25th (City of Sydney Scottish Rifles) Infantry Regiment – Page 2

Captain: Norman Sydney CAINS. M.C. & Bar. M.I.D.

March 8, 2022March 8, 2017 by David Harrower ACM

34th BATTALION A.I.F.

Captain: Norman Sydney CAINS. M.C. & Bar. M.I.D.

Born: 12th August 1893. Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. Birth Cert:38269/1893.

Married: 1923. Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. Marriage Cert:13361/1923.

Wife: Margerie Rolls Cains. nee: Austin.

Died: 29th December 1984. New South Wales, Australia. Death Cert:200134/1985.

Father: William Charles Cains. (18..-1924) Died Chatswood, N.S.W. Death Cert:5993/1924.

Mother: Fanny Amelia Cains. nee: Petherbridge. (1860-1917) Born Sydney, N.S.W. Birth Cert:1416/1860 and Died Waverley, N.S.W. Death Cert:13261/1917.

INFORMATION

Norman Sydney Cains enlisted with the AIF on the 24th July 1915 and was promoted to 2nd Lieutenant on the 20th January 1916 where he was allocated to the 34th Battalion AIF and was an original member of the Battalion. Norman had previous service with the 25th Infantry Battalion where he held the rank of Company Sergeant Major. 2: 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".

H.M.A.T. A20 "HORORATA"

The voyage to England was without any unusual incidents and a good passage throughout. The first port of call was Albany, where three days were spent. Columbo was reached on Empire Day, 24th May. Here two days were taken up coaling and taking on provisions, etc. During the stay the Battalion carried out a route march through the town. Suez was reached on 8th June, where a party of Light Horse and some details were disembarked. Arriving at Port Said on 9th, the ship coaled and proceeded to Alexandria which was reached on 11th June 1916.

Here the Battalion transferred to S.S."Aragon", E867. Some Australian Details were on board, also a number of Tommies going to England on Furlough. 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.

1: Norman was promoted to Lieutenant on the 1st August 1916 after he completed his secondment with the 3rd Divisional Trench Mortar Battery. 2: In October the 34th Battalion was reviewed at a Divisional Parade by His Majesty King George V at Bulford.

The 34th Battalion left Larkhill 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.

The following morning the Battalion moved to Le Harve Railway Station, leaving D Company behind. On arrival at the Station en training commenced at 8:00 am and the train left at 11:15 am. The journey was slow and occupied until 4:30 pm on the 24th. On arrival at Bailleul the men de trained and marched to Outtersteene. D Company arrived at 4:00 pm the following day. The Battalion rested here in billets for two days previous to taking over garrison duties in the Line at Armenties. The Commanding Officer Lieutenant Colonel. Malcolm St John LAMB. with the Adjutant, Company Commanders, N.C.O's and Specialists went into the Line to inspect Trenches, Stores, Plans and to arrange for the taking over this Section of the line on the following day.

The specialists and N.C.O's remained in the Line. On 27th November the Battalion went into the Line in the L'Epinette Sector. The men were taken up by motor lorries as far as the Square near Houplines Station, and marched via Butterne Avenue and Willow Walk to the Line, carrying their packs and blankets into the trenches. Lewis Gun ammunition was taken into the Line with the tin cases. The going was difficult owing to the conditions of the Trenches and the heavy and bulky loads. Later the blankets were dumped near Tussage Dump, from which most of them disappeared. This was the main incident of our relief in the Line.

MENTIONED in DISPATCHES

London Gazette 28th December 1917. Page 13565 Position 114.

Commonwealth of Australia Gazette 18th April 1918. Page 843 Position 44.

March 1918.

Recommended for MILITARY CROSS

This Officer had commanded a Company for 10 months in a most efficient manner. the lead Company in the attack on MESSINES with the greatest courage and dash, his personality inspired his unit with complete confidence and his general handling of his men for the last 18 months has been of the highest possible order.

2: On 5th May "D" Company plus 2 Platoons of "A" Company and "B" Company plus 2 Platoons of "A" company in conjunction with the 35th Battalion again advanced the picquet Line, capturing about 100 Prisoners and Machine Guns. The success of the operation was greatly assisted by the bravery of the signal Officer, Lieutenant. 932 Hector Reginald McLEOD, who after members of his Signal Staff had become casualties, in over 1,000 yards of line repaired 62 breaks. At 9:00 pm on 6th May "C" Company moved forward to occupy a new line of Posts. Owing to the darkness touch was lost between Platoons and No: 9 and 10 were unable to advance due to wire obstacles and enemy Strong Posts. No: 11 Platoon came into contact with a cluster of Strong Points and suffered a number of casualties without being able to eject the enemy from their position.

The Platoon Commander, Lieutenant: 1790 Stanley Harold HUBBARD. collected his men and moved in a North Easterly direction and on reaching the Bray-Corbie Road, made contact with "B" Company, at 1:30 am. As there were no Trenches and the men were only occupying pot holes, he placed his Platoon in drainage holes beside the road, in order to cover "B" Company's flank with Lewis Guns. At 2:00 pm on 7th May this platoon and one from "B" Company under Lieutenant: Sydney Rodgers NICKLIN attacked the enemy Pot Hole Line extending 150 yards South of the road. Captain: Norman Sydney CAIRNS ably assisted from his position on the road with Lewis guns and Rifle Grenades fired by Lieutenant: Harold Wydham LILJA on anything holding up the advance. A Stokes Mortar Barrage helped clear the enemy from his position, with the result that the operation was entirely successful.

5-6th May 1918.

MILITARY CROSS

For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty during an attack on enemy position in the vicinity of MORLANCOURT near ALBERT on the night of May 5/6 1918. He was in command of a Company during the attack and led his men in a most courageous manner to the final objective. He consolidated the captured position most skillfully. The enemy during the night counter attacked the Company and drove in the right flank. Captain CAINS immediately organised and led a counter attack and promptly ejected the enemy. He exhibited magnificent leadership and fearlessness throughout the operation.

London Gazette 16th September 1918. Page 11046 Position 3.

Commonwealth of Australia Gazette 4th of February 1919. Page 134 Position 17.

Captain Norman Sydney Cains (1893-1984)

8th August 1918.

Report of the Operation Conducted by the Battalion This Day. Headquarters 34th Battalion AIF. 8-8-18 ASSEMBLY.

The Assembly March passed without incident and there were no casualties. The Battalion was in position for the assault at 3:25 am.

BARRAGE. The barrage opened at 4:20 am and was accurately placed. The enemy immediately fired single and double Red and Golden Rain Light Signals. The enemy's reply to our barrarge was very ineffective but his Machine Gun fire was considerable during the early stages of the advance, but caused very few casualties.

LOCATIONS. Battalion Headquarters was located at P.16.c.1.7 before Zero, after Zero a temporary Headquarters was established at the Quarry at P.16.b.2.8 pending the report and the capture of ACCROCHE WOOD, from the two flank Companies.

THE ADVANCE. Owing to the dense fog observation was impossible and the tanks appeared to have great difficulty in keeping in touch with the direction. Runners were sent forward at 4:45 am to get in touch with the assault parties and at 5:15 am they brought back word from Captain: Albert Edward YATES 35th Battalion that his Company was through the Wood. Battalion Headquarters then moved forward through the wood towards CERISY VALLEY.About 150 stragglers of all Battalions including 3 Lewis Gun Teams were collected during the advance and formed into a Company.

Owing to the density of the fog and the obscurity of the forward position forward I deployed the Company and took them forward as far as GAILLY Line arriving there at 5:45 am. We later met a detachment of prisoners and were told by the escort that CERISY VALLEY was partially mopped up and most of the Units were moving forward to their objective. I than ordered all men of the 33rd and 35th Battalions to go forward to join their respective Units, and organised two posts with the men of the 34th Battalion, placing one in the enemy trench at P.24.b.3.3 (approx) and the other at P.18.d.0.7 (approx).

This latter post shortly afterwards established liaison with the 11th Brigade. The remainder of the Battalion assisted the 33rd and 35th Battalions in capturing and consolidating the GREEN Line. They were released from the GREEN Line between 9:45 am and 10:15 am and proceeded then to consolidate the GAILLY and RESERVE Lines as shown on map forwarded.

BOOTY. Owing to the conditions existing it was impossible to estimate the number of prisoners captured by the Battalion as prisoners from the 3 Battalions were grouped to reduce the number of men required for escort. So far no estimate has been made of the number of Trench Mortars and Machine guns etc, captured in the area. Salvage operations are in progress and as soon as they are completed a detailed report will be forwarded. In the CERISY VALLEY one 21 cm and eight 7.7 cm guns were captured together with large quantities of ammunition.

Major: Francis George GRANT.

Commanding Officer 34th Battalion AIF. (34th Battalion War Diary)

18th August 1918.

3: Weather threatening but clearing, following project bombardment on our right, heavy bombardment followed. C.O. called on left headquarters. Our planes brought down enemy plane in flames but it dropped behind BRAY. C.O. visited posts. 3 O/Rs Killed 1 Officer Lieutenant: 10480 Robert WIGHT and 6 O/Rs wounded.

21-22 August 1918.

"Zero Hour, August 21st, at thick fog lay across the front. The allied 3rd Army's Guns were clearly audible to the north. As reports filtered to the waiting Diggers, they learned that the Germans had been surprised, all objectives had been achieved and 2,000 prisoners had been taken. Because of the comparative ease of the victory of that first phase, it was decided to extend the second phase of the objectives. Gellibrand issued orders to continue the assault if the British 47th, on the Australian left flank, were successful and Bray was cleared. Unfortunately these orders, being last-minute, did not arrive at all units.

For the Australians their first active involvement in the action was planned for dawn on the 22nd August, at 4:45 am. At 2:20 am the Germans, possibly anticipating an attack, opened up with a barrage of artillery which went for an hour.

BAR to MILITARY CROSS

'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty west of Bray on 22nd August 1918. He commanded a company on the left flank during a withdrawal of the line, protecting that flank which was in the air, and maintaining liaison with the next unit. His courage, determination, and ability were a fine example to the men, and contributed to the defeat of the counter attack.'

London Gazette 1st February 1919. Page 1635 Position 3.

Commonwealth of Australia Gazette 3rd June 1919. Page 944 Position 11.

Norman embarked from England on the 12 June 1919 on board the HMAT "THEMISTOCLES".

1: David Harrower.

2: 34TH BATTALION AIF SHORT HISTORY.

3: 34th Battalion War Diary

Family Information

Norman was a single 21 year old Architect and Draughtsman upon enlistment. Norman's parents William and Fanny Cains were married in 1883 at East Maitland, N.S.W. Marriage Cert:5509/1883 and had 6 children (2 sets of twins) Percival E Cains born 1884 at Paddington, N.S.W. Birth Cert:8953/1884 and died 1910 at Woollahra. N.S.W. Death Cert:16125/1910. Vera C Cains born 1887 at Paddington, N.S.W. Birth Cert:10288/1887. William H Cain born 1887 at Paddington, N.S.W. Birth Cert:10289/1887. Lydia O Cain born 1889 at Ashfield, N.S.W. Birth Cert:5590/1889. Norman Sydney Cain born 1893 at Waverley, N.S.W. Birth Cert:38269/1893. Robert Harold Cain born 1893 at Waverley, N.S.W. Birth Cert:38270/1893 and died 1969 at St Leonards, N.S.W. Death Cert: 26296/1969.

Norman served during world War 2 with the 30th Infantry Battalion, service number: NX 112693. He was living at 18 Clifford St Gordon, N.S.W. at this time. Norman was cremated and the service was conducted at Macquarie Park Cemetery and Crematorium for Norman Sydney Cains on the 2 January 1985.

Burial Location: GENLAWN/V6/0057.

Military Records

World War 2 Records

© Commonwealth of Australia (National Archives of Australia)

Under Construction; 06/11/2010-15/07/2020.

Major: Harold Henry McMINN.

December 22, 2023March 7, 2017 by David Harrower ACM

34th BATTALION A.I.F.

Major: Harold Henry McMINN.

Born: 3rd November 1887. Braidwood, New South Wales, Australia. Birth Cert:17305/1888.

Married: 1919. Randwick, New South Wales, Australia. Marriage Cert:9992/1919.

Wife: Agnes B McMinn. nee: Lewis. (1900-1963)

Died: 14th May 1943. Concord, New South Wales, Australia. Death Cert:8819/1943.

Father: William Henry McMinn. (1867-1921)

Mother: Annette McMinn. nee: Manning. (1868-1922)

INFORMATION

Harold Henry McMinn enlisted with the 1st Reinforcements, 34th Battalion AIF on the 23rd of February 1916 and left Sydney on board HMAT A20 "Hororata" on the 2nd of May 1916 with the rank of 2nd Lieutenant.

On the 17th of May the Germans tried to raid the 34th Battalion at Le Touquet. The enemy this time employed the British method of a very short, though heavy, preliminary bombardment. The preliminary registration however had been observed and the Australian counter-barrage came down within 10 seconds of the S.O.S signal fired by Lieutenant: 4559 Frederick Murchison WAUGH. M.C. 34th Battalion. A party of Bavarians attempted to enter by a gap in the front line. One climbed the parapet and said "Hands Oop!" He was at once shot, and fell dead into the trench. Lewis Guns (in particular that of Private: 1416 Joseph Edward KIRK. M.M) 34th Battalion, drove the enemy off.

On the 18th of May the previous night's attempt against the 34th Battalion was repeated after a short heavy bombardment. On the S.O.S. being fired by Lieutenant: William Wright EDMONDS. M.C. 34th Battalion, the protecting barrage again came down instantly, but the enemy entered a gap near a sector in which cylinders had been installed for an impending release of gas. Working alone the line, they bombed a Lewis Gun Team, wounding three. The remaining men, Lance Corporal: 1530 James HAM. D.C.M. 34th Battalion and Private: 1248 Bertram Guy TAYLOR. M.M 34th Battalion, continued to fire, and killed all five intruders.

Lieutenant: 717 Benjamin Greenup BRODIE and the scouts afterwards went out, driving back the German covering party and stretcher-bearers, brought in a wounded Baverian Pioneer, and evidence and identification from 11 Germans who had been killed.

(BEAN; History of World War 1. Vol IV. p570) : Charles Edwin Woodrow BEAN

Morlancourt

The details were learnt only when the prisoners returned to England after the Armistice. After receiving the operation order Major: Harold Henry McMINN at IO:30 saw one of his subalterns. Lieutenant: Laurence Sylvester McMAHON (West Maitland, N S W) and gave him the order to attack, keeping touch with the 29th Bn. McMAHON saw two other Platoon Commanders, Lieutenants: Stanley Warner BATEMAN (St. Kilda, Vic ) and Lieutenant: Russell Stanley BROWN (Maitland. N.S.W.) who, had not yet received their orders and told them that they were in it too McMAHON ranged his platoon on the flank, with BATEMAN'S next to it and twice sent his batman to find the 29th on his right. The batman could discover no sign of it and McMAHON therefore seat him back to its nearest post. The barrage then fell. The half-company of the 34th which was to have reinforced McMINN was not there, having lost its way but Lieutenant: George Chapman Ward REID (Sydney) and his handful of the 33rd were present McMINN sent Lieutenant: Alfred James FELL (who had not even had time to study the map) with a request to Captain: Edmund BEAVER to keep touch. FELL found two men of BEAVER'S company on their way to the assembly, and passed the message to them. On his return, at 11:00 the barrage was already slackening; and McMINN. though out of touch on both flanks, advanced to take his objective and hold on until the flanking troops came up The troops had been told that they were to cross two roads and lie down on a third road, a considerable distance in front.

Two roads had been duly crossed when the enemy ahead opened fire with rifles and a machine-gun. The trench was quickly rushed, the Germans running before it was reached but maintaining fire from their machine-gun farther back. After passing the trench Lieutenant: BROWN was mortally wounded. A dozen men in all were hit before the company was halted. Part of the enemy’s main line had evidently been taken. hut the troops were without instruments for digging-in except their small entrenching tools. The Germans at once counter-attacked on the flanks. but were easily beaten. It was, however plain that the company had merely obtained a lodgement between two bodies of the enemy, no fighting had been heard at any stage on either flank and no Australians could he found there After waiting for a quarter of an hour, McMINN decided to withdraw The company accordingly retired down the slope, hut after going 200 yards came on some wicker ammunition-baskets of German pattern. The bark of a British Field Gunn however, was heard and they went on towards It.

(Platoon Commander) BEAN History of World War 1. VI 90.

19th May 1917

Recommended for Commendation

Lieutenant: Harold Henry McMINN. This Officer, under very heavy Enemy Bombardment organised Defence of Support Line and Party of men ready for a Counter-attack, should the Enemy gain an entrance to Trenches, by his Coolness, he set a splendid example to his men.

14th June 1918.

"Prisoner of War". Interned KARLSRUHE. Cert: by German List 14/6/18.

KARLSRUHN OFFICERS CAMP.24th June 1918.

"Missing 8/5/18" Prisoner of War "Un wounded" by Wire from Copenhagen. Cert: by Information from Central Prisoner of War Officers Records dated 24/5/18.

28th June 1918.

Informant; Corporal; 497 William MORAN. I know that Lieutenant: Russell Stanley BROWN. Lieutenant: 64 Alfred James FELL. Lieutenant: Laurence Sylvester McMAHON. and Captain: Harold Henry McMINN. were all taken prisoners at Villers, they went too far and were all captured.

London.

28th June 1918.

Informant; Lieutenant: Jeffrey MONFRIES. "I know that Lieutenant: Laurence Sylvester McMAHON is posted as a Prisoner of War. He was taken at Morlencourt with Lieutenant: 64 Alfred James FELL., Lieutenant: Russell Stanley BROWN, Captain: Harold Henry McMINN, 5 Officers and 77 men went to take over some posts, these 4 officers and 43 men have been notified as prisoners by wireless.

3rd London General Hospital. Wandsworth, England.

Harold was a Prisoner of War and was held in a German Prisoner of War Camp from 27th of May 1918 until the end of the war.

Family Information

Harold was a 28 year old single Soldier from West Maitland upon enlistment. He served with the N.S.W. Scottish Rifles. His parents William and Annette McMinn were married in 1887 at Braidwood, N.S.W. Marriage Cert:4201/1887. Their only child was Harold Henry McMinn born 1887 at Braidwood, N.S.W. Birth Cert:17305/1888.

Wedding of Harold Herny McMinn (1888-1943) and Agnes B Lewis. (1900-1963) 1919 Randwick, New South Wales, Australia.

Harold served during world war 2, service number N60027 and enlisted at Newcastle.

Military Records

© Commonwealth of Australia (National Archives of Australia)

Under Construction; 31/03/2007-15/07/2020.

Lieutenant: Henry George “Poddy” HAYMAN.

April 16, 2020February 12, 2017 by David Harrower ACM

War Medal: and Victory Medal to LIET H G HAYMAN AIF

33rd BATTALION AIF.

Lieutenant: Henry George "Poddy" HAYMAN.

Born: 26th January 1887. Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. Birth Cert:11157/1887.

Married: 2nd November 1910. Newtown, New South Wales, Australia. Marriage Cert:12917/1910.

Wife: Elizabeth Maria Beatrice Hayman. nee: Smith. (1885-1975)

Died: 5th September 1966. Sutherland, New South Wales, Australia. Death Cert:31404/1966.

Father: George William Hayman. (1843-24/06/1912) Died at Wandsworth, London, England.

Mother: Eleanor Hayman. nee: White. (1847-1933)

INFORMATION

CADETS' CHRONICLE. 1912.

SENIOR CADETS.

PHYSICAL EXERCISES FOR CADETS. On Wednesday night last a parade was held at Kogarah, by E Company 38th Battalion. Captain F. Smith, Brigade Major, took them through a course of physical exercises, which were carried out in a whole-hearted fashion. AREA 36A (STANMORE) DINNER. The officers and non-commissioned officers of this area held their first annual dinner on Friday, May 17. Color-Sergeant Aubrey occupied the chair, and among those present were Capt. Brosnan, Brigade Major ; Capt. Martin (Area Officer); S.S.M. Couchman, Staff Instructor; Lieuts. Williams, Mauldon, and Boss (Company Commanders) ; and. Mr. May, bandmaster. The toasts given were "The King," "Universal Training," "The Brigade Major," "The Area Officer and Staff Instructor," "The Company Officers," and "The Band." During the evening Capt. Brosnan presented S.S.M. Couchman with a pair of field glasses. Musical items were given by Lieut. Williams, Corpl. Anthon, Corpl. McLeod.

Sergt. Harris, Mr. May, and S.S.M. Couchman. CHURCH PARADE. A voluntary church parade will be held this morning of the members of Area 38A (Rockdale). The parade will fall in at the Orderly Room at 10.30. Drill order without pouches will be worn. APPOINTMENTS, REGISTRATIONS, AND TRANSFERS. — Lieutenant Claude Caville Worner, unattached list, Commonwealth Military Forces, to be lieutenant. Dated May 6, 1912. Farquhar Robert Moon, Robert Lockhart Quayle, Edward Thomas Harnett, David Edwin Murray, John Wilson Scott Fell, Jack Andrew Robertson, Ronald Everard Wilson, Leslie William Molloy, Charles William Bland, Stanley Robert Callaghan, Donald Ian Robertson Smith, Samuel Henry Pasley, Henry George "Poddy" HAYMAN Bernard Cifford Collett, George Boss, Richard Eastway, Frederick William Shepherd, Thomas Willie Tarrant, Emil Samuel Niels Olsson, Charles Frederick William Fehlberg, Frederick Arthur Elworthy, Frank Jamieson, and William Sydney Ballard, to be lieutenants (provisionally).

Dated May 6, 1912. Alan Binnie, Aubrey Reynolds, Arthur Leslie Parker, William Vere Jardine BLAKE, Walter Edwin Rees, Maurice George Lewis, George D'Arcy Folkard, Roy Doutrebande, Robert George Watkins, Frederick Thomas Murray, John Edye Duff, Ormond Gillespie Tunks, Llewellyn Cullen-Ward, William Ballantyne Simpson, Harry Russell, Sherbrooke Jamieson, Otto Franz Joseph Wolff, Eric William Stutchbury, Walter William Vick, Harold Saxton, Ernest John Thomas, Archibald McDonald, William Edward Noble, Bernard Brooks Blomfield, and Cyril Wilfred Wearne, to be 2nd lieutenants.

Dated May 6, 1912. The resignation of Major H.H. Walker of his commission is accepted. Dated May 6, 1912. Lieutenant W. W. Cavill is transferred to the Senior Cadets, with regimental seniority next after Lieutenant J. J. Murphy. Dated May 6, 1912. AREA OFFICER APPOINTED. — Captain S. P. Goodsell, of the Australian Garrison Artillery, has been temporarily appointed area officer for training area 28B (Darlington) with the rank of captain. He has been seconded from his own regiment whilst holding the appointment.

CLOSES VIEW OF SOME OF THE RIDERS. H. C. STEELE (22 MILES), L. W. J. GEHRIG (22 MILES), W. WRIGHT (22½ MILES), C. H. EMERY (23 MILES), O. C. BEEGLING (23 MILES), A. RATLIFFE (15 MILES), W. WALSH (15 MILES).

Henry George "Poddy" Hayman enlisted with the 3rd Reinforcements, 33rd Battalion AIF on the 21st of March 1916 with the rank of Lieutenant and left Sydney on board HMAT A68 "Anchises" on the 24th of August and disembarked in Devonport, England on the 11th of October and proceed overseas for France on the 19th of December and was Taken on strength with the 33rd Battalion on the on the 12th of January 1917. After 4 months in France Henry was detached to the 63rd Battalion on the 5th of May where he served for the next 6 months before returning to the 33rd on the 26th of November 1917. Henry was granted leave to England on the 18th of February 1918 and returned to France to re-join the 33rd on the 4th of March 1918.

April 1918,

VILLERS-BRETONNEUX.

Lance Corporal: 1959 Cyril HERBORN We had all sorts accommodation when out of the lines, but most under the circumstances, were satisfactory. Once I was billeted in a pig-sty. At Villers-Brettoneux however we were billeted in the woolen store where we were able to stock up on woolen socks and cardigans. The Germans took the town only once, but held it for only about a day.

The people that suffered most. I sometimes think, were the civilians. I remember one day investigating a house down the street where smoke had been seen coming from a chimney. We found a lonely old woman crouching over a brazier trying to start a fire. She was too old to evacuate as everyone had done.

The Germans were only about half a mile away and the town had been heavily shelled. Our troops took her to a safe place, but there must have been many other old and helpless that we weren't able to get out. We found some un matured wine in Villers-Brettoneux. I believe some men had been known to die as a result of drinking too much "green wine". Poddy HAYMAN and I were eventually trusted with the job of destroying the remains of this particular batch.

lieutenant: Richard Henry BLOMFIELD "Later parties were sent out to break all the bottles of wine. It was asking too much of some of the men, and there were instances of other methods being used to get rid of such material".

Henry was Wounded in Action on the 17th of April 1918 when he was at Villers-Bretonneux and he was Gassed and treated by the 55th Field ambulance near Bois de L'Abbe.

Gassed Australian soldiers awaiting treatment near Bois de L'Abbe outside Villers-Bretonneux1918.

Note: 33rd Battalion Colour Patch on Corporal in foreground.

Henry was admitted to the 8th General Hospital on the 19th of April and was evacuated to England on board the Hospital Ship "Grantully Castle" on the 21st of April and was admitted to the 3rd London General Hospital at WANDSWORTH, where he was treated, suffering from Gas Poisoning the next day.

Henry remained in England and until being directed to report to the Overseas Training Battalion on the 4th of July and proceeded overseas for France on the 19th of July, and was Taken on in Strength with the 33rd Battalion on the 23rd. The 33rd remained at CITERNE through October and were still the on Armistice Day where a parade with a Brigade Sports Day.

"The 12th of November saw a special Thanksgiving Service which was held in the Cinema Hall in connection with the cessation of hostilities. In the afternoon three rugby football matches were played in the Inter-Company Competitions. "HQ" Company played "B" Company - "A" Company played "Transport Section" and "C" Company played "D" Company.

In the "HQ" v "B" Company match, "HQ" sustained their first defeat. "B" Company kicked off with the wind behind them and pressed almost throughout the first half. After about 10 minutes Lance Corporal: 1959 Cyril HERBORN scored a try. Lieutenant: Henry George "Poddy" HAYMAN failed to convert. Shortly afterwards Lieutenant: Henry George "Poddy" HAYMAN fell over the line and scored. He again failed to convert. "HQ" then rushed the ball down the field but were soon back in their own 25. At half time the scores were 6 to nil in favour of "B" Company. "HQ" played a better game in the second half but the defence of "B" Company was too strong. "B" Company worked down the line by a series of line kicks got close to "HQ"s line and Lance Corporal: 1959 Cyril HERBORN scored a try. Lieutenant: Henry George "Poddy" HAYMAN failed to convert. Scores 9 to nil. There was no change in the scores when the full time whistle sounded.

(Edwards; Never a Backward Step)

Henry remained with B Company until he was sent to Hospital at ABBEVILLE in France suffering from Influenza on the 15th of November and after a short convalescence rejoined the Battalion on the 16th of December. After 5 days Henry was granted leave in England from the 21st of December until the 7th of January 1919. After spending new years in England, Henry rejoined the 33rd on the 7th of January 1919 and was detached to the 24th Salvage Company ,Australian Army Service Corps on the 16th of January and returned to England on the 25th of February and reported to A.I.F. HQ in London.

Henry Hayman

B Company, 33rd Battalion. February 1919.

Front Row far left: Sergeant: 3068 Frederick HANSEN.

Henry remained in London until he was demobilized to return to Australia on the 2nd of May 1919 on board HMAT A20 "Borda" and was discharged from the AIF on the 12th of August but was still on the Regimental Reserve List for the 56th Battalion Australian Military Forces on the 12th of August 1922.

Henry's British War Medal:52112 and Victory Medal:50763 to LT H.G.HAYMAN AIF were acquired in April 2008 in Queensland, Australia. His medals were first issued on the 12th of August 1922 to his wife Elizabeth.

Family Information

Henry was a 29 year old married Assistant Manager of a Boot Company at Botany N.S.W. He and his wife lived at 110 Lennox Street, Newtown. Henry served with the Scottish Rifles with the rank of sergeant for 7 years, he also served with the Australian Field Artillery with the rank of Bombardier for 2 1/2 years and served with the Senior Cadets for 4 years with the rank of Captain. Last address "Bradgate" Beaumont Street, Campsie, N.S.W. 28th November 1934.

George William and Eleanor Hayman were married in 1873 in Sydney, N.S.W. Marriage Cert:979/1873 and had a daughter Iima Beatrice Hayman who was born on the 25th May 1921 in Sydney, N.S.W.

Iima Beatrice Hayman 1921-2018

(Photo: Susie Mahony: 2019)

Military Records

World War 1 Records

© Commonwealth of Australia (National Archives of Australia)

Under Construction; 07/04/200830/06/2017.

Captain: Charles John DOIG. M.C.

March 24, 2018December 5, 2016 by David Harrower ACM

36th BATTALION 33rd BATTALION A.I.F.

Captain: Charles John DOIG. M.C.

Born: 25th March 1887. North Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.

Died: 1st October 1918. Killed in Action Hindenberg Line.

Father: Alexander Evans Doig.

Mother: Agnes Eadie Doig. nee: Torrance. (1854-1928) died at Chatswood, N.S.W. Death Cert:7590/1928.

INFORMATIONCharles John Doig enlisted on the 15th of November 1915 and was transferred to D Company, 36th Battalion AIF with the rank of 2nd Lieutenant, and left Sydney on board HMAT A72 "Beltana" on the 13th of May 1916.

11th March 1919

Informant; Lieutenant Colonel: Leslie James MORSHEAD Commanding Officer 33rd Battalion Headquarters. This Officer was in charge of D Company, 33rd Battalion, and on 1-10-1918 after crossing the HINDENBERG LINE near BRAY and prior to making and advance on LE CHATELET, he was sitting in a shell hole explaining the proposed operation when a enemy 6" shell fell close by and a fragment struck him in the head. Death was instantaneous. He was buried by Chaplain: BURKITT of this Battalion, the C.O. Adjutant, and other Officers attending the funeral. a suitable cross was erected by us. He was buried at WIANCCURT.

A.I.F. Headquarters 13-3-18.

17th March 1919

Informant: Private: 3400 Cecil Ernest WALSH B Company 33rd Battalion AIF. On the 1/10/1918 the Battalion was through the HINDENBURG LINE, advancing on BEAUREVOIR. About 4:00 pm before they reached the village the Huns opened up a "Whiz-bang" and machine gun barrage on them and Captain: Charles John DOIG. M.C was killed outright by a "Whiz-bang" while he was in reserves for the moment. Informant further ahead and was wounded and while being carried out he passed the Captain lying dead on the roadside. One of Informant's Strecher bearers named Jim Finlay pointed the Captain out to him. Informant came straight away to England, but was later told that BEAUREVOIR was captured after darkness set in. According to Informant Captain DOIG was a well liked Officer.

"Horton" Penkivil Street, Willoughby, N.S.W.

24th May 1919.

Informant; Lance Corporal: 1410 Lindsay IRVING 33rd Battalion, Transport Section. During the afternoon of October 1st 1918. Captain: Charles John DOIG was hit by a shell on the head, killing him instantly at BONEY in the front of the HINDENBURG LINE. He would be buried on the field near where he fell. This information was obtained by hearing the men's statements at the unit. I think Lieutenant Colonel: Leslie James MORSHEAD 33rd Battalion, who was at Tidworth and was in the stunt may be able to give more information.

Ward 5, 3rd Australian Auxiliary Hospital.

25th April 1919.

Informant; Private: 2938 Francis James LLOYD D Company 33rd Battalion AIF states that they both belonged to D Company of which Captain: Charles John DOIG. MC was the Commanding Officer. On 1/10/18 the Battalion was in action at BONNEY on the HINDENBURG LINE. They hopped over at 3:00 pm and an hour later the Captain was killed outright by a shell fragment while taking cover under a bank, he was hit in the head. Informant was about 3 yards away and saw the Captain Killed. He was buried near BONNEY, but Informant was not present but was given the details by one of his mate Private: 3420 William Albert KAYLOCK who helped bury the Captain. According to informant Captain DOIG was a very popular Officer indeed.

Victoria Barracks, Sydney.

3rd May 1916

Informant: Private: 2553 William DEVLIN 33rd Battalion AIF. Informant states that they both belonged to D Company, of which Captain: Charles John DOIG was Commanding Officer. On the 1st October 1918 the Battalion was in action on the Hindenberg Line. About half and hour before the hop over, which took place at 5:00 am, the Captain was killed outright by a shell while kneeling down in the act of taking cover from the heavy bombardment. Informant was about 5 yards away, and saw the Captain fall, in fact was wounded by the same shell. When informant was taken away the Captain had not been moved. Informant added that the Captain was and exceedingly well liked officer, being one of the best O.C's the Battalion had, and all the boys thought the world of him.

Victoria Barracks, Sydney, N.S.W.

Family InformationCharles was a 28 year old single Commercial Traveller from 29 East Crescent, McMahons Point, N.S.W upon enlistment. Charles served with the rank of Captain with N.S.W. Scottish Rifles prior to WW1. Charles was educated at Sydney Grammar School. His Parents Alexander and Agnes Doig had at least 3 children. Charles John Doig was born in 1887 but no record of his birth is registered in N.S.W. although he stated on his enlistment papers that he was born in South Sydney, N.S.W and died in 1918 during WW1. Alisa Doig born 1888 at St-Leonards, N.S.W. Birth Cert:13478/1888. Allan Torrance Doig born 1896 at St-Leonards, N.S.W. Birth Cert:34483/1896 and died in 1918 during WW1. His brother Allan enlisted with the 17th Battalion.

Lieutenant: Allan Torrance DOIG. M.C. served with the 17th Battalion and Died of Wounds on the 27th of June 1918 as a Prisoner of War.

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