Staff-Sergeant Arnott Victor Dundas Moody D

STAFF-SERGEANT ARNOTT VICTOR DUNDAS MOODY D.C.M. 386 –1st Tunnelling Company / Aust Electrical & Mechanical Mining & Boring Company

Arnott Victor Dundas Moody was born in Scone, New South Wales in 1887 the son of Thomas C. and Alice E. Moody. He had been apprenticed for four and a half years as an electrical engineer with J.D. Cantly.

At the Warwick Farm Depot, NSW on August 3, 1915 the twenty-eight year old applied to enlist for active service abroad and passed the medical examination with the notation ‘fit for A.A.M.C.’. The following was reported in the:

Sydney Morning Herald August 18, 1915: RECRUITING Mr Arnott Moody of the firm Moody and Co, Electrical Specialists, who has volunteered and been accepted, is the 6th recruit that has volunteered from this firm since the outbreak of the war. One has been killed in action, three are at present at Gallipoli and two more are now training.

Attestation forms were completed on September 14, 1915 which describe him as 164cms (5ft 4½ins), weighing 62.2kgs (137lbs) with a chest measurement of 89cms (35ins). Complexion was fair with hazel eyes that tested to good vision and had brown hair. Church of England was his religious faith. Next-of- kin was his father Mr Thomas Frederick Moody of 343 Kent Street, Sydney. He signed and took the ‘Oath of Enlistment’ the same day.

He was assigned as a Sapper from August 3, 1915 to the No. 1 Company of the Mining Corps which was in its first stages of establishment with the regimental number 386 until February 18 when in Routine Order No. 50 he was promoted to the rank of Sergeant.

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’.

The No. 1 Company became the 1st Tunnelling Company in the field.

Sergeant Moody’s civil qualifications of electrical engineer were more beneficial to the work of the Aust Electrical & Mechanical Mining & Boring Company therefore was transferred to this company on September 30, 1916 and taken on strength.

He went sick to the 12th Casualty Clearing Station on November 17, 1916 with Influenza and rejoined his unit five days later.

Sergeant E.G. ‘Hughie’ Dodd was also with this company and kept a diary of his work and frequently mentions Sergeant Moody:

[Undated entry but would be November, 1916] Sgt Moody after working one shift took ill and was sent back to HQ November 17.

A promotion to the rank of Staff-Sergeant took place on January 2, 1917. He was issued with Blue Chevrons to wear on his uniform for serving twelve months service.

Entries from the Dodd Diary add to his service on the front:

February 10 Run bearing between generator and engine. Staff Sgt Moody took back to shop. February 12 Moody sent bearing up this morning which I put in, a good engine running. February 13 Moody left to go to another job this evening leaving me on my own. Lieut. Williams RE refuses to allow anyone to sleep in Proto dugout. Slept in winch house at top of tunnel. February 16 Left Vermelles Tunnel this morning and came down to Noeux-les-Mines to wait for lamps. I suppose they will come along tomorrow. Shall try and get a change of clothing and a bath this afternoon as I have not had a decent wash since going up to the trenches. Sgt Moody tells me that Capt Morse has gone to Nice for a fortnight's spell as he has a slight touch of pneumonia. In this morning's paper, Sir D Haig says that Fritz will be beaten this year. I hope that he is right. February 20 Lieut. Norfolk rang up to see Moody and told him to meet him at 253 Coy's headquarters in the morning. Shall be going up tomorrow morning, have some 16 CP and 25 CP lamps. February 24 Norfolk came up today in a big stew. 170 Coy rang Hazebrouck to say all their lamps had burnt out. Lieut. Woods RE told them absolute lie, which was proved when set was given a run. They put volt testers on and it was proved conclusively that I had not been running at more than 200 volts. Soon a man gets away from this Coy the better as the fools know nothing about this work at all. Had to hop in and alter all the lights in Saville Row. Moody came up this morning. March 27 Had a note from Moody yesterday that no work was to be installed unless instructions came from our own people. March 31 Moody up today and could find nothing wrong. Polarity on switchboards correct. Brought amp metre up and she only shows 9 amps' load. Shall only be able to get about another two lamps on. The Manchesters took over the line from the Leicesters three days ago and about a dozen men could walk through the whole lot of them. Moody tells me Morse has been made a Major. Sent a note to Blair asking him to send my clothes out to me as I was only supposed to stay three days. It is now two months since first coming here. April 1 I don't know if Fritz was playing April Fool's joke on us or no, but he sent over tear shells for about three hours today and incidentally put the top of tunnel in right in front of No. 27 set. Broke four head trees and two side trees. This is just a bit too close to be nice! This engine room could not be in a worse position if they had tried to find one. About a week ago one of the long head trees in No. 37 Engine Room gave away right over the generator. Found out a couple of days ago that 170 Coy had put some of their Sergeants on spying for when lights go out. This is only to see if I report the same as they do. Have asked Moody to see the OC 170 Coy about it. I suppose they think that I should never close my eyes, I'm afraid they are much mistaken. April 16 Moody up today. Fritz evacuated Colonge and Morock. Our plant in both places were closed down. I wish he would turn it up altogether. May 6 Have not had time to write up before so will try again. A number of days ago, Fritz shelled Vermelles very heavily, knocking an advanced hospital about, so as nothing was left standing, right opposite here was a graveyard and I can tell you there wasn't much of it left when he stopped. He has also been shelling Noeux-les-Mines off an on for the last few weeks with 9.2 armoured piercing shells. Last night he was putting them into the Rue de Arras and killed a couple of 3rd Australians, two women and wounded a couple of kiddies. The bombardment at Leur and Arras are magnificent to have a look at, but to be under them is a horse of another colour. Moody tells me most of our chaps working down that way have been recommended for devotion to duty. Have had several boils on neck and a few days ago a beaut came on the back of my left hand. It has broken now but the hand and arm is still up about twice its normal size and also pretty painful too. The weather is just grand now, could not wish for better. June 12 Norfolk and Moody came out today. Norfolk very pleased with Job. Someone in my crowd keeps doing something to the carburettor. Perhaps they are trying their knowledge with my own. Shall be going to Hazebrouck tomorrow to get some clothes out. Fritz was sending over some gas shells yesterday. He got 46, 16 of whom died from the effects. Finished off an ink well made from 18lb nose. June 19 Blew up a bit of a storm today, any amount of dust. Paid today. Wood sent note 120 gallons petrol every Sunday. Moody rang up to say he was coming up tomorrow. June 20 Moody did not come up. Put T pieces in exhaust. Altered switchboard. June 23 Moody out this morning before lorries went up, Old Chidley has had a breakdown and Moody is going up north. I think there is something coming off up that way again and it won't be very long in coming. Am driving a shift tonight, one of my chaps has a septic leg and has been excused all duties.

He was recommended for a Distinguished Conduct Medal on August 5, 1917 – 5th Army as follows:

386 S/Sgt Moody, Arnott Victor Dundas For great gallantry and devotion to duty in sector Wieltze to Hill Top in connection with the preparations for the 5th Army operations. This necessitated quick work under heavy firing just prior to the attack, whilst installing machinery which in all cases gave every satisfaction during the attack. This N.C.O. has throughout the past 15 months shown the same untiring devotion to duty under fire, with his work at other portions of the line. R.V. Morse C.O. A.E.M.M.B.C. A further recommendation for the D.C.M. was dated September 23, 1917 with the commended action stated:

386 S/Sgt Moody, Arnott Victor Dundas For great gallantry and devotion to duty. He has been in charge of a section of the line Elec. Installation and Inspection for Mining and forward Battle Dugout lighting since May 1916. He did exceptionally good work under very difficult circumstances in the original mining power pumping in front of Kemmel and in the preparation for the Offensive of April 9th and May 31st of this year. R.V. Morse C.O. A.E.M.M.B.C.

A third recommendation was submitted by the company under Inspector of Mines G.H.Q. dated October, 1917:

386 S/Sgt Moody, Arnott Victor Dundas For great gallantry and devotion to duty in connection with the installation and inspection of electric power for mining, lighting and pumping, especially in connection with the offensives of the 9th April and 7th June, 1917. Inspector of Mines 8/10/17

Diary entries of Hughie Dodd continue:

November 8 Moody out today and told me he had sent cablegram which I had asked him to do for £10 to be sent to a Mr Sharp, a friend of his. I have not seen Moody for about a month so did not know if he had sent it or not, but I made doubly sure and sent for another twenty a week or so back. November 11 Moody came out today. Sent Newton across to Downie. Altered Saville Row mains and rewired it. Moody came out to tell me to go on leave, but money had not come along so had to cut it out. He told me he sent the cable to be sent to a Mr Sharp, a friend of his. November 27 The man who was missing when Jerry put B Shaft, was found underneath it. Piper and Moody out today, and to take charge of whole of maintenance from Old Kent Road to Hulluch. Can get leave any time I ask. Have to shift to Munster. December 5 Left Noeux-les-Mines this morning 7.30 for Munster tunnel. Very cold indeed, well below 0. My toes were not alive when I reached my destination. Piper and Moody out this afternoon, they want Old Kent Road engines out as soon as possible.

On December 4, 1917 he was to be Temporary Company Sergeant-Major due to C.S.M. 1291 Curtis being posted as a deserter.

He was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal which was announced on January 1, 1918. His citation reads: For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He carried out his duties in connection with the installation of electric power for mining and pumping with great energy and initiative, and rendered valuable service by his skilful work.

News of his award was published by family in the:

Sydney Morning Herald Wednesday January 30, 1918: AUSTRALIANS HONOURED Mr Rawson Moody, of Kent-street, has received a cablegram stating his brother Staff-Sergt Arnott Moody has been awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal and promoted to the rank of sergeant-major for his services in France. Sergeant-Major Arnott Moody enlisted in September 1915 and left Australia with the Mining Corps.

He was to be C.S.M. from February 3, 1918 as the former C.S.M. 1291 Curtis was reduced in ranks by a Field General Court Martial. His name was among those listed in the Official Honours List printed in: The Farmer and Settler Tuesday April 30, 1918: HONORS FOR AUSTRALIANS AWARDS FOR DISTINGUISHED SERVICES DISTINGUISHED CONDUCT MEDALS Engineers Staff-Sgt A.V.D. Moody, Sgt S. Fountain, Cpls L.J. Marshall, J.L. Mounsey, Spr J.L. Barrett, R.G. Thomas. Article abridged

His father was advised officially on May 1, 1918 that a Distinguished Conduct Medal had been awarded and giving the extract which appeared in the Supplement to the London Gazette:

“ HIS MAJESTY THE KING has been graciously pleased to approve of the undermentioned reward dor distinguished service in the Field. Dated 1st January, 1918. AWARDED THE DISTINGUISHED CONDUCT MEDAL No. 386 Staff-Sergeant A.V.D. Moody”

Another entry from the Dodd Diary in which he is mentioned reads:

June 28 RAP DAY today. Some of the boys got pretty drunk and called Moody and The Adjutant some nice names. Woody (SM) hardly knew what to do.

His father was advised further by Base Records on September 18, 1918 of the award of the Distinguished Conduct Medal for conspicuous services rendered replicating his citation which had appeared in the Supplement to the London Gazette dated April, 16, 1918. It had also been promulgated in the Commonwealth of Australia Gazette No. 137 of August 30, 1918.

Staff-Sergeant Moody 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 to those rehabilitating their areas.

The last entries from Hughie Dodd’s Diary were a week after Armistice was declared:

November 19 Moody crook today. I'm playing cards 'till past midnight. November 20 Slept in this morning. Never woke troops up until after seven. Moody came on parade this morning and roared a treat! Bad liver, I think. He hasn't said anything to me yet. Suppose my turn will be next.

In an audit of the company he was counted as ‘with unit’ on December 14, 1918.

The Furlough Department granted leave to England from December 17 and he returned to duty on New Year’s Day, 1919. He proceeded to England arriving at Folkstone and reported to A.I.F. Headquarters on February 26, 1919 and taken on strength.

Non Military Employment (NME) had been arranged and was granted leave with pay and subsistence on condition of a letter from Employer from March 4 until June 4, 1919 for the purpose of electrical engineering with C.A. Parsons Ltd, Heaton Works, Newcastle-on-Tyne.

On expiration of leave on June 4, 1919 he returned to A.I.F. Headquarters and was retransferred to the Alphabetical Company.

After demobilisation Staff-Sergeant Moody embarked from Southampton for Australia on the H.T. Boorara on July 6, 1919. Base Records advised his father on July 30, 1919 that he was returning home. The ship docked in Melbourne, Vic (3rd M.D.) on August 26, 1919 and their arrival in Sydney (2nd M.D.) was printed in the:

Sydney Morning Herald Friday August 29, 1919: TWO TROOPSHIPS RETURNED OFFICERS AND MEN Yesterday afternoon officers and men by two troopships arrived in Sydney. The returned men for New South Wales by the Boorara numbered 547. The Dongala contingent consisted of 577 men for this State. Boorara: The decorated men aboard: Sergt M. A.V.D. Moody, D.C.M. Article abridged

His engagement to Mary Grace Stuart was announced soon after and published in the:

Sydney Morning Herald Saturday September 20, 1919: ENGAGEMENT The engagement is announced of Mary Grace, only daughter of the late James and Mrs Stuart, of Gowan Brae, Cavendish-street, Stanmore, to Arnott Moody, D.C.M. (late Coy Sergt.-Major, Aust Electrical and Mechanical Coy), second son of Mr and Mrs T.C. Moody, of Killara.

Military Discharge was issued in Sydney (2nd M.D.) on October 20, 1919 on termination of his period of enlistment.

Details of their wedding were reported later that year in the:

Sydney Morning Herald Saturday December 20, 1919: WEDDINGS At St Aidan’s Annandale, on December 6 the Rev R. Rook officiated at the marriage of Mary Grace, only daughter of the late Mr James Stuart and Mrs Stuart, Gowan Brae, Cavendish-street, Stanmore and Arnott Moody, D.C.M., second son of Mr and Mrs T.C. Moody, Killara. The service was fully choral. The bride was given away by Sir Allen Taylor, and wore a gown of ivory French meteor with a tunic of white Georgette embroidered in crystal beads and seed pearls. The corsage and belt were of silver tissue. Her long train of meteor and Georgette was embroidered with silver, and posies of orange blossom gave a further finish to the gown. Her Limerick lace veil, arranged in mob cap fashion, was held in place with a wreath of orange blossom. Her bouquet of orchids, carnations and heather, together with a piano, was the gift of the bridegroom. The bridesmaids, Miss Frend and Miss Eileen Moody wore gown of powder blue Georgette mounted on shell pink silk, and black tulle hats. Their bouquets were of blue hydrangea and pink carnations. Their gifts from the bridegroom were pearl earrings and watch bracelet. Master Ronald Moody and little Margery Pritchard acted as pages. The bridegroom was attended by Mr Stephen Stuart and Mr Vernon Vider. The reception was held at the Wentworth.

The following year a mention of a ladies social afternoon appeared in the:

Sydney Morning Herald March 12, 1920: NEAR AND FAR Mrs Rawson Moody, who was assisted by her mother, Mrs J. Asplin, entertained a number of her friends at Farmers on Tuesday afternoon March 2, to meet Mrs Arnott Moody.

Staff-Sergeant 386 Arnott Victor Dundas Moody, Aust Electrical & Mechanical Mining & Boring Company was entitled to wear with his Distinguished Conduct Medal, the British War Medal (33249) and the Victory Medal (32834) issued for serving his country.

Former members of the A.E.M.M.B. Company had an annual reunion in February with a committee elected to run their Association. Records for 1926 show the Committee as follows: COMMITTEE ELECTED AT REUNION 21/2/1926

G.W. MOYOLD President King Street, Merewether, Newcastle Arnott MOODY Secretary 15 Goulburn Street, Sydney

As Secretary he placed advertisements for reunions in newspapers such as the:

Sunday Times Sunday January 29, 1928: DIGGERS’ REUNION—The eighth Annual Reunion of E. & M.M. & B. Co, A.I.F. will be held on Sunday February 10. Any member not having received an invitation is asked to get in touch with the Hon. Secretary, Arnott Moody, 15 Goulburn Street, City.

Evening News Monday February 16, 1931: DIGGERS’ REUNION The Australian Mechanical Mining and Boring Company will hold a supper and smoko in lieu of the usual harbour launch picnic. The event will take place in the Conference Hall, State Theatre’s Shopping Block, at 7 p.m. next Saturday. A wreath will be placed on the Cenotaph at 6.45 p.m. Mr Arnott Moody, hon. Secretary, desires any member who has not received notice of the re-union to communicate with him at 15 Goulburn-st, City.

Sydney Morning Herald Saturday February 10, 1934: “TUNNELLERS” REUNION The 14th annual reunion of the Australian Electrical, Mechanical Mining and Boring Company will be held at Sargent’s Café, Market-street, at 7.30 p.m. next Saturday. Mr Arnott Moody, 15 Goulburn-street, city, is honorary secretary.

Sydney Morning Herald Friday April 19, 1935: RETURNED SOLDIERS The following list comprises of the re-unions which have been announced and where possible the name of the Secretary of each organisation is given in order that ex-serviceman, who have not already done so may make arrangements to attend. Australian Electrician & Mechanical Mining & Boring Co., (Mining Battalion) Anzac Day, Sargents, Market-st 12.45 p.m. Arnott Moody, 15 Goulburn-st, City.

He was a member of the Arts Club in 1930, a member of the golf club and his wife was president of the Ladies Committee of Scots College in 1935 and they were members of the Parents & Friends in 1937.

Their house was mentioned in a prominent Women’s magazine:

The Australian Woman’s Weekly Saturday March 31, 1934: SUMMARY OF SYDNEY’S LUXURIOUS BATHROOMS Mr and Mrs Arnott Moody’s modern house in Bellevue Hill, with pink walls and red shutters is just as modern inside, having new coloured tiles (yellow) and shower stall recesses in every bedroom. It contains several bathrooms.

Arnott Victor D. Moody died on November 5, 1937 aged 50 years. News of his untimely death was reported in many newspapers:

Sydney Morning Herald November 8, 1937: MAN ELECTROCUTED Arnott Victor Moody, electrical engineer, who lived at Bellevue Hill was electrocuted while working on the electric light system of his mother’s house near Windsor. This was the 7th death from electrical shock received in the State in a week Sydney Morning Herald Monday November 8, 1937 and Windsor and Richmond Gazette Friday November 12, 1937: DEATH OF ENGINEER IRON ROOF AS FACTOR FATALITY AT SCHOFIELDS Mr Arnott Victor Moody, 50, of Rupertswood Avenue, Bellevue Hill, a partner in the firm of Moody and Company, electrical engineers, was killed in his mother’s home at Schofields on Saturday, while working on the electric light system of the house. Mr Moody was a competent electrician, with long experience. Apparently he thought the power had been turned off, when it was on. The result was that he was killed instantly when he grasped a wire. He had given up his Saturday afternoon in order to install a new porch light for his mother. When the accident occurred, he was working through a manhole in the ceiling. He might have escaped with shock and burns if he had not been touching the metal roof of the house. When he grasped the wire the full current passed through his body to the roof, and thence to earth. Mr Moody was well-known in the electrical trade. His firm had been established for more than 30 years. He served in the Great War as an engineer under the late Professor Sir Edgeworth David. He was a member of the Millions Club, of the Smith Family, and of the Big Brother movement. He leaves a widow and two children, aged 14 and 12.

Funeral notices and arrangements were published in the:

Sydney Morning Herald Monday November 8, 1937: FUNERALS MOODY—The Funeral of the late ARNOTT V.D. MOODY, D.C.M.., of 8 Rupertswood Avenue, Bellevue Hill, will leave St Michael’s Church, Rose Bay, on TUESDAY MORNING, after Service commencing at 0 o’clock, for the Northern Suburbs Crematorium. Floral tributes direct to Church. JOSEPH MEDCALF, A.D.F.A. ‘Phones M2785, 2 lines. 172 Redfern Street, Redfern MOODY—ROSE BAY SUB-BRANCH OF THE R.S. and A.I.L.A are kindly invited to attend the Funeral of their esteemed member, ARNOTT VICTOR MOODY, D.C.M., A.E.M.B. Company, of Bellevue Hill. See family notice for particulars. C.A. PIKE, President. MOODY—The Officers and Members of the SYDNEY SAVAGE CLUB are requested to attend the Funeral Service of their late Brother Savage, ARNOTT VICTOR MOODY, at St Michael’s Church, Vaucluse, at 10 a.m. TO-MORROW (Tuesday) and thereafter at the Northern Suburbs Crematorium. H.L. CROSS, President ADRIAN ASHTON, Hon Secretary.

MOODY—The Officers and Members of LODGE MILLIONS, No 476, U.G.L. of New South Wales, are requested to attend the Funeral Service of their late Brother Mason, ARNOTT VICTOR MOODY, at St Michael’s Church, Vaucluse, at 10 a.m. on TUESDAY, November 9, and thereafter at the Northern Suburbs Crematorium. GEORGE NOCK, W.M. CHARLES WILL, Secretary Sydney Morning Herald Tuesday November 9, 1937: DEATHS MOODY—November 6, 1937 at Windsor, (result of accident), Arnott V.D. Moody, D.C.M., A.E.M.B. Co., A.I.F., beloved husband of Mary Grace Moody, of 6 Rupertswood Avenue, Bellevue Hill, and loving father of Stuart and Marcia, aged 50 years. FUNERALS MOODY—The Funeral of the late ARNOTT V.D. MOODY, D.C.M., late A.I.F., of 8 Rupertswood Avenue, Bellevue Hill, will leave St Michael’s Church, Rose Bay, THIS MORNING, after Service commencing at 10 o’clock, for the Northern Suburbs Crematorium. Floral tributes direct to Church. JOSEPH MEDCALF, A.D.F.A. 172 Redfern Street, Redfern ‘Phones M2785, 2 lines Sydney Morning Herald Tuesday November 9, 1937: FUNERALS MOODY—The Relatives and Friends of Mr and Mrs T.C. Moody are kindly invited to attend the Service and Funeral of their much loved SON Arnott Moody, D.C.M., to be held THIS DAY, TUESDAY, at St Michael’s Church, Vaucluse, at 10 a.m. and thereafter at the Northern Suburbs Crematorium.

MOODY—The Relatives of Mr and Mrs Rawson Moody and FAMILY are kindly invited to attend the Funeral and Service of their beloved BROTHER and UNCLE, Arnott Moody, D.C.M., at St Michael’s Church, Vaucluse, at 10 a.m. THIS DAY TUESDAY, and thereafter at the Northern Suburbs Crematorium.

MOODY—The Officers and Members of the SYDNEY SAVAGE CLUB are requested to attend the Funeral Service of their late Brother Savage, ARNOTT VICTOR MOODY, at St Michael’s Church, Rose Bay, at 10 a.m. TO-DAY (Tuesday), and thereafter at the Northern Suburbs Crematorium. H.L. CROSS, President ADRIAN ASHTON, Hon Secretary

An Inquest was held with the verdict published in the:

Windsor and Richmond Gazette Friday December 10, 1937: SCHOFIELDS FATALITY DEATH FROM ELECTROCUTION CORONER’S VERDICT THE circumstances attaching to the death at Schofields on the afternoon of November 6, while carrying out an additional electrical installation at his parents’ home, of the late Arnott Victor Dundas Moody, a partner in the well-known Sydney electrical engineering firm of Moody and Company, were the subject of an inquiry conducted by the Hawkesbury District Coroner, Mr H.S. Johnston, J.P., at the Windsor Court House on Friday when evidence was given of deceased’s having been found lying face downwards on the upper side of the ceiling with a live wire grasped so tightly in his hand that it had to be cut, after the current was switched off, before the body could be recovered, and a verdict of death from electrocution was returned. The Electrical Licensing Branch of the Department of Works and Local Government was represented at the inquiry by Inspector S.R. Bailey, while Constable Pike, of Riverstone, was present to assist the Coroner. The first witness called was Dr G.P. Arnold, Government Medical Officer, Windsor, who gave formal evidence of having made a careful examination of the body of the deceased on November 6, as a result of which he was of the opinion that death had been due to electrocution. Walter Percy England Williams, produce merchant, Schofields, stated that at 4.45 p.m. on November 6 he received a message to go for a doctor, and immediately telephones the residence of Dr Rich, of Riverstone, but was informed that the doctor was not at home. He then went to the residence of Mr Moore, of Riverstone, in the hope that the doctor’s son, Dr Moore, might be there, but was again unsuccessful. Later he assisted several neighbours and Constable Pike in having the body of the deceased lowered from the ceiling in which it was found and conveyed to the Hawkesbury District Hospital. At about 7 p.m. on the same date, in the presence of the Coroner, he identified the body at the hospital as that of Arnott Victor Dundas Moody. Irene Alwyn Adele Brown, married woman, Schofields, stated that she was a sister of deceased, who had arrived at their home at about 2.30 p.m. on the subject date, and shortly afterward began to install a light in the near portion of the house. At about 4 or 4.25 p.m. he climbed through a manhole in the ceiling and witness could hear him at work until approximately 4.30 p.m., when, noticing that all sounds of movement had ceased, she climbed the ladder to the manhole and called out to him, but received no reply. Witness immediately went and called Stanley Simons, who climbed the ladder and called to deceased, but received no reply, and, looking through the manhole saw deceased lying on the ceiling, and immediately ran for assistance. Several neighbours arrived, one of whom switched off the power at the meter, and a doctor and the police being summoned, the body was later conveyed to the Hawkesbury District Hospital. Deceased was a married man with two children, and was a partner with his brother, Rawson Moody, in the firm of Moody and Company, electrical engineers, of Sydney. He was in good health and spirits when witness last saw him on the subject afternoon, and was devoted to his parents, frequently coming up at week-ends to carry out small jobs for their added convenience and comfort. He had no worries to witness’ knowledge, and was on good terms with his family. He left a will, and his life was insured. Cont. Windsor and Richmond Gazette Friday December 10, 1937: Cont. Stanley Edward Simons, shop assistant, Schofields, stated that a 4.30 p.m. on November 6 Mrs Brown called out to him at his home, asking him to come ever to her residence, as Mr Moody had been installing a light in the house for a considerable period. On going to the house and climbing a ladder to look through a manhole in the ceiling, he saw deceased lying face downwards on the ceiling, and asked Mrs Brown to run for his (witness’) father. Several neighbours then arrived one of them cutting off the current, and before the body was moved witness left to forward a telegram to deceased’s brother. Stephen Robert Bailey, electrical inspector for Department of Works and Local Government, stated that on November 8 in company with constable Pike and Mr Hudson, of the Blacktown Shire Council, he tested with a voltmeter the electrical installation at the spot where it was stated that deceased’s body had been found, the test showing that deceased would have received a full 240 volts through his body from a live conductor to the earthed conduit. From an examination it appeared that the work in which deceased had been engaged was the installing of an additional switch wire from an existing switch in a back bedroom, and he had been drawing the active conductor up from a cavity in the wall when he had come in contact with the live conductor and the remaining portion of the conduit running throughout the building, which was effectively earthed. As a result, he would have received a potential of nothing less than 240 volts through his body to earth, and this would cause instant death by electrocution. Constable Pike, Riverstone, stated that at 4.55 p.m. on November 6 a man named Roberts called at the Riverstone police station and told him that deceased had been electrocuted and, on calling at Dr Rich’s home, Roberts had found that the doctor was absent. Witness directed him to return to the scene of the accident and render whatever assistance possible, and witness telephoned to Dr Rich’s surgery, to be informed by Mrs Rich that she had received another call on the same matter and had instructed the people concerned to convey deceased as quickly as possible to the hospital at Windsor, where arrangements would be made for a doctor to be waiting. Witness then went by car to the scene of the accident, where he saw deceased lying face downwards on the ceiling with a wire grasped so tightly that it was necessary to cut it before deceased could be moved. The body was then lowered through the manhole and artificial respiration being applied for some time without effect, was conveyed to the Hawkesbury District Hospital, where Dr Arnold, after an examination, pronounced life extinct. At 7 p.m. on the same day witness was present when Walter Williams identified the body to the Coroner as that of Arnott Victor Dundas Moody. Deceased was a married man, living happily with his family, and, so far as witness could ascertain, had no worries of any kind. This concluded the evidence, and the Coroner returned a formal verdict to the effect that deceased had died at his parents’ home, Schofields, on November 6, through having been accidentally electrocuted.

Sincere thanks from his family were published in the:

Sydney Morning Herald RETURN THANKS Mrs ARNOTT MOODY and FAMILY, of Bellevue Hill, express their deep APPRECIATION to all those who sent floral tributes and messages of sympathy during their recent sad bereavement. As the messages were too numerous to answer personally will kind friends please accept this, our personal thanks.

Respect for him as a past officer of the following association appeared in the:

Farmer and Settler Thursday January 20, 1938: PERSONAL At the Annual meeting of the MOTOR TRADERS ASSOCIATION regret at the deaths of three past officers of the Association; Mr O.O. Wilsford, Mr Arnott Moody and Mr A. Mains was recorded.

Finalisation of his Estate was still taking place in 1940 where notices were published in the:

Sydney Morning Herald Wednesday April 24, 1940: LAW NOTICES WEDNESDAY APRIL 24, 1940 Commonwealth jurisdiction BANKRUPTCY COURT Before Mr Justice Lukin, Federal Judge in Bankruptcy—At 10.30 a.m.: Hearing of creditor’s petition: Re Rawson Frederick Thomas Moody, ex parte Perpetual Trustee Company (Ltd), as legal personal representative of Arnott Victor Dundas Moody, deceased.

Sydney Morning Herald Monday June 3, 1940: LAW REPORT IN BANKRUPTCY HEARING OF CONTRACTORS PETITION Re Rawson Frederick Thomas Moody, ex parte Perpetual Trustee Company (Ltd), as legal personal representative of Arnott Victor Dundas Moody, deceased.

REUNIONS His name appears in the Roll Roster of the Aust Electrical & Mechanical Mining & Boring Company as follows:

1928 Arnott Moody (Hon Sec) 15 Goulburn Street, Sydney 1934 Arnott Moody 15 Goulburn Street, Sydney Notation: Deceased

His name appears on the Illustrated Company Decorations (see below).