Masonic Bretheran

Warrant Officer I: 43 John James CROSS.

by

34th BATTALION AIF

Regimental Sergeant Major. Warrant Officer I: 43 John James CROSS.

Born: 9th February 1895. Armidale, New South Wales, Australia. Birth Cert:1895/10449.

Married: 17th March 1920. Raymond Terrace, New South Wales, Australia. Marriage Cert:4423/1920.

Wife: Rose Hildred Cross. nee: Cross. (1893-1949) 

Died: 14th February 1973. Walcha, Quirindi, New South Wales, Australia. Death Cert:46543/1973.

Father: Samuel Boulden Raymond Cross. (1859-1927)

Mother: Rebecca Cross. nee: Heagney. (1853-1897)

INFORMATION

John James Cross enlisted with the AIF on the 12th December 1915 at Boggabri, New South Wales and was a member of the Wallabies Recruitment March. 

MARCH ROUTE:  Walgett, Burren Junction, Wee Waa, Narrabri, Merehula, Turrawan, Baan Baa, Boggabri, Dubledah, Gunnedah, Curlewis, Breeza, Werris Creek, Quirindi, Willow Tree, Murrurundi, Wingen, Scone, Aberdeen, Muswellbrook, Liddell, Ravensworth, Camberwell, Glennies Creek, Singleton, Branxton, Cessnock, Abermain, Weston, Kurri Kurri, East Greta, Maitland, Morpeth, Minmi, West Wallsend, Wallsend, Lambton, Waratah, arriving at Newcastle on 8 January 1916.

QUIRINDI Saturday.

The march of the Wallabies down the main northern road to Sydney was commenced this morning. With the crossing through the Gap near Werris Creek, the broad plains of the north-west were left behind, and the Wallabies came into view of the Main Dividing Range. After breakfast this morning the column moved out of Werris Creek, the residents lining the main street to bid them good-bye. Werris Creek, the great railway Junction of the northern and north-western lines, has its own particular way of saying farewell. It is the noisy, but effective way, beloved by railway men. The goods sidings and engine sheds extend out for nearly a mile beyond the station, and every engine, large and small, passenger class and goods class, gave out its shrillest cock-a-doodle-doo while the Wallabies marched along. At last the final scream from the open throttles died away, and the men settled down to a steady tramp on the soft, black road to Quirindi. A halt was made for midday lunch at Quipolly, provided by the residents of Werris Creek and Quipolly. Here Mr. H. S. Cusack handed the Wallabies over to the Quirindi Recruiting Association, represented by Mr H. H. Farrington (secretary) and in doing so commended officers and men on the exemplary conduct of the recruits.

The Wallabies reached Quirindi this afternoon. On reaching the town boundary the column was met by the Mayor and President of the Quirindi Recruiting Association (Mr. W. P. B. Hungerford), and a large number of representative townsmen and ladies, who served them with cordials. The Mayor welcomed the Wallabies to town, and presented Captain Cameron with a large flag, and an original recruiting poster, calling on all to fight for the flag. Senior Sergeant Woods, then marshalled the procession, composed of an escort of mounted troopers, the town band, members of the Expeditionary Forces, officers, and men of the Wallabies, with Pipers Glen and Cork at the head, the militia, under Lieut. Noss, and a large number of motor cars and buggies. The line of procession was decorated with flags and bunting, and there were frequent bursts of cheering. The men were marched to the showground, where they are being quartered, meals being supplied at the various hotels. Another Wallaby was presented to the recruits by Mr. Richard Cook as a mascot.

At the recruiting meeting held in town to-night, four men came forward to join the colours in response of Sergeant Major Lee's appeal. The Sergeant-major emphasised the seriousness of the outlook, and pointed out how ridiculous it was to hope that a nation, which, like Germany, had been preparing for a great war for 40 years, could be vanquished in 18 months. The sooner that was realised the better for the nation, and he assured them that never had the Empire entered into a war with so clean a conscience as the present one. These men of the Wallabies were prepared to go out and avenge the butcheries of Belgium and Poland, and, if necessary, lay down their lives to achieve their purpose He had left 250 acres in the west to God and good neighbours, to go out and do his bit. (Applause.) Seeing that their country had given them the honour of choosing for them-selves their course of action every honourable free man could not but offer his services. He asked mothers in the name of humanity to allow their sons to volunteer, and said that the girls should make it plain to the young men what they thought of their attitude in holding back when every man was wanted.

The Wallabies will rest over the weekend at Quirindi.

3rd January 1916. WESTON, NEW SOUTH WALES. Weston people had always done well in public movements, but for the "Wallabies" they excelled all their previous efforts. They were received at the town boundary by a large crowd, and marched through crowded streets to the Olympia Hall, where afternoon tea awaited them. The interior of the hall presented a bright and attractive appearance, with its tables artistically decorated, tables laden with all that the soldier dearly loves when tired after a weary march. The streets, too, were gay with flags and streamers waving their welcome. The function in the hall was quite informal, but a few speeches were made. The King was toasted at the call of Councillor Morgan, who presided. Our Guests were eulogized by Messrs. Charlton and Kearsley, and Sergeant-Major Lee again responded with another appeal, which brought four recruits. The Rev. Varcoe Cock proposed The Ladies for whom Mr. T. Hadfield responded. A number of children, trained by Mesdames Davies and Malcolm, gave two delightfully rendered patriotic songs, which, with the pretty Allies? costumes of the children, were much appreciated. The arrangements were carried out by a committee of ladies and gentlemen, with Councillor Morgan, Chairman, Mr. T. W. Hancock, Treasurer, and Mr. W. Williams, Secretary, but to the ladies for their untiring zeal and splendid work, a special need of praise was due, for upon them rested the responsibility of making the visit a success, and it was a success in every sense. The Hebburn Colliery Band, which assisted at Cessnock on Sunday, was again in service and did much towards the success of the day. Highland pipes also gave a helping hand.'

Weston, N.S.W. 3rd January 1916

WESTON, New South Wales,

Plans to continue the march to Sydney were cancelled by military authorities who wished to use the marchers as the basis of a new locally raised battalion. This was formed in February as the 34th Infantry Battalion, known, ironically, as Maitland's Own.

Trove Article, (March of the Wallabies) December 1915.

A sad and unexpected epitaph to the march was the death of the Reverend: John WILKINSON Methodist Minister, who had joined the march at Narrabri. He was killed by a lightning strike in West Maitland camp on 3 February 1916.

John was marched in the the Rutherford Army Camp on the 6th February where he was allocated to A Company 34th Battalion AIF. 

Rutherford Army Camp 1916. 

The 34th were marched to Farley Station where they en-trained to Sydney and embarked from Woolloomooloo Wharf on board HMAT A20 "Hororata" on the 2nd May 1916 and disembarked at Plymouth, England on the 23rd June 1916 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 Bastard Trenches.    

Whilst at Larkhill John was promoted to the rank of Sergeant to complete the Battalions compliment before proceeding overseas for France on the 21st November 1916 from Southampton 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. 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.

John was promoted to Company Sergeant Major: Warrant Officer II on the 22nd January a few days before the Specialists went into the Line in the Houplines Sector. The following day the 34th Battalion took over from the 36th Battalion. John was promoted again to the rank of Regimental Sergeant Major: Warrant Officer I on the 28th February 1917. 

6th June 1917.

BATTLE OF MESSINES

At 10 pm on the 6th June 1917, the Battalion left its billets fully equipped for the assembly Trenches. The order of march being "D", "A", "C" and "B" Companies. All went well until just before reaching Gunners Farm, where the enemy was putting a number of Gas Shells over and Masks had to be put on. Ploegsteert Wood and the back area were receiving particular attention. All Companies were greatly delayed of the amount of Gas in the Wood, which resulted in a number of men being gassed on the way up and many others were completely exhausted. A number of men lost there way in the darkness and smoke. Many could not see at all and had to be led back by there comrades. I many cases it was the blind leading the blind. After a gruelling March, the first arrivals reached the Assembly Points 30 minutes before Zero Hour, while the last company arrived only 10 minutes before Zero.

John was Wounded in Action at Messines on the 6th June 1917 when he received a Gun Shot Wound to his Back and Leg. John was treated in the field by the 9th Australian Field Ambulance before he was evacuated from the lines by Stretcher Bearers to the Casualty Clearing Station for further treatment before being transferred to the 26th General Hospital. John was then invalided back to England on the 10th June where he was admitted to the Reading War Hospital. Upon his discharged John was transferred to the 2nd Auxiliary Hospital before being discharged and marched in the the overseas training depot. 

15th December 1917.

Informant: Private: 1872A James Henry  MURDOCH. 34th Battalion AIF. "I knew Private: 1095 George CLARK and I knew his number was 1095. The initial in the list seems to be wrong. His name was George. He was badly wounded by the same shell that wounded me. It was at Ypres front on October 12th about 4:30 a.m. half an hour before the Battalion went over the top. One of our Officers Lieutenant: Bruce Gray McKENZIE, who was afterwards killed, was staying in the trench with him when I had to leave and go back to the field ambulance. CLARK begged me to remain with him, but the Officer told me to go. At 5 o'clock the Officer went over the top with the Battalion and was killed. I had a letter some weeks afterwards from a friend of Corporal: 43 John James CROSS who mentioned CLARK by stating "sad news about him" so I concluded that he had died, or had been killed by another shell."

General Hospital, Stratford -on-Avon, England.

John proceeded overseas for France on the 11th March 1918 and re join his Battalion in the lines at Waton on the 24th March 1918 when the Battalion marched to near Abeele and em-bused for Wallon-Cappel in the Sercus area. On arriving at Hazebrouck the men de bused and marched to Le Belle Hotesse, and were under Orders to be ready to move at any moment.

On the 26th March the Battalion and Transport marched to Steenbecque Station and entrained for Doullens, where on arrival proceeded by route march via Arras main road to Henn and billeted. The train journey was most uncomfortable, as the men were packed into trucks like sheep. Four Strong Points were garrisoned near the village by "A" Company, in addition to Strong Points by the ROYAL SCOTS FUSILLIERS. The morning of 27th March broke fine and cold at 4:00 am the Battalion marched to Thienes where it was met at 7:00 am by the Brigade Omnibus Train and conveyed to Franvillers, arriving at 2:00 pm. The enemy was sending over a few Shells and most of the civilians had left the village. Many of them were met hurrying along the roads with whatever things they could carry. some had wagons, others carts, barrows and perambulators. Many were very aged and a lot of young children were with them. Quite a number of these people returned to the village when they saw the Australians arriving and others who had not left called out "It will be all well now, the Hun will not come any further.

On the 11th November 1918, news was received that Armistice terms had been signed. However, there was very little demonstration on receipt of the news as the men could hardly relies that the War was for at least some time, actually over.

ARMISTICE SIGNED

We could now tell by the news in the papers that the war was practically over although we (The Third Division) was told to hold ourselves in readiness to proceed to the line again, the 1st, 4th, and 5th Australian Divisions being already on their way back to the line. On Monday 11th November 1918 (the day the Armistice was signed) we marched to Alleray for a hot steam bath and on passing through Airaines found all the houses decorated with tricolours and the church bells pealing and the Frenchies running about like madmen. We wondered what was wrong and halted in the main street for a rest. The Captain then told us (he had interviewed the Mayor who had received a telegram saying that the Armistice was to be signed) that the Armistice was to be signed at 11 a.m. that morning it was then about 10 a.m. We gave three cheers and could scarcely realise that the war was over. When we arrived back at Warlus the news had already reached there and the town was decorated &c. Next day we had a holiday from drill to celebrate Peace. The bells of the old French church chimed day and night for several days. Most of us attended the Victory Mass at the Roman Catholic Church and we also had a great Thanksgiving service out on the parade ground. Some of the men broke camp and went to the neighbouring cities and some got as far as Paris. Many were "pinched" and put in clink (gaol) as they had no leave passes, others were caught and sent back to the Battalion.

34th Battalion Rugby Team, November 1918. 

John was granted leave to Paris from the 30th December 1918 until the 9th January 1919 and demobilised back to England where he was granted leave on the 5nd February 1919. John was marched in to the No:2 Command Depot for his return to Australia and Embarked on board HMAT A32 "Themistocles" and disembarked in Australia on the 11th August and discharged from the AIF on the 25th September 1919. 

BOGGABRI WAR MEMORIAL

Family Information

John was a single 20 year old Labourer from Walcha, New South Wales upon his enlistment with the AIF. He returned from the war and married Rose Hildred Cross. John served during Worl War 1 enlisting at Werris Creek. Service Number N106135 and served with the CMF. He is buried at Werris Creek, New South Wales, Australia. John was a member of the Masonic Lodge. 

Grave of John James Cross (1895-1973) Werris Creek Cemetery, New South Wales Australia.

Military Records

© Commonwealth of Australia (National Archives of Australia)

Under Construction: 29/05/2024-02/06/2024.

 

 

Private: 728 William Ralph CARR.

by

34th BATTALION AIF

Private: 728 William Ralph CARR.

Born: 1893. Wallsend, New South Wales, Australia. Birth Cert:36320/1893.

Married: 1919. Cessnock, New South Wales, Australia. Marriage Cert:14603/1919.

Wife: Olga May Carr. nee: Feltis. (1895-1982) Mount Hutton via Newcastle, N.S.W. Death Cert:103906/1982.

Died: 29th May 1940. Mount Hutton via Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia. Death Cert:11274/1940 

Father: Ralph Carr. (1865-1932) Died at Cessnock, New South Wales, Australia.

Mother: Emma Carr. nee: Wicken. (1874-1947) Died at Cessnock, New South Wales, Australia. 

INFORMATION

William Ralph Carr enlisted with the AIF on the 22nd January 1916 at Newcastle before being transferred to the Rutherford Army Camp were he was allocated to C Company 34th Battalion AIF.  It was at the Rutherford Army Camp William was promoted to the rank of Corporal on the 1st March but reverted back to private on the 21st of March 1916.

Rutherford Army Camp 1916

William and the 34th Battalion marched to the Farley Station where they were transported to Sydney and embarked the next day on board HMAT A20 "Hororata" on the 2nd May 1916. They 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 Bastard Trenches.

34th Battalion marching through Amesbury

34th Battalion marching through Amesbury

William proceeded overseas for France on the 21st November 1916 and went into billets before being marched out to the lines. William was detached to Signal School on the 6th December where he attended the School of Instruction until the 4th March when he re joined his unit. 

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. 

William was attended by the 12th Australian Field Ambulance for Gas Poisoning on the 10th June after the severe Gas Shelling at Messines by the enemy and was transferred to the 4th Australian Field Ambulance on the 17th June and returned to duty on the 19th of June 1917.

On the 21st June the Battalion moved back to Vauxhall Camp and the following day went into tents at Neuve Eglise and relieved 1st Wiltshire Regiment. Training, sports and other competitions were carried out. The weather was fine and enemy planes were very busy strafing our Observation Balloons and the Artillery on several occasions shelling Neuve Eglise. Whilst Here the DUKE of CONNAUGHT held an inspection at Bailleul, the Battalion being represented by Captain: Robert Joseph STEWART Company Sergeant Major: 225 Thomas Brown NORMAN. and 3 Other Ranks.

On 27th June a Sports Day was held and the enemy livened up the proceedings by setting fire to four of our balloons at the one time. During the evening the Cooee's gave a concert. At 9.00 pm the same evening the Battalion marched to the rear of Middle Farm and relieved the 36th Battalion in reserve. From here the Battalion supplied Working Parties during the night time. The enemy shelled continuously and there were a number of casualties. The Transport had a very difficult time taking up the Rations along the track which was being continuously shelled, especially in the gully near Railway Line.

34th Unit Diary

William was admitted to the 9th Australian Field Ambulance suffering from Exhaustion on the 28th June before he was transferred to the 10th Field Ambulance. William was discharged to duty on the 13th July and went back into the lines. 

On 28th July the enemy put over a heavy Barrage from 10 p.m., along the whole of our Front and gave every appearance of a massed attack. The S.O.S. was called for and the Battalion stood in readiness for three hours, but the enemy did not follow up with an attack.

On 29th July the Battalion withdrew to Hillside Camp, near Waterloo Road. Heavy rain was still falling and making things generally unpleasant. The period of holding the Line at Messines was a very trying one. the enemy was in a good position and kept up a continual heavy bombardment of H.E. and Gas Shells. The Trenches, which were in very bad condition owing to the heavy rain, were under observation the whole time and special attention, by way of Shelling, was paid to the Cook Houses. The men were very tired after the strenuous period in the Trenches and were glad of a rest. While at Hillside Camp Working Parties were supplied and a general cleaning and refitting was carried out.

On 3rd August the Battalion marched out to billets at Bleue via Bailleul Road. The billets were comfortable in old farms, but the rain continued and the roads were mostly under water. On the 5th a Brigade Church Parade was held and General: William Riddell BIRDWOOD informally inspected the men. On the 6th August the Battalion marched to Aldershot Camp. Whilst here Working Parties were supplied to dig a Corps Line in front of Messines. This entailed a long march to and from work, mostly under Shell Fire.

The Battalion left Aldershot Camp on the 15th August and marched to Bailleul Station to en train for Wizernes. From here a lone march was carried out to Vaudringhem. this was a quite village and with its peaceful farms and green fields was a very pleasant change from the chaos of the Battle Area. The Billets were in old farm houses and the men trained with zest and Sports were held twice weekly. New formations were practiced and everyone was made ready and fit to again meet the enemy and defeat him.

on the 27th August Brigadier-General: Charles ROSENTHAL took over the Brigade from Brigadier-General: Alexander JOBSON. Brigade and Divisional Sports and also Cooking Competitions were held. Leave was granted to Boulogne and the men were able to have a swim in the sea. A picnic by motor lorry to Boulogne was arranged and the men waited two hours with towels, when the word came through that it had been cancelled owing to shortage of lorries. Much to their disappointment, as other Battalions had made the trip.

34th Unit Diary

William was admitted to the 9th Australian Field Ambulance on the 21st September suffering from Myalgia and was transferred to the 10th Stationary Hospital at Boulogne and then to the 7th Convalescent Depot on the 28th September. William was transferred to the 10th Convalescent Depot and then to rest camp on the 12th October 1917. William was returned to duty on the 15th October after the push at Passchendaele.

 27th November 1917

PONT ROUCE

7:a.m. The Hun heavily strafing Post 28 and 26. Post 26 was blown in, no casualties. 7.7 and light minnies thrown into 15 and 16 Posts, no material damage. 3:p.m. Hun fired 4.2. H.Es and Gas into CONVENT LANE UNA AVENUE and AYR STREET, no casualties. Trenches knocked about a bit. 7:55p.m. A party of the Enemy about 30 strong endeavoured to silently raid our trenched at 21 Post. The Lewis Gunner caught them in the wire and fired on them and they immediately retired. A party under Lieutenant:1790A Russell Stanley BROWN went out to clean up the enemy situation, but were bombed by a second party of the Enemy from an old trench in front of N_21 Post.

As this party of the Enemy retired through PONT ROUCE it was engaged by Lieutenant: Thomas Clifton PITTAWAY and four Scouts but there were too many of them to cut off. He called Lieutenant: William Harold  RICHARDSON who had 20 men an a Lewis Gun on the right flank of PONT ROUCE as a standing Patrol. A second party of enemy got into grips with our left Patrol who fired and the Hun rapidly retired over the PONT ROUCE BRIDGE. One dead Bosche was found and several rifles, Identification normal, 7th I.R 3 M.G. Coy.  

(34th Battalion War Diary.)

4th-5th April 1918

The First VILLERS-BRETONNEUX

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

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

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

16th April 1918.

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

William was Wounded in Action 2nd occasion and was treated by the 55th Australian Field Ambulance suffering from Gas Poisoning and again being transferred to the 12th Field Ambulance and the 16thGeneral Hospital on the 20th April. He was invalided to England on the 29th April and was admitted to the Exeter War Hospital. After a month of treatment William was discharged to the No: Command Depot and them the No: 4 Command Depot. William embarked from England on the 19th February 1919 and returned to Australia on board the "Orca" the 3rd of April 1919 at Sydney and was discharged from the AIF on the 25th May 1919.

CESSNOCK WAR MEMORIAL

Family Information

William was a single 23 year old Letter Carrier who was in the care of Mr W Austin of Donald Street, Hamilton, N.S.W prior to his enlistment with the AIF. 

Ralph and Emma Carr were married in 1891 at Wallsend, New South Wales. Both lived at Wallsend before moving to Cessnock where they lived at Sargant Street. Both are buried at the Cessnock Cemetery.

Emma May Carr. nee: Wicken. (1874-1947)

Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners' Advocate (NSW : 1876 - 1954) , Friday 31 May 1940, page 16. Mr William Ralph Carr.

William and Olga Carr are both buried at the Sandgate Cemetery, N.S.W. Anglican:1 Section83; Plot 40.

William Ralph Carr (1893-1940) - Olga May Carr (1874-1947) Sandgate Cemetery

Military Records

Under Construction: 01/06/2024.

Private: 12059 Burton Disney RUTHERFORD

by

9th Australian Field Ambulance

Private: 12059 Burton Disney RUTHERFOORD "RUTHERFORD"

Born: 1873. Bectine, Miatt, Ireland. 

Died: 13th September 1934. 30 Thompson Street, Darlinghurst via East Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. Death Cert:11437/1934.

Father: John Rutherfoord. (1830-1908)

Mother: Laura Ellen Rutherfoord. nee: Booth. (1835-1877) 

INFORMATION

Burton Disney Rutherford served with Lumsden's Horse service number 43 as a Trooper and was promoted to the rank of Veterinary Sergeant and was awarded the Queen's South Africa 1899-1902, 3 clasps, Cape Colony, Orange Free State, Johannesburg (Vet Serj B.D. Rutherford, Lumsdens Horse)

Burton served with the Behar Light Horse as a Trooper who was one of 54 men of the unit who served in the Boer War attached to Lumsden's Horse in 1900.

Queen South Africa Roll. Veterinary Sergeant: 43 Burton Disney Rutherford. Clasp. Johannesburg-Cape Colony- Orange Free State.

The ‘Atlantian,’ however, did not reach Bombay Harbour until 7 A.M. on December 31, with the following officers, non-commissioned officers, and men of Lumsden’s Horse on board:

Colonel Lumsden, Captain and Adjutant Taylor, Captain Beresford, Captain Noblett, Captain Holmes, Surgeon-Captain Powell. Staff—Regimental Sergeant-Major Hewitt, Regimental Quartermaster-Sergeant Dale, Staff-Sergeant Stephens, Farrier-Sergeant Marshall, Farrier-Sergeant Edwards, Pay-Sergeant Fraser, Orderly-Room Sergeant Graves, Sergeant Longman, Lance-Sergeant S.S. Cuthbert, Saddler Briggs, Privates Lowe, Lee, and Hayward. A Company—Company Sergeant-Major Mansfield, Company Quartermaster-Sergeant Booth, Sergeants Fox, Llewhellin, Stowell, Donald, and Rutherfoord, Corporal Macgillivray, Lance-Corporals Lemon and Godden, Privates E.S. Clifford, F.M. Clifford,  C.H.M. Johnstone, Corbett, Dickens, Bradford, Cowen, Webbe, Kennedy, Courtenay, Zorab, Renny,  Ritchie, Gordon, Atkinson, Watson, Brown, Henry, Allan, Aldis, John, Newton, Reid, Campbell, Bell, Macdonald, Haines, Smith, Hughes, Tancred, Bolst, Burnand, Dowd, and Palmer; Transport-Sergeant Power, Privates Lovegrove, Doyle, Manville, Paxton, Daly, and Scott; and Lance-Corporal Wheeler. B Company—Sergeant Conduit, Lance-Sergeant Warburton, Corporal Jackman, Privates Nicolay,  Bagge, Innes, Williams, Nolan, Betts, Turner, Powis, Thelwall, Lytle, Spicer, Lungley, Winder, Dexter, Martin, Moorhouse, Maxwell, and Allardice; Transport-Sergeant Smith, Privates Rice, Crux, Meares, Rust, and Quartermaster-Sergeant Morris.

Before going on shore at Bombay, Colonel Lumsden received the following telegram from Sir Patrick Playfair, C.I.E., Chairman of the Calcutta Reception Committee:

The people of Calcutta bid you and your gallant corps welcome. They are proud of the way in which Lumsden’s Horse has represented India against Britain’s enemies. They wish to do you honour on arrival in Calcutta. You will be given a public reception, and the military bands will play you into your camp. It is proposed that your corps should take part in the Proclamation Parade on the morning of January 1, and then attend a special Divine Service at the Cathedral. His Excellency the Viceroy will entertain the corps at luncheon on Wednesday, January 2, and the reception committee are organising an evening party in the Town Hall for the night of the same day.

History of Lumsden's Horse

Burton Disney Rutherford enlisted with the 9th Australian Field Ambulance at Holdsworthy Army Camp on the 21st October 1915 and proceeded overseas for England on the 1st May 1916 0n b0ard HMAT A24 " " and disembarked at Plymouth England on the 9th July 1916. Burton was marched into camp and proceeded overseas for France via Southampton on the 23rd November 1916.  

12059 PTE. B.D. RUTHERFORD 9 F. AMB. A.I.F.

 Burton was admitted to hospital on the 21st December suffering from Influenza and was discharged to duty on the 26th and re joined his unit. On the 20th February 1917 Burton was Charged with the Offence of whilst in France on the 23rd December 1917. Conduct to the prejudice of good order and Military Discipline in that being awarded Fatigue Duty failed to appear for such Fatigue. Award 4 Days Forfeit Pay No:2 with Forfeiture of 7 Days by C.O. 

The 9th Australian Field Ambulance supported the 9th Infantry Brigade in all theatres of the Great War. 

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.

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. 

12th October 1917

THE BATTLE OF PASSCHENDAELE I

At 1:30 am rain showers began. By 2:30 am it was raining lightly but steadily, by 3:30 fairly heavily. the infantry moved through the pitch dark in single file. In some battalions each man held on to the equipment of the man ahead of him; if touch was broken, those in front had to come back. The news that the line as reported by the 66th division was not held only just reached the incoming troops. Accordingly, in the right brigade (9th) the leading Company Commanders Captain: Clarence Smith JEFFRIES. V.C. and Captain: Telford Graham GILDER M.C. both of the 34th Battalion stopped their men at the entrance to Broodseinde railway cutting, and themselves went to make sure that their column might not run into the enemy.

The Battle of Passchendaele saw 60 Officers and 1,322 other ranks loose their lives.

9th Infantry Brigade Casualties.

33rd Battalion. AIF 11 Officers 273 Other ranks
34th Battalion. AIF 15 Officers 323 Other ranks
35th Battalion. AIF 18 Officers 296 Other ranks
36th Battalion. AIF 15 Officers 383 Other ranks
9th Machine Gun Company. AIF 1 Officer 36 Other ranks
9th Light Trench Mortar Battery. - Officer 11 Other ranks

Burton was treated for an Ulcer on his Tongue at the 1st Australian Auxiliary Hospital  and was discharged to England on Furlo and was marched in the the No:2 Command Depot at Weymouth before he returned to Australia on the 7th July 1918 where he was Discharged on the 3rd of August 1918 as Medically Unfit.

Family Information

Burton was initiated on the 18th September 1895 in the Lightin Tirhoot Lodge 1998 at Mazufferpore, Bengal and then on the 8th February 1898 in The True Blue Lodge at  Motihari Bengal. Burton served during the Boer War Lumsden's Horse and the Behar Horse in India for 5 years. Burton noted that his next of kin was Lieutenant Colonel Rutherford DSO who served as  Captain John Brownley Rutherfoord in South Africa with Behar Light Horse and Lumsden's Horse.  

A unique Boer War D.S.O. group of three to Captain J. B. Rutherford, Behar Light Horse, late Lumsden's Horse

Distinguished Service Order, V.R., silver-gilt and enamel; Queen's South Africa 1899-1902, 3 clasps, Cape Colony, Orange Free State, Johannesburg (Capt. J. B. Rutherford, Lumsdens Horse); Volunteer Force Long Service, E.VII.R. (Captn: J. B. Rutherford, D.S.O., Behar Lt. Horse.), minor enamel damage and depression to D.S.O. centre, official corrections on the third, very fine (3)

A unique award to the Behar Light Horse for South Africa.

D.S.O. London Gazette 19 April 1901:

'In recognition of services during the operations in South Africa.'

John Brownley Rutherford was born in October 1864 and commissioned into the Behar Light Horse. He was one of 54 men of the unit who served in the Boer War attached to Lumsden's Horse in 1900. Following the announcement of his appointment to the Distinguished Service Order, he was invested with the insignia by the Lieutenant Governor of Begal in 1902. Rutherford is recorded as having died in India.

Distinguished Service Order, V.R., silver-gilt and enamel; Queen's South Africa 1899-1902, 3 clasps, Cape Colony, Orange Free State, Johannesburg (Capt. J. B. Rutherford, Lumsdens Horse); Volunteer Force Long Service, E.VII.R. (Captn: J. B. Rutherford, D.S.O., Behar Lt. Horse.), 

LUMSDEN'S HORSE

On the evening of the 29thApril 1899  Colonel Ross received orders that the corps was to make a demonstration next morning at daylight on the right flank of the Boer lines for the purpose of drawing them from their position and enabling the 14th Brigade, under General Maxwell, which was to have come up on our right, to get behind and cut them off.

Captain: John Brownley Rutherfoord. DSO

The Mounted Infantry portion of General Tucker’s division, under Colonel Henry, joined hands with us at 5 A.M., half a mile from our camp. A portion of my corps was ordered to occupy Gun Kopje, a position 155believed to be held by the Boers, about four miles distant on our right front, the remainder extending and taking up positions on our left. I went forward with the right flank, Major Showers accompanying me. This portion consisted of the Adjutant, Captain Taylor, Captains Rutherfoord, Clifford, and Chamney, Lieutenants Sidey and Pugh, and four sections, the others having been detached by order of Colonel Ross to hold various points. Mr. Pugh was sent out in advance with the scouts, and it was when on this duty that Private Franks was shot. Mr. Pugh very pluckily assisted him in getting on his horse and endeavoured to take him out of the fire; but Franks was unable to stay on his horse, and, dropping to the ground, had to be left. Mr. Pugh and the remaining scouts were only just able to save themselves by galloping up and joining us on the kopje at the extreme right, to which we had just advanced, and which we held from 7 A.M. until ordered to retire at about 1 o’clock.

Early in the morning I ordered Corporal Chartres with eight men to occupy a kopje about 800 yards to our right and prevent the Boers turning our flank. There they held their ground until ordered to fall back. It was a small party for this important position, but in the circumstances no more could be spared, I having only about sixty men with me, twenty of whom, under Lieutenant Sidey, were detached by Colonel Ross to protect the Vickers-Maxim (commonly styled ‘pom-pom’) in the centre of the position.

The following was then the general disposition:

There were four ridges diverging northerly towards the enemy. The extreme spur of the right ridge was held by myself with four sections Lumsden’s Horse as described; the second held by Lieutenant Crane and one section, he being directed there at the outset by Colonel Ross; the third and fourth by the rest of the brigade, the two pom-poms and our Maxim being at the head of the re-entrant between the second and third ridges, with Captain Noblett and three sections on its left.

Shortly after our arrival the Boers took up a position on a kopje about 1,500 yards directly in front, and quickly opened rifle fire on our position. Fortunately the men had time to ensconce themselves behind rocks, and, consequently, though bullets fell fast about them, they were able to maintain a steady fire on the enemy without exposing themselves. It was here, I deeply regret to say, that Major Showers met his death. He was at the extreme right of the firing line and under a hot flanking fire from the Boers, who had moved a party into a donga some 300 or 400 yards to their left.

I personally begged him not to expose himself, as also did Captains Chamney and Rutherfoord; but he would stand erect, using his field glasses and presenting a most conspicuous mark for the enemy’s fire, 156which resulted fatally to him shortly after noon, a Mauser bullet entering his right side half way down and coming out through his left arm above the elbow. In risking his own life he had drawn a heavy fire on the spot where he fell, and it was with much danger and difficulty that Captain Powell, with Captain Chamney and others, succeeded in removing him from the summit of the hill to a place of safety about thirty yards down. I should like to take this opportunity of adding a few words by way of tribute to the memory of Major Showers. When he heard of the corps being raised, he was in command of the Surma Valley Light Horse in Cachar, with the rank of Colonel, and was looked upon as one of the smartest commanders of Volunteer Cavalry in India. He wrote me and said, ‘If you will take me as your second in command, I will gladly forfeit my rank and come as Major.’ I may have made many fortunate selections in choosing my officers, but I never made a wiser one than in selecting Colonel Showers. A better or a braver man never breathed, and his loss to me so early in the campaign was irreparable.

Shortly after the commencement of the Boer attack the whole of the left were forced to retire owing to their flank being turned, taking one pom-pom and our Maxim with them. Captain Noblett was consequently obliged, at about 11 A.M., to conform to this movement, having no support, and took his men out of the shell fire with great difficulty but had only a few casualties.

Lieutenant Crane, receiving no orders to retire, and being detached from me and unable to communicate with me or I with him, deemed it his duty to retain his position as long as possible, which resulted in close fighting and the loss of nearly half his section.

While the Royal Engineer Company were busy blowing up the railway at this point, Captain Rutherfoord on the left, with our scouts, with his usual keenness soon came in touch with those of the enemy, and a brisk fire ensued on both sides, Captain Rutherfoord holding his position until I was able to reinforce him on his right flank. Colonel Ross soon hurried up further reinforcements on his left, which enabled us to hold the kopje and forced the enemy to fall back on the convoy they were covering. As night was approaching, pursuit with our tired horses was utterly hopeless, and we were ordered to move to our left and encamp at Germiston, which lay in the hollow behind us.

This, being the junction of railway lines that branch off in several directions, was the key of the Boer position. Our day’s movements had, however, been very successful, and Colonel Henry issued a brigade order next morning saying he had been congratulated by the Commander-in-Chief on the day’s work; while Colonel Ross was also congratulated on the prominent part taken by his corps, which resulted in the capture of fourteen engines and a large quantity of rolling-stock. This was very pleasant news to us, but the work was telling its tale on the horses, who 244were dead beat and fast tumbling to pieces from overwork and want of food. Our casualty was fortunately only one during the day—namely, Private J.D. Bewsher, who was shot through the knee while we were engaging the enemy opposite Boksburg.

Owing to the pace we had travelled and the hilly nature of the country, our Maxim gun under Captain Holmes, with its escort, had not come into camp when we retired to bed. The men, as on many previous occasions, had to turn in without food, and their horses were in the same plight.

After Pretoria had been taken A Company and Headquarters remained at Irene, and B Company went to Kalfontein, ten miles south on the line. The duties at both places were similar, in that they had to patrol the line and the neighbourhood. One of the Irene regular patrols was to Pretoria and back daily.

On one of the usual patrols into that town Captain Rutherfoord passed a German ambulance proceeding south, who explained that they had been 259allowed to do so, but carried no pass. Arriving at Pretoria, he reported the fact to the authorities, and also that he had stopped the ambulance until he could get orders concerning it. On inquiry, having ascertained that nothing was known about it, he obtained a letter to the Commandant at Irene, who was told to ascertain that the ambulance people were carrying no papers for the use of the enemy, and, if satisfied, to allow them to proceed. The Commandant, being a man of high ideals, did not see his way to thoroughly searching the ambulance, which contained four German nurses, in addition to the four doctors, and he therefore allowed them to pass on having taken the senior doctor’s word of honour that they had with them nothing of any use to the enemy in the way of papers. The ambulance then went on its way, but stopped the night at Kalfontein, ten miles beyond Irene. In the evening a wire came to us for an officer’s patrol to bring all those people back to Pretoria. Captain Rutherfoord was accordingly sent to Kalfontein for the purpose, and returned in the evening with the party.

Colonel Lumsden and all of us felt so sorry for the prisoners that we decided to ask them to dinner, which invitation being accepted, in due course we all sat down together in our little mess-house.

During our stay at Irene, as it was bitterly cold, we had run up a small hut: walls of piled-up stones, a tin roof, and a most cunningly contrived fireplace which did not smoke. We decorated the place with flowers, had a tip-top dinner, and drank crème de menthe as our only beverage. The dinner went off in the wonderful way dinners do. None of us could talk German, and none of them English, and yet we conversed freely and had the greatest fun. The show concluded with songs, and the last remembrance I have of it was that the Colonel and the prettiest ‘sister’ were taking down one another’s addresses and betting gloves about something in the quietest corner. Rutherfoord had been hiding as much as possible, as he felt himself to blame for being the cause of all their trouble, but we gave him away at the end, and though they all pretended to be very angry with him, we unanimously allowed that he had beaten all but the Colonel in winning the favours of the fair sex.

At about 2 A.M. we escorted them back to their caravan and said good-night, first of all pointing out that a sentry was posted over them, with orders to shoot at sight if anyone left the waggons during the night. They started for Pretoria at daybreak, but most of the officers were there to see them off, while one met them a few miles up the road. The Colonel was late for breakfast that morning. We heard afterwards that on arrival at Pretoria they were searched, and the result was that the doctors went to gaol, and the dear ladies were sent under supervision out of the country. We all, however, are quite certain that they were innocent victims of Boer duplicity.

Some officers of Lumsden’s Horse were in the Pretoria Club that night, but it was not they who gave away the countersign. Occasional visits to Pretoria in the vain hope of finding that some articles of luxury or much-needed outfit could be bought there became great events in the lives of both officers and men during their banishment to lines of communication. Somehow a goodly number of them, for whom sport was an irresistible attraction, managed to assemble 262on ground a mile outside the racecourse when three score of competitors started for the first military steeplechase ever ridden near Pretoria. After this event Colonel Lumsden wrote with pardonable pride:

Beharis will be pleased to hear that Captain Rutherfoord, of ours, won the first paper-chase in Pretoria. There were sixty starters over a stiff country, with the result that grief was plentiful.

Pretoria did not give itself away all at once to the temptations of a novel spectacle; but there were ladies in carriages among the little crowd of sightseers, and some stolid burghers looked on with approval, while others took part in the chase, for Boers have a bond of sympathy with us in love of horse-racing and field sports. The Commander-in-Chief came, sitting his shapely chestnut with a firmer and more workmanlike ease than half the horsemen present could boast of, and looking as if he could still show them all the way over a stiff hunting country. His appearance at the starting-point was a signal for marshalling the forces into line.

Then a Staff officer gave the word to go, and away went the motley field, more than half a hundred strong, spurring, 264hustling, charging like a Cavalry squadron for all they were worth. A light-weight, who served with distinction in Her Majesty’s Navy years ago, was quickest off, and led them over the two stone walls, closely followed by Captain Cox, of the New South Wales Lancers. Then came the second flight, riding for the walls knee to knee. Thanks to bold hearts and resolute riding, they all got over. A fall in that dense formation with another rank rushing close behind would have brought more than one rider to unutterable grief. But the ranks began to thin where a spruit had to be crossed, with steep banks into and out of the drift. There the ‘Skipper’s’ pony, with speed unchecked, gained a good lead, but he came down at the next made-up fence and gave his rider a nasty fall. The active light-weight, however, nipped into the saddle and went on cheery as ever. Then in clouds of dust, through which the fences could scarcely be seen, leggy horses and diminutive ponies rushed onward, jostling for a lead as before. Captain McNeil, of Montmorency’s Scouts, came down and broke his collar-bone, and Gibbs, of the Somerset Yeomanry, falling with his horse on top of him, had two ribs broken. But still ‘the chase went sweeping heedless by’ over a wide dug-out, with a hurdle to screen it and a trappy ditch where the road had to be crossed. Then they spread out to gallop over stony ground for the spruit, into which many floundered. The pace was beginning to tell on horses out of condition as they struggled up hill to go for a formidable bank of sandbags topped with loose earth that had been dug out of the ditch in front. Down-hill again to a hollow, where the little stream meandering between boggy ground had to be crossed three times. There several jaded steeds came to a standstill, having shot their bolts, and only a select few went up the next hill to the trappiest fence of all, where water flowed between deep banks. There the ‘Skipper’ got his third fall, but he mounted again and followed the leaders as they rounded the flag and rode for home. Captain Cox had also been left behind, and the running was taken up by Captain Rutherfoord, of Lumsden’s Horse, with Major Kenna, V.C., of the 21st Lancers, in close attendance. Flanks were heaving and pipes wheezing before the next boulder-strewn ridge had been crossed. ‘A run is nothing without music,’ said a subaltern as he roused his panting 265steed for another effort. He nearly blundered, as many others did, over the next little fence, and they were being left hopelessly behind. Kenna and Rutherfoord charged the last stone wall side by side, and rose together at it. Rutherfoord landed first, and had the race in hand, but, mistaking the post, eased his horse too soon. So Kenna, V.C., got a neck ahead in the straight run home, and thus won his right to claim the brush or whatever may be a substitute for it in paper-chasing. That was the official verdict, but Lumsden’s Horse still hold that their champion was first past the post.

One day a pleasant incident enlivened Colonel Lumsden’s ordinarily uneventful round of inspections. He had been visiting posts south of Irene, and was hurrying back to headquarters on an affair of urgent importance, when a train stopped at one of the sidings. Before he had time to realise that it was a special, or to make any inquiries, the train began to move again. So he jumped on to the nearest platform, and presently found himself in a corridor, cleaner and more carefully looked after than any he had seen on a Transvaal railway up to that time. Not knowing what to make of it, and half-expecting to meet an angry Chief of the Staff face to face, he refrained from exploring further. Presently a lady passed and said, ‘Won’t you come in?’ Colonel Lumsden was smoking at the time, and declined for that reason. ‘But mother wishes you to come,’ was the reply. So the gallant Colonel yielded with ready grace, and found himself in the presence of Lady Roberts, who, with her daughters, was on the way to Pretoria. They were just then nearing Irene, and Colonel Lumsden drew attention to the camp of his Indian Volunteers, in whom he thought Lady Roberts would naturally be much interested. To his surprise he saw a huge bonfire burning, and in silhouette against it were the words, ‘Welcome to Lady Roberts!’ Sergeant-Major Stephens had hit upon this happy idea, and put it into execution just at the right moment. One of the daughters, seeing it, said, ‘Oh, mother, there is a warm welcome for you, at any rate!’ Lady Roberts frequently referred to this impromptu welcome in conversation with Colonel Lumsden afterwards, and spoke appreciatively of the pleasure it had given her.

For nearly two months from the fall of Pretoria on June 5 to 26 July,  29th Lumsden’s Horse were scattered up and down the railway lines between Pretoria and Johannesburg.

Colonel Lumsden gives the following official account of this period in a letter to the executive committee of his corps:

The names of several other applicants are still before His Excellency, and I hope to advise you soon of their having received commissions also. At the same time I do not expect any of these will leave the corps until its disbandment. Young Maurice Clifford has been taken on by General Ian Hamilton as orderly, and is also likely to receive a commission, as well as Leslie Williams, son of the late popular Gwatkin Williams.

Captain Rutherfoord, Lieutenant Crane, and Sergeant Macnamara have been offered commissions in the Transvaal Mounted Police, and will probably remain in this country, as I believe will a good many others.

Captain Stevenson is likely to obtain an important veterinary appointment out here, and Dr. (Captain) Powell is also in the running for a high medical post should he prefer this to returning to India.

All the above, added to the continued requisitions for men of my corps for various offices, point to the esteem in which they are held by the authorities apart from their fighting qualities. In fact, were it not for strong remonstrances on my part to official requests, I should be in a fair way to lose a big percentage of my men before the work for which they came out has been completed.

In my previous letter I mentioned the sad plight to which our horses had been reduced, and that at the time of writing I doubted my ability to place ninety mounted men in the field fit for a two-days’ march. You will now be pleased to hear that in this respect things have improved, and that 269I can now mount 180 officers and men on fairly serviceable animals, few, however, remaining of our original Indian chargers. In this connection I may also mention that out of sixty Argentine remounts received at Kroonstad, only one is alive.

Now comes the important question of finance.

I have been spending various sums on comforts for the men, the largest item being 50l. for a much-needed supply of tobacco.

The men are very badly in want of clothes, especially breeches, tunics, and boots. I have indented on the Government Stores at Bloemfontein for a complete outfit, and hope to receive it shortly. This, of course, will be issued to us gratis. Nothing in the shape of clothing can be got for money.

I am enclosing a statement showing roughly the financial position of the corps. From this you will see that, provided the war is not prolonged beyond our present anticipations, there will be an ample balance left to admit of the payments estimated for in Calcutta.

On January 4, 1901, just one year after they had assembled on the Maidan full of high hopes and noble aspirations, these Indian Volunteers, who had made for themselves a name that will long be honoured among British soldiers, were disbanded. So the curtain fell on the war scene in which the two hundred and fifty men known to history as Lumsden’s Horse played their parts. They had been in the field ten months, marched from camp to camp over 1,500 miles, fought in thirty-nine actions, lost seven men killed in action, two from enteric, several at various times incapacitated by wounds; they had left nearly sixty of their number in South Africa, some as administrators, some in the Regular Army, and some in the Police; they had brought back to Calcutta only four of the horses with which they started, and had used up 750 remounts. They had been twice mentioned in despatches by the Field-Marshal, and had been praised by every General under whom they served. Out of a total of fifteen officers, one, Colonel Lumsden, was decorated by Her Majesty Queen Victoria with the C.B.; another, Major Chamney, received the C.M.G.; two others, Captain Rutherfoord and Lieutenant Pugh, obtained the D.S.O.

The Adjutant and the two Regular officers who had commanded companies were promoted a step, to the rank of Brevet-Major. Trooper J.A. Graham, whose act of valour at Crocodile River has been recorded, received the Distinguished Conduct Medal; similar decorations were awarded to Corporal Percy Jones, Troopers P.C. Preston, H.N. Betts, W.E. Dexter, and Regimental Sergeant-Major Marsham; while seven other N.C.O.s and troopers were mentioned in despatches. It is a noteworthy 410fact that of all those whose names were brought forward by Colonel Lumsden not one failed to obtain recognition from the Commander-in-Chief, and only three received less honourable distinctions than their Colonel thought they were entitled to. All these things prove that nobody was recommended except for meritorious services of which clear and conclusive evidence could be given. All soldiers will appreciate what that means. And of twenty-three who obtained commissions in the Regular Army and others gazetted to Irregular corps, only two resigned subsequently. Colonel Lumsden was exceptionally fortunate in securing this number of commissions, and still more fortunate in selecting men worthy to retain them. It must not be forgotten, however, that the majority of those serving in the ranks of Lumsden’s Horse were Public School boys, some of whom may have failed in their examinations for Sandhurst, and gone out to fight their way in India as indigo, tea, and coffee planters, and who, when the occasion arose, were just the right men to fill the appointments they got. Their merits were recognised not only by our own military authorities, but also by the enemy. One Boer told the Rev. J.H. Siddons, of Great Berkhampstead, whose letter is quoted by permission, that Lumsden’s Horse were ‘exceptionally good both at scouting and shooting.’ The same authority also says that he had similar testimony to their merits from a corporal of one of the Cavalry regiments. This is not surprising, as Lumsden’s Horse and their comrades of the Line were always on good terms, and had a mutual admiration for each other. In a letter to the Colonel, Trooper D. Morison says:

I am afraid I cannot help you much with my personal experiences and views. No doubt everyone who writes you on the subject will be full of praise and admiration for Mr. Thomas Atkins as we found him on the veldt. But I should like to record what a splendid chap he is. Whether Scotch, Irish, Welsh, or from any other part of the country, he is all the same when it comes to a tight corner.

Decorations

Colonel D.M. Lumsden, Assam Valley Light Horse C.B.

Major H. Chamney, Surma Valley Light Horse.

Captain J.B. Rutherfoord, Behar Light Horse D.S.O.

Lieutenant H.O. Pugh, Calcutta Light Horse D.S.O.


Following are the recommendations made by Lieutenant-Colonel Lumsden, late commanding Lumsden’s Horse, in bringing the names of the undermentioned officers and men to the favourable notice of Field-Marshal Lord Roberts, the Commander-in-Chief, as having done special and meritorious work during the service of his corps in South Africa. The promotions or honours given subsequently are placed within parentheses.

Previous to the date of these recommendations, Major Chamney had been gazetted a Companion of St. Michael and St. George, while Captain Rutherfoord and Lieutenant Pugh had received the decoration of the Distinguished Service Order.

History of Lumsden's Horse

Passenger List: S.S. Largs Bay from Southampton to Fremantle, Australia 10th June 1932.

Burton made a last trip back to England and departed Southampton, United Kingdom on the 11th May 1932 on board the "Largs Bay" bound for Australia and arrived in Fremantle, Western Australia on the on the 10th June. Burton gave his residential address as Landridge Street, Bondi via Sydney, New South Wales.  

Burton was buried on the 15th September 1934 at the Rookwood Cemetery, New South Wales, Australia, Anglican Section 14, Grave 911. 

findagrave.com

IRINGA CEMETERY, South Africa.

At the outbreak of the First World War Tanzania was the core of German East Africa. From the invasion of April 1915, Commonwealth forces fought a protracted and difficult campaign against a relatively small but highly skilled German force under the command of General von Lettow-Vorbeck. When the Germans finally surrendered on 23 November 1918, twelve days after the European armistice, their numbers had been reduced to 155 European and 1,168 African troops. Iringa was captured in September 1916 and an officers' hospital was posted in the town. Twelve burials were made in Iringa Cemetery from May 1916, to December 1917, and after the Armistice 135 graves were brought in from other burial grounds. Iringa Cemetery now contains 131 Commonwealth burials of the First World War and one from the Second World War. The Commission also cares for 16 German war burials within the cemetery.

RUTHERFOORD, Lieutenant, ARTHUR HENRY, 1st. Rhodesia Native Regiment. 23rd July 1917. Age 27. Son of Ellen Rutherfoord, of Alma House, Collingham Bridge, Leeds, England, and the late John Brownley Rutherfoord. II. A. 4.

Military Records

© Commonwealth of Australia (National Archives of Australia)

Under Construction: 10/04/2024-16/04/2024.

Private: 2539 Private Leonard Sydney CROSSINGHAM

by

33rd BATTALION AIF

Private: 2539 Leonard Sydney CROSSINGHAM

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

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

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

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

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

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

INFORMATION

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(Macleay Chronicle – Wed 4 Sep 1918 UNEXPECTED DEATH)

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

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

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

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

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

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

References and Acknowledgements

Story: Brian Roy Crossingham

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

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

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

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

National Archives of Australia – Military Service Records:

NAA: B2455, CROSSINGHAM W A

NAA: B2455, CROSSINGHAM L S

NAA: B2455, CROSSINGHAM G A

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

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

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

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

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

ODDFELLOWS WELCOME.

PRIDE OF CLYBUCCA HONORS SOLDIER BRETHREN.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Coffs Harbour Heritage

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

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

ancestry.com

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

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

Military Records

© Commonwealth of Australia (National Archives of Australia)

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

Lieutenant Colonel: Clifford Russell RICHARDSON

by

2nd BATTALION - 33rd BATTALION AIF

Lieutenant Colonel: Clifford Russell RICHARDSON. MC

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

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

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

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

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

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

INFORMATION

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

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

Captain Richardson. 14th Infantry Militia

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

Sydney Mail, 26 May 1915, p. 8.

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

Military Cross

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

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

July 1945

Armidale. New South Wales

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

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

MR. C. R. RICHARDSON

Death Occurs After Lengthy Illness

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

SERVICE FOR LATE C. R. RICHARDSON

St. Paul's Filled to Capacity

ARMlDALE'S FINAL

TRIBUTE

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

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

and Co. attended.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Bowlers Pay Tribute

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

Trove

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

27-November-2015

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

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

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

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

Private: 2028 Alfred Miller Connovy ALDERTON

by

36th BATTALION - 33rd BATTALION AIF

Private: 2028 Alfred Miller Connovy ALDERTON

Born: 20th February 1893. Cooks Hill via Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia. Birth Cert:25244/1893.

Married:

Wife: Maggie Alderton. 

Died: 23rd July 1939. St Vincent's Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. Death Cert:13728/1939.

Father: Jonathon Alderton. 

Mother: Ellen Alderton. nee: 

INFORMATION

Served during The Great War, resting at Sandgate Cemetery, have I been forgotten?

83 years ago today, on the Tuesday afternoon of the 25th July 1939, Private Alfred Miller Connovy Alderton, also known as Ned, 33rd Battalion (Reg No-2028), carriage painter (Honeysuckle Workshops, Newcastle, N.S.W.), from 9 Laman Street, Cooks Hill, New South Wales and Croydon, N.S.W., was laid to rest at Sandgate Cemetery, age 46. ANGLICAN 2-117. 48.
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article133742099 - funeral notice states service.
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article133724732 - death notice states service.
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article133736614 - Bereavement Notice states service.
Born at Cooks Hill, New South Wales on the 20th February 1893 to Jonathan and Ellen Alderton nee Mathews - http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article138150300, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article138157725, Ned enlisted May 1916 with the 36th Battalion at Newcastle, N.S.W.
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article133748109 - letter home from Garnet Dart mentions Ned, Big Jim Antcliffe and Arthur Dodd (all Sandgate Cemetery related).

Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners' Advocate (NSW : 1876 - 1954), Wednesday 14 February 1917, page 3

"SOMEWHERE IN FRANCE." NEWCASTLE SOLDIER'S LETTER.

Private Garnet Wilton Dart, on active service abroad, in writing to his father, Mr. James Dart, solicitor, of Newcastle, in December last, states as follows: "I cannot mention when we left the old spot, but I can say-that so far as the journey across the Channel was concerned It was, as we say in French, "non bon" (no good). In any case I saw 'Europe' Just a little prematurely. I was not the only one, however. I tried hard to resist the temptation, but the force of the unkind elements conquered. I do not think that I ever put in a worse, night. We were all glad when terra firma was reached, after a rather lengthy sea voyage, for the distance between the two ports. "Little did we think, when we landed on European soil, that such a long tedious and slow train journey awaited us. After having a rest of about a day, and a good wash (which Is always appreciated by the soldiers), we entered upon this train journey of 44 hours, that will long live in our memories: I cannot mention what towns we passed through en route, but I can write about what was seen, and that was very little, indeed worthy of mention. Certainly the train passed slowly enough through the country it afford us the opportunity to see what there was to be seen.

The intrusion of autumn was very noticeable; all the trees were practically robbed, of all their foliage. The country Is sparsely wooded, the major portion of the big trees have been planted by the hand of man, in regular order, forming avenues. Methinks the country would wear a more pleasant aspect during the summer months; it is generally flat, and little, comparatively, has been under the plough. Stops were many and this enabled us to get out of the "carriage" (if I can call it such), and warm up our cold feet. Many washed in the creeks, ,others shaved themselves by the rail track. Then, again, others found much opportunity to air their knowledge of the French language on the poor un-fortunate inhabitants of the village. Quite a number of new words were coined. Nearly two nights and days were spent in the train. The first night I can well remember, for it was the most uncomfortable I ever experienced, even worse than the night crossing the Channel. The weather was cold, keen, and damp; we huddled ourselves up in all shapes and designs, endeavouring to fall to the entreaties of our saviour sleep, but few were successful, and we were glad when daylight dawned. The second night we obtained somewhat better results. We existed on the issue of "iron ration," that Is bully beef and biscuits -alright for a change, but of short duration. I saw not any results of the Huns' intrusion along the route of the journey, and we were exceedingly glad when the time arrived for us to leave the train.

About an hour's journey brought us to a small village wherein we were billeted in rather good quarters-some rooms of the village school. Sleep was our kind friend that night, and believe me it was much sought after by all of us. The village was under the domination of the "Germhuns" for about a fortnight during the early part of the war, but on the arrival of that "contemptible little army" from the small piece of land across the Channel. the sway of the Huns was soon shattered. Practically no dam-age was done during the Germans' occupation. "Soon the many estaminets (wine shops), which the small village was alive with, and the eating houses were patronized to the utmost. Our lads sampled the wine very often, and expressed In French that it was very good. A good meal of steak, two eggs, and plenty of well cooked potatoes (chipped) was obtainable for two francs 50 cents (equivalent in English money is 9d). Needless to say, I was not long in locating one of the eating houses. Tile drinking of the "good wine" did not appeal to me. Everywhere our lads were endeavouring to make the inhabitants to understand the "French-Australian" language, containing more of the latter than the former. Some of the youngsters (the village) have learnt some of the real Australian language. The village has several straggling streets containing many buildings that long ago saw better days. Sanitation appears to be non-existent with the village people. From this place we could hear the booming of cannon shells, and the spitting of many bullets from the machine guns. Nobody is alarmed at the disturbance, for they now they are reasonably safe. That village saw us for a little under a week, and now we are some what nearer to the real thing. We are comfortably quartered in a large Catholic convent that has suffered considerably by artillery fire. Large rents are in the roof, big holes in the walls, and but few panes of glass remain intact. Many other buildings have suffered similarly in the town, and the work of the Huns' Intrusion here Is very noticeable.

Time at my disposal has not given me the opportunity of seeing much of the place. I am employed generally in cleaning up the billet and doing sundry work of the dressing station. I am quartered with several others in a small room of the convent, and we have comfortably provided for ourselves a warm fire, which cheers the place up at night. Apart from the occasional noise caused by artillery and machine-gun fire a few miles away, there Is nothing else of interest to report. Some of the lads have gone forward to the real thing in the trenches. There Is no excitement with us, all things in connection with our duties are carried out methodically, and we fear no foe. We felt decidedly more impressed by our departure from the homeland, now seven months ago, than we have by our entrance into the zone of battle. Whilst I am writing, about 7.45 p.m., not a sound can be heard without. Last night it was quite the reverse-much was the noise caused by machine-gun fire and some artillery fire. A big accumulated Australian mail .greeted us upon arrival. Some of the lads received as many as between 20 and 40 letters I received 16, besides many newspapers We are obliged always to wear our helmets (tin), weighing about four pounds, and gas masks, the latter to use against gas attack and the former to protect the head from falling shrapnel and bullets of course not from an artillery shell. Down in a dug-out is the best place when an artillery bombardment commences The suspension of work on the Sabbath Day is not in vogue here. I did a fair amount of general labour today and am feeling somewhat fatigued. "Jim Antcliffe, Ned Alderton, and Arthur Dodd are here.

I have not seen them yet. Jim Antcliffe called to see me the other day, but, unfortunately, I was out of the billet doing work elsewhere when he called. Today is Friday, the 8th day of December, In the year of our Lord 1916 Nothing disturbs me as I write. I have heard some occasional artillery bombardments-nothing fierce-and machine gun fire, but I have never yet been able to see the result of these at attacks The gun fire has not yet put us off our food, or has it disturbed us from our slumbers. We had a gas alarm very early in the morning (12.15 a.m.), one day this week. The alarm sounded, causing us to put. on our life preservers-the gas masks; hurriedly dressing, and falling in on the parade ground, we found that It .was only an alarm, no German gas was actually released. All alarms, however, must be regarded seriously, as one may easily be caught napping; a few whiffs of this gas may do the trick. The masks we have had Issued .to us are the best yet invented, and It is imperative that the breathing should not be done through the nose whilst the gas attack Is on. Very few soldiers become gassed now, owing to the precautions taken. I am in-formed that the Germans get more gas attacks from us than we get from them.

Last Sunday we were permitted to have a good hot bath at the Divisional Baths; it was very much appreciated by those who had the opportunity of getting there. After the bath, a complete change of clean underclothing, including socks, is issued to each man. Wine vats, 10ft by 5ft 6in, are partly filled with hot water, and therein the lads disport themselves. A number of women are employed to wash the returned clothes, and to clean the coat and trousers. There is no water here fit for drinking, unless it has been boiled, or some chemicals added. I missed my good drink of water since leaving Glasgow.; there you will find the best water in the world. "We heard something about the Maltese invasion Into the homeland. Keep them out-put a stop to it. We are Indignant about it, and regret It so much. The employers should play the game, whilst the employees are doing their little bit this side. There re many worse places to live in than the "Coal City," but few better.

Ned was Wounded in action - 11.6.1917 (GSW left knee, slight, Battle of Messines).
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article138745356 - Ned's name mentioned at a meeting of the Amalgamated Coachmakers.
Ned returned home June 1919, being discharged on the 12th August 1919.
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article139437542 - report that Ned is returning home soon.
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article140072023 - Ned welcomed home by fellow members of the Newcastle branch of the Amalgamated Coachmakers at the Newcastle Trades Hall.
Mr. Alderton’s name has been inscribed on the Honeysuckle Point Loco Workshop Roll of Honour (photo, unveiled on the 25th May 1915, 10 names originally inscribed, 44 names now inscribed, 5 Fallen) and The Capt. Clarence Smith Jeffries (V.C.) and Pte. William Matthew Currey (V.C.) Memorial Wall.
A member of the Amalgamated Coachmakers, Railway Car & Waggon Makers & Wheelwrights Society of N.S.W., I have not located a Roll of Honour unveiling.
The tragic circumstances of Ned’s death were reported.
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article133726638 - report that Ned hit by van at Waverley, N.S.W.
Ned’s headstone plaque proudly tells us of his service with the 1st A.I.F., and I have placed poppies in remembrance of his sacrifice for God, King & Country.
Contact with descendants would be greatly appreciated.
Lest We Forget.
Grave of Private: 2028 Alfred Miller Connovy ALDERTON. Sandgate Cemetery, N.S.W.
Family Plot of ALDERTON. Sandgate Cemetery, N.S.W. 
Honeysuckle Workshops, Newcastle, N.S.W.

Gary Mitchell: July 2022.

Military Records

© Commonwealth of Australia (National Archives of Australia)

Under Construction: 29/07/2022-03/08/2022.

Private: 1217 Francis Xaviour PLATT

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35th BATTALION AIF

Private: 1217 Francis Xaviour PLATT

Born: 18th April 1886. Wallsend, New South Wales, Australia. 

Died: 4th June 1952. Wallsend, New South Wales, Australia. Death Cert:11084/1952.

Father: Thomas Henry Platt. (1836-1896)

Mother: Anastasia Maria Platt. nee: Ledwidge. (1840-1930)

INFORMATION

Francis Xaviour Platt enlisted with the AIF on the 1st December 1915 at Newcastle, N.S.W and was allocated to D Company 35th Battalion and was an original member of the Battalion. 1st May 1916 on board HMAT A24 "Beltana" and disembarked to the 9th July at Plymouth, England. Francis was marched in to the 9th Training Battalion at the Durrington Army Camp where he was marched in to No: 11 Camp.

Wallsend War Memorial

Family Information

Francis Xaviour was a single 39 year old Miner from Wallsend, N.S.W. upon his enlistment with the AIF. Louisa Margaret Platt born 1881 at Wallsend, N.S.W. Birth Cert:24945/1881.

Funeral Notice Francis Xaviour Platt (1886-1952)

Francis Xaviour Platt was a member of the Grand United order of Free Gardeners, Royal Oak Lodge No:9 with Private: 2183 James HEFNER. who also served with the 35th Battalion AIF.  

Military Records

Under Construction: 18/11/2021.

Corporal: 1244 Robert Charles THURSTON

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34th BATTALION AIF

Corporal: 1244 Robert Charles THURSTON.

Born: January 1885. Wrentham, Suffolk, United Kingdom.

Married: 1912. Waverley, New South Wales, Australia. Marriage Cert:16251/1912.

Wife: Ellen Annie Louisa Thurston. nee: Boon. (1882-1960)

Died: 22nd September 1928. Wallsend, via Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia. Death Cert:13622/1928.

Father: George Thurston. 

Mother: Mary A Thurston. nee: 

INFORMATION

Served during The Great War, resting at Sandgate Cemetery, have I been forgotten?

93 years ago today, on the Sunday afternoon of the 23rd September 1928 (3 funerals on this day), Corporal Robert Charles Thurston, 34th Battalion (Reg No-1244), miner from 44 Penkivil Street, Bondi, New South Wales and 74 Fourth Street, Boolaroo, N.S.W., was laid to rest at Sandgate Cemetery, age 44. ANGLICAN 2-136. 10.
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article163985237 - funeral notice does not state service.
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article163985223 - funeral notice for the Sulphide Corporation Employees' Union.
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article163985224 - funeral notice states service.
Born at Wrentham, Suffolk, United Kingdom about 1884 to George and Mary A Thurston; husband of Ellen Annie Louisa Thurston nee Boon (married 1912, Waverley, N.S.W., died 1960, 32 years a widow), Robert enlisted January 1916 at West Maitland, N.S.W.
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article123389554 - report of enlistment, states Kurri Kurri as the district associated.
Admitted to hospital 13.11.1916 (pyrexia), 14.4.1917 (gastritis), 29.5.1917 (not stated), 8.1.1918 (not stated), 16.8.1918 (pyrexia).
Wounded in action - 29.5.1917 (gas shell).
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article15757382 - reported wounded (gassed).
Invalided to UK 23.8.1918.
Robert was invalided home February 1919, being discharged medically unfit (trench fever) on the 5th April 1919.
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article139644016 - welcome home and presentation of gold medal.
Mr. Thurston’s name has been inscribed on the Waverley Soldiers' War Memorial (photos, unveiled on the 15th December 1918 by Governor General Ferguson, 1690 names inscribed), Sulphide Corporation Pty Ltd Cockle Creek Works Roll of Honour, Maitland & District Municipal Roll of Honor, Boolaroo District Roll of Honour, West Maitland Protestant Alliance Lodge No. 42 Roll of Honour - http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article133890731 and The Capt. Clarence Smith Jeffries (V.C.) and Pte. William Matthew Currey (V.C.) Memorial Wall.
Robert’s gravesite plaque proudly tells us of his service with the 34th Battalion, 1st A.I.F., and I have placed poppies in remembrance of his sacrifice for God, King and Country (note that M.M. inscribed, apparently incorrect).
Grave of Robert and Ellen Thurston. Sandgate Cemetery
Service record indicates being notified of death, no date recorded.
Would probably be officially commemorated with a Commonwealth Graves Plaque at the gravesite.
Lest We Forget.
Gary Mitchell: September 2021.
Family Information
Robert Charles Thurston Deserted from His Majesty's Service in 1911 from HMS "Encounter" whilst in Sydney Harbour after sailing from New Zealand. He was a married 31 year old Coal Miner when he enlisted with the AIF. Note: Robert stated that he had No previous Military Service on his enlistment papers.
Ellen Annie Louisa Thurston. nee: Boon. (1882-1960)
Military Records
© Commonwealth of Australia (National Archives of Australia)

Under Construction: 29/09/2021-05/10/2021.

Extra Regimental Corporal: 1410 Corporal Leslie James GRIERSON

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35th BATTALION AIF

Extra Regimental Corporal: 1410 Corporal Leslie James GRIERSON

Born: 2nd April 1888. Wallsend, New South Wales, Australia. Birth Cert:33447/1888.

Died: 15th August 1927. Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia. Death Cert:12585/1927.

Father: James Grierson. 

Mother: Cadelin M Grierson. 

INFORMATION

Served during The Great War, resting at Sandgate Cemetery.
93 years ago today, on the Wednesday afternoon of the 17th August 1927, 2nd Corporal Leslie James Grierson, 35th Battalion (Transport Section) and Administrative Headquarters, clerk (Government Dockyard, Newcastle, N.S.W.), from 12 Scott Street, Newcastle, New South Wales and 7 Young Road, Broadmeadow, N.S.W., was laid to rest at Sandgate Cemetery, age 39. ANGLICAN 2-128. 22.
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article135592035
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article135590921 - funeral notice states service.
Born at Wallsend, New South Wales on the 2nd April 1888 (as GERIESON) to James and Cadelin (Cordelia, Cordlia, Coralie) M Grierson, Leslie enlisted March 1916 at Sydney, N.S.W.
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article137104876
Sustaining no injuries or ill health during his service, Mr Grierson returned home January 1920, being discharged on the 2nd March 1920.
Leslie’s name should have been inscribed on the Newcastle Surf Club & Life-Saving Brigade Honor Roll - http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article133881827. A member of Lodge Fidelity No. 163 United Grand Lodge of N.S.W., name not inscribed on the Roll of Honor. Name not located inscribed on any known War Memorial or Roll of Honour.
I have honoured Mr Grierson’s WW1 service with poppies and a 1914-1918 WAR label, kindly supplied by Andrea Gerrard and John Thomas, at Leslie’s gravesite.
http://sandgate.northerncemeteries.com.au/index.php/war-heroes/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=103&aso=exact&s_f=id&data_search=24003#2
Lest We Forget.

(Gary Mitchell: August 2020)

Family Information

Leslie was a single 27 year old Clerk from 12 Scott Street, Newcastle, N.S.W. His sister Alice was recorded as his Next of Kin.

Grierson Family Plot, Sandgate Cemetery

Military Records

© Commonwealth of Australia (National Archives of Australia)

Under Construction: 17/08/2020.

Private: 538 Frederick PRICE

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36th BATTALION AIF

Private: 538 Frederick PRICE

Born: 1898. North Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. Birth Cert:34492/1898.

Married: 1923. Dubbo, New South Wales.Marriage Cert:12669/1923.

Wife: Louisa Mary Price. nee: Coffee. (18..-1979)

Died: 24 Sep 1985. New South Wales, Australia. Death Cert:25219/1985 .

Father: Charles Harry Price.

Mother: Louisa Eliza Price.

INFORMATION

Frederick Price was a member of the Warringah Rifle Club when he enlisted B Company 36th Battalion AIF on the 6th January 1916 at Victoria Barracks and was an original member of the Battalion where he was marched in the the Liverpool Camp with the 36th Battalion.

The 36th Battalion was raised at Victoria Barracks, Liverpool, Rutherford and Broadmeadow Army Camps, in New South Wales in February 1916. The bulk of the Battalion's recruits had enlisted as a result of a recruiting drive conducted among'st the RIFLE CLUBS of New South Wales by the Minister of Public Information in the New South Wales Government, Ambrose CARMICHAEL. Thus the Battalion became known as "CARMICHAEL'S THOUSAND". Carmichael led by example and enlisted as well, serving in the Battalion as a Captain.

 

Frank and the 36th Battalion en trained to Sydney where they embarked on board HMAT A72 "Beltana" on the 13th of May 1916, and disembarked at Plymouth on the 9th July 1916 and was marched in to the Durrington Army Camp at Lark Hill where he commenced training with the 9th Infantry Training Battalion. On the 22nd November they proceeded overseas for France.

22nd November 1916.

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

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

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

22nd November 1916

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

23rd November 1916.

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

24th November 1916.

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

25th November 1916.

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

26th November 1916.

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

27th November 1916.

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

28th November 1916.

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

29th November 1916.

Whole Battalion still in billets-supply Working Parties Only.

30th November 1916.

Visited the front line on left sector of defenses at Armentiers.

22nd January 1917.

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

(36th Battalion war Diary)

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 dissaray, 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.

Frank was Wounded in Action receiving Multiple Gun Shot Wound and was treated by the 9th Australian Field Ambulance on the 7th June before he was evacuated to Estaples for further treatment. He was invalided to England on the 17th of June where he was admitted to the Horton War Hospital for gun Shot Wounds to his Head and Legs. Upon his discharge from Hospital Frank embarked for Australia. He returned on the 27th of September and was admitted to the No:4 Hospital at Randwick and was discharged from the AIF on the 2nd May 1918.

Frank's War Medal:44852 and Victory Medal:43847 to PTE 538 F PRICE 36 BN AIF with photo and Xmas Card to his mother Louisa was auctioned but I was unable to secure for the Harrower Collection.

Family Information

Frank was a single 18 year old Labourer from Mona Vale, N.S.W. upon enlistment with the AIF. He was a member of the Warringah Rifle Cub. 

Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
Cemetery: Macquarie Park
Section: M
Row: 20
Inscription: husb of Louisa Mary Price & father of Frederick, Joyce, Alfred, Ronald, Kelvin, Nita & Cecil (Masonic symbol)
Denomination: General Lawn

Christmas card from Frank to his mother Louisa.

Military Records

 

© Commonwealth of Australia (National Archives of Australia)

Under Construction: 11/09/2018.