235 R.S.M. Edward William Thomas Burkinshaw

9^th Light Horse Regiment AIF

by Robert Simpson

Edward William Thomas Burkinshaw was born on 6^th December 1881 at 42 Gilford St, Islington, London the first son to William Edward Burkinshaw and Elizabeth B Potter. William had been born in 1854 and Elizabeth in 1856 and they were married on 1^st June 1874 in St. Pancras. William was a plasterer or a labourer. They had 6 daughters and another two sons as well. On 1^st January Edward was baptised in St. Mary Islington. By the 1891 census they were living at 2 Western Rd, Tottenham, Middlesex and he is listed as a scholar. His mother passed away in 1897.

For the 1901 census, he can not be found. The rest of the family has moved to Clerkenwell. On his WW1 attestation paper, it states his previous service was with the 68^th Regiment of Foot (Durham Light Infantry) for 8 years and 12 days, but no discharge was produced. The 1^st Battalion of the D.L.I. was involved in the Boer war with the 3^rd and 4^th Battalions, while the 2^nd Battalion sent a company of Mounted Infantry from India, where they were based. So, it is possible he was in India or South Africa, but this can not be confirmed as no service papers for him have survived and he is not listed on any medal rolls. He is mentioned on his brother’s service record as being with the D.L.I. in 1904. (Henry joined 3rd Battalion East Surrey Regiment Militia on 11^th November 1904 as Private 4531. He was 18 years old. He was discharged by purchase on 1^st March 1906 with good character.). It also mentions in his records that his father, William was living in Caledonian Rd. Islington, he did not know Charles address and one of his sister’s; Mary, was living in Sutterton St. Islington.

Before 1910 he was back in London as he married Maud Agnes Skevington in April 1910 at Islington. In July their first son, Edward William Thomas was born. Clarence Alfred was born on 23^rd November 1911 at 104 Bemerton Rd. Islington. Tragedy struck the family when Edward passed way at the age of 2 in Essex in January 1913.

Whether it was this, or other circumstances, that lead them to move is not known, but on 15^th May 1913 William (as he seemed to have preferred being called) left London for Australia on the ship Beltana in 3^rd class. He was listed as William Burkenshaw, age 31 and occupation painter. He must have chosen to settle in Adelaide as on 20^th June 1913 Maud (or as she is written in the embarkation list, Maude Burkenshaw) left London, bound for Adelaide Australia in 3^rd class at the age of 34. She was listed as a domestic housewife and she travelled with Beatrice Skevington age 20, a domestic. Beatrice would appear to be her younger sister. Oddly there is no mention of their son Clarence in the passenger list, but he was certainly in South Australia later on in life.

On 22^nd October 1914 William Burkinshaw enlisted in the 9^th Light Horse as Private 235. He is listed as being born in London Middlesex, age 32 years and 11 months and occupation as a painter. His next-of-kin is listed as his wife, Maud Burkinshaw of 3 Gladstone St. Adelaide. The address was later changed to Tomsey Ave off Tomsey St and then finally 234 Halifax St. His previous service is noted as above. He enlisted in Morphettville South Australia. The records show him to be 5 foot 5 inches tall, 148 pounds, a chest measurement of 37 inches, fresh complexion, light brown eyes and dark brown hair. His religion was Church of England. He had a tattoo “peace with honor” on his chest. He was posted to B squadron, 9^th Light Horse. His pay book number was 234986. The next day he was promoted to Lance Corporal and on 20^th January 1915 he was promoted to Sergeant. His final Medical Board examination before boarding showed he was examined with no disability. His rate of pay was 10 shillings a day, of which 5 shillings, 6 pence went to his wife, he took 3 shillings and 2 shillings were deferred. (Must be some error somewhere?). The regiment was formed in Adelaide and trained in Melbourne, and as part of the 3^rd Light Horse Brigade, embarked on HMAT A10 Karroo on 11^th February 1915. It arrived in Egypt on 14^th March.

The Brigade landed at Gallipoli in late May 1915. It was in reserve during the disastrous attack on the Nek on 7^th August, but suffered 50% casualties attacking Hill 60 on 27^th August. As they were under strength and exhausted, they then played a defensive roll until evacuated on 20^th December.

Back in Egypt, the Regiment was involved with defending the Suez Canal from a Turkish drive from the desert in March 1916 and was involved in the advance that followed the Turk’s retreat across the desert.

On 1^st June 1915, he was admitted to the NZ field ambulance hospital at ANZAC with influenza. He was discharged to duty on the 7^th. He was promoted to provisional Squadron Sergeant Major on 23^rd August 1915 with confirmation on 8^th January 1916.

On 10^th October 1916, he was promoted to Regimental Sergeant Major (Warrant Officer Class 1). He was sent to the School of Instruction at Zeitoun on 25^th November 1916 and returned from it on 18^th December.

He was admitted to Guildford War Hospital on 2^nd August 1916 with a gun shot wound to the right thigh.

The advance reached the Palestine frontier by December 1916 and the Regiment was involved with attacks on Maghdaba and Rafa where both were taken by bayonet charges. Then they tried two attacks on Gaza which failed on 27^th March and 19^th April 1917.

On 11^th May 1917 he was admitted to the Citadel Hospital at Cairo with debility. The report stated he had been admitted with vertigo. The condition had begun months before with a faint and loss of consciousness. He remembered nothing more until he found himself in the hospital tent. After then he was troubled with dizziness until he was sent off duty on the 5^th May. When examined he complained of being dizzy and having ringing in the ears. Everything else checked out normal except some sluggish reflexes and some arteriosclerosis. He was taken on strength of the 3^rd Light Horse Training Regiment from the hospital on 3^rd July 1917.

After the abortive attempts to take Gaza a wide outflanking movement was started on 31^st October via Beersheba that ultimately led to its fall on 7^th November. The Turkish position in southern Palestine collapsed and the regiment was involved in the pursuit that followed and led to the capture of Jerusalem in December.

On 3^rd December 1917, he was admitted to the No 2 Australian Stationary Hospital at Moascar as sick with bronchitis and pleurisy, he complained of a cough and pain in the left side and he had a temperature of 98.8 C. He was prescribed some mixtures and a light diet and made a steady improvement. By the 16^th he was eating normally again and he was discharged to duty on the 18^th.

He was transferred to the 5^th Light Horse Regiment on 15^th January 1918, and then taken on strength of the 9^th Light Horse Regiment from the 3^rd.

Operations then moved to the Jordan Valley where the 9^th was involved in the Es Salt raid in early May which although it failed, convinced the Turks that the next offensive would be launched across the Jordan.

On 11^th May 1918 he was admitted to the 14^th A.G.H. for burns to his hands and face which were received in action. A note from the hospital said he was cured on the 14th. On the 15^th he was marched into the D.M.C. Rest Camp at Port Said and on the 5^th June, he was discharged to Moascar to the 3^rd Light Horse Training Regiment. On the 12^th he was transferred to the 9^th Light Horse. A Report on Accidental or Self Inflicted injuries on 19^th March 1918 states the date of casualty to be 3^rd May 1918 and that he had burns of 1^st and 2^nd degree on his right hand. The short statement of the circumstances reads that “On 3/5/18 after completing examination of enemy bombs prior to issuing same to Squadron RSM Burkinshaw when walking away lit a match, shook it and threw it on the ground. A quantity of loose powder was ignited and exploded.” His Commanding Officer stated he was in the performance of military duty as he was at Es Salt with the regiment holding the front line. He stated William was morally to blame, but that he had been hard worked for the previous 5 days. It was his opinion that William being tired led to his carelessness. No one else was to blame. Brigadier-General Wilson concurred that no action was necessary.

William’s statement for the accent read “On the afternoon of the 3^rd May I was examining Bombs as ordered by the Adjutant prior to being issued to outpost lines. I found that in some boxes the bombs were empty and of no use – – having no screw tops. The last box contained a bit of powder which I emptied out – – repacking all boxes. On coming away I lit a cigarette, shook the match to put it out and threw it down. The match could not have gone out, but caught the powder which flared up and burnt my face and hands.”

Armourer Staff-Sergeant E. L. Cozens (396) statement on the 16^th reads “On the evening of the 3^rd May I was assisting R.S.M. Burkinshaw in examining enemy bombs. On completion of this work as R.S.M. Burkinshaw and myself were walking away we both lit our cigarettes from the one match held by R.S.M. Burkinshaw who then shook the match and threw it on the ground. An explosion occurred caused by I believe thro’ the match igniting some loose powder lying on the ground. It was almost dark at the time.”

The next offensive was launched along the coast on 19^th September 1918 and the mounted forces penetrated deeply into the Turkish lines severing several major links.

The regiment was involved with the capture of Jenin and Sasa in September and Damascus in October and was on the road to Homs, when the Turks surrendered on 31^st October.

He embarked at Suez for Australia on 5^th February 1919 for compassionate leave.

He returned on the ship Delta on 5^th March 1919 and was discharged in South Australia on 9^th May 1919 as 235 1^st Warrant Officer. His medical report stated he “says he is quite fit”. The rest of the regiment was still in Egypt quelling a revolt.

Meanwhile, at home Maude had her hands full with the family and was trying to balance the budget and was concerned with what was happening to William. In a letter dated 2^nd July 1917, Maude asks if William has returned to duty or not yet with her address as 2 Tomsey Alley off Tomsey St, City. The reply from Base Records notes her address change and why the original message had been returned to them, as they had her address as 3 Gladstone St. They also state in the absence of any other notification that he must be progressing favourably. She had written to them on 29^th May originally as she had read in the local paper that he was sick and wanted to find out what his problem was. A stamp on the letter noted the address change and they had received it on the 1^st June. The original notification was sent on 17^th May 1917 and noted he was suffering a mild debility and was in the 24^th Stationary Hospital in Egypt. She wrote a letter on 21^st August 1917 to note her address change to 234 Halifax St, City and to enquire if she was entitled to a separation allowance for their two sons as well as what she was getting from his pay (5 shillings and 6 pence a day). One was 5 years and 9 months and the other 2 years and 6 months. The change of address was noted and the pay query forwarded on to the Military Paymaster.

On 20^th May 1918 a telegram from Base Records to his wife reports to her that he was admitted to 47^th Stationary Hospital in Egypt on 7^th May 1918 suffering from burns to face and hands caused by bomb explosion. On 26^th July 1918 Maude wrote to the Base Records office to notify them of and address change from 234 Halifax St. City to Florrie Cottage, Glen Osmond Rd., Glen Osmond, Adelaide.

A reply to his wife’s letter dated 22^nd October 1918 stated “that only those members of the A.I.F. abroad who embarked in 1914 for active service will be returned to Australia on furlough”. It also advised her that when William was to return she would be notified. She had written to ask them when he was coming home as she had not heard and as he was at Gallipoli she thought he should be.

William’s other brother; Charles Ernest joined the 4^th Battalion Royal Fusiliers as Private SR/579. He served with the Expeditionary Force and died a prisoner of war on 17^th November 1914. He has 2 Medal Index Cards, one under Burkenshaw and the other under Burkinshaw. He was entitled to a trio, including the 1914 Star. Soldiers Died Great War has him listed as dying of wounds, and he was previously 3727, Militia Royal Fusiliers Regiment. No service records have survived for him.

Maude signed for his Form of Warrant on 23^rd April 1918 for him being appointed temporary Warrant Officer Class 1. He signed for his 1914-15 Star on 7^th June 1920, his British War Medal on 25^th April 1921 and Victory Medal on 25^th April 1922.

William is listed in two publications, the Sands South Australian Directory of 1922 and 1924, as being a painter at Henry St, Croydon Park. Unfortunately, South Australian records are fairly scarce online, so not much more is known about him.

His father, William Edward, passed away in October 1925. He passed away on 7^th September 1937 in South Australia. A death notice in the Advertiser on 8^th September states- “BURKINSHAW – On the 7^th of September, at Adelaide Hospital, Will, beloved husband of Maud Burkinshaw, of 71 Henry street, Croydon Park, and loving father of Alf and Ted aged 56 years, late W.O. 9^th Light Horse A.I.F.” It is also noted in his service records, on 7.9.37 died after discharge- not war service. He is buried in West Terrace Cemetery Adelaide.

The cemetery has him recorded thus-

Name: Burkinshaw, William Thomas
Date of Death: 09 September 1937
Age: 56 Years
Last Abode: CROYDON PARK
Service Type: Burial

Cemetery: West Terrace Cemetery
Section: Light Oval
Row Number: 1AS
C/E/W: W
Site Number: 14

In the 1939 Electoral Roll in the subdivision of Hindmarsh, Maude is listed at 71 Henry St, West Croydon, home duties, with Albert Edward as a metal finisher.

Maude passed away in 1951. Albert was born in South Australia on February 1915 and died on 29^th August 1968. Their other son, Clarence Alfred, enlisted on 14^th August 1942 in the RAETC as Sapper S110213, later changed to SX39338. He was married at the time (married on 11^th May 1933 to Elva Coonan) and living at 45 Highbury St Prospect, South Australia. Clarence served in Australia and New Guinea with the 27^th Port Operating Co. AATNC. He was discharged due to demobilisation on 7^th January 1946 and was entitled to the 39-45 Star, Pacific Star, War Medal and ASM. He passed away on 8^th September 1979.

William was entitled to the standard trio, 1914-15 Star, British War and Victory Medals.

ANZAC Biographies

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

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

Maryborough Military & Colonial Museum,

Maryborough, Queensland, Australia.

Sister May Lawrence Bentley

Australian Army Nursing Service

by Robert Simpson

May was born in Hotham, Melbourne, Victoria on 14^th September 1881; a daughter to William Rae Buchanan Bentley and Angelina Lawrence. She was the 10^th born of 14 children to them. They moved to Ballarat at some time.

She trained for nursing at the Ballarat District Hospital from 1902 to 1905 and was then a trainee at the Women’s Hospital Carlton, Melbourne. After that she went into private nursing in Melbourne. The 1909 Electoral roll shows her in East Melbourne as a nurse. She lived there until 1911 when she moved to Perth and continued her private nursing there (private nursing is where a nurse is employed by a family to care for them at home). May was a member of the Royal Victorian Trained Nurses’ Association and the Australasian Trained Nurses’ Association.

She joined the Australian Army Nursing Service on 21^st November 1914. On her enrolment form she listed references from Robert Scott, Surgeon and Mrs. F Eagleton, Matron at the Ballarat Hospital. She also had a reference from a Perth doctor, Dr. Gertrude Meade. She embarked from Western Australia on 14^th December 1914 as a Staff Nurse with the 1^st Australian General Hospital on the Hospital Ship Kyarra. Her Attestation Form say she joined on 21^st Nov 1914, but the Australian Army Nursing Service, Questions to be answered by Candidates prior to Enrolment form has her signing the form on 19^th January 1915, on arrival in Egypt. She was issued pay-book 99326 and her terms of service were for the duration of the war and 4 months.

Her record reads as: –

19.1.15 at 1 AGH, Egypt

9. 6. 15. Detailed for duty returning to Australia by the Kyarra as Staff Nurse.

10. 6. 15. Embarked Suez Kyarra

17.7.15 Disembarked Melbourne

23.7.15 Embarked from Australia

4.8.15 Embarked on Orontes from Australia

4.9.15 Reported for duty to 3^rd Australian General Hospital on Lemnos

16.11.15 admitted to 3^rd Australian General Hospital at Lemnos with Catarrhal Jaundice (Hepatitis A)

1.12.15 Promoted to Sister at No. 1 Australian General Hospital

29.12.15 Discharged to duty from Hospital Lemnos

27.1.16 Disembarked Oxfordshire from Mudros

8.2.16 Returned to Australia from 3^rd Australian General Hospital Abbassia

9.2.16 embarked Suez Nursing duties to Australia per Nestor

28.2.16 Transport to Australia Nestor from Egypt

13.3.16 Arrived Melbourne Duty

4.4.16 Returned for duty 3 M.D.

7.7.16 Embarked for England on Galeka from Cairo and arrived on the 19th

20.7.16 Taken on strength 1^st Australian Auxiliary Hospital

22.7.16 1st Australian Auxiliary Hospital Harefield

29.7.16 left England

31.7.16 Reported for duty at No. 1 Australian General Hospital Rouen France

1.2.17 Proceeded on Leave

16.3.17 Rejoined from Leave

17.9.17 Posted for duty to No. 47 Casualty Clearing Station

20.9.17 Reported for Duty

5.11.17 Returned to 1^st Australian General Hospital

16.2.18 Proceeded to Nurses Home Abbeville

8.3.18 Posted to 1^st Australian General Hospital ex 47^th C.C.S.

3.9.18 From Rouen to UK on leave – found medically unfit to return to France until 22.10.18 (not uncommon for nurses working in C.C.S’s)

24.10.18 Rejoined unit from leave

21.12.18 from 1^st A.G.H. France to Sutton Veny England for duty

23.12.18 Disembarked at Southampton

10.1.19 Attached to 2^nd Australian Auxiliary Hospital for duty ex No. 1 Australian Hospital Sutton Veny.

15.1.19 Detached from attached duty with 2^nd AAH and marched out for return to Australia.

20.1.19 Returned to Australia per City of York. Disembarked 18.2.19

July 1919 Discharged in Melbourne

1^st Australian General Hospital.

Hospital grounds.

Her Returned Soldier’s Badge was number 112079.

She was awarded the 1914-15 Star, British War Medal and Victory Medal.

Another of her sisters, Lena Lawrence, also joined the Australian Army Nursing Service on 28.8.17 and left Sydney in 1917 attached to No. 14 AGH as a Staff Nurse. In 1918, she was at Egyptian Government Hospital at Suez. This hospital was staffed by Australian nurses in 1917-18 to handle and sick soldiers from the Australian transport ships. Then she went to the 31^st British General Hospital at Port Said in August 1918. In 1919, she was with the 31^st General Hospital at Abbassia. She returned to Australia on the Dunluce Castle and disembarked on 30.8.19 and was awarded the British War and Victory medals. She later married a Mr. Goldberg. May mentions another two of her sisters in correspondence, her eldest sister, Mrs. Voila Stone of “Colinston”, Watson Ave, Rosepark, Adelaide (where her mother was living also) and Isabel Bentley.

After the war, she worked for the Department of Repatriation as an Investigator (Lady) as noted in a letter from her to 3^rd Military District. She was then residing with one of her sisters, who had been married, at “Englimere”, Shellcoate Ave, Neutral Bay, Sydney. She moved back to Melbourne and on 2 electoral rolls she is listed as a nurse. Between 1931 and 1936 she must have retired and is listed at a couple of different addresses in Melbourne, either by herself or with 1 or 2 of her sisters.

In 1946, she applied for a grant of Letters of Administration for the estate of one of her brothers, Ernest Lawrence Bentley, who was an Accountant and had died intestate. His address was given as 26 Hawthorne Grove, Melbourne.

She did not marry. She died on 6^th May 1956 in Hawthorn, Melbourne.

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 James Frederic Bowtell-Harris OBE, MC, MiD

7th Battalion, AIF

3^rd Battalion, 2nd Punjab Regiment, Indian Army,

Indian General Service Corps Depot, Indian Army.

by Robert Simpson

James was born at Prahran, St. Kilda on 9^th May 1895 and was registered twice, as the index notes, Jas Fredk Harris and Jas Fredk Bowtell, a son to Laura Susannah Bowtell and an unknown father. An older brother, William Campion has a Thomas Harris listed as his father, but he had possibly passed away in 1889, and his mother was listed as Flora Bowtell. They had married in 1879. He also had 3 sisters. So, even his birth is a bit confusing. His Mother worked as a nurse or midwife. He certainly used Thomas Harris as his father later on. Not much is known of his early life. He attended Essendon Primary School as he is mentioned on their Honor Board. The family moved to Essendon so his Mother could be close to her Brother, who had moved there. The first document that mentions him, tells of his occupation as a Clerk in St. Kilda. He had also served for two years in the senior cadets and he was serving in the 58^th Infantry Regiment in 1913. He held the rank of Lieutenant while he was in the Militia.

He enlisted on 15^th August 1914 with the 7^th Battalion at Moonee Ponds in Victoria, and was assigned to D Company as Private 467, and he was now using the surname Bowtell-Harris and had dropped the k from Frederick. It would seem a few officers in the Militia gave up their rank to join the A.I.F. The 7^th Battalion was one of the first infantry units raised for the AIF and formed part of 2^nd Brigade. It was raised by Lieutenant-Colonel H. E. “Pompey” Elliott. It would seem that men from the 58^th Infantry A.M.F. regiment joined up to this Battalion. James’ address was given as 710 Mt. Alexander Rd. Moonee Ponds, Victoria and his Mother as Flora Susanah Harris. His pay was 5 shillings a day. He was described as 19 years and 5 months, 5 foot eleven inches tall, chest 32 to 34.5 inches, fresh complexion, blue eyes, and dark brown hair. He had 3 vaccination marks on his left arm. His older brother William also joined on 31^st July 1915 as Private 3762 in the 14^th Infantry Battalion.

The 7^th Battalion embarked on 19^Th October 1914 on HMAT Honorata A20. They embarked per Galeka from Alexandria with the M.E.F. on 5^th April 1915. The battalion was involved with the second wave of attack at Gallipoli on the 25^th. Ten days after landing the 2^nd Brigade was transferred to Cape Helles to help in the attack on Krithia. The Brigade lost a third of its strength for hardly any ground captured. They returned to ANZAC. James was promoted to Lance Corporal on 15^th May 1915, then to Corporal on 18^th May 1915 and to Sergeant on 19^th June 1915. He was admitted to 1st Australian Stationary Hospital at Lemnos on 17^th July 1915 with a slight debility from Gallipoli, and was transferred to Alexandria on the H.S. Soudan on the 19^th, arriving at the No. 17 General Hospital on the 22^nd. He was discharged from there for duty on the 28^th and rejoined the Battalion on the 2^nd August. The 2^nd Brigade fought at the battle of Lone Pine. He was commissioned as 2^nd Lieutenant on 28 Sep 1915 and this was noted in the Sydney Morning Herald on Friday 24^th December. They were evacuated in December and he took a leading part in the evacuation of the battalion from Gallipoli. He was one of the last to leave the trenches in his area and helped set up the automatic rifle firing devices to help hide the evacuation (invented by Bill Scurry).

The Battalion left Lemnos to Alexandria on 7^th January 1916 and from there to Marseilles on 21^st March to join the B.E.F. He was promoted to Lieutenant on 12^th March 1916. He received a Mention in Despatches on 31^st March 1916 for participation in a very successful raid on the enemy trenches on 30^th September 1916. He was promoted to Captain on 1^st August 1916 and was marched in to 6^th Training Battalion at Rollestone on 9^th August 1916. On 25^th October 1916, he was recommended the Military Cross and it was awarded 20^th January 1917. The award was for Pozieres operations on 15^th to 24^th August 1916 for conspicuous gallantry in action. This was the Battalion’s first major action in France. He led a raiding party under very heavy fire displaying great courage and determination. His leadership was largely responsible for the success of his party. It was also written “Captain Harris commanded a successful Raiding Party, which he had personally trained, on the German Trenches near Hollmbeke on the night of 30^th September/1^st October. He took his post on the enemy parapet which was under shell fire and controlled his party with coolness and determination. This officer’s party killed thirteen Germans and bombed several dugouts. His leadership was to a great extent responsible for the success of his party.”

In his will, he states leaving all to his Mother, Flora Susanah Harris, known as Flora Susanah Bowtell-Harris, dated 19^th July 1917.

On 4^th March 1917, he was admitted to the 2/1 Casualty Clearing Station, then to 2^nd Red Cross Hospital at Rouen for an oesophagotomy, it looks like he got his tooth plate stuck in his oesophagus. He was sent back to England to recover. He rejoined his unit on 1^st November 1917. The battalion spent much of the winter in the Ypres mud. In March and April 1918, they helped to stop the German spring offensive. He had served the battalion successively as platoon commander, bombing officer and company commander. It is stated that “the name of Captain Bowtell-Harris is and always be associated in the Battalion with deeds of daring carried out with more than ordinary coolness and skill.”

Group portrait of officers of the 7th Battalion.

Front row, 2^nd from right Captain James Frederick Bowtell-Harris MC.

Taken on 20^th February 1918 in Belgium.

He is listed on the Essendon Primary School Roll of Honor.

Also, listed on St Thomas Church Roll of Honour.

He was granted leave on 29^th May 1918 pending commission in the Indian Army.

On 2^nd July 1918, his appointment with the A.I.F. was terminated having been appointed to a commission in the Indian Army. He also had a rank reduction to Lieutenant. He served in the Indian Army in the 3^rd Battalion, 2nd Punjab Regiment, from 29^th July 1918 and returned to Australia for visits. He was promoted to Captain on 28^th June 1920. On the way back to India one time he met his future wife, Joan Pringle Finlay, on the ship they were both on.

They were married in Karachi, India on 8^th November 1927 with a full military wedding. The wedding notice in the Sydney Morning Herald has James as the “son of the late Thomas Bowtell-Harris and of Mrs. Bowtell-Harris, Mornington, Victoria, to Joan Pringle, second daughter of Mr. & Mrs. T. J. Finlay, Bundella, New South Wales”. In 1929, he writes to the Governor-General of India against his Commanding Officer, Colonel Whitworth. The Commander’s wife had taken his wife along to help her with Infant Welfare work and as his wife was young and had no experience, he felt it was something she should not do or be exposed to. She was already involved with other charity works and had enough to do. On stating this to his Commanding Officer, he said she must do it and when told he would not permit it, Whitworth threatened to send him to the Training Battalion at Multan. He then changed his mind and sent him to Dalbandin as Major Waller was also going there. James was complaining that he had been unfairly treated and it would affect his studies for the Staff College. It is not known what the outcome of the letter was.

In 1932, he returned on the Narkunda to spend a portion of his furlough from the Indian Army in Victoria. He retired from the Indian Army on 1^st April 1933 and moved back to Victoria. He managed a timber yard. Joan seemed to be interested in golf and was noted in various games from 1933. She was also involved in various committees. In 1934, he must have helped his brother out setting up a company as noted in the Argus under New Registrations is “William Campion Pty. Ltd. Manufacturers, wholesale and or retail traders, and dealers in general merchandise, &c. Capital 5000 pounds in 1 pound shares. Names subscribed in memorandum – James Frederic Bowtell-Harris, 1 share * Allan Bruce Ferguson, 1 share * Adrian James Court, 1 share.” The 1936 and 7 Electoral Rolls have them living at “Bentwood” in Barkly St, Frankston and he was listed as a Director of a Company. He was elected president of the United Australia organization in 1937.

In WW2, he was recalled to the Indian Army in 1939. He was presented with a wrist watch by his friends before he left. His wife must have remained in Australia for a while as she visited her Mother and Sisters at her Mother’s home in New South Wales for the New Year. By 1942 she was in India as she sent a telegram to her younger sister’s wedding. During World War 2 he raised and commanded the Indian General Service Corps Depot. Joan formed and ran an Officer’s Mess Catering School for domestic men-servants. In a letter to a friend dated 1^st October, he asks if his friend could help him get the paperwork to re-apply for his medals, which he seems to have lost. He wanted the “authority for his M.C. and bar” as well. He was on the S.S. Otranto in Adelaide, waiting to sail. The officer writes back stating the promulgation of the Military Cross, but states that there is no mention of the bar, so he presumes it was awarded while he was in the Indian Army and for him to enquire with the Army Department at Calcutta. At the end of the war he was presented with a booklet containing picture of the “V” day celebrations at the I.G.S.C. and it notes his rank as Brigadier. In 1946, he received an O.B.E. as Major (temporary lieutenant-Colonel) James Frederic Bowtell-Harris, Indian Army. His wife was also awarded an O.B.E. as Junior Commander (temporary) Jean Pringle Bowtell-Harris (W.A.C.135) Women’s Auxiliary Corps (India). In March 1947, he was on leave and travelled to Sydney on the steamer Marella. With the unrest in India after the war, he stated that no one was in any personal danger, but that the Indians wanted the British Government to leave so they could govern their own country. He returned to duty in India on the Canara and it was mentioned he was officer commanding the Ourangadab station, near Hyderabad. After the war, they had decided to retire in India and run a model farm in Hyderabad state. They got machinery from Australia in 1947, but when they were there India was granted independence. On their return, due to the unrest there, they lost their land and after working for 13 months at a newsprint mill he resigned due to others manipulating the funds and left for Australia. They left India “poorer but wiser”.

This is an Inter-Battalion Sports Cup presented to the Officer’s Mess Indian General Service Corps by The Commandant Colonel J. F. Bowtell-Harris.

His Mother passed away in 1950 on July 20^th at Mornington at age 90, and her Death notice has her as Bowtell-Harris.

The Argus in 1950 had an article about recruiting and said that “a deputation from the Mornington Peninsula to Southern Command will urge the formation of a Peninsular unit” as “recruiting was practically non-existant on the Peninsula. On of the deputation members was Brigadier Bowtell-Harris. It would seem he was involved with community affairs at this time.

They bought a property at Red Hill South, Victoria, sold 10 acres with 600 apple trees on it, and renovated the house and developed the property. They called it Himayat Bagh. He was a Farmer at Red Hill, Dromana, Victoria in the 1954 Electoral Roll. He retired and they moved to 6 Balcome St. Mornington. Joan passed away in 1962 and her remains were scattered at Springvale Botanical Cemetery after her cremation. James passed away on 23^rd August 1964 and was cremated at the same cemetery; his ashes were put in Boronia wall niche single, Wall SZ, Niche 225. A funeral service was held at Mornington on that Wednesday. His death index records him as James Frederic Bowtell-Harris with Father, Thomas and Mother Flora Bowtell.

His religion was Church of England.

It appears they adopted three boys, Alan Richard, Christopher Ralph and Bruce Raymond. They were their English God-sons, the sons of a 2^nd Punjabi whose wife had died. They were 13, 11 and 8 when they adopted them.

The museum has a letter he wrote about the character of a soldier, the Soldier’s Prayer and how it tied in with his character and he gave some examples. Having faith was obviously important to him. Another letter also states how his Grandmother had an influence on him as she had told him stories about his ancestry. He seemed to have an impact on people as another letter shows.

He qualified for the 1914-15 star, British War and Victory Medals from WW1, the star was administered by the Department of Defence Australia, with the other two by the Indian Army Department. He was awarded the Military Cross and Mention in Despatch.

His medal group consists of Order of the British Empire (GVIR), Military Cross (GVR), 1914-15 Star, British War Medal 1914-18, Victory Medal 1914-19 with MID, Defence Medal, British War Medal 1939-45, India Service Medal. The star has 2/Lieut H. R. Briggs 51/Punjabis impressed on it, while the other two are correctly impressed to Capt. J.F. Bowtell-Harris. It was thought that James and Harold were close friends and swapped Stars, but that is to be confirmed. Briggs group has the 1914-15 Star named to himself, so maybe he had two and maybe James lost his, so it would appear he was given one to replace the lost one. They must have met in India. He seems to have been a larger-than-life person and left an impression with a lot of people, but he was also a bit of an enigma.

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.

Lieut-Colonel John Leslie Gibson Buckland MC MM

4th Signal Troop, 4th Light Horse Brigade AIF

4th Division Signal Coy AIF

Fortifications and Works at Land HQ (WWII)

By Robert Simpson

John Leslie Gibson Buckland was the youngest child to Arthur Robert Buckland and Elizabeth Littley Gibson and was born on 12^th August 1887 at Werris Creek, Quirindi, New South Wales. Arthur was born in Tasmania and had married Elizabeth in Walcha, New South Wales on 1^st July 1878. He was a teacher. Elizabeth was born in Scotland. On the Buckland side, his Grandmother’s parents were both convicts, sent to Australia, while his Grandfather’s parents were free settlers in the colony. There is quite a bit of information available on them. His Mother’s parents and family migrated from Scotland in 1856. His Mother had been born on board the Commodore Perry on 9^th April 1856. The ship arrived in Sydney on 1^st May 1856. Not much is known of his early life. They had four sons Arthur Gibson Buckland, Cecil Oswald Buckland, John and Percival Claude Buckland, and two daughters Ettie May Buckland and Agnes Robson Buckland. Arthur was born in Grafton in 1879, married Mary G Barrett in Yass in 1902 and died in Mayfield NSW in 1940. Cecil was born on 1^st August 1880 in Grafton, married Lottie Elliott in Sydney in 1905 and died in Chatswood NSW on 25^th October 1951. Ettie was born in 1882 in Uralla, married Roy Wightman in Sydney in 1921 and nothing else is known about her. Agnes was born in 1884 in Tamworth and nothing else is known on her. Percival was born in Bathurst in 1890, married Alice E Alderman in Dubbo in 1913 and died in North Sydney in 1957.

Elizabeth Buckland (1856-1944)

John enlisted on 10^th December 1914 as Sapper 986 2^nd Division Signal Company at the Engineer Depot in Moore Park, Sydney. He gave his occupation as telegraphist with the N.S.W. Government railways, his religion as Church of England and his current address and that of his next-of-kin as “care of A. R. Buckland (Father), teacher, Public Instruction, Sydney”. His daily rate of pay was 9 shillings and his pay book number was 66742. He was 27 years and 5 months old, 5 foot 9.5 inches tall, weighed 152 pounds, chest measurement 34 to 37 inches, blue eyes and light brown hair. He had a vaccination mark on his left arm and moles on the back of his neck. John was transferred to the 4^th Signal Troop on 11^th March 1915 and was appointed Corporal on the 28^th. His term of service was for the duration of the war and four months afterward.

He embarked on HMAT Ajana A31 on 31^st May 1915 at Sydney as Corporal 986 with the 4^th Light Horse Brigade, 4^th Signal Troop. He was transferred to 2^nd Divisional Signal Company on 2^nd September 1915 and the ship Southland, on which he was being transported to the Dardanelles, was torpedoed on that day. It had left Alexandria on 30^th August. John eventually arrived at Gallipoli on the 7^th. He was appointed as a 2^nd Lieutenant on 14^th March 1916 and as Lieutenant on 14^th June. On 30^th June 1916 he was recommended for a Military Medal with a rank of Corporal. The action for which it was recommended was: – “He was on S.S. Southland when torpedoed in the Aegean Sea and rendered excellent assistance lowering the boats and getting the various crews away, he himself being among the last boats to leave the ship. At ANZAC he worked directly under me systemising and maintaining Artillery communications. During the bombardment of Lone Pine on 25^th November 1915 when the bulk of Artillery cables were cut by shell fire Cpl. Buckland remained in the trenches there and in Gun Lane repairing the lines and thus restoring communications between Artillery Bdes. and the guns. His work in this unit since the unit’s formation is of the highest order, his assistance to me in the forming and training of this Unit was invaluable.” It also has a note saying “Special appreciation by Lt. Col A.J. Bessell-Brown CB, O.C. 2^nd Bde AFA attached hereto”. Unfortunately, it was not attached so it is not known what he wrote. The medal was awarded and Gazetted on 27^th October 1916. He was transferred to the hospital from Anzac on 17^th November 1915 and returned on 20^th.

He disembarked at Alexandria on 4^th January 1916 and was transferred to 4^th Divisional Signal Company on 9^th March 1916. At Tel-el-Kebir on 14^th he was promoted to 2^nd Lieutenant. They embarked from Alexandria on the Kingsfaun Castle on 2^nd June and arrived at Marseilles on 8^th. As a Lieutenant (from 14^th June) in the 4^th Division Signal Company he was recommended for a Military Cross on 20^th September 1916. It read “For constant devotion to duty in the vicinity of Pozinnes between 67^th and 16^th August, and between 28^th August and 4^th September 1916, and again in the Ypres Salient during September 1916. During these times Lieut. Buckland was in charge of the telegraph lines forward of 4^th Aust. Division Headquarters. Day and night he was out with his cable wagon repairing improving and strengthening the Divisional Communications. Since arriving in Ypres Salient Lieut. Buckland has been untiring in his efforts under adverse circumstances, completing the buried cable system of communications”. It was signed my Major-General H. V. Cox 4^th Australian Division and was announced in the London Gazette on 1^st January 1917. The Sydney Morning Herald has a list of New Year honours on the 2^nd January 1917 and he appears in this list as being decorated in recognition of their distinguished conduct. He had leave to UK from 11^th to 21^st December and was detached from 4^th Australian Division Signal Company for duty with Australian Division Signal School on 26^th December 1916 and rejoined his unit in April 1917. He had leave in Paris from 11^th to 15^th May 1917 and to UK from 5^th to 15^th September. He was transferred from the 4^th to the 5^th Signal Company on 26^th October 1917 and from them to the 3^rd on 24^th November 1917. He was to be Captain, with seniority, as from 4^th December 1917 but for purposes and pay and allowances as from 4^th February 1918. From 21^st June to 7^th July he had leave in England.

He was also recommended for a Mention in Despatches on 7 Feb 1919 as a Captain in the 3^rd Division Signal Company Engineers. It is not noted what for. This was awarded and published in the London Gazette in Sir Douglas Haig’s despatch on 11^th July 1919. He was granted leave to UK from 25^th April 1919 and boarded the SS Devenha in England on 8^th May 1919 to return to Australia. His appointment for active service was terminated on 25^th August 1919.

John married Violet E C Henden, the youngest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. H Henden of Orange, on Tuesday 12^th August 1919 in the Presbyterian Church, Blackheath, at Katoomba, New South Wales. She was born in Orange in 1887 after her parents had migrated from England in 1884. John and Violet had 2 children, John and Jill, but not much else is known about them other than Jill married a Kenneth Martin. Ken served in WW2 as Signalman VX88203 and he was a radio serviceman after the war. John married Mavis Moss in 1949.

John and Violet Buckland

He was appointed Captain on 1^st July 1920 but was transferred to Australian Engineers 2^nd Military District with the rank of Lieutenant on 1^st October. He was transferred to 2^nd Division Signals with the rank of Captain on 31^st March 1921 and was Commanding Officer of No. 1 Company 2^nd Division Signals. On 1^st July 1923 he was transferred to Signal Service 3^rd Military District with regimental seniority next after Major J.E.S. Stevens. He was transferred to Reserve of Officers on 27^th February 1925.

Between 1924 and 1937 they lived at 29 Sims St, Sandringham, Victoria. His occupation was listed as an engineer on the Electoral rolls for that period. His Father passed away in 1934 in Enfield. It was mentioned of his extensive experience in country districts and being a successful organiser of night schools in his obituary. John was mentioned in Who’s Who in Australia in 1935 and 1938 as Captain J. L. G. Buckland M.C. M.M. On 1^st March 1939 he was placed on the Regular Reserves List for 3^rd Division Signals.

During World War 2, on 10^th November 1939 he was listed as Major (Temporary) on a routine order and was Inspector Royal Engineer machinery part time only on 22^nd November 1939. His Officer’s Record of Service form states he was called up for full time duty as Inspector R.E. Machinery “O” Branch Army Headquarters on 27^th November 1939. His wife was listed as living at “Tolga” Sims St Sandringham and there is also an address of 37 North Rd Brighton on the form, which is confirmed with the Electoral Rolls. On 14^th December 1939 he was appointed to Royal Australian Engineers (Machinery) at the 3^rd Military District (Victoria). He was appointed Deputy Assistant Director Works at Headquarters Southern Command (Victoria) on 3^rd August 1940. He enlisted in the Australian Army as V1739 on 3^rd August 1940 at Brighton Victoria. Unfortunately, his service records at National Archives are not open so not much is known of this service. He was discharged on 22^nd January 1946, as his appointment was terminated, with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel from the posting of 7 Aust CRE (Works). He was the Director of Fortifications and Works at Land Headquarters. For his services in the Militia between the wars he was awarded the Efficiency Decoration.

John and Violet at a family wedding.

From 1942 to 1954 they seemed to alternate between 37 North Rd, Easternwick and 13 Baird St, Brighton (where their daughter and son-in-law lived) and he was listed as an engineer or consulting engineer. There is no information of what he did after the war apart from the listings in the above electoral rolls. He passed way in 1956 in Park, Victoria and his address was still 13 Baird St. It was stated in his death notice in the paper that he died of an accident, but no details can be found as to what that accident was. As an update, a family member stated “He fell from a flight of stairs, landing on his feet and his spine went through his brain, he was in hospital for several days but never regained consciousness.” He died on 18^th April and his funeral was at Sleight’s Funeral Home on St. Kilda Rd at 3pm on the 20^th. He was then taken to Springvale Garden Crematorium where he was cremated and placed in Renowden Chapel, Columbarium, Room 3 Section D Niche 14. His service records note “stated to have died 18/4/56 necropolised 5/6/56”.

In May 1967 a Mrs A. G. Worboys writes to the Records Office requesting a copy of his discharge papers in order to use them to help her apply for a war widows’ unit. It seems a strange request as her late husband, Albert George Worboys, had served in WW2 as Bombardier N172719 so she could have referred to him. Jean was a niece to John and had to show to the Vasey Housing Auxiliary N.S.W. that she was a widow or relative of a deceased ex-serviceman by supplying a certificate confirming their service. It is not known what happened as no copy of the reply is in his file. She was Jean, the daughter of Cecil Oswald Buckland, John Leslie’s older brother.

His widow returned a form to the Army Records Office on 22^nd July 1967 to apply for a Gallipoli Medallion for him after sending them a letter on the 4^th to claim it.

On 22^nd May 1968 the Repatriation Department writes to the Army Records Office for a copy of his service record.

His wife was still living at 13 Baird St in 1977 and she died on 30^th December 1977 in Brighton, Victoria. Violet was cremated and the ashes placed in the same niche as John.

His medals are: – Military Cross, Military Medal, 1914-15 Star, British War Medal, Victory Medal with Mention in Despatches, Pacific Star, War Medal 1939-1945, Australian Service Medal 1939-1945 and Efficiency Decoration.

The medals are on display at the Maryborough Military & Colonial Museum.

ANZAC Biographies

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

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

Maryborough Military & Colonial Museum,

Maryborough, Queensland, Australia.

Chief Engine Room Artificer (CERA) Harry Burton Broomhead DSM

Royal Navy,

Royal Australian Navy,

by Robert Simpson

Harry Burton Broomhead was born on 25^th May 1877 at 25 Charles St. Sheffield South, Yorkshire. He was a son to Arthur Broomhead and Lucy Moore according to his birth certificate. He had a brother Fred and sister Lily. His mother Lucy may have also been known as Harriett, as that is the name used on the 1881 census, when they lived at 48 Furnwal St. in Sheffield. Lily was born in 1879 but unfortunately died in 1884 (only a possibility). Fred was born in May 1880. His father, Arthur, was born in 1847 in Sheffield. He was a razor smith. The 1871 census has him living as a boarder at 181 Allen St. although he is listed as being married. The only marriage that seems to match is an Arthur Broomhead married a Harriett Wilson in April 1868, but that does not seem right as Harriett was only 26 in 1881 according to the census in that year. That also presumes that Harriet is the Lucy mentioned in his birth certificate. Without the records, it is hard to know. There is no other suitable match. An advertisement from a solicitor in 1943 would seem to give some clues. Amongst other people he is searching for descendants of, he is looking for “the descendants of Harriet Moore, who married William Burton at Bashford, Nottingham, in 1873, and subsequently believed to have married Arthur Broomhead, and subsequently John Fred Harrison”. Records can be found that confirm the marriage of William Burton and Harriet Moore in 1873 and John Fred Harrison to Harriet Burton in 1888, but the only marriage between Arthur Broomhead and a Harriet is the above one. There is also a marriage record for a Harriet Moore and William Wilson in Aylsham in 1864. There are no marriages for an Arthur Broomhead to a Lucy Moore. It would appear the only way to sort it all out would be to get birth, marriage and death records for all involved. Even finding a birth to match Harriet is not possible as is trying to find her in earlier census. There are some matches that could be right. It certainly looks like she had an interesting life.

It also appears that his father remarried in 1891 while still living in Wales. It is also hard to track down what happened to Lily, with the death record being a possibility. With Fred, it would appear he went with his mother when she remarried, as for the 1891 census they are listed as a family, with John, Harriet and Fred all having the surname Harrison. There is also a record of him in the 1901 census under Harrison, but John is not there. In 1911, he has gone back to the name Broomhead and is also married and they have a son. In the 1891 census Harry can not be found, but his father, Arthur is living in Swansea, Wales as a boarder and has the occupation listed as cutter.

It would seem that from the confusion of his family, Harry craved some stability and the navy gave him that when he joined on 13^th October 1898 at Portsmouth. His job was listed as a fitter and he had stated his age as a year older than he actually was (25^th May 1876). He was born in Sheffield Yorkshire. His service number was 269514 at Portsmouth. His description was height 5 foot 5 and a half inches tall, dark brown hair, blue eyes and fresh complexion. In the 1901 census he was in Royal Navy Hospital Haslar, in Alverstoke Hampshire and he was listed as an engine room artificer in the R.N. Unfortunately, no records state why.

In July 1907, he married Florence Loftus Wootton in Nottinghamshire. Florence was born in Nottinghamshire in 1885, a daughter to Thomas and Mary Wootton. Harry and Florence had two children. Clifford Wootton Broomhead was born in Southsea, Hampshire in 1908 and Elaine Broomhead was born in the same place in 1909.

The 1911 census has the four of them living at 87 Orchard Rd, Southsea, Hampshire with his occupation listed as Chief Engine Room Artificer in the Royal Navy. He had 3 Good Conduct badges, 13^th October 1901, 12^th October 1906 and 11^th October 1911. On 15^th October 1913, he was awarded the Royal Navy Long Service and Good Conduct medal as C.E.R.A. 2 which was given to him by the Commodore at H.M.S. Dolphin on 11^th December.

His British service records reads-

In all cases his character was very good. Then there is a note discharged to R.A.N. His service records states “Lent to R.A.N. for 3 years from 1/12/13 for service with submarine A.E.2. R.A.N. agreement 3 years 1.12.13. Prisoner of war in Turkey following loss of Australian Submarine AE2 on 15.5.15 in Dardanelles. A remark entered on 10^th March 1919 stated “Has been promoted to the rank of Actg A E to date from 1^st March 1916 and appointed Platypus, additional M Submarine to date from 8^th March 1919.

His Australian service records give his official number as 8278, that he was on loan from the R.N. for 3 years from 1^st December 1913, he was five foot five- and three-quarter inches tall, with brown hair, blue eyes and fresh complexion. He had a tattoo mark on his left forearm and had 3 Good Conduct Badges and a LSGC medal. The AE2 was the second submarine for the Royal Australian Navy and was built and commissioned in England. The crew was half RN and half RAN as there were not enough experienced Australian sailors to crew her. It is not known how Harry became part of the crew, whether he volunteered or was ordered. After being commissioned on 28^th February 1914, the AE2 and AE1 sailed to Australia, arriving at Sydney in May 1914. They were the first submarines to make such a trip.

After war was declared they were used in New Guinea against the German colonies there. The AE1 was lost at sea with all hands and it is not known what happened. The AE2 was based in Suva and returned to Australia in November. With the destruction of the German Pacific fleet, the AE2 was to be used in European waters so she joined the second AIF convoy at Albany and was towed by the Berrima across the Indian Ocean to the Mediterranean. The convoy arrived in Suez on 27^th January 1915 and was to be used in the assault on the Dardanelles. Admiral de Robeck had asked his submarine commanders if a submarine could get through the tricky Narrows of the Dardanelles Strait to the Sea of Marmara to attack Turkish supply lines to Gallipoli. The answer was yes. Stoker came up with a plan to get the AE2 through the Turkish defences and mines. The first attempt nearly came to disaster with the AE2 crashing into rocks and nearly being lost. She went to Malta to be repaired and to have anti-mine deflectors attached. On the 21^st April 1915, another attempt was planned with only two hours from the orders to departure. As they moved up the straits the searchlights went out but at Kephez Point it came back on so they prepared to dive. But the shaft that worked the foremost diving rudder broke, so they had to turn around and return to base to repair it. They were approved for another attempt.

At about 2.30 am on the 25^th April 1915, the AE2 entered the Dardanelles strait but this time they were sighted and fired at, so they submerged and went under the main minefield. Eighteen times the AE2 scraped against the mine cables as she blindly went through the mine field. Off Chanak, Stoker raised the periscope which brought immediate gunfire and various ships trying to ram the periscope. He sighted a cruiser of the “Paik-e-Shevket” class attempting to drop mines in front of the submarine, so he fired a torpedo at it and had to dive before a destroyer rammed the submarine. The torpedo struck as the AE2 was under water and sunk the cruiser. In avoiding the sinking ship, the AE2 ran aground twice in view of Turkish guns, but they could not depress low enough to destroy her. Both times the crew refloated her and they continued around Nagara Point. Every time Stoker raised the periscope, he brought fire from the Turkish ships, so he decided to go to the bottom and sit there until things calmed down. Ships passed overhead searching for them until night and then they were able to surface and get clean air. They sent out a message but got no reply.

The next morning, they dived and upon seeing some ships fired at one but missed. They continued on and entered the Sea of Marmara, being the first submarine to do so. Their message had got through and Sir Ian Hamilton sent a note to the Australians at Gallipoli to dig in and fight. While in the Sea the submarine fired its torpedoes at ships, but none were hit. On the 29^th they spotted another periscope, it was the E14. The captains swapped stories and agreed to meet at the same place the next day. The AE2 was waiting for the E14 at 10am but instead saw a Turkish torpedo boat, the Sultanhisar, approaching. Captain Riza had sighted the AE2, which submerged before he could get close. But the AE2 hit a patch of denser water which caused the bow to rise. As it surfaced the Sultanhisar fired at it. Flooding the forward tanks, the submarine sank again but the rudders seemed to not work and it continued down. Emptying the ballast, the submarine rapidly rose to the surface. It then went into a steeper dive after filling the ballast tanks again and then went into a quick ascent. After surfacing the Sultanhisar put two shots into its engine room. Now unable to submerge, Stoker gave the order to abandon ship and prepared to scuttle her. As they were being taken on the Sultanhisar, the AE2 sunk beneath the waves where she remained hidden until in 1998 when she was found upright and intact on the bottom, with the hatch still open.

Thus, began their imprisonment for three and a half years. They were fed substandard food, lived in substandard quarters where they picked up lice and fleas and were transferred to various prison camps. They had to work on various projects the Turks had for them. They also had to contest with diseases due to overcrowding. They were still prisoners when the war ended. Not much is known about Harry’s time in prison, but he apparently wrote a letter to his Mother in 1918 telling her he was practically starving and weighed under 5 stone. Being distraught at the letter, she wrote to the Central Prisoners of War Committee begging for their help. He did survive as did most of the crew, but four died. After the war, he slowly recuperated with his family at Southsea. He decided to return to Australia as his position in the British Navy was compromised by his imprisonment.

His Australian service reads-

Various remarks are made on his Duty forms including that he was a prisoner of war in Turkey, he was appointed Acting Artificer Engineer from 1^st March 1916 and he was paid 25 pounds, 7 shillings and 6 pence compensation for clothing lost on Sub. AE2.

Turkish memorial to the AE2.

The Queenslander newspaper on Saturday 29^th May 1915 has an article on the AE2 with the Admiralty issuing “a statement in which it presumes the loss of the Australian submarine AE2. It is added that it is understood that 3 officers and 17 men were made prisoners”. This report was issued from London on the 18th. A Turkish report referred to the sinking of the submarine AE2 and the capture of her crew.

By 1918 his weight had fallen to under five stone and when he returned to his family in Southsea, he took some time to recover. So, his family must have stayed in England when Harry came to Australia on the AE2. After the war, they must have moved over with him.

The London Gazette of 22^nd April 1919 has C.E.R.A. Harry Burton Broomhead, O.N. 269514 (Po.) was to receive the Distinguished Service Medal for miscellaneous services in HM Australian Submarine AE2. In the navy administration records it is listed as 269514 Broomhead H.B., medal number 5321, Rank C.E.R.A., R.A.N., with clasp for “A.E. 2” Sea of Marmora 25-30 April 1915 and was sent to C.dre i/c Australian Fleet 28.7.19. (Although it is listed as a clasp, they did not use clasps and the details were impressed on the rim of the medal.) He is one of the few men from the AE 2 that are mentioned on that page. In The Navy List dated 1^st April 1920, in the list of seagoing officers of the RAN is Harry Burton Broomhead DSM with date of qualification 1^st March 1916 in the list of Artificer Engineers. The Brisbane Courier of Friday 15^th August 1919 has a list of Australian Naval Honours which included the Distinguished Service Medal for Chief Engine-room Artificer (1^st class) Harry Burton Broomhead (8278).

His appointment on loan from the R.N. was extended for one year from 25^th March 1924, but was then terminated on 11^th August. He was reappointed in the Permanent Naval Force for temporary service from 12^th August 1924 and was promoted to Commissioned Engineer P.N.F. from 31^st December 1924. His transfer to the Emergency List was made on 13^th August 1930 and then to the Retired List on 25^th May 1936.

After the war the family lived in Melbourne and Harry was still working for the Royal Australian Navy. The 1924 Electoral Roll has them living in 4 Kinkora Rd, Hawthorn and Harry was a Warrant Officer in the navy. From 1931 to 1937 they were living in 5 Clyde St. Malvern East with him listed as being in the navy. Their daughter, Elaine, went to England for some time in 1937. The ship Orion, left Brisbane as the last port of call in Australia, after calling in at Adelaide, Hobart, Melbourne and Sydney on its way to Colombo and then to London where it arrived on 8^th April 1937. She gave her intended residence as 1 Holly St. Nottingham, c/o Thomas Cook & Son and her profession as listed as stenographer. That was her job in Australia before she went and after she returned. It is not known why she went over, if to work or for a holiday but on 29^th October 1937 from London, she returned to Australia. The address she gave that she had been living at in England was 71 Patshull Rd Kentish Town. In 1940, they were living in 378 Wattletree Rd, Malvern. On 28^th May 1940 Florence passed away at that address. The death notice states she was the beloved wife of Harry and dearly loved mother of Clifford and Elaine and was “at rest”.

By 1942 Harry had moved to 216 Bourke St, Melbourne. He passed away there on 11^th March 1942 of chronic pulmonary tuberculosis. He was buried in the Burwood Cemetery on the 13^th with his wife in the same plot in section [BUR] CE5-5. The City Coroner ordered burial of the body without inquest. The death record states he spent 2 years in New South Wales and 22 years in Victoria. For some unknown reason his name is placed in the line that should have his father’s name, no mother is listed and the occupation that is stated is Naval Officer so obviously, someone put in his details instead of this father’s. There is no grave stone or marker for the grave, which seems a sad epitaph to a brave man.

Oddly enough he appears in the 1943 Electoral Roll, at 5 Clyde St and twice in the 1946 roll. They obviously had a problem removing his name. Even his daughter when applying for probate, shows a confusing record. It states in 1949 that she was applying for letters of administration to the Supreme Court as he died intestate but he was living at 374 Wattle Rd East Malvern at the time. She was living at 52 Orong Rd, Armadale at the time. Why is she applying so many years after he died? Even his Australian service record has written “deceased 1946”. This is one of the many confusing records in his story. It appears neither child married. Clifford was a clerk in the 1936 and 1937 electoral rolls, living with his parents, but then it looks like he moved to New South Wales in the late 1940’s. On 27^th February 1939 Clifford enlisted as 319978 Gunner in the 4^th Field Brigade in the Militia Forces. He gave his occupation as a plumber at Dawson and Smith of Maribyrnong, and he was single. He had been in the Royal Australian Naval Reserve as a Cadet from 1^st July 1924 to 30^th June 1926. It appears he had defective eye sight and this affected his service. He was transferred to the reserve regiment on 1^st November 1939. He gave his address as 5 Clyde St, Glen Iris and Harry was living with him, which also seems strange given the above. Elaine remained a clerk/stenographer and lived in Victoria.

An update on the story: Through the efforts of Tony Vine and the Submarine Association of Australia, the final resting place for Harry Broomhead is now recognized by their representations to the Department of Veteran Affairs and the Commonwealth War Graves Commission. Pictures with thanks to Peter Wilmot of Melbourne, who represented Maryborough Military and Colonial Museum at the dedication service at Burwood Cemetery on Sunday, 4 Nov 2018.

His medal group is the Distinguished Service Medal, 1914-15 Star, British War Medal, Victory Medal and the Long Service and Good Conduct Medal.

ANZAC Biographies

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

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

Maryborough Military & Colonial Museum,

Maryborough, Queensland, Australia.

Captain Gerald Mosman Blakeney Carr MBE

24th Battalion, AIF

by Robert Simpson

Gerald Mosman Blakeney Carr was born on 10^th January 1888 at the Bank of N.S.W. in Fitzroy Melbourne; the second of four children to Alfred Blakeney Carr and Jane Margaret May. Alfred was born in Ireland in1845 and married Jane on 18^th August 1880 in Hobart Tasmania. It is not known where Jane was born; only that it was in 1848. Gerald had two brothers and a sister. His eldest brother died at 4 years old. At some time, Alfred had migrated to Australia and was living in Queensland in the years 1868, 1869 and 1870 as he was recorded in the Queensland Police Gazette of those years with something to do with the Magistrate at Clermont. Why is not detailed. In 1872 Alfred applied for probate as his father had passed away intestate in Ireland in 1869 at the age of 71. His father, Frederick Carr was listed as residing in Tullamore, Kings County, Ireland and was listed as having been in the Royal Irish Constabulary. In 1876 Alfred purchased some land at Millchester. Sometime after that he had moved to Tasmania and married Jane, then they had moved to Victoria where in the 1903 and 1909 Electoral Rolls they are found in Fitzroy, Melbourne at 213 Smith St, and he was a bank manager. For a family with unusual names, they are hard to find any information on. Nothing is known about Gerald (apart from his service records below) until the 1909 Electoral Roll at the age of 21, where he is listed as living with his parents and was an architect. By the 1914 roll he was living in Faversham, Williams Rd, Hawksburn and was still an architect.

Gerald attested on 18^th December 1914 as a Cadet and went through the 4^th Officers School at Broadmeadows. He had previously done 3 years in the school cadets. His pay book number was 24719. As an architect he had done his apprenticeship with Sydney Smith & Ogg for 5 years and had 8.5 years experience. He listed his father as next of kin and they were living at “Hiawatha” New South Head Road, Rose Bay, Sydney. He enlisted at Melbourne. He was described as being 26 years and 11 months old, 5 foot 9.25 inches tall, weighed 11 stone 2 pounds, chest of 34.5 to 38 inches, dark complexion, blue eyes and dark brown hair. His religion was Church of England. He had 7 vaccination marks on his left arm and a scar.

His educational qualifications were stated as “Cumloden” East St Kilda Melbourne, Church of England Grammar School Melbourne, and special course of architecture at Melbourne University (part course).

He was appointed 2^nd Lieutenant on 7^th May 1915 with the 24^th Battalion and was commissioned in the A.I.F. With the 24^th Battalion he embarked on HMAT Euripides from Melbourne on 10^th May 1915. He was admitted to the No. 1 Australian General hospital on Heliopolis on 25^th June 1915 but no other details were entered. Another card of the same date has neurasthenia and 14 days treatment. He was again sent to the hospital on 12^th August with epididymitis and discharged on 8^th September with 28 days light duty. He arrived at Gallipoli on 29^th September 1915. He was promoted to Lieutenant on 8^th December 1915. The Battalion left Mudros and arrived at Alexandria on 10^th January 1916. Some dental trouble held him at Ismalia on 20^th February. He proceeded to join the B.E.F. on 20^th March and disembarked at Marseilles on 26^th March. Gerald was promoted to Captain on 12^th August 1916 in France. He was mentioned for good and gallant conduct in connection with the recent fighting at Pozieres.

A commendation was written on 8^th August 1916 which reads:-“was detailed by Capt GODFREY on the night of the 4/5 August to take charge of CCM which was in the jumping off trench, while Capt GODFREY went forward with the left wing of DCM to OG.1. Lieut Carr, whilst under heavy shell fire, did splendid work in organising the CM which was spread on a large area owing to the Engineers & Pioneers cutting into the centre of the Coy. Later on he did fine work on a patrol and assisted in bringing back wounded men”. The Honour or Reward column has “stand over” written in it. In France on 9^th August 1916 he was awarded the Military Cross. The recommendation reads:-“at Pozieres distinguished himself by gallant and skilful leading of C Company during the attack of 4/5 August and bringing his men into action in a most desirable manner. Has also done good work in command of a patrol, and (on relief) assisted in bringing in wounded men”. He was recommended for a Mention in Despatches on 15^th September. His recommendation reads:-“For gallant and skilful work as a Platoon, and later as a Company Commander, in FRANCE since 26^th March, 1916. He specially distinguished himself on the attack on POZIERES RIDGE on the 4/5^th May as well as by his subsequent work in command of Patrols. His fearless conduct in bringing in wounded men from “No Man’s Land” has already been brought to notice”.

On 21^st June 1917, a letter was sent to Gerald’s father stating “I have much pleasure in forwarding hereunder copy of extract from 1^st Anzac Corps Routine Orders, dated 21^st December, 1916, relating to the conspicuous services rendered by Capt. G. M. Carr, 24^th Battalion. * COMPLIMENTARY * The name of the undermentioned officer has been brought to the notice of the Army Corps Commander for his gallant conduct. In publishing his name the Army Corps Commander wishes to record his appreciation of his services:- Captain GERALD MOSMAN CARR”. Gerald was posted to the 66^th Battalion, 17^th Brigade on the 10^th and was marched out to them at Windmill Hill on 14^th May 1917. He was admitted to the 3^rd London General Hospital on 7^th August 1917 with not yet diagnosed symptoms and was sent to Cobham Hall on 10^th September. On 15^th September, he was transferred to the 24^th Battalion from the 66^th Battalion and seconded until rejoining unit. He was sent to various places in England in October and November 1917. In October 1917, a medical board found that “he has been on active service from July 1915 until a month ago, when he began to suffer from irritability of the bladder. He said that he does not feel fit and he is apprehensive about his being able to stand at present active service”. He was given 4 weeks. On 5^th November 1917, he was sent to Bhurtpore Barracks Tidworth to a medical board on the state of his health. He had cystitis which had cleared, but was still anaemic and debilitated and had lost a stone in weight. It was recommended he would be fit for service in 6 weeks and it was due to exposure and strain. Another medical board in November found he was still debilitated and under weight. He was given another 2 months. In December, he was placed on the Supernumerary List and was classified unfit for general service, but fit for home service in early 1918. He also had numerous medical boards in early 1918.On 2^nd May 1918 he was transferred from 24^th Battalion to the Permanent Supernumerary List and posted for duty with the A.I.F. Depot at Tidworth in U.K. A letter in March 1918 was asking if he was fit for general service and asking a doctor to examine him. The doctor found him anaemic and recommended another month. The pathology report showed his blood to be fine, with his haemoglobin slightly lower than normal. His father Alfred signed for his Form of Commission on 16^th May 1918. On 4^th November 1918, he was found fit for general duty after medical reports said he had improved. He assumed the duties of Deputy Assistant Adjutant General on 30^th November 1918 at Headquarters AIF Depot up until 15^th February 1919. On 27^th March 1919, he was brought to the notice of the Secretary of State for War for valuable services rendered.

His father passed away on 22^nd December 1918 at Woollahra, Rose Bay, New South Wales and was buried at South Head Cemetery.

His brother, Lewis Allan Alfred Blakeney Carr, joined on 10^th May 1915 as Private 3240 in the 6^th Field Ambulance and embarked from Melbourne on 4^th June 1915 on HMAT Ajana A31. He contracted influenza and then developed enteric on Gallipoli in October 1915 which lead to acute appendicitis and him being sent from Mudros to Gibraltar hospital and to England. He returned to Australia on 24^th June 1916 and was discharged in October. After the war he continued his job as a clerk in Sydney. He moved to New Guinea and by 1934 he was living at Kolube Plantation, Kavieng as noted in his WW1 service record. Other records have him as a roadmaster and living at Kokopo. Lewis enlisted in the New Guinea Volunteer Rifles as Private NG4004 on 21^st January 1942 and was discharged on the same date. It was noted “soldier not required for full time duty”. He was arrested by the Japanese in WW2 and died on 1^st July 1942 as a civilian when the Montevideo Maru was torpedoed by a U.S. submarine. He was married to Marjorie Eleanor (surname unknown).

On 30^th January 1919 in Lincoln, England Gerald married Winifred Mary Wells-Cole at St. Peter in Eastgate with St. Margaret, a Church of England church. She was 28 years old and had been born in Brigg, Lincolnshire on 7^th June 1890. Her parents were Gervas Frederick Wells-Cole and Mary Beatrice Brook who had been married in 1888. Gervas was a breeder in the 1891 census and by the 1901 census he was a farmer, living on his own means and employed numerous staff. Gervas had attended Cambridge University from 1879 to 1883. He was involved in the local council and committee. In 1917 he passed away, leaving a large estate. One of Winifred’s brothers, Gervas C, served in World War 1 as a Captain in the RAMC, being entitled to the Victory and British War medals. After the war he was the local coroner. Another brother, Victor Henry, was a 2^nd Lieutenant and then Lieutenant in the Kings Own Yorkshire Light Infantry and was entitled to the British War and Victory medals. He also was awarded the Military Cross for conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. A third brother, Neville William was a Captain in the 65^th Howitzer Battery Royal Horse Artillery, and was killed in action on 6^th January 1918. He had been Mentioned in Despatches in 1916. The family seemed to be very involved with playing cricket as well. Her sister, Marjorie Gladys, married Geoffrey Hall in 1917 who was a Captain in the Royal Flying Corps. A cousin, William Francis was killed in 1917 as a 2^nd Lieutenant in the 1^st Lincolnshire Regiment.

On 3^rd June 1919 Gerald was admitted as a Member of Military Division of the Order of the British Empire. It was promulgated in the London Gazette on 3^rd June 1919, page 7004, position 39. A letter was sent to his wife on 1^st November 1919 relating this information and noting-

“CENTRAL CHANCERY OF THE ORDER OF KNIGHTHOOD

The KING has been graciously pleased, on the occasion of His Majesty’s Birthday, to give orders for the following promotion in an appointment to the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire for valuable services rendered in connexion with the War.” In a letter in June 1919 he stated he owed no one any money that he was aware of and if they are, to forward accounts to his New South Wales address. On 6^th August 1920, a letter from Sydney requesting the MBE be sent to them was answered by Base Records that it and the Grant of Dignity was sent in a box of decorations on the Koonda to them on 5^th August.

Gerald was on the 1919 Electoral Roll, living at Faversham, and his occupation of an architect was listed, but he was still in England at the time, so the records must not have been updated. In April 1919, a letter from the War Pensions Department was answered by Base Records stating he was still single and as they had no other details they assumed he was abroad, so obviously, his records had not been updated after his marriage. He was granted leave from 5^th May to 5^th August 1919 and again from 6^th August to 30^th November 1919 with pay. The reason given was he was attending an architecture course at Polytechnic, Regent St London. He was doing a course in constructional and reinforced concrete design and was getting full military rates. The report said the time and knowledge gained there would prove most useful back in Australia. A change of Next of Kin was noted on his service records on 2^nd September 1919 to his wife, Mrs W M Carr 38 Rodney Court, Maida Vale London. He returned to Sydney, leaving England on 22^nd January 1920. In a Medical Report of an Invalid form done on 12^th March 1920, Gerald was described as fit and well and recommended for discharge by the doctor. His appointment was terminated on 11^th May 1920. By 1921 he was living in Sydney with the Sands Directory listing him as an architect at 29 O’Connell St. He signed for the Warrant of the O.B.E. in January 1921 with the address being “Hiawatha” New South Head Road, Rose Bay. In October 1921, he signed for his 1914-15 Star and British War Medal. On 8^th May 1923 Winifred left London on the Moreton Bay, bound for Sydney in 1^st Class. Her last address in the U.K. was Dunstall House, Greetwell, Lincoln. By 1925 he had moved his business to the South British Building on the 3^rd floor.

In 1927, they decided to move back to England and departed on the Orama in Brisbane on January and after stopping at many ports arrived at Plymouth England on 18^th February. Their intended home was Dunstall House, Greetwell Rd. Lincoln. Again, they vanish and no records can be identified as being them, nor are they listed in any newspapers. The Electoral Rolls for England do not contain middle names, so it is impossible to find them through those.

On 18^th February 1970, he passed away in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire. Winifred passed away in the same town in October 1983. It is not known if they had any children. The Sydney Morning Herald of 18^th December 1970 has a notice that probate had been granted to his wife and another person and the Perpetual Trustees in Sydney were asking for creditors to submit their claim. His address was given as West Holme Coronation Rd, Prestbury Cheltenham Gloucestershire and he was a retired architect.

His medals are M.B.E., 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.

Lieut Francis Stephen Arthur Forss, Medaille Militaire (Fr)

21st Battalion, AIF

by Robert Simpson

Francis Stephen Arthur Forss was born on 7^th October 1894 in Cookham Berkshire, a son to Francis Joseph Charles Forss and Mary Anne Swabey. Francis was one of four children to them, and the eldest. They had another two sons, then a daughter. They had been married in 1892 and lived in Maidenhead Berkshire, where Francis was a Solicitor. Mary had been born in Canada but had moved back to England with the rest of the family after the death of her father. They were still living there in the 1901 census. In the 1911 census he was a pupil in a school lodge in Reading. His Grandfather, Francis Stephen Forss, was a schoolmaster and then entered the ministry and was a curate at Limpley-Stoke and then the Vicar at Winsey and Limpley-Stoke in Wiltshire England. On 24^th April Francis left England on the Otranto bound for Melbourne Australia. Why he left is unsure but as his intended future residence was still noted as England, as recorded on the passenger list, he did intend to return. Whatever he was doing, it all changed in August 1914.

Francis enlisted at Warracknabeal in Victoria on 28^th January 1915 as Private 621 with C Company of the 21^st Battalion. It may be that he went to Australia as he was going to work for his uncle, as his “uncle and guardian” (Charles Belcher) at Yellangip gave his permission for Francis to join on the same day. (Charles was not his direct uncle, the Belcher’s were on his grandmother’s side. One of his sons also served, Charles Sidney Belcher, Private 5335 5^th Battalion. He died of wounds on 26^th September 1917 with the 60^th Battalion and is buried at Lijssenthoek Military Cemetery in Belgium.). Francis listed his trade was farming and he listed his mother as next of kin. Her address was given as Church Gate House, Maidenhead England. A discharge was enclosed noting his previous military service. In his records it is a Records of Service and Qualifications of a Cadet on leaving the Reading School Contingent. The form is headed Officers Training Corps Junior Division. In it was listed his date of birth and address as above. It states he left on 8^th August 1913 after 4 years and 1 term service. His rank was Corporal and he had been 4 times “efficient” in the years 1910 to 1913.It also noted his General Efficiency was very good and in Musketry he was a 1^st Class Shot. His date of leaving was 29^th September 1913. In his WW1 records his description was given as age 20 years and 3 months, height 5 foot 8 inches, weight 138 pounds, chest measurement 33.75 to 36.75 inches, fair complexion, blue eyes and light brown hair. He had an appendectomy scar and good teeth. Church of England was listed as his religious denomination. On 10^th April 1915 he was promoted to Sergeant. He embarked on HMAT Ulysses A38 from Melbourne on 10^th May 1915 as Sergeant 621 in the 21^st Battalion.

The Warracknabeal Herald of Victoria had on Tuesday 10^th August 1915 in page 4 a letter from him : “LETTERS FROM SOLDIERS. Sergeant Francis S. A. Forss, writes from Heliopolis, Cairo, to the shire president (Cr. Dally) under date July 1st. He says :-“I am writing this note to ask you if you would kindly thank the Warracknabeal Red Cross Society very much for the socks and mittens they sent me just before we left. I had no time to write before we left Broadmeadows, as the last few days we were very busy. Altogether I had several pairs of socks given me, and I can safely say they are the most useful things one can take. We had a very pleasant voyage and landed at Alexandria on the 10th June. It is fairly warm here. We have had it 128 in the tents, but one advantage the country has, is that it is cool at night. In fact dangerously cool, which is the cause of most of the sickness owing to the lads being careless in going to bed with insufficient clothing on. Arthur North has been promoted to Lance-Corporal. He is in the signal section, 21st Battalion.”

He proceeded to Gallipoli on 29^th August 1915. On 15^th September 1915 he was Mentioned in Special Order of the Day as being a member of the volunteer party that worked the Southland into port. The Southland was transporting troops from Alexandria to Gallipoli when she was torpedoed forward of the well deck in the Aegean Sea on 2^nd September. As it was just before the morning inspection, the men were on the parade decks, so the companies were able to get into the lifeboats quickly and quietly. As the last one left the Captain thought he could beach the boat and called for volunteer stokers. Eighteen soldiers, including Francis, returned to the boat and stoked the 24 fires for ages to produce the required pressure. Then the engines started to slowly drive the ship ahead and the pumps started. The soldiers completed their watch, were given iced drinks and were relieved by naval stokers from escorting vessels. They had had nothing to eat for 12 hours and after nominating a cook, had a meal of chicken and green peas. Unfortunately some of the lifeboats had capsized and some of the soldiers drowned or died after being picked up, including Colonel Richard Linton, who was commanding the 6^th Australian Infantry Brigade. He died of exposure and shock after being in the cold water for a while. After being picked up by a French destroyer, where they tried to resuscitate him, he was pronounced dead and was buried at Mudros. Colonel Linton had been with the Victorian Scottish Regiment before the war. The vessel then grounded so quietly they were unaware that it had. They continued to Gallipoli afterwards and landed at Anzac Cove on 7^th September. The Battalion had a relatively quiet time there as the major Allied offensives had finished. Francis was admitted to hospital on 19^th November 1915 as being sick and was admitted to No. 1 General Hospital with diphtheria on the 26^th. He was discharged to duty on 11^th January 1916, but he came down with mumps on the 20^th and was admitted to 4^th Auxiliary Hospital with that and heatstroke.

A letter to his mother in England on 22^nd May 1916 from Base Records refers to the President of the French Republic bestowing the decoration “Medaille Militaire” in recognition of his distinguished services during the campaign which was promulgated in the London Gazette third supplement 29486 on 22^nd February 1916. It was awarded on 30^th March 1916.

Francis proceeded to join the BEF from the Scotian which left Alexandria on 9^th May 1916 and arrived at Marseilles on the 18^th. On 16^th October 1916 he was marched into No. 3 Commonwealth Depot from No. 2. The 9^th Reinforcements joined the Battalion in France on 4^th August, and Francis was wounded in action with them on 24^th August. He embarked for England at Boulogne on the 28^th with multiple gunshot wounds and was admitted to the Trent Bridge Hospital at Nottingham with a gunshot wound to the left hand on the same day (another record has gunshot wound arm (severe)). On 26^th September he was discharged from the hospital and marched into No. 2 Commonwealth Depot at Weymouth.

A letter on 29^th November 1916 from the Administrative Headquarters AIF in London to the Commanding Officer of No. 4 Command Depot Worgret Camp in Wareham Dorset advised that the Medaille Militaire for Sergeant Forss has been received by the office and if he was in London he could receive it by calling to Room 45. A reply on 5^th December 1916 from the Adjutant of the Depot requested that the medal be sent to them to be presented by the Commandant.

On 24^th January 1917 Francis wrote a letter to the Staff Captain of the 17^th Brigade as follows – “Following the instructions given me by Capt. Ball late O.C. C Coy 65^th Batt., I am writing to ask you whether you would kindly enquire about my medal, i.e. “Medaille Militaire” which was sent to “Bhurtpore” Barracks on the 29.1.17. I have made several applications for it but have not yet received it. I am anxious to have it before I proceed overseas which may be very shortly”. At that time he was the CSM of C Company 63^rd Drafting Battalion at Hurdcott. On the same day a letter from a Major at A.I.F. Depots in England to the Administration Headquarters of the AIF in England stated that they had not received the medal to hand yet. Records sent a reply saying they sent them on the 23^rd. It took them until October 1917 to send his medal from Records to the barracks and took them a few weeks to acknowledge receipt. He was transferred from the 21^st Battalion to the 65^th and taken on strength on 23^rd March 1917. A line in his service record states he was promoted to CSM W.O. II on 1^st April 1917 (another states T/CSM so it appears he was promoted temporarily and then permanently on the same day). On 19^th September he was transferred back to the 21^st Battalion on marching out to the 63^rd Draft Battalion. He was taken on strength of the 21^st on 22^nd November 1917 after proceeding overseas to France via Southampton ex Overseas Training Brigade Sandhill Camp Longbridge Deverill on the 15th.

He was wounded on a second occasion on 22^nd March 1918. On 25^th March 1918 he was admitted to Horton War Hospital at Epsom with a shrapnel wound to the left knee (slight). He was transferred to the 3^rd Auxiliary Hospital on 26^th April. From 31^st May to 14^th June 1918 he was discharged from hospital, given furlough and reported to No. 4 Commonwealth Depot. A letter was sent to his mother on 28^th March advising her of his wounding and of him being admitted to the hospital. He missed the big German offensive in April which the Battalion helped to stop. The Battalion was then involved in the battles of Hamel, Amiens and Mont St. Quentin. On 5^th October he was wounded in action for a third time (gunshot wound to the right arm) and admitted to the 2^nd Australian General Hospital on the 16^th and invalided to England on the 21^st. Another record stated it was a gunshot wound to the right arm which fractured the ulna and humerus and was severe. A letter was sent to his mother on 17^th October advising her of his wound to the arm, but it addressed her as his wife (even though another form had her clearly listed as his mother) and called it a shrapnel wound. On 25^th he was transferred to the 3^rd Auxiliary Hospital.

On 25^th November 1918 Francis requested he be discharged from the army in England as his parents were in England, he had the means to support himself and had no ties to Australia. A letter from his father was also supplied stating he had private income in England and there was no reason why he could not be discharged there. He was listed as medical category C2 and he had served for 3 years and 337 days. A letter written on 2^nd December 1918 from the Administrative Headquarters AIF enquired to whom, their address and what amount of his allotment was payable to. The reply stated his mother at the same address and 5/6 per day. On 28^th January a letter was sent advising him that his discharge in England had been approved and he was to report to Room 35 AIF Headquarters in London on 10.30 am on the 3^rd February in order that the discharge may be effected. He had to hand in all equipment and bring his Medical Board papers. A letter from an officer of the No. 3 Australian Auxiliary Hospital on 3^rd February 1919 to the discharge officer stated that the medical forms had been previously sent on 4^th January. A Discharge in U.K. form supported his discharge until the recommendation of 5 D. which was, it was not recommended as he only had migrated to Australia before the war and was a farmer and he should return in the interests of Australia and to preserve the pre-war principles of immigration. It was signed on the 21^st January.

Francis was discharged on 3^rd February 1919 in England. He also had his application for War Service Leave Gratuity passed and paid. His description at the time of discharge was he was aged 24 year and 1 month, height of 5 foot 9 inches, girth 32 to 36 inches, fair complexion, blue eyes and for trade it listed none. But his proceedings for discharge form listed his trade as farming and his hair as light brown. His teeth were good and he had an appendectomy scar. There were also some minor differences in his measurements. His intended place of residence was Church Gate House, Maidenhead Berkshire England. 621 CSM Francis Stephen Arthur Forss 21^st Battalion AIF was discharged in consequence of being medically unfit with effect from 3^rd February 1919. He received his active and deferred service pay and a travelling warrant on that date also. The silver war badge and certificate A14306 were also sent to him at his parent’s home on that day. Administration letters were also sent to various departments acknowledging his discharge. His certificate of discharge also noted he was entitled to 4 blue chevrons for overseas service and 4 wound distinctions.

After the war he eventually went back to work on the farm in Australia. He was sent the Diploma in connection with the Medaille Militaire on 11^th October 1921, which he acknowledged the receipt of on the 20th. His father passed away in 1924 in England and his mother must have then moved to Australia to be with the rest of the family. His brothers had also migrated at some stage. One brother, Charles Edmund, served with the YMCA during the war and entered Holland on 6^th April 1918. He was entitled to the British War Medal. After the war he went to Canada in 1925 and was in Australia by 1931, where he worked as a bookkeeper. His other brother, Robert Henry, migrated after the war and was also a farmer. He served in WW2 as V91426 and was a Private in the 3^rd Garrison Battalion. His sister, Dorothy May Caroline, also came to Australia after the war and married Hugh Campbell Thompson in 1931. Hugh served as Private 55234 late in the war. The 1924, 1931 and 1937 electoral rolls have Francis at Yellangip, Wimmera Victoria as a farmer. His mother passed away in 1931 at Warracknabeal.

Francis enlisted again in WW2 but only his nominal rolls are available to view. The first one states he enlisted in Hamilton on 6^th February 1941 with the service number V25504, but no other details on his military service are given. The second nominal roll states him enlisting on 20^th December 1941 at Royal Park with the service number V144964. His third nominal roll states he enlisted on 8^th May 1941 at Royal Park, Victoria as VX 55347 and was a Lieutenant when he was discharged on 29^th May 1945, but his posting at discharge was listed as Voyage Only? His next of kin were listed as R, C and Charles Forss (his brothers). There is an Application for Commission form for him dated 1939 in the Archives in Melbourne, but it is not available to view. Looking in the WW2 officers’ rolls, he is listed as V144964 Captain F S A FORSS who joined on 1^st September 1942 with the 51^st Australian Garrison Company at Myrtleford. He was a prisoner of war control officer from 24^th October 1944 to 29^th May 1945. One of his fellow officers was V81550 Captain Albert Borella VC MM.

The Argus of Melbourne on Saturday 24^th October 1942 in page 10 had the announcement under “ENGAGEMENTS” of “FERGUSON-FORSS. – Hazel Jean, youngest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Hugh Ferguson, of Caulfield, to Captain Francis S. A. Forss, of Maidenhythe, Angip, eldest son of the late Mr and Mrs. F J. C. Forss, of Maidenhead, England.”

On 24^th October 1942 he married Hazel Jean Ferguson, the youngest daughter of Hugh and Mrs Ferguson. No other details can be found about her family. Hazel was born in 1911 and it is not known where. Afterwards they were still living at Yellangip where he was farming according to the 1942, 1949 and 1954 electoral rolls.

By 1963, they had had a change of scenery and were living at 26 Reserve Road Sandringham Victoria and are listed as proprietors. Possibly they ran the house as a bed and breakfast as it is near the beach? On 15th May 1967 he applied for his Gallipoli medallion and lapel badge with his address the same although he named the suburb as Beaumaris. They were also there in 1968. Then they moved to Queensland and were living at 2525 Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Beach. Not long after moving, he passed away in 1972. Hazel lived until 1989 and passed away on 12^th April of that year, still at the Gold Coast. It is not known if they had any children.

Francis was entitled to the 1914-15 Star, British War and Victory medals and the Medaille Militaire for WW1 and the 1939-45 War Medal and Australian Service Medal for WW2. He was also issued with a Silver War Badge on discharge from WW1, his Gallipoli medallion and a Diploma for his Medaille Militaire.

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.