290 1St Tunnelling Company / Aust. Electrical Mechanical Mining & Boring Company

SAPPER WALTER STEADMAN 290 – 1st Tunnelling Company / Aust. Electrical Mechanical Mining & Boring Company

Walter Abraham Steadman stated he was born in the City of Liverpool, Lancashire, England about February 1872, the second son of Joseph Thomas and his wife Hannah Alice (nee Wardley) Steadman.

His birthplace was listed as Battersea, London, Middlesex, England and was baptised by Rev C.F. Chase on March 17, 1872 in St Andrews by the Wardrobe, City of London. Their address at that time was 5 Upper Thames Street, London.

Ten years later in 1881 the family were residing at 36 Voelas Street, Toxteth Park, Lancashire and consisted of Joseph Thomas (30) painter, wife Hannah Alice (32) and children Joseph Raphael (10), Walter Abraham (9), Louise Florence (2) and Clara Elizabeth Beatrice (2mths) with the household’s general servant, Sarah Bythan (16).

Walter Steadman later came to Australia.

The family were residents at 36 Ferndale Road, Toxteth Park a decade later in 1891 and living there were Joseph T. (40) figure and landscape artist, Hannah (42), Annie Louisa H. (10) and Lily Dora S. (7).

Walter married Lucy Barton on July 29, 1891 in Queensland and in 1903 they were living at Mowbray Street, Hughenden, Queensland where he was a well-sinker.

Around 1913 they were at North Hughenden and his occupation was a Labourer. Military Experience was gained from two years voluntary service with the Townsville Mounted Infantry.

As a mature aged recruit of forty-three years he enlisted under the name of Walter Steadman on December 2, 1915 in Townsville, Qld stating he was a married miner in Hughenden and verified he had not served any apprenticeships.

Passing the medical examination his Attestation Papers record his height of 168cms (5ft 6ins), weight 54kgs (119lbs) and had a chest measurement of 85-90cms (32-34ins). Dark was his complexion with blue eyes and dark brown hair and had a vaccination scar.

His faith was Church of England and he allotted four-fifths of his pay to his wife and children with Mrs Lucy Steadman of North Hughenden, later changed to Hackett Terrace, Charters Towers, Qld named as next-of-kin.

After completing basic training in Brisbane, Qld was sent to the Mining Corps camp at Casula near Liverpool, N.S.W. where he was assigned the Regimental number 290 and allocated to the No. 1 Company in the rank of sapper.

The following news items about him and his wife were printed in: The Northern Miner Saturday January 22, 1916: HUGHENDEN SOCIAL NOTES Mr Walter Steadman, of Hughenden, having enlisted for active service in Townsville some little time ago, sent a card to a friend giving his address as W. Steadman, Casual Camp, No. 1 Miner’s Corps, Liverpool, Sydney.

Mrs W. Steadman with her family left Sunday night’s train for Charters Towers, where she intends to reside for some considerable time.

At a civic parade in the Domain, Sydney on Saturday February 19, 1916, a large crowd of relations and friends of the departing Miners lined the four sides of the parade ground. Sixty police and 100 Garrison Military Police were on hand to keep the crowds within bounds. The scene was an inspiriting one. On the extreme right flank, facing the saluting base, were companies of the Rifle Club School; next came a detachment of the 4th King’s Shropshire Light Infantry, then the bands of the Light Horse, Liverpool Depot, and the Miners’ on the left, rank upon rank, the Miners’ Battalion.

The Corps boarded HMAT A38 Ulysses in Sydney, NSW on February 20 and sailed for the European theatre. Arriving in Melbourne, Victoria on February 22 the Miners camped at Broadmeadows for a stay of 7 days while further cargo was loaded.

Another parade was held at the Broadmeadows camp on March 1, the Miners’ Corps being inspected by the Governor-General, as Commander-in-Chief of the Commonwealth military forces.

Leaving Melbourne on March 1, Ulysses arrived at Fremantle, Western Australia on March 7 where a further 53 members were taken on board.

On Wednesday March 8, 1916 the whole force, with their band and equipment, paraded at Fremantle prior to leaving Victoria Quay at 9.30 o’clock.

The ship hit a reef when leaving Fremantle harbour, stripping the plates for 40 feet and, although there was a gap in the outside plate, the inner bilge plates were not punctured. The men on board nicknamed her ‘Useless’. The Miners were off-loaded and sent to the Blackboy Hill Camp where further training was conducted.

The Mining Corps comprised 1303 members at the time they embarked with a Headquarters of 40; No.1 Company – 390; No.2 Company – 380; No.3 Company – 392, and 101 members of the 1st Reinforcements.

Finally departing Fremantle on April 1, Ulysses voyaged via Suez, Port Said and Alexandria in Egypt. The Captain of the ship was reluctant to take Ulysses out of the Suez Canal because he felt the weight of the ship made it impossible to manoeuvre in the situation of a submarine attack. The troops were transhipped to HM Transport B.1 Ansonia, then on to Valetta, Malta before disembarking at Marseilles, France on May 5, 1916. As a unit they entrained at Marseilles on May 7 and detrained on May 11 at Hazebrouck.

A ‘Mining Corps’ did not fit in the British Expeditionary Force, and the Corps was disbanded and three Australian Tunnelling Companies were formed. The Technical Staff of the Corps Headquarters, plus some technically qualified men from the individual companies, was formed into the entirely new Australian Electrical and Mechanical Mining and Boring Company (AEMMBC), better known as the ‘Alphabetical Company’.

Sapper Steadman was detailed to the 1st Tunnelling Company.

On September 30, 1916 with his qualification now stated to be Electrician and experience in well-sinking, he was taken on strength in the newly formed Australian Electrical Mechanical Mining and Boring Company. Their centrally located Hazebrouck site at this time was in a Cycle accessories factory on Rue de Borre, appropriate for servicing the coastal area of Nieuport and Arras in the southern region, with rear areas engaged in deep well boring.

Sergeant Hughie Dodd was also a member of the Alphabetical Company and kept a diary of his work and mentioned members of the company he worked with. The following is his entry referring to Walter Steadman: [1916] Left Hazebrouck October 11th for 254 attached REI0 Bethune. Went to Givenchy October 12th. No. 1 engine wants overhauling badly. October 22 Williamson. Reported from hospital November 11th Carlton went to hospital 13th November. Steadman taken away to Hazebrouck November 17th. Sgt Moody after working one shift took ill and was sent back to HQ November 17. Walter wrote a letter home to his wife which was published in several Queensland newspapers including the:

Townsville Daily Bulletin Thursday March 1, 1917: THE GREAT WAR Lance-Corporal W. Steadman says the “Northern Miner”: writing to his wife from France, says amongst other things—“I love the trenches and the excitement. We now have the munitions to give Fritz a good feed every day. Our guns are belching at him all the time. We want more men. To fill in the trenches means success. There are plenty of men staying behind that could come. We want just a little spell and could get it if they would only come forward. England is up against a viper, clever, cruel and dominating, and good God, if we went under it would be hell for those left behind.” Lance Corporal Steadman, who is well known in Townsville and Hughenden, has been fifteen months on active service.

While on leave in England the following occurred on January 1, 1918: Crime: A.W.L. overstaying leave in U.K. Absent 24hrs. Award: Forfeit 7 day’s pay and 2 days by Royal Warrant. Total forfeiture: 9 day’s pay

On March 29, 1918 he was taken to the 15 Casualty Clearing Station and admitted, his report marked 4.40 Dentures and rejoined his unit the following day.

Following the publication in Queensland newspapers on September 5, 1918 of the Casualty List no. 427, Base Records received an undated letter from Miss C.M. Hoad of Ilfracombe, Qld requesting clarification if the Corporal W.H. Steadman recorded on List 427 was Sapper 290 W. Steadman of Electric and Mechanical Staff Headquarters, A.I.F. abroad.

A reply dated September 20, 1918 advised that Corporal W.H. Steadman was with the 26th Battalion and Sapper W. Steadman was assumed to be still with his unit.

He proceeded on leave on September 30, 1918 returning to his unit on October 14, 1918.

He was with his unit when Peace was declared and they remained on the front continuing to generate electricity and supply and service small engines and pumps for water supplies for those rehabilitating their districts.

Further leave was granted from December 4 to December 18, 1918.

The Company received orders to prepare for Demobilisation marching out on February 3, 1919 and departed Havre for England on February 12. They marched in to the Sutton Veny Training Brigade’s camp overnight then moved to the No.1 Command Depot to await their voyage home.

His departure for Australia took place on March 31, 1919 aboard the H.T. Khyber and his wife was notified on April 26, 1919 by Base Records. Her good news was reported in:

The Northern Miner Wednesday May 7, 1919: THE LATE WAR Mrs W. Steadman, Bow-street has been advised that her husband, Sapper W. Steadman, Australian Electrical and Mechanical Mining Unit is returning to Australia per transport Khyber and will arrive in Melbourne on May 13. Sapper Steadman has been on active service nearly four years.

The ship docked in Brisbane, Qld (1st Military District) on May 18 and disembarked on May 21, 1919. News of their arrival was published in: The Brisbane Courier Thursday May 22, 1919: HOME AGAIN THE KHYBER CONTINGENT A batch of 252 men, returned to Australia by the Khyer; were landed from the Beaver at the Kennedy Wharf at 1.30 p.m. yesterday. Captain E. Murphy, O.C. came with the soldiers, and in the full list there was only one cot case—not serious. A few English brides were noticed aboard. The wharf and environs were crowded with welcoming friends and spectators. The State Commandant (Brigadier-General Irving) apologised for the absence of the Governor, and offered a hearty welcome on behalf of the Commonwealth. Mr Gillies (Minister for Justice) also offered welcome. The mayor (Alderman C.P. Buchanan) and Alderman Oxlade, Mr W.G. Graham (Under Secretary for Lands) and Mrs Graham (sister of Captain Murphy, O.C. were also present.

Home leave was granted and this news was shared in:

The Northern Miner on Friday May 23, 1919: TO-DAY Mrs W. Steadman has received a telegram from her husband, Sapper W. Steadman stating he will return home by Monday’s Western train.

Military Discharge was issued in Brisbane (1st M.D.) on July 5, 1919 on termination of his period of enlistment.

For service to his country Sapper Walter Steadman 290 1st Tunnelling Company / Aust Electrical Mechanical Mining and Boring Company received the British War Medal (12212) and the Victory Medal (12055).

He returned to work in the Hughenden district. Snippets appear in newspapers of his work:

The Northern Miner Wednesday January 26, 1927: HUGHENDEN NOTES The following permits to travel stock were issued during the week: 2 horses from Penfield to Charters Towers, W. Steadman, owner. Article abridged

The Brisbane Courier Friday January 6, 1928: CHARTERS TOWERS STATE HOME The announcement was made at the Works Department yesterday that the tender of Messrs Walter Steadman and Sons, amounting to £1276, for the formation of roadways, kerbing to roadways, levelling and planting lawns and shade trees, at Eventide Home for the Aged at Charters Towers, had been accepted.

The Northern Miner Saturday June 15, 1929: TO-DAY In the summons division of the Police Court yesterday, before Mr W. Grace Moran, Police Magistrate, Arthur Rose proceeded against Walter Steadman and Sons under the Wages Act for £81 15s [blurred] wages due. The case was heard ex parte. Judgement was given for £81 15s wages, and 6/6 costs of court as against Walter Steadman, senior, Lionel Steadman and William Abraham Steadman. The plaintiff appeared on his own behalf.

He registered in the Hughenden electorate as a Labourer in 1930. The following year he became the proprietor of the kiosk at Spa Water near Helidon, Queensland.

Walter Abraham Steadman died aged 58 years from injuries received on January 21, 1932. Funeral arrangements were published in:

The Toowoomba Chronicle Saturday January 22, 1932 FUNERALS STEADMAN—The Friends of the late WALTER ABRAHAM STEADMAN of Helidon (late 1st Australian Miners’ Battalion A.I.F.) are respectfully invited to attend his Funeral, which will leave from our Funeral Parlour, Bell-street, THIS DAY, at 2.30 p.m. for the Toowoomba Cemetery. T.S. BURSTOW Funeral Director

The following day news of his untimely death was reported in:

The Brisbane Courier January 23, 1932: TOOWOOMBA Believed to have been knocked down by a motor vehicle, Walter Abraham Steadman (58) was found lying in an injured condition on the Brisbane-Toowoomba road at Lockyer Creek, Helidon, at 12.30 a.m. yesterday, and was taken to the General Hospital, by the Ambulance, where he died at 3 p.m. He was injured on the back probably internally, and also sustained a dislocated left thigh, and a large lacerated wound on the left foot. The deceased was the proprietor of the kiosk situated at the spa well, near Helidon. Eric Pitman, a truck driver, who was proceeding from Brisbane to Toowoomba noticed the man lying on the road about 3ft from the water’s edge. He was conscious when picked up, and stated that he had been knocked down, but could not say what struck him. Deceased was a married man with a grown up family, his eldest son being in business in Helidon.

Queensland Times Saturday January 23, 1932: MANY INJURIES HELIDON MAN KILLED “KNOCKED DOWN BY SOMETHING” Toowoomba, January 22. Apparently knocked down by a passing motor vehicle, which had disappeared when he was found, Walter Steadman (53), the proprietor of the kiosk at Spawater, two or three miles of Helidon, died from his injuries to- day. Steadman early this morning was returning from Helidon. He was found lying on the road by Eric Pitman, who was passing in a truck on his way from Brisbane to Toowoomba. The injured man was conscious, but only light he could throw on the fatality was that he was knocked down by something. There seems little doubt that it was a passing motor vehicle. Pitman found him lying on his back with his feet, from which the boots were removed, pointing toward Lockyer Creek. The Ambulance found that Steadman was suffering from a dislocation of the left thigh, and a large lacerated wound on the left foot; but there is reason to believe that there were also internal injuries. A pipe in his pocket was smashed, and a tobacco tin was battered. The deceased opened the kiosk only a few months ago, and became well known to passing motorists. Nothing is known of relatives in Toowoomba or below the Range.

A small obituary appeared in:

The Northern Miner Saturday February 6, 1932: HUGHENDEN NOTES Word has been received of the death from accident at Helidon of Walter Steadman. The deceased was born in England in 1872, and had worked as a miner and had also owned a selection in this district for some years. He leaves a widow and eight children.

On February 20, 1932 a letter was written on behalf of the widow of the late Walter Abraham Steadman from the R.S.S.I.L.A. Hughenden Branch to Base Records requiring a duplicate certificate of discharge requesting that the certificate be sent to Mr R. Steadman, Victoria Café, Helidon.

An inquiry was held about the incident and the findings published in: The Brisbane Courier February 18, 1932: TOOWOOMBA. In the Coroner's Court yesterday, before Mr. C. J. Bott, Acting P.M., an inquiry was conducted into the death of Walter Abraham Steadman (58) married, who was found lying on the road in an injured condition near the Lockyer Creek, Helidon, at 12.30 a.m. on January 22, 1931, and who died at the Toowoomba General Hospital the same day. Constable George Marchant stated that Eric Pitman, lorry driver found deceased on the road. In a statement, deceased said that he had been knocked down from behind, but he did not know what struck him. Deceased had resided at The Spa, near Helidon. Witness could not find out who was responsible for Steadman's death. Leslie William Williams who was travelling on Pitman's truck on the night of the accident, said that he noticed the injured man lying about 3ft. in front of the truck, about a yard from the water. He called out to the driver and the lorry swerved, avoiding the man by about 2ft. He was satisfied that Pitman's truck did not cause the injuries to deceased. George Robert Andrew also gave evidence. The inquiry was adjourned until Monday. Article Abridged

The Brisbane Courier February 23, 1932: TOOWOOMBA Further evidence was heard in the Coroner’s Court yesterday, before Mr C. Bott, Acting P.M. in the inquiry into the death of Walter Abrahams Steadman, who was found on the road in an injured condition near Lockyer Creek, Helidon at 10.30 a.m. on January 22, and who died in hospital the same day. It is believed that the deceased was knocked down by a motor vehicle. Police witnesses said they had been unable to find out who was responsible for the accident. Amethyst S.C. M’Paul, employed at Helidon by Joseph R. Steadman, a son of the deceased, said the deceased left Steadman’s shop at 10.15 a.m. on January 21 with the intention of proceeding home. He was a man of temperate habits. Joseph Ralph Steadman also gave evidence, and the inquiry was adjourned sine die.

Queensland Times (Ipswich) Wednesday February 24, 1932: HELIDON FATALITY The inquest into the death of Walter Abraham Steadman, who was injured at Lockyer Creek, Helidon, on January 21, and died in Toowoomba General Hospital on January 22, was continued by the Acting Coroner, Mr C.J. Bott, Toowoomba, on Monday. (Continued) Senior Sergeant Wilkinson examined the witnesses, Emethyst Sylvia Coral McPaul, a domestic employed by Joseph Ralph Steadman, stated that between 9 and 9.30 o’clock on the night of January 1 she saw deceased at Joseph Steadman’ shop. He was laughing and joking with the girls outside the shop, and he bought some lollies for them. She closed the shop about 10.15. He said he was going to find his mates, and go home. She retired to bed about 11 o’clock. About 12.30 she was awakened by Pitman knocking on the side door. Pitman told her that old Mr Steadman was injured at the crossing, and also told her to ring Toowoomba ambulance. Deceased was a man of temperate habits. He would have drink but was never drunk. Deceased had some money on him when he left the shop. Joseph Ralph Steadman, a son of the deceased, stated that he kept a refreshment room at Helidon. He went to Brisbane on January 20 for the purpose of buying a motor truck. On the morning of January 22 he was advised by telephone of the accident. He arrived back in Helidon about 6.30 that afternoon, and was told by Miss McPaul that his father had passed away. The inquest was adjourned sine die.

The Toowoomba Branch of the R.S.S.I.L.A. also sent a letter dated March 11, 1932 requesting regimental particulars of Walter Abraham Steadman who enlisted in Townsville in 1915 and left Sydney sometime later with the 2nd Tunnelling Company.

Base Records replied on March 17, 1932 with enlistment details regarding 290 Sapper Steadman plus named his next-of-kin on Attestation Papers.

A reply to the Hughenden Branch R.S.S.I.L.A’s letter dated March 21, 1932 stated that a duplicate certificate of discharge could only be issued to an ex-soldier but if his widow could supply further particulars to establish the man’s identity a suitable statement could be issued. No further correspondence continued on the matter. Mrs Lucy Steadman passed away on September 26, 1945.

His grave and plaque are located in the Drayton & Toowoomba General Cemetery in Presbyterian section 3, within row 12 in grave no. 43.

Photo sourced from Toowoomba City Council – Drayton & Toowoomba Cemetery

Addendum

In July 2015 the website received an email from an Elaine Lloyd:

“ Hello I have a relative who has asked me to find out if there is any way to contact Cheryl Parker the great granddaughter of Walter Steadman as Cheryl assisted Donna Baldey 2009 & 2014 with information for your site regarding Walter Abraham Steadman. 290 - 1st Tunnelling Company.

This is an important issue in regard to making contact with Walter Steadman's great granddaughter as she shows true interest in her great grandfathers life.

If it is not possible for you to give me her contact details would it be possible that you hand on my contact details so then she can appropriately make contact with me and then I will proceed from there by then going back to my relative who is the initial enquirer in this regard and he will be able to then have direct communication with Cheryl without myself as the intermediate person.

The message was passed to Cheryl who later advised us:

“I have had contact with Elaine she said that her cousin had some good news for me not knowing what it was about. I told Elaine that the one thing was I would love to know were Walter Steadman’s war medals end up, then she said they had some good news.

Ted Goodwin, her cousin, has them. They were in his mothers belongings, even he didn’t know how or why his mother had them. This is the next puzzle we are trying to work out.

All he wanted was to pass these on to our family before he gets any older and know that they have come home to Walter’s family.

We are going to catch up in September for lunch so this will be a really emotional day.”

Cheryl kindly shared photos of the medals with us.