Monthly Archives: April 2017

Honour Roll

Posted on April 25, 2017 | 3 comments

Coo-ee March Roll of Honour

Stephen and I have found through our research on the 263 men who were recruited on the 1915 Gilgandra to Sydney Coo-ee March, that 41 of them died while on active service overseas during WWI.

Stephen and I visited the graves of the fallen Coo-ees in France, Belgium and England in 2012, 2014, and 2016. During our 2016 visit we took a travelling wreath to rest on each of their graves. The Coo-ee March 2015 Inc. (Gilgandra Sub-Committee) provided the purple Coo-ee “badge” ribbon that we placed on our wreath, which had been created to be worn by the marchers during the 2015 Coo-ee March Re-enactment in memory of the purple “badges” worn by the original Coo-ees during the 1915 Coo-ee March. We left an Australian flag and a commemorative information card on each of their graves.

4730 Private Harold BAXTER

45th Infantry Battalion A.I.F.

Harold Baxter’s headstone, at Bancourt British Cemetery, France (Photograph: S. & H. Thompson 9/9/2016)

Harold Baxter was born at Illford, Essex, England. He gave his age as 22 years and 4 months (though he was actually only 18 years and 4 months at the time), his marital status as single, and his occupation as a farm labourer, when he enlisted. He joined the Coo-ee March at Gilgandra. He was attested at Gilgandra on 9^th October 1915, and completed his medical examination on the 10^th October 1915 at Gilgandra.

He embarked for active service from Sydney on HMAT A15 Star of England on 8^th March 1916, with the 15^th reinforcements for the 13^th Battalion. He was transferred to the 45^th Battalion in Egypt on 19^th April 1916.

Private Baxter was killed in action on 22^nd November 1916, near Guedecourt, France. His age at death is listed at 20 years on his headstone, but he was only 19 year and 6 months of age when de died.

He was buried at the Bancourt British Cemetery, at Bancourt, France.

Click here to read his full story: https://cooeemarch1915.com/2014/05/01/harold-baxter/

4460 Private Charles William Gordon CONROY

54th Infantry Battalion A.I.F.

“CONROY C. W.” name on V. C. Corner Cemetery and Memorial (Photograph: S. & H. Thompson 10/9/2016)

Charles William Gordon Conroy was born at Thames, New Zealand. He gave his age as 41 years and 6 months, his marital status as married, and his occupation as chemist, when he enlisted. He joined the Coo-ee March at Orange. He was attested, and completed his medical examination, at Orange on 25^th October 1915.

He embarked for active service from Sydney on HMAT A70 Ballarat on 16^th February 1916, with the 14^th reinforcements for the 13^th Battalion. He was transferred to the 54^th Australian Infantry Battalion in Egypt on 1^st April 1916.

Private Conroy was killed in action on 19^th/20^th July 1916, during the Battle of Fromelles, aged 42 years.

He has no known grave. His name is remembered on Panel 10 at the V.C. Corner Australian Cemetery and Memorial at Fromelles, France.

Click here to read his full story: https://cooeemarch1915.com/2015/04/07/charles-william-gordon-conroy/

4757 Private Bernard COYTE

13th Infantry Battalion A.I.F.

Bernard Coyte’s headstone at Jeancourt Communal Cemetery Extension, France (Photograph: S. & H. Thompson 9/9/2016)

Bernard Coyte was born at Borenore, N.S.W. He gave his age as 21 years and 1 month, his marital status as single, and his occupation as farmer & labourer when he enlisted. He completed his medical examination and was attested at Orange on 14^th October 1915. He joined the Coo-ee March when the Coo-ees arrived at Orange on 23^rd October 1915.

He embarked for active service from Sydney on HMAT A15 Star of England on 8^th March 1916, with the 15^th reinforcements for the 13^th Battalion.

Private Coyte was killed in action on 18^th September 1918, in the vicinity of Le Verguier, France, aged 24 years.

He was buried at the Jeancourt Communal Cemetery Extension at Jeancourt, France.

Click here to read his full story: https://cooeemarch1915.com/2015/03/31/bernard-coyte/

4753 Private James CRAWFORD

13th Infantry Battalion A.I.F.

James Crawford’s headstone, Contay British Cemetery, France (Photograph: S. & H. Thompson 8/9/2016)

James Crawford was born in Glasgow, Scotland. He gave his age as 38 years, his marital status as single, and his occupation as farmer, when he enlisted. He joined the Coo-ee March at Gilgandra. He completed his medical on 8^th October 1915 at Gilgandra, and was attested on 9^th October 1915 at Gilgandra.

He embarked for active service from Sydney on HMAT A15 Star of England on 8^th March 1916, with the 15^th reinforcements for the 13^th Battalion.

Private Crawford was wounded in action near Mouquet Farm, France, on 31^st August 1916. He died of his wounds at the 49^th Casualty Clearing Station on 3^rd September 1916, aged 46 years.

He was buried at the Contay British Cemetery at Contay, France.

Click here to read his full story: https://cooeemarch1915.com/2014/05/30/james-crawford/

Lieutenant Harry DAVENPORT

4th Infantry Battalion A.I.F.

Swendson H. (served as Davenport H.) name in Lieutenant section on 4th Bn. Australian Infantry Battalion panel at the Menin Gate Memorial, Ieper (Ypres), Belgium (Photograph: S. & H. Thompson 11/9/2012)

Harry Davenport (aka Harry Swendson) stated on his Attestation Paper that he was born in Toronto, Canada ( but he was actually born at Hawthorn, Atchison County, Kansas). He gave his age as 41 years (though he appears to have been several years younger), his marital status as widower, and his occupation as billiard table proprietor, when he enlisted. He was on of the men who stepped forward and gave his name when the Coo-ees recruited in Wongarbon on 14^th October 1915. He joined the Coo-ee March at Orange. He completed his medical examination, and was attested at Orange on 24^th October 1915.

After attending the A.I.F. Officer Training School at Duntroon, Second Lieutenant Davenport embarked for active service from Sydney on SS Port Nicholson on 8^th November 1916, as part of the 22^nd reinforcement for the 4^th Infantry Battalion. He was promoted to Lieutenant on 16^th July 1917.

Lieutenant Davenport was wounded in action on 4^th October 1917, at Broodseinde Ridge, Belgium. He died of his wounds that same day, aged 35 years. He was buried at Broodenside Ridge, however his grave marker was destroyed in further fighting.

He has no known grave. His name is remembered on the Menin Gate Memorial at Ieper (Ypres), Belgium.

Click here to read his full story: https://cooeemarch1915.com/2014/12/21/harry-davenport-aka-harry-swendson/

4759 Private Harold Brooks DAVIS

45th Infantry Battalion A.I.F.

Harold Brooks Davis’s headstone at St. Sever Cemetery Extension, Rouen, France (Photograph: S. & H. Thompson 11/9/2016)

Harold Brooks Davis was born at Parramatta, N.S.W. He gave his age as 18 years (although he was actually only 14 years and 8 months old at this time), his marital status as single, and his occupation as plumber, when he enlisted. He joined the Coo-ee March in the Blue Mountains on 8^th November 1915. He completed his medical examination and was attested at Ashfield on 11^th November 1915. He was the youngest of the Coo-ees to enlist.

Private Davis was wounded in action on 21^st February 1917 in the vicinity of Guedecourt, France. He was evacuated to the 6^th General Hospital, at Rouen, France. He died of his wounds on 28^th February 1917, the day before his 16^th birthday. His age is recorded as 16 years on his headstone.

He was buried at St. Sever Cemetery Extension, Rouen, France.

Click here to read his full story: https://cooeemarch1915.com/2015/05/04/harold-brooks-davis/

3017B Private Allan James DENMEAD

19^th Infantry Battalion A.I.F.

A.J. Denmead’s name on the Villers-Brettoneux Memorial, France (Photograph: S. & H. Thompson 7/9/2014)

Allan James Denmead was born at Goulburn, N.S.W. He gave his age as 27 years and 8 months, his marital status as married, and his occupation as labourer, when he enlisted. He joined the Coo-ee March at Bathurst. He was attested at Bathurst on 28^th October 1915. He did not complete a medical examination on the Coo-ee March.

He was initially discharged as medically unfit with varicous veins on 13^th December 1916, but he successfully re-enlisted at Bathurst on 28^th June 1916.

He embarked for active service from Sydney on HMAT A 11 Ascanius on 26^th October 1916 with the 7^th reinforcements for the 53^rd Battalion. He was transferred to the 19^th Battalion after he arrived in England in early 1917.

Private Denmead was killed in action on 3^rd May 1917 during an attack on the Hindenburg Line at Bullecourt, France, aged 29 years.

He has no known grave. His name is remembered on the Villers Bretonneaux Memorial, France.

Click here to read his full story: https://cooeemarch1915.com/tag/allan-james-denmead/

6251 Private Francis Charles FINLAYSON

13th Infantry Battalion A.I.F.

F. C. Finlayson’s name on the Villers-Bretonneux Memorial, France (Photograph: S. & H. Thompson 7/9/2014)

Francis Charles Finlayson was born at Redfern, N.S.W. He gave his age as 28 years, his marital status as married, and his occupation as book keeper, when he enlisted. He joined the Coo-ee March at Parramatta. He completed his medical examination and was attested at Parramatta on 11^th November 1915.

Acting Corporal Finlayson embarked for active service from Sydney on HMAT A14 Euripides on 9^th September 1916, with the 20^th reinforcements for the 13^th Battalion. He reverted to the rand of Private on arrival in France on 17^th January 1917.

Private Finlayson was killed in action on 4^th February 1917 in an attack on the German trenches in the vicinity of Guedecourt, France, aged 29 years.

He has no known grave. His name is remembered on the on Villers Bretonneaux Memorial, France.

Click here to read his full story: https://cooeemarch1915.com/tag/francis-charles-finlayson/

6289 Sapper Charles Arthur FINN

13th Field Company, Australian Engineers, A.I.F.

Charles Arthur Finn’s headstone at H.A.C. Cemetery, France (Photograph: S. & H. Thompson 9/9/2016)

Charles Arthur Finn was born at Mt McDonald, N.S.W. He gave his age as 27 years and 3 months, his marital status as single, and his occupation as blacksmith, when he enlisted. He joined the Coo-ee March at Gilgandra. He completed his medical on 7^th October 1915 at Gilgandra and was attested on 9^th October 1915 at Gilgandra.

He embarked for active service from Sydney on HMAT A26 Armadale on the 21^st of March 1916 with the 15^th reinforcements for the 1^st Field Company Engineers. Sapper Finn was transferred to the 13^th Field Company Engineers on 27^th August 1916.

Sapper Finn was killed in action on 7^th April 1917 in the vicinity of Bapaume, France, aged 29 years.

He was buried at the H.A.C. British Cemetery, Ecoust-St. Mein, France.

Click here to read his full story: https://cooeemarch1915.com/2014/05/30/charles-arthur-finn/

4789 Gunner Charles Alfred HAMPSON

10th Field Artillery Brigade A.I.F.

Charles Alfred Hampson’s headstone at H.A.C. Cemetery, France (Photograph: S. & H. Thompson 9/9/2016)

Charles Alfred Hampson was born at Petersham, N.S.W. He gave his age as 17 years and 8 months (although he was actually only 16 years and 8 months at this time), his marital status as single, and his occupation as machinist, when he enlisted. He joined the Coo-ee March at Lithgow. He completed his medical on 31^st October 1915 at Lithgow, and was attested at Lithgow on the 1^st November 1915.

He embarked for active service from Sydney on HMAT A15 Star of England on 8^th March 1916, with the 15^th reinforcements for the 13^th Battalion.

On 16^th April 1915 Gunner Hampson was transferred to the 4^th Division Artillery at Tel-el-Kebir (along with his father Lightfoot).

Gunner Hampson was killed in action on 28^th April 1917 during the Battle of Bullecourt, France. Although his age is listed as 19 years on his headstone, he was only 18 years and 2 months old when he died.

He was buried at the H.A.C. Cemetery, Ecoust-St. Mein, Arras, Nord Pas de Calais, France.

Click here to read his full story: https://cooeemarch1915.com/2015/04/12/charles-alfred-hampson/

4791 Private Oliver James HARMON

4th Pioneer Battalion A.I.F.

O. J. Harmon’s name on the Villers-Bretonneux Memorial, France (Photograph: S. & H. Thompson 7/9/2014)

Oliver James Harmon was born at Redfern, N.S.W. He gave his age as 31 years and 11 months, his marital status as single, and his occupation as boiler makers’ assistant, when he enlisted. He joined the Coo-ee March at Parramatta. He completed his medical examination on 10^th November 1915 at Parramatta, and was attested at Ashfield on 11^th November 1915.

He embarked for active service from Sydney on HMAT A15 Star of England with the 15^th reinforcements for the 13^th Battalion on 8^th March 1916. On 16^th April 1916 Private Harmon was transferred to the 4^th Pioneer Battalion at Tel-El-Kebir, Egypt.

Private Harmon was killed in action in the Battle of Pozieres on 6^th August 1916, aged 32 years.

He has no known grave. His name is remembered on the Villers-Bretonneaux Memorial, France.

Click here to read his full story: https://cooeemarch1915.com/?s=oliver+harmon

1677 Corporal William Thomas HITCHEN

45^th Infantry Battalion A.I.F.

Bill Hitchen’s headstone, Harefield (St. Mary) Churchyard (Photograph: S & H Thompson 26/8/2016)

William “Bill” Thomas Hitchen was born at Mudgee, N.S.W. He gave his age as 44 years and 2 months (although he was 51 years old at the time), his marital status as married, and his occupation as plumber, when he enlisted. “Captain” Bill Hitchen was the leader of the Coo-ee March. His official enlistment date is 10^th October 1915, the date the Coo-ee March commenced in Gilgandra. However, he did not complete his medical examination and attestation until the 24^th February 1916 at Bathurst, after he assisted in organising the Kookaburra March from Tooraweenah to Bathurst in early 1916. He was allocated to the 2^nd reinforcements to the 45^th Battalion as Corporal.

He embarked for active service from Sydney on HMAT A40 Ceramic on the 14^th of April 1916. After further training in Egypt, he embarked from Alexandria on the 6^th of June 1916. Soon after arriving at Plymouth, England, he was admitted to the 1^st Australian Auxiliary Hospital at Harefield Park on 21^st June 1916 with Melanotic Sarcoma, where he died of this illness on 3^rd September 1916. His age was recorded as 44 years on his headstone.

He was buried at the Harefield (St. Mary’s) Churchyard at Harefield, England.

Click here to read his full story: https://cooeemarch1915.com/2014/08/19/william-thomas-hitchen/

2196 Private Percy Walter HOLPEN

46th Infantry Battalion A.I.F.

Percy Walter Holpen’s headstone, Le Baraques Military Cemetery, France (Photograph:S. & H. Thompson 29/8/2016)

Percy Walter Holpen was born at Brisbane, Queensland. He gave his age as 21 years and 11 months (athough he was actually only 17 years and 9 months at this time), his marital status as single, and his occupation as carter, when he enlisted. He joined the Coo-ee March at Wellington. He did a preliminary medical examination at Wellington on 16^th October 1915, and was provisionally accepted for enlistment at Dripstone on the 19^th October 1915.

He embarked for active service from Sydney on HMAT A26 Armadale on 21^st March 1916 with the 15^th reinforcements for the 1^st Light Horse Regiment. He was transferred to the 46^th Battalion in France on 10^th July 1916.

Private Holpen died of illness (Influenza) on 26^th November 1918 at the 30^th General Hospital, Calais, France, aged 20 years.

He was buried at Les Baraques Military Cemetery at Calais, France.

Click here to read his full story: https://cooeemarch1915.com/2015/01/01/percy-walter-holpen/

1887 Private Frank HUMPHREY

60th Infantry Battalion A.I.F.

Frank Humphrey’s headstone at Ste. Marie Cemetery, Le Havre, France (Photograph: S. & H. Thompson 11/9/2016)

Frank Humphrey was born at Hull, Yorkshire, England. He gave his age as 33 years and 3 months, his marital status as single, and his occupation as bricklayer, when he enlisted. He joined the Coo-ee March at Gilgandra. He completed his medical examination and was attested at Gilgandra on 9^th October 1915.

He was discharged with his services no longer required at Liverpool Camp on 4^th January 1916. However he re-enlisted at Wangaratta in Victoria on 11^th February 1916.

He embarked for active service from Melbourne on HMAT A17 Port Lincoln on 1^st May 1916 with the 3^rd reinforcements for the 60^th Battalion.

Soon after his arrival in France, Private Humphrey died of illness (Bacillary Dysentery) on 23^rd August 1916 at the 7^th Canadian Stationary Hospital at Le Harve, France, aged 34 years.

He was buried at Ste Marie Cemetery, Le Harvre, France.

Click here to read his full story: https://cooeemarch1915.com/2014/12/27/frank-humphrey/

4807 Private William Emerton HUNTER

45th Infantry Battalion A.I.F.

W. E. Hunter’s name on the Villers-Brettoneux Memorial (Photograph: S. Thompson 7/9/2014)

William Emerton Hunter was born at Sydney, N.S.W. He gave his age as 21 years and 1 month, his marital status as single, and his occupation as wheat lumper, when he enlisted. He joined the Coo-ee March at Geurie. He completed his medical examination on 16^th October 1915 at Wellington, and was attested at Dripstone on 19^th October 1915.

He embarked for active service from Sydney on HMAT A15 Star of England on 8^th March 1916 with the 15^th reinforcements for the 13^th Battalion. On 19^th April 1916 Private Hunter was transferred to the 45^th Battalion at Tel-el-Kebir.

Private Hunter was killed in action on 7^th August 1916, in the vicinity of Pozieres, France, aged 21 years.

He has no known grave. His name is remembered on the Villers-Bretonneaux Memorial, France.

Click here to read his full story: https://cooeemarch1915.com/2015/02/01/william-emerton-hunter/

4816 Private Thomas JACKSON

13^th Infantry Battalion A.I.F.

T. Jackson’s name on the Menin Gate Memorial, Belgium (Photograph: S. & H. Thompson 11/9/2012)

Thomas Jackson was born at Longford, Derby, Derbyshire, England. He gave his age as 32 years and 2 months, his marital status as single, and his occupation as labourer, when he enlisted. He joined the Coo-ee March at Geurie. He completed his medical examination on 16^th October 1915 at Wellington, and was attested at Dripstone on 19^th October 1915

He embarked for active service from Sydney on HMAT A15 Star of England on 8^th March 1916 with the 15^th reinforcements for the 13^th Battalion.

Private Jackson was killed in action on 16^th June 1917, in the vicinity of Messines, Belgium, aged 33 years.

He has no known grave. His name is remembered on the Menin Gate Memorial at Ieper (Ypres), Belgium.

Click here to read his full story: https://cooeemarch1915.com/2015/07/04/thomas-jackson/

4817 Private Alan Chesher JOHNSON

45th Infantry Battalion A.I.F.

A. C. Janion served as A. C. Johnson on 45th Battalion panel at the Menin Gate Memorial, Belgium (Photograph: S. & H. Thompson 11/9/2012)

Alan Chesher [Chester] Johnson (aka Alan Cheshyre Janion) was born at Liverpool, England. He gave his age as 33 years (though this may not have been correct), his marital status as single, and his occupation as labourer, when he enlisted. He joined the Coo-ee March at Wellington. He completed his medical examination on 16^th October 1915 at Wellington, and was attested at Dripstone on the 19^th October 1915.

He embarked for active service from Sydney on HMAT A15 Star of England on 8^th March 1916 with the 15^th reinforcements for the 13^th Battalion. On 19^th April 1916 he transferred to the 45^th Battalion in Egypt.

Private Johnson was killed in action on 7^th June 1917 in the vicinity of Messines, Belgium. His age at time of death was listed as 31 years on his AWM Roll of Honour Circular.

He has no known grave. His name is remembered on the Menin Gate Memorial at Ieper (Ypres), Belgium.

Click here to read his full story: https://cooeemarch1915.com/2014/11/23/alan-chesher-johnson-alan-cheshyre-janion/

384 Lance Corporal Darcy KEATING

4th Infantry Battalion A.I.F.

D. Keating’s name on on 4th Battalion panel [in Lance Corporal section] at the Menin Gate Memorial, Belgium (Photograph: S. & H. Thompson 11/9/2012)

Darcy Keating was born at Warren, N.S.W. He gave his age as 21 years and 6 months (though it appears that he was younger), his marital status as single, and his occupation as labourer, when he enlisted. He joined the Coo-ee March at Wellington. He completed his medical on16^th October 1915 at Wellington, and was attested at Mumbil on 19^th October 1915.

He embarked for active service from Sydney on HMAT A46 Clan McGillivray on 3^rd May 1916 with the 2^nd reinforcements for the 1^st Anzac Cyclist Battalion.

Private Keating on 7^th September 1916 was transferred to the 1^st Training Battalion at Perham Downs, England. He joined the 4^th Australian Infantry Battalion in France on 5^th November 1916.

He was promoted to Lance Corporal on 15^th July 1917.

Lance Corporal Keating was killed in action on 4^th October 1917 in the vicinity of Broodseinde Ridge, Belgium. His age was recorded as 20 years at time of death on his AWM Roll of Honour Circular.

He has no known grave. His name is remembered on the Menin Gate Memorial at Ieper (Ypres), Belgium.

Click here to read his full story: https://cooeemarch1915.com/2014/12/01/darcy-keating/

5489 Private Lewis LEOVILLE

45th Infantry Battalion A.I.F.

Lewis Leoville’s headstone at Warloy-Baillon Communal Cemetery Extension, France (Photograph: S. & H. Thompson 8/9/2016)

Lewis (Louis) Leoville was born at Marseilles, France. He gave his age as 41 years, his marital status as married, and his occupation as barber. He joined the Coo-ee March at Lithgow. He completed his medical on 3^rdNovember 1915 at Lithgow, and was attested at Lithgow on the same day.

He embarked for active service from Sydney on HMAT A71 Nestor on 9^thApril 1916, with the 17^th reinforcements for the 13^th Battalion. He was transferred to the 45^th Battalion on 20^th May 1916 in Egypt.

Private Leoville was wounded in action in the vicinity of Pozieres, France, on 8^th August 1916. He died of his wounds later that day, aged 42 years.

He was buried at Warloy-Baillon Communal Extension Cemetery, at Warloy-Baillon, France.

Click here to read his full story: https://cooeemarch1915.com/2015/01/24/lewis-leoville/

4832 Private Spencer John LETCHER

45th Infantry Battalion A.I.F.

Spencer John Letcher’s headstone at AIF Burial Ground, France (Photograph: S. & H. Thompson 8/9/2016)

Spencer John Letcher was born at Cowra, N.S.W. He gave his age as 18 years and 1 month (although he was actually only 16 years and 7 months at that time), his marital status as single, and his occupation as painter, when he enlisted. He joined the Coo-ee March at Bathurst. He completed his medical examination and was attested at Bathurst on 28^th October 1915.

Private Letcher was killed in action on 6^th August 1916 in vicinity of Pozieres, France. Although his age was recorded as 18 years on his headstone, he was actually only 17 years and 4 months at the time of his death.

He was buried at the A.I.F. Burial Ground, at Flers, France.

Click here to read his full story: https://cooeemarch1915.com/2015/01/24/spencer-john-letcher/

4830 Private Samuel LUKE

4th Pioneer Battalion A.I.F.

Samuel Luke’s headstone at Vaulx Hill Cemetery, France (Photograph: S. & H. Thompson 9/9/2016)

Samuel Luke was born at St. Marys, N.S.W. He gave his age as 38 years and 11 months, his marital status as single, and his occupation as labourer, when he enlisted. He joined the Coo-ee March at St. Marys. . He completed his medical examination and was attested at Ashfield on 11^th November 1915.

He embarked for active service from Sydney on HMAT A15 Star of England on 8^th March 1916 with the 15^th reinforcements for the 13^th Battalion. On 25^th April 1916 he transferred to the 4^th Pioneer Battalion at Serapeum, Egypt.

Private Luke was killed in action on 21^st April 1917 during the 1^st Battle of Bullecourt in the vicinity of Vaulx-Vraucourt, France, aged 40 years.

He was buried at the Vaulx Hill Cemetery, at Vaulx-Vraucourt, France.

Click here to read his full story: https://cooeemarch1915.com/2015/04/06/samuel-luke

4840 Lance Corporal Laurence Leslie MAGUIRE

45th Infantry Battalion A.I.F.

L. L. Maguire’s name on the Villers-Bretonneux Memorial, France (Photograph: S. & H. Thompson 7/9/2014)

Laurence Leslie Maguire was born at Gilgandra, N.S.W. He gave his age as 25 years and 11 months, his marital status as single, and his occupation as labourer, when he enlisted. He joined the Coo-ee March at Gilgandra. He completed his medical examination at Gilgandra on 8^th October 1915, and was attested at Gilgandra on 9^th October 1915.

He embarked for active service from Sydney on HMAT A15 Star of England on 8^th March 1916 with the 15^th reinforcements for the 13^th Battalion. On 20^th May 1916 he transferred to the 45^th Battalion in Egypt.

He was promoted to Lance Corporal on 1^st November 1917.

Lance Corporal Maguire was killed in action on 2^nd April 1918, in the vicinity of Dernacourt, France. He was buried near Albert, but after the war his grave could not be located.

His age at time of death was recorded as 28 years on his AWM Roll of Honour Circular.

He has no known grave. His name is remembered on the Villers-Bretonneaux Memorial, France.

Click here to read his full story: https://cooeemarch1915.com/2015/06/28/laurence-leslie-maguire/

4541 Corporal John MARTIN

54th Infantry Battalion A.I.F.

John Martin’s headstone at Peronne Communal Cemetery Extension, France (Photograph: S. & H. Thompson 9/9/2016)

John Martin was born at Melbourne, Victoria. He gave his age as 34 years 10 months, his marital status as single, and his occupation as labourer, when he enlisted. He joined the Coo-ee March at Molong. He completed his medical examination and was attested at Molong on 22^nd October 1915.

He embarked for active service from Sydney on HMAT A70 Ballarat on 16^th February 1916 with the 14^th reinforcements for the 13^th Battalion. On 1^st April 1916 he was transferred to the 54^th Battalion at Ferry Post, Egypt.

He was promoted to Corporal on 27^th May 1917.

Corporal Martin was killed in action on 1^st September 1918 at Peronne, France, aged 38 years.

He was buried at the Peronne Communal Cemetery Extension, at Peronne, France.

Click here to read his full story: https://cooeemarch1915.com/2015/03/22/john-martin/

4858 Gunner Wilfred Ernest MCDONALD

4th Division Heavy and Medium Trench Mortar Battery Field Artillery A.I.F.

W. E. McDonald’s name on the Villers-Bretonneux Memorial, France (Photograph: S. & H. Thompson 7/9/2014)

Wilfred Ernest McDonald was born at Dubbo, N.S.W. He gave his age as 21 years and 1 month, his marital status as single, and his occupation as labourer. He completed his medical on the 8^th October at Gilgandra before the beginning of the Coo-ee March. He presented to join the Coo-ee March at his home town of Wongarbon on 14^th October 1915. He was attested at Stuart Town on 19^th October 1915.

He embarked for active service from Sydney on HMAT A15 Star of England on 8^th March 1916 with the 15^th reinforcements for the 13^th Battalion. On the 16^th of April 1916 he transferred to the 4^th Division Artillery at Telelkebir. On the 27^th May 1916 he was taken on strength of the 4^th Division Ammunition Column. On the 25th June 1916 Gunner McDonald was transferred to the V4 Heavy Trench Mortar Battery.

Gunner McDonald was killed in action on 3^rd May 1917 between Ecoust and Bullecourt in France, aged 22 years.

He has no known grave. His name is remembered on the Villers-Bretonneaux Memorial, France.

Click here to read his full story: https://cooeemarch1915.com/2014/07/01/wilfred-ernest-mcdonald/

4920 Private Edward Joseph MCGARRY

4th Pioneer Battalion A.I.F.

Edward Joseph McGarry’s headstone at Heilly Station Cemetery, France. His name is on the bottom of the headstone (Photograph: S. & H. Thompson 12/9/2016)

Edward Joseph McGarry was born at Kelso, N.S.W. He gave his age as 35 years and 8 months, his marital status as married, and his occupation as fuelman, when he enlisted. He joined the Coo-ee March at Bathurst. He was attested at Bathurst on 28^th October 1915, but did not complete his medical until 13^th November October 1915 at Liverpool.

He embarked for active service from Sydney on HMAT A15 Star of England on 8^th March 1916 with the 15^th reinforcements for the 13^th Battalion. On 16^th April 1916 he transferred to the 4^th Pioneer Battalion in Egypt.

Private McGarry was wounded in action on 12^th December 1916 in the vicinity of Longueval, France. He died of his wounds the next day on 13^th December 1916 at the 38^th Casualty Clearing Station at Heilly, France, aged 35 years (per his headstone and AWM Roll of Honour Circular).

He was buried at Heilly Station Cemetery, at Mericourt-L’Abbe, France.

Click here to read his full story: https://cooeemarch1915.com/2015/01/02/edward-joseph-mcgarry/

4857 Private Joseph Raymond MCGUIRE

45th Infantry Battalion A.I.F.

Joseph Raymond McGuire’s headstone at Lijssenthoek Military Cemetery, Belgium (Photograph: S. & H. Thompson 29/8/2016)

Joseph Raymond McGuire was born at Redfern, N.S.W. He gave his age as 33 years and 10 months, his marital status as single, and his occupation as tinworker labourer, when he enlisted. He joined the Coo-ee March on 11^th November 1915, the day the Coo-ees marched from Parramatta to Ashfield. He completed his medical examination and was attested at Ashfield on 11^th November 1915.

Private McGuire was wounded in action on 29^th September 1917 in the vicinity of Westhoek Ridge, Belgium. He was evacuated to the 10^th Casualty Clearing Station, but died of his wounds later the same day, aged 36 years.

He was buried at Lijssenthoek Military Cemetery, at Lijssentoek, Belgium.

Click here to read his full story: https://cooeemarch1915.com/2014/10/19/joseph-raymond-mcguire/

2708 Private Archibald MCINTYRE

56^th Infantry Battalion A.I.F.

Archibald McIntyre’s headstone at Puchevillers British Cemetery, France (Photograph: S. & H. Thompson 8/9/2016)

Archibald McIntyre was born at Glasgow, Scotland. He gave his age as 31 years and 6 months, his marital status as single, and his occupation as labourer, when he enlisted. He joined the Coo-ee March at Blayney. He completed his medical examination and was attested at Blayney on 26^th October 1915.

He was discharged at Liverpool Camp on 29^th November 1915 for defective vision. He successfully re-enlisted on 19^th May 1916 at Sydney, passing his medical examination on 19^th May 1916, and was attested at the Royal Agricultural Showground at Sydney on 20^th May 1916.

He embarked for active service from Sydney on HMAT A40 Ceramic on 7^thOctober 1916 with the 6^th reinforcements for the 56^th Battalion.

Private McIntyre was with the 56^th Battalion in France when he was evacuated to hospital sick on 22^nd March 1917. He died of illness (Cerebro Spinal Meningitis) on 26^th March 1917 at the South Midland Casualty Clearing Station Puchevillers, France, aged 32 years.

He was buried at Puchevillers British Cemetery, at Puchevillers, France.

Click here to read his full story: https://cooeemarch1915.com/2015/02/11/archibald-mcintyre/

4849 Private Jack MORRIS

45th Infantry Battalion A.I.F.

J. Morris’ name on the Villers-Bretonneux Memorial, France (Photograph: S. & H. Thompson 7/9/2014)

Charles James “Jack” Morris was born at Pennant Hills, N.S.W. He gave his age as 18 years and 1 month, his marital status as single, and his occupation as rivetter, when he enlisted. He joined the Coo-ee March at Parramatta. He completed his medical examination and was attested at Parramatta on 11^th November 1915.

Private Morris was killed in action on the night of 5^th/6^th August 1916, in the vicinity of Pozieres, France, aged 18 years.

He has no known grave. His name is remembered on the Villers-Bretonneaux Memorial, France.

Click here to read his full story: https://cooeemarch1915.com/2015/06/07/jack-morris/

2369 Trooper William Henry NICHOLLS

7th Light Horse Regiment A.I.F.

W. H. Nicholls’ name on the Australian War Memorial Roll of Honour (Photograph: S. &. H. Thompson 5/1/2015)

William Henry Nicholls was born at Camperdown, Sydney, N.S.W. He gave his age as 27 years and 6 months, his marital status as single, and his occupation as contractor, when he enlisted. He completed his medical examination at Coonamble on 2^nd October 1915, and was attested at Dubbo on 21^st October 1915, before joining the Coo-ee March at Molong.

He embarked for active service from Sydney on HMAT Palermo on 18^th April 1916 with the 16^th reinforcements for the 7^th Light Horse Regiment.

Trooper Nicholls was killed in action on 7^th May 1918 when enemy aeroplanes bombed the camp of the 7^th Light Horse Regiment at Jericho, Palestine. He was aged 30 years.

He was buried at the Jerusalem War Cemetery at Jerusalem, Israel.

Click here to read his full story: https://cooeemarch1915.com/2015/07/05/william-henry-nicholls/

4865 Private Karl ALEX FREDERICK NIELSEN

4th Pioneer Battalion A.I.F.

K. A. F. Nielson’s name on the Villers-Bretonneux Memorial, France (Photograph: S. & H. Thompson 7/9/2014)

Karl Alex Frederick Nielson (aka Karl Frederik Nielsen) was born at Sjelland, Denmark. He gave his age as 24 years and 11 months, his marital status as single, and his occupation as bushman, when he enlisted. Although he was not attested and did not complete his medical examination until 13^th November 1915 at Liverpool, his date of joining on the nominal roll was recorded as the 8^th November 1915, when the Coo-ees were on their way from Lawson to Springwood. Per The Blue Mountains Echo he was one of three recruits to join the Coo-ees from Hazelbrook.

Private Nielsen was killed in action on 6^th August 1916 in the vicinity of Pozieres, France, aged 25 years.

He has no known grave. His name is remembered on Villers-Bretonneaux Memorial, France.

Click here to read his full story: https://cooeemarch1915.com/2015/06/20/karl-alex-frederick-nielson/

7048 Private Patrick Joseph O’LOUGHLIN

3^rd Infantry Battalion A.I.F.

P. J. O’Loughen’s name on 3rd Battalion Australian Infantry panel [third row in centre on right] at the Menin Gate Memorial, Belgium (Photograph: S. & H. Thompson 11/9/2012)

Patrick Joseph O’Loughlin (O’Loughlen) was born at Ballyvaugan, County Clare, Ireland. He gave his age as 27 years and 8 months, his marital status as single, and his occupation as labourer, when he enlisted. He was one of the four recruits sent by the Parkes Recruiting Association to join the Coo-ees at Molong. He completed his medical examination at Molong on 22^nd October 1915, and was attested at Molong (8 miles east) on 22^nd October 1915.

He was discharged medically unfit (varicose veins) on 29^th November 1915. However he successfully re-enlisted at Dubbo Army Camp on 27^th October 1916.

He embarked for active service from Sydney on HMAT A24 Benalla on 9^th November 1916 with the 23^rd reinforcements for the 3^rd Battalion.

Private O’Loughlin was killed in action on 18^th September 1917 in the vicinity of Dickebusch, near Ypres, in Belgium, aged 29 years.

He has no known grave. His name is remembered on the Menin Gate Memorial at Ieper (Ypres), Belgium.

Click here to read his full story: https://cooeemarch1915.com/2014/11/30/patrick-joseph-oloughlin-oloughlen/

6199 Private James O’NEILL

18th Infantry Battalion A.I.F.

James O’Neill’s headstone at the Menin Road South Military Cemetery, Belgium (Photograph: S. & H. Thompson 30/8/2016)

James O’Neill was born at Hay, N.S.W. He gave his age as 35 years, his marital status as single, and his occupation as labourer, when he enlisted. He joined the Coo-ee March at Wellington. completed his medical examination on 17^th October 1915 at Wellington, and was attested on 19^th October 1915 at Stuart Town.

He embarked for active service from Sydney on HMAT A11 Ascanius on 25^thOctober 1916 with the 17^th reinforcements for the 18^th Battalion.

Private O’Neill was wounded in action on 19^th September 1917 at Bellewaarde Ridge, Belgium. He was evacuated to the 3^rd Australian Field Ambulance, where he died of his wounds later that day, aged 37 years.

He was buried at Menin Road South Military Cemetery, at Iepers, Belgium.

Click here to read his full story: https://cooeemarch1915.com/2014/10/19/james-oneill/

4866 Private Joseph PARRISH

4th Machine Gun Battalion A.I.F.

Joseph Parrish’s headstone at Terlincthun British Cemetery, France (Photograph: S. & H. Thompson 11/9/2016)

Joseph Parrish was born at Monmouthshire, Wales. He gave his age as 18 years and 5 months, his marital status as single, and his occupation as miner, when he enlisted. He presented to join the Coo-ees at Wellington. He completed his medical examination on 16^th October 1915 at Wellington, then joined the Coo-ees at Orange, where he was attested at Orange on the 24^th October 1915.

He embarked for active service from Sydney on HMAT A15 Star of England on 8^th March 1916 with the 15^th reinforcements for the 13^th Battalion. On the 16^th April 1916 Private Parrish was transferred to the 4th Pioneer Battalion at Tel-el-Kebir.

On the 12th May 1918 Private Parrish was transferred to the 4th Machine Gun Battalion.

Private Parrish was wounded in action on 10^th June 1918 in the vicinity of Villers-Bretonneux, France. He died of his wounds on 27^th June 1918 at the 53^rd General Hospital at Abbeville, France, aged 21 years.

He was buried at Terlincthun British Cemetery, at Wimille, France.

Click here to read his full story: https://cooeemarch1915.com/2015/01/29/joseph-parrish/

4886 Private Arthur Charles REID

4^th Division Medium Trench Mortar Battery A.I.F.

Arthur Charles Reid’s headstone at La Clytte Military Cemetery, Belgium (Photograph: S. & H. Thompson 31/8/2016)

Arthur Charles Reid (Read) was born at Forbes, N.S.W. He gave his age as 25 years, his marital status as single, and his occupation as shearing machine expert, when he enlisted. He joined the Coo-ee March by the time the Coo-ees reached Katoomba. He was attested on 5^th November at Katoomba, and completed his medical examination on 6^th November 1915 at Lawson.

He embarked for active service from Sydney on HMAT A15 Star of England on 8^th March 1916 with the 15^th reinforcements for the 13^th Battalion. On 16^th April 1916 Private Reid transferred to the 4^th Division Artillery and his rank designation changed to Gunner. On the 25^th June 1916 he was taken on strength of the 4^th Division Medium Trench Mortar Battery in France.

Gunner Reid was wounded in action on 8^th September 1916 in the vicinity of Vierssraat, Belgium. He was evacuated to the 11^th Canadian Field Ambulance, where he died of his wounds the next day on 9^th September 1916, aged 25 years.

He was buried at La Clytte Military Cemetery, De Klitje, Flanders, Belgium.

Click here to read his full story: https://cooeemarch1915.com/2014/11/15/arthur-charles-reid/

4891 Private John Thomas SMITH

4th Pioneer Battalion A.I.F.

John Thomas Smith’s headstone at Melcombe Regis Cemetery, Weymouth, England (Photograph: S. & H. Thompson 14/9/2016)

John Thomas Smith was born at Wigan, Lancashire, England. He gave his age as 30 years, his marital status as single, and his occupation as miner, when he enlisted. He joined the Coo-ee March at Wellington. He completed his medical examination on 16^thOctober 1915 at Wellington, and was attested on 19^th October 1915 at Stuart Town.

Private Smith was wounded in action on 5^th April 1918 near Henencourt Wood, France. He was evacuated to England, and died of his wounds on 23^rd April 1918 at the Dorset County Hospital, England, aged 33 years.

He was buried at Melcombe Regis Cemetery, at Dorset, England.

Click here to read his full story: https://cooeemarch1915.com/2014/12/26/john-thomas-smith/

6320 Private Stanley Everard STEPHENS

13th Infantry Battalion A.I.F.

S. E. Stephens’s name on the Villers-Bretonneux Memorial, France (Photograph: S. & H. Thompson 7/9/2014)

Stanley Everard Stephens was born at Melbourne, Victoria. He gave his age as 24 years and 11 months, his marital status as single, and his occupation as journalist, when he enlisted. He joined the Coo-ee March at Gilgandra. He completed his medical examination and was attested at Gilgandra on 9^th October 1915. On the march he was given the rank of Acting Sergeant, and was appointed Secretary of the travelling committee of control appointed for the Coo-ee March at Stuart Town. .

Acting Sergeant Stephens embarked for active service from Sydney on HMAT A14 Euripides on 9th September 1916 as 20^th reinforcement for the 13^th Battalion.

On 22^nd December 1916 he arrived at the 4^th Australian Division Base Depot at Etaples, France, where he reverted to the rank of Private.

Acting Sergeant Stephens departed Sydney on the HMAT A14 Euripides on 9th September 1916 as 20^th reinforcement for the 13^th Battalion.

His rank reverted to Private when he arrived in France on 22^nd December 1916.

Private Stephens was killed in action on 11^th April 1917 during an attack on the Hindenburg Line near Bullecourt, France, aged 26 years.

He has no known grave. His name is remembered on the Villers-Bretonneaux Memorial, France.

Click here to read his full story: https://cooeemarch1915.com/2015/10/04/stanley-everard-stephens/

4605 Private John TARLINGTON

4th Pioneer Battalion A.I.F.

J. Tarlington’s name on the Villers-Bretonneux Memorial, France (Photograph: S. & H. Thompson 7/9/2014)

John Tarlington was born at Glen Innes, N.S.W. He gave his age as 38 years and 7 months, his marital status as married, and his occupation as laborer, when he enlisted. He joined the Coo-ee March at Blayney. He completed his medical examination and was attested at Blayney on 26^th October 1915.

Private Tarlington was killed in action on 6^th August 1916 in the vicinity of Pozieres, France, aged 39 years.

He has no known grave. His name is remembered on the Villers-Bretonneaux Memorial, France.

Click here to read his full story: https://cooeemarch1915.com/2015/05/24/john-tarlington/

4903 Sergeant Thomas THORNE

13^th Infantry Battalion A.I.F.

Thomas Thorne’s headstone at Plymouth (Efford) Cemetery, England (Photograph: S. & H. Thompson 13/9/2016)

Thomas Thorne was born at Hay, N.S.W. He gave his age as 22 years and 2 months, his marital status as married, and his occupation as motor driver, when he enlisted. He joined the Coo-ee March at Lawson, and was attested at Lawson on the 7^th November 1915. He completed his medical examination at Liverpool on 13^th November 1915.

He embarked for active service from Sydney on HMAT A15 Star of England on 8^th March 1916 with the 15^th reinforcements for the 13^th Battalion. He arrived in Egypt on 11^th April 1916, and he was admitted to the 31^st General Hospital at Port Said, Egypt, on the same day. He was discharged for duty on 21^st May 1916.

Acting Sergeant Thorne was admitted to Devonport Military Hospital on his arrival in England, and he died of Pneumonia two days later on 18^th June 1916, aged 23 years. He was the first of the Coo-ees to die on active service.

He was buried at Plymouth (Efford) Cemetery, at Plymouth, England.

Click here to read his full story: https://cooeemarch1915.com/2014/12/26/thomas-thorne/

4617 Private Joseph Patrick WALLIS

54th Infantry Battalion A.I.F.

Joseph Patrick Wallis’s headstone at Fromelles (Pheasant Wood) Military Cemetery, France (Photograph S. & H. Thompson 10/9/2016)

Joseph Patrick Wallis (aka Joseph Patrick Wailes) was born at Darlinghurst, N.S.W. He gave his age as 18 years and 4 months (although he was actually 17 years and 1 month old at that time), his marital status as single, and his occupation as seaman, when he enlisted. He joined the Coo-ee March at Dubbo. He completed his medical examination and was attested at Dubbo on 13^th October 1915.

Private Wallis was killed in action on 20^th July 1916 during Battle of Fromelles, France.

He was buried at Fromelles (Pheasant Wood) Military Cemetery, Fromelles, France. Although his headstone records his age as 19 years, he was actually only 17 years and 10 months when he died.

Click here to read his full story: https://cooeemarch1915.com/2014/06/01/joseph-patrick-wallis/

4917 Private William WEBBER

45th Infantry Battalion A.I.F.

W. Webber’s name on the Villers-Bretonneux Memorial, France (Photograph: S. & H. Thompson 7/9/2014)

William Webber was born at Granville, N.S.W. He gave his age as 23 years and 5 months, his marital status as single, and his occupation as fitter, when he enlisted. He joined the Coo-ee March on 11^th November 1915, the day the Coo-ees marched from Parramatta to Ashfield. He completed his medical examination and was attested at Ashfield on 11^th November 1915.

Private Webber was killed in action on 6^th April 1918 in the vicinity of Dernacourt, France, aged 26 years.

He has no known grave. His name is remembered on the Villers-Bretonneaux Memorial, France.

Click here to read his full story: https://cooeemarch1915.com/2015/06/08/william-webber/

4910 Private Rowland John WILSON

45^th Infantry Battalion A.I.F.

R. J. Wilson’s name on the Villers-Bretonneux Memorial, France (Photograph: S. & H. Thompson 7/9/2014)

Rowland John Wilson was born at Tallawang, N.S.W. He gave his age as 24 years, his marital status as single, and his occupation as labourer, when he enlisted. He joined the Coo-ee March at Lawson. He was attested at Lawson on 7^th November 1915. He completed his medical examination at Liverpool on 15^th November 1915.

Private Wilson was killed in action on the night of the 7^th/8^th August 1916 in the Battle of Pozieres between Pozieres and Martinpuich, aged 24 years.

He has no known grave. His name is remembered on the Villers-Bretonneaux Memorial, France.

Click here to read his full story: https://cooeemarch1915.com/2015/06/20/rowland-john-wilson/

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Posted in Honour Roll

Tagged Alan Chesher Johnson (Janion), Allan James Denmead, Archibald McIntyre, Arthur Charles Reid, Bernard Coyte, Charles Alfred Hampson, Charles Arthur Finn, Charles William Gordon Conroy, Darcy Keating, Edward Joseph McGarry, Francis Charles Finlayson, Frank Humphrey, Harold Baxter, Harold Brooks Davis, Harry Davenport, Jack Morris, James Crawford, James O'Neill, John Martin, John Tarlington, John Thomas Smith, Joseph Parrish, Joseph Patrick Wallis, Karl Alex Frederick Nielson, Laurence Leslie Maguire, Louis Leoville, Oliver James Harmon, Patrick O'Loughlin, Percy Walter Holpen, Rowland John WIlson, Samuel Luke, Spencer John Letcher, Stanley E. Stephens, Thomas Jackson, Thomas Thorne, Wilfred Ernest McDonald, William (Bill) Thomas Hitchen, William Emerton Hunter, William Henry Nicholls, William Webber

Clarence William STEWART

Posted on April 17, 2017 | Leave a comment

Clarence William STEWART

Per his military service record (5222), Clarence William Stewart was born at Hargraves, N.S.W.[1] He gave his age as 21 years, his marital status as single, and his occupation as labourer. His description on his Certificate of medical examination was height 5 feet 6 inches tall, weight 151 lbs, with a fair complexion, brown eyes, and brown hair. His religious denomination was Roman Catholic. His next of kin on his Attestation paper was recorded as his mother, Mrs Mary Stewart, Hargraves, N.S.W.

He completed his medical examination at Wellington on 25^th October 1915, (7 days after the Coo-ees had left that town), then travelled to Blayney to catch up with the Coo-ees. He was attested by Captain Eade at Blayney on 26^th October 1915. He claimed to have no previous military experience.

‘C. W. Stewart’ was named in the Bathurst Times as one of the Wellington recruits that joined the Coo-ees at Blayney on 26^th October 1915.[2]

After completing the Coo-ee March he went to Liverpool Camp as reinforcement for the 13^th Battalion.

On 2^nd February 1916 Private Stewart was charged with being absent without leave for 6 days. He was fined 30 shillings.

On 7^th February 1916 Private Stewart was charged with being absent from special picquet. He was fined 10 shillings.

On 22^nd February 1916 Private Stewart was charged with being absent from parade. He was fined 5 shillings.

His mother sent a letter dated 29^th March 1916 requesting her underage son be discharged from the A.I.F., in which she stated: ‘’In reference to my son Clarrie … I now find it my absolute duty to ask you, please, to discharge him at once as it is a case of necessity I cannot allow him to stay in any longer. If at any time when he is twenty one, he has the same patriotic feelings, he may, with my consent, re-enlist”.[3]

A copy of his birth certificate was also provided, dated 28^th March 1916, which showed that his date of birth was 17^th October 1897.[4] Clarence William Stewart therefore had only been 18 years and 9 days old when he enlisted on 26^th October 1915 (and not 21 years of age as stated on his Attestation paper).

On 7^th April 1916 Private Stewart was discharged at his mother’s request.

[1] NAA: B2455, STEWART C W

[2] ‘Western news’, The Bathurst Times, 27 October 1915, p. 3. Retrieved January 3, 2017, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article111244211

[3] NAA: B2455, STEWART C W, letter to O.C., A Company, 13 Battalion, from M. Stewart, 29 March 1916.

[4] NAA: B2455, STEWART C W, Birth Certificate.

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Posted in Recruits

Tagged Blayney recruits, Clarence William Stewart, Wellington recruits

Harold Edmund CROUCH

Posted on April 17, 2017 | Leave a comment

Harold Edmund CROUCH

Per his military service record (Depot), Harold Edmund Crouch was born at Parramatta, N.S.W.[1] He gave his age as 18 years and 11 months, his marital status as single, and his occupation as painter. His description on his Certificate of medical examination was height 5 feet 5 ½ inches tall, weight 120lbs, with a fair complexion, greyish eyes, and brown hair. His religious denomination was Church of England. His next of kin on his Attestation paper was listed his mother, Mary E. Crouch, Hunter Street, Parramatta.

He completed his medical examination at Parramatta on 10^th November 1915, and was attested by Lieutenant R. Howe at Parramatta, on 11^th November 1915. He claimed to have one years previous military experience with the Senior Cadets.

He was one of the 41 men who had offered themselves as recruits at the recruiting meeting held for the Coo-ees in the Park at Parramatta on Wednesday evening 10^th November 1915.[2]

After completing the Coo-ee March he went to Liverpool Camp as reinforcement for the 13^th Battalion.

A letter in his service record from his mother, M. E. Crouch, dated 10^th November 1915, had given consent for her son to enlist.[3]

However, a few weeks later, his mother sent a letter to the A.I.F. dated 21^st December 1915 withdrawing her consent, in which she stated: ‘’I hearby apply for my son’s discharge from the Military Force on account of his age and health, consent given last November”.[4]

His actual age is not listed in his service record, but his birth was registered in 1899, so it is likely he may only have been 16 years of age when he enlisted.[5]

He was discharged at parents request, on 5^th January 1916.

[1] NAA: B2455, CROUCH H E

[2] ‘The procession’, The Cumberland Argus and Fruitgrowers Advocate, 13 November 1915, p. 11, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86101767

[3] NAA: B2455, CROUCH H E, letter to the bearer, from M. E. Crouch, 10 November 1915.

[4] NAA: B2455, CROUCH H E, letter from M. E. Crouch, 21 December 1915.

[5] NSW BDM Index, Births, CROUCH HAROLD E 6066/1899 CHARLES MARY E PARRAMATTA

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Posted in Recruits

Tagged Harold Edmund Crouch, Parramatta recruits

Arthur LAKEMAN

Posted on April 17, 2017 | Leave a comment

Arthur LAKEMAN

Per his military service record (Depot), Arthur Lakeman was born at Parramatta, N.S.W.[1] He gave his age as 18 years and 1 month, his marital status as single, and his occupation as baker. His description on his Certificate of medical examination was height 5 feet 7 inches tall, weight 8 stone 2 lbs, with a dark complexion, dark brown eyes, and fair hair. His religious denomination was Methodist. His next of kin on his Attestation paper was listed his father, Albert Lakeman, Church Street, Parramatta, N.S.W.

He completed his medical examination at Parramatta, and was attested by Lieutenant R. Howe at Parramatta, on 11^th November 1915. He claimed to have two years previous military experience with the 20^th Infantry at Parramatta.

He was one of the 41 men who had offered themselves as recruits at the recruiting meeting held for the Coo-ees in the Park at Parramatta on Wednesday evening 10^th November 1915.[2]

After completing the Coo-ee March he went to Liverpool Camp with the Coo-ee Detachment. However, his service in the A.I.F. was to be short, as he was underage.

A letter from his mother Mrs A. J. Lakeman in his service record requesting his discharge dated 15^th November 1915 stated: “My son Arthur Charles Lakeman enlisted in Parramatta with the Gilgandra Coo-ees on Wednesday night last without my consent as he will not be eighteen till Dec 23 (birth certificate enclosed). I with hold my consent. This boy stutters badly and his eyesight is not good as he tried before to enlist but was turned down on that account”.[3]

He was discharged parents request, being underage, on 25^th November 1915.

[1] NAA: B2455, LAKEMAN ARTHUR E.

[2] ‘The procession’, The Cumberland Argus and Fruitgrowers Advocate, 13 November 1915, p. 11, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86101767

[3] NAA: B2455, LAKEMAN ARTHUR E, letter to Colonel Simpson, AAG Headquarters, Liverpool, from Mrs A. J. Lakeman, 15 November 1915.

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Posted in Recruits

Tagged Arthur Lakeman, Parramatta recruits

William Arthur BURTON

Posted on April 17, 2017 | Leave a comment

William Arthur BURTON

Per his military service record (Depot), William Arthur Burton was born at Marrickville, N.S.W.[1] He gave his age as 21 years and 7 months, his marital status as single, and his occupation as labourer. His description on his Certificate of medical examination was height 5 feet 5 ½ inches tall, weight 129 lbs, with a dark complexion, brown eyes, and dark hair. His religious denomination was Church of England. His next of kin on his Attestation paper was listed his mother, Mrs B. Burton, 68 Enmore Road, Marrickville N.S.W.

He signed his attestation paper with the date 31^st October 1915, the day the Coo-ees rested at Wallerawang, before they marched to Lithgow on 1st November 1915. He completed his medical examination, and was attested by Captain Eade, at Lithgow on 2^nd November 1915.

He claimed to have one month ‘s previous military experience with the A.I.F. but was discharged with pneumonia. However a separate earlier service record (regimental no. 2122) shows that he completed a medical examination at Sydney on 22^nd May 1915, and was attested at Liverpool on 30^th May 1915, but was discharged after 15 days service with reason for discharge ‘own request – under age’ on 12^th June 1915.[2]

After completing the Coo-ee March he went to Liverpool Camp with the Coo-ee Detachment.

A letter in his service record written by his mother Mrs Barbara Burton requesting his discharge dated 17^th November 1915 stated that: “My son has joined the Gilgandra contingent at Wallerawang, where he was working, without my consent as he is only seventeen (17) years of age last April. I object to him joining as he is one of my main supports and I am a widow. Trusting you will send him home”. [3]

On 22^nd November 1915 Private Burton was charged with being absent without leave on 21^st November 1915. He was fined one days pay.

Private Burton signed a Statutory Declaration on 23^rd November 1915 stating that “I am only 17 years of age … having been born … on the thirteenth day of April … one thousand eight hundred and ninety eight”.[4]

He was discharged from Liverpool Camp parents request, being underage, on 25^th November 1915.

[1] NAA: B2455, BURTON W A : Burton William Arthur : SERN DEPOT : POB Marrickville NSW : POE Lithgow NSW

[2] NAA: B2455, BURTON W A : Burton William Arthur : SERN DEPOT 2122 : POB Enmore NSW : POE Liverpool NSW

[3] NAA: B2455, BURTON W A : Burton William Arthur : SERN DEPOT : POB Marrickville NSW : POE Lithgow NSW, , letter to Colonel Kirkland, Commanding Officer, Liverpool Camp, from Mrs Barbara Burton, 17 November 1915

[4] NAA: B2455, BURTON W A : Burton William Arthur : SERN DEPOT : POB Marrickville NSW : POE Lithgow NSW, Statutory Declaration, William Arthur Burton, 23 November 1915.

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Posted in Recruits

Tagged Lithgow recruits, Wallerawang recruits, William Arthur Burton

Francis Charles Edward CLARKE

Posted on April 17, 2017 | 1 comment

Francis Charles Edward CLARKE

Per his military service record (regimental no. 4746, Francis Charles Edward Clarke was born at Melbourne, Victoria[1] He gave his age as 20 years and 9 months, his marital status as single, and his occupation as engineering fitter. His description on his Certificate of Medical Examination was height 5 feet 10 inches tall, weight 125 lbs., with a fair complexion, hazel eyes, and brown hair. His religious denomination was recorded as Baptist. He claimed that he had 1 years previous military service in the Cadets (universal training). He also stated that he had been previously rejected by the AIF due to deficient chest measurement. A letter from his parents F. [Francis] Clarke and Emily B. Clarke dated 12^th November 1915 in his service record gave permission for their son to ‘join the forces for the front’.

He completed his medical examination on 11^th November 1915 at Parramatta, and was attested at Liverpool on the 15^th November 1915 (with the Oath to be taken by person being enlisted section dated from 11^th November 1915). His Statement of Service in his service record dates from 11^th November 1915.

After completing the Coo-ee March he went to Liverpool Camp as reinforcement for the 13^th Battalion.

On his embarkation roll his address at time of enrolment was Harris Street, Harris Park, N.S.W., and his next of kin is listed as his father, E.[sic] Clarke, at the same address. His “Date of joining” on his embarkation roll was 11^th November 1915 (the day the Coo-ees marched from Parramatta to Ashfield).

On 8^th March 1916, Private Clarke, along with many of the other Coo-ees, departed Sydney on the HMAT A15 Star of England. He arrived in Egypt on the 11^th April 1916.

On 16^th April 1916 Private Clarke was transferred to the 4^thPioneer Battalion at Tel El Kebir, Egypt.

On 4^th June 1916 Private Clarke left Alexandria aboard the transport Scotian bound for France. He arrived at Marseilles on 11^th June 1916.

On 12^th May 1917 the 4^th Pioneer Battalion was training at St Gratien, France, where Private Clarke was promoted to Lance Corporal.

On 20^thMay 1917 the 4^th Pioneer Battalion was resting at Vieux Berquin, France, where Lance Corporal Clarke was promoted to Corporal.

On 13^th July 1917 the 4^th Pioneer Battalion was constructing tramways in the vicinity of Messines, Belgium, when Corporal Clarke was admitted to the 13^th Australian Field Ambulance suffering from D.A.H. (Disordered Action of the Heart). He was discharged from hospital to duty on 15^th July 1917.

Corporal Clarke rejoined the 4^th Pioneer Battalion on 16^th July 1917. The next day he was admitted to the 4^th Australian Field Ambulance with D.A.H. He was transferred to the 2nd Casualty Clearing Station on the 20^th of July 1917. On the 21^st of July 1917 he was placed aboard the 27^th Ambulance Train and sent to Rouen, France, where he was admitted to the 5^th General Hospital the next day on 22^nd July 1917. On 23^rd of July 1917 he was sent to the 2^nd Convalescent Depot. On the 6^th of August 1917 he was sent to the 4^th Australian Division Base Depot at Le Harve, France.

On 15^th October 1917 Corporal Clarke was admitted to the 2^nd General Hospital at Le Havre suffering Otitis Media (Middle Ear Infection). He was discharged back to the 4^th Australian Division Base Depot on 21^st October 1917.

Corporal Clarke rejoined the 4^th Pioneer Battalion on 13^th November 1917 when it was conducting works in the vicinity of Ypres, Belgium.

On 20^th January 1918 Corporal Clarke was sent to Gas School. He rejoined the 4^th Pioneer Battalion on 26^th January 1918 when it was conducting works in the vicinity of Godezonne, Belgium.

On 3^rd March 1918 Corporal Clarke went to Paris on leave. He rejoined the 4^th Pioneer Battalion on 12^th March 1918 when it was conducting works in the vicinity of Vierstraat, Belgium.

On 14^th March 1918 Corporal Clarke was admitted to the 12^th Australian Field Ambulance suffering Scabies. He rejoined the 4^th Pioneer Battalion on 23^rd March 1918 when it was conducting works in the vicinity of Messines, Belgium.

On 8^th October 1918 Corporal Clare went on leave to England. He returned to the 4^th Pioneer Battalion on 25^th October 1918 when it was conducting training in the vicinity of Ailly-sur-Somme, France.

On 27^th December 1918 Corporal Clarke was detached for duty with the 353^rd Electrical and Mechanical Company. He rejoined the 4^th Pioneer Battalion on 25^th January 1919.

On 27^th January 1919 Corporal Clarke marched out of the 4^th Pioneer Battalion to the Australian Base Depot at Le Harve to commence his return to Australia.

On 10^th February 1919 he departed Le Harve, France, bound for England. He arrived at Weymouth and marched in to the 3^rd Training Brigade on 11^th February 1919.

Corporal Clarke commenced his return to Australia on 13^th April 1919 aboard the H.T. Commonwealth.

He arrived at Sydney in Australia on 12^th June 1919.

He was discharged Termination of Period of Enlistment on 27^th July 1919.

[1] NAA: B2455, CLARKE F C E

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Posted in Recruits

Tagged Francis Charles Edward Clarke, HMAT A15 Star of England, Parramatta recruits

Thomas William HASKETT

Posted on April 17, 2017 | Leave a comment

Thomas William HASKETT

Per his military service record (regimental no. 4793), Thomas William Haskett was born at Manuhull, Dorsetshire, [England].[1] He gave his age as 43 years and 5 months, his marital status as married, and his occupation as labourer. His description on his Certificate of Medical Examination form was height 5 feet 8 inches tall, weight 140 lbs., with a fair complexion, blue eyes, and brown hair. His religious denomination was Church of England. He claimed that he had 1 years previous military service in the 3^rd Battalion of the Dorset Regiment.

He was attested by Lieutenant F. Middenway at Springwood, but there is an anomaly with the date of his attestation on his Attestation Paper of Persons Listed for Service Abroad. The date on the Certificate of Attesting Officer section of his Attestation Paper was originally recorded as 9^th November 1915 (the day the Coo-ees marched from Springwood to Penrith), but this date has been changed on the form to 5^th November 1915 (the day the Coo-ees marched from Mount Victoria to Katoomba). The Oath to be taken by person being enlisted section is dated from 5^th November 1915.

His “Joined on” date on his Attestation Paper was recorded as 5^th November 1915, so it appears he may possibly have joined the Coo-ee March somewhere in the Blue Mountains before they arrived at Springwood. He lived at Wentworth Falls, and was employed by Blue Mountains Shire Council on one of the shire gangs at the time he joined the Coo-ee March.[2]

He completed his medical examination at Ashfield on 11^th November 1915.

After completing the Co-ee March he went to Liverpool Camp as reinforcement for the 13^th Battalion.

On his embarkation roll his address at time of enrolment was Bathurst Road, Wentworth Falls, N.S.W., and his next of kin is listed as his wife, Mrs A. [Annie] Haskett, at the same address.

On 8^th March 1916 Private Haskett, along with many of the other Coo-ees, departed Sydney on the HMAT A15 Star of England. He arrived in Egypt on 11^th April 1916.

On 19^th April 1916 he was transferred to the 45^th Battalion in Egypt.

On 2^nd June 1916 Private Haskett left Alexandria aboard the transport Kinfauns Castle bound for France. He arrived at Marseilles on 8^th June 1916.

Private Haskett served with the 45^th Battalion in France until 31^st August 1916, when he was sent to the 3^rd Casualty Clearing Station suffering from ‘Oedema of penus’. He was placed aboard the 28^th Ambulance Train and admitted to the 3^rd Canadian Stationary Hospital at Boulogne, France, later that day.

He was later placed aboard the Hospital Ship St Dennis in Boulogne Harbour for evacuation to England.

After arrival in England, on 31^st January 1917 he was admitted to the 3^rd Australian Auxiliary Hospital at Dartford, England, with odema nephritis.

On 23^rd March 1917 Private Haskett was discharged from hospital, and granted leave to report back on 7^th April 1917. He then marched into the No. 2 Command Depot at Weymouth, England, on 9^thApril 1917.

On 4^th May 1917 Private Haskett departed Devonport, England, bound for Australia aboard the H.T. Miltiades for medical discharge (chronic nephritis).

He arrived in Australia on 5^th July 1917.

The Lithgow Mercury reported that a concert and dance was held at Wentworth Falls to welcome home Private T. W. Haskett (and send off several other soldiers) in August 1917.[3]

Private Haskett was discharged Medically Unfit on 4^th October 1917.

[1] NAA: B2455, HASKETT T W

[2] ‘Wentworth Falls’, Lithgow Mercury, 7 February 1916, p. 3. Retrieved April 16, 2017, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article218728295

[3] ‘Wentworth Falls’, Lithgow Mercury, 31 August 1917, p. 3. Retrieved April 16, 2017, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article218767520

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Posted in Recruits

Tagged HMAT A15 Star of England, Springwood recruits, Thomas William Haskett

Robert William PETTIGREW

Posted on April 16, 2017 | Leave a comment

Robert William PETTIGREW

Per his military service record (regimental no. 4876), Robert William Pettigrew was born at Stanley, Victoria.[1] He gave his age as 30 years and 7 months, his marital status as widower, and his occupation as teamster. His description on his Certificate of Medical Examination form was height 5 feet 5 ¾ inches tall, with a fair complexion, blue eyes, and fair hair. His religious denomination was Church of England. He claimed that he had no previous military service.

He completed his medical examination at Katoomba on 5^th November 1915 (the day the Coo-ees stayed overnight at Katoomba), and was attested by Lieutenant Edward Shaw at Katoomba on the same day.

‘R. W. Pettigrew’ was named in The Blue Mountain Echo as one of ‘the lads who answered the call, and marched out with the Coo-ees’ at Katoomba.[2]

After completing the Co-ee March he went to Liverpool Camp as reinforcement for the 13^th Battalion.

On his embarkation roll his address at time of enrolment was C/o Mrs P. Birtles, Wattlegrove Station, Wooragee, Victoria, and his next of kin is listed as his step-sister, Mrs P. Birtles, as the same address.

On 8^th March 1916 Private Pettigrew, along with many of the other Coo-ees, departed Sydney on the HMAT A15 Star of England. He arrived in Egypt on 11^th April 1916.

On 13^th April 1916 he was admitted to the No. 2 Australian Stationary Hospital at Tel-el-Kebir, Egypt, with asthma.

On 20^th May 1916 he was transferred to the 45^th Battalion in Egypt.

On 7^th June 1916 Private Pettigrew left Alexandria aboard the transport Huntspill bound for France. He arrived at Marseilles on 14^th June 1916.

On 1^st July 1916 Private Pettigrew was charged with being absent from entrainment parade at Marseilles on 15^th June 1916 . He was fined 8 days pay.

On 9^th August 1916 Private Pettigrew was taken on strength of the 45^th Battalion when it was manning the support line in the vicinity of Pozieres, France.

Private Pettigrew was with the 45^th Battalion in the field in France for the next 12 days, where it was in support from 9^th to 11^th August 1916 supplying fatigue and working parties, then engaged in the reserve and front lines from 12^th to 15^th August 1916. The 45^th Battalion then undertook several days marching as the Battalion moved from the front line to Albert, Warloy, and Herissart, then marched to Berteaucourt ‘in heavy rain’ on 19^th August 1916, to be reorganised and refitted.[3]

On 21^st August 1916 Private Pettigrew was taken by ambulance train from the 4^th Casualty Clearing Station and admitted to the 13^th General Hospital at Boulogne, France, suffering from bronchial asthma. On 22^nd August 1916 he was placed aboard the Hospital Ship St Dennis in Boulogne Harbour from evacuation to England with bronchitis. On 21^st August 1916 Private Pettigrew was taken by ambulance train from the 4^th Casualty Clearing Station and admitted to the 13^th General Hospital at Boulogne, France, suffering from bronchial asthma. On 22^nd August 1916 he was placed aboard the Hospital Ship St Dennis in Boulogne Harbour from evacuation to England with bronchitis.

On 23^rd August 1916 he was admitted to the Chatham Military Hospital in England. On 12^th October 1916 he was transferred to the 3^rd Australian Auxiliary Hospital in England.

He was discharged on the 21^st of October 1916 and granted leave to report to the No. 1 Command Depot at Perham Downs on 6^th November 1916.

On 8^th November 1916 Private Pettigrew was charged with being absent without leave from 3.30 pm on 6^th November 1916 till 8.45 pm on 7^th November 1916. He was awarded 7 days confined to camp and fined 2 days pay.

On 13^th November 1916 Private Pettigrew was transferred to the No. 4 Command Depot at Wareham, England.

On the 3rd of March 1917 Private Pettigrew was transferred to the No. 2 Command Depot at Weymouth, England.

On 4^th May 1917 he was admitted to Verne Citadel holding station at Portland, England, with asthma.

On 23^rd May 1917 Private Pettigrew departed England aboard the HMAT A33 Ayrshire bound for Australia for medical discharge with asthma.

After arriving in Australia he was discharged Medically Unfit on 21^st January 1918.

[1] NAA: B2455, PETTIGREW ROBERT WILLIAM

[2] March o’er the Mountains’, The Blue Mountain Echo, 12 November 1915, p. 3. Retrieved March 7, 2017, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article108042142

[3] AWM4 23/62/6 – August 1916, Australian Imperial Force unit war diaries, 1914-18 War, 45^th Infantry Battalion

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Posted in Recruits

Tagged HMAT A15 Star of England, Katoomba recruits, Robert William Pettigrew

Robert Michael HICKEY

Posted on April 16, 2017 | 3 comments

Robert Michael HICKEY

Per his military service record (regimental no. 5099), Robert Michael Hickey was born at Carcoar, N.S.W.[1] He gave his age as 43 years and 2 months, his marital status as single, and his occupation as engine driver. His description on his Certificate of Medical Examination was height 5 feet 10 inches tall, weight 156 lbs., with a medium complexion, brown eyes, and brown hair. His religious denomination was Roman Catholic. He claimed that he had no previous military service.

He was attested by Lieutenant Frank Middenway at Ashfield on 11^th November 1915. The Coo-ees held a recruitment meeting and stayed in Ashfield at the Drill Hall on the night of 11^th November 1915 – the last night of the march. The Certificate of Medical Examination in his service record shows that he first completed his medical on 11^th November 1915 at Ashfield, however this date is crossed out, and replaced with the later date of 28^th January 1916, at Liverpool Camp.

After completing the Coo-ee March he went to Liverpool Camp as reinforcement for the 13^th Battalion.

On 4^th February 1916 Private Hickey was charged with being Absent Without Leave from 16^th January to 24^th January 1916. He was recommended to be discharged, however he was fined and reinstated.

On his embarkation roll his address at time of enrolment was 29 Rocket Street, Bathurst, N.S.W, and his next of kin is listed as his mother, Mrs E. Hickey, at the same address.

Private Hickey departed Sydney on the HMAT A16 Star of Victoria on 31^st March 1916, as 16^th reinforcements for the 13^th Battalion.[2] He arrived in Egypt on the 8^th May 1916.

On the 7^th June 1916 Private Hickey left Alexandria aboard a transport ship bound for France, arriving at Marseilles on the 14^th June 1916.

On 21^st July he was taken on strength of the 13^th Battalion in France from the 4^th Division Base Depot at Etaples.

On 2^nd August 1916 the 13^th Battalion was training at Warloy, France, when Private Hickey was charged with being absent from Tattoo roll call on 31^st July 1916. He was awarded 7 days Field Punishment No. 2.

On 11^th August 1916, Private Hickey was wounded in action in the vicinity of Pozieres, when the 13^th Battalion was in the front line during the Battle of Pozieres. (His wound is not described in his service record). He was evacuated to the 1^st Canadian General Hospital at Etaples, France, where he was admitted sick on 23^rd August 1916.

On 30^th August 1916 he was placed aboard the Hospital Ship Stad Antwerpen at Calais for evacuation to England. Later that day he was admitted to the 4^th Northern General Hospital at Lincoln, England.

On 25^th September 1916 Private Hickey was transferred to the 2^nd Australian Auxiliary Hospital at Southall, England. He was discharged on 31^st October 1916 and marched into the No. 2 Command Depot at Weymouth, England.

On 9^th November 1916 Private Hickey was transferred to the 4^th Training Battalion at Codford, England for “home service”.

On13^th April 1917 Private Hickey was transferred back to the No. 2 Command Depot at Weymouth, England.

On 4^th May 1917 Private Hickey departed England from Devonport aboard the H.M.A.T. Runic bound for Australia.

He arrived in Sydney on 6^th July 1917. He was discharged Medically Unfit (Mitral Incompetence) on 11^th August 1917.

Note: A page in his service record lists that he embarked from Sydney on the HMAT A15 Star of England with regimental no. 4798. However, his name (and this regimental number) are not included on the nominal roll for the HMAT A15 Star of England. This initial regimental no. 4798 is crossed out on his Attestation Paper, and replaced with 5099.

[1] NAA: B2455, HICKEY R M 5099

[2] Australian War Memorial First World War Embarkation Rolls, ‘Robert Michael Hickey’, HMAT Star of Victoria A16, https://www.awm.gov.au/people/rolls/R1830731/

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Posted in Recruits

Tagged Ashfield recruits, HMAT A16 Star of Victoria, Robert Michael Hickey

TIMELINE April 1917

Posted on April 14, 2017 | Leave a comment

TIMELINE April 1917

Wednesday, 4 April 1917

Lance Corporal James Gerald CAMERON (45^th Battalion) was admitted to the 3rd General Canadian Hospital at Bologne with a laceration to his right hand (accidental injury in March).

Friday, 6 April 1917

Sergeant Sydney Raymond CARVER (45^th Battalion) was wounded in action with a gunshot wound to his left leg.

Lance Corporal James Gerald CAMERON (45^th Battalion) was promoted to full Corporal.

Saturday, 7 April 1917

Sapper Charles Arthur FINN (13^th Field Company Engineers) was killed in action by a high explosive shell while conducting road maintenance and repairs in the vicinity of Baupame France. Sapper Finn was buried at the H.A.C. Cemetery, Ecoust-St. Mein, Arras, Nord Pas de Calais, France.

Sapper C. A. Finn, of Gilgandra killed in action (Newspaper unknown, ca. 1917)

Charles Alfred Finn’s headstone at H.A.C. Cemetery, France (Photograph: S. & H. Thompson, 6/9/2014)

Corporal James Gerald CAMERON (45^th Battalion) was placed aboard the HS Princess Elizabeth for evacuation to England, and was admitted to Kitchener Military Hospital at Brighton the same day.

Monday, 9 April 1917

Trooper Francis Noel WHITE (6^th Light Horse Regiment) arrived in Australia aboard the NZ Transport Willochra.

Wednesday, 11 April 1917

Private Thomas ANDERSON (13^th Battalion) was wounded in action with a gunshot wound to his right hand in the Battle of Bullecourt in France.

Private Reginald Arthur COWELL (4^th Division Light Trench Mortar Battery) was wounded in action with a shrapnel wound to his face in the Battle of Bullecourt in the vicinity of Bullecourt.

Private R. A. Cowell (Cumberland Argus and Fruitgrowers Advocate 19/1/1918)

Private Allan COLQUHOUN (13^th Battalion) was reported missing in action during the Battle of Bullecourt (he was captured and later reported to be a prisoner of war).

Allan Colquhoun (Cumberland Argus and Fruitgrowers Advocate, 16/11/1918)

Private Stanley Everard STEPHENS (13^th Battalion) was killed in action during the Battle of Bullecourt. He was initially one of 367 reported missing on this day – a court of enquiry later officially reported him killed in action. He has no known grave. His name is remembered on the Australian National Memorial at Villers-Bretonneux, France.

Stanley Everard Stephens (Photograph courtesy of M. Stephens)

Private Stephen’s name on the Villers-Bretonneux Memorial, France (Photograph: S. & H. Thompson 7/9/2014)

Private Thomas JACKSON (13^th Battalion) was wounded in action near Bullecourt, France, in the Battle of Bullecourt, receiving shrapnel wounds to his face and neck.

Private Robert Clyde CAMPBELL (13^th Battalion) was wounded in action in the vicinity of Reincourt during the Battle of Bullecourt on the Hindenburg Line, receiving a gunshot wound to his left arm.

Private John Hole SAUNDERS (13^th Battalion) was sent to the 4th Australian Field Ambulance suffering Asthma.

Private J. H. Saunders (Cumberland Argus and Fruitgrowers Advocate 27/5/1916)

Sergeant Sydney Raymond CARVER (45^th Battalion) was wounded in action receiving a shrapnel wound to his left leg in the vicinity of Noreuil in the Battle of Bullecourt.

Thursday, 12 April 1917

Private Robert Clyde CAMPBELL (13^th Battalion) was admitted to the 6th General Hospital at Rouen.

Friday, 13 April 1917

Private Thomas JACKSON (13^th Battalion) was admitted to the 11th Stationary Hospital at Rouen.

Private Sidney BENNETT (45^th Battalion) was admitted to the 16th Field Ambulance with Scabies.

Sidney Bennett (Photograph courtesy of his grand-daughters D. Ayers and J. Pemberton)

Private Thomas ANDERSON (13^th Battalion) was admitted to the 1st General Hospital (GSW right hand).

Private Reginald Arthur COWELL (4^th Division Light Trench Mortar Battery) was admitted to the 1st General Hospital in France [shrapnel wound to his face, and he was discharged on 28th April, and sent to the 4th Australian Division Base Depot at Le Havre).

Sergeant Sydney Raymond CARVER (45^th Battalion) was admitted to the 1st General Hospital at Rouen.

Saturday, 14 April 1917

Private Thomas JACKSON (13th Battalion) was admitted to the 2^nd Convalescent Depot at Rouen.

Sunday, 15 April 1917

Private Robert Clyde CAMPBELL (13th Battalion) was moved to the 2^nd Convalescent Depot at Rouen.

Monday, 16 April 1917

Private Leo Ambrose STINSON (20^th Battalion) was wounded in action in the front line near Lagnicourt in France, receiving a gunshot wound to his back and right arm.

Tuesday, 17 April 1917

Private Leo Ambrose STINSON (20^th Battalion) was admitted to the 10^th General Hospital in Rouen.

Thursday, 19 April 1917

Trooper William ALSTON (1^st Anzac Battalion of the Imperial Camel Brigade) was wounded in action, with a gunshot wound to his left arm and foot, outside Gaza in Palestine, during an attack.

William Alston on the occasion of his marriage to Miss. I. Quinton, sister of Coo-ee Victor Quinton, at Gilgandra, 1923 (Photograph courtesy of Dell Tschanter)

Private Thomas ANDERSON (13^th Battalion) placed aboard the HS Londonderry for evacuation to England (gunshot wound right hand).

Friday, 20 April 1917

Private Percy George BROWN (54^th Battalion) was admitted to the 11th Stationary Hospital at Rouen, France, with Influezna.

Trooper William ALSTON (1^st Anzac Battalion of the Imperial Camel Brigade) was admited to the 54th Casualty Clearing Station at El Arish in Egypt.

Private Thomas ANDERSON (13^th Battalion) admitted to 1st Southern General Hospital at Birmingham, England (gunshot wound right hand).

Saturday, 21 April 1917

Private Samuel LUKE (4^th Pioneer Battalion) was killed in action by a high explosive shell during the Battle of Bullecourt in the vicinity of Vaulx-Vraucourt, France. He was buried in the Vaulx Hill Cemetery, France.

Samuel Luke’s headstone at Vaulx Hill Cemetery, France (Photograph: S & H Thompson, 6/9/2014)

Private Bernard COYTE (13^th Battalion) was placed aboard the Hospital Ship St George for evacuation to England suffering a slight debility.

Bernard Coyte, ca. 1915 (Photograph: Australian War Memorial P09199.001)

Private Thomas JACKSON (13^th Battalion) was discharged and sent to the 4th Australian Division Depot at Le Havre.

Corporal James Gerald CAMERON (45^th Battalion) was discharged from hospital in England and granted leave.

Private John Hole SAUNDERS (13^th Battalion) was sent to the 56th Casualty Clearing Station in France (Asthma).

Sunday, 22 April 1917

Trooper William ALSTON (1^st Anzac Battalion of the Imperial Camel Brigade) was admitted to the 36th Stationery Hospital at Mahendia in Egypt.

Private Robert Clyde CAMPBELL (13^th Battalion) was moved to the 11^th Convalescent Depot at Buchy in France.

Monday, 23 April 1917

Private Bernard COYTE (13^th Battalion) was admitted to the Lewisham Military Hospital in England.

Private John Hole SAUNDERS (13^th Battalion) was sent to the 11th Stationary Hospital at Rouen (Asthma).

Tuesday, 24 April 1917

Private Percy George BROWN (54^th Battalion) was moved to the 11th Convalescent Depot in France.

Wednesday, 25 April 1917

Sergeant Sydney Raymond CARVER (45^th Battalion) was placed aboard a hospital ship for evacuation to England (shrapnel wound to his left leg).

Thursday, 26 April 1917

Private John Hole SAUNDERS (13^th Battalion) was discharged from hospital and sent to the 4th Australian Divison Base Depot at Le Havre.

Sergeant Sydney Raymond CARVER (45^th Battalion) was admitted to the 2nd Southern General Hospital at Bristol in England.

Friday, 27 April 1917

Private Thomas Walter DOWD (19^th Battalion) was promoted to Lance Corporal.

Saturday, 28 April 1917

Gunner Charles Alfred HAMPSON (10^th Field Artillery Brigade) was killed in action during the Battle of Bullecourt. Gunner Hampson was buried in the H.A.C. Cemetery, Ecoust-St. Mein, Arras, Nord Pas de Calais, France.

Charles Alfred Hampson’s headstone at H.A.C. Cemetery, France (Photograph: S. & H. Thompson, 6/9/2014)

Sunday, 29 April 1917

Private Leo Ambrose STINSON (20^th Battalion) was evacuated by the hospital ship Warilda to England.

Monday, 30 April 1917

Private Leo Ambrose STINSON (20^th Battalion) was admitted to the 5^th Southern General Hospital at Portsmouth, England with gun shot wound to the right arm and back.

Private Bernard COYTE (13^th Battalion) was transferred to the Bermondsey Ladywell Hospital in England.

Private Thomas JACKSON (13^th Battalion) returned from hospital to his Battalion.

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Tagged Timeline

	Calvin Rosser on Ernest Charles Norman MAY
	Helen Thompson on Norman Hamond FRANCISCO
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	Sonia on Leo Ambrose STINSON

Monthly Archives: April 2017

Coo-ee March Roll of Honour

4730 Private Harold BAXTER

45th Infantry Battalion A.I.F.

4460 Private Charles William Gordon CONROY

54th Infantry Battalion A.I.F.

4757 Private Bernard COYTE

13th Infantry Battalion A.I.F.

4753 Private James CRAWFORD

13th Infantry Battalion A.I.F.

Lieutenant Harry DAVENPORT

4th Infantry Battalion A.I.F.

4759 Private Harold Brooks DAVIS

45th Infantry Battalion A.I.F.

3017B Private Allan James DENMEAD

19th Infantry Battalion A.I.F.

6251 Private Francis Charles FINLAYSON

13th Infantry Battalion A.I.F.

6289 Sapper Charles Arthur FINN

13th Field Company, Australian Engineers, A.I.F.

4789 Gunner Charles Alfred HAMPSON

10th Field Artillery Brigade A.I.F.

4791 Private Oliver James HARMON

4th Pioneer Battalion A.I.F.

1677 Corporal William Thomas HITCHEN

45th Infantry Battalion A.I.F.

2196 Private Percy Walter HOLPEN

46th Infantry Battalion A.I.F.

1887 Private Frank HUMPHREY

60th Infantry Battalion A.I.F.

4807 Private William Emerton HUNTER

45th Infantry Battalion A.I.F.

4816 Private Thomas JACKSON

13th Infantry Battalion A.I.F.

4817 Private Alan Chesher JOHNSON

45th Infantry Battalion A.I.F.

384 Lance Corporal Darcy KEATING

4th Infantry Battalion A.I.F.

5489 Private Lewis LEOVILLE

45th Infantry Battalion A.I.F.

4832 Private Spencer John LETCHER

45th Infantry Battalion A.I.F.

4830 Private Samuel LUKE

4th Pioneer Battalion A.I.F.

4840 Lance Corporal Laurence Leslie MAGUIRE

45th Infantry Battalion A.I.F.

4541 Corporal John MARTIN

54th Infantry Battalion A.I.F.

4858 Gunner Wilfred Ernest MCDONALD

4th Division Heavy and Medium Trench Mortar Battery Field Artillery A.I.F.

4920 Private Edward Joseph MCGARRY

4th Pioneer Battalion A.I.F.

4857 Private Joseph Raymond MCGUIRE

45th Infantry Battalion A.I.F.

2708 Private Archibald MCINTYRE

56th Infantry Battalion A.I.F.

4849 Private Jack MORRIS

45th Infantry Battalion A.I.F.

2369 Trooper William Henry NICHOLLS

7th Light Horse Regiment A.I.F.

4865 Private Karl ALEX FREDERICK NIELSEN

4th Pioneer Battalion A.I.F.

7048 Private Patrick Joseph O’LOUGHLIN

3rd Infantry Battalion A.I.F.

6199 Private James O’NEILL

18th Infantry Battalion A.I.F.

4866 Private Joseph PARRISH

4th Machine Gun Battalion A.I.F.

4886 Private Arthur Charles REID

4th Division Medium Trench Mortar Battery A.I.F.

4891 Private John Thomas SMITH

4th Pioneer Battalion A.I.F.

6320 Private Stanley Everard STEPHENS

13th Infantry Battalion A.I.F.

4605 Private John TARLINGTON

4th Pioneer Battalion A.I.F.

4903 Sergeant Thomas THORNE

13th Infantry Battalion A.I.F.

4617 Private Joseph Patrick WALLIS

54th Infantry Battalion A.I.F.

19^th Infantry Battalion A.I.F.

45^th Infantry Battalion A.I.F.

13^th Infantry Battalion A.I.F.

56^th Infantry Battalion A.I.F.

3^rd Infantry Battalion A.I.F.

4^th Division Medium Trench Mortar Battery A.I.F.

13^th Infantry Battalion A.I.F.

45^th Infantry Battalion A.I.F.