Lance Corporal Edgar Arthur Jupp M.M

JUPP BROTHERS

LANCE CORPORAL EDGAR ARTHUR JUPP M.M. 1054 – 3rd Tunnelling Company

Waratah, Tasmania was the birthplace of Edgar Arthur Jupp on October 17, 1885 the son of James (Jesse) Josiah and Emma Louisa (nee Robotham) Jupp. Edgar married Alice Catherine Prouse in 1908 and he was a miner at Whyte River in 1914.

News of a copper ore discovery was published in the Launceston Examiner on Thursday April 18, 1907:

MINING NOTES WHYTE AND HEAZLEWOOD DISTRICTS Messrs Herbert Gatehouse and Edgar Jupp, two well-known residents of the Heazlewood district, have discovered a large copper formation situated a short distance south of the 18-mile peg on the Waratah Corinna-road. It is said this outcrop is over a chain in width, and samples assayed gave 4 per cent of copper. The locality should be highly favourable for rich mineral deposits, as it is on the contact of the serpentine and slate country. It is to be hoped the venture will come out right, as the discoverers are two persevering prospectors and they deserve some reward for the time they have given to exploration without assistance from outsiders.

The North Western Advocate and the Emu Bay Times on Saturday August 29, 1908 published the hearing of a mining claim at the Zeehan Warden’s Court where Edgar Jupp was a witness for the defendant. The following are extracts where Edgar is mentioned: WEST COAST MINING CASE ZEEHAN, Friday—At the Warden’s Court—the hearing of the mining claim for £30/13/3, Charles Burslem v. W.G. Wells. W.G. Wells, A.C. Bertoli, Edgar Jupp, Allan Shepherd and Edgar and William Dunkley gave evidence on behalf of the defendant, much of which was of a most tedious and immaterial character. On resuming, Edgar Jupp gave evidence that he was working on shift at the Silver Hills mine for Burslem. Article abridged.

Two sporting articles appeared in The North Western Advocate and the Emu Bay Times during 1911:

Friday June 23, 1911 MISCELLANEOUS CHALLENGE—I, the undersigned, am prepared to box Gus Thorne, of Waratah, the best of 20 rounds, for a subscribed purse, from £10 to £20. (Signed) EDGAR JUPP Whyte River. Wednesday November 8, 1911 WARATAH A boxing contest took place in the Athenaeum on Saturday night between Edgar Jupp, of Whyte River, and Dick Kenny, of Waratah. The bout was fast and furious, and of very short duration. Jupp forced matters from the outset and repeatedly had his opponent in difficulties. Early in the second he sent Kenny to the floor, where he was counted out.

At the Recruiting Office in Ross, Tasmania on October 28, 1915 the thirty year old miner applied to enlist for active service abroad and passed the preliminary medical examination. Attestation forms were completed which reveal he was 182cms (5ft 11½ins) tall, weighed 72.2kgs (159lbs) with a chest expansion of 89-97cms (35-38ins). Complexion was fair with blue eyes testing to good vision and fair hair. A distinctive mark was a scar under his chin. Church of England was his religious denomination. Next-of-kin was his wife Mrs Alice Katherine Jupp of Whyte River, Tasmania and allotted three-fifths of his pay in family support.

The North Western Advocate and the Emu Bay Times on Saturday October 30, 1915 reported of his farewell: WHYTE RIVER On Saturday evening the residents of Whyte River met by invitation from Mt Cleveland employees at a banquet given by them in honour of four of their mates who have passed the medical examinations, and are leaving for military training prior to final departure for Gallipoli of elsewhere—Edgar Jupp, William, Roger Land and Edward Crawford, all highly respected and well known young men. Between 30 and 40 sat down to an excellent repast provided by Mr James Quinton, of the White River Hotel. The duties of chairman and M.C. were carried out by Mr Charles Beasley, foreman of Cleveland workings. The toast of “The King” was loyally received. Mr J. Jupp proposed “The Army, Our Boys at the Front, and on their Way; The Navy, our Invincible Iron Walls” Mr W. Crabbe sang “Too True, Too True”; Mr Thos. Prouse, “Why did He Leave Me”; Mr J. Billinhurst, “In the Baltic”, Mr C. Beasley, “Get a Sweetheart Every Day, but not a Mother”; Mr Frank Gill gave an address, “The Hun’s Downfall”; Mr J. Jupp sang “The Young Recruit,” and Mr R. Lane sang “Can’t fight, but won’t be licked.” Mr W. Crabbe gave a stirring address, expressing regret at the departure of our lads, and wishing them a safe return. Mr Charles Beasley presented each of the recruits with a wristlet watch, on behalf of their fellow workmen, wishing each a safe return. Edgar Jupp responded, thanking all on behalf of himself and mates for their presents and good wishes; they would do their duty in “Carvin’ the Turkey or the Hun” when the opportunity offered. After the usual bumper toasts and “He’s a Jolly Good Fellow,” all adjourned to the Whyte River Hall for dancing which was kept in full swing till Sunday morning. Mr Thos. Prouse as usual rendering his very best dance music. This concluded a very enjoyable evening. Whyte River has now sent to help defend the Empire—Robert Burke, Patrick Powell, William Powell, Charles Prouse, Walter Prouse, Edward Crawford, Edgar Jupp, William Moran and Roger Lane. Go thou and do likewise!

The following day he was sworn in at Ross, Tas and commenced basic training until November 27, 1915 when he was transferred to Claremont camp for further training with the Mining Corps.

The Launceston Examiner on Thursday December 9, 1915 gave this report about the Corps:

THE CLAREMONT CAMP On November 27, 208 men, belonging partly to the Mining Corps and partly to Infantry reinforcements, were transferred from Ross to Claremont. The following are the names of the men: Mining Corps: Captain T.H. Vincent, G.A. Anderson, W. Berry, M. Berkeley, W. Blaney, W. Bayes, F. Biddulph, A.D. Black, C. Breaden, W.M. Bateson, W. Birch, D. Brennan, C.W. Burris, A.T. Coulson, W.J. Crosswell, F.A. Cashman, B. Cahill, F.E. Cooper, R. Carter, E.A. Crawford, C.N. Clarke, G. Dewhurst, P. Dunn, L.M. Forsyth, W.A. Fraser, W.J. Ferguson, H. Gatehouse, E. Green, W.S. Geard, H.R. Homan, G. Holloway, E.L. Hubbard, W.H. Horsberg, V.J.R. Hubbard, G.H. Johnston, H.V. Jackson, E.A. Jupp, A.R. Little, E.R. Monks, P.T. Moseley, W.M. Moran, M.J. Morrison, A.W.J. Maggs, A. McDermott, L.R. Morgan, M.P. O’Toole, W. Painter, E.D. Price, J.R. Peterson, T.T. Rocter, J. Reynolds, R. Smith, L.J. Shearing, W. Stewart, W. Searle, C. Seen, H. Stevens, L.A. Street, H.C. Simpson, J.G. Turnbull, O.N.W. Taylor, J. Taylor, J. Thomas, T.J. Travis, C.D. Wardle, L.J. Wolfe, W. Walls, C. Chaplain, P. J. Barrett, F. Claxton, O.L. McArdell, M. Ryan, J. Brennan, W. Fordham, -- Jupp.

It is not recorded when the volunteers transferred to Mining Corps’ training camp at Casula near Liverpool, NSW to join with other members from around the country but Edgar was assigned to the No. 3 Company Mining Corps with the regimental number 1054 in the rank of Sapper.

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 Edgar Jupp was assigned to the 3rd Tunnelling Company.

He was admitted sick on May 22, 1916 to the 99th Field Ambulance with Influenza and moved to the A.A.M.C. Station. On May 26 was transferred to the 101st Field Ambulance Rest Station with Influenza and rejoined his unit on May 31, 1916.

On April 25, 1917 he was mentioned working as a Listener with No. 4 Section of the 3rd Tunnelling Company. As a Listener he sat underground using a Geophone to hear sounds of enemy movements with a stethoscopic device to his ears. During his lonely shift he was positioned at the end of a tunnel constructed under ‘No Man’s Land’ timing with a watch and describing in detail in his log book the sounds he heard. The log book was handed in for assessment when he came off duty. Leave from France was granted from May 21 until May 31, 1917.

News of the death of his wife appeared in The North Western Advocate and the Emu Bay Times Wednesday November 7, 1917 when her parents placed this notice:

THANKS—Mr and Mrs Thomas Prouse and Family desire to THANK their friends of Whyte River and Waratah for expressions of sympathy and floral tributes in their recent bereavement occasioned by the death of their daughter and sister, Mrs E. Jupp. Especial thanks are tendered to Mr and Mrs Quinton and Mr W. Crabb; also to Mrs F. Corbett and J. Cumming for kind actions.

On February 20, 1918 three Blue Chevrons were issued to him to wear on his uniform for twelve months service.

Next-of kin was changed to his mother Mrs E.L. Jupp of Tullah, Tasmania on March 18, 1918 as his wife was deceased.

A promotion to the rank of Lance Corporal was granted on April 27, 1918.

He proceeded on leave from August 8 until August 23, 1918 and rejoined his unit on August 24.

He was awarded the Military Medal. In the After War Report of the 3rd Tunnelling Company for October, 1918 the following extract stated: The Military Medal was awarded to the following for conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty:-

914 C.Q.M.S. Austin, T. 1201 2.Cpl. Williams, W. 1054 L/Cpl. Jupp, E.A.

During the advance of the 58th Division from Ognies to Maulde between 16th and 26th October 1918, L/Cpl Edgar Arthur JUPP was with an advance party engaged on investigation for enemy mines.

He was responsible for finding and removing a large number of cleverly set traps, including four delay action mines. He showed splendid leadership. His energy and courage being a fine example to the rest of his party.

When Armistice was declared L/Corporal Jupp was with his unit and the Tunnelling Companies remained as part of the Army of Occupation assisting with the rehabilitation of roads and bridges by clearing of land mines and traps in their areas.

The men were recalled to prepare for demobilisation on February 2, 1919 and returned to the Aust General Base Depot. On February 21, 1919 they departed France and crossed the English Channel entering the Reserve Brigade Aust Artillery camp at Heytesbury.

On March 15, 1919 at the Convalescent Camp in Heytesbury the following was dealt with: Offence: 12/3/19 Failing to attend place of parade. Award: Admonished by Major O.F. Dixon 15/3/19.

Lance Corporal Jupp was transferred on March 19, 1919 to the 2nd Training Brigade at Codford. For the return voyage to Australia he was aboard H.T. Sardinia which departed from Devonport on April 19, 1919. His mother was advised by Base Records during May that her son was on his way home. The ship docked in Melbourne, Vic (3rd M.D.) on June 8, 1919 and after demobilisation the Lance Corporal left for Tasmania (6th M.D.)

In the Launceston Examiner on Monday June 30, 1919 a Welcome Home reception was published:

TULLAH At the Academy on Tuesday night a social was held by the reception committee to welcome home Corp. Edgar Jupp (tunnelling corps), and Stoker Wilby, H.M.S. Torrens. Mr J. Geddes presided, and extended a most hearty welcome home, and said it was unique for Tullah that on this occasion they were welcoming representatives of both army and navy, the two great forces that had won the war. Both returned men briefly returned thanks for their kind welcome. “For They Are Jolly Good Fellows” was lustily sung. At this point Mr W.H. Tole mounted the stage and read the peace news. This brought forth tremendous applause and cheering. After the cheers had subsided, at the request of the chairman, Mr Tole addressed the audience. This was followed by cheer upon cheer, and the singing of the National Anthem. After this dancing went with an unusual vim; everyone being overjoyed with the news. Dancing continued until midnight, with an interval for supper. During the evening Miss Sylvia Lynch sang a song. The glorious news quickly spread, and the church bells were soon ringing, and the can bands paraded the streets, people singing and cheering till a late hour.

Military Discharge on the termination of his period of enlistment was issued on August 14, 1919 in Hobart, Tas (6th M.D.) He returned to his occupation of miner at Whyte River. Later that year he is recorded as a miner at Renison Bell, Tas.

His mother received a letter from Base Records dated December 1, 1919 forwarding her a copy of the extract that appeared in the London Gazette dated July 3, 1919 relating to the conspicuous services rendered as a member of the A.I.F. AWARDED THE MILITARY MEDAL HIS MAJESTY THE KING has been graciously pleased to approve of the award of the Military Medal for bravery in the Field. No. 1054 Lance Corporal E.A. Jupp.

The Commonwealth of Australia Gazette also promulgated this on October 17, 1919.

The Military Medal was sent on January 30, 1920 to the Commandant 6th Military District for presentation to the recipient.

The British War Medal (3351) and the Victory Medal (3350) were also issued to Lance Corporal 1054 Edgar Arthur Jupp, 3rd Tunnelling Company for serving his country.

His Victory Medal remained unclaimed and was returned to Base Records on March 29, 1924. The Medal Section wrote to his mother Mrs E.L. Jupp on May 27, 1924 regarding her son’s Medal requesting his current address. Edgar applied for the medal which was forwarded by registered post on July 4, 1924 to him at Campbell Street, Wonthaggi, Vic.

From 1941 onwards he was residing at 110 Merrin Street, Wonthaggi, Vic with the occupation of a miner. A Statement of his Service was forwarded to the Repatriation Commission in Melbourne, Vic on November 14, 1941.

Edgar Arthur Jupp passed away in 1942 at 56 years of age.

Base Records received a telephone call on June 13, 1961 requesting the actual citation that earned him his Military Medal but the letter of reply to Mr E.A. Jupp at 28 Fontein Street, Tottenham, Vic stated that it was ‘not now available’ but sent a photocopy of the extract from his file.

His younger brother also enlisted.

SAPPER VICTOR JOHN JUPP 1053 – No. 3 Company Mining Corps

Victor John Jupp was born at Whyte River, Tasmania on March 2, 1895 and almost ten years younger than his brother Edgar.

At Zeehan, Tasmania on November 3, 1916 Victor applied to the recruiting officer for overseas service. Being four months short of twenty-one years his mother gave her consent signature for him to join the A.I.F. Victor agreed to be inoculated against Small Pox and Enteric Fever.

Personal particulars taken show he passed the preliminary medical examination and was single standing (5ft 9ins) tall with a chest measurement of (36ins) and postal address was Renison Bell, Tas. His application was presented in Hobart, Tas (6th Military District) on November 8, 1916 and accepted a day later.

Forms of Attestation were completed at Ross, Tas which add further information that his height was now 174cms (5ft 8½ins), weighed 63.6kgs (140lbs) with a chest expansion of 84-92cms (33-36ins). Complexion was fair with good vision in yellowish eyes and had fair hair. An appendix scar was noted as a distinctive mark. Church of England was his faith. His mother Mrs Emma Jupp of Renison Bell, Tasmania was nominated as next-of-kin. He signed and took the ‘Oath of Allegiance’ the same day. On November 19, 1915 he passed the final medical examination and did his training with the same volunteers his information follow that of his brother Edgar.

Victor was also assigned to the No. 3 Company Mining Corps in the rank of Sapper with the regimental number 1053 and embarked on HMAT A38 Ulysses remaining with his company until he took ill around the time they made their way to tranship to the transport B.1 Ansonia.

On April 25, 1916 he was admitted to the 21st General Hospital at Alexandria diagnosed with severe Rheumatism. Base Records advised his mother that her son had been admitted to hospital. A transfer to the 3rd Auxiliary Hospital at Heliopolis followed on May 4 and a week later was sent to the B.R. Convalescent Hospital at Montazah. In the Launceston Examiner on Monday May 22, 1916 the latest Casualty List was published with Sapper Jupp mentioned in the Tasmanian section:

ROLL OF HONOUR HEAVY CASUALTY LIST The 170th casualty list, issued on Saturday, was a very heavy one. TASMANIA ILL IN HOSPITAL Sapper V.J. Jupp (Renison Bell).

Sapper Jupp was discharged from convalescing at Montazah on May 26, 1916 to duty at Tel-el-Kebir. He entered the 2nd Aust S. Hospital there on June 20 with rheumatism and relocated to the 3rd Aust General Hospital in Abbassia two days later.

A.I.F. Headquarters in Cairo approved his return to Australia for discharge due to medical unfitness of Tubercular disease of the right hip. Departure was from the Suez, Egypt on board the troopship H.T. Seang Choon on July 17, 1916. His mother was advised by Base Records on August 7, 1916 of her son’s impending return. A copy of his medical history was made for a War Pension on August 14, 1916. The transport docked in Melbourne, Vic (3rd M.D.) on August 18, 1916.

News of his return to Launceston a few days later was reported in The Mercury on Monday August 21, 1916:

BACK FROM THE WAR RETURN OF PARTY OF TASMANIANS LAUNCESTON, August 20. Another batch of returned soldiers arrived by the Loongana yesterday. There were 17, and all were in the convalescent stage following illness. Upon disembarking they were received by officers of the Red Cross Society and the Brigade Major (Lieutenant Harris), and were addressed by Chaplain J.W. Grove. They were subsequently motored to the base hospital in Cameron-street, and those for Hobart went on by express. The names of the men and other particulars are:- Sapper Victor Jupp, 1st Mining Corps, Zeehan, 21. Article abridged.

Military Discharge was issued in Hobart (6th M.D.) on March 27, 1917 and was immediately granted a pension of sixty shilling per fortnight to be sent to Renison Bell. His dependants for a pension were: Mrs Emma Louisa Jupp widowed dependant mother granted 30 shillings per fortnight Nellie May Jupp niece rejected as not a dependant.

The Staff Officer for Returned Soldiers forwarded on March 29, 1917 his medical records to Base Records.

Sapper Victor John Jupp, No. 3 Company Mining Corps was entitled to wear the British War Medal (3352). As he did not get to the Western Front was ineligible for the Victory Medal.

His address in 1919 was listed as 12th Aust General Hospital, Launceston, Tas with the occupation of mill worker. By 1924 he was residing at 21 Chapel Street, St Kilda, Melbourne, Vic and a Mica worker.

Victor married in the Waverley district of Sydney, NSW to Helen Clare Meagher in 1929 where the following year they were living at 2 Warragul Flats, Bondi Road, Bondi and he was a clockmaker. By 1933 their residence was at 4 Waikoto, Hewlett Street, Waverley and watchmaker was his trade. 1 Gardyne Street, Clovelly was their address in 1936 and 1937 with engineer as his occupation and 42 Lucy Street, Croydon was home from 1945 onwards. This incident made the Sydney Morning Herald on Saturday April 30, 1949: HUSBAND DID NOT HEED WIFE’S WARNING Two men in a house at Croydon would not believe a woman last night when she told them a thief was in the front bedroom. Mrs Victor Jupp, of Lucy Street, Croydon, heard a thud in her front bedroom. She went to investigate, and saw one of her blankets disappearing through the window. Mrs Jupp called out: “There is a thief in the house!” She said later: “My husband and a man friend at the back of the house thought I was joking. “When I finally convinced them and they ran out, the burglar had disappeared taking the blanket with him.” The thief had apparently not had time to steal anything else before he heard Mrs Jupp’s footsteps approaching. Detectives Robertson and Kirby, of the Western Wireless Patrol, organised a search for the thief.

A Statement of his Service was forwarded to the Repatriation Commission in Sydney, NSW on September 20, 1954.

Victor John Jupp passed away on June 16, 1978 aged 83 years. His demise was announced in the Sydney Morning Herald the following day stating he was late of St Mary’s, Sydney, NSW.

Note: The mother of Edgar and Victor, Mrs Emma Louisa Jupp of Renison Bell, Tas was nominated as a friend in lieu of next-of-kin for John Burge, a forty-two year old miner, when he enlisted with the A.I.F. on December 4, 1915. He also was assigned to the 3rd Tunnelling Company and returned on March 31, 1919. His profile appears on this site.