43rd (Merriwa) Infantry Regiment – The Harrower Collection

Lieutenant: Alfred Charles EADE

December 14, 2023August 22, 2023 by David Harrower ACM

Garrison Reserve - 34th BATTALION AIF

Lieutenant-Honorary Captain: Alfred Charles EADE

Born: 30th March 1884. Croydon, Middlesex, England.

Married: 1913. Mosman, New South Wales, Australia. Marriage Cert:13491/1913.

Wife: Emily Louise Eade. nee: Turnidge. (1884- 01/06/1971) Died at St Leonards via Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. Death Cert:48951/1971.

Died: 27th February 1949. Moree, New South Wales, Australia. Death Cert:5713/1950.

Father: Henry Eade.

Mother: Hannah Eade. (1853-16/05/1913) Died in New South Wales, Australia. Death Cert:6788/1913.

INFORMATION

Men participating in the March to Freedom guide two horse-drawn and loaded carts across the Great Dividing Range. One of 12 images relating to a 1918 "March to Freedom" First World War recruiting march. Led by Captain (Capt) Alfred Charles Eade, Officer Commanding Lithgow Camp, this march ran for a month starting on the New England Tableland, across the Great Dividing Range and through the Hunter Valley, arriving in Cessnock on 6 June 1918. Initially planning to finish in Newcastle the men were directed to Sydney and 300 men arrived there on 10 June. Following the success of this march, a southern march was organised and commenced on 2 July from Albury. Capt Eade was an experienced militia officer, serving with the 43rd Regiment, he accompanied the Coo-ee recruitment march in 1915 and spent time as an AIF instructor in 1915. He later was commandant at Bathurst and Lithgow camps before his own enlistment in the AIF in April 1918. He embarked as a general service reinforcement (Paybook number 513115) in July 1918 and on arrival was attached to the 34th Battalion. He was hospitalised with nephritis for a month and returned to Australia in June 1919.

"Pipe playing one column into Cessnock. Capt Eade O.C. [right] and Lieut Colyer, 2nd in command on horseback".

"No lack of cheering here. A Strong Post at Kurri-Kurri Welcoming the March to Freedom column". Young children, humorously described as a [military] strong post, some with flags line the road as the new recruits of the March to Freedom pass by.

"Capt Eade commanding March to Freedom being welcomed by the Mayors of Newcastle & Hamilton". Captain Eade on horseback approaches dignitaries in front of an archway decorated with flags, material and a sign over the arch reading "Welcome to Newcastle, through to Berlin". Alderman Kilgour, mayor of Newcastle is fourth from the left at front in a dark suit.

Alfresco meal at Broadmeadow, Newcastle, of soldiers and recruits during the March to Freedom.

Alderman R G Kilgour, Mayor of Newcastle welcomes the men of the "March to Freedom" recruiting column. In front of the post office, the flag-covered dais is flanked by children, some with small flags. Captain Eade is turning his head away and the war memorial dedicated in 1916 is to the right of the image.

The March to Freedom column leaves Singleton (caption on back of print). Townspeople line the road.

Australian War Memorial

Alfred Charles Eade a bank officer who was appointed to the AIF on 27 April 1918. He embarked for England 17 July and arrived on 27 September 1918. On 6 January 1919 he joined the 34th Battalion in France. He embarked for Australia on 3 May and arrived on 21 June 1919. His appointment in the AIF was terminated on 7 August 1919. Prior to his enlistment in the AIF he had been a Captain in the Citizen Military Force and was in full time service in Australia. He was involved in the organization of the Cooee March in 1915 from Gilgandra to Sydney and the March to Freedom from Armidale to Sydney in 1918. He ran the recruiting centre at Lithgow from July 1915. Then he was in command of the recruit training camp at Bathurst between late 1915 and 1917 and then continued his involvement in recruit training at the Liverpool camp.

Advertiser (Adelaide, SA : 1889 - 1931), Monday 24 July 1916, page 9

A CAPTAIN FINED.

ABUSED AN EDITOR.

Sydney, July 23.

Alfred Charles Eade, a captain in the A.I.F, was fined £1, with 27/ costs at the Bathurst court yesterday, for having used insulting words to Absalom Gartrell, managing editor of the "Bathurst Times." The evidence showed that the defendant abused the editor for publishing a few lines of verse which the defendant said were against the site of the Bathurst camp, and all drunken lies. He called Gartrell liar and a drunken skunk.

Family Information

He is the brother of Captain: Henry Arthur EADE 35th Battalion AIF and brother-in-law of Private: 9147 Arthur Linnett TURNIDGE 1st Field Ambulance and Private: 7200 Harold Gladstone TURNIDGE 2nd Battalion AIF.

The Honour Roll is located in what was the main banking chamber of the former Commercial Bank of Sydney's head office.

Bronze plaque mounted on wooden carved backing

The Honour Roll was recently unveiled in the banking-chamber at the head office in the presence of the directors, general manager, and members of the metropolitan staff. The ceremony was performed by Mr. O. J. Cohen, who mentioned that 345 officers of the bank enlisted for active service and 58 failed to return. Special honours gained were:— D.S.O., 5; O.B.E., 1 ; M.B.E., 1; M.O., 8; D.C.M.,1; M.S.M., 1; M.M., 5; mentioned in despatches, 9; Card of Honour awarded by Brigadier, 1.

Sydney Mail, 20 October 1926.

IN MEMORY OF THE OFFICERS OF THIS BANK
WHO SERVED IN THE GREAT WAR 1914 -1919

On the 23rd of April 1938 Alfred attended the 34th Battalion AIF reunion at the Cenotaph in Martin Place, Sydney at 7:30pm followed by a Smoko at Sargents, Market Street, Sydney commencing at 8:00pm sharp. Alfred signed the card belonging to Lieutenant: Augustus Gibson FARLEIGH.

34th Battalion Reunion Card 1938

Family Information

Alfred was a married 34 year old Bank Officer from "Bunyah" Mustow Street, Mosman, N.S.W upon his enlistment with the AIF. He served as Captain with the 43rd Infantry for 1913. Emily Louise Eade was Cremated at the Northern Suburbs Crematorium.

Warialda Standard and Northern Districts' Advertiser (NSW : 1900 - 1954), Monday 9 January 1950, page 3

Sudden Death of Mr. A. C. Eade

LED FAMOUS RECRUITING MARCH

Alfred Charles Eade (65), collapsed and died in his room at the Hotel Criterion, Moree. The body was discovered by the housekeeper, Mrs. McGrath. The late Mr. Eade was born in England and came to Australia as a boy. He joined the staff of the Commercial Banking Co of Sydney at the age of 16. Stationed at Gilgandra on the outbreak of World War 1, he led the famous "Cooee" recruiting march from that centre to Sydney where he enlisted with the A.I.F., and went overseas with the 34th Battalion, in which he served with the rank of lieutenant. At the cessation of hostilities he re joined the bank where he remained until he retired some three years ago, having been made a relieving manager. In all he served 46 years with the bank. The late Mr. Eade came to Moree about three years ago and took an active interest in the Bowling Club. Keenly interested in gardening, he did much to improve the surroundings of the Bowling Club. He was also a member of the Services Club. Interment took place in the Moree cemetery after a service in the Church of England conducted by Archdeacon Border. Pall bearers were members of the Bowling Club. A guard of honour was formed by members of the Returned Servicemen's League. The Last Post was sounded at the graveside.

graveside.—"N.W. Champion."

Trove Article

Grave of Hannah Eade (1853-1913) Gore Hill Cemetery via Western Sydney.

Australian Cemeteries Index

Military Records

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Under Construction: 22/08/2023

Private: 172 Charles Ernest SLOCOMBE.

June 19, 2020January 1, 2019 by David Harrower ACM

36th BATTALION AIF

Private: 172 Charles Ernest SLOCOMBE.

Born: 1st October 1879. Goulburn, New South Wales, Australia. Birth Cert:676/1879.

Died: 22nd of January 1917. Killed in Action. Armentieres, France.

Father: John Slocombe. (1842-1921)

Mother: Mary Elizabeth Slocombe. nee: Cartwright. (1847-1900)

INFORMATION

No.172 Charles Ernest SLOCOMBE was a 36 year old Clerk, working for Anthony Hordern & sons Ltd, in Sydney, when he enlisted in the AIF on the 14th of December 1915, and entered Camp on the 6th of January 1916. He had previously served for 10 years with ‘G’ Company of the 2nd Infantry Regiment (later to become the 43rd Infantry - Militia) at Goulburn, under the ‘Universal Training Scheme’.

He was allocated to the 36th Battalion in February, when that Battalion was raised at the ‘Broadmeadow Camp’ at Newcastle. On the 12th of May 1916 the 36th Battalion left Newcastle for Sydney, for a review with the State Commandant, prior to the Battalions departure from Australia.

He embarked with “A” Company of the 36th BATTALION (Carmichaels Thousand / The Rifle Club’s Thousand) on board the HMAT (A72) ‘Beltana’, which departed Sydney of the 13th of May 1916. Its route was via Capetown and Dakar, arriving at Devonport in England on the 9th of July. Upon arrival in England the Battalion travelled by train, via Exeter, to the village of Amesbury in Wiltshire, where they unloaded and then marched the several miles to the Australian Camps at Lark Hill. On arrival the 36th Battalion was allocated to the No.4 Camp and the men were then given four days Disembarkation-Leave prior to commencing their training in England.

The Battalion now became part of the 9th Infantry Brigade (33rd, 34th, 35th, and 36th Infantry Battalions, 9th Machine-Gun Company, and the 9th Light Trench Mortar Battery), of the newly raised 3rd Australian Division (9th, 10th, and 11th Infantry Brigades). It would spend the next 4 months training hard on Salisbury Plain to learn all the methods of fighting Trench-Warfare.

They trained and practised in Musketry, bayonet fighting, the digging of trenches, received their weapons, equipment and field-kitchens, attended various specialist courses, practised 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 and losses that were inevitable.

Goulburn Evening Penny Post - 2 Dec 1916

On the 22nd of November 1916 the 36th Battalion proceeded from England to France, as part of the 9th Brigades Deployment onto the Western-Front. On arrival the Brigade marched to the Sanvic Rest Camp (located at Bléville, several miles NNW of Le Havre). On the 23rd/24th the Brigade moved by train from Le Havre to Bailleul. On the 26th the 36th Battalion marched from Bailleul to billets in the village of Merris. On the 29th the 36th Battalion moved from Merris to the ‘D’ Battalion area at the village of Armentieres. At 5 p.m. on the 29th of November 1916 the G.O.C. of the 9th Infantry Brigade assumed control of the Armentieres Sector.

On the 22nd of January 1917, in the front line trenches near Armentieres, he was KILLED-IN-ACTION during a German attack. He was buried in the Cite Bonjean Military Cemetery, at Armentieres in France.

The Sydney Morning Herald - 16 Feb 1917

Goulburn Evening Penny Post - 8 Feb 1917

(Bill Durant; December 2018)

Cite Bonjean Military Cemetery, Armentieres, France.

Family Information

Charles was a single 36 year old Clerk who worked at Anthony Hordens Department Store and lived at 260 Park Street, Sydney prior to enlisting with the AIF. His parents John and Mary Slocombe were married in 1867 at Goulburn, N.S.W. Marriage Cert:2068/1867.

Military Records

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Under Construction: 01/01/2019-18/06/2020.

Private: 7051 James Henry CROWE.

May 3, 2019July 24, 2018 by David Harrower ACM

19th BATTALION - 34th BATTALION AIF

Private: 7051 James Henry CROWE.

Born: 1898. Bethungra via Cootamundra, New South Wales, Australia. Birth Cert:30028/1898.

Died: 22nd of August 1918, during the 9th Brigade attack on Bray-sur-Somme.

Father: Robert Daniel Crowe. (1853-192)

Mother: Emily Elizabeth Crowe. nee: Parish. (1863-1938)

INFORMATION

No.7051 James Henry Crowe was one of two brothers to serve together in WW1. He had completed Senior-Cadets and one year of training with the 43rd Infantry (Werriwa) - Citizens Military Forces, under the Universal Training Scheme, prior to applying to enlist.

Studio group portrait of 7776 Private (Pte) Wilfred Murray Cook, 13th Battalion, of Cootamundra (left), and brothers 7050 Pte John Cecil Crowe, 19th Battalion, of Cootamundra (seated) and 7051 Pte James Henry Crowe, 19th Battalion, of Cootamundra, NSW (right).

Both John Cecil CROWE and James Henry CROWE would transfer to and serve in the 34th Battalion AIF.

He was a 19 year old Pastry-Cook from Cootamundra in NSW when he enlisted in the AIF on the 7th of January 1918. He embarked from Australia as a member of the 21st Reinforcements to the 19th Battalion aboard the HMAT (A71) Nestor, which departed Melbourne on the 28th of February 1918 and arrived at Liverpool in England on the 20th of April. On arrival the Reinforcements travelled by train to Wiltshire, where they marched into the 5th Training-Battalion at Rollestone.

On the 5th of June 1918 the brothers were transferred to the 45th Battalion and on the 15th of July both deployed across from England to France, marching into the Base Depot.

On the 21st of July 1918 he and his brother were transferred and taken-on-strength by the 34th BATTALION (Maitland’s Own). Both were posted into “C” Company.

James Henry CROWE was with the 34th Battalion on the 8th of August 1918 when the Allies commenced the ‘August Offensive’ with the Battle of Amiens and started to drive the Germans out of their trenches and back toward the Hindenburg Line.

On the 22nd of August 1918, during the 9th Brigade attack on Bray-sur-Somme, James Henry CROWE was KILLED-IN-ACTION. The 34th Battalion had taken up positions (Map Reference: L.3.c & d ) in and around a chalk quarry to the North of Bray-sur-Somme, while the 34th Battalion Headquarters and Battle Regimental Aid Post were located in a quarry at Map Reference K.18.a 5.1. The burial ground known as Taille Wood Cemetery was close by.

He was initially buried in the Taille Wood Cemetery not far from where the Battalion HQ had been located, but in 1920 the small Cemetery was exhumed and its 18 dead (16 Australian & 2 UK) were re-interred in the Beacon Military Cemetery at Sailly-Laurette.

Beacon Military Cemetery at Sailly-Laurette.

(Bill Durrant: July 2018)

Family Information

James was a single 19 year old Pastry-Cook from Cootamundra in NSW upon enlistment with the AIF.

Military Records

Under Construction: 24/07/2018-31/08/2018.

2nd Lieutenant: 811 Thomas Norman LEARMONT.

July 7, 2017 by David Harrower ACM

World War 1 Records

36th BATTALION 34th BATTALION A.I.F.

2nd Lieutenant: 811 Thomas Norman LEARMONT.

Born: 1895. Young, New South Wales, Australia. Birth Cert:

Married:

Wife: nee:.

Died: 2nd May 1956. Manly, New South Wales, Australia. Death Cert:

Father: John Learmont. (29/07/1860-31/08/1938) died Manly, N.S.W.

Mother: Hannah Isabella Learmont. nee: Lockard.

INFORMATION

22nd February 1916 with C Company 36th Battalion AIF

Thomas was promoted to Corporal on the 1st March 1917 vice Corporal FINCH who was Killed in Action

Thomas was promoted to Lance Sergeant on the 31st May 1917.

Thomas was promoted to Sergeant on the 1st August 1917 when Sergeant: 793 Harry IKIN. received his Commission and was promoted to 2nd Lieutenant.

transferred to the 34th Battalion AIF.

Leaving Rivery on 21st May 1918 the Battalion marched to terraces at Villers-Bretonneux, where the 48th Battalion AIF was relieved, in a Reserve position. Next day the enemy shelled the position heavily, especially around Battalion Headquarters, but little damage was done. The weather continued to be fine and warm. The following day two French 6-inch Guns took up position below our Cookers to carry out a special shoot on two Bridges opposite the French Sector. They moved out at 6:00 pm on 25th and within an hour the enemy replied with 5.9's, 4.2's and Gas Shells. During the bombardment Lieutenant. Jeffrey MONFRIES and Lieutenant: 811 Thomas Norman LEARMONT were badly wounded.

Short History 34th Battalion AIF

Family Information

Thomas was a single 21 year old Draper from the Commercial Hotel, Tumut, N.S.W. Thomas served with the 43rd Infantry Regiment prior the enlisting with the AIF. Death Notice; Sydney Morning Herald 04 MAY 1956.

Tumut and Adelong Times Tuesday 6th September 1938

Military Records

Military Records World War 1 Records

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Under Construction; 12/03/2012-07/07/2017.

Flight Lieutenant: 262844 George HARROWER.

October 9, 2017July 7, 2017 by David Harrower ACM

ROYAL AUSTRALIAN AIR FORCE.

Flight Lieutenant: 262844 George HARROWER.

Born: 15th March 1901. Back Creek, Minmi, New South Wales, Australia. Birth Cert:14423/1901.

Married: 26th September 1925. Parramatta, New South Wales, Australia. Marriage Cert:18260/1925.

Wife: Florence Ethel May Harrower. nee: Downton. (1903-1989)

Died: 18th February 1996. Mona Vale Hospital, Mona Vale, New South Wales, Australia.

Father: Francis Sharp Harrower. JP

Mother: Mary Borland Harrower. nee: Durie.

INFORMATION

George Harrower enlisted with the 8th Stores Depot, Royal Australian Air Force in 1940 and was discharged on the 30th of November 1945.

Officers School of Instruction 1940

George Harrower

George Harrower; Senior Cadets, Bathurst NSW 1917.43rd Infantry Regiment (Werriwa)

Flight Officer: George Harrower with transport staff in front of a DE HAVILLAND DH-84 Dragon Rapide Biplane. 1944

Friday 5th September 1919. N.S.W. Government Gazette: 220 Supplement Page 5038.

Friday 17th October 1930. N.S.W. Government Gazette: 158 Supplement Page 4370.

Funeral Notice. Manly Daily.George was the second child of eight to Francis Sharp and Mary Borland Harrower. George was born at Back Creek, Minmi. N.S.W. Australia on the 15th March 1901, the year of Federation of Australia. George was educated at Bathurst High School, were he came second in his final year and was awarded a gold leaf red leather bound copy of the complete works of Roby Burns, the famous Scottish Poet. George married Florence Ethel Downton on the 26th of September 1925 at Parramatta, N.S.W. Australia. George was a Presbyterian and Florence was a Baptist, therefore the parents from both families did not approve and the only family to attend was Agnus Harrower, George's younger sister and Reginald Downton who was Florence's older brother. George became a public servant, working under the N.S.W. Police Department who were in charge of all registrations of motor vehicles, trams and buses. George was also an S.P. bookie, and made more money on the punt as he did at his day job. I was told a story of the Friday George was closing the gates to the registry car park when a car drove up and a young man got out and said to George " excuse me mister I need to re-new my licence as I need to drive to Newcastle tomorrow". George replied "give me your paperwork and money and I'll get it fixed up for you". George returned a short time later and handed the young man his new drivers licence. The man thanked George and said " by the way mister do you have a punt on the horses". George was never one to refuse a tip on a horse. He said " I've been known to have the odd bet from time to time". with that the young man said " well then I'm riding in Newcastle tomorrow and and this horse I'm on isn't all that flash but the rest of the field is no better, it wouldn't do you any harm to put a couple of quid each way ". George did more than that he put 10 pound on the nose to win, plus got a commission on the bet. Well the horse won and paid the odds of 100/1. George always stated that he made more money in the depression years than at any other time. His first car was a 1927 Daimler registration number GH-000, which was paid for from money he made on the races at Randwick races one weekend.

George said the names just came to him, he would wake up in the morning and a name or something would be in his head and he would study the form guide and there it was?, so he had a bet. Before the second world war George worked as the purchasing officer in charge stores and clerical staff for the Police and Transport Departments in head office Sydney, from 1927 until 1941. George enlisted into the R.A.A.F on the 14th of April 1941 as a Pilot Officer, Promoted on the 14th of January 1942 to Flying Officer and was commissioned to the rank of Flight Lieutenant, in the Royal Australian Air force on the 1st of August 1943. Between 1941-45, George was posted at 2 Aircraft Depot, Richmond, N.S.W., 2 Stores Depot, Waterloo, N.S.W., 7 Stores Depot, Townsville, Thursday Island Queensland and 2 Transport Depot, Cootamundra, N.S.W. His service number was 262844. George was Discharged from the R.A.A.F. on the 30th of November 1945. George was the first Treasurer at the Blacktown R.S.L., where he spent many a hour having a drink and taking bet's on the races for the patrons of the club. George purchased property at Blacktown and along the Parramatta River. He received some insider information when the N.S.W. Government was considering putting in a railway line along the North Shore to Palm Beach, and so he purchased land in the path of the proposed lines. But after a number of years the Government decided not to go ahead with the proposal, so George sold the land and bought about 5 acres of land at south Creek Road, Dee Why, and a block at 56 Howard Avenue. this he would later give to his son as a wedding present. After his son Ken moved to Dee Why, so to did George and Florence, they sold there home "Kenilworth" at 18 Patrick Street, Blacktown, N.S.W. and they built their home on the 5 acres from Pacific Parade to South Creek Road. It was a single story double brick home with large sandstone foundations, the garage and work shop was underneath the house. there were three large bedrooms, separated lounge, dinning and sitting rooms, and the kitchen and laundry was at the rear of the house. There was a creek running through the property and as a child I would play there and always get in trouble. In 1970 George and Florence moved to 5/26 Richmond Avenue, Dee Why, N.S.W. 2099. They lived there for nearly 20 years together until Florence passed away on the 14th May 1989. George lived alone for nearly three years before moving into the War Veterans Retirement Village at Colloroy Plateau, Tobruk 57, in 1993.

George died on the 18th of February 1996, at Mona Vale Hospital. He said to his son Ken that he would have liked to have made it to his 95 birthday which would have been on the 15th of March that year. George was cremated at the Western Chapel, Northern Suburbs Crematorium at Lane Cove, N.S.W. His ashes weren't scattered until the 20th of August 1996 at the Minmi Cemetery at Back Creek, Minmi, N.S.W. were George was born in 1901. His ashes were scattered by his son Kenneth George Harrower and Grandson David John Harrower.

Military Records

World War 2 Records

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Under Construction; 04/06/2007-07/07/2017.

Lieutenant Colonel: James William Albert SIMPSON. M.C.

August 10, 2022April 19, 2017 by David Harrower ACM

13th BATTALION - 33rd BATTALION - 36th BATTALION A.I.F.

Lieutenant Colonel: James William Albert SIMPSON. M.C.

Born: 26th October 1882. Preston, Melbourne, Victoria.

Married: 1909. Victoria, Australia.

Wife: Grace Elizabeth Simpson. nee: Handley. (1885-19..)

Died: 21st January 1917. Killed in Action Armentieres, France.

Father: Robert Simpson. (1860-1945)

Mother: May Lilly Simpson. nee: Sutton. (1859-1910)

INFORMATIONJames William Albert Simpson served with the 43rd Infantry (Werriwa) before he enlisted with the 13th Battalion AIF on the 16th of November 1914 with the rank of Captain.

43rd Infantry. School of Musketry Certificate.

James proceeded overseas for Gallipoli and landed on the 25th of April 1915 on the first day of the campaign. He fought on at the Gallipoli Peninsula until the 6th of June and had a very strenuous time. On the 29th of May James was Wounded in Action; 1st occasion when he was struck by a bomb explosion which produced blindness for five days in his left eye. James also contracted gastritis and was ordered away.

MILITARY CROSSCaptain: James William SIMPSON. 13th Battalion AIF. On 2nd May 1915, during an attack in the neighbourhood of GABA TEPE for showing conspicuous bravery and skill in directing the Battalion through un reconnoitred scrub. He was conspicuously active in consolidating the position gained under heavy fire.

James collapsed on the 6th of June which was the day he left Gallipoli. He was delirious till he arrived at Malta and landed in England on the 24th of July and admitted to the Wandsworth Hospital on the 13th of August. James was still suffering from Insomnia and extreme Neurasthenia.

MENTIONED IN DISPATCHESLondon Gazette 5th August 1915. Page 7668 Position 68.

Commonwealth of Australia Gazette 28th of October 1915. Page 2737 Position 30.

James returned to Australia on board the Hospital Ship "Kanowana" in October 1915 to rest and recover from his injuries received at Gallipoli but after nearly 3 months of rest James was cleared by the Army Medical Board as fit for active service and was appointed to A Company 33rd Battalion AIF with the rank of Major and left Sydney on board HMAT A74 "Marathon" on the 4th of May 1916 and disembarked at Plymouth, England on the 9th of July and was marched in the the 9th Training Battalion at the Durrington Army Camp at Larks Hill.

After only 2 months in England James was promoted to the Temporary Rank of Lieutenant Colonel and transferred to the 36th Battalion as Commanding Officer after Lieutenant Colonel: Marcus William LOGAN 36th Battalion was transferred to Command the 62nd Battalion. James proceeded overseas for France via Southampton on the 22nd of November and was Killed in Action Armentieres, France on the 21st of January 1917. James was buried with Full Military Honours and commemorated in perpetuity by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission at the Cite Bon Jean Military Cemetery, Armentieres, France. The service was conducted by the reverend G.S. Richmond attached to the 33rd Battalion. He was killed near the trench called Cambridge Avenue, 3 other men were killed and several injured by a German Shell.

Lieutenant: James John MCGRATH

Lance Corporal: 594 Henry Bede WADDUPS. (Bateman to Lt Col SIMPSON)

Private: 1160 Albert August KLOESTER. (Bandsman and Runner to Lt Col SIMPSON)

23rd February 1917.

Informant; Private: 5075 Thomas PANTLIN. C Company, 36th Battalion No:9 Platoon. Lieutenant Colonel: James William Albert SIMPSON commanded the Battalion. Whilst we were in our trenches at a place called Cambridge Avenue on the 21st of January, I saw a shell fall close to Colonel SIMPSON who was with another Officer and two men, and the shell killed them all. Colonel SIMPSON was buried at Armentieres Cemetery. The grave is well kept, I have seen it. He was an extremely popular Officer and showed great kindness to everyone in the Regiment.

No: 3 Canadian Hospital, BOULONGE.

26th February 1917.

Informant; Corporal: 1225 Thomas John SHAW D Company, No:16 Platoon, 36th Battalion AIF. I knew Lieutenant Colonel: James William Albert SIMPSON. M.C had been killed on the 21st of January at ARMENTIERES. I have seen his grave in ARMENTIERES CEMETERY soon after his burial. I do not know if there is a cross put up but I am sure one would be put up for him. He was immensely popular in the Regiment and his death caused great depression.

No:3 Canadian General Hospital, BOULOGNE.

3rd March 1917.

Informant; Private: 2156 William JACK. C Company, 36th Battalion AIF. Lieutenant Colonel: James William Albert SIMPSON was killed in the Gas Alarm Post, Cambridge Avenue, near Armentieres. I can't remember if it was in January or February. I was about 20 yards the other side when it happened, about half past ten in the morning. He was killed out right, and buried in the Cemetery at Armentieres.

14th General Hospital, BOULGNE.

3rd March 1917.

Informant; Private: 176 Oscar Norman SMITH. A Company, 36th Battalion AIF. Lieutenant Colonel: James William Albert SIMPSON was in a communication trench near Houplines, Armentieres about the 21st of January with another officer, an Irishman Lieutenant: James John McGRATH and there batman, when a whiz bang came over and killed all four of them. I saw Lieutenant Colonel: SIMPSON being carried out of the trenches. He had died instantaneously, half his head being taken off. I don't know where he was buried but probably it was at the burial ground in Armentieres.

Stirchley Hospital.

6th March 1917.

Informant; Corporal: 455 Edwin Everingham FRAZER. 36th Battalion AIF. I know that Lieutenant Colonel: James William Albert SIMPSON was killed instantly by a shell, as I saw his body being carried past me out of the trench to the rear. He had been badly mutilated.

Lewisham Military Hospital.

13th March 1917.

Informant; Private: 1162 Henry LEPPANEN. 36th Battalion. Armentieres, Lieutenant Colonel: James William Albert SIMPSON was killed on the spot and several others with him. He was buried at Armentieres near the Military Cemetery. Informant said how much to Colonel was beloved by his men, and also spoke of his bravery. The ground was afterwards held. The informant was eye witness and it was light at the time.

Kitchener's Hospital.

20th June 1917.

Sister SIMPSON, Ward B.20 3rd Australian Auxiliary Hospital, Dartford, Kent. Dear Madam, We regret that are unable to obtain the number of the grave of Lieutenant Colonel: James William Albert SIMPSON 36th Battalion AIF who is buried in the Cite Bonjean Cemetery, Armentieres, this information not being recorded at AIF Headquarters. We should however advise you to apply to the Director of Graves Registration and Inquiry, War Officer, Winchester House, St James Square who will doubtless be able to give you the desired information. Regretting on inability to help you further.

(Studio Photo; Australian War Memorial)

Grave of Lieutenant Colonel: James William Albert SIMPSON (1882-1917)

Cite Bonjean Cemetery, Armentieres,

Family InformationJames was 33 year old from The Grammer School, Albury, N.S.W upon enlistment.

Eyewitnesses : "Lieut. Col. Simpson was in a communication trench near Houplines Armentieres about the 21st January with another officer, an Irishman, (Lieut. McGrath) and their batman when a wizz-bang came over and killed all four of them. I saw Lieut. Col. Simpson being carried out of the trenches. He died instantaneously, half his head being taken off ..." (Private. O. M. Smith, 175, 36th A.I.F.) Notes : James Simpson was highest ranking serviceman from the district killed during the war. On his death, the Leader suggested he had been in Albury for 10 to 12 years and his father, a wheelwright in Plenty Road, had been a well-known temperance worker and church leader in Preston. The family lived in Garnet Street and seem to have moved from Preston about the same time as James moved to Albury. A sister, Amy Alice, and Brother Edgar also enlisted, Amy dying in October, 1922 from the effects of influenza and pneumonia contracted while serving on a hospital ship. Before joining the A.I.F. Simpson had twelve years of military training and was serving when he enlisted. He was appointed Second Lieutenant on enlisting, to Captain immediately prior to embarking in December, to Major, 29 April, 1916 and to Lieutenant Colonel on 18 September, 1916. He was awarded the Military Cross at Gallipoli June 3, 1915, and coincidentally was repatriated to Malta and then England the following day with gastritis. A Medical Board recommended his return to Australia "for 12 months change". Simpson was invalided to Australia suffering serious bout of neurasthenia, an now obscure term then meaning "psychological disorder