CRANDELL, Christopher George an Integral Part, to the Desire to Have a Great Adventure

Commemoration for the Lives of the Braidwood and District ANZACS “We will remember them well”

ROLLROLL OF OF HONOUR HONOUR: CRANDELL, Meade, Arthur Stuart Christopher George ServiceService Number: Number: 3788A 1501 Rank: SergeantPrivate

From 1914 - 1918, 465 volunteers from Braidwood and the District joined the Australian Imperial Force in World War I. 88 lost their lives, never to return home. This is their story.

Introduction WORLD WAR I This year, 2015, marks the centenary of the start of the Gallipoli campaign and Australia’s World War I lasted four years, from 4 August 1914 until 11 November 1918. It began after the involvement as a nation in the greatest and most assassination of the heir to the Austrian throne. terrible conflict ever seen to that time. Australians The axis powers were Germany and Austria. ROLL OF HONOUR joined their Armed Forces in large numbers. Their Russia and France were the initial allies. When ROLL OF HONOUR motives were as varied as their upbringings, from Germany invaded Belgium, Britain entered the a need to save the Empire, of which Australia was war on the side of Russia and France. CRANDELL, Christopher George an integral part, to the desire to have a great adventure. The war was in Europe, the Western Front was in France and Belgium. The Eastern Front was Service Number: 3788A Braidwood and district were no exception. Over Russia and Austria-Hungary. Africa was another CHRISTOPHER GEORGE CRANDELL the four years from 1914 to 1918, from a front because of colonial possessions on that Rank: Private population of about 5000, 465 men and women continent, and after Turkey entered the war on 1 November 1914, the Middle East became from what is now the 2622 postcode area – another theatre of war. Service Number: 3788A including Braidwood, Majors Creek, Araluen, Mongarlowe, Nerriga, Ballalaba and Australians generally thought of themselves as Rank: Private Jembaicumbene joined the Navy or Army. Of an integral part of the British Empire and the Unit: 49th Australian Infantry Battalion these 377 returned to Australia. Sadly, 88 lost Australian Army and Navy were part of the their lives. Imperial Forces. In 1914, Australia’s Prime Service: Australian Army Minister, Andrew Fisher, immediately promised A varying amount of their history is recorded in Australian support for Britain ‘to the last man and Conflict: First World War, 1914-1918 the Australian War Memorial. Some of their the last shilling.’ The Australian population was names, but not all, are recorded on local less than five million. 324,000 Australians served Date of death: 12 October 1917 memorials. More is recorded in limited local overseas. 61,720 lost their lives. 155,000 were wounded. 4,044 became prisoners of war (397 Place of death: Belgium histories and newspapers, not readily available to died while captive). the general public; and the people who lived with Cause of death: Killed in action and knew these distant relatives are also passing The first Australian troops were sent to Egypt in on. 1915. The ANZACS – Australian and New Zealand Place of association: Toogoolawah, Australia Army Corps – were engaged in battle on the Cemetery or memorial details: Menin Gate Memorial, The Braidwood RSL Sub Branch has collected all Gallipoli Peninsula against the Turks to control the the information available from the Australian War Dardanelles’ and open the way to Eastern Europe Ypres, Flanders, Belgium Memorial and local sources, including the with their fateful landing on 25 April 1915. Source: AWM145 Roll of Honour cards, 1914-1918 War, Braidwood Museum. Families, still resident in the district, have added their family knowledge The ANZACS were evacuated on 19-20 December Army and their precious memorabilia. 1915. The Gallipoli campaign resulted in the deaths of 7,600 Australians and the wounding of 19,000. Despite the defeat, the legend attached to This booklet is the available story of the heroism, comradeship and valour of the Location on the Roll of Honour: Christopher George Christopher George Crandell, one of the 88 soldiers remain a source of Australian pride and Braidwood volunteers who did not return from national identity. Crandell's name is located at panel 148 in the World War I. It contains his details as recorded Commemorative Area at the Australian War Memorial in the World War I Roll of Honour, his Enlistment Papers, Field Service records, any Casualty notification, correspondence relating to his death, details of decorations won, any available photos, and, in some instances, family correspondence or recollections.

Christopher George Crandell died for his country, for you and for me. Please pause a moment to remember him.

Lest We Forget.

Introduction WORLD WAR I This year, 2015, marks the centenary of the start of the Gallipoli campaign and Australia’s World War I lasted four years, from 4 August 1914 until 11 November 1918. It began after the involvement as a nation in the greatest and most assassination of the heir to the Austrian throne. terrible conflict ever seen to that time. Australians The axis powers were Germany and Austria. ROLL OF HONOUR joined their Armed Forces in large numbers. Their Russia and France were the initial allies. When motives were as varied as their upbringings, from Germany invaded Belgium, Britain entered the a need to save the Empire, of which Australia was war on the side of Russia and France. an integral part, to the desire to have a great adventure. The war was in Europe, the Western Front was in France and Belgium. The Eastern Front was Braidwood and district were no exception. Over Russia and Austria-Hungary. Africa was another CHRISTOPHER GEORGE CRANDELL the four years from 1914 to 1918, from a front because of colonial possessions on that population of about 5000, 465 men and women continent, and after Turkey entered the war on 1 – November 1914, the Middle East became from what is now the 2622 postcode area another theatre of war. Service Number: 3788A including Braidwood, Majors Creek, Araluen, Mongarlowe, Nerriga, Ballalaba and Australians generally thought of themselves as Rank: Private Jembaicumbene joined the Navy or Army. Of an integral part of the British Empire and the Unit: 49th Australian Infantry Battalion these 377 returned to Australia. Sadly, 88 lost Australian Army and Navy were part of the their lives. Imperial Forces. In 1914, Australia’s Prime Service: Australian Army Minister, Andrew Fisher, immediately promised A varying amount of their history is recorded in Australian support for Britain ‘to the last man and Conflict: First World War, 1914-1918 the Australian War Memorial. Some of their the last shilling.’ The Australian population was names, but not all, are recorded on local less than five million. 324,000 Australians served Date of death: 12 October 1917 memorials. More is recorded in limited local overseas. 61,720 lost their lives. 155,000 were wounded. 4,044 became prisoners of war (397 Place of death: Belgium histories and newspapers, not readily available to died while captive). the general public; and the people who lived with Cause of death: Killed in action and knew these distant relatives are also passing The first Australian troops were sent to Egypt in on. 1915. The ANZACS – Australian and New Zealand Place of association: Toogoolawah, Australia Army Corps – were engaged in battle on the Cemetery or memorial details: Menin Gate Memorial, The Braidwood RSL Sub Branch has collected all Gallipoli Peninsula against the Turks to control the the information available from the Australian War Dardanelles’ and open the way to Eastern Europe Ypres, Flanders, Belgium Memorial and local sources, including the with their fateful landing on 25 April 1915. Source: AWM145 Roll of Honour cards, 1914-1918 War, Braidwood Museum. Families, still resident in the district, have added their family knowledge The ANZACS were evacuated on 19-20 December Army and their precious memorabilia. 1915. The Gallipoli campaign resulted in the deaths of 7,600 Australians and the wounding of 19,000. Despite the defeat, the legend attached to This booklet is the available story of the heroism, comradeship and valour of the Christopher George Crandell, one of the 88 Location on the Roll of Honour: Christopher George soldiers remain a source of Australian pride and Crandell's name is located at panel 148 in the Braidwood volunteers who did not return from national identity. World War I. It contains his details as recorded Commemorative Area at the Australian War Memorial in the World War I Roll of Honour, his Enlistment Papers, Field Service records, any Casualty notification, correspondence relating to his death, details of decorations won, any available photos, and, in some instances, family correspondence or recollections.

Christopher George Crandell died for his country, for you and for me. Please pause a moment to remember him.

Lest We Forget.

the battalion fought in the battle of Messines on 49th Australian Infantry Battalion 9 June and the battle of Polygon Wood on 26 The 49th Battalion was raised in Egypt on 27 September. Another winter of trench routine February 1916 as part of the "doubling" of the followed. AIF. Approximately half of its recruits were Gallipoli veterans from the 9th Battalion, and With the collapse of Russia in October 1917, a the other half, fresh reinforcements from major German offensive on the Western Front Australia. Reflecting the composition of the 9th, was expected in early 1918. This occurred in the 49th was predominantly composed of men France in late March and the 4th Division from Queensland. The battalion became part of moved to defend positions around the the 13th Brigade of the 4th Australian Division. Dernancourt on the River Ancre. The 49th Battalion assisted in the repulse of a large Arriving in France on 12 June 1916, the 49th German attack on 5 April, launching a critical moved into the trenches of the Western Front counter-attack late in the afternoon. The for the first time on 21 June. It fought in its first German threat remained until late April, and in major battle at Mouquet Farm in August and the early hours of ANZAC Day 1918 the 49th suffered heavily, particularly in the assault participated in the now legendary attack to launched on 3 September. The battalion saw dislodge the enemy from Villers-Bretonneux. out the rest of the year alternating between front-line duty, and training and labouring When the Allies launched their own offensive in behind the line. This routine continued through early August, the 49th Battalion was among the the bleak winter of 1916-17. units involved and played an active role until the middle of that month, before moving to Early in 1917, the battalion participated in the duties in the rear area. The battalion was advance that followed the German retreat to ordered forward for its last major operation of the Hindenburg Line, supporting the 13th the war in September and provided part of the Brigade's attack at Noreuil on 2 April. Later in 4th Division's reserve for the attack on the the year, the focus of the AIF's operations Hindenburg "outpost line" on the 18th. The moved to the Ypres sector in Belgium. There 49th Battalion was disbanded on 9 May 1919.

Brisbane, 1916, Christopher George Crandell embarked on 31 January, 1916 aboard Troop Transport, HMAT “Wandilla” (A62) for the Middle East. Relatives and friends farewell the troops from the dockside. the battalion fought in the battle of Messines on 49th Australian Infantry Battalion 9 June and the battle of Polygon Wood on 26 The 49th Battalion was raised in Egypt on 27 September. Another winter of trench routine February 1916 as part of the "doubling" of the followed. AIF. Approximately half of its recruits were Gallipoli veterans from the 9th Battalion, and With the collapse of Russia in October 1917, a the other half, fresh reinforcements from major German offensive on the Western Front Australia. Reflecting the composition of the 9th, was expected in early 1918. This occurred in the 49th was predominantly composed of men France in late March and the 4th Division from Queensland. The battalion became part of moved to defend positions around the the 13th Brigade of the 4th Australian Division. Dernancourt on the River Ancre. The 49th Battalion assisted in the repulse of a large Arriving in France on 12 June 1916, the 49th German attack on 5 April, launching a critical moved into the trenches of the Western Front counter-attack late in the afternoon. The for the first time on 21 June. It fought in its first German threat remained until late April, and in major battle at Mouquet Farm in August and the early hours of ANZAC Day 1918 the 49th suffered heavily, particularly in the assault participated in the now legendary attack to launched on 3 September. The battalion saw dislodge the enemy from Villers-Bretonneux. out the rest of the year alternating between front-line duty, and training and labouring When the Allies launched their own offensive in behind the line. This routine continued through early August, the 49th Battalion was among the the bleak winter of 1916-17. units involved and played an active role until the middle of that month, before moving to Early in 1917, the battalion participated in the duties in the rear area. The battalion was advance that followed the German retreat to ordered forward for its last major operation of the Hindenburg Line, supporting the 13th the war in September and provided part of the Brigade's attack at Noreuil on 2 April. Later in 4th Division's reserve for the attack on the the year, the focus of the AIF's operations Hindenburg "outpost line" on the 18th. The moved to the Ypres sector in Belgium. There 49th Battalion was disbanded on 9 May 1919.

Acknowledgements Everybody responded enthusiastically to the idea of capturing the information about Braidwood’s 88 World War I veterans who lost their lives. The Braidwood RSL Sub Branch is most grateful for the support they received in carrying out this task and would like to acknowledge those of whom we are aware: Karen, Chris and Renee Nelson, Roslyn Maddrell, Karen Shea, Jill Clarke, Rod McClure, Ben and Meaghan Frohling, Diane McGrath, Us On Mondays Quilting Group, Len Mutton & Co and local shopkeepers for their World War I window displays.

Thank you to the students and teachers of Braidwood Central School and St. Bedes School who have embraced these soldiers and have honoured their memories on Anzac Day 2015.

The Braidwood RSL Sub Branch raised a good proportion of the funds for the cost of producing these booklets. The efforts of the members of the sub branch involved are very much appreciated. This money was augmented by welcome funding from the Federal Government through the ANZAC Centenary Local Grants Program and the Braidwood Community Bank.

To all those who helped in any way, many thanks. Your efforts have ensured we remember these Braidwood and District Veterans well.

Thank you to the students and teachers of Braidwood Central School and St. Bedes School who have embraced these soldiers and have honoured their memories on Anzac Day 2015.

To all those who helped in any way, many thanks. Your efforts have ensured we remember these Braidwood and District Veterans well.

Back Cover: Peace Day, 11th November 1918, Wallace Street, Braidwood. “Wild day in Braidwood: When Braidwood woke up on Tuesday morning to find the ‘glad tidings of great joy’ awaiting it that Germany had signed the armistice and the frightful carnage of the past four years or so had come to an end it simply went mad with delight. No other words could adequately describe the excitement that followed.” “Braidwood Letters from the Front” by Roslyn Maddrell. ROLL OF HONOUR Alley, Clair Underwood Knight, Charles Oliver Archer, Fred Lee, Thomas James Backhouse, Victor John Lennon, James Barnett, Frederick George Lupton, Spencer Barry, Charles Louis Lynch, James Joseph Beatty, Walter Cusack Matthews, Francis Bell, John Henry Edward McCool, Francis Leslie Neil Black, George Scott McDonald, Alexander Joseph Bruce, Thomas Fraser McLean, Donald Byrne, Cecil John McRae, Finley Arnold Callan, William Henry Meade, Arthur Stuart Catlin, Robert Henry Merton, Thomas David Clarke, Lester Thomas Montgomery, Stanley Cook, Thomas John Moore, William Crandell, Christopher George Newberry, Alwyn (Alwin) Horace James Cregan, Clarence Theodore Augustus O’Brien, Thomas Daniel Cullen, Henry Thomas O’Reilly, John Davis, John Henry Pooley, Edward Davis, Oscar Raymond Stanley Rex, Horace Joseph Dawson, Edric Athol Riley, Frank Dayball, Arthur Joseph Roberts, Frederick Bede Dempsey, Charles Frederick Robinson, William James Dempsey, Charles Rodgers, Albert Dowell, Frederick Robert Seidel, Alfred George Feeney, William Seidel, Henry Edward Fisher, Osborne Sharpe, George Lyle Flack, John Foster Sharpe, Reginald Garnett, Henry James Sherman, Edgar Robert Geelan, Robert Michael Sherman, Percy Frederick Gosling, Fred Simmons, George Gough, James Smith (Greenwood), George Green, Francis Henry Spicer, William Henry Healy, Myrtle James Steele, Alexander Norman Howard, John Alexander Stein, Daniel Godfrey Huggett, William Stewart, David Walter Hunt, Frederick William Styles, Reginald Lucian Hunt, John Torpy, Patrick Edward Hush, Percy Alfred Torpy, Thomas Patrick Hush, Thomas Walker, William Albert Hush, Austin Septimus Watt, James Innes, Henry George Watt, Oscar Harold McClure Kelly, Herbert Albert White, Alister Kemp, Leslie Smith Whitelaw, Thomas Philip Keyte, Robert Wilson, Samuel Charles

Lest We Forget