Australian Army Medical Corps – The Harrower Collection

Private: 83 Alexander Samuel GAMBLE.

November 12, 2020November 11, 2020 by David Harrower ACM

35th BATTALION- 1st Dermatological Hospital AIF

Private: 83 Alexander Samuel GAMBLE.

Born: 1893. Cooks Hill via Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia. Birth Cert:

Married 1: 1st May 1918. St Osmand's Church, Salisbury, England.

Wife 1: Ada Maude Gamble. nee: Murphy. (1898-30/11/1919) Marriage Cert:

Married 2: Dorothy Louisa Gamble. nee: North. (1891-1968)

Wife 2: 1921. Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia. Marriage Cert:2277/1921.

Died: 16th June 1944. Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia. Death Cert:11033/1944.

Father: William John Gamble. (1864-

Mother: Kate Gamble. nee: Hindman. (1867-1912)

INFORMATION

Remembrance Day, 2020.

2 brothers who served during The Great War are now resting peacefully at Sandgate Cemetery.

“We Once were Lost, but Now are Found”.

Older brother Private William John Gamble, 31st Battalion (Reg No-2134), labourer from Bourke Street, Carrington, New South Wales, born at Cooks Hill, New South Wales 1889 to William John and Kate Gamble nee Hindman, was laid to rest at Sandgate Cemetery on the 27th December 1943, age 54. ANGLICAN 3-166. 28.

Enlisted September 1915 at Newcastle, N.S.W., wounded in action - 20.7.1916 (GSW right shoulder, Battle of Fromelles), returning home May 1919.

William’s name has been inscribed on the Wickham Superior Public School Roll of Honour. Name not inscribed on the Carrington Citizens' Memorial Gates.

For 74 years Mr Gamble had been resting in an unmarked grave, forgotten, so July 2017 I placed a cross adorned with poppies to honour his service for God, King and Country.

An application for a Commonwealth War Graves Plaque, curbing and marble chip submitted January 2019, and was accepted February 2019, completed July 2019.

Honour and dignity restored.

Younger brother Private Alexander Samuel Gamble, 1st Australian Dermatological Hospital (Reg No-83, 35th Battalion), postal assistant & labourer (Arnott's Steam Biscuit Factory, Newcastle, N.S.W.), born at Cooks Hill, New South Wales 1893 to William John and Kate Gamble nee Hindman; husband of Ada Maud Gamble nee Murphy (married 1.5.1918 St Osmond's, Salisbury, United Kingdom, died 1919, sleeping at CATHOLIC 1-27.7, unmarked grave, also married Dorothy Louisa Gamble nee North, married 1921, died 1968), father of two, was laid to rest at Sandgate Cemetery on the 17th June 1944, age 51. PRESBYTERIAN-A14. 53.

Enlisted November 1915 at Newcastle, N.S.W., Alexander was invalided home February 1919.

Alexander’s name has been inscribed on the Wickham Superior Public School Roll of Honour. Name not inscribed on the Carrington Citizens' Memorial Gates.

For 73 years Mr Gamble had been resting in an unmarked grave, forgotten, so July 2017 I placed a cross adorned with poppies to honour his service for God, King and Country.

An application for a Commonwealth War Graves Plaque, curbing and marble chip submitted January 2019, and was accepted June 2019, completed November 2020.

Honour and dignity restored.

If you know of a returned veteran of The Great War resting in an unmarked grave throughout our cemeteries of Newcastle/Hunter Valley, please let me know, so we can begin the journey to have THEIR HONOUR AND DIGNITY RESTORED.

The dead are only ever truly forgotten when they are spoken of no more.

Lest We Forget.

(Gary Mitchell: 11th November 2020)

Military Records

© Commonwealth of Australia (National Archives of Australia)

Under Construction: 11/11/2020.

Private: 11923 James CAPE.

January 7, 2019January 7, 2019 by David Harrower ACM

9th Australian Field Ambulance

Private: 11923 James CAPE.

Born: Chester, England.

Married:

Wife:

Died:

Father:

Mother:

INFORMATION

FAMILY GROUP: Father. Pair: British War Medal 1914-18; Victory Medal 1914-19; Son. Group of Four: 1939-45 Star; Pacific Star; War Medal 1939-45; Australia Service Medal 1939-45. 11923 Pte. J.Cape. 9-F.Amb. A.I.F. on first two medals, NX149496 J.T.Cape on last four medals. All medals impressed. The first medal with some scratches and hairlines, otherwise all medals very fine.

Father: James Cape, wardsman, age 39, born at Chester, England; Enl.17Aug1915 at Warwick Farm, NSW, previous service with Royal Garrison Artillery; TOS 9 F.Amb; Emb.11May1916; served in France and Belgium; invalided to UK 09Feb1919, fractured lower tibia & fibula; RTA 16Jun1919; Disch.04Oct1919 Medically Unfit.

Son: James Thomas Cape, born 09Oct1916 at Laurieton (Herons Creek), NSW; Enl.06Aug1940 in CMF (N10103) and allotted to AASC; Enl.03Aug1942 in AIF (NX149496); Emb.23Nov1944 to New Guinea with 56 Aust Transport Platoon; Disch.02Nov1945 as Sgt ex 56 Aust Transport Platoon (AIF); Died 11Dec1985 at Chester Hill, Sydney, NSW.

Under Construction: 07/01/2019.

Private: 11910 Leslie Norman BLAKENEY.

November 24, 2018November 21, 2018 by David Harrower ACM

9th AUSTRALIAN FIELD AMBULANCE. AIF

Private: 11910 Leslie Norman BLAKENEY.

Born: 1895. Erskinville via Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. Birth Cert:37896/1895 .

Married: 1923. Marrickville, New South Wales, Australia. Marriage Cert:1971/1923 .

Wife: Hilda Ruby Blakeney. nee: Symonds. (1901-1987)

Died: 31st March 1967. Kogarah, New South Wales, Australia. Death Cert:19857/1967 .

Buried: Woronora Cemetery.

Father: Martin John Blakeney.

Mother: Mary Blakeney.

INFORMATION

Leslie Norman Blakeney served with the 4th General Hospital at Randwick, N.S.W. and the 8th Ambulance Medical Corps before he enlisted with the 9th Australian Field Ambulance on the 8th January 1916.

WWI POSTCARD PHOTOGRAPH - 9TH FIELD AMBULANCE SOLDIER - AIF
Postcard photograph of a soldier seated, hatless, wearing a military overcoat and red cross armband.

Postcard bears the handwritten words (apparently written in pencil) - in the bottom right hand corner.
"Your Loving Son, Leslie".
Reverse of postcard bears the following words, also written in pencil.

"Photo taken 4/2/17" - "On Active Service - France 9/2/17"

Addressed to: Mrs M Blakeney, "Elvisa", Barton Avenue, Hurlstone Pk., Sydney, N.S.W.
On the right side of the card is the message:
"Dear Mother, This Photo was taken exactly how I have to go everywhere. You can see it is winter. Rough & Ready, With Love, Leslie"

Leslie returned to Australia on the 19th August 1918.

Leslies post card was sold in November 2018 to a private collector, as the under bidder I was unable to secure it for the Harrower collection.

Family Information

Leslie was a single Railway Porter from Hurlstone Park, N.S.W. upon enlistment with the AIF.

Woronora Cemetery

Military Records

© Commonwealth of Australia (National Archives of Australia)

Under Construction: 21/11/2018.

Private: 1230 Ernest ROUNSLEY.

June 17, 2024November 12, 2018 by David Harrower ACM

35th BATTALION AIF - 9th AUSTRALIAN FIELD AMBULANCE. A.A.M.C.

Private: 1230 Ernest ROUNSLEY.

Born: 1891. Tanfield Lea, Durham, England.

Married: 1921. Hamilton via Newcastle, N.S.W. Marriage Cert:9195/1921.

Wife: Maud (Maudie) Rounsley. nee: Lloyd. (18..-1980)

Died: 9th November 1947. New Lambton via New Castle, New South Wales, Australia. Death Cert:28228/1947.

Father: Eli Rounsley.

Mother: Isabel Rounsley.

INFORMATION

71 years ago today, on the 11th November 1947, Private Ernest Rounsley, 9th Australian Field Ambulance, labourer of Hampton Avenue, Adamstown, New South Wales and 4 Mackie Avenue, New Lambton, N.S.W., father of two, was laid to rest at Sandgate Cemetery, age 56. METHODIST 4-19. 16.

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article134230599

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article134233793

Born at Tanfield Lea, Durham, England about 1891 to Eli and Isabel Rounsley; husband of Maud (Maudie) Rounsley nee Lloyd (married 1921, died 1980), Ernest enlisted January 1916 with the 35th Battalion at Newcastle, N.S.W.

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article137105449

Wounded in action - 28.2.1917, 7.5.1917, 7.5.1918 (GSW right thigh), Ernest returned home August 1919.

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article134866587

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article140979054

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article139436438

His name has been inscribed on the Adamstown Citizens' Memorial (photo, Panel 3), Adamstown Methodist Church Honour Roll, Sulphide Corporation Pty Ltd Cockle Creek Works Roll of Honour and the Adamstown Loyal Pride (126) M.U., I.O.O.F. Roll of Honour - http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article137099947

Adamstown War Memorial

http://sandgate.northerncemeteries.com.au/…/war-…/index.php…

Plaque in New South Wales Garden of Remembrance, Rookwood Cemetery, Sydney.

Lest We Forget.

(Gary Mitchell: 11/11/2018)

Military Records

© Commonwealth of Australia (National Archives of Australia)

Under Construction: 12/11/2018.

Captain: Brian Colden Antill POCKLEY.

October 9, 2017 by David Harrower ACM

Australian Naval & Military Expeditionary Force.

Captain: Brian Colden Antill POCKLEY. M.I.D.

Born: 4th June 1890. North Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. Birth Cert:32196/1890.

Died: 11th September 1914. Killed in Action on Bita Paka Road near Kabakaul, New Guinea.

Father: Francis Arthur Pockley.

Mother: Helen Pockley. nee:.

INFORMATIONStudio portrait of Captain (Capt) Brian Colden Antill Pockley, Australian Army Medical Corps (AAMC), Australian Naval and Military Expeditionary Force (ANMEF). Capt Pockley was killed in action on Bita Paka Road near Kabakaul, 11 September 1914; the first Australian Officer to be killed in the First World War. After they encountered German soldiers on Bita Paka Road, Able Seaman William Williams was shot in the stomach and Pockley had given his red cross armband to another naval serviceman, Stoker Kember, to carry Williams to the rear. This was done to protect the transporting of the wounded Williams; Pockley was shot shortly after. Pockley and Williams were taken back to HMAS Berrima, one of the ships that had carried the Australian force to Rabaul and they both died on board that afternoon. Six Australians were killed and four wounded in the battle of Bita Paka. "Pockley's action in giving up his red cross badge, and thus protecting another man's life at the price of his own, was consonant with the best traditions of the Australian army, and afforded a noble foundation for those of Australian Army Medical Corps in the war,

(S. S. Mackenzie in the Official History, The Australians at Rabaul)

POCKLEY, with Williams, was buried at Herbertshohe cemetery on 11 September 1914. On 11 July 1919 Brian Pockley's remains were reinterred at Rabaul Cemetery on 11 July 1919, with full naval and military honours. In 1950 his grave was among the First World War graves that were relocated to Rabaul War Cemetery (Bita Paka), Papua New Guinea.

Family InformationLieutenant: 5017 John Graham Antill POCKLEY. 33rd Battalion AIF.

Francis and Helen Pockley were married in 1885 at St-Leonards, N.S.W. Marriage Cert:3521/1885 and had 5 children, 3 boys and 2 girls. Phyllis M Antill Pockley born 1886 at St-Leonards, N.S.W. Birth Cert:1264/1886. Francis G Antill Pockley born 1888 at St-Leonards, N.S.W. Birth Cert:13117/1888. Brian Colden Antill Pockley born 1890 at St-Leonards, N.S.W. Birth Cert: 32196/1890 and died in 1914 at New Guinea. John Graham Antill Pockley born 1891 at St-Leonards, N.S.W. Birth Cert:32695/1891 and died in 1918 in France. Helen Dorothy Antill Pockley born 1895 at St-Leonards, N.S.W. Birth Cert:26616/1895 and died in 1964 at Mossvale, N.S.W. Death Cert:11419/1964.

Military Records

Australian National Archives

Under Construction; 07/07/2008-09/10/2017.

Staff Nurse: Sarah Avaline, “Eva” MEARS

November 8, 2017September 13, 2017 by David Harrower ACM

AUSTRALIAN ARMY NURSE

Staff Nurse: Sarah Avaline, “Eva” MEARS

Born: 1883. West Maitland, New South Wales, Australia. Birth Cert:22437/1883.

Married: 1926. Lismore, New South Wales, Australia. Marriage Cert:4499/1926.

Husband: William John Irwin.

Died: 8th June 1968. Maitland Hospital, Maitland, New South Wales, Australia. Death Cert:18367/1968.

Father: William Johnson Mears. (18..-1952)

Mother: Sarah Mears.

INFORMATION

Eva MEARS the sister of Nursing Sister: Minnie MEARS A.R.R.C. trained at Coast Hospital Sydney. She qualified for membership of the Australian Trained Nurses association June 1913. Enlisted 7 June 1917 Embarked 13 September 1917 from Melbourne per ‘Runic’ Returned to Australia 10 June 1919 per 'Marathon’ Appointment Terminated 21 November 1920 Service – Australian Army Nursing Service (AANS) Service location – Egypt and Salonika. Medals – British War Medal and Victory Medal.

(The Maitland Daily Mercury) Thursday 12th June 1919.

Staff-Nurse Eva Mears, daughter of Mrs. W Mears of Oakhampton, who has been absent for about three years, returned to Maitland by the Brisbane Mail last evening, and received a warm welcome at the hands of a considerable gathering of Oakhampton friends. She is suffering from the effects of a serious illness contracted in Salonika when nursing the soldiers, but is able to walk with the aid of a stick. She has been granted four days' leave prior to returning to Randwick Military Hospital for treatment. Miss Mears was welcomed at the station by Mr. H. Brown, president of the Oakhampton Reception and Presentation Committee, Mrs. Wilson, president of the Nurses Comforts Fund, Signaller Don Scobie, on behalf of the returned soldiers, by the Rev. M.L. Johnson of behalf of the Congregation Church and by Messrs. W Ellis and M Scobie, on behalf of friends and neighbours.

Military Records

Under Construction; 13/09/2017.

Nursing Sister: Minnie MEARS

November 8, 2017September 13, 2017 by David Harrower ACM

AUSTRALIAN ARMY NURSING SISTER

SISTER Minnie Victoria MEARS. A.R.R.C.

Born: 1887. West Maitland, New South Wales, Australia. Birth Cert:

Married: 1921 West Maitland, New South Wales, Australia. Marriage Cert:18080/1921.

Husband: William T Hart.

Died: 3rd August 1957. Maitland Hospital, Maitland, New South Wales, Australia. Death Cert:22995/1957.

Father: William Johnson MEARS. (18..-1952)

Mother: Sarah Mears.

Information

Sister Minnie Victoria MEARS ARRC Minnie Mears was born at West Maitland and attended West Maitland Public School. She trained at Maitland Hospital and was night sister at Maitland Hospital before enlisting. Training and experience – Minnie graduated Maitland Hospital and qualified for membership of the Australian Trained Nurses’ Association in 1913. Service – Australian Army Nursing Service (AANS) Service location – Egypt, Salonika and UK Medals and awards – 1914-15 Star, British War Medal, Victory Medal and Associate Royal Red Cross (gazetted 1 January 1919).

Maitland Daily Mercury (NSW: 1894 - 1939), Tuesday 1 July 1919, page 4

Sister Minnie MEARS and Lieutenant: Christopher Kyffin MEARS Welcomed. By the Brisbane mail there returned to West Maitland last evening. Sister Minnie Mears, daughter of Mrs. W. Mears, of Oakhampton-road, and her nephew, Lieut. Kyffin Mears. And despite the bleak wintry weather, there was a great crowd at the station to welcome them. The Salvation Army Band as usual was in attendance, and greeted the home-comers with "Home, Sweet Home." Mr. M. Scobie, on behalf of the Oakhampton Presentation and Reception Committee, welcomed them and apologised for the absence of the Mayoress (Miss Cradknell), Mrs. Wilson, Messrs. H. Brown, A George, and W.A. Ross. Mrs. Rutter spoke for the Nurses Comforts Fund, and congratulated Sister Mears on her decoration. Rev. M. L. Johnson, Congregational Minister, Sapper Scobie on behalf of the returned soldiers, and Adjutant Reeves, of the Salvation Army, also joined in the welcome, which was marked by warm-hearted enthusiasm. Before she volunteered her services, Sister Mears was attached to the staff of the Maitland Hospital, where she was trained and rose to the position of Head sister, and amongst those to welcome her last evening was the matron (Miss Skuthorpe), under whom she studied. Sister and Lieut. Mears were conveyed by motor to Mrs. Mears' residence, Oakhampton-road, where a big crowd had assembled to do them honour. The old home was attractively decorated in red and brown, the work of friends and members of the Nurses Comfort Fund. Sister Mears enlisted in 1914, and after some time in Egypt returned on duty to Sydney. She spent a few months at the Barracks Hospital at Rand-wick, and was then again sent to Egypt, thence to Salonika, where for a time she was acting matron. At the close of the war, she went to England, where she received the decoration of the Royal Red Cross from His Majesty the King. She returned home on the hospital ship, Karola. Lieut. Kyffin Mears is a son of Mr. W. Mears, of Wingham, though he had resided in Maitland for several years prior to enlisting with the 30th Battalion as sergeant. He was only 18 years of age when he sailed for the front. He was promoted on the field in recognition of the faithful service. Before enlisting, he was attached to the West Maitland railway staff, members of which joined heartily in his welcome last evening.

Maitland Daily Mercury (NSW: 1894 - 1939), Wednesday 8 January 1919, page 4

Maitland Nurse Honoured.

In the list of nurses who have been decorated for faithful military service abroad, it is gratifying to note that the name of a Maitland nurse, Sister Minnie Mears, is included. Sister Mears served first in Egypt and later at Salonica, and at one period filled the position of relieving matron. She has now been awarded the Royal Red Cross. Sister Mears is a daughter of Mrs. W. Mears, of Oakhampton. She received her training in the Maitland Hospital, under the present matron, Miss Skuthorpe, who naturally views the honour conferred on her with very much satisfaction. It is also interesting to note that the nurses who were trained at the institution and who volunteered for military service have been spoken of very highly by the matrons and the medical men abroad, which speaks volumes for the system observed at the Maitland Hospital and for the Matron who has been responsible for the training of the bulk of Matron who has been responsible for the training of them, and for the medical men who delivered the lectures.

Family Information

Minnie sister was Staff Nurse: Sarah Avaline, “Eva” MEARS who served with the Australian Army Nursing Service (AANS) Service location – Egypt and Salonika.

Military Records

Under Construction; 13/09/2017.

Lieutenant: 5000-927 John LANG.

October 18, 2022July 22, 2017 by David Harrower ACM

Australian Army Medical Corps - 36th BATTALION - 34th BATTALION - 33rd BATTALION A.I.F.

Lieutenant: 5000-927 John LANG.

Born: 4th August 1884. Browns Building off Pitt Street, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. Birth Cert:2968/1884.

Married: (Partner)

Wife: Lillian Ida Imelda Lang nee: Murphy. (1892-1962)

Died: 18th September 1970. Patonga Beach, Central Coast, New south Wales, Australia.

Father: Joseph Brister Lang. (1845-1909)

Mother: Sarah Anne Lang. nee: Bromhead. (1846-1927)

INFORMATION

John Lang enlisted with the AIF on the 7th June 1915 Service Number 5000 and served with the No: 1 Hospital Transport, Australian Army Medical Corps and embarked from Sydney on board H.M.A.T. A67 "Orsova" on the 14th July 1915. John re enlisted with the service number 927 with C Company 36th Battalion and embarked again from Sydney this time on board H.M.A.T A72 "Beltana"

4th April 1918.

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.

Posted 03 Feb 2013 by Francis Lynn

John Lang, joined the Army at the beginning of World War I. He was a corporal when he enlisted and rose through the ranks to Lieutenant in 1917.

He served in 3 different Battalions during the war years they were the 34th Battalion.

1st Australian Imperial Force, 3 Division, 9 Brigade, saw action in the Battle of Amiens, Battle of Messines, Battle of Villers Bretonneaux, First Battle for Passchendaele, German Spring Offensive, St. Quentin Canal and Ypres.

Battle Honours, Messsines 1917, Ypres 1917, Polygon Wood, Broodseinde, Poelcappelle, Passchendaele, Somme 1918, Ancre 1918, Amiens, Albert 1918 and Mont St Quentin.

35th Battalion

1st Australian Imperial Force, 3 Division, 9 Brigade saw action in the Battle of Amiens, Battle of Messines, Battle of Villers Bretonneaux, Firts Battle for Passchendaele, German Spring Offensive, St. Quentin Canal, Ypres.

Battle Honours, Messines 1917, Ypres 1917 Polygon Wood, Broodseinde, Poelcappelle, Passchendaele, Somme 1918, Ancre 1918, Amiens, Albert 1918.

During his term with this Battallion he received severe gunshot wounds to his left shoulder and his chest. He was in a serious condition and was sent to the Hospital Ship SS Karoola and sent to England for treatment. He convalesced in England for several months and then returned to his Battalion.

He suffered another gunshot wound and was sent again to England for treatment and repatriation. He returned to his Battalion and served until the end of the war.

He was discharged in 1919.

Family Information

John was a single 31 year old Clerk from "Taunton" Victoria Avenue, Chatswood, N.S.W. upon enlistment. John served with the 25th Inf Btn (City of Sydney, Scottish Rifles) for 4 years. He was still serving with the A.I.F. when he enlisted with the 36th Battalion A.I.F.

Joseph Brister Lang. (1845-1909) - Sarah Anne Lang. nee: Bromhead. (1846-1927)

Joseph Lang. Sydney Hospital Minutes.

Mary Lang - John Lang (1884-1970)

Lillian Ida Imelda Lang nee: Murphy. (1892-1962)

Military Records

World War 1 Records

Under Construction; 14/03/2015-18/10/2022.

Major: Albert Tange DUNLOP. D.S.O.

October 18, 2022July 20, 2017 by David Harrower ACM

9th BRIGADE HEADQUARTERS. - Australian Army Medical Corps.

Major: Albert Tange DUNLOP. D.S.O.

Born: 26th January 1890. Ipswich, Queensland, Australia.

Married: 24th October 1926. Darlinghurst via Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.

Wife: Kathleen Gordon Dunlop. nee: Joske. (1901-2007)

Died: 19th August 1981. Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia.

Father: Albert William Dunlop. (1858-1917)

Mother: Laura Helen Dunlop. nee: Tange. (1863-1932)

INFORMATION

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)

Private: 2179 Denis "Denny" SHERRY. 36th BN AIF. Killed in Action 12/04/1918. Villers-Bretonneaux, France.

Private: 1257 William Halkyn WESTWOOD. 36th BN AIF. Killed in Action 12/04/1918. Villers-Bretonneaux, France.

Major: Francis George GRANT. D.S.O. 33rd Battalion and Major: Albert DUNLOP of 9th Brigade Headquarters, brought the Battalion out the billets above mentioned and "handed over" to Lieutenant Colonel: Harold Fletcher WHITE. C.M.G. D.S.O. Croix de Guerre

Family Information

Military Records

(Australian National Archives)

Under Construction: 18/04/2015-18/10/2022.

Second Lieutenant: 11970 Charles Oswald HAMBLIN.

March 8, 2017 by David Harrower ACM

9th AUSTRALIAN FIELD AMBULANCE 34th BATTALION A.I.F.

Lieutenant: 11970 Charles Oswald HAMBLIN.

Born: 1893 Bathurst, New South Wales, Australia. Birth Cert:.

INFORMATION

Charles Oswald Hamblin served with the Sydney University Scouts before he enlisted with the AIF at Holsworthy N.S.W. and was allocated to the 9th Australian Field Ambulance, B Section on the 9th September 1915 and embarked from Sydney on board HMAT A24 "Benalla" on the 1st May 1916. Returned to Australia on the 11th May 1919.

Family Information

Charles was a single 22 year old Cadet with the Department of Agriculture and lived at 18 Woodburry Street, Marrickville, N.S.W upon enlistment.

3rd October 1919.

Sydney Morning Herald

A Wedding was celebrated on Thursday afternoon, September 25th at St James church, Turramurra, when Millicent Ivy, eldest daughter of Mr and Mrs A Stanton Cook, of Chasecote, Turramurra, was married to Captain Walter Emra Kingscote BURKITT Chaplain, 33rd Battalion A.I.F son of Mr and Mrs Walter Burkitt of Mosman. The ceremony was performed by the Reverend Ronald Cameron, assisted by the Reverend Raymond King. The bride was given away by her father, and wore a simple costume of white Georgette over satin, embroidered in pearls, and a veil of Limerick lace lent by Mrs G Stanton cook. The bridesmaids were Misses Tessa and Joan Stanton Cook and Miss Jessie Burkitt, sisters respectively of the bride and bridegroom.

They wore frocks of daintily coloured Georgette with black tulle hats. The groomsmen were Lieutenant: 11970 Charles Oswald HAMBLIN 34th Battalion A.I.F. Lieutenant: 916 "Bert" Robert Cecil KING. M.C. 33rd Battalion A.I.F.and Lance Corporal: 12039 William PEARSON 3rd Australian Field Ambulance. All recently returned from active service. After the ceremony the guests were received by the bride's parents at Chasecote, when musical items by Mr Marcus and Miss Marjory Burkitt were contributed. Later Captain and Mrs Burkitt left for Kosciusko.

Military Records

World War 1 Records