WORLD WAR ONE RETURNED SERVICE MEN AND WOMEN OF GIPPSLAND MEMORIAL PARK TRARALGON

Biographies of Personel in Publication Order KING, Herbert Ernest Herbert KING, Harry JONSTON, Hamilton Horace Charles JONES, Albert JONES, David JOHNSON, William AlbertArthur JOHNSON, HOBAN, Henry Thomas HAYHOE, James George HAYES, James John HAM, Ernest HALL,Stanley Dawson AmosHADLEY, Percy Edward HACKETT, William HerbertGRANT,Richard ArchieGRAHAM, James AlfredGRAHAM,Richard Allan GILBERT, Gordon AllanDUNBAR, HughPeter AlexanderDUNBAR, DRANE,George EdwardJohn DICKENSON, DEARMAN,Michael Patrick Claude DAVIDSON,Leslie DARGIE, James CURRAN,John ArthurCURRAN, Ernest CRABTREE, Edgar Wilfred James Ireland COUPER, Thomas CecilCOULSON, Joseph COUCH,William COUCH,Clyde George James COOK, Alexander DavidCOOK, COATES, Kempson Bert CLIFFORD,Herbert George CLEAVER,Gordon Herbert Hugh CLARKE, William Walter CHRISTENSEN, Montgomery CAMPBELL, John CAMPBELL, McLeod Dugald BURTON, David Robert EdgarBUNKER,Horace Alfred BRERETON, Thomas OrmondBIRCH,Edward AngusBEATON, Donald AWTY, Henry Joseph

MORGAN, Hagger Horace MITCHELL,Herbert Jacob McKENNEY, Bertram McFARLANE, Peter Bruce SilvesterMcFARLANE,George ArvonMcDONALD,Griffiths May McCARTHY, Ellen MAYZE, Henry Thomas MAPLESON, Ralph Frederick MACFARLANE,Robert Marshall MacCUBBIN, Walter MacCUBBIN, DavidGrant HerbertLINDSAY, Joseph LINDSAY, Percy John LevistonLEVISTON, LAY, Stanley AlexanderLANCASTER, Henry LAMBERT,Bert Levy Macintosh Walter KING, Benstead Walter KING, WOOD, SydneyWOOD, Edward Albert WILSON, James Adam WILSON, WILLIAMS, Frederick William Frederick TREWIN, William Daniel John TONER, James THOMSON, Peter Thomas John THOMPSON, TAYLOR,Stewart Leslie TAYLOR, Henry Clive TANNER, Johnson Noble John STEVENS, CreightonMortimer SOUTH, Edward Charles SMITH, Percy SIMMONS, AlfredSEBIRE, Percy William RICE, REGAN,David Sydney RADFORD, Stanley AlanPRYDE, James POLLARD, Phillip Henry PAULET, William OLIVER, Oliver JamesNEAVE, Gilbert ThomasMORLEY, George VictorMORLEY, Charles

Biographies of Personel in Publication Order Awty, Henry Joseph Service number 2599

Henry was born on 19 May 1889 in Buln Buln, Victoria, the fifth child of Joseph Alexander and Isabella Emily Awty (nee Pickup), who farmed at Neerim South. He was known as Harry to his friends and family. The siblings were Thomas Edward (1876), Edith (1878-79), Ethel (1879), Emily (1886), Florence (1891), Charles (1893), Mary Elizabeth (1895), HMAT A9 Stropshire George (1898) and Arthur Cecil (1901).

Enlisted 17 May 1915 in Melbourne as a 26 year old Private in the 58th Battalion, 5th Reinforcement

Embarked 25 September 1916 from Melbourne on the HMAT A9 Stropshire

Returned home He embarked from England on the 18 December 1919 on board the HT Konigin Luise, disembarked in Melbourne on the 4 February 1920 and was discharged on the 20 March 1920.

Occupation Timber Merchant

Religion Church of England

When he enlisted, Henry was married and was living with his wife in Traralgon where he worked as a Timber Merchant. He married Gertrude Annie Awty (nee Dedman) in 1916 and had a daughter, Kathleen, born in 1917 while he was overseas. When he embarked, Gertrude moved back to Neerim South. When Henry returned home he was living in Neerim East and was working as a teamster. Kathleen passed away in 1929 at Clifton Hill. Gertrude was then living at Neerim South and from 1934 seemed to be in New South Wales. In WW1 he disembarked at Plymouth on the 11 November 1916 where he started some train- ing. He was admitted to hospital at Fovant suffering from bronchitis on the 30 January 1917. He went to France on the 20 March 1917 but he was wounded on the 26 March. He was sent to England on the 17 April 1917 and admitted to hospital in Reading on the 19 April with gunshot wounds in his arm and leg. Early in July he was transferred to the Auxiliary Hospital in Harefield from where he was granted a couple of weeks furlough. After furlough he presented to the 3rd Command Depot at Hurdcott but was then transferred to the Brigade Hospital at Hurdcott, as he was suffering from neuritis followed by influenza. In 1931 Henry was listed on the Electoral Rolls as a driver living in Carlton, without any family; in 1934 in Kinglake as labourer; in 1936 to 1942 back in Drouin and living with a sibling, Emily Isobel. There he was still working as a labourer. Henry’s brother, George enlisted in Neerim as an 18 year old farmer, born in Buln Buln in 1916. He served with the 23rd Battalion and returned home on the 31 March 1919. Henry then enlisted in WW2 and his Next of Kin on the WW2 enrolment was listed as Annie Awty. He was discharged after WW2 on the 17 January 1947. He was a Signalman in the

Signals 3 Lines of Communication Area. Henry Joseph Awty spent his time in retirement living at Eagle Point. He died in Bairnsdale on the 29 July 1975 and is buried at Gippsland Memorial Park, Traralgon. On his grave there is a Commonwealth War Grave insignia and his WW2 number but no reference to WW1. He was awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal for his WW1 service.

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Henry and George Awty Beaton, Donald Angus Service Number 4937

Donald was born on the 28 June 1893 at Traralgon, Victoria. He was the third child of Donald and Susannah Beaton (nee Braden). The other children were Louisa (1899), Rubina (1890), Peter (1896), John (1898), Malcolm (1901), Arthur (1903), Alice (1905), Thomas (1907), George (1910), and Jessie and Annie (1913).

Enlisted 16 November 1915 as a 22 year old HMAT A70 Ballarat Private in the 12th Battalion, 15th Reinforcements

Embarked 18 February 1916 from Melbourne on board the HMAT A70 Ballarat

Returned home He returned to Australia on board the HT Persic leaving on the 13 July 1919, disembarked in Melbourne on the 29 August 1919 and was discharged on the 28 October 1919.

Occupation Farmer

Religion Presbyterian

Donald married Lilly Rhodes in 1916 and his Next of Kin on his papers was changed to her. He proceeded overseas to Egypt, disembarking on the 22 March 1916. On the 17 April 1916 he was attached for duty with Headquarters Police at Tel-el-Kebir, Egypt.

Sometime later he proceeded to England and on the 18 August 1916 he went to France and was Taken on Strength of the 12th Battalion on the 8 September 1916.

Donald was admitted to hospital on the 30 September 1916 suffering from mumps. He rejoined his unit on the 6 October. On the 20 October 1916 he was again admitted to hospital suffering from debility and did not rejoin his unit until the 17 November 1916.

He was Wounded in Action on the 25 February 1917 – gunshot wound to his hand and was admitted to the 1st Field Ambulance and then to the 45th Casualty Clearing Station on the same day. On the 27 February he was transferred to the 7th Canadian General Hospital and discharged to a Convalescent Depot on the 9 March 1917. He rejoined his unit on the 12 April 1917. He was reported Missing in Action on the 15 April 1917. This was probably during the German attack at Lagnicourt, France. On the 8 August 1917 an entry was made in his service record stating:

“Delete entry missing and in lieu read Prisoner of War Germany, captured Pronville 15/4/17, interned at Dulmen and was wounded in hand.”

Donald was repatriated from Germany to England on the 9 December 1918 and arrived in London on the 12 December prior to returning home. He returned home to Upper Traralgon Creek, where he was a farmer, in late August 1919. He and Lilly have the names of two children, Wallace and Wilma, on their memorial. He lived in Broadford from 1927-1943 where he worked at the Mill and returned to farming at Jeeralang North. After 1954 he moved to Gordon St, Traralgon, while he worked as a mill hand. He died on 30 June 1973 at Traralgon. Lilly died in 1966 and both are buried at Gippsland Memorial Park, Traralgon. Donald was awarded the British War Medal and the Victory Medal in WW1.

WM-004 Birch, Edward Ormond Service Number 230

Edward Ormond Birch was born in 1886 at Port Melbourne, Victoria. He was the second of four children of Edward and Eliza Birch (nee (McKelvie). His siblings were Alice Louise (1882), Marie Freda (1890) and William Alex (b/d 1897).

Enlisted 4 February 1916 in Melbourne as a 30 year old HMAT A34 Persic Private in the 37th Battalion, A Company

Embarked 3 June 1916 from Melbourne on board the HMAT A34 Persic

Returned home He embarked from England on the 24 January 1918, on board A Karoola, disembarked in Melbourne on the 10 March 1918 and was

discharged on the 10 September 1918.

Occupation Leather Dresser

Religion Presbyterian

Edward proceeded overseas to England and disembarked at Plymouth on the 25 July 1916. He was admitted to the Fargo Military Hospital on the 23 October 1916 suffering from scabies and rejoined his unit on the 28 October. He proceeded to France on the 22 November 1916 with his Battalion. He was Wounded in Action on the 25 December 1916 and was admitted to the 10th Field Ambulance with gunshot wounds in the right hand and left knee. He was transferred to England on the 8 January 1917 and admitted to 1st London General Hospital, Camberwell on the 9 January 1917. He was discharged from hospital on the 4 April 1917 and granted furlough until he had to report to Perham Downs on the 19 April 1917. Edward was transferred to the 67th Battalion, 6th Division on the 28 April 1917 at Windmill Hill Camp, Perham Downs but was returned to his original unit with 6 Division disbanded due to lack of numbers. Edward returned to France on the 25 August 1917 and rejoined his unit on the 1 September. It seems that he was appointed Lance Corporal around this time but it is not known if it was a permanent or temporary rank - there is nothing in his service file about it. He was again Wounded in Action on the 4 October 1917. This was probably during the attack at Broodseinde, Belgium. He was admitted to the 3rd Field Ambulance – gunshot wounds to the right leg and left shoulder. The same day he was moved to the Casualty Clearing Station and on the 6 October transferred to the 26th General Hospital at Etaples, France. He was transferred to England on the 20 October and admitted to Norfolk War Hospital, Norwich. On the 16 January 1918 he was transferred to the 1st Australian Auxiliary Hospital before boarding for home on the Dunluce Castle. He transferred to the Hospital Transport Karoola at Capetown, South Africa due to illness and disembarked in Melbourne on the 10 March 1918.

He was awarded the Military Medal, British War Medal and Victory Medal. The citation for the Military Medal: “On 4 October 1917, East of Ypres, he displayed conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty under fire in action. Throughout the attack, and under the heaviest fire, this N.C.O. did consistently good work and showed great ability and coolness in keeping his Section together and reorganizing it when necessary. Although his Section was in a part of the Line where the fire was intense and casualties severe, it carried on without confusion chiefly owing to the confidence which he inspired. He showed power as a leader.” He married Florence Emma Ashmore and had 2 sons, Henry Boyd and Robert Edward and one daughter, Irene Grace. From 1921 until 1954, he and Florence lived in Wild Street, Preston where Edward worked as a Leather Dresser. Then he and Florence lived at 5 Morris Street, Balwyn in retirement, before coming to Traralgon in 1972. His son Henry, a chemist, was living in Traralgon at that stage. Edward died in 1973 and is buried at Gippsland Memorial Park, Traralgon with his wife, who died in 1986, although his name is not on the plaque.

CE-006 The Military Medal

Brereton, Alfred Thomas Service Number 26768 Alfred Thomas Brereton was born on 3 February 1894 at Fish Creek, Victoria. His parents were James Henry and Mary Ann Brereton (nee Campbell). He was the seventh of the eleven children. They were Charlotte Isabel (1883), John Henry (1885), Agnes May (1886), Mary Fordyce (1888), Elsie Jane (1890), James Stanley (1892), Alfred (1894), Walter Theodore (1896), Harold Ruben ( 1898), Albert Campbell (1900) and Arthur William (1903). He was a pupil at Traralgon State School 1328, Campbell Street starting in 1906.

Enlisted 6 March 1916 in Melbourne as a 22 year old HMAT A15 Port Sydney Driver, to the Field Artillery Brigade Reinforcements, later transferred to 1st Divisional Ammunition Column, 19th Reinforcements.

Embarked 7 September 1916 from Melbourne

on board the HMAT A15 Port Sydney

Returned Home He embarked on board the HT Plassey on the 17 March 1919 to return to Australia and disembarked in Melbourne on the 30 April 1919 and was

discharged on the 7 June 1919 as a Driver.

Occupation Grocer’s Assistant

Religion Church of England

Alfred firstly disembarked in Plymouth on the 29 October 1916 and marched into the Australian Artillery Depot and on the15 December was Taken on Strength to 23rd Field Artillery Brigade. He proceeded overseas to France on the 31 December 1916 and was then Taken on Strength of the 3rd Divisional Ammunition Column and on the 4 February 1917 transferred to the 12th Field Artillery Brigade and again on the 9 March was transferred to the 11th Field Artillery Brigade and posted to the 111th Howitzer Battery. On the 20 September 1918 he was transferred to Eng- land suffering from myalgia. Alfred was recommended for the Military Medal on the 16 August 1918. The recommendation reads: For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty near Cerisy on the 8th August 1918. During the advance on that date, Driver Brereton – who was acting as mounted orderly between the Battery and Brigade Headquarters – covered many miles in the performance of his duty. In spite of heavy enemy machine gun and shell fire from the high ground north of the Somme, he succeeded in maintaining communication between the two units. It was entirely due to his courage, resource and initiative that dispatches were successfully and expeditiously delivered. Recommended by Brigadier-General C.R.A, 4th Australian Division Signed E.G. Sinclair Maclagan, Major-General Commanding 4th Australian Division He was awarded the Military Medal, British War Medal and Victory Medal One of Alfred’s brothers enlisted in the WW1 years; Harold Rueben Brereton enlisted in 1916. His age was 18 years and 3 months. His parents signed the consent form for him to enlist providing he was not to embark to leave Australia before he was 19 years of age. He was discharged medically unfit on the 18 January 1917 due to an old football injury he had suffered before he enlisted. Alfred Brereton married Agnes Sara Pentland on the 30 April 1927 at Scots Church, Melbourne. They lived in Shakespeare Street, Traralgon until Agnes passed away in 1954 and he continued on there until he passed away. Through this time he listed his occupation as a General Mer- chant. Prior to marriage he worked as a Grocer’s Assistant, Produce Merchant in Morwell and a Sawmill Employee in Franklin Street, Traralgon. There is no evidence of children. Alfred died on the 28 August 1981 and is buried at Gippsland Memorial Park, Traralgon, along with his wife. Alfred was a member of the Traralgon City Band.

I-E036

Inscription says: In loving memory of’ AGNES beloved wife of ALFRED passed away 12thDec 1959 ALFRED BRERETON loved husband of the above passed away 28th Aug 1981 Bunker, Horace Edgar

Horace was born in the third quarter of 1891, and was baptised at the St John’s Wood, All Saints Church, London on the 10 of April 1892. His parents were William and Harriett Bunker. His father is listed as a Coachman and their address was 1 Finchley Place, St John’s Wood. St John's Wood is a district of north-west London, in the City of Westminster, and on the north-west side of Regent's Park.

Service number WR177

Enlisted 19 November 1913 as a Sapper

He disembarked for service at St Nazaire – France in 1914

Horace served for a period of 4½ years under the Royal Fusiliers.

He was sent to a casualty clearing station in September 1915 and then onto the Hospital Ship ‘Brighton’. He appears to have been assigned as a Clerk in this time, until he was sent back into the field with the 8th Battalion in April 1916. Being on the ship obviously allowed him enough time to get married. The marriage of Horace Bunker and ‘Nellie’ Ellen Louisa Hutt was solemnized on the 3 February 1916 in the St John Church in Upper Holloway. They were both aged 24 years.

During his war service he went on to become a Lance Corporal.

He and his wife resided after the war at 52 Cottenham Rd, Upper Holloway, in London’s North. On the 1930 English Electoral Register it appears that they shared the residence with Ellen’s parents and brother, William, Charlotte and William John Hutt.

Horace and Ellen had two sons, Horace J W Bunker and Leslie J Bunker.

Leslie and wife Maud with their 3 children, Paul, Linda and Jacqueline came to Australia via Fremantle in 1957. They moved straight to Kay Street, Traralgon.

Horace and Ellen followed them and arrived in Melbourne aboard the Fair Sky in September 1959. They eventually settled in Shakespeare Street, Traralgon. Horace was a retired man by this stage.

By 1963 , the other son, Horace J W is also living in Traralgon with his wife Sylvia. He is listed as a plumber and his brother, Leslie is listed as a trades assistant on the Electoral Rolls.

Horace Edgar Bunker passed away on October 20 1973, and is buried with his wife, Ellen, at Gippsland Memorial Park, Traralgon. His plaque has the Royal Fusiliers emblem.

L1-D010 Burton, David Robert Service number 2570

David Robert Burton was born on 17 March 1885 at Traralgon, Victoria. His parents were Thomas and Rose Burton (nee Rice). He was the last of the eight children: Amy Ellen (1868), Agnes Isabella (1870 - 1888), Jane Victoria (1872), Ida Margaret (1874), Thomas Sydney (1877), John Henry (1879), James Alexander (1881) and David Robert (1885). His Next of Kin was his Mother, Rose Burton of Traralgon. He attended Grey Street School and belonged to the Traralgon Fire Brigade. HMAT A38 Ulysses Enlisted 12 July 1915 in Melbourne as a 30 year old Private with the 22nd Battalion, 6th Reinforcements

Embarkation 27 October 1915 from Melbourne on board the HMAT A38 Ulysses

Returned Home He embarked from England on HT Konigin Luise on the 21 June 1919, disembarked on the 13 August 1919 in Melbourne and was discharged on the 31 November 1919 as a Corporal.

Occupation Carpenter

Religion Presbyterian

When he left Australia David proceeded overseas to Egypt. He was allotted to, and Taken on Strength of, the 7th Battalion on the 24 February 1916 at Zeitoun, Egypt. The 7th Battalion was part of the 2nd Infantry Brigade of the 1st Division.

David embarked at Alexandria, Egypt on 26 March 1916 and disembarked at Marseilles, France on the 31 March 1916. He was Wounded in Action in France on the 22 July 1916 with shell shock. He was transferred to England and rejoined his unit in Belgium on the 5 October 1916. He was promoted to Lance Corporal on the 27 July 1918, Corporal on the 9 November 1918 and Temporary Sergeant on the 13 December 1918 reverting to Corporal later.

On his application paper to get early return to Australia he stated that he had a wife, Amelia Ann Burton and a daughter Gladys aged 7 years. David was discharged from the Army with the rank of Corporal on the 31 November 1919. After the war, David worked as a carpenter while living in Clayton, Cheltenham, and Oakleigh. He was living in Yallourn when he passed away in 1971. His wife died in Moe in 1972. Both are buried at Gippsland Memorial Park, Traralgon.

David served during World War 2; Army number V91891; Rank Sergeant

David was awarded the 1914/15 Star, British War Medal and Victory Medal in WW1

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David Robert Burton Campbell, Dugald McLeod Service Number 1096

Dugald McLeod Campbell was born on 16 August 1890 at Traralgon, Victoria. His parents were Dugald and Margaret Allen Campbell (nee Gillies). He was the last of four children: Agnes Isabella (1881), Mary Nicolina (1884), Archibald Brown (1886) and Dugald McLeod. He was a pupil at Traralgon State School 1328, Campbell Street starting in 1896. His mother, Margaret Campbell of “Greenwood”, Traralgon, was his Next of Kin

Enlisted 5 October 1916 in Melbourne as a 26 year old Private with Australian HMAT A29 Suevic Army Veterinary Section, April Reinforcements

Embarked 21 June 1917 from Melbourne on board the HMAT A29 Suevic

Returned Home He embarked on board HT Gaika on the 8 November 1918 at Devonport to return to Australia, disembarked in Melbourne on the 29 December 1918 and was discharged on the 21 January 1919, medically unfit.

Occupation Farmer

Religion Presbyterian

Dugald first disembarking at Liverpool on the 26 August 1917. He was admitted to hospital on the 28 August 1917 suffering from Mumps and was discharged on the 19 September 1917 to a training battalion. He proceeded to France on the 17 February 1918 and was Taken on Strength of the Australian Veterinary Hospital at Calais on the 19 February 1918. On the 5 July 1918 Dugald was admitted to hospital and on the 20 July, he was transferred to England suffering from neuritis. He had an epileptic fit on the 7 August 1918 in England. He embarked on the 9 November 1918 at Devonport, England for return to Australia. He was awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal Before he went overseas, Dugald had an interest in horses which continued after he returned home with breeding and racing horses. From 1915 he was on the electoral rolls as a grazier and was farming with his brother, Archibald at Tinamba. They were on a property at Crieff Park and raising cattle. After the war he went back to Tinamba. Also living there was Archibald’s wife, Muriel Oswald, whom he had married in 1914. Dugald died on the 26 October 1924 at Traralgon from a leaking heart which was considered a result of his war experience. He was aged 34. Archibald died in 1935 and left 2 children Dugald Brown and Margaret. Dugald was a prominent member of the Traralgon Agricultural Society and the Race Club. He is buried at Gippsland Memorial Park, Traralgon. British War Medal & Victory Medal

OP-D022 Campbell, John Montgomery Service Number 60896

John was born on 28 May 1899 in Toora, Victoria to William John and Lydia Jane Campbell (nee Turner) but gave his address as Tyers when he enlisted as he was living in Tyers with his parents where he was employed on the farm of Mr C Christensen. His father was a butter maker and his mother listed as home duties on electoral rolls. John tried to enlist as a 17 year old, but he was too young. He finally enlisted as a 19 year old and both his parents had to sign that they approved. His father, William, was named as his Next of Kin. HMAT A 37 Barambah Enlisted 4 May 1918 as a 19 year old Private in Traralgon with the 9th General Reinforcements (Victorian)

Embarked 31 August 1918 from Melbourne on board the HMAT A37 Barambah

Returned Home He embarked on the 6 October 1919 on board the HT Pakeha, from Southampton to return to Australia, disembarked in Melbourne on the 21 November 1919 and was discharged on the 9 December 1919.

Occupation Farmer

Religion Presbyterian

While on the ship travelling to Europe, John was sent to the ship’s hospital suffering from influenza and he spent 5 days there. He disembarked in London on the 14 November 1918 but by the 4 December he was back in the Military Hospital at Tidsworth suffering from mumps. He was sent on to 5th Battalion from camp and went to France on the 21 January 1919, just after the time of the Armistice. He was once again admitted to hospital in May 1919 with measles and was returned to England. He was detached from the 5th Battalion and sent to the depot at Tidsworth where he remained on duty until the 1 September 1919 prior to returning home. He was welcomed back at Traralgon station by Cr T Pettit representing the Returned Soldiers’ Committee and the Band played. He was driven to Tyers and welcomed at the home of his parents where the community of Tyers had gathered and where he was welcomed by Mr A Paulet, Chairman of the Tyers welcome home committee.

John continued farming and resided with his parents after he returned, until he passed away on 19 May 1926, aged 26. He was buried at Gippsland Memorial Park, Traralgon on the 21 May and his parents, who died later, are buried in the same plot and acknowledged on the grave monument. John Montgomery Campbell is listed on the Tyers Hall Honour Roll. He was awarded the British War Medal. Inscription says: In memory of The British War Medal Pvt. JOHN M CAMPBELL died 19th May 1926 aged 26 years also his parents WILLIAM died 27th July 1950 aged 86 years OP–B023 LYDIA died 19th Mar 1940

The SS Pakeha

Christensen, Walter Service Number 6983

Walter Christensen was born in Yarram, Victoria to Anton and Mary Ann Christensen (nee Sherry). Anton was born in Norway. Walter was the oldest of their 7 children - his siblings were Thomas Andrew (1891), Margaret Frances (1893), Allan Patrick (1896), Anton Francis (Frank) (1898), Anna Fedora (1901) and William John (1904). Walter’s birth is not listed on Digger but seems that he would have been born about 1891.

His brother, Allan also enlisted, and was assigned to the 4th Light Horse, but he became a gunner with the 2nd Field Artillery Battalion and was Killed in Action at Hancourt, France on the 28 September 1918 and is buried at the Hancourt British Cemetery, Somme, France.

Walter named Effie Elizabeth Mason of Jack River, born in 1887 in Yarram, the child of Philip and Annie Mason (nee Foy), as his Next of Kin. Effie eventually became his wife – they were married in 1920 in Victoria. HMAT A20 Hororata Enlisted 19 October 1916 in Warragul as a Private aged 25 with the 7th Battalion, 23rd Reinforcement

Embarked 23 November 1916 from Melbourne

on board the HMAT A20 Hororata

Returned to Australia He embarked on the 16 March 1919 from Alexandria to return to Australia, disembarking on the 15 May 1919, Melbourne and was discharged on the 7 February 1920.

Occupation Plumber

Religion Church of England

While Walter was in camp at Royal Park he had a bout of influenza, and prior to going to France from England was hospitalised twice more with pneumonia and influenza. Also on the Hororata with him from Traralgon were Thomas Allum, Walter Samuel Christensen, John Stevens and David MacCubbin and from Gormandale Harold Missen, Alan Stanley Wilson and Sydney Ward Davey. In England he was transferred to the Army Cooking School at Tidworth. He left for France on the 15 October 1917 and joined the 7th Battalion. On the 27 October 1917 they marched on to Belgium. He was Wounded in Action with a gunshot wound to both legs on the 9 August 1918, was transferred to the Eastbourne Military Hospital in England and then on to the 2nd Auxiliary Hospital where he had his right leg amputated. He stayed there until the 16 March 1919 and was taken on the SS Czaritza to Alexandria where he transferred to the SS Dunluce Castle for passage to Australia. He continued his work as a plumber and lived with Effie, after marriage in Meredith Street (1922 to 1927) and Park Lane (1928 to 1949). In 1954 Walter was there but Effie was living in Anderson Street. From 1963 to 67 they were both in Anderson St and Walter was farming. From 1968 until his death on 27 June 1976 he was farming at “Myrtledale”, Park Road (Lane). Effie passed away on the 29 October 1969. Effie and Walter are buried together at Gippsland Memorial Park, Traralgon. They had 2 daughters, Dulcie and Verna.

SS Dunluce Castle Walter Christensen

L1–D009

Clarke, William Hugh Service Number 3291

William Hugh Clarke was born in 1869 at Ballarat East, Victoria. His parents were William James White and Mary Clarke, and William Hugh seems to be the oldest of several children born in Ballarat. He married Mary Riches in 1895. They had four children before he enlisted. They were William John (1896), Fred (b/d1898), Evaleen Margaret (1902) and HMAT A71 Nestor Albert Hugh (1904) – all born in Donald. When he enlisted he lived at 9 Queen Street, Ballarat and named his wife, Mary Clarke (nee Riches) as his Next of Kin. He had 7 years with the Victorian Rangers prior to enlisting.

Enlisted 15 July 1915 in Ballarat as a 43 year old Private with 7th Battalion, 11th Reinforcements.

Embarked 11 October 1915 from Melbourne on board the HMAT A71Nestor

Returned Home He embarked on board the HT Khyber on the 3 March 1919 for return to Australia, disembarking in Melbourne on the 12 May 1918 and was discharged on the 1 September 1919.

Occupation Plumber and Tinsmith

Religion Church of England

When William left Melbourne he proceeded to Egypt and was Taken on Strength of the 7th Battalion on the 20 January 1916 at Tel-el-Kebir. On the 24 February 1916 he was transferred to the 56th Battalion at Serapeum and on the 3 March 1916 transferred again this time to the 5th Pioneer Battalion. William embarked at Alexandria, Egypt on the 19 June 1916 and disembarked at Marseilles, France on the 25 June. He was Wounded in Action in France on the 17 April 1918 – gassed. In his medical report he stated that at the time he was gassed he was on picket duty at Villers-Bretonneux, France. He was transferred to England on the 21 April and admitted to the 1st Southern General Hospital at Stourbridge on the 24 April. After he was discharged from hospital he was attached for duty with the 1st Australian Auxiliary Hospital at Harefield on the 8 July 1918. William was granted furlough from the 24 September to the 8 October 1918. He was awarded the 1914/15 Star, British War Medal and Victory Medal.

His oldest son, William John Clarke (born 1896) also enlisted during WW1. He had Regimental Number 2967, with the 13th Light Horse Regiment, and returned to Australia in 1917 with the rank of Trooper.

William’s wife Mary died in 1924. William died on 24 January 1955 at Traralgon and is buried at Gippsland Memorial Park, Traralgon, in the grave beside his wife, who is buried with their daughter Evelyn. William is buried with his son Albert Hugh (1904-1948). NSCE-B040

The plaque reads Albert Clarke NSCE-B041 21 June 1948 William Clarke 24 January 1955

Cleaver, Gordon Herbert Service Number 4161

Gordon Herbert Cleaver was born on 14 July 1895 at Traralgon, Victoria. His parents were Robert Henry and Emily Jane Cleaver (nee Morley). He was the eldest of two children: Gordon (1895) and Eunice (1898). He was a pupil at Traralgon State School 1328, Campbell Street starting in 1901. His parents signed a consent form allowing him to enlist as he was under the age of 21. His father, Robert Cleaver was his Next of Kin.

Enlisted 8 July 1915 as a Private aged 19 years in Melbourne with 7th Battalion, 13th Reinforcements.

Embarked 11 October 1915 from Melbourne on board the HMAT A64 Demosthenes HMAT A64 Demosthenes

Returned Home Killed In Action at Pozieres, France

Occupation Shop Assistant

Religion Church of England

Gordon travelled first to Egypt and was then re-allocated to the 1st Australian Pioneer Battalion. He was Taken on Strength of the 1st Pioneer Battalion at Serapeum, Egypt on the 17 March 1916 and allotted to D Company. In April 1916 he embarked from Alexandria and disembarked at Marseille. From the 13 April 1916 he spent some time in hospital suffering from anemia and was returned to the field on the 21 April 1916. Gordon was Killed in Action on the 21 August 1916 at Mouquet Farm, Pozieres, France. His remains were reinterred in Grave VIII.G.14, Courcelette British Cemetery, Somme, France. His name is commemorated on Panel 171, Roll of Honour, Australian War Memorial, Canberra, ACT; 1914 – 1919 Great War Roll of Honour at the Grey Street Primary School Traralgon; War Memorial, Kay Street Traralgon and on his parents’ grave at Gippsland Memorial Park, Traralgon. Gordon was posthumously awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal which were presented to his parents along with the Memorial Scroll, Memorial Plaque and the brochure

“Where the Australians Rest”, in memory of their son. Three of his uncles served with the AIF, they were: 5882 Private Ernest Edward Morley, 21st Battalion, Died of Wounds on the 14 May 1917 in France 4479 Private George Thomas Morley, 26th Battalion, Killed in Action on the 5 August 1916 at Pozieres, France 1501 Trooper Robert Herbert Morley, 4th Light Horse Regiment, killed in action on the 31 October 1917 in Palestine.

NSCE-B027 Inscription says: In memory of ROBERT CLEAVER died 5.2.1927 aged 68 A devoted husband and father also EMILY J. loved wife of above died 3.12.1949 aged 79 Courcelette British Cemetery, Somme, also our beloved only son France and brother Pte. Gordon H. Memorial killed in action 21.8.1916 aged 21 Plaque Reunited and Scroll

Clifford, Herbert George Service Number 8172

Herbert George Clifford was an Englishman who first came to Australia from Antwerp on board the ship Friedrich der Gross ( German passenger ship, later commandeered by USA as troop carrier) arriving in Sydney on the 2 March 1914. He was the son of Thomas and Nellie Clifford (nee Harper). He was born on the 13 October 1892 at Fulham, London, England. After he disembarked in Sydney he made his way to Melbourne. He was living in Brunswick, working as tailor at the time of his enlistment, but named his father, Thomas of Piccadilly, London as his Next of Kin.

Enlisted 7 June 1915 in Melbourne as a A17 Port Lincoln 22 year old Private with 2nd Australian General Hospital, Special Reinforcements

Embarked 18 October 1915 from Melbourne on board the A17 Port Lincoln

Returned Home He was discharged in England - lived there with his wife and eventually

departed England for Australia on 24 December 1921.

Occupation Tailor

Religion Church of England

Herbert succumbed to enterica initially on the 2 February 1916, got better but relapsed. He was in the 2nd Australian General Hospital in Ghezira and on the 9 February transferred to Cairo dangerously ill. He was treated through some very low stages until he was able to be taken to England unfit for active service. He spent the rest of the war years with the Australian Red Cross where he was an Acting Corporal and a Temporary Corporal at the time of his discharge. He married Ruth May (nee Blackmore) at Notting Hill, UK on the 1 June 1918. He was discharged in England and resided with his wife and eventually 2 daughters, Gladys and Joyce at 20 Heath Road, Thornton Heath. The family finally left England on board the Orient line ship, Ormonde, leaving London on 24 December 1921 and disembarked in Melbourne early in 1922. In 1922 Herbert was living in Sale working as a tailor. Two more children were born. Ruth died in Sale in 1924. Herbert then moved to Traralgon where he lived in Kay Street, and from 1925 until 1954 at 11 Breed Street. From 1934 he was with Elise Grace (his second wife who he married in 1928) but then they were at Inverloch, where he was still working as a tailor. Another child was born which meant there were 7 daughters and 1 son. Herbert stayed in Inverloch after Elsie died in 1962, until, in 1968 he was living with his son Thomas and his wife, Lorna in Traralgon. After 1972 he was at Dalkeith Hostel. Herbert died on 17 March 1975 and was buried at Gippsland Memorial Park, Traralgon on the 19 of March 1975, with his wife, although it is not marked. He was awarded the 1914-1915 Star, Victory Medal and British War Medal.

WM-C010

The “Ormonde” -the ship the family 3 generation – migrated on Thomas, Nellie and Herbert Coates, Bert Kempston Service Number 1363

Bert Kempston Coates was born on 9 June 1889 at Walhalla, Victoria to George and Maria Ann Coates (nee Morris), the sixth of the seven children: Amy Sarah Victoria (1881), Jane Elizabeth (1883), Richard Joseph Harrison (1884), Thomas George (1885), Mary Alice (1887) and Lillian Grace (1895). He was a pupil at Traralgon State School 1328, Campbell Street starting in 1898. His father George died 28 October 1917. His mother, Maria, living in Brunswick, was his Next Of Kin. Enlisted 31 August 1915 at Broadmeadows, as a 23 year old Driver with Ammunition Column, 2nd Field Artillery

Embarked 20 October 1914 from Melbourne on board the HMAT A9 Shropshire 6 Returned Home He disembarked in Melbourne on the 18 December 1918 and was discharged on the 16 February 1919.

Occupation Stationers Assistant

Religion Church of England

Bert embarked overseas to Egypt and joined the Mediterranean Expeditionary Force on 8 April 1915 and took part in the landing at Gallipoli. He was Wounded in Action on 16 June 1915 – shrapnel wound to his leg, head and arm. On the 14 December 1915 he was readmitted to hospital to have an operation on his leg for varicose veins. He rejoined his unit on 6 January 1916. He embarked at Alexandria, Egypt on 23 March 1916 to proceed to France and disembarked at Marseilles on 28 March. He was once again admitted to hospital on 5 September suffering from Varicose Veins and was transferred to England on 7 September. He returned to France on 2 January 1917 and on the 10 January was transferred to 1st Divisional Ammunition Column and was posted to No. 2 Section. He was transferred back to the 2nd Field Artillery Brigade and posted to the 102nd Howitzer Battery. He went on leave to England on 20 January 1918, rejoining his unit on 8 Feb 1918. On the 29 Apr 1918 Bert, along with seven other members of his battery, were recommended for the Military Medal for the following action, but it was not approved - 102nd Battery, 2nd Australian Field Artillery Brigade 206 Staff Sergeant John Bennett; 160 Sergeant Ernest George Chudleigh; 4957 Corporal Charles Scott; 25462 Driver Christopher Fenton; 3804 Driver Michael Harold McDermott; 4028 Driver John Lewin; 1363 Driver Bert Kempston Coates; 25476 Gunner David McAllister: “For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty at Le Peuplier near Caestre on the night of 28th/29th April 1918. The enemy opened up a heavy shellfire of 5.9”s and 4.2”s on the 102nd Battery Wagon Lines. These N.C.O.’s and men showed great courage and devotion to duty in rescuing two men from under a tree which had fallen on four men killing two. The further shelling set fire to a dump of ammunition which spread to the stables. They then turned their attention to the release and withdrawal of the horses and other Government property. They showed great courage and throughout. As a result of the shelling 5 men were killed, 3 men wounded and 12 horses killed.” Major D.J. Toomey, P.C., 102nd Battery Two of Bert’s brothers enlisted in the war; Richard Joseph Harrison Coates, 3rd Light Horse Brigade Train, Regimental Number 5048, Wounded in Action and discharged medically unfit 1916 with the rank of Private; Thomas George Coates, 8th Light Horse Regiment, Regimental Number 606, Killed in Action 7 August 1915, The Nek, Gallipoli, Turkey. Bert sent many letters home from his areas during the war (many recorded in Elizabeth McDonald’s books). He married Eileen Hilda Chenhall in 1920 and had 3 children. He established a news agency business in Traralgon, played football and followed his love of fishing. He was very involved in community activities through his life Bert died on 3 July 1970 and is buried with Hilda at Gippsland Memorial Park, Traralgon.

P-F109 Anzac Commemorative Medallion Cook, David Alexander Service Number 2351

David Alexander Cook was born 14 July 1881 at Williamstown, Victoria to Thomas Anderson and Sarah Ann Cook (nee Shennon). He was the second of seven children: Henry (1879), David Alexander, Thomas Anderson (1883), William Donald (1887), Ellen (1889), James (1893) and Bethia Anderson (1896). David married Agnes May Peel in 1905 and they had four children before he enlisted- David Alexander (1906), Ellen May (1908) both born in Yarram; Agnes Jean (1911) and Ernest Thomas (1913), both born in Traralgon. Agnes was named as his Next of Kin.

Enlisted 12 July 1915, age 34 as a Private in Melbourne with the 23rd Battalion 5th Reinforcements RMS Osterley

Embarked 29 September 1915 from Melbourne on board the RMS Osterley

Returned Home He left Portland, England on board HT Wiltshire on the 22 November 1916, disembarked on the 31 December 1916 in Melbourne and was discharged on the 9 February 1917, medically unfit.

Occupation Farm Labourer

Religion Presbyterian

David originally proceeded overseas to Egypt but was soon admitted to hospital in Heliopis suffering from dysentery. He rejoined his unit on the 29 November 1915. He then left Egypt through Alexandria on 19 March 1916 and disembarked at Marseilles, France on the 26 March 1916. On the 28 May 1916 he was admitted to the Australian Hospital at Wimereux suffering from pleurisy and was transferred to England on the 10 June to the East General Hospital before being transferred to the 1st Australian Auxiliary Hospital at Hareford and from there to the No 2 Convalescent Depot. He had spent at most, 2 months in France and was sick most of his sojourn overseas. He was welcomed home with a gathering in Callignee Hall.

Three of David’s brothers enlisted during the war - Henry Cook, Regimental Number 4784, 5th Battalion, Returned to Australia 1918 with the rank of Private; William Don Cook, Regimental Number 4776, 5th Battalion. Returned to Australia 1918 with the rank of Private; James Cook, Regimental Number 32291, 3rd Field Artillery Brigade, Returned to Australia 1919 with the rank of Driver (also buried at Gippsland Memorial Park Cemetery, Traralgon, Victoria) .

When David returned after the war he continued farming in Callignee. He had three children after he returned, one of whom passed away aged 12, and is buried with his parents. In 1928 the family moved to Jumbuck to continue farming and his sons went into farming also, around the Hazelwood area. Before 1943, David and Agnes had moved into 6 Roseneath Street, Traralgon. He died on the 1 August 1952 at Traralgon and is buried at the Gippsland Memorial Park, Traralgon, with his son Walter George (died 1939) and his wife, Agnes (died 1956).

David was awarded the 1914/15 Star, British War Medal and Victory Medal.

I-C001

David and Agnes - married in 1905 Cook, James Service Number 32291

James Cook was born 13 April 1893 at Traralgon, Victoria. His parents were Thomas Anderson and Sarah Ann Cook (nee Shennon). He was the sixth of seven children: Henry (1879), David Alexander (1881), Thomas Anderson (1883), William Donald (1887), Ellen (1889), James (1893) and Bethia Anderson (1896). His father, Thomas, was named as his Next Of Kin.

Enlisted 4 July 1916, as a 23 year old Private in Melbourne with the 8th Field Artillery Brigade, 8th Reinforcements RMS Osterley Embarked 14 February 1917 from Melbourne on board the RMS Osterley

Returned Home He embarked on board the SS Ormonde on the 16 June 1919, disembarking in Melbourne on the 1 August 1919 and was discharged on the 8 September 1919.

Occupation Farm Labourer

Religion Presbyterian

On embarkation, James proceeded overseas to England, disembarking at Plymouth on the 11 April 1917. On the 4 May 1917 he was admitted to Fargo Military Hospital suffering from bronchitis. He proceeded to France on the 17 October 1917 and was Taken on Strength of the 3rd Field Artillery Brigade on the 23 October in Belgium. He was admitted as a patient to the 3rd Canadian General Hospital on the 3 December 1917. He was then transferred to England on the 29 December and admitted to Queen Mary’s Hospital, Whalley, suffering from trench fever. From there he was transferred to the 1st Australian Auxiliary Hospital on the 9 January 1918 and then discharged to No. 3 Command Depot on the 14 January 1919. James then spent the next 10 months in England at various Command Depots or with Training Brigades before heading back to France on the 1 November 1918 and rejoining his unit on the 15 November 1918. He left France in April 1919 after having spent some time in the 39th General Hospital there, and returned to England before embarking to return home.

James was awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal

Three of James’s brothers enlisted during the war; - Henry Cook, Regimental Number 4784, 5th Battalion, Returned to Australia in 1918 with the rank of Private David Alexander Cook, Regimental Number 2351, 23rd Battalion, Returned to Australia in 1916 with the rank of Private (also buried at Gippsland Memorial Park Cemetery, Traralgon, Victoria) William Don Cook, Regimental Number 4776, 5th Battalion, Returned to Australia in 1918 with the rank of Private

James married Margaret Alice Diaper (born 1901) on the 8 December 1924 in Yarram. They had two children. He continued to farm at Balook. Margaret Alice died in 1946 in Traralgon. James died on the 22 October 1972 in Carrum and they are buried together at the Gippsland Memorial Park, Traralgon.

OP-A023

Couch, Clyde George Service Number 2659

Clyde was born on the18 October 1898 at Heyfield, Victoria to Joseph John and Annie Couch (nee Ashton). He was the middle son of 3 who enlisted In WW1. Their father, Joseph John, also tried to enlist at the age of 44 years but after a month or so was discharged as medically unfit. The others who enlisted were: Robert Alexander who was born in 1894 in Malvern and embarked on 4 April 1916. He was severely injured in the left shoulder by a gunshot wound and returned to Australia where he was discharged on 4 July 1918. He was awarded the Victory Medal and the British War Medal. He died in Hamilton in 1976 aged 81. William Joseph who embarked from Australia on 16 December and was Killed in Action on 4 October 1917 in

Passchendale, Belgium and his grave is in the Tyne Cot British Cemetery in Belgium. HMAT A 71 Nestor Enlisted 31 August 1916, in Melbourne as a 19 year old Private with 60th Battalion, 6th Reinforcement

Embarked 2 October 1916 from Melbourne on board the HMAT A71 Nestor

Returned Home He embarked on board the HT Euripides on the 30 January 1918, disembarking in Melbourne on the 21 March 1918 and

was discharged on the 12 September 1918.

Occupation Labourer

Religion Presbyterian

Clyde was a 19 year old labourer when he enlisted. He disembarked at Plymouth but was hospitalised with mumps and a month after discharge, he went to France with the 60th Battalion on March 1917. In September 1917 he was Wounded in Action at the Battle of Polygon Wood, Belguim, and sent back to England with a severely lacerated arm. He was discharged from hospital and stayed in England until embarking for Australia, with the disability in his left shoulder and arm. According to his daughter, Lois, her father seldom talked about the war and when asked what it was like, responded that it was nothing like in the films. His philosophy, when commenting on someone expressing anti-war sentiments, was that he and his comrades had fought so that we were free to express an opinion freely without fear of negative retaliation.

During WW2 Clyde (V365345) enlisted and served as a member of the VDC – Volunteer Defence Corps. Clyde married Jessie Rimington on 6 June 1931 at St Stephen’s Anglican Church in Richmond and had three children: Lois (1935); Joy (1938) and Ian (1943). He was a conscientious member of The Traralgon RSL and the Traralgon Band, supporting all their efforts. He attended all ANZAC services including Dawn Services, even when, in 1958 he would have been in severe pain (unknown to family) as he passed away on 3 November 1958. The family remember him as a kind and gentle person, yet strong at the same time. He never mentioned or complained of his shoulder injury, nor let it impede his work or activities. His school friends from Gormandale have remarked in later life, that he was always kind and thoughtful at school just as he was in adult life. After the war he worked as a Butter Maker at the Traralgon Butter factory, Grey Street School Cleaner and a cleaner at the SEC building in Franklin Street. He is buried with Jessie at Gippsland Memorial Park, Traralgon.

WM-A004 Clyde George Couch Couch, William Joseph Service Number 4523

William Couch was born in 1900 in Korumburra, Victoria. He was the youngest son of Joseph and Annie Couch (nee Ashton). William was an 18 year old labourer when he enlisted and named his mother, Annie Couch, as his Next of Kin. At the time his father was on the AIF list also. Enlistment 9 October 1916, as an 18 year old Private with 29th Battalion, 12th Reinforcement

Embarked 16 December 1916 from Melbourne on board the HMAT A7 Medic

Fate Killed in Action on 4 October 1917

Occupation Labourer HMAT A7 Medic Religion Presbyterian

William disembarked at Plymouth, England on the16 February 1917 and joined the 8th Training Battalion at Headcott. From March until May he had two trips to the camp hospital sick, before embarking for France from Southampton to Le Havre. He left on the 4 August 1917 to join the 39th Battalion and went out to the field. He was Killed in Action on the day of the Battle for Broodseinde, Passchendaele, Belguim, along with many other Australians. Initially, he was reported missing, but later that was confirmed and the family was informed in November 1917. These soldiers are acknowledged on an Honour Wall at the Australian War Memorial. The formal letter with the information about his death was sent in June 1918. He was initially buried at the Levi Cottage Cemetery with the service conducted by a chaplain from the 31st Canadian Battalion. In December 1920, the family was informed that his remains had been exhumed and reinterred at the Tyne Cot British Cemetery, east of Ypres, carried out with respect and in the presence of a chaplain. His family received, on his behalf, the British War Medal, Victory Medal, Memorial Plaque, Memorial Scroll, a photo of the grave, and the pamphlet “ Where the Australians Rest”

Poem written by Annie Couch Somewhere in France, dear Willie is sleeping His grave I will never see. Will some kind hand in that far off land Plant a few flowers for me? How sadly I’ve missed him for five long years I still picture his face through a mist of tears Published: Gippsland Farmers Journal 1922 In memory of William Joseph Couch KIA

William Joseph Couch (sitting) . with his brother Robert Alexander Couch WM-A004

Memorial Plaque The Memorial Scroll Coulson, Cecil Thomas Service Number 1614

Cecil Thomas Coulson was born 12 April 1896 at Thorpdale, Victoria. His parents were Thomas Henry and Isobel Coulson (nee King). He was the first of four children: Cecil Thomas (1896), Gladys Mary (1898), Vivian McKenzie (1902) and Pearl Irene (1906). His father, Thomas, worked for the Victorian Railways and was named as his Next of Kin. They lived at “Crofton”, High Street, Traralgon at the time of enlistment.

Enlistment 3 August 1915, in Melbourne as a 19 year old HMAT A41 Bakara Private with the 31st Battalion, 1st Reinforcements

Embarked 5 November 1915 from Melbourne on board the HMAT A41 Bakara

Returned Home He embarked on board HT Kaiser-i- Hind on the 6 May 1919, disembarked at Melbourne on the 16 June 1919 and was discharged on 18 August 1919 as a 1st Class Air Mechanic.

Occupation Motor Mechanic

Religion Church of England

Cecil attended Grey Street School and spent a year with the Citizens Forces prior to enlisting When he left Melbourne he proceeded overseas to Egypt, disembarking at Suez on the 7 December 1915. He was Taken on Strength of “B” Company, 31st Battalion on the 1 February 1916. The 31st Battalion was part of was part of the 8th Infantry Brigade of the 5th Division. Cecil embarked at Alexandria, Egypt on the 16 June 1916 and proceeded to France, disembarking at Marseilles on the 23 June. He was granted leave to the UK from 31 December 1916 and rejoined his unit on the 17 January 1917. On the 1 May 1917, Cecil was transferred to the Australian Flying Corps as a Mechanic. He had been trying to join them for some time as it meant he would get back into his trade. He remustered as 2nd Class Air Mechanic. On the 13 June 1917 he was Taken on Strength of the 30th Training Squadron. He was attached to the 1st Wing, Australian Flying Corps on 20 March 1918. Cecil was promoted to 1st Class Air Mechanic on the 30 March 1919 and stayed with the Flying Corp until he returned home. He spent most of his time in England, acted as a chauffeur to an officer and spent no time in Hospital during his stay. Cecil married Lilian May Stuckey (May) on the 24 March 1925. He lived in Shakespeare St. Traralgon with Lily and had one son, Gordon. They resided there until they passed away. Until Cecil died he continued to work as a motor mechanic. “A pretty wedding was celebrated at the residence of the bride's parents on Wednesday, when Lilian May, eldest daughter of Mr and Mrs T. Stuckey, "Riverlea," Flynn, was united to Cecil Thomas, eldest son of Mr Thos. Coulson, "Crofton," Traralgon.“ (Traralgon Record: 31/3/1925) His sister, Gladys Mary had married Charles Victor Clive Morley, a WW1 soldier, in 1920 and both are buried in Gippsland Memorial Park, Traralgon also. Cecil died in 1970 and is buried Gippsland Memorial Park, Traralgon. His wife is also buried there.

L1-F009

Cecil Thomas Coulson

Couper, James Ireland Francis Service Number 28395

James Ireland Francis Couper was born in 1897 at Meeniyan, Victoria. His parents were William Lockhard Carlyle and Elizabeth Couper (nee Ireland). He was the third of eight children: William Lockhard Carlyle (1895, died 1895), Bertie Carlyle (1896), James Ireland Francis (1897), Joseph (1900), Thomas Carlyle (1902), Elsie Mariam (1904), Edith Veronica (1908) and Doris (1911). His father, William, was his Next of Kin.

Enlistment 23 May 1916, as an 18 year old Private with the 14th Field Artillery Brigade, 7th Reinforcements

Embarked 25 October 1916 from Melbourne on board the HMAT A38 Ulysses

Returned Home He embarked on board the HT Aeneas on the HMAT A38 Ulysses 22 November 1919, disembarking in Melbourne on 9 January 1920 and was discharged Gunner 23 February 1920.

Occupation Farm Labourer

Religion Church of England

James headed to England, disembarking at Plymouth on the 23 December 1916. On the 26 January 1917 he was admitted to the Fargo Military hospital suffering from scabies and discharged on the 19 February. He proceeded to France on the 19 June 1917 and was Taken on Strength of the 3rd Divisional Ammunition Column on the 4 August 1917. Once again he was admitted to the 24th Field Ambulance, sick, on the 30 October 1917 and transferred to England on the 3 November where he was admitted to the Reading War Hospital on the 5 November suffering from enlarged maxillary glands. On the 4 January 1918 he was transferred to the 1st Australian Auxiliary Hospital at Harefield, and discharged on the 7 January and granted furlough until the 21 January when he had to report to No.1 Command Depot at Sutton Veny. On the 18 February 1918 he was admitted to hospital at Sutton Veny suffering from a septic toe and rejoined the Depot on the 4 April 1918. James went back to France on the 30 April 1918 and rejoined the 3rd Divisional Ammunition Column on the 10 May. He was detached to the 3rd Divisional Training on the 29 July and rejoined his unit on the 17 August. He was transferred to the 8th Field Artillery Brigade on the 19 August and posted to the 30th Battery. He was once again admitted to hospital suffering from enlarged maxillary glands on the 16 January 1919 and transferred to England on the 18 February, discharged from hospital on the 4 March and granted furlough until the 8 April 1919, when he was attached to AIF Headquarters in London, prior to returning home.

One of James’s brothers enlisted during the war: Bertie Carlyle Couper, Regimental Number 50428, 3 Light Horse Machine Gun Squadron, Returned to Australia in 1919 with the rank of Trooper.

James married Violet White at Surrey Hills on the 4 October 1920 and from then they farmed near Meeniyan, until they retired to 6 Bennett Court, Traralgon prior to 1963. He died on 11 March 1972 and is buried at the Gippsland Memorial Park, Traralgon. They had two children, William, who was a building contractor living in Traralgon and Betty (Helliwell). Violet continued to live in Bennett Street and passed away on 7 August 1981. Violet and Betty are buried with James. He was awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal.

L2-I030 Crabtree, Edgar Wilfred Service Number 64556

Edgar Wilfred Crabtree was born 3 November 1897 at Sale, Victoria. His parents were James and Martha Crabtree (nee Rymer). He was the last of eight children: Edith Elizabeth May (1877), William John (1878), Florence Maude (1881), Albert James (1884), Sidney Henry George (1886), Hannah Martha (1888), Mabel Ethel (1894) and Edgar Wilfred (1897). His Next of Kin was his father, James, who lived in Trafalgar. SS Port Darwin

Enlistment 8 June 1918, age 20 as a Private with the 6th General Service Reinforcements

Embarked 14 September 1918 from Sydney on board the HMAT SS Port Darwin

Returned Home He embarked on board the HT Dongala on the 24 July 1919, disembarking in Melbourne on the 28 August 1919 and

was discharged with the rank of Trooper on the 9 September 1919.

Occupation Farmer

Religion Methodist

His parents signed the consent form for him to enlist and serve overseas as he was under the age of 21 years. Prior to enlisting he had 4 years in Senior Cadets (Area 45A, Trafalgar), and with the 13th Light Horse Regiment, Citizen Military Forces; still serving at time of his AIF Enlistment. When he embarked from Sydney he proceeded overseas to Egypt, disembarking at Suez on the 29 October 1918. He underwent additional training and was then allotted to and Taken on Strength of the 15th Light Horse Regiment on the 22 November 1918. The 15th Light Horse Regiment was formed in Palestine in June 1918 .Although many former light horse troopers were to be found in the ranks of the ICC, large numbers had also been recruited from infantry battalions and so sev- eral months of training were needed before the 15th was fit to commence operations as a horse-mounted regiment. The 15th along with former cameleers from the 14th Division and a French Cavalry regiment formed the 5th Light Horse Brigade, part of the Australian Mounted Division. While waiting to embark for home, the 15th Light Horse were called back to operational duty to quell the Egyptian revolt that erupted in March 1919; order was restored in little over a month. The 15th Regiment left on 24 July 1919 without the horses.

Edgar married Dorothy Emily Reynolds in 1925 and lived in Trafalgar South as a farmer. By 1931 he moved to Traralgon working as a labourer. In that year he moved to Balook and worked as a Patrol Officer, returning to Traralgon and laboring in 1934. Edgar and Dorothy had eight children and he continued to work as a labourer. When he died on the 8 September 1954, he was living at 23 Campbell Street, Traralgon with Dorothy and some of the family. Dorothy continued to live there until she passed away in 1963. They are buried in consecutive gravesites at Gippsland Memorial Park, Traralgon. Edgar served during World War: Army number V83460 and Rank of Sergeant. In WW1 he was awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal.

Edgar Wilfred Crabtree Inscription says: In Loving Memory of our dear father EDGAR WILFRED died 12.9.1953 aged 55 yrs Ever Remembered

WB-D054 Curran, Arthur Ernest Service Number 1153

Arthur Ernest Curran was born in 1895 at Traralgon. His parents were Henry and Julia Curran (nee Macauley). He was the sixth of eleven children: Francis (1886), James Henry (b/d1887), John (1889), Eva May (1891-1908), James Henry (1893), Arthur Ernest (1895), Gordon Clyde (1899-1900), Ethel Rubena (1901), Florence Catherine (1904), Alfred Andrew (1906) and James Roy (1910). His father, Arthur, was his Next of Kin. SS Hawkes Enlistment 21 July 1915 , in Melbourne age 20 as a Private with the 13th Light Regiment, 6th Reinforcements

Embarked 26 October 1915 from Melbourne on board the HMAT SS Hawkes Bay

Returned Home He embarked on board the HT Suffolk on the 12 May 1919, disembarking In Melbourne on the 5 June 1919 and was discharged with the rank of Driver on the 28 July 1919.

Occupation Labourer

Religion Roman Catholic

After embarking, Arthur proceeded overseas to Egypt where he was Taken on Strength of the 13th Light Horse Regiment on the 1 February 1916. On the 17 April 1916 he transferred to the Light Horse Training Battalion and on the 25 June 1916 he proceeded to France. On the 15 September 1916 he was transferred to the 1st Anzac Army Corps Light Horse Regiment and then detached for Traffic Control Duty in the field on the 21 September. He rejoined his unit on the 19 December 1916. On the 18 November 1917 he was transferred to the 1st Australian Divisional Ammunition Column and remustered as a Gunner. On the 23 November he was transferred to the 2 Field Artillery Brigade and posted to the 6th Battery. He was taken to hospital, sick, on the 3 January 1918 and rejoined his unit on the 16 February. On the 4 March 1918 he was granted leave to England, rejoining his unit on the 23 April. On the 14 July 1918 he was remustered as a Driver. He was transferred to the 1st Field Artillery Brigade on the 19 October 1918.

Two of Arthur’s brothers enlisted in the war; John Curran, 39th Battalion, 4th Reinforcements, Depot Number V150, enlisted 13 November 1915 but was discharged medically unfit by the Medical Board 7 September 1916 due to Chronic Rheumatism; he did not embark for overseas. James Henry Curran, 3rd Field Artillery Brigade, Regimental Number 4626, Returned to Australia in 1919 Rank: driver Arthur did not marry. He lived in Traralgon according to the electoral rolls, and continued as a Labourer. At one stage may have worked at APM. He is buried in Traralgon along with his oldest brother, Frank, who passed away in 1953, aged 67. Arthur died on the 25 April 1965 at Sale and is buried at Gippsland Memorial Park, Traralgon.

NSM-F015 Curran, John (Jack) Service Number Depot V150

John Curran was born 7 December 1888 at Traralgon, Victoria. His parents were Henry and Julia (nee Macauley). He was the third of eleven children: Francis (1886), James Henry (b/d 1887), John (1888), Eva May (1891 - 1908), James Henry (1893), Arthur Ernest (1895), Gordon Clyde (1899 - 1900), Ethel Rubena (1901), Florence Catherine (1904), Alfred Andrew (1906) and James Roy (1910). John married Julia Eugene Parke in 1909 in Trinidad and Tobago, in the Western District of Victoria and they had four children by the time John enlisted in 1915. They were: Sydney John (1910), Eva Gwendoline May (1911), Leonard Henry (1913), and Gordon Thomas (1915). These children were born in Traralgon. There were other children born later. His wife, Julia Eugene (Jean) was named as his Next of Kin.

Enlistment 13 November 1915 , age 27 as a Private in Ballarat with 39th Battalion and went into camp at Ballarat

Outcome On the 7 September 1916 he was discharged as medically unfit

Occupation Contractor

Religion Roman Catholic

John did not leave Australia due to his health. He was suffering from Chronic Rheumatism. He was of good character.

He continued to live in Argyle Street, Traralgon from the time he was discharged with his wife, Julia, and family and according to the Electoral Rolls was a stud manager. Also listed with his wife and mother, there was a Harry Curran who was a horse breeder. This seems to be his father Henry. They also lived in Mitchell Street, Traralgon, at some stage.

Two of John’s brothers enlisted in the war: James Henry Curran, 3rd Field Artillery Brigade, Regimental Number 4626, Returned to Australia in 1919 with the rank of Driver; Arthur Ernest Curran, 2nd Field Artillery Brigade, Regimental Number 1153, Returned to Australia in 1919 with the rank of Driver.

John died on 29 November 1966 and is buried at the Gippsland Memorial Park, Traralgon. Julia passed away on 8 September 1959 and is buried in the same grave.

Jack’s brother, James Henry Curran (photo from the AWM) WM-B003 Dargie, James Scottish 51st Highland Cycle Company

James was born to Thomas and Isabella Duncan Dargie (nee Cox), on the 8 July 1899 in Broughty Ferry, Dundee, Scotland. He was the youngest child in the family on the 1901 Scotland Census and had siblings: William aged 18, David aged 10, George and Thomas aged 8. They lived at the King Street Waverley Building, Scotland.

He served in WW1 as part of the 51st Highland Cycle Company.

He enlisted on 7 June 1915 and was discharged on the 3 July 1916, because he was underage.

While in the unit he was a message runner. HMAT A32 Thermistocles

James left Scotland after the war on the 21 January 1921 aboard the HMAT A32 Themistocles.

When he migrated, he came to Gippsland and was employed at Boisdale House as a gardener and general hand. He had been listed as a gardener on his enlistment papers.

He married Louisa Mary O’Shea in 1938 and was listed on the electoral rolls from 1943 as living at 9 Cumberland Street, Traralgon with his occupation listed as balerman.

He and Louisa had 8 children. The first, James Edward, was born and died in Maffra in 1939. The other children were Judith, Bruce, Jim, Francis, Maree, John and Joanne.

James passed away in 1960 and was cremated at Springvale and his ashes are interred at Gippsland Memorial Park, Traralgon in a niche wall. Louise died in 2011 and is buried at Gippsland Memorial Park with their daughter Maree.

James Dargie

W4B-2-6

His wife’s and daughter’s grave

James and Louisa’s deceased children Memorialised at GMP Davidson, Leslie Claude Service Number 3066

Leslie Claude Davidson was born on the 31 December 1893 in Traralgon, Victoria. His parents were William and Mary Ann Davidson (nee Whalley). He was the eleventh of twelve children: Sarah Jane (1876), George (1877-1900), Ann Marie (1878), Alice Margaret (1880), Frances Maud (1882), Lily Beatrice (1884), Alfred William (1885), May Ethel (1887-1891), Sydney John (1889), Mabel Ruth (1892), and Stanley Clyde (1897-1901). His mother Mary died on the 31 August 1899 at Traralgon and his father William on 7 March 1913 at Geelong, Victoria. His brother, Alfred was named as his Next of Kin. HMAT A73 Commonwealth Enlistment 21 July 1915 in Melbourne as a 21 year old Private with the 24th Battalion, 7th Reinforcements

Embarked 26 November 1915 from Melbourne on board the HMAT A73 Commonwealth

Returned Home He embarked on board the HT Soudan on the 12 May 1919, disembarked

in Melbourne on the 29 June 1919 and was discharged on 21 July 1919.

Occupation Carter

Religion Presbyterian

Les proceeded overseas to Egypt and was Taken on Strength of the 8th Battalion, part of the 2nd Infantry Brigade of the 1st Division on the 24 February 1916 at Serapoum, Egypt. He then embarked at Alexandria to join the British Expeditionary Force on 26 March 1916 and proceeded to France disembarking at Marseilles on the 31 March 1916. From this point Les’s record has a note which says “Unit records do not disclose movement of the above named between Taken on Strength of unit from 24/2/15 until 5/3/19 when he marched out for return to Australia apart from two periods of leave”. One was leave to United Kingdom. Les married Marion Wilson Jones on the 5 November 1921 at Brunswick, Victoria. They had four children - John, Elaine, Margaret and Ian. He was a baker in Franklin Street when he arrived home with his brother Alfred. Before and after WW1 he was involved with the Traralgon City Band, and played cricket for the Presbyterian Church team through the 1930s and was very much involved within the local community. He continued through his life as a baker. From 1925 until his death he and Marion lived at 97 Church Street, where Marion stayed on after Les passed away on 29 January 1960. Marion passed away in 1968 and both are buried at Gippsland Memorial Park, Traralgon. 8th Battalion Band 1918 - Les sitting 4th from the right.

Photo of Les Davidson from Traralgon Fire Brigade Honour

W7-030 Dearman, Patrick Michael Francis Service Number 5724

Patrick Michael Francis Dearman was born 4 October 1900 at Scone, New South Wales. His parents were William Joseph and Sarah Ellen Dearman (nee McHugh). He was the fourth of six children: Joseph William (1893), Sarah Mary (1895), John (1898), Arthur (1905 ) and Mabel (1908). Patrick was under age when he enlisted and gave his age as 19 years but was actually 15 years, 5 months old. Even though he gave the age of 19 years the section where the parents are supposed to sign is blank and there is no record in his service file of a consent form signed by his parents for him to enlist. It may be that his parents and the recruiting officer, turned a blind eye to his age. His father, William, was his Next of Kin.

Enlistment 21 June 1916in Newcastle NSW as a 19 year HMAT A38 Ulysses old Private with the Tunnelling Companies Reinforcements.

Embarked 25 October 1916 from Melbourne on board the HMAT A38 Ulysses

Returned Home He embarked on board the HT Berrima on the 2 January 1919, disembarked at Melbourne on 7 March 1919 and was

discharged on 1 April 1919 as a Sapper.

Occupation Labourer

Religion Roman Catholic

When Patrick left Melbourne he proceeded to England, disembarking at Plymouth on the 28 December 1916. On the 21 January 1917 he proceeded to France. He was attached to the 2nd Australian Tunnelling Company on the 8 February 1917 and was Taken on Strength of that unit from attachment on the 2 March 1917. Patrick was admitted to hospital suffering from pneumonia on the 2 January 1918 and transferred to England where he was admitted to the 2nd Southern General Hospital at Bristol. On the 1 March 1918 he was transferred to the 3rd Auxiliary Hospital and was discharged on the 24 May 1918 and granted furlough until the 7 June 1918 when he was to report to No. 1 Command Depot. He was then Marched Out to the Overseas Training Brigade on the 29 July 1918. On the 15 August 1918 Patrick was transferred from the 2nd A.T.C. to Admin Headquarters in London, as his real age was discovered and from there to No. 2 Command Depot, Weymouth on the 12 December 1918.

One of Patrick’s brothers served in WW1: Joseph William Dearman, Regimental No.1470, 35th Battalion. He returned to Australia in 1919 with the rank of Private.

Patrick married Doreen Ruby Palmer in 1920 at Balmain South, New South Wales. They had one child, Arthur who died in Moe. Doreen died on the 14 October 1933 and is buried at Cowra, New South Wales. Patrick was working as a welder at that time. Patrick then married Dorothy Marion Kaye and had 3 sons with her. He was living and working in Yallourn at that stage as a fitter. By 1963 he and his family were living in Kosciusko Street, Traralgon. Patrick served in World War 2: Army number V367854, Volunteer Defence Corps, as a Private. He died on 16 January 1967 and is buried at the Gippsland Memorial Park, Traralgon, as are two of his sons and his wife Dorothy.

CE-H017

Dickenson, John Edward James Service Number 4789

John Edward James Dickenson was born in 1893 at Castlemaine, Victoria. His parents were William John and Lillian Elizabeth Dickenson (nee Harris). He was the third of ten children: William Thomas (1889), Lillian Elizabeth (1890), John Edward James (1893), Ivy Emma May (1895), Henry Charles (1898-1901), Charles Baden Powell (1900 - 1901), Herbert Lavington (1902), Rose Beatrice (1908), Holly Isabel (1910), and Daisy Florence (1913). His father, William, who was at the same address as John in Castlemaine, was named as his Next of Kin.

Enlistment 13 July 1915 as a 21 year old Private with the 5th Battalion, 15th Reinforcements.

Embarked 7 March 1916 from Melbourne on board the HMAT A18 Wiltshire HMAT A18 Wiltshire Returned Home He embarked on board the HT Konigin Luise on the 21 June 1919, disembarked at Melbourne on the 13 August 1919 and was discharged on 5 October 1919 as a Private.

Occupation Carpenter

Religion Church of England

John proceeded overseas to Egypt, disembarking at Suez and was Taken on Strength of the 5th Battalion on the 20 April 1916 and then transferred to the 57th Battalion the same day. This Battalion was attached to the 15th Infantry Brigade of the 5th Division. John embarked at Alexandria, Egypt on the 17 March 1916 and disembarked at Marseilles, France on the 24 March. He was admitted to hospital sick, on the 30 October 1916 and rejoined his unit on the 6 November 1916. He was granted leave to England from 14 to 27 August 1917 and from 23 September to 9 October 1918. On the 11 February 1919 he was transferred to the 3rd Australian Motor Transport Company and on the 19 April 1919 to the 5th Australian Motor Transport Company. Two of John’s brother enlisted during the war: Private William Thomas Dickenson, Regimental Number 2061, 38th Battalion, Died of Disease 26 March 1917 at Sutton Veny Military Hospital, England; Henry Charles Dickenson, Regimental Number 2398, 57th Battalion, Returned to Australia in 1919 with the rank of Private.

John married Elsie Mabel Nobbs in 1920 and they had 2 children, Jean and Charles. During their married life, John worked as a carpenter around rural Victoria and in Yarraville. His wife died in Traralgon, where their son lived, in 1960 and John died in Alexandra in 1965 and is buried with his wife, Elsie, at Gippsland Memorial Park, Traralgon

CE-C011 Drane, George Service Number 1036

George Drane was born in 1880 at Traralgon, Victoria. His parents were John and Catherine Drane (nee Johns). He was the first of nine children followed by Annie (1883), Catherine (1885), Olive (1887-1890), John (1890), Gordon (1892), Ruby (1894-1895), Muriel Millicent (1900) and Eric (1903). He named his brother, Gordon as his Next of Kin despite having married Florence (Moncrieff) in 1915. At the time of his enlistment George had been with the Citizens Forces in the Australian Light Horse and had done so for the previous 11½ years where he held the rank of Sergeant. HMAT A57 Malakuta

Enlistment 17 March 1915, age 34 in Traralgon as a Private with 8th Light Horse Regiment, 7th Reinforcements

Embarked 23 September 1915 from Melbourne on board the HMAT A57 Malakuta

Returned Home He embarked on board HT Dorset from Port Said on the 29 April 1919, disembarked at Melbourne on the 11 June 1919 and was discharged on the 3 August 1919 as a Sergeant.

Occupation Drover

Religion Church of England

George proceeded overseas to Egypt. He was promoted to Acting Corporal on the 24 September 1915 and reverted back to Private when he was Taken on Strength of the Composite Light Horse Regiment at Heliopolis, Egypt on the 20 November 1915. He was Taken on Strength of the 8th Light Horse Regiment some time later and was posted to “C” Squadron. He was promoted to Corporal on the 18 January 1916. On the 20 February 1917, he was transferred to the 3rd Light Instruction. He transferred back to the 8 Light Horse Regiment on the 9 June 1917 and was promoted to Sergeant on the 10 August 1917. George received a gunshot wound to the left leg on the 3 November 1917, rejoining his unit on the 8 February 1918. He was admitted to hospital on the 20 June 1918 suffering from eczema to his legs and rejoined the unit a month later.

One of George’s Uncles, one Brother and at least two Cousins enlisted in the war; Brother – Gordon Drane, 13th Light Horse Regiment, Regiment Number 178, Returned to Australia in 1919 with the rank of Sergeant; Uncle – George Drane, 2nd Tunnelling Company, Regiment Number 7499, Returned to Australia in 1918 with the rank of Sapper, also served with the Victorian Bushmen in the Boer War; Cousins – Joseph James Drane, 4th Light Horse Regiment, Regiment Number 519, Returned to Australia in 1918 with the rank of Lance Corporal; Peter Dunbar, Imperial Camel Corps, Regiment Number 2412,Returned to Australia in 1919 as a Corporal.

George’s first wife, Florence died in 1925 in Traralgon. From the time George returned home, he and Florence were living in Toongabbie and George was working as a contractor until 1924 when he started farming at Glengarry. Some time before 1931, he married for the second time to Gertrude Alice (Lowe) and they continued to live in Glengarry, farming, until around 1943. They were still living in Glengarry but George was contracting. George died in 1967, aged 86 and is buried at Gippsland Memorial Park, Traralgon along with his wife, Dorothy who passed away in 1968 aged 81. George was awarded the 1914/15 Star, British War Medal and Victory Medal.

CE-H002

George and Florence Drane 1915 Dunbar, Alexander Service Number 2167

Alexander Dunbar was born 13 April 1890 at Traralgon. His parents were Hugh and Mary Matilda Dunbar (nee Cranwell). His mother died on 14 December 1899. Alexander was the fifth of eight children: James Thomas (1882), Elizabeth May (1884), Christina Kate (1886), Benjamin Rupert (1888), Alexander, Sarah Isabella Ada (1892), Peter Allan Hugh (1894) and Ivy Henrietta Holly (1897). Hugh remarried in 1900 to Mary Ellen Johns and had three children; Harold Duncan (1900), Edgar John (1902) and Hugh Ormond (1903.). His father, Hugh Dunbar, died on 23 June 1909. His brother, James, was named as his Next of Kin.

Enlistment 1 September 1915 in Melbourne as a 34 year old Private with 4th Light Horse HMAT A13 Katuna Regiment, 15th Reinforcements.

Embarked 9 March 1916 from Melbourne on board the HMAT A13 Katuna

Returned Home He embarked on board the HT Soudan on the 12 May 1919, disembarked at Melbourne on the 29 June 1919 and was discharged on the 13 August 1919 as a Corporal.

Occupation Farmer

Religion Presbyterian

When Alex left Melbourne he proceeded overseas to Egypt where he was with a training battalion and proceeded to France to be taken at Strength of the 7th Battalion, part of the 2nd Infantry Battalion, 1st Division. He was admitted to hospital on the 8 March 1917 suffering from frost bite (feet) and was transferred to England and admitted to Kitcheners Military Hospital, Brighton on the 14 March 1917. After he had recovered he was transferred to the 67th Battalion on the 4 May 1917. This Battalion was part of the 6th Division to be formed in England but was later disbanded due to lack of numbers. Alex was promoted to Lance Corporal on the 9 July 1917. He was transferred back to the 7th Battalion on the19 September 1917 and rejoined his unit on the 24 October. On the 28 December 1917 he was admitted to hospital with a septic right knee and rejoined his unit on 24 April 1918. He was appointed Temporary Corporal on the 25 June 1918 and was Wounded in Action on the 9 August 1918, with a gunshot wound to the ear and neck and admitted to hospital. Again he rejoined his unit on the 26 August. He was promoted to Corporal on the 27 October 1918 and was granted leave to England from 30 January to 13 February 1919 and returned to France until returning home. One of Alex’s brothers and at least one cousin enlisted in the war; Brother - Peter Allan Hugh Dunbar, 3rd Field

Artillery Brigade, Regiment Number 3092, Returned to Australia in 1919 with the rank of Sergeant. Cousin – Peter Alexander Dunbar, Imperial Camel Corps, Regiment Number 2412, Returned to Australia in 1919 with the rank of Lance Corporal. Alex, a farmer, died on 27 November 1925 as the result of a horse riding accident at the Traralgon show. He was held in high esteem within the town according to newspaper items of the time. He is buried at Gippsland Memorial Park, Traralgon. Alex was awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal. Alex Dunbar

“Ackie”

Inscription says: In loving memory Of Corpl ALEX. DUNBAR I-A020 who was killed 26th Nov 1925 aged 35 years “O! for the touch of a vanished hand and the sound of a voice that is still” Dunbar, Peter Allan Hugh (Allan) Service Number 3092 Peter Allan Hugh Dunbar, known as Allan, was another son of Hugh Dunbar, who was President of the Shire Council at the time of his death on the 24 June1909. Peter Allan Hugh (23 June 1894) was the seventh child of Hugh and Mary Matilda Dunbar (nee Cranwell). Others in the family were James Thomas (1882), Elizabeth May (1884), Christine Kate (1886), Benjamin (1888), Alexander (1890), Sarah Isabella Ada (1892) and Ivy Henrietta Holly (1897). His mother, Mary Matilda died in 1898 aged 39, and Hugh married Mary Ellen Johns in 1900 and another son, Harold Duncan, was born in 1900. Allan named his oldest brother, James Thomas as his Next of Kin. HMAT 18 Wiltshire

Enlistment 20 July 1915 in Melbourne as a 21 year old Private with 21st Battalion, 7th Reinforcements

Embarked 18 November 1915 from Melbourne on board the HMAT A18 Wiltshire

Returned Home He embarked on board the HT Boonah on the 20 April 1919, disembarked at Melbourne on the 8 June 1919 as a Sergeant and was discharged on the 20 July 1919.

Occupation Motor Mechanic

Religion Presbyterian

Allan proceeded overseas to the Middle East and taken on strength at Tel-el-Kebir and in June 1916 he then went on to France, disembarking at Marseilles. He moved around Battalions quite a bit and attended Gas School. By March 1917 he was a gunner with the 5th Field Artillery Brigade and for a time was a bomber. He transferred to the 3rd Field Artillery and through this time moved up the ranks to Corporal, Sergeant, Temporary Brigade Quarter Master Sergeant. He remained in France until he came home, except for a period of leave in England in September/October 1918. He does not appear to be ill or injured through this time according to his military records, but a report in the Gippsland Farmers Journal (22 June 1918) reports that he had lost his speech due to a shell bursting near him. After disembarking in Melbourne and motoring to Traralgon, Allan was welcomed home at his brother’s property, “The Homestead” by relatives and also by Cr T A Pettit. Before he went overseas, Allan married Vera Grace Ham (the sister of Ernest Ham) in 1915. When he returned home he continued to work with J R Hill. After 1922 he took over the garage business in place of Ham. He continued to work as an engineer for some time and joined the railways where he worked for many years. He remained living in Traralgon and listed his occupation on the electoral rolls as a railway employee up until his death. He died at Preston on 6/4/1965 and is acknowledged on the grave I-A021 in Gippsland Memorial Park, Traralgon along with his wife, Grace (1896 - 26 August 1983). Also listed are his son Donald, who died in 1997, Donald’s wife Olive Nancy who died in 2010 and a second son, William Allan who died in 1954. Peter Allan Hugh Dunbar also enlisted in WW2 – Serial No V365350. He was awarded the 1914-15 Star, the Victory Medal and the British War Medal in WW1.

I-A021

HT Boonah Gilbert, Allan Gordon Service Number 2595

Allan was born in Traralgon, Victoria in 1896, the third son of William and Margaret Sarah Gilbert (nee Cowan) of Glengarry, after William (1891) and Norman (1894). He had one more brother Edward John (b/d 1900) and three sisters, Elsie (1897), Doris (1902) and Vera (1909). Allan had been with the Light Horse in Traralgon for 15 months prior to enlisting. His father, William, was named as his Next Of Kin.

Enlistment 26 June 1915, aged 19, in Melbourne as a Private with 5th Battalion, 8th Reinforcement

Embarked 15 September 1915 from Melbourne on board the HMAT A16 Star of Victoria HMAT A16 Star of Victoria Returned Home He embarked on board the HT City of York on the 12 January 1919, disembarked at Melbourne on the 27 February 1919 and was discharged on the 16 June 1919.

Occupation Carpenter

Religion Presbyterian

Allan joined his unit in Lemnos on the 30 June 1916 but by November 1916 he was in France. He was admitted to hospital, sick, on the 29 November and rejoined his unit in January 1917. He was Wounded in Action on the 10 February 1917 with a gunshot wound to the wrist and was taken on board HS Dieppe from Calais to England to Colchester Military Hospital and admitted on the 27 February 1917. He was discharged from hospital and reported to the depot in Weymouth from Warefield and travelled back to France via Folkeston on the 5 July and rejoined his unit on the 30 July 1917. By then he was an Acting Corporal. On the 23 August 1918 he was wounded for a second time and was eventually admitted to the Cheltenham Voluntary Aid Detachment Hospital on the 26 August 1918, again with a gunshot wound to his arm. He did not go back to France. When he returned to Australia he spent time in the hospital on the ship and also in hospital when he disembarked in Melbourne suffering from disease. When he enlisted he was single and living with the family in Glengarry. His father was also a Carpenter. When he returned from the war, he returned to Glengarry and lived there working as a carpenter, although in 1922 he was living in Seymour Street, Traralgon with his wife Ethel Mary, whom he married in 1921. He returned to Glengarry in 1924 and they were divorced in 1928. In 1943 he was living in Turner Street, Leongatha and working as a Linesman’s Assistant. He had married Ada Susan (nee Davis) in 1938. They eventually had 5 children. In 1949, they were living at No 4 Derham’s Hill, Morwell and Allan was working as a labourer, but by 1954 they were in Pollock Avenue, Traralgon and he was working as a Mill Employee. Allan Gordon Gilbert died in Traralgon on the 3 September 1962 aged 64, and is buried at Gippsland Memorial Park, Traralgon with his wife Ada Susan, who passed away on the 29 October 1973 aged 58. Allan Gilbert was awarded the Victory Medal, 1914-15 Star and British Medal.

Allan Gordon Gilbert

P–C008