14th (Hunter River) Infantry Regiment – The Harrower Collection

Lieutenant Colonel: Clifford Russell RICHARDSON

June 15, 2023 by David Harrower ACM

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

Trove

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

The Armidale School Gates, Erected in the Memory of Major C.R. Richardson MC

Monuments Australia

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.

Corporal: 4471 Sydney Thomas RATCLIFFE.

June 7, 2023 by David Harrower ACM

1st BATTALION - 13th BATTALION AIF

Corporal: 4471 Sydney Thomas RATCLIFFE

Born: 1896. Redfern via Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. Birth Cert:6817/1896.

Died: 12th November 1916. Died of Wounds whilst Prisoner of War in German Hands.

Father: Richard Ratcliffe.

Mother: Elizabeth Ratcliffe.

INFORMATION

Sydney Thomas RATCLIFFE served with the 14th Hunter River Infantry prior to his enlistment with the AIF and was a member of the 1911-12 Senior Cadet Champion Team under Lieutenant: James Clement BURGES. + French Master, East Maitland High School, N.S.W. (Captain and Commanding Officer 14th Infantry 1911-1916) Captained the Winning Company, Senior Cadets, Brigade Championship, 1911-12, 1912-13.

Senior Cadet: Sydney Thomas RATCLIFFE. 14th Infantry Battalion. 1911-1912 Senior Cadet Brigade Champions.

1911-1912 Senior Cadet Brigade Cloth Patch

Sydney enlisted with the AIF on the 9th September 1915 at Holdsworthy via Liverpool New South Wales and was allocated to the 14th Reinforcements 1st Battalion AIF. Sydney commenced his training at the Liverpool Amy Camp and entrained to Sydney before embarking on board R.M.S. "Osterly" with the rank of Acting Sergeant on the 15th January 1916. Sydney disembarked in England and went in to Training Camp before proceeding overseas for France where he was taken on in strength with the 13th Battalion on the 4th March 1916. Sydney was promoted to the rank of Corporal on the 26th August and was reported as Missing in Action on the 29th August 1916.

Reports from the Red Cross in Germany confirmed that Sydney was Wounded in Action and was in German Hands as a Prisoner of War on the 12th November 1916.

4th January 1919.

Prisoner of War - Died

Corporal: 4471 Sydney Thomas RATCLIFFE "Came into Hospital at Gottingen with a severe thigh wound. He was attended by a capable doctor, bur underwent an operation and never recovered. I was moved from this Hospital. Two good English orderlies were in attendance, but the food was bad. Lance Corporal: 1781 Wisbey Harrington SINCLAIR 28th Battalion AIF was in the same ward and could probably give fuller information".

Informant. Lance Corporal: 2637 John MAY. 5th Battalion AIF.

London.

7th January 1919.

Prisoner of War

Corporal: 4471 Sydney Thomas RATCLIFFE Died 13th September 1916 at Gottingen Hospital from wounds. Cause of death:- Mortification of Right Leg which had been amputated above the knee. Buried with Military Honours Gottingen Cemetery. Nearest Relative (Aunt) Mrs J. Spires. 7 Halldorrah Grove, Lark Lane, Sefton Park Liverpool, England.

He arrived with us on the same transport 7th August. He was in my barracks, he suffered a great deal of pain. Amputated Right Leg. I attended the operation. The Doctor_ Dr Gregory Rueper, thought a great deal of the English and did all he could. He used to clean things every day. The food was the best German food I saw. Medical treatment was splendid.

Sergeant: Bruce DRAYTON.

London.

Niederzwehren War Cemetery, Germany.

Sydney is buried at the Niederzwehren Cemetery, Niederzwehren, Stadtkreis Kassel, Hessen, Germany. VII C.9

GIVE UNTO HIM O LORD ETERNAL REST

Family Information

Sydney was a single 21 year old Clerk upon his enlistment with the AIF. Sydney had served for 3 years with the 14th Infantry Senior Cadets prior to his enlistment. His parents lived at 12 Beckman Street, West Maitland, New South Wales, Australia.

Military Records

© Commonwealth of Australia (National Archives of Australia)

Under Construction: 12/04/2023-05/06/2023.

Private: 1088 Benjamin James COULSON

October 27, 2024January 7, 2022 by David Harrower ACM

34th BATTALION AIF

Private: 1088 Benjamin James COULSON

Born: 27th February 1894. Muswellbrook, New South Wales, Australia. Birth Cert:22974/1894.

Died: 21st December 1920. Brentwood Hospital, Muswellbrook, New South Wales, Australia. Death Cert:20015/1920.

Father: Samuel George Coulson. (1858-11/1944) Died at Hornsby, New South Wales, Australia. Death Cert:24716/1944.

Mother: Amy Ada Coulson. nee: Smithers. (1865-1937) Died at Muswellbrook, New South Wales, Australia. Death Cert:18301/1937.

INFORMATION

Benjamin James Coulson enlisted with the 34th Battalion AIF on the 2nf February 1916 at the Rutherford Army Camp at West Maitland where he was allocated to D Company. On 1st May 1916, the Battalion left by Train from Farley Station for the Showground in Sydney, equipped with kit bags and necessary clothing, and was reviewed in Moore Park by General: Gustave Mario RAMACCOTTI. On the following morning, 2nd May 1916 the men embarked on the transport HMAT A20 "HORORATA" and sailed at 4:00 pm".

HMAT A20 Hororata

H.M.A.T. A20 "HORORATA

Battalion disembarked at Plymouth at 1:00 pm and en trained during the afternoon for Amesbury, arriving at midnight and marching to hutments at No: 1 Camp, Larkhill. Here the Battalion settled down to hard training, which included Route Marching, Trench Digging, Bomb Practice, Musketry and General Camp Routine. Later the Battalion moved to the No: 25 Camp and finished off their training, which included six days' battle practice and field work at the Bastard Trenches.

34th Battalion marching through Amesbury

34th Battalion marching through Amesbury

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

On the 6th February 1917 the 34th Battalion relieved the 36th Battalion in the Houplines Sector. Patrols only occupied Listening Posts as the nights were very bright and moonlit. The Battalion's Trench Mortars put over a large quantity of shells, to which Fritz replied vigorously with "Minnies" and "Pineapples" but very little damage was done. Enemy planes were active over our Lines, but the Australian Aircraft drove him back. Air fights were frequent now. Also there was quite a lot of Anti-Aircraft firing, but no planes were brought down. Enemy Planes dropped bombs on our Sector and Working Parties, while his Working Parties were dispersed by the Brigades 18 Pounders. "Minnies an "Pineapples" caused damage to our Trenches and Brigades Artillery did likewise to the enemy placements.

34th Battalion War Diary

Benjamin was Wounded in Action; 1st occasion on the 6th February 1917 where he received Gun Shot Wounds to his Neck and Chest and was treated to the 10th Australian Field Ambulance before he was evacuated to the 2nd Australian Casualty Clearing Station for further treatment.

On 3rd August 1917 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.

34th Battalion War Diary

Benjamin was Wounded in Action; 2nd occasion on the 11th August 1917 where he received a Gun Shot Wound to his Left Ankle and was invalided to England where he was admitted to the Netly War Hospital. After Benjamin was discharged from Hospital he embarked for France on the 3rd January 1918 and was marched into the Lines ant Taken on in Strength with his unit.

On the 14th July 1918 the Battalion "B" Team was cancelled and all the men were utilized in the Line, including the Bandsmen. Major: Harry Lambert Edward Dixon WHEELER. rejoined the Battalion whist here. The Front Line Posts were gradually being connected and dugouts built, but the ground having a bed of chalk and stone, the digging was very strenuous.

34th Battalion War Diary

Benjamin was Wounded in Action; 3rd occasion on the 16th July 1918 where he received a Gun Shot Would to his Left Arm and was invalided back to England on the 19th of July 1918 and was admitted to Hospital. Benjamin was discharged and embarked from England on the 18th December on board the "Aeneas" for Australia and was discharged from the AIF on the 24th March 1919.

Benjamin's War Medal:42166 and Victory Medal:41292 to 1088 PTE B.J. COULSON. 34 BN. AIF and Returned from Active Service Badge were sold to a private bidder in December 2021 and as an under bidder was unable to secure for the Harrower Collection.

Family Information

Benjamin was a single 22 year old Miner from West Maitland, N.S.W. upon his enlistment with the AIF. He was serving with the 14th Infantry. (Hunter River). Benjamin was accidently killed in a mine accident at the Musswellbrook Mine and was pronounced dead at the Brentwood Hospital at Musswellbrook on the 21st December 1920.

Benjamin James COULSON (1894-1920)

Amy Ada Coulson. nee: Smithers. (1865-1937)

Samuel George Coulson. (1858-1944)

Military Records

© Commonwealth of Australia (National Archives of Australia)

Under Construction: 21/12/2021-07/01/2022.

Private: 2521 Clarence Leslie BIRD.

September 18, 2021September 7, 2021 by David Harrower ACM

34th BATTALION AIF

Private: 2521 Clarence Leslie BIRD.

Born: 1898. Morpeth via East Maitland, New South Wales, Australia. Birth Cert:32441/1898.

Died: 12th October 1917. Killed in Action. Passchendaele.

Father: Frederick John Bird. (1870-1952)

Mother: Maude Adeline Bird. nee: Jory. (1875-1960)

INFORMATION

No.2521 Clarence Leslie BIRD was a 19 year old Farmer from East-Maitland in NSW when he enlisted in the AIF for a second time on the 28th of July 1916. A previous enlistment on the 1st of January 1916 had seen him discharged from the Recruit Training Camp at Broadmeadow, on the 25th of January, as being “underage”. He nominated his Father as next-of-kin and his Mother as sole beneficiary of his Will.

He embarked from Australia as a member of the 5th Reinforcements to the 34th Battalion on board the S.S. ‘Napier’, which sailed from Sydney on the 17th of November 1916 and disembarked at Devonport in England on the 29th of January 1917. On arrival the Reinforcements were taken by train to Salisbury-Plain in Wiltshire where they marched in to the 9th Training-Battalion at Durrington.

On the 2nd of February 1917 he reported sick and was admitted to Fargo Military Hospital, diagnosed with Influenza. He was discharged from hospital on the 22nd.

On the 29th of May 1917 he deployed from England across to France, marching in to the 3rd Australian Division Base Depot at Havre. On the 16th of June he marched out to the front and was taken-on-strength by the 34th Battalion AIF (Maitland’s Own), at ‘Ploegsteert Wood’ on the 19th. The Battalion was at that time undergoing training, reorganization, and resting (baths, etc), after ‘Messines’.

On the 7th of August 1917 he again reported sick and was admitted to the 50th Casualty Clearing Station, suffering from ‘scabies’. On the 4th of September he was transported by Ambulance-Train to the French Coast where he was admitted to the 2nd Canadian General Hospital. On the 14th of September he was discharged to the 3rd Australian Division Base Depot at Havre.

On the 23rd of September 1917 he again marched out to the front, and rejoined the 34th Battalion on the 25th.

He was with the 34th Battalion on the 12th of October 1917 for the start of the unsuccessful attack on ‘PASSCHENDAELE’. After briefly holding the 2nd Objective the 9th Brigade was forced to withdraw almost to the starting point of the attack, and as the battle-field could not be held, many of the dead and wounded could not be recovered. After this battle he was officially reported as MISSING-IN-ACTION.

On the 5th of February 1918 the Battalion received a report from the 50th Division Burial Officer, stating that the remains of Private C.L.BIRD had been located and buried at Map-Reference 28.NE.D.17.b.9.6 (which was halfway between the start-point and the Battalions 1st Objective). His fate was then amended to KILLED-IN-ACTION.

Unfortunately, due to his grave being damaged or destroyed, his burial was never found by the Graves Services Unit. Subsequently he was listed as having ‘No Known Grave’.

He is commemorated on the ‘Australian Roll of Honour’ at the Australian War Memorial, on the ‘East Maitland War Memorial’, and on the 34th Battalion Panel on the ‘Menin Gate’ at Ypres in Belgium, amongst the 54,000 men ‘missing - with no known grave’.

Menin Gate War Memorial

His Mother received a War-Pension of £1 per fortnight from the 3rd of January 1918.

Bill Durrant: September 2021.

Sympathy Card from Mr and Mrs Bird.

Ancestry.com

Family Information

Clarence was a single 19 year old Farmer from East Maitland, N.S.W. upon his enlistment with the AIF. He was still serving with the 14th Infantry Hunter Valley.

Grave of Frederick and Maude Bird. Sandgate Cemetery, Newcastle, N.S.W.

Military Records

© Commonwealth of Australia (National Archives of Australia)

Under Construction: 07/09/2021-18/09/2021.

Lance Corporal: 2301 Harlie Muir ECKFORD.

October 10, 2020October 10, 2020 by David Harrower ACM

34th - 13th BATTALION AIF

Lance Corporal: 2301 Harlie Muir ECKFORD.

Born: 1895. West Maitland, New South Wales, Australia. Birth Cert:33898/1895.

Died: 24th September 1917. Killed in Action. Belgium.

Father: Alick William Henry Eckford. (1859-1942)

Mother: Emily Augusta "Dot" Eckford. nee: Brackenreg. (1858-1944)

INFORMATION

Harlie Muir Eckford enlisted with the AIF at Maitland Showground on the 26th June 1916 and was marched in the the Rutherford Army Camp were he was allocated to the 4th Reinforcements 34th Battalion AIF. Harlie served with the 14th Infantry (Hunter River) with the rank of 2nd Lieutenant. Harlie embarked with the Reinforcements on board HMAT A30 "Bords" from Sydney, N.S.W. on the 17th October 1916 and disembarked at Plymouth, England on the 9th January 1917.

The Reinforcements were marched in to the Durrington Army Camp at Larkhill with the 9th Training Battalion where he was promoted to Acting Sergeant on the 25th January 1917. Harlie was marched out from Hut number 11 on the 9th May 1917 and proceeded overseas for France and disembarked at Estaples on the 10th of May 1917. The next day Harlie was promoted to A/Extra Regimental Sergeant but reverted back to Private when he was transferred to the 13th Battalion on the 25th May 1917.

Harlie went into action with the 13th Battalion and was promoted to Lance Corporal on the 4th September and was Killed in Action as he was going into the lines.

6th March 1918.

Informant: Private: 2033 William WILLIAMS. A Coy 13th Battalion AIF. "I saw ECKFORD killed by a shell which burst as we were going into the line about 9 or 10 o'clock at night and wounded a couple of others. He was buried at the spot between China Walk and the hop over line (an old German Line, Battalion Headquarters). A cross was made in the trenches and put up.

Hut 20 Westham, England.

Menin Gate War Memorial

Family Information

Harlie was a single 21 year old Mercer from 15 Cross Street, West Maitland, N.S.W. upon his enlistment with the AIF.

Saturday, 30 April 1881.

"ECKFORD-BRACKENREG-At St. Paul's, West Maitland, by the Rev. John Shaw, Alec. W.H., eldest son of George Eckford, of Edithville, South Park, to Emilie Augusta (Dottie), fourth daughter of Charles John Brackenreg, West Maitland".

Maitland Daily Mercury - 26th April, 1939 - page 10

YEARS ROLL ON

Historical Link with Maitland MR. ALICK ECKFORD

(By 'Easel')

On Saturday, April 22, Mr. Alick Eckford, a well-known resident of West Maitland, who lives at 'Mair Allyn,' opposite St. Paul's Church and Rectory, celebrated his 80th birthday. He is a direct descendant of the first settler to take up land in Maitland — William Eckford.

Pioneer William Eckford was a naval man, who arrived in the colony in 1800, as gunner of the frigate, Cornwallis, having then been in the navy 40 years. He was known as 'The Fighting Captain of the Frigate Cornwallis,' because it was he who 'trained and fired the guns.'

On this ship he met a lady named Mary Harrell. Upon arrivel in Sydney they married and settled first at Pennant Hills, then at Penrith, following farming pursuits. In 1811 William came to Maitland and took up land along the Morpeth-road, on the East Maitland side of the present brickworks. The pilot system was introduced into Sydney Harbour in 1811, and rates of pilotage were gazetted in 1813. Newcastle quickly followed suit, for in 1812 William Eckford was appointed the first pilot and harbour-master there. (It was called Port Hunter then). The Eckfords were of Scotch descent, William having been born at the village of Eckford, near Irvine, a seaport town in Ayrshire. A brother, John, joined the American navy, where he served as doctor for many years. Another brother, Peter, carried on a stocking business at Paisley; a third brother, Henry, went to Turkey at an early age and there followed his business as a master ship builder; while a fourth brother was a Scottish farmer. Although Mr. William Eckford's grant at East Maitland had been under cultivation since 1811, orders issued in May, 1823, confirmed it, and at the same time a survey was made of 100 acres each to two of his sons, John and James. The latter took up residence against his father's grant, but on the Morpeth side of the brickworks. John went across the river bank on what is known as the Bush Farms, adjoining the Pitnacree property.

DISCOVERY OF COAL

It was this family who discovered the first East Maitland coal at Four Mile Creek. Where East Maitland coal is now obtained, stables belonging to one of Mr. Eckford's sons were once situated. As the years passed other members of the family obtained property and settled around him. William, junior, had land adjoining his father's (on the East Maitland side of the brickworks). Henry obtained ground in East Maitland. Mrs. Dixon (a daughter, Jane) and her husband settled on the property next to him. The other two son, Joseph and Peter, did not go in for the land. Joseph was the member for Wollombi for 20 odd years. A railed-in vault standing alone high on the hillside above Morpeth-road was built, by convict labour, for Mr. William Eckford, senior, about 1820, on his own property, for the burial of his dead. His daughter Jane and her husband lie within its sanctuary, though he himself was laid to rest in the old cemetery in Newcomen-street, Newcastle, near the Cathedral. Whilst he and his family attended to the cultivation of land in Maitland, he also continued his duties in Newcastle, using the Hunter River as his highway (there being no road then), until 1830, when he retired on his superannuation allowance. His death occurred three years later. (1833). Mrs. Eckford survived until March, 1864. The burial ground wherein they lie is still in existence (Newcomen- street); but some of the graves are so old that time has obliterated the inscriptions on them. A number of stones are broken, others have crumbled almost to nothing — 'dust to dust.'

William Eckford, jun., married twice, the first wife being a Miss Muir, the second a Miss Clift, of East Maitland. Miss Elizabeth Eckford, a daughter of this second marriage, is still living in Sydney, at the age of 94. Some years ago when the railway authorities took a line through part of her property near Casino, a law- suit followed (at Grafton) in which Miss Eckford so ably conducted her own case that someone complimenting her said she was 'a barrister lost.' A grandson of James Eckford is still alive also. He resides in West Maitland.

ECKFORD'S LANE

Mr. Alick Eckford's father (George William) lived at Racecourse Farm. This extended from Louth Park-road to Elgin-street. A road running through it, formerly known as Eckford's Lane, now bears the name of Park-street. This was widened to a 33 feet roadway in 1889 under Mayor Wolstenholme, by taking in a portion of the park. The property of the notorious Molly Morgan bounded the other side of the road (Park side). Later, because ot the numerous acacia trees in the neighbourhood, Racecourse Farm changed its name to Acacia Farm. At the present time it is known as Banksia, and can be seen near the pipe works in Eckford's paddock, Park-street. This property belongs now to Mr. Alick Eckford, the grandson of William, jun., and great- grandson of the pioneer — although he has resided opposite St. Paul's for many years. The old home, Accacia Farm, or Racecourse Farm, was flood ed out in the '93,' and burned out in 1913.

Mr. Alick Eckford is a mine of information regarding old Maitland, most of which he knows from personal observation and experience. He well remembers the days when amateur horse-racing took place in the Park. Innkeepers promoted these meetings in every small settlement in the early days, Maitland was the most important of them all. Sydney owners brought their horses each year to compete for the cup. A race meeting, convened on July 17, 1833, on the old Maitland course was the first to be organised in New South Wales outside Sydney. Maitland Park was the scene of the earliest efforts.

Mr. Alick Eckford well remembers too, his early days at 'Racecourse Farm,' when, after rising at 3.30 a.m. to help his father to milk the cows, he assisted generally with the work on the property. At the age of 15 he went into E. P. Capper's establishment in High-street, West Maitland, and stayed there until he was 69. That was eleven years ago — 53 years in one place, a grand record! In 1881 he married Miss Emily Augusta Brackenreg- (always known as Dot), whose family records in Australia date back to 1792. From private papers, still in the possession of her family, we learn that 'One of the oldest sporting and musical families of New South Wales is that of the Brackenregs.' In 1792 James Brackenreg arrived in Sydney from the Motherland in charge of State prisoners. He held the rank of captain in the Scots' Greys, having been a member of the first company formed of that famous regiment.

As a Government official, he was granted land at Liberty Plains, Parramatta, and there reared a family. Captain Brackenreg was one of the largest boat-builders of his day at Pyrmont, being associated with his brother-in-law, William Day (father of the old returning officer for Sydney), and Sir Wigram Allen. The eldest son of the captain, born in 1795, at Parramatta, was named after his father, James Brackenreg, junr., came to Maitland in the early 1800's, one of the first settlers in the Paterson Valley. He married Marian Grace Guelph Fitz Stubbs, who was brilliant in music, literature, and fine arts (and whose brother, George, was also a great flautist and musician). The latter was never heard publicly to claim his relationship with the Georges, but his descendants do. Most of the Stubbs and the Brackenregs and their various connections seem to have been endowed with musical talent. The children of James and Marian were Ossie, James, George, Eva and Charles. George became the first railway stationmaster at West Maitland. Eva's daughter was the famous Sydney actress, Una Maxwell. Charles was starter for the Northumberland Racing Club for over twenty years, and also owner of many good race- horses. In the historical records of Maitland now in the Mitchell Library one finds that he won the Maiden Plate at that town on September 9 1851, with a chestnut colt, Sir Alfred. His horse, Tom Brown, won Tattersall's Cup twice. When the Duke of Edinburgh was in Sydney in 1868, H.R.H. was asked to start one of the races at Randwick. However, having suffered an injury at Clontarf, he was unable to officiate, so on the suggestion of their own starter the officials asked Mr. Charles Brackenreg to act in place of the Duke. The latter thought Mr. Brackenreg was an Englishman, and offered him a trip home on his ship, the 'Galatea.

BRACKENREG HOME

This was Mrs. Alick Eckford's father. The Brackenreg home was Bona Vista, Paterson. An excellent description of this estate is to be found in the 'Maitland Mercury' dated August 19th, 1854, thus: 'Rona Vista Estate, bounded by the Government High-road and the splendid Paterson River, navigable for vessels of various tonnage. 'The Bona Vista is beautiful for situation and proverbial for its fertility and vegetative qualities. The homestead is erected on a first-class site, and so commodious as to be admirably adapted to, and suitable for, a family of the first respectability. The land under cultivation comprising many acres (2090), with an immense proportion laid out in grass paddocks, is peculiarly adapted to the growth of wheat, maize, tobacco, cotton, etc., and is abundantly supplied with fresh water. 'In a word the princely estate of Bona Vista consisting of rich agricultural and pastoral lands, stands unrivalled amid the varied splendours everywhere visible in the fertile district of the Paterson, said to be the garden of New South Wales.' Mrs. Eckford's grandfather purchased Bona Vista, with its 2090 acres. Then a Mr. Brooker, who was a butcher, rented the grazing from him for years. Ultimately Mr. Brackenreg sold the estate to Dr. Bowker, of Newcastle, who spent frequent holidays here with his family.

The present home of Mr. and Mrs. Alec Eckford was once the residence of Mr. W. K. Colyer, first headmaster of Maitland Grammar School, whose educational activities wore carried on in the large hall against St. Paul's Church. It was erected for that purpose, by Mr. Colyer, whose initials can be seen incised in one of the bricks near the tower entrance to the rectory. Until St. Paul's Church was completed, the services were held in the hall which is now generally used as a Sunday School. Mr. Colyer first lived near the spot whereon the Convent now stands. He sold that to the Dominican authorities, and moved down near St. Paul's. Prior to the building of the present convent the Nuns lived in a small convent on the site of Post and Nancarrow's shop near Dr. Hollywood's. That would be 70 years ago.

Mrs. Eckford had the misfortune to lose her sight about twenty-one years ago, but that does not deter her from attending to all sorts of household and personal duties. She manages marvellously, and is always so cheerful and bright. Mr. Eckford claims this is because he has looked after her so well. Mrs. Eckford laughingly maintains that as she is the older (by 15 months — having reached her 81st birthday on January 3rd) she is 'the boss.' Happiness radiates from them both. Of their family of ten children eight are still living — one son died in childhood, another made the supreme sacrifice during the Great War. Miss Ida, in addition to managing the home, takes a prominent part in the activities of the town, and has a goodly share of the family's propensity for music. Mr. Alick Eckford has always been interested in stock, and in gardening. In the way of sports, he was the first captain of the Maitland Bowling Club, and one of its foundation members. He has always been keen on cricket and football too. Now that he no longer indulges in these, he is one of the most interested spectators when the High School boys have their sports in the park. Mrs. Eckford has also a fancy for both cricket and football, several of her people having distinguished themselves in these fields. During the Test cricket matches she follows the progress by the aid of the radio — especially when Don Bradman is making spectacular moves. In her young days she was a great horsewoman. In two years time Mr. and Mrs. Eckford hope to celebrate their diamond wedding. A recent photograph of the former shows him with his son, his grandson, and a great-granddaughter, the latter representing the sixth generation of Australian-born Eckfords. A 'happy birthday' and 'may there be many happy returns' of the birthday anniversaries of April 22, and of January 3, will be the ardent wish of the numerous friends of this well-known family.

Ancestry.com.au

Emily and Alick Ecford with daughter Maude on Alicks 80th Birthday

Military Records

© Commonwealth of Australia (National Archives of Australia)

Under Construction: 10/10/2020.

Private: 745 Alfred DIFFORD.

December 7, 2022November 15, 2019 by David Harrower ACM

34th BATTALION AIF

Private: 745 Frederick "Alfred" DIFFORD.

Born: 1895. Stockton, New South Wales, Australia. Birth Cert:16648/1896.

Married: 1931. Kurri Kurri, New South Wales, Australia.

Wife: Fanny Shannon Difford. nee: Nelson. (1896-1960)

Died: 1983. Weston, New South Wales, Australia. Death Cert:100808/1983.

Father: William Difford. (1856-31/10/1916) buried at Kurri Kurri Cemetery.

Mother: Emily Sophia Difford. nee: Bird. (1864-1908)

INFORMATION

No.745 Alfred DIFFORD was one of four brothers to serve during WW1, and one of two that would serve in the 9th Australian Infantry Brigade.

He was almost 20 years old and working as a Labourer at Weston in NSW when he decided to enlist in the AIF on the 17th of January 1916.On the 21st of March 1916 at Rutherford-Camp he was allocated to “C” Company of the 34th Battalion.

He embarked as a member of ‘Maitland’s Own’ on board the HMAT (A20) ‘Hororata’ that departed Sydney on the 2nd of May 1916. The route was via: Albany in Western-Australia, Columbo in India, the Suez Canal, and Port Said. At Alexandria in Egypt the Battalion was then transhipped onto the S.S. ‘Aragon’ for the final leg of the voyage to Plymouth in England, arriving on the 23rd of June 1916.

On arrival in England the Battalion travelled by train, via Exeter, to the village of Amesbury in Wiltshire, where they unloaded and then marched the several miles to the Australian Camps at Lark Hill. On arrival they were allocated to the No.1 Camp and were then given four days Disembarkation-Leave prior to commencing training.

The Battalion now became part of the 9th Infantry Brigade (33rd, 34th, 35th, and 36th Infantry Battalions, 9th Machine-Gun Company, and the 9th Light Trench Mortar Battery), of the 3rd Australian Division (9th, 10th, and 11th Infantry Brigades). It would spend the next couple of months training hard on Salisbury Plain to learn all the methods of fighting Trench-Warfare.

They trained and practiced in Musketry, bayonet fighting, the digging of trenches, received their weapons, equipment and field-kitchens, attended various courses, practiced route-marching, improving their fitness, practised trench raids and attacks while coordinating with aircraft and Artillery, culminating in a week in October spent in trenches under active service conditions. They voted in the ‘Conscription Referendum’, were reviewed by the King on Salisbury Plain, and then completed a final Divisional Route-March of 18 miles. Selected personnel had attended various Promotion and Officer Training Courses, in preparation for the Casualties that were inevitably to occur.

· On the 23rd of October he was charged with the offence: “Absent Without Leave from midnight 20/10/16 to midnight 22/10/16”. As punishment he was awarded 3 days of Field-Punishment No.2 and forfeited 2 days pay.

Also on the 23rd of October, he reported sick and was admitted to Bulford Hospital, suffering from V.D. After 35 days of medical treatment and loss-of-pay, he was released from medical care.

On the 21st of November 1916 the 34th Battalion had deployed across from England to France as part of the 9th Brigades entry onto the Western Front. The 9th Brigade soon moved into the trenches near the village of Armentieres.

On the 13th of December 1916 reported sick and was admitted to the Fargo Military Hospital with ‘Influenza’. He was released five days later.

On the 16th of January 1917 Alfred finally deployed across to France, but on the 31st of January he again reported sick and was admitted to hospital with ‘gastritis’. He was released a fortnight later.

On the 19th of May he reported sick with ‘Cellulitis’ and was admitted to hospital, being released halfway through the following month.

He was with the 34th Battalion for the unsuccessful attack on PASSCHENDAELE on the 12th of October 1917.

On the 4th of April 1918, during the ‘’1st BATTLE OF VILLERS-BRETONNEUX’’ he was WOUNDED-IN-ACTION, suffering a slight shrapnel wound to his left foot. He was invalided across to England on the 11th of the month and was admitted to the Shorncliffe Military Hospital, at Shorncliffe in Kent.

Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners' Advocate (NSW 1876 - 1954) Wed 1 May 1918

On the 21st of June he was released to the 3rd Australian Auxiliary Hospital at Dartford, and on the 24th of June was discharged to the No.3 Command-Depot at Hurdcott.

· On the 10th of August 1918 he was charged with: “AWL midnight 1/8/18 till 9:30 6/8/18”. The charge was DISMISSED.

He was returned to Australia on board the ‘Somali’ in December 1918, arriving back in Australia on the 14th of February 1919. He was discharged from the AIF on the 29th of March 1919, as medically unfit.

(Bill Durant: November 2019)

26th June 1918.

Informant: Private: 745 Frederick "Alfred" DIFFORD. "Private: 453 Robert HENNESSEY was in C Company. I did not see the casualty, his body being found at Ypres by two Tommies about a month after being killed, but I do not know the names of these two men. His disc was forwarded to Battalion Headquarters. I cannot give any further details further, nor can I refer to anyone.

3rd Australian Auxiliary Hospital, Dartford, England.

Family Information

Alfred was a single 19 year old Labourer from Fifth Street, Weston N.S.W. upon enlistment with the AIF. He was still serving the the 14th Infantry Regiment.

27 Feb 1913 • Presbyterian Church, Weston, New South Wales, Australia

Wedding Portrait of Herbert Robert Difford and Elsie Francis Green. Alfred standing middle rear next to his father William.

Private: 63 Herbert Robert DIFFORD. 35th Battalion AIF. Colliery Shunter. 7th Street, Weston, N.S.W.

Military Records

Under Construction: 15/11/2019.

Private: 831 Albion MASON

May 17, 2019May 17, 2019 by David Harrower ACM

34th BATTALION AIF

Private: 831 Albion MASON.

Born:

Married:

Wife:

Died:

Father:

Mother:

INFORMATION

No.831 Albion MASON was an 18 year old Labourer from Abedare in NSW when he enlisted in the AIF at West-Maitland on the 31st of December 1916. He was still serving with the 14th Infantry Regiment (Militia), under the ‘Universal Training Scheme’, at the time of his enlistment.

He embarked from Australia as a member of “C” Company of the 34th BATTALION (Maitland's Own) on the 2nd of May 1916, on board the HMAT (A20) ‘Hororata’. The route was via: Albany in Western-Australia, Columbo in India, the Suez Canal, and Port Said. At Alexandria in Egypt the Battalion was then transhipped onto the S.S. ‘Aragon’ for the final leg of the voyage to Plymouth in England, arriving on the 23rd of June 1916.

He was with the Battalion on the 21st of November 1916 when the 34th Battalion deployed across from England to France as part of the 9th Brigades entry onto the Western Front. The 9th Brigade soon moved into the trenches near the village of Armentieres.

On the 6th of June 1917, during the attack on ‘Messines Ridge’ he was WOUNDED-IN-ACTION, suffering a bullet wound to his leg. He was evacuated by the 9th Australian Field Ambulance and admitted to the 2nd Australian Casualty Clearing Station at Trois-Arbres. He was then admitted to the 3rd General Hospital at Boulogne. On the 17th of July he was released from hospital to the 3rd Australian Division Base Depot.

• Offence - On the 27th of July 1917 he was charged with “Conduct to the prejudice of good order and military discipline in that he left fatigue on the incinerator without obtaining leave to do so”. He forfeited 2 days pay as punishment.

On the 10th of August 1917 he rejoined the 34th Battalion.

He was with the 34th Battalion for the unsuccessful attack on ‘Passchendaele’ in Belgium, on the 12th of October 1917.

He was granted English-Leave from the 21st of January 1918 until he rejoined the 34th Battalion on the 6th of February 1918.

In late March of 1918 the 9th Infantry Brigade was rushed south to ‘the Somme’, in response to a huge new German Offensive (known by the Germans as Operation Michael), and used as a mobile formation being thrown in to strengthen the line wherever needed.

On the 4th of April 1918, during the ‘1st Battle of Villers-Bretonneux’, he was WOUNDED-IN-ACTION suffering a bullet wound to his right arm. On the 7th he was transferred across to England and the following day was admitted to the Kitchener Military Hospital.

On the 15th of April he was transferred to the 3rd Australian Auxiliary Hospital and was granted a furlough for the period 4th - 18th of May 1918. Unfortunately, he did not report back at the allocated time.

On the 21st of May he was charged with: “London, Absent without Leave – 10:30 a.m. 18/5/18 until 10:20 a.m. 21/5/18”. He was found guilty and forfeited 9 days pay.

He was returned to Australia in September 1918 arriving in Melbourne on the 17th of November. He then travelled overland to Sydney.

He was discharged from the AIF on the 17th of March 1919.

Abermain Public School Honour Roll

(Bill Durant: May 2019)

Under Construction: 17/05/2019.

Lance Corporal: 1090 Matthew Michael CARROLL.

August 21, 2018August 17, 2018 by David Harrower ACM

34th BATTALION AIF

Lance Corporal: 1090 Matthew Michael CARROLL

Born: 1895. Dungog, New South Wales, Australia. Birth Cert:22040/1895.

Died: 7th of June 1917. Killed in Action. Messines-Ridge, Belgium.

Father: Patrick Michael Carroll.

Mother: Margaret Carroll. nee: Phillip.

INFORMATION

No.1090 Matthew CARROLL was a 21 year old Carpenter from Cessnock in NSW when he enlisted in the AIF on the 9th of January 1916. Prior to enlistment he had trained with the 14th Infantry (Militia) at Cessnock, under the Universal Training Scheme.

Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners' Advocate, 29 Apr 1916

He embarked from Australia on the 2nd of May 1916, on board the HMAT (A20) Hororata, as a member of "D" Company of the 34th BATTALION (Maitland's Own). At Alexandria in Egypt the Battalion transhipped onto the S.S. Aragon for the second leg of the voyage to England, arriving at Plymouth on the 23rd of June 1916.

On arrival the Battalion travelled by train to Amesbury in Wiltshire, then marched the several miles to the Australian Camps at Lark Hill, on Salisbury Plain. The 34th Battalion then joined the other Units that comprised the 9th Infantry Brigade, to begin several months of hard training in Trench-Warfare. The 9th Brigade (now comprised the 33rd, 34th, 35th, 36th Infantry Battalions, the 9th Machine-Gun Company, and the 9th Light Trench Mortar Battery). It was one of the three Brigades to make up the new 3rd Australian Division, that was to be commanded by the newly promoted Major-General John MONASH.

He was with the 34th Battalion when the 3rd Australian Division began deploying across to France, commencing on the 21st of November 1916 with the 9th Brigade. The 9th Brigade soon moving into the front line near the village of Armentieres.

On the 22nd of February 1917 he reported sick and was admitted to hospital. He soon rejoined the 34th Battalion on the 6th of March.

On the 29th of April 1917 he was one of a number of men detached to a Work Party, most probably in preparation for the upcoming Operation ''Magnum Opus'' - the attack on the Wyschaete-Messines Ridge. The men rejoined the Battalion on the 15th of May 1917.

On the 7th of June 1917, during the attack on Messines-Ridge in Belgium, he was KILLED-IN-ACTION. He was recorded as being buried in-the-field at Map-Reference: U.9.d.6.8, but later on the grave could not be located by the Graves Services Unit.

Trench-Map - 'Red Star' indicating the location of 1090 Private Matthew CARROLL's burial (i.e U.9.d.6.8).

Red-Cross Wounded & Missing File.

As he has no-known-grave his name is inscribed among the missing on the Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial, at Ypres in Belgium.

Menin Gate War Memorial

Sydney Mail - 19 Sep 1917

Private: 1277 Frank Howard and Lance Corporal: 1090 Matthew Carroll

(Bill Durrant: August 2018)

Family Information

Matthew was a single 21 year old Carpenter from Main Street, Cessnock, NSW upon enlistment with the AIF. His parents Patrick and Margaret Carroll were married at Wollombi, N.S.W. Marriage Cert:7773/1892.

Cessnock War Memorial

Military Records

Under Construction: 17/08/2018.

Private: 908 Charles Herbert TAYLOR

August 23, 2018July 29, 2018 by David Harrower ACM

34th BATTALION AIF

Private: 908 Charles Herbert TAYLOR

Born: 1897. West Maitland, New South Wales, Australia. Birth Cert:13771/1897.

Married: 1925. Lithgow, New South Wales, Australia. Marriage Cert:18216/1925.

Wife: Sarah E Taylor. nee: Davis.

Died: 8th October 1935. Lithgow, New South Wales, Australia. Death Cert:23178/1935.

Father: Charles Taylor.

Mother: Eva A Taylor. nee: Dee.

INFORMATION

No.908 Charles Herbert TAYLOR was an 18 year old Junior Railway-Clerk from West-Maitland when he enlisted in the AIF on the 16th of January 1916.

He embarked from Australia as a member of "C" Company of the 34th BATTALION (Maitland's Own) on the 2nd of May 1916, aboard the HMAT (A20) Hororata.

Maitland Daily Mercury 15 Jun 1916

At Alexandria in Egypt the Battalion transhipped onto the S.S. Aragon for the final leg of the voyage to Plymouth in England, arriving on the 23rd of June 1916. Charles was a member of the 34th Battalion BAND and was recorded in a photograph of the band taken during the voyage.

Maitland Daily Mercury, 12 August 1916

He was with the 34th Battalion when it deployed across to France as part of the 9th Infantry Brigade, on the 21st of November 1916. The Brigade soon moved into the trenches near the village of Armentieres.

He was admitted to hospital with diarrhoea on the 6th of March 1917 and rejoined the Battalion on the 29th of the month.

He was with the Battalion for the attack on MESSINES on the 7th of June 1917 and for the attack on PASSCHENDAELE on the 12th of October.

He was granted English-Leave for the period 23/2/18 to 13/3/18.

On the 4th of April 1918, at Villers-Bretonneux, he was in charge of a Lewis-Gun and five other Bandsmen when he was WOUNDED-IN-ACTION, suffering a GSW to the left thigh. He was admitted to the 7th Canadian Field-Ambulance, transferred to a Casualty Clearing Station, and then admitted to the 2nd General Hospital at Havre. On the 12th of May he was invalided across to England where he was admitted to the Magdalen Camp Military Hospital in Winchester.

On the 1st of June 1918 he was transferred to the 1st Australian Auxiliary Hospital at Harefield. He was released to the No.3 Command Depot at Hurdcott on the 11th of June. On the 21st of August he marched in to the No.3 Convalescent Depot at Weymouth.

He returned to Australia in October 1918, disembarking in Melbourne on the 27th of December, and then travelling overland to Sydney. He was discharged from the AIF on the 8th of June 1919.

He died on the 8th October 1935 and was buried in the West-Maitland Cemetery.

Maitland Daily Mercury 9 Oct 1935

Lithgow Mercury 9 Oct 1935

Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners' Advocate 17 Oct 1935

(Digitised copies of Charles TAYLOR's WW1 Diaries are held by the Australian War Museum)

West Maitland Cemetery

(Bill Durrant: July 2018)

Family Information

Charles was a single 18 year old Junior Clerk/Porter with the NSW Railways and lived at Banfield Street, West Maitland upon enlistment with the AIF. Charles was still serving with the 14th Infantry Militia when he enlisted. He commenced employment with the Railway Department in 1913. His Parents Charles and Eva Taylor were married in 1895 at West Maitland, N.S.W. Marriage Cert:5187/1895.

Military Records

Under Construction: 29/07/2018-22/08/2018.

Private: 80 Arthur Edward GUILE.

May 9, 2018May 4, 2018 by David Harrower ACM

34th BATTALION AIF

Private: 80 Arthur Edward GUILE.

Born: 6th June 1898. Liverpool ,England.

Married: 1925. Mudgee, New South Wales, Australia. Marriage Cert:14652/1925.

Wife: Alice M Guile. nee: Jamieson.

Died: 1977. Burwood, New South Wales, Australia. Death Cert:22965/1977

Father: Arthur Guile. (1868-1952) died at Liverpool, New South Wales, Australia. Death Cert:1082/1952.

Mother:

INFORMATION

Arthur Edward Guile served with the 14th Infantry prior to enlisting with A Company 34th Battalion AIF on the 8th January 1916 and was an original member of the Battalion.

The 34th Battalion became a part of the 9th Brigade of the 3rd Australian Division. On the 1st of May the Battalion left by train from Farley Station for the Showground in Sydney. Equipped with kit bags and necessary clothing, and was reviewed in Moore Park by General: Gustave Mario RAMACIOTTI. On the following morning of the 2nd of May 1916 the men embarked on the transport HMAT A20 "Hororata" and sailed at 4:00 pm. Arriving in Plymouth, England on the 23rd June 1916.

Devonport was reached on the 23rd June, the Battalion disembarked at Plymouth at 1:00 pm and en trained during the afternoon for Amesbury, arriving at midnight and marching to hutments at No: 1 Camp, Larkhill. Here the Battalion settled down to hard training, which included Route Marching, Trench Digging, Bomb Practice, Musketry and general Camp Routine. Later the Battalion moved to the No: 25 Camp and finished off their training, which included six days' battle practice and field work at the Bastard Trenches.

34th Battalion marching through Amesbury

34th Battalion marching through Amesbury

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

19th July 1917.

Casualties 1 killed "Private: 2097 John Henry JAMIESON" and 5 wounded in WELLINGTON TRENCH. Enemy firing gas shells intermittently all night.

(34th Battalion War Diary)

Arthur was 1 of the 5 that were wounded on the 19th July where he received a Gun Shot wound to his Legs and Ankle and he was evacuated to the 8th General Hospital at Rouen before he was invalided to England. Arthur was admitted to the Reading Hospital on the 13th August 1917 where he received further treatment.

Arthur was discharged and spent Xmas in England before he proceeded overseas via Southampton on the 27th December 1917. He was Wounded in Action; 2nd occasion on the 6th May 1918 and rejoined his unit on the 18th June and remained with the Battalion unit he was demobolised and returned to England where he embarked for Australia and disembarked on 09.08.1919 and took his discharge on 11.09.19.

Arthur's War Medal was auctioned in May 2018 but I was unable to secure for the collection as I was the under bidder.

Family Information

Arthur was a single 18 year old shift man from Pelaw Main, N.S.W. upon enlistment.