Colonel William Stansfield CMG DSO MiD VD 

1^st Light Horse Brigade Train AIF

5th ASC Anzac Mounted Division

Headquarters Desert Mounted Corps

by Robert Simpson

William Stansfield was born in Todmorden Yorkshire in England on 19^th November 1874 (another record says he was born in Hebden Bridge, they are about 6 km apart). He was the youngest of three children to Mitchell Stansfield and Margaret Jane Forester, who had been married on 17^th August 1857 in Halifax Yorkshire. He had an older sister, Annie born 1863 and brother, Johnathan born 1870. Mitchell worked as a shoemaker and then a cordwainer. In 1876 Johnathan passed away. In the 1881 census they were living at 21 Stansfield Rd in Langfield Yorkshire and William was attending school. From Glasgow in the ship Nuddea, the family left in late 1883, bound for Australia. Annie is not included in the ship register, so she had either moved out of home and was working somewhere else, had married or passed away. No further record can be easily found for her. They arrived in Cooktown on 15^th November 1883. After arriving, at some time they moved to Brisbane. William attended Kelvin Grove State School. His father was listed in the 1895 Queensland Post Office Directory as a boot-maker in Kelvin Grove. His shop was in Kelvin Grove Road and their private residence at Ann Street Kelvin Grove. An article in the Brisbane Courier of 26^th February 1889 talks about finding the body of an Aboriginal female on some area of land that Mitchell was using as a grazing paddock. Mitchell Stansfield passed away on 16^th March 1898 and was buried in Toowong Cemetery the next day. William joined the railway department in 1898. Margaret was listed in the 1901 Queensland Postal Directory as Mrs Mitchell Stansfield at Victoria Street, Red Hill. In the 1903 to 1908 electoral rolls, Margaret was living in the Red Hill area of Brisbane. Margaret Jane Stansfield passed away on 23^rd May 1917 and was buried in the same grave as her husband on the 25^th, but the cemetery details have her as Mary Ann? After school, he started work as a printer.

On 13^th December 1893 William married Amy Louisa Rogers and on that same day she gave birth to their first child, Herbert Stansfield. Amy had been born in Brisbane on 24^th September 1877, a daughter to James Samuel Rogers and Eugenie Alice Bretherton who had been married in Queensland on 31^st August 1876. Unfortunately, Eugenia passed away on 1^st November 1881 and James on 18^th September 1904. William and Amy had four other children; Arthur William, born 10^th August 1900, Lilian and Thelma, both born on 7^th September 1906 and Leonard Finlay born on 19^th January 1911. Apparently, he joined the Railway Department in 1898 as a clerk, to have a secure job. He enlisted in the army around January 1900 in the Moreton Regiment, and was promoted to Corporal and then Sergeant in that year. William passed infantry school in 1901.

In 1903, they were living with Margaret in Red Hill. William is listed in the Queensland Railway Employees list from 1903 with the position of Leading Gas charger in the Southern Division. He was still listed in that position throughout the war up unto 1919. In the Queensland Government Gazette of 1904 he was listed as Wm Stansfield, age 29 (correct age), Gas charger in Southern District and his pay was 6 shillings and 6 pence a day. By the 1905 electoral roll, they were living at Federal Street, Red Hill and his occupation was listed as railway employee. He transferred to the Australian Army Service Corps in 1905 as Company Sergeant-Major.

On 10^th July 1907 a W Stansfield, an engineer aged 34, arrived in Melbourne on the ship Omrah from England. The ship was bound for Brisbane, but his was listed as being contracted to Melbourne. It is not possible to prove he was the right W Stansfield or why he was in England. A promotion to Warrant Officer Class 2 was given to him in 1908, and he was commissioned as 2^nd Lieutenant in 1911. All the military schools that he attended, he passed. He attended a Vice-Regal dinner in 1911 in celebration of the King’s birthday and was listed in the paper with the rank of Lieutenant. In the 1913 electoral roll, they were living at 34 St James Street Petrie Terrace and William was still listed as a railway employee. He was promoted to Lieutenant in the ASC on 16^th February 1914.

William applied for a commission in the Expeditionary Force of the AMF on 14^th August 1914. His educational qualifications were listed as State School 6^th Class and his military qualifications were five years Moreton Regiment, eight years and nine months A.S.C. and he was a Lieutenant in the A.S.C. His age was gives as 37 years and 9 months (should be 40 years), he was a British Subject and his religion was Church of England. He was 5 feet 5 inches tall, weighed 141 pounds, had a chest measurement of 36.5 to 39.5 inches and had 6/6 vision in both eyes. On his statement of service form, his civil employment was a railway employee in the Queensland Government Railway. His place of birth was wrongly written as Todmordin, Yorkshire and his date of birth as 19^th November 1877 (wrong year). His next of kin was listed as his wife, Amy Louise Stansfield of St James Street Petrie Terrace Brisbane. He was appointed to the Australian Imperial Force as Lieutenant on 20^th August 1914 in the 1^st Light Horse Brigade Train with 5^th Company AASC, after joining on the 19^th.

They embarked on 23^rd September 1914 from Brisbane on A5 Omrah. He was part of the convoy with HMAS Sydney. After HMAS Sydney destroyed the SMS Emden and collected Mexican pesos from the ship, William was fortunate to get one. He had it engraved. They arrived at Maadi on 12^th December 1914, where he took up duties as Supply Officer. On 18^th October 1914, he was appointed as Captain in the 5^th ASC Anzac Mounted Division.

He was at Cairo in Egypt from 10^th December 1914 to 5^th May 1915 and then went to Gallipoli, embarking from Alexandria on the 9^th, on HMAT Melville, landing with his Brigade on the 12^th. William was made officer commanding the beach supply depot of the Division. In August, he resumed Brigade Supply duties in Monash Valley. On 20^th November 1915, he was transferred to Egypt and he was taken on strength of the 5^th ASC on the 30^th. He was transferred from Aerodrome Camp at Heliopolis through Wardianen to Bir Hooker in Egypt on 29^th December 1915.

On 21^st March 1916, the temporary rank of Major was confirmed, he was taken on strength of Anzac Mounted Division from the 5^th Australian Army Service Corps on 24^th March 1916 and he was to command Army Service Coy Anzac Mounted Division and be a temporary Major whilst holding such appointment from 21^st March 1916. The temporary rank was also confirmed as a substantive rank of Major on that day in another army order. An article in a newspaper stated “he was given command of the Army Service Corps on the formation of the Desert Mounted Corps, under General Sir Harry Chauvel.” On 30^th March 1916, he was admitted to 3^rd Light Horse Field Ambulance with Nile Fever and then transferred to 1^st Australian General Hospital from the 11^th Casualty Clearing Station on the same day. He was put under observation in the hospital and re-joined his unit at Kantara on 30^th June 1916.

William was mentioned in despatches on 13^th October 1916 by General A J Murray Commander-in-Chief Egyptian Expeditionary Force, for distinguished services rendered during the period of his command. He was again mentioned on 1^st October 1916 by General Murray. A letter acknowledging this was sent to his wife at their home address on 25^th April 1917. When she received these notifications, she had them published in the personal notes of the Brisbane Courier. There was also a special mention in Supplement 301-69 of 6^th July 1917. He was mentioned in General Murray’s despatch of 18^th March 1917. Through his organising capabilities, he proved that he was very capable with movement and supply requirements.

On 18^th April 1917, he was to assume control of all the AIF AASC personnel in Egypt under the GOC Anzac Mounted Division.

He was promoted to Lieutenant-Colonel on 12^th June 1917.

As a Captain (temporary Major) in the ASC, he was listed in the London Gazette of 6^th July 1917 on page 6773, from Sir A J Murray’s despatches of 18^th March for gallant or distinguished conduct in the field, or other valuable services. His wife was sent a letter detailing this on 19^th November 1917. From General Murray’s despatch of 28^th June 1917, he was again mentioned and it was entered in the London Gazette on 14^th January 1918.His wife was sent a note about it on 11^th June 1918.

On 6^th August 1917, he was attached to Headquarters Desert Mounted Corps from AASC to complete establishment and was to be their Assistant Director. Lieutenant-General Chauvel thought so much of him, due to his brilliant organisational capability; he took him with him to the Desert Mounted Corps. In October 1917, he organised a train that was six miles long, which contained over 300 vehicles and thousands of pack animals. He managed this column through Palestine and Syria and showed an organising talent of the highest order. A great demand was placed on the Service Corps to supply operations that began with the capture of Beersheba on 31^st October 1917. It was commented “the Australians always seemed to have their supplies with them … if resource and energy could work miracles the Australian supply officers deserve the credit for them.” He was also awarded a special mention in Sir A J Murray’s despatches. A letter was sent to Amy on 11^th June 1918 detailing this information. He was to be Honorary Captain (in the Australian Military Forces) and to be noted for promotion to the Brevet rank of Major on attaining substantive rank of Captain in the Australian Military Forces on 24^th September 1917.

Amy signed for his Commission Form on 8^th December 1917 which had on it “Lieutenant W. Stansfield ANZAC Mtd. Divn. A.S.C.”

He was awarded a Distinguished Service Order on 1^st January 1918 for being able to maintain the DMC during its rapid advances to Beersheba and Jerusalem in 1917 (which apparently is rare for an officer in the ASC). The recommendation reads “For consistent good work and devotion to duty as Senior supply Officer to a Division. His work has been invaluable throughout all operations in which his Division has been engaged.” Lieutenant-Colonel Stansfield was listed in the London Gazette on 12^th January 1918 on page 809. A letter was posted to his wife on 2^nd May 1918 advising her of the award for distinguished service in the field.

On 13^th January 1918, he was admitted to 14^th Australian General Hospital at Cairo, while on leave, with a double pterygium, and was discharged to duty on the 27^th. His diet in hospital, from 13^th January was no diet that day, then from the 14^th to 27^th he had chicken, with extras including pudding, milk, bread, butter and eggs. Another form has this all crossed out and the date of 30^th March 1918, with a diagnosis of dislocated semilunar cartilage. A field medical card states it was synovitis of the left knee in the field ambulance while the hospital has right knee. The 45^th Stationary Hospital has an entry on 24^th March 1918, stating he fell from his horse on the 18^th and twisted the left knee which caused synovitis and bruising on the inner aspect of the thigh with marked tenderness over internal lateral ligament. Hospital treatment included compresses, massage and a splint. Another medical form stated “At Bela 18/3/18 horse reared whilst patient was mounting, and struck patient on head making him (?). Also strained left knee. Knee began to swell straight away and could not bear his weight on it”. He was examined and sent to hospital where the left knee was still swollen, so he was rested on his back, with the knee splint and slung. By 2^nd April the swelling was subsiding, and by the 10^th the leg was wrapped in adhesive plaster and he was allowed to get around with a cane. On the 15^th, he could get around with it just bandaged and by the 26^th he was doing well with no pain or swelling. He was “cured” and discharged on 27^th April 1918. There is also a medical case sheet for his double pterygium which starts on 13^th January 1918, noting a previous examination in 1917, diagrams of where they were and description of operation and eye drops and ointments used. He was sent to 14^th General Hospital for the treatment of them. The stitches were removed on the 19^th and by the 27^th, the right eye was healed and the left eye had a small knot of vessels that were rapidly disappearing. On 28^th January 1918 he was discharged to duty.

In 1918, he was involved with supplying the troops through the Jordan Valley and for advances of up to 500 miles to Damascus, which stretched his organisational abilities.

A report on an accidental injury was filled out on 16^th April 1918 relating to an incident on 20^th March 1918 where William fell off his horse and severely dislocated his knee. William was admitted to the 45^th Stationary Hospital in Egypt with synovitis of the knee on 23^rd March 1918, transferred to 44^th Stationary Hospital on the 25^th and transferred to the 14^th General Hospital on the 30^th. He signed the form as Commander saying that he was injured in the performance of military duty and no one was to blame. Statements were given at the 14^th General Hospital on 7^th April 1918 to D.A. & Q.M.G. Descorps. The first one was by William, himself, and stated “In accordance with arrangements made to inspect 1^st line and train transport of the Aust.Mtd Div, I proceeded to Belah by train and horses were sent by the Aus Div Train to take us to their camp for the night. The train being late the horses had been kept waiting in the cold and were rather restive and as I mounted the horse reared up and as I leaned forward he threw his head back and caught me in the face. This temporarily dazed me and I attempted to slip off and in doing so must have put my foot in a rut in the road causing the knee to go out of joint. The tight riding breeches I was wearing at the time however brought the knee back into joint leaving the knee badly strained. I was taken to the train and attended to by the Train M.O.” Major F. P. Howell-Price also stated “I was with Lt-Col Stansfield A.D.S.T. D.M.C. at the time of the accident. When mounting his horse, it reared, striking him in the face apparently dazing him, as he half slipped and half fell to the ground. I went to his assistance and found he could not stand his knee having been dislocated. He was conveyed to the Aust Mtd Divl train where the M.O. attended to him.”

He re-joined Headquarters Desert Mounted Corps on 6^th May 1918. William was mentioned in despatches again on 28^th June 1918. He was sent to hospital as sick on 16^th October 1918 and was admitted to the 31^st General Hospital at Abbassia with pyrexia. It appears in a later medical sheet that it was a malarial attack, which was treated with quinine. On 31^st October, he was discharged to the AIF and was approved for 14 days leave in Cairo. He re-joined DMC Headquarters on 20^th November 1918.

A confidential report was done on him by his commanding officers on 19^th January 1919. In it he was strongly recommended for advancement and he would fit in in either ADST or DDT or DDS. He was described as 41 years old with 4 years and 4 months service. His services in the present war were listed as: enlisted 10^th August 1914, arrived in Egypt on 5^th December 1914, Gallipoli from Beginning May to December, Western Egypt 3 months, Upper Egypt 1 month. Took part in all operations of Mounted Troops east of Canal since March 1916. Commanded ASC Anzac Mounted Division until 6^th August 1917. Since then ADST Desert Mounted Corps. Mentioned in Despatches 20-6-16, 18-3-17, 25-6-17, DSO 1-9-18. To be Honorary Captain and Brevet Major CMF. The remarks of the reporting officer were: a. ability and professional knowledge very good g. fit for promotion. Thoroughly sound and practical in all his ideas and work, and is in addition hard working and energetic. His Commanding Officer added: “A very capable Supply and Transport Officer. Has shown ability much above the average in the operations in this theatre where owing to great distance, rapid movement and bad roads, supply difficulties have been very great.” It was signed by Lieutenant-General H G Chauvel.

On 26^th March 1919, he was detached from Headquarters of the Desert Mounted Corps to go to AIF Headquarters and on the 30^th he was attached for duty with the Australian Headquarters in Egypt, ex Australian Army Service Corps, for duty.

He was mentioned in despatches on 5^th June 1919 in the London Gazette. A letter from Base Records was sent to him on 28^th October 1919 detailing the despatch of General Sir E E H Allenby.

He was appointed a Companion of the Order of St Michael and St John in connection with military operations in Egypt for his “continuous zeal and ability”, which was published in the London Gazette on 3^rd June 1919. He was able to maintain the DMC during its’ rapid advances to Megiddo, Damascus and Aleppo in 1918. A letter from Base Records was sent to him on 27^th October 1919, detailing his award. On 6^th June 1919, he was admitted to 14^th General Hospital AIF with relapsing malaria (BT) with a herpes complication and he was treated for it with quinine injections and was given some Mist Brom to help him sleep. After a few days, the herpes had cleared and he was improving. He was discharged on the 13^th as “relieved”. William was discharged from the AIF on 30^th October 1919 when his appointment was terminated.

William returned to Australia on HT Dunluce Castle on 18^th July 1919 and was struck off strength.

At some stage, he was awarded a Volunteer Officer’s Decoration for being an efficient and thoroughly capable officer for twenty years’ service.

A Miss H Lakeman of PO Box 185 Melbourne wrote to Base Records on 4^th August 1919 stating “I will be glad if you will let me know if the following members of the A.I.F. have disembarked from Egypt, the first for Australia, giving vessels name, and the second on furlough to Scotland. 1. Lieut. Col. W. Stansfield, D.S.O., C.M.G., A.D.S.T. Desert Mounted Corps <Last letter from A.I.F. Headquarters at Cairo> 2. War-Of. J. G. Wallace A.I.F. Headquarters Canteen Section Egyptian Command <Last letter from Kantana> Thanking you in anticipation of an early reply. I remain yours sincerely <Miss> H. Lakeman P.S. Both these soldiers enlisted in Brisbane.” The other person was 3474 James Gribben Wallace from Dalby. The reply from Base Records on the 6^th August advised her that Lieutenant-Colonel Stansfield was returning to Australia on Dunluce Castle which was due to arrive in Melbourne on the 22^nd and that no report had been received concerning Warrant Officer Wallace. It is not known why she wanted to contact both of them.

On 31^st August 1919, a medical report was done with William stating in March 1918 at Belah he was admitted to the 14^th Australian General Hospital with synovitis of the left knee following and injury. He had one or two recurrences since, but no disability. It was confirmed by a doctor and he was to be demobilised. His appointment was terminated on 30^th October 1919 in the 1^st Military District as Lieutenant-Colonel W Stansfield CMG DSO.

After the war, he re-joined the railway with his old job and was organising secretary of the Social Services League for some time. In December 1919, Sir Harry Chauvel visited various towns in Queensland, going to civil receptions and catching up with old friends. He did not forget his friend, Lieutenant-Colonel W Stansfield, “his brilliant Assistant Director of Supply and Transport, whose wonderful organization … [and] … efficient work made the great advance referred to, possible.” While he was in Brisbane he called in, to find Stansfield in the same junior position at QR that he had left in 1914. This upset Chauvel so much saw the head of QR and found out he was ignorant of William’s service record. Stansfield was soon given a better position. He was appointed Inspector of Rolling Stock for Queensland Railways from 1^st January 1920. William went to various schools close to where he lived and spoke to them about Anzac Day in the 1920’s and 30’s. In 1931, he spoke at Rosewood on the functions of the League. He was State Transport Officer during the visits of the Prince of Wales, the Duke and Duchess of York and the Duke of Gloucester. The visit of the Duke and Duchess of York was in 1927 and the Duke of Gloucester was on 4^th December 1934.

Duke of York crest

Lieutenant-Colonel Stansfield and the Duchess of York in 1927

William signed for his Mention in Despatches certificate on 5^th April 1920 which was entered in the London Gazette number 30474/77 as Lieutenant-Colonel W Stansfield CMG DSO ASC and he signed for the oak leaves on 8^th August 1920. He signed for another MiD certificate on 24^th November 1920 which was in the London Gazette number 29845 and another two certificates on 9^th June 1921 for entries in London Gazettes number 30169 and 31383.

William and another railway worker appeared before a Magistrate in court in 1924. They were accused of wilfully and unlawfully damaging a notice case which was the property of the Queensland branch of the Australian Railways Union. He was carriage shed foreman at the Roma Street railway yards at the time. A paper, to which he took exception to, hand been placed in there by a person named McArthur and he was trying to remove it to send it to the General Manager. They could not obtain the keys to the case or remove it from the wall, so William instructed another worker to smash the glass, removed the paper and sent it to the General Manager. McArthur then had to answer a departmental charge of misconduct for placing the notice in the case and had been cautioned about it. Witnesses in the trial thought it was proper for William to obtain the paper as evidence as it held him up to ridicule and other people were reading it and grinning. William considered the notice to be subversive to discipline and no action had been made by his superiors. Another person had offered to pay for the damage. The hearing was adjourned and it is not known what the result was.

In the 1921 and 1925 electoral rolls, they were living at 40 St James Street, Petrie Terrace, and he still had the listing of railway employee. William joined the AASC of the 1^st Division AMF in 1921 with the rank of Captain and Brevet Major. In 1922, he was promoted to Lieutenant-Colonel and commanded Headquarters 5^th Divisional Train and all the AASC units in Queensland for the next five years. He was listed in the Queensland Railway Employees with the position of Inspector of Passenger and Rolling Stock in the Secretary’s branch in 1921 (age 46) and Carriage Shed Foreman in the Traffic Branch, Southern Division from 1922 to 1938. On 19^th July 1923 a report in connection with the annual service etc, in connection with the Order of St Michael and St George, was redirected to Base Office, as noted on his service record. An article in the Brisbane Courier of 7^th April 1925 “Ex-Lieut.-Colonel Stansfield, who has been 26 years in the Railway Department, has been appointed manager of the Anzac Memorial Club. For his involvement in the Royal tour of the Duke and Duchess of York in 1927, William was personally thanked by them and received a gift from them (sleeve links bearing the Royal monogram). He went to a reunion of the Moreton Regiment in 1929.

At Rosewood and Oxley, in 1931, he spoke at a meeting of the Social Service League on the functions of the League. He was organising secretary for the League. In 1932, he was placed on the officer’s reserve. In 1934, he was the State Transport Officer for the Royal visit of the Duke of Gloucester. He organised plans for the Jubilee procession through Brisbane in 1935.

He was placed on the retired list as honorary Colonel in 1937. By the 1936 and in the 1943 electoral rolls, they had moved to 34 Le Geyt Street, Fortitude Valley and his occupation was still railway employee. He enlisted on 21^st September 1939 at Brisbane as Q185061. His address was given as Windsor and next-of-kin was Amy Stansfield. Unfortunately, his WW2 record is not open and no other details are listed. The Courier-Mail in 1946 said “he was called up for duty at Victoria Barracks in the second world war. He retired in December, 1940.” It appears he actually retired in April 1941. Afterwards he was liaison officer at the Health and Home Affairs Department between civil defence and military authorities.

William was involved with the freemasons and was a foundation member of AIF Memorial Lodge No. 289 UGLQ.

William passed away on 19^th May 1946 in Brisbane, in the Royal Brisbane Hospital. His funeral was held at the funeral chapel of John Hislop and Sons at 17 Peel Street, South Brisbane on Tuesday 21^st May at 10am. Then his body was taken to Mt. Thompson Crematorium and cremated. His ashes were buried on the 1^st June 1946 in Toowong Cemetery in Portion 11 Section 35 Grave 13, the same grave as his parents.

He was mentioned in Who’s Who in Australia from 1922 to 1947. The 1944 edition lists him as Lieutenant-Colonel and Director of Remounts in the 1^st Military District in September 1939 and then Liaison Officer Civil and Military Defence in the 1^st Military District 1941. His wife and children placed memoriam in the Courier-Mail on Monday 19^th May 1947.

Amy Louisa Stansfield died on 5^th March 1952, and was buried in the same grave as her husband on 20^th March 1952. One of their daughters, Lilian was also buried in the same grave on 13^th September 1971, she had never married.

Herbert Stansfield served in WW1 as Private 14703 in the Army Service Corps, enlisting on 22^nd March 1917. On 18^th September 1917, he was discharged as being medically unfit due to a heart problem. In 1922, he married Daisy May Freeman. He also served in WW2 as Q155233, enlisting on 15^th March 1942 in Brisbane. Unfortunately, those records are not open to view. There is an ID card for him and permit to be on small vessels in Australian waters. Herbert owned a Vauxhall after the war and had a licence and petrol ration coupons for it.

Arthur William Stansfield married Eva Maud Jane Longdon in 1926 (they were engaged in 1925) and they moved to Hervey Bay in the 1970’s. He passed away on 6^th April 1988 at Point Vernon.

Thelma Stansfield married John Willings Winlaw in 1931, but unfortunately he passed away in 1934. John had been born in Scotland, was previously married in England and had moved to Australia by himself in 1908. She then served in WW2 in the RAN as Driver WR/547 at HMAS Penguin. Thelma then married William George Christopher in 1951 (he had also been previously married). She passed away sometime in the 1980’s.

Leonard Finlay Stansfield also served in WW2 and was discharged in 1947 as Major QX6059 in 2/2 Australian Supply Company. From 1931 to 1937 he was a Lieutenant in the AASC as recorded on his service record.

His Medals are CMG DSO 1914-15 Star, British War medal, Victory medal with oak leaf, Colonial Auxiliary Force Medal and Volunteer Officer’s Decoration.

ANZAC Biographies

On our website you will find the biographical details of ANZAC (as well as British) servicemen & women

whose medals or other memorabilia form part of the collection belonging to the

Maryborough Military & Colonial Museum,

Maryborough, Queensland, Australia.

Brigadier-General John Keatley Forsyth CMG MiD

1^st Light Horse Brigade AIF

4^th Light Horse Regiment AIF

Assistant Adjutant and Quarter Master General Divisional Headquarters, 1st Australian Division

2nd Infantry Brigade AIF

by Robert Simpson

John Keatley Forsyth was born in Brisbane on 8^th February 1867 (his service record has the 9^th?). He was a son to William Forsyth and Eliza Hood. William had been born in Tyrone, Northern Ireland about 1840 and migrated to Queensland in 1863, arriving in Brisbane on 20^th December on the Norman Morrison. He married Eliza on 1^st December 1864 in Queensland. She had also been born in Ireland in 1831. Her mother’s maiden name was Roulston. William was a contractor and they lived in Fortitude Valley (another record states he was a builder). They had 2 other sons and a daughter. Samuel Hood Forsyth was born in 1865 but died in 1871, William James Forsyth was born in 1869 and died in 1875 and Ann Jane Forsyth was born in 1871 and died in 1902. William died in 1916, after Eliza had passed away in 1905. John attended Fortitude Valley State School and then Brisbane Normal School. (The most important function of the Normal School was that of a training centre where pupil-teachers could see the best and most efficient teaching methods in operation.) After school he joined the clerical staff at a sawmill and later worked in a solicitor’s office.

John enlisted in the Queensland Mounted Infantry as a Trooper in November 1885. He rose through the ranks and was commissioned on 18^th July 1892 as a 2^nd Lieutenant and was promoted to a Lieutenant in the Queensland Defence Force (recorded in the Queensland Government Gazette) on 4^th November 1892. The Government Gazette of January 1893 also had an entry that the Governor was pleased to appoint Acting Lieutenant John Keatley Forsyth to be a Lieutenant “in the Queensland Defence Force (Land); these appointments to take effect from the 4^th November, 1892.” He rose to the rank of Captain in the militia on 22^nd September 1896. The Queensland Mounted Infantry in 1896 has Captain John Keatley Forsyth in No. 2 Company, Hammant from 1^st July 1896. He was then appointed as a Lieutenant on the headquarters staff of the permanent Queensland Defence Force on 1^st August 1897. The Gazette of 1897 noted he was to be a Military Clerk.

On 10^th November 1897, in a Wesleyan Methodist Church in Brisbane, John married Catherine McMaster. Catherine had been born in Brisbane on 7^th January 1869, a daughter to John McMaster and Catherine McInnis who had been born and married in Scotland. They migrated to Australia in 1855 and settled in Brisbane. John McMaster was an Alderman and Mayor of Brisbane and involved in other government positions. The Forsyth’s had five children; Kathleen born in 1898, John Hood in 1900, Doreen Mabel in 1903, Evelyn Margaret in 1905 and Stanley William Roulston born in 1907. They were all born in Queensland. All lived to adults except Stanley who died in 1908 in Melbourne of pneumonia.

He was promoted to Captain on 1^st February 1901 and served as Adjutant to the 1^st and 2^nd QMI and the 4^th Infantry Regiment in 1901 and 1902. In the 1903 and 1905 Electoral Rolls they were living at Mallon Street, Bowen Hills in Brisbane and he was listed as a soldier. In 1905 he became secretary to Major-General Henry Finn who was the Inspector-General of the Commonwealth Military Forces in Melbourne, which meant the family moved to Melbourne, the transfer being dated 1^st February 1907. John served in the 3^rd Military District of Victoria on the Instructional Staff from 1^st February 1907 to 30^th November 1910. He was promoted to Major on 28^th May 1908 in the Administrative and Instructional Staff.

The London Gazette of 19^th October 1909 has the following entry “Major John Keatly Forsyth, Instructional Staff, Military Forces of the Commonwealth of Australia, is granted the local rank of Major in the Army, while serving with imperial Troops in the United Kingdom or in India, with seniority as from 28^th May, 1908, the date of his present rank as Major in the Australian Commonwealth Forces. Dated 14^th September 1909.” It is not known what he did or if his family went with him. He was posted to India on exchange duty with the British Indian Army as Brigade Major of the Ambala Cavalry Brigade for nine months. He embarked on RMS Morea from Melbourne on 14^th August 1909 for Colombo, then on SS Assaye to Bombay. Then he was Deputy Assistant Adjutant-General for Instruction and then a General Staff Officer. In July 1912, he was appointed as Director of Equipment in Army Headquarters. He was promoted to Lieutenant-Colonel in March 1914 and later that year was appointed Quartermaster-General and Third Member of the Military Board.

By the 1914 Electoral Roll they were living in 10 Bayview Avenue in Kooyong Melbourne and he was listed as a civil servant. His civil occupation as stated on his service record was Lieutenant-Colonel on Permanent Staff (Administrative and Instructional Staff) Commonwealth Military Forces stationed at Headquarters Melbourne.

John applied for a Commission in the 1^st Light Horse Brigade AIF and dated the form on 24^th September 1914. He signed the recommendation himself. His physical description was not written in, but it was noted a medical certificate was attached (and now is not). On 15^th August 1914, Lieutenant-Colonel John Forsyth was appointed to the Officer Commanding the 1^st Light Horse Brigade and was promoted to Colonel (temporary) whilst in command of the Brigade from the 17^th September. His records state he was appointed Temporary Colonel for the period while organising and raising the 1^st Australian Light Horse Brigade and 4^th (Divisional) Light Horse Regiment 1^st Australian Division in Australia and bringing them to Egypt. His address was given as “Hillside” 10 Bayview Avenue Auburn, and changed to 27^th Linda Crescent Hawthorn at a later stage though no date is noted.

John embarked from Melbourne on HMAT Orvieto A3 on 21^st October 1914 with the 1^st Light Horse Brigade Headquarters (another record has A18 Wiltshire on the 19^th). He was listed on the roll as Colonel (temporary) John Keatley Forsyth, age 47, an address of 10 Bayview Avenue Auburn Melbourne, religion Methodist and the date of joining as 15^th August 1914. His pay rate was 45 shillings a day in total. On arrival there, command of the 1^st ALH Brigade was handed over to Colonel H G Chauvel on his arrival from England. He had been in England as the Commonwealth representative on the General Staff. John’s appointment as OC 1^st Light Horse Brigade was terminated on 12^th December 1914. On the 13^th, he was to command Division Light Horse (4^th Regiment) with the rank of Lieutenant-Colonel. He commanded them in Egypt. There is a picture, in 1915, of him out riding with another officer in Egypt with the description as Lieutenant-Colonel J. K. Forsyth, Commander of the First Brigade, Australian Infantry Battalion. On 5^th April 1915 he proceeded to join the Mediterranean Expeditionary Force at Alexandria. He commanded the regiment until 19^th May 1915, when he was appointed Assistant Adjutant and Quarter Master General on Divisional Headquarters, 1^st Australian Division, and took up the duties with this appointment at Anzac on Gallipoli on 25^th May 1915. From 26^th July 1915, he was transferred to command the 2^nd Infantry Brigade (temporary) and was to be a temporary Colonel, promoted to Colonel and temporary Brigadier-General whilst commanding the Brigade. The Brigade fought another battle at the German Officer’s trench in August, for which John wrote the Brigade orders with Brigade-Major Hess and Lieutenant-Colonel H G Bennet (who commanded the 6^th Battalion chosen for the attack). The operation did not go well from the start. Two mines were to be set off, but Forsyth was told that the explosions may collapse some of the underground trenches that had been constructed. Shelling was also affecting the attack. The Turks, who had been waiting for the attack, cut down the first two assaults. This caused a backup of dead and dying in the tunnels. Jess told Forsyth of the impracticability of the attack and he forwarded this on to General Walker, who told him to go to the trenches and personally organise another attack. Divisional Headquarters also investigated it and decided it was inadvisable to repeat the attempt. In September 1915, the arrival of the 2^nd Australian Division on Gallipoli meant that the men of Forsyth’s Brigade could get some rest. They had been on duty for 36 out of every 48 hours for the preceding 5 weeks. He continued in that post until they were evacuated to Mudros on 10^th December 1915 in the small transport Abbasseih. Brigadier-General Forsyth had been told they were going to Imbros, but as no confirmation was received from headquarters, they went to Mudros.

On 7^th December 1915, Base Records replied to Mr J Pacey of Kenmore Brisbane, who had enquired about his son (who had died of wounds after being shot on Gallipoli) and where his effects and pay were. He also asked for Colonel Forsyth’s regimental address which he could not obtain in Brisbane. The reply included those details which were OC 2^nd Infantry Brigade 1^st Australian Division Alexandria. It is not known why he wanted to contact John.

On 7^th January 1916 he disembarked from the HMT Empress of Britain at Alexandria.

William Forsyth, his father, died on 24^th January 1916 in Brisbane. The Valley Methodist Church had a notice in the Brisbane Courier on Saturday 29^th January 1916 “11, Rev. Mr. Deller. 7.30, Rev. Robert Stewart. “In Memoriam” late Mr. William Forsyth. Soloist: Mrs. MacDonald.”

In February 1916 Generals Birdwood and Godley inspected the forward defence line in Egypt. Colonel Forsyth arrived late and was bluntly told by General Godley that the trenches would need to be rebuilt as they were in the wrong place. The next day he inspected the positions and concluded that they were in the right place. Another inspection by General Godley established that most of the positions were adequate and only one area had to be altered.

On 26^th March 1916 he embarked on the Megantic at Alexandria to join the BEF and disembarked at Marseilles on the 31^st. The 2^nd Brigade was sent to the front line almost immediately and spent six months in strenuous work. Then they were involved at Messines, and at the Somme and Pozieres. At Pozieres, the men were being heavily shelled and their own shelling had obscured artillery observers from seeing what was happening. On receiving the message from Jess, General Forsyth answered: “Men must and will fight if necessary. All artillery now turned on to stop bombardment.” At Moquet Farm, some of the attacking battalions reached their goal, while others were beaten back. Brigadier Forsyth decided that the reserve Battalion should be sent to Munster alley to bomb their way through, but when he heard that a company had been repulsed from the German lines, he countermanded the order, as he realise it offered no chance of success.

In August 1916 he embarked for England on HS St. Patrick from Rouen with a mouth ulcer from the 8^th General Hospital in France. The mouth ulcer was probably one symptom of his breakdown in health which resulted in him being sent to a London hospital.

On 6^th October 1916 he was recommended for a C. B. by Major-General H B Walker who wrote “Commanded the 2^nd Australian Infantry Brigade in the two operations in the battle of the Somme (at POZIERES) from 22/7/16 to 26/8/16. In the first operation his Brigade at first held in Divisional Reserve until eventually absorbed, on the 25^th July, when his Brigade was subjected to continuous bombardment, and was very highly tried. Brigadier General FORSYTH has now been in command of his Brigade for over a year, and I am glad to have the opportunity of bringing his service to mention.” It was not awarded. On 2^nd October 1916, he was to temporarily command “B” Group AIF Depots in England while Lieutenant-Colonel J Lyon Johnson was absent on leave. He was struck off strength of 2^nd Infantry Brigade on 12^th November 1916 to return to Australia for duty. In mid-December 1916, Base Records sent a letter to his wife advising her that he was returning to Australia and would be in Melbourne about the end of December. On 12^th November 1916 he left Portland to return to Australia on the HT Wiltshire for duty in Australia, and arrived in Melbourne on 31^st December. Duty in Australia was approved by GOC AIF on 15^th November 1916.

He was listed in error on the Nominal Roll as Brigadier-General John Keathy Forsyth of 2^nd Infantry Brigade, who returned to Australia on 12^th November 1916. A letter to the Department of Defence, from the Commandant of the Royal Military College on 7^th December 1916 (and stamped confidential) reads: “On 16^th November I received a letter regarding the suggested appointment of Lieut.-Colonel Harrison to the A.I.F. and for his place to be filled by Brigadier-General Forsyth, (Defence 8.755). The file referred to was marked “confidential” and has been kept as such here, but it would appear as if it has not been considered confidential in other places as it seems generally known. Under the circumstances I should be glad to know if it is still necessary to treat the subject as confidential.” The reply on 13^th December 1916 stated that there was no need for this subject to be treated as confidential.

In the London Gazette of 4^th January 1917, he was listed in the Despatches as a Colonel in the AIF on page 253 for his good work. He was also one of the Australian soldiers granted New Year honours by His Majesty the King for distinguished service in the field and was to be a Companion of the Most Distinguished Order of St Michael and St George as Brigadier-General John Keatley Forsyth, 2^nd Infantry Brigade. It was published in some Australian newspapers as well. On 13^th April 1917 his services were terminated. For the rest of the war, he served in Australia. On 16^th February 1917 he was Commandant of 4^th Military District in South Australia and held that appointment until he was re-appointed Quartermaster General and 3^rd Military member of the Military Board with the rank of Brigadier-General. He signed for his Commission Form on 29^th November 1917, being noted as Lieutenant-Colonel J. K. Forsyth, Australian Administrative and Instructional Staff.

John held the appointment of QMG for the next 4 years and he had a hard task at hand. After the war, all the troops coming home had to have facilities provided for them to ensure an efficient reception. Also all the stores, equipment, supplies and transport had to be disposed of by returning to stores or by selling and Australian military establishments in Australia and overseas had to close. Then the AMF had to be re-organised due to changes brought about by the war. His application for war service leave gratuity was passed on 9^th May 1919.

He was promoted to Colonel on 1920 and to Temporary Major-General in January 1921. John signed for his 1914-15 Star on 11^th June 1920, his Mention in Despatches oak leaves on 20^th September 1920, his Mention in Despatch certificate on 21^st June 1921, his British War Medal on 15^th November 1921, and his Victory Medal on 4^th July 1922.

He is listed in Who’s Who in Australia 1922 edition as “FORSYTH, Brigadier-General John Keatly, C.M.G.; b. Brisbane, 9 Feb. 1867; s. of late William Forsyth, builder; ed. Fortitude Valley State School, and Normal School, Brisbane. Joined Headquarters Staff of Queensland Defence Forces as Lieutenant prior to federation, and held various Staff appointments in Australian Military Forces; organised and took to Egypt 1^st Light horse Brigade A.I.F. at outbreak of European War 1914; commanded 4^th (Victorian) Light Horse Regiment (in Egypt); appointed A.A. and Q.M.G. 1^st Australian Division on Gallipoli, and given command 2^nd Australian (Victorian) Infantry Brigade at Gallipoli, July 1915; after evacuation commanded brigade in Egypt and France (invalided; mentioned in despatches, Nov. 1916); C.M.G., 1 Jan. 1917; Commandant of 4^th (South Australian) Military District until July 1918, when appointed Quartermaster General Central Administrative Headquarters, Melbourne, and Member of military board. M. Kate, d. of Alderman John McMaster, Brisbane. Address- Victoria Barracks, Melbourne; Linda Crescent, Glenferrie, Melbourne, Vic.”

John was placed on the unattached list in July 1922 and lost the rank of temporary Major-General. On 1^st July he was placed on the Unattached List. The 1924 Electoral Roll has them living at 6 Hepburn Street Kooyong and he has no occupation. He retired on 9^th February 1925 with the honorary rank of Major-General and was placed on the Retired List. “Dad”, as he was affectionately known by soldiers in the 4^th Light Horse, was president of the Light Horse Association. He also attended the Auburn Methodist Church and was an influential member there. He then was secretary, and later on field superintendent, to the National Federation of Victoria. After transferring to the National Union, he was selected in 1928 as the second candidate in the Victorian National Party’s Senate team.

John Keatley Forsyth died on 12^th November 1928 in Melbourne at his home. He had succumbed to pneumonia. An article in the Narandera Argus and Riverina Advertiser contained the following story “Mr. John Keatley Forsyth, one of the two Nationalist candidates for the Victorian Senate died on Monday. He contracted a chill a week ago while electioneering. He collapsed and died painlessly at his home. His sudden death has caused a great regret among a large circle of political, military, and civilian friends.” General Sir Harry Chauvel said “Major General Forsyth and I first became associated in 1891 in Queensland where we served in the Queensland Mounted Infantry. His sudden death is a great shock to me. We had had almost a lifelong friendship and I regard Major General Forsyth as an organiser of exceptional ability, and one who has given valuable service to the Australian Military Forces.” Mr W A Watt, an acting Prime Minister in the war commented “It is my regrettable duty to announce the death of Major General Forsyth. This sad event throws a pall over the elections. Those of us who knew him knew what a splendid character he was. Apart altogether from his gallant career as a soldier, he was a public-spirited citizen of high ideals.” The RSL Victorian branch also gave him a tribute “The league stands to-day in the shadow of a great loss. Major general Forsyth was Chairman of Anzac House, a position that brought him into close touch with the League’s work and furnished opportunities for service to old comrades. He always maintained that the chief work of the League should be the upholding of the good name of the A.I.F. and the strengthening of the feeling of comradeship among those who served, and the adoption of this view by many branches and branch officers is undoubtedly due to the influence exerted by him during his travels through the state.”

At 11am, the funeral was held at the Methodist Church in Oxley Street Auburn, where he had been a prominent member for years. Many high ranking officers and friends attended. He was buried in Boroondara General Cemetery, in the Wesleyan section with the grave location WES C 0336 on 14^th November 1928, with full military honours. Buried with him are his wife (11^th August 1956) and youngest son Stanley (28^th September 1908). Who’s Who in Australia of 1933-4 has him in a list noting his death. His widow’s address was noted in his records as 6 Hepburn Street Auburn in 1934.

An officer who was on his personal staff during the war and remained in close personal touch with him afterwards, wrote some notes about John and his career. He said it was “a sincere attempt to delineate the character and qualities of a man who was indeed a man and a universally beloved leader. In this capacity of inspiring trust and affection, General Forsyth was seldom equalled and probably never surpassed.” He also acknowledged he had his faults. Actions he faced at Gallipoli included the landing at Suvla Bay, Lone Pine and the demonstration at German Officers’ Trench. If not for his protest, the third line of men would have been mown down as the first two were in that last attack. Such was the devotion of his men that they stayed in the front lines. When they were relieved in the front lines later in August, the sight of the “haggard, almost emaciated men of the First Division, filling down the gully side by side with the fit and bronzed men of the Sixth Brigade straight from Egypt” coming up the hill. They had refused to go to sick parade and stayed in the line under much hardship. “It was these men whom Forsyth led down the slopes of Anzac to embark for Lemnos. Already there had sprung up between Commander and men a bond of sympathy borne of dangers and hardships shared.” At Lemnos they paraded past Forsyth and it was with the greatest difficulty that he was able to suppress his emotion and remain at the saluting point due to their poor condition and the gaps in the ranks. This bonded them more together. While at Lemnos John helped to establish a happy atmosphere there which was essential for the rest and recuperation the troops needed. He also noted that British nurses were not treated as well as Australian ones, so he got as many as he could to have them at informal meals at Brigade Headquarters and take them for picnics and donkey rides to boost their morale.

John enjoyed Church Parades and sacred music, but disliked the way the military bands played them. He would conduct the bands himself until they played them as joyous hymns of praise. He was tolerant of all Creeds and when a petty difference occurred between Chaplains in the Brigade, he had a heart to heart talk with them in his tent and there were no more hint of differences afterwards while he was in charge. Having a meal on Gallipoli with General Forsyth was like being at a family dinner. “The talk was of home or of cheerful things.” Petty annoyances were put aside by common consent. He had a deep sympathy and ready sense of humour. Strict rules were unnecessary and simple courtesy and fellowship applied.

They were all happy to leave Anzac as was Forsyth, who had the hope of going home to wife and children. But he also felt the loss and frustration, “of wasted lives and wasted days” and would have gone back to take up the struggle, no matter the cost. His men “would have gone with him, gladly and without regret.”

While back in Egypt, he had four horses that were named after his four children. His devotion to his family also applied to his staff, officers and the whole Brigade.

After arriving in France the first three months were a comparatively quiet time, where Forsyth spent time with them encouraging and talking to them. “Forsyth was deeply religious but he never thrust his beliefs on his comrades in a way which could possibly offend them or lead to ridicule. All ranks of his command realised his sincerity and his deep resolution to carry on the war with determination and honour.” At Pozieres, where the Brigade lost about half its’ strength, it did not affect his judgement, decisions and execution; but it did have a severe emotional strain on him which lead to a breakdown in his physical health. An illness which had been affecting his strength for some time became more serious and he was transferred to London. His command had been one “of wisdom and justice, of kindly interest in his men and of self-sacrificing devotion to duty.”

He did have issues with British Officers due to the faults he could see in them. His bluntness with General Birdwood at one stage at Pozieres did not help with his popularity with the higher command. “He was s strong man, mentally, morally and physically. He never passed on blame and sometimes took the responsibility when another should have accepted the blame. When he could not get physically fit enough to return to the front, he was sent home.

Two years after his death a plaque was unveiled in his memory at the Methodist Church in Auburn. The ceremony occurred on 28^th September 1930 was conducted by Chaplain-Colonel Snell, with an address by Reverend J Thomas. His widow and all their children attended.

John Hood Forsyth (a station hand) married Edna Leatt Pryor in 1933 in Victoria, but he passed away on 29^th May 1938 of pneumonia. Many notices were placed in the Argus concerning his passing from family and friends, on 30^th May 1938. His funeral left Scots Church at Yea that day following a service there. It is not known if they had any children, but it would appear not.

Catherine and her daughters lived at 6 Hepburn Street in the 1937 roll until the 1949 roll, and then from around the 1954 roll at 10 Hepburn Street Hawthorn until her death on 9^th July 1956. She was buried in the same grave as her husband and Stanley. It would appear none of their daughters married. On 17^th July 1967 one of his daughters, Doreen Mabel Forsyth of 10 Hepburn Street Hawthorn applied for his Gallipoli Medallion on the official request form, after sending in a letter asking for it to be issued to her in April. In 1968, a copy of his record of service was requested by the Repatriation Department in Melbourne, for what reason is not indicated.

After her death in 1989 Doreen Mabel Forsyth, the last surviving child in the family bequest money to Legacy and also gave them his medals for them to sell.

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

ANZAC Biographies

On our website you will find the biographical details of ANZAC (as well as British) servicemen & women

whose medals or other memorabilia form part of the collection belonging to the

Maryborough Military & Colonial Museum,

Maryborough, Queensland, Australia.

There is some disagreement with his middle name and birth day. His birth and death index and some early service records spell it as Keatley and date of the 8^th, while some of his WW1 service records and other records around and after that have it as Keatly and date as 9^th. Googling Keatley does give a long list of names and adding history gives this – https://www.houseofnames.com/keatley-family-crest . Note, this says there are variations in the name. For Keatly history – https://www.houseofnames.com/keatly-family-crest . The full birth certificate would give the correct spelling and date, presumably.

Rear-Admiral John Bryan Stevenson CMG

Royal Navy

Australian Naval and Military Expeditionary Force

Royal Australian Navy

by Robert Simpson

John Bryan Stevenson was born in Toxteth Park, Liverpool, England on 7^th August 1876, a son to John Stevenson and Eleanor Alicia Bryan. He was baptised on 27^th August of the same year and they were living at 9 Jolliffe St. John was an insurance broker, born in Ireland in 1943, and they and married in Ireland in 1875. Eleanor had been born in 1853 in West Derby. Lancashire. Unfortunately in late 1877 she passed away. By the 1881 Census John had remarried to Jessie, and they were living at 24 Mannering Rd Toxteth Park.

In the 1891 Census he was a lodger at a boarding house in Stoke Fleming, Devon and he was a Cadet in the Royal Navy. He was promoted to Lieutenant on 14^th March 1898. The 1901 census showed him to be in Portsmouth Harbour as part of the crew on the Royal Navy ship Vernon or Tenders of the First Class Torpedo School, and he was a Lieutenant. He was appointed to HMS Albemarle from August 1908 until January 1911. On 31^st December 1910 he was promoted to Commander. During the 1911 census he was visiting his father and the family in Little Sutton Cheshire before he went to Australia and was listed on the census as a Commander. He was then appointed to the HMAS Encounter in March 1911. The Encounter was a cruiser of the Challenger Class. He was noted as especially contributed to good results of Encounter in Battle Practice in 1911. In May 1911 he left London on the Macedonia and arrived in Sydney on 27^th May. The Encounter was originally used by the RN, but was transferred to the RAN. A remark in his service records talk about a very satisfactory inspection of the Encounter in 1912. He was lent to the Australian Government on 1^st July 1912 for 1 year on Encounter which was lent to the Australian Government as a training ship. He was noted as most hardworking and efficient, capable in every way and was recommended for advance in June 1912. His appointment on Encounter was extended for 2 years from 1^st July 1913.

John married Frances Olive Brooke Bailey on 4^th June 1914 in St. David’s Anglican Cathedral in Hobart, Tasmania. Frances had been born in Tasmania in 1884, one of two daughters to Francis Gerald Bailey and Annie Chaffey Langdon who had married in 1882. Annie’s parents were William Langdon and Anne Chaffey. William was a Captain in the Royal Navy and was a prominent influence in Tasmania. They had three children, James Walter Bryan born in March 1916 in England, Alathea Noel born in February 1920 in Victoria and John Philip born 24^th August 1921 in Melbourne.

The Encounter was part of the 1st Australian Naval and Military Expeditionary Force which was used to occupy German New Guinea. She was the first RAN ship to fire in anger when she bombarded Toma Ridge in support of the troops on 14th September 1914, and also covered the landing at Madang on 24th September. The steamer Zambezi had been captured by her on the 12th.

At the beginning of World War 1, the British Government requested Australia to seize German possessions and wireless stations in the south-west Pacific region. The Australian Naval and Military Expeditionary Force was raised immediately with Colonel J G Legge producing the concept of operations, organisation and order within 72 hours. Within a week the contingent embarked from Sydney on 18^th August 1914. They rendezvoused with the HMAS Australia and HMAS Melbourne near the south-eastern tip of New Guinea. There a conference was held (probably Australia’s first high level joint command conference) which included Rear Admiral Sir George E. Patey RN, Captain J.C.T. Glossop RAN, Captain J.B. Stevenson RAN, and Colonel W. Holmes, the land force commander. They discussed final plans. An operational order was issued to capture Rabaul. The British flag was raised at Rabaul on 13^th September 1914, the mission was complete in just five weeks. On the 15^th, Stevenson, Holmes and his staff went from Rabaul to Herbertshohe and had a meeting at the District Office headquarters with Dr E Haber (the acting Governor of New Guinea) to discuss the terms of surrender. At a second conference conditions were agreed to and the terms of capitulation were duly signed, Dr Haber’s signature being attested by Captain von Klewitz and that of Colonel Homes by Commander Stevenson.

He was Commander at Cerebus from 18th January 1915 to 1st November 1916. In December 1915 and June 1916, John was recommended for promotion. Then he was posted back to Encounter as Acting Captain from 1st November 1916.

In May 1920 John, Olive and the two eldest children left Australia on the Anchises, bound for England where they arrived in London on 24^th June. John was listed as being in the Royal Australian Navy. They left on 2^nd July 1921 on the Themistocles to return to Australia, with John listed as a Captain in the RAN.

On 16^th July 1927 the whole family boarded the Nestor at Liverpool to return to Australia. Their address in the UK was given as Australia House, Strand, London and John was listed in error as a Captain in the RAF and Frances as Olive Broke.

By the 1930 electoral roll they were living at 97 Elizabeth Bay Rd, Darlinghurst, Sydney. John’s occupation was listed as RAN. In 1933 they were living at 79 Braeside St, Wahroonga and he had retired. In the 1936 and 1937 rolls they had moved to 1 Neringah Ave Wahroonga. On 5^th January 1946 they left Liverpool on the Sarpedon, bund for Sydney. It is not known how long they were in England and what for, but their address there was given as C/o Bank of New South Wales in London. He was listed as Rear Admiral CMG. In 1949 they were still living at 1 Neringah Ave and he had no occupation listed.

John passed away on 13^th July 1957 in Wahroonga, New South Wales. Records of his deceased estate file have him as a retired Naval Officer.

Frances passed away in 1978.

With their children –

James Walter Bryan Stevenson left Australia in December 1938 from Brisbane and arrived in London on 6^th January 1939. At some time he joined the RAF and at the beginning of the war was Pilot Officer 42158 with 266 Squadron. They trained in Fairey Battles and then received Spitfires in January 1940. The squadron had its first action over Dunkirk on 2^nd June 1940, where Sergeant Ronald Kidman was shot down while on patrol and James went missing. He is remembered on Panel 10 at Runnymede Memorial.

Alathea Noel Stevenson joined the WRAF in England in 1939. She served as a cipher officer and then an intelligence officer until 1945. Noel served in both England and France and was Mentioned in Despatches. She married Elliot Ogilvie Beresford Grant in Westminster London in 1942. He joined the RAAF in 1940 and rose to the rank of Squadron Leader with 262 Squadron. He was awarded a Distinguished Flying Cross for destroying a German U-Boat as Flight Lieutenant 402345. After the war they returned to Victoria to live and were associated with the Glenferrie Hill Recreational Club.

John Philip Stevenson joined the Permanent Naval Force on 1^st January 1935 with the rank of Cadet Midshipman. In WW2 he was gunnery officer on HMAS Nestor, which was hit by bombs and torpedoes which killed a lot of crew below decks. After coming under attack while trying to get the ship under tow, they were taken off and he joined another ship. He was also at the Japanese surrender in Tokyo Bay. On 26^th August 1969 he was honourably acquitted of two charges arising out of a collision of the HMAS Melbourne and USS Evans in the China Sea on 3^rd June. He had plead not guilty to two charges; that as officer in tactical command he failed to transmit to the USS Frank E Evans a positive direction – after he had determined that the destroyer was on a collision course with HMAS Melbourne – to correct the collision course, and as commanding officer of HMAS Melbourne, he failed to put the aircraft-carrier’s engines astern when he determined that a collision could not be avoided by the action of the destroyer alone. On both charges he received honourable acquittal. Even though he received this, his reputation was destroyed. John was still demoted from Commodore to Captain afterwards. He was made a scapegoat for the accident, and he soon resigned and was discharged on 9^th April 1970. His wife was actress Joanne Duff. They married in 1958. She was a star of stage and screen in the USA and Australia and also a best-selling author. Continuity Man was one of the shows she was starring in on the ABC in the 1960’s. One of the books she wrote was called No Case to Answer, which was about the collision and her attempt to clear his name. After resigning he worked in an executive position for the Australian Gas Light Company. In 1999 a special memorial service of the collision was held is Sydney. In 2012 the government apologised for his treatment by the government of that day, and the navy. They had two children, Bryan and Kerry Ann. Kerry, who is a managing director of a company called Symposium made a comment on its’ site that she was marching this year (2014) with her father in the Anzac Day march in Sydney as part of the HMAS Melbourne association, and he would be leading that section.

The museum does not hold anything for him, the story was done for a trip to Rabaul on the centenary of AN&MEF Force.

ANZAC Biographies

On our website you will find the biographical details of ANZAC (as well as British) servicemen & women

whose medals or other memorabilia form part of the collection belonging to the

Maryborough Military & Colonial Museum,

Maryborough, Queensland, Australia.

912 Pte Raymond Benson MM MiD CC

4^th Battalion AIF

by Robert Simpson

According to his Attestation Form, Raymond Benson joined up on 1^st September 1914, No. 912 4^th Battalion 1^st Infantry Brigade and was appointed to F Company, by his commanding officer, who was later killed at Gallipoli. Cheltenham, Gloucestershire is stated as his place of birth and his age of 29 means he was born in 1885. His previous occupation was that of a grocer and he worked for 5 years at the Gloucester Co-op Society. Stating he was unmarried, he gives his Next of Kin as (cousin) Albert Brown “Brignall” Eastbourne Rd. Middlesborough. Raymond states he had previous service in the Territorials for 3 years as a Private and his term had expired. These forms are copies of the originals, which seem to have gone missing, and interestingly enough the form is signed Raymond Brown. The second page is signed Raymond Benson. His term of service was from 1^st September 1914 and up to 4 months after peace.

He is described as 5”6’ in height, weight 11st 8lb, chest measurement of 35 – 39 inches, complexion medium, eyes grey, and hair dark. His Religious Denomination is noted as Church of England, there were no distinctive marks and he was fit for active service. His attesting officer was Major Macnaghten and his commanding officer was Lieutenant Colonel A Thompson who was killed on 26^th April 1915

At Sydney, on 20^th October 1914, he embarked on HMAT Euripides (A14) and his address on the embarkation roll was 23 Regent St Sydney. His rate of pay was 5 shillings a day. He embarked on HT Lake Michigan at Alexandria on 5^th April 1915 to join M.E.F and landed at Gallipoli on 25^th April 1915. The battalion was part of the second and third waves.

“On the night of 26^th April 1915 At Gallipoli, this man carried 1,000 rounds over open ground to the Machine Gun Section and also kept two Companies supplied with ammunition for 24 hours this materially helping to save a critical situation”. He was awarded a Military Medal for this effort and this was promulgated in the London Gazette on 27^th October 1916.

He also received a Mention in Despatches from General Sir Ian Hamilton dated 22^nd September 1915 “for gallant and distinguished services in the Field”. The particulars were “for gallant conduct in running messages and carrying provisions to firing line under fire (Reported by Major Storey, Capt Scott, Capt Clayton and Lieut Massie)”. The certificate was signed by Winston Churchill and promulgated in the London Gazette on 5^th November 1915.

A Corps Complimentary was also published with his name included on 29^th June 1915 “which have been brought to his (the Army Corps Commander) notice for having performed various acts of conspicuous gallantry or valuable service during the period from 25^th April to 5^th May 1915”. This was promulgated in Australian Military Orders No. 570 of 1915.

On 18^th May 1915 a hand grenade exploded near his right shoulder and he was taken to H.S. Sicilia and operated on under anesthetic to remove several small pieces of shrapnel. He was taken to No. 1 Australian Stationary Hospital at Lemnos on 21^st May 1915. He stayed there and it was also noted on 1^st June that he had struck his knee on a rock about a month before and the knee swelled up, but he was able to continue his work, but he limped. On the 7^th it was noted that the wounds were not healing up and no improvement in his shoulder movement. An x-ray was one on the 11^th which showed more fragments and a bullet in his deltoid muscle. While in hospital he had a normal diet with some lime juice. On 14^th June, he is noted as “dangerously ill” and he was operated on under anesthetic to remove the pieces. By the 21^st he was taken off the dangerously ill list and the wounds were looking well, but the knee was not improved, and he embarked for Egypt.

He was admitted to No. 2 Australian General Hospital on 26^th June 1915 and was transferred to Ras-el-tin C. Depot. On 26^th September 1915, he was admitted at the Australian Overseas Base at Alexandria from Ras-el-tin Convalescent Hospital. He was still there on 10^th November 1915 when he was diagnosed with malaria and on the 13^th he was invalided to Australia. At the Australian Intermediate base at Suez on 15^th he embarked to Australia per H. T. “Borda” for discharge, with malaria being the reason given and rheumatism is also mentioned on his service forms. He disembarked in Melbourne on 13^th December 1915.

After arriving back in Australia, he seems to vanish for a while as there is correspondence from various people to the Defence Department enquiring of his whereabouts. On the 23^rd December 1916, Mrs. C. Curry of 23 Regent St Sydney asks of his whereabouts, as she has his clothes and is about to shift, so presumably he boarded with her before the war. Miss Eva Bevin of High St. Penrith, writes on 16^th February, also asking of his address as she has written to several places looking for him. She also notes him going to Melbourne for special treatment on 13^th January. Both are referred to the Staff Officer for Returned Soldiers at Victoria Barracks, Paddington, New South Wales to help them. There are two letters and replies so she must have wanted to find him badly.

A letter from Mr. H. Rogers of 61 Raneleigh Rd. Blakenhall, Wolverhampton says that he “has been informed to write” about Raymond Benson, but unfortunately the second page of the letter is not on file. The reply from Base Records gives information of his return and why and that he was been paid a pension to 171 George St Sydney, but his whereabouts were unknown. It also states “He enlisted as a single man, and there is no record to date of his discharge of his having since been married”.

There is correspondence to his nephew, Albert Brown, at the above address for his Military Medal, his Mention in Despatches and Corps Complimentary, giving some details of the awards and where they were published. Raymond signs for the Mention in Despatches on 26^th October 1921, and this is the only document with his signature.

The most telling piece of correspondence is a letter from a Mr. T. H. Robson of “Glen Dougall” Prestbury Rd, Cheltenham, England which states “His Mother and Brother is anxiously waiting a reply not having heard of him for several years”. The reply from Base Records is the same, referring them to the above address.

Doing a search of births in Cheltenham around his stated birth year yields no result, but a search using Robson does, with a Raymond Bertie Robson being born in the May quarter of 1883. The 1891 and 1901 census show him to still be living there with his brothers, William C and Thomas H Robson. They were the sons of John and Mary Elizabeth Robson. The 1901 census also shows his Father was deceased (died in September quarter 1894) and he was just living with his Mother, who is noted as a Widower. He is also listed as a Grocer’s Assistant. In the 1911 census he has moved to 74 Park Rd, Bargoed, Merthyr Tydfil, Glamorgan and was married to Dorothy Lewis (married 1903) and they have 6 children, one of whom is named Raymond Frederick.

In 1913 Raymond Benson left from Liverpool to Sydney, via Melbourne on the ship T.E.S. Essex and arrived on 3^rd March and he is listed as one of the passengers.

There are a few anomalies in his service records also; the original Attestation Form is missing and on the copy, as stated above, he has signed Raymond Brown. Also, the second page of correspondence from Mr. H Rogers is also missing although the questions he asked must have been answered in the reply.

An Eva Maud Bevin appears in the Electoral Rolls after the war and she is a saleswoman and lives at 9 Commercial Rd at Lillyfield with a Martha Bevin.

He was given a small metal badge in recognition of his recruiting work at Inverell while the war was still on, so he must have been there for a while after he returned.

In 1926 Raymond Frederick Benson married Aileen M Buckley and he died in 1958 and is buried at the Nowra General Cemetery NSW. The NSW Death Index has him being born in 1881 (age 77) and his parents were John and Mary Elizabeth. So, he must have added Frederick to his name. Aileen died in 1983 and is buried with her son Reginald Arthur Buckley who died in 1985. The death notice for Raymond also has “beloved husband of Aileen Muriel and stepfather of Reg and Joan Buckley” and an address of Orient Point via Nowra. It also notes him as being “late 1^st AIF’” and has after his name “M.M., D.S.M., Mentioned in Dispatches”.

So, it would seem that Raymond Robson left his family and home in England and migrated to Australia, changing his surname to Benson. He then joined the A.I.F. for WW1, was wounded, awarded the MM and returned to Australia, but did not want to be contacted by anyone he previously knew. He then married and lived out his live in Nowra. Even his death notice adds a bit to the mystery of Raymond Benson.

His original grave, in poor condition.

The museum contacted the Nowra RSL, who were unaware he was buried there. They contacted DVA who gave approval for refurbishment of the grave. Picture below. He is the highest decorated soldier in the cemetery.

ANZAC Biographies

On our website you will find the biographical details of ANZAC (as well as British) servicemen & women

whose medals or other memorabilia form part of the collection belonging to the

Maryborough Military & Colonial Museum,

Maryborough, Queensland, Australia.

2nd Lieutenant James Home

4^th Battalion AIF

by Robert Simpson

James Home was born on 19^th April 1884 in Bellstone, Durisdeer, Dumfriesshire, Scotland, a son to George Home and Elizabeth M Geddes. They had been married on 20^th March 1873 in Bellstane Cottage, Durisdeer, Dumfriesshire. James was one of eight children they had from 1873 to 1892, with only one dying in infancy. He was the fifth child and second son. George had been born in 1850 in Cutler, Lanarkshire, and Elizabeth had been born in 1855 in Thornhill, Dumfriesshire. By 1871 George had moved to Dumfriesshire, was boarding in Dumfries and was working as a forester. In the 1881 Census they were living in Bellstane, Durisdeer and he was still a forester. By the 1891 Census the family had moved to Newmill on Teviot, Hawick Roxburghshire, and George was still a forester. After the birth of their youngest child and daughter in May 1892, Elizabeth passed away on 3^rd June 1892. In the 1901 Census they were still in Newmill and George had become the Head Wood Forester. In the 1891 Census, James was a scholar and by the 1901 Census, he had moved to Selkirk at Shielshaugh his occupation was kennel man.

James, seeing some of his brothers in the army, signed up to join the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders on 25^th November 1904 in Edinburgh. It was for short service, 9 years with the Colours and 3 years with the Reserves. As a Private he was given the service number 9565. His attestation form stated he was born in the parish of Thornhill, near the town of Dumfries in the County of Dumfries. He was aged 20 years and 7 months and was a gamekeeper. James had not been an apprentice, was not married, had never been sent to prison and had not served before. His physical description was height 6 foot 1.75 inches tall, weighed 169 pounds, a chest measurement of 38 to 41 inches, of fresh complexion with hazel eyes and brown hair. His religion was Presbyterian. James had a scar on the corner of his right eye, his left forefinger and the back of his head. From his medical examination he was considered fit with and addition, “if supplied with artificial dentures”. He was approved on the 26^th. James was posted to the A&SH Depot as a Private on 2^nd December 1904. From there he was posted to the 1^st Battalion on 15^th April 1905. He was then appointed a Lance Corporal on 5^th August 1905 and was granted an increase in pay from 21^st October, which was back-dated to the 5^th as a correction. On 16^th October 1908 he was promoted to Corporal and on 7^th September 1909 he was appointed as Lance Sergeant. At his own request, on the payment of 25 pounds he was discharged under the Kings Regulations on 11^th January 1911 as a Lance Sergeant. He had served for 6 years and 48 days. His military history sheet reads that he was Home from 25^th November 1904 to 14^th September 1909 (4 years 294 days) and then in Malta from 15^th September 1909 until 11^th January 1910 (1 year 119 days). It probably should read to 11^th January 1911. His certificates of education read as 3^rd Class on 15^th December 1904, 2^nd Class on 13^th February 1905 and Group II 1^st Class on 22^nd March 1910.

In the line of name and address of next of kin is written his father George of Newmill on Teviot, Harwick; older brother William late of the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders (1^st) and younger brother John of the 1^st Gordon Highlanders. William had also previously served with the King’s Own Scottish Borderers, (originally as a Private 6956 and then promoted to Corporal and appointed Lance Sergeant on the same day), from 17^th January 1900 until 29^th November 1900, including time in South Africa from February until November. He was discharged before completion of engagement for demobilisation of South African Field Force. He also served in WW1 with the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders as a Captain and then the 1^st Garrison Battalion of the Gordon Highlanders as a Captain and then Major and then he served in India. John joined the Gordon’s in the 1^st Battalion as Private 8763 on 27^th October 1902 for 5 years army service and 9 years in the reserves. He was with the 3^rd Battalion in 1912 and up until 26^th October 1915 when he was discharged at the completion of his term.

Why James asked for a discharge is not known. There are listings in British and Australian records for a James Home, departing from London on the Themistocles on 16^th February 1911 (born about 1885 and listed as a carpenter in 3^rd class) and arriving in Sydney on 28^th March 1911 (listed as a farmer in 3^rd class) but it cannot be confirmed that he is the same James, although it certainly is in the right time frame.

Sometime after arriving in Sydney, James joined the Police Force with the number 9372. On 23^rd February 1912 he was a Probationary Constable and was made an Ordinary Constable on 23^rd February 1913. He was with the foot police. His physical description was 6 foot 1.75 inches tall, weighed 14 stone on joining, grey eyes, dark hair and complexion. He was from Scotland and in the married or single entry is a D? His previous calling was gamekeeper and Highlander (presumably a reference to his time in the A&SH). Religion was listed as Presbyterian. He was sent to Metropolitan District from 25^th March 1912 until 4^th May 1913 after being at the Eastern Depot from 23^rd February to 25^th March 1912. He was then posted to Western District at Dubbo from 5^th May 1913 until 2^nd August 1913 and then Coonamble from 2^nd August 1913. The New South Wales Police Gazette of 3^rd April 1912 listed him under Probationary Constables as “Home James No. 9372. February 23”.

James wasted little time in enlisting, joining up on 18^th August 1914 as Private 245 with F Company of the 4^th Battalion. His attestation paper stated he was born in the parish of Durisdeen near the town of Thornhill in the Count of Dumfriesshire. He was a natural born British subject, of 30 years old and a Police Constable. He had not been an apprentice, nor had he been married. His next of kin was his father, George Home, of Newmill-on-Teviot by Harwick, Scotland. He had not been convicted nor discharged from His Majesty’s Services. When asked for previous service all he put was “His Majesty’s Army voluntary resignation”. He had stated his whole previous service and was never rejected as unfit. On 21^st August Major MacNaughten certified the paper and took his oath in Sydney. His physical description was age of 30 years, height 6 foot 1.75 inches, weight 12 stone 13 pounds, chest measurement of 37 to 40 inches, of dark complexion with grey eyes and dark hair. His religious denomination was Presbyterian. The only distinctive mark he had was a scar on his left index finger. After having a medical examination he was declared fit for service on 26^th August.

His statement of service has him with the 4^th Infantry Battalion on 18^th August 1914 as Private 245. He was quickly promoted to Colour Sergeant of F Company on 19^th October and then he was appointed Company Sergeant Major of C Company 4^th Battalion on 1^st January 1915. His terms of service was until 4 months after the end of the war. The 4^th Battalion was raised as part of the 1^st Brigade early during the war in August 1914 and embarked on 20^th October 1914 on HMAT Euripides A14 from Sydney. Recruits were from New South Wales. They had a brief stop in Albany and arrived in Egypt on 2^nd December 1914. He embarked to join the M.E.F. (Gallipoli Campaign) on the troopship Lake Michigan on 3^rd April 1915. They were part of the second and third waves that landed at Gallipoli on 25^th April.

James was appointed 2^nd Lieutenant in the 4^th Battalion on 28^th April 1915 although an entry in his service records stated 1^st May 1915 at Dardanelles as does his Record of Officer’s Service. There is a note in his service record which reads – “245 Sergeant Major J Home “C” Company 4^th Battalion 1^st Brigade A.I.F. Intermediate Base Depot Cairo Egypt”. The war diary on 2^nd May had “Appointing of the following to be Lieutenants confirmed in orders” with CSM Home J in the list.

He was wounded with a gunshot to the left leg on 3^rd May 1915. The war diary on 3^rd May 1915 reads “No Casualties reported. Fine clear weather. Line of trenches on left centre held by C Coy was shelled by enemy. Capt. J. K. G. Magee and 2^nd Lieut. J. Home were wounded.”

In his records, the Statement of Service paper said he died on 12^th May 1915 at No. 17 General hospital Alexandria of wounds received in action. Another army form reporting the death of a soldier has the entry 4^th Battalion 1^st. Infantry Brigade Australian Imperial Force, 2^nd Lieutenant J Home died of wounds at 13^th May 1915 at No. 17 General Hospital Alexandria and it was signed by Major C T Griffiths, Officer Commanding Records Section Alexandria 22^nd June 1915. No will was in his pay book. His Active Service form has an entry that was reported by the Divisional Officer that James died on the 12^th and was buried on 13^th May 1915. The burial was performed by Chaplain AVC Hordern at Chatby Cemetery. An entry on his Record of Officer’s Service reads “15/5/15. Died of wounds received in action in the Dardanelles. (previously reported wounded.)”. It also stated he was Gazetted under name of T Howe 4^th Battalion with the gazette to be amended 24/6/20. The Military Commandant in Sydney notified Base Records of the same information on 20^th May 1915 and informed them that his relatives living in Scotland were being informed directly.

A Mrs M McManus of 67 Thomas Street Ultimo Sydney wrote to Base Records asking if the person in the casualty list, a 2^nd Lieutenant Home of Scotland who died of wounds, was the same person as the police constable who lived in Coonamble. It was written on 27^th May 1915. She said they had not heard from him since he left and was wondering if she should send a cable. It was also mentioned his solicitor was “Korfe”, Aberford Street Coonamble. The reply from Base Records on 12^th June 1915 acknowledged they are the same person giving his full name as “James Home, born in Durisden, Dufmrieshire, he was 30 years of age, and his next of kin is shown as George Home, father, Newmill on Teviot, Hawick, Scotland. According to my record he died of wounds received in action at the Dardanelles. His next of kin has been advised accordingly.” She could possibly be his sister, Elizabeth born 1882 who died in Sydney. No other details are known of her.

His police record has an entry with the cause and date of leaving police entered as killed in action at the Dardanelles 15.5.1915.

The Leader newspaper in Orange ran a few articles in the Personal column. On Thursday 3^rd June 1915, it read “Lieutenant James Home, the Scotch constable, is dead (writes J. M. Rees, in the “Dubbo Liberal.”) Mr. Home was for about six months a very able, even if strict officer stationed at Coonamble, after doing about 12 years in a crack Scottish regiment. He served through the South African war with great credit. He joined this time as soon as war was declared – as a private – and died at the Dardanelles as a commissioned Lieutenant. All honor to his memory. The late Constable Home was also stationed at Dubbo, and followed Constable Walsh, of Orange, when he was transferred.” They obviously got James and William’s stories mixed up, James joined after the Boer War. Another entry on Tuesday 8^th June 1915 said “An impressive memorial service to Coonamble‘s fallen soldiers was conducted at St Barnabas’ Church of England on Sunday morning. The Mayor, Ald. J. T. Young, unveiled a memorial tablet containing the names of Private Proctor, Second-Lieutenant Home, and Lance-Corporal Nail. Rev. A. H. Gribble in the course of his sermon paid a glowing tribute to the heroic patriotism of our soldiers in the fighting line.”

James is also mentioned in the New South Wales Police Gazette of Wednesday 16^th June 1915 in the Roll of Honor. “The following is a list of members of the New South Wales Police who, since the outbreak of the present war, have volunteered and entered upon active service; together with lists of those who have been wounded, died or killed in action: – The sympathy of every man in the Service is respectfully extended to the friends and relatives of those who have fallen, and also to those who have been wounded, and the hope expressed that they may be restored to health and strength.” HOME, James, Ordinary Constable (Coonamble). Another entry in the same gazette has in a box – Deaths. HOME, James (killed in action).

The Commonwealth War Grave entry reads – “Home, 2^nd Lt. James. 4^th Bn. Australian Inf. Died of wounds 13^th May 1915. Age 31. Son of George and Elizabeth Geddis Home, of Newmill-on-Teviot, Hawick. F. 48.” He was buried at Chatby War Memorial Cemetery in Plot F Grave 48.

An article in The Scottish of July 1915 reads “Lieutenant James Home was reported on May 19^th as having died of wounds at the Dardanelles. Our late friend was a member of the Coonamble police force. Prior to that he was stationed at Dubbo. A native of Selkirkshire, he later spent some years in Fife. Afterwards he joined the 93^rd Argyle and Sutherland Highlanders, in which regiment he remained several years, rising to the rank of sergeant. While stationed at Malta he purchased his discharge from the Army, leaving soon after for Australia. He was a fine specimen of manhood, strong and muscular, and standing over 6ft. in height. His sole object in life seemed to be duty. No one speaks more highly of him than the Coonamble chief of police, Sergeant Simon Fraser, as a man of unflinching courage, and whose word was absolutely reliable. When the war broke out he was among the first to volunteer, and left Coonamble with the forty-seven recruits for Sydney. He was about thirty years of age. We mourn him as an old friend and a good fellow in every way.”

An inventory of his effects showed he had 1 unlocked black kit bag, the contents of which were 1 abdominal belt, shirt, breeches, singlet, silver chain, sovereign case, tunic, 1 pair of slacks and a fountain pen. They were despatched to next of kin by Thomas Cook and Son on 13^th August 1915. Another effects inventory lists the contents as 1 silver sovereign case and chain, 1 abdominal belt, 1 flannel shirt, 1 khaki shirt, 1 singlet, 1 fountain pen, 1 khaki tunic and numerals, false teeth and 1 pair of khaki trousers. It stated the bag was despatched on 24^th November 1915 per T Cook to next of kin.

A letter was written to Base Records from James Mitchell, the Inspector General of Police in New South Wales on 21^st June 1915 enquiring if the James Home Colour Sergeant 245 1^st Infantry Brigade 4^th Battalion F Company who died of wounds in the 20^th Casualty List was the police officer who entered military service under the above designation. A reply from Base Records on 28^th June included a description of 2^nd Lieutenant James Home and his place of birth, age, calling, single, date and place of enlistment and next of kin as in his service records. They still had to confirm date and place of death and would do so later. This was acknowledged by the Inspector General on the 30^th.

On 28^th May 1915 H T Korff, Solicitor at Coonamble, wrote to the Officer in Charge of Victoria Barracks in Sydney asking if the report in the newspapers of a J Home being killed in action was the same as “Sergeant J Home B Company 4^th Battalion” and late Police Constable at Coonamble. He held James’ will and was the sole executor and would like to apply for Probate. He asked of evidence of the death and who was named as next of kin. The reply on 12^th June advised they were the same and his details and those of his father (as next of kin) were stated. When official confirming documents arrived he would be informed of their details.

James’ father George wrote to Base Records on 3^rd June 1915. It reads “You will probably be aware that my son 2^nd Lieutenant James Home 4^th Battalion Australian Imperial Force, died from wounds received in action at the Dardanelles. His death occurred on May 15^th, and while we have as yet got no particulars, we expect that it would occur in hospital in Alexandria. I am anxious to get possession of his kit so that I may be able to divide its contents amongst the other members of my family for keepsakes. I am particularly anxious regarding his watch which was given him as a present when he left this country for Australia.” Their reply on 16^th March 1916 advised that James had died at 17^th General Hospital in Alexandria on 13^th May 1915 and was buried at Chatby Cemetery

The reply from Base Records to E L Korff Esq. Solicitor of Coonamble on 13^th June 1915 acknowledged that the person he was enquiring about was James and they confirmed birth place, age and next of kin. His death certificate could not be forwarded until they received the necessary confirming documents from the front and they would send it as soon as they arrived. Another letter was written by him on 11^th August 1915 asking if the necessary documents had arrived to supply him with a death certificate so he could put through Probate of the Will for James as early as possible. Base Records replied on 7^th September 1915, enclosing a certificate of report of his death which just gave his details, wound received in action at the Dardanelles and “(No record available)” and that it was from the Officer Commanding at Alexandria and confirmed by an army form. In another letter from his solicitor on 25^th October, he informed Base Records that the Probate Court required evidence for the date of enlistment into the AIF and he asked if they could supply it. He also sent a letter asking the same details to the Chief Clerk CMF in Sydney on the same date. The reply from Base Records on the 29^th stated he enlisted on the 18^th and was sworn in at Sydney on the 21^st August 1914.

A minute paper with a Defence Telegram from 20^th May 1915 saying Sergeant J Home killed in action from AAG 2^nd Military District was referred to Base Records, was replied to with the statement “Sgt., J. Home was first reported as wounded in action at the Dardanelles, and is now reported as having died of wounds 15^th May 1915.” His father was sent those reports.

A letter written to The Secretary, Department of Defence in Victoria on Argyll and Sutherland Highlander letterhead with an address of British Expeditionary Force, date 8^th July 1915 read “Dear Sir, I shall be very much obliged if you will be good as to send to his father, George Home, Newmill-on-Teviot, Harwick, Roxburghshire, Scotland, the commission dated 10^th May 1915, (or thereabouts), granted to C.S. W1. James HOME, 4^th Battalion, Australian Imperial Force, who died (as Second-Lieutenant in the same battalion), of wounds received at Gaba Tepe in the No. 17 General Hospital, Alexandria, on 12^th (officially 15^th) May, 1915. At this opportunity I hope it may not be out of place for me, as a solider with new service, to express my immense admiration for the magnificent work put in by the Australian Corps at the Dardanelles. The glory of their deeds will live in history and not fade while the race survives. Long live, and God prosper, Australia! Yours faithfully, Wm Home, Capt., 11th A. & S. Hrs.” So his brother William had written, asking this question, and he was with the 11th Battalion Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, who had just landed in France at that time. The Adjutant-General replied on 28ht August that they did not have the King’s commission for him yet from England, but upon receipt it would be sent to George. A note was also sent to Base Records to ensure it was follow through.

His promotion to 2^nd Lieutenant was queried by the Adjutant-General to Base Records on 16^th August 1915 and they replied on the 23^rd that they had no advice on the promotion apart from the record that said 2^nd Lieutenant James Home died of wounds. A handwritten note stated “This seems to be a matter for Lieut. Trask” and a reply in red ink added “Only appears 10/10 BRL as Col Sgt. 19/10/14 Not gazetted as an officer to date 20/8/15”.

Another letter from H T Korff to Base Records on 8^th April 1916 asked, that as James had done a will prior to enlistment which had not been witnessed properly, he was wondering if James had done a will in his pay book so he could obtain Probate of the Will. Base Records replied on the 13^th stating they had received no will from Egypt for him, but if there was one in the book the Paymaster would act on it.

On 31^st May 1917 the Warrant for James’ commission was forwarded to his father from Base Records with a note asking if he would confirm safe arrival of it. Base Records wrote to the Officer in charge of records at London on 25^th June 1920, regarding James, saying “It has come under notice that the above officer’s appointment to 2^nd Lieutenant was incorrectly promulgated in Commonwealth of Australia Gazette No. 75 of 1915 under the name “T HOWE”. Steps are therefore being taken to have this entry amended in a later Gazette.” They wanted to know if the Form of Commission had been issued and if not to send it to his father with the address supplied. The reply from London on 30^th August 1920 advising them that the index card dealing with it has been sent to them in May and could then confirm what was on it so that Records in London could act on it appropriately. Base Records in Melbourne replied on 23^rd October advising London that the A.M.S. index for Officers did not contain a card for James and could they do a fresh form and send it to George as discussed before. A fresh form was sent and Base Records were notified on 3^rd February 1921.

An entry in the New South Wales Will Book under number 82017 reads “Home James c/o Coonamble and A I Force. 18 October 1917 on this date Letters of Administration of the Estate of the said deceased were granted to Hector Tollatson Koroff of Coonamble Solicitor the duly appointed Attorney of George Home the father of the said deceased. Bond dispensed with Intestate died 1915. Estate sworn at “376 pounds 10 shillings and 6 pence.”

His medals were issued from London (1914-15 Star, British War and Victory Medals), and the Memorial Scroll and Plaque and the booklet Where the Australians Rest were all sent to his father.

ANZAC Biographies

On our website you will find the biographical details of ANZAC (as well as British) servicemen & women

whose medals or other memorabilia form part of the collection belonging to the

Maryborough Military & Colonial Museum,

Maryborough, Queensland, Australia.

Major Peter Ingles Stewart MC & Bar VD MiD

22^nd Battalion AIF

by Robert Simpson

Peter Ingles Stewart was born on 9^th September 1892 in Yuille Street Buninyong, Victoria. He was the youngest son born to Peter Ingles Stewart and Margaret Black, who had twelve children in all, from 1873 to 1908. There were 5 boys and 7 girls and most lived into adulthood. Peter and Margaret had been married in Ballarat on 30^th January 1873. Peter had been born in Warrenheip in 1851 and Margaret in Geelong in 1854. Peter’s father Donald had migrated from Scotland with his wife in 1841. He named his son in honour of his employer, Peter Inglis, who was a famous founding colonist of Victoria. His hospitality and generosity was well known in those times. Warrenheip was one of his properties. At some stage Inglis was changed or corrupted to Ingles. Peter was educated at Buninyong State School, before following business pursuits in Melbourne. He lived in Buninyong for many years before settling on land at Carrum, according to the Ballarat and District Citizens and Sports 1916, a publication listing people from the area. While in Melbourne, he joined the Yarra Borderers, (56^th Regiment).

On 29^th April 1915, Peter married Lillian May Harvey at South Melbourne. Lillian had been born on 6^th May 1894 at Eaglehawk Victoria, a daughter to Richard Harvey and Grace Morcom Whitford, who had married in 1876 in Victoria. Grace had migrated from England in 1870. Richard, who migrated from England in 1869, was an engine driver in the 1903 Electoral Roll, but by the 1909 roll, he was a farmer at Carrum. In the 1914 roll, he was an engine driver and they were living at Long Gully. In The Argus on Saturday 1^st May 1915 page 11 under family notices – “STEWART—HARVEY.—On the 29th April, at the Presbyterian Manse, Dorcas street, South Melbourne, by Rev. A. McCarlie – Inglis, Peter Stewart, youngest son of Mr. and Mrs. P. Stewart, of 136 Union street, Windsor, to Lillian May Harvey, fifth daughter of Mr. and Mrs. R. Harvey, of “Fernleigh,” Backhaus street, Long Gully, Bendigo.”

His application for a Commission in the AIF form, in the 3^rd Military District, shows Ingles Peter Stewart applied on 29^th April 1915. The original record has his name as Inglis Peter Stewart. He was a married British subject, born on 9^th September 1892 whose present civil employment was as a builder. His religious denomination was Presbyterian. He had no educational qualifications. For his previous military qualifications, he was in the 6^th AIR for 1 year and 4 months, the 56^th Infantry for 2 years and 10 months and was a 2^nd Lieutenant in the 56^th. He qualified at that rank on 1^st September 1914. His next of kin was listed as his wife, “Lillian May Stewart” and his postal address was 136 Union Street Windsor. He was issued pay book 22462. Peter was describes as being 5 foot 10 inches tall, weighing 11 stone 6 pounds, chest measurement of 35 inches and having good eyesight. His term of service was for the war and 4 months and his qualification was Machine Gun Officer.

C Company of the 22^nd Infantry Battalion, as part of the 6^th Infantry Brigade, embarked at Melbourne on HMAT Ulysses A38 on 10^th May 1915 (another record has 8^th). His name was recorded on the embarkation roll as Inglis Peter Stewart, a 23 year old 2^nd Lieutenant. His trade was builder and his address was “Fernleigh” Backhaus-street, Long Gully, Bendigo, Victoria. His next of kin was listed as Lillian May Stewart, wife, of 106 Union Street Windsor. His religion was Presbyterian. Peter was being paid 15 shillings a day.

He was promoted to officer in charge of the machine gun section before they left Egypt. Peter was promoted to Lieutenant on 26^th August 1915. He proceeded to join the MEF on the Gallipoli peninsula on 30^th August 1915. His promotion to Lieutenant was gazetted on 2^nd December 1915 and published in The Argus on the 3^rd.

Lieutenant Inglis Peter Stewart was recommended for an award while in the 22^nd Battalion for an action at C2 Tunnel at ANZAC on 29^th October 1915, where he “Led a party of volunteers into the tunnel and assisted in bringing up the last body from the shaft. He was himself the last of the rescuing party to leave the shaft.” He had not been previously recommended. Another record for this recommendation also has written before the entry above “For his gallantry during the rescue operations at C2 Tunnel opposite JOHNSTONE”S JOLLY, ANZAC, of officers and men who were “gassed” as a result of an explosion of ammonal.” He was listed as position 6 in the awards list. The 4^th Field Company Engineers had detonated a mine in tunnel C2 in the 22^nd Battalion’s part of the line. It failed to break through to open air, causing the poisonous gasses from the explosion to remain in the tunnel. Lieutenant Frederick Bowra was overcome by the gasses as he was lowered into a shaft to the tunnel. Lieutenant Edwin Bazeley and Sapper Frederick Currington and the Lieutenant Charles Thom went to his aid and were all overcome. Toxic gasses were then detected coming up the shaft. Several men participated in a rescue attempt. Five men died as a result of this incident and several were hospitalised. Peter was one of them and he spent the next two days in the 6^th Light Horse Field Ambulance Hospital before returning to the 22^nd Battalion. A later record also mentions he was “awarded the Military Cross for conspicuous bravery in thrice descending shaft at Anzac trenches after explosion of gas, despite great personal danger, saving several men from suffocation.” Other men involved also received gallantry awards.

A record stated he was wounded on 31^st October 1915 at Anzac and returned to duty on the same day from the 6^th Field Ambulance. The record from the 6^th Light Horse Field Ambulance is slightly different, with Lieutenant I P Stewart of the Machine Gun Section of the 22^nd Battalion being admitted to hospital on 29^th October being asphyxiated, and discharged to duty with the 22^nd Battalion on 31^st October. Lillian was notified by Base Records of this, and that it was not serious, on 5^th November 1915. The 22^nd Battalion served on Gallipoli until the evacuation in December 1915.

On 7^th January 1916, he disembarked at Alexandria from Mudros. The Battalion arrived at Moascar on 8^th March. There were many changes in the ten days they were there, including Lieutenant Stewart becoming Transport Officer. He proceeded to join the British Expeditionary Force from Alexandria on 19^th March 1916, arriving at Marseilles and disembarking on the 26^th. In early April 1916, the Battalion moved into the reserve breastwork trenches near Fleurbaix. After a time at Pozieres, including the major action of the Somme offensive, they headed to the Somme region and arriving at billets at Renescure on 9^th July, Lieutenant Stewart became permanent Orderly Officer. He was appointed Adjutant on 27^th June 1916. Another entry said he was appointed acting Adjutant on 16^th July 1916.

General Sir Charles Munro’s despatches in the London Gazette of 11^th July 1916 mentioned Peter for distinguished and gallant service rendered in the Mediterranean Expeditionary Force. A letter was sent to Lillian on 4^th December 1916 from Base Records to 136 Union Street, advising her of this and that it had been published in the London Gazette of 11^th July 1916. Peter was appointed to the rank of Captain on 12^th August 1916 in France.

Captain Inglis Peter Stewart was recommended for a Mention in Despatches on 15^th September 1916 “For sterling good work as Adjutant of the Battalion since landing in FRANCE (another recommendation also includes 26^th March 1916). In the absence of messengers during the action at POZIERES, he carried orders to the front line under heavy fire, watching over the execution of his orders and returned with accurate and full reports. He has proved himself an Officer of sound judgement, reliable and energetic, and his conduct throughout has been most gallant. He remained on duty on recovering consciousness after being lifted off his feet by a H.E. shell at POZIERES.” The original hand-written recommendation, done on 9^th August 1916, also mentioned he was “already awarded the Military Cross”, and it recommended he be awarded the Distinguished Service Order, but that was crossed out.

Lillian must have shifted around a few times, as his service records have her at c/o Mrs R Harvey of Kirkwood Street Eaglehawk Victoria and then c/o Mrs Temple of 41 Bay View Rd Yarraville Victoria.

Peter was Mentioned in Despatches as Ingles Peter Stewart, and it was published in the London Gazette on 13^th July 1916 on page 6955, position 45. He was again mentioned with the entry on 4^th January 1917 on page 255 position 99. He was mentioned in Sir Douglas Haig’s despatch of 13^th November 1916 for distinguished and gallant conduct and devotion to duty in the field. It was published in the London Gazette of 2^nd January 1917, and on 9^th July 1917, Base Records sent Lillian an extract to her. On 20^th December 1916, he was evacuated from the field as he was sick (pyrexia of unknown origin). He was sent through 1^st AMD Station to 15^th Australian Field Ambulance and was discharged back to his Battalion on 5^th January 1917.

The 22^nd Battalion was involved in bloody and muddy fighting in 1917 from Bullecourt to Broodseinde.

On 19^th July 1917, he was sent to hospital being sick and he re-joined his battalion on 18^th August. Another record said he went to Paris on leave on the 19^th, was sent to hospital sick on the same day and was admitted to 2^nd Red Cross Hospital at Rouen with contusions on his right foot (mild) on 26^th July. Lillian was sent a letter advising her of this, but the original went to 136 Union Street Windsor (Peter’s parents address). She advised them of the address change to Kirkwood Street Eaglehawk, which they acknowledged. Lillian also asked why she did not get notification of his wounding and had to read it in the casualty lists in the local paper.

Captain Ingles Peter Stewart MC was recommended for a Bar to his MC on 14^th October 1917 by the Brigadier-General commanding the 6^th Australian Infantry Brigade “For the most conspicuous courage and devotion to duty. At BROODSEINDE on night 3/4^th October and prior to the attack this Officer supervise the laying out of the Jumping Off Tape and the necessary forming up of the Assaulting Waves. On the morning 4^th October he was in company with one N.C.O. on the corner of ZONNEBEKE LAKE in a position which had not been completely mopped up. This post was still active but this Officer dealt with the snipers with his revolver and brought back to our lines 30 prisoners and 3 Machine Guns. On the 9^th October he again supervised the Battalion forming up for the attack and throughout the whole operation proved himself tireless cheerful and alert and the success of the operations entrusted to the Unit is largely due to his careful and thorough work.” On 15^th September 1916, he had also been recommended for a Mention for the same event (it also had Bar to MC, but that had been crossed out). That was approved for the General List.

He was awarded a Bar to the Military Cross in the Field on 3^rd November 1917. The statement for service of the award was cut and pasted into his service record and reads “For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty in supervising the laying out of the jumping-off tape, and the forming up of the assaulting waves. In company with one N.C.O. he found himself in a position which had not been completely mopped up. He dealt with the snipers with his revolver and brought back thirty prisoners and three machine guns.” A letter was sent to his wife at Kirkwood Street Eaglehawk from Base Records on 10^th September 1918, detailing the above award which was announced in the London Gazette on 26^th November 1917. She had been previously notified of the award on 21^st March 1918 that the King was pleased to confer a Bar to the Military Cross for him for gallantry and distinguished service in the field.

The London Gazette published his award of a Military Cross as Lieutenant Inglis Peter Stewart on 3^rd June 1916. He was awarded it as part of the list of awards of military honours in connection with the King’s birthday. . Base Records sent Lillian a notification of this on 22^nd September 1916, advising her it was also published in the London Gazette of 3^rd June 1916.

As Ingles, his award of the Bar to the Military Cross was published in the London Gazette on 26^th November 1917 on page 12317, position 9 and the citation was published on 6^th April 1918 on page 4205, position 8. An article in the Bendigonian on 17^th January 1918 read “SOLDIERS HONORED. Lieut. Inglis Stewart, of Eaglehawk, has received the following letter of congratulation from General Birdwood on his being awarded a bar to the Military Cross: — “I write to congratulate you most heartily upon the award to you of a bar to the Military Cross, which you have fully earned by your conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty during the operations at Broodseinde on 4th and 9th October. I know that on the former date you supervised the laying out of the ‘jumping off’ tape, and the forming up of the assaulting waves. Later, with the assistance of an N.C.O., you attacked a strong post in an area which had not been completely mopped up, capturing 30 prisoners and three machine guns. On 9th October you again rendered valuable service in the initial stages of the attack, while throughout the whole operation your untiring energy and keenness greatly contributed to the success achieved. With many thanks for your good work and your good wishes for the future.”

He was attached to Headquarters of 6^th Infantry Brigade on 6^th February 1918 from 22^nd Battalion as Acting Staff Captain. On 3^rd March 1918 he ceased to be attached to Headquarters and resumed regimental duty. The Battalion was involved in actions to stop the German Spring Offensive.

The Battalion reached Renescure on 9^th July 1918, where Peter became permanent Orderly Officer, and shortly afterwards Adjutant. He held this position until he was incapacitated by wounds in August 1918.

He was wounded for a second occasion on the 16^th in France and went through the 7^th Australian Field Ambulance and the 55^th Casualty Clearing Station on the same day. Peter was then admitted to 10^th British Red Cross Hospital on 17^th August. He was then invalided to the UK on 24th August. Peter was admitted to 3^rd London General Hospital on 26^th August 1918 with gunshot wounds to the left chest, arm and knee which were described as slight. He relinquished his appointment of Adjutant on being evacuated wounded on the 16^th. Peter was placed on the Regimental Seconded List as wounded on the same date.

A letter was sent to Lillian from Base Records on 16^th September 1918, stating “Captain I. P. Stewart “M.C.” transferred to 3^rd London General Hospital, Wandsworth, London, England, 26/8/18, suffering from gunshot wound chest, arm and knees, mild.” His postal address was to be his name and 22^nd Battalion, AIF abroad. She was also sent one on 28^th August, advising he had been wounded for a 2^nd time. His service record described his wounding as gunshot wound to left arm, left chest and left knee.

Base Records sent Lillian a list detailing when he was wounded or ill on 6^th November 1918 to 76 South Street South Melbourne for a Lodge Certificate.

In England, he was meant to return to Australia on Ulysses, but he did not embark. A note said he accidently did not embark. On 21^st January 1919 he was given leave until he was recalled. A note was written stating he was “in a fit condition to have leave while awaiting to go to Australia” by a medical Captain on that day. He returned to Australia on Czaritza on 16^th March 1919. On 7^th April, he transhipped at Alexandria to Dunluce Castle and arrived in Melbourne on 15^th May 1919.

His occupation before he enlisted was a builder from Defence Records and Form Number 2 said he was a house contractor. On his demobilisation form his Education Standard reached was State School and his permanent address on enlisting was 13 Ardoch Street Essendon. He was married to Lillian and they had no children.

Outdoors group portrait of officers, non-commissioned officers and men of the 22nd Battalion. Seated on the left is Captain Ingles Peter Stewart, MC and Bar, MID. A 23 year old builder from Bendigo, Victoria prior to being appointed a Second Lieutenant on 29 April 1915, he embarked for overseas with C Company from Melbourne on 10 May 1915 aboard HMAT Ulysses. He was wounded at Gallipoli and later awarded a Military Cross for his gallantry there. While serving on the Western Front, he was awarded a Bar to the Military Cross and was Mentioned in Despatches for his “sterling good work” at Pozieres, France. After being wounded at Pozieres on 16 August 1918, he was evacuated to England and then returned to Australia arriving on 15 May 1919.

Group portrait of officers, non-commissioned officers, and men of the 22nd Battalion. Third row: 12^th from left: Captain Ingles Peter Stewart, MC & Bar.

On 9^th January 1919, Peter was examined for examination of his disability and progress since the last time he was seen. He was admitted to 3^rd London General Hospital and an operation was suggested by the Board in late 1918. Examination by specialists showed that sensation in the median nerve area was improving and he had fair flexion of his fingers, even his index. He still experienced cyanosis of his hand due to temperature changes. The opinion was that improvement would be maintained and that no operation was necessary. Peter said he had improved. In April 1919 a note said the arm was almost normal and he had had an injury to the median nerve. An assessment in May 1919 noted Peter complained of pain in the wound in the left arm with weakness and a stiff elbow. He had no trouble with his knee or chest and his reports were clear and general health good. The description of his wounds showed he had a healed scar of entry on the back of his scapula and in axilla, and exit scar at inner side of biceps. There was paraesthesia in distribution of median nerve in the forearm and hand, with some limitation in elevation. A prescription of assistant movements and massage of his shoulder daily was recommended with re-educative movements to the forearm, hand and fingers daily. A few days later, Peter still complained of limitation of movement of the shoulder and some fingers. He felt a muscle in his back, weak movements in some fingers and also pins and needles in some.

On 18^th February 1919, Lillian sent Base Records a letter, enquiring when Peter was returning home as she had received a note from him saying he was leaving on 14^th January, but she had not seen him listed in the returns in the newspaper. They replied, saying they had no record of when he was returning, but would notify her when they did and also acknowledging her change of address. In September 1919, Base Records sent him a letter at 41 Bay View Road for a Lodge Certificate, but was returned to sender as unclaimed. Another was sent to 25 Elm Grove. It was a letter to the Secretary of the Sons of Temperance Friendly Society and gave a list of his service and when he was ill or wounded.

The 1919 Electoral has Ingles Peter and Lillian May Stewart living at 25 Elm Grove Windsor and his occupation was carpenter.

Peter was entitled for the gunshot wound to the left upper arm and left axilla, but not to anything else.

Another examination in July 1919 showed the scar tissue was looser and he had full shoulder movement. He still had some issues with his hand and they said he should be fit for discharge in a month. In September, he showed more improvement but had some pain. His leg was fine. They also did an x-ray and urine test. He was diagnosed with scabies on 16^th September 1919 and was treated and discharged on 4^th October.

The Final Board on 5^th October 1919 noted his disability was due to service but was not permanent and improvement was anticipated. He had incapacity of a third and was recommended for discharge as permanently unfit for General Service. He was granted a pension of 33% from 6^th December 1919 in respect of GSW of left arm and chest.

His appointment in the AIF as a Captain was terminated in the 3^rd Military District on 5^th December 1919. He signed for his 1914-15 Star on 21^st July 1920, his MiD certificates on 14^th June and 30^th June 1921 and his British War and Victory medals on 3^rd July 1922.

An examination in August 1920 stated Peter was in good health, but that there had been no improvement to his wounds. During that time, Peter was still working as a carpenter, but he had had only 6 weeks employment in 6 months and had been a traveller for 3 months. He was recommended for admission to No. 11 Australian general Hospital. Upon admittance and examination, he had inflamed scars and they were becoming indurate under the left arm. Abscesses were operated on and pus and some scar tissue removed. The arm healed fine, but the nerve in his arm was still troublesome. He also had dental treatment while there. His pension was increased to 100% while in hospital. When discharged, his pension went back to 33%.

On 11^th November 1920, Peter joined the Victoria Police as Constable 6495. In the Victoria Police Gazette of 17^th February 1921, he was listed at the Depot, was married and worked on foot. The Gazette issues of 20^th April 1922 and 1^st February 1923 show him at Easternwick P.C.B. with other details being the same. Entries in the Gazette give some idea of what he was doing. On 1^st March 1922, he arrested Henry Joseph Evans in Malvern East, who was involved with larceny, with the property being traced to his possession and recovered. Another report on 22^nd July 1922 at Easternwick shows that Rupert George Wilson was arrested by Peter and another Constable for larceny and housebreaking offences, where most of the property was recovered. They also arrested him again on 28^th September 1922, again for housebreaking, where a portion of the property was recovered in his possession. The 13^th December 1923 edition of the Victoria Police Gazette has a list of discharges, with Constable 6495 Peter Ingles Stewart being discharged on 1^st November 1923 at Bourke District. Apparently he was involved in the Police strike in Melbourne of 1923 and was discharged as a result of this.

Peter continued his militia service after the war, commanding the 22^nd Battalion from 31^st March 1921 to 31^st December 1922 with the rank of Major. The 1922 and 1924 Electoral Rolls show Ingles Peter and Lillian May Stewart living at 16 Moore Street Brighton, with Peter being a carpenter and Lillian doing home duties. Peter did not obviously change his occupation for those rolls.

A year later, another examination discussed how his general health was good and there had been improvement. His incapacity was reduced to a quarter with his pension dropping to the same mark from September 1921. An examination in September 1921 showed he had slightly put on weight; his arm had a slight weakness and gave pain in changes of weather. There was slight improvement and as he lost no time in employment as a Constable, his pension was dropped to 20%. He missed the next review and his pension was suspended. In February 1924, he attended a review which showed a slight weight gain and that he was in “good physique and condition”. He was rated as partially incapacitated and his pension was reduced to 16.6%. He was also unemployed. His next review in September 1924 showed he had no further improvement and he ached at change of weather or after heavy work. His pension was still the same. Peter missed the next review and his pension was suspended in November and cancelled in December. Peter wrote a letter to them in January 1925, saying he had been working in the country and had returned after the appointment and was asking for another. After being assessed on 13^th January 1926, with no changes, his pension was restored and continued as before. His employment was listed as driving a motor truck.

A report in the Victoria Police Gazette of 14^th August 1924 lists an incident from 5^th August 1924 in which Peter, a clerk of “”Inglewood”, Moore-street, Brighton, reports stolen from the Golden Fleece Hotel, corner of Russell and Bourke streets, Melbourne, a gent’s blue-black cloth overcoat, with a belt attached, in the pocket of which were 9 letters, containing cheques…”. The cheques amounted to over 16 pounds and the total value stolen was over 21 pounds.

The 1924 AMF Army List shows Peter listed under 3^rd Military District 22^nd Battalion (part of 3^rd Division, 4^th Infantry Brigade) as a Major at Base Headquarters at Richmond where he was 2IC. He was part of the permanent Militia. A list shows he was first commissioned in the 56^th Infantry as a 2^nd Lieutenant on 1^st September 1914 and was promoted to Lieutenant on 1 July 1915. After the war he is listed as a Lieutenant in 2/22^nd Infantry on 1^st October 1918, and a Captain on 16^th December 1919. On 31^st March 1921, he was a Captain in 22^nd Battalion, and honorary Major on 31^st March 1921 and a Major on 1^st June 1922 in the 22^nd Battalion. His Staff Service was recorded as Adjutant 22^nd Battalion AIF from 27^th June 1916 to 16^th August 1918 and Commanding Officer 22^nd Battalion as Staff Captain from 31^st March 1921 to 31^st December 1922.

On 10^th March 1926, he was examined and had brachial and cervical neuritis and swelling in the plantar nerve on the sole of a foot. He also had boils on buttocks and legs which started to appear 3 months before and he felt unwell. Peter was given a prescription of Potassium Citrate Draught in April 1926, which he took for 3 weeks. After being treated in hospital for his boils, where he was given injections, he improved and was discharged on 18^th May.

Margaret Stewart, his mother, passed away on 28^th July 1926 “at the residence of her daughter (Mrs. Thompson), 55 Dundas Place, Albert Park” in Melbourne, as recorded in The Argus of Thursday 29^th July. She was the “loving wife of Peter Stewart (late of Buninyong). At rest.”

His next examination on 17^th May 1928 showed no improvement and he had put on a bit of weight. His incapacity was the same and he had lost a month of work due to ill-health. His pension was to continue at 16.6% indefinitely. In mid-1928 he notified Pensions that his address was 29 The Avenue Balaclava. Another medical form has the same address, but at East St. Kilda.

He was awarded a Colonial Auxiliary Forces Long Service Medal on 28^th April 1928 (as recorded in Commonwealth Gazette No. 40 and it shows he was a Major in the 22^nd Battalion (militia) in the 3^rd Military District) and Colonial Auxiliary Forces Decoration on 23^rd August 1928 (as recorded in Commonwealth Gazette No. 88 with rank of Major).

Sir John Monash became the head of the State Electricity Commission of Victoria (SECV) from October 1920. He apparently knew Peter and arranged a job for him. His records indicate he joined on 2^nd April 1929 as a diver at Gippsland. His address was 99 Kooyong Road Caulfield and his next of kin was Lillian. Another registration form gave his address as 39 Park Street Parkville and he commenced work at Yarragon as a lorry driver.

“On Sunday last, at about 1.30 p.m., three State Electricity employers were driving a motor truck towards Warragul, and were rounding a curve near Charlesworth’s garage, Yarragon, the truck could not take the corner at the pace travelling and overturned. Stewart sustained a broken arm, while other occupants, Frank Ross and Thomas Hope, escaped with a severe shaking.” This article was recorded under Accidents in the Morwell Advertiser of Friday 28^th June 1929. His record indicated he broke his arm at 2pm on 16^th June 1929 and he was on leave from the 17^th to 3^rd February 1930. Another record he was driving the motor lorry which skidded and overturned and he broke his right arm. He was paid a series of cheques from 30^th June 1929 until 31^st January 1930, which was his full and final settlement. In 1931 he had a few hours leave on different days.

In 1932, Lillian May Stewart petitioned for divorce from Ingles Peter Stewart and was listed as suit number 248 in the Victorian Public Records Office.

On 13^th October 1932, The Gippsland Times newspaper had the following article under ELECTROCUTED. Linesman Killed at Warragal, “At 1.15 a.m. on Sunday last, an employee of the State Electricity Commission (Mr Peter Ingles Patrick Stewart of Trafalgar) was electrocuted when a ladder which he was placing in position against an electric light pole near the Commercial Hotel in Queens street, Warragul, came in contact with a line carrying 22,000 volts. It was raining heavily at the time and it is thought that portion of the ladder acted as a conductor for the electric current. Stewart was wearing rubber boots, but as he had not mounted the ladder he had neglected to take the precaution of putting on his rubber gloves. He died in 15 minutes, although Dr. Con. Ley tried without avail resuscitation methods for over two hours.” “The Australasian newspaper of Saturday 15^th October 1932 had under the Personal column “While he was engaged in emergency work repairing an electrical fault on wires near the Commercial Hotel at a quarter past 1 o’clock on Sunday morning, Mr Peter Ingles Patrick Stewart, aged 40 years, an employee of the State Electricity Commission, was killed by electricity. Stewart was on the ground, and had placed a ladder against a pole. Rain had been falling, and the ladder was wet. It is believed that Stewart received the charge from a line carrying 22,000 volts through the ladder. An inquiry which was opened by the deputy coroner (Mr. J. Cromie J.P.) was adjourned to a date to be fixed. Mr. Stewart, who was unmarried, was a resident of Trafalgar, where his boyhood was spent. He had a fine war record, enlisting as a private and returning to Australia aged 26 years with the rank of major and several decorations, including the Military Cross. He was greatly respected throughout the district.” It also said he spent his early days in Trafalgar, before going to Melbourne, and had moved back there about four years earlier.

The inquest returned an open finding. Evidence given by the other person who was with Peter, Joseph Walter Leslie Baker (also a linesman), who said they were raising an extension ladder which touched a tubular conductor. Peter said to him “It’s got me, Hal!” The ladder had been extended more than necessary and that was why it touched the conductor. The wet conditions also contributed to the intensity of the shock, which would be sufficient to cause death. Mr Cromie “said that he did not consider that the necessary care and control had been observed” by either of them. A doctor tried to revive him for one and a half hours. Another newspaper article stated he “was recognised as an able staff officer, and had been termed the ideal soldier by men in high command. In civilian life, he always stood by his comrades. With gentlemanly and broad outlook, he fitted easily into any circle. Countless friends in many parts of the State mourn their loss.” An inquest was held at Warragul on 17^th October 1932. His sister, Violet Thompson identified his body at Gippsland Mortuary and said when she saw him a few months before, he was in good health. Walter Baker of Seven Mile Road Trafalgar, was with Peter “in Queen Street at switch pole No. 5. No one else was present when I arrived there – I said I would operate the switch and give the signal.” It is a warning to let people know the power is being cut. “When I got out the deceased said to McDonald “right oh Tango we’ll get the ladder”. McDonald and Stewart brought the ladder against the pole in a closed condition. McDonald left to get the bus. I assisted the deceased to extend the ladder, I was pulling on the left hand rope and deceased pulling on the right hand rope. The ladder was extended up the pole above the lower extension arm. Deceased was endeavouring to trip the ladder. I was holding the left rope. There was a flash, I was thrown away from the ladder. When I recovered I saw deceased still standing at the foot of the ladder and he said “it’s got me Wall” and fell over. I went to his assistance and called for help. Some chaps came in a car and I instructed them to go for a Doctor.” The Doctor came and examined him and found no signs of live due to cardiac and respiratory failure due to electric shock. The electricity inspector examined the ladder and showed the right side had struck the conductor and travelled through it and through Peter. Being wet pronounced the effect.

The Argus of Tuesday 11^th October 1932 had the following death notices “STEWART. – On the 9^th October (result of accident with electric wire), at Warragul, Peter Ingles Patrick, loving son of Peter and the late Margaret Stewart, fond brother of Doll (Mrs. Thompson), in his 41^st year, late 22^nd Batt., A.I.F. – Rest in peace.” and “On the 9^th October (result of accident), at Warragul, Peter Ingles Patrick, dearly beloved fiancé of Tessie Freyne. – May his soul be at peace.” A funeral notice in the same paper read “STEWART. – The Friends and Relatives of the late P. I. PATRICK STEWART are hereby informed that his remains will be interred in the New Melbourne Cemetery, Fawkner. The funeral is appointed to leave the residence of his sister (Mrs. Thomson), No. 10 Wilson avenue, South Brunswick, THIS DAY (Tuesday), at 3 p.m.”

At the time of his death, Peter was getting a pension of 14 shillings a fortnight and Lillian was getting 6 shillings. Workers Compensation had him listed as a Patrol Driver, aged 40 years, the place of the accident was Queen Street Warragul at 1 am on 9^th October 1932, and it was fatal due to electric shock of 22000 volts. They also listed the cause of the accident and the amount of compensation paid was 75 pounds, which was for funeral expenses. An open verdict was recorded at the Coronial Inquiry held at Warragul on Friday 21^st October 1932. Peter was buried in the Roman Catholic section of Fawkner Cemetery on 11^th October 1932, in Section M 2884.

Lillian applied for his death to be accepted as war related, but the original application on 9^th October 1932 was rejected by the State Board on 16^th November 1932. It was determined his death was not due to war service and as such claims and appeals done on 17^th February 1936 and 9^th September 1936 were not covered. Lillian applied for a war pension both times, but it was found that his death due to electric shock was not due to war service. She was applying as a widow and her address was c/o Mrs G Ennor, 34 Mount Korong Rd, Bendigo. In her appeal she stated “That after my husband was discharged from the Army he was unable to follow his former occupation as carpenter through injuries received while on Active Service, therefore compelling him to seek other employment which ultimately resulted in his death.” A doctor reviewing the case wrote “Though deceased had excellent Field Service, it is obvious from the inquest notes, that such service was not a factor in the cause of death.” Another doctor concurred. A third doctor wrote in February 1936 “Death from Electric Shock, was on the evidence purely accidental and not attributable to W.S.” A reply was sent to her on 25^th February 1936, which said “With reference to your appeal, I have to advise that the case of your late husband was referred to the Repatriation Commission, but was unable to accept his death as due to War Service.” She had 12 months to lodge another appeal.

Peter Ingles Stewart, his father, passed away on 18^th June 1933 at 10 Wilson Avenue South Brunswick in Melbourne, at his daughter’s house. He was 85 years old. The Argus of Monday 19^th June 1933 had death notices from his family and also a notice from “Peter Ingles Patrick (deceased), and loving friend of Tessie Freyne.” His remains were interred in the New Melbourne General Cemetery.

One of Lillian’s brothers, Richard Alfred Harvey, served with the AIF in WW1. Richard had previous military experience with school cadets and 56^th Infantry (in which he rose to the rank of Colour Sergeant). Before the war, he worked as an iron dresser. He joined on 27^th April 1915 as Private 2598 in the 5^th Battalion. He was transferred to the 57^th Battalion and promoted to Corporal in early 1916. Richard was killed in action in France on 12^th December 1916. The battalion war diary for the day reads “During the day the Battalion was employed on Engineer work in the Brigade Sector. The enemy observed some of the parties and shelled them. Casualties 2 O.R. killed 1 O.R. wounded. There were several light falls of snow during the day.” He was buried, with the location recorded, but the grave was destroyed in subsequent fighting, so he has no known grave. He is remembered on the Australian National Memorial at Villers-Bretonneux. Richard was married and her name was also Lillian May. She remarried.

One of Peter’s older brothers also served in WW1. William John Stewart joined the 4^th Light Horse Regiment, A Squadron, as Private 181 on 18^th August 1914 at Broadmeadows. He was a 32 year old railway employee on enlistment and had previous served for 7 years with the 10^th Light Horse. His address was Carrum House at Carrum, with his next of kin being his father at the same address. He progressed through the ranks and in January 1916 was promoted to Sergeant. In July 1916, he was transferred to 2^nd Anzac L.H.R. and posted to D Squadron. His regiment was given a new designation of 22^nd Army Corps Light Horse Regiment in December 1917. He was wounded in action in France on 18^th April 1918. It appears he was gassed. William was awarded the Military Medal which was recorded in his service records on 13^th August 1918 and the London Gazette on 6^th August 1918 on page 9256, position 35. He returned to Australia on 24^th September 1918. In the early 1920’s, William was sent the standard WW1 trio of medals to go with his MM.

In January 1936, Lillian wrote to seek an increase in her War Pension. “I am the widow of the late Capt. Ingles Peter Stewart M.C. late of 22^nd Battalion, who met his death accidently three years last October. I was obliges to procure a position, but after some weeks I had to give it up as I developed Arthritic Rheumatism, and have been treated at Melbourne and Bendigo Public Hospitals for over two years, and am present being treated at the Bendigo Base Hospital, but they seemingly can’t do more that relieve it. My left knee and arm are mostly affected, being enlarged and swollen. I cannot straighten either, consequently I am a little lame, and in much pain, and unable to earn a living. I have been living with my friends and relations since my disability.”

Lillian remarried in 1937 to Cornelius Salis in Marong Victoria. Cornelius had been born in 1887 in Victoria and had enlisted in WW1 as Private 668 in B Company 38^th Battalion, but was discharged as medically unfit due to a hernia 4 months later. He was a farmer, and passed away on 17^th May 1944 at Marong. Lillian moved to Bendigo, where she lived until she died on 11^th April 1986.

Honour Roll at Carrum RSL (Victoria) featuring W & I Stewart. The Honour Board was destroyed in a fire after the Carrum RSL folded.

Through his life he used variations on his name, but this story has been written using his birth names, as recorded. Where other variations have been used in records, they have been written as such. Apparently he disliked his initials, hence the changes in his name.

His medals are Military Cross and Bar, 1914-15 Star, British War Medal, Victory Medal with MiD oak leaf, Colonial Auxiliary Forces Long Service Medal and Colonial Auxiliary Forces Decoration.

ANZAC Biographies

On our website you will find the biographical details of ANZAC (as well as British) servicemen & women

whose medals or other memorabilia form part of the collection belonging to the

Maryborough Military & Colonial Museum,

Maryborough, Queensland, Australia.