34th Battalion

34th BATTALION A.I.F.

Captain: Mortimer Charles BLACKETT.  M.B.E. 

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Born: 28th January 1881. Franklin, Tasmania, Australia. Not in Hulu, Dorset, England as he indicated on his enlistment..

Married:

Wife: nee:.

Died: 10th August 1938. Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa.

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Father: William Alexander Blackett. (1832-1895)

Mother: Margaret Blackett. nee: Madden. (1841-1909) – Pt Fredrick Tasmania.

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INFORMATION 

Mortimer Charles Blackett was a member of the First Contingent Tasmanian Section who left for the Boer War at Hobart on board HM Transport Manchester Merchant on 16  February 1902. Mortimer Cephas Blackett was listed as a Private on the nominal roll of Tasmanian Units.

Mortimer enlisted with the 2nd Reinforcements 34th Battalion AIF on the 16th February 1916 and embarked for England on the 13th May 1916 from Sydney on board HMAT A72 "Beltana" and disembarked at Devonport England on the 27th March 1917.

 

Recommended for MENTIONED in DISPATCHES

1917 - 14/03/1918 - 04/02/1919.

MEMBER of the ORDER of the BRITISH EMPIRE

London Gazette 14th April 1919. Page 4984 Position 2.

Mortimer returned to Australia on the 9th July 1919.

Family Information

Mortimer was a single 35 year old Journalist from Patterson Street, Launceston upon enlistment. His brother William was his next of kin who lived at Patterson Street, Launceston, Tasmania. He served in the Boer War with the 1st Battalion Australian Commonwealth Horse Regimental Number: 1241 with the rank of Trooper and was awarded the Queen South Africa Medal with Clasps Cape Colony, Orange Free State, South Africa 1901 and South Africa 1902. 

"General De Biers - / Last Capture of the Boers / South Africa -- 11th May 1902"

Mortimer was a South African sports journalist after the war. He was born in Australia not Hulu as he put on his enlistment papers. His brother had tried a few times to get the army to change the records, but they didn't and the remain as they were when he enlisted.

(Family information supplied by Shelly Mitchell: April 2020)

CEPHAS AUGUSTINE MORTIMER BLACKETT MBE (Mil).

Born Franklin Tasmania Australia on 28 January 1881 [Folio 739] Informant his father;

Died (under name of Mortimer Charles) on 10 August 1938 of Acute Pancreatitis (he had been ill for 10 days) in Johannesburg at the age of 57. He was recorded as Australian born and single [Ref: A4063224 Dept of Home Affairs Republic of South Africa 20050292479 unabridged Death Certificate] Informant W J Wallis (Funeral Director). Buried at Brixton Cemetery 24 hours later.

He was commonly known as ‘Mort’.

 Family background

The 11^th child (of 13 born between 1859-1886) of William Alexander and Margaret (nee Madden) who were married 21 November 1858 by Rev {Frederick?} Smith in a Church of England ceremony at Pitfield School House in the District of Woady Yalock [State of Victoria, Australia] by License.  He was 26 and she 17.The marriage certificate states William was born in Germany (parents Alexander Hal Blackett, Sailor, and Mary Jane or Jones?) and Margaret born Sydney (parents William Madden, Farmer, and Margaret Camble {sic}).  Witnesses were John McDougal and Kora Tawick? [Folio 3842].

William Alexander died East Devonport Tasmania 16 May 1895 [Folio 564 180]; age given was 57 years. His occupations began with Miner, then Storekeeper, Wesleyan Bush Missionary and latterly Insurance Agent for AMP.

Further verified research back into the parents’ families has so far been unsuccessful.

Margaret stated on the birth certificate of their son Francis Arthur Blackett that her husband was born Montreal, Lower Canada, North America. Enquiries so far in both German and Canadian records have proved inconclusive at this point.

Early years

There is little information about Mort’s early years. He does not seem to have joined his sisters in Wesleyan Church work with their father, nor taken up teaching as many of them did. It is possible he began his journalism career in Tasmania- or even in New Zealand. When he enlisted for the Boer War he gave his occupation as Journalist.

His Obituary in The Star, Johannesburg, Transvaal, which appeared on Thursday 11 August 1938

says he “went to New Zealand at an early age” and another Obituary published in The Evening Post, Wellington, New Zealand, on 6 September 1938 says he was in NZ but left Christchurch at the age of 20 to serve in the South African War.

There is oral history he tried to contact the families of his New Zealand-domiciled brothers Francis Arthur Blackett and Reginald Leigh Blackett (who changed his name to Jack Black and the whole family later changed their name legally to Black by Deed Poll -officially registered 12 February 1968 ), but family were apparently not very interested in him, although the late Geoff Blackett [son of Colin, son of Mort’s brother Francis Arthur] remembered a photograph of Mort which was always in a drawer and he had Mortimore (sic) as one of his middle names.

Worked as Reporter at The Star Johannesburg from June 1902 to 1938 death.

Mort joined the editorial staff of The Star as a junior reporter in June 1902. He specialised in sports journalism and soon became a noted reporter of Rugby and cricket. In 1911 he accompanied the South African cricket team to Australia as Reuter’s representative.

When the first South African Rugby team visited New Zealand, he accompanied them as a representative of The Star. [More of that later].

He is noted in the 1906 Longlands Transvaal Director (p487) as Blackett, MC, reporter “Star” Box 1014. (In 2005 the Star was still using that same PO Box address).

At cricket and Rugby he himself was an accomplished player.

Down in history as having represented South Africa at Cricket.

As Mortimer Blackett, his name is forever recorded in cricketing annuls. He can be found on the Cricinfo register for those who have represented South Africa in First Class Cricket- one innings, one catch in one match in the 1910/11 season!

The entry shows: Bowled Bond 0 and took one catch (W Lundie c Blackett b SG Pegler  for 5).

All because he was at the ground to report the match South African team to Australia XI vs Western Province at The Track, Green Point (Cape Town) on October 6,7 1910. Apparently some of the players were injured or unable to ‘get away yet for business reasons’ so their places were taken by MC Blackett (making the round trip as the Reuters correspondent) and Addison (a Rand league player) with the understanding that the named players would be able to take part in the second innings.

The  Cape Argus report of Friday 7 October 1910  says that after notching a boundary...Lundie’s confidence was his downfall for he got under one from Pegler and Blackett (substitute) brought off a grand catch right on the boundary (at long on).

Another report says Blackett proved a most efficient substitute. Batting last he was bowled Bond for 0 but the South African team won without having to bat again ( for the record: they made 197 and won by an innings and 18 runs;  with Western Province 90 and 89 all out).

The Mercury newspaper in his homeland of Tasmania commented on 16 November 1910 (p5) that:

So much interest is taken in Johannesburg in the visit of the South African cricket team to Australia that Mr Mortimer C Blackett, who has been a member of the Johannesburg “Star” for many years has accompanied the team. Mr Blackett who is a native of New Zealand (sic, but incorrect) and has been in South Africa for 10 years will travel with the team throughout the tour.

It was the days when the ‘googlie’ was starting to be introduced and gave Mort plenty to write about. Under the tag Reuter’s Special Cricket Service, his reports featured regularly in The Star throughout the 1910/11 tour in that Australian summer. He also used the pen-name Free Lance.

In 1923 Mort was appointed Racing Editor of The Star and occupied a foremost place in this branch of journalism. He enjoyed “a high measure of his esteem and his place will be difficult to fill,” said his Obituary:

The Star has suffered a severe loss and his editorial staff mourns a warmly esteemed colleague. The South African Turf has lost one of its most noted writers and an unfailing exponent of all that was best in its tradition. Mr Blackett brought high qualifications to the exacting work of Racing Editor. He received the appointment in 1923 and up to the time of his death occupied a foremost place in this branch of journalism. He never failed in his duty to the racing public which was his duty to his newspaper and discharged his responsibilities in a manner appropriate to the solidity of his character. He justly enjoyed a high measure of esteem and his place will be difficult to fill.

 Perhaps an insight into his character is given in the last paragraph in The Star obituary: By those to whom he chose to give his friendship, Mortimer Blackett will be remembered with affection. But he was the last man to wish that the merits of his character and his attainments should be a matter for publication.

Up until his death on 10 August 1930 Mort had been living at the Country Club in Johannesburg. He died at the Florence Nightingale Nursing Home in Hillbrow, Johannesburg, (next door to Hillbrow Hospital)  following an unsuccessful operation and was buried 24 hours later. The ceremony was held at Dove’s Funeral Chapel. Funeral expenses  were 42 pounds and the family asked for a tombstone to be erected from the estate, which still stands today, albeit in a rather sad state now. Stephanie Geyser visited the grave for us all and describes it as having a granite edge with an engraved piece at the top with his name and death date. There is evidence that it had little chains around the edges, but they’ve long-gone and the metal “poles” that held them up are rusty and either broken or missing.

Cause of death was given as acute pancreatitis (haemorrhage).

The nursing home Mortuary was demolished in 2004 to make way for the new Constitutional Court offices. Nearby is an historic monument, a Fort built in the 1890s.

Left no will- advertising brought family to light

According to papers under The Administration of Estates Act 1913, he did not leave a will, but had left “movable property” and his estate exceeded 300 pounds in value. The notification of death information was simply signed “friend of the deceased” with no name attached.

Papers discovered by Researcher Stephanie Geyser showed the “movable property” to be: Personal effects including clothing, picnic case, binoculars, cuff links, gold studs, 2 wristlet watches, cigarette case, medals, pewter mugs, silver cup, golf clubs and Austin Motor Car TJ 31638.

Arthur Meikle and Co Ltd Auctioned the clothing thus: dressing gown, pairs of slippers, pyjamas, ring, three suits, raincoat, two flannels, swimsuit, towels, radio, shirts, studs, cufflinks, ties, collars (5 shillings and 5 pence), watch (5 shillings), dental plate (3 shillings), Trophies (9 shillings), suitcases (10 shillings), trunks (26 shillings), books (5 shillings). After tax, advertising and commission of around 20 pound was deducted the total to the estate was 116 pounds 12 shillings and 8 pence.

The Evening Post (Wellington) Obituary further adds: he died suddenly and there was no opportunity of communicating with relatives believed to live in New Zealand. Among his papers no names and addresses could be found.

 The Master of the Supreme Court, Transvaal Provincial Division, Pretoria was informed on 17 May 1939 that although Mort’s friends believed he had no living relatives, the result of advertising and enquiries subsequently carried out resulted in the discovery of “no less than nine brothers and sisters”.

One relative who wrote to Messrs Nupen and Goodman, the Johannesburg firm of solicitors handling the estate, in a letter dated 1939 from Eversley, 50 Hill Street, Launceston, Tasmania, was Claudia Blackett, daughter of Mort’s oldest brother-  William Alexander Blackett 2^nd (died 21 April 1939) m Alpha (nee French). Claudia Mary, never married and owned the Plaza Library in Launceston.  She provided information on the family and offered the comment: Uncle Mort was christened Mortimer Cephas Justine (sic), but when he grew up altered it to Mortimer Charles-for which nobody could blame him.

She enquired: What of uncle’s personal belongings, if any, will they be divided up amongst the family, I would very much like something to keep in memory of him, he was always a great favourite of mine.

She added in a PS: I have been thinking about Uncle’s medal OBE (sic) don’t you think it would be nice for my Father to have that seeing that he is the eldest brother and the only one that ever did anything with or for Uncle Mort. He lived with my Father and Mother for years in his younger days.

 Advertising Mort’s death in both Australia and New Zealand soon elicited more information- and more letters from prospective heirs! These included [ 23 July 1945] Franklin Reginald Leigh Blackett (aka Jack Black), addresses given variously as 90 The Terrace, Wellington, NZ  and 39 Molesworth Street,  Wellington, NZ,  acknowledging receipt of a sum of money from the estate and enquiring about the balance of 2 of 8 portions not first claimed and  [22 August 1946- No M2/993 from NZ Supreme Court Wellington Registry] giving leave to Franklin Jeffery Blackett to swear that Francis Arthur Blackett, a missing person, died in or since the year 1920. Frank and older brothers Allan and Colin were named as heirs, c/o Solicitor GA Swan.

Franklin Reginald Leigh Blackett’s son Reg Black of Lower Hutt told the author that although his father tried to find information re any family connection between his family and Frank, Colin and Allan (the likeness was in favour of a connection) Francis Arthur’s ‘widow’ Leila was vague about her husband’s background but thought he was from England. He recalled:

Knowledge of Frank’s Parents. I first met Frank at Thorndon School. We went through the classes together. I was a year(?) ahead of him. I never knew or met his father. I knew his mother by sight. She was always dressed in a gray St John [Ambulance] uniform, of dark complexion like Frank.

Later I met up with Frank when we were both in the cycling club [Poneke Amateur Athletic and Cycling Club]. We more or less kept in touch and when he came to the Hutt we renewed our friendship and so I came to know his family and, as with young families, our kids called each other Uncle, Auntie.

Now about this time my father [Franklin Reginald Leigh] remarked that Frank had a marked resemblance to a brother of his who was a bit of a lad and a rover whom he had not seen for many years. (I should say prior to 1910). He had an idea he came to NZ (the Blackett family were Tasmanians). Another coincidence was Frank was a Blackett and also Frank seemed to be a family name.

Whilst at Thorndon School, probably about 1923-5? Frank’s brother came to Thorndon School. He was a bit of a mystery. We got the impression he may have been in trouble with the law, he only remained a few weeks as far as I can recall; he then disappeared, got the impression he may have gone to a bad boys’ school. His name may have been Colin?

[Poor Colin James was admitted to the Industrial School in 1924 as his solo mother, described as being in ‘poor circumstances’ working as a ‘domestic charwoman’ was having trouble controlling him. In 1924 it was said his father had deserted them and had not been heard of for 9 years]

‘Now back to myself’, writes Re:  Our family was always known as Black as it was the name my father assumed in NZ. There was no criminal reason but he wanted to break from his family in Tasmania for personal reasons.[He would never take this comment further]  It was not until the death of his brother in South Africa did he trouble to legalise the name of Black by Deed Poll as he had to prove his kinship with the deceased. At this time he also tried to establish Frank as a member of the family, but to no avail. Frank’s mother was vague regarding her husband and declared that he said he was from England and this broke the only link with the Tasmanian family (who later moved to Melbourne) (sic)and so the only link regarding any relationship between Frank and myself was one of coincidence.

Frank’s father’s birth certificate should give some particulars regarding his father.

[It did. Folio 12230, Births in District of Scarsdale, Victoria, Australia: Francis Arthur Blackett born 18 February 1876 Newtown, Scarsdale, VIC, father William Alexander and mother Margaret (nee Madden). He was the 8^th child and an older brother of Mort. He must have spoken of this to his family as Frank Blackett spoke often of his Uncle in South Africa being a Journalist on The Star and was proud his daughter Yvonne became a journalist; to be followed by Joanne Black, daughter of Richard (Jack Black’s youngest son, mother Doris Myrtle Morrison, Jack’s second wife).

 Oral history from Frank’s family (to cover the absence of a husband and father) was that he died visiting his brother in South Africa. However, Leila remained on the Wellington Electoral Rolls as ‘married’ rather than ‘widow’ which suggests she knew differently. More about this under heading for Francis Arthur Blackett.]

 I am afraid the Blackett family were a little lax in legalising birth and marriages etc. [See under RFL Blackett for more on this comment.]

Regards, RF Black.

One possible death for Francis Arthur Blackett may be NZRGO registration for the death of one James Blackett, labourer, on June 26, 1921, at Opunake, Taranaki.  It was a sudden death and the Coroner found he died of heart failure following an attack of influenza.  Details of his mother and father and marital status and any family are down as ‘unknown’. Age is stated as 61 and it is noted he was born at Stockton on Tees, UK ( Francis Arthur always insisted in was [incorrectly] born in England- more about that in the chapter dedicated to his life history).

Today the grave of James Blackett bears no marking and is a mown piece of grass between other gravestones in the very well-tended coastal Opunake Cemetery.

ILLUSTRIOUS WAR SERVICE

On 22 January 1902, six days before his 21^st birthday, Mortimer Cephas Blackett signed on in Hobart as a member of the Commonwealth Contingent for Service in South Africa (Boer War). He was Attestation No 1241, described  as being 5 feet 9 ½inches in height, with 38 inch chest, dark complexion, grey eyes, black hair and with a scar on the right side of his right leg. He gave his religion as Wesleyan and the unmarried journalist gave his mother Margaret of Cataract Hill, Launceston, as next of kin, his father having died in 1895.

Mort’s photo was published along with the others in The Tasmanian Mail of 22 February 1902, dispelling the information in his obituaries that he “left with a New Zealand contingent to serve in South Africa”.

The Tasmanian Mail of the same date (p36) also records the scenes at the wharf as the Tasmanian contingent embarked. The Queensland and NSW contingents and 100 horses were already on board. The Tasmanian Unit, mounted and in full marching order, paraded around the streets of central Hobart. The men returned to their camp for a meal while their stores and baggage were loaded. The ship’s captain gave each man a handsome pipe in a case bearing an inscription as a gift from the Manchester Liners Company (together with a half a pound of tobacco) . Before 10 am on 22^nd, the men were on board and the ship backed out into the stream with the men lining the decks and up the rigging to wave farewell while from the shore scores of handkerchiefs were being waved by anxious loving hearts.

[The full transcript of the report  with photographs can be found on the National Library of Australia’s wonderful TROVE website in The Mercury of Monday 17 February 1902 p3-nla.gov.au/nla.news-article10412956].

Mortimer Cephas Blackett is listed as a private on the nominal roll of Tasmanian Units and Staff of 1^st Battalion, Commonwealth Troops, who embarked at Hobart on Board HM Transport Manchester Merchant on 16 February 1902: 3 officers, 59 ‘others’ and 63 horses, arriving Durban 14 March 1902.

From 15 April to 28 June they served with the Australian Brigade under the command first of Colonel de Lisle and latterly Colonel Williams, performing for a time as part of Colonel Thorneycroft’s Force.

They participated in operations in the Transvaal and in the final “drive” before leaving the shores of Durban on transport Drayton Grange on 11 July 1902, arriving Tasmania 9 August via Albany and Melbourne.

Two died, the rest returned and the unit disbanded on 19 August 1902.

{Source: The roll is included in the official records of the Australian Military Contingents to the War in South Africa compiled and edited for the Department of Defence by Lieut-Colonel P L Murray RA (retd), published by Government Printer, Melbourne, 1911.}

Tasmania furnished one half-company as her quota to the First Battalion Australian Commonwealth Horse unit.

South Africa must have proved an attractive place for Mort as he returned and joined the Natal Light Horse in South-West Africa in the ‘Great War’, as a lieutenant in the Natal Light Horse and was wounded at Gibeon on 27 April 1915.

500 strong, the Natal Light Horse was raised in August 1914 and commanded by Lt Col JR Royston for the German South-West Africa Campaign. It served on the southern frontier along the Orange River and formed part of the central force under Lt Col Park Grey, Royston having become Commanding Officer of the 9^th Mounted Brigade. NLH suffered casualties at Gibeon and was disbanded June 1915. They wore the initials on hat and shoulder straps. {Source: The Armed Forces of South Africa (1659-1954), Major G Tylden (1954); reprinted 1982}

Two German field guns captured in Gibeon on 27 April 1915 now sit in the City Hall Gardens in Pietermaritzburg.

Back in Johannesburg on 3 May 1915, Mort’s paper The Star had full accounts of the war (“From our own correspondent”- was Mort involved in the writing of the reports?) and contained  in Late News on that day, Union casualties included Natal farmer and champion rifle marksman Lt Col Park Grey and Lieut MC Blackett (both described as receiving slight wounds).

Lieut MC Blackett is the well known sporting writer, member of “The Star” staff, it added.

Flags flew at half-mast for those killed in the battle- which included New Zealander Lieut RT Matheson of Natal Light Horse who served throughout the South African War and was made Kings Sergeant for bravery. He had mining interests and was known as Saltbush Bill “for his indifference to personal appearance on trek, his recklessness in action and resourcefulness in the field, showing his intimacy with bush life.” (In other words, a good Kiwi bloke!).

With the capture of Gibeon the newspaper said General Smuts had established full control over the southern portion of the Colony, representing around one third of the cultivable and well-watered area.

Whatever phase the final stage of the struggle may assume, however, we venture to think that General Botha’s gallant armies are quite equal to the task of securing a  comparatively early subjugation of German South-West Africa.

Appearing alongside these reports on the same day were headlines of Memorable achievements of Australasians during the attack on the Dardenelles, so impressive that Sir Winston Churchill sent telegrams of congratulations to the Governor General of Australia and the Governor of New Zealand. (The word Anzac had yet to be coined).

An article in the Personal Column of The Mercury (Hobart) on Wednesday 12 May 1915 reported:

Mr WA Blackett of the firm of Blackett and French, Launceston, has received a cable from South Africa informing him that his brother Lieutenant Blackett had been wounded whilst fighting in West Africa.  Lieutenant Blackett is a son of the late Mr Blackett who was for some years in charge of the Methodist Church, Devonport. He left Tasmania with the Second Contingent to fight in the Boer War and subsequently gained his Lieutenancy. At the close of the Boer War he secured a position on the literary staff of the leading newspaper in Johannesburg. This he threw up to go on active service in West Africa when the war broke out there. Some years ago when the South African cricketers visited Tasmania, Mr Blackett accompanied them as a press representative, which is the only visit he has paid to Tasmania since he left. He had intended coming home for a long holiday this year but, of course, gave up the idea when war broke out, for though a journalist of considerable ability, he is a soldier first. Ted (sic) Blackett a younger brother is also at the front, he being among the first to join the First Expeditionary Force.

 [ The youngest sibling, Howard Blackett (Ted in above),born Pt Sorrell 1886, Reg no 369 12 Battalion C company AIF was Killed in Action at Gaba Tepe, Dardanelles,  landing at Gallipoli Peninsula on 2 May 1915. There is no known grave but his name is on the Memorial at Lone Pine Cemetery (panel 35). At home he is remembered  in the Commemorative Area at the Australian War Memorial Canberra (panel 65) and on the Stanley Memorial (West Coast Tasmania), East facing marble tablet.]

The family suffered another loss when Driver Horace Raymond Blackett, Reg no 13999, 2^nd Div  Ammunition Column Australian Field Artillery, born Launceston 1897, son of William Alexander 2^nd and Alpha (nee French)  was Killed in Action 17 June 1918 near Frechencourt and buried at the Communal Cemetery there amongst 57 British troops, 49 of them Australians and eight from the UK. [British plot is 568 sq yards at far end of cemetery above a steep slope. Cemetery index number Fr885].In Canberra his name is located at Panel 21 AWM and also listed on the Launceston Cenotaph in Royd Park off Paterson Street. Their full information is available on line at the AWM website.

Alexander William 3^rd   (known as Alec) Reg no 3685 of 6 Battalion, 12^th Reinforcement AIF was blinded for the rest of his life after receiving severed gunshot wounds to the eyes in the fighting in France and Alec’s Aunt,  SERN S/Nurse Sister Alice Maud Blackett, a nurse on active service  in France with First Australian General Hospital Special Reinforcements, was affected by gas and invalided home on 14 September 1918 with defective vision.

In the Paterson Street Church in Launceston where they worshipped as children and their father Ministered, War Memorial Plaques bear the names of Howard, Alec and Sister (Alice Maud) Blackett. [In 2011 the church is known as the Pilgrim Uniting Church situated at 34-38 Paterson Street.]

Service in the First World War led to MBE (Mil)

On 12 February 1916, Mortimer Charles Blackett enlisted for service abroad in the Australian Imperial Force. He was a Lieutenant and Adjutant and joined the 3^rd HQ Inf Base Depot.  His previous military service was given as 8 months Anglo-Boer War, Transvaal Volunteers 3 years and Natal Light Horse (German South-West Africa) 1 year.

[The Transvaal Volunteers were established in October 1902 at the end of the Boer War in the British tradition of voluntary service units. Keeping together the collective military skills from the earlier war, it formed the nucleus of a local defence team. The records of the Transvaal Volunteers are held in the South African National Archives Repository in Pretoria RSA. The Muster rolls and pay lists for the Natal Light Horse have not survived {source South Africa National Museum of Military History}]

This time he gave has birth town as Hulu (sic) in the county of Dorset. As his birth certificate [Folio 739] clearly states he was born in Franklin, Tasmania, this may possibly be a mis-hearing of the person who wrote down the details (a clerk? the letters are formed differently from the signature) and should have been Huon. Dorset is in North Eastern Tasmania and takes in Ringarooma and Scottsdale, areas where his siblings lived at one time. The family moved around with their father’s calling as a Bush Missionary. Many times in my research I have noticed the family seem to have added middle names and been vague as to birth dates.

His papers record Mortimer Charles Blackett embarked Sydney on HMAT A72 Beltana on 13 May 1916, disembarking Plymouth, UK, on 9 July 1916. He returned to Australia on the HT Prinz Ludwig, embarking 9 July 1919.[London Gazette of 16 September 1919 page 11648 gives notice that he relinquishes the acting rank of Captain 12 April 1919.]

Mort rose to the rank of Captain and before leaving for home served on the Belgrave Square London headquarters staff of General [Sir John] Monash (24 June 1919), one of Australia’s finest officers.

First posted for duty with AIF departments in the UK (2^nd Training Brigade) when he arrived, on 24 November 1916 Mort proceeded overseas to France (Etaples) and served at various unnamed fields of war. Three times he was mentioned in Despatches with the wording: Was brought to the notice of the Secretary of State for War for valuable services rendered in connection with the War.  Then came the note in his service records under the heading:

Awarded MBE:

20.8.18 Brought to the notice of the Secretary of State for War, for valuable services rendered in connection with the War.

The (undated and unsigned)  note found on the AWM Honours and Awards (Recommendations WW1) website headed MBE: Captain Mortimer Charles Blackett Perm. Super List states:  This officer has been Assistant Staff Captain 2^nd Training Brigade for several months until 9 March 1918 when he was specially selected to take up the position of Staff Captain, Overseas Training Brigade. His administrative ability is of a very high order. He is a very conscientious and hard working officer. His work has always been entirely satisfactory both to his Commanding Officer and myself.

I have found two references to Capt Mortimer Charles Blackett being made a Member of the  Most Excellent Order of the British Empire in the third supplement to the London Gazette – the first dated 7 June 1918, Issue 30730 page 6719, bottom column 2 (where he is described as Staff Captain of a Training Brigade, Australian Imperial Force)  and the second 15 April 1919 p 4984 Column 2 (Capt Mortimer Charles Blackett AIF and dated 7 June 1918.) The 7 June introduction from St James’ Palace dated 3 June 1918 says the King has been graciously pleased on the occasion of His Majesty’s Birthday to give orders for the appointments to the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, for services in connection with the War.  On 15 April 1919, the King was graciously pleased to command, on the recommendation of the Secretary of War the following (orders and names)...published in the London Gazette on the dates stated (ie 7 June 1918 in Mort’s case) shall be transferred to the Military Division of the Order, in terms of the notification published in the London Gazette no 31084 of 27 December 1918.

King George V founded the Order to fill in the gaps in the honours system as he wished to honour the many thousands in non-combatant roles in the 1^st World War. This was later ‘refined’ in December 1918 to add a Military division.

MBE or OBE?

This may explain why there appears to be some confusion in Mort’s papers over whether it was the MBE Mort was awarded or also an OBE. The Medal I have sighted clearly is the MBE and comes in a wooden presentation case with MBE stamped on the top.  New Zealand family also received the Miniatures of his Medals- the Queen’s South Africa Medal (Boer War) 11 Oct 1899-31 May 1902 with Transvaal and Free State Bars; the Kings South Africa Medal (1901-02); the 1914-15 Star for service in any of the theatres of war; the British War Medal (1914-20) and the Allied Victory Medal (1914-18).

 AUTHOR OF THAT INFAMOUS TELEGRAM: ‘A scandal unlikely ever to die’.

 While covering the 1921 Springbok Rugby tour of New Zealand for The Star, Mort was to make comments in a telegraphed report back to South Africa which would still be making ripples in both rugby circles and in Race relations 90 years later.

The September 1921 game (which ended in South Africa beating the NZ Maori team 9-8) had been fraught from the start. Mort’s dispatch went like this:

Most unfortunate match ever played. Only result great pressure being brought to bear on Bennett induced them to meet Maoris, who assisted largely entertainment Springboks (sic).

[ Chester and McMillan in The Visitors write that Afrikaners in the team deliberately turned their backs on a group of Maori poi dancers doing a welcome, which had the Maori team seething with anger as they awaited the kick-off.]

Bad enough having play team officially designated NZ Natives [actual title was NZ Maori XV], but spectacle thousands Europeans frantically cheering on band of coloured men to defeat members of own race was too much for Springboks who frankly disgusted.

That was not the worst. The crowd was most unsportsman-like experienced on tour, especially section who lost all control of their feelings. When not booing referee, they indulged in sarcastic remarks at his expense.

On many occasions Africans were hurt. Crowd, without waiting for possibility of immediate recovery, shouted “Take him off, take him off.”

Their faithful coloured allied proved loyal to New Zealand for in addition to serious injury to Kruger’s leg, Van Heerden had to stay off field for 15 Minutes. Others limping badly.

Maoris flung their weight about regardless of niceties of the game.

 The Hawkes Bay Rugby Team hit back the next day and while expressing regret at the behaviour of some of the crowd against the referee, said quite firmly that whoever was responsible for the telegram does not know or understand how highly the Maori race is regarded by his Pakeha fellow citizens. Trust your contact with Maori race will have shown you that they are worthy of the position of equality assigned to them and should not be looked upon as nothing better than a kaffir.

 Mort (who was identified in some later Press reports in New Zealand as Charles or CWF Blackett and in some simply  as ‘someone travelling with the tourists’) had so horrified a P& T worker in the Napier Telegraph Office with this despatch the worker copied it and a copy got into the Napier Daily Telegraph, although just how exactly remains clouded in mystery. Another story is that Mort handed a copy to a Telegraph sub-editor to publish locally if he wished, that there was no P&T leak. Whatever the truth, the P&T telegraphist was still sacked.

(In those days- and indeed still in the 1960s in NZ -when this writer covered the 1964 South Africa-NZ cricket test at the Basin Reserve in Wellington, albeit less controversially -the ‘copy’ was run to the P & T telegraphist usually located under the grandstand and the report tip-tapped out in Morse-code across the world).

The publication in the Napier paper caused a storm of protest throughout New Zealand. The South African Manager Harold Bennett, a lawyer, distanced him, self from it and the writer and Mort was reported as complaining his message had not only been illegally intercepted, it had been abbreviated and his comments were not therefore in context. Bennett publicly stated that Mort had expressed regret for his action, the cable having been written in the heat of the moment (some reports also used the words irresponsible journalist, but it may have been their own take on the so-called ‘apology’. Probably it is up there with some of a touring manager’s worst possible moments. Mort’s unrepentant rejoinder was that he was astonished that the Manager ‘thought fit so abjectly to apologise’. [Maybe he was annoyed at what he thought was censorship of his story rather that the racial aspect??]

The New Zealand Free Lance of the day (remember Free Lance was a pen name of Mort’s in South Africa!) weighed in, calling Mort’s words ‘an act of deplorable and reprehensible indiscretion’ and went on to say:

New Zealand is practically the only country in the world where the native race is more of an asset than an encumbrance. It is, apart from India, the only country in the world where equality of opportunity is held out to the native race and grasped to adequate and event noteworthy purpose. The high personal character of the best class of Maori, his intelligence, his shrewdness, combine to get him to the front race when he tries... [The notable person of Hon AT Ngata is used as an example of this]... There is not, as in other countries, a single particle of racial jealousy in New Zealand. There is no colour line. We have certain schools set apart for native children, but that is a matter of expediency not of prejudice.

 We hope that these few facts will provide the irresponsible press correspondent aforesaid with food for deep thought.

The paper then went on to quote Government statistics that show Maori population had risen from 41,993 to 52,554 in the last 30 years to 1921, showing that, unlike other countries which had been “Europeanised” the menace of ultimate distinction has now been lifted.

It ended by saying there was no reason visitors to our shores should make hasty generalisations based upon their own domestic troubles.

In May 2010 The New Zealand Rugby Union issued and official apology for its exclusion of Maori players from three All Black touring parties to South Africa in 1928, 1949 and 1960, when the accepted South Africa’s ban on non-white players.  Those affected included George Nepia (1928, who was also said to have blamed Mort for being left at home), JB Smith (1949) and Waka Nathan (1960).

Politics and sport- mixing them provided much hot debate and hundreds of column inches.

 Footnote:

When first trying to research this incident, a letter from one of my ‘heros’ in sports writing, TP McLean was received in January 1988:

The name of Blackett rings a loud bell in my mind. He was the only South African journalist to accompany the Springbok rugby side which tourney New Zealand in 1921. He caused an immense stir by publishing a racist account of the team’s match against the New Zealand Maoris at Napier. He found it unbelievable that Pakehas would cheer on their Black brothers against a team of visiting White men. The ’Boks won the match by only 9 points to 8. It was a very dirty game; and it was because, so most New Zealanders said, of a refereeing mistaking that the Maoris were beaten.

Your grand-uncle really set the cat among the pigeons.

It is strange so little is known about the man. He did cause the most awful fuss at the time; and his report was the reason the Maoris did not play the next touring Springbok team, in 1937.

Very oddly, Maoris and White Springboks have always got on famously in New Zealand. Dr Craven and other Springboks stayed with Howard Morrison’s mother in Rotorua at the end of the tour of 1956 and George Nepia was made a life-vice president of the South African Rugby Board a few months before his death in 1986.

 {The incident is referred to in various publications and articles ever since. Ron Palenski in Between the Posts  and Our National Game: A celebration of 100 Years of NZ Rugby (P161) published Moa and  most recently in Rau Tau 100 years of Maori Rugby ,Published 2010 by the NZ Rugby Union, refer p 13 under chapter about 1920s and 1930s; The Visitors-a History of International Rugby Teams in NZ  by RH Chester and NAC McMillan, Pp 113-116 published 1990, Moa and in Beneath the Maori Moon, the history of Maori Rugby by Malcolm Mulholland, Published 2009 Huia.}

I am quite sure that it is Mort in the back row far right of a photograph taken by Zenith Studios of the 1921 Springbok team. He is just recorded as an unidentified visitor. Was he sent to Coventry over his story?

Compiled by YVONNE ELIZABETH AIREY (nee BLACKETT)

Editor’s Note: Apart from some information gleaned from Trove and Army Records, this story would not have been possible without the wonderful and time-consuming research done in South Africa by my ‘genealogical angel’ Stephanie Geyser. Amazingly she had held onto a copy of a letter I wrote to the Johannesburg Star in May 1984 for 20 years “in the hope of one day being able to help” me in my search. She has combed archives and libraries and provided photographs and background material and I am totally indebted to her wonderful research skills since she wrote to me on 20 October 2004-we now share ‘Mort’ as a special part of our lives- Yvonne Airey.

Military Records

© Commonwealth of Australia (National Archives of Australia)

Under Construction 24/01/2010-17/02/2020.

 

34th BATTALION A.I.F.

Captain: Henry Cecil Llewellyn BENNETT.

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Born: 10th July 1891. Darling Point, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. Birth Cert:38828/1891.

Married: 1915. Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. Marriage Cert:4670/1915.

Wife: Fanny Fox "Anne" Bennett. nee: Bucknell. (1892-1943)

Died:  6th March 1978. New South Wales, Australia. Death Cert:5741/1978.

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Father: Christopher Bennett. (1855-1917) Died Sydney, N.S.W. Death Cert:

Mother: Violet L Bennett. nee:. (1857-1917) Died Parramatta, N.S.W. Death Cert:.

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INFORMATION

Henry Cecil Bennett enlisted with the AIF on the 2nd of June 1915 and was promoted to the rank of 2nd Lieutenant with Head Quarter Company, 34th Battalion AIF and was an original member of the Battalion.

"Until the 10th of March, early training and formation of the Battalion was in progress. On that day the Battalion marched to the newly pitched camp at Rutherford and was completed with the exception of the Transport. These joined later and came from the Army Service Corps camp near Sydney. Here strenuous training was carried out. The men were very keen and fit, whilst their comfort and health were made a special study. Food was good and ample and sports and recreation were not overlooked.

A Girl's League was formed to cater for the comforts of the Battalion, under the supervision of Miss Violet MACKAY, who took a keen interest from the beginning, having, with the Mayor of Maitland met the men of the Wallaby March at East Greta and prepared dinner for them on their arrival. On 1st May 1916, the Battalion left by Train from Farley Station for the Showground in Sydney, equipped with kit bags and necessary clothing, and was reviewed in Moore Park by General: Gustave Mario RAMACCOTTI. On the following morning, 2nd May 1916 the men embarked on the transport HMAT A20 "HORORATA" and sailed at 4:00 pm".

The voyage to England was without any unusual incidents and a good passage throughout. The first port of call was Albany, where three days were spent. Columbo was reached on Empire Day, 24th May. Here two days were taken up coaling and taking on provisions, etc. During the stay the Battalion carried out a route march through the town. Suez was reached on 8th June, where a party of Light Horse and some details were disembarked. Arriving at Port Said on 9th, the ship coaled and proceeded to Alexandria which was reached on 11th June 1916.

Here the Battalion transferred to S.S."Aragon", E867. Some Australian Details were on board, also a number of Tommies going to England on Furlough. Devonport was reached on the 23rd June, the Battalion disembarked at Plymouth at 1:00 pm and en trained during the afternoon for Amesbury, arriving at midnight and marching to hutments at No: 1 Camp, Larkhill. Here the Battalion settled down to hard training, which included Route Marching, Trench Digging, Bomb Practice, Musketry and general Camp Routine. Later the Battalion moved to the No: 25 Camp and finished off their training, which included six days' battle practice and field work at the Bustard Trenches.

Four days' disembarkation leave was given from 6th to 10th July and later King's Leave from November 5th to 9th. Whilst here the Official Colours were issued. Purple over Green (Oval), these replacing the Colours presented to the Battalion (Old Gold on Shoulder Straps) by the Ladies of West Maitland. A Signal Section was formed at Larkhill under Lieutenant: Harold Henry McMINN. The weather in England was mostly fine until the latter part of training, when a good deal of rain and snow caused inconvenience. In October the 34th Battalion was reviewed at a Divisional Parade by His Majesty King George V at Bulford.

The 34th Battalion left Larkhill on the 21st November and en trained at Amesbury for Southampton, embarking on the S.S "Arundel". The transport section left by S.S. "Princess Victoria". The Battalion arrived at Le Harve, France on the 22nd November 1916. Disembarkation commenced at 8:00 am and the Battalion marched to No;1 camp on the Hill, arriving at 2:00 pm. The men carried heavy loads, in some cases amounting to miniature Q.M.' Stores. The march over cobblestones was very tiring, notwithstanding the many route marches which had been carried out at Larkhill. However, after bathing their feet and receiving treatment, as well partaking of a good meal, some spent a comfortable night.

The following morning the Battalion moved to Le Harve Railway Station, leaving D Company behind. On arrival at the Station en training commenced at 8:00 am and the train left at 11:15 am. The journey was slow and occupied until 4:30pm on the 24th. On arrival at Bailleul the men de trained and marched to Outtersteene. D Company arrived at 4:00 pm the following day. The Battalion rested here in billets for two days previous to taking over garrison duties in the Line at Armenties. The Commanding Officer Lieutenant Colonel. Malcolm St John LAMB. with the Adjutant, Company commanders, N.C.O's and Specialists went into the Line to inspect Trenches, Stores, Plans and to arrange for the taking over this Section of the line on the following day.

The specialists and N.C.O's remained in the Line. On 27th November the Battalion went into the Line in the L'Epinette Sector. The men were taken up by motor lorries as far as the Square near Houplines Station, and marched via Butterne Avenue and Willow Walk to the Line, carrying their packs and blankets into the trenches. Lewis Gun ammunition was taken into the Line with the tin cases. The going was difficult owing to the conditions of the Trenches and the heavy and bulky loads. Later the blankets were dumped near Tussage Dump, from which most of them disappeared. This was the main incident of our relief in the Line.

The Sector taken over had been held by the Northumberland Fusiliers whom the 34th Battalion relieved. Specialists of this Regiment remained for a couple of days to arrange and assist in the routine. We were greeted with a display of Verey Lights and, apparently anxious to see the newcomers, the enemy searched our Sector with his searchlights throughout the night, which was misty and dark. Our Artillery and Trench Mortars put over a heavy barrage, either to let Fritz know we had arrived or to cover the change over; this was the signal for increased activity of enemy Machine Gun and Rifle fire to which the Battalion energetically replied.

During the night Patrols were sent out, Listening Posts established and wiring was commenced. Dawn broke with a thick mist hanging over the Sector and our men could get very little idea of the new frontage. Our Artillery and Trench Mortars were busy registering on the enemy positions throughout the day and Fritz retaliated with Machine Gun and Rifle fire. The first day passed with no special incidents. Our first Casualty occurred on the following morning at sunrise when Private: 148 William PECK was sniped with an explosive bullet through the forehead. Counter battery work, Machine Gun firing and sniping were fairly active during our first term in the Line. The first Casualty occurred on the morning of the 3rd of December at sunrise when Private: 148 William PECK was sniped with an explosive bullet through the forehead. Counter battery work, Machine Gun firing and sniping were fairly active during our first term in the Line.

Considerable damage was done to our Trenches and parapets and one of our Listening Posts was destroyed. Some enemy Patrols were dispersed by our snipers. Enemy working parties were fairly active on our front and his patrols were strong. Considerable road and rail transport was noticeable behind the enemy lines. The Battalion livened things up generally in the Sector which of late had been fairly quiet and Fritz did not appreciate the change. Just before being relieved we presented them with an issue of Gas. The Trenches were in a very wet and muddy condition. The water in the bottom of them being frequently frozen, the ice had to be broken to provide sufficient cover for the men, as the parapets were not high enough to allow walking on the ice. Thus the men had to stand in the freezing water and mud, with the result that the constant wet and cold caused many evacuations with trench feet.

The 33rd Battalion was on our left and the New Zealanders were on our flank during this period. After six days in the Line we were relieved and marched to Billets in Armentieres. The Battalion Headquarters were at No: 6 Rue de Strasburg, the Quarter Master's Store at No: 28. Billet routine from the 4th to 10th December 1916 consisted of a general clean up and Bath Parades to Erquinghem.

On the 11th December 1916 the 34th Battalion went into the Line again. "B" Company occupying the Subsidiary line instead of "D" Company, as in the first period. The weather was still cold and misty. The usual counter battery work was carried out by the Artillery and Trench Mortars. Some shells from our own "Heavies" dropped short and fell into our front Line. Sniping on both sides was again active. Extra Patrols were sent out to engage the strong fighting enemy Patrols in No Man's Land. The enemy was busy with his Working Parties and good work was also done by the wiring parties. Two extra Lewis Guns were added to the Front Line for the purpose of sweeping the enemy parapets and wire, in retaliation for enemy sniping which had become most active and causing trouble.

This was the beginning of continuous sweeping of parapets on both sides during the whole period of holding this Sector of the Line. The 34th Battalion Patrols were contesting No Man's Land, which up to this time Fritz considered belonged to him. Heavy bombardments were carried out which caused considerable damage to the Trenches and Supports on both sides. quite a number of Men were being evacuated with trench feet through standing in the cold and wet, notwithstanding that dry socks were issued every day to the troops. during this period there were a number of casualties, including 6 K.I.A.and Lieutenant: Stephen Matthew HARRIS was the first the Officer wounded. Captain: Walter Hedland Valentine BAKER. and Lieutenant: Frederick Llewllyn EAST. and a number of men were also evacuated sick.

The 34th Battalion was relieved on the 18th of December 1916 and marched to billets in Armentieres. Captain: Edmund BEAVER injured by shell fire, and several other ranks sick, were evacuated from here. On the 23rd December 1916 the 34th Battalion moved to Reserve Billets at La Blanc Masion, where the buildings of hutments and stables for mules was carried out. The roads were flooded two or three feet deep and Carrying Parties of men erecting the hutments had to wade through this, in many cases waist deep. While here the Commanding Officer Lieutenant Colonel. Malcolm St John LAMB. left for Army School. Christmas Day, the first and what proved to be the worst in France, was spent in Billets, only in the course of erection. The rations for Christmas Dinner were plentiful, but the cooking facilities were poor and the troops were somewhat "fed up" with the environment and bad weather.

Each man had 1lb of Pudding and a quart of Beer if he wished. The Pudding was supplied by the Comforts Fund and the Beer from the Regimental Funds. Working Parties had to be provided both on Christmas and New Year's Day. On the 31st of December 1916 Lieutenant Colonel. Malcolm St John LAMB. returned to the 34th Battalion and on the 4th January 1917 Headquarters and "A" Company moved to Jesus Farm and joined the remained of the 34th Battalion in hutments, which were now finished. The following day Major: Walter Arnold LeRoy FRY. left for the Training Battalion at Larkhill. A few men were evacuated sick and one, Private: A LEACH of the Australian Medical Corps Staff, died.

On the 24th January 1917 the Specialists went into the Line in the Houplines Sector. The following day the 34th Battalion took over from the 36th Battalion, who's Commanding Officer: Lieutenant Colonel: James William Albert SIMPSON. had been killed the previous day. On the 29th January 1917 Major: Ernest Edward MARTIN. temporarily transferred to command the 36th Battalion until the 20th February when Lieutenant Colonel: John Alexander MILNE. became Commanding Officer. The Front Line here was very similar to last Sector. During this period a good deal of shelling was carried out on both sides enemy sending over "Pineapples" freely. Aerial activity increased and many fights took place. The Patrols were now gaining mastery of No Man's Land and Fritz was getting the "Wind up". Verey Light displays, constant use of his Searchlights and bombing of his own wire were common occurrences during the night time.

On the 26th of January 1917 2nd Lieutenant: Gordon Thomas WOOD was the first Officer Killed in Action who was killed by shell fire. Also during this period the first Non Commissioned Officer killed in Action was Sergeant: 165 William James "Bully" RICHMOND. The 34th Battalion was relieved on the 31st of January 1917 and moved to Billets in Armentieres. Whilst here a number of the men were evacuated suffering from trench feet and trench fever, caused by the appalling conditions in the Trenches, No Man's Land and a Listening Post. Working Parties were supplied, a general cleaning up carried out and Bath Parades held.

On the 6th February the 34th Battalion relieved the 36th Battalion in the Houplines Sector. Patrols only occupied Listening Posts as the nights were very bright and moonlit. The Battalion's Trench Mortars put over a large quantity of shells, to which Fritz replied vigorously with "Minnies" and "Pineapples" but very little damage was done. Enemy planes were active over our Lines, but the Australian Aircraft drove him back. Air fights were frequent now. Also there was quite a lot of Anti-Aircraft firing, but no planes were brought down. Enemy Planes dropped bombs on our Sector and Working Parties, while his Working Parties were dispersed by the Brigades 18 Pounders. "Minnies an "Pineapples" caused damage to our Trenches and Brigades Artillery did likewise to the enemy placements.

Lieutenant: William Henry SALVATORI. and Lieutanant: Ray WOLSTENHOLME. and a number of men sick were evacuated here. The 34th Battalion relieved on the 12th February and until the 17th February, the usual routine of supplying Working Parties, general cleaning up, was carried out. The 34th Battalion went into the Line again from the 18th to 25th February and Patrols were busy exploring No Man's Land. The enemy Patrols and Working Parties, which were strong, were dispersed by Lewis Gunners. Snipers were very active and the enemy Machine Gun fire greatly increased. From the 25th of February the 34th Battalion was in Billets.

From the 13th to the 17th of March 1917 the 34th Battalion were again in Billets. Lieutenant: Henry Cecil BENNETT was evacuated here.

Returned to Australia on the 11th May 1919.

Family Information

Henry was a married 24 year old Farmer from Darling Point, N.S.W. His wife Anne lived at "Quambone Station" Quambone via Coonamble, N.S.W. and later embarked for England and lived at 17 Landsdown Road, Bedford, England. Henry Served with the King Edward Horse prior to World War One and purchased his discharge.

Military Records

© Commonwealth of Australia (National Archives of Australia)

Under Construction; 03/04/2011-26/01/2015.

 

34th BATTALION A.I.F.

Captain: Edmund BEAVER. M.C

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Born: 25th September 1891. Ashfield, New South Wales, Australia. Birth Cert:5001/1891.

Married: 1914. Victoria, Australia.

Wife: Lillian Annie Beaver. nee: 

Died: 30th November 1968. Wamberal, Central Coast, New South Wales, Australia. Death Cert:44080/1968.

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Father: William Richard Beaver. (1853-03/02/1923) died at Mosman, N.S.W.

Mother: Charlotte Ann Beaver. nee: Roberts. (1851-09/11/1918) died at Ashfield, N.S.W.

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INFORMATION

Edward Beaver enlisted with the 34th Battalion Head-Quarters section as a Lieutenant on the 1st of February 1916. Edwards served with the 25th Infantry Militia prior to World War 1 and was as original member of the Battalion. "Until the 10th of March, early training and formation of the Battalion was in progress. On that day the Battalion marched to the newly pitched camp at Rutherford and was completed with the exception of the Transport. These joined later and came from the Army Service Corps camp near Sydney. Here strenuous training was carried out. The men were very keen and fit, whilst their comfort and health were made a special study. Food was good and ample and sports and recreation were not overlooked.

A Girl's League was formed to cater for the comforts of the Battalion, under the supervision of Miss Violet MACKAY, who took a keen interest from the beginning, having, with the Mayor of Maitland met the men of the Wallaby March at East Greta and prepared dinner for them on their arrival. On 1st May 1916, the Battalion left by Train from Farley Station for the Showground in Sydney, equipped with kit bags and necessary clothing, and was reviewed in Moore Park by General: Gustave Mario RAMACCOTTI. On the following morning, 2nd May 1916 the men embarked on the transport HMAT A20 "HORORATA" and sailed at 4:00 pm".

HMAT A20 "HORORATA"

The voyage to England was without any unusual incidents and a good passage throughout. The first port of call was Albany, where three days were spent. Columbo was reached on Empire Day, 24th May. Here two days were taken up coaling and taking on provisions, etc. During the stay the Battalion carried out a route march through the town. Suez was reached on 8th June, where a party of Light Horse and some details were disembarked. Arriving at Port Said on 9th, the ship coaled and proceeded to Alexandria which was reached on 11th June 1916.

Here the Battalion transferred to S.S."Aragon", E867. Some Australian Details were on board, also a number of Tommies going to England on Furlough. Devonport was reached on the 23rd June, the Battalion disembarked at Plymouth at 1:00 pm and en trained during the afternoon for Amesbury, arriving at midnight and marching to hutments at No: 1 Camp, Larkhill. Here the Battalion settled down to hard training, which included Route Marching, Trench Digging, Bomb Practice, Musketry and general Camp Routine. Later the Battalion moved to the No: 25 Camp and finished off their training, which included six days' battle practice and field work at the Bustard Trenches.

Four days' disembarkation leave was given from 6th to 10th July and later King's Leave from November 5th to 9th. Whilst here the Official Colours were issued. Purple over Green (Oval), these replacing the Colours presented to the Battalion (Old Gold on Shoulder Straps) by the Ladies of West Maitland. A Signal Section was formed at Larkhill under Lieutenant: Harold Henry McMINN. The weather in England was mostly fine until the latter part of training, when a good deal of rain and snow caused inconvenience. In October the 34th Battalion was reviewed at a Divisional Parade by His Majesty King George V at Bulford.

The 34th Battalion left Larkhill on the 21st November and en trained at Amesbury for Southampton, embarking on the S.S "Arundel". The transport section left by S.S. "Princess Victoria". The Battalion arrived at Le Harve, France on the 22nd November 1916. Disembarkation commenced at 8:00am and the Battalion marched to No;1 camp on the Hill, arriving at 2:00 pm. The men carried heavy loads, in some cases amounting to miniature Q.M.' Stores. The march over cobblestones was very tiring, notwithstanding the many route marches which had been carried out at Larkhill. However, after bathing their feet and receiving treatment, as well partaking of a good meal, some spent a comfortable night.

The following morning the Battalion moved to Le Harve Railway Station, leaving D Company behind. On arrival at the Station en training commenced at 8:00 am and the train left at 11:15 am. The journey was slow and occupied until 4:30 pm on the 24th. On arrival at Bailleul the men de trained and marched to Outtersteene. D Company arrived at 4:00 pm the following day. The Battalion rested here in billets for two days previous to taking over garrison duties in the Line at Armenties. The Commanding Officer Lieutenant Colonel. Malcolm St John LAMB. with the Adjutant, Company commanders, N.C.O's and Specialists went into the Line to inspect Trenches, Stores, Plans and to arrange for the taking over this Section of the line on the following day.

The specialists and N.C.O's remained in the Line. On 27th November the Battalion went into the Line in the L'Epinette Sector. The men were taken up by motor lorries as far as the Square near Houplines Station, and marched via Butterne Avenue and Willow Walk to the Line, carrying their packs and blankets into the trenches. Lewis Gun ammunition was taken into the Line with the tin cases. The going was difficult owing to the conditions of the Trenches and the heavy and bulky loads. Later the blankets were dumped near Tussage Dump, from which most of them disappeared. This was the main incident of our relief in the Line.

The Sector taken over had been held by the Northumberland Fusiliers whom the 34th Battalion relieved. Specialists of this Regiment remained for a couple of days to arrange and assist in the routine. We were greeted with a display of Verey Lights and, apparently anxious to see the newcomers, the enemy searched our Sector with his searchlights throughout the night, which was misty and dark. Our Artillery and Trench Mortars put over a heavy barrage, either to let Fritz know we had arrived or to cover the change over; this was the signal for increased activity of enemy Machine Gun and Rifle fire to which the Battalion energetically replied.

During the night Patrols were sent out, Listening Posts established and wiring was commenced. Dawn broke with a thick mist hanging over the Sector and our men could get very little idea of the new frontage. Our Artillery and Trench Mortars were busy registering on the enemy positions throughout the day and Fritz retaliated with Machine Gun and Rifle fire. The first day passed with no special incidents.

The first Casualty occurred on the morning of the 3rd of December at sunrise when Private: 148 William PECK was sniped with an explosive bullet through the forehead. Counter battery work, Machine Gun firing and sniping were fairly active during our first term in the Line.

Considerable damage was done to our Trenches and parapets and one of our Listening Posts was destroyed. Some enemy Patrols were dispersed by our snipers. Enemy working parties were fairly active on our front and his patrols were strong. Considerable road and rail transport was noticeable behind the enemy lines. The Battalion livened things up generally in the Sector which of late had been fairly quiet and Fritz did not appreciate the change. Just before being relieved we presented them with an issue of Gas. The Trenches were in a very wet and muddy condition. The water in the bottom of them being frequently frozen, the ice had to be broken to provide sufficient cover for the men, as the parapets were not high enough to allow walking on the ice. Thus the men had to stand in the freezing water and mud, with the result that the constant wet and cold caused many evacuations with trench feet.

The 33rd Battalion was on our left and the New Zealanders were on our flank during this period. After six days in the Line we were relieved and marched to Billets in Armentieres. The Battalion Headquarters were at No: 6 Rue de Strasburg, the Quarter Master's Store at No: 28. Billet routine from the 4th to 10th December 1916 consisted of a general clean up and Bath Parades to Erquinghem.

On the 11th December 1916 the 34th Battalion went into the Line again. "B" Company occupying the Subsidiary line instead of "D" Company, as in the first period. The weather was still cold and misty. The usual counter battery work was carried out by the Artillery and Trench Mortars. Some shells from our own "Heavies" dropped short and fell into our front Line. Sniping on both sides was again active. Extra Patrols were sent out to engage the strong fighting enemy Patrols in No Man's Land. The enemy was busy with his Working Parties and good work was also done by the wiring parties. Two extra Lewis Guns were added to the Front Line for the purpose of sweeping the enemy parapets and wire, in retaliation for enemy sniping which had become most active and causing trouble.

This was the beginning of continuous sweeping of parapets on both sides during the whole period of holding this Sector of the Line. The 34th Battalion Patrols were contesting No Man's Land, which up to this time Fritz considered belonged to him. Heavy bombardments were carried out which caused considerable damage to the Trenches and Supports on both sides. quite a number of Men were being evacuated with trench feet through standing in the cold and wet, notwithstanding that dry socks were issued every day to the troops. during this period there were a number of casualties, including 6 K.I.A. and Lieutenant: Stephen Matthew HARRIS was the first Officer wounded. Captain: Walter Hedland Valentine BAKER. and Lieutenant: Frederick Llewllyn EAST. and a number of men were also evacuated sick.

The 34th Battalion was relieved on the 18th of December 1916 and marched to billets in Armentieres. Captain: Edmund BEAVER injured by shell fire, and several other ranks sick, were evacuated from here.

(Illawarra Press; 1957)

8th May 1918.

Morlancourt

The details were learnt only when the prisoners returned to England after the Armistice. After receiving the operation order Major: Harold Henry McMINN at IO:30 saw one of his subalterns. Lieutenant: Laurence Sylvester McMAHON (West Maitland, N S W) and gave him the order to attack, keeping touch with the 29th Bn. McMAHON saw two other Platoon Commanders, Lieutenants: Stanley Warner BATEMAN (St. Kilda, Vic ) and Lieutenant: Russell Stanley BROWN (Maitland. N.S.W.) who, had not yet received their orders and told them that they were in it too McMAHON ranged his platoon on the flank, with BATEMAN'S next to it and twice sent his batman to find the 29th on his right. The batman could discover no sign of it and McMAHON therefore seat him back to its nearest post. The barrage then fell. The half-company of the 34th which was to have reinforced McMINN was not there, having lost its way but Lieutenant: George Chapman Ward REID (Sydney) and his handful of the 33rd were present McMINN sent Lieutenant: Alfred James FELL (who had not even had time to study the map) with a request to Captain: Edmund BEAVER to keep touch. FELL found two men of BEAVER'S company on their way to the assembly, and passed the message to them. On his return, at 11:00 the barrage was already slackening; and McMINN. though out of touch on both flanks, advanced to take his objective and hold on until the flanking troops came up The troops had been told that they were to cross two roads and lie down on a third road, a considerable distance in front.

Two roads had been duly crossed when the enemy ahead opened fire with rifles and a machine-gun. The trench was quickly rushed, the Germans running before it was reached but maintaining fire from their machine-gun farther back. After passing the trench Lieutenant: BROWN was mortally wounded. A dozen men in all were hit before the company was halted. Part of the enemy’s main line had evidently been taken. hut the troops were without instruments for digging-in except their small entrenching tools. The Germans at once counter-attacked on the flanks. but were easily beaten. It was, however plain that the company had merely obtained a lodgement between two bodies of the enemy, no fighting had been heard at any stage on either flank and no Australians could he found there After waiting for a quarter of an hour, McMINN decided to withdraw The company accordingly retired down the slope, hut after going 200 yards came on some wicker ammunition-baskets of German pattern. The bark of a British Field Gunn however, was heard and they went on towards It.

(Platoon Commander) BEAN History of World War 1. VI 90.

13th August 1918

MILITARY CROSS

Captain: Edmund BEAVER. For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty during operations against enemy positions South of the SOMME and east of HAMEL on the 8th August 1918. Captain BEAVER was in charge of the left flank Company of his Battalion, the chief task of this Company being to attack ACCROCHE WOOD from the Southern flank. Although greatly hampered by a heavy fog and harassed by artillery and machine gun fire he led his Company along the southern edge of the wood therby greatly assisting the clearing and capturing of this wood.

He afterwards re organised his Company still being hampered by the dense fog and at this time under a heavy enemy artillery barrage and led it forward to LONG VALLEY where heavy machine gun fire was encountered. He then personally led a party forward which temporarily held up by machine gun fire and captured two machine guns and their crews. It was greatly due to his initiative and daring that the advance was not held up for some time and greater losses sustained.

He afterwards skilfully led his Company forward on to the GAILLY Line where he re organised in exact conformity with the instructions contained in his operation orders. During the advance he showed marked leadership and set up a high standard of courage and fearlessness to his men. When established on his objective he went forward with a party and captured a heavy minnenwerfer and seven men.

London Gazette 7th November 1918. Page 13177 Position 3.

Commonwealth of Australia Gazette 4th of March 1919. Page 373 Position 21.

Military Cross, British War Medal and Victory Medal in the private collection of Phillip Murphy.

(Studio Photo Peter Beaver, August 2014.)

Family Information

Edward was a single 24 year old University Undergraduate from Ashfield, New South Wales.William and Charlotte Beaver were married in 1876 in Sydney, N.S.W. and had 11 children, 7 boys and 4 girls. William Richard Beaver born 1877 at Balmain, N.S.W. Birth Cert:3601/1877 and died in 1964 at St Leonards, N.S.W. Death Cert:41705/1964. Charles G Beaver born 1878 at Balmain, N.S.W. Birth Cert:3862/1878 and died the same year in 1878 at Balmain, N.S.W. Death Cert:2534/1878. Frank H Beaver born 1879 at Balmain, N.S.W. Birth Cert:4209/1879 and died in 1885 at Ashfield, N.S.W. Death Cert:3448/1885. Charlotte Isabel Beaver born in 1881 at Balmain, N.S.W. Birth Cert:4298/1881 and died the same year in 1881 at Balmain, N.S.W. Death Cert:2533/1881. Reginald Beaver born 1882 at Balmain, N.S.W. Birth Cert:4348/1882 and died the same year in 1882 at Balmain, N.S.W. Death Cert:2760/1882. Gertrude Beaver born 1885 at Ashfield, N.S.W. Birth Cert:5649/1885 and died the same year in 1885 at Ashfield, N.S.W. Death Cert:3352/1885. Edgar Beaver born 1886 at Ashfield, N.S.W. Birth Cert:5939/1886 and died the same year in 1886 at Ashfield, N.S.W. Death Cert:3165/1886. Eric Beaver born 1888 at Ashfield, N.S.W. Birth Cert:5863/1888.-Beatrice Beaver born 1889 at Ashfield, N.S.W. Birth Cert:5630/1889 and died the same year in 1889 at at Ashfield, N.S.W. Death Cert:2937/1889. Edmund Beaver born 1891 at Ashfield, N.S.W. Birth Cert:5001/1891 and died in 1968 at Gosford, N.S.W. Death Cert:44080/1968. (Mabel Beaver) died in 1883 at Balmain, N.S.W. Death Cert:2470/1883. No Birth Record on File.

After compiling these records it is sad to note that 5 of their children may have died at birth and Frank was only 6 year old when he died. Charlotte Ann Beaver died in 1918 at Ashfield, N.S.W. Death Cert:15113/1918 whilst Edmund, her son was serving in France.

William Richard Beaver. (1853-1923)

Charlotte Ann Beaver nee: Roberts. (1851-1918)

Military Records

Commonwealth of Australia (National Archives of Australia)

Under Construction; 14/09/2006-08/02/2020.