33rd Battalion

Private: 5134 James BROADBENT.

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17th BATTALION - 33rd BATTALION A.I.F.

Private: 5134 James BROADBENT.

Born: 1894. New Lambton via Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia. Birth Cert:37049/1894.

Married: 1916. Bathurst, New South Wales, Australia. Marriage Cert:3905/1916.

Wife: Stella G Broadbent. nee: Soden. 

Died: 1970. Wallsend via Newcastle,  New South Wales, Australia. Death Cert:27026/1970.

Father: Joseph Broadbent. (10/1855-25/09/1901) Sandgate Cemetery Death Cert:10079/1901.

Mother: Margaret Broadbent. nee: Elliott. (01/1861-19/11/1911) Sandgate Cemetery.

INFORMATION

James Broadbent enlisted with the AIF on the 3rd January 1916 with his brother Private: 4984 Robert BROADBENT at Lithgow, New South Wales were both were allocated to the 13th Reinforcements, 17th Battalion AIF at Bathurst, New South Wales. The Reinforcements embarked from Sydney on board the Hospital Ship A55 "Kyarra" on the 3rd June 1916. 

Hospital Ship A55 "Kyarra"

James disembarked with the 17th Battalion Reinforcements at Plymouth, England on the 3rd August 1916 and was marched in to their training Battalion before he was transferred to the 33rd Battalion on the 30th September 1916  and was marched in to the 9th Training Battalion at the Durrington Army Camp, Lark Hill. James was Charged with being AWL from the 20.10.1919 until 6:00am on the 23.10.16. Award forfeit 21 Days Pay by Lieutenant Colonel: MORSEHEAD.  James proceeded overseas for France from Southampton on the 21st November 1916. His brother Private: 4984 Robert BROADBENT was with him and also charged. 

28th January 1917.

Enemy Operations

He showed more than usual activity with his artillery all day. He shelled the Battalion area more reliantly from 9:00am till about 4:00pm. At 9:15am he put 20 - 5.9 H.E and 10 - 77MM Shrapnel into vicinity of  c-28-b-1-4 doing no damage. Started at 9:30am at Sidiars Line which he shelled with 5.9 H.E. from 10:00am till 10:40am putting in about 50 shells and doing damage to some dugouts and considerable damage to both trenches and causing 4 casualties. 

(33rd Battalion War Diary)

James was treated by the 11th Australian Field Ambulance on the 7th April 1917 for Arthritis and was evacuated to the Casualty Clearing Station for further treatment before returning to the lines. He was again treated by the 10th Australian Field Ambulance on the 26th April 1916 for a Sprained Right Ankle and was again evacuated for further treatment. He was transferred to the 2nd Australian Casualty Clearing Station on the 8th May and returned to England on the 9th July 1917. He was marched in to the Command Depot and embarked from England for Australia where he disembarked on the 24th September in Melbourne and entrained to Sydney where was discharged as Medically Unfit on the 26th October 1917. 

July -Sept 1917

Bathurst

L to R. Joseph - David - Robert in uniform - William Broadbent

James & Robert joined the Army on 3 Jan 1916 . This appears to be taken when Robert has returned home. Robert arrived home 5 July 1917, and before James arrived on 29 Sept 1917.

Family Information

James was a single 22 year old Labourer in the Care of Mrs T.R Cooper from Helensburgh, New South Wales upon his enlistment with the AIF. His parents Joseph and Margaret Broadbent were married in 1879 at Newcastle. Marriage Cert:4150/1879 and had 9 children. Ellenor Broadbent born 1880 at Newcastle, N.S.W. Birth Cert:20252/1880. Unnamed Child born 1882 at Newcastle, N.S.W. Birth Cert:24515/1882. Joseph Broadbent born 1884 at Newcastle, N.S.W. Birth Cert:27909/1884 and died 1925 at Wallsend via Newcastle, N.S.W. Death Cert:7113/1925. Emma Broadbent born 1886 at Newcastle, N.S.W. Birth Cert:29865/1886. Mary Broadbent born 1889 at Newcastle, N.S.W. Birth Cert:30449/1889. Robert Broadbent born 1891 at Hamilton via Newcastle, N.S.W. Birth Cert:16137/1891 and died 1926 at Randwick via Sydney, N.S.W. Death Cert:7285/1926. James Broadbent born 1894 at Wickham via Newcastle, N.S.W. Birth Cert:37049/1894 and died 1970 at Wallsend via Newcastle, N.S.W. Death Cert:27026/1970. William John Broadbent 1896 at Wickham via Newcastle, N.S.W. Birth Cert:8762/1896 and died 1940 at Teralba via Newcastle, N.S.W. Death Cert:14040/1940. David Peter Broadhead born 1900 at Wallsend via Newcastle, N.S.W. Birth Cert:36136/1900 and died 1970 at Bulli via Wollongong, N.S.W. Death Cert:23773/1970.

James's brother's served during World War 1

Sergeant: 1957 Joseph BROADBENT. 34th Battalion AIF.

Private: 4984 Robert BROADBENT. 17th-33rd Battalion AIF.

Joseph Broadbent. (1855-1901)

Margaret Broadbent. nee: Elliott. (1862-1911)

Headstone to Joseph and Margaret Broadhead. Sandgate Cemetery.

Military Records

© Commonwealth of Australia (National Archives of Australia)

Under Construction: 21/08/2023.

Company Quarter Master Sergeant: 487 John Dixon KITCHEN.

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36th BATTALION - 33rd BATTALION AIF

Company Quarter Master Sergeant: 487A John Dixon KITCHEN.

Born: 1st July 1867. Guildford via Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. 

Married: 22nd March 1894. Prahan, Victoria, Australia. 

Wife: Florence Harriet Kitchen. nee: Bruce. (1867-1947)

Died: 30th July 1918. Killed in Action. Villers-Bretonneux, France. 

Father: Edward Nicholson Kitchen. (1830-1917)

Mother: Dora Kitchen. nee: Watson. (1838-1894)

INFORMATION

John Dixon Kitchen enlisted with the AIF on the 8th February 1916 at the Liverpool Army Camp and was allocated to B Company 36th Battalion AIF and was an original member of the Battalion. John en trained to Sydney where the Battalion embarked on board HMAT A72 "Beltana" on the 13th May 1916 and disembarked at Devonport, England on the 9th July 1916. John and the Battalion were marched in to the 9th Training Battalion at Larkhill where the Battalion settled down to hard training, which included Route Marching, Trench Digging, Bomb Practice, Musketry and General Camp Routine. 

22nd November 1916.

Larkhill. Troops en trained at Amesbury Station in three trains. 1st Train 7:47 am Compliment-Officers 11 and 327 others, 19 horses, 8 hand carts, 3 4 wheeled wagons and 9 bicycles. Lieutenant Colonel: James William Albert SIMPSON. Officer Commanding. A Company Lieutenant: ARNOLD. B Company Lieutenant: 3 Harry WOODHAMS. C Company Lieutenant: James Michael JULEFF.

2nd Train 9:15 am-Compliment-Officers 11 and 327 others. 20 horses, 2 two wheeled, 5 four wheeled vehicles. Major: Archibald Clifford BLACKLOW. Officer Commanding. A Company Lieutenant: DOYLE.

3rd Train 11:am- Compliment-Officers 10, 326 other ranks, 20 horses, 2 two wheeled, 5 four wheeled vehicles. Major: Archibald Leeson PRINCE. Officer Commanding. B Company Lieutenant: 1376 William James GORDON.

22nd November 1916

Embarked "Caesarea" 24 Officers, 811 others. Embarked "African Prince" 8 Officers 168 others, 59 horses, 15 four wheeled vehicles, 12 two wheeled vehicles and 9 bicycles. Total 32 Officers, others 979 left Southampton 6:00pm. 1 Officer 75 others detailed as sentries and boat guard. 1 Sergeant, 1 Corporal and 20 detailed as Firing Party. 5 Sanitary Police and 10 men as Sanitary Party. Francis was promoted to Lance Sergeant on the day he embarked for France.

23rd November 1916.

Arrived at La Havre 1:40 am. Disembarked 7:25 am. Marched via town to No:1 Rest Camp arrived 11:40 am. Remained at Rest Camp, Le Harve, till 6:30 am 24th November 1916.

24th November 1916.

36th Battalion, less 8 Officers 250 Other Ranks marched via town to point 3 Railway Station, Le Harve at 8:00 am. Entrainied and left Le Harve at 10:30 am. Proceeded via Montcrolier Buchy, Abbeville 6:10 am. 10 hours late via Boulogne Calais and Bailleul. Arrived at Bailleul at 4:25 pm 25th November 1916.

25th November 1916.

Detrained at Bailleul marched to billets at Merris district. Arrived at billets 10:45 pm. Quartered in 12 billets. Headquarters at Hameur Farm.

26th November 1916.

4 Officers 100 men "A" Company arrived at Merris at 8:30 am. Remainder of Battalion arrived at Merris 4:00 pm. Hostile aircraft shelled overhead 2:15 pm.

27th November 1916.

8 N.C.O's detailed to attend Gas School for 4 days. All Officers instructed in Box Respirator by Divisional Gas Officer. General: GODLEY and MONASH visited billets at Hameur Farm at 2:30 pm. Captain: John Martin HAWKEY. and 1 N.C.O. per Company visited forward billets at Armentieres.

28th November 1916.

Battalion left for Armentieres in 16 Motor Lorries. Whole Battalion reported in billets at Armentieres at 5:30 pm. Headquarters established at 6:00 pm Rue De Strasburg.

29th November 1916.

Whole Battalion still in billets-supply Working Parties Only.

30th November 1916.

Visited the front line on left sector of Defences at Armentieres.

22nd January 1917.

Armentieres. Enemy started light shelling at 10:00 am. At 2:00 pm locality 16 & 17 was heavily bombarded also locality 14 which ended in a box barrage being put on at 4:10 pm and an attack by the enemy from Pimple Salient. They entered our trenches but were only in 10 minutes. Our casualties 11 killed, 36 wounded, 4 missing. It is quite possible the 4 missing have been buried by Minnies.

17th February 1917

On the night of 17th-18th February last. Lieutenant: Clarence William BODDY 36th Bn when on patrol in NO MAN'S LAND, crawled close up to a Machine Gun emplacement in the enemy wire when the Gun therein suddenly Opened fire. Sergeant: 731 Gordon Mott COX who was hit and their presence became known to the enemy who thereupon opened up a concentrated fire on them. Lieutenant BODDY who was carrying a demolition charge which was hit by a bullet without causing it to explode, thereupon crawled backwards to within about six yards of the gun, with the charge under him, fired it and he and the Sergeant both dashed away and sheltered in a crater. The charge exploded and the gun at once ceased fire and it is probable that it was destroyed. Corps, Divisional, and Brigade Commanders desire to congratulate Lieutenant BODDY on his successful and hazardous enterprise.

4th 6th March 1917.

(1) HOUPLINES. 34th Battalion relieved by 36th Battalion- Working Parties and Training started.

7th March 1917.

Orders received to relieve 42nd Battalion in EPINETTE Sector. All arrangements made. Advance Parties sent into trenches. Orders cancelled late at night.

8th March 1917.

Working Parties of 35th Battalion taken over as well as our own. Major: John Alexander MILNE. promoted to Lieutenant Colonel as from 24th February 1917.

9th to 11th March 1917.

Very busy with Working Parties. No Training possible.

12th March 1917.

TRENCHES. Took over the whole of the HOUPLINE Sector from locality 8 to RIVER LYS. S.O.S. went up from locality 16 that night. Enemy raid possibly avoided.

13th to 16th March 1917.

Intermittent Artillery dual throughout course of tour of duty.

17th March 1917.

HOUPLINES. 34th Battalion relieved 36th Battalion. Took up quarters as "C" Battalion-Working Parties.

18th - 20th March 1917.

Working Parties - These were excessive on the the night of 20th. When 240 men worked from 5.00 am to 1:00 pm and again from 6:00 pm to 10:30 pm. Rest given the next day.

22nd to 25th March 1917.

Battalion engaged as Working Parties. Took over Trenches on 25th.

26th March 1917.

TRENCHES. Heavy Artillery fire over whole Sector. Enemy working at night in front line C.29.

27th to 28th March 1917.

Intermittent shelling during two days. Snow falling. Cold intense.

29th March 1917.

Artillery dual progressing. Enemy heavily shelling our front line. Heavy and medium Trench Mortars carried out a shoot with good effect. IRISH AVENUE heavily strafed with 77 m.m.

30th March 1917.

TRENCHES, HOUPLINES. Patrols state enemy front line held very lightly. Enemy shelling HOUPLINES with 4.2 howitzer. Light Trench Mortars got on to a working Party of enemy and inflicted loss.

31st March 1917.

Light Trench Mortars again scored a Working Party. Heavy Trench Mortar fired with good effect damaging enemy support line. Enemy considerably shelled our front line.

1st to 2nd April 1917.

TRENCHES. HOUPLINES. Considerable shelling all over Sector. Nothing important. 34th Battalion relieved 36th Battalion on morning of 2nd April. Battalion moved to Billets in ARMENTIERES.

(36th Battalion War Diary)

John was Wounded in Action on the 2nd April 1917 and was treated by the 11th Australian Field Ambulance for a Contusion of the Right Hand and was evacuated to the 2nd Australian Casualty Clearing Station. He was transferred to Winereux on the 7th of April and was invalid the England the next day where he was admitted to the 3rd Australian General Hospital. 

27th November 1917 John was promoted from Lance Corporal to Corporal vice Company Quarter Master Sergeant: 325 Robert BROWNLIE on the 17th January 1918 he was again promoted from Corporal to Sergeant and the next day to Company Quartermaster Sergeant. John was granted leave to England on the 6th February 1918 for 2 weeks and re joined his unit on the 21st February.

4th April 1918.

The First VILLERS-BRETONNEUX

A heavy burst of shelling occurred at CACHY and on some 6" Howitzer Batteries situated under cover of the S.E. corner of the BOIS D'AQUENSE, at about 3.30 am. At 5.30 am the fire thickened to heavy and general shelling, counter battle work and harassing fire suggestive of preparations for an attack. Just before 6.00 am shells fell in the wood near our bivouacs. The troops were hastily got out into the open. The shelling continued to be very heavy for about two hours, in the course of which two men were killed, and Lieutenant:  927 John LANG and 8 other ranks were wounded.

At 9:00 am orders were received to "Stand To" as it was expected the enemy would attack. At 11.45 am orders were received to proceed to position of readiness at U.5. central (South of VILLERS-BRETONNEUX) for defence of the village. Moved at 11.55 am and arrived at position of readiness without casualty despite general shelling of the area crossed. Lieutenant: Sydney Horace NEWELL (Scout Officer) reported direct to C.O. 35th Battalion, who was defending the line in part of the attack area. As the position of readiness the Battalion took up a position on the reverse slope of the hill on the east side of the VILLERS-BRETONNEUX - HANGARD ROAD, with "A" and "B" Companies just below the crest, "C" Company in close support, and "D" Company in reserve.

At 1.45 pm the C.O. and Adjutant reported to the C.O. 35th Battalion, at VILLERS-BRETONNEUX the village was being heavily bombarded. At 2.30 pm the Adjutant returned with the preliminary instructions to the 2nd in Command and the C.O. awaiting developments. At 4.45 pm the C.O returned with information that the Bosch had broken through the English line and was advancing on the village. While he was speaking heavy bursts of Machine Gun fire sprayed over the hill. English troops had been retiring for half an hour through our line but efforts to stop them were in vain.

The C.O ordered "A" Company and "B" Companies to immediately counter-attack. They did so with great spirit and in fine style sweeping along the southern end of the RAILWAY LINE. A party of English troops were seen to be reforming on our right. The Adjutant was sent with an invitation to their C.O to join in a Counter-Attack. Brigadier General: WOOD of the 55th Brigade was found to be Commanding in person and he immediately agreed, and went forward on the right flank of our "C" Company. In the advance great progress was made by "A" Company on the left under Captain: John Edward Wallace BUSHELLE who imbued them with wonderful Spirit and Confidence by his gallant leadership.

Owing however to organized opposition from special M.G. strong points in an orchard and two hay stacks "B" and "C" Companies were not able to keep up to the line of "A" Company's advance and wide gaps were left between all the Company frontages by reason of the extended front on which it was necessary to deliver our Counter Attack. The Reserve Company was however sent up to reinforce the center, link up the Companies, and, as far as possible, straighten out the line. Two small Companies of the 6th London Regiment who appeared at the time were also sent into the gap between "A" and "B" Companies and our gain was consolidated. Tools and ammunition were hastened forward by a small party from Headquarters - signallers, batman, police and gas personnel, - and this party brought back wounded on the return trip, doing excellent work.

4th-5th April 1918

The First VILLERS-BRETONNEUX

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)

12th April 1918.

Just after dawn (at 6:00 am) the enemy opened a barrage along our front and to our right on the French. The French S.O.S. went up immediately and was answered by a heavy barrage. Very soon the whole of the forward areas and the immediate rear was screened by heavy smoke from the enemy barrage which consisted principally of 5.9's and 4.2's. At about 7:00 am the fire slackened and it was learnt that the French had been pushed back on our immediate right and partly out of HANGARD. Reinforcements for the French came along the slope of the hill on our right flank till almost level with our line and then went half right over the hill into HANGARD. Enemy Machine Gun's attempted enfilade fire on those troops from the BOIS de HANGARD, but "C" Company on the left stopped this by rifle and Lewis Gun fire.

The line was shelled heavily several times during the day. At 7:30 pm the French, West Kent's and Essex counter attacked on our right. The barrage was lighter than in the morning. Fire died away about 8:30 pm and it was learnt that the line on the right had been re established and in some parts had gone further than the position lost in the morning. The Battalion was relieved by the 18th Battalion AIF commencing about 10:00 pm and was completed at 1:30 am, the Battalion then moved to billets in the BOIS de BLANGY where a hot meal awaited them.

At 1:09 pm a 5.9 Howitzer Shell landed in Battalion Headquarters and killed Lieutenant Colonel: John Alexander MILNE. D.S.O., Captain: Thomas Rodger MacNEE, also the Adjutant of the 5th Essex Regiment and 6 other ranks; the same shell wounded Major: John Ambrose McDOWELL. and 3 other ranks.

36th Battalion War Diary

The 36th led the attack at Villers-Bretonneux before they were disbanded on the 30th April 1918 and John was transferred to reinforce the 33rd Battalion AIF. He was later allocated the Prefix A the his service number to 478A on the 9th July 1918.  John was Killed in Action on the 30th July 1918 at Villers Bretonneux, France and is remembered with honour and is commemorated in perpetuity by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission at the Villers Bretonneux Military Cemetery, France.

Villers-Bretonneux Military Cemetery, Villers-Bretonneux, Picardie, France

Family Information

John was a married 43 year old Storeman from Leichardt via Sydney, N.S.W. upon his enlistment with the AIF. 

Military Records

© Commonwealth of Australia (National Archives of Australia)

Under Construction: 10/08/2023-18/08/2023.

Private: 1630 Arthur Robert SMITH

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33rd BATTALION - 53rd BATTALION AIF

Private: 1630 Arthur Robert SMITH

Born:  16th June 1889. Warialda via Yetman, New South Wales, Australia. Birth Cert:22319/1889.

Married: 1922. Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. Marriage Cert:9436/1922.

Wife: Lillian Mary Smith. nee: Law. (1895-1974)

Died: 16th September 1979. Emmaville, New South Wales, Australia. Death Cert:106169/1979. 

Father: William A Smith. (1851-10/09/1949) Bonny Doon, Texas, Queensland, Australia. 

Mother: Elizabeth Smith. nee: Adams. (1857-21/02/1921) Died in Queensland, Australia. 

INFORMATION

WWI, handcrafted tribute fob in gold (9ct; 10.86g; 21x34mm), with ring top suspension and a claw set oval cut garnet, the obverse with raised letters, 'AIF' with crossed rifles and inscribed, 'ARS', the reverse inscribed, 'Presented/To/A.R.Smith/By/Bonshaw friends/on his return/from/the War/20.10.17.', the fob is attached to a sterling silver watch chain. Very fine.

Together with small storage box.

1630 Arthur Robert Smith, stockman, age 26, born at Yetman, NSW; Enl.29Feb1916 at Inverell, NSW in 33Bn; Emb.04May1916; Trf to 53Bn 09Sep1916 and to France; to hospital in France 05Nov1916 with pneumonia and dangerously ill; returned to England and admitted to hospital 23Nov1916; RTA 17Mar1917; Disch.20Nov1917.

The following article was published in The Inverell Times, page 2, on Friday 26 October 1917. "There was an overflow gathering at the Bonshaw Public Hall on Saturday afternoon to welcome home Private Arthur Smith. Mr. W. J. Gobbert occupied the chair. He explained the object of the meeting, and extended a welcome home to the returned soldier. "Home Sweet Home" was then sung, and all present sat down to afternoon tea, which was provided by the ladies of Bonshaw.

Mr. Fred Purvis spoke on behalf of the soldier and his parents. Mr. George Phifer also spoke, after which Mr. W. A. Bentley presented Private Smith, on behalf of his Bonshaw friends, with a handsome gold medal, suitably inscribed, which was pinned on by Miss Beatrice Hallam. After the singing of "For he's a jolly good fellow," cheers were given for the King, the returned soldier, and the boys who are still fighting for us.

Private A. Smith was one of the gallant 33rd Battalion. He left Australia about 18 months ago, but did not reach the actual firing line, as he had the misfortune to contract a very serious illness on landing in France, and on that account was invalided home. Still being in a very low condition on reaching Sydney, he had to spend many weeks in hospital there, where he gradually recovered, but apart from that he is now looking remarkably well.

Private Smith has also a brother, Crief (see footnote at end), who returned some months ago, after being twice wounded, and yet another brother, Ernie, who is at present in hospital suffering from wounds, but we are pleased to know he was doing well when last heard of, writes a Bonshaw correspondent.'

Footnote: See lot 290 items attributed to 1599 Crief Oliver Smith.

Family Information

Arthur was a single 26 year old Stockman from Maidenhead via Tenterfield, New South Wales upon his enlistment with the AIF. His parents William and Elizabeth Smith were married in 1882 at Warialda, New South Wales and had 12 children. served during World War 2 with the 2nd AIF.

Elizabeth Smith. nee: Adams. (1857-1921)

William A Smith. (1851-1949)

Bonnie Doon Tenterfield, N.S.W. 1926. William A Smith, pet Kangaroo.

Lillian Mary Smith (1895-1979 - Arthur Robert Smith (1889-1979) Warialda Cemetery

Australian Cemeteries Index.

Military Records

© Commonwealth of Australia (National Archives of Australia)

Under Construction: 17/08/2023.

Private: 3260 Charles William SULLIVAN

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33rd BATTALION AIF

Private: 3260 Charles William SULLIVAN. "Charlie"

Born: 28th July 1890. Murree, Rawalpuidi, India.

Married: 24th January 1908.  West Partings, Bo Ness, West Lothian, Scotland.

Wife: Sarah Elizabeth Sullivan. nee: Hunter. (1888-1984)

Died: 31st March 1918. Died of Wounds. Villers-Bretonneux, France. 

Father: John Sullivan. (1855-1923)

Mother: Mary Ann Sullivan. nee: Collins. (1867-1957)

INFORMATION

Charles William Sullivan enlisted with the AIF at the Central Recruitment Depot at the Royal Naval House, Grosvenor Street, Sydney on the 30th April 1917 before we was en-trained to the Liverpool Army Camp where he was allocated to the 8th Reinforcements 33rd Battalion AIF.

Royal Naval House, Sydney
Royal Naval House, Sydney, N.S.W.
Royal Naval House has a long standing association with the British Navy and the AIF, including its use as a recruitment office during World War I and for accommodation for returned servicemen. After his recruitment Charles was transported to the Liverpool Depot to commence his training.

Charles embarked from Sydney on board HMAT A16 "Port Melbourne" on the 16th July 1917 and disembarked at Liverpool, England on the 16th September 1917 where the 8th Reinforcements were marched in to the 9th Training Battalion at the Durrington Army Camp where he was promoted to the rank of Acting Corporal. Charles was Charged with being AWL from the 22nd of November unit the 24th November 1917. Award Forfeits 3 Days Pay by Major: Brent Burnell RODD. 

Charles reverted in Rank from Acting Corporal to Private on the 17th January 1918 as the Reinforcements proceeded overseas for France via Southampton. The Reinforcements disembarked at Rouelles the next morning where they went into billets for the next 2 nights before they were marched out to the lines where they were taken in in strength with the 33nd Battalion on the 22nd January 1918.  

COUNTER ATTACK OPERATION. AFTERNOON AND EVENING MARCH 30TH, 1918.

33RD BATTALION A.I.F

At 10;30 a.m. on March 30th the 33rd Battalion moved from billets in CACHY to a position of readiness on the south Western edge of the BOIS D'AQUENNE. The enemy shelled CACHY from 10 a.m. but we suffered no casualties. At 2;15 p.m I reported to you at the Brigade Report Center at H.33,0,35,40 and received your orders to capture and establish a line from the Copse immediately South of the first c in MARCELCAVE to AUBERCOURT, and to capture AUBERCOURT which was in possession of the enemy. The 33rd would work in conjunction with the 12th Lancers, who were 400 strong, and would have the 34th in support.

The following orders were issued by me verbally to Company Commanders at 2;45 P.M. "B" Company Lieutenant: 5017 John Graham Antill POCKLEY will establish a line from the Oppue just South of the first C in MARCELCAVE to a point 100 yards east of the Crossroads to V.14.b. "A" Company Captain: John Lovelock FRY will establish a line from 100 yards East of the Cross Roads in V.14.b. to V.20.b.20.00. "D" Company Captain: James William SHREEVE. will capture AUBERCOURT and establish a line on the Eastern and Southern sides of the village. As DEMUIN is held by the enemy particular attention is to be paid to the roads loading over to do LUCE from BEMUIN and COUXCELLES. "C" Company Captain: Walter John Clare DUNCAN will be in reserve in the valley South East of the BOIS DE HANGARD and to be ready to capture DEMUIN.

Battalion Headquarters will be the Reserve Company "D" Teams, according to S.S. 156, will not take into action but will be sent to BLANCY TRONVILLE. At 3;10 p.m the Battalion marched under the command of Major: Francis George GRANT. from BOIS D'AQUENNE and moved across country to the West of VILLERS-BRETONNEUX - AUBECOURT road in U.12. This position was reached at 4;35 p.m. At 3;00 p.m I sent forward two patrols from the Platoon of the 9th Corps Cyclists to reconnoitre North and South of the wood East of BOIS DE HANGARD and then as far forward towards AUBERCOURT and MARCELCAVE as possible. I regret to report that the Platoon Commander Lieutenant: Phillip Charles GRATWICKE was killed.

Phillip Charles Gratwicke

Lieutenant: Phillip Charles GRANTWICKE. 9th Corps, Cyclist Battalion. Killed in Action 30th March 1918.

The 12th Lancers proceeded the Battalion and reached the wood East of BOIS DE HANGARD at about 4;15 p.m.(This wood was in future be referred as LANCERS WOOD) My Adjutant, Scout Officer and Cavalry Liaison Officer went ahead with the Cavalry and reconnoitre the position. On our way to LANCER WOOD we passed several bodies of troops particularly had recklessly entrenched in queer places and large parties of stragglers. On reaching the wood we found the whole front line garrison East of LANCER WOOD withdrawing although there was no hostile fire of any kind and no signs of attack. I met two Brigadiers and a Battalion Commander in the wood and informed them what was happening at once. This they promised to do. The Cavalry Commander also helped in this matter by sending a Squadron dismounted to re-establish the line. The infantry went forward with the cavalry but in a reluctant manner. During the whole time we sore forward men constantly leaving the line. The seemed to be no effort to check this straggling.

It was a proud privilege to be allowed to work with such a fine Regiment as the 12th Lancers. Their approach march instilled in the mementos confidence and enthusiasm and I am glad to say greatly counteracted the effect of so much straggling. They lost no time in effectively clearing LANCERS WOOD and get there just in time as the enemy had obtained a footing on the southern and South Eastern edges. The Lancers protected the edges and allowed us to move forward to the attack. On seeing the cavalry there the enemy shelled LANCER WOOD very heavily, chiefly with 5.0s. paying particular attention to our fringes. Fairly heavy casualties to horses were inflicted there, the horses were soon led from the wood to a position West of the VILLER-BRETONNEUX - AUBERCOURT Road. The discipline during the heavy shelling was a subject lesson. During the attack the cavalry protected both our flanks, the left with two Machine Guns. They withdrew at about 7.00 p.m.

All ranks were eager to give every possible help to us, throughout there was whole hearted cooperation. The experience gained in this our first operation with cavalry was invaluable. One was able too judge of the splendid work they are doing for the Army at this present time and they cannot be too highly praised. The 33rd Battalion moved forward from the position of assembly at 3:00 p.m. The formation adapted by Companies was as follows; One Platoon in extended order, followed by two Platoons in line in Artillery formation; the fourth Platoon in reserve also in Artillery formation.

"B" Company moved along the Northern edge of LANCER WOOD and widened its front on clearing the wood. "A" Company moved throughout the wood. Owing to enemy shelling while moving through, the whole company was extended into three lines and resumed normal formation on clearing the wood. No casualties were sustained in the wood. "B" Company worked in single file along the brindle track near the Southern edge of the wood and formed up under cover of the terraced bank on the South East edge. Three casualties were sustained on entering the wood. "C" Company formed up on the sunken road in U.18.a. and not where was first ordered, owing to the hostile shelling.

The movement forward was splendidly carried out. On the right slight opposition was en counted but easily disposed of. no real opposition was not until we were about 200 yards clear of the wood when all three Companies came very heavy machine gun and rifle fire. They deployed at once and moved forward without flinching. All ranks displayed the greatest determination and eagerness to get to the Bosch with the bayonet, this eagerness was to some extent responsible for the heavy casualties as the principle of advancing under covering fire was not sufficiently observed. On the Left most progress was made in spite of heavy losses, and the enemy hurriedly retired but on discovering later in strength he reformed.

30th March 1918

The enemy was well entrenched and in strong force as we had no artillery support his fire was consequently extremely heavy and unfortunately very accurate. Owing to such strong opposition we were not able to reach our objectives. The attached map shows approximately the line we established. The line is well sited and is a very good defensive position. With determined troops the enemy could easily be held, and any advance he attempted would be very expensive. Owing to casualties and to the wide front the Reserve Company to reinforce the right flank. This Company made good the gap between the right and center Companies. At the same time I requested the 34th Battalion which was in support in U.18.a. and U.12.c. West of the VILLERS-BRETONNEUX - AUBERCOURT Road, to send a Company to reinforce the left flank. I instructed Company Commander Captain: Telford Graham GILDER. to reconnoitre the position first and then move forward at 6.00 p.m. This Company advanced in two lines of two Platoons each and took the newly-made enemy trenches about 250 yards East of the line then held by us, capturing two light machine guns one of which was damaged, and four prisoners belonging to 91st Oldenburg Regiment.

Wilhelm CONZE; Company-Leader in the 91st Infantry-Regiment (03 Apr 1917-14 Oct 1917) Wounded, in Reserve Hospital in Gotha (23 Mar 1918-22 May 1918) Transferred to the Replacement-Battalion of the 91st Infantry-Regiment (22 May 1918-01 Jul 1918) Company-Leader in the 91st Infantry-Regiment (01 Jul 1918-30 Sep 1918) In French Captivity (30 Sep 1918-14 Feb 1920) Released from Captivity and back with the Processing-Office of the 91st Infantry-Regiment (14 Feb 1920-29 Mar 1920)

Captain GILDER withdrew and made good the gap between the left and center Company's. At 10:00 p.m. I requested the C.O. 34th Battalion to send two company's forward, one to the sunken road in U.18.a the other to a position 300 yards North East of LANCER WOOD. At 11:00 p.m. the enemy attempted a local counter attack against my left company but was repelled. Heavy rain fell from early in the afternoon till late at night. Walking over the ploughed fields under such conditions affected the Lewis guns and rifles. Every man was drenched to the skin and very cold, but this did not dampen his ardour. All maps were soon rendered useless and the writing of messages was extremely difficult. Our flanks were somewhat in the air, on our left the Warwicks were about 600 yard behind. The 66th Division were on our right, but touch with them was not obtained.

In order to secure my right flank the right Support company, of the 34th Battalion supplied a Platoon for patrolling and also to establish a post South of LANCER WOOD on the VILLERS-BRETONNEUX - AUBERCOURT Road. Our front was well protected by Vickers and Lewis Guns. We had five Vickers guns from the 9th Australian Machine Gun Company - two covered either flank and one the center, and we had 25 Lewis guns. We were relieved by the 10th ESSEX and the ROYAL WEST SURREY Regiment of the 18th Division this morning; the relief Battalion Headquarters were established at V.7.d.30.95. The Pre-arranged position was unatonable.

Lieutenant Colonel: Leslie James MORSHEAD.

Commanding 33rd Battalion A.I.F.

33rd Battalion War Diary

Charles was Wounded in Action on the 30th March 1918 during this action 

German Spring Offensive casualty Victory Medal awarded to Private C.W. Sullivan, 33rd Battalion, Australian Imperial Force who died of wounds on 31st March 1918 and who was buried in Adelaide Cemetery, Villers-Bretonneux.

19th June 1918.

Informant; Corporal: 1242 George Easter STARK. Private: 3260 Charles William SULLIVAN was wounded on the 30th March 1918 by a bullet in the thigh during a counter attack. I was hit at the same time and he was still lying there when I left, but I saw him hit. I heard afterwards that he was taken down to the Dressing Station a Cachy and that he died there and that Lieutenant: McRea D Company, 33rd Battalion went to the Dressing Station to identify him. He was in No:1 Section D Company 13 Platoon. I do not know where he was buried, but sure to be near Cachy. He was an Englishman, a sailor and a South African War Veteran. His wife I believe lived in Scotland. 

No: 1 Command Depot. SUTTON VENY. 

19th June 1918.

Informant: Private: 1200 Alfred Henry MULHOLLAND. At Villers-Bretonneux, I saw Private: 3260 Charles Walter SULLIVAN wounded by a bullet through the stomach. I helped to take him to the Dressing Station but did not see him die or see where he was buried.

Ward 23. Harefield, England.


Victory Medal; (3260 PTE. C.W. SULLIVAN. 33-BN. A.I.F.)

Condition: Good Very Fine

Charles William Sullivan saw service as a Private (No. 3260) with the 33rd Battalion, Australian Imperial Force died of wounds on 31st March 1918 aged 27 and is buried in Adelaide Cemetery, Villers-Bretonneux. The son of John and Mary Ann Sullivan, husband of Mrs. Sullivan of 31 Bibby’s Lane, Bootle, Liverpool. 

Adelaide Cemetery, Villers-Bretonneux.

Family Information

Charles was a Married 26 year old Fireman from 39 Ada Lane, Ultimo via Sydney, N.S.W. upon his enlistment with the AIF

Military Records

© Commonwealth of Australia (National Archives of Australia)

Under Construction: 05/08/2023.

Private: 2540 Private William Arthur CROSSINGHAM

by

33rd BATTALION AIF

Private: 2540 William Arthur CROSSINGHAM

Born: 9th February 1885. Taree, New South Wales, Australia. Birth Cert:22131/1885.

Died: 22nd February 1917. Died of Disease. (Pneumonia) King George Hospital, Stamford Street, Lamberth, London, England.

Father: Richard William John Crossingham. (1857-1932)

Mother: Amelia May Crossingham. nee: Townsend. (1858-1918)

INFORMATION

All three brothers enlisted at Kempsey on the 21st July 1916 and went into camp at Rutherford, near Maitland. They were taken into the 33rd Battalion – 5th Reinforcements on 22nd September 1916.

After final leave back home to the Macleay the three brothers transferred to Liverpool Camp to prepare for embarkation.  Embarking on the SS Port Napier in a group of 152 from the 5th Reinforcements they joined other Reinforcement Ranks for other Battalions and sailed from Sydney on 17th November 1916.

The  SS Port Napier steamed to Albany, Western Australia where the convoys were marshalled and then to Durban, South Africa. After a brief stopover they continued west around the Cape of Good Hope and headed northwards along the West African coast – arriving in Devonport on 29 January 1917 – into the dead cold of one of the bleakest winters experienced.

Leonard Sydney Crossingham (1889-1964) - William Arthur Crossingham (1885-1917) - George Henry Crossingham (1891-1918)

William Arthur Crossingham was born on February 9, 1885, at his grandfather’s farm at Pipe Clay Creek near Moorland just north of Taree on the NSW coast.

Leonard Sydney Crossingham was born on May 23, 1889 in  St. Leonards Sydney.

George Henry Crossingham was born August 10, 1891at South Solitary Island Lighthouse.

On arrival at Larkhill William was ill – seriously ill according to his records – and was admitted to the base hospital then transferred to King George Hospital in London on 8th February where he passed away two weeks later on 22nd February 1917. His record states he “Died of Disease (Pneumonia)”.

He was buried on the February 26 in the Commonwealth War Graves Cemetery at Brookwood outside London. The Military Funeral was attended by representatives of Headquarters in London and the coffin was carried by Australian troops – the records show George and Leonard were both in attendance along with their mother’s sister Margaret (Mrs. Vere.)

William had stepped up when it was required, signed up and was prepared to put his life on the line for his country travelling to the other side of the world not knowing what he may face – he carried out his duty.  Disease turned out to be his enemy.

William Artur Crossingham (1885-1917) Brookwood Military Cemetery, London, England

References and Acknowledgements

Story: Brian Roy Crossingham

For information and context within the article: Crossingham Family Collection – Photos and Collective Knowledge

The Harrower Collection 9th Infantry Brigade AIF – David John Harrower ACM. 2015

33rd Battalion 1st AIF – Home | Facebook – Rod Carpenter

Never a Backward Step- A History of the 33rd Battalion: John Edwards 1996

National Archives of Australia – Military Service Records:

Fallen Brothers of the Macleay 1914-1918; Jocelyn Bakewell and Debbie Reynolds; Kempsey Family History Group Publication, 2021

Macleay Fallen – Volunteers from the Macleay River Valley who paid the Supreme Sacrifice in the War of 1914-1918; Philip Lee; published by the Macleay River Historical Society 2021

SOLDIER’S LETTER. (1918, July 10). The Macleay Chronicle (Kempsey, NSW : 1899 – 1952), p. 3. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article174429391

UNEXPECTED DEATH. (1918, September 4). The Macleay Chronicle (Kempsey, NSW : 1899 – 1952), p. 4.

ODDFELLOWS WELCOME. (1919, August 21). Macleay Argus (Kempsey, NSW : 1885 – 1907; 1909 – 1910; 1912 – 1913; 1915 – 1916; 1918 – 1954), p. 5.

Coffs Harbour Heritage

Military Records

© Commonwealth of Australia (National Archives of Australia)

Under Construction: 12/06/2023-13/06/2023.

Private: 2539 Private Leonard Sydney CROSSINGHAM

by

33rd BATTALION AIF

Private: 2539 Leonard Sydney CROSSINGHAM

Born: 23rd May 1889. St. Leonards via Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. Birth Cert:10033/1889.

Married: 1921. Kempsey, New South Wales, Australia. Marriage Cert:16010/1921.

Wife: Janet Grey Crossingham. nee: Saul. (1896-1963)

Died: 14th May 1964. Kempsey, New South Wales, Australia. Death Cert:17059/1964.

Father: Richard William John Crossingham. (1857-1932)

Mother: Amelia May Crossingham. nee: Townsend. (1858-1918)

INFORMATION

Leonard and George Crossingham continued their training and on April 5, 1917, proceeded along with 70 other reinforcements to France and were taken on strength with the 33rd Battalion billeted in Armentieres on April 28. Both were posted to “C” Company.

Leonard Sydney Crossingham (1889-1964) - William Arthur Crossingham (1885-1917) - George Henry Crossingham (1891-1918)

William Arthur Crossingham was born on February 9, 1885, at his grandfather’s farm at Pipe Clay Creek near Moorland just north of Taree on the NSW coast.

Leonard Sydney Crossingham was born on May 23, 1889 in  St. Leonards Sydney.

George Henry Crossingham was born August 10, 1891at South Solitary Island Lighthouse.

Leonard was wounded in action on three occasions over the course of his deployment in France. On 7th June 1917 during the Battle of Messines he was wounded by poisonous Gas. The enemy had shelled the area around Hill 63 and Ploegsteert Wood and over 500 Australian casualties from Gas were recorded. Len was Treated in France and returned to duty 7 weeks later 25th of July.

On 5th October 1917 in the lead up to the Battle of Passchendaele (9 – 12 October 1917) Len was again wounded, suffering a  Gun Shot Wound (GSW) to the knee – He was treated in France and returned to duty  5 weeks later on 10th November.

George volunteered to be a Stretcher Bearer (SB). He was subsequently transferred to Headquarters along with others in November 1917 into the Battalion Company.

Leonard and George continued to do as much as possible together,  particularly spending leave in England where they would meet with their maternal Grandparents and mother’s family.

Shortly after George’s death on 5th April 2018, Len was seriously wounded in action by Poison Gas on the 17th April –– On the night of the 16th and early morning of the 17th the Germans had saturated the trenches near Villers Bretonneux and Cachey in a 3 hour barrage in the predawn with phosgene, mustard, and irritant gasses. In anticipation of an attack the town Garrison and remnants of the 33rd were moved out quickly from their shelters in the town and into the trenches. The attack did not come! Instead, they were bombarded again in the evening for another 3 hours. Len was wounded – for the third time however this was much more serious than the first time he was gassed. There were many gas casualties in that operation. Len was admitted to hospital in Rouen in France, then transferred to England – firstly to the 1st Southern General Hospital in Edgbaston and then to the First Auxiliary Hospital at Harefield. He was improving and allowed leave and then admitted on return to No.3 Command Depot, Hurdcott before being transferred to No 1 Command Depot at Sutton Veny.

The exposure to gas at Villers Bretonneux was by far the most serious. For context there were more than 1,027 casualties in that Gas Attack including the Commanding Officer of the 33rd Battalion, Lieutenant Colonel MORSHEAD. He was less serious but was still off the line for some 3 weeks as a result.

Tragedy was to strike the family back home on 3rd September when Leonard’s father Richard received news that his wife Amelia had taken ill while visiting her sister in Sydney. She had been ill over time but had improved lately and made the trip to Sydney. Almost immediately after the first news a second telegram said she had passed away.

“We deeply regret to report that trouble keeps crowding in on Mr. R.W.J. Crossingham of Long Reach, who our readers will remember lost two sons on active service in France, while a third is seriously ill in hospital in England; for yesterday he received a telegram announcing the serious illness of his wife, and an hour or so later a further wire reporting her death. In delicate health for some time, Mrs Crossingham had her illness much aggravated by grief for her sons, but a slight improvement a few weeks ago encouraged her to take a trip to Sydney; and the move has proved a fatal one. Mr Crossingham, accompanied by a daughter, left for Sydney Tuesday Evening.”

(Macleay Chronicle – Wed 4 Sep 1918 UNEXPECTED DEATH)

Leonard eventually returned to his unit in France on the 29th October 1918 after 6 long months in recovery. The 33rd Battalion had been relieved and stood down and was then billeted in Citerene.

On the night before Armistice day  he wrote to his future bride, Janet Saul of Bellimbopinni, Macleay River and was full of hope for a speedy return to Australia.  This would however be a lengthy process. It would be nearly 5 months before Len even saw England again – disembarking on 22nd April 1919.

It would be another seven weeks in England before he embarked the Hospital Transport “Themistocles” leaving England for Australia on 12th June 1919. Len disembarked in Sydney on 10th August 1919 – nine months on from his postcard.

The Macleay Argus of Thursday 21 August 1919, contained a detailed article of a welcome home put on by the “Pride of Clybucca Lodge, G.U.O.O.F “(Grand United Order of Oddfellows) the night before, for Len and another soldier “Trooper Price”.  A big event with a large turnout with local Councillors and dignitaries – the reporter writes of Len –

“On the platform Mr. W. Crossingham and Misses Crossingham and Mrs. Parish, Father and Sisters of Bro. Pte. Crossingham…..”

“Sister Crossingham pinned a medal to her brothers tunic” ”Pte. Crossingham felt very proud to be amongst them. There was no one wished to be back more than he did. He had been looking forward for a long time to getting back to his people and dear old Aussie and he thanked them for the kind way they had shown their wishes to him. He thanked the women workers and all the people that sent parcels across to him in France whilst he was away. There were none of them knew how much the boys appreciated those things in France. (Applause)”

References and Acknowledgements

Story: Brian Roy Crossingham

For information and context within the article: Crossingham Family Collection – Photos and Collective Knowledge

The Harrower Collection 9th Infantry Brigade AIF – David John Harrower ACM. 2015

33rd Battalion 1st AIF – Home | Facebook – Rod Carpenter

Never a Backward Step- A History of the 33rd Battalion: John Edwards 1996

National Archives of Australia – Military Service Records:

NAA: B2455, CROSSINGHAM W A

NAA: B2455, CROSSINGHAM L S

NAA: B2455, CROSSINGHAM G A

Fallen Brothers of the Macleay 1914-1918; Jocelyn Bakewell and Debbie Reynolds; Kempsey Family History Group Publication, 2021

Macleay Fallen – Volunteers from the Macleay River Valley who paid the Supreme Sacrifice in the War of 1914-1918; Philip Lee; published by the Macleay River Historical Society 2021

SOLDIER’S LETTER. (1918, July 10). The Macleay Chronicle (Kempsey, NSW : 1899 – 1952), p. 3. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article174429391

UNEXPECTED DEATH. (1918, September 4). The Macleay Chronicle (Kempsey, NSW : 1899 – 1952), p. 4.

Macleay Argus (Kempsey, NSW : 1885 - 1907; 1909 - 1910; 1912 - 1913; 1915 - 1916; 1918 - 1954), Thursday 21 August 1919, page 5

ODDFELLOWS WELCOME.

PRIDE OF CLYBUCCA HONORS SOLDIER BRETHREN.

The Pride of Clybucca Lodge, G.U. O.O.F., was well represented in the Australian forces and extends a welcome to each brother of the Lodge on his

return from the front. Last night the Clybucca Hall was crowded for the welcome to Bro. Trooper Austin Price, son of Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Price, of East Kempsey, formerly of Summer Is land, and to Bro. Pte. L. S. Crossing ham, son of Mr. W. Crossingham, of Pelican Island. The gathering took a social form and was arranged by the Lodge's Entertainment Committee, which is composed of the following: Sisters V. Burton, who is hon. secretary, A. and B. Crossingham, Bros. J. Burton, C. Peck, A. and H. Sullivan. Sister A. Crossingham, who is at present N.G. of the Pride of Clybucca Lodge, is sister to Pte. Crossingham. Dancing was indulged in till between 10 and 11 o'clock, Mrs. Williams providing the music, assisted by others, and then the speeches commenced. Bro. C. Peck presided and besides the guests, there were on the platform Mr. and Mrs. and the Misses Price (2), mother father and sisters of Bro. Tpr. Price, Mr. W. Crossingham and Misses Crossingham (3) and Mrs. Parrish, father and sisters of Bro. Pte. Crossingham, Bro. Pte. Alexander and Tpr. St. John, together with several prominent Odd fellows and the speakers for the evening. The Chairman mentioned that he had received apologies from Rev. W. H. Butler and Mr. G. D. Johnston. The Chairman extended a hearty welcome home to Bros. Price and Crossingham and remarked that since they left our shores the world had gone through many darkened days of his tory. Those lads showed by their dash and courage that they were there to do something and did it. They let the world in general know that there was such a place as Australia. He had pleasure in welcoming these Oddfellows home and was sure their parents and relatives felt great joy and pleasure at their return. (Applause.)

Cr. J. P. Kissane referred in sympathetic terms to the loss which Clybucca suffered by the war. About three years ago he attended a fare well there to five or six noble lads, al most all members of the Lodge. Sad to say two boys of Mr. Crossingham's paid the supreme sacrifice, Pte. Cooper was also killed in action and Pte. Coleman suffered the loss of a leg. They were pleased that the heroes they had with them that night had returned. They fought for King and country and brought about a peace which we hoped would guarantee our liberty for the remainder of our lives and which would give civilisation what it had been fighting for for the last four years. He was only expressing the sentiments of the people when he said they were grateful to Pte. Crossingham and Tpr. Price for their services. They would never for get their bravery, one on the Western front and the other in Palestine. He expressed his sympathy with Mr. Crossingham in his bereavements and congratulated the relatives of both soldiers on their return, and heartily wel comed them home. (Applause.) The Rev. C. J. Chambers said there was a touch of pathos in that gathering that night, but it was a comfort to know that those who went out to fight from Clybucca and would not return were ready for the greater call when it came to them. They welcomed the

guests and congratulated them on their safe return. They had come home to one of the freest and greatest countries in the world. (Applause.) We said unhesitatingly that the soldiers who left their farms, their offices, their homes and dear ones to do and dare were going to be honoured citizens of this country in the future. They were not going to lose by their action. Mr. Holman had voiced the sentiments of the people of Australia in telling us "soldiers first," and who had a better right to be first than they had? He believed that the majority of soldiers who had gone to the front had deserved Military Medals or V.C.'s or D.C.M.'s, but they could not always catch the umpire's eye. As they had served the country well there, they were wanted to do a great work at home. He asked the soldiers, as they left to free Australia and came back to a free Australia, to determine to keep it a free Australia. They looked to them to do as well in Australia and they did in

Europe. Cr. R. E. Saul said that gathering had its grave and pathetic side, as well as its jubilant aspect. However they were gathered to express their keen appreciation and thanks and their great joy upon the return of these two brave boys. He was pleased to welcome their guests as he had watched them grow up from little fellows. Three years ago three brave, noble boys left a good home to go and fight that we might enjoy the peace of the country, but to-night they saw only one remaining. Clybucca had contributed perhaps more to the great pages of Australia's history written by the blood of our noble boys than any other little centre he knew of. He knew the joy of Mr. and Mrs. Price at their son's return, and he trusted that Pte. Crossingham's return would afford the fullest measure of consola tion to his father in his endeavor to live down the trouble and sorrow he had

been going through. He heartily welcomed the guests. (Applause.) Mr. C. B. Bailey, as a member of the Duke of Edinburgh Lodge, G.U., had very great pleasure in extending a hearty welcome to the guests of the evening and was sure that the members of the Duke of Edinburgh Lodge would join with the Pride of Clybucca in welcoming home brethren who were truly the "pride" of Clybucca. He congratulated the parents of the guests on their return. (Applause.) Bro. J. Burton, Past District Master, was then called upon to make the presentations. He had great pleasure in welcoming back brother oddfellows who had done so much for King and country. The soldier oddfellows of the Pride of Clybucca had made a name for themselves wherever they had been, in France or Palestine. They had with them that night Bro. Alexander, who left here under 20 and had returned a credit to the Lodge. They had also Bros. Crossingham and Price to whom the Pride of Clybucca was to make a presentation, which he hoped would be accepted just as readily as if it were

£1000. He then presented each guest with a medal and a cheque for £5 from the Pride of Clybucca Lodge, as a token of esteem for what they had done. He wished them long life and happiness and hoped they would be as good odd fellows as when they went away. (Applause.) Sister Crossingham pinned the medal to her brother's tunic and Sister Bur ton pinned the medal on Brother Price's tunic. Sister Burton made a neat little speech in which she said the medal was a token of the esteem in which the Lodge held Bro. Price, and they hoped he would have long life to wear it and be blessed with the best of health. (Applause.) The medals were very artistic and bore the inscriptions '' Presented to" (here followed the name) " by Clybucca G.U.O.O.F. on his return from active service. F.L.T. 20/8/19." Trooper Price said he had pleasure in being back amongst them and wished to thank them for the welcome and the Women Workers of Clybucca for the parcels sent whilst he was across the other side. (Applause.) Pte. Crossingham felt very proud to be amongst them. There was no one wished to be back more than he did. He had been looking forward for a long while to getting back to his people and dear old Aussie and he thanked them for the kind way they had shown their wishes to him. He thanked the Women Workers and all the people that sent parcels across to him in France whilst he was away. There were none of them knew how much the boys appreciated those things in France. (Applause.) The audience then sang "For they are jolly good follows" and gave hearty cheers for the guests. Supper, provided by the ladies, followed and then more dancing, the proceedings being of a very pleasant and successful character.

ODDFELLOWS WELCOME. (1919, August 21). Macleay Argus (Kempsey, NSW : 1885 – 1907; 1909 – 1910; 1912 – 1913; 1915 – 1916; 1918 – 1954), p. 5.

Coffs Harbour Heritage

Leonard Sydney Crossingham recovered from his wounds, married Janet Saul, raised a family in Smithtown on the Macleay River and lived to the age of 76.

Wedding Family Photo 1921 Leonard Sydney and Janet Grey Crossingham. nee: Saul.

ancestry.com

Leonard enlisted during World War 2 at Smithtown, N.S.W. on the 21st March 1942 with the 30th Battalion Volunteer Defence Corps and was discharged on the 30th September 1945. 

Frederickton Cemetery.  Janet Crossingham. (1896-1963) - Leonard Sydney Crossingham (1889-1964)

Military Records

© Commonwealth of Australia (National Archives of Australia)

Under Construction: 12/06/2023-18/07/2023.

Private: 2542 George Henry CROSSINGHAM. MM

by

33rd BATTALION AIF

Private: 2542 George Henry CROSSINGHAM. MM

Born: 10th August 1891. South Solitary Island Lighthouse. Birth Cert:6766/1891

Died: 5th April 1918. Killed in Action at Villers-Bretonneux, France. 

Father: Richard William John Crossingham. (1857-1932)

Mother: Amelia May Crossingham. nee: Townsend. (1858-1918)

INFORMATION

Richard William John Crossingham and his wife Amelia May (Townsend) were stationed on South Solitary Island for 10 years from 1883 to 1893. Richard was just the 5th Keeper to be appointed to South Solitary Island. He was a builder and stone mason and he and Amelia had married in St Leonards in January 1883 and took his first appointment with the service as 2nd Assistant Keeper, South Solitary in July 1883. He subsequently went on to serve in all three Keeper roles – being promoted to the Principal Lightkeeper’s role in 1890 when the then Principal, Robert Kelly, was transferred to the newly constructed Lighthouse at Smoky Cape.

Robert Kelly ‘s health unfortunately failed a few years on, and he passed away in June of 1893.  Richard was selected as his replacement and was appointed Principal Smoky Cape on 1st July 1893. Following almost 10 years at Smoky Cape, Richard was then selected for the Principal Keepers role at Barrenjoey Lighthouse (Broken Bay) where he served from March 1903 until his retirement from the service in April 1905.

On retirement Richard, Amelia and the family returned to the Macleay Valley and established a dairy farm at Long Reach on the Macleay River  – near the village of Jerseyville ( Pelican Island) and not far from Smoky Cape Lighthouse.

Children of the Island

Richard and Amelia had 10 children in all – seven while at SSIL – five boys and two girls – with their first-born Richard James born on Christmas Day 1883 on board the SS Platypus enroute to Sydney. Two boys were born on the island itself.  They had a further three children while at Smoky Cape – two girls and a boy – all were born at the Light Station.

Their farm was prosperous at Long Reach. However, the world changed with the outbreak of World War I. Three of Richard and Amelia’s sons – William Arthur, Leonard Sydney and George Henry  – born during the days their father was assigned to South Solitary Island, enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force in 1916.

Leonard Sydney Crossingham (1889-1964) - William Arthur Crossingham (1885-1917) - George Henry Crossingham (1891-1918)

William Arthur Crossingham was born on February 9, 1885, at his grandfather’s farm at Pipe Clay Creek near Moorland just north of Taree on the NSW coast.

Leonard Sydney Crossingham was born on May 23, 1889 in  St. Leonards Sydney.

George Henry CROSSINGHAM was born August 10, 1891at South Solitary Island Lighthouse.

Growing up at South Solitary Island and then Smoky Cape appears to have served them well – perhaps it was the diet based around fish and the coastal life? – whatever it was, in their medicals all three measured just on six feet.

Life would never be the same again

William and George were lost, and Leonard was wounded in action on three occasions. This had a profound effect on the family.

All three brothers enlisted at Kempsey on the 21st July 1916 and went into camp at Rutherford, near Maitland. They were taken into the 33rd Battalion – 5th Reinforcements on 22nd September 1916.

After final leave back home to the Macleay the three brothers transferred to Liverpool Camp to prepare for embarkation.  Embarking on the SS Port Napier in a group of 152 from the 5th Reinforcements they joined other Reinforcement Ranks for other Battalions and sailed from Sydney on 17th November 1916.

The  SS Port Napier steamed to Albany, Western Australia where the convoys were marshalled and then to Durban, South Africa. After a brief stopover they continued west around the Cape of Good Hope and headed northwards along the West African coast – arriving in Devonport on 29 January 1917 – into the dead cold of one of the bleakest winters experienced.

The 5th Reinforcements travelled to Larkhill in Wiltshire (by rail) and were marched into the 9th Australian Training Battalion at Durrington on the 30th January. It was there they trained in the practice of trench warfare.

In a letter to his father and published in the Macleay Chronicle 10 July 1918 Leonard describes the battle leading to what would be George’s last action. An abridged version appears below.

“George and I were on leave to England but got back to France in time to join up with our Battalion on the evening of March 21 when the big battle started. So off we went and were put into battle straight away. As the Australian Divisions used to push the enemy back in one place they were shifted on down the battle front to wherever else a break-through was being attempted; we kept this going till we had covered a hundred miles or so.

After beating back the Germans at every point at which we fought them we had two days spell during which we organised for a bigger stunt on the third day. We had to regain a village and a wood which the enemy had just previously taken from the Tommie’s. After heavy fighting we drove the enemy back 900 yards. In that nights fight we had 170 men killed and wounded and left enemy dead all over next morning, we moved on to the Village of Villers- Bretonneux two miles away. We started the Villers – Bretonneaux battle on April 4 and then we had 3 big battles in 36 hours we never had such a trying time in our lives. On my left the rest of the boys were fighting with the bayonet for 6 hours. We were shooting for all we were worth; the enemy came so thickly that we mowed them down as they came walking along. My Lewis gun team fired nearly all their bullets away and they and we had to take to our rifles. Just then one of the boys yelled out “stretcher bearers”. Of course, George was one and he jumped up about 10 yards from me. As he was bandaging a wounded lad, he got wounded himself. Something made me look around and I saw poor George walking off the field. I looked around saw a faint little smile on his face. I thought to myself that he had a nice little wound that would give him about 3 months spell in England. So I went on fighting and when the stretcher bearers returned from the dressing station they brought me a little note from George in which he said: “Leon I am done this time, say good bye to all my mates for me”

Then I began to worry about him. After a couple of days had passed the second division of Australians relieved us, so we went back a short distance for a spell and ‘eat up. Our big guns were just getting busy and putting gas shells over when our platoon officer sent for me – “Leon I have sad news for you, your brother died at the Casualty Clearing Station. You can go out tonight”. I went but only for a day and a night. The next night we were all gassed and blind so off to hospital went 350 of my battalion. I am now in Birmingham (England) hospital where I find myself doing fairly well. Poor George was wounded through the back and the bullet stopped in his stomach, that is how it came to kill him. He was recommended for the M.M. or D.S.O. One thing dad is he died a hero, did things under heavy shell and machine gun fire that a lot of us would not have done. I am sending you a photo of the last battle in which George and I fought together – where the Australians took Villers – Bretonneaux and saved the British Army.”

George was posthumously awarded the Military Medal for his actions in what has been called the 1st Battle of Villers-Bretonneux.

The recommendation read in part

“For conspicuous Gallantry and devotion to duty. During operations of 4th April 1918, east of Villers Bretonneau, Private Crossingham acted as a stretcher bearer. Although under very heavy machine gun and rifle fire, he moved freely in the open attending the wounded. He worked without rest until he himself was wounded on the afternoon of April 5th while tending a wounded man. By his splendid courage and contempt of all danger he set all ranks a high example. He was undoubtedly the means of saving the lives of many men.”

George was buried in the Picquigny British Cemetery in France.

Picquigny British Cemetery, France.

South West Rocks War Memorial

Leonard and George continued their training and on 5 April 1917, proceeded along with 70 other reinforcements to France and joined the 33rd Battalion billeted in Armentieres on April 28. Both were posted to “C” Company.

George volunteered to be a Stretcher Bearer (SB). He was subsequently transferred to Headquarters along with others in November 1917 into the Battalion company.

Leonard and George continued to do as much as possible together,  particularly spending leave in England where they would meet with their maternal Grandparents and mother’s family.

References and Acknowledgements

Story: Brian Roy Crossingham

For information and context within the article: Crossingham Family Collection – Photos and Collective Knowledge

The Harrower Collection 9th Infantry Brigade AIF – David John Harrower ACM. 2015

33rd Battalion 1st AIF – Home | Facebook – Rod Carpenter

Never a Backward Step- A History of the 33rd Battalion: John Edwards 1996

National Archives of Australia – Military Service Records:

Fallen Brothers of the Macleay 1914-1918; Jocelyn Bakewell and Debbie Reynolds; Kempsey Family History Group Publication, 2021

Macleay Fallen – Volunteers from the Macleay River Valley who paid the Supreme Sacrifice in the War of 1914-1918; Philip Lee; published by the Macleay River Historical Society 2021

SOLDIER’S LETTER. (1918, July 10). The Macleay Chronicle (Kempsey, NSW : 1899 – 1952), p. 3. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article174429391

UNEXPECTED DEATH. (1918, September 4). The Macleay Chronicle (Kempsey, NSW : 1899 – 1952), p. 4.

ODDFELLOWS WELCOME. (1919, August 21). Macleay Argus (Kempsey, NSW : 1885 – 1907; 1909 – 1910; 1912 – 1913; 1915 – 1916; 1918 – 1954), p. 5.

Coffs Harbour Heritage

Richard William John Crossingham. (1857-1932)

Richard William John Crossingham. (1857-1932) - Amelia May Crossingham. nee: Townsend. (1858-1918)

Military Records

© Commonwealth of Australia (National Archives of Australia)

Under Construction: 19/05/2023-18/07/2023.

Lieutenant Colonel: Clifford Russell RICHARDSON

by

2nd BATTALION - 33rd BATTALION AIF

Lieutenant Colonel: Clifford Russell RICHARDSON. MC

Born: 1890. Armidale, New South Wales, Australia. Birth Cert:4486/1890.

Married: 1918. Armidale, New South Wales, Australia. Marriage Cert:5998/1918.

Wife: Ethel Mary Richardson. nee: Snape. (1899-1982)

Died: 5th July 1946. 112 Mann Street, Armidale, New South Wales, Australia. Death Cert:15184/1946. (Residence)

Father: Russell Richardson. (18..-1944) Died at Armidale, N.S.W. Death Cert:621/1944.

Mother: Florence May Richardson. nee: Arnott. (18..-1919) Died at Armidale, N.S.W. Death Cert:8356/1919.

INFORMATION

Clifford Russell Richardson Served with the NSW Senior Cadets for 7 years. He served with the 4th Australian Infantry Regiment and the 14th and 13th Infantry Regiments. He received his Commission as a 2nd Lieutenant on the 5th April 1909 and Lieutenant on the 15th August 1912 and to Captain in August 1913 when serving with the 14th Infantry at Armidale, N.S.W.

The photograph is of Captain Clifford Russell RICHARDSON in the uniform of a 14th Infantry officer and prior to the Great War, was a Captain in "A" Company (Armidale, Tenterfield, Glen Innes, Hillgrove, Uralla, and Inverell) of this Battalion.

Captain Richardson. 14th Infantry Militia

Captain Clifford Russell RICHARDSON,  He enlisted on 27 August 1914 and was allotted to the 2nd Battalion, A Company which embarked from Sydney, New South Wales, on board HMAT A23 Suffolk on 18 October 1914. Subsequently RICHARDSON was Wounded in Action 25 April 1915. During the Great War RICHARDSON Returned to Australia, 6 July 1916.

Sydney Mail, 26 May 1915, p. 8.

Clifford disembarked in Egypt on the 8th December 1914 and was promoted to the rank of Major on the 5th of April 1915 and disembarked on the 25th April 1915 landing at the Gallipoli Peninsula with the 2nd Battalion where he was recommended for the Military Cross. 

Military Cross

'On 25th April, 1915, during operations near Gaba Tepe, for displaying great coolness and courage, and leading a charge against superior numbers under a heavy cross fire, resulting in the flight of the enemy in disorder.'

Rank Captain
Unit 2nd Australian Infantry Battalion
Service Australian Imperial Force
Conflict/Operation First World War, 1914-1918
Award Military Cross
Commonwealth of Australia Gazette 11 September 1915 on page 1747 at position 12
London Gazette 3 June 1915 on page 5331 at position 10
Clifford was Wounded in Action at Gallipoli and was evacuated to Alexandria where he was admitted to the Deaconess War Hospital for a Gun Shot Wound to his Right Arm. Clifford was invalided to Australia on board the Hospital Ship "Karoola" and was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel and appointed as the the first Commanding-Officer to the 33rd Battalion AIF. 
Printed in 'The Armidale Chronicle' 23rd Feb 1916.
24th March 1916
Lieutenant Colonel RICHARDSON quickly became ill, and was then replaced by Major: Leslie James MORSHEAD, who was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel and given the Command. He was then the only Commanding Officer of the Battalion while it was on active service.
Bill Durant: June 2023.
Family Information
Clifford was a single 24 year old Merchant storekeeper from Beardy Street, Armidale, New South Wales. His parents were married in 1889 at Redfern, N.S.W. Marriage Cert:3097/1889.

July 1945

Armidale. New South Wales

In the Will of CLIFFORD RUSSELL RICHARDSON late of Armidale in the State of NDSW Merchant, deceased. Application will be made after 14 days from the publication hereof that Probate of the last Will and Testament of the above named deceased dated 4th July 1945 may be granted to Ethel Mary Richardson and John Russell Richardson the Executrix and Executer in the said Will named. And all notices may be served at the undermentioned address. All creditors in the Estate of the deceased are hereby required to send in particulars of their claims to the undersigned. A.W. Stimpson & Co. Proctors for the Executors. Armidale.

Armidale Express and New England General Advertiser (NSW : 1856 - 1861; 1863 - 1889; 1891 - 1954), Friday 5 July 1946, page 6

MR. C. R. RICHARDSON

Death Occurs After Lengthy Illness

Mr. Clifford Russell Richardson, managing director of the firm of J. Richardson and Co. Pty. Ltd., of Armidale, passed away this afternoon at the age of 56 years.

The late Mr. Richardson was one of Armidale's best-known and respected citizens. The Richardson family has been associated with Armidale's growth for many years. The firm was established by Hon. John Richardson, who was succeeded by his son, the late Mr. Russell Richardson, who passed away two years ago. In 1918 the late Mr. Clifford Richardson entered business and subsequently assumed control of the company's affairs. He carried on until several

months ago, when failing health forced his retirement. The fourth generation, Mr. John Richardson, then took over, and he is assisted by his brother, Mr. Robert Richardson.

Deceased was a member of the original 2nd Battalion in World War I, and held the rank of captain. He gained his majority on the field. He was wounded at Gallipoli, and was the first Australian officer to be awarded the Military Cross in the war. He was invalided to England, where he assisted in the formation of the 33rd Australian Infantry Battalion, and then took reinforcements to Egypt, where he became very ill, and was invalided back to Australia.

The late Mr. C. R. Richardson In civic affairs, he was prominent for over 20 years. In 1923 he was a member of the Armidale City Council, and served as Deputy Mayor. He was foundation president of the Armidale Rotary Club, president of the Armidale Golf Club, and played a leading part in the location and establishment of the club on its present site. He was P.W.M. of the Masonic Lodge, Unity No. 6, patron of the R.S.S. and A.I.L.A., chairman of the Committee of Management of St. Paul's Presbyterian Church, chairman of the Armidale and New England Hospital Board for several years, a former director of the New England Building Society, secretary of the Armidale City Tennis Club in 1918-19, treasurer of T.A.S. Old Boys' Union, Guardian of Minors for the Armidale district, a life member of the Armidale Bowling Club, a member of the Committee of the Armidale and New England Jockey Club, trustee of the Baby Health Centre, and during the last war he served as Manpower Officer at Armidale.

In 1918 the late Mr. Richardson married Miss Molly Snape, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. P. J. Snape, formerly of Armidale, and now resident at Lindfield. He was educated at The Armidale School, and never lost his interest in the school. He is survived by his wife, two sons, Messrs. John Russell and Robert Russell, and one daughter, Miss Phil. Richardson. Both sons served in the last war.

The late Mr. Richardson possessed characteristics which won him firm friends in town and country. To those who did not know him intimately he gave the impression of being extremely reserved, but beneath a seemingly cold exterior he possessed a warm and charitable disposition. No worthy cause found him unresponsive, and his acts of generosity were legion. His advice was sought by old and young, and given as readily as was his money for charitable and patriotic causes. Although war injuries hampered his sporting activities, he never lost interest in club affairs, and he will be as well remembered by sportsmen and sportswomen as he will be by business associates and personal

friends. His uprightness of character and adherence to the highest ethics of the commercial code will be long remembered.

Tomorrow afternoon at 2.15 o'clock at the Masonic Temple a Lodge of Sorrow will be held, and at 3 o'clock a memorial service will be conducted in St. Paul's Presbyterian Church by the Rev. H. McNeil Saunders, M.A. The remains will be taken to Sydney tomorrow night for cremation.

Armidale Express and New England General Advertiser (NSW : 1856 - 1861; 1863 - 1889; 1891 - 1954), Monday 8 July 1946, page 6

SERVICE FOR LATE C. R. RICHARDSON

St. Paul's Filled to Capacity

ARMlDALE'S FINAL

TRIBUTE

St. Paul's Presbyterian Church was filled to overflowing on Saturday afternoon, when a service for the late Mr. C. R. Richardson was held.

Representatives from Armidale sporting bodies, the Armidale sub-branch of the R.S.L and A.I.L.A Armidale and New England Hospital, and the staff of J. Richardson

and Co. attended.

Pall-bearers were Messrs. T. Beesley, J. Mannix. J. O'Dell, F. Snell, B. Halpin and T. Cardwell.

"It could be said of this man, 'Large was his bounty and his soul sincere'," said Rev. H. MacNeil Saunders. M.A., who conducted the service. "From among us has gone forth into another realm hidden from our sight and understanding, a man who sojourned for 66 years amongst us. Life is measured in qualitative values, " and in Clifford  Russell Richardson the measure was not stinted." he said. "As a citizen, it is not necessary that I speak of him. A rich spirit of public service animated his contribution to his fellows and guided his sense of duty.

"As an employer he held high a standard of integrity and justice, tempered with kindly humanity, the challenge and generosity of which will not vanish into the years. He had an intense personal interest in each member of the staff, treating and trusting them as friends rather than servants. He sought out secret ways to comfort and assist the afflicted. Only the imposter discovered his stern abhorrence of fraud and culpable failure.

"As a philanthropist his charity often knew no bounds, not even of prudence. Every worthy- cause awakened his practical sympathy. In deference to his life-long policy of reticence, we must leave his beneficiaries to keep alive in their hearts the good he did to them.

"It was in the Church, however," he continued, "that his deepest convictions found expression in deeds rather than words. Over 20 years ago he was elected to the Committee of Management; during the ministry of the Rev. A. M. Stevenson, M.A. who has remained  his life long friend. For upwards of 10 years he has been the guiding soul of the board, as chairman, being loyal and understanding to his brethren and his Minister, efficient and far sighted with the temporal affairs entrusted to the managers.

"He scorned bigotry and helped all the denominational activities: of the city. But he was immovably loyal to his Presbyterian heritage, which he prized above all other interests in his life. His grandfather was a Minister of the Word, and in his own way he followed in his steps. He spoke for the committee at my social welcome, most of you recall, and there were no honied words.

Those who knew him best loved him most. To them we express our sorrow and commend them to the consolations of Christ which fail not. "He had faults and who has not? and he mourned over them deeply. He did not by clumsy artifice seek to hide that which cannot be hidden from God, and seldom is concealed from men, but rather he strove to overcome his faults. That inner heroism is not given to all men. God knows and God understands. Mr. Saunders concluded.

Bowlers Pay Tribute

At the afternoon tea adjournment at the Bowling Green on Saturday members observed a period of silence out of respect to the memory of the late Mr. C. R. Richardson. The president (Mr. K. Jones) said that Mr. Richardson had been a life member of the club, and although indifferent health had precluded his regular active participation in the game he never lost interest in club affairs, and was ever ready to assist its progress. His death was a loss to the commercial and sporting life of the community.

Trove

Funeral - Clifford Russell Richardson - 3:00pm Monday 8th July 1946 Northern Suburbs Crematorium. 

27-November-2015

87 Douglas Street, The Armidale School, Barney Street entrance, Armidale, 2350
27-November-2015
The Armidale School Gates, Erected in the Memory of Major C.R. Richardson MC 

The gates, at the Barney Street entrance to the school, commemorate Major C. R. Richardson, a former pupil of the school who died in 1946. The gates, a gift from J. Richardson & Co. Limited, were opened and blessed by Bishop Moyes on 18th  August, 1957. 

Clifford Russell Richardson attended the Armidale School from February 1901 to Easter 1907. He was a prefect, vice-captain of the 1st XI, a member of the 1st XV and a sergeant in the cadets. He enlisted soon after war was declared in 1914 and sailed to Egypt later that year. Landing in Gallipoli, he was severely wounded in his right arm. The first Australian officer to be awarded the Military Cross, he died in 1946, aged 56.

Military Records
© Commonwealth of Australia (National Archives of Australia)
Under Construction: 14/06/2023.

Private: 2844 Cecil Albert Victor HARDY.

by

33rd BATTALION AIF

Private: 2844 Cecil Albert Victor HARDY.

Born: 21st January 1891. Gilgai, New South Wales, Australia. Birth Cert:7119/1891.

Married: 1934 Inverell, New South Wales, Australia. Marriage Cert:19833/1934.

Wife: Phyllis Ellen Hardy. nee: Cook. (1916-1969)

Died: 31st May 1943. Mayfield, New South Wales, Australia. Death Cert:10909/1943.

Father: Robert Augustus Hardy. (1859-1937)

Mother: Jemima Hardy. nee: Thorn. (1866-1952)

INFORMATION

Served and suffered during The Great War, resting at Sandgate Cemetery.
80 years ago today, on the Tuesday afternoon of the 1st June 1943, Private Cecil Albert Victor Hardy, 33rd Battalion (Reg No-2844), blacksmith from Lambeth Street, Glen Innes, New South Wales and 66 Christo Road, Georgetown (Waratah), N.S.W., father of one, was laid to rest at Sandgate Cemetery, age 52. ANGLICAN 3-164. 47.
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article140441404 - funeral notice does not state service.
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article140447460 - report of funeral and obituary does not state service.
Born at Gilgai, New South Wales on the 21st January 1891 as Cicil A V to Robert Augustus and Jemima Hardy; husband of Phyllis (Ellen G?) Hardy nee Cook (married 1934, Inverell, N.S.W., died? 1969, Maclean, N.S.W.), Cecil enlisted on the 10th November 1916 at Armidale, N.S.W.
Unit embarked from Sydney, New South Wales on board HMAT A72 Beltana on the 25th November 1916.
Admitted to hospital 19.1.1918 (myalgia), 7.2.1918 (myalgia).
To Paris on leave from the 17.3.1918 to the 12.4.1918.
Wounded in action - 17.4.1918 (mustard & phosgene gas, severe, Villers-Bretonneux, France).
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article183604670 - report that Cecil had been gassed.
Cecil was invalided home on the 16th May 1919, being discharged on the 24th August 1919.
Mr. Hardy’s name has been inscribed on the Gilgai Honour Roll, Inverell St. Augustine's Anglican Church Honour Boards - http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article185339434 and The Capt. Clarence Smith Jeffries (V.C.) and Pte. William Matthew Currey (V.C.) Memorial Wall.
I have placed poppies at Cecil’s gravesite in remembrance of his service and sacrifice for God, King & Country.
Service record states Died after Discharge, 31/5/1943.
Officially commemorated 26.11.1943 – https://connect.dva.gov.au/.../viewCommemoration.html...
Contact with descendants would be greatly appreciated.
For more detail, see “Forever Remembered “
http://www.commemoratingwarheroes.com/cemetery-main-search/
Lest We Forget.
Gary Mitchell: May 2023.
Family Information
Cecil was a single year old Blacksmith from Lambeth Street, Glen Innes, New South Wales upon his enlistment with the AIF. He was apprenticed to J Hall of Inverell for 5 years prior to moving to Glen Inness. 

Inverell Times (NSW : 1899 - 1907, 1909 - 1954), Wednesday 9 June 1943, page 3

Mr. Cecil A. V. Hardy

As briefly announced in a previous issue of the "Times" the sad death occurred in a Waratah Hospital recently of Mr. Cecil Albert Victor Hardy at the age of 52 years. The deceased gentleman was born at Gilgai, being a son of the late Mr. R. A. Hardy, of that centre, and Mrs. Hardy, who were renowned for their great work in the cause of charity, the name of Hardy being connected with nearly every function held at Gilgai for many years for any worthy cause. Until about 12 months ago, when he joined the staff of the Newcastle steelworks, the late Mr. Hardy had resided in this district all his life. He served his country for three years in the Great War and during that time was badly gassed, and this fact greatly contributed to his not being able to withstand pneumonia which he contracted only three days before his untimely demise.

A blacksmith by trade the late Mr. Hardy was employed by Mr. Harry Hall for a number of years, and he was a great favourite of all with whom he came in contact. His prowess in the field of sport was also well known and he was a great lover of cricket and hockey where he excelled himself in no mean degree. Besides his aged mother, the deceased gentleman leaves a wife, who was formerly Miss Phyllis Cook, of Gilgai, and one small son, Leslie, to whom the sympathy of one and all is extended in their sudden great loss. Surviving brothers and sisters are Messrs Herbert, Gordon and Walter (Sydney) Arthur (Inverell), George (Gragin), James (Tamworth), Oliver (Yetman), Reid, who is a member of the Fighting Forces, and Mesdames W. Hallett (Kempsey), H. Hardy (Woolbrook) and Miss Vera Hardy (Newcastle). A wealth of beautiful floral tributes covered the casket and after a service the remains were laid to rest in the Church of England portion of the Sandgate cemetery.

Jemima Hardy nee Thorn (1866-1952) - Robert Augustus Hardy (1859-1937)
16th January 1934. Gilgai, New South Wales, Australia.
Obituary

MR. ROBERT A. HARDY.

The late Mr. Robert Augustus Hardy, whose death occurred in the District Hospital on Tuesday morning last, was a well-known figure in Inverell and district for many years. Since his marriage in 1884 he has resided with his wife and family at Gilgai and he has long been known as the grand old man of that centre. Deceased, who was in his 73rd year,

was born in Lamplough, an old mining town near Ballarat. He was a son of the late Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Hardy, and he accompanied his parents to this State in his early teens. In New South Wales, they first lived at Singleton, but later journeyed to Brodie's Plains. On January 16, 1884, deceased was married to Miss Jemima Thome, daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. G. Thorne, of Gilgai, the marriage being celebrated by the late Rev. James Grahame. It was then that the deceased gentleman moved to Gil gai, which centre was to become his home for the remainder of his life. He followed the occupation of a butcher for many years and was employed by Mr. J. F. Rogerson, and his old friends recall many occasions when deceased paid for the meat he delivered to others in less fortunate circumstances . Probably, as a result of the mining atmosphere in which he was born, the late Mr. Hardy also tried his luck on the tin fields in the close neighbour- hood of his home, but he was not successful in securing any exceptionally rich deposits. Of late years deceased had lived a quiet life in the little village he loved so well, but he was ever ready to give his assistance to any movement which was launched by organisations in that centre. The Gilgai Sports Club, which has conducted many outstanding cycle meetings, owes much to the late Mr. Hardy. He was always a keen sports man, and when unable to participate himself, was ever ready to lend his assistance in active service. On numerous occasions he filled the position of secretary to the Gilgai Club, and

was again in that role at the last meeting. With a large amount of experience and knowledge of past activities, he was able to attend to his duties in an extremely competent manner. When the Gilgai hockey girls were engaged in matches with visiting teams, they were always assured of the staunch support of the centre's oldest sportsman, and it was with evident delight that he accompanied the team to 'Emmaville last year, when eight of his grandchildren were members of the team. On January 16, 1934, Mr. and Mrs. Hardy celebrated the golden anniversary of their wedding, at their home in Gilgai, and all members of the family gathered to offer their con gratulations on the occasion. The social feast was held under the trees at the rear of the residence, and two long tables accommodated the fifty descendants or immediate relatives. Deceased is survived by his widow      

and nine sons and three daughters, namely, Mrs. Harold Hardy (Inverell), Mrs. W. J. Hardy and Miss Vera Hardy (Gilgai), Messrs. Herbert (Auburn), George (Gragin), Cecil, Gordon, Arthur, James, and Reid (Gil gai) Walter (Sydney), and Oliver   (Yetman). Mr. William Hardy, of Inverell. is a brother, and there are also 34 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren

Jemima Hardy nee Thorn (1866-1952) - Robert Augustus Hardy (1859-1937) 

Inverell Cemetery.

Military Records
© Commonwealth of Australia (National Archives of Australia)
Under Construction: 01/06/2023-12/06/2023.

Company Quarter Master Sergeant: 798 Arthur JUBB.

by

33rd BATTALION AIF

Company Quarter Master Sergeant: 798 Arthur JUBB.

Born: 20th February 1877. Leeds, England.

Married: 25th May 1907. Wembley, Middlesex, England. 

Wife: Elizabeth Jubb. nee: Hearn. nee: Parsley. (1865-19..) 

Died: September 1959? buried at the Woronora Cemetery, (To confirm) 28th September 1959.

Father: Thomas Jubb. (1833-1881)

Mother: Emma Jubb. nee: Daniel. (1833-1909)

INFORMATION

Arthur enlisted with the AIF at Narrabri, New South Wales on the 9th November 1915 and was an original member of the Battalion and an original member of the March of the Wallabies that started at Narrabri in 1915. Arthur was allocated to C Company 33rd Battalion with the rank of Company Quarter Master Sergeant. The composition of the 33rd Infantry Battalion was on a district basis. "A Company" was from Armidale and Tamworth, "B Company" was from Walcha, Uralla, Barrabra, Bingara and Manilla. "C Company" was from Narrabri, Moree and Inverell. and "D Company was from Glen Innes, Guyra and Tenterfield.

Arthur was promoted to the rank of Company Sergeant Major on the 30th April 1916 prior to embarking with C Company 33rd Battalion AIF on the 4th May 1916 on board HMAT A74 "Marathon" and disembarked at Devonport England on the 9th July 1916. The Battalion was marched in to the Durrington Army Camp where they marched in to the 9th training Battalion before the proceeded overseas for France on the 21st November 1916.  

Arthur was treated by the 10th Australian field Ambulance on the 28th May 1917 and was evacuated from the lines and admitted to the 2nd Australian Casualty Clearing Station suffering from Influenza and Bronchitis and was invalided to England on board the Hospital Ship "St David" on the 1st June 1917 and was admitted to the 4th Southern General Hospital the next day. Arthur was treated for Trench Fever and upon his discharge he was marched out to the No:2 Command Depot at Weymouth to be invalided back to Australia on the 1st November 1917.

Family Information

In 1907 Arthur Jubb: bachelor, railwayman of 24 Clarendon Gardens, Paddington; married Elizabeth Parsley: widow of "Strathmore", Clifford Way, Wembley

Elizabeth Jubb nee: Hearn. nee: Parsley. (1865-1936) 

Arthur was a single 38 year old Kitchen Man from the Clubhouse Hotel at Narrabri, New South Wales upon his enlistment with the AIF. His brother William Jubb was listed as his next of kin who lived at Armley, Leeds, England. Arthur and Elizabeth lived at 62 Curlews Street Bondi, New South Wales in 1940.

Military Records

© Commonwealth of Australia (National Archives of Australia)

Under Construction: 15/05/2023-19/05/2023.