Joseph Nunn-Pendle 4434

SAPPER JOSEPH NUNN-PENDLE 4434 – 3rd Tunnelling Company

Joseph was born on 29 August, 1888 at Linton, Cambridgeshire, England, the son of Joseph Nunn, a gardener by trade, and Fanny, nee Pendle.

He underwent a medical examination at Kalgoorlie on 9 December 1915, which found him to be fit for active service and signed the Attestation Paper of Persons Enlisted for Service Abroad on 13 January 1916. He signed the Oath to ‘well and truly serve’ at Blackboy Hill on 27 January 1916 and became a Private soldier in 47 Depot Battalion.

Joseph was single, aged 27 years and 9 months and a butcher by trade having completed a four year apprenticeship. His usual place of residence was Kalgoorlie, Western Australia. He was 5ft 8ins tall, weighed 140lbs, had a medium complexion, blue eyes and brown hair. He named as his Next of Kin his mother Mrs. Fanny Nunn of Linton, Cambridgeshire, England.

The 6th Tunnelling Company was being formed in Western Australia and he was appointed to that unit at Belmont, Western Australia on 30 March 1916.

He embarked from Fremantle, Western Australia on board HMAT A69 Warilda on 1 June 1916 with the 1st Reinforcements, No.6 Tunnelling Company. Warilda had departed Sydney, New South Wales on 22 May with the 4th Tunnelling Company (370 members)on board, stopping at Melbourne, Victoria to load stores and the 5th Tunnelling Company (370 members) before leaving there on 25 May. She arrived at Fremantle, WA on 1 June and the 371 members of the 6th Tunnelling Company was embarked. Warilda then voyaged via Durban and Capetown in South Africa, St Vincent, Portugal and on to Plymouth, England, arriving on 18 July. The voyage had taken 58 days.

Joseph proceeded overseas to France from Perham Downs on 28 August 1916 and marched in to the Australian General Base Depot (AGBD) on 30 August. He marched out to the 3rd Australian Tunnelling Company on 25 September and was taken on strength on 30 September 1916.

Western Argus, Kalgoorlie, WA – Tuesday 5 December 1916: COMFORTS IN THE TRENCHES Mrs. Jordan, secretary of the Goldfields Women’s Club, has received a letter written in the firing line, France, October 5, by Sergt. F. Thompson, thanking the club for a parcel of comforts. The acknowledgment reads : “I am in receipt of a parcel of soldiers' gifts from the 'Women's Club,' Kalgoorlie and cannot adequately express the thanks of those who received them. The way they are distributed is by drawing lots. All the names are put into one hat, and a list of articles to be distributed in another. One paper is then drawn from each hat, and the man gets the article which is on the ticket drawn with his name. There is great interest and excitement amongst them whilst the draw is on, and when it is over there is some great swapping amongst them, as a man often draws something which another man wants, and vice-versa. They then change about till every one is as near satisfied as possible. We find also the names of many whom we know amongst the donors in socks and pinned on to articles. No doubt many of them will receive letters from the recipients of gifts. "We were at another camp when the first parcel was received by Sergt. T. Dodd. He is not with us at present, having been transferred to some other unit. "We are now giving 'Fritz' a little more than he can digest, and he is being slowly pushed back towards his 'Vaterland.' "I am enclosing a list of signatures from the boys, who all express their gratitude to the Goldfields Women's Club." The following signatures were attached :- J. Nunn-Pendle, Article abridged

Sergt. J. W. Berry, writing from France on October 12 to Mrs. Jordan, says:- "I have just received in the front line of the trenches, France - a packet of cigarettes as coming from your kind self and the thoughtful members of your club, Kalgoorlie.” continued continued “I am not usually a cigarette smoker, but, if all be well, I will certainly smoke the whole ten, and try to fondly imagine myself for the time being once again in dear old Kalgoorlie. Though this is written within a few yards of where some of the guns of the great battle are vibrating out their ominious music, the boys are nevertheless reminded to pause, and think of home and dear ones 12,000 miles away, of their duty to their country which has brought them hither, and like-wise of resolution for the greater task ahead for them and other Australians yet to come over the seas. With regard to the latter phase, we have no doubt Australia will do her part, though that may be a small one. All the boys are in great spirits not withstanding the approach of winter. We thank you for the gifts, and the kindly thoughts and wishes you have sent us.”

Western Argus, Kalgoorlie – Tuesday 13 February 1917: GIFTS FOR THE SOLDIERS Sapper J. Hack, writing from France on Nov. 5 to Mrs R. M. Jordan, secretary of the Goldfields Women's Club, says : "I have much pleasure in writing you a few lines on behalf of the men in my section, for the kindness bestowed on us by yourself, and the Women's Club of Kalgoorlie and Boulder in sending us a packet containing cigarettes, tobacco, socks, mittens, etc. We all enjoy a good smoke, coming as it does all the way from the West, and we give great credit to you one and all. Our company has been very lucky up to the present, and I hope it will continue so, that we may be able to come back and thank you personally. Excuse this short note of thanks; I am a poor one with the pencil or pen, for this is not in a soldier's line. But for all that, our hearts are all back there with you. So now I will conclude by sending our best of wishes, and the compliments of the season to you all."

The undermentioned signatures of soldiers who received gifts were attached:-- T. Smitheram, F. Alexander, O. Richard, W. Blake, E. B. Patten, E. Thompson, D. McPherson, D. J. Jones, A. N. Daglish, T. O'Brien, H. Olsen. W. Aylward, S. W. Robertson, J. M Hartley, R. G. Waterhouse, J. Gould, J. Cumming, T, E. Scott, J. McKay, C. F. Olsson, C. McPherson W. J. Praed, E. T. Buck, A. H. Williams, C. &. Jolly, B. G. Nelson, G. F. Calnachina, C. WV. Grant, W. Powell, A. Ridgeweil, T. Williams, W. J. Moore. E. V. Praed, W. Avagc, C. Parker, J. Carden, C. Quinn, A. Mather, H. Moyle, C. Coepel, N. A. Burke, A. Gordon, H. P. Trunan, S. S. Marsh P. White, J. A. Monaghan, L. Webb, R. Sproule, E. Cunningham. T. Robertson, J. Bedford, Fred Thompson, J. Nunn Pendle, J. McKenzie, D. Coulton, and L. Langford.

He was one of five men wounded in action on 15 April 1917, receiving a shell wound to the back, and was treated at No.1 Casualty Clearing Station before being transferred to the 18th Field Ambulance on 16 April, and then the 13th General Hospital at Boulogne on 18 April. He was admitted to No.1 Convalescent Depot at Boulogne on 19 April, returning to the AGBD for return to unit on 22 April. Joseph was admitted to the 24th General Hospital at Etaples on 28 April 1917 with German measles, and was discharged to duty at AGBD on 8 May, rejoining his 3rd Tunnelling Company on 6 June 1917.

Joseph enjoyed some leave in London from 5 to 15 September 1917. In October 1917 he achieved a ‘Good’ result on the listening course at the First Army Mine School.

3ATC End of War Report – April 1918: The Detachment at Armentieres in the XVth Corps area, completed their work which was in time to be of great importance in the enemy attack which began on 9th April, and lasted for nine days till the 18th April.

The work of our Detachment and their behaviour during the attack was very creditable to everybody concerned. Unhappily a very capable and popular officer in the person of Lieut Neil CAMPBELL and 1057 Sapper KELLY, E. were killed, but only one other casualty occurred in the wounding of 4765 Sapper HOGAN, A.W. by a gun shot wound in the chest.

Lieut J. DOW, the officer with the Detachment who assumed command after Lieut Campbell was missing, in his report to the C.O. wrote:- “Heavy bombardment commenced on the 8th and lasted all night. Gas and H.E. shells were heavy. It was rumoured that the enemy had broken through our line at Laventie. continued continued On the 9th at 8 a.m. the day relief of 12 O.R’s went to work as usual with Lieut Campbell in Charge.

“In the afternoon I stopped the 4 p.m. relief from going to work.

“Acting on instructions received from Lieut Campbell, I telephoned the C.R.E. 34th Division for orders at 4 p.m.

“I was ordered to report to 101st Brigade at once.

“Lieut Campbell returned with the off-coming relief at 4.30 p.m. I fell the men in with full kits and 48 hours rations. There were 2 officers and 38 O.R’s in the party.

“We march to assembly point (No 3 series M.G. Es.) (Sheet 36 B. 22 C. 40.85) while Lieut Campbell reported to 101st Brigade per motor cycle. Lieut Campbell was ordered to report with the party to 102nd Brigade at Erquinghem.

“The men were marched to Erquinghem and reported to 102nd Brigade at 7 p.m. (Sheet 36 H 4d. 30. 70). The 102nd Brigade ordered us to report back to 101st Brigade. (Sheet 36 B 39b. 50. 00).

“ I marched the men back to No 3 Series Emplacements, (very heavy shelling on both marches) and again reported to 101st Brigade at 8 p.m. who ordered us to again report to 102nd Brigade.

“Lieut Campbell, self and four men went back to Erquinghem and reported to 102nd Brigade at 9 p.m., leaving the balance of the party in charge of Corporal Barsby at No 3 Series. The G.O.C. 102nd Brigade ordered us to report to Major Osborne of the 15th Royal Scots Regiment. We did so and sent runners back for Cpl Barsby and others. When the party arrived at 11 p.m. Major Osborne told us to report to Lieut Young (Coy Commander) who showed us a position and ordered us to dig in.

“ This position was in H. 10. a. facing S.W. on the right flank of and at right angles to the front of the X Battalion. (A composite Battalion of pioneers, Engineers, 18th N.F. and attached Infantry).

“ Lieut Young told us we were behind the Reserve Line. We posted sentries and stopped there all night. Apparently there was no one on our right flank. Erquinghem was heavily shelled until 1 a.m. on 10th. We stood to until dawn. At 7 a.m. the enemy appeared to be advancing – our right flank still in the air. This was reported to Lieut Young. At noon, the enemy was seen crossing our front from left to right about 600 yards away. Our right flank still unprotected. Again I reported this and sent out patrols to get in touch with our nearest troops. Patrols reported a gap of 200 yards between us and some pioneers.

“I patrolled the gap myself, and found it to be as reported. We lengthened our line to try and link up. The enemy was getting closer. We opened fire at 400 yards. At this stage a German was seen crossing our front about 200 yards away. Sappers 5786 MUIR, J., 5858 WATSON, J.A. and 4434 NUNN-PENDLE, J. stalked him and took him prisoner. An officer then reported that a Battalion of Royal Scots was coming to reinforce and fill the gap reported. I met the officer and showed him the position. Another Battalion came up and took up a position parallel to the railway line, and on our left flank. The enemy came nearer and occupied a farm in front. There was heavy enemy machine gun and rifle fire. It was then 6 p.m. Very heavy short range fire came from enemy light artillery. Lieut Campbell was now put in charge of the Company of the X Battalion to which we were attached, in place of Lieut Young. At 7.30 p.m. Lieut Campbell received written orders from C.O. Xth Battalion to retire and report to Col. Stephenson, 16th Royal Scots at Jesus Farm. Cpl BARSBY states that as the runner with this order came along the line he called out to the men “Jerry is over the canal, get back quickly.” Although I did not hear this personally, the statement has been corroborated by several men of the detachment.

“A number of men then retired without orders. Lieut Campbell did not seem satisfied and told me to hang on, while he saw about it. He then walked towards Headquarters and was lost to view behind a burning estaminet. continued continued “He was not seen again by any of the party. [Piece of shell through head – seen by a runner to fall in shell hole – went to him and found him dead]

“Both companies on our flanks then retired and I ordered my company to retire in conformity. During the retirement Sapper Kelly was hit and fell – He was believed to be killed. [Bullet through head at Erquinghem]

The enemy were then very close and the enemy M.G, rifle and artillery fire was very heavy.

“I took Sapper Ashford and went to Battalion Headquarters of 15th Royal Scots to look for Lieut Campbell but found Headquarters deserted.

“I picked up Cpl Barsby and 29 O.R’s at the rendezvous and reported with them to Jesus Farm at 8 p.m.

“The balance of party were missing. I looked for Col. STEPHENSON and Col. Lloyd of 12th Suffolk Regt. 40th Division who took charge and posted us on the left of Wigan Post. I called the roll. Lieut Campbell and the following O.R’s were missing: - “6891 Spr BURKE, G.F. 4518 Spr WILSON, P.R. 5858 “ WATSON, J.A. 6876 “ COOK, G.W. 6668 “ BROWNHILL, F.W. 4808 “ YAXLEY, A.G. 1057 “ KELLY, E. (Believed killed)

“At this stage the following men reported sick and were sent to Neippe: - “5363 Spr LEAVER, C.H. 4282 Spr BROWNE, S.

“We stood to till 2 a.m. then fell in and marched to Neippe still under Col. LLOYD’s orders. We arrived at Neippe at 3.30 a.m. I called the roll and found that L/Cpl Mayne, Spr AHEARN, and Spr ROBERTS missing.

“We rested until 5 a.m. then fell in and marched to the Mill off Armentieres – Bailleul Road. (Sheet 36 B. 8 d. 45. 55). We dug in here.

“At noon we were ordered to fall in as a platoon attached to the 12th Suffolks. We marched across the main road and took up a position at approximately (B9 a. 50. 50).

“At 1 p.m. we advanced as a wave in support of 12th Suffolks to hold enemy.

“The South Wales Borderers, forward on our left front twice retired and were collected and sent back by Sgt Mjr MACEY of 12th Suffolks and myself.

“We lay out all day in the field, under fire. M.G.’s and Snipers very active.

“4765 Spr HOGAN, A.W. was sniped through the left breast. 4746 Spr CAHILL, 6765 Spr HOW, 2891 Spr BLIZZARD and 4511 Spr WILLIAMS, H. carried him to Field Dressing Station. Spr Williams returned. The other three were stopped by an officer.

“ At dark (8.30 p.m.) the 12th Suffolks retired, as ordered, through my position and my platoon covered in retirement, and followed on as rear guard, in accordance with instructions from Col. LLOYD.

“We marched towards Bailleul and rested for a few hours on Bailleul Road.

“ I called the roll and found Spr HOW, CAHILL, BLIZZARD missing. Fell in at 5 a.m. and marched to STRAZEELE. Rested till 8 p.m. After thanking the men for the support they had given, Col. LLOYD ordered me to report with my party to 1st Australian Brigade Headquarters at Pradelles. I did so and bivouacked with the Aust. L.T.M. Battery.

“On April 13th Brigade Major, 1st Australian Brigade, ordered me to report to 1st Field Coy Engineers at Borre, under Capt B. DOWLING. I did so, and rested that day. continued continued “On April 14th, at 8 a.m. we marched to forward billets of 1st Field Coy, A.E. at Pradelles, our men were attached to the 2nd and 3rd Sections of the 1st Field Coy. We worked on STRAZEELE defences and spitlocking and digging trenches.

“There was a heavy bombardment of billets.

“ I sent a report by D.R.L.S. to C.O. 3rd Australian Tnlg Coy stating position, nominal roll, and asking for orders.

“On April 15th we reconnoitred positions for charges to mine roads at Strazeelle, Sec. Bois and Railway.

“We excavated for above but there were no explosives to complete the charging.

“On 16th and 17th we dug strong points and alarm posts. There was very heavy enemy shelling.

“At 8 p.m. orders were received from the C.O. 3rd Australian Tnlg Coy to meet transport at Wallon Capelle at noon of 18th to rejoin the Unit.

“On the 18th I fell in the Detachment and we marched to Wallon Capelle. We met the lorry from 3rd Aust. Tnlg Coy, picked up L/Cpl MAYNE and 8 men at EBBLINGHEM and arrived at Headquarters of 3rd Aust. Tnlg Coy at 6 p.m.

“The following is a nominal roll of the party at 4.30 p.m. on 9.4.18: - “Lieut N. Campbell Lieut J. Dow 1251 Cpl Barsby, S. 4395 L/Cpl Mayne, E. 5016 L/Cpl Stubbs, W.S. 910 Spr Ahearn, R.T. 6668 Spr Brownhill, F.H. 922 “ Bennetts, A.C. 6891 “ Burke, F.S. 4537 “ Burke, W.E. 4277 “ Bunning, W. 4746 “ Cahill, S. 6873 “ Cook, C.W. 6765 “ How, W.G. 4765 “ Hogan, A.W. 5337 “ Hansson, F.G. 1057 “ Kelly, E. 5363 “ Leaver, C.H. 4419 “ McLean, A. 4422 “ McLean, T.D. 1223 “ Marsh, E. 5786 “ Muir, J. 4434 “ Nunn-Pendle, J. 2395 “ Novok, S. 1215 “ Peach, J. 5819 “ Ritter, T. 6643 “ Ryan, T. 4462 “ Roberts, W. 5843 “ Symons, A.V. 4516 “ Wilson, J. 4818 “ Wilson, P.R. 1237 “ Smitheram, T.T. 5858 “ Watson, J.A. 1200 “ Williams, W. 4808 “ Yaxley, G. 1247 “ Ashford, S.F. 4282 “ Browne, S. 5794 “ McManus, P. 2891 “ Blizzard, D.N. 4511 “ Williams, H.

“The behaviours of the Detachment under trying circumstances was splendid. Their coolness and steadiness under heavy fire was admirable.

“Their conduct, whilst acting as a covering screen in the retirement on the night of the 11th was worthy of the high traditions of the British Army.

“In this connection I should like to bring to your special attention the names of 1251 BARSBY, S, 4537 Spr BURKE, W.E., and 5794 Spr McMANUS, P., Cpl BARSBY was coolness personified and by his steadiness and devotion to duty gave me the greatest assistance. He commanded the second line duty of my platoon on the 11th and handled it with courage and initiative.

“When Sapper HOGAN was wounded, Cpl BARSBY, with Spr HOW, went to his assistance and dressed his wound at great personal risk. continued continued “5794 Spr McMANUS, P. and 4537 BURKE, W.E. on all occasions by courage and cheerfulness encouraged the rest of the detachment.

“It is with very great regret that I have to report: -

“Lieut Campbell, N - Missing (believed killed) 1057 Spr Kelly, E. - “ “ “ 4765 “ Hogan, A.W. - Wounded (G.S.W. in chest)

(Sgd) JOHN DOW Lieut. 3rd Aust. Tunl Coy.” 19.4.18”

Kalgoorlie Miner, WA – Tuesday 16 April 1918: TUNNELLERS’ COMFORTS MEN WHO RECEIVED THEM. Sometime ago gifts were despatched to the front by the No.1 Tunneller's, Pioneers and Engineers committee, and a list of recipients has now been received by the secretary, Mrs. R. M. Jordan, as follows— J. Nunn-Pendle, Article abridged He again proceeded on leave from 2 to 18 October 1918.

An interesting incident occurred at the time of the advance on the 29th October 1918 in which Lieut John Dow figured prominently. He, with his investigation party were camped for the night in a cellar at Wez- velvain in Belgium. At about midnight Lt. Dow was awakened by a tremendous crash, and an intense sensation of pain in his leg.

Mr. Dow’s batman, Sapper Nunn-Pendle who was sleeping near-by, came to his assistance and removed a 4.2in. shell lying across his leg, and a barrow load of bricks on top of him. Sapper Nunn-Pendle carried Mr Dow out into another cellar with bare feet over much broken glass, shewing splendid fortitude.

On examining the shell, which fortunately proved to be a “DUD”, it was found to have passed through the side wall of the house and diagonally across the cellar, falling just at the side of Lieut Dow, and bouncing on to his leg. This was a marvellous escape from death for several men in the vicinity & adds one more remarkable incident to the great number occurring during the War.

Joseph was wounded in action (2nd occasion) 30 October 1918 (gas shell) admitted to 47 Field Ambulance transferred to the 26th General Hospital at Etaples on 1 November. He was transferred to England on the Hospital Ship Brighton on 22 November and admitted to Suffolk Hospital, being discharged to furlough for Christmas leave on 20 December 1918, to return to hospital on 31 December.

He was discharged from hospital to furlough on 18 January 1919, to report to No.1 Com. Depot, Sutton Veny, on 1 February.

During his furlough, on 22 January 1919, Joseph married at Thetford Parish Church, County of Suffolk, Adelaide Elizabeth Plummer, daughter of Henry Robert (a retired builder) and Adelaide Plummer.

He returned to Australia on the Euripides, leaving England on 3 March 1919 and arriving in Western Australia on 10 April 1919. The West Australian, Perth – Friday 4 April 1919: RETURNING TROOPS. ANOTHER BIG CONTINGENT. OVER 450 MEN FOR THIS STATE. The military authorities in Perth have furnished the following lists of troops and others returning to Western Australia by incoming troopships :- THE EURIPIDES. 4434 Spr J. Nunn-Pendle Article abridged

Joseph Nunn-Pendle was discharged from the A.I.F. in the 5th Military District on 3 June 1919, having accrued 1,044 days overseas service. He was entitled to wear the British War Medal (11215) and the Victory Medal (11084) which he did not collect and which were returned to Depot in September 1924.

Evening News, Sydney, NSW – Friday 22 February 1929: ADULTERATED SAUSAGES The following butchers were fined at Newtown Court to-day for having sold adulterated sausages: Joseph Nunn-Pendle, of 370 Illawarra-road, Marrickville, second offence, £3: Reginald Tuckwell, of 414 Illawarra- road, Marrickville, first offence, £2: and Sidney Morris, 16 Charles-street, Erskineville, first offence, £2.

In May 1931, through the Sydney Branch of the Returned Sailors’ & Soldiers’ Imperial League of Australia he applied for his war medals which had never been collected. Josephs address at the time was Illawarra Road, Marrickville. The medals were forwarded to Joseph within 10 days. 1934 he gave his address as Cowper & Spring Streets, Waverly when he attended a reunion of the Tunnelling Companies in Sydney.

His military records were forwarded to the Repatriation Commission, Sydney in July 1958.

At Randwick, NSW on 19 November 1958, Joseph made a Statutory Declaration regarding the loss of his Returned from Active Service badge and his Certificate of Discharge. He gave his address as Pacific Street, Clovelly. A replacement badge was issued in February 1959.

In 1968 he again attended a reunion of Tunnellers changing his address details to Punch Street, Spit Junction, Mosman.

Joseph Nunn-Pendle died in the North Ryde Psychiatric Hospital on 14 January 1969, aged 80 years.

Sydney Morning Herald - January, 1969: DEATHS NUNN-PENDLE, Joseph—January 14, 1969, late of Mosman and formerly of Clovelly, dearly beloved husband of Adelaide, dearly loved father and father-in-law of Ethel and Guy and Edith and Tom, and loved grandfather of their families, aged 80 years.

Adelaide Elizabeth Nunn-Pendle died in Royal North Shore Hospital, St Leonards, on 1 April 1975, aged 88 years.

Joseph and Adelaide were both cremated at the Northern Suburbs Crematorium, Sydney, NSW.

See also this site: 3rd Australian Tunnelling Company / 6th Tunnelling Company and / The Battle of Lys