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.
Mother: Dorothy Emma Harrower. nee: Knight. (1930-2001)
INFORMATION
David John Harrower enlisted with 28 Battery, 7th Field Regiment, Royal Australian Artillery in March 1976 at South Creek Road, Dee Why, New South Wales, Australia. Gunner served as No:2 on No:3 Gun; M2 A2 105ml Howitzer with Sergeant "T.C." Williams.
Joined the New South Wales Department of Corrective Services in October 1990 at Long Bay. Worked at Long Bay, Maitland Gaol, Tomogo Periodic Detention Centre, Cessnock Correctional Centre, Brewarrina (Yetta Dhinnikal) Centre, Grafton Correctional Centre. Currently at Cessnock Correctional Centre.
On the 8th of December 2011 the Coolabah Road between Coolabah and Brewarrina was renamed the Athur Hall VC Way. Arthur Hall's medals were on display from the Australian War Memorial. (photo above) George Mitsis from the AWM and myself at the dedication.
Australian Corrections Medal - Centenary Medal - National Medal and 2 bars - Australian Defence Medal - CSNSW Meritorious Service Medal 25-30 year bars - CSNSW Long Service Medal 15 year bar - CSNSW Semper Deinceps Medal.
Investiture Ceremony. Government House Sydney 7th May 2021
Senior Correctional Officer David Harrower ACM
Mr David Harrower has served Corrective Services New South Wales (CSNSW) for over 30 years and currently holds the rank of Senior Correctional Officer at the Cessnock Correctional Centre.
During his career he has initiated and introduced a range of programs to assist inmates with their education and rehabilitation and provide a service to the community. These programs included the Indigenous Weather Knowledge Program with the Bureau of Meteorology to conduct a detailed record from the Ngemba People, the original owners of the land around Brewarrina. The Indigenous Weather Knowledge Program involves Indigenous communities throughout Australia, and is a valuable research tool and educational program for the Brewarrina Yetta Dhinnakkal Centre.
Whilst as a Senior Prison Officer (Activities) at the Reception and Induction Centre at Long Bay, he was instrumental in having inmates from the Centre participate in the South Sydney Touch Football Competition. He also planned regular touch football matches with members of the Defence Force. Also at Long Bay he introduced and facilitated the Young Offenders Program, which saw inmates mentoring young offenders in their transition to the main prisoner population. In 1997, as Second in Charge at Tomago Periodic Detention Centre, he conceived and introduced a range of programs to assist with inmate rehabilitation including as the carers of the Old St Peters Burial Ground at East Maitland. He also organised for inmates with appropriate building qualifications to construct a storage facility for the Caves Beach Surf Club.
He is recognised for his motivation of inmates into employment roles within the Cessnock Centre and actively promotes Indigenous culture, sport and education programs. Mr Harrower is a highly respected correctional officer with Corrective Services New South Wales, and he has made a significant difference to inmate welfare and rehabilitation throughout his long career.
NSW Premier Gladys Berejuklian MP Congratulations to David Harrower on receiving the Australian Corrections Medal on the Australia Day Honors 2021.
* Awarded the Centenary Medal on the 1st of January 2001 for service to New South Wales Corrections, particularly Periodic Detention.
CENTENARY MEDAL
Nominations for the Centenary Medal were made by the Commonwealth, state and territory governments. An independent council assessed the nominations put forward. A total of 15, 838 medals were issued. These included close to 1,400 medals awarded to Australian centenarians.
The Centenary Medal was awarded to:
General list – people who served Australia, for example community volunteers, and those whose achievements in science, research or the arts made a notable impact at a national or international level. Centenarians - Australians who lived through our first century of federation. That is, those Australian citizens born on or before 31 December 1901 and who lived to celebrate the centenary of federation on 1 January 2001. Government and judicial officer holders – to celebrate the Australian system of government. Each recipient received a personalised warrant accompanying his or her medal. The award does not carry post-nominal entitlements.
Medal design
Centenary Medal - front and back Designed by Balarinji, Sydney, the medal features a seven-pointed Commonwealth Star representing the six Australian states, with the seventh point representing Australia's territories. At the centre of the star is an Indigenous styling of Aboriginal traditions at the heart of the continent. Around the rim are 100 dots depicting 100 years of federation.
Medal Ribbon
The colours in the ribbon are crimson, which represents federation, and blue and gold for the beginning of the 21st century. The seven gold and red lines signify the states’ pathways to federation.
* Awarded the National Medal for combined 15 years long service with the the Armed Forces and the New South Wales Department of Corrective Services in 2003 and 1st Bar 2013, 2nd Bar 2024.
NATIONAL MEDAL and BARS
The Governor-General awards the National Medal. Nominations are made by the chief officer of the nominee’s organisation. The chief officer of each approved organisation also administers the medal for that organisation. If you consider you are eligible for the National Medal contact your chief officer. The award recognises long service in approved organization's that protect life and property at some risk to their members. Many, but not all, eligible groups are uniformed. Fifteen years’ service is required to qualify. Clasps are available for each additional ten years’ service.
Medal design
The National Medal is a circular bronze medal ensigned with the Crown of St Edward. The front of the medal features the Commonwealth Coat of Arms in a recessed circle. The rim of the medal carries the inscription ‘The National Medal’. The back of the medal is plain. The medal was designed by Mr Stuart Devlin AO CMG.
Medal ribbon The 32 millimeter-wide ribbon features 15 alternating gold and blue vertical stripes.
* Awarded the Australian Defence Medal in 2007 for time served with the Australian Defence force.
AUSTRALIAN DEFENSE MEDAL
The Australian Defence Medal is a circular medal comprised of cupro-nickel. The obverse features the Commonwealth Coat of Arms with a sprig of wattle with the top outer edge inscribed with the words ‘The Australian Defence Medal’. The reverse is ensigned with the Crown of St Edward and includes the words ‘For Service’, surrounded by a wreath of wattle.
Medal Ribbon
The ribbon colours include the black and red colour of the Flanders poppy and two white stripes to divide the red into three segments to denote the three services of the Australian Defence Force.
* Awarded the Long Service medal for 20 years service in 2010.
CORRECTIVE SERVICES NEW SOUTH WALES
2nd Bar;Meritorious Service MEDAL 2020. 30 years
1st Bar; Meritorious Service MEDAL 2015. 25 years
20 year Meritorious Service MEDAL* Awarded the Long Service medal for 20 years service in 2010
Long Service MEDAL 15 year service. 2005
Semper Deinceps Medal. 2023.
The COVID-19 pandemic created unprecedented challenges for all CSNSW staff, many of whom stayed on duty in an environment of uncertain risk. In recognition of the resilience and commitment shown by staff during the pandemic, the Crimes (Administration of Sentences) Regulation has been amended to create the Semper Deinceps medal
David Harrower as guest speaker at Sandgate Cemetery 12th October 2017 at the dedication for the men of the 35th Battalion AIF who fought and died at Passchendaele on the 12th October 1917 with the Director of the Sandgate Cemetery Trust and Mr Gary Mitchell.
Branxton - Greta Memorial Cycle Way Luncheon with Brett Wild, President of the Branxton Business Chamber. His Excellency General The Honourable David Hurley AC DSC (Ret'd) Governor of New South Wales and David Harrower after the luncheon and presentation. September 2018.
Opening of the Case Management Unit at Cessnock
CSNSW, Cessnock Remembrance Service 2019
David Harrower Master of Ceremonies 19th November 2019. Inaugural Remembrance Service, Cessnock Complex.
SAS Adrian Clarke, 1/Class Correctional Officer Brad Casserley, Aboriginal Elder gave Welcome to Country
Governor of Hunter CC. Troy Jurd, Governor of Shortland CC Simon Raper.
CSNSW Cessnock Remembrance Service 2020
Remembrance Service Committee November 2020
Newcastle Herald. Wednesday 16th June 2021.
By Scott Bevan.
General Sir Peter Cosgrove, Newcastle Club CEO Ian Baker and Commission Member Brett Lavaling at the newly named Anzac Lounge.
Photo: Max Hubers
On June 15, 1921, one of Australia's best known military leaders of all time, General Sir Henry George (Harry) Chauvel, stood in the just-built Newcastle Clubon The Hill and officially dedicated a World War One honour roll. Exactly a century on Australia's best-known modern-day military leader, General Sir Peter Cosgrove, stood in the same room to rededicate the honour roll. Not that the former governor-general, ex-Chief of Defence Force and 2001 Australian of the year reviewed this as history repeating.
"I think it's history reflecting on itself," Sir Peter told the Newcastle Herald before the ceremony. "I think we're holding up a mirror of the past to the present." The walls in this room are mirror-like, their wooden panels gleaming. However, that is not what Sir Peter saw as he looked around, noting "the walls speak to you". For the walls now carry plaques telling stories behind each of the names of the 33 club members and five staff listed on the roll.
These were the people who signed up when World War One broke out in 1914. Six of those died during the war. Their names may not be etched into the main roll, but many more are honoured and listed in this room, for in the course of World War One, about 150 Newcastle Club members signed up. About 400 members enlisted during World War Two. To underscore the significance of this room, it has been given a new name: Anzac Lounge. As Sir Peter tod the gathering of about 120 at the Tuesday Night ceremony and dinner, the honour roll also spoke volumes about the club and its members around that time.
"It Speaks about a group of Australians who understood the gravity, the dignity, the extent of the service and sacrifice, not only of those members who gave their lives, listed on the roll, but so many other Australians listed in places in Australia, and in far off graveyards and on distant war memorials'" Sir Peter said. In preparing for the rededication ceremony, Newcastle Club CEO and Secretary Ian Baker had spent months fossicking through the archives.
He uncovered pieces of history surrounding the original honour roll dedication, including correspondence signed by General Harry Chauvel, who was renown for the charge of the Australian Light Horse soldiers at the capture of Beersheba in 1917. Mr Baker said a century on from the original ceremony, it was appropriate to have General Sir Peter Cosgrove rededicate the honour roll and unveil the Anzac Lounge.
"Because of the status of the person who unveiled it 100 years ago, we needed to get one of the greatest modern-day Generals to rededicate it," Mr Baker said. Sir Peter said he was honoured to have been asked. Having has three postings in the Hunter during his military career, he feels a strong connection to the region and Newcastle, which he described as "such a wonderful city". Even with my vestigal links through several postings, I'm comfortable in this city, I like the people of this city, and I've been led to believe I'm accepted here," Sir Peter Said. "Therefore, I feel like I'm an honorary Novocastrian, especially when I stand in the same place as Harry Chauvel Stood."
General the Honourable Sir Peter Cosgrove AK AC (Mil) CVO MC (Ret) with David Harrower ACM
Guest Speakers at the Anzac Lounge Unveiling Dinner. The Newcastle Club. 15th June 2021
Ride of Remembrance from Sydney to Cessnock
Roll of Honour
2021 Cessnock Remembrance Service
2021 Cessnock Remembrance Service Events Committee.
Lest we Forget
2021 Correctional Complex Memorial Wall.
March 2022 Senior Correctional David Harrower ACM, nominated Senior Assistant Superintendent Darren Metcalf to be Posthumously Awarded the CSNSW Exemplary Conduct Cross. This award was approved and presented to his Widow and son by the Deputy Commissioner on the 8th December 2022.
Deputy Commissioner CSNSW: Dr Anne Marie Martin. SCO Ellen Metcalf and John Metcalf
Senior Correctional Officer David Harrower ACM. Master of Ceremonies 2022 Remembrance Service.
Complex Staff Parade 2022
Events Committee Members and Guest 2022.
Cessnock Correctional Complex Memorial Wall. November 2022.
I was invited as a guest speaker to the Grand Opening of the Bingara War Museum.
Bingara War Memorial Museum 22/04/2023
What can we and future generation do to ensure our veterans names and their deeds are remembered. It has been said they we die twice. The first time is when we take our last breath and the second time is when our name is spoken for the last time. Projects such as the Bingara War Museum will help to ensure that our veterans names and their deeds are not forgotten.
When the name Bingara is mentioned, I think of “B Company” 33rd Battalion AIF. The composition of the 33rd Infantry Battalion was on a district basis. "A Company" was from Armidale and Tamworth, "B Company" was from Walcha, Uralla, Barraba, Bingara and Manilla. "C Company" was from Narrabri, Moree and Inverell and "D Company was from Glen Innes, Guyra and Tenterfield. The AIF Database records that out of the One Hundred and Fifty (150) men who gave 'Bingara' as their address: Eighty Four (84) of them joined the 9th Brigade Battalions, with seventy eight (78) of those going to the 33rd Battalion (New England's Own aka the Northern Battalion).
At least 44 men from the Bingara District served with B Company 33rd Battalion AIF were original members of the Battalion during the Great War. They were from places called, The Plain Horton River-Box Hill- Murtonvale Topwater- Barracks Creek-Myall Creek- Garambeel- Spring Hill- Pine Hill- Pine Ridge- Mountview- Bobby Whitlow- Murvey – Boughheel Station- Mount Rodd- Annandale -Horton River- Keera- Green Bend Copeton- Bindi Elcombe- Wilga Farm- Middle Crossing- Castlemaine Halls Creek.
Many of whom worked together, were fathers, sons, brothers and brothers’ in law, uncle's, cousins and best friends. And it was these men that had the sad duty to write reports giving the circumstances of the death of a Bingara Soldier.
15th October 1917
Informant; Private: 376 Edgar Auston BROOKS I knew a man called George Thomas KING. who was in B Company and I think No:8 Platoon. His number was a low one something like 467 and he was one of the original men. He was cook in B Company. Before joining up he was a shearer from Bingara, N.S.W. He was a man about 40 with a dark complexion and dark moustache and about 5 ft 10. He was killed by a shell falling on the cook-house on the 27th of July at Messines. I saw his body afterwards buried close to where he was killed and a cross was put up over his grave with his name, number and regiment.
No 2 Station Hospital, Boulogne. Home Address: Keera Street, Bingara.
16th November 1917
Informant; Private: 432 Henry Herman HARTOG. He was killed near Messines. I saw George Thomas KING killed and buried close to Messines in the 9th Brigade Cemetery. I saw his grave and a cross up. I knew him well, came from Australia with me.
Harefield, England. Ward: 3 Home Address: Faithful Street, Bingara.
Private: 467 George Thomas KING is remembered with honour and is commemorated in perpetuity by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission at the Bethleem Farm West Cemetery, Messines, Belgium. George King enlisted with his 2 brothers Reuben Herbert King and William Edwin King all from Bobby Whiltow, Bingara. Reuben died on the 25th of January 1954 and William on the 16th of September 1958, both rest in the Bingara Cemetery. Rueben’s wife Alice Eliza King, returned to England after his death and William’s wife, Elsie May King, whose maiden name was Hartog was the sister of Herman Henry Hartog who was an informant to Private: George King’s death in 1917.
Sadly, on the afternoon of the 10th of May 1961, Henry Herman Hartog was found lying in a woolshed a few hundred yards from his residence. He also rests in the Bingara Cemetery. There are many stories about Bingara Soldiers, I have mentioned but a few. In 2005, as a Military Researcher and Collector, I acquired a pair of World War One Medals and a Gold Fob from England. The medals are engraved to PTE 466 R H King 33BN AIF and the gold fob was presented by the Residents of Bingara in the Great War to a Bingara Soldier, Private R H King 33rd Battalion. They were from the Estate of the late Alice Eliza King of Hempstead, England.
So it is with great pleasure that I can return Private: Rueben King’s medals and his gold fob, back to the residents of Bingara and have them displayed in the Bingara War Museum where they belong, because he was a Bingara Soldier from the Great War. “His Country Called He Answered”.
Bingara District Historical Society Grand Opening of the Bingara War Museum
Anzac Day 25th April 2023. Cessnock Memorial Wall.
David John Harrower ACM
Deputy Chair SAGE (Project Coordinator) Employment Network. Department Communities and Justice 2023-24.
14th October 2023.
Team Farqarweez
Staff from Cessnock Correctional Centre with the support of Director Hamish Shearer and Governor Mick Dudley completed the Kokoda Challenge at Lake Macquarie, setting off in the hills from the Equestrian Centre at Cooranbong. Teams chose to traverse the 18, 30 or 48km course through the stunning Olney State Forest and Watagan’s National Park. These distances, 18 + 30 + 48 = 96km, is the distance of the real Kokoda Track in Papua New Guinea.
The driving force behind this challenge was SCO Leesa Dwyer who is Cessnock’s Peer Support Champion and one of our Are You Ok Ambassadors with 1/Class Correctional Officer Don McCauley. They, with Correctional Officers Jessie Young, Jessie McRae, SCO Nadina Avenell and SCO David Harrower ACM completed this course is just over 6 hours.
Over 70 thousand dollars war raised on this day for the Kokoda Youth Foundation. Their goal is not only to help kids in our local community, but also to honour the Australian soldiers that fought for our freedom in Papua New Guinea during WWII and to spread awareness to more Australians about this story and legacy.
Our team the Cessnock Farqarweez was one of 105 teams that entered the challenge and Cessnock may have finished the day at the back of the pack, but we were ranked number 1 in the fund raiser. We raised nearly 3 thousand dollars for the youth Foundation. Well done to the team and thank you to all who donated to the foundation.
The challenge for next years is to increase our ranks from 6 to 60 to complete the challenge.
24th November 2023.
CSNSW Remembrance Service 2023
50th Anniversary Cessnock Correctional Centre Celebrations.
26th June 1974 - 26th June 2024
THE Bulletin. Issue 732 May-June 2024
David speaks at the 100th anniversary of the Battle of Passchendaele in October 2017. The event was held at Sandgate Cemetery Newcastle with over 500 guests attending.
Keeping Diggers’ memories alive
Achance encounter with a colleague and the purchase of several war medals led to Cessnock A/Senior Assistant Superintendent DAVID HARROWER ACM establishing a passion for collecting military memorabilia that has lasted 25 years and counting. Today, David holds the largest collection in the world of medals for the 9th Infantry Brigade AIF, from the Great War, and works tirelessly to ensure the memories and sacrifice of our Diggers is never forgotten. He shares his story.
My collection was conceived in 2001 when colleague Ross Sargant, a local collector, offered me a group of World War I medals and a bronze fob which belonged to Private William Arthur Patterson of the 35th Battalion. Arthur was a labourer from Inverell.
I bought the medals because my great uncle Lance Corporal Albert Alexander Harrower also served with the 35th Battalion during the Great War. Albert was a dairy hand from Port Macquarie. His medals were donated to a local RSL club by his son Max.
I served with the Australian Army Reserve, with the 28 Battery 7th Field Regiment from 1977 to 1980.
After I bought the medals, I decided to acquire as many medals and information as possible related to the men of the 35th Battalion, which involved up to 4,000 individuals.
My collection then expanded to the 33rd, 34th and 36th battalions which together with the 35th made up the 9th Infantry Brigade, and included possibly 20,000 men.
Over the past 24 years, I have compiled about 3,000 individual profiles and have hundreds in draft to be completed.
I have researched and uncovered some terribly sad stories of men returning from the Great War. There was one mother who was distraught after loosing both her boys to suicide.
My collection comprises the medals, memorial plaques and gold fobs of more than 300 men of the 9th Infantry Brigade. To my knowledge, I hold the largest private collection in the world from this brigade.
I originally relied on dealers catalogues to source the medals. I still rely on dealers, only now it’s online. Another source is online auctions. I have also received medals donated by family members.
My collection includes Gallantry Awards and the Distinguished Conduct Medal Group belonging to a 35th Battalion Scout Sergeant with his original maps and photos. These are a prized part of my collection.
I also attend related events. I was recently a guest speaker at the opening of the Bingara War Museum and initiated fundraising which saw the museum buy the Salvation Army Hall next door and fit it out as their War Museum.
I have provided displays at the Maitland Museum for the Battle of Passchendaele and at Sandgate Sandgate Cemetery, honouring those who gave the lives at Passchendaele on 12 October 1917.
I have arranged a number of displays at Cessnock Library. Branxton Greta Cycleway was dedicated to those from that area who had served. I lunched with the Governor of NSW David Hurley as part of this event.
In 2023, I was a guest speaker at the rededication of the Newcastle Club’s Anzac Lounge, when I shared the stage with Sir Peter Cosgrove, who spoke of the great dedication and love I had for those who had served.
The Ode of Remembrance finishes with Lest we Forget, but sadly many of the men I have researched have been forgotten. I want to honour and remember those who have served and died for this country.
As I said at the Anzac Lounge, “It has been said we die twice, the first when we take our last breath, and the second when our name is spoken for the last time. We and future generations must ensure that their names are never spoken for the last time.”
I have dedicated a website with all my research (harrowercollection.com.au) and am assisted by a few dedicated researchers.
From Goulburn Gaol to front line
Seventeen per cent of NSW prisons staff served in the Great War of 1914-18, post-war Minister of Justice Bill McKell said at a function held in August 1921.
Mr McKell was attending the unveiling of the department’s Great War Honour Roll that is today installed at the CSNSW Academy.
According to the Public Service Journal of November 1921, the tablet was of marble quarried near Bathurst and was made at Bathurst Gaol by prison labour. It contains the names of 28 staff members, eight of whom paid the supreme sacrifice.
Mr McKell said that in addition to the 17 per cent of staff had served in the war, three per cent had volunteered but were rejected, a record of which he said the department may be proud.
“He also expressed the hope that it will be the last war in which Australia may have to take part,” the journal said.
Goulburn Gaol senior prison warden Harold James Dickinson Cole was one person who stood out for his service in war time.
Harold served with the 20th Infantry Battalion and the Senior Cadets/Citizens Forces before enlisting in WWI conflict in August 1915.
Harold came from a military family. HIs father Thomas, who also worked at Goulburn Gaol, as chief overseer of trades, was a sergeant in the First Regiment NSW Scottish Rifles and sergeant in the Commonwealth Citizen Forces’ Infantry Battalion.
When war was declared in 1914, it was inevitable that Harold, then aged 19, would enlist. He joined the 36th Battalion as the original Company Sergeant Major to A Company with the service number 1.
He left Sydney and was stationed in camps in Britain before being promoted to Lieutenant in 1917 and sent to the front line in France.
In October 1918, his division found the front strangely quiet. At 2:00 am, Harold led a patrol to inspect the surroundings but failed to find any Germans. At daybreak enemy officers were seen retreating. The end of the conflict was now in sight.
Harold returned to England in April 1919 where he was posted to the Australian Administration Headquarters in London. He returned home in June 1919.
In July 1940, with WWII under way, Harold, then a husband and father, was granted leave from NSW Prisons to serve with the 32nd Australian Infantry Training Battalion. He was discharged in 1943 to resume duties as a prison officer.
He was awarded the Imperial Service Medal in 1955 and died in 1978, aged 83.
Harold Coles World War I compass and pouch were acquired by A/ SAS Harrower in 2007.
Thomas Cole was an overseer at Goulburn Gaol New South Wales Australia
