Queanbeyan Red Cross, its 1920 Homecoming and Presentation Banquet for District WW1 soldiers.

(Compiled by Sandra Young, 2014)

At the end of WW1, in 1920, and after many of the local Queanbeyan and District veterans had returned home from the Great War, the local branch of Queanbeyan Red Cross, with local assistance, arranged for a banquet and presentation of commemorative medals for Queanbeyan and District WW1 veterans.

The following information from the local paper, the Queanbeyan Age, is a record of most of these events, and also gives glimpses into the formidable and tireless WW1 efforts of Australian Red Cross groups, throughout the country.

(Part of a WW1 illustrated cover for a Red Cross dedicated song)

(A WW1 postcard image asking for veteran assistance) (A WW1 image from an RSL poster to help it raise money)

(The Queanbeyan Age 1/5/1920 page 2)

A special general meeting of the Red Cross members was held last week, at which Mrs. J.M. Macintosh presided. The honorary secretary reported satisfactory progress in connection with the Queanbeyan Returned Soldiers Banquet on June 10th. As a great number are expected to be present at the banquet, it was decided that parents attending be respectfully requested not to take young children and that admission be only by presenting invitation card or purchase ticket at the door. As a few men who enlisted may have been inadvertently omitted from the list of invitations, any local Digger who has not yet received an invitation is requested to communicate with the secretary, Mrs. C.T. Campbell. Light refreshments will be served to those attending the social in the Triumph Hall from 10 pm to 11 pm in the Protestant Hall. The executive committee meets on Thursday, June 3rd, at the Council Chambers to arrange details. Mrs. McIntosh undertook the responsibility of a sweets stall, at the Merrymakers concert in the Triumph Hall on June 3rd, proceeds to go to the banquet fund. All returned soldiers are asked to attend the banquet in uniform if possible, or wear badge.

Queanbeyan Red Cross Society Banquet and Presentation 100 Returned Soldiers Receive Medals A Happy and Successful Gathering

(The Queanbeyan Age 11/6/1920 page 2)

The function at the Protestant Hall last night may be regarded as a final effort in the honouring of the returned soldiers of the Queanbeyan district. All along, since the return of our soldier heroes, singly or in batches, a full recognition of their magnificent services to the Empire and the state which sent them forth to “do their bit” in this world’s big war has been made by quite another organisation, which took upon itself the presentation of souvenirs and certificates to the worthy recipients. But the affair at present under notice is quite of a different character. Whatever else has been done in the interests and for the honour of our brave fellow-citizens who counted their lives not dear unto themselves so that they might help towards that triumph which has been so splendidly realised, it is due to the local branch of the Red Cross Society to note that from the incipiency of the war its whole heart and soul has been devoted to the study of comforts and welfare of those who went forth to war at a cost of self-sacrifice known only to themselves. How many of us can call to mind the almost constant despatch to the seats of war of parcels containing “goodies” for the inner man and comforts for the outer man, and how much these thoughtful gifts ameliorated the wretched conditions obtaining in the trenches and elsewhere, the recipients alone can testify. The “fags,” the knitted socks, the woollen comforters, the toothsome delicacies, and what not sent by even little children as well as grown-ups, will be gratefully remembered by our brave boys to the end of their lives. And last night’s efforts put the finishing touch on all that had gone before. The previous evidence of how deeply-seated in the hearts of their friends and relatives was the thought of the great sacrifices which had been made for the defence of our hearths and homes, our country’s liberties and prestige, found last night their culmination in the splendid banquet which had been arranged and the more enduring tokens of popular admiration bestowed in the presentation of the handsome medals provided by the Red Cross Society for those who had proved themselves eminently worthy of them. And not only so, the splendid gathering added further testimony, and so did the speeches of the gentleman who lauded the returned men in terms of eloquence inspired by the various speakers’ conviction that they were only uttering words of soberness and truth, and if anything more were needed to add lustre to the occasion, it was present in beautiful decorations which brightened the place of tryst. It will be many a long day before the Queanbeyan Red Cross Society’s welcome to and recognition of the citizen-soldiers who foregathered in the Protestant Hall last night will grow dim in the recesses of memory.

The Toasts (The Queanbeyan Age 11/6/1920 page 2)

The chairman proposed the loyal toast, which was enthusiastically received.

Captain Chaplain Cosier, M.M., proposed “Our Fallen Comrades” and said they wished to avoid the sad note, but it was the best they could do for them. It was a very mean tribute, after all, for no one could gauge what they had done for the Empire, which could neither pay, or reward, the services given and victory won.

The toast was received in silence, the whole assemblance standing.

Mr. H.G. Colman, in proposing a toast of the “Army and Navy” said no words were needed from him to make them accept the toast with the greatest enthusiasm. The Army and Navy were the bulwarks of our great land, and the time was coming when the defence of Australia would be put beyond all doubt. It was now being so organised as to ensure our national safety.

Major General J. G. Legge, C.B., C.M.G., commandant of the Royal Military College, said he felt honoured in being asked to return thanks. The war was over and great things had been done both by the Army and Navy. He would like them all to realise that the greater portion of the work had not been done by the men who held high ranks, but by those who had stoked the ships, and rowed the boats and handled the guns. Too much credit had been given to those with the highest labels on them. He would like to draw attention to the fact that about 30 years ago, he was asked if he thought the Australian would ever make a good soldier and he said “Certainly.” It was argued the Australians could never be disciplined, but he gave the assurance an Australian could be as easily disciplined as any other soldier in the world. There was never any doubt as to whether he would fight, but it was questioned whether he would put up with other things. Fighting was only a small fraction of what a soldier had to put up with. There was hunger and thirst, want of sleep, exhaustion and mud. Those who had been in France knew what it meant when he said mud. They had to carry heavy loads often up to their waist, and sometimes deeper, in mud. Those men who had been in it realised what it meant, it was twenty times as bad as bullets and shells. To instance it, he saw two chaps in a trench one day and heard one say, “My oath Bill, if ever I see Australia again, I’ll never grumble about hot winds.” Another time he saw a soldier walking in the trenches with holes in the soles of his boots. He said to the man “Why don’t you go to the Q.M. and get a new pair?” He replied, “I’ve got a new pair here (pointing to under his overcoat), but I wear the old ones to work, and keep the dry pair to sleep in.” In returning thanks he would like the Flying Service also to be included, and as one in command, he urged them always to remember “the man who carried the gun”.

The toast of the “Parliaments of the Commonwealth and States” was entrusted to Mr. John Gale, ex- member for the old Murrumbidgee electorate. In the course of an appropriate speech he stressed the responsibility of the Commonwealth Parliament in liberally repatriating the returned soldiers, and said he hailed with satisfaction the advent of a Labor Government in New South Wales, giving that party, as it did, an opportunity of demonstrating their ability to govern in the interests of every section of the community.

The Hon. Austin Chapman responded on behalf of both Parliaments.

The Rev. P.M. Haydon was called on to propose the “Local Returned Men”, and said that as an Australian, he appreciated what the soldiers had done. They had gone forth free and independent men, bearing the standard over the length of the world. The stars had shone splendidly everywhere. He hoped all returned men would enjoy a happy life in the future, especially those in Queanbeyan.

Captain Christie was pleased to respond and said he was thankful to see the soldiers received in the manner they had been that night. It was the first time since their return that they had all been gathered together, and they all deeply appreciated the work of the Red Cross ladies. As a medical officer he had often given the boys many comforts and it was solely due to the continued efforts of the Red Cross. They never forgot to supply the wants of the soldiers in a remarkable manner. He concluded by proposing the Red Cross ladies, which was enthusiastically received.

Mr. E. P. Wallace, a returned man and vice-president of the R. S. and S. I. League (Sydney) also responded to the toast of the Returned Men. As a representative of the League, he apologised for the absence of the President, Mr. E. F. McDonald who was unavoidably detained. He endorsed the remarks of Dr. Christie, and added that A.I.F. members would never thank the Red Cross ladies sufficiently for what they had done. They were the guardian angels of the soldiers. Had it not been for the activities of the Red Cross the death roll of Australians would have been greatly increased.

It was through their efforts, that some of the men present had to thank them that they were alive that night. When they embarked from Australia they had scanty equipment and the men would have fared pretty badly had it not been for the Red Cross. He thought the military authorities had shirked their responsibilities, in not providing sufficient convalescent homes for wounded and sick men. There were other societies beside the Red Cross who had done noble work, and he desired to thank them also on behalf of the Executive. The men had a gracious feeling towards the Red Cross and he hoped there would be a reciprocation in the near future.

Rev. S. J. West proposed “The Visitors”, and extended to them their very best thanks for coming to pay tribute to the men who took part in the Great War, the respect and homage due for having brought to a successful conclusion, the struggle which had lasted so long. Some bore the close relationship to the men who had done much gallant duty. They reciprocated the feelings and offered fraternal greetings to the people of Queanbeyan for the way they had gathered to show their appreciation of the men who fought. He extended their warmest wishes to the men who survived for their future happiness and prosperity.

Mr. E. P. Wallace responded, and thanked the local branch of the Red Cross in asking him to attend. He had been present at many such functions, but this was easily the largest and finest reception he had attended. He was sure his fellow visitors would endorse what he said.

Mr Roy Hetherington proposed “The Ladies” and spoke of the noble work they had done.

Mr. Gerald O’Hanlon responded and said the ladies were highly gratified. They had worked very hard and were pleased their efforts had been so highly appreciated.

Rev. A. J. Carter proposed “The Press,” Mr. A. Fallick responding for “The Age” and Mr. Goddard for “The Advocate”.

Captain Chaplain Ward, M.C. proposed the toast of the “Returned Sailors and Soldiers Imperial League of Australia.” and said it was the finest thing in Australia if the men would stick together. The Canberra and Queanbeyan branches were doing their best and all returned men should join. They were not merely helping themselves, but the country as well.

Mr. Wallace responded and said the League was now in such a position that it had the confidence of both the press and public. But returned men were not supporting the League to the extent they should. They did not seem to realise that through the League they were enjoying the whole of the Repatriation benefits, and amongst other things increased pensions and war gratuities, to say nothing of the issue of tweed to returned soldiers and nurses. The League was endeavouring to get the contract amended, so that war widows could be also supplied with tweed. The strength of the League was its sub-branches, and he appealed to all soldiers to join and give their whole- hearted support.

Mayor Collett said the toast he had to propose “The Chairman” would commend itself to all present. Mr. Chapman had attended at great inconvenience, and it was but one of many acts done in the interests of soldiers. Mr. Chapman had done a lot of work during the war, and had travelled through his vast electorate on recruiting stunts. To-night he was there in what he regarded as the crowning point, to be among the Diggers and present them with a fitting emblem for their great sacrifice.

The Hon. Austin Chapman, who was loudly cheered, said the function was purely a Red Cross one, and was a magnificent success, showing the high esteem in which the public and especially the returned men held that grand association, which was world-wide and universal in good works. The Queanbeyan branch had well upheld the honour and glory that attached to the association, and during the war this band of devoted women had given of their best in service, and showed in the most practical and christian way their wonderful appreciation of those gallant lads who had crossed the ocean to fight for our homes and country and the liberty and freedom of our Empire-- in fact of the world. We remember with pride and pleasure that every soldier received a good send-off with necessary comforts and a God-speed to victory, and while over there the boys’ comforts were well looked after, and parcels were regularly forwarded and delivered in the very front fighting trench. Regular meetings and hard work were necessary to achieve this, and all hands worked with a will. Nothing was too much for this glorious band of women to do, and the cheer thus given to our boys enabled them to fight well, so well indeed, as to win the splendid name of being the best soldiers in the world. Hampers containing everything possible even to the cigarettes and other essentials, warm socks and shirts, went regularly from the Queanbeyan Red Cross, and the oft-repeated “God bless our noble women” from the sands of Egypt, cliffs of Gallipoli and the mud of Flanders, was evidence of our Diggers’ appreciation and our women, like our Diggers, never lost heart, and when the well-earned victory came, what a splendid reception was given in the homecoming and now they are all practically all back-- I mean those who could come back-- our Red Cross branch have offered this grand gathering as a winding up of their active work. It cannot be said a finalisation, that cannot be while women can remember those splendid boys who achieved such glory and the Diggers can think of those splendid women who were so well worth fighting for. About 150 of our Queanbeyan boys went forth at the call of duty, about 120 came back, while 30 have made the supreme sacrifice, and I make bold to say are in Heaven. These wonderful Australians, who always showed a brave front to the enemy and never retreated. They wiped out the word defeat from their dictionary. No wonder we are proud of them. They saved Australia and helped to save the world, as a decent place to live in, “God bless our boys!” When we look back to those lads, inexperienced in the art of war: The men from Queanbeyan: The men from Snowy River, 13 started at Delegate and 151 strong when they finished at Goulburn. These Diggers who wrote Australia in letters of gold right across the universe, and while I do not want to deal with individuals, I desire to say right here that we do not forget the Rev. Robert Elliott, who marched with those boys and rendered yeoman service with those boys, one son being killed, and we all wish he could have been here tonight to share in the Diggers’ triumph and the Red Cross women’s welcome. May I say I am looking forward anxiously for the flag that my wife presented to that march, and that went through all the various battles with glory and honour and came back to Australia, and may I say that I hope all our boys will be well treated by the Repatriation Department, and made comfortable and happy as they deserve to be. They offered their all for us and we must play the game and see the Digger through. Without him we should have had no country, no home or family, all that we prize most and hold most dear we owe to them, and the time to pay is now. It is going to cost money, but could money be expended in a better cause, and we may need their services again.

We must not live in a fool’s paradise, but keep ready so that we may say “Hands off”.

I am of the opinion that we treated Germany too generously, and she should have paid more. However, I look to our Government to see we get our fair proportion of the indemnity. What would Germany have made us pay if they had won? We must remember this is the greatest country on God’s earth. We have the best soldiers and the best women, and we are loyal to the core. Thank God for that loyalty to our King, our Flag, our Country and Empire. He was very proud of the gathering that night, there was no town in the state that could beat or equal it. It was the finest gathering for many years. It showed what the co-operation of all hands and pulling together could do. You have a good climate and the Capital alongside. (Laughter). You can smile, but we are on the eve of big doings at the Capital. At my request the Prime Minister has consented to the laying of the foundation stone, and the Prince of Diggers is coming to do it. It will then be my business to see that the building goes on, and I have the Prime Minister’s assurance that it will. If not, something will happen. The House is pretty equally divided, and watch what will happen if we do not get a fair go. Parliament should keep its bond with New South Wales. There were some who believed a “bush capital” was not necessary. The Federal Capital League had offered to build the Capital at its own expense, but the offer was not accepted. It was now opportune for Parliament to get out of Melbourne, and into its own home, where there would be a Federal atmosphere. They should all put their shoulders to the wheel, and as their representative he could assure them there would be some fun in Parliament. (Loud Applause). I hope, (continued Mr. Chapman) to see you all present when the Prince comes to start the Capital. He is paying Queanbeyan the great compliment of staying longer here than in any place in New South Wales. This is a rich country and where would it be now if it had not been for the Diggers, we should tap every source of wealth and give them of our very best, no Parliament was worth its salt which would not do this. Money is required to help the men who saved this country, and we will take it by compulsion if necessary. It was said the Australians were the best fed, best clothed and best paid-- but then they were the best soldiers in the world. I am very grateful to the Red Cross ladies, they have shown us what they can do, I feel sure no finer spread will be put before our future King next week than we have partaken of here to-night. I am pleased to see the old town boom, which I have represented for so many years, and it will continue to boom if you act as the ladies of the Red Cross have done and stand shoulder to shoulder. I cannot conclude without remarking on the splendid behaviour of the Diggers, who in most cases are a pattern to all. I hope to meet you and address you some day in a memorial hall which I would like to see erected in Queanbeyan. (Applause)

Mr. Chapman then presented the medals, which are of neat design and came from the local jewellery establishment of Messieurs Moore Bros. On the obverse side is the figure of the soldier standing at ease, with rifle and fixed bayonet. The reverse carries the inscription: “Great War, 1914-19. Presented to______by the Red Cross and Citizens of Queanbeyan, 10-6-20.” The medal is circular in shape and a boomerang surmounts it.

Some of the Diggers were not present and their women-folk were loudly applauded as they stepped up to receive the medals.

Following is a list of recipients:

The Recipients

Captains

Chaplain G. H. Hirst Dr. D. Christie

Lieutenants

W.Woodger S. Gillespie

S.L. Roberts M.M.

Sergeants

G. McInnis M.M. C. Lineham M.M.

F. Brook M.M. J. J. O’Rourke

W. M. Pike F. Foster

G. C. Thompson A. Gifford

N. C. Swan W. J. Clarke

Corporals

T. E. Capes A. Fitzgibbon

R. Annand C. E. Hincksman

J. F. Lawless F. Parker

A. K. Johnston G. O’Hanlon

A. Gordon

Privates

A. Mortlock G. Lawless G. Jordan M. O’Rourke C. McInnis J. R. Woodger F. Cregan A. Dawson K. E. Dawson B. Cullen C. Downey J. R. Woodger W. L. Harris J. W. Burn J. C. Campbell T. S. James E. A. Smith H. C. Coppin W. Parker B. Roffe W.D. Bates D. Gregory W. Wark A. C. R. Fallick W. Gabriel S. Griffiths H. Robertson T. Warren A. Warren A. E. Lodge A. C. Bean A. McInnes W. Muir M.M. J. Muir A. Rigby E. G. Grimes J. O’Grady H. Kennedy W. Harman A. Patterson J. Oldfield J. J. Purcell A. W. Jackson M. McGillan

Gunners E. McInnes C. Lawless T. Woodger F. Humphries J. McGrogan W. Patterson F. Aldridge R. Golding F. Dulhunty

Drivers C. H. Charmers H. N. Richardson H. J. Thornton J. P. Cullen H. C. Dawson G. Edwards

Troopers W. G. Lee P. Hincksman J. Southwell D. O’Hanlon J. P. O’Rourke R. Hetherington C. Richardson H. Cantle J. A. Muir M. Maxwell B. H. B. Naveau E. Maxwell J. B. Swan N. Royal

Sapper J. McGuire

Munition Workers W. Banyard L. T. H. Cooper

At the close of the presentation, Mr. Chapman said Mrs. Campbell desired him to say that if any Digger had been missed, he would be able to get a medal on handing in his name. He thought the presentation of so many medals to returned soldiers spoke volumes for the town. He then called for three hearty cheers for the ladies of the Queanbeyan Red Cross which were lustily given. Five long tables were in use at the banquet, one was set on the stage, the others being in the body of the hall. The chairman and visitors sat at one running crossways in front of the stage, and as far as possible, seated at this table were parents of deceased soldiers. Between the speeches, songs were rendered by Rev. West and Mr. J Burn, recitations being given by Misses B. Russell and D. Hincksman. The band played a programme of music, outside the hall, and afterwards were entertained at the banquet by the ladies. Mrs. C.T. Campbell was the secretary and gave her best energies to the movement. All concerned in the preparations, organisation and management of the function have every reason to be pleased as it was in every way a great success.

Our Soldier Boys on Service (The Queanbeyan Age 12/1/ 1917 page 2)

Letters of Appreciation

Mrs. J.H. Hincksman has received the following letters from local boys at the front acknowledging receipt of parcels sent by the local ladies who organised the recent Battalion comforts effort to provide such.

“In the Trenches Somewhere in France” “Dear Mrs. Hincksman, I received the parcel you sent me safely, and I cannot thank you too much for the trouble you and the ladies of Queanbeyan have taken in sending these splendid parcels to the boys in the trenches. I think I have been the first one to get a parcel, as I saw Willie Harris and he told me he had not received one. I am very grateful to you for sending me the towels and socks, as they are what we need most over here. The lollies were very nice, but had all melted with the heat of Egypt I suppose. The tobacco and cigarettes were great in fact, we have been smoking ever since I got the parcel. Jack Woodger is the only other Queanbeyan boy now with me in this company, all the other lads being in another battalion. I have met a lot of Queanbeyan boys over here and they all look well. Clarrie is a corporal now. He is in the pay office and I had a post card from him the other day and he says he is having a great time. I saw in a battalion over here the other day a tea cloth sent from the Queanbeyan Red Cross and it surprised me to see one here in France. We are just beginning to get the winter here now. It is getting very cold and rain falls nearly every day.The trenches too are very muddy, but I suppose we will get used to it after a while. I sent you and Miss Hincksman some post cards and I hope you received them all right. We are just beginning to receive our letters now. They had been all over Egypt and England before they arrived here. I had one from mother the other day, it was the first I received since I left Australia. I like being over here. France is a beautiful place, only it is great pity to see the beautiful churches and magnificent buildings in ruins through shell fire. You would laugh if you could see us here when there is a bombardment on. We make ourselves as small as we possibly can, so as to try and escape getting hit with the shells. You can hear them screaming overhead, but you never know where they are going to fall. It is very exciting at times. I was very nervous for the first day or two, but I’m getting used to it now. We have plenty of fun here on some occasions. It is a great place for rats some of which are as large as rabbits. Well, dear Mrs. Hincksman, I will draw my letter to a close, Trusting all at home in the best of health, and again thanking you for your kindness.” Sincerely Yours, Harry Coppin.

“Dear Mrs. Hincksman, I received a parcel which was sent on the 27th, and I sincerely thank you for letting me know. All the boys from Queanbeyan are well, excepting W. Morton, who has a bad cold, but nothing serious. Trusting this finds you all in the best of health. “ Sincerely Yours, Garnet Keir

France “Dear Mrs. Hincksman, Accept and convey to your committee my sincerest thanks for their kindness and thoughtfulness in sending me a parcel of comforts. It was a very welcome surprise, and it is pleasing to know that the home folk are still thinking of us. Again thanking you for your kindness, and with kind regards.” Faithfully Yours, J.G. McInnes

(In addition to the above Clarrie Hincksman and Charlie Burn also wrote saying they received their parcels and thanking the ladies of Queanbeyan for sending them as the presents were very acceptable.)

Letters From The Front.

(The Queanbeyan Age 23/5/1916 page 2)

Private T. E. Capes writing from Hosan Pasha, Egypt under date 7th April, to Mrs. J. M. McIntosh, President of the Queanbeyan Red Cross Society, says: –

Dear Madam, – “To say that I was very pleased to receive parcel of good things from the people in Queanbeyan would not be expressing myself nearly strong enough. When I was called to the office and handed out a large parcel, I was at a loss to know whom I could thank for the thoughtful action, but on turning out all the good things, among which was a note from Queanbeyan Red Cross Society, my thoughts left all other things and carried me back to my home town and I was deeply touched at the interest that people who are so well known to me should show to a soldier away from home. As it happened I was out in the desert of Egypt when the parcel reached me, and as we are not near enough to civilization to get anything extra beyond our bully beef and biscuits, you can guess that the store of eatables were highly appreciated and consumed with great delight and with many pleasant thoughts of all old friends and memories of Queanbeyan. Believe me, that the gift sent was greatly appreciated, and thank you most heartily for your thoughtfulness and kindness.”

Soldiers Acknowledge Parcels.

(The Queanbeyan Age 23/4/1918 page 2)

The Hon. Secretary (Queanbeyan branch) received by last mail the following additional acknowledgments of parcels from local boys on active service. Unfortunately, owing to adverse reports in the daily press regarding the transport of parcels, they did not reach the boys in time for Christmas, but were all very acceptable, especially the smokes.

List of recipients:-Private C. L. Bellchambers, Sapper C. Cruickshank, Sergeant W. A. Morton, Private A. W. Jackson, Privates: H. J. Thornton, Jason Moore, Dave Gregory, A. S. Jacobs, W. Penney, Ancel Johnston, Gunner R. A. Golding, Corporals: Frank Parker, Alex J. Gifford, Privates: Muir, A. Warren, W. J. Bryce, A. Apps, A. J. Mealey, H. H. Kennedy, F. J. Rees, Ernie Smith, W. Harris, C. Hincksman, F. Foster, Corporal A.A. McIntosh, Privates R. Rowley (Sutton), Sid Griffiths, Ted Shumack, Norman Swan, H. Coppin, Harry McFarlane.

Soldiers Bags Appreciated.

(The Queanbeyan Age 2/11/1915 page 2)

Mrs. C.T. Campbell, hon. secretary of the local Red Cross Society, has received the following letter which speaks for itself:-

H.M. Hospital Ship Hunslet,

G.P.O. London.

September 15, 1915.

The Secretary,

Red Cross Society.

Madam, I have to acknowledge with grateful thanks the soldiers’ bags sent by your Society. The Hunslet left England at very short notice to bring wounded from the Dardanelles, and at Malta we were given 150 soldiers’ bags from Australia, among them several from Queanbeyan, and I feel I must write and thank you, and all who helped with those wonderful soldiers’ bags, and to tell you how much the contents were appreciated by the patients, especially the warm clothing as we got near home, as the changing climate was very great.

Believe me, yours faithfully,

M. Potts, Matron

References

The National Library of Australia (NLA), both Trove and its digitised old Australian newspapers.

The Queanbeyan Age, digitised newspapers from the NLA.

Michael Hall and his father, the late Stan Hall’s listing of regional veterans, to try to check and verify the correct spelling of district veteran names.

(Some of Michael’s work, on ACT related veterans, can be found on the ACT Memorial website, where he is one of its volunteers.)

Notes

Although care has been taken with transcribing this document, it will still contain errors, so if in doubt, please refer to the microfiche Queanbeyan Age copies, held at most capital city libraries.