Pre World War One. New South Wales.

Corporal: 569 Oscar Charles STREETER.

by

36th BATTALION AIF

Corporal: 569 Oscar Charles STREETER.

Born: 14th April 1894. Windsor, New South Wales, Australia. Birth Cert:37548/1894.

Married: 1929. Randwick, New South Wales, Australia. 

Wife: Amy Streeter. nee: Sims. (1896-1980)

Died:  7th December 1979. Concord West, New South Wales, Australia. Death Cert:27792/1979.

Father: Richard Albert Streeter. (1850-1942) 

Mother: Margaret Ann Streeter. nee: Mills. (1849-1928)

INFORMATION

Oscar Charles Streeter enlisted with the AIF on the 3rd January 1916 and embarked from Sydney on board HMAT A72 "Beltana" on the 13th May 1916 where he was appointed Lance Corporal on the 30th May 1916 and disembarked at Devonport England on the 9th July 1916. Oscar was marched in the the 9th Training Battalion at Lark Hill. 

22nd November 1916.

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

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

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

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

23rd November 1916.

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

24th November 1916.

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

25th November 1916.

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

26th November 1916.

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

27th November 1916.

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

28th November 1916.

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

29th November 1916.

Whole Battalion still in billets-supply Working Parties Only.

30th November 1916.

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

1917.

22nd January 1917.

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

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

Wounded in Action; Private: 33 Ralph Albert ASH.

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

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

(36th Battalion War Diary)

Oscar was promoted to the rank of Temporary Corporal on the 25th March 1917 when Corporal NEWELL was promoted to Corporal when Corporal: KEYS was promoted on the 1st August.  Oscar was later promoted to Temporary Sergeant on the 14th September 1917 when Sergeant: REDFERN was promoted before the advance at Passchendaele. 

12th October 1917

THE BATTLE OF PASSCHENDAELE I

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

9th Infantry Brigade Casualties.

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

Oscar was Wounded in Action at Passchendaele and was admitted to the 69th Field Ambulance and was transferred to the Ambulance Train the next day where he was sent to and admitted to the 12th General Hospital. Oscar was invalided to England on he 18th November where he was admitted to the 5th London General Hospital suffering from a Gun Shot Wound to his Left Arm and Leg and a Fractured Jaw. Oscar was discharged from hospital and transferred to the No:2 Command Depot at Weymouth and embarked for Australia on the 5th April 1918 on board the HMAT "Borda" and disembarked at Sydney on the 1st June 1918 before being discharged from the AIF on the 30th November 1918. 

6th November 1917  

Corporal: 567 David Joseph SHEUMACK 36th Battalion AIF was promoted to the rank of Temporary Corporal on the 6th November 1917 when Corporal: 569 Oscar Charles STREETER was evacuated after being Wounded in Action and was Struck of Strength. 

Family Information

Oscar was a single 21 year old Clerk from George Street, Sydney, N.S.W upon enlistment with the AIF. Oscar and Amy lived at 61 Yaralla Street, Concord West. 

RICHARD ALBERT STREETER
HAWKESBURY NONOGENARIAN
One of the Hawkesbury district's oldest identities, in the person of Richard Streeter, passed away on Friday, February 27, at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Molloy, George-street, Windsor, at the advanced age of nearly 92 years. The funeral, which was largely attended, took place in C. of E. Cemetery, Windsor, on Saturday, February 28, the Rev. Williams officiating. The deceased, who was predeceased by his wife about 14 years ago, was a native of the Hawkesbury district, and had practically spent all of his long life in the district. He was at one time employed by Dr. Slater, as trainer of his trotting horses. He is survived by five sons, George Roland (Windsor), Albert Edward (Queensland), Victor Matthew (Wickham, Newcastle), Horace Flood (Waratah, Newcastle) and Oscar Charles (Concord West), and two daughters, Margaret Anne (Mrs. Molloy, Windsor) and Esther (Mrs. Morton, Newcastle).
Sydney Morning Herald 10th December 1979.
Richard Streeter (1850-1942)
Margaret Streeter (1849-1928)
 Headstones of Richard Streeter (1850-1942) - Margaret Streeter (1849-1928). Windsor Cemetery, N.S.W.
Military Records
© Commonwealth of Australia (National Archives of Australia)

Under Construction: 30/12/2023-01/03/2024.

Sergeant: 1245 William Henry SIMPSON.

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33rd BATTALION AIF

Sergeant: 1245 William Henry "Bill" SIMPSON.

Born:  17th February 1894. Black Mountain, New South Wales, Australia. Birth Cert:3870/1894.

Married: 1918. St Mays Catholic Cathedral, Armidale, New South Wales, Australia. Marriage Cert:9422/1918.

Wife: Mary Ellen Simpson. nee: Tierney. (1896-1977)

Died: 31st December 1953. Guyra, New South Wales, Australia. Death Cert:

Father: William Simpson. (1871-1947)

Mother: Annie Sophia Simpson. nee: Johnson. (1873-1924)

INFORMATION

William Henry Simpson enlisted at Armidale, New South Wales on the 5th January 1916  where he was allocated to the 33rd Battalion AIF as an original member of the Battalion before he was entrained to the Farley Station and was marched in to the Rutherford Army where he was allocated to D Company where he was promoted to Acting Corporal on the 15th February 1916.

Armidale Camp 1916

Rutherford Army Camp 1916

The 33rd Battalion en trained from Farley Station on the 3rd of May and embarked from Sydney on the 4th May 1916 bound for the United Kingdom aboard the HMAT A74 "Marathon".

HMAT A74 Marathon

HMAT A74 "Marathon"

William was again promoted on the 5th July during the voyage to the rank of Corporal before the 33rd Battalion disembarked at Devonport England on the 9th July 1916 and were marked in the the 9th Training Battalion at the Lark Hill Amy Camp where they settled in the Camp training and conditions. The 33rd proceeded overseas for France on the 21st November 1916 where they went into billets before marching out to the lines where William was promoted to Sergeant on the 20th December 1916.

On the 9th February 1917, William received a Serious Gun Shot Wound to the Head and was treated the the Australian Field Ambulance before he was evacuated by Stretcher Bearers to the Australian Casualty Clearing Station where he received further treatment and when he was stabilised he was invalided to England on the 22nd of February where he was admitted to the 3rd Southern General Hospital.

7th March 1917.

Informant: Sergeant: 1245 William SIMPSON. (D Company 14 Platoon 33rd Battalion AIF) "I was going up to the front line about December 12th at Armentieres, when I passed Sergeant 724 George James CARTER (C Company 33rd Battalion AIF) being carried away on a stretcher down a communication trench just after he had been wounded.  I recognised him and the stretcher bearers told me it was he. I knew him well, as we were in training together. I heard afterwards that he had died but I am sorry I cannot say where he was buried. Possibly Sergeant MOORE (C Company 33rd Battalion AIF) would be able to tell you as they were great friends and were always together. 

3rd Southern General Hospital

Cowley Section, Oxford, England.  

William embarked from England to Australia on the 5th April 1917 on board the Hospital Ship "Themistocles" and was he disembarked he was later discharged from the AIF on the 29th August 1917. 

Family Information

William was a single 21 year old Farmer from Spring Mount, Black Mountain, New South Wales, Australia. William was serving with the Australian Light Horse at Guyra, New South Wales upon his enlistment with the AIF. He enlisted with the ALH in 1915. 

William Henry "Bill" Simpson (1894-1953) Guyra Cemetery

Mary Ellen Tierney. 1916 (1896-1977)

Armidale Chronicle Wednesday 17th October 1917.

Private: Jason J DICKSON. 35th Battalion AIF Killed in Action

The Sun. Sunday 29th September 1918.

Wedding Photo 1918. St Mays Catholic Cathedral, Armidale, New South Wales, Australia. 

Military Records

© Commonwealth of Australia (National Archives of Australia)

Under Construction: 25/01/2024-01/03/2024.

Sergeant: 589 Eugene Schuyler EARLE

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33rd BATTALION AIF

Sergeant: 589 Eugene Schuyler EARLE

Born: 8th April 1895. Armidale, New South Wales, Australia. 

Died: 2nd December 1916. Killed in Action Armentieres, France.

Father: Albert Berry Earle. (1842-1904) aka "Alpheus Braisted Quackenbush" Died at Armidale, New South Wales, Australia. 

Mother: Flora Margaret Earle. nee: McDonald. (1869-1935) 

INFORMATION

Service number 589. Eugene Schuyler EARLE was born in Armidale, NSW on 8th April 1895, to Albert Berry and Flora Margaret Earle. Eugene enlisted on 16th January 1916 at Armidale, at the age of 21 years old. He was living in Armidale and working as a Bank Clerk. His father is deceased by this time and he gives his mother as his next-of-kin. He previously served 2 years 9 months with the 13th Battalion (Militia). He was rejected on a previous enlistment attempt due to an injured toe, now healed. Eugene was enlisted at Rutherford, NSW on the 18th April 1916 with the rank of Private and was allocated to “B” Company of the 33rd Battalion, 9th Brigade, and 3rd Division. He left from Sydney onboard the troop-ship HMAT (A74) ‘Marathon’ on the 4th May 1916. On that day Eugene was “officially” promoted to the rank of Sergeant. The journey was long and convoluted involving stops at Albany, Fremantle (where they returned for restocking coal after being ordered to proceed to England via Durban, not straight to Egypt), then to Durban, Cape Town, and Dakar, before finally arriving in Plymouth, England on 9th July. Disobedience, deserting and disembarking due to illness was common on this long voyage.

Once in England Eugene would have taken a train to Amesbury and marched 3 miles miles to Lark Hill, Durrington Camp, Wiltshire on 10th July. Eugene reported sick on the 6th September 1916 was admitted with influenza and discharged after 3 days. There, Eugene would have been trained in aspects of trench warfare and would have spent many days and nights within the tunnels and trench systems of the mock battle field at Larkhill. He left his mark by inscribing his name and service number and unit on the wall of a tunnel. The graffiti reads: “Sgt EARLE 33 AIF 23/9/16”. The 33rd Battalion left from Southampton for France on 21st November. After arriving at Le Havre, they spent 48 hours on the train in ‘cattle-trucks’ bound for Bailleul. They arrived in Steenwerck, France on the 24th, and moved to the trenches at Chaprelle d’Armentieres on the 27th. On the 2nd December 1916 Sergeant Eugene Schuyler Earle was killed in action near Armentieres, receiving a gunshot wound to the head from an enemy sniper. He is buried at the Cite Bonjean Military Cemetery at Armentieres, France.

On the 22nd July 1917 his mother writes asking for his personal effects as “It is almost eight (8) months since my son was killed in France”. On 20th August the AIF records the return of possessions from Wiltshire, including: 2 identity discs, belt, nail clippers, mirror, testament, 3 notebooks, wallet, photos, protractor, purse, book, 3 keys, scissors, knife, fountain pen, ink tablets, metal wristwatch. There survives a receipt of delivery for this signed by his mother and dated 26th August 1917. Another record lists possessions sent with the “Barunga”, including: 5 military books, a map, 8 notebooks, a diary, a novel, a belt, a lighter and playing cards. The “Barunga” is noted on Eugene’s service record as being lost at sea.

S.S. BARUNGA 

Friday 19 July 1918.

The Argus (Melbourne, Victoria)

LONDON, July 17. 1918.

S.S. BARUNGA SUNK. ON WAY TO AUSTRALIA. Passengers and Crew Saved.

The steamer Barunga has been sunk while on a voyage to Australia. Only one casualty has been reported. Former German Steamer the Navy Office announced yesterday that the Barunga was torpedoed in English waters on July 16. The passengers and crew, it was added, have been landed, so far as could be ascertained, without casualties. The Barunga was formerly the Sumatra, a well known unit of the German Australian Line. She was launched in June 1913, at Flensburg, Germany, and was one of a group of steamers which at that time were regarded as being unsurpassed in the world as cargo carriers, each of them having a capacity for 12,000 tons of general freight, and possessing engines capable of developing a speed of over 13 knots. When the war broke out the Sumatra was discharging at Sydney, and was seized by the Commonwealth authorities. She was renamed the Barunga, and since has been employed continuously as a transport and a cargo carrier.

Trove Article

Lieutenant-Colonel L. J. Morshead, writing afterwards to Mrs. Earle, stated that her son, Sergeant Earle, was "fearless, reliable, honest, hardworking and conscientious, he was loved by his men and respected by all. In his quiet gentlemanly way he had the confidence of both his men and officers, and I had him on my list for a commission.”

Family Information

Eugene was a single 21 year old Bank clerk from the Bank of New South Wales at Armidale, N.S.W. upon his enlistment with the AIF. He served with the 13th Infantry Militia for 2 years and 9 months. Eugene was a Brother at the Pride of Armidale Lodge 135. His parents Albert Berry Earle and Flora Margaret Earle, lived at 'Earlton,' Armidale, New South Wales.

Albert Berry Earle. (1842-1904)

Flora Margaret Earle. nee: McDonald. (1869-1935)

Grave of Albert and Flora Earle. Armidale Cemetery

Dangersleigh War Memorial, Armidale, New South Wales, Australia

This privately built monument was designed and funded by Alfred Haroldston Perrott Snr to honour his son and other men from the district who were killed in the First World War. The monument was completed in May of 1921 on Alfred Perott's property "Chevy Chase" and in 1991 the Perrott family transferred trusteeship to the Dumaresq Shire council. The monument is full of symbolism which is explained in part on the monument itself and on the information on site. There are several graves of the Perrott family at the rear of the site which are in good condition.

Military Records

Under Construction: 04/01/2024-12/01/2024.

Lieutenant: Stanley Warner BATEMAN.

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36th BATTALION - 34th BATTALION AIF

Lieutenant: Stanley Warner BATEMAN.

Born: 26th December 1896. Albert Park, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. Birth Cert: 26.

Married: 1925. Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. Marriage Cert:228/1925.

Wife: Beatrice Bateman. nee: Baillie. (1895-1957) Death at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, N.S.W.

Died: 20th January 1985. War Veteran's Home Narrabeen, New South Wales Australia. Death Cert: 

Father: Richard John Bateman. (1862-1930)

Mother: Caroline Agnes Harriett Bateman. nee: Terry. (1868-1905)

INFORMATION

Stanley Warner Bateman served as a Corporal with the 46th Infantry and received his Commission as a Second Lieutenant prior to his enlistment with the AIF on the 23rd February 1916 in Melbourne, Victoria. Alec was originally allocated the 10th Australian field Ambulance upon his enlistment attached to the 37th Battalion AIF before embarking from Melbourne for England on board HMAT A34 "Servic" on the 3rd June 1916 and disembarked at Plymouth on the 25th July 1916. Stanley proceeded overseas for France on the on the 21st November via Southampton and proceeded to the lines where he was Taken on in Strength with the 37th Battalion.  

Whist in France Alec was detached to the Officer Training School on the 12th July 1917 and was transferred back to England to commence training with the Officers Cadet Battalion at Cambridge on the 10th August 1917. Upon completion and graduating from the Officers Cadet course he was placed on the General Infantry Reinforcement List and marched in the Admin at Headquarters. Alec proceeded overseas for France on the 18th December 1917 and disembarked at Rouelles where he went into Officer billets before being marched out to the lines where he was Taken on in Strength with the 36th Battalion AIF on the 25th December 1917.

30th December 1917

HOUPLINES. At noon enemy 77 mm Guns and Trench Mortar Guns active for one hour, our 18 pounders and 4.5.Howitzer Batteries in conjunction  with our 6" Trench mortar replied to this fire. 

36th Battalion War Diary. 

Alec was detached to the Pigeoneer Course on the 31st January 1918. By lorry to Wagnonlieu pigeon lofts. Lecture on pigeon service in general. To Wagnonlieu again. Out flying pigeons from an O.F to loft. Marking out messages etc. Wrote essay on pigeon course which terminates today. Returned to Battalion on the 4th February1918. Alec was then detached to the Tunnelling Company until the 24th February. 

On the 13th April Alec was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant in the Field and was transferred to the 34th Battalion and became a Platoon Commander as the 34th were preparing to advance at Morlancourt

8th May 1918.

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.

Alec was Accidently Injured on the 8th May 1918 during this stunt at Morlancourt and was treated by the 11th Australian Field Ambulance for Lacerations to his left Arm and Wrist caused by the Enemy Barbed Wire. He was treated by the 4th Casualty Clearing Station before being evacuated by Ambulance Train to Rouen where he was admitted to the 8th General Hospital on the 10th of May. Alec received treatment there for the next 2 weeks before being invalided to England on the 25th of May and was admitted to the 3rd London General Hospital the next day.  

After being discharged from Hospital to Weymouth he embarked for Australia and disembarked on the 24th August 1918 where he was discharged from the AIF as Medically Unfit with Barbed Wire Wounds and Defective Vision.

Stanley served with his brother in laws, Lieutenant:1063 Arthur BAILLIE. 34th Battalion AIF. Sergeant:1073 John BAILLIE. M.S.M 34th Battalion AIF.  Private:1275 William BAILLIE. 34th Battalion AIF. Killed in Action 15th May 1917. Villers-Bretonneux, France. 

Family Information

Stanley "Alec" was a single 19 year old Clerk from St Kilda, Victoria upon his enlistment with the AIF. 

Application for Trade Qualification Certificate 3rd April 1919.

Stanley and Beatrice's wedding at St Stephens Presbyterian Church Sydney, N.S.W. 1925.

Alec and Beatrice Bateman

Stanley and Beatrice were cremated and their ashes are at the Woronora Memorial Park. Wall Of Memories - Panel 23 - CC - 0065.

Woronora Memorial Park. Wall Of Memories

Beatrice died at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, late of Kogarah Bay, formerly of Wallsend, Weston and Cessnock

Military Records

World War 2 Records

Under Construction: 19/12/2023.

Private: 1240 John Jacob SMITH

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34th BATTALION AIF

Private: 1240 John Jacob SMITH

Born: 29th October 1877. Clarencetown, New South Wales, Australia. Birth Cert:10359/1877.

Died: 16th December 1916. Killed in Action France.

Father: Jacob Smith. 

Mother: Elizabeth Smith. 

INFORMATION

John Jacob Smith enlisted with the AIF on the 5th January 1916 at West Maitland and was marched in the Rutherford Army Camp where he was allocated to D Company 34th Battalion AIF.

34th BATTALION AIF, MAITLAND SHOWGROUND prior to their departure 

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 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.

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.

On the 11th December 1916 the 34th Battalion went into the Line again. "B" Company occupying the Subsidiary line instead of "D" Company, as in the first period. The weather was still cold and misty. The usual counter battery work was carried out by the Artillery and Trench Mortars. Some shells from our own "Heavies" dropped short and fell into our front Line. Sniping on both sides was again active. Extra Patrols were sent out to engage the strong fighting enemy Patrols in No Man's Land. The enemy was busy with his Working Parties and good work was also done by the wiring parties. Two extra Lewis Guns were added to the Front Line for the purpose of sweeping the enemy parapets and wire, in retaliation for enemy sniping which had become most active and causing trouble.

This was the beginning of continuous sweeping of parapets on both sides during the whole period of holding this Sector of the Line. The 34th Battalion Patrols were contesting No Man's Land, which up to this time Fritz considered belonged to him. Heavy bombardments were carried out which caused considerable damage to the Trenches and Supports on both sides. quite a number of Men were being evacuated with trench feet through standing in the cold and wet, notwithstanding that dry socks were issued every day to the troops. during this period there were a number of casualties, including 6 K.I.A. and Lieutenant: Stephen Matthew HARRIS was the first the Officer wounded. Captain: Walter Hedland Valentine BAKER. and Lieutenant: Frederick Llewllyn EAST. and a number of men were also evacuated sick.

Casualties; Private: 1828 John Percival GRANT.- Private: 742 Clifford Reginald DAVIES.- Private: 744 Albert GREENFIELD. - Private: 1240 John Jacob SMITH

Maitland's Own

Cite Bonjean Cemetery, Armentieres, France.

Family Information

John was a single 38 year old Labourer from Clarencetown, N.S.W. upon his enlistment with the AIF. 

Studio Photo of John Jacob Smith. G Kelly of Dungog, N.S.W

Military Records

© Commonwealth of Australia (National Archives of Australia)

Under Construction: 07/12/2023-08/12/2023.

Corporal: 144 Michael Eugene MOYLAN

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35th BATTALION AIF - 9th Light Trench Mortar Battery.

Corporal: 144 Michael Eugene MOYLAN

Born: 1884. Crookwell, New South Wales, Australia. Birth Cert:12718/1884.

Married: 12th January 1918. St George Catholic Church. Fisher Gate, Norfolk, England. Marriage Cert:ME 4240.

Wife: Josephine Moylan. nee: Howrican. (1892-1977)

Died: 3rd March 1950. Cremorne, New South Wales, Australia. Death Cert:3502/1950. 

Father: Michael Moylan. (1839-1910)

Mother: Elizabeth Moylan. nee: Byrne. (1852-1926)

INFORMATION

Michael Eugene Moylan enlisted with the AIF on the 9th November 1915 at West Maitland, N.S.W. before he was allocated to A Company 35th Battalion AIF with the rank of Private. Michael was march into the Broadmeadow Army Camp where he commenced his introduction to Army Camp conditions and training.

35th Battalion AIF leaving Broadmeadow Station, Newcastle for Sydney 30th April 1916.

The 35th embarked from Sydney on board HMAT A24 "Benalla" on the 1st May 1916 and disembarked at Plymouth England on the 9th July 1916 where they were marched in the the 9th Training Battalion at the Durrington Army Camp. Aaron and the 35th Battalion proceeded overseas for France on the 21st November 1916. 

Michael's Victory Medal: to CPL 144 Michael Eugene MOYLAN. 9 LTMB AIF was auctioned in October 2023. I was unable to secure for the Harrower Collection as I was the under bidder.

Family Information

Michael was a single 30 year old Farmer from Denman, New South Wales upon his enlistment with the AIF. His mother Elizabeth Moylan lived at "Seacombe" 41 Darley Road, Manly, N.S.W. He married Josephine Howrican on the 12th January 1918. Josephine was a Staff Nurse at the Norfolk War Hospital. 

Corporal: 144 Michael Eugene MOYLAN (1884-1950)

Captain: John Bede MOYLAN died 28th September 1918.  15th Light Horse. Gaza War Cemetery, Israel.

Private: 1406 Septimius Stanislaus Moylan Died of Illness on the 24th December 1916 at the Somme, France. 4th Battalion AIF

Frenchs Forrest Cemetery, New South Wales, Australia.

Military Records

© Commonwealth of Australia (National Archives of Australia)

Under Construction: 09/10/2023.

Lieutenant: Alfred Charles EADE

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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

© Commonwealth of Australia (National Archives of Australia)

Under Construction: 22/08/2023

 

Lieutenant: 11110 Theodore Norman STOATE.

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Army Service Corps - 35th BATTALION AIF

Lieutenant: 11110 Theodore Norman STOATE. (Doctor)

Born: 13th January 1895. Stepney, Adelaide, South Australia. 

Married: 7th July 1924. Busselton, Western Australia.

Wife: Marion Frances Josephine Stoate. nee: Brockman. (1896-09/06/1930)

Died: 12th April 1979. Busselton, Western Australia. 

Father: Alfred Thorne Stoate. (1862-1941)

Mother: Bessie Emily Stoate. nee: Haskins. (1862-1945)

INFORMATION

Stoate, Theodore Norman (Bill) (1895–1979)

by Jenny Mills

This article was published:

Theodore Norman Stoate (1895-1979), was born on 13 January 1895 at Stepney, Adelaide, son of Alfred Thorne Stoate, draper, and his wife Bessie, née Haskins. 'Bill', as he was nicknamed, attended the Collegiate School of St Peter and studied forestry at the University of Adelaide (B.Sc., 1918; M.Sc., 1934; D.Sc., 1953). On 20 December 1915 he suspended his course and enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force. In March 1917 he was commissioned and posted to the 35th Battalion on the Western Front. He was gassed at Messines, Belgium, in June and invalided home; at this time his hair turned prematurely white. Lieutenant Stoate's A.I.F. appointment terminated in Adelaide on 14 January 1918.

After graduating, Stoate joined the Forestry Commission of New South Wales in 1919. Three years later he was seconded to the Forests Department, Western Australia, for six months. He was to stay there for thirty-one years. In 1923 he was appointed assistant working plans officer; by 1927 he was assistant-conservator to S. L. Kessell. On 7 July 1924 at St Mary's Church of England, Busselton, he had married Marion Frances Josephine Brockman; they had two sons before she died in 1930. Awarded a (Sir) Russell Grimwade scholarship that year, he sailed for England and entered the University of Oxford (Dip.For., 1931).

Back in Western Australia, Stoate investigated suspected nutrient deficiencies in Pinus radiata and Pinus pinaster plantations. When he observed trees near a wire fence thriving more than others, he deduced that they did so because zinc from the fence had leached into the soil. He subsequently found that 'irregular and abnormal' growth was due to a lack of superphosphate and minor elements. In 1939-40 he was seconded to the Woods and Forests Department, South Australia. Returning to Perth, he served as deputy-conservator (1941-45) and conservator (1946-53).

A solitary, academic widower, Stoate disliked the hurly-burly of political manoeuvring and detested what he called 'pannikin bosses'. He was happiest in the bush. Even there he always wore a neat suit and polished boots. Once, after a day's work, he helped to fight a karri wildfire. Removing his jacket and braces, and using his tie as a belt, he borrowed a shovel and toiled all night beside a bulldozer to build a fire-line. He returned to his office early in the morning. The bulldozer driver later asked: 'who was that old bugger swamping for me last night, he wasn't bad!'

The royal commission into forestry and timber matters reported in 1952 that 'the forest policy of the State is considered to be sound in principle, and soundly administered'. Nevertheless, after pressure from some timber merchants and a change of government, the new Labor minister and former forests department draftsman H. E. Graham did not renew Stoate's appointment in 1953.

Stoate became an international forestry consultant. Between 1963 and 1971 he held a series of research positions at the college of forestry, University of Washington, Seattle, United States of America. He encouraged young Australian foresters to undertake postgraduate study at the university, helped many with their research, and often treated them to a hearty steak and a pint. In Perth and at Seattle he lived in a sparse hotel room. At the age of 70 he still bounded joyfully up four flights of stairs to his office. Survived by one son, he died on 12 April 1979 at Busselton, Western Australia, and was buried in Karrakatta cemetery, Perth. Eucalyptus stoatei was named after him.

Eucalyptus stoatei, commonly known as scarlet pear gum or Stoate's mallee, is a tree that is native to a small area along the south coast of Western Australia.[2]

Select Bibliography

  • A. Rule, Forests of Australia (Syd, 1967)
  • 50 Years of Forestry in Western Australia (Perth, 1969)
  • L. T. Carron, A History of Forestry in Australia (Canb, 1985)
  • J. Mills, The Timber People (Perth, 1986)
  • Australian Forestry, 42, no 2, 1979, p 61
  • family papers (privately held)
  • private information.

Related Entries in NCB Sites

Citation details

Jenny Mills, 'Stoate, Theodore Norman (Bill) (1895–1979)', Australian Dictionary of Biography, National Centre of Biography, Australian National University, https://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/stoate-theodore-norman-bill-11775/text21061, published first in hardcopy 2002, accessed online 30 June 2023.

This article was published in hardcopy in Australian Dictionary of Biography, Volume 16, (Melbourne University Press), 2002

Theodore Norman Stoate enlisted with the AIF on the 20th December 1915 in Adelaide, South Australia and was posted to the Australian Service Corps as a Driver and embarked from Adelaide on board HMAT A19 "Afric" on the 9th June 1916 and disembarked at Southampton on the 24th July 1916. Theodore was marched in the the No:4 Officer Cadet Battalion on the 5th October and was later promoted to the rank of 2nd Lieutenant. 

Theodore was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant on the 1st March 1917 and  proceeded overseas for France on the 14th March 1917 where he was Taken on in Strength with the 35th Battalion AIF in the field. 

31st March 1917.

LAUDATORY G.O.C 9th Infantry Brigade wishes to congratulate Lieutenant: 933 Sydney George Byron WIGGINTON. The night of 31st March with Lieutenant: 11110 Theodore Norman STOATE and Sergeant: 1247 Donald SHORT. He entered the enemy trenches and remained for 20 minutes. Were able to place German literature in conspicuous position.

9th Brigade.

1st April 1917.

During the night, 2 Strong Patrols of the 35th Battalion entered enemy trenches without difficulty no enemy was encountered, trenched greatly damaged, Patrols returned without and casualties.  

9th Brigade Headquarters.

Theodore was Wounded in Action on the 1st April but remained on duty.

7th June 1917.

THE BATTLE OF MESSINES

The 3rd Australian Divisions first major offensive was at Messines Ridge on the 7th June 1917. The Australian 3rd Division was a part of the II Anzac Corps which was allotted to the first assault. The 25th New Zealand, 3rd Australian Division with the 4th Australian Division in reserve. The 4th Division were battle hardened troops who had fought many major battles. The 3rd Australian Division were having problems getting to the "jump off" point. The day before the 9th and 10th Infantry Brigades were bombarded by German Gas-Shells around Hill 63 and Ploegsteert Wood. Many of the Aussies were not wearing gas masks, but despite this they pressed on even though they received 500 casualties.

They made it to the "jump off" point but only just with some of the men from the 9th and 10th going straight over the top without stopping. The mines went up and the attack commenced behind a protective barrage. The II Anzac Corps were attacking on the right with their objective being the southern shoulder of the ridge which included Messines, the Dover and St Yves areas as far south to the east of Ploegsteert Wood.

Major General Sir John MONASH's 3rd Division had to contend with a tricky 3 mile approach out of Ploegsteert Wood and after the German gas attack, but they were not deterred. The 9th Infantry Brigade under Brigadier General: Alexander JOBSON and the 10th Infantry Brigade under Brigadier General W R NICHOLL had just made the jumping off point but some of the men did not stop, going straight into the assault from the approach march.

Their objective lay between St Yves and the Douve. The mines at Trench 127 and Trench 12 at Factory Farm were laid to aid this task. The explosions erupted a few seconds before zero hour and created craters of 200 feet in diameter, completely obliterating the German defence line as the 9th and 10th Infantry Brigades went over the top. The mine crates forced the 9th and 10th Brigades to veer to the left and right which caused some confusion with the main assault. It is testimony to the quality of training that every man knew the ground, tasks and objectives so well.

Private: 1804 John CARROLL 33rd Battalion, rushed the enemy's trench and bayoneted four of the German occupants. He then noticed a comrade in difficulties and went to his assistance, killing another German. He then attacked single handed a German Machine Gun Team, killing all three of them and capturing the gun. He later rescued two of his comrades who had been buried alive by German Shell Fire, and in spite of heavy shelling and machine gun fire he dug them out alive and saved them from certain death. John was awarded the Victoria Cross.

The German forward zone was completely engulfed and taken by the main assault. The two supporting battalions of each brigade then passed the leading battalion to continue the advance. The men were constantly re-supplied and the ridge was taken. There were many German prisoners taken during the offensive. The 3rd Division was well ahead with the 9th Infantry Brigade pushing on beyond Grey Farm, and on the right the 10th Infantry Brigade were veering left towards Septieme Barn north of Douve.

The German resistance was heavy but was generally brushed aside by tanks and artillery before the infantry had to become too involved. The 4th Bavarian Divisions Artillery had made little impact, but as the day wore on the 3rd Division and later the 4th Australian Division received many casualties from German artillery. (70% of all casualties during WW1 were from artillery).

By 9:00am nearly 6 hours after the assault began the Germans were in disarray, but there was a major problem as the Australians received less casualties as anticipated and when ordered to dig into the ridge they had so many men, that some could not find shelter. the 35th battalion were dug in around Seaforth Farm.

The second phase of the operation was to take the Oosttaverne Line. The 3rd Australian Division would now be in reserve with the 4th Division attacking. The 9th Infantry Brigade (33-34-35-36Bn) were near Thatched Cottage facing Warneton. The river Lys was to their right and the Ploegsteert Wood was now behind them.

Once their objectives were taken the troops consolidated. A barrage to stop and counter attack was shortened and caught three battalions which had to retire. By 9:00 pm this part of the Oosttaverne Line was abandoned. At 10:45 pm General: Alexander John GODLEY ordered the 3rd and 4th Divisions to retake it. This they did by the early hours of the 8th of June.

The Battle for Messines Ridge during May-June 1917 saw 35 officers and 1,631 other ranks loose their lives.

9th Infantry Brigade Casualties.

33rd Battalion. AIF 8 Officers 382 Other ranks
34th Battalion. AIF 10 Officers 378 Other ranks
35th Battalion. AIF 5 Officers 431 Other ranks
36th Battalion. AIF 9 Officers 421 Other ranks
9th Machine Gun Company. AIF 2 Officer 17 Other ranks
9th Light Trench Mortar Battery. 1 Officer 2 Other ranks

Field Dressing Station, Messines 07/06/1917

FIELD DRESSING STATION, MESSINES 7th June 1917. 

After the action at Messines Theodore was treated by the 9th Australian Field Ambulance on the 21st June and was transferred to the 24th General Hospital at Estaples for further treatment as he was  suffering from Myalgia. He was invalided to England on the 6th of July where he was admitted to the 3rd London General Hospital. 

Theodore returned to Australia 10 September 1917 on board the HMAT A11 "Ulyssess" where he was discharged for Active Service but remained on the Reserve Officers List. 

Lieutenant Theodore Norman Stoate's Wrist Bracelet from World War 1

Lieutenant Theodore Norman Stoate's ID Wrist Bracelet from World War 1 was acquired in July 2023 and is now in the Harrower Collection. 

Family Information

Theodore served with the Naval Cadets and Senior Cadets before enlisting with the 20th Army Service Corps prior to enlisting with the AIF when he was a single 20 year old University Student (Forestry). He served during World War 2, service number W82137. Bunbury Western Australia. 

Who's Who in Australia. 1944. 

Dr Theodore Norman Stoate was buried at the Karrakatta Cemetery, Nedlands City, Western Australia, Australia with his wife Marion and sons Hugh and John

Marion Frances Josephine Stoate. nee: Brockman. (1896-1930)

In Loving Memory Of Marion Frances. Beloved Wife Of T.N. Stoate.
Died 9th June 1930. Aged 32 Years.

Hugh Stoate (1922-1966) Karrakatta Cemetery

John Stoate (1930-2022) - Betty Stoate (1932-1988)

John Stoate, known as "Chief" or "Jack" to his family, staff and close friends, was the passionate patriarch of Anna Plains Station about 250km south of Broome, with the western border being Eighty Mile Beach and stretching across to the desert on the eastern border. Just over 300,000ha with extensive plains and 18,000 head of cattle, it is one of the Kimberley's most productive cattle stations.

John's association with Anna Plains spanned four decades.

John was born on May 4, 1930 and was raised on a cattle farm on the outskirts of Busselton. He attended Hale School as a boarder from 1941 to 1946 and then went back to work on the family farm at Busselton.

In 1956, John married his childhood sweetheart, Betty Brockman, a daughter of a well known pioneering farming family in Busselton. They went on to have three children, Jonathon, Meredith and David.

John was a man of many talents who accumulated a wealth of experience in a variety of career jobs, business enterprises and in horse training and racing.

John worked as a clerk for WA Police, had a short stint at the Australian Bureau of Statistics, before joining the marketing and economics branch of the WA Department of Agriculture. John was appointed as the Department's regional economist in Albany in 1970. John was there for six years and spent a lot of time on Rural Adjustment Authority work — assessing and helping farmers qualify for low interest loans through some pretty tough times for livestock and grain farmers.

In February 1976, he was reassigned to the farm management section of the marketing and economics branch in Perth, where he continued Rural Adjustment assessments and assisting with the compilation of market outlooks, farm management articles and analyses and policy advice for the beef industry.

In early 1985, he was appointed head of the beef cattle branch of the animal production division of the Department of Agriculture. He held this position until he left the Department in 1988.

One project that John championed and was particularly proud of, was a revolutionary new innovation for selling cattle in sight unseen auctions by description. Known as CLASS, which stood for Computer Livestock Auction Selling System, it was the pioneer of direct selling by description which challenged the traditional practice of moving cattle around the State to auction yards with the consequent stress on cattle and extra transport costs involved.

John left the Department in December 1988 in the same year that sadly his much-loved wife, Betty, died of cancer.

In 1994, he moved from Perth to manage Anna Plains Station, and eventually, the Stoate family fully acquired the station after a few iterations of partnerships.

John instituted many innovations at Anna, including a program of extensive fencing and rotational grazing and irrigation to produce hay. He was a strong advocate of limiting the distance cattle had to walk to water to no more than five kilometres and invested a large amount of money in turkey nest dams and water points to achieve this, together with innovative ways to remotely monitor water points and solar-powered pumps.

He also invested heavily in top bulls to continually improve their Brahman herd and recently the family introduced the Wagyu breed. He made many trips to Indonesia to understand the market there and he developed an association with an Indonesian importer and started his own cattle exporting company to send live cattle to feedlots in Indonesia.

Eighty Mile Beach, on the western boundary of Anna Plains Station, is the habitat for a number of important species of shorebirds. John always supported the Global Flyway Network scientists and field workers, who came to the station to study the various species that made the beach their home for part of the year.

Alongside his professional career at the Department and as a pastoralist, John has had many business interests that built him a unique experience and perspective on agribusiness, literally from paddock to plate. Over the years, he had interests in a cattle farm at Busselton, was a major shareholder in the Busselton Meats abattoir, a joint owner of the Esplanade Hotel in Albany, and a director of a futures trading business on the Sydney Futures Exchange.

After he left the Department, John also provided management advice to many Aboriginal owned stations in the Kimberley and Pilbara through the Indigenous Land Corporation and the Aboriginal Development Commission. During his full-time management of Anna Plains, John was a long-time member of the Pastoralists and Graziers Association of WA and the Kimberley Pilbara Cattlemen's Association. He also served for a long period on the North Australia Beef Research Council until 2006.

John will be sadly missed by his many friends and family members, who will always cherish his memory as a most generous man with a wonderful optimistic outlook. As John would often say, "I am so, so lucky".

We are all lucky to have known and shared time with John.

Ron Parkin and Ian Longson

Find a Grave

Military Records

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Under Construction: 30/06/2023-06/07/2023.

Lieutenant Colonel: Clifford Russell RICHARDSON

by

2nd BATTALION - 33rd BATTALION AIF

Lieutenant Colonel: Clifford Russell RICHARDSON. MC

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

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

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

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

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

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

INFORMATION

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

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

Captain Richardson. 14th Infantry Militia

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

Sydney Mail, 26 May 1915, p. 8.

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

Military Cross

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

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

July 1945

Armidale. New South Wales

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

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

MR. C. R. RICHARDSON

Death Occurs After Lengthy Illness

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

SERVICE FOR LATE C. R. RICHARDSON

St. Paul's Filled to Capacity

ARMlDALE'S FINAL

TRIBUTE

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

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

and Co. attended.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Bowlers Pay Tribute

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

Trove

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

27-November-2015

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

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

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

Military Records
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Under Construction: 14/06/2023.

Corporal: 4471 Sydney Thomas RATCLIFFE.

by

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

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