Donations and Contributions

Private: 2143 Raymond Thomas WHARTON

by

36th BATTALION - 35th BATTALION AIF

Private: 2143 Raymond Thomas WHARTON

Born: 15th March 1897. Redfern via Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. Birth Cert:15855/1897.

Married: 22nd August 1925. New Lambton via Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia. Marriage Cert:11672/1925.

Wife: Evelyn Wharton. nee: Ford. (1909-1988)

Died: 24th April 1969. Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia. Death Cert:24563/1969.

Father: James Wharton. (1868-1912)

Mother: Mary "Minnie" Ellen Wharton. nee: Rawlings. (1863-1946)

INFORMATION

Served during The Great War, resting at Sandgate Cemetery, not forgotten.
Private: 2143 Raymond Thomas WHARTON - Lance Corporal: 2139 Sydney SOUTHERN
53 years ago today, on the 7th May 1969, Private Raymond Thomas Wharton, 35th Battalion, butcher from 40 Eveleigh Street, Redfern, New South Wales and 10 Dickinson Street, Charlestown, N.S.W. (1933) and 14 Bishopsgate Street, Wickham, N.S.W. (1936) and High Street, Tenterfield, N.S.W. (1936) and South Gippsland, Victoria (1936) and Cairns, North Queensland (1938) and Surfers Paradise, Queensland and 3 Hexham Street, Kahibah, N.S.W. (1966), father of five, was laid to rest at Sandgate Cemetery, age 72. CATHOLIC 3-95. 134.
Sandgate Cemetery
Born at Sydney, New South Wales on the 15th March 1897 to James and Minnie Wharton; husband of Evelyn Wharton nee Ford (married 1925, New Lambton, N.S.W., divorced 1941, died 1988, Parkes Cemetery of 16 Second Street, Lambton, N.S.W.), Raymond enlisted April 1916 with the 36th Battalion at the Sports Ground, Sydney, N.S.W.
Admitted to hospital 15.2.1918 (not stated).
Wounded in action - 6.5.1918 (GSW buttock, left leg, left foot).
Raymond returned home March 1919, being discharged medically unfit on the 23rd May 1919.
I have not located Mr. Wharton’s name inscribed on any known War Memorial or Roll of Honour.
I placed a cross adorned with poppies on the gravesite January 2020 in remembrance of his service and sacrifice for God, King & Country.
Mr. Wharton’s gravesite had been attended to at some stage, an old cross with timber surrounds, not forgotten by descendants, would love to make contact.
Also served WW2 (1st Garrison Battalion, Q50710, enlisted 25.1.1941, discharged 7.10.1941).
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article247816294 - amazing story of Ray hitch-hiking to camp from Victoria!
Lest We Forget.
Gary Mitchell: May 2022.

7th June 1917.

THE BATTLE OF MESSINES

The 3rd Australian Divisions first major offensive was at Messines Ridge on the 7th June 1917. The Australian 3rd Division was a part of the II Anzac Corps which was allotted to the first assault. The 25th New Zealand, 3rd Australian Division with the 4th Australian Division in reserve. The 4th Division were battle hardened troops who had fought many major battles. The 3rd Australian Division were having problems getting to the "jump off" point. The day before the 9th and 10th Infantry Brigades were bombarded by German Gas-Shells around Hill 63 and Ploegsteert Wood. Many of the Aussies were not wearing gas masks, but despite this they pressed on even though they received 500 casualties.

They made it to the "jump off" point but only just with some of the men from the 9th and 10th going straight over the top without stopping. The mines went up and the attack commenced behind a protective barrage. The II Anzac Corps were attacking on the right with their objective being the southern shoulder of the ridge which included Messines, the Dover and St Yves areas as far south to the east of Ploegsteert Wood.

Major General Sir John MONASH's 3rd Division had to contend with a tricky 3 mile approach out of Ploegsteert Wood and after the German gas attack, but they were not deterred. The 9th Infantry Brigade under Brigadier General: Alexander JOBSON and the 10th Infantry Brigade under Brigadier General W R NICHOLL had just made the jumping off point but some of the men did not stop, going straight into the assault from the approach march.

Their objective lay between St Yves and the Douve. The mines at Trench 127 and Trench 12 at Factory Farm were laid to aid this task. The explosions erupted a few seconds before zero hour and created craters of 200 feet in diameter, completely obliterating the German defence line as the 9th and 10th Infantry Brigades went over the top. The mine crates forced the 9th and 10th Brigades to veer to the left and right which caused some confusion with the main assault. It is testimony to the quality of training that every man knew the ground, tasks and objectives so well.

Private: 1804 John CARROLL 33rd Battalion, rushed the enemy's trench and bayoneted four of the German occupants. He then noticed a comrade in difficulties and went to his assistance, killing another German. He then attacked single handed a German Machine Gun Team, killing all three of them and capturing the gun. He later rescued two of his comrades who had been buried alive by German Shell Fire, and in spite of heavy shelling and machine gun fire he dug them out alive and saved them from certain death. John was awarded the Victoria Cross.

The German forward zone was completely engulfed and taken by the main assault. The two supporting battalions of each brigade then passed the leading battalion to continue the advance. The men were constantly re-supplied and the ridge was taken. There were many German prisoners taken during the offensive. The 3rd Division was well ahead with the 9th Infantry Brigade pushing on beyond Grey Farm, and on the right the 10th Infantry Brigade were veering left towards Septieme Barn north of Douve.

The German resistance was heavy but was generally brushed aside by tanks and artillery before the infantry had to become too involved. The 4th Bavarian Divisions Artillery had made little impact, but as the day wore on the 3rd Division and later the 4th Australian Division received many casualties from German artillery. (70% of all casualties during WW1 were from artillery).

By 9:00am nearly 6 hours after the assault began the Germans were in disarray, but there was a major problem as the Australians received less casualties as anticipated and when ordered to dig into the ridge they had so many men, that some could not find shelter. the 35th battalion were dug in around Seaforth Farm.

The second phase of the operation was to take the Oosttaverne Line. The 3rd Australian Division would now be in reserve with the 4th Division attacking. The 9th Infantry Brigade (33-34-35-36Bn) were near Thatched Cottage facing Warneton. The river Lys was to their right and the Ploegsteert Wood was now behind them.

Once their objectives were taken the troops consolidated. A barrage to stop and counter attack was shortened and caught three battalions which had to retire. By 9:00 pm this part of the Oosttaverne Line was abandoned. At 10:45 pm General: Alexander John GODLEY ordered the 3rd and 4th Divisions to retake it. This they did by the early hours of the 8th of June.

The Battle for Messines Ridge during May-June 1917 saw 35 officers and 1,631 other ranks loose their lives.

9th Infantry Brigade Casualties.

33rd Battalion. AIF 8 Officers 382 Other ranks
34th Battalion. AIF 10 Officers 378 Other ranks
35th Battalion. AIF 5 Officers 431 Other ranks
36th Battalion. AIF 9 Officers 421 Other ranks
9th Machine Gun Company. AIF 2 Officer 17 Other ranks
9th Light Trench Mortar Battery. 1 Officer 2 Other ranks

Field Dressing Station, Messines 07/06/1917

FIELD DRESSING STATION, MESSINES 7th June 1917. 

Family Information
Ray was a single 19 year old Butcher from 40 Eveleigh Street, Redfern, New South Wales upon his enlistment with the AIF. Ray served during World War 2 in New South Wales and Queensland.
Military Records
© Commonwealth of Australia (National Archives of Australia)

Under Construction: 09/05/2022-10/05/2022.

Private: 101 William HOWLETT.

by

35th BATTALION AIF

Private: 101 William HOWLETT.

Born: 1885. Carlisle, England.

Married: 1912. Church of England Church, Cessnock, New South Wales, Australia. Marriage Cert:5451/1912.

Wife: Flora Howlett. nee: Cameron. (1873-1949)

Died: 20th July 1917. Killed in Action, Messines, Belgium.

Father: Henry Arthur Howlett. (1841-1904)

Mother: Elizabeth Renwick Howlett. nee: Huddart. (1849-1899)

INFORMATION

William Howlett enlisted with the AIF on the 27th November 1915 at the Broadmeadow Army Camp where he was allocated to A Company 35th Battalion before be was sent to the West Maitland Camp on the 29th. 

Rutherford Army Camp, West Maitland 1916

He embarked on board HMAT A24 "Benalla" from Sydney on the 1st May 1916 with 28 Officers and 991 other ranks. William was marched into the 9th Training Battalion at the Durrington Army Camp at Lark Hill. He proceeded overseas with the 9th Infantry Brigade on the 21st November 1916. William was detached to the Rail Construction Depot at West Cappel on the 7th of January 1917  followed by Private: 2063 Albert James DONOVAN 35th Battalion a few week later. William returned from his detachment and re-joined the 35th Battalion on the 10th February 1917.

7th June 1917.

THE BATTLE OF MESSINES

The 3rd Australian Divisions first major offensive was at Messines Ridge on the 7th June 1917. The Australian 3rd Division was a part of the II Anzac Corps which was allotted to the first assault. The 25th New Zealand, 3rd Australian Division with the 4th Australian Division in reserve. The 4th Division were battle hardened troops who had fought many major battles. The 3rd Australian Division were having problems getting to the "jump off" point. The day before the 9th and 10th Infantry Brigades were bombarded by German Gas-Shells around Hill 63 and Ploegsteert Wood. Many of the Aussies were not wearing gas masks, but despite this they pressed on even though they received 500 casualties.

They made it to the "jump off" point but only just with some of the men from the 9th and 10th going straight over the top without stopping. The mines went up and the attack commenced behind a protective barrage. The II Anzac Corps were attacking on the right with their objective being the southern shoulder of the ridge which included Messines, the Dover and St Yves areas as far south to the east of Ploegsteert Wood.

Major General Sir John MONASH's 3rd Division had to contend with a tricky 3 mile approach out of Ploegsteert Wood and after the German gas attack, but they were not deterred. The 9th Infantry Brigade under Brigadier General: Alexander JOBSON and the 10th Infantry Brigade under Brigadier General W R NICHOLL had just made the jumping off point but some of the men did not stop, going straight into the assault from the approach march.

Their objective lay between St Yves and the Douve. The mines at Trench 127 and Trench 12 at Factory Farm were laid to aid this task. The explosions erupted a few seconds before zero hour and created craters of 200 feet in diameter, completely obliterating the German defense line as the 9th and 10th Infantry Brigades went over the top. The mine crates forced the 9th and 10th Brigades to veer to the left and right which caused some confusion with the main assault. It is testimony to the quality of training that every man knew the ground, tasks and objectives so well.

Private: 1804 John CARROLL 33rd Battalion, rushed the enemy's trench and bayoneted four of the German occupants. He then noticed a comrade in difficulties and went to his assistance, killing another German. He then attacked single handed a German Machine Gun Team, killing all three of them and capturing the gun. He later rescued two of his comrades who had been buried alive by German Shell Fire, and in spite of heavy shelling and machine gun fire he dug them out alive and saved them from certain death. John was awarded the Victoria Cross.

The German forward zone was completely engulfed and taken by the main assault. The two supporting battalions of each brigade then passed the leading battalion to continue the advance. The men were constantly re-supplied and the ridge was taken. There were many German prisoners taken during the offensive. The 3rd Division was well ahead with the 9th Infantry Brigade pushing on beyond Grey Farm, and on the right the 10th Infantry Brigade were veering left towards Septieme Barn north of Douve.

The German resistance was heavy but was generally brushed aside by tanks and artillery before the infantry had to become too involved. The 4th Bavarian Divisions Artillery had made little impact, but as the day wore on the 3rd Division and later the 4th Australian Division received many casualties from German artillery. (70% of all casualties during WW1 were from artillery).

By 9:00am nearly 6 hours after the assault began the Germans were in disarray, but there was a major problem as the Australians received less casualties as anticipated and when ordered to dig into the ridge they had so many men, that some could not find shelter. the 35th battalion were dug in around Seaforth Farm.

The second phase of the operation was to take the Oosttaverne Line. The 3rd Australian Division would now be in reserve with the 4th Division attacking. The 9th Infantry Brigade (33-34-35-36Bn) were near Thatched Cottage facing Warneton. The river Lys was to their right and the Ploegsteert Wood was now behind them.

Once their objectives were taken the troops consolidated. A barrage to stop and counter attack was shortened and caught three battalions which had to retire. By 9:00 pm this part of the Oosttaverne Line was abandoned. At 10:45 pm General: Alexander John GODLEY ordered the 3rd and 4th Divisions to retake it. This they did by the early hours of the 8th of June.

The Battle for Messines Ridge during May-June 1917 saw 35 officers and 1,631 other ranks loose their lives.

9th Infantry Brigade Casualties.

33rd Battalion. AIF 8 Officers 382 Other ranks
34th Battalion. AIF 10 Officers 378 Other ranks
35th Battalion. AIF 5 Officers 431 Other ranks
36th Battalion. AIF 9 Officers 421 Other ranks
9th Machine Gun Company. AIF 2 Officer 17 Other ranks
9th Light Trench Mortar Battery. 1 Officer 2 Other ranks

Field Dressing Station, Messines 07/06/1917

FIELD DRESSING STATION, MESSINES 7th June 1917. 

William was treated by the 9th Australian Field Ambulance on the 23rd June for Bunions and was evacuated to the Field Dressing Room Station at Messines for further treatment where he spent the next in Convalescence and re-joined his unit on the 2nd July. A few days later he was again treated by the 9th Australian Field Ambulance, this time he was suffering from Corns and was once again evacuated to the Field Dressing Room Station at Messines for further treatment. 

 1st-7th July 1917. MESSINES.

35th Battalion occupied Support Trenches just S West of MESSINES (The Brigade being in Support) The Battalion HQ was established in our old front line. Enemy was fairly quiet except for Counter Battery work which was very constant. During this time men were constantly employed digging and improving communication trenches towards the new front line. On 1/7/17, 2 Lieutenant: Mortimer Eustace LYNE was wounded by a shell entering his dugout. Captain: Frank Harold JARRETT was wounded on the 5/7/17 by a piece of shell entering his dugout. He died of wounds received at 2:00 pm in the Main Dressing Station on the same date.

(35th Battalion War Diary)

19th July 1917.

William re joined A Company 35th Battalion AIF in front line Messines Sector when Lieutenant: Wynter Wallace WARDEN was wounded whilst supervising transport of rations over Messines Ridge. The next day William was Killed in Action at Messines and is remembered with honour and is commemorated in perpetuity by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission at the Bethleem Farm West Cemetery, Flanders, Belgium.

Bethleem Farm West Cemetery, Flanders, Belgium

Cessnock War Memorial

Cessnock Eagle and South Maitland Recorder (NSW : 1913 - 1954), Friday 22 February 1918, page 1

List of Cessnock District Soldiers Killed or Died of Wounds.

Lance-Corpl. John Anderson Pte. Leslie Andrews. Pte. Frederick Brown Pte. Henry Brown Pte. Robert J. Brennan Pte. Robert Baillie Pte. Wm. Baillie Gnr. Henry Cherry Lance-Corpl. M. Carroll Pte. Sidney L. Campion Pte. Clifford R. Davies Corpl. David S. Dunlop Tpr. Arthur W. Drlnkwater Tpr. Harold Ling Pte. Wm. Lamb Pte. Cyril E. Edmunds Lance-CorpL David Evans Pte. P. Egan Pty.-Officer Mortimer Froude Gnr. Wm. Graham Pte. Thos. Grant Pte. Wm. Gaynor Pte. F. D. Grimson Pte. Frank C. Howard Pte. Richard Hill, jun. Pte. Thos. Jackson Sergt. Peter Clarke Kibble, D.C.M. Pte. Stanley Kaiser Pte. Russell Kempe Pte. John Marshall Pte. A. F. Mayne Pte. Karl Matthews Lance-Corpl T. Morrison Lance-Copl. Leslie L. McGann Pte. Jas. McFarlane Pte. Roy Alexander McMillan Lance-Corpl. Richard King Pte. Alan O'Neill Pte. George Platt Pte. Frank H. Pickering Pte. Roland Pickering Tpr. Mark Reid Pte. Arthur Ralston Pte. Wm. E. Steadman Gnr. Edmund Slater Pte. Leslie Sneddon Pte. Chas. Smith Lieut. Eric D. Simmons Pte. Samuel Stapleford Captain Garnet Tinson Pte. Frank Villis Pte. Stanley Villis Pte. Henry Wills Pte. C. R. Wotton Pte. Walter Woodland Lance-CorpL Leslie W. Wilson Pte. Wm. Wilson Pte. Jack McGtane Pte. Toney Flynn Pte. Thomas J Rowe Pte. R. Donald Pte. R. Brown Corpl. T. G. Coxall Pte. William Russell Pte. Henry Phee Pte. William Howlett Pte. Dudley Parker Pte. John Mclnnes Pte. A. H. Parkinson Pte. Peter Inglis Private S. Hatfield Pte. A. Corkett Cpl. W. A. Diplock Lance-Sergt. W. A. Roberts (M.M.) Pte. Darwood Gunner H. T. Furner Pte. D. Anderson. Pte. W H Griffiths Pte J. Muir Pte D. McRae Pte R. Knight Pte. C. Sams Gnr, W. Willi Pte. W. Ingle Pte. J. Love Pte. John Henry Fairhall Pte. A. Weir

Family Information

William was a married 30 year old Miner at the Cessnock No: 2 Colliery and lived at Vincent Street, Cessnock, N.S.W. upon his enlistment with the AIF. William immigrated from Carlisle, England to Australia and married Flora Cameron in 1912 at Cessnock New South Wales. They had 1 son Henry William Cameron Howlett (1913-1992)

Church of England Church, Cessnock, New South Wales.

Flora Howlett. nee: Cameron. (1873-1949)

Born in 1913, Harry Howlett played Dr Barnes in the WAC's first production of Waiting for Lefty in January 1936, followed by Ernst in Till The Day I Die 1936, Paradise Lost 1936, Squaring the Circle 1936, J Carlyle Benson in Boy Meets Girl 1937, Bury The Dead 1937, the original Money Power in Where’s That Bomb? 1937, Behind the Scenes 1937, The Brave and the Blind 1938, and a repeat of Where’s That Bomb? 1938.

In the 1930s he also acted in a Burwood-Strathfield Players Club variety show 1931, with Mayne Lynton in a Nellie Stewart memorial at the Theatre Royal 1934, in Leonardo Players’ Lucrece at the Savoy 1935, Electra with Rosalind Spence in the title role at the Conservatorium 1936 and in the Independent Theatre’s Winterset and Judgment Day 1938.

In January 1939 Howlett, living at Homebush, was seriously injured as a passenger in a car which capsized at Emu Plains. By this time, working with Peter Finch and other ABC radio artists, he gave his profession as actor. He acted in Lux Radio Theatre, wrote scripts for 2GB Macquarie Radio Theatre and the science fiction serial Rocky Starr, and co-wrote The Air Adventures of Biggles and The Three Diggers. According to Eddie Allison, he was head of TV for Catholic Broadcasting.

In 1939 Henry William Cameron Howlett married Beatrice Mary Keane at Burwood, after which they lived in New Zealand. By 1954 they were back in Sydney, market gardening at Castle Hill and had written a radio serial The Mary Jane about the paddle steamer days on the Murray River, based on reminiscences of “old timers” in the district.

New Theatre History

May 2022.

Hello to all

I live in Carlisle, England and had a Gt Gt Uncle killed July 17th 1917 in Belgium. He emigrated to Australia from Carlisle, married and had one son before he joined up into the 35th Battalion. He was called William Howlett, service number 101 from Newcastle. Occupation was a miner. He left Australia aboard the “Benalla” on 1st May 1916. I have noticed the above message regarding the “Benalla”, wonder if those two men knew each other ?

I have his service records etc from the brilliant NAA found by someone. I have a civilian photo of him but would love a photo of him in uniform, if there is one.

Thank you in advance and great work by the way.

Ivor Norman.. (Photos: Ivor Norman: ancestry.com)

Military Records

© Commonwealth of Australia (National Archives of Australia)

Under Construction: 04/05/2022-05/05/2022.

Private: 1929 Bertie Albert PRATT.

by

35th BATTALION AIF

Private: 1929 Bertie Albert PRATT.

Born: 1891. Winston, England. 

Married: 1920. Marrickville, New South Wales, Australia. Marriage Cert:2736/1920.

Wife: Dorothy Lena Pratt. nee: Aldous. (1899-1987) Died at Bexley, N.S.W. Death Cert:8757/1987.

Died: 21st December 1972. Kogarah, New South Wales, Australia. Death Cert:43325/1973.

Father: William Pratt. (1857-19..)

Mother: Caroline Maria Pratt. nee: 1853-1937)

INFORMATION

Bertie Pratt enlisted with the AIF at the Royal Agricultural Showground in Sydney where he was entrained to the Goulburn Army Camp where he was allocated to C Company Depot Battalion before being transferred to the Rutherford Amp Depot on the 1st Mat 1916 where he was allocated to the 2nd Reinforcements 35th Battalion AIF.

2nd Reinforcements 35th Battalion AIF 1916.

The 2nd Reinforcements left from Rutherford Army Camp and Marched to Farley Station on the 3rd September where they boarded for Sydney. After they arrived at Central Station they disembarked and march to the Royal Agricultural Show Ground where they received their kits and prepared for the voyage the next day.

2nd Reinforcements leaving Farley Station for Sydney 3rd September 1916.

Bertie with the Reinforcements boarded HMAT A15 "Port Sydney" at the Woolloomooloo Finger Wharf on the 4th September 1916 for England and disembarked at Plymouth England on the 29th October 1916. 

The 35th Reinforcements proceeded overseas for France on the 20th December 1916 on board the "Princess Victoria" and disembarked the next morning. 

7th June 1917.

THE BATTLE OF MESSINES

The 3rd Australian Divisions first major offensive was at Messines Ridge on the 7th June 1917. The Australian 3rd Division was a part of the II Anzac Corps which was allotted to the first assault. The 25th New Zealand, 3rd Australian Division with the 4th Australian Division in reserve. The 4th Division were battle hardened troops who had fought many major battles. The 3rd Australian Division were having problems getting to the "jump off" point. The day before the 9th and 10th Infantry Brigades were bombarded by German Gas-Shells around Hill 63 and Ploegsteert Wood. Many of the Aussies were not wearing gas masks, but despite this they pressed on even though they received 500 casualties.

They made it to the "jump off" point but only just with some of the men from the 9th and 10th going straight over the top without stopping. The mines went up and the attack commenced behind a protective barrage. The II Anzac Corps were attacking on the right with their objective being the southern shoulder of the ridge which included Messines, the Dover and St Yves areas as far south to the east of Ploegsteert Wood.

Major General Sir John MONASH's 3rd Division had to contend with a tricky 3 mile approach out of Ploegsteert Wood and after the German gas attack, but they were not deterred. The 9th Infantry Brigade under Brigadier General: Alexander JOBSON and the 10th Infantry Brigade under Brigadier General W R NICHOLL had just made the jumping off point but some of the men did not stop, going straight into the assault from the approach march.

Their objective lay between St Yves and the Douve. The mines at Trench 127 and Trench 12 at Factory Farm were laid to aid this task. The explosions erupted a few seconds before zero hour and created craters of 200 feet in diameter, completely obliterating the German defence line as the 9th and 10th Infantry Brigades went over the top. The mine crates forced the 9th and 10th Brigades to veer to the left and right which caused some confusion with the main assault. It is testimony to the quality of training that every man knew the ground, tasks and objectives so well.

Private: 1804 John CARROLL 33rd Battalion, rushed the enemy's trench and bayoneted four of the German occupants. He then noticed a comrade in difficulties and went to his assistance, killing another German. He then attacked single handed a German Machine Gun Team, killing all three of them and capturing the gun. He later rescued two of his comrades who had been buried alive by German Shell Fire, and in spite of heavy shelling and machine gun fire he dug them out alive and saved them from certain death. John was awarded the Victoria Cross.

The German forward zone was completely engulfed and taken by the main assault. The two supporting battalions of each brigade then passed the leading battalion to continue the advance. The men were constantly re-supplied and the ridge was taken. There were many German prisoners taken during the offensive. The 3rd Division was well ahead with the 9th Infantry Brigade pushing on beyond Grey Farm, and on the right the 10th Infantry Brigade were veering left towards Septieme Barn north of Douve.

The German resistance was heavy but was generally brushed aside by tanks and artillery before the infantry had to become too involved. The 4th Bavarian Divisions Artillery had made little impact, but as the day wore on the 3rd Division and later the 4th Australian Division received many casualties from German artillery. (70% of all casualties during WW1 were from artillery).

By 9:00am nearly 6 hours after the assault began the Germans were in disarray, but there was a major problem as the Australians received less casualties as anticipated and when ordered to dig into the ridge they had so many men, that some could not find shelter. the 35th battalion were dug in around Seaforth Farm.

The second phase of the operation was to take the Oosttaverne Line. The 3rd Australian Division would now be in reserve with the 4th Division attacking. The 9th Infantry Brigade (33-34-35-36Bn) were near Thatched Cottage facing Warneton. The river Lys was to their right and the Ploegsteert Wood was now behind them.

Once their objectives were taken the troops consolidated. A barrage to stop and counter attack was shortened and caught three battalions which had to retire. By 9:00 pm this part of the Oosttaverne Line was abandoned. At 10:45 pm General: Alexander John GODLEY ordered the 3rd and 4th Divisions to retake it. This they did by the early hours of the 8th of June.

The Battle for Messines Ridge during May-June 1917 saw 35 officers and 1,631 other ranks loose their lives.

9th Infantry Brigade Casualties.

33rd Battalion. AIF 8 Officers 382 Other ranks
34th Battalion. AIF 10 Officers 378 Other ranks
35th Battalion. AIF 5 Officers 431 Other ranks
36th Battalion. AIF 9 Officers 421 Other ranks
9th Machine Gun Company. AIF 2 Officer 17 Other ranks
9th Light Trench Mortar Battery. 1 Officer 2 Other ranks

Field Dressing Station, Messines 07/06/1917

FIELD DRESSING STATION, MESSINES 7th June 1917. 

Bertie was Wounded in Action on the 10th June 1917 after the main action at Messines where he received a Gun Shot Wound to his Left Leg. He was treated by the 6th Australian Field Ambulance in the field as his Left Leg had been shattered. Bertie was evacuated by Stretcher Bearers to the Casualty Clearing Station for further treatment and to stabilise his condition before he was transferred to the 13th General Hospital at Boulogne. Bertie had his Left Leg Amputated before his transfer to the 14th General Hospital at Wimereaux. Bertie was invalided to England on board the "Jan Breydel" on the 20th June 1916 where he was admitted to the Suffolk Hospital. 

Private: 1929 Bertie Albert PRATT. Far Left. (Possibly at the Suffolk Hospital)

Bertie was transferred to the Shrubland Park Auxiliary Hospital at Ipswich on the 8th September 1917 

Private: 1929 Bertie Albert PRATT. Far Left seated on cannon. (Possibly Shrubland Park Auxiliary Hospital)

On the 9th October 1917, Bertie was again transferred to the 2nd Auxiliary Hospital at Southall where he remained until he was granted a furlo from the 23rd October until the 6th November. He returned to Southall and was granted another furlo from the 12th February until the 26th February 1918 and again from the 11th April until the 25th April 1918. His last furlo was from the 27th April until the 11th May 1918.

Private: 1929 Bertie Albert PRATT. (1891-1972)

Private: 1929 Bertie Albert PRATT. (1918 prior to his embarking from England. Note: wound badge on left sleeve)

Bertie returned to Australia on board the Australian Hospital Ship "Kanowna" embarking from England on the 30th June 1918.

His Majesty's Australian Hospital Ship "KANOWNA"

No: 2 Australian Hospital Ship "Kanowna" Voyage No: 9. 3rd August 1918.

Bertie disembarked in Australia on the 4th September 1918.

1929 Private Bertie Pratt. 35th Battalion AIF. Discharge Certificate. 22nd November 1918.

Bertie was discharged from the AIF on the on the 22nd November 1918 as being Medically Unfit for Active Service 

Bertie's War Medal: 51006 and Victory Medal: 52373 to PTE B PRATT. 35 BN AIF are in the possession of his Great Nephew David Nugent. (March 2022)

Family Information

Bertie was a single 24 year old Railway Employee from 6 Jubilee Street, Lewisham, N.S.W. upon his enlistment with the AIF.  His brother Arthur was recorded as his next of kin. 

Bertie was cremated and his ashes were placed in the Wall of Memory AIF at Woronora Memorial Park. Row 14 GG Plot 0063.

(Photos Courtesy of David Nugent: March 2022)

Military Records

© Commonwealth of Australia (National Archives of Australia)

Under Construction: 26/03/2022-04/04/2022.

Private: 1709 Roy Clifford WOLFENDEN

by

36th BATTALION AIF

Private: 1709 Roy Clifford WOLFENDEN

Born:  16th April 1896. Nundle, New South Wales, Australia. Birth Cert:15092/1896.

Died: 27th of March 1918. Died of Disease. France.

Father: John Wolfenden. (1842-1922) Died at Nundle, N.S.W. Death Cert:14187/1922.

Mother: Martha Lovedale Wolfenden. nee: Sullivan. (1850-30/09/1902) Died at Nundle, N.S.W. Death Cert:15139/1902

INFORMATION

No.1709 Roy Clifford WOLFENDEN was almost 20 years of age when he enlisted in the AIF on the 31st of March 1916. He was working as a Labourer at Nundle in NSW and nominated his Father as his next-of-kin and his Sister as the beneficiary of his Will.
He embarked from Australia as a member of the 1st Reinforcements to the 36th Battalion, which departed Sydney on board the HMAT (A72) Beltana on the 13th of May 1916 and arrived at Plymouth in England on the 9th of July. On arrival, the Battalion and Reinforcements travelled by train to Lark Hill in Wiltshire, where the joined the other Units that made up the 9th Brigade of the new 3rd Australian Division. They were then all given four days Disembarkation-Leave prior to commencing training.
The Battalion now became part of the 9th Infantry Brigade (33rd, 34th, 35th, and 36th Infantry Battalions, 9th Machine-Gun Company, 9th Field-Company Engineers, and the 9th Light Trench Mortar Battery), of the 3rd Australian Division (9th, 10th, and 11th Infantry Brigades). It would spend the next couple of months training hard on Salisbury Plain to learn all the methods of fighting Trench-Warfare.
The Brigade trained and practiced in Musketry, bayonet fighting, the digging of trenches, received their weapons, equipment and field-kitchens, attended various courses, practiced route-marching, improving their fitness, practiced trench raids and attacks while coordinating with aircraft and Artillery, culminating in a week in October spent in trenches under active service conditions. They voted in the ‘Conscription Referendum’ (even those under the voting age of 21), were then reviewed by the King on Salisbury Plain, and then completed a final Divisional Route-March of 18 miles. Selected personnel had attended various Promotion and Officer Training Courses, in preparation for the Casualties that were inevitably to occur.
The 3rd Australian Division finally received their full allocation of rifles in early November and was then finally ready to proceed to the Western-Front. The delay in receiving their weapons had ensured that the 3rd Division was the most highly trained Australian Division to leave England.
On the 21st and 22nd of November 1916 the 9th Brigade deployed across to France as part of the 3rd Australian Division’s entry onto the Western Front. The 9th Brigade soon moved into the trenches near the village of Armentieres. The Reinforcements remained in England.
On the 20th of December 1916 Roy finally was deployed from England across to France and marched into the 3rd Australian Division Base Depot at Etaples. After several weeks hard training at the “Bullring” at Etaples, he marched out to the front with a group of reinforcements and was taken-on-strength by the 36th BATTALION AIF (Carmichael’s Thousand) on the 18th of January 1917. He was posted into “D” Company.
On the 25th of April 1917 he reported sick with ‘sore feet’ and was admitted to the 10th Australian Field-Ambulance hospital and then transferred to the Divisional Rest Station. He rejoined the Battalion on the 30th of April.
On the 16th of May he again reported sick and was admitted to the 11th Australian Field-Ambulance suffering with ‘debility’. The following day he was transferred to the Divisional Rest Station and he rejoined the Battalion on the 28th of May.
He was with the 36th Battalion on the 7th of June 1917 for the attack on ‘MESSINES RIDGE’ in Belgium. Two Companies of the 36th Battalion were employed as Carrying-Parties for the three other Infantry Battalions, and the other two Companies were employed as the Brigade Fighting Reserve on the day of the attack. The Battalion soon took its turn in the new front-line and some reported in their diaries that “holding Messines was harder than taking it”.
On the 17th of June he was sent to a Rest Camp at Boulogne on the French coast. He rejoined the Battalion on the 30th.
On the 1st of September 1917 he was detached to work with the 9th Australian Machine-Gun Company. On the 25th he reported sick and was hospitalized at the 10th Stationary Hospital, diagnosed with ‘bronchitis’. On the 4th of October 1917 he was transferred to the 7th Convalescence Depot, and was released to the Australian Intermediate Base Depot at Rouelles on the 15th.
On the 20th of October he marched out to the front once again and rejoined the 36th Battalion on the 22nd.
On the 6th of January 1918 he was detached to the ‘Brigade School’ and rejoined the Battalion on the 17th.
He was granted Leave to the UK from the 25th of February 1918 until the 15th of March.
Just four days later, on the 19th of March, he again reported sick and was admitted to the New Zealand Stationary Hospital at Wisques in France. On the 27th of March 1918 he DIED-OF-DISEASE (pulmonary embolism).
He was buried in the Longuenesse Souvenir Cemetery at St Omer in France.
He is commemorated on the ‘Australian Roll-of-Honour’ at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra, and on the ‘Nundle Shire Roll-of-Honour’.
Nundle Shire Roll of Honour
Printed in the 'Daily Observer' (Tamworth, NSW 1917 - 1920) Sat 20 Apr 1918
Bill Durrant: September 2021.
Family Information
Roy was a single 19 year old Shot Assistant who worked at Odgers and McClelland's Store in Nundle, N.S.W. before his enlistment in the AIF. Roy's brother Private: 2963 Keith WOLFENDEN died of Illness on the 25th December 1917.
Nundle Cemetery, New South Wales.
Military Records

© Commonwealth of Australia (National Archives of Australia)

Under Construction: 21/01/2022-31/01/2022.

Private: 587 Frederick Charles VICTOR

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36th - 33rd BATTALION AIF

Private: 587 Frederick Charles VICTOR

Born: 1890. Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia. Birth Cert:21533/1890.

Married: 1920. Merewether, New South Wales, Australia. Marriage Cert:1676/1920.

Wife: Stella May Victor. nee: Fitzgerald. (1900-23/10/1931) Died at Cessnock, N.S.W.

Died: 21st May1964. Cessnock, New South Wales, Australia. Death Cert:16141/1964.

Father: Richard Victor. (1844-1904)

Mother: Susan Victor. nee: Burt. (1852-1917)

INFORMATION

No.587** Frederick Charles VICTOR *was a 26 year old ‘Wheeler’ from Merewether in NSW when he enlisted in the AIF on the 27th of February 1916. * Note - A ‘wheeler’ was assigned to work with the pit-ponies in a coal mine. He would lead them through the tunnels of the mine to collect the coal-trolleys and take them up to the surface, and vice versa.
He embarked from Australia as a member of “B” Company of the 36th BATTALION AIF (Carmichael’s Thousand / Rifle Club’s Thousand) on board the HMAT (A72) ‘Beltana’, which departed Sydney of the 13th of May 1916.
Its route was via Capetown and Dakar, arriving at Devonport in England on the 9th of July. Upon arrival in England the Battalion travelled by train, via Exeter, to the village of Amesbury in Wiltshire, where they unloaded and then marched the several miles to the AIF Camps at Larkhill. On arrival the 36th Battalion was allocated to the No.4 Camp and the men were then given four days Disembarkation-Leave prior to commencing their training in England.
The Battalion now became part of the 9th Infantry Brigade AIF (33rd, 34th, 35th, and 36th Infantry Battalions, 9th Machine-Gun Company, 9th Field-Company Engineers, and the 9th Light Trench Mortar Battery), of the newly raised 3rd Australian Division (9th, 10th, and 11th Infantry Brigades). It would spend the next 4 months training hard on Salisbury Plain to learn all the methods of fighting Trench-Warfare.
• On the 29th of July 1916 he was charged with the offence “Absent with Leave from 24:00 24/7/16 till 22:00 25/7/16”. He was awarded 7 days of Field-Punishment No.2 and a total forfeiture of 8 days pay.
They trained and practiced in Musketry, bayonet fighting, the digging of trenches, received their equipment and field-kitchens, attended various specialist courses, practiced route-marching, improving their fitness, practised trench raids and attacks while coordinating with aircraft and Artillery, culminating in a week in October spent in trenches under active service conditions. They voted in the ‘Conscription Referendum’, were reviewed by His Majesty the King on Salisbury Plain, and then completed a final Divisional Route-March of 18 miles. Selected personnel had attended various Promotion and Officer Training Courses, in preparation for the Casualties and losses that were inevitable.
• On the 30th of October 1916 he was charged with: *“Absent without Leave from midnight 29/10/16 till 9:30 a.m. 30/10/16”. *He was awarded 7 days of Field-Punishment No.2 and a total forfeiture of 8 days pay.
The 3rd Australian Division finally received their full allocation of rifles in early November and was then finally ready to proceed to the Western-Front. That delay in receiving their weapons ensured that the 3rd Division was the most highly trained Australian Division to leave England.
On the 22nd of November 1916 the 36th Battalion proceeded from England across to France, as part of the 9th Brigade’s Deployment onto the Western-Front. On arrival the Brigade marched to the Sanvic Rest Camp (located at Bléville, several miles NNW of Le Havre). On the 23rd/24th the Brigade moved by train from Le Havre to Bailleul, in cattle-trucks that were marked “Hommes (people) 40, Chevaux (horses) 8”.
On the 26th the 36th Battalion marched from Bailleul to billets in the village of Merris. On the 29th the 36th Battalion moved from Merris to the ‘D’ Battalion area at the village of Armentieres. At 5 p.m. on the 29th of November 1916 the G.O.C. of the 9th Infantry Brigade assumed control of the Armentieres Sector in France.
He was with the Battalion for the Battle of ‘MESSINES’ on the 7th of June and for the unsuccessful attack on ‘PASSCHENDAELE’ on the 12th of October 1917.
He was granted Leave to the UK from the 11th until the 21st of November 1917.
On the 7th of February 1918 he was detached to the Gas School, rejoining the Battalion on the 23rd.
He was with the Battalion when the 9th Brigade was rushed south to the Somme in late March of 1918, due to a German Offensive there, and was used as a ‘mobile formation’, being used wherever the fighting was heavy and where the line needed strengthening the most. He was with the 36th Battalion for the ‘1st BATTLE OF VILLERS-BRETTONEUX’ on the 4th of April 1918 when the Australians helped stop the German Advance by Counter-Attacking and then holding the ground. The 9th Brigade then successfully defended the village of Villers-Bretonneux up until the 18th of April when they were relieved by very tired British Troops. The British troops could not stop a renewed German attack a few days later and the village was lost, only being recaptured after a heroic attack by the 13th and 15th Australian Brigades (known as the 2nd Battle of Villers-Bretonneux).
Due to the heavy casualties and the lack of Reinforcements arriving from Australia the 36th Battalion was officially disbanded on the 30th of April 1918 in order to bring the other three Battalions in the 9th Brigade back up to full strength. Private F.C.VICTOR was one of those men transferred to and taken-on-strength by the 33rd BATTALION AIF (New England’s Own).
On the 8th of August, near the village of HAMEL, he was WOUNDED-IN-ACTION, suffering a GSW to his side. He was admitted to the 11th Field-Ambulance then transferred to the 20th Casualty Clearing Station. He was transported to Boulogne on the French coast and then admitted to the 83rd General Hospital. He was released to duty on the 22nd of August, granted leave, and rejoined the Battalion on the 18th of September.
He was with the 33rd Battalion on the 11th of November when the Germans finally signed an Armistice, ending the fighting on the Western-Front.
He was granted Leave from France for the period 29th January till the 12th of February 1919, but failed to return once his leave had expired. He finally rejoined the Battalion on the 22nd of February.
• He was charged with: “AWL from 06:00 12/2/19 till 06:00 18/2/19”. He was awarded 14 days of Field-Punishment No.2 and a forfeiture of 20 days pay.
• On the 22nd of May 1919 he was charged with: “Disobeying an order given by a Superior Officer in that he refused to mount Guard”. As punishment he was awarded 21days Field-Punishment No.2 and a total forfeiture of 21 days pay.
He commenced his return voyage to Australia on the 27th of May 1919 and arrived back on the 24th of July.
He was discharged from the AIF on the 2nd of November 1919.
Bill Durrant: November 2021.
Family Information
Frederick was a single was a 26 year old Wheeler from Merewether in NSWuponhisenlistmentwiththeAIF.
The Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners' Advocate (NSW : 1876 - 1954), Monday 23 October 1933
Military Records
© Commonwealth of Australia (National Archives of Australia)
Under Construction: 05/12/2021.

Private: 2107 Rupert Thomas LAWRIE.

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34th BATTALION AIF

Private: 2107 Rupert Thomas LAWRIE.

Born: 24th April 1893. "Glen Rose" Clarence Town. New South Wales, Australia. Birth Cert:10613/1893.

Married: 1919. West Maitland, New South Wales, Australia. Marriage Cert:9772/1919.

Wife: Monica Margaret Lawrie. nee: Cook. (1890-1970)

Died: 20th August 1969. Wahroonga, New South Wales, Australia. Death Cert:26916/1969.

Father: John Lawrie. (1842-27/04/1905) Died at South Balmain via Sydney, N.S.W. Death Cert:4186/1905.

Mother: Annie Lawrie. nee: Brooks. (1863-18/06/1949) Died at Hamilton via Newcastle, N.S.W. Death Cert:9608/1949.

INFORMATION

Private Rupert Thomas Lawrie, 34th Battalion (Reg No-2107), dairyman from "Glenrose", Clarence Town, New South Wales and 90 Donald Street, Hamilton, N.S.W., returned home August 1918.
Resting at the cemetery since the 21st August 1969, age 76. CATHOLIC 3-95. 72.
Also, individual Memorial Wall Plaque at the Jeffries/Currey War Memorial.
If you recognise a name, tell us a story.
Photo 1 of the Clarence Town Soldiers' Memorial taken by Sandra Brown and Rodger Johnson, and please pass along your own photos.
Clarence Town War Memorial
100 years ago today, on the Saturday afternoon of the 24th September 1921, the Clarence Town Soldiers' Memorial was unveiled in the presence of the largest gathering ever held in the district, with over 1500 present.
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article138000138 - report that unveiling to take place 2.30 P.M., 24.9.1921.
The unveiling was performed by the oldest resident Mr. Robert Lyall, whose 4 sons enlisted in The Great War, 2 of whom paid the supreme sacrifice.
This magnificent War Memorial consists of a pedestal of Bathurst grey granite, with the marble figure of a soldier, the whole of the work carried out by Russell and Belford of Wallsend, N.S.W., the cost being about 500 pounds (about 34000 dollars today).
63 names have been inscribed of citizens from the district who had enlisted in the 1st. A.I.F., 12 designated as having Fallen, with a further 24 added later who served in the Boer War and the 2nd A.I.F., a total of 87 names now inscribed.
I have so far located 2 names inscribed who are resting at Sandgate Cemetery.
Driver Cecil William Craddock, also known as Pony, 17th Battalion & 2nd Australian Machine Gun Battalion (Reg No-526), labourer from Raymond Terrace Road, Millers Forest, New South Wales, returned home August 1919.
Resting at the cemetery since the 3rd September 1970, age 78. CATHOLIC 3-95. 60.
Mr. Craddock’s name has also been inscribed on the Dungog Citizen's Memorial, Hinton Public School Memorial Gates, Hinton School of Arts Roll of Honour, Glen Oak Memorial Gates and The Capt. Clarence Smith Jeffries (V.C.) and Pte. William Matthew Currey (V.C.) Memorial Wall.
Many thanks to Mr Craddock's Grandson Denis Shanahan for the portrait photo of Cecil in uniform.

Gary Mitchell: September 2021.

Family Information

John Lawrie. (1842-1905)

Military Records

 

© Commonwealth of Australia (National Archives of Australia)

Under Construction: 24/09/2021-08/10/2021.

Temporary Sergeant: 1432 James PATRICK.

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35th BATTALION AIF

Temporary Sergeant: 1432 James PATRICK.

Born: 22nd December 1894. New Lambton via Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia.

Married: 24th July 1926. Lambton. New South Wales, Australia. 

Wife: Eileen Muriel Patrick. nee: Sketchley. (1896-1968)

Died: 12th November 1972. New Lambton via Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia.

Father: William James "Wally" Patrick. (1870-1952)

Mother: Mary Partick. nee: Hilton. (1870-1959) 

INFORMATION

Served and suffered during The Great War, resting at Sandgate Cemetery, not forgotten.
49 years ago today, on the 14th November 1972, Temporary Sergeant James Patrick, 35th Battalion (Reg No-1432), blacksmith from St James Road, New Lambton, New South Wales, father of two, was laid to rest at Sandgate Cemetery, age 77. CATHOLIC 3-94. 151.
Born at New Lambton, New South Wales on the 22nd December 1894 to William and Mary Patrick; husband of Eileen Muriel Patrick nee Sketchley (married 24.7.1926, Lambton, N.S.W., died 1968, sleeping here), James enlisted January 1916 at Newcastle, N.S.W.
Best mate of George Lesby Brown (35th Battalion, Reg No-721, of St James Road, New Lambton, N.S.W.) also resting at the cemetery. CATHOLIC 3-83. 16.
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article137103529 - farewell with George Lesby Brown at New Lambton.
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article137097529 - report of presentation to James and George.
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article134870578 - letter home from James, thanks for parcels.
Wounded in action - 18.10.1917 (GSW right arm).
Admitted to hospital 26.8.1918 (diarrhea).
James returned home August 1919, being discharged on the 9th October 1919.
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article139444074 - report that James due to arrive home soon.
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article139444074 - report that New Lambton returned soldiers entertained, probably James attended.
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article140071969 - James entertained by family and friends.
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article140073826 - welcomed home by the citizens of New Lambton.
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article140073105 - entertained by fellow members of the New Lambton Order of Rechabites, Evening Star Tent, No-71.
Mr. Patrick’s name has been inscribed on the New Lambton War Memorial Gates (photos, unveiled on the 11th November 1916, 93 names originally inscribed, 114 names now inscribed, 19 Fallen  http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article133847517, https://www.awm.gov.au/collection/C388303, and who placed the poppies?), New Lambton Public School Roll of Honour, Lambton/New Lambton Municipal District Roll of Honor and the New Lambton Order of Rechabites, Evening Star Tent, No-71 Roll of Honour - http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article133881077.
I have placed poppies at the refurbished Patrick gravesite (wonderful to see!) in remembrance of James’s service and sacrifice for God, King & Country.
Many thanks to Mr. Patrick's Granddaughter Denise Sweeney for the portrait photo of James and family history.
James's father William was responsible for the handicraft of the New Lambton War Memorial Gates.
The same year he married he built his own home in St James Road New Lambton, the same street as his parents, where he lived and raised two sons until his death in 1972.
Lest We Forget.

Gary Mitchell: November 2021.

Family Information

James was a single 21 year old Blacksmith from New Lambton, N.S.W. and had served with the 16th Infantry for 4 years prior to his enlistment with the AIF.

Military Records

© Commonwealth of Australia (National Archives of Australia)

Under Construction: 15/11/2021-17/11/2021.

Private: 2629 Walter Leslie MURRAY

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35th BATTALION AIF

Private: 2629 Walter Leslie MURRAY

Born: 30th August 1893. Booral, New South Wales, Australia. Birth Cert:34155/1893.

Married: 1925. Hamilton, New South Wales, Australia. Marriage Cert:8828/1925.

Wife: Stella Bridget Murray. nee: Desmond. (1900-1971)

Died: 27th October 1929. Hamilton, New South Wales, Australia. Death Cert:23083/1929.

Father: John M Murray. (1836-1915) Died at Stroud, New South Wales, Australia.

Mother: Mary Ann Murray. nee: Curry. (1851-1919) Died at Stroud, New South Wales, Australia.

INFORMATION

Served and suffered during The Great War, resting at Sandgate Cemetery, Honour and Dignity finally restored.
92 years ago today, on the Monday afternoon of the 28th October 1929, Private Walter Leslie Murray, 35th Battalion (Reg No-2629), tram conductor and newsagent from Victoria Street, Adamstown, New South Wales and 16 Emerald Street, Newtown, N.S.W. (earlier name for Hamilton North. Also known as "Islington South"), father of two (Stella and Rita), was laid to rest at Sandgate Cemetery, age 36. CATHOLIC 1-24. 100.
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article137807768 - funeral notice states service.
Born at Booral, New South Wales on the 30th August 1893 to John and Mary Ann Murray nee Curry of Booral, N.S.W.; husband of Stella Bridget Murray nee Desmond (married 1925, Hamilton, N.S.W., died?), Walter enlisted on the 6th June 1916 at Adamstown, N.S.W. (1 of 11 to enlist from here).
Admitted to hospital - 9.8.1917 (urethral stricture).
Wounded in action - 13.10.1917 (shell shock).
Walter returned home July 1918, being discharged medically unfit (gastric neurosis or shell shock) on the 2nd November 1918.
Mr. Murray’s name has been inscribed on the Adamstown Citizens' Memorial (as W A MURRAY), Newcastle District Tramway Employees Roll of Honor (photos, unveiled on the 30th September 1916, 48 names originally inscribed, 70 names now inscribed, 10 Fallen) and the Hamilton Superior Public School Roll of Honor.
Many thanks to Kerrie Bennett for the notification.
Newcastle District Tramways Roll of Honor
There is no indication inscribed on Walter’s headstone plaque of his service with the 1st A.I.F., so April 2020 I placed a cross adorned with poppies on the gravesite, taken a photo of the grave and uploaded the photo onto the Northern Cemetery website as a permanent record of his service.
I submitted an application to DVA May 2020 asking for a Commonwealth War Graves Plaque to be placed at the gravesite, and this was accepted May 2020.
FINALLY completed September 2021!
Many thanks to Phil Winney and members of Merewether - Hamilton - Adamstown RSL sub-Branch for the purchase of death certificate.
Lest We Forget.
Gary Mitchell: October 2021
Military Records
Under Construction: 29/10/2021.

Lance Corporal: 2648 Thomas SCOTT

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33rd BATTALION AIF

Lance Corporal: 2648 Thomas SCOTT

Born: 1886. Galashiels Scotland

Married: 1912. Glen Innes, New South Wales, Australia. Marriage Cert:9798/1912.

Wife: Berttie Scott. nee: Chenery. 

Died: 30th August 1918. Killed in Action. Curlu, France.

Father: Joseph Burt. (1834-1917) Died at Re Range, Glen Innes, N.S.W.

Mother: Janet Burt. nee: Blackstocks. (1842-1920) Died at Re Range, Glen Innes, N.S.W.

INFORMATION

No.2648 Thomas Scott was born at Galashiels, Selkirk, in Scotland, in about 1886. He was a 29 year old Farmer from Red-Range in NSW when he enlisted in the AIF on the 31st of August 1916. He embarked from Australia as a member of the 5th Reinforcements to the 33rd Battalion on board the HMAT ‘Port Napier’ which sailed from Sydney on the 17th of November 1916, and disembarked at Devonport in England on the 29th of January 1917. On the 30th January 1917 he marched in to the 9th Training Battalion at Durrington Camp in Wiltshire.

• Offence – on the 12th of February 1917 he was charged with: “AWL from mid 8/2/17 till 6:30pm 12/2/17”. As punishment he was awarded 14 days of Field-Punishment No.2 and forfeited 17 days pay.
On the 5th of April 1917 he deployed from England across to France marching in to the 3rd Australian Division Base Depot at Etaples.
On the 23rd April 1917 he marched out to the front, and was taken on strength at Armentieres by the 33rd BATTALION AIF on the 28th of April. He was posted to “D” Company.
On the 10th May 1917 he reported sick and was admitted to the 11th Field Ambulance. On the 11th May he was transferred and admitted to the Divisional Rest Station, diagnosed with influenza. On the 17th of May he was transferred to the Divisional Rest Camp to recuperate. He then rejoined the 33rd Battalion on the 18th of May 1917.
He was with the 33rd Battalion on the 7th of June for the attack on ''MESSINES''. The attack commenced at 3:10 a.m. with the detonation of 19 'mines' that had been dug under key German positions along the Messines and Wychaete Ridges.
On the 2nd July 1917 he again reported sick, this time with bronchitis. On the 13th July he was admitted to the 53rd General Hospital, Boulogne where he remained until 17th September 1917. He was then he was transferred to the 1st Convalescence Depot, at Boulogne. He was discharged to the Base Depot on the 18th September, and on the 24th of September he marched in to the 3rd Australian Division Base Depot. On the 5th of October 1917 he marched out to the front and rejoined the 33rd Battalion at ‘Calvary Farm’, near Passchendaele on the 11th of October 1917.
On the 12th of October 1917 during the Attack on ‘PASSCHENDAELE’ he was WOUNDED-IN-ACTION. He was evacuated to Etaples on the French coast where he was admitted to the 53rd General Hospital. On the 18th of October he was transferred to the 7th Convalescence Depot to recuperate and on the 3rd of November 1917 he rejoined the 33rd Battalion.
Thomas was appointed a Lance-Corporal on the 8th February 1918. On the 28th February 1918 he proceeded on leave to England and then rejoined the Unit from Leave on the 16th March.
In late March of 1918 the 9th Infantry Brigade was rushed south to ‘the Somme’, in response to a huge new German Offensive (known by the Germans as Operation Michael), and used as a mobile formation being thrown in to strengthen the line wherever needed. He was with the Battalion for the “1ST BATTLE OF VILLERS-BRETONNEUX” on the 4th of April 1918, when the 9th Australian Brigade, and a few tired elements of the British 5th Army, were instrumental in stopping the German advance toward Amiens and then successfully defended the village for the next two weeks. On the 17th of April the Germans concentrated their artillery fire on the village itself, firing an estimated combination of 12,000 High Explosive and Mustard-Gas shells into the village over two days. Some men didn't feel the effects of the gas until several weeks later.
On the 30th of April 1918 he was recorded as WOUNDED-IN-ACTION by the poison-gas. He was treated by the 11th Field Ambulance and then admitted to the 4th Casualty Clearing Station. He was then transferred to Rouen on the French coast where he was admitted to the 8th General Hospital. On the 11th of May he was transferred across to England where he was admitted to the Reading War Hospital. In early June he was transferred to the 3rd Australian Auxiliary Hospital and then discharged to the no.4 Command-Depot at Hurdcott.
On the 8th of August 1918 he deployed back overseas to France marching in to the Base Depot at Rouelles. He marched out to the front on the 12th and he rejoined the 33rd Battalion on the 14th August 1918.
On the 30th August 1918 Lance-Corporal Thomas Scott was serving as the 2ic of a Machine Gun Section with “D” Company, when he was KILLED-IN-ACTION while advancing during an attack east of ‘Curlu’ in France.
He was buried in the Peronne Communal Cemetery Extension.
Grave of Lance Corporal: 2648 Thomas SCOTT (1896-1918)
Peronne Communal Cemetery Extension.
In 1920 a ‘memorial window’ was dedicated to Thomas SCOTT, in the newly opened “Cameron Memorial Church” in Glen Innes, NSW. He is commemorated on the ‘Australian Roll of Honour’ at the Australian War Memorial and on the ‘Red Range Honour-Roll’.
Red Range Honour-Roll
Bill Durrant: October 2021.
9th November 1918.
Informant: Private: 3149 Andrew Matthew WILSON. "Lance Corporal: 2648 Thomas SCOTT, was hit by a Machine Gun Bullet while getting out of a shell hole. He was in a semi comatose state for about 10 minutes. He would be buried close by there, Sailly-le-Sec. He was a married man with one child and came from Red Oak, Glen Innes. He was very popular in the Coy. He was a Scotsman."
No: 4 Convalescent Depot, Hurdcott, England.
7th May 1919.
Informant: Private: 2522 William Harold BURT. D Company 13th Platoon, 33rd Battalion. "Lance Corporal: 2648 Thomas SCOTT, height 5'10", dark, age 26 years. Married. During the morning of August 31/18. I was alongside SCOTT, left of St Quentin and saw him hit by a Machine Gun Bullet. He never spoke and was killed instantly. We were advancing at the time. SCOTT being 2nd in charge of Machine Gun Section. We had to move on and did not see him again. Do not know anything of burial. It was 4 pm that day before we got our objective."
3rd Australian Auxiliary Hospital.  
Home address. Delungra, Inverell, N.S.W.
Military Records
© Commonwealth of Australia (National Archives of Australia)
Under Construction: 27/10/2021-04/05/2022..

Private: 2343 William John KEMPTON

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34th BATTALION AIF

Private: 2343 William John KEMPTON

Born: 19th February 1895. Red Range, New South Wales, Australia.

Died: 17th October 1917. Died of Wounds, Belgium.

Father: George Mendham Kempton. (1858-1931)

Mother: Mary Kempton. nee: Carney. (1867-1946)

INFORMATION
No.2343 William John KEMPTON was a 21 year old Carpenter from Red-Range in NSW when he enlisted in the AIF on the 4th of July 1916. He embarked from Australia with the 4th Reinforcements to the 34th Battalion on board the HMAT (A30) ‘Borda’, which sailed from Sydney on the 17th of October 1916 and disembarked at Plymouth in England on the 9th of January 1917. On arrival the Reinforcements travelled by train to Salisbury Plain in Wiltshire where they marched into the Australian Details Camp at Parkhouse. On the 12th of February William marched into the 9th Training-Battalion at Fovant to learn the latest methods of Soldiering and Trench-Warfare.
On the 25th of April 1917 he deployed across to France, marching into the 3rd Australian Division Base Depot at Etaples on arrival. The severe and constant training of the ‘’BULLRING’’ at Etaples was probably an incentive for men to get to their Units as fast as possible and just five days later on the 30th of April 1917 William marched out to the front in a reinforcement-group and was taken-on-strength by the 34th BATTALION AIF (Maitland’s Own). He was with the 34th Battalion for the successful attack on ‘MESSINES RIDGE’ on the 7th of June 1917, when the battle commenced at 3:10 a.m. with the detonation of 19 ‘mines’ that had been dug under key German positions along the ridge.
He was with the 34th Battalion for the unsuccessful attack on ‘PASSCHENDAELE’ on the 12th of October 1917. The battlefield could not be held and at the end of the day the front-line was only just in front of their ‘start position’ of that morning. On the 13th of October he was recorded as WOUNDED-IN-ACTION, receiving a shrapnel wound to his thigh. He was evacuated from the battlefield and admitted to the 3rd Field-Ambulance. He was then transferred and admitted to the 17th Casualty Clearing Station at ‘Remy Siding’ in Belgium. 
On the 17th of October 1917 he DIED-OF-WOUNDS. He was buried in the Lijssenthoek Military Cemetery in Belgium and is buried in Plot 21, Row E, Grave 19.

Lijssenthoek Military Cemetery, Poperinghe, Belgium

 His name is commemorated on the ‘Australian Roll of Honour’ at the Australian War Memorial, on the ‘Red Range Roll of Honour’ and on the ‘Red Range Public School Roll of Honour’.

Red Range Honour Roll
Bill Durrant: October 2021.
George died at the Glen Innes Hospital on the 24th April 1931. Mary also died at the Glen Innes Hospital on the 14th September 1946.
George Mendham Kempton. (1858-1931) Mary Kempton (1865-1946) Glen Innes Cemetery
Military Records
Under Construction: 25/10/2021.