, I have the honor to submit herewith the additional name of Lieutenant-Colonel R. H. Owen, 3^rd Battalion.” It was promulgated in Supplement 29354 of the London Gazette of 5^th November 1915. The letter was sent to his address C/o The District Commandant, Victoria Barracks, Paddington NSW.

In March 1916, a medical examination showed he still had “considerable oedema in the left leg which aches and is weak on exercise”. He was recommended for further treatment and review in a month. He could do light duties which did not involve much walking or standing. The Staff Officer for Returned Soldiers wrote to Base Records on 7^th April 1916, saying that Robert had been examined by a Medical Board and was recommended for return to light duties. His appointment was terminated on 1^st May 1916. On 7^th May 1916, at the Hospital in Sydney, a Military Board recommended he be discharged as permanently unfit. They said he still had some oedema of the leg and recurrent pain. He was fit for light home duties and discharged from active service. Robert was temporarily appointed as director of military training in February 1917, and in May he became the chief instructor of the Officers’ Training School Duntroon.

On 22^nd September 1917, Percy Irvine Haylock Owen was killed in action at Polygon Wood. He was buried at Tyne Cot Cemetery in LXI. B. 9. His grave registration states “Son of Lt. Col. Robert Haylock Owen, C.M.G., and Hilda Grace Owen of Morton Grange, Thornbury, Glos., England. Native of Gibraltar.” On 4^th October 1917, a report on his death was forwarded to the War Office. It recorded he was with 3^rd Battalion AIF, late 7^th Reinforcements 58^th Battalion. His Commanding Officer reported he was killed in action in Belgium, but the particulars of his place of burial was not at yet to hand and no will was received. A will was received later, and Percy left everything to his mother. A letter stated “This Officer was killed in action on 22.9.17 by M.G. Bullet which penetrated his steel helmet and entered his forehead. He fell unconscious and died a few minutes later. He was buried where he fell in his Platoon Post in the front line and small cross erected Map Ref ZONNEBEKE J.15.B.2.2. in the vicinity of CARLISLE FARM Sheet 28 NE – approximately 1800 yards South East of WESTHOEK.” At some time he was reburied at Tyne Cot British Cemetery Passchendaele in Plot 61 Row B Grave 9. On 16^th March 1921, Australian Grave Services sent Base Records a letter saying they had Percy’s grave recorded as above and “Lieut. Col. Owen, former Commanding Officer of the 3^rd Battalion was recently in this country and making enquiries regarding his son’s place of burial and it was only after exhaustive search that the grave was located. As communications addressed to Col. Owen at the address left by him in England have recently been returned as undeliverable it is presumed that he has returned to Australia.” His mother signed for a package and a valise on 1^st May 1918 and another package on 14^th May 1918. The packages had been sent to her C/o Commonwealth Bank in Wollongong. Percy’s Form of Commission was signed by Robert on 20^th December 1918. On 9^th May 1921, Base Records wrote to Robert c/o Owen and Son, Solicitors in Wollongong, advising him of the location of the grave for Percy and a form to fill in relating to the permanent memorial to be done there.

Robert was appointed an honorary commissioner under the Repatriation Act in February 1918. On 6^th October 1919, Robert wrote to the Commandant at Victoria Barracks in Sydney, advising him that he had received a letter addressed to “Wynnstay” Bowral, from which he had left two years ago and could they forward mail to the Commercial Banking Company of Sydney at 18 Birchin Lane in London. Robert also asked about his medals. A copy was sent to Base Records for them to action. He signed for his two oak leaves on 14^th October 1920. His Commission Form was signed on 30^th September 1920 by the firm of his brother Ernest William, who held power of attorney for him. It had been addressed to his wife in Wollongong. Ernest notified Base Records who he was and that he had sent the Commission Form to Robert, who was in England with his wife, “and will be there probably for some years.” He supplied the contact address for Robert in England and asked if Base Records would tell him of anything else that should be done. On 7^th December 1920, Base Records wrote back to Robert, advising him that his 1914-15 Star had been posted to the address he gave (C/o Commercial Banking Co. 16 Birchin Lane London) and the other medals were not ready for distribution. Mention was also made of a French Decoration, but they had no notification of it, and would advise him if they received anything. Robert had queried where his medals were and had included a newspaper clipping detailing all the medals that had so far been sent out. The French Consulate in Sydney had advised him two years ago that he was recommended for an award, and he had filled in some forms for them. In 1921, Robert was posted to the reserve of officers and went to live with his wife and daughter near Bristol in England. His service record has his address as “St. Arilds”, Kington, Thornbury, Gloucestershire, England, with a previous address of 18 Birchin Lane, London.

A Mention in Despatches certificate was posted to him in October 1921. On 3^rd December 1921, the Military Adviser at Australia House in London sent Base Records a note saying that Lieutenant-Colonel R H Owen CMG of the 3^rd Battalion was now permanently residing in England at “St Arilda” Kingston, Thornbury, Gloucestershire. He had received his 1914-15 Star, but was asking if they could forward the British War and Victory medals directly to him when they become available. In January 1922, they also referred it to Headquarters at Victoria Barracks in Sydney.

In 1926 were living at “The Laurels” Woodland Avenue Gloucestershire. This was stated as their address on his probate. The property has since been demolished, with a new detached house being built on the land.

On 5^th April 1927, Robert died at Eastleigh Manor near Bideford Devonshire of cerebro-vascular disease.

Probate was granted in London on 8^th June 1927 to Hilda Grace Owen widow, Cornelius Henry Weld Dixon surveyor and John Harrison Dixon solicitor, with effects of over 1900 pounds. In November 1928, New South Wales officials wrote an index to his Deceased Estate File, noting him as an army officer, living in England. A value of over 1000 pounds was noted. The Dixon’s were brothers and brothers in law to Robert. His will was recorded in New South Wales and stated that he left all of his estate to his wife and then to his daughter. It outlines precisely how the estate was to be handled.

The Western Daily Press in Bristol on Saturday 9^th April 1927 had the following article:-

“SERVED IN SUDAN. Death of Gloucestershire Military Leader. The death has taken place, suddenly, at Eastleigh Manor, Bideford, of Lieutenant Colonel Robert Haylock Owen, C.M.G., of the Cottage, Woodmancote, Dursley. A son of Colonel Percy Owen Royal Australian Artillery, of Bellambi, New South Wales, Lieutenant-Colonel Owen went to the Sudan in 1883 as a lieutenant in the Australian contingent. In 1886 he obtained a commission in the South Lancashire Regiment, and retired in 1902 with the rank of major. He was appointed Lieutenant-Colonel and Chief Staff Officer to the New Zealand Forces, and in the Gallipoli campaign he commanded the 3^rd Battalion of the Australian Imperial Forces, was twice mentioned in despatches, and was made C.M.G. On taking up his residence at Dursley Lieutenant-Colonel Owen took a keen interest in local affairs. He was sympathetic to the claims of ex-Service men, and was a great supporter of the British Legion. Recently he had been appointed Commanding Officer of the 1^st Gloucester Cadet Battalion Church Lads’ Brigade. He was an active Churchman, being chapelwarden at St. Mark’s, Woodmancote, and a member of the Parochial Church Council. He was 65 years of age. The funeral took place at Horwood, near Bideford.”

Another paper had a similar article and also noted he was visiting Eastleigh Manor, he was the president of the local branch of the British Legion, and a prominent supporter of the Conservative cause. They also said he was sent to Sydney Grammar School and that he “married Hilda Grace, daughter of Dr. Thomas Irvine Rowell, C.M.G., and had one son and one daughter.

The Citizen, on Monday 13^th June 1927, contained the following Local Will :-“Lieut.-Col. Robert Haylock Owen C.M.G., of the Laurels, Dursley, formerly of St. Arilds, Thornbury, who died on April 5^th aged 65 years, late South Lancashire Regiment, left gross estate of the value of 1,959 18s. 10d. Mrs. Hilda Grace Owen of the same address, the widow, Mr. Conrelius Henry Weld Dixon, of Ashford Hill near Newberry, Berks, surveyor, and Mr. John Harrison Dixon, of 3-7, Southampton-street, Strand, W.C., solicitor, are the executors.

In 1930 Hilda contacted the Australian War Memorial with regards to a request for donation of private records of Lieutenant-Colonel R.H. Owen CMG and Lieutenant Percy Irvine Haylock Owen. Her address was recorded as Dursley, Gloucestershire, England. Another file listed as Lieutenant-Colonel Robert Haylock Owen from 1919 to 1969 is stored at Sydney but has not yet been examined.

In the 1930’s, Hilda was living at Charleville Mansions in Fulham with her daughter. Her father died in 1932 in Kensington London. In 1945 to 1947, at least, she was living at 14 Harrington Gardens in London. She passed away on 9^th December 1960 at Norwich in Norfolk.

On 11^th November 1937, a C H Howard of 88 Dunnellan St Greenslopes Brisbane wrote to Base Records asking that he was making an enquiry for a friend to the identity of a Colonel Owen of the 3^rd Battalion AIF, born in Sydney. He said it was “important that I learn at least the dates and places of birth and death.” He also asked for any other details, such as parents. Bare Records replied on 17^th November 1937, saying that a policy had been adopted that ex-soldiers records were confidential and not to be divulged outside the Department. They were not able to supply him with the information he sought.

Two of his brothers also served. Charles Alfred Owen was born in 1866 in Wollongong and served with the artillery as a Lieutenant until 1895, when he retired due to ill health and was placed on the Reserve of Officers. He passed away on 28^th March 1911 and is buried in Wollongong Cemetery. Percy Thomas Owen was born on 16^th September 1865 in Wollongong. Percy studied at University of Sydney, matriculating in 1881. He then worked for Mort’s Dock and Engineering Co. from 1884 to 1888, while studying mechanical and civil engineering. Percy served as an officer in the New South Wales Volunteer Artillery from 1884 to 1886. He re-joined upon being appointed as resident engineer for military works in 1889. While attending a course in England in 1894, he was transferred to New South Wales Engineers and appointed Staff Officer and Adjutant for the Corps. He was transferred to the Headquarters Staff in the New South Wales Defence Force and was promoted to Captain on 1^st January 1895. Percy was admitted as an associate of the Institution of Civil Engineers in London. In late 1899, he was chosen as a special service officer in the Boer War. He fell sick, and after being invalided to England, he returned to Sydney and resumed his former appointment. In November 1902, he was transferred to Army Headquarters in Melbourne and was promoted to Lieutenant-Colonel in July. Percy took up the appointment of inspector general of works in March 1904 and was transferred to the reserve of officers. The public works branch controlled nearly all Commonwealth architectural and engineering works. He was involved with the design and construction of Canberra. He was ineligible for the AIF by reason of age, seniority and specialisation. In August 1914 he became temporary military representative in the Naval Transport Branch and so was closely involved with AIF movements abroad. He was also involved in other areas during the war. In 1925, he was appointed as chief engineer and supervised the construction of Parliament House. Percy was appointed OBE in 1920 and CBE in 1925. He retired to Wollongong in 1929. He died on 16^th June 1936 and was cremated. Of his character, he held strong views but bore no grudge against opponents and he was esteemed for unfailing courtesy and fairmindedness. It was said his monument was Lake Burley Griffin, “which conforms more to his ideas that to Griffin’s.”

Another brother, Ernest William Owen, was born in Wollongong in 1871. He married Constance Elaine McMillan in September 1910 in Sydney and they had a son, Evelyn Ernest Owen, born on 15^th May 1915 at Wollongong. Evelyn joined the AIF at Paddington on 25^th May 1940 as Private NX22028 in the 2/17^th Infantry Battalion. On 25^th June 1941, he was discharged from the AIF as he was required for employment in a reserved occupation. Evelyn was the designer of the Owen gun. The Owen gun was the only entirely Australian designed submachine gun of WW2 and was the main submachine gun used by the Australian Army from 1943 until the mid-1960’s. Other forces also liked and used it due to its’ robust design and ability to keep firing in all conditions. Unfortunately, Evelyn died in 1949.

On 5^th October 1984 Mrs M E Owen of 602/31 Sturt St Telopea NSW 2117, wrote to Base Records asking for the service of Robert. The reply gave details of his WW1 service and also included that “he had previous service as follows. New South Wales Volunteer Artillery 1881-1884. Imperial Contingent Soudan 1885. South Lanarkshire Regiment 1885-1901. New Zealand Forces 1902.” The letter also advised her that his Gallipoli Medallion was not claimed, so they asked her for the name and address of the nearest living relative, so it could be forwarded to them. She was a niece to him. They also gave her other addresses where she could try for more service records for Robert.

 

His medals are Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George (CMG), Egyptian Medal 1882-89 with bar Suakin 1885, Khedives Egyptian Star. 1914-15 Star, British War Medal and Victory Medal with oak leaf.

 

The museum just has his Egyptian medal.

Matron Amy Knaggs RRC and Bar

Queen Alexandra’s Imperial Military Nursing Service

by Robert Simpson

Amy Knaggs was born on April 1866 at Winchester, Hampshire, England. She was one of four daughters to Henry Knaggs and Emma Lawrence Green. They also had two sons. Henry married Emma on 1^st July 1858 at Brompton St Barbara Garrison Church in Kent. He was listed as an Assistant Surgeon in the 59^th Regiment of Foot. Their first daughter, Edith Alice Constance Knaggs was born at Medway, Kent in England in 1859. They then moved to South Africa, where Ida Florence was born in 1861, Annie in 1863 and William Henry Edward Knaggs was born in 1865 at Cape of Good Hope (Fort Beddie). Before Amy was born, they had moved back to England, and then they moved to Canada, where Marian Louise Knaggs was born in 1869 at Ilse-Anx-Noy. By 1871, they had moved to the Channel Islands, where their last child, Morton Herbert Knaggs was born on 6^th January 1871 at Elizabeth Castle in Jersey. In the 1871 census, Henry was listed as the Head of the Army Medical Staff. Emma, who had been born in Barbados in the West Indies in 1837, passed away in April 1889 on the Isle of Wight, Hampshire. The family was apparently in the West Indies (possibly in Jamaica) in 1887 and before that, as they are not listed in the 1881 census. In the 1891 census, Henry and three daughters (including Amy) were residing at 14 Poker Terrace. Henry was listed as a Brigade Surgeon MS (RP), and Amy was listed as a Hospital Nurse (sick). Henry was recorded in Hart’s Army List of 1888, stating he “served with the Bechuanaland Expedition under Sir Charles Warren in 1884-85 in charge of the Base Hospital”. He was also listed under Medical Staff, under Brigade Surgeons ranking as Lieutenant-Colonels and it shows he was an Assistant Surgeon from 22^nd April 1858, Surgeon from 1^st March 1873, Surgeon Major from 1^st April 1873, and Brigade Surgeon from 16^th April 1884 and he was stationed in Jamaica. Henry was placed on the retired pay list in 1888 and then it mentions he was sent to Staff on 16^th February 1891. In the 1911 Census, Henry was living at 7 Keynsham Avenue, Cheltenham. He was listed as a widower and a Lieutenant-Colonel with R.P.A.M. Staff. Annie and Marion were also living with him. On 13th October 1913, Henry Knaggs passed away at 7 Keynsham Parade and was buried by Reverend H C Noott at Cheltenham Cemetery on the 16th in Section A2, grave 2174. He was listed in the cemetery register as a retired Lieutenant-Colonel of 78 years of age.

Amy began her training for a career in nursing in 1888 at the Radcliffe Infirmary, Oxford. After completing it in 1891, and having a 3 month break, she was employed at the Leicester Infirmary. On 5^th January 1894, she was appointed a Nursing Sister in the Army Nursing Service, with her first appointment at the Herbert Hospital, Woolwich. After serving in Devonport between June 1895 and April 1896, she was placed on the Army Nursing Service Reserve after resigning to take up civil employment.

At the beginning of the Boer War, she was mobilised and embarked with the No. 8 Hospital at Southampton on SS Dunraven Castle in January 1900. When arriving at Bloemfontein, the hospital was dispersed and Amy was appointed Nursing Superintendent at No. 5 Stationary Hospital, which was situated in the former Free State Parliament Building. She remained there for 20 months. Amy was entitled to the Queens South Africa Medal as a Nursing Sister with the Army Nursing Service Reserve at No. 5 Stationary Hospital. As a Nursing Sister with the A.N.S. Reserve, Amy was entitled to the Kings South Africa Medal with no clasps. Amy was awarded the RRC 1st Class and MID (by Earl Roberts) during the Boer War whilst matron of Raadzal Hospital in Bloemfontein. The Royal Red Cross was awarded to her by H.M. King Edward VII at St. James’ Palace in December 1901, while she was on leave. The Sheffield Daily Telegraph of 18^th December 1901 recorded that “His Majesty the King held an investiture at St. James’ Palace at 12 o’clock today.” “His Majesty conferred the decoration of the Royal Red Cross upon the undermentioned ladies:-“and the list included “Nursing Army Sister Amy Knaggs Army Nursing Service Reserve.” The paper also noted “A number of the foregoing, including some of the ladies, received the South African war medal.” The award was noted in The Nursing Record and Hospital World of 5^th October 1901 under war honours for nurses and again on 21^st December for the investiture. The American Journal of Nursing also recorded the award, reprinting it from the Nursing Record of 5^th October. Afterwards she returned to South Africa and returned to England on 23^rd October 1902. She then resigned from the Army Nursing Service Reserve. Amy re-joined the Reserve in March 1905 and was quickly employed, serving at Canterbury from 22^nd March 1905 to 10^th July 1905, Warley from 11^th July 1905 to 7^th October 1905 and at Caterham (as Nurse in Charge of the Guards Hospital) from 8^th October 1905 to 17^th June 1907. Then she left to open her own Training Institute for Nurses in Southport, Lancashire. The 1905 British Army List also shows Amy to be at Hexham Convalescent Home (for the wounded) Northumberland as Matron.

The 1911 census shows Amy as a civilian nurse (listed as hospital trained nurse) in Ormskirk. The census address given was Kenworthy Hydropathic Establishment in Southport.

She joined Queen Alexandra’s Imperial Military Nursing Service in February 1915. Amy was appointed the Matron of the Hospital Ship Nevasa which had 660 beds. The Nevasa operated between Egypt and the UK and included 12 trips to Gallipoli. Then, returning to England, she took up an appointment at Devonport on 28^th October 1916. Her following appointments were serving as Matron at Sheerness from 17^th January 1917, Hurley Camp from 5^th November 1917, and at Lord Derby’s War Hospital, Warrington from 29^th April 1918 to 30^th November 1919. An annual confidential report, dated 22^nd April 1918, by her Commanding Officer while at Hursley Camp read “Matron Miss Knaggs has served under me since March 2^nd 1918 in which date I took over charge of this hospital. Professional ability good. Administrative capacity both as regards the hospital and the home very good. A fair power of initiative, but I cannot express an opinion as to her ability to instruct & train orderlies. Moral qualifications: – very good temper, average amount of tact and is self-reliant; has common-sense and is punctual. Miss Knaggs is very good to the patients and very popular with them. The nursing staff under her always appeared very happy and contented.” The Administrative Medical office stated “Miss Knaggs has done good work at Hurley. The hospital has improved since her arrival.” to which the Principal Medical Officer concurred. The General Officer Commanding commented “Miss Knaggs is a very good matron.” Another report while at the Lord Derby War Hospital on 8^th January 1919 read “Miss Knaggs has acted as Matron at this Hospital since April 1918, & she has impressed me very favourably with regard to the manner in which she has performed her duties. Her general professional ability is of a high order & she exhibits marked administrative capacity & has proved herself capable of controlling and influencing for good in large staff of nurses and orderlies. Moral Qualifications are excellent: she has been zealous, energetic, punctual & thoughtful.” Signed by Alexander Simpson Lieutenant-Colonel RAMC. A Medical Board found her unfit for further service on 17^th November 1919, due to a “bad breakdown in health”, so she was invalided from the service. She then retired from service after a 30 year career.

HMT Nevasa in 1913

The London Gazette of 8^th April 1919 shows that Miss Amy Knaggs, RRC, Matron QAIMNS (retired), Lord Derby’s War Hospital, Warrington, was awarded a Bar to the Royal Red Cross. “His Majesty the King has been graciously pleased to award a Bar to the Royal Red Cross in recognition of valuable nursing services in connection with the War.” “At the Royal Investiture on Thursday, the King conferred the Bar to the Red Cross on Miss Amy Knaggs, Queen Alexandria’s Imperial Military Nursing Service (QAIMNS), daughter of the late Lieut.Colonel H. Knaggs, R.A.M.C. of 7 Keynsham Parade, Cheltenham.” The British Journal of Nursing on 28^th June 1919, under League News, recorded an annual meeting of the Leicester Royal Infirmary Nurses’ League, where “Miss Amy Knaggs, R.R.C., Matron of the Lord Derby War Hospital, Warrington, was elected a vice-president”. It also recorded she “gave a short account of her work as Matron on board a hospital ship”. The same journal on 3^rd April 1920 recorded the award of the Bar to the RRC for Amy under Honours for Nurses where The King held an investiture at Buckingham Palace on 25^th March to confer the award.

Amy was issued her British War and Victory medals on 21^st March 1921 with her rank in the QAIMNS roll as Matron. She was also issued the 1914-15 Star in the QAIMNS roll on 4^th March 1921, as a Matron. The date of disembarkation was recorded as 4^th February 1915 and in the remarks is H.S. “Nevassa”.

Amy’s record of service was recorded in her service file as follows:-

Appointed Nursing Sister, Army Nursing Service, 5^th January 1894. Stations. Netley, 5.1.94 to 19.10.94 Woolwich 20.10.94 to 28.4.97 Devonport 29.6.97 to 26.4.98 Resigned to take up civil appointment.

Joined Army Nursing Service Reserve, served in South Africa from 17.2.00 to 23.10.02. 2 years and 8 months.

Re-joined ANSR for home service 22.3.03.

Stationed at Canterbury 22.3.05 to 10.7.05 Warley 11.7.05 to 7.10.05 Chaterham 8.10.05 to 17.6.07.

Re-joined as AQIMNS Temporarily employed from 4.2.15.

Stations HS Nevasa, voyage to Egypt return 4.2.15 to 27.10.16 Devonport 28.10.16 to 16.1.17 Sheerness 17.1.17 to 16.11.17 Hursley Camp 5.11.17 to 28.4.18 Warrington 29.4.18 to 30.11.19.

Passed permanently unfit for further service by Medical Board 17.11.19.

Total service 14 years and 1 month.

On 23^rd September 1919, an army form for a Claim for Gratuity on cessation of service for Nurses temporarily employed with QAIMNS was filled out for Matron Amy Knaggs in the QA Res. From 11/11/14 to 4/8/19, who was still serving at the Lord Derby War Hospital at Warrington Lancashire, by the Officer Commanding the Hospital and was approved.

 

On 20^th November 1919, Amy was sent a letter from the QAIMNS. Her address was given as 2 Clarendon Terrace, Marine Parade, Brighton. The letter read “With reference to your examination by a Medical Board on the 17^th instant, I am directed to inform you that you were thereby found permanently unfit for further Military Nursing Service, and to request that you will be so good as to inform this Office whether you are desirous of repatriation to Australia, if so desirous, it will be necessary for you to produce evidence as to the date of your arrival in the United Kingdom, from Australia, and you should obtain a certificate from the Company on whose line you travelled, giving the date. This information is necessary as you were re-appointed to the Queens Alexandria’s Imperial Nursing Service Reserve, in this country. I am to add that should you not be desirous of returning to Australia, your engagement with the Nursing Staff of the Army will be terminated, and your case passed to the Ministry of Pensions for consideration. It was signed on behalf of the Matron-in-Chief of the QAIMNS.

Amy wrote a letter to The Secretary of the Pension Department in the War Office in London on 6^th April 1921, as Miss A Knaggs, late Matron QAIMNS, Retired. She gave her address as 18 Lansdowne Place, Hove. She wrote “ Sir, I have the honor to ask that my case may considered with reference to the grant of a small pension in respect of my Service, which has been as follows

4¼ years in late Army Nursing Service viz Jan 5. 1894 to April 25 1898 + 2¾ years on active Service in South Africa viz Jan 1900 to Sept 1902 + 2 years at Home Stations Subsequently Late War – From 11.11.1914 to 1.12.1919 As I had retired in 1898, the periods marked were counted Reserve Service, but since in the late war, I was, in common with all required Members of the Service, graded as a retired Member of the Regular Service, I beg to ask that that these former periods may also be permitted to count as regular Service, in which case my total Service would be 14 years of which 7¾ have been war Service. I held the appointment of Matron, all through this last war & was Supt Sister during the South African and have been awarded the R.R.C. and Bar. Since, on rejoining for this late war I gave up a Nursing business which was prospering to all, and would in course of time have allowed me to retire very comfortably, and as I am now past the age where it is possible to obtain any appointment for which by my experience I am well fitted, I think it not unreasonable to ask that my Service may be considered, especially as, owing to a breakdown in health in Aug /19 I was pronounced unfit for further Military Service. This fact prevented me from taking up posts for which I should have been eligible and compelled me to retire from active work. I was granted a small temporary pension for a year on this account & this was renewed on the recommendation of a Medical Board, for a 2^nd year and will shortly expire. I should be very glad if this could be supplemented by the grant of a small pension by reason of my Service. I enclose papers which will bear out my Statements.

I have the honor to be Sir Your obedient Servant A. Knaggs late Matron Q.A.I.M.N.S. (Ret)

The reply on 29^th April 1921 from J G Ashley for the Secretary of Finance reads “In reply to your letter of the 6^th April, I am directed to acquaint you that the rules in the Pay Warrant for the grant of Retired Pay for service apply only to the regular nurses of the Queen Alexandra’s Imperial Military Nursing Service and Military Families’ Hospitals, who retire voluntarily or are retired compulsorily under the conditions and circumstances stated in the Pay Warrant. They do not apply to other nurses, even if on ceasing to be employed they have had sufficient service to render them eligible for service retired pay had they been members of the regular service. You received gratuity for your services during the War, and your application for a grant of service retired pay cannot be acceded to.”

 

Her “little sister” Ida urged Amy to write a sketch of her career, which she started on in April 1927. It was titled “Reminiscences of a Nursing Career, as narrated by A. Knaggs, of “Birchland”, Wokingham, Berks.”

She stated that she had a career when it was very unusual for a woman to have a career. In her story she said she was living with her family in the West Indies when she turned 21. After returning to England, her father approved of her going into nursing. The matrons of Barts and St. Mary’s Paddington hospitals in London said she was not old enough to work there, so she too a position in a provincial school at the Radcliffe infirmary in Oxford in 1888. Due to the bad food, she became anaemic and lost appetite and it did not help when her mother died nine months after starting. She had a break for three months and then joined the Leicester Infirmary. Being paid 16 pounds a year there meant she was self-supporting and she stayed there for four years. Amy joined the Army Nursing Service on 4^th January 1894. Her first posting was at the Herbert Hospital, Woolwich, doing mainly night shifts for two years. “In 1899 the War with South Africa (Boer War) had begun and I sailed in January 1900 from Southampton for Cape Town on “The Dunvegan Castle” with No.8 General Hospital. We proceeded to Bloemfontein O.R.C. which had just surrendered to Lord Roberts. The hospital unit was broken up, and we were sent to various converted buildings in the town, ending at The Raadzaal – The Free State Parliamentary House which had been turned into No.5 Stationary Hospital.” She was there for twenty months as Superintendent. The hospital treated the wounded and the sick (mainly for enteric fever). She was also responsible for Grey College which was for sick nurses. Then she took leave in London, where she was awarded her RRC. “I returned to S.A. during a new phase of the War – and was billeted on one half of a Boer farm (owner had been deported). Finally peace was signed and I returned to England in September 1902.” She returned to England on the Sunda, leaving on 1^st September and due at Southampton on the 23^rd.

She then went to India as a partner in a new nursing home in Ootacamund. She enjoyed it for a year, but saw “no chance of making much out of the Home” so “my partner and I agreed to part and my half of the money expended on furniture was repaid to me.” After arriving back in England, she returned to the Army Nursing Service Reserve. She had positions in Canterbury and in Warley in Essex. For two years she was in charge of The Guards Hospital in Caterham, then at Nurses Home at Wootton Lodge in Bournemouth for nine months before going to St. George’s Nurses Home, Montpelier Street, London for two years. In March 1911, Amy opened the Nursing Training Institute in Southport, Lancashire as proprietor and manager. She used it to supply fully trained and reliable nurses in Southport and was “pleased to find I had made the reputation of only having nice women and well trained nurses on my staff.” It still runs today.

During WW1 she organised a V.A.D. hospital. From February 1915, she was in charge of the HMHS Nevasa which had been converted to a hospital ship of 660 beds. Initially the ship did cross-channel work, taking the sick and wounded from Le Havre to Southampton. They were then sent to Alexandria to transport back the “terrible sad load of those shot down in that ‘wonderful’ Dardanelles landing.” The staff worked for long periods in a terrible atmosphere due to the septic and putrefying wounds they treated. The ship went to Malta, back to Muden in the Aegean Sea and then to the Dardanelles for 4 months, where they did twelve trips to different beaches, conveying ‘poor mutilated men’. For Amy, it was a “Ghastly and harrowing time.” In March 1916, she spent a few weeks at the 15^th Stationary Hospital at Port Said before being in charge of the Orwa El Waska (General Hospital Medical Section) Schools in Alexandria. She was ordered back to England by a Medical Board in July after colitis problems. After recovering, Amy worked at Devonport, and then Sheerness where she was exposed to “nerve racking air raids night after night”. She then went to Hursley until April 1918 when she went to Lord Derby War Hospital which had 3000 beds. It was one of the last hospitals to shut after the war finished due to the constant arrivals. A Medical Board in September 1919 disallowed her to return to service due to ‘bad breakdown in health’, so she retired.

Her nursing career had lasted over 30 years. On 4^th March 1921, her WW1 trio were posted to her.

The electoral registers for West Yorkshire, England from 1931 to 1934 contain entries for an Amy Knaggs, living initially at By Ways Lodge, Ledhall Lane, Pannal and then at other addresses, who is living with a Robert and Joanna Knaggs. More information is needed to confirm it is her and how the others are related.

 

Amy was obviously interested in her family’s heritage as discussed in this letter written to a Mr Pat Purcell in September 1933.

“Dear Mr Purcell, thank you for information on George Knaggs. I would like further to find his relationship to Elizabeth Knaggs of Queen’s County who died in 1740. According to your records Robert Knaggs address was Burren Street, Carlow town is that where he would have had his Apothecary business? Robert served on the Grand Jury for Carlow in 1779, was this service related to administration?

Family records state he collected Cess Taxes. Elizabeth Knaggs was born in Carlow in 1801 and Robert Corbet Knaggs was baptised in 1809. I believe the death record in 1820 that you found for Robert Knaggs is not the same Robert Corbet Knaggs. The family names through marriage the Knaggs became kin with were Eliza Boles, mother of Robert Knaggs 1799. John Brewster, alive in 1730. Elizabeth Bridges, all married in Established Church, (from Family Bible), there is also reference to an Abel Roberts who was a Quaker around this time, some of the others may have joined him. Besides Carlow the family lived at Stradbally and Marybourgh in Queen’s County.

Again much thanks for all your help and suggestions, reply to London address, please use enclosed £1 Sterling to cover post charges,

Amy (Knaggs).”

The copy of the letter also has written “New South Wales, Australia”. Unfortunately it cannot be shown if she was in Australia or England during those years, or what the family tie with Australia was or how it relates to the New South Wales Deceased Estate Files of family members as noted below.

 

In 1936, the War Office weeded her record file, keeping some and destroying others, and stamped the page “Closed no further minutes must be placed in this file”.

 

Amy passed away on 3^rd August 1937 at Windsor in Berkshire England. Probate records show she was living at The Laurels, Church Road Crowthorne. She died a spinster, leaving effects of over 6100 pounds to Morton Herbert Knaggs, retired Colonel H. M. army and Ethel Maude Knaggs, spinster. There is also a record for her in the index to New South Wales Deceased Estate Files, giving her address as England and that she was a spinster. The record was resealed and granted on 1^st September 1939, with the government taking 4% of 2333 pounds. Amy was buried in Crowthorne (St. John the Baptist) Churchyard, in the New North area of the Churchyard, in row 4, position 3, on 7^th August.

 

 

 

 

Her inscription reads:-

IN LOVING MEMORY OF

AMY KNAGGS, R.R.C.

Q.A.I.M.N.S.

WHO DIED 3RD AUGUST 1937 AGED 71.

SURELY GOODNESS AND MERCY HATH FOLLOWED

HER ALL THE DAYS OF HER LIFE

 

Her obituary was published in The Times on Friday 6^th August 1937. “‘Miss Amy Knaggs, R.R.C. and bar, late Q.A.I.N.S., died at Crowthorne, Berks, on Wednesday after a long illness. She saw active service in South Africa, being for some time matron of Raadzal Hospital in Bloemfontein, and was awarded the Royal Red Cross. In the late war she received a bar to this decoration for conspicuous service in a hospital ship which, after cross-Channel work was sent to Gallipoli. After being invalided home she was appointed matron in charge of the Lord Derby Hospital, Warrington, where she remained until finally invalided out of the service. The funeral will be at St John’s Church, Crowthorne, tomorrow at noon.” The London Times also noted her death “after a long illness heroically borne.” Her family called her “Daisy”.

 

Edith married Richard Exham in India in 1882. She passed away in 1908 in Plymouth. Richard retired in 1903 as a Colonel in the Royal Army Medical Corps and had been appointed CMG in 1901. He died 1^st February 1915 in Plymouth.

 

Ida married Edward Frederick Henry McSwiney in 1885 in India. She passed away near Eastbourne in Sussex in 1938. Edward had been born in St. Petersburg in Russia in 1858, was in the Indian Army as a Colonel and had been appointed CB and awarded a DSO. Edward has served with the 3^rd Regiment Hydrabad Cavalry and later the 40^th South Lancashire Regiment. He died in India in 1907. Apparently after his death, Ida was affected so much by it, that she never fully recovered her metal stability. She reverted in and out of being an adolescent for the rest of her life and had to be looked after by the nanny who helped with their children.

Ida Florence McSwiney

Annie remained a spinster. At some time she moved to Australia after 1901. She was living in Newcastle in the 1903 electoral roll, doing domestic duties. She returned to England for the 1911 census, living with her father. It is possible she moved back to Australia in 1912, living in St. Kilda, and then Ballarat. By the early 1940’s, she had moved back to Cheltenham in Gloucestershire England. She passed away in 1942 in the General Hospital in Cheltenham. She had effects of over 4000 pounds in England and a reference to the Public Trustee was recorded on the Index to Deceased Estate Files in New South Wales.

William followed on from his father, becoming a medical practitioner and a surgeon. The pressure must have been too much for him, as he died in the Manchester Royal Lunatic Asylum in Cheadle Cheshire in 1908, with probate going to his father of over 1700 pounds.

 

Marian Louisa also remained a spinster. She lived with her father, as recorded in the 1901 and 1911 census in England. At some stage she was in New South Wales. She passed away at 8 Royal parade Cheltenham, also in 1942, where she was living with Annie. Probate of over 3300 pounds, as with her sister, was sent to Lloyds Bank. The Public Trustee was also referenced on her New South Wales deceased index file.

 

Morton Henry was living with his father’s sister while attending school in the 1881 census at Hastings. He passed Royal Military College in 1890, and a musketry school and transport course in late 1899. In the 1891 census he was a visitor at a house in Gloucestershire, and was a 2^nd Lieutenant in the North Staffordshire Regiment, appointed from Royal Military College from 25^th March 1891. Hart’s Army List shows he was appointed Lieutenant in 1893, Captain in 1899 and Brevet Major in 1900. It also lists he was with the Army Ordnance Depot. He was also listed as Brevet Major with the North Staffordshire Regiment at Aldershot in 1907. He married Constance Mary Stilwell in 1905 at Hillingdon. He was listed in Hart’s Annual Army List of 1908 with the entry under The Prince of Wales’s (North Staffordshire Regiment). It reads “Major Knaggs served with the Dongola Expeditionary Force under Sir Herbert Kitchener in 1896 with 1^st Battalion North Staffordshire Regiment (British Medal, and Khedive’s Medal with Clasp). Served in South African war in 1899-1902; took part in operations in Orange Free State in Feb. to May 1900, including actions at Karree Siding, Vet River, and Zand River; in Transvaal in May 1900, including actions near Johannesburg; in Transvaal, west of Pretoria, Sept. and Oct 1900; and in Transvaal, 30^th Nov. 1900 to 31^st May 1902 (mentioned in despatches, Brevet of Major, Medal with two Clasps).” In 1911, he was living with his family at Eltham, Kent.

In WW1 he was a Colonel with the Royal Army Ordnance Corps, but appears to have not served overseas and was not entitled to any campaign medals. The London Gazette, of 15^th October 1914, shows he had a temporary appointment as a Deputy Assistant Director at the War office from 6^th October 1914. He was appointed temporary Assistant Director on 5^th January 1915. Constance passed away in 1915. In the King’s Birthday Honours, he was made Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George (CMG) for services rendered in connection with the War. He retired in 1920. Morton passed away in 1948 in Dublin, Ireland. His New South Wales deceased index file showed he was living in London, presumably before that. Probate shows he was living at Butlers Arms Hotel in Waterville County Kenny. Effects of nearly 5000 pounds in England went to Betty Constance Yolande Knaggs, a spinster. Morton spoke French and German. He was 6 feet and ½ an inch tall and religion was Church of England, as recorded in his record.

 

 

 

 

Amy’s medals are Royal Red Cross with Bar, Queen’s South Africa Medal, 1899-1902, 3rd type reverse, no clasp (Nursing Sister A. Knaggs.), King’s South Africa Medal, no clasp (Nursing. Sister. A. Knaggs.), 1914-15 Star (Matron A. Knaggs. Q.A.I.M.N.S.), British War and Victory Medals, 1914-1920 (Matron A. Knaggs). She was also issued a Princess Christian’s Army Nursing Service (Reserve) Tippet Badge (No. 184) during her service.

 

 

 

Private William Clark Dufton, Serbian silver medal
British Army (Territorials)
2nd, 12th & 16th Field Company Engineers AIF

by Robert Simpson

William Clark Dufton was born in Old Machar Parish in Aberdeen, Scotland on 22^nd July 1892 at 9.30 pm in the house at 8½ Mount Street West. He was a son to William Dufton, a Joiner (Journeyman) and Maggie Turner, who had been married on 9^th September 1891 at Coull. Their surname on the birth certificate was spelt Duffton. His father signed the birth certificate. William senior had been born in Aberdeen in 1866 and Maggie (Margaret) in Aberdeen in 1867. They also had another son and daughter, Robert Bertram Dufton, born 18^th March 1896 in the same parish and Jessie Alexander Dufton, born 6^th May 1898 in Cookney in Kingcardineshire. By the 1901 census they were living at Bridge Of Muchalls near Stonehaven, where his father was listed as a house carpenter. They had shifted to Cookney (about 5 km away) by the 1911 census.

In September 1914, William embarked on the Themistocles from London in 3^rd Class, giving his trade as carpenter. He was bound for Melbourne, arriving there on 7^th October 1914.

On 22^nd April 1915, William joined 6^th Reinforcements 8^th Battalion as Private 2224, enlisting in Melbourne. That was later crossed out and in red pen was written 2^nd Field Company Engineers. He was listed as a natural born British subject from Aberdeen in Scotland. William was a 24 and 9/12 year old carpenter, who served his apprenticeship as 4 years with his father. He was not married and his next of kin was his father, at Bridge of Muchalls, Kingcardineshire, Scotland. William stated he previously served with the Territorials, the 7^th Battalion of the Gordon Highlanders for 4 years with time expired. Unfortunately there have been no records found to confirm this. He was single and was prepared to have inoculations against smallpox and enteric fever. There were no convictions or dishonourable discharges against him. His pay book number was 155621. The description of William upon enlistment included his age as 24 years and 9 months, height of 5 feet and 5¾ inches, weight of 12 stone, chest measurement of 39 to 41 inches, and he was of fresh complexion with blue eyes and light brown hair. His religious denomination was Presbyterian. William had 1 vaccination mark on his left arm, a small scar on his left kneecap and tattoo marks 4 on the back of his right hand. The medical examination on 15^th April 1915 certified him fit for active service. He was appointed to the 6^th Reserve Battalion on 21^st May 1915.

From 21^st April to 11^th May 1915, William was posted to the Depot, before being posted to the 6^th Reserve Battalion on the 11^th. With the other reinforcements for the 8^th Battalion, he embarked on HMAT Wandilla A62 at Melbourne on 17^th June 1915. His rate of pay was 5 shillings a day. The nominal roll listed his father as next of kin, but misread the address as “Bridge of Minchelia, Kincardinshire, Scotland”. He arrived at Anzac on 6^th August 1915, joining the 8^th Battalion there. William was then transferred from 8^th Battalion to 2^nd Field Company Engineers on 12^th August 1915. (Another two entries says the transfer occurred on 8^th December 1915.) His service records also have the service number 1880 entered, but in some this is crossed out. It would seem his service number was changed to 1880 when he transferred to Divisional Engineers and this was the number used by them. He arrived in Alexandria on 27^th December 1915, disembarking from HT Caledonia.

On 10^th March 1916, he was transferred to 5^th Divisional Engineers at Serapeum. Another entry says he was taken on strength of the 12^th Field Company Engineers from the 2^nd Field Company on 6^th March. On 3^rd April 1916, he was sent to hospital with synovitis of the knee, and re-joined from the hospital on the 6^th. He received a Typhoid and Paratyphoid A and B injection on 18^th March and 11^th April 1916.

At Serapeum on 27^th April 1916, he was charged with (1) obscene language and (2) creating a disturbance after lights out, for which he was awarded 7 days field punishment No. 2. A Board of Enquiry found he lost his rifle, for which he was charged 3 pounds and 12 shillings, forfeited from his pay. He embarked at Alexandria on 4^th June 1916, disembarking at Marseilles on the 11^th to join the BEF. On 17^th August 1916 in France, he was wounded with a gunshot wound in the left arm and right leg and sent to hospital. He was admitted to the 1^st Casualty Clearing Hospital at Etaples on the same day, where his wounds were described as being in the left thigh and right arm. On 22^nd August 1916 he embarked on HS Dieppe for England from Calais. He was admitted to Ontario Military Hospital at Orpington Kent on the same day. An admission form shows he had gunshot wounds to the left and right arms and thigh. He was in hospital for 74 days, being discharged on 3^rd October 1916. The Remarks section reads “Wounded July 14^th 1916 received here July 22^nd 1916”. It then went on to discuss the wounds and maybe some treatment, but is hard to read. In September 1916, an entry in his service record says he was progressing favourably. He was marched in from the hospital to Perham Downs on 4^th October and proceeded to furlough on the 5^th. On 21^st October 1916, he reported back from furlough at No. 1 Company Depot at Perham Downs and was classified B1a. He was transferred to Wareham on 27^th October. On 28^th October 1916 at Command Depot No. 4, William was admitted to hospital with a gunshot wound to the right arm and left thigh and was complaining of pain in the left knee which prevented him from walking for more than a mile. He was recorded as B1A2 by doctors on 14^th November and 6^th December 1916 and then was improving to B1A3 until 29^th December 1916 where he had no disability. The last entry on the sheet has him as Class A.

He was awarded the Silver Medal by the King of Serbia for distinguished service rendered during the MEF campaign, which was authorised under AIF List 117 dated 2^nd December 1916. The entry was duplicated on 15^th February 1917, and then corrected and deleted. The recommendation form has a date of 6^th February 1917. It is headed 4^th Australian Divisional Engineers Brigade, 4^th Australian Division, 1^st ANZAC Corps. The recommendation for William is stuck on and just has Sapper 1880 William Dufton, 12^th Field Company Australian Engineers and Silver Medal. The other entry on the form was for 22 Sergeant George Pentland, and the action reads “When in charge of a survey party at POZIERES on 26-8-16 although the whole party was wounded and partially buried by shells, he assisted to dig out buried and wounded men, took the latter to a place of safety, and though slightly wounded himself completed a very accurate survey. The party were under very heavy fire the whole time.” Sergeant Pentland was recommended the Bronze Medal for Military Valour by C.R.E. 4^th Aus. Div., and the form was signed by Major-General W Holmes, commanding the 4^th Australian Division.

On 27^th February 1917, he was marched in to Infantry Draft Depot at Perham Downs from Wareham. He was then taken on strength of 16^th Field Company Engineers from the 12^th Company with the rank of Sapper on 7^th April 1917, and on the same day marched out from Drafting Depot at Perham Downs and marched in to No. 3 Camp at Parkhouse. He received dental treatment on 26^th April 1917. On 26^th July 1917 he received another Typhoid and Paratyphoid A and B injection. The injections were all recorded in his Military history sheet along with then he joined and his transfers. It also has his service number as 1880 and an entry has him as Class A. In England, on 11^th October 1917, he was transferred from 16^th Field Company (on the 10^th) and taken on strength of 1^st Army Troop. From Codford, he proceeded overseas to France, embarking at Southampton on 17^th November 1917. His correct regimental number was recorded in his service records as 2224, as notified by Administrative Headquarters.

On 3^rd August 1917, Base Records sent his father a letter “I have much pleasure in forwarding hereunder copy of extract from Sixth Supplement No. 29945 to the London Gazette of 13^th February, 1917, relating to the conspicuous services rendered by your son, No. 2224 Sapper W. Dufton, 12^th Field Company Engineers. SILVER MEDAL CONFERRED BY HIS MAJESTY THE KING OF SERBIA No. 2224 Sapper WILLIAM DUFTON. The above has been promulgated in Commonwealth of Australia Gazette, No. 116 of 25^th July, 1917.”

On 7^th October 1918, William went on leave in France and re-joined on the 24^th October. He again went on leave to Paris on 17^th February 1919 and re-joined on the 28^th. On 1^st April 1919, he returned to England for return to Australia.

From the 12^th Troop Company Engineers, he was discharged in England at Weymouth (being demobilised) on 9^th May 1919. On 10^th May 1919, William signed a Certificate of Final Payment by discharge member of the Australian Imperial Force in England. He acknowledged he had been discharged on that day and had received all of his pay and signed it as being in London, which was then crossed out and Muchalls written in. His mother witnessed the signing. Another nearly identical form was signed by a Captain. Obviously he should have kept the form his mother witnessed, but did not. The discharge certificate gave his service details, his birth and where he attested. He was discharged in consequence of being demobilised with effect from 10^th May 1919. William had served for 3 years and 19 days in the AIF. His medals were listed as the 1914-15 Star and Silver Medal (Serbian) for distinguished services. William was entitled to 4 blue chevrons for overseas service and to 1 wound distinction. His discharge was confirmed at London on 10^th May 1919. The other side of the form showed he was with the 1^st Army Troop Company Engineers with a description of age 27 years and 10 months, height 5 foot 5¾ inches, with fresh complexion, blue eyes and light brown hair. His trade was a carpenter and he had 1 vaccine on the left arm, a small scar on the left knee cap, 4 tattoo marks on the back of the right hand and a wound on the right arm. His intended place of residence was Bridge of “Muchelos, Kingcardinshire,” Scotland. His will was sent to England in early 1920.

A misplaced piece of paper is in his service record, for Private 1880 Lloyd Wesley Pearce. Presumably it is the mix-up with the service number. Pearce joined reinforcements for the Light Horse Regiment in late 1915, and was transferred to 13^th Field Company Engineers in 1917. He was awarded a Military Medal in France and reached rank of Sergeant in 1918. He also had some number changes, originally 1879, then 8200 before getting the number 1880. Lloyd was also wounded, but survived and returned to Australia in 1919.

William’s brother, Robert Bertram Dufton, also served in WW1. He was initially with the Royal Army Medical Corps as Private 1621 before being promoted to Acting Corporal, and then transferring to the Royal Flying Corps with regimental number 317881. He entered France on 1^st May 1915 and was transferred to the reserve on 27^th March 1919 from the Royal Air Force. He was entitled to the standard WW1 trio of medals. Robert died in 1968 in England.

After returning to Scotland, he married Agnes Evelyn Thow on 29^th December 1922 in the Parish of Fetteresso in Kincardineshire at a home called Kettlebank in Robert Street, Stonehaven. That year Agnes also gave birth to twins, Evelyn Alexander Dufton and Margaret Abernathy Turner Dufton. In 1923, William moved to Australia. His service record stated he embarked on Sophocles on 25^th April 1923 from England, ex AIF, and arrived at Freemantle on 10^th May. Was it to be with his mates or for work, or both? After being in Melbourne for a while, he left on the TSS Katoomba in third class, bound for Freemantle, arriving on 24^th July 1924. On 18^th September 1924, the rest of the family left London on SS Ballarat, bound for Australia. Their previous address in Scotland was given as High Street, Drumlithie in Kincardineshire.

William joined the W.A.G.R. & T. in the Loco Branch on 1^st December 1924 as a carpenter. His location was West Midland and he was being paid 18 shillings a day. On 1^st January 1925, his pay went up a little bit and on 13^th September 1925 it increased to nearly 19½ shillings, which was the award agreement. On 1^st April 1926, William was retrenched. In the 1925 Electoral Roll, William was listed as living at 42 Bassinghall Street, Victoria Park, with an occupation as carpenter. Agnes is not listed at that address, but at 13 Herbert Street, Victoria Park, as a housewife. By 1926, they had both moved to 13 Hubert Street in Victoria Park. Agnes was listed in the Western Australia Post Office Directory of 1926 as living at that address. In the Rate Book for Victoria Park in the City of Perth from 1926 to 1929 is a listing for William Clarke Dufton, who was the owner and occupier of 13 Hubert Street. The capital value of the block was 625 pounds, with rates of nearly 5 pounds. On 9th September 1927, Elizabeth Isobel Dufton was born in Perth. Her birth was recorded in The West Australian on the 14^th and 17^th September. “DUFTON. – On September 9. At Nurse Cowling’s Private Hospital, Wakefield-street, Carlisle, to Mr. and Mrs. W. C. Dufton, of Hubert-street, Victoria Park- a daughter, (Elizabeth Isobel). Both well.” The situations vacant column in The Western Australian of 24^th July 1928 had the following entry “Bricklayer wanted for Double Chimney, E. C. Well and Copper, Marmelon-st., East Fremantle. Dufton and Harris.” There was also an advert for a painter that they wanted to apply on job on 9^th August 1928. The West Australian newspaper of 13^th September 1928 had the following entry under registrations – “The following registrations and transfers of motor cars, motor wagons and motor cycles were made by the Traffic Department, Perth during the week ending September 12^th.” Under “Waggon” Transfers was the entry – 18086 Dufton and Harris to W. J. Rolfe, Murray-street, Perth. Ford.” It would seem William had a builder partnership, but maybe due to the times, the business did not go well. The West Australian of 27^th February 1929 had the following article: – “TWO GIRLS KNOCKED DOWN. Running out from behind a stationary tram car in Albany-rd, Victoria Park, on Monday evening, two little girls named Dupton, both of 13 Hubert-street, Victoria Park, were knocked down by a motor car driven by Miss C. O. Spanney, of 703 Beaufort-street, Mt. Lawley. One of the girls was thrown clear, but the other- Evelyn Dufton (about 7) – fell under the car. Suffering from abrasions, she was taken first to Dr. Meagher’s surgery in Albany-road and later to the Children’s Hospital, where she was detained. The other girl was not hurt.” He was employed at his old railway job again on 17^th April 1929, at his old pay rate. On 1^st July 1929, it increased to just over 20 shillings a day, which was the basic award rate. On 18^th September 1929, he was again retrenched. The Mirror of 15^th February 1930 carried a petition from the residents of Victoria Park in the district of Canning, asking the Licencing Court for the district to approve a new wine licence so a pub could be built in the district. One of the signatures was “E Dufton, home duties, 13 Hubert-st.” Another petition in the newspaper on 28^th April 1930, for the area of land indicated being suitable for having a licenced premises on it, was also signed by “W. Dufton, carpenter, 13 Hubert-st.,” and “A. E. Dufton, married, 13 Hubert-st.”

His 1914-15 Star was issued on supplementary roll 5348 and his British War and Victory medals were issued by Australia.

After 1930, there are no more records, so it would seem they shifted back to Scotland between 1930 and 1931. Obviously, he was looking for more regular work, which would have been hard in that time. Possibly he returned to help his father. Three more daughters followed in Scotland, Dorothy Clark Dufton in 1931 at Perth in Angus, Shiela Caroline Dufton in 1933 and Alexina M Dufton in 1934, both born in Cookney, Kincardineshire. Tragedy struck the family, when on 24^th December 1934, Elizabeth Isobel Dufton (the only daughter born in Australia) died of scarlet fever and chicken pox at Newtyle in Angus. She was buried there on the 27^th. Evelyn married Arthur Renshaw in 1945 at Aberdeen, but nothing else is known of her life. Margaret married Arthur Beattie Herschell on 23^rd June 1945 at Aberdeen. Arthur was a Fight Sergeant during WW2, but nothing else can be found on him regarding his service. At some time they moved to Australia, where they are found at “Thuruna” in High Street Southport in the 1958 electoral roll, and Arthur was a painter. By the 1970’s they had moved back to Scotland, at 33 St. Vincent Street in Dundee, where Arthur died in 1992 and Margaret died on 15^th April 2008. Dorothy married Alexander Candlish in 1956 at Alloa, Clackmannanshire and they left from Southampton in 1962, arriving at Freemantle on 9^th May. In the 1963 electoral roll, they were living at 31 Grover Way, Medina and Alexander was a welder. The 1980 record shows they were living at 75 Calume Street and the family had grown. Nothing else is known after that. Shiela possibly died at Fort William in Inverness-shire in 1994 and seems not to have married. Nothing else has been found on Alexina.

On 9^th July 1939, his mother passed away and on 30^th January 1955 his father passed away.

William passed away on 10^th September 1961 at Glenbervie, Kincardineshire, Scotland. He was buried on the 13^th. Agnes passed away in 1978. They are both buried at Glenbervie Cemetery in Section C, number 14.

Glenbervie Cemetery at Glenbervie Parish Church

His medals are 1914-15 Star, British War Medal, Victory Medal and Serbian Silver Medal.

The museum has his Victory medal and Silver Serbian medal only.ighlandersHighlanders

Sister Estelle Frances Lee-Archer ARRC

Australian Army Nursing Service

by Robert Simpson

Estelle Frances Le-Archer was born on 2^nd January 1879 in Stanley, Tasmania; a child to John Lee-Archer and Mary Ann Lyons. John and Mary had been married on 1^st January 1864 at St Thomas church in Stanley by Reverend M Burke. John’s family was Church of England and Mary’s family was Catholic. John had been born in Tasmania in 1842 and Mary had been born in Ireland the same year. After marrying, they moved to Victoria. In all they had 13 children; Ada Charlotte born 1865 in Melbourne, Arthur born in January 1866 in Carlton and dying on 27^th December 1866, Emily in 1868 in Kyneton, Elle Edith in June 1869 in Kyneton, Leslie Albyn in 1871 in Melbourne, Henry Sylvie in 1873 in North Melbourne and also dying in the same year, Charles John on 17^th May 1874 in North Melbourne, Eileen Mary in 1876 in Melbourne, Cecil Vivian on 2^nd June 1877 in Horton Tasmania, Estelle, Wilford Lyons on 21^st June 1882 in Detention River Tasmania, Elsie Bridget on 16^th October 1883 in Detention River and Kenneth on 3^rd July 1885, who also passed away on 5^th September 1885 in Detention River and was buried at Stanley Old Pioneer Cemetery (Circular Head) on the 8^th. Mary Ann Lyons’ nephew was Joseph Lyons, Prime Minister of Australia from 1932 to 1939. The family had returned to the Horton district of Tasmania around 1875. John farmed land around Rocky Cape and also prospected for copper. The North Western Advocate and Emu Bay Times carried a story on 28^th September 1904 about “A considerable amount of prospecting has been done on land held by Mr John Lee-Archer and others… where a copper seam was struck.”

On 27^th January 1901, Mary Ann Lee-Archer passed away at the age of 58. John married Lillian Margaret Brumby on 18^th June 1902 in Launceston Tasmania. Lillian had been born on 26^th December 1871 in Longford Tasmania. Together, they had 5 more children; John Mattinson 24^th July 1903 at Longford, Trevor Brumby 5^th August 1904 at Stanley, Basil Robert and Leslie David on 4^th October 1905 at Emu Bay and Elizabeth Geraldine in 1907 at Kensington Hill in Victoria. Leslie unfortunately passed away on 27^th January 1906 at Emu Bay.

The 1902, 1906 and 1907 Directories for Tasmania shows John was living at Burnie. Not much is known of Estelle’s early life apart from her applying for a teaching position with the Tasmania Education Department in 1898. She wrote to the Minister of Education saying she wanted “to apply for position as teacher under Board of Education, either as assistant, or to take charge of a small country school” and she was willing to undergo an examination. The application form was submitted at Rocky Cape on 18^th July 1898. She was not married and was a native of Rocky Cape. Her religious denomination was Roman Catholic. For experience in teaching, Estelle put she had acted as a Monitor. Her previous employment was at the home. She wanted to be a teacher of sewing, but there was no vacancy for this position. She was granted to attend an examination in December, but Estelle asked if she could be examined the next time the inspector came to the area, to avoid the expense of travelling to Launceston. This was allowed, and she did the exam in May 1900, but she was found to be below the required standard. She was allowed to be re-examined on the next visit, but again she was not up to the required standard. One of her brothers also set the exam, Cecil Lee-Archer, but he was also below standard. A letter from the Inspector detailed their short-comings. Her father John travelled to Melbourne in 1907 for medical advice and possible surgery. Two weeks after arriving he passed away on 21^st April 1907. The local newspaper carried a story on his death on 24^th April. Both Victorian and Tasmanian newspapers ran an article on his death, as he died at a clairvoyant’s house and when police attended he was already in a coffin and a certificate of death had been issued. A Coroner’s report determined he had died of cancer of the pancreas and liver, and there was nothing unusual.

She moved to Melbourne in 1910 with one of her sisters, Elsie, and trained at the Alfred Hospital. The 1914 electoral roll for Melbourne East shows Estelle was living at “Craigie House” in Gipps Street and she was a nurse. She gave the post card of herself in her nurse’s uniform above, which says “With much love from Estelle, Crathie House, 26.10.14”. Craithie House was a private hospital in East Melbourne, which had been bought by Jessie McHardy White in 1914 for that use. Previously known as Crathre House, when the owner Gavin Brown died, it became a lodging house between 1898 and 1902. During that time John Monash and his wife were residents. It remained a hospital until 1933. Estelle passed the Royal Victorian Trained Nurses examination in June 1912.

East Melbourne, 118 Gipps Street, Crathre House

Estelle enlisted in the Australian Army Nursing Service on 3^rd November 1914. She stated she was born in Stanley Tasmania, was 32 years old and single. Estelle was not a member of a sisterhood or society. She had trained at Alfred Hospital for 3 years. Certificates of efficiency in medical and surgical nursing and a recommendation from the Matron of the Civil Hospital she had trained at, had already been sent to the Principal Matron. Her experience in hospital supervision was as a Staff Nurse and Acting Sister. She had not undertaken the duties of Superintendent nor had any experience in the execution of medical orders and she was willing to be enrolled in the Australian Army Nursing Service, to which she added an !. Punch of 10^th December 1914 had pictures of nurses with the Australian Expeditionary Force which includes Estelle, listed as Miss Archer.

With the rest of the nurses for the 1^st Australian General Hospital, Estelle was listed on the nominal roll as a staff nurse, aged 32, single, a nurse of Craithie House, Gipps Street, East Melbourne. Her next of kin was her brother, Cecil, of 109 Kerford Road, Albert Park. Roman Catholic was her religion. Her pay was 100 shillings a month and her pay book number was 191654. Punch of 26^th November 1914 had an article on the Royal Victorian Trained Nurses’ Association, who had a function to farewell all the nurses that were leaving for the front. It was held at the Grand Hotel on the 20^th and Estelle was included in the list of Army Nurses attending. They departed from Melbourne on HMAT Kyarra A55 on 5^th December 1914. They arrived in Egypt, where she worked in the 1^st Australian General Hospital, treating wounded from Gallipoli. In August 1915, the No. 1 AGH was reorganised, with Estelle being sent to England.

She was detailed for England at 1^st AGH on 23^rd September 1915. She commenced duty at Bhurtpore Military Hospital on 17^th November 1915. On 1^st December 1915, she was promoted to Sister while at the 1^st AGH (according to her record). On 27^th January 1916, she had a bad attack of conjunctivitis at Bagthorpe Military Hospital in Nottingham and on the 31^st she was sent for leave to a convalescent home. Estelle complained of fainting fits on 15^th February 1916 and was examined by Major Milne who prescribed tonic and further rest. Again on 5^th March he insisted on her resting. She was sent to a private home at Port Madoc in Wales on 13^th March and returned to London at Ivanhoe Hotel on the 23^rd. Major Milne examined her again on the 28^th and got Major Baker to examine her eyes for which he prescribed glasses. On 24^th March 1916, Major Milne pronounced her fit for duty and arranged with Nottingham for her return by the 12 noon train. On 2^nd May 1916, she was detailed for duty at Coulter Hospital at 5 Grosvenor Square and on the 9^th was detailed at Ivanhoe pending room. On the 10^th, she was detailed to Grosvenor Hospital. It treated mainly officers and was smaller and had a more intimate and Australian feel, with Australians among the patients and staff. A report from the Matron at Bagthorpe Military hospital said she was very good. Estelle was sent on 2 weeks furlough from 12^th June 1916 and returned to duty on the 26^th. On 4^th September 1916, she left Grosvenor Square and was sent to Southall and then on the 29^th to NZ Military Hospital at Brockenhurst. On 12^th October she returned to Southall and was detached for duty with the newly constructed 2^nd Australian Auxiliary Hospital at Southall on the 13^th.

On 19^th October 1916, Estelle was detached for duty with No. 2 Australian Auxiliary Hospital at Southall with the rank of Sister. Estelle was granted furlough on 23^rd February 1917 until 7^th March. She was detached from attached duty with the 2^nd AAH and was attached to the 3^rd Australian General Hospital on 10^th April 1917. On 11^th April 1917, she proceeded overseas on Londonderry to join BEF from Southampton. Another entry on 3^rd June 1917 stated she was posted for duty to 3^rd AGH from 1^st SAGH for temporary duty. On 17^th September 1917, she was posted for duty to 47^th Casualty Clearing Station and was posted for duty to 3^rd Australian Casualty Clearing Station from there on 3^rd October. She was sent to hospital as sick on 18^th November 1917. She was admitted at St Omer with ICT in the right hand and then transferred to 14^th General Hospital on the 22^nd. After recovering and being discharged on 12^th December 1917 she was granted 21 days sick leave.

She was posted to duty on 4^th January 1918 to 3^rd AGH from 3^rd ACCS. On 3^rd April 1918, she was posted to 7^th Stationary Hospital for training duty and on 7^th May she was posted for temporary duty to 1^st SA General Hospital. From there she was posted to duty to the 3^rd Australian General Hospital on 3^rd June. She was posted to duty after being sick from 3^rd ACC Station to 3^rd AGH on 4^th January 1918 and then on 3^rd April to the 7^th Stationary Hospital for temporary duty. On 10^th June 1918, she was posted to 25^th General Hospital and was posted to 2^nd AGH on the 21^st and the 3^rd AGH on 10^th August. On 27^th August 1918, she was retained in the UK for duty ex leave from 3^rd AGH. An entry says she was found medically unfit for further service in France and her leave from the 3^rd AGH commenced on that date. Another entry says she was posted to 3^rd AGH at Abbeville on 10^th August. On 9^th September 1918, she was sent to St Albans Hospital from France, being sick. She was attached to 3^rd AAH on 26^th September 1918 at Dartford for duty after recovering, coming from Australian Administration Headquarters in London, then on 12^th October attached to 1^st AAH Harefield for duty. On 3^rd December 1918, Estelle was granted 1914 long service leave. She was then attached to 2^nd Australian Auxiliary Hospital for temporary duty after 75 days leave on 18^th February 1919.

Estelle served with the following units in England and France (according to a list): 1^st Australian General Hospital, 3^rd Australian General Hospital, 47^th Australian Casualty Clearing Station, 3^rd Australian Casualty Clearing Station, 25^th Australian General Hospital, 7^th Australian Stationary Hospital and 2^nd Australian General Hospital.

She was awarded the Royal Red Cross 2^nd Class in the King’s Birthday Honours. It was recorded in the London Gazette of 3^rd June 1916, page 5062, position 3. She was decorated by the King at Buckingham Palace. The Royal Red Cross was first awarded in 1883 ‘for special exertions in providing for the nursing, or for attending to, sick and wounded soldiers and sailors’. Cecil was sent a letter from Base Records on 22^nd September 1916, “I have much pleasure in forwarding herewith copy of extract from the “London Gazette”, No. 29608 of 3^rd June, 19016, relating to the conspicuous services rendered by your sister, Sister E. F. Lee-Archer, 1^st Australian General Hospital. “The undermentioned lady is awarded the decoration of the Royal Red Cross, in recognition of her valuable services in connection with the war :- ROYAL RED CROSS DECORATION, 2^ND CLASS. Sister E. F. Lee-Archer, Australian Army Nursing Service.” Estelle was one of only six Australian nurses to be awarded an Associate Royal Red Cross for the Gallipoli campaign. A handwritten entry in her service records make reference to her being Mentioned in Despatches as well as receiving the cross, but no reference can be found for it.

A letter posted to C Lee-Archer at 109 Kerford Road, Albert Park Victoria was returned unopened to Base Records on 26^th September 1916. It was addressed to her brother Cecil, as next of kin, but her enlistment form shows a change of address for him to ‘Gaba Tepe’ East High Street Caulfield on 11^th March 1919.

A note in her file says “3^rd M.D. Nursing Services, Nurse Archer E L. attached to 1^st A.G.H. wrote 3 M.D. cannot get any further particulars re above. Name copied from Nurses Seniority List”. Obviously they had her surname entered incorrectly in the list. Another note says “cannot locate a Sister Susan Archer, I have a S/N E L Archer not in file not on Carer not in Nurses Index!” It was written on the back of a letter from Assistant Staff Officer Invalids and Returned Soldiers to base Records, dated 17^th February 1919, about an “Appended extract of letter received from Mrs. A. Boys, of 50 Hornby Street, Windsor, is forwarded for your information:- Formal acknowledgement has been sent. “Could you inform me when there is any likelihood “of Sister Susan ARCHER returning to Australia on “E”, she is on her way home now.” Base Records sent a letter to Ada Boys on 21^st February 1919 stating that they had received the above note and had no Sister Susan Archer in their records. They asked if she could forward any other information they could use to search their records and reply to her “in due course”. On 25^th February Ada replied, stating “My Sister left Australia in the first Hospital Ship in 1914 – Her name & title Sister E. Lee-Archer RRC First Australian General Hospital. I trust you will understand the above – I never made mention of the name Susan. Trusting this will cause you less inconvenience.” (Ada was her eldest sister. She had married Henry Thomas Boys in 1898 in Stanley.) A reply from Base Records on 1^st March pointed out that SOIRS had the name as Susan in their letter and that Base Records had no official advice that Estelle was returning to Australia. They also asked about a contact address for “Cecil Lee-Archer (brother)”, who was listed as next of kin, as a letter to him had been returned.

Estelle trained in midwifery while in London. She was then at 2^nd Australian Auxiliary Hospital at Southall for duty. On 21^st March 1919, she embarked on HT Kildonian Castle from London as part of the Nursing Staff and arrived at Melbourne, where she disembarked on 7^th May 1919. Her next of kin was advised of her return on 14^th April 1919. Her appointment was terminated from the Australian Army Nursing Service when she was discharged on 12^th June 1919 in Victoria.

On returning to Melbourne and after being discharged, she continued to work with injured soldiers in Caulfield as a charge Sister. In 1921, it became a civilian hospital and was used toc are for soldiers “too disabled or ill to return to the real world.”

The 1919 electoral roll had her at the same address with the same occupation.

Her will was sent to the 3^rd Military District on 17^th January 1920.

One of her half-brothers, John Mattison, was part of the crew on the Amelia J, when the ship was lost somewhere out to sea between Newcastle and Tasmania on 21^st August 1920. A search by other ships (including Navy ships after an outcry) and even aircraft (it was the first use of aircraft to search for a ship and it was the largest search at that time) proved fruitless.

Estelle signed for her 1914-15 Star on 24^th May 1920 at Number 11 AGH, British War Medal on 23^rd May 1921 at Victoria Barracks and her Victory Medal on 25^th April 1922 at 11^th AGH.

By the 1922 electoral roll, Estelle was living at No. 11 Australian General Hospital at Caulfield, with her occupation as nurse.

Miss E F Lee-Archer, previously of Melbourne, departed there on Goorkha in 3^rd Class and intended to live at St Georges Home, Vincent Sq. W. in England with a profession of nurse. The ship arrived in London on 31^st May 1925.

On 18^th September 1926, she embarked on the Otranto and was listed as Sister E Lee-Archer of 33 Norfolk Square W.2., who was travelling 1^st Class to Melbourne. She was a 42 year old nurse, who had been living in England and now intended to live permanently in Australia. The ship arrived at Freemantle on 19^th October 1926, where she was listed with the 1^st Class passengers and she intended to go onto Melbourne with her address as 280 Middle Park. She worked part-time at Caulfield Hospital and had a part-pension for fatigue and disordered action of the heart.

In the 1931 electoral roll, she was living at 300 Beaconsfield Parade Middle Park, with her occupation as nurse. By the 1934 roll, she had moved to 246 Beaconsfield Parade, and was still there by the 1936 roll. In the 1939 roll, she was at 93 Armstrong Street as a nursing sister, with her sister Lilian Margaret who was listed as doing home duties.

She wrote many letters to her cousin, Joseph Lyons, while he was Prime Minister. She was asking him if he could help her get a war pension. She also hoped he had recovered from his campaign. It was noted that not many nurses in the hospital had voted for him. “I have never known such hard nurses in my life & I have nursed for 25 yrs.” she commented. She also admitted she was “tired out & sad” and had shed many tears while in there. In 1936, she had fallen at home while trying to change a light bulb and broke her femur. Surgery made it worse. Prime Minister Lyons and the RSSILA tried to assist her, but due to contradictions in her account and her not being at work, the claim was never successful.

Her brother Cecil also corresponded with Prime Minister Lyon, asking him for a letter of introduction for a Sister who was going over to England in 1939. He was a manager at that time.

Basil Robert Lee-Archer served in WW2 as Private VX38858, joining up at Royal Park in Melbourne. He was discharged on 21^st March 1946 as a Sergeant in the 7^th Australian General Hospital. Unfortunately his service record is not opened to find out more details.

In the 1946 and 1949 electoral rolls, she was still living at 93 Armstrong Street Albert Park, with her occupation as nursing sister. But now she was by herself. Apparently she was fond of dogs and she never married. By 1960, she was living at 3 Albion Street St Kilda.

National Archives Australia also holds her medical and other records under M58699 Parts 1 & 2 and H58699. All are open but not online to view.

On 24^th April 1960, Estelle passed away at Heidelberg Repatriation Hospital in Melbourne. The coroner wrote she died of a perforated ulcer. She had suffered a peptic ulcer for several years. Estelle had never married, and had left a small estate to an old friend (according to one record). She was buried at Cheltenham General Cemetery in an unmarked grave on 26^th April 1960. In her will, Atholston Lyons Boys of 3 Shirley Street East St Kilda, was appointed as her executor. (He was the son of her sister Ada Charlotte, who had married Henry Thomas Boys). She left her estate to her sister in law, Catherine Mahala Lee-Archer, the wife of her brother Charles John. It consisted of money in a bank account and personal belongings. Her will had been written on 6^th June 1957 and witnessed by Ruby Marguerite Ingram (TPI and an ex-Army Sister) and Mary Kathleen Harper (a nurse). All were in the Heidelberg Repatriation General Hospital at the time of the signing of the will. There must have been some problem with probate, as Mary had to sign a declaration that she was one of the witnesses to the will. Ruby had since passed away. The inventory showed she had no property, and only had money in a bank account.

On 24^th January 1968, Central Army Records Office in Melbourne was asked by the Deputy Commissioner of the Repatriation Department in Melbourne for a copy of the records of service of Sister Estelle Frances Lee-Archer, which they supplied on the 30^th.

Her grave remained unmarked until 2012, when her great-niece, Margaret Leyden, came across her while searching family history. She said, “I never met her, but when I started researching my mother’s family I became fascinated by the story of this young woman.” From there, she pieced the story together and wanted the Office of Australian War graves to recognise that Estelle had died from war-related injuries and for them to restore and maintain her grave. An article was published in Melbourne’s Sunday herald Sun on 20^th May 2012 about the story and commented “There is no reference to her achievements; no acknowledgement of her generosity and selfless dedication to the brave.” They also said the campaign had the “support of war graves advocate John Saddington. “All war graves should be maintained,” Mr. Saddington said. “Politicians sent these men and women off to war. Now it is time to take responsibility and time they were paid some respect.”” Margaret’s grandmother was Elsie Lee-Archer.

On 10^th May 2013, Sister Estelle Frances Lee-Archer’s war grave was officially dedicated at a service conducted at the Cheltenham Memorial Park. The service was conducted by Reverend Bryan Nicholls and many family members attended and laid wreaths. People from various organisations also attended and participated in the service.

 

In the publication Faith, Hope, Charity, Australian Women and Imperial Honours: 1901-1989 is the entry – The Royal Red Cross (2nd Class) 1916 Sister Estelle LEE-ARCHER.

Above is the Theatre Royal, Hobart. John Lee Archer, Colonial Architect, laid the Theatre’s first foundation stone in 1834, and the building was completed in 1836. John was Estelle’s Grandfather. He was a distinguished colonial architect and civil engineer in Tasmania. John designed many significant public buildings in Tasmania and then held prominent Government positions including police magistrate in the Horton area of Tasmania, while living in Stanley. Some of his designs include Parliament House and Ross Bridge.

Parliament House Tasmania

 

 

 

Her medals are Royal Red Cross (2^nd Class), 1914-15 Star, British War Medal and Victory Medal.

 

Lieutenant Edward Addy

9th Battalion, AIF

by Robert Simpson

Edward Addy was born on 5^th July 1872 at Catfield (or Ludham in some records, they are close to each other) in Norfolk in England. His parents were Edward Addy and Maria Ann Garrod, who had been married on 17^th December 1871 in Catfield Norfolk. His father had been born there also in 1846 and Maria had been born in the same year in Norwich. Edwards father was an agricultural labourer in Norfolk when he married, but by the 1881 census had become a “Carman” and they were living at 10 Cumberland St in London. Edward was the eldest of seven children, with Emily being born in 1873, Marion in 1874, John in 1877, Maud Martha in 1881, Simon in 1884 and Alfred in 1887. Edward was baptised on 20^th July 1872 at the parish of Catfield in Norfolk. The register seems to list a middle name of Long, but the document is faded and has bled through the pages, so it is hard to read. It is the only time a middle name is mentioned. His father was listed as a labourer. The first three children were born in Norfolk, then they shifted to London, where the next three were born and in the 1881 census they were living at 10 Cumberland Place in Camberwell, a district in South London. Edward (the father) was now listed as a Carman. Their last child was born in North Walsham, in Norfolk.

On 6^th September 1887, Edward enlisted in the Norfolk Regiment as Private Norfk/2013 at Great Yarmouth. He stated he was born in the Parish of Catfield, near the town of North Walsham in the County of Norfolk. Edward was a British Subject of 18 years and 3 months, and his trade was Florist. He lived with his parents, was single, was not an apprentice, had not been imprisoned and he did serve previously with the 3^rd Norfolk Regiment. Edward had been previously rejected as it was stated he was “under standard”. He was 5 foot 5 inches tall, weighed 119 pounds, had a chest measurement of 33¾ inches and had a fair complexion with light hazel eyes and sandy hair. His Religious denomination was Church of England. He had a dark mole on his right breast. Edward was examined and passed fit and appointed to the Norfolk Regiment by the 10^th. He had enlisted for 7 years Army Service and 5 years Reserve Service. His father was given as next of kin, with his address as 3 Chimney Yard, East Ruston, Stalham. It was later crossed out with deceased written next to it and Edward’s wife’s name added. Edward was at the Depot from 6^th September 1887 to 16^th November 1887, before being transferred to the 1^st Battalion as Private from 17^th November 1887 until 13^th February 1889. He continued service with the Norfolk Regiment at the Depot as Private from 14^th February 1889 and was granted 1 pence Good Conduct pay on 6^th September 1889. Still as a Private, he was transferred to the 2^nd Battalion on 4^th March 1890. He was appointed Lance Corporal on 15^th October 1890 and then Paid Lance Corporal on 26^th May 1891, before being promoted to Corporal on 10^th August 1891.

Marie passed away in April 1889 in Smallborough, Norfolk.

In the 1891 census, he is listed with the rest of the Norfolk Regiment at a Military Camp at St Botolph in Colchester as a Private, but his age looks like it is recorded as 26 (Hard to read as it has a line through it and probably an error as it would mean he was born in 1865). It states he was born in Catfield Norfolk.

Edward was then transferred to Depot as Corporal on 16^th May 1892, passed for promotion to Sergeant on 22^nd July 1892 and was sent back to the 2^nd Battalion on 7^th July 1893. On 19^th August 1893, he extended his Army Service to complete 12 years with the Colours, and he was transferred to 1^st Battalion Norfolk Regiment on 30^th September 1893, still as Corporal. He was appointed unpaid Lance Sergeant on 25^th April 1894 and then promoted to Sergeant on 11^th July 1894. On 21^st November 1894, he re-engaged for the Norfolk Regiment at Allahabad for such term as shall complete 21 years of service, still at the rank of Sergeant. The Norfolk Regiment (9^th Foot) was stationed at Allahabad in late 1897. They had been there since 1893. He received his Mounted Infantry Certificate on 29^th September 1896 and passed a course of instruction in Supply Duties and Transport on 15^th March 1898. The 1^st Battalion was sent to Bombay in 1898. His service records note he was involved with the campaigns Tirah and Punjab Frontier 1897-98. Edward had not been wounded, nor had he any instances of gallant conduct. He was transferred to 4^th Norfolk Regiment on 15^th February 1900. Edward was promoted to Colour Sergeant on 21^st August 1901 and then transferred to Permanent Staff of 2^nd Volunteer Battalion Norfolk Regiment as Colour Sergeant on 24^th April 1904. He was entitled to the India Medal 1895 with Tirah and Punjab Frontier 1897-1898 clasps and the Long Service and Good Conduct medal with gratuity under Army Order No. 242 of 1907. He qualified for Special Instructor of Musketry (Distinguished) on 8^th November 1901. Edward passed class of Instruction at Sparkbrook Small Arms Factory at Birmingham on 19^th December 1903. His Certificates of Education were listed as Second 28^th September 1888, Transport Duties 15^th March 1898 and award Group 2 First Class Certificate on 28^th March 1904.

In the 1891 census the rest of the family was in a bit of turmoil. The eldest sister, Marion was listed as head of the house and guardian, with a note saying that “father in asylum”. John was an agricultural labourer at 13 years old, Martha (8) and Simon (6) were listed as scholars and Alfred was 3. Simon Addy was born 13^th December 1884 in Camberwell, London. In the 1901 census, he was living as a boarder with other people in Durham and he was a labourer above ground at a mine. He died in 1903 in Ludham, Norfolk and was buried on 24^th December.

Edward Addy (the father) passed way at Blofield, Norfolk in January 1904.

Edward was transferred to 2^nd Volunteer Battalion Norfolk Regiment as Colour Sergeant on 24^th April 1904 and was granted service pay Class 1 dated from 1^st April 1904. On 1^st April 1908, he was transferred to 5^th Battalion as Colour Sergeant and on 31^st July 1908 he was permitted to remain in the Service beyond 21 years. In November 1908, he received deferred pay of 32 pounds and 5 shillings.

On 5^th September 1909, Edward was discharged to pension. He was listed as Colour Sergeant Norfolk/2013 in the Permanent Staff 5^th Battalion Norfolk Regiment (Territorial Force). Edward was discharged at Great Yarmouth. A description was given on him: – age 40 years and 3 months, height 5 foot 8¼ inches, chest measurement of 42 inches with range of expansion 2½ inches, and he was of fair complexion with hazel eyes and brown hair. His trade was a florist and he intended to live at Ford Street Fordham. The only descriptive mark he had was a mole on his chest. He was “discharged in consequence of having claimed his discharge after three months’ notice, vide para 390 (XXIII) Kings Regulations 1908.” In his service records under cause of discharge was originally written “medically unfit for further service”, which had been crossed out and the above entry written in. His conduct and character were exemplary and he was “A good clerk, painstaking and industrious. Accustomed to care of horses (MT and Transport)”. His form stated his classification for Service or Proficiency Pay was First Class and his certificate of education stated Second Class and underneath is written Group 2 First Class. His accounts were correctly balanced at East Dereham by an officer for the Commanding Officer of the 5^th Norfolk Regiment and Edward acknowledged he had received all his pay, allowances, clothing and all just demands up to that date. He signed that he had requested to be discharged from His Majesty’s Service on his own free will. The record showed he had served 22 years. The discharge was confirmed on the same day by a Colonel in Records at Warley. With his 22 years’ service with the Norfolk Regiment, he spent 10 years as Colour Sergeant-Instructor at Bungay, Yarmouth and Gordonstone-on-Sea. Afterwards he served for 7 years in India. For his time in India, he was awarded the “1865” India Medal with clasps Tirah and Punjab Frontier (according to De Ruvigny’s Roll). The duplicate 4^th supplementary medal roll for Commissariat-Transport Department shows Regimental Number 2013 Sergeant E. Addy of the 1^st Norfolk Regiment had not yet received the 1895 India medal and was entitled to the clasps Punjab Frontier 1897-98 and Tirah 1897-98. They were claimed under clauses h and 1 of paragraph I of the Army Order No. 98 of 1898. He was also awarded a Long Service and Good Conduct medal, as noted on the discharge form. His character on being discharged was exemplary. Edward signed his service record as E Addy Colour Sergeant 5^th Battalion Norfolk Regiment. He was claim number 87253 to pension submitted to Chelsea Board, with the Board’s decision that 31 pence were to be paid as his pension. Again, his character was noted as exemplary.

In all, his service with the Norfolk Regiment reads: –

Home 6.9.1887 to 20.12.1887 106 days

Gibraltar 21.12.87 to 21.02.89 1 year 63 days

Home 22.02.1889 to 29.09.1893 4 years 220 days

India 30.09 1893 to 10.03.1900 6 years 162 days

Home 11.03.1900 to 05.09.1909 9 years 179 days

Total 22 years

 

On 31^st October 1900, he married Annie Lauren Gladden at St Giles, Colchester, Essex. She had been born in Mayland Suffolk in late 1880. The Army marriage record shows he was No. 2013 Sergeant Edward Addy, a bachelor and Annie was a spinster. William H Wardell was the rector at the church. At the time, she was living at 72 Magdalen Street Colchester. Her parents were John Gladden, a chimney sweep, and Maria. Captain Dorr, Adjutant of the 4^th Norfolk Regiment signed the copy of the marriage record. A blue pencil line had been put through the copy with “Transferred to Pet Staff 2^nd V.B. N.R.” written above it (Permanent Staff 2^nd Volunteer Battalion Norfolk Regiment). They had four children. On 6^th August 1904, Dorothy May Addy was born. Edward John Addy was born on 27^th April 1907 and Pearl Mary Addy was born on 30^th August 1910. The 1901 England census shows them living at 31 Victor Road Colchester, the house of Charles Youngs and his wife Agnes, (Annie’s brother in law and her sister), who was a labourer in an iron foundry. Edward was listed as a Sergeant in the Norfolk Regiment.

Edward was listed in the 1904 elector register for the Eastern Division of Norfolk, Parish of Catfield, Great Yarmouth as number 18, land and tenement, with the description of the qualifying property as “Heath”. In the 1906 Register, he was listed as number 425, with freehold house and land at Bridge Street.

 

In 1911, Edward and the family moved to Australia. The Zieten was the ship they boarded, which had originally left Bremen in Germany. They arrived at Freemantle on May 1911, where Edward was listed as an Oil Salesman and the family’s nationality was English and their race was listed as white. Their destination was Brisbane. Another record shows the ship arrived in Melbourne on 29^th May 1911 and departed for Sydney, arriving there on 2^nd June. He joined the Commonwealth Forces as a Staff-Sergeant Major. In the 1912 electoral roll, they were living at Craig Street, Red Hill in Brisbane. No occupation was listed for either of them. With the 1912 Cadets Parade, Sergeant-Major Addy was present as instructor for area 8B. They are listed in a few electoral rolls for 1913; Walton Street in South Brisbane, Annie by herself at Brisbane Street Annerley, both in Craig Street in Red Hill and Walton Street again. Edward was listed as a soldier and Annie did home duties. Their final child, Raymond Clive Addy was born on 27^th February 1913 in Brisbane. In March 1913, the annual military competition to decide the champion team of the 8^th Battalion Senior Cadets was held. With other officers, Sergeant-Major Addy was present and assisted in the preparation grounds, targets, etc. A sports meeting was held in June 1913 and was carried out under his and other officers’ supervision. The Warwick Examiner and Times of Saturday 18^th July 1914 had the following article: “A large number of parents of cadet trainees, trainees, and friends of Sergeant-major E. Addy entertained him at a farewell dinner at Webster’s Town Hall Café last night. Special reference was made to the good feeling which exists between all ranks in the area, and to the excellent qualities of the sergeant-major, who has been transferred to Warwick. As a small mark of esteem, the sergeant-major was presented with a silver wristlet watch, a kit bag, and safety razor. Sergeant-major Addy responded to the toast of his health and said that he gave his best efforts to his area duties, and while he was sorry to leave South Brisbane and the many friends he had made during the two years and three months’ service in training area 8B, he was pleased to know that those services have been appreciated by the boys and their parents. (The Staff Sergeant-major arrived in Warwick on Wednesday and took up his duty with training area 11C, 3^rd Brigade, on Tuesday.)” The Daily Standard in Brisbane had an article on 19^th September 1914, under the heading of Promotion “Sergeant-major E. Addy, formerly of training area 8B (South Brisbane), and who was transferred last July to training area 11C (Warwick), has been appointed Regimental Sergeant-major of the 9^th Infantry, Australian Expeditionary Force.”

 

When war broke out he volunteered with active service with the 9^th Battalion AIF, joining on 19^th September 1914. He was previously with Instructional Staff, on which he had been serving for 2½ years at Enoggera. He enlisted at Enoggera and was given the Regimental Number 1 as Warrant Officer. Edward stated his place of birth and said he was a British Subject. He was 42 years and 2 months old, had never been an apprentice and his occupation was listed as ‘Soldier (S.S.M.)’. His previous service was 22 years with the Norfolk Regiment (claimed discharge after 3 months’ notice) and he was still serving with Instructional Staff (and had so for 2½ years). With his enlistment at Enoggera, 2^nd Lieutenant W J Williams was the Attesting Officer.

 

Annie and the family had left Brisbane in June 1914, bound for London on the Miltiades in 3^rd Class. They arrived there on 3^rd July 1914 and intended to make England their home. Edward noted she was next of kin and her address 72 Magdalen Street Colchester England (later changed to 141 Magdalen St., but 2 copies of the form had the street number the other way around).

 

His physical description was height 5 foot 7½ inches, weight 148 pounds, chest measurement 39 inches, of fair complexion with light hazel eyes and brown hair. His Religious Denomination was Church of England. He had a mole on his chest and was tattooed on chest, arm and legs. He was passed fit at Enoggera on the 19^th (two copies say Warwick?) and was appointed to Headquarters of the 9^th Battalion AIF by his Commanding Officer, Lieutenant-Colonel Harry William Lee at Enoggera. He was listed as Regimental Sergeant Major with the 9^th Battalion on that date, and the date of promotion to Warrant rank was given as 15^th August 1914. His term of service was for the duration of the war.

Edward embarked on HMAT Omrah A5 at Brisbane on 24^th September 1914, with the rest of the 9^th Battalion as Warrant Officer with the Service Number 1, as recorded on the Nominal Roll. He was listed as 42 years old on the Nominal Roll, with no address listed. His next-of-kin was listed as Mrs. Annie Laura Addy of 141 Magdalen Street Colchester in England. His religion was Church of England. Up until 23^rd September 1914, he was paid 12 shillings a day, and afterwards he was paid 10 shillings and 6 pence and 2 shillings and 6 pence of that was for deferred pay. While en route to Egypt, members of the 9^th Battalion provided a guard for the 44 survivors of the Emden. They arrived in Egypt in early December. On 1^st January 1915, he was attached supernumerary to C Company Signallers. While in Egypt he filled out a will, a copy of which stated “In event of my death I give the whole of property and effects to my wife Annie Laura Addie.” (Obvious translation error, another copy has the correct spelling, Addy). It was signed on 30^th January 1915 at the Pyramids by E Addy RSM No. 1 9^th Battalion AIF. Another copy has beside his name, “since promoted Lieutenant”. On the Ionian, he embarked with troops at Alexandria on 2^nd March 1915 to join the M.E.F. for the Gallipoli Campaign.

With the 9^th Battalion, Edward landed on Gallipoli on that fateful morning of the 25^th April 1915. He was not in the first boat with Lieutenant Duncan Chapman, and probably landed later in the morning. The battalion was heavily involved in establishing and defending the front line of the ANZAC beachhead during its’ time there.

He was promoted to 2^nd Lieutenant on 28^th April 1915 in the 9^th Battalion at Gaba Tepe, and he was appointed Lieutenant on 24^th July 1915 (other records have 8^th May 1915 with the commission dated from 26^th April or 4^th August 1915 at Anzac. Three records mention this last date.). It was written of him “Of these officers it is to be regretted that Addy did not survive the Anzac period, dying as the result of illness. Some have considered this promotion, without previous examination, to be the highest honour that could be transferred on an N.C.O.”

The war diary for the 9^th Battalion on 20^th July 1915 at ANZAC show that “Lieut A ADDY sent away ill”. Edward was sent to No. 2 Australian Stationary Hospital at Mudros from Gallipoli, being admitted on 20^th July before being transferred on the 21^st. Recorded as “slightly sick”, he was sent to Malta on HMHS Neuralia and was admitted to Imtarfa Hospital on 25^th July 1915. He died from dysentery at Imtarfa Hospital on Malta at 7.45 pm on 17^th August 1915 of dysentery and heart failure. His clinical case sheet recorded he was “conscious to within 12 hours of death, though wandering in mind at times, died from heart failure Aug 17 1915.” Edward was buried at Pieta Military Cemetery at Tal-Pieta, Malta. Pieta Military Cemetery is situated in Our Lady of Sorrows Street, (Triq Id Duluri) Pieta. His gravestone has the epitaph “His life for his country, his soul to his God”. His memorial is located at Panel 54 in the Commemorative Area at the Australian War Memorial and his name is being projected onto the outside wall at various times until the end of the Centenary period. Annie filled out the form for the Roll of Honour at the AWM. She gave the following details: Name – Edward Addy, Unit – 9^th Battalion AIF, Town – Woolloongabba Brisbane Queensland, Birthplace – Catfield Norfolk, Date of Death – 18.8.15 died of disease, Calling – Solider Lieutenant in 9^th Australian Infantry, Age – 43 years, and School and Training – Soldier Colour Sergeant for 22 years in Norfolk Regiment English Imperial Force. He was born in Britain and came to Australia when he was 39 years old. She gave her details as Annie L Addy, wife, 72 Magdalen Street Colchester, which was crossed out with a note “1929 widow remarried new name and address unknown”. Probate was done in 1916, with the index reading “ADDY Edward of Walton-street Brisbane Australia Lieutenant 9^th Australian Imperial Division died 17^th August 1915 at Imtarfa Hospital Malta on active service Administration (with Will) London 27 November to Annie Laura Addy widow.” Effects were listed as 92 pounds and 3 shillings. The Australian Death Index lists his death date as the 18^th, on page 8, registration number 000034. His gravestone has the 18^th inscribed as does his CWGC record. It would seem there is some conflict with his actual date of death. The picture of his grave was donated to the Australian War Memorial by the President of Malta. He is also remembered in the Roll of Honour at the Tower of London, listed as number 20 in the list of 25^th October 2014.

A hospital card from Australian Troops MEF, No. 2 Australian Stationary Hospital at Mudros reads that Lieutenant E Addy aged 43 of the 9^th Battalion AIF had dysentery and had been admitted there on 20^th July 1915 and transferred on the 21^st, after 2 days’ treatment. Another from Imtarfa Military Hospital at Malta M.E.F. Gallipoli for him shows that he was admitted from Neuralia on 25^th July 1915. He had 24 days’ treatment and died on “17/8/15”. That entry seems to have been erased and retyped. Field Service Army Form B. 2090A. originally had the date he died as August 17^th 1917 at 7-45 p.m., but it was altered to 18^th and initialled. Nature and date of report reads “Extract from Clinical Case Sheet – Conscious to within 12 hours of death, though wandering in mind at times, died from heart failure Aug.17.15”. That entry in the form was made by G Basil Price Capt. RAMC, M.O. I/C. The form stated he was buried at Pieta Cemetery, Valletta, Malta on August 18^th 1915 at 6pm, which means he had to die on the 17^th, not 18^th. There was no trace of a will. The form was signed by Captain Charles G Waddington AAMC, who was in charge of the Imtarfa Military Hospital at Malta. An entry in his service record reads “Died of Dysentery at Malta 18/8/15 (By cable)”, but below it reads “17/8/15. DIED Malta. Buried Pieta Cemetery 18/8-15Grave no. 6 Row 8A”, under authority MEFO 59/2-15. It would seem that the wrong date of death was then promulgated through other records and entries.

Army Form B. 2090 A., the report of the death of an officer, shows that Lieutenant E Addy of the 9^th Battalion died of dysentery in Imtarfa Hospital at Malta on 18^th August 1915 and was buried at Malta. It was reported to Alexandria on 1^st October 1915 by C. in C. Malta by Cable WB1037 and signed by Major Cyril Griffiths.

A pension was paid to each of Edward’s children, with Annie as trustee at 72 Magdalen St Colchester. They all commenced on 19^th September 1915, and were to be reviewed on 28^th July 1920, for expiry of eldest child’s pension on 5^th August 1920 and increase of other child’s pensions. Dorothy May was paid 1 pound a fortnight, John Edward 15 shillings, with pearl Mary and Raymond Clive both getting 10 shillings. On 16^th December 1915, they were all changed to 13 pounds yearly, with Annie getting a pension of 91 pounds per annum as his widow.

The Daily Standard of Brisbane had under the 67^th Casualty List of those ill, “Lieutenant G. Addy, 9^th Battalion, England (disembarked at Malta).” This was repeated in papers in other states. The 74^th Casualty List, published in the Maryborough Chronicle of 7^th September 1915, under the heading “Died of Illness” is the entry “Lieutenant E. Addy, 9^th Battalion, England.” It was also mentioned in papers in other states, but some have him in he killed section.

The Officer in charge of Base Records in Melbourne on 19^th November 1915, wrote to Mrs A Addy of 141 Magdalen Street Colchester, advising her “With reference to the report of the regrettable loss of your husband, the late Lieutenant E. Addy, 9^th Battalion I am now in receipt of advice which shows that he died of dysentery, at the Intarfa Hospital, Malta, on the 18^th of August 1915. These additional details are furnished by direction, it being the policy of the Department to supply all possible information in connexion with deaths of members of the Australian Imperial Force.”

An inventory of Edward’s effects in a brown paper package was received by Department of Defence on 7^th February 1916, the contents of which included: 1 wristwatch, 9 badges and numerals, 8 coins, 1 cigarette holder, 2 note books, 1 razor, 1 broken mirror, 1 pair of scissors, 1 knife, 1 whistle, letters and photos. Another package had been received on 30^th December 1915, which were the contents of 1 unlocked kit bag which contained 1 revolver in case, 1 pair of breeches, 1 comforter, 1 hair clippers, 2 towels, 1 tunic, 1 pair of boots and 1 pair of leggings, 1 water bottle, knife, fork and spoon, 1 wire cutters, 1 strap, 1 braces, 1 strop, 2 handkerchiefs, 1 housewife, 1 F. S. cap and cover, 1 khaki shirt, 1 cap comforter, 1 sweater, 2 underpants, 1 undershirt, 1 pyjamas, 3 sox and 2 canvas bags.

AIF Headquarters wrote to the Secretary of the Department of Defence in Melbourne on 3^rd February 1916, about a request from Messers Marshall Son & Potter Solicitors in Colchester England asking for the original will for Edward which had been forwarded to the Secretary last December.

Base Records sent a letter on 16^th March 1916, regarding the will of Edward to Finance Member that his will had been sent to D.P.M. 1^st M.D. on 15^th January and he had bequeathed “the whole of his property and effects to his wife, Annie Laura Addy, who resides at 141 Magdalen Street, Colchester, England.”

On 22^nd February 1917, the AIF Kit Store in London posted a parcel to Mrs Anne Addy of 72 Magdalen Street Colchester by registered post, which was an identity disc of the late Lieutenant E Addy. The disc had been found in the kit of Major D. K. Chapman (10/2/17).

A letter from the Commonwealth Bank on 16^th March 1917 to Base Records asked for the official notification of death of account number 62626 Edward Addy, deceased. Base Records replied on 17^th April 1917 with a reply and a certificate of death which stated he died from dysentery on 18^th August 1915 and was confirmed by various Army Forms and cables.

On 28^th March 1917, Base Records sent Mrs Addy a “form of warrant covering the appointment of your husband, the late Lieutenant E. Addy, 9^th Battalion, as a temporary Warrant Officer in the Regular Forces of the British Army.”

His commission was delivered in London on 28^th November 1919. His Memorial Scroll and Plaque were sent to his wife on 1^st December 1922. The pamphlet “Where the Australians Rest” was also sent to her.

The Commonwealth Bank Savings Bank Department sent Base Records in Melbourne a letter on 8^th June 1920, regarding Lieutenant Edward Addy 9^th Battalion 1^st Australian Division – deceased, stating “We are in receipt of a letter from our London Office in which is stated that passbook No. 3810 in the name of Edward John Addy, a son of the deceased, is amongst the effects of the above deceased, and Mrs Addy, the widow, states she has not been able to get them from whoever has them, and also that they have been left behind in Brisbane.” They stated the Public Curator knew nothing on the effects and wished to know where they were and could they be sent to the bank “as depositor is anxious to withdraw the balance.” Base Records replied, saying that two bags of personal effects were sent to his widow by Thomas Cook and Sons and forwarded to his wife. The inventory shows there was no passbook in them.

He is mentioned on the Catfield War Memorial.

 

His grave on Malta.

 

Of his brothers and sisters: –

Emily was baptised at Catfield, Norfolk on 24^th September 1876. Her father was listed as a labourer. After the 1881 census, she seems to vanish.

Marion, after becoming the head of the house in the 1891 census, married Albert Arthur Herbert Bland Grapes in 1901 and they lived in Ludham between the 1901 and 1911 census. (Well she took his last name- according to her husband’s service record and England civil marriage registration they were married in early 1917?). Albert attested with the Inland Water Transport Corps Royal Engineers as Sapper 178888 at the age of 42 years in July 1916. His civilian occupation was a Waterman. Albert reached the rank of Acting Corporal and had his service number changed to SR313741. He was demobilised in 1919 and received the British War and Victory medals. Albert passed away in 1954 and Marion in 1956 in Norfolk.

John was baptised in 1888 in Ludham. After being at work in the 1891 census, he joined the militia on 18^th January 1894. The attestation gives his birth at Kentish Town, near the town of London in the County of Middlesex. He was living at Ludham and was a labourer of 18 years and 1 month, he was single and not an apprentice. He was 5 foot 5 ¾ inches tall, weighed 116 pounds, chest from 32 to 35 inches and of fresh complexion with brown eyes and light brown hair. His religion was Church of England. He was posted to the 3^rd Battalion Norfolk Regiment as Private 2962 from 18^th January 1894 to 1^st March 1894 (drilled on enlistment for 43 days) and then was transferred to the Norfolk Regiment on 2^nd March 1894. An address of How Hill, Ludham Norfolk is on the back of the form. No other document is available to show what happened to him. There are two possibilities – a John Addy, a Private of the 1^st Norfolk Regiment, who died of enteric fever in Allahabad (one of many) on1st April 1896 and was buried on the 2^nd. But no regimental number is noted for any of those records of his death and it gives his birth as 1876. His personal estate of over 9 pounds was advertised in the London Gazette of 26^th February 1897 for next of kin to claim. There are also various entries in ship’s records for a John Addy, a farmer travelling between England and Australia. The first record is in 1907, in 3^rd Class on the Orient, arriving in Brisbane on 18^th September. He must have returned to England sometime, married and returned to Australia in January 1914 with his wife, Flo and son Joseph on the Demosthenes, although it seems to indicate they went to South Africa. There is another entry for the family in March 1914, having them depart London for South Africa again. After that, no more records can be found for him.

No other records can be found for Maud Martha after the 1881 census.

Alfred had been born in the parish of East Ruston, near the town of Stalham in Norfolk County (according to both attestation forms) and was also baptised in 1888 in Ludham. In the 1901 census in Ludham, he was with his sister Marion and her husband, he was listed as an agricultural labourer. Alfred joined the P.W.O. Norfolk Royal Garrison Artillery (Militia) as Gunner 2894 on 25^th February 1902 at Greater Yarmouth. He was 17 years and 4 months old and was a labourer and single. He was 5 foot 6 5/8 inches tall, weighed 121 pounds, chest from 32 to 34 inches, of fresh complexion with grey eyes and brown hair. His religious denomination was Wesleyan and he had no distinctive marks. Two addresses are written on the back of the form, Cold Harbour Ludham Norfolk and 17 Primrose Road Thorpe Hamlet Norwich. He attested in the 5^th Battalion and did 49 days training for that year. He also did training in 1903 and 1904, but in 1905 he was absent and was listed as a deserter. It seems Alfred boarded a ship to New York in 1905, as a record for an Alfred Addy, a 17-year-old labourer (age is not right), shows he boarded the Philadelphia on 18^th March 1905 from Southampton. That is a possibility only, as the 1911 census shows an Alfred Addy as a boarder in a house in Kettering, Northamptonshire. His age was 24, he was single but he was born in Catfield, Norfolk. His occupation was printers’ minder. Are they all the same person? On 5^th May 1911, an A Addy left London on the Mamari in 3^rd Class, a single labourer bound for Sydney, arriving there on the 15^th June. Another ship record shows Alfred Addy left Liverpool for Sydney, but landed in Melbourne, “to hospital”. The ship then arrived at Sydney on 25th November 1913. This may not be him, as in 1913 he is recorded on the Queensland electoral roll as a soldier at Victoria Barracks, Petrie Terrace. The 1915 roll shows him at the same address with a date from 11^th September 1914. Unfortunately, there is another Alfred Addy, born a year earlier to different parents in the Norfolk area, so it is not possible to prove all records are for this Alfred. The military record recorded in his AIF attestation describes his previous service as 12 months’ police service in London and 3 years R.A.F.A. and still serving. So, he would have had to be in Australia by 1911. There is a record for 433 Alfred Addy in the Royal Australian Field Artillery, but it only says Discharged …?… 12/6/18 RDO 22/18 and nothing else.

Alfred attested with the 4^th Field Artillery Brigade AIF, 3^rd Division on 23^rd September 1915 as Private 20214. It was later changed to the 8^th Brigade. He gave his birth as in the Parish of East Ruston, Town of North Walsham in Norfolk. He was a fettler of 27 years and 11 months old. His next of kin was given as his sister A Addy of 72 Magdalen Street Colchester, in Essex. There is also a line that he was rejected from the 1^st AIF for supposed syphilis. His original attestation was with 1^st Field Artillery Brigade as Gunner 82 on 23^rd August 1914. He gave Edward as his next of kin with his address as Treasury Building in Brisbane. Alfred was discharged on 31^st October 1914 at Albany as medically unfit. After being approved for a second time, he was sent to Signal School and was promoted to Sergeant on 1^st April 1916 and proceeded to France to 3^rd DAC on 24^th November 1916. He was sick a couple of times in France and then was sent to England on 2^nd January 1918 with debility and was sent back to Australia on the 24^th and discharged with diabetes. He died in 17^th A. G. Hospital at Enoggera on 27^th February 1920 from complications of diabetes, acidosis toxaemia and cardiac failure and was buried at Toowong Cemetery on the 28^th in grave number 81/271. (Now Plot: 10. 41. 6. S/171.) He must have been in that hospital for a while, as the 1919 electoral roll shows him to be at that same address. His sister Marion was notified, as she had been added as next of kin. Her address was Flint St Ludham, England. Alfred was entitled to the British War and Victory medals. Presumably they were sent to Marion. The Daily Mail of 21^st May 1920 has a Statutory Notice to Creditors for his estate by the Public Solicitor. It was also placed in the same paper a week after. There is some error with his first name, the records for Queensland deaths has it as Albert, this was copied to CWGC and to his monument on his grave. His service and medical records confirm it as Alfred. His medical records are open, but not online. They may show where the error was made.

There are medal rolls for and E Addy of the 1^st East Lancashire Regiment who served in India as Private 3592, being awarded the India Medal 1895 with Relief of Chitral 1895 clasp and in the Boer War, being awarded the QSA with CC OFS and TV clasps and KSA with 01 and 02 clasps. The Boer War medal rolls also have a J Addy of the same regiment, Private 6078, receiving the same medals and clasps, who was placed in the Army Reserve afterwards. It would seem they are not the Edward and John Addy of this family.

Edward gained a mention in De Ruvigny’s Roll of Honour. It includes the only photo of him and a description of his life, family and service and also records his date of death as the 17^th.

 

 

Of his family: –

In the last quarter of 1927, his wife Annie remarried, marrying Ernest Boole. In the 1950’s they lived at 27 Railton Road Norwood, in the Lambeth County of London. Nothing else is known of Ernest. Annie passed away in August 1982 in Colchester, Essex.

Dorothy May Addy had been born in Bungay, Suffolk and married Percy E Bright in 1926 in Colchester Essex. After that the records get a bit confusing. At some time, she came back to Australia to live, and in 1942 she was at Rainbow in Victoria, but the listing is under her maiden name. She then moved back to England, where in 1963 she was at Bermondsey, again under surname Addy. Not sure if these records are hers or someone with the same name. She passed away in August 1977 at Southend on Sea in Essex, under the surname Bright and it gave her birth date as 6^th August 1904. Percy died in the same place in August 1984, and his birth date was listed as 12^th January 1900.

Edward John Addy had also been born in Bungay, Suffolk. Annie applied to the Australian Government in 1923 for the Soldiers Children Education Scheme for Edward, but as the file is not online, the outcome of that request is not known. (Citation NAA: A2487, 1923/4785). He married Lilian Ada Dobney in 1937. Nothing else is known about him, apart from him dying on 18^th November 1960 at Sidcup in Kent in Bexley and Welling Hospital. His address was 72 Sidmouth Road Welling in Kent and his estate was left to his wife, with effects of over 3600 pounds. He was buried in Bexleyheath Cemetery on 23^rd November.

Pearl Mary Addy had been born in Fordham, Essex. Not much else is known of her apart from travelling with the family to Australia and back. She married Joseph Thompson in 1928 in Colchester. Joseph had been born in 1908. After that, no records can be found for her.

Their youngest son, Raymond Clive Addy was the only family member born in Australia. Raymond married Lucy May Flyde in Gosport, Hampshire in March 1939. Their residence was in London. He served in WW2 as Lance Corporal 5947065 in the 1/7 Battalion Middlesex Regiment, a Territorial Battalion. It was organised as a machine gun battalion during the war and served in France in 1940. After being used in offensive and defensive operations, the battalion was withdrawn from Dunkirk. Being redeployed to North Africa, they were assigned to the 51^st Division. The Battalion took part in the battle of El Alamein and subsequent operations. Raymond was killed in action on 23^rd March 1943 in Tunisia, North Africa. He was buried at Enfidaville War Cemetery, with others from the same Battalion. His headstone reads “5947065 L. Cpl R. C. Addy The Middlesex Regiment 23 March 1943 Age 30 (Cross) We miss his smile, his kindly ways. Wife Lucy, sons Dennis, John And mother”. He is one of five soldiers of the Middlesex Regiment buried there who were killed on that day. Raymond was originally buried at position 5GR/WJD/2040, but when the cemetery was concentrated on 7^th April 1944, he was placed at Serial 904, Plot 5, Row E, Grave 8. His home was listed as Finchley, Middlesex.

 

 

Lance Corporal Raymond Clive Addy

Edward’s medals are India Medal 1895 with Punjab Frontier 1897-98 and Tirah 1897-98 clasps, 1914-15 Star, British War Medal, Victory Medal and Long Service and Good Conduct Medal.

The museum has his British War Medal and Memorial Plaque.