19th Battalion – Page 2 – The Harrower Collection

Private: 7099 Maurice (aka Morris) MARKS

January 3, 2018 by David Harrower ACM

No.7099 Maurice (aka Morris) MARKS was an 18 year old 'Clipper' (in a coal mine) working at Thirroul in NSW when he enlisted in the AIF, for a second time, on the 27th of July 1917. He had enlisted earlier in June 1917 but had been discharged after a fortnight for being underaged, having enlisted without his parents permission.

On his Attestation-Forms he had stated that he had been born in Leeds in England (although his birth was recorded in NSW) and that he was a Roman Catholic (although raised in the Jewish faith).

He was recorded as being AWL 23rd-27th November 1917 and was sentenced to seven days Detention. He also had several stays in hospital for inguinal hernia while in training in Australia.

He finally embarked from Melbourne with the 21st Reinforcements to the 19th Battalion, aboard the HMAT (A71) 'Nestor' on the 28th of February 1918. He was hospitalised for several days during the voyage (Influenza 13-15 April 1918). The troopship finally arrived at Liverpool on the 20th of April and the Reinforcements then moved by train to Fovant in Wiltshire where they marched in to the 5th Training Battalion.

On the 5th of June 1918 he transferred to the 45th Battalion and on the 15th of July deployed across to France. He then marched in to the Australian Infantry Base Depot at Havre.

On the 19th of July he marched out to the front and on the 21st of July transferred to the 35th Battalion (Newcastle's Own) and was taken-on-strength by them.

On the 8th of August 1918, near Hamel, he was reported as 'Wounded-in-Action', receiving severe shrapnel wounds to his back and knees. He was taken to a Dressing Station but subsequently died of his wounds. He was later reclassified as being Killed-in-Action.

He was initially buried in the Vaire Wood British Cemetery, but was later exhumed and reinterred in the Villers-Bretonneux Military Cemetery.

His name was recorded in the Great Synagogue Roll-of-Honour.

(Bill Durant 2018)

Lance Corporal: 6815 Albert Alexander HARROWER.

March 21, 2020May 23, 2017 by David Harrower ACM

19th BATTALION - 35th BATTALION A.I.F.

Lance Corporal: 6815 Albert Alexander HARROWER.

Born: 16th February 1898. Rolland Plains via Port Macquarie, New South Wales, Australia. Birth Cert:15176/1898.

Married: 29th April 1922. South West Rocks, New South Wales, Australia. Marriage Cert:8632/1922.

Wife:Dinah St Clare Harrower. nee: Milligan.

Died:7th October 1960. South West Rocks via Kempsey, New South Wales, Australia. Death Cert:32908/1960.

Father: James Harrower

Mother: Janet Harrower. nee: Butler.

INFORMATION

Albert Alexander Harrower enlisted on the 2nd of April 1917 at Kempsey, New South Wales with the 20th reinforcements 19th Battalion AIF and left Sydney on board HMAT A16 "Port Melbourne" on the 16th of July 1917 and disembarked in Liverpool, England on the 16th of September 1917. Albert was a dairy hand from Port Macquarie upon enlistment and returned to Australia on the 4th of July 1919. Albert was transferred to the 35th Battalion AIF on the 27th of January 1918 and Promoted to Lance Corporal on the 24th of October 1918. Albert returned to Australia on board HMAT A18 "Wiltshire" on the 20th of August 1918 and was discharged from service on the 19th of September 1919. In South West Rocks there has been named a street in his honour Albert Harrower Close, South West Rocks, New South Wales.

Alberts niece Margaret Baterman nee: Harrower has kindly supplied photos and documents to the collection.

No:2 Platoon 35th Battalion 1919

2 Platoon, A Company 35th Battalion. Feuqurieres, France. 7/2/1919. (Paddy O'Brien Collection)Lance Corporal Harrower, Standing 3rd Row, far Right.

L\CPL: 6815 Albert Alexander HARROWER 35th Bn and his brother L/CPL: 5697 Peter HARROWER 30th Bn. Anzac Day

1930's

Albert Harrower Close, South West Rocks. New South Wales

Port Macquarie War Memorial

Port Macquarie War Memorial

Memorial Photo David HARROWER 2010.

Military Records

World War 1 Records

© Commonwealth of Australia (National Archives of Australia)

Under Construction; 22/05/2007-21/03/2020.

Private: 6892 James TELFER.

September 30, 2022April 1, 2017 by David Harrower ACM

19th BATTALION - 35th BATTALION A.I.F.

Private: 6892 James TELFER.

Born: 1879. Chelsea, London, England.

Died: 15th June 1947. St Vincent's Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. Death Cert:7000/1947.

Father: Thomas Telfer.

Mother: Julia Telfer. nee:

INFORMATIONJames Telfer enlisted with the AIF at Newcastle, N.S.W. on the 23rd of April 1917 and was entrained to the Liverpool Army Camp where he was allocated to the 20th Reinforcements, 19th Battalion AIF.

James returned to Australia on the 20th August 1919 onboard the "Wiltshire" and was discharged from the AIF on the 4th October 1919.

His Victory Medal: 71624 to 6892 PTE J. TEFLER. 35BN AIF was acquired in 2016 and is now in the Harrower Collection.

Family InformationJames lived at 2 Scott Street, Newcastle, N.S.W. C/O Parry Tramway Stores upon enlistment. His mother Julia was recorded as his next of kin who lived at 3 B Block. St Lukes House, Arthur Street, Chelsea, London.

Military Records World War 1 Records

© Commonwealth of Australia (National Archives of Australia)

Under Construction; 04/05/2016-30/19/2022.

Private: 6884 Simon SPRINGER.

April 1, 2017 by Natalie Crowe Designs

19th BATTALION 35th BATTALION A.I.F.Private: 6884 Simon SPRINGER.

Born: 1883. Melbourne, Australia.

Died: 6th April 1918. Died of Wounds as Prisoner of War in France.

Father: Deceased, No Record.

Mother: Deceased, No Record.

INFORMATIONSimon Springer enlisted with the 20th reinforcements, 19th Battalion AIF on the 22nd of May 1917 and left Sydney on board HMAT A18 "Wiltshire" on the 7th of February 1918. Simon was transfered to reinforce the 35th Battalion and was Taken on Strength in France wad was Died of Wounds at Villers-Bretonneaux whilst being held by the Germans as a Prisoner of War and died on the 6th of April 1918.

29th May 1918.

Informant; Private: 6856 George William WALSH B Company No:8 Platoon. They were about 5 yards from me in a trench at VILLERS-BRETONNEUX at 7:00am, and were buried by practically a direct hit from a shell. It was a shallow front line trench and there were just the 5 of us in it. I was the only man who got out. Sergeant: 942 Richard Patrick CAHILL of B Company, No:8 Platoon, 35th Battalion came up after it happened and we could see some of the helmets, etc cut to pieces, lying in the dirt.

They were not dug up as we retired 5 minutes later. They were all B Company No:8 Platoon. Private: 3768 Samuel John MOORE tall, thin only Moore in Company, people live in England. Private: 6993 Charles William Morrice RICKS, short, black hair, curious walk. Private: 6618 Joseph "Jack" RYAN 5' 9", well built, original 2nd Battalion, and had been in Gallipoli and re-enlisted. Private: 6884 Simon SPRINGER 5' 8", fair, nuggety,about 28, came from 20th reinforcements of 19th Battalion, the only Springerin Company.

Confirmed by Private: 2596 Richard Percy GILBEY B Company, No:8. London, England.

28th June 1918

Died whilst Prisoner of War 06/04/1918. Result of fracture of right arm at Main Dressing Station at BLOIS d' HUSSART FARM, on the road which leads from ST QUINTIN to ARMIENS. Buried there in the soldiers Cemetery. Certified by German Death List 07/06/1918.

After being Wounded in Action on the 5th of April 1918, Simon was taken prisoner and Died of Wounds on the 6th of April 1918. Simon's religion was Hebrew so it can only be assumed that if he Germans were aware of this they would have let him die a painfull death whilst being held as a Prisoner of War.

Family InformationSimon was a single 34 year old Storeman from Sydney upon enlistment. His sister Kate Kilbey of Balfour Street, Kalgoolie, Western Australia was his next of kin. Simon was a Hebrew.

Military Records

Australian National Archives

Under Construction; 31/08/2007-12/03/2015.

Private: 6880 James SCOPE.

November 5, 2019March 31, 2017 by David Harrower ACM

19th BATTALION - 35th BATTALION A.I.F.

Private: 6880 James SCOPE.

Born: 1898. Enfield, New South Wales, Australia. Birth Cert: (No Birth Records)

Married: 1927. Canterbury, New South Wales Australia. Marriage Cert:10953/1927.

Wife: Esther Scope. nee: Delcanto.

Died: 15th December 1955. Croydon Park, New South Wales, Australia. Death Cert:30117/1955.

Father: Edward Hawke Scope. (1880-1917)

Mother: Lillie Mary Scope. nee: McQualter. (1875-1959)

INFORMATIONJames Scope enlisted with the 20th Reinforcements 19th Battalion AIF on the 7th May 1917 and embarked from Sydney on the 16th June onboard HMAT A16 "Port Melbourne" and disembarked at Liverpool England on the 16th August 1917. He was marched in the the 5th Training Battalion on the 16th of September and proceeded overseas for France on the 23rd of January 1918 to Reinforce the 35th Battalion. James was Wounded in Action on the 6th of May 1918 where he was Gassed from a Gas Shell and evacuated to England.

29th August 1918

Informant: Private: 6880 James SCOPE B Company 35th Battalion. Private: 2421 Leslie CLOUTEN was in B Company; single. He was bit by a bullet at Villers-Bretonneux about 4:30 pm but in the open during a counter attack. He died the same night at the Regimental Aid Post, and was buried in the Cemetery there.

HOSPITAL SHIP.

James was admitted to the Bath War Hospital on the 31st of August 1918 and after he was discharged he embarked for Australia on the 8th January 1919.

Family InformationJames was a single 18 year old Blacksmith Striker from "Ponama" Eden Avenue, Enfield, N.S.W upon enlistment. James served with 39A Senior Cadets for 2 years prior to enlistment.

His parents Edward and Lilly Scope were married on the 15 Apr 1903 at Burwood, Sydney, N.S.W.

Military Records

(Australian National Archives)

Under Construction; 29/07/2013-29/10/2019.

Private: 6860a Patrick Alfred Owen PORTER.

November 3, 2022March 31, 2017 by David Harrower ACM

19th BATTALION - 35th BATTALION A.I.F.

Private: 6860a Patrick Alfred Owen PORTER.

Born: 31st October 1900. Gunnedah, New South Wales, Australia. Birth Cert:31876/1900.

Married: 1919. Gunnedah, New South Wales, Australia. Marriage Cert:14793/1919.

Wife: Edith Rachel Porter. nee: Gayden. (1904-2009)

Died: 10th June 1997. Toronto, New South Wales, Australia.

Buried: Toronto Cemetery, New South Wales, Australia. (Headstone has wrong service number)

Father: John Porter. (1844-1910)

Mother: Rosina Surby. Porter. nee: Trewhitt. (1863-1922)

INFORMATIONPatrick Alfred Owen Porter enlisted with the 20th reinforcements, 19th Battalion AIF on the 17th of April 1917 at Narrabri, N.S.W. and left Sydney on board HMAT A16 "Port Melbourne" on the 16th of July 1917, whilst at sea Patrick committed a Crime 1/ Insolence to an Officer. 2/ Refusing to obey the order of an N.C.O Award Forfeits 7 Days Pay, by Lieutenant Colonel: B Watray.

Patrick disembarked at liverpool, England on the 16th of September and was marched to the 5th Training Battalion. He remained in England until the 23rd of January 1918 when he proceeded overseas via Southampton for France and was marched in to ROUELLES with the 9th Training Battalion and Taken on in Strength with the 35th Battalion on the 28th of January 1918. Patrick was re allocated a new Regimental Number: 6860A after being transferred to the 35th Battalion.

Patrick was Wounded in Action at Abeville, France on the 17th of April 1918 when he was Gassed during an enemy bombardment and was treated by the 55th Field Ambulance before being transferred to the 41st Casualty Clearing Station the next day. The day after Patrick was admitted to the 9th General Hospital before being evacuated to England on board the "Carlisbrook Castle" on the 27th of April 1918.

After arriving in England Patrick was admitted to the 1st Southern General Hospital at BIRMINGHAM on the 28th of April where he remained until he was discharged on the 22nd of May 1918 and transferred to the no: 3 Command Depot at HURDCOTT. On the 27th of June he was admitted to the Fouvant Military Hospital suffering from a Swollen Knee and after he was discharged Patrick was sent to the Overseas Training Battalion.

Patrick was on another Charge whilst at SANDHILL. 1/ Neglect ot Obey H.Q Orders, being outside the camp area at 23:00 hrs. and was ordered to forfeit 1 Days Pay on the 6th of October and 3 weeks later he was admitted to Hospital suffering from Influenza. After being discharged Patrick returned to the 9th Training Battalion but was again in trouble and he received another Charge, This time with Being Absent Without Leave from 23:00 hrs 1/12/1918 until 06:25 hrs 3/12/1918. He was ordered to forfeit 6 Days Pay. Patrick left England on board the "City of York" and returned to Australia on the 14th of January 1919.

Family InformationPatrick stated that he was a single 18 year old Saw Mill Labourer from Gunnadah upon enlistment, but he was only 17 years old. After the war Patrick's last known address was 7 Blair Street, Teralba, N.S.W. 2284 in 1958 when he lodged a claim for his medals, which were issued in 1923.

Patrick and Edith Porter had 6 children, Dulie Porter, Allan Porter, Betty Porter, Neil Porter, Keven Porter and Brian Porter.

Gunnedah Public School Honour Roll

This marble honour roll features a scroll with the names of former Gunnedah Public School students who served in the First World War. It is decorated with the British and Australian flags at the top, flanking the Rising Sun military emblem. It also features the tesselated tiles symbolism and the classic columns from the Masonic Lodge Order. Apart from the off-white marble, the memorial also features coloured granite.

The monument was unveiled by the Gunnedah Mayoress Mrs McDonagh in August 1920. On 25 August 1920, the Sydney Mail published a photograph of the roll. After its unveiling, the names from R Coote to G E Smith were added.

War Memorial Register

Grave of Edith Rachel Porter nee: Gayden. (1904-2005) - Patrick Alfred Owen Porter (1900-1997)

Toronto Cemetery, New South Wales, Australia.

Military Records World War 1 Records

Under Construction; 30/12/2007-29/03/2017.

Private: 6862A James PARKER.

December 12, 2020March 31, 2017 by David Harrower ACM

19th BATTALION - 35th BATTALION A.I.F.

Private: 6862A James PARKER.

Born: 1897. Glasgow, Scotland.

Died: 25 May 1918. Died of Wounds Morlancourt.

Father: James Parker. (1865-19..)

Mother: Charlotte "Lottie" Parker. nee: Warrington. (1865-19..)

INFORMATION

James Parker enlisted with the AIF on the 13th April 1917 at Newcastle, N.S.W. before he was entrained to Sydney where he was marched in the the Royal Agricultural Showground. James was transferred to the Liverpool Army Camp where he was allocated to the 20th Reinforcements, 19th Battalion AIF. The Reinforcements embarked from Sydney on board HMAT A16 "Port Sydney" on the 16th July 1917 and disembarked at Liverpool England on the 16th September 1917. The Reinforcements were marched in to the 5th Training Battalion where they settled down to hard training, which included Route Marching, Trench Digging, Bomb Practice, Musketry and General Camp Routine.

James was Charged with being AWL from midnight on the 31st October until 2:30 pm on the 2nd of November 1917 and received 4 days Camp Confinement and forfeiture of 4 Days Pay by Major J MAUGHAN.

On the 23rd of January 1918 James proceeded overseas for France to reinforce the 35th Battalion AIF and was marched in at Rouelles the next morning and went into billets for the next few days before he was marched out to the Front where we was Taken on in Strength with the 35th Battalion on the 26th of January 1918.

16th April 1918.

’On the 16th April, the rumors of a new German Offensive against Amiens seemed to be definitely confirmed. A German prisoner, taken by the French, volunteered the that Villers Bretonneux was to be attacked the next day. The 5th Australian Division, which had come line on the night of the 6th/7th April, and held the sector from Villers Bretonneux (inclusive) to the Somme canal was warned to be ready to retake the town, if captured by attack from the north ; and other preparations and counter-preparations were made. About 4 A.M. on the 17th, Villers Bretonneux, Bois d'Aquenne, to the west of it and the village of Cachy, to the south, were heavily drenched for three hours with phosgene, mustard and irritant gasses. But no assault followed. As soon as possible the local garrison, consisting of the 6/London(58 Dvn) and the 33rd Australian Battalion, was got out of the shelters in the town into the trenches around it. The gas shelling was repeated in the evening from 4 to 7 P.M., next morning and on the following days, being increased so as to include Bois I'Abbe, but with greatly reduced results. Nevertheless it was impossible for anyone to move that area without feeling some ill-effects from the mustard gas, and there were, in all, 1,074 gas casualties.’

’The gassing of Villers Bretonneux seemed to point to the probability of its not being attacked, but by this time air photographs had revealed the signs of imminent operations; an increase in the number of enemy batteries had also been noticed, while the roads were being registered by German artillery. There were, however, also indications that the Albert sector might be the objective of an attack which might extend to Arras and Vimy Ridge. On the 21st there was much air fighting near the Somme, and the famous airman Richthofen was brought down.1. That night a man of the 4th Guard Division, captured by the 8th Dvn , disclosed the fact that his formation had just relieved the 9th Bavarian Reserve Division in front of Marcelcave , and would attack Villers Bretonneux at 3 A.M. on the 23rd. Counter-preparations were continued, and the German railway centers were bombed, particularly Chaulnes .2 'No infantry assault materialized on the 23rd, two deserters came in from the 77th Reserve Division, just arrived from Russia, which had entered the line on 20th, south of the 4th Guard Division, opposite Cachy, and the French captured a gunner of the Guard Ersatz Division opposite Hangard. All these men said that the relief of the line divisions by " storm " divisions had been completed the infantry were ready to advance; the bombardment would begin early on the 24th and. last two and-a -quarter hours: and the attack would be assisted by new German tanks, which were already in position near the front line. 2 It is from the fact that tanks were used to punch a hole in the British line on either side of Villers Bretonneux, and that, in consequence, the Germans gained possession of the town and ground on either side for a short time, that the fighting on the 24th derives its interest.’

24th April 1918.

3:30 am Heavy Bombardment heard on front. 10:30 am Instructions received to be ready to move immediately. 12:00 noon Instructions are now to move on 1 hours notice. Enemy attacked at Villers-Bretonneux at 6:30 am and at 1:00 pm. Was in position of the town and the ground to the South as far as HANGARD. By midnight the 13th and 15th Brigades and re taken the lost ground and captured 1200 Prisoners, 100 Machine Guns and 2 Field Guns.

(35th Battalion War Diary)

25th of April 1918.

"Dull in the morning, but fine in the Afternoon. Owing to most of the fit men being on guard or other duties, no parade was held. A number of men are still sick with gas. Enemy seems to be very quiet on this front. Further South at Villers-Bretonneux the 15th Brigade, A.I.F who counter-attacked last night repulsed a strong enemy counter-attack. The counter-attack was very successful, the captures being roughly 1000 prisoners, 100 machine-guns, a field gun and 2 tanks. This is the first time we have heard of the enemy using tanks."

(35th Battalion War Diary)

James was Died of Wounds on the 25th May 1918 at Morlancourt as the Battalion was advancing he received a Gun Shot Wound to his Abdomen and was treated by the 10th Australian Field Ambulance before he was evacuated by Stretcher Bearers to the 5th Casualty Clearing Station where he later Died of Wounds received earlier that day.

13th August 1918.

Informant: Private: 6789 William John DELAHUNTY. D Company 35th Battalion AIF. "At 47th Casualty Clearing Station. I saw the grave of Private: 6862A James PARKER who was a 20th Reinforcement of 19th Battalion and transferred to 35th Battalion in January last, and who was knocked in the Hop-Over at Morlancourt.

Westham, England.

Crouy British Cemetery France

CROUY BRITISH CEMETERY, FRANCE

James is remembered with honour and is commemorated in perpetuity by the Commonwealth War Graves at the Crouy British Cemetery, Crouy-sur-Somme, France. Grave II.C.26

Australian WW1 - Medal Pair / Badge - James Parker 19th & 35th AIF - DOW On offer is a medal pair and collar badge, the medals being named to Private J. Parker 35th Battalion A.I.F. being his full entitlement. His British War Medal has numbered him as 6862, in accordance with his enlistment form, however his file shows that he was re-numbered to 6862A and this is shown on his Victory Medal. James Parker was 21 year old when he enlisted in April 1917, he was born in Glasgow, Scotland and embarked with the 20th Reinforcements of the 19th Battalion A.I.F. on 16 July 1917. He was taken onto the strength of the 35th Battalion A.I.F. on 2 February 1918. His record shows that he died from gunshot wounds to the abdomen on 25 May 1918, whilst he was at the 5th Casualty Clearing Station and was buried at the Crouy British Cemetery, Crouy-Sur-Somme.

War Medal: and Victory Medal: with Collar Badge were acquired in June 1916 and are now in the Harrower Collection. In December 2020 they were placed on Permanent Loan to the Newcastle Club.

The collar badge which was acquired with the medals is marked "JR Gaunt - London"

War Medal, Victory Medal to James Parker

Family Information

James was a single 21 year old Steward from the Newcastle Club, Newcastle, N.S.W. upon enlistment. His parents James and Charlotte Parker lived at 13 Dingwall Street, Kelvinhaugh, Glasgow, Scotland.

Newcastle Club 1916

The Newcastle Club, Newcastle, N.S.W. 1916

Military Records

World War 1 Records

© Commonwealth of Australia (National Archives of Australia)

Under Construction; 17/06/2016-14/09/2020.

Private: 7041 Edward CROWE

July 26, 2018March 20, 2017 by David Harrower ACM

19th BATTALION - 34th BATTALION A.I.F.

Private: 7041 Edward CROWE. @ Edward Michael CROWE.

Born: 1889, Young, New South Wales, Australia. Birth Cert:27051/1899.

Married: 1938. Canterbury, New South Wales, Australia. Marriage Cert:1877/1938.

Wife: Ethel Freeman Crowe. nee: Hicks.

Died: 29th November 1949. Canterbury, New South Wales, Australia. Death Cert:25927/1949.

Father: Richard Crowe.

Mother: Catherine "Kathleen" Crowe. nee: Francis.

INFORMATIONEdward Crowe enlisted at the Sydney Show Ground on the the 10th July being allocated to A Company, Depot Battalion on the 12th July 1917 before being allocated to the 1st Reinforcements, 19th Battalion AIF. Edward embarked from Melbourne, Victoria on the 28th February 1918 for England and disembarked at Liverpool, England on the 20th April 1918.

Edward was marched in to the 12th Training Battalion at Codford on the 5th June before proceeding overseas for France on the 15th July via Folkstone where he was Taken on in Strength with the 34th Battalion AIF in the Field.

30th March 1918.

9:30 am: weather wet, Battalion left CACHY and marched to BOIS LE ABBE, where they bivouaced in readiness to go forward as Counter attack troops. "B" Teams were sent to BLANGY-TRONVILLE. Battalion moved up as support Battalion to 33rd Battalion AIF who were attacking on north side of BOIS DE HANGARD and LANCERS WOOD. Battalion moved West and south of CACHY when approaching BOIS DE HANGARD advanced in Artillery formation. Battalion halted just north of BOIS DE HANGARD in position of readiness to support 33rd Battalion AIF.

6:00 pm: About 6:00 pm A Company 34th Battalion was detailed to go forward to report to Commanding Officer 33rd Battalion AIF who were on left flank of attack. In moving up A Company extended into 4 lines of skirmishes and laid down with cover fire from line near 33rd Battalion Headquarters. Officer Commanding A Company Captain: Telford Graham GILDER went forward to reconnoiter 33rd Battalion's line. B Company 33rd Battalion was found to have suffered heavy casualties and enemy were still holding the top of ridge. It was therefore decided to attack enemy's position on ridge.

Shortly before 8:00 pm A Company 34th Battalion moved forward in two waves each of two platoons. When 100 yards in rear of 33rd Battalion Head Quarters the 2nd wave inclined to the left and came up on the left of the leading wave and the whole Company attacked the ridge in one line. The enemy were driving out of what apparently was there Picquet Line where two Machine Guns were captured. The line extended its advance and drove the enemy out of his continuous line at the point of a bayonet, and advanced a further 50 yards at this point 7 prisoners were captured, 4 of whom actually went prisoners rage.

The number of enemy casualties was estimated at 60 killed and wounded. Machine Gun fire was very heavy from enemy lines on the left flank and was responsible for the death of 2nd Lieutenant: 1973 Reuben PARKES a very gallant officer and most of the casualties were suffered by this company. The enemy continuous trench system was then occupied for about 2 hours. In the meantime patrols were sent out to the right flank to try to establish communication with the 33rd Battalion AIF. These patrols encountered enemy posts behind our own line on this flank. Touch was eventually gained through a patrol of the 33rd Battalion under Captain: Telford Graham GILDER. On information received from Lieutenant: 916 Robert Cecil KING That it was impossible for the 33rd Battalion to push forward on to the line which the 34th Battalion were holding, it was decided to move back to the line which the 33rd Battalion had then dug in on about 250 yards to our rear.

We then dug in our men filling a gap of about 650 yards in the 33rd Battalion line apparently the enemy did not discover our tactical withdrawal until sometime later at about 1:30 am, the enemy appeared on the sky line advancing in extended order. This apparent counter attack was completely broken up by our Machine Gun and Lewis Gun fire. About 3:00 am "A" Company 34th Battalion were relieved by a Survey Regiment Company then moved to CACHY. "B" Company 34th Battalion also occupied a position in 33rd Battalion line but did no actual fighting and had no casualties.

34th Battalion War Diary

Edward was Wounded in Action on the 31st August 1918 and was treated by the 9th Australian Field Ambulance for a Gun Shot wound to his Left Hand before being evacuated to the 53rd Casualty Clearing Station for further treatment then sent to the 5th General Hospital at Rouen before being invalided to England on the 5th September 1918.

Informant; Private: 7041 Edward CROWE. C Coy 34th Bn. I have known Private: 7065 Reginald William GARDNER for a long time. He was and English seaman, visiting Australia and stayed there. He was knocked just in front of Vaire Wood, where we were held up for a little while. I saw him carried out about 6 o'clock, just daylight, and spoke to him he said "Remember me to the boys and tell them I don't think I'll get through". He got several Machine-Gun bullets in the chest. Medium size and complexion, no marks that I know of. Number right. We came over together in the "Hestor", left Australia 26th February 1918. He was a private in C Coy, 34th Battalion, no: 9 Platoon.

No:1 Auxiliary Hospital.

Edward was admitted to the No:1 Auxiliary Hospital and upon discharge he was granted leave before being marched in to the No:2 Command Depot on the 14th December and embarked from England on the 18th January 1919 and returned to Australia on the 15th March before being Discharged on the 16th April 1919 from the A.I.F.

Family InformationEdward was a single 18 year old Assistant Cleaner from St Peter's via Sydney, N.S.W. upon enlistment. His parents Richard and Catherine Crowe were married in 1885 at Young, N.S.W. Marriage Cert:7545/1885. Born Micheal Edward Crowe 1899 at Young, N.S.W. Birth Cert:27051/1899.

Military Records World War 1 Records

Under Construction; 07/02/2010-13/03/2017.

Private: 884 Albert John HILL.

October 12, 2020March 9, 2017 by David Harrower ACM

24th - 19th - 13th - 34th BATTALION A.I.F.

Private: 884 Albert John HILL.

Born: 21st May 1896. Warwick, Queensland.

Married: 1923. Glebe, New South Wales, Australia. Marriage Cert:812/1923.

Wife: Edith Hill. nee: Camb.

Died: 19th June 1948. Newtown, New South Wales, Australia. Death Cert:7711/1948.

Father: Francis James Hill. (1871-1942) Died at Ryde, N.S.W.

Mother: Catherine Sarah Hill. nee: Marshall. (1870-1910) Died at Paddington, N.S.W.

INFORMATIONAlbert John Hill enlisted with the 9th Reinforcements, 24th Battalion AIF on the 4th March 1915. Albert was treated at Abbacsia on the 26th July 1915 suffering from a Venereal Disease that he contracted in Egypt and left Suez on board HMAT A17 "Port Lincoln" on the 4th August and returned to Australia from the 19th Battalion AIF on the 2nd of September 1915 and was discharged from duty on the 23rd September as Unfit For Duty, "GONORRHEA"

HMAT A17 "Port Lincoln"Albert was transferred to the 25th Reinforcements 13th Battalion AIF and embarked on board HMAT A74 "Marathon" and disembarked at Devonport, England on the 20th July 1917. Albert was marched in to the 4th Training Battalion at Codford and 3 weeks later proceeded overseas for France on the 14th of November. Albert was Taken on in Strength with the 34th Battalion AIF on the 21st of November 1917.

WARNETON3rd March 1918.

9:00 am. Weather dull and very cold. Our Artillery fairly active throughout the day, Enemy Artillery quiet. 11:45 am. 9th Infantry Brigade Raiding Party of 300 strong racked enemy trenches opposite 33rd Battalion Sector on our right. Raid very successful 1 Officer 11 other ranks being brought back prisoners. 34th Battalion casualties in the raid were 1 other ranks Killed 3 other ranks Wounded. There was no Artillery retaliation on our Sector.

(34th Battalion War Diary)

Lance Corporal: 2597 John Henry JOHNSTON.

30th March 1918.

The number of enemy casualties was estimated at 60 killed and wounded. Machine Gun fire was very heavy from enemy lines on the left flank and was responsible for the death of 2nd Lieutenant: 1973 Reuben PARKES a very gallant officer and most of the casualties were suffered by this company. The enemy continuous trench system was then occupied for about 2 hours. In the meantime patrols were sent out to the right flank to try to establish communication with the 33rd Battalion AIF. These patrols encountered enemy posts behind our own line on this flank. Touch was eventually gained through a patrol of the 33rd Battalion under Captain: Telford Graham GILDER. Of information received from Lieutenant: 916 Robert Cecil KING That it was impossible for the 33rd Battalion to push forward on to the line which the 34th Battalion were holding, it was decided to move back to the line which the 33rd Battalion had then dug in on about 250 yards to our rear.

34th Battalion War Diary

The First VILLERS-BRETONNEUX 4th-5th April 1918

The Strength of the 9th Infantry Brigade was about 2,250 but their casualties during the 2 days of fighting numbered 30 Officers and 635 men either killed in action or missing.

9th Infantry Brigade Casualties.4th-5th April 1918

33rd Battalion. AIF	3 Officers	82 Other ranks
34th Battalion. AIF	5 Officers	120 Other ranks
35th Battalion. AIF	9 Officers	282 Other ranks (including 44 missing)
36th Battalion. AIF	12 Officers	133 Other ranks (including 1 missing)
9th Machine Gun Company. AIF	1 Officer	18 Other ranks (including 4 missing)

Albert was Wounded in Action on the 8th of May 1918 where he received a Gun Shot Wound to his Left Arm and Left Thigh and was invalided to England on the 15th of May where he was admitted to the 4th London General Hospital the next day. (Formerly the Maudsley Memorial Hospital at Denmark Hill) Albert remained in England and returned to Australia on the 2nd January 1919 on board HMAT "Berrima" and was discharged from the AIF on the 19th July 1919.

Albert's World War 1 identity tags were acquired in November 2013 and are now in the Harrower Collection.

Family InformationAlbert was a single 21 year old Bottle Maker from N.S.W. upon enlistment. Albert returned to Australia and worked as a Conductor on the N.S.W. Tramways and lived at 35 Charles Street, Forrest Lodge via Sydney. Albert died on the 19th June 1948 from Bowel Cancer His returned from Active Service Badge Number was 100325.

The Vernon and Sobraon were ships that served as all-boy public industrial schools and reformatories. The Vernon was replaced by the Sobraon in 1892 and both were moored in Sydney Harbour during their use from 1867-1911.

Boys under the age of 16 were sent to these schools by Justices of the Peace. The children would remain there until they were apprenticed out after the age of 12, discharged, or reached 18 years of age. The schools included religious instruction, moral, industrial, and nautical training, as well as elementary schooling.

Training Ship and Reformatory School Ship "SOBRAON" moored in Sydney Harbour

Albert Hill was sent to the Reformatory School Ship "Sobraon" by the Children's Court as he was "Uncontrollable" after he spent 3 years at an institution at Mittagong N.S.W before he was boarded out. On the 21st June 1911 be was transferred to Brush Farm.

Military Records World War 1 Records

Under Construction; 18/11/2013-06/02/2020.

Lance Corporal: 1612 “Ted” Edwin Joseph KING.

January 30, 2021March 9, 2017 by David Harrower ACM

19th BATTALION - 36th BATTALION - 34th BATTALION A.I.F.

Lance Corporal: 1612 "Ted" Edwin Joseph KING.

Born: 1890. Warren, New South Wales, Australia. Birth Cert:35952/1890.

Died: 22nd August 1918. Died of Wounds Bray, France.

Father: William Henry King. (1838-1919)

Mother: Mary King. nee: Jones. (1838-....)

INFORMATION

Edwin Joseph King enlisted with the 19th Battalion AIF on the 23rd of April 1915 and left Sydney on HMAT A32 "Themitocles" on the 12th of May 1915 for the Gallipoli Peninsula. After serving at Gallipoli for 5 months Ted was evacuated with the rest of the A.N.Z.A.C.S and sailed for Alexandria and disembarked on the 7th of January 1916. It was here that Ted and members of his company were evolved and charged with MUTINY at the Katoomba Camp (Canal Defences) on the Sinai Peninsula, Egypt on the 4th of February 1916.

15th February 1916

CHARGE SHEET The accused No: 1612 Private Edwin Joseph KING of the 19th Battalion, 5th Infantry Brigade, AIF is Charged with; When on Active Service joining in a Mutiny in forces belonging to His Majesty's Australian Imperial Forces. 1st CHARGE sect.7. 3a.

In that at Katoomba Camp, Canal Defences, No:2 Section B on the 4th of February 1916 joined in a Mutiny by combining with other soldiers of the said 19th Battalion to disobey an order to parade in full marching order.

The accused No: 1612 Private Edwin Joseph KING of the 19th Battalion, 5th Infantry Brigade, AIF is Charged with; When on Active Service disobeying a lawful command given by their Superior Officer. 2nd CHARGE sect.9.e.

In that he at Katoomba Camp, Canal Defence, No: 2 Sect. B on the 4th of February 1916 did not put on his pack when ordered to do so by Major NORRIE of the said 19th Battalion.

To be tried by Field General Court Martial.

6th March 1916

Dear Mother, After being a soldier for close on to a year without a blemish on my character, and spending five months at Gallipoli and coming out of it with honour, I've come across trouble and committed a crime. (a military crime) the outcome of which is that I'm being detained here in Egypt while the Battalion are moving off to France, a trip which I've been looking forward to ever since leaving the Peninsula. Now don't get a shock at the word CRIME as I've done nothing that I hang my head over when I get back.

I'ts hard to explain the facts of the case by letter; anyhow,it was all over our rations. We came in off the morning parade and was given nothing but tea for lunch, and at the same time were ordered to wear full marching order (which amounts to about a hundred pounds) for the afternoon parade. We did not mind that altogether if it was necessary as was the case on Gallipoli; many the time there we went out on outpost at night with next to nothing to eat at all. Anyhow, we decided to parade without our packs and complained about the tucker, but when the officers came on parade they would not listen to our corporal when he tried to voice our complaint and put him under arrest straight away.

Now, as he was likely to get punished heavy and only for doing what the whole company had asked him to do, myself and six others (including Alick Anderson, whose photo I sent home) decided to stick by him and share whatever punishment he was likely to get, not thinking for one moment that it would go to the length it has. The trouble is I'm too much a man and not enough a soldier.

How I hope it does not affect you as far as money is concerned although it is quite on the cards that they stop the allotment. Of course, the money this end will stop, but I don't care about that at all, but if they stop your lot I will never forgive myself.

Another thing is that I might be sent back to Australia over it, but if I do I've got a clear conscience and I know that I've done nothing dishonorable and have only done what a man worth calling the name of a man would have done under the same condition.

Now don't worry too much over this as things might clear themselves out yet - I'm only giving you the possibilities and am trusting that no such things happen. Of course, if anything definite happens I will write you straightaway. Mother, I could not do anything else but tell you all the facts, so with love to all at home tons to you dear self.

I remain, your loving son, Ted.

Ted was returned to Australia on board "Seang Bee" on the 31st of May 1916. Prisoner returned in accordance with Defence Cable W5518 to Lieutenant General BIRDWOOD After returning to Australia, Edwin was to serve 18 months Hard Labour at Goulburn Gaol, N.S.W.

5th August 1916

Dear Sir, I would like to draw your attention to a piece of military "injustice" inflicted by a British court-martial on a Australian Citizen soldier that must be surely be well up to the best German standards. The case is of No: 1612, Private E.J. King of the 19th Battalion, who is a present doing a sentence of 18 months Hard Labor in Goulburn Gaol for alleged mutiny. what the action really was that the Court-Martial thought worthy of such a stringent sentence his letter to his mother telling her of his troubles will disclose.

This letter details with the principal facts, bur the treatment meted out to this man concerned was even harsher as reference to any of the prisoners will confirm.

Prior to the outbreak of War he was employed by Mesers Anthony Hordern and Sons, Ltd of Sydney, and incidentally was also a member of the Shop Assistant's Union. He was earning a fairly good salary, and with his brother (who is now at the front)contributed to the support of his widowed mother and four other members of the family. He voluntarily left his position and a comfortable home, as others did, to fight for his country, but had to undergo an operation before he was accepted - as a matter of fact, he was thrice turned down by the Enrolling Officer.

For five months he was at Gallipoli facing death daily, on out-post duty most of the time, a particularly arduous task, and came through with honours, a fact that should stand to his credit for the rest of his life, or we are all hypocrites. Yet seemingly it was not taken into consideration for one moment. He is brought back to Australia, a young man a good family and upbringing - he is the nephew of the Reverend Joseph King, the well known missionary and author - and herded into a common gaol with criminals, not allowed to kiss his widowed mother when she went to visit him, permitted but one visit of 20 minutes duration each month; in short, treated just like a common criminal. Can we honestly say we are grateful to ANZACS?

If he is guilty of an offence let him be given the punishment commensurate with its magnitude; but why this harshness? contrast the sentence with that awarded No: 304, Trooper J Jamison, 7th Australian Light Horse for "conduct to the prejudice of good order and military discipline, and disobeying a lawful command of his superior Officer" - Detention for 42 Days! This was a an Australian Court Martial.

I am not writing to you asking for favors, but merely as one man to another as you bear a reputation for justice. It is far better for me to approach you direct than prejudice recruiting by noising it abroad; although the case of these man and others is known in many quarters now and indignation is growing.

Mrs King gave her son the her country gladly, and now she is breaking her heart over him through an incident that might easily occur to your own son or any other of our soldiers.

I ask nothing more of you than that you should give the matter full investigation. Apologising for troubling you.

I am yours faithfully.

N N Bridge.

Ted was released from Goulburn Gaol and transferred to the 7th Reinforcements, 36th Battalion AIF, and left Sydney on board HMAT A24 "Benalla" on the 10th of May 1917 and disembarked at Plymouth, England on the 19th of July and was promoted to Acting Lance Corporal on the 11th of October before being marched to the 50th Course of Instruction, Southern Bombing School at Lyndhurst on the 17th of October. Ted reverted back to Private on the day he proceeded overseas for France via Southampton on the 12th of December 1917.

He was Taken on in Strength on the 20th of December with the 36th Battalion in Belgium and remained in and out of action for the next 3 months before being appointed Lance Corporal on the 12th of March 1918. Ted was Wounded in Action; 1st occasion on the 4th of April 1918 at Villers-Bretonneux where he received a Gun-Shot Wound to the Shoulder

The First VILLERS-BRETONNEUX

4th-5th April 1918

The Strength of the 9th Infantry Brigade was about 2,250 but their casualties during the 2 days of fighting numbered 30 Officers and 635 men either killed in action or missing.

9th Infantry Brigade Casualties.4th-5th April 1918

33rd Battalion. AIF	3 Officers	82 Other ranks
34th Battalion. AIF	5 Officers	120 Other ranks
35th Battalion. AIF	9 Officers	282 Other ranks (including 44 missing)
36th Battalion. AIF	12 Officers	133 Other ranks (including 1 missing)
9th Machine Gun Company. AIF	1 Officer	18 Other ranks (including 4 missing)

Ted was evacuated to to the Australian Casualty Clearing Station before being sent to England on board the Hospital Ship "St-Patrick" on the 6th of April. He was admitted to the BATH WAR Hospital the next day where he was treated and released to the No:3 Auxiliary Hospital and granted a Furlo from the 30th of April until the 14th of May in London. After his leave Ted was transferred to reinforce the 33rd Battalion on the 1st of June 1918 and proceeded overseas on the 22nd. Ted was transferred to the 34th Battalion and Taken on in Strength on the 22nd of June and was Wounded in Action; 2nd occasion on the 22nd of August and was evacuated to the Australian Casualty Clearing Station after receiving a Gun-Shot Wound to the Thigh and a Fractured Leg Ted never recovered from his injuries and later that day Died of Wounds and is remembered with honour and is commemorated in perpetuity by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission.

Family Information

Edwin was a single 26 year old Shop Assistant at Anthony Hordons & Sons PTY LTD prior to enlistment.

William and Mary KING were married in 1888 at Nyngan, N.S.W. Marriage Cert:4113/1888 and had at least 6 children. James H King born 1889 at Dubbo, N.S.W. Birth Cert:15733/1889. Edwin Joseph King born 1890 at Warren, N.S.W. Birth Cert:35952/1890 and died in 1918, France. Miriam E King born 1892 at Warren, N.S.W. Birth Cert:36815/1892. Mary M King born 1894 at Warren, N.S.W. Birth Cert:35299/1894. William H King born 1902 at Woollahra, N.S.W. Birth Cert:37653/1902. Olive B King born 1907 at Woollahra, N.S.W. Birth Cert:31125/1907 and in 1931 at Burwood, N.S.W. Death Cert:19517/1931.

Military Records