Monthly Archives: January 2018

Frederick Graham HARVEY

Posted on January 29, 2018 | Leave a comment

Frederick Graham HARVEY (MM)

Per his military service record (regimental no. 4792), Frederick Graham Harvey was born at Wagga Wagga, N.S.W.[1]  He gave his age as 19 years and 5 months, his marital status as single, and his occupation as farmer.  His description on his Certificate of Medical Examination was 5 feet 9 inches tall, weight 10 stone, with a fair complexion, grey eyes, and fair hair.  His religious denomination was Presbyterian.   He claimed that he had no previous military service.

The National Advocate reported on 22nd October 1915 that  ‘Fred Graham Harvey’ of the ‘Cosmopolitan Hotel, Bathurst’, was one of the 16 ‘Bathurst Burrs’  recruited by the Bathurst Recruiting Association  who had ‘been enlisted and passed by the medical officer ‘ to join the Coo-ees when they reached Bathurst.[2]

The National Advocate reported that ‘a dozen men actually left Bathurst with the Coo-ees, and that ’the remainder of the Bathurst unit will follow on and catch up with the Coo-ees probably at Wallerawang and Lithgow’.[3]

His ‘Date of Joining’ per his embarkation roll was 22nd October 1915.[4]  Per a Statutory Declaration in his service record, Frederick Graham Harvey stated he was attested at Bathurst. A letter from his mother dated 23rd October 1915 from West Maitland, giving permission for him to enlist, is in his file.

However, there appears to be an anomaly with his enlistment papers, as his initial enlistment paperwork from Bathurst appears to be missing from his file.  The ‘Oath to the Taken by Person Being Enlisted’ section of his Attestation Paper has the initial details of ‘taken and subscribed at Bathurst’  on ‘28th October 1915’ crossed out (the day the Coo-ees arrived in Bathurst), and changed to 13th November 1915 at Liverpool.  He was attested at Liverpool my Lieutenant E. Shaw on 13th November 1915 (the day after the Coo-ee March finished in Sydney), and he completed a medical examination at Liverpool on the same day.

So it appears he presented to enlist with the Coo-ees in Bathurst, but it is unclear if he marched out of Bathurst with the Coo-ees, or caught up with them along the way.

After the Coo-ee March he went into Liverpool Camp with the Coo-ees as reinforcement for the 13th Battalion.

An entry in his service record dated 22nd November 1915 at Liverpool stated that he had been absent from guard duty [date not recorded], and he was warned.

On his embarkation roll his address at time of enrolment was 58 Keppel Street, Bathurst, N.S.W. His next of kin is listed as his mother, Mrs S. Harvey, 23 Wolfe Street, West Maitland, N.S.W.[5]

On 8th March 1916 Private Harvey, along with many of the other Coo-ees, departed Sydney on the HMAT A15 Star of England with the 15th reinforcements for the 13th Battalion, and arrived in Egypt on  11th April 1916.

On 16th April 1916 Private Harvey was transferred to the 4th Pioneer Battalion.

On 4th June 1916 Private Harvey left Alexandria aboard the Transport Scotian, bound for France. He arrived at Marseilles on 11th June 1916.

On 16th April 1916 Private Harvey was transferred to the 4th Pioneer Battalion at Tel-el-Kebir.

On 2nd December 1916 the 4th Pioneer Battalion was constructing tramways near Longueval, France when Private Harvey suffered a sprained back.[6] He was sent to the 15th Australian Field Ambulance. On 3rd December 1916 he was sent to a Rest Station. On 13th December 1916 he re-joined the 4th Pioneer Battalion, when it was still constructing tramways near Longueval, France.

He went to hospital sick on 14th March 1917.  He re-joined the 4th Pioneer Battalion from hospital the next day.

On 14th October 1917 Private Harvey was awarded the Military Medal for action he performed on 26th September 1917 when the 4th Pioneer Battalion was engaged on the Ypres Sector in the vicinity of Westhoek, Belgium.

The citation reads:

For gallant conduct and devotion to duty in the YPRES Sector. This man assisted his Officer in carrying out a very daring daylight reconnaissance immediately following the attack on 26th September. Under very heavy hostile shell fire a location for an important Communication Trench and taped and laid out. After this was completed he returned to a rendezvous to guide the Company up to dig the Trench. He went forward reconnoitering for the safest routes possible and by his initiative, enabled the digging party to reach, and successfully completed the job. By his coolness and courage he set a fine example to all.[7]

Notification of Private Harvey’s  award was gazetted in Third Supplement No. 30431 to The London Gazette, 14th December 1917 (page 13198), and was also published in the Commonwealth of Australia Gazette, 2nd May 1918 (page 1036).[8]

On 24th December 1917 Private Harvey was sent to the 4th Australian Field Ambulance suffering Pyrexia.

He was discharged and returned to the 4th Pioneer Battalion on 2nd January 1918, when it was digging trenches near Guyencourt, France.[9]

On 21st March 1918 Private Harvey was promoted to Lance Corporal.

On 6th May 1918 Lance Corporal Harvey was sent to the 12th Australian Field Ambulance suffering from Bronchitis. He was moved to the 61st Casualty Clearing Station later that day.  On 7th May 1918 he was placed aboard the 27th Ambulance Train. On 8th May 1918 he was admitted to the 6th General Hospital at Rouen, France.

On 12th May 1918 Lance Corporal Harvey was placed aboard the Hospital Ship Grantully Castle for evacuation to England. On 13th May 1918 he was admitted to the Winchester General Military Hospital.

On 8th June 1918 he was transferred to the 1st Australian Auxiliary Hospital at Harefield, England.

On1st July 1918 he was discharged and granted leave to report to the No. 1 Command Depot at Sutton Veny, England.

On 5th September 1918 Lance Corporal Harvey marched into the Overseas Training Brigade at Longbridge Deverill, England.

On 20th September 1918 Lance Corporal Harvey was transferred to the 1st Training Brigade.

On 13th January 1919 Lance Corporal Harvey marched into a concentration camp at Codford, England, awaiting his return to Australia.

On 21st March 1919 Lance Corporal Harvey left England on the H.M.T. Kildonian Castle, bound for Australia.

He arrived in Australia on 9th May 1919.

He was discharged Termination of Period of Enlistment on 23rd June 1919.

 

[1] NAA B2455, HARVEY F G

[2] Bathurst Route Marchers. (1915, October 22). National Advocate (Bathurst, NSW : 1889 – 1954), p. 3. Retrieved December 3, 2017, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article158147800

[3] To the Sea (1915, October 30). National Advocate (Bathurst, NSW : 1889 – 1954), p. 3. Retrieved January 27, 2018, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article158152730

[4] Australian War Memorial. First World War Embarkation Roll, Frederick Graham Harvey,  4792. HMAT Star of England A15, 8 March 1916.

[5] Australian War Memorial. First World War Embarkation Roll, Frederick Graham Harvey,  4792. HMAT Star of England A15, 8 March 1916.

[6] Australian Imperial Force unit war diaries, 1914-18 War – AWM4 Subclass 14/16 – 4th Australian Pioneer Battalion, December 1916.

[7] Australian War Memorial. Honours and Awards (Recommendation), Francis [sic] Graham Harvey, Private, 4792, 4th Australian Pioneer Battalion, https://www.awm.gov.au/collection/R1586601

[8] Government Gazette Proclamations and Legislation (1918, May 2). Commonwealth of Australia Gazette (National : 1901 – 1973), p. 1036. Retrieved January 29, 2018, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article232464380

[9] Australian Imperial Force unit war diaries, 1914-18 War – AWM4 Subclass 14/16 – 4th Australian Pioneer Battalion, January 1918.

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George EAVERS

Posted on January 29, 2018 | Leave a comment

George EAVERS

Per his initial military service record (regimental no. 4768), George Eavers was born at Manchester, Lancashire, England.[1] He gave his age as 27 years and 4 months, his marital status as single, and his occupation as barman.  His description on his Certificate of Medical Examination was 5 feet 3 ½ inches tall, weight 9 stone, with a fair complexion, blue eyes, and brown hair.  His religious denomination was Roman Catholic.   He claimed to have no previous military service.

George Eavers was named in the National Advocate as one of seven recruits who had volunteered to join the Coo-ees at a recruiting rally held at the Soldiers’ Monument in Bathurst on the evening of 22nd October 1915.[2]

He was attested by Captain A. C. Eade at Bathurst on 28th October 1915 (when the Coo-ees were at Bathurst).

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

He completed his medical examination at Liverpool on 13th November 1915.

On 21st January 1916 Private Eavers was charged with being absent without leave from 6th to the 8th January 1916. He was fined 10 shillings.

On 7th February 1916 he was charged with being absent without leave from 1st to the 7th February 1916. He was fined 30 shillings.

Listed under “George Eayers” on his embarkation roll, his address at time of enrolment was Cosmopolitan Hotel, Bathurst, N.S.W., and his next of kin is listed as friend, B Howe, at the same address.[3]

On 8th March 1916 Private Eavers, along with many of the other Coo-ees, departed Sydney on the HMAT A15 Star of England with the 15th reinforcements for the 13th Battalion, and arrived in Egypt on the 11th April 1916.

On 16th April 1916 Private Eavers was transferred to the 4th Pioneer Battalion at Tel-el-Kebir.

On 2nd May 1916 he was charged with being absent without leave from 1600 on 29th April 1916 till 0600 on 2nd May 1916. He was awarded 4 days Field Punishment No. 2 and fined 4 days pay.

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

Two and half months later, on 30th August 1916 Private Eavers reported sick with an abscess on his right groin. On 1st September 1916 he was sent to the 3rd Stationary Hospital at Rouen, France. On 3rd September 1916 he was sent to the 6th General Hospital at Rouen.

On 15th September 1916 he was placed aboard the Hospital Ship Asturias at Le Harve, France, for evacuation to England. Later that day he was admitted to the 3rd London General Hospital at Wandsworth with an abcess on both groins.

On 6th November 1916 Private Eavers was discharged from hospital, and granted leave to report to the No. 1 Command Depot at Perham Downs, England, on 21st November 1916.

On 30th November 1916 Private Eavers was admitted to the Parkhouse Military Hospital sick.  He was discharged on 16th February 1917.

On 24th February 1917 Private Eavers was admitted sick to the 1st Australian Dermatological Hospital at Bulford, England. He was discharged on 19th May 1917.

On 29th May 1917 Private Eavers was charged with being absent without leave from 3.30 pm on 19th May 1917 till 9.15 pm on 24th May 1917. He was sentenced to 3 days Field Punishment No. 2 and fined 13 days pay.

On 1st June 1917 Private Eavers was charged with being absent without leave from 10 pm on 30th May 1917 till 10.30 pm on 31st May 1917. He was sentenced to 48 hours detention and fined 4 days pay.

On 27th June 1917 Private Eavers was transferred to the Pioneer Training Battalion at Fovant, England.

Private Eavers commenced his return to Australia on 7th July 1918 aboard the H.M.A.T. Essex.

He arrived in Australia on 1st September 1918.

He was discharged medically unfit on 19th October 1918.

 

[1] NAA B2455, EAVERS G

[2] Recruiting Rally (1915, October 23). National Advocate (Bathurst, NSW : 1889 – 1954), p. 5. Retrieved January 28, 2018, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article158152992

[3] Australian War Memorial. First World War Embarkation Roll, George Eayers [sic], 4768.

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Patrick Joseph KENNEDY

Posted on January 27, 2018 | Leave a comment

Patrick Joseph KENNEDY

Per his initial military service record (regimental no. 2196), Patrick Joseph Kennedy was born at Braidwood, N.S.W.[1] He gave his age as 24 years and 6 months, his marital status as single, and his occupation as labourer.  His description on his Certificate of Medical Examination was 5 feet 8 inches tall, weight 140 lbs., with a fair complexion, blue eyes, and fair hair.  His religious denomination was Roman Catholic.   He claimed to have 12 months military service in the Australian Light Horse.

Patrick Joseph Kennedy was named in The Bathurst Times as one of four recruits who came forward to join the Coo-ees at the recruiting meeting held at Machattie Park in Bathurst on the evening of 28th October 1915.[2]

He undertook a preliminary medical examination, and signed a preliminary Application to Enlist in the Australian Imperial Force form, at Bathurst on 29th October 1915, the day the Coo-ees marched from Bathurst to Yetholme.

He completed his medical examination, and was attested by Captain A. C. Eade, at Lithgow on 2nd November 1915 (the day the Coo-ees rested at Lithgow).

After completing the Coo-ee March he went to Liverpool Camp as reinforcement for the 2nd Light Horse Regiment.

On his embarkation roll his address at time of enrolment was Reidsdale, Braidwood, N.S.W., and his next of kin is listed as his father, Richard Kennedy, at the same address.[3]

On 22nd March 1916 Trooper Kennedy (along with fellow Coo-ee Trooper Sullivan) departed Sydney on the HMAT A4 Pera, with the 15th reinforcements for the 6th Light Horse Regiment.

After arriving at Suez in Egypt, Trooper Kennedy marched into the 2nd Light Horse Training Regiment at Tel-el-Kebir.

On 6th July 1916 he was taken on strength of the 2nd Double Remount Squadron at Serapeum, Egypt.

On 2nd November 1916 Trooper Kennedy was transferred to the 4th Australian Camel Regiment at Abassia, Egypt.

On 8th February 1917 he was transferred to the 4rd ANZAC Battalion of the Imperial Camel Corps at Abassia, Egypt.

On 11th January 1918 Trooper Kennedy was detached for duty at Battalion Headquarters.

On 19th July 1918 he was transferred to the Australian Camel Field Ambulance at Surafend, Egypt.

On 28th July 1918 he was transferred to the 5th Light Horse Field Ambulance at Surafend, Egypt, and appointed a Driver.

On 27th June 1919 Trooper Kennedy was transferred to the Australian Base Depot at Port Said, Egypt.

On 14th July 1919 he departed Alexandria aboard H.T. Magdalena for leave in England.

On 25th September 1919 Trooper Kennedy departed Devonport, England, aboard the H.T. Port Denison, bound for Australia.

He arrived in Australia on 17th November 1919.

Trooper Kennedy, along with several other local soldiers, was welcomed home at a reception held at the schoolhouse by the residents of Reidsdale on Wednesday night, 19th November, 1919, at which there was a banquet, speeches, and dancing.[4]

He was discharged Termination of Period of Enlistment on 10th December 1919.

 

[1] NAA: B2455, KENNEDY PATRICK JOSEPH

[2] IN THE PARK (1915, October 29). The Bathurst Times (NSW : 1909 – 1925), p. 2. Retrieved January 26, 2018, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article111246741

[3] Australian War Memorial. First World War Embarkation Roll, Patrick Joseph Kennedy, 2196.

[4] WELCOME HOME AT REIDSDALE. (1919, November 21). The Braidwood Dispatch and Mining Journal (NSW : 1888 – 1954), p. 2. Retrieved January 26, 2018, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article119229410

 

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Jack Graham WIGGINS

Posted on January 26, 2018 | 2 comments

Jack Graham WIGGINS

Pte. J. Wiggins (Sunday Times, 8/10/1916, p. 9)

Per his military service record (regimental no. 4918), Jack Graham Wiggins was born at Springwood, 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 form was height 5 feet 10 inches tall, weight 9 stone 7 lbs., with a dark complexion, dark grey eyes, and dark hair.  His religious denomination was Church of England.  He claimed that he had no previous military service.

His “Joined on” date on his Attestation Paper was recorded as 9th November 1915, the day the Coo-ees marched from Springwood to Penrith.

He completed his medical examination at Springwood on 9th November 1915, but was not attested until 11th November 1915 at Ashfield (when the Coo-ees were at Ashfield).

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

On 4th January 1916 Private Wiggins was charged with being absent without leave for 7 days. He was fined.

On 21st February 1916 he was charged with being absent from Parade on 19th  February 1916. He was fined.

On his embarkation roll his address at time of enrolment was Sassafras Road, Springwood, N.S.W., and his next of kin is listed as his father, E. Wiggins, at the same address.[2]

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

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

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

Private Wiggins served with the 45th Battalion through its first action at Fleurbaix, France, in July 1916, then as it moved to Pozieres in early August 1916.

From the 5th August 1916 until the 8th August 1916 the 45th Battalion was holding front line trenches between Pozieres and Martinpuich, France, until they were relieved, and moved back into support trenches.[3] On 8th August 1916 Private Wiggins was wounded in action, with a gunshot wound to his face.  He was evacuated to the 3rd Casualty Clearing Station on 9th August 1916. On 10th August 1916 he was admitted to the 2nd Australian General Hospital at Wimereux, France.

On 14th August 1916 Private Wiggins was sent by Hospital Ship from Le Havre to England, where he was admitted to the Northampton War Hospital.

On 6th October 1916 he reported back from leave to No. 1 Command Depot at Perham Downs, England.  He then marched in to the 12th Training Battalion camp at Codford.

On 14th October 1916 Private Wiggins departed England for France.

On 5th October 1916 Private Wiggins marched into the 4th Australian Division Base Depot at Etaples, France.

On 29th October 1916 he re-joined the 45th Battalion when it was training at Brucamps, France.

On 5th December 1916 the 45th Battalion was training at Dernacourt, France.[4] On this day Private Wiggins was charged with being absent from parade (fatigue work). He was awarded 168 hours Field Punishment No. 2.

On 23rd December 1916 the 45th Battalion was training at Flesselles, France.[5]  Private Wiggins was charged with being absent without leave from Parade at Dernacourt on 11th December 1916. He was fined 7 days pay.

On 29th December 1916 Private Wiggins was sent to hospital.  On 1st January 1917 the 45th Battalion was still training at Flesselles, France, when Private Wiggins was evacuated to the 8th Australian Field Ambulance with Trench Feet. He re-joined the 45th Battalion on 15th January 1917 when it was manning the front line in the vicinity of Guedecourt, France.

On 12th November 1917 the 45th Battalion was training at Erny St Julien, France.[6] On this day Private Wiggins was charged in a Field General Court Martial with while on active service, deserting his Majesty’s Service. Private Wiggins pleaded not guilty. He was found not guilty of desertion, but guilty of being absent without leave from 10 am on 19th October 1917 to 4 pm on 20th October 1917. The 45th Battalion had been in the front line around Ypres, Belgium, at the time.[7] He was awarded 90 days Field Punishment No. 2 and fined 49 days pay. 65 days of the Field Punishment was later remitted.

On 28th March 1918 the 45th Battalion was in support and front line trenches in the vicinity of Dernacourt, France, during the First Battle of Dernacourt, when Private Wiggins was wounded in action for the second time, receiving a shrapnel wound to his left thigh.[8]  He was admitted to the 13th Australian Field Ambulance. The next day he was moved back to the 56th Casualty Clearing Station, then admitted  to the 20th General Hospital at Camiers, France.

On 1st April 1918 Private Wiggins was placed aboard the Hospital Ship Ville De Liege for evacuation to England. Upon arrival he was admitted to the Norfolk War Hospital at Norwich, England.

On 9th May 1918 Private Wiggins was discharged from hospital, and granted leave to report to the No. 1 Command Depot at Sutton Veny, England, on 23rd May 1918.

On 16th June 1918 Private Wiggins was admitted to the Sutton Veny Military Hospital suffering Influenza. He was discharged on 24th June 1918.

On 6th July 1918 Private Wiggins was transferred to the Overseas Training Brigade at Longbridge Deverill, England. On 3rd August 1918 Private Wiggins departed Folkestone, England, bound for France. On 5th August 1918 he marched into the 4th Australian Division Base Depot at Le Harve, France.

On 11th August 1918 Private Wiggins re-joined the 45th Battalion when it was resting in the vicinity of Sailly-Laurette, France.[9]

On 20th January 1919 the 45th Battalion was at Hastiere, Belgium, when Private Wiggins was charged with using insolent language Towards an NCO. He was awarded 14 days Field Punishment No. 2 and fined 14 days pay.

On 30th January 1919 Private Wiggins was one of a party of 50 men from the 45th Battalion sent to the 4th Australian Division Base Depot at Le Harve, France, to commence the journey to Australia for demobilisation.

On 10th February 1918 Private Wiggins departed Le Harve for England, arriving at Weymouth on 11th February 1919, where he marched into the 3rd Training Brigade.

On 31st March 1919 Private Wiggins was declared an Illegal Absentee, having been absent without leave from 3rd March 1919.

On3rd July 1919 a court martial was held where Private Wiggins was charged with being absent without leave from 0001 3rd March 1919 till reporting back at 1700 on 11th June 1919. He was found guilty and sentenced to 4 months detention. On 28th July 1919 Private Wiggins was admitted to the Lewes Detention Barracks, England.

On 21st August 1919 Private Wiggins was discharged from the Lewes Detention Barracks, with the remainder of his sentence remitted.

On 22nd August 1919 Private Wiggins departed England bound for Australia aboard the HMAT  Anchises.

He arrived in Sydney on 13th October 1919, and was discharged the same day Services No Longer Required.

A welcome home concert was held for ‘J. Wiggins’ and several other local soldiers at Springwood on  27th December 1919.[10]

 

[1] NAA: B2455, WIGGINS JACK GRAHAM

[2] Australian War Memorial. First World War Embarkation Roll, Jack Graham Wiggins, 4918.

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

[4] Australian Imperial Force unit war diaries, 1914-18 War – AWM4 Subclass 23/62 – 45th Infantry Battalion, December 1916.

[5] Australian Imperial Force unit war diaries, 1914-18 War – AWM4 Subclass 23/62 – 45th Infantry Battalion, December 1916.

[6] Australian Imperial Force unit war diaries, 1914-18 War – AWM4 Subclass 23/62 – 45th Infantry Battalion, November 1917.

[7] Australian Imperial Force unit war diaries, 1914-18 War – AWM4 Subclass 23/62 – 45th Infantry Battalion, October 1917.

[8] Australian Imperial Force unit war diaries, 1914-18 War – AWM4 Subclass 23/62 – 45th Infantry Battalion, March 1918.

[9] Australian Imperial Force unit war diaries, 1914-18 War – AWM4 Subclass 23/62 – 45th Infantry Battalion, August 1918.

[10] SPRINGWOOD. (1919, December 26). The Blue Mountain Echo (NSW : 1909 – 1928), p. 7. Retrieved January 26, 2018, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article108249963

 

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John Thomas PARKER

Posted on January 26, 2018 | Leave a comment

John Thomas PARKER

Per his military service record (regimental no. 4867), John Thomas Parker was born at Warren,  N.S.W. [1] He gave his age as 28 years, his marital status as single, and his occupation as grocer. His description on his Certificate of Medical Examination was height 5 feet 10 ½ inches tall, weight 144 lbs., with a dark complexion, brown eyes, and brown hair. His religious denomination was Roman Catholic. He claimed that he had no previous military experience.

He completed his medical examination on 21st October 1915 at Dubbo, and was attested at Dubbo on 21st October 1915 (along with William Henry Nicholls, who was also from Coonamble).

The Dubbo Liberal and Macquarie Advocate reported that ‘Mr. Jack Parker, a Coonambleite, caught up to and joined the “Coo-ees” at Molong’.[2] He and William Henry Nicholls were the ‘two men from Coonamble’ reported in The Gilgandra Weekly to have caught up with the Coo-ees when they were at Molong on 22nd October 1915.[3]

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

On 22nd November 1915 at the Liverpool Camp he was charged with being absent without leave. He was fined 1 days pay.

On 7th February 1916 he was charged with being absent from special piquet. He was fined 5 shillings.

On his embarkation roll his address at time of enrolment was Namoi Street, Coonamble, N.S.W. His next of kin is listed as his mother, Mrs M. [Marion] Parker, at the same address.[4]

On 8th March 1916 Private Parker, along with many of the other Coo-ees, departed Sydney on the HMAT A15 Star of England with the 15th reinforcements for the 13th Battalion, and arrived in Egypt on the 11th April 1916.

Troopship HMAT A15 Star of England. Australian War Memorial Collection AWM H17014.

On 16th April 1916 Private Simpson was transferred to the 4th Pioneer Battalion at Tel-el-Kebir.

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

On 18th August 1916 the 4th Pioneer Battalion was resting and training after just coming out of conducting works around Pozieres, France, when Private Parker was charged with being absent from 1400 Parade.[5] He was awarded 8 hours Field Punishment no. 1 and fined 1 days pay.

On 19th October 1916 Private Parker was sent to the 12th Australian Field Ambulance sick with conjunctivitis. He was admitted to the 24th General Hospital at Etaples on 24th of October 1916.

On 28th October 1916 he was discharged to the 4th Australian Division Base Depot at Etaples, France.

On 8th of December 1916 Private Parker was charged with drunkenness and being in possession of spirits on the 6th of December 1916. He was awarded 14 days Field Punishment No. 1.

On 12th December 1916 Private Parker re-joined the 4th Pioneer Battalion whilst it was conducting works and tramway maintenance in the vicinity of Longueval, France.[6]

On 15th June 1917 Private Parker was charged with being absent without leave from 2100 on 6th June 1917 till surrendering himself to the Military Police at 2115 on 8th June 1917. He was awarded 28 days Field Punishment No. 2 and fined 37 days pay.

On 25th July 1917 a Field General Courts Martial was held where Private Parker was charged with whilst being on active service absenting himself without leave from  2100 on 12th July till apprehended by R.S.M. Middleton at 2030 on 13th July 1917. He was found guilty, and sentenced to 6 month imprisonment with hard labour. On 2nd August 1916 the sentence was commuted to 90 days Field Punishment No. 1 and fined 103 days pay.

On 17th August 1917 Private Parker was sent to the 4th Australian Field Ambulance sick. He was transferred to the 39th General Hospital  at Le Harve, France.  He was discharged from hospital on 1st September 1917, and sent to the 4th Australian Division Base Depot at Le Harve, France.

On 29th October 1917 Private Parker was charged with being in Le Harve town without a pass and being out of bounds on 27th October 1917. He was awarded 14 days Field Punishment No. 2 and fined 14 days pay.

Private Parker re-joined the 4th Pioneer Battalion on 26th November 1917.

On 28th February 1918 Private Parker was sent to the 13th Australian Field Ambulance with Pyrexia. He was transferred to the 53rd Casualty Clearing Station. On 3rd March 1918 he was moved to the 2nd Casualty Clearing Station. On 6th March 1918 he was placed aboard the 19th Ambulance Train and admitted to the 55th General Hospital at Boulogne suffering trench fever.

On 13th March 1918 Private Parker was placed aboard the H.S. Cambria and transferred to England, where he was admitted to the Tankerton Military Hospital at Whitstable, England, later that day.

On 5th April 1918 Private Parker was transferred to the 3rd Australian Auxiliary Hospital at Dartford, England.

On 3rd May 1918 he was discharged from hospital, and sent to the No.3 Command Depot at Hurdcott, England.

On 23rd June 1918 Private Parker was admitted to the Brigade Hospital at Hurdcott suffering from Influenza. He was discharged on 1st July 1918.

On 6th July 1918 Private Parker was transferred to the No.1 Command Depot at Sutton Veny, England.

On 14th October 1918 Private Parker marched into the Overseas Training Brigade.

On 6th November 1918 he departed Southampton bound for France. He arrived on 7th November 1918, and re-joined the 4th Pioneer Battalion in France on 11th November 1918.

On 10th February 1919 Private Parker departed Le Harve, France, bound for England. He arrived at Weymouth on 11th February 1919.

On 13th April 1919 Private Parker departed England aboard the Transport Commonwealth bound for Australia.  During this voyage he was admitted to the ship’s hospital with scabies in 25th April 1919. He was discharged on 7th May 1919.

Private Parker arrived in Australia on 12th June 1919.

He was discharged Termination of Period of Enlistment on 20th July 1919.

 

[1] NAA B2455, PARKER JOHN THOMAS

[2] ‘Our soldiers’, The Dubbo Liberal and Macquarie Advocate, 2 November 1915, p. 2. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article77601759

[3] ‘With the “Coo-ees.” From town to town’, Gilgandra Weekly , 20 October 1915, p. 2. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article119923919

[4] Australian War Memorial. First World War Embarkation Roll, John Thomas Parker, 4867.

[5] Australian Imperial Force unit war diaries, 1914-18 War – AWM4 Subclass 14/16 – 4th Australian Pioneer Battalion, August 1916.

[6] Australian Imperial Force unit war diaries, 1914-18 War – AWM4 Subclass 14/16 – 4th Australian Pioneer Battalion, December 1916.

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Samuel Mathew TANCRED

Posted on January 26, 2018 | Leave a comment

Samuel Mathew TANCRED

‘S. Tancred’, in The Queenslander Pictorial (p. 26), supplement to The Queenslander, 23 February 1918. Photograph courtesy of John Oxley Library, State Library of Queensland Image number: 702692-19180223-s0026-0048. http://hdl.handle.net/10462/deriv/415959 (Please refer to this web address for a higher resolution photograph)

Per his initial military service record (Depot), Samuel Mathew Tancred was born at Waterloo, Sydney, N.S.W.[1] He gave his age as 25 years and 10 months, his marital status as single, and his occupation as labourer. His next of kin was listed as his mother, Mrs Tancred, Botany Street, Waterloo, N.S.W. He claimed that he had no previous military service. He listed his postal address as ‘Geurie Post Office’, on his initial Application to Enlist in the Australian Imperial Force form. His description on his Certificate of Medical Examination was height 5 feet 6 inches tall, weight 140 lbs., with a fair complexion, blue eyes, and brown hair. His religious denomination was Roman Catholic. He claimed that he had no previous military service.

The Wellington Times reported that ‘S. Tankered’ was one of five recruits that left Geurie by train to join the Coo-ees on Monday night 25th October 1915.[2] They stopped at Wellington for their medical examinations, then caught the train to Blayney to join the contingent.

Samuel Tancred completed his medical examination at Wellington with the other Geurie recruits on Tuesday 26th October 1915, and was attested the same day by Captain A. C. Eade at Blayney.

After completing the Coo-ee March he went to Liverpool Camp as reinforcement for the 1st Light Horse Regiment.

On 10th January 1916 Trooper Tancred was charged with being absent from Musketry Parade on 7th January 1916, and being absent without leave on 8th and 9th January 1916. He was fined 20 shillings for the first offence, and 3 days pay for the second.

On 29th January 1916 Trooper Tancred was charged with being absent from 9.30 am parade without leave. He was fined 1 pound and confined to barracks for 4 days.

On 1st February 1916 Trooper Tancred was charged with being absent from duty. He was fined 1 pound and confined to barracks for 14 days.

On 7th February 1916 Trooper Tancred was charged with unlawfully disposing of Government Property. He was fined 2 pounds and sentenced to 14 days in Darlinghurst Gaol.

On 21st February 1916 Trooper Tancred was charged with breaking from guard tent whilst under arrest. He returned to the camp 2 days later and was held for discharge.

On 22nd March 1916 Trooper Tancred was discharged with Ignominy.

Samuel Tancred re-enlisted in the A.I.F. on 1st April 1916 at Bathurst, N.S.W, under the name of Samuel Mathew Bousfield. He was assigned regimental no. 2269, and allocated as a reinforcement for the 45th Battalion.

On 10th May 1916 Private Bousefield was charged with overstaying his leave by 44 hours from 0100 on 7th May 1916 till 2100 on 9th May 1916. He was fined 2 days pay.

On 5th June 1916 Private Bousefield deserted from Kiama Camp, and a warrant was issued for his arrest. [This warrant was withdrawn on 30th January 1919].

He re-enlisted in the A.I.F. again on 29th October 1917 at Brisbane, Queensland, under the name of Samuel Mathew Tancred.  He gave his age as 21 years and 9 months in this application. He was assigned regimental no. Q21677, and allocated to the Engineers and sent to the Engineer Depot.

On the 20th of November 1917 Sapper Tancred was transferred to the Miners.

On the 11th of December 1917 Private Tancred was transferred to the 2nd Military District Engineer Reinforcements, and sent to Moore Park Engineer Depot in Sydney.

Sapper Tancred was discharged medically unfit on 8th February 1918 due to Tachycardia ‘probably due to excessive cigarette smoking’.

Note: A statement from his mother Mrs Bousfield dated 11th January 1945 in his service record states that her son’s name was ‘Samuel Matthew Bousfield’, and that he had ‘enlisted in 1915 at the age of 18 years’ under her maiden name.

 

[1] NAA: B2455, TANCRED SAMUEL MATHEW

[2] Round the Wellington District. Geurie.  (1915, October 28). Wellington Times (NSW : 1899 – 1954), p. 7. Retrieved May 26, 2017, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article143392877

 

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Richard EVANS

Posted on January 16, 2018 | Leave a comment

Richard EVANS

Per his military service record (regimental no. 5368), Richard Evans was born at Deniliquin, N.S.W.[1]  He gave his age as 26 years and 3 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 154 lbs., 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, and was attested by Lieutenant F. Middenway, at Ashfield on 11th November 1915 (the day the Coo-ees marched from Parramatta to Ashfield).

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

On his embarkation roll his address at time of enrolment was Robinson Street, Croydon, N.S.W., and his next of kin was listed as his mother, Mrs A. [Annie] Evans, at the same address.[2]

On 9th April 1916 Private Evans departed Sydney on the HMAT Nestor A71 with the 17th reinforcements for the 13th Battalion (along with several other Coo-ees), bound for Egypt.

Photograph of HMAT A71 Nestor loaded with troops on an earlier voyage, taken 11 October 1915. Part of the Australian War Memorial Collection. PB0607.

He arrived in Egypt on 15th May 1916. He was immediately admitted sick to the 31st General Hospital at Port Said, Egypt.

On 21st July 1916 he was transferred to the Lowland Field Ambulance, then was admitted to the Government School Hospital at Port Said. He was discharged on 25th July 1916.

On 6th August 1916 Private Evans left Alexandria aboard the Transport Megantic, bound for England.

On 19th August 1916 he was admitted sick to the Military Hospital at Fargo, England.

On 24th August 1916 Private Evans was admitted to the 1st Australian Dermatological Hospital at Bulford, England.

On 17th November 1916 he was transferred to the Military Hospital at Parkhouse, England.

He was discharged from Hospital on 28th February 1917, and marched into the No. 4 Command Depot at Wareham, England.

On 12th March 1917 Private Evans was charged with absenting himself from Parade on 9th March 1917 without permission. He was awarded 48 hours detention.

On 27th March 1917 he was charged with neglecting to obey Depot Orders on 26th March 1917. He was awarded 3 days Field Punishment No. 2.

On 3rd April 1917 he was charged with being absent without leave from 30th March 1917 till 2nd April 1917. He was awarded 7 days Field Punishment No. 2, and fined 11 days pay.

On 7th April 1917 Private Evans marched into the Drafting and Hardening Depot at Perham Downs, England.

On 15th April 1917 he marched into the 4th Training Battalion at Codford, England, under escort.

On 8th May 1917 Private Evans was charged with breaking isolation, drunkenness and being absent without leave from 8 a.m. 7th May 1917 till 10 p.m. 7th May 1917. He was awarded 10 days Field Punishment No. 2, and fined 11 days pay.

On 9th May 1917 Private Evans departed Folkestone, England, bound for France. He marched into the 4th Australian Division Base Depot at Etaples, France, on 10th May 1917.

Private Evans joined the 13th Battalion on 13th May 1917, when it was training at Ribemont, France.[3]

Four days later, on 17th May 1917 Private Evans was evacuated to the 53rd Casualty Clearing Station with a condition not yet diagnosed. On 21st May 1917 he was transferred to the 2nd Australian General Hospital at Wimereux, France, with Bronchitis and Influenza.

On 24th May 1917 Private Evans was placed aboard Hospital Ship Jan Breydel at Boulogne for evacuation to England. He was admitted to the Duston War Hospital at Northampton, England. On 29th August 1917 he was transferred to the 1st Australian Auxiliary Hospital at Harefield, England, with Influenza.

He was discharged on 3rd September 1917 and marched into the No. 2 Command Depot at Weymouth, England.

Private Evans commenced his return to Australia on 31st October 1917 aboard the H.M.A.T. Berrima, arriving in Australia on 30th December 1918.

He was discharged medically unfit on 21st February 1918, with defective vision.

He re-enlisted in the A.I.F. at Liverpool on 12th April 1918, and was assigned to Camp Supply Depot for home service.  Driver Evans was discharged at his own request on 4th May 1918.

 

[1] NAA: B2455, EVANS R

[2] Australian War Memorial. First World War Embarkation Roll, Richard Evans,  5368.

[3] Australian Imperial Force unit war diaries, 1914-18 War – AWM4 Subclass 23/30 – 13th Infantry Battalion, May 1917.

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TIMELINE January 1918

Posted on January 1, 2018 | Leave a comment

TIMELINE January 1918

Tuesday, 1 January 1918

Driver William Hilton SAUNDERS  (4th Division Ammunition Column) wrote in his diary: “Still in Blighty but I think I will be going back again to La Belle France before very long. I am now in Heytesbury Artillery Depot [England]. Had a Holiday today & a real good dinner. Wonder if Peace will be declared this year (I wonder). Went to a concert in camp to-night. Party from Bristol.”[1]

Thursday, 3 January 1918

Private George Elsie EWENS (45th Battalion) arrived in Australia aboard the Transport Thermistocles for medical discharge.

Pte. George Ewens, of Manduarama (Evening News, 20/11/1917)

Private Colin David WREN (4th Pioneer Battalion) was discharged medically unfit.

Colin David Wren. Photograph courtesy of P. Kahler.

Friday, 4 January 1918

Private Walter James GOODLET (4th Pioneer Battalion) was discharged medically unfit [amputated left arm].

Coo-ees Walter Goodlet (left) and James Birrell Dawson (right), both amputees. Photograph courtesy of James Dawson’s great grandson Jamie Stacey.

Monday, 7 January 1918

Private George Allen LLOYD (2nd Anzac Cyclist Battalion) was transferred to the 3rd Australian Auxiliary Hospital at Dartford [from another hospital in England, following an injury to his left knee and right little finger in the field on 6th November 1917 from a fall from a cycle].

Thursday, 10 January 1918

Private Alfred WARDROP (45th Battalion) left England aboard the Transport Corinthic bound for Australia to medical discharge [left foot amputated].

Friday, 18 January 1918

Private George Allen LLOYD (2nd Anzac Cyclist Battalion) was discharged from hospital and send to the No. 3 Command Depot at Hurdcott, England.

Monday, 21 January 1918

Private Joseph William EDWARDS (3rd Battalion) was discharged medically unfit [bomb wound to his back] .

Private Robert William PETTIGREW (45th Battalion) was discharged medically unfit [asthma].

Monday, 28 January 1918

Private Jack Henry HUNT (45th Battalion) was discharged medically unfit [amputated toe].

Jack Hunt, Lemaire Studios, Military Camp, Liverpool. Photograph courtesy of Iain and Judy Macdonald.

Wednesday, 30 January 1918

Private Robert Clyde CAMPBELL (13th Battalion) was discharged medically unfit [oedema of left leg].

Private Charles Edward BOW (4th Pioneer Battalion) left England aboard the Transport Euripides bound for Australia for medical discharge.

Thursday, 31 January 1918

Private Robert AYRES (13th Battalion) was discharged medically unfit [suffering senility].

Gunner Walter James MITCHELL (10th Field Artillery Brigade) was discharged medically unfit [myalgia debility after C.S. fever].

 

[1] Saunders, William Hilton, personal diary, 1918. Original diary held by UNSW Canberra, Academy Library Special Collection.

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George Allen LLOYD

Posted on January 1, 2018 | Leave a comment

George Allen LLOYD

Per his military service record (regimental no. 4828), George Allen Lloyd was born at Forbes, N.S.W.[1]  He gave his age as 21 years and 5 months, his marital status as single, and his occupation as labourer. His description on his Certificate of Medical Examination was 5 feet 6 inches tall, weight 9 stone 13 lbs., with a fair complexion, grey eyes, and brown hair. His religious denomination was Church of England. He claimed that he had no previous military service.

He completed medical on 15th October 1915 at Orange, and was attested at Orange on 18th  October 1915.  He claimed that he had no previous military service.

‘G. A. Lloyd ’was named in newspaper reports as one of the men who was recruited by the local Recruiting Association to join the Coo-ees when they arrived in Orange on 24th October 1915.[2]

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

On 2nd February 1916 Private Llloyd was charged with using bad language on parade. He was fined 5 shillings.

On his embarkation roll his address at time of enrolment was North Hill, Forbes, N.S.W. [3] His next of kin is listed as his father, G. A. Lloyd, North Hill, Forbes, N.S.W.

On 8th March 1916 Private Lloyd departed Sydney on the HMAT A15 Star of England, along with many of the other Coo-ees, as part of the 15th reinforcements for the 13th Battalion. He arrived in Egypt on 11th April 1916.

On 16th April 1916 Private Lloyd was transferred to the 5th Division Cyclist Company (along with fellow Coo-ees Private Richardson, Private Megarrity, and Private Spicer).

On 17th June 1916 Private Lloyd left Alexandria aboard the Transport Manitou bound for France.  He arrived at Marseilles on 25th June 1916.

On 3rd December 1916 Private Llloyd was sent to the 1st New Zealand Field Ambulance sick with Influenza. He was transferred to the 1st Australian Casualty Clearing Station later that day. On 5th December 1916 he was placed aboard a hospital train and moved back to the 32nd Stationary Hospital at Wimereux, France, being admitted on 6th December 1916.

On 24th December 1916 he was transferred to the 1st Convalescent Depot at Boulogne. He was discharged on 2nd of January 1917 and sent to the Australian General Base Depot at Etaples, France.

He re-joined the 2nd Anzac Cyclist Battalion on 17th January 1917.

On 23rd January 1917 Private Lloyd was sent to the 3rd New Zealand Field Ambulance sick with Influenza. On 26th January 1917 he was moved back to the 2nd New Zealand Division Rest Station. He was discharged and re-joined the 2nd Anzac Cyclist Battalion on 18th February 1917.

On 18th May 1917 Private Lloyd was detached for duty with the 2nd ANZAC Anti-aircraft section. He re-joined the 2nd Anzac Cyclist Battalion from detachment on 25th May 1917.

On 20th July Private Lloyd went on leave, returning to his unit on 1st August 1917.

On 3rd August 1917 Private Lloyd was sent sick to the New Zealand Stationary Hospital at Hazebrouck, France. On 9th August 1917 he was admitted to the 7th Canadian Stationary Hospital at St Omer, France, suffering from nervous indigestion. On 12th August 1917 he was transferred to the 7th Convalescent Depot at Boulogne, France. On 16th August 1917 he was transferred to the 10th Convalescent Depot.

He was discharged on 2nd October 1917 and sent to the Australian General Base Depot at Le Havre. He re-joined the 2nd Anzac Cyclist Battalion on 11th October 1917.

On 6th November 1917 Private Lloyd was sent to the Indian Cavalry Field Ambulance with a sprained left knee and a wound to the fifth finger on his right hand, caused by a fall from a cycle. He was moved back to the 59th Casualty Clearing Station later that day.

On 23rd November 1917 he was admitted to the 26th General Hospital. On 27th November 1917 he was placed aboard the Hospital Ship Stad Antwerpen for evacuation to England with synovitis of the left knee, and a wound to the right hand. He was admitted to the 16th Canadian General Hospital (Ontario Military Hospital), in England.

On 7th January 1918 he was transferred to the 3rd Australian Auxiliary Hospital at Dartford, England. He was discharged on 18th January 1918 and sent to the No.3 Command Depot at Hurdcott, England.

On 15th February 1918 Private Lloyd was charged with being absent without leave from midnight on 7th February 1918 until 1740 on 13th February 1918. The charge was dismissed as Private Lloyd produced a Medical Certificate.

On 24th February 1918 Private Lloyd was admitted to the Brigade Hospital suffering Influenza. He was discharged on 23rd March 1918.

On 21st May 1918 Private Lloyd marched into the Overseas Training Brigade.

On 5th June 1918 he departed Southampton bound for France. He marched into the Australian General Base Depot at Le Harve on 6th June 1918.

He was taken on strength from 2nd Anzac Corps Cyclist Battalion ex hospital and ex Base Depot to the Australian Corps Cyclist Battalion on 10th June 1918.

On 10th November 1918 Private Lloyd went on leave to England. He re-joined the Cyclist Battalion on 8th December 1918.

On 26th March 1919 at Charleroi, Belgium, Private Lloyd was charged with gambling and being in possession of loaded firearms. He was awarded 7 days Field Punishment No.2 and fined 7 days pay.

On 13th April 1919 Private Lloyd marched into the Australian Base Depot at Le Harve, France, to commence his return to Australia.

He departed France on 18th April 1919. He arrived at Southampton, England, on 19th April 1919, and marched into the No. 2 Group.

On 29th May 1919 at Sutton Veny, England, Private Lloyd was charged with being absent without leave from 2359 on 16th May 1919 until 1600 on 23rd May 1919. He was fined 21 days pay.

On 5th June 1919 Private Lloyd departed Devonport, England, aboard the H.T. Mahia bound for Australia.

He arrived in Australia on 20th July 1919.  He was discharged medically unfit on 13th September 1919.

 

[1] NAA: B2455, LLOYD GEORGE ALLEN

[2] THE RECRUITS. (1915, October 25). Leader (Orange, NSW : 1912 – 1922), p. 4. Retrieved November 26, 2016, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article117842599 ; “THE COO-EES.” (1915, October 23). Evening News (Sydney, NSW : 1869 – 1931), p. 6. Retrieved January 1, 2018, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article115269403

[3] Australian War Memorial. First World War Embarkation Roll, George Allen Lloyd, 4828.

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