War Memorials and War Cemeterys – Page 62

Private 726 George CARTWRIGHT. V.C.

November 7, 2023December 5, 2016 by David Harrower ACM

33rd BATTALION AIF

Private 726 George CARTWRIGHT. VC ED

Born: 9th of December 1894. South Kensington, London, England.

Married: 25th June 1921. Chatswood, New South Wales, Australia. Marriage Cert:12174/1921.

Wife: Elsie Cartwright. nee: Broker. (1896-1968)

Died: 2nd of February 1978. Epping, New South Wales, Australia. Death Cert:3110/1978.

Father: William Edward Cartwright.

Mother: Elizabeth Emma Cartwright. nee: Stracey.

INFORMATIONGeorge Cartwright proceeded to the camp at Narrabri where he formally enlisted enlisted with the C Company 33rd Battalion AIF on the 9th of December 1915 and left Sydney on board HMAT A74 "Marathon" on the 4th of May 1916.

33rd Battalion AIF. Larkhill 1916

George won the Victoria Cross whilst serving with the 33rd Battalion near Peronne in August 1918. On the 31st of August 1918 at Road Wood, south west of Bouchavesnes, near Pernonne, France.

VICTORIA CROSSFor the most conspicuous bravery on the morning of 31st August 1918, during the attack on Road Wood, south-west of Bouchavenes, near Perone. When two companies were held up by machine gun from the south western edge of the wood, without hesitation Private Cartwright moved against the gun in a most deliberate manner under intense fire, He shot three of the of the team and, having bombed the post, captured the gun and nine enemy. His gallant deed had a most inspiring effect on the whole line, which immediately rushed forward. Throughout the operation Private Cartwright displayed wonderful dash, grim determination and courage of the highest order.

London Gazette 14th December 1918. Page 14779 Position 2.

Commonwealth of Australia Gazette 23rd of May 1919. Page 886 Position 2.

George Received his Victoria Cross from King George V at Buckingham on the 8th March 1919.

His commanding officer, Lieutenant Colonel Leslie Morshead, who, in the Second World War was to rise to he rank of Lieutenant General and to be knighted, described how Cartwright had shot the three machine-gunners after advancing and firing his rifle from the shoulder with obvious calm and careful aim "in the face of the most withering fire". He added that, immediately following Cartwright's actions:- "the whole battalion stood up, vociferously cheered him and renewed the attack with the greatest of vigour and determination". He concluded:-To have cleaned such a stronghold as Road Wood with so few men seems incredible. Two days later we actually counted 120 dead Germans in the Road Wood".

Whilst Cartwright was unscathed in this subsequent action he was again Wounded in Action on the 30th September, when he received Severe Gun-Shot Wounds to the head and Left Arm. He was evacuated to England and was not released from Hospital until the 10th of January 1919.

George Received his Victoria Cross from King George V at Buckingham on the 8th March 1919. On the 31st of March 1919 he embarked on board the "Khyber" and disembarked in Sydney on the 14th May 1919 and was discharged from the AIF on the 1st July 1919.

October 2009. Status International, Sydney, New South Wales. I was the under bidder and unable to secure for the Harrower Collection.

Lot: 9682 Reserve: A$1500 (US$1313) (€897) (£824) Estimate: A$2000 (US$1750) (€1196) (£1098) Description: 1918 Victoria Cross. The original Ribbon Colour Bar & miniature bronze VC Device of 726 Private George Cartwright, VC, 33rd Infantry Battalion, AIF. Born 09.12.1894 South Kensington, London, resident at Inverell, NSW, on enl 19.12.1915. 'C' Coy, 33rd Bn AIF. To France 26.11.1916. Wounded in Action 09.06.1917, WIA (2nd occasion) 19.04.1918, WIA (3rd occasion) 02.10.1918. Awarded Victoria Cross per LG 14.12.1918, pg 14779 for 31 Aug 1918 (CG#61 23.05.1919). Citation reads: "For most conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty on the morning of the 31st August, 1918, during the attack on Road Wood, south west of Bouchavesnes, near Peronne. When two companies were held up by machine gun fire, from the south western edge of the wood, without hesitation, Private Cartwright moved against the gun in a most deliberate manner under intense fire. He shot three of the team, and having bombed the post, captured the gun and nine enemy. This gallant deed had a most inspiring effect on the whole line, which immediately rushed forward. Throughout the operation Private Cartwright displayed wonderful dash, grim determination, and courage of the highest order." Returned to Australia & disch 31.03.1919, re-enl (Merrylands, NSW) 05.03.1940. Captain with 1st Aust INF BTN, disch 10.05.1946. Died Sydney 1978. Medals in Imperial War Museum, London. This is the original ribbon & device worn on his uniform upon return from overseas and before the issue of his Campaign and Coronation Medals. It was given by him to a 'lady admirer' c/1919-1920. Provenance by descent. Together with an original newspaper clipping of award to Cartwright and small box which it has been stored. With copies of full archive file and some research. As worn with stitched on brooch fitting to reverse - device attached via thread holes at 9 and 3 o'clock. gVF. Extremely scarce. (P)

Bid number: A13403

George Cartwright. V.C.George is Commemorated in the Garden of Remembrance, Rookwood, Cemetery, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.

Photos of George Cartwright are in the possession of The Australian War Memorial

Family/Military InformationGeorge arrived in Australia from England in 1912 and worked as a labourer on a sheep station in the Elsmore district in Northern New South Wales upon joining the AIF at Inverell. After returning from World War 1 George worked as a motor mechanic and on the 25th of June 1921 he married Elsie Brooker (born at Ballarat, Victoria) at the Saint Stephen's Anglican Church at Chatswood, N.S.W. they had a daughter Norma who was to pre-decease him and a son Albert and lived at Merrylands and susequently Regents Park.

George was active with the Citizens Military Forces and enlisted with the 3rd Battalion where he rose to the rank of Sergeant and on the 17th November 1930, after the Battalion was linked with the 4th Battalion to form the 4th/3rd Battalion, he was promoted to Warrant Officer. At the time, although a non smoker, he was a storeman with cigarette manufacturer, W.D. & H.O. Wills Limited. He rose to the rank of Captain. George opened the Other Rank's Club at Singleton Barracks in 1968 which was renamed the Cartwright Club in his honour. (J.J. Atkinson)

Military Records World War 1 Records

Under Construction. 23/02/20060-16/06/2016.

Private: 1270 Harold Hayward UNVERHAU.

May 7, 2018December 5, 2016 by David Harrower ACM

33rd BATTALION - 3rd BATTALION AIF

Private: 1270 Harold Hayward UNVERHAU.

Born: 7th September 1893. Armidale, New South Wales, Australia.

Died: 5th October 1917. Belgium.

Father: Gottlap Charles Unverhau (circa 1860-1923) Died at Armidale, N.S.W. Death Cert:16747/1923.

Mother: Eliza J Unverhau. nee:. (circa 1860-1925) Died at Armidale, N.S.W. Death Cert:6485/1925.

INFORMATIONHarold Hayward Unverhau enlisted with the AIF on the 14th January 1915 at Armidale, N.S.W. but was rejected as Medically Unfit but re enlisted on the 20th January 1916 with the 33rd Battalion AIF.

A SOUVENIR OF H.M.A.T. MARATHON. THE NORTHERN BATTALION'S TROOPSHIP.

Mrs. C. Unverhau, of "Glenwood" Uralla, forwards us a souvenir of the Marathon's voyage, which she has just received from her son, Private: 1270 Harold Hayman UNVERHAU who is a member of the Northern Battalion. The title page contains a photograph of the ship and a statement of the troops on board. The rest of the letterpress is as follows: Perhaps one of the prettiest, and most affecting sights in the world is an Australian ship's good-bye, especially if the vessel be a transport. The devotion of relatives and friends is amazing. Besides undergoing the discomfort and inconvenience of a long journey to the port of embarkation, they also cheerfully endure the tedium of uncertainty and waiting about incidental to the dispatch of' troops. In this case the anxiety of attachment, saw some taking up a position of advantage a day previous.

Friends assemble on the quay with rolls of colored paper ribbons, one end of which is thrown to the departing one on board and the other retained by a friend ashore. As the vessel moves away; the rolls are unwound till hundreds of bright-hued streamers are suspended like a fairy-chain between the ship and shore till the whole length runs out or snaps asunder through strain. The "Marathon's" departure was particularly auspicious. Every soldier on the ship and every person ashore seemed connected by a rainbow. A thousand strands, irradiated in the morning sun. Not content with that, motor launches filled with well-wishers must needs follow her up some distance when under weigh. Within an hour of sailing the stormy winds were blowing and the ship—one of the most steady and reliable that ever left the docks—a-tossing. Sea legs and sea stomachs would have fetched any price. Misled by the alert appearance and uniform, unfortunately no one had anticipated ,the demand. The disappearing lights of Bondi synchronised with the dwindling spirits of the 33rd, now at a very low ebb indeed.

It was, nobody's fault that the voyage was a little tedious through being unduly long, accentuated a good deal by intermittent bad weather. To enumerate a few is to commence a really long list. Besides the daily parades for drill, etc., when the weather held fine, there were boxing bouts and sports, relieved by band performances and deck concerts . Some of the days, with calm sea and warm, radiant sunshine, were wholly delightful ; while cool moonlight evenings provided ideal conditions for pianofortes and vocal selections. Ports of call, too, gave opportunity to enlarge experience and profit by observation, though in several instances it was a case of distance lending enchantment to the view— one cannot see much on the deck of a steamer half a mile from an object on shore, which strangeness, of course, only heightens interest and foments desire to approach closer. Yet despite all drawbacks every man on the ship got the benefit of a passing acquaintanceship with towns and countries other than his own—a direct contrast, say, in comparing Central Africa with the Commonwealth or, to come nearer home, Western with Eastern Australia, and again his own with the Colony of South Africa.

16th September 1916 transferred to the 3rd Battalion AIF. Menin Gate Memorial, Ypres, Flanders, Belgium

11th November 1917.

Informant: Corporal: S RIGNEY. 10th Battalion A.I.F. ""Has possession of the Identity Disk, Paybook and other effects of Pte Unverhau who was killed about 6th of October 1917. Cpl Rigney asks for information as to what he should do with these.

Note wrote to Cpl Rigney either bring these here or sent them to H.Q.

Menin Gate War Memorial

Family InformationHarold was a single 22 year old Farmer from "Glenwood" Uralla, N.S.W. upon enlistment. Raymond Charles Unverhau born 1896 at Uralla, N.S.W. Birth Cert:17129/1896 married Winifred Devine at Armidale, N.S.W. 8775/1924 and died 1943 at Sutherland, N.S.W. Death Cert:5885/1943.

Military Records World War 1 Records

© Commonwealth of Australia (National Archives of Australia)

Under Construction: 31/10/2016-06/05/2018.

Private: 14 John AYRE. “Jack”

October 11, 2018December 5, 2016 by David Harrower ACM

35th BATTALION A.I.F.

Private: 14 John AYRE. "Jack"

Born: 1894. Tamworth, New South Wales, Australia. Birth Cert:32569/1894.

Died: 1st of June 1917. Died of Accidental Injuries at Ploegsteert Wood, Belgium.

Father: Henry Ayre. (1849-1917)

Mother: Florence E Ayre. nee:.

Step Mother: Sarah Ayre. nee. (1861-1948)

INFORMATIONJohn Ayre enlisted with A Company 35th Battalion AIF on the 9th of December 1915 and was an original member of the Battalion. He left Sydney on board HMAT A24 "Benalla" on the 1st of May 1916. John served with the 9th Light Trench Mortar Battery and died from accidental injuries on the 1st of June 1917 when an ammunition dump exploded at Ploegsteert Wood, Belgium.

7th August 1917.

Informant; Private: 107 Francis William Joseph HARVEY. A Company, No: 1 Platoon. 35th Battalion. Private: 14 John AYRE was in A Company No:3 Platoon. He came from N.S.W. I had known him for about 2 months 2 years and knew him well, and was a personnel friend. His christian name was Jack and his number was 14. I saw his grave between Regent Street and the Strand in PLOEGSTEERT WOOD. There was a cross with his name and battalion.

Australian Camp, ROUELLES.

15th August 1917

Informant; Private: 36 William McIntosh BROWN I was told by Lewis Gunner Private: 67 Cooper Taylor EYRE 35th AIF A Coy, No:1 Platoon, who is I think, wounded that he was with Private: 14 John AYRE when he was killed. He gave no details. Ayre's name was Jack and his No: 14.

No:11 Convalescent Camp, BUCHY, ROUEN.

29th August 1917.

Informant; Private: 67 Cooper Taylor EYRE, A Company No: 1 Platoon 35th Battalion. A.I.F. Private: 14 John AYRE was killed by an explosion in an ammunition dump, which was caused by a pin coming out when unloading shells. There were several of them killed and he was among st the number. I I did not see the casualty, but I saw his grave at Pount-de-Nippe, and it was marked by a cross bearing his number, name, and unit. 3rd Australian Auxiliary Hospital, Dartfrord, England.

1st September 1917.

Informant; Private: 210 Frederick John STAPLETON, A Company 35th Battalion. I saw Private: 14 John AYRE's body in the graveyard, waiting to be buried and later saw his grave. It had a cross erected over it bearing his name, number and battalion. The cemetery is at PLUG-St-WOOD, near ARMENTIERES, and easily traceable. We came over together on the "Benalla" and knew each other quite well.

No:3 Command Depot, EURDCOTT, England.

3rd September 1917.

Informant; Corporal: 244 Richard WILLIAMS A Company No:4 Platoon, Private: 14 John AYRE of the 9th Brigade, Light Trench Mortar Battery, was killed at Hill 163 and buried in ARMENTIERES Cemetery. He had originally been in the 35th Battalion, A Company and I think the No:2 Platoon.

Australian Camp, ROUELLES.

4th October 1917.

Informant; Corporal: 1647 Ernest Albert FRASER, 9th Light Trench Mortar Battery. I saw Private: 14 John AYRE killed at PLOEGSTEERT WOOD by an explosion, death was instantaneous. He was buried at the rear of PLOEGSTEERT WOOD. I did not see his grave. I knew him well, he was attached to the 9th L.T.M. Battery.

3rd Australian Auxillary Hospital, DARTFORD, England.

STRAND MILITARY WAR CEMETERYJohn is remembered with honour and is commemorated in perpetuity by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission and is buried at the Strand Military Cemetery, Ploegsteert, Belgium.

Family InformationJohn was a single 22 year old Railway Shunter from 20 Johns Street, Tighes Hill, New South Wales prior to enlistment.

Tamworth Cemetery

Military Records

Australian National Archives

(Studio Photo, Tamworth Historical Society.)

Under Construction; 27/07/2006-04/10/2018.

Captain: Charles John DOIG. M.C.

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

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

Captain: Charles John DOIG. M.C.

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

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

Father: Alexander Evans Doig.

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

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

11th March 1919

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

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

17th March 1919

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

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

24th May 1919.

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

Ward 5, 3rd Australian Auxiliary Hospital.

25th April 1919.

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

Victoria Barracks, Sydney.

3rd May 1916

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

Victoria Barracks, Sydney, N.S.W.

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

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

Military Records World War 1 Records