Pre World War One. New South Wales. – The Harrower Collection

Lieutenant: Henry Joseph LAZER.

February 20, 2026 by David Harrower ACM

33rd BATTALION AIF

Lieutenant: Henry Joseph LAZER.

Born: 26th August 1894. Glen Innes, New South Wales, Australia. (No Birth Record)

Died: 24th March 1917. Killed in Action. Armentieres, France.

Father: Isaak Lazer.

Mother: Helana Lazer. (1859-31.10.1918) Died at Glen Innes, New South Wales, Australia. Death Cert:15420/1918.

INFORMATION

Henry Joseph Lazer served as a Lieutenant in the 13th Infantry Militia and the 14th Infantry "Hunter River" Militia and was still serving the the 13th Infantry when he enlisted with the AIF on the 7th March 1916 with the rank of Lieutenant to B Company 33rd Battalion AIF.

Henry and the 33rd Battalion entrained to Sydney and disembarked from the Woolloomooloo Wharf in Sydney on board HMAT A74 "Marathon" on the 4th May 1916. The 33rd Disembarked at Devonport England on the 9th July and were marched in to the 9th Training Battalion at the Durrington Army Camp where 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.

Henry was treated by the New Zealand Ambulance for a Bomb Wound to his Right Knee and was admitted to the New Zealand General Hospital on the 17th August 1916. The next 3 months Henry remained in Hospital recovering from his injury before he has discharged to duty on the 10th November 1916. The 33rd were preparing for overseas deployment and Henry proceed overseas for France via Southampton on the the 21st November 1916 at 4:30 pm and travelled by paddle steamer ‘Mona Queen’ to France arriving November 22, 1916 at 7:00 am in Le Havre. The Battalion moved in to the No:1 Rest Camp just in time for the onset of the terrible winter of 1916-17.

S.S. "MONA QUEEN"

Henry was appointed Temporary Quartermaster on the 6th January 1916

28th January 1917.

Enemy Operations

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

(33rd Battalion War Diary)

Henry was Killed in Action on the 24th March 1917 at Armentieres France, and is remembered with honour and is commemorated in perpetuity by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission at the Cité Bonjean Military Cemetery, France

Cité Bonjean Military Cemetery

Family Information

Henry was a single 21 year old Shop Keeper who worked at I LAZER and SON General Store Keepers and Timber Merchants from Glen Innes New South Wales upon his enlistment with the AIF.

14th Infantry "Hunter River" Hat Badge

Isaak and Helana Lazer, of Betts Rd., Merrylands, Sydney, New South Wales. Helen is buried at the Rookwood General Cemetery. Plot: Zone G Section 3 Grave 68

Military Records

Under Construction: 17/02/2026.

Private: 2637 Arthur Oliver PINFOLD.

February 6, 2026 by David Harrower ACM

34th BATTALION AIF

Private: 2637 Arthur Oliver PINFOLD.

Born: 1896. West Maitland, New South Wales, Australia. Birth Cert:13898/1896.

Married: 1919. West Maitland, New South Wales, Australia. Marriage Cert:15353/1919.

Wife: Christina Jane Pinfold. nee: Doyle. (1902-1932) Died at West Maitland, New South Wales, Australia. Death Cert:19395/1932.

Died: 10th June 1943. Maitland, New South Wales, Australia. Death Cert:11368/1943.

Father: John Job Pinfold. (1867-1948) Maitland Hospital, Maitland, New South Wales, Australia. Death Cert:21426/1948.

Mother: Prudence Agnes Pinfold. nee: Whitehouse. (1867-1949) Died at Kurri Kurri, New South Wales, Australia. Death Cert:29900/1949.

INFORMATION

Arthur Olive Pinfold enlisted with the AIF on the 15th August 1916 at Newcastle, N.S.W where he was allocated to B Company, Newcastle Depot Battalion at Broadmeadow on the 21st of August before he was marched in to the Rutherford Army Camp where he was allocated to the 5th Reinforcements 34th Battalion AIF.

Rutherford Army Camp, West Maitland.

Arthur settled down to army life at Rutherford before being taken to Farley Station for their journey by train to Sydney on the 16th of November 1916. Upon their arrival in Sydney they went into camp at the Royal Agricultural Show Ground for the night and the next day the embarked from Woolloomooloo Wharf on board HMAT A "Port Napier" for England. The reinforcements disembarked at Devonport England on the 29th January 1917 and were marched into the 9th Training Battalion at the Durrington Army Camp.

Here the reinforcements settled down to hard training, which included Route Marching, Trench Digging, Bomb Practice, Musketry and General Camp Routine. Arthur was admitted to the Fargo Military Hospital suffering from Influenza on the 10th February 1917. A week later after treatment he was discharged and returned to training at the Durrington Army Camp. A couple of months past and the reinforcements for the 34th proceeded overseas for France via Folkstone on the 25th April 1917.

After proceeding overseas they disembarked the next morning and were marched into their billets before marching out to the lines where they were taken on in strength with the 34th Battalion on the 30th of April 1917. The Battalion was making preparation for their push at Messines.

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.

Arthur was Wounded in Action on the 9th June 1917 during the Battle at Messines where he received a Gun Shot Wound to his Right Knee and was treated by the 9th Australian Field Ambulance before he was taken by Stretcher Bearers the the Casual Clearing Station for further treatment. Arthur was discharged and invalided to England on the 17th of June and was admitted to the Canadian Red Cross Hospital at Taplow, England.

Arthur received further treatment for his wounds and after his rehabilitation was discharged to the n0: 2 Command Depot for his return to Australia. He embarked for Australia on board the "Port Darwin" returning to Australia on the 11th January 1918 and was discharged from the AIF as Medically Unfit for Active Service on the 17th July 1918.

"Horseshoe Bend Medal"

THE PRESENTATIONS

“Before the medals were presented, Mr. C.J. Mannall (chairman) said the Horseshoe Bend Welcome Home Committee had been giving a welcome home to all the Horseshoe Bend heroes who had returned, and these welcomes would never be forgotten. “He thought it a pity that similar welcome homes had not been given to other soldiers of the Maitland area. “But the Horseshoe Bend committee decided that the returned men should have something given to them to commemorate the heroic part they had played in the war and decided to present each man with a gold medal. “These medals were very unique. “ Each had a horseshoe in the center with the monogram of the recipient, the name of the returned soldier to whom it was presented, and an inscription stating by whom and what it was presented for and each was surmounted by a crown, and attached by a green ribbon to a gold pin for the purpose of attaching to the coat.”

(The HSB Honour Roll lists a H. and L.A. Mannall K.I.A.)

- One of the recipients of the medal was Private: 81 Reginald James HACKETT, 34th Battalion, who had his right arm amputated above the elbow after being wounded at Messines, June 7 1917. Less than two months after being awarded the medal he killed himself with a revolver. He lived with Miss Soorley in Cohen Street.

- A medal to Major (Dr) J.J. Hollywood, living in the “extended area” of Horseshoe Bend.

- A medal to Nurse Dorothy Feneley and the HSB committee “were honoured and had the privilege of welcoming home one of their brave nurses.” A very important historical record of WWI.

(By Peter Bogan; Sept. 7, 2014)

It is not known how many medals were commissioned but the Roll of Honour from the Horseshoe Bend Infants school lists the names of sixty four men, thirteen K.I.A, leaving fifty one to return home.

Horseshoe Bend Honor Roll

(Horseshoe Bend, Maitland. Cynthia Hunter, Maitland City Council, 2000)

(By Peter Bogan; Sept. 7, 2014)

Horseshoe Bend Roll of Honour

There were 6 men who served with the 34th Battalion AIF and 7 who served with the 35th Battalion AIF from the 64 names on the Horseshoe Bend Honour Roll.

Family Information

Samuel served for 4 years with the Senior Cadets and 2 years with the 14th (Hunter Valley) Regiment prior to his enlistment with the AIF. Samuel was a single 20 year old Carpenter from 44 Carrington Street West Maitland, N.S.W. (Horseshoe Bend) and worked for Wyllie and Elliott of Newcastle.

Cousin: Private: 6085 William PINFOLD. 21st Battalion AIF

Cousin Private: Private: G. ORMAN. AIF

Brother in Law. Lance Corporal: 550 Samuel Sidney SENIOR. 35th Battalion AIF.

Maitland Weekly Mercury (NSW : 1894 - 1931), Saturday 25 February 1922, page 16

WEST MAITLAND COURT

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 20. (Before Major F. C. W. Crane.)

ALLEGED MALICOUS DAMAGE TO PROPERTY.

Oswald Sellers was charged with on or about January 1 1922, maliciously damaging a fence, the property of John Job Pinfold. Mr Weekes appeared for the prosecution and Mr. J. R. Carlton for the defence John Job Pinfold, who resides in the Horseshoe Bend, said he went away from his residence on New Year's Eve and returned a few days later.

He found on his return that the picket fence on his property two doors from his residence was damaged. A post was broken off at the ground, and the rails I were also broken . There were some palings pulled off and scattered about. Two were still missing. The one produced was from the fence. He saw by the papers and heard in the court room that Sellers had something to do with it. He spoke to Sellers about the matter. He made a proposition that if Sellers put the fence in order nothing i more would be heard about it. Sellers refused to do so. The repairs would cost 'about £3/10/.— To Mr Carlton. The post the farthest away from West Maitland was broken off. In his opinion the fence was not in a decayed condition. Daniel Sharp a miner, residing in the Horseshoe Bend, stated that early on the morning of January 1 he saw Sellers pull a paling off Pinfold's fence.

To Mr Carlton. His eyesight was not too bad. Jane Ann Sharp, wife of the previous witness, deposed that she saw Sellers walking along the street with a paling in his hand, but she did not see him pull it off the fence. Minnie Beatty of 71 Carrington Street, stated that she saw five men pulling Pinfold's fence down. Sellers was one of them, and he pulled a paling off afterwards. Defendant detailed his movements on the night in question and denied taking any part in pulling down the fence at Mullard's residence, owned by Pinfold. He did not pull a paling off, and took no part in any disturbance . Herbert Greedy stated that he was in Carrington Street when Sellers and Morris came alone that night. After speaking for a while Sellers left and went home. Pinfold's fence was down when witness arrived. Albert Henry Morris carter residing in James Street gave similar evidence. Keith R. Buxton stated that he saw the fence of Mullard's place being pulled down by a crowd. Sellers came along after that and went home after speaking to him. Witness lived opposite Mullard's residence. To the Magistrate: There were between 20 and 30 in the crowd. The hearing was adjourned until Monday next.

Trove

Christina Jane Pinfold (1902-1932) - Arthur Oliver Pinfold (1896-1943) East Maitland Cemetery

Maitland Mercury (NSW : 1939 - 1955), Tuesday 20 April 1948, page 3

Died After Breaking Shoulders

A man who broke both his shoulders In two falls within a fortnight last month died at Maitland Hospital late yesterday afternoon. He was 81-year-old, Mr. John Job Pinfold, of 44 Carrington-Street Horseshoe Bend. Mr. Pinfold was admitted to Maitland Hospital on March 25 with a broken right shoulder when he fell near his home. He had then been discharged from hospital only nine days after having broken his other shoulder In a fall at his home.

Trove

Maitland Mercury (NSW : 1939 - 1955), Tuesday 20 April 1948, page 4

FUNERAL

PINFOLD.—The Relatives and Friends of Mrs J. J. Pinfold are respectfully invited to attend the Funeral of her dearly beloved Husband, JOHN JOB PINFOLD to move from his residence, 44 Carrington-Street, West Maitland, TOMORROW (Wednesday) MORNING, at 11 o'clock for interment, in the Methodist Cemetery, Rutherford.

FRY BROS, N.D.F.D.A. Funeral Directors, 154 West Maitland.

PINFOLD.- Friends of Mrs. A. Seinor, Mr and Mrs. S. Seinor, A.O. Pinfold (deceased), Mr and Mrs. P. Hall Mr. and Mrs J. O. Pinfold, Mr and Mrs. R. W. Pinfold and Mr and Mrs:- W. McLennan and Families are respectfully invited to attend the Funeral of their dearly loved Father, Father in Law and Grandfather, JOHN JOB PINFOLD, to move from his late residence, 44 Carrington Street, West Maitland, TOMORROW (Wednesday) MORNING, at 11 o'clock for Interment in the Methodist Cemetery, Rutherford.

FRY BROS, N.D.F.D.A. Funeral Directors.

PINFOLD—The Officers and Members of Loyal Good Design. lodge No. 10, M.U.I.O.O.F. are invited to attend the Funeral of the late BRO. J. J. PINFOLD. For particulars see family notice, H. T. ECKFORD, Noble Grand A. M. THOMSEN Financial Secretary.

Trove

Maitland Mercury (NSW : 1939 - 1955), Saturday 24 July 1948, page 3

DIED AFTER BREAKING BOTH ARMS

A verdict of death from natural causes was returned by the deputy coroner (Mr E.C. Scarlett) when he inquired into the death of John Job Pinfold, 81 of Carrington-Street, West Maitland, on April 19 . Dr. J. J. Hollywood said that Pinfold fell near his home on March 13 and fractured his right shoulder. He was admitted to Maitland Hospital and discharged on March 20. On March 25 and fell again and fractured his left shoulder. Death was caused by the fracture of both humeral and cerebral thrombosis heart failure. Nurse Ita Mary Lantry, of Maitland Hospital, said Pinfold died about 3 pm on April 19.

Trove

John Job Pinfold (1867-1948) - Prudence Agnes Pinfold nee Whitehouse (1867-1949)

Rutherford Cemetery, New South Wales.

Military Records

© Commonwealth of Australia (National Archives of Australia)

Under Construction: 26/01/2026-06/02/2023.

Private: 35 Frederick ASTON.

December 2, 2025October 13, 2025 by David Harrower ACM

36th BATTALION - 33rd BATTALION AIF

Private: 35 Frederick ASTON.

Born: 7th July 1897. Penshurst via Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. Birth Cert:22397/1897.

Married: 18th October 1933. Burrowa, New South Wales, Australia. Marriage Cert:19475/1934.

Wife: Elizabeth Margaret Aston. MBE. nee: Cunliffe-Jones. (1907-2005) Ryde, New South Wales, Australia. Death Cert:

Died: 21 August 1977. Ryde Hospital, Ryde via Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. Death Cert:19624/1977.

Father: Samuel Aston. (1865-1952) Died at Hurstville via Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. Death Cert:3313/1952.

Mother: Leah Aston. nee: Jones. (1866-1955) Died at Hurstville via Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. Death Cert:18979/1955.

INFORMATION

Fred Aston enlisted with the AIF on the 7th of January 1916 at Liverpool before being sent to the Broadmeadow Camp where he was allocated to A Company "Riflemen's Battalion" on the 24th of February 1916. The bulk of the Battalion's recruits had enlisted as a result of a recruiting drive conducted amongst 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. Ralph was the Captain of the Alectown Rifle Club.

36th Battalion on Parade at Liverpool, N.S.W.

22nd November 1916.

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

2nd Train 9:15 am-Compliment-Officers 11 and 327 others. 20 horses, 2 two wheeled, 5 four wheeled vehicles. Major: Archibald Clifford BLACKLOW. Officer Commanding. A Company Lieutenant: Richard Henry 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 6:00 pm. 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.

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. En trained 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.

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

26th November 1916.

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

27th November 1916.

8 N.C.O's detailed to attend Gas School for 4 days. All Officers instructed in Box Respirator by Divisional Gas Officer. General: Alexander John GODLEY and General: Sir John 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 defences at Armentieres.

1917.

22nd January 1917.

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

Ralph was Wounded in Action; 1st occasion during this enemy attack and received a Gunshot Wound to his hand.

17th February 1917

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

(36th Battalion War Diary)

Leading Air Craftsman: Australian Flying Corps - Private: 35 Fred Aston. 36th Battalion. 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.

At Keerselaarhoek Cemetery they found the tape duly laid, and met the officer of the 36th Battalion who had laid it, and by 3:00 am the time set, the 34th battalion was extended on its jumping-off position. But during the previous halt and afterwards, as it lay on the tape, the battalion was persistently shelled and suffered many casualties.

The first shell killed three signallers. Lieutenant: Albert Leslie WATSON. a signal officer of the 34th Battalion, a brave and enterprising leader who also was at the head of the column was severely wounded and all his staff hit. After establishing a forward command post Lieutenant: Thomas Fraser BRUCE 36th Battalion was also killed. Lieutenant Colonel: John Alexander MILNE. 36th Battalion supervising the assembly was knocked down by a shell but continued to command. Captain, Chaplain: Charles MURPHY was also wounded.

(BEAN; History of World war 1 Vol IV p911) Charles Edwin Woodrow BEAN

Only one Australian Division, the 3rd, was wholly employed in the days offensive. but the division was to capture Passchendaele an in spite of the depressing conditions, it was eager to achieve the distinction of doing so. One unit carried the Australian flag, to be planted in Passchendaele, and although officers and men in general were not enthusiastic concerning such "stunts" the Commander-in-Chief had been informed, and had told General: MONASH that, when this flag was planted, the news would be immediately cabled to Australia.

Some keen spirits looked on the operation simply as a dash for Passchendaele. One young company commander of Monash's reserve battalion, the 33rd, in face of a strict prohibition, led on his company as soon as the barrage fell. Starting from a line 350 yards in rear of the general alignment, the 3rd Division was out of touch with its neighbours from the outset. The heavy shelling on the tapes had made orderly disposition there almost impossible, as German Machine-Guns, undisturbed by the barrage now opened immediately, no opportunity offered of restoring proper formation.

The 9th Brigade went forward in the utmost confusion and a terrible mix up as reported by Captain: Robert Derwent DIXON D.S.O 35th Battalion at 6:40 am and "Great Confusion" was the description given by Captain: Henry Vince CARR 35th Battalion. Even on the ridge, the mud was difficult, the hope, if there ever was one, of catching up before the quick barrage finished.

The 9th Infantry Brigade's intended direction lay not along the ridge and the Passchendeale road, but diagonally across them, and parallel to the railway, which most of the brigade could not see. As the jumping-off line was practically at right angles to the ridge, the brigade tendered to advance alone the heights. The Machine-Gun fire at the start came, on the 9th Brigade's right, from the ruined house near Defy Crossing; on its center from, "Hillside Farm"; and on its left from Augustus Wood.

The pillbox opposite the center was supported from the rear by a trench in which were Germans with Machine-Guns, and here occurred a delay which threatened to wreck to whole attack. it was not until an hour after the program time that these places were rushed by the neighbouring portion of the line under Captain: Henry Vince CARR and Captain: Robert Derwent DIXON. D.S.O of the 35th Battalion. The trench contained 35 Germans and 4 Machine-Guns. Part of the line was also held up by a pillbox close to Passchendaele road near the highest point of the ridge.

Here there was practically no shelter from attack, but Captain Clarence Smith JEFFRIES. V.C. of the 34th Battalion managed to organise a party, with Sergeant: 21 James BRUCE and another N.C.O Corporal: 2036 Vere Cummings STEVENSON and a dozen men, and outflanking it, charged the place from the rear, capturing 25 Germans and 2 Machine-Guns. These actions set free the advance. The pillbox captured by Captain Clarence Smith JEFFRIES. V.C. being not far short of the first objective, the 34th Battalion dug in there.

Great loss had been uncured; the 34th Battalion had only three officers left and there were wide gaps in the line. The right flank had swung far away from the railway, along which the 4th Division was attacking, but on the left Captain: Telford Graham GILDER M.C. of the 34th Battalion who had been wounded by a Machine-Gun bullet, but was carrying on found the 10th Brigade digging in slightly to his left under Captain: LATCHFORD, 38th Battalion, and fell back seventy yards to join it.

The Advance to the second objective was to begin at 8:25, the low clouds had opened, and fleecy cirrus with patches of blue were widening overhead and the sun had come out. The 9th Brigade had been so late in reaching the first objective that, while most of the 34th Battalion dug in, the 35th Battalion, allotted for the second phase, moved straight on. Standing on the Passchendaele road, Captain: Henry Vince CARR and Captain: Robert Derwent DIXON. D.S.O of the 35th Battalion endevoured to decide where the barrage then was; at first Carr thought it may be behind them, but finally decided that it was ahead.

The confusion at the start had split the brigade into mixed parties of all battalions and many of the 34th went on with the 35th, the main body of which, about 100 in all, now advanced along the south-eastern side of the ridge in order to catch the barrage. The hour was probably a little before that for the second advance. A German Machine-Gun in the gap between the brigade's right and the railway immediately opened with deadly effect.

Major: John Bruce BUCHANAN 36th Battalion, the senior forward officer was killed. At this critical juncture Captain: Clarence Smith JEFFRIES. V.C. of the 34th Battalion, again accompanied by Sergeant: 21 James BRUCE, led out a few men from the first objective and made for the gun. it was shooting in short bursts, and he was able to work up fairly close. Seizing a moment when it was firing to the north, he and his men rushed at it from the west. It was switched round, killing him, and sending his men to the ground.

But when its fire eased they worked round it, rushed the position, seized 25 Germans and 2 Machine-Guns. This gallant and effective action Captain: Clarence Smith JEFFRIES. V.C. was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross for removing the chief danger to the advance along the crest, but as soon as the 35th Battalion crossed to the eastern side of the hill it became the target of a number of field and heavy guns which, from the hedges and other cover in various parts of the landscape, fired over open sights.

After passing a corpse on its right, the 35th Battalion settled down on what its officers took to be the second objective, although on the extreme right they were actually short of the first. Captain: Henry Vince CARR, now the senior officer on the spot, reported; 8:35. On objective, with about 100 Captain: Robert Derwent DIXON. DSO and three officers. Casualties 25 or 30 per cent. Captain: Henry Charles Dight CADELL M.C Lieutenant: Charles Teesdale MAIN Lieutenant: Keith Maitland DAY reported killed and Lieutenant: Frank HORNE Lieutenant: Christopher Kyffin MEARS Lieutenant: Charles John HENRY were wounded. Prisoners sent back 400-500. Contact on flanks uncertain, being heavily shelled.

Three posts were established under surviving officers, right Lieutenant: Norman Beade D'ARCY M.C centre Lieutenant: Joseph Francis ADAMS left Lieutenant: Harold Sydney WYNDHAM. In this brigade the battalion for the final objective was the 36th, and a report came along that it had gone through. Actually, it had advanced with the 35th, but, on the left, penetrated to the second objective, which bad been reconnoitered during the previous halt by the commander of the company Captain Robert Austin GOLDRICK. M.C.

He went up the road towards Passchendaele. The barrage, he said afterwards was no hindrance to him, although he left the line lying as close to it as possible "or where he thought it was." He was unable to detect the intensification of the barrage for the second phase, but led his men forward at the proper hour.

As no other battalion was there, he now established the line with its left on the road 600 yards from the church, about the point reached by the 66th Division's troops on October 9th. In front of the position Captain: Robert Austin GOLDRICK. M.C. and Lieutenant E.H FLEITER (39th Battalion) found hidden in a shell hole men of the 66th Division. One had a broken arm, the other trench-feet. They took the Australians at first for Germans. When reassured, "we knew the Australians would come," they said, 'We prayed hard."

From the direction of the church, which lay straight down the highway, no fire came. two Germans ran up the road and surrendered. South-east of the village, along the Moorslede road, were the Germans who seemed "very windy," and near the road two 5.9-inch howitzers began to blaze at the troops digging in.

The 9th Brigade had taken its second objective and the 10th its first, but the position of the officers in charge of these advanced lines was full of anxiety. On the eastern slope Captain: Henry Vince CARR 35th Battalion, the senior officer in this part of the 9th Brigade's front, could see the 4th Division somewhat ahead of its right, and by 10:55 he had discovered that the 36th was on the left, but farther left than the 10th Brigade was far behind on its first objective . The German Guns ahead were sniping with dreadful accuracy. Carr on the western slope, sent back for instructions: "what am I to do?"

Word of the true situation reached headquarters slowly. As on the 9th, the first news was all encouraging. General: MONASH in the Ypres ramparts heard shortly after 7 that both brigades were "well away"; but by 8:26 he had ample evidence that the first objective was taken. At 9:25 the intelligence officer examining prisoners (Lieutenant: Frederick Morley CUTLACK Official War Correspondent) reported having heard from the wounded men that the second objective had been reached.

At 10:28 headquarters was informed of a statement of a wounded man, that the 38th Battalion had gone through. A further report that Australians had been seen at Crest Farm although quickly contradicting but probably true nevertheless. Which confirmed Monash's impression that his division was succeeding. Concerning the New Zealand brigade on his left, however, there was no word until, at 10:50, there arrived the tragic information that the New Zealand Division was stopped by the enemy alone the entire front.

Monash has already heard at 9:55 that the 10th Brigade was held up by fire from Bellevue Spur. Believing that his division was still advancing, he asked that every gun that the New Zealand Division could spare should be turned upon that ridge to suppress the fire. Meanwhile, he would order the reserve (39th) battalion of the 10th Brigade to be ready to assist in holding the ground already won. The reserve battalion the (33rd) of the 9th Brigade he was still keeping back to assist in the capture of Passchendaele.

Shortly after noon news of the true situation arrived. Lieutenant Jackson of the 40th Battalion had established at Waterfields pillbox near the Ravebeek a forward report-centre from which a series of messages, admirably accurate, was flashed by lamp to the headquarters of Lieutenant Colonel Lord of the 40th Battalion. Thus Brigadier General McNicoll of the 10th Brigade was able to inform Monash of the precise position of Giblin's Line. He added that the situation was very serious and the casualties very heave. At the same time from the front line of the 9th Brigade arrived a pigeon message, sent by Captain: Richard GADD of the 36th Battalion.

We are on the Blue Line (second objective) with composite force all three battalions, both flanks in the air.

The New Zealand Division was to make a second attempt at 3:00 pm, and Monash was of the opinion that from the 9th Brigade, well forward on the ridge, patrols might still work northward around Crest Farm. His reserve, the 33rd Battalion (9th Brigade), was accordingly ordered to attempt this at 4:30 pm and the 10th Brigade's forward line being meanwhile reinforced by its own reserve, the 39th Battalion.

These orders went out, but none of them were fulfilled. The New Zealand Division had been defeated by obstacles which no hastily renewed bombardment could have overcome. no infantry in the world could have crossed the Ravebeek mud, penetrated the dense wire, and attacked the crowded pillboxes of Bellview with the assistance of a barrage which did not even screen the advance. No blame can attach to the artillery. Its commander, according to the New Zealand official history, had reported on the previous day that his guns might be unable to give efficient support.

This magnificent division, which lost nearly 3,000 men, had been held up in almost exactly the same position as the 49th three days before-the left brigade penetrating half-way to the first objective, the right stopped almost at the start. The Germans were reinforcing. The New Zealand battalion commanders knew that their men had no chance of succeeding by renewed attack, and the order was eventually cancelled.

As for the Australians, of the two battalions that MONASH had now ordered to participate, the 39th had already to a large extent been involved in the fighting, and the 33rd, endevouring to reach its position of readiness for outflanking Passchendaele, had suffered great loss. No less than 6 of its Officers were killed or mortally wounded. Captain: Wilfred Frank HINTON in command of the forward company, Lieutenant Leonard Rockley BROWNLOW Lieutenant: Thomas Acheson ARMSTRONG Lieutenant: Albert George KILPATRICK Lieutenant William REES-REYNOLDS and Lieutenant: Norman Francis GOBLE.

By the time Lieutenant Colonels Henderson DSO 39th Battalion and MORSHEAD attempted to carry Monash's orders, they found that the attacking force of both brigades was back almost at its starting point. What had happened was as follows.

Neither Major: GIBLIN near the Ravenbeek nor Captain: Henry Vince CARR on the ridge had received their messages sent several hours earlier. The 9th Brigade's line was still being battered by the German Guns. Captain: Richard GADD 36th Battalion, whose troops were being wiped out, informed Captain: Henry Vince CARR 35th Battalion that Lieutenant Colonel: John Alexander MILNE D.S.O 36th Battalion had now come forward to Hillside Farm. CARR accordingly sent Captain: Robert Derwent DIXON. D.S.O with GADD to explain to Milne the desperate nature of their situation. Milne said that he would try to get their troops relieved after dark, but till relieved they must hold on.

(BEAN; History of Word War 1 Vol IV page 921) Charles Edwin Woodrow BEAN

Meanwhile, however, the German artillery was annihilating some parts of their line. All leaders of Carr's three posts were out of action. Lieutenant: Joseph Francis ADAMS was Killed in Action and Lieutenant: Norman Beade D'ARCY M.C and Lieutenant: Harold Sydney WYNDHAM were wounded. Of the remaining officers of the 36th Battalion, Major: John Bruce BUCHANAN and Lieutenant: Fredrick William PUTNEY had been Killed in Action and Captain: Robert Austin GOLDRICK M.C wounded. Farther back Lieutenant: Sydney COOK had been Killed in Action and Lieutenant: William WAND and Lieutenant: Herbert Reginald MAILER were wounded.

At 3 o'clock rain began to fall steadily. at 3:15 pm Captain: Richard GADD 36th Battalion, thought agreeing with Captain: Henry Vince CARR 35th Battalion that to hold on meant annihilation, refused, in view of his Colonel's orders, to retire. Carr consented to wait while Gadd again sent word to Lieutenant Colonel: John Alexander MILNE D.S.O. Carr himself at 12: 30 had sent Captain Robert Derwent DIXON. D.S.O to the headquarters of the 35th Battalion at " Seine", from which no word had been received all day.

At 3:45 pm, no reply having come from Milne, and Dixon having not returned as he had been kept at 35th Battalion headquarters awaiting the arrival of an order from brigade headquarters concerning the projected operation by the reserve battalion, Gadd agreed to withdraw and Carr sent along the line a note: The 35th Battalion will retire.

When visiting Gadd, Carr had warned the troops of the probable order to withdraw, and he now saw that the left had already begun to retire. He told men whom he passed to get back as fast as they could to the 34th Battalion (which he believed to be on the first objective). Captain: William James GORDON M.C 36th Battalion, strongly dissatisfied with the order, went straight to Lieutenant Colonel: John Alexander MILNE D.S.O urged that the forward position was tenable, and with Milne and Major: John Martin HAWKEY M.C rushed out to stop the withdrawal. But it was too late.

The 34th was not, as Captain: Henry Vince Carr 35th Battalion, believed, on the first objective. The Commander of the line, Captain: John William RICHARDSON 34th Battalion, on hearing of the extreme weakness of the force at the second objective, had reinforced it. He and his only remaining officer's Lieutenant: James Clement BURGES Lieutenant: Bruce Gray McKENZIE Lieutenant: John Abbott LONGWORTH had all been Killed in Action while organising on the first objective, and the first objective now lay empty. The retiring troops, being without orders as to the position to be taken up, streamed back past Milne's headquarters.

All that Hawkey, Gordon, Gadd, and others could then do was to lead a fraction of them forward again to the first objective, where they remained during the night. Captain: Robert Derwent DIXON. D.S.O. with Captain: John Grieve PATERSON adjutant of the 35th, went up to organise the 35th there, but could find none of its men. When eventually re-formed the remnant of the 35th was temporarily attached as a Company to the 33rd Battalion.

9th-12th October 1917 saw the 3rd Division, 9th and 10th Infantry Brigade in action during the Battle of Passchendaele, which saw massive losses and suffering in the Australian ranks. The casualties numbered 3,199 men in 24 hours during the height battle. The 34th Battalion lost every officer that day, either killed or wounded including their Medical Officer, Major: Gother Robert Carlisle CLARKE and some of his staff were killed while dressing the wounded. The spirit of some of the wounded is illustrated by the case of Corporal: 3170 Winsleigh Alexander MURRAY 35th Battalion, (formerly a Methodist Minister from Newcastle) gave up his place in a queue waiting for stretcher bearers and was never heard of again.

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

Fred was Wounded in Action and Passchendaele receiving a Gun Shot Wound to his Right Thigh and was treated by the Australian Field Ambulance before being taken by Stretcher Bearers to the Casualty Clearing Station for further treatment before he was transferred and admitted to the 55th General Hospital.

Fred was later discharged and rejoined his unit in January 1918 and returned to Australia on the 11th of May 191 before being discharged from the AIF on the 12th of August 1919.

Unknown - Fred Aston - Unknown

Frederick's Cadet Medal was sold at Auction in March 2022 to a Private Collector and as the under bidder I was unable to secure for the Harrower Collection. It was again sold on October 2025 to another Private Collector and once again I was the underbidder and was unable to secure for the Harrower Collection.

March 2022.

Australia Senior Cadets Commonwealth Military Competitions, Brigade Competitions 1911-12, Champion Team, with pin-back buckle suspender. Cadet. F. Aston. 38th Battn. Engraved. Nearly extremely fine.

Ex Warwick George Cary Collection. WWI: Fred Aston, clerk, age 18, born at Penshurst, Sydney, NSW; Enl.07Jan1916 at Liverpool, NSW in 33Bn, with previous service in Senior Cadets 38Bn; Emb.13May1916; to France 22Nov1916; WIA 12Oct1917 GSW right thigh, France; rejoined unit 24Jan1918; RTA 11May1919; Disch.12Aug1919. Entitled to British War Medal 1914-18 and Victory Medal 1914-19.

October 2025.

On offer here is a superb Australian Senior Cadet Competition Medal in solid silver.

This medal was instituted in 1911 to encourage a higher quality of attainment within The Australian Cadet units.

There a were four stages of competition, with the winners of each stage progressing to the next level. Basic level was Battalion , then onto District, Brigade and finally Commonwealth.

This example being for Brigade Champions 1911-12 to Cadet .F. Aston of the 38th Battalion. Cadet Aston was from Penshurst in Sydney.

This is a fine medal still on its original ribbon complete with original pin buckle. A superb item.

Fred Aston died on the 21 August 1977. Ryde Hospital, Ryde, N.S.W. (Burial Unknown)

Elizabeth Margaret Aston MBE. died on the 14th of September 2002 at Ryde, N.S.W. and is resting at the Macquarie Park Cemetery and Crematorium, North Ryde, City of Ryde, New South Wales, Australia. They had three children.

Elizabeth Margaret Aston MBE. (1907-2005)

Macquarie Park Cemetery and Crematorium.

: Education; Elizabeth Margaret ASTON

The Order of the British Empire - Member (Civil)

31st of December 1976

Military Records

© Commonwealth of Australia (National Archives of Australia)

Under Construction: 31/03/2022-10/10/2025.

Lieutenant: 1287 Richard Morgan GENGE.

July 28, 2025 by David Harrower ACM

33rd BATTALION AIF

Lieutenant: 1287 Richard Morgan GENGE

Born: 18 October 1895. Maitland, New South Wales, Australia. Birth Cert:33938/1895.

Wife: Dorothy May Genge. nee: Gambling. (1897-1953) Died in Middlesex, England.

Married: 30th January 1919. Hackney, London, England. Marriage Cert ME6957.

Died: 1st December 1991. Middlesex, England.

Father: Charles William Genge. (1867-1947) Died at West Maitland, New South Wales, Australia. Death Cert:12455/1947.

Mother: Dorcas Genge. nee: Marsh. (1867-1948) Died at West Maitland, New South Wales, Australia. Death Cert:13977/1948.

INFORMATION

Richard Morgan Genge Born on 18 October 1895 in Maitland, NSW to Charles William Genge & Dorcas Marsh. At age 18, he was serving as 1st Lieutenant in B Company (West Maitland - East Greta - Dungog Kurri Kurri) with the 14th (Hunter River) Infantry, Richard was preparing to attend the Royal Military College, Duntroon when on the outbreak of war he instead offered his services to the Imperial Force. Immediately as the Army Camp at the Armidale Showground opened he was appointed to Instructional Staff as a Lieutenant & began duties preparing the men.

In January 1916, he began training the men of the 33rd Battalion and being anxious to go on active service but under the age for a commissioned rank in the AIF, he enlisted direct into the 33rd as 1287 Private on 7 April 1916. Due to his experience however, the Commanding Officer soon appointed him as a Platoon Sergeant in D Company & shortly after completion of initial training in Armidale the Battalion moved to Maitland, where they concentrated with the rest of the 9th Brigade.

On 3 May 1916, they entrained for Sydney where they embarked upon HMAT (A74) Marathon. Bound for Egypt, they were diverted to England while en route arriving at Devonport on 9 July, they moved to Larkhill on Salisbury Plain where they underwent five months of intense training with the 3rd Division to prepare them for the rigours of war with British Expeditionary Force on the Western Front - During this time Richard also attended a "Potential Officers Course" at the Tidworth Camp Officer Training School.

A month later they embarked for France, split amongst HMHS Hunslet & SS Mona's Queen, arriving at Le Havre on 22 November. After arriving in France, they moved by rail to Bailleul then marched to the front & occupied a section of the line around Armentières. Assigned to a "nursery sector" for the next month, they rotated between occupying the forward trenches & undertaking training courses as they were introduced to life on the European battlefield.

Although they gained some experience of combat over Christmas when they launched raids against the German lines, their first major battle did not come until mid-1917, by which time the focus of British operations had shifted to the Ypres sector in Belgium.

Wounded in action (first) - On 5 November while occupying the trenches at L'Epinette, Richard was WIA (details not stated) though remained on duty

The Battalion was involved in the Battle of Messines (Ploegsteert Wood) 7-14 June 1917 where, despite suffering around 200 casualties from Allied gas-shells that had dropped short, they went over the top at the appointed hour & after skirting a large crater caused by a mine explosion, secured their objective. After the battle, they remained at the front holding the ground they had gained, enduring almost constant shelling. The 33rd's casualties amounted to 92 killed in action or died of wounds & 260 wounded; the heaviest they would suffer for the entire war

Richard was appointed 2nd Lieutenant on 14 July & re-allocated to command a section in B Company

On 1 October, Richard marched out to England for Regimental duty with 9th Training Battalion. Owing to being unwell upon arrival in England, he failed to report for duty until 4 October. Due to this he was tried by General Court Martial & found guilty. As punishment, he was to take rank & precedence in Unit, Corps & in the AIF as if his appointment to 2nd Lieutenant is dated 3/11/1917 - He was also severely reprimanded & forfeited a total of 33 days' pay

Richard returned to France, rejoining the Battalion at Le Touquet on 29 November & was re-allocated to A Company

The following year as the Germans launched a major offensive (German Spring Offensive) the Battalion was thrust into the line in a desperate attempt to hold the front of the vital railhead of Amiens

From 30 March to 5 April 1918 the Battalion fought in the First Battle of Villers-Bretonneux, where flanking movements by British Cavalry & Australian infantry from the 33rd & 34th Battalion's helped consolidate the Australian gains. The 33rd lost 21 officers (Commander, Padre & Medical Officer included) as well as 250 other ranks

At the end of the month they amalgamated with the 36th Battalion as part of a general re-organisation of the AIF, necessitated by heavy casualties & falling recruitment, which saw the disbandment of three battalions – the 36th, 47th & 52nd, in order to reinforce others

Wounded in action (second) - Richard was promoted to Lieutenant on 12 April & WIA five days later during the Battle of Villers-Bretonneux when, at about 0400 the enemy commenced very heavy bombardment of gas shells, obtaining direct hits on A Company's billets, penetrating into the cellars where the men were asleep, gassing a number before respirators could be adjusted – The bombardment lasted the whole day but was most intense between 0400 & 1300. During the bombardment, the Battalion's casualties were 16 Officers (including Richard), 26 NCO's & 268 OR's

Richard was subsequently evacuated to England for recovery & rejoined the Battalion at Camon on 1 July

Wounded in action (third) - He went on to fight with the Battalion during the Hundred Days Offensive at Accroche Wood & Road Wood near Peronne where on 30 August he was again WIA suffering a GSW to the neck as A & C Companies were attacking Germans who were holding Berlingtots Trench & Marriers Wood – He was again evacuated to England for recovery

After recovering from wound he was transferred to No.1 Command Depot at Sutton Veny on 12 November where he was involved in demobilising the troops as they returned from the front

During his time in England he met Miss Dorothy May Gambling of Stamford Hill & on 30 January 1919, he & Dorothy were married at the Raleigh Memorial Church on Albion Road in Stoke Newington, Hackney

On 10 May Richard embarked for return to Australia arriving in Sydney on 1 July where his appointment in the AIF was terminated on 16 August – It is unclear if Dorothy returned with him, though notes in his service record state he returned to Australia on board the Wahehe (family ship)

Richard emigrated to the United Kingdom on 1 November 1921 & with Dorothy, celebrated the birth of their daughter Mollie Genge in 1925

A 1939 census records him as living in Middlesex with the occupation of cabinet maker / manufacturer - It would appear that he took over his wife’s family business

Dorothy passed away in 1953 at Wood Green, Middlesex, however Richard went on to live a long life, remaining in Middlesex until he passed away in 1991 at the age of 96

When purchased, it was mentioned that he had service in England during WW2 with the " Auxiliary Territorial Services" - Further researching this, it appears to be a MRS. Robina Mair Genge (née Leishman) serving in the Women's Force of the Auxiliary Territorial Services with rank of Subaltern

Jim Cole: July 2025.

War Medal: and Victory Medal: to Lieut R.M. GENGE AIF Wrist Bracelet engraved to Lieut R.M. Genge

War Medal: 43321 to LIEUT. R.M. GENGE. A.I.F.

Victory Medal: 42388 to LIEUT. R.M. GENGE. A.I.F.

Richard's War Medal:43321 and Victory Medal:42388 to Lieut R.M. GENGE AIF Wrist Bracelet engraved to Lieut R.M. Genge was acquired in July 2025 from the Jim Cole Collection and is now in the Harrower Collection.

Family Information

Richard was a single 20 year old Student from 8 Denman Street, West Wallsend upon his enlistment with the AIF. He was serving as 1st Lieutenant in B Company with the 14th (Hunter River) Infantry with Captain: Clarence Smith JEFFRIES.V.C. (1st Lieutenant E Company 14th Infantry)

His parents, Charles William Genge was born in 1867 at Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia. Birth Cert:13230/1867 to Morgan and Margaret Genge. and his mother Dorcas Marsh was born 8th September 1867 at Maitland New South Wales, Australia. Birth Cert:11595/1867 to Frederick and Mary Marsh.

Richards Parents Charles and Dorcas Genge were married in 1890 at West Maitland, New South Wales, Australia. Marriage Cert:4690/1890 and has 5 children. Marjorie Genge born 1891 at West Maitland, N.S.W. Birth Cert:20798/1891 and died 1977 in Wollongong, N.S.W. Death Cert:16557/1977. Richard Morgan Genge born 1895 West Maitland, N.S.W. Birth Cert:33938/1895 and died 1991. Middlesex, England. Beatrix Genge born 1897 at West Maitland, N.S.W. Birth Cert:13776/1897 and died 1965 at Maitland, N.S.W. Death Cert:32345/1965. Eva Genge Born 1899 West Maitland, N.S.W. Birth Cert:31888/1899 and died West Maitland, N.S.W. Death Cert:13196/1900. Mary Genge born 1902 at West Maitland, N.S.W. Birth Cert:13668/1902 and died 1902 at West Maitland, Death Cert:14498/1902.

Charles was Cremated at Newcastle Memorial Park and had his ashes delivered to be buried at Sandgate Cemetery with his parents Richard and Margaret Genge at Sandgate Cemetery.

Charles William Genge (1867-1947) Sandgate Cemetery

Dorcas was the Daughter of Frederick n Mary Akhurst/Mother of six children with her husband Charles.

Dorcas was Cremated at Newcastle Memorial Park and had her ashes delivered to be buried at Rutherford Cemetery with two of her children Eva n Mary

Dorcas Genge (1867-1948) Rutherford Cemetery, Section 1B Plot 26

Eva Genge (1899-1900) - Mary Genge (1902-1902) Rutherford Cemetery, Section 1B Plot 26

Beatrix Genge (1897-1967) was Cremated at the Newcastle, Memorial Pak, Beresfield. Her ashes was scattered at, Loggia 12/2 Q/102

Marjorie Hain nee: Genge (1891-1977) - E.R Sergeant: 3540 Hubert Clarence Hain (1892-1961) 1st Light Horse. WW1

Wollongong Memorial Gardens

Military Records

© Commonwealth of Australia (National Archives of Australia)

Under Construction: 23/07/2025-26/07/2025.

Senior Cadet: Robert McKinley DAVIE

July 11, 2025July 7, 2025 by David Harrower ACM

33rd INFANTRY BATTALION

Senior Cadet: Robert McKinley DAVIE.

Private: 1766 Robert McKinley DAVIE 7th Light Trench Mortar Battery AIF.

Born: 1896 Penrith, New South Wales, Australia. Birth Cert:33707/1896.

Died: 21st August 1942. Callan Park Hospital for the Insane, New South Wales, Australia. Death Cert:22336/1942.

Father: Alexander Hunter Davie. (1855-1923)

Mother: Margaret Davie. nee: Ferguson. (1861-1923)

INFORMATION

Robert McKinley Davie served with the 33rd Infantry Senior Cadets for 4 years before he transferred to the Army Medical Corps prior to his enlistment with the AIF. Robert served with the 33rd Senior Cadet with his brother Roderick Charles Davie.

AUSTRALIA SENIOR CADETS COMMONWEALTH MILITARY COMPETITIONS, Brigade Competitions 1912-13 Champion Team. CADET R. Mc. DAVIE 33RD BATTN. Engraved.

The Competition was held at Sydney, 6-7 June 1913. K Coy 36th Battn was the Newington College cadet unit. An account of the presentation of medals stated that a parade of four companies of cadets, inspected by Lieutenant-Colonel A. W. Wallack, C.B., District Commandant, took place on the Newington College grounds on Saturday afternoon 14 March 1914. The occasion was the presentation of gold medals, silver badges, and ribbons to the champion team in the Commonwealth series of military competitions.

Companies from areas 34A (Enmore), 35A (Marrickville), 36A (Stanmore), and 36B (Petersham) took part in the parade, and as the young soldiers wheeled, formed, re-formed, and after a variety of evolutions finally marched, colours flying and bands playing, past the District Commandant and his staff, the spectacle was not lacking in impressiveness, though, except for the winning company, the marching occasionally would have been none the worse for a little more drill.

Among those present were Lieutenant-Colonel Wallack, Lieutenant-Colonel Luscombe, A.A.G., Lieutenant Brown, A. and I. Staff, Colonel Cox, 8th Lancers, Colonel Pearce, A.F.A., Rev. C. J. Prescott, headmaster of Newington College, Captain Smith, Brigade Major of the 9th Brigade, Major: BUCHANAN, CO of 36th Battalion, Major Reddish, CO of 35th Battalion, Captain Caunt, CO of 34th Battalion, and the officers commanding companies. A large silver shield, presented by the British Australian Tobacco Company, was also won by K Company.

Robert enlisted with the AIF on the 22nd of November 1916 at the Victoria Barracks in Sydney

Family Information

Robert was a single 20 year old Letter Press Machinist upon his enlistment with the AIF.

Grave of Private: 1766 Robert McKinley Davie (1896-1942) Rookwood Cemetery

Military Records

© Commonwealth of Australia (National Archives of Australia)

Under Construction: 03/07/2025-07/07/2025.

Private: 7840 Stephen Grainger RABONE.

December 27, 2024December 26, 2024 by David Harrower ACM

3rd BATTALION - 35th BATTALION AIF

Private: 7840 Stephen Grainger RABONE.

Born: 12th June 1895. Townsville, Queensland, Australia

Died: 22nd August 1918 Killed in Action Bray-sur-Somme, France.

Father: Stephen Thomas Rabone. (1865-1949)

Mother: Margaret Ellen Rabone. nee: Totten. (1868-1903)

INFORMATION

Stephen Grainger Rabone has served with the Senior Cadets in Toowoomba, Queensland and the 11th Infantry Militia before moving to Sydney when on the 17th December 1917 in Sydney, New South Wales he enlisted with the AIF and was allocated to the 24th-26th Reinforcements, 3rd Battalion AIF at the Liverpool Army Camp in January 1918. Stephen embarked from Sydney on board HMAT A71 "Nestor" on the 28th February 1918 and disembarked at Liverpool, England on the 28th April 1918 where the Reinforcements were march in the the 1st Training Battalion at Sutton Veny.

Stephen was transferred to the 9th Training Battalion at the Durrington Army Camp at Lark Hill where he was transferred to the 35th Battalion AIF and commenced his Lew Gun Training. He proceeded overseas from France on the 22nd July via Folkstone and disembarked at Fovant before he was marched in at Rouelles, France. Stephen went into billets for the next few days before being marched out the the front lines on the 27th of July and was taken on in strength with the 35th on the 31st July.

Stephen was allocated to his gun crew for the action at the Somme and was killed in action on the 22rd August 1918 and is remembered with honour and is commemorated in perpetuity by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission at the Cote-80-French National-Cemetery.

Grave of Private: 7840 Stephen Grainger RABONE. (1895-1918)

Cote-80-French National-Cemetery

Family Information

Stephen was a single 22yrear old Bank Clerk from Gomer Street, Burwood, New South Wales upon his enlistment with the AIF.

Military Records

© Commonwealth of Australia (National Archives of Australia)

Under Construction: 22/12/2024-26/12/2024.

Private: 41A Herbert Copeland BUTCHER.

November 26, 2024 by David Harrower ACM

36th BATTALION - 34th BATTALION AIF

Private: 41A Herbert Copeland BUTCHER.

Born: 18th October 1893. Hamilton via Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia. Birth Cert:16666/1893.

Married: 2nd August 1919. Windlesham, Surrey, England,

Wife: Rose Butcher. nee: Hall. (1899-1947)

Died: 19th July 1973. Concord Repatriation Hospital. Concord, New South Wales, Australia. Death Cert:4440/1973.

Father: Sidney Frank Butcher. (1850-1937) Died at Katoomba, New South Wales, Australia. Death Cert:15806/1937.

Mother: Mary Jane Butcher. nee: Coles. (1857-1947) Died at Fivedock via Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. Death Cert:19134/1947.

INFORMATION

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 amongst 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.

36th Battalion AIF on Parade at the Liverpool Army prior to travelling to Sydney

The 36th Battalion embarked from Sydney on the 13th May 1916 on board HMAT A72 "Beltana" and disembarked at Devonport, England on the 9th July 1916 where they were march in to the 9th Training Battalion at the Durrington Army Camp where the Battalion settled down to hard training, which included Route Marching, Trench Digging, Bomb Practice, Musketry and General Camp Routine. The 36th Battalion embarked for France on the 21st November 1916.

22nd November 1916.

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

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 8:00am. En trained and left Le Harve at 10:30 am. Proceeded via Montcrolier Buchy, Abbeville 6:10 am. 10 hours late via Boulogne Calais and Bailleul. Arrived at Bailleul at 4:25 pm 25th November 1916.

25th November 1916.

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

26th November 1916.

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

27th November 1916.

28th November 1916.

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

29th November 1916.

Whole Battalion still in billets-supply Working Parties Only.

30th November 1916.

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

1917.

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.

Killed in Action; Lance Sergeant: 11 Francis Anthony ANGELINETTA. (A Company) - Corporal: 937 John Jack WILDRIDGE (A Company) - Private: 172 Charles SLOCOMBE. (A Company) Private: 183 Denis Alfred STINSON. (A Company)

Wounded in Action; Private: 33 Ralph Albert ASH.

Missing in Action; later confirmed Killed in Action; Private: 180 William Lionel STALKER. (A Company) - Private: 1706 Andrew WILLIAMS. (A Company)

Informant; Private: 176 Oscar Norman SMITH "On the 22nd January 1917 at Houplines, Armentieres the German bombarded out trenches heavily before raiding them Private: 180 William Lionel STALKER and another Private: 1706 Andrew WILLIAMS were missing for several days after the bombardment. We then found their bodies buried in a shelter and frozen in the ground and up to the time of my being wounded on the 6th of February their bodies had not been but out owing to the frost. There can be no doubt at all as to the identity of these men. I am surprised they have not been reported killed.

(36th Battalion War Diary)

27th May 1918.

Informant: Private: 41 Herbert Copeland BUTCHER. A Company 36th Battalion AIF. Lance Corporal: 60 William John CHURCHLAND was in A Company No: 2 Platoon. Corporal of the Bombers, called "Jack". I saw him knocked by a shell at Passchendaele on the crest of a hill while going over. I also saw him on a stretcher and he said to me "I've got it this time". He had a leg off, and died about 12hrs later from loss of blood. He died while being taken from the Dressing Station to the Casualty Clearing Station. I don't know where he was buried.

London.

Family Information

Herbert was a single 22 year old Carpenter from Smith Street, Orange, New South Wales upon his enlistment with the AIF. He was a member of the Burwood Rifle Club. His father Sidney was recorded as his next of kin who lived at Station Street, Leura, New South Wales.

Military Records

Under Construction: 26/11/2024.

Lieutenant: Charles Richard SCANLON.

September 23, 2024 by David Harrower ACM

7th General Service Reserve - 34th BATTALION AIF

Lieutenant: Charles Richard SCANLON.

Born: 8th January 1884. Manchester, England.

Married: 19th June 1915. Drummoyne, New South Wales, Australia. Marriage Cert:14170/1915.

Wife: Ann Scanlon. nee: Davidson. (1892-1971) Died in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.

Died: 5th February 1973. Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. Death Cert:44304/1973.

Father: John Scanlon. (1860-1900) Died in Manchester, England.

Mother: Mary Ann Scanlon. nee: Barratt. (1860-1897)

INFORMATION

Charles Richard Scanlon enlisted with the AIF on the 21st February 1918 after serving with the Australian Military Forces, Instructional Staff. He had previous service in England with the British Regular Army for 12 years prior to immigrating to Australia on the 6th February 1914. Charles embarked for England from Sydney on board the "Feldmarschall" with the 7th General Service Reserves, and disembarked in England on the 26th August 1918.

The Reinforcements were marched in to the 12th Training Battalion on the 27th August and Charles was marched in the the Drill School at the Kandahar Barracks on the 9th September before proceeding overseas for France on the 28th of November via Southampton and disembarked at Havre the next morning where Charles was allocated to the 34th Battalion. Charles was marched in to relieve returning soldiers and was promoted to Lieutenant on the 3rd February 1919. Charles was returned to England on the 26th of June and returned to Australia on board the "Nestor" on the 1st November 1919 and attended to Anzac Buffet in Sydney on the 16th December 1919 and had his appointed terminated from the AIF on the 8th January 1920.

Single Entitlement only issued to Lieutenant: Charles Richard Scanlon. AIF

Family Information

Charles was a married 34 year old Soldier from Drummoyne, New South Wales when he enlisted with the AIF. Charles was buried at the Church of England Cemetery, Northern Suburbs, New South Wales, Australia.

Military Records

Under Construction: 19/09/2024.

Private: 229 Thomas Henry BURNS.

June 14, 2024June 13, 2024 by David Harrower ACM

35th BATTALION - 34th BATTALION AIF

Private: 229 Thomas Henry BURNS.

Born: 9 Mar 1895. Wickham via Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia. Birth Cert:14437/1895.

Married: 22nd January 1916. Wickham, New South Wales, Australia. Marriage Cert:2341/1916.

Wife: Bertha Mary Burns. nee: Parry. (18..-1965) Died at Macksville, New South Wales, Australia. Death Cert:22709/1965.

Died: 1 June 1955. Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia. Death Cert:13865/1955.

Father: Thomas "Paddy" Tavis Burns. (1867-1948) Died at Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia. Death Cert:13765/1948.

Mother: Mary Burns. nee: Sault. (1870-1943) Died at Newcastle Hospital, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia. Death Cert:29049/1943.

INFORMATION

Served and suffered during The Great War, resting at Sandgate Cemetery.

69 years ago today, on the 3rd June 1955, Private Thomas Henry Burns, referred to as Sonny, 34th Battalion (Reg No-229), wheeler (Australian Agricultural Company (A. A. Company) Sea Pit, Bull Street, Cooks Hill, N.S.W., closed Friday 20.10.1916 due to exhausted reserves), from William Street, Smedmore, New South Wales, father of three (Tom, Marie, Evie), was laid to rest at Sandgate Cemetery, age 60. ANGLICAN 2-123. 68.

Born at Merewether, New South Wales on the 9th March 1895 to Thomas (Paddy) Tavas, died 5.4.1948, Newcastle, N.S.W., age?, buried at ANGLICAN 1-49. 28 - http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article134335420, https://www.findagrave.com/.../178431021/thomas-tavis-burns, from 29 Downie Street, Smedmore, N.S.W., and Mary Burns nee Sault, died 3.12.1943, Newcastle Hospital, N.S.W., age?, sleeping at ANGLICAN 1-49. 28 - http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article133426565, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article133416218, https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/178430983/mary_burns, from 29 Downie Street, Smedmore, N.S.W.; husband of Bertha May Burns nee Parry, married 22.1.1916, Wickham, N.S.W., died 1965?, Macksville, N.S.W., Sonny enlisted on the 24th January 1916 at Newcastle, N.S.W.

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article137094810 - report that Sonny had received a gold medal with 11 other Smedmore boys at the Smedmore Mechanics' Institute.

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article137104341 - report of a farewell to Sonny and 12 other Smedmore boys by the Smedmore Ladies' Social Club.

Unit embarked from Sydney, New South Wales on board HMAT A20 Hororata on the 2nd May 1916.

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article123518831 - report of a letter from Sonny expressing thanks from the Smedmore boys for the boxes of comforts received on the 31st October 1916.

Wounded in action - 25.1.1917 (GSW head, face, both legs, severe), 5.4.1918 (GSW right wrist).

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article133748183 - report that Sonny had been wounded in France. (1st occasion).

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article123515344 - the 273rd Australian Casualty list, N.S.W., Pte. T. H. BURNS, Smedmore, wounded (1st occasion).

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article138150538 - report that Sonny had been wounded, 2nd occasion.

Invalided to England 11.2.1917.

Admitted to hospital 10.9.1917 (rheumatism).

Granted furlough from 20.12.1917 to 3.1.1918 and 2.5.1918 to 16.5.1918.

Commenced return to Australia 15.9.1918.

Sonny arrived home invalided on the 17th November 1918, being discharged medically unfit (GSW right wrist) on the 3rd March 1919.

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article137489021 - report of a welcome home on the Friday evening of the 22nd November 1918 for Sonny at the Smedmore Hall.

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article139653100 - report of impending public welcome home for Sonny.

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article139652652 - report of a public welcome home for Sonny and 2 other Smedmore boys at the Smedmore Literary Institute.

Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners' Advocate (NSW : 1876 - 1954), Monday 13 January 1919, page 5

SMEDMORE.

A welcome home was tendered to Private: 584 Thomas Henry BURNS, - Private: 115 William HOLDWAY, and Private: 67910 John. McATEER by a large gathering in the Smedmore Literary Institute on Saturday. The function was arranged by the Smedmore Soldiers' Farewell and Presentation Committee. The hall and tables had been tastefully decorated with flags and foliage. The Mayor of Wickham (Alderman R. J. Bond) welcomed the soldiers, ex pressing his pleasure at having them home again. congratulating them on the part they had played, and the name they had helped to make for Australia. He wished them long life, happiness, and prosperity for the future. The Mayoress then presented the soldiers with gold bars with their battalion's colours attached, the gift from the committee. At the supper tables, the Rev. W. F. James said grace. Private HOLDWAY, in responding to the toast of his health, said 'that he was pleased to be1 home, and thanked the people for their reception. He also thanked the ladies of the comforts fund for parcels received from them while at the front, the contents: being greatly appreciated by them, especially after a hard time in the trenches. Private BURNS also returned thanks.

Privates BURNS and HOLDWAY left with the 35th Battalion, seeing service in France, and have been returned sick and wounded. Private McATEER also thanked the committee, but said he did not 'think he deserved such a reception, as he did not get to the front sailing in the Medic, which was returned by the authorities on the signing o[ the armistice. Private McATEER made other attempts to enlist previous to acceptance, but was turned down, not being up to chest measurement, but after training was passed for foreign service. The toast of "Our Boys at the Front," and "The Allies" was moved by the Rev. T. K. Taylor, and responded to by Private: 115 William HOLDWAY. Songs were rendered be Mrs Jeston, Rev. T. K. Taylor, Miss Camps, and a duet by Mesdames Griffin and Walker all being well received. After a vote of thanks to the Mayor and Mayoress, and t' those who has assisted, the tables were cleared, and dancing occupied the remainder of the evening. Mr. Lacey made an efficient M.C. and Mrs Camps and Miss Deneby (piano and violin) supplied the music.

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article140073396 - report that Sonny had been presented with a War Certificate.

Mr. Burns’s name has been inscribed on the Tighes Hill Public School Honour Roll, Smedmore Roll of Honour, Wickham Municipal District Roll of Honour Board (1) and The Capt. Clarence Smith Jeffries (V.C.) and Pte. William Matthew Currey (V.C.) Memorial Wall.

I have placed poppies at William’s gravesite in remembrance of his service and sacrifice for God, King & Country.

https://www.findagrave.com/.../178431020/thomas_henry_burns.

Service record states Died after Discharge, 1/6/1955.

Officially commemorated 2.2.1956– https://connect.dva.gov.au/commemsoawg/commemoration/viewCommemoration.html?commemorationId=NjQ4Nzkx.

Contact with descendants would be greatly appreciated.

For more detail, see “Forever Remembered “

http://www.commemoratingwarheroes.com/cemetery-main-search/

Lest We Forget.

Gary Mitchell: June 2024.

Family Information

Thomas was a single 21 year old Wheeler in the care of Mr J Laing, William Street Smedmore via Newcastle, New South Wales upon his enlistment with the AIF. Thomas served with the Senior Cadets with the 15th and 16th Infantry prior to his enlistment.

Military Records

Under Construction: 11/06/2024.

Sergeant: 58762 James Thomas BLANCE.

June 10, 2024 by David Harrower ACM

10th GARRISON RESERVES - 34th BATTALION AIF

Sergeant: 58762 James Thomas BLANCE.

Born: 1st May 1892. Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. Birth Cert:503/1892.

Married: 1920. Marrickville, New South Wales, Australia. Marriage Cert:17255/1920.

Wife: Elsie Beatrice Blance. nee: McKechie. (1893-1963)

Died: 29th July 1956. Marrickville, New South Wales, Australia. Death Cert:20608/1956.

Father: James Menzies Blance. (1856-1930)

Mother: Alice "Annie" Blance. nee: (1861-1903)

INFORMATION

James Thomas Blance was a Soldier with the Instructional Staff and served previously with the 24th Infantry when he enlisted with the AIF on the 15th May 1918 at Sydney with the rank of Sergeant. James was marched in the the Liverpool Army Camp where he was allocated to the 1st Infantry Depot Battalion unit the 2nd of July when he was allocated to C Company Sergeant. The 10th Garrison Reserved embarked from Sydney on the 17th July 1918 and disembarked in England on the 27th September where he was marched in the the 12th Training Battalion before he was transferred to reinforce the 34th Battalion AIF on the 17th October 1918.

James was marched in the the No:2 Command Depot and proceeded overseas for France via Codford on the 18th February 1919 and was detached to the AIF Headquarters before he was granter leave and upon his return he returned to England on the 14th May and was granted leave for employment.

James was granted leave to attend Non Military Employment with Anderson and Munro Ltd of 136 Bothwell Street, Glasgow. His nature of employment was; Instruction in Window Blind making where he was paid 6/- per day. His report stated that "Sergeant Blance regularly attended his employment and his work and conduct was to our entire satisfaction. He made very good progress considering he had no previous experience when he came here".

After he had ceased his employment James was on the 137 draft and embarked from England to Australia on the 8th September 1918 on board the "Rarnaga" and disembarked on the 29th October 1919 and attended the Anzac Buffet in Sydney on the 30th October where he declared he was medically fit and well and was discharged from the AIF on the 14th November 1919.

Family Information

James was a single 26 year old Soldier from "Clyde" Lincoln Street, Dulwich Hill via Sydney, New South Wales upon his enlistment with the AIF. James married Elsie Beatrice McKechie at Marrickville, New South Wales, in 1920.