Category Archives: Recruits

George Elsie EWENS

Posted on February 25, 2017 | 2 comments

George Elsie EWENS

Pte. George Ewens, of Mandurama (Evening News, 20/9/1917)

Per his military service record (regimental no. 4771), George Elsie Ewens was born at Mandurama, N.S.W.[1] (His name is listed in some sections of his service record as George Leslie Ewens). He gave his age as 24 years and 3 months, his marital status as single, and his occupation as farmer. His description on his Certificate of Medical Examination was height 5 feet 8 inches tall, weight 11 stone, with a medium complexion, grey eyes, and dark hair. His religious denomination was Presbyterian. He claimed that he had no previous military service.

The Bathurst Times reported on 27^th October 1915 that at Blayney (where the Coo-ees had stayed overnight the night before) ‘… as a result of a collection made amongst the people of Carcoar, Mandurama and Lyndhurst … the sum of £26 had been handed to Captain Hitchen as help to his men on their way to the front’, and that ‘They had also brought along a recruit in the person of Mr. George Ewins [sic], of Mandurama’.[2]

There is an irregularity in his service record, which perhaps indicates that some of his initial paperwork may have been lost. His Statement of Service is recorded as having commenced on 28^th October 1915 (when the Coo-ees were at Bathurst). He completed his Certificate of Medical Examination at Liverpool on 23^rd November 1915. The Oath in his Attestation Paper was dated 28^th October 1915, and recorded as ‘taken and subscribed at Bathurst’, but it was not signed by an Attesting Officer until 6^th January 1916.

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 Cathcart, Mandurama, N.S.W., and his next of kin was his father, J. B. [James Bell] Ewens, at the same address. His date of joining on this document was 26^th October 1915 (the day the Coo-ees stayed overnight at Blayney).

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

He was transferred to the 45^th Battalion on 19^th April 1916.

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

Private Ewens served with the 45^th Battalion through its first action at Fleurbaix, France, in July 1916 then as it moved to Pozieres in early August 1916. On 30^th August 1916 the 45^th Battalion was in the front line trenches between Pozieres and Mouquet Farm in France. The Battalion had casualties of 1 man killed and 4 wounded. Private Ewens was one of the wounded, suffering gunshot wounds to his back and leg. (Fellow Coo-ee Private Healey was evacuated with shell shock on the same day). Private Ewens was evacuated to the 44^th Casualty Clearing Station, then admitted to the 13^th General Hospital at Boulogne, France, the next day, on 31^st August 1916.

On 2^nd September 1916 Private Ewens was transferred to England aboard the Hospital Ship Newhaven, and admitted to the 2^nd Eastern General Hospital in Brighton, England.

On 6^th October 1916 he was discharged from hospital, and sent to the Number 1 Command Depot at Perham Downs, England.

On 8^th October 1916 Private Ewens was granted leave, to report back on 25^th October 1916.

On 27^th October 1916 he marched out the Command Depot at Wareham.

On 11^th November 1916 Private Ewens departed England to return to France. He marched into the 4^th Australian Division Base Depot at Etaples, France, on 13^th November 1916.

He rejoined the 45^th Battalion on 4^th December 1916, when it was resting at Dernacourt, France.

On 23^th February 1917 the 45^th Battalion was in action near Guedecourt, France, when Private Ewens was wounded in action for the second time, receiving a gunshot wound to his left hand. He was evacuated to a Casualty Clearing Station, then on 25^th February 1917 he was placed aboard the 21^st Ambulance Train. He was moved to the 10^th General Hospital at Rouen, France, where he was admitted on 26^th February 1917.

On 3^th March 1917 Private Ewens was transferred to the 2^nd Convalescent Depot also at Rouen, France.

On 29^th March 1917 he was transferred to the 4^th Australian Division Base Depot at Etaples, France.

Private Ewens rejoined the 45^th Battalion on 19^th April 1917, when it was training at Bresle, France.

On 7^th June 1917 the 45^th Battalion was in action at Messines, Belgium, when Private Ewens was wounded in action for a third time, receiving a gunshot wound to his groin. He was evacuated to the 77^th Field Ambulance. On 8^th June 1917 he was sent to the 53^rd Casualty Clearing Station. On 9^th June 1917 he was moved back to the 4^th General Hospital.

On 18^th of June 1917 Private Ewens was placed aboard the Hospital Ship Newhaven at Calais, France, for evacuation to England. He was admitted to the 3^rd London General Hospital at Wandsworth on the same day.

The Evening News reported on 20^th September 1917 (with an accompanying photograph) that ‘Mr Ewens, a farmer, of Mandurama, has received word that his son, Private George Ewens, who enlisted with the Coo-ees, was wounded for the third time at Messines … Private Ewens is now in hospital in England’.[3]

On 8^th October 1917 Private Ewens was transferred to the 3rd Australian Auxiliary Hospital at Dartford, England. On 12^th October 1917 he was discharged to Depot at Weymouth.

Private Ewens left England on 5^th November 1917, for return to Australia aboard the H.M.A.T. Themistocles.

He arrived in Australia on 3^rd January 1918, and was discharged medically unfit on 4^th March 1918.

[1] NAA: B2455, EWENS G L – Ewens George Leslie : SERN 4771 : POB Mandurama NSW : POE Bathurst NSW : NOK F Ewens James Bell

[2] ‘Western News’, The Bathurst Times, 27 October 1917, p. 3. Retrieved February 10, 2017, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article111244211

[3] ‘N.S.W. Honor Roll’, Evening News, 20 September 1917, p. 6. Retrieved October 17, 2016, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article121247763

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Posted in Recruits

Tagged Bathurst recruits, Blayney recruits, George Elsie Ewens, HMAT A15 Star of England

John Graham WATSON

Posted on February 22, 2017 | Leave a comment

John Graham WATSON

Per his military service record (regimental no. 4909), John Graham Watson was born at Katoomba, N.S.W.[1] He gave his age as 25 years, his marital status as single, and his occupation as labourer. His description on his medical was height 5 feet 9 ½ inches tall, weight 162 lbs., with a medium complexion, blue eyes, and medium hair. His religious denomination was Church of England. He claimed that he had no previous military service.

He appears to have mistakenly been named as ‘W. Watson’ in The Blue Mountain Echo as one of ‘the lads who answered the call, and marched out with the Coo-ees’ at Katoomba.[2]

He was attested at Springwood by Lieutenant F. Middenway on 8^th November 1915 (when the Coo-ees were at Springwood), but did not complete his medical examination until 15^th November 1915 at Liverpool.

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 Bent Street, Katoomba, N.S.W., and his next of kin is listed as his sister, Miss E. [Elsie] A. Watson, at the same address.

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

On 7^th June 1916 Private Watson left Alexandria aboard the Transport Ionian bound for France, and he arrived at Marseilles on 14^th June 1916.

Private Watson marched into the 13^th Battalion on 19^th August 1916 when it was resting and reorganising at Pernois, France. (Fellow Coo-ee William Stirling Mason from Katoomba had joined the 13^th Battalion in France on the same day).

A letter home from another Katoomba soldier, Reg. Duff, dated 15^th September 1916, that was published in The Blue Mountain Echo, reported that ‘Snowy Mason and Jack Watson have joined the 13^th Battalion’.[3]

On 10^th October 1916 Private Watson was promoted to Lance Corporal in the field, in Belgium.

On 21^st January 1917 he was promoted to Temporary Corporal.

On 4^th February 1917 the 13^th Battalion successfully attacked the German Front Line trenches near the village of Guedecourt, France. During this attack T/Corporal Watson was wounded in action, receiving a gunshot wound to his right leg. (William Stirling Mason was also wounded in action with shrapnel wounds on the same day). T/Corporal Watson was evacuated and admitted to the 10^th General Hospital at Rouen, France, on 7^th February 1917. He also on this date reverted to the rank of Lance Corporal, on being wounded.

On 11^th February 1917 Lance Corporal Watson was placed aboard the Hospital Ship Aberdonian for evacuation to England. On 13^th February 1917 he was admitted to the 3^rd London General Hospital at Wandsworth.

On 2^nd April 1917 he was transferred to the 3^rd Australian Auxiliary Hospital at Dartford, England with a gunshot wound to his right foot. He was discharged on 9^th April 1917, and sent to the Number 2 Command Depot at Weymouth, England.

On 3^rd May 1917 Lance Corporal Watson was admitted sick to the 1^st Australian Dermatological Hospital at Bulford, England. He was discharged on 21^st June 1917, and returned to the Number 2 Command Depot.

On 29^th of June 1917 Lance Corporal Watson was transferred to the Number 3 Command Depot at Hurdcott, England. Soon after he was the sent to the Overseas Training Brigade at Perham Downs.

On 13^th August 1917 he departed Southampton bound for France. On 14^th August 1917 he arrived at the 4^th Australian Division Base Depot at Le Harve.

On 16th of August 1917 Lance Corporal Watson was admitted to the 39^th General Hospital sick. He was discharged and sent back to the 4^th Australian Division Base Depot on 24^th August 1917.

On 1^st September 1917 he marched into the 13^th Battalion when it was resting and reorganising at Verte Rue in France.

On 24^th October 1917 Lance Corporal Watson was with the 13^th Battalion when it was preparing to move from Ypres to Rheninghelst in Belgium, when he was sent to the 3rd Australian Field Ambulance with gas poisoning, then moved back to the 17^th Casualty Clearing Station. On 26^th October 1917 he was admitted to the 9^th General Hospital at Rouen, France. On 6^th November 1917 he was placed aboard a hospital ship for evacuation to England. On 7th^th November 1917 he was admitted to the Winchester Military Hospital with severe gas poisoning.

On 7^th February 1918 he was transferred to the 1^st Australian Auxiliary Hospital at Harefield, England.

On 16^th March 1918 Lance Corporal Watson departed England aboard the Transport Kanowna bound for Australia.

He arrived in Australia on 25^th May 1918, and was discharged Medically Unfit on 26^th July 1918.

[1] NAA: B2455, WATSON J G

[2] ‘March over the Mountains’, The Blue Mountain Echo, 12 November 1915, p. 2. Retrieved September 21, 2015, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article108042142

[3] ‘The Soldiers’ Mailbag’, The Blue Mountain Echo, 10 November 1916, p. 1. Retrieved February 22, 2017, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article108042760

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Posted in Recruits

Tagged HMAT A15 Star of England, John Graham Watson, Katoomba recruits, Springwood recruits, William Stirling Mason

William Stirling MASON

Posted on February 19, 2017 | 2 comments

William Stirling MASON

Per his military service record (regimental no. 4839), William Stirling Mason was born at ‘Eketahana’ [i.e. Eketahuna], New Zealand.[1] His middle name of “Stirling” is spelt “Sterling”on some sections of his service record, but it is spelt as “Stirling” in his signature. He gave his age as 21 years and 8 months, his marital status as single, and his occupation as labourer. His description on his medical was height 5 feet 6 inches tall, weight 8 stone 12 lbs., with a fair complexion, blue eyes, and light brown hair. His religious denomination was Church of England. He claimed that he had 12 months service in the Senior Cadets in New Zealand and he had been rejected for the AIF in the past for chest measurement.

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

He was attested at Springwood on 9^th November 1915, and completed his medical examination on 9^th November 1915 at Penrith, N.S.W. (The Coo-ees had travelled from Springwood to Penrith on 9^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 Waratah Street, Katoomba, N.S.W., and his next of kin is listed as his father, W. [Walter] Mason, at the same address.

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

It is not recorded when Private Mason departed Egypt, but he ended up in the 4^th Training battalion in England.

On 30^th July 1916 Private Mason departed Rollerstone in England bound for France. He marched into the 4^th Australian Division Base Depot at Etaples on 1^st August 1916.

He joined the 13^th Battalion on 19^th August 1916 when it was resting and reorganising at Pernois, France.

On 4^th February 1917 the 13^th Battalion successfully attacked the German Front Line trenches near the village of Guedecourt, France. During this attack Private Mason was wounded in action. receiving multiple shrapnel wounds to his right arm. He was evacuated and admitted to the 3^rd Canadian Stationary Hospital at Boulogne, France on 7^th February 1917.

On 9^th of February 1917 Private Mason was placed aboard the Hospital Ship Princess Elizabeth in Boulogne Harbour for evacuation to England.

On 10^th February 1917 he was admitted to the Norfolk War Hospital.

Private Mason was discharged on 5^th March 1917, and granted leave to report to the Number 4 Command Depot at Wareham, England, on 21^st March 1917.

On 3^rd April 1917 Private Mason was admitted to the Military Hospital at Wareham with measles.

On 12^th April 1917 he was moved to the 16^th Field Ambulance at Woolwich, then was admitted to the Woolwich Military Hospital later that day. He was discharged and sent back to the Number 4 Command Depot on 21^st April 1917.

On 27^th April 1917 Private Mason was transferred to the newly formed 63^rd Battalion at Pernham Downs (which was later disbanded on 19^th October 1917).

On 12^th September 1917 Private Mason departed Southampton bound for France, to reinforce the 13^th Battalion. He arrived at the 4^th Australian Division Base Depot at Le Harve on 13^th September 1917.

On 21^st September 1917 he departed the 4^th Australian Division Base depot to rejoin the 13^th Battalion. On 30^th September 1917 he marched into the 13^th Battalion, when it was in the Steenvoorde area in northern France.

Two weeks later, on 16^th October 1917, Private Mason was with the 13^th Battalion manning the support line in the vicinity of Zonnebeke, Belgium, when he was wounded in action by Mustard Gas. He was sent to the 11^th Australian Field Ambulance with a blistered head, then moved back to the 3rd Australian Clearing Station. He was placed aboard the 26^th Ambulance Train and on 19^th October 1917 he was admitted to the 3^rd Stationary Hospital at Rouen, France.

On 22^nd October 1917 he was placed aboard Hospital Ship Grantully Castle for evacuation to England. On 24^th October 1917 he was admitted to the Queen Mary Military Hospital at Whalley in Lancashire.

On 16^th November 1917 Private Mason was discharged from hospital, and granted leave to report to the Number 1 Command Depot at Sutton Veny on 30^th November 1917.

On 2^nd January 1918 Private Mason marched into the Overseas Training Brigade at Longbridge, England from Number 1 Command Depot.

On 23^rd January 1918 Private Mason departed Southampton bound for France. He arrived at the 4^th Australian Division Base Depot at Le Harve on 24^th January 1918.

On 26^th January 1918 Private Mason departed the 4^th Australian Division Base depot to rejoin the 13^th Battalion. On 30^th January 1918 he marched into the Battalion when it was manning the front line in the vicinity of Hollebeke, Belgium.

On the 1^st of March 1918 Private Mason was with the 13^th Battalion being relieved by the 10^th Battalion from the support lines when the enemy launched a trench raid. Private Mason’s company was caught in the enemy barrage and 5 men were killed, and 5 wounded, including Private Mason, who sustained a shrapnel wound to his forehead and another to his right hand. Both were minor. He was sent to the 1^st Australian Field Ambulance. He was treated and rejoined the Battalion the next day.

On 13^th of November 1918 Private Mason was granted leave from France to England until 28th November 1918.

While on leave in England, on 17^th November 1918 was admitted to the 1^st Australian Auxiliary Hospital at Harefield, England, suffering Bronchitis. This was reported as ‘Influenza seriously ill’ on 20^th November 1918.

Private Mason was discharged on 6^th of December 1918 and granted leave to report back to the Hospital at Harefield on 11^th December 1918. He was discharged on 14^th December 1918, and sent to the Number 2 Command Depot at Weymouth, England.

On 18^th January 1919 Private Mason departed England aboard the H.M.A.T. Ulysses bound for Australia. He arrived in Australia on 15^th March 1919.

The Blue Mountain Echo reported that Private ‘Will Mason’, along with other returning local soldiers, was presented with a smoker’s outfit at a welcome home function held at the Katoomba Town Hall on 31^st March 1919.[3]

Private Mason was discharged Medically Unfit on 1^st May 1919.

[1] NAA: B2455, MASON WILLIAM STIRLING

[2] ‘March over the Mountains’, The Blue Mountain Echo, 12 November 1915, p. 2. Retrieved September 21, 2015, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article108042142 [on page 3]

[3] ‘A Royal Welcome. Katoomba’s Heroes Received. A Memorable Evening’, The Blue Mountain Echo, 4 April 1919, p. 1. Retrieved February 19, 2017, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article108245995

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Posted in Recruits

Tagged HMAT A15 Star of England, Katoomba recruits, Penrith recruits, Springwood recruits, William Stirling Mason

Joseph Francis HEALEY

Posted on February 19, 2017 | Leave a comment

Joseph Francis HEALEY

Per his military service record (regimental no. 5385), Joseph Francis Healey was born at Leeds, England.[1] His surname is spelt as “Healy” in some places in his service record. He gave his age as 41 years and 3 months [although he appears to have been several years older than this], his marital status as single, and his occupation as cook. He claimed that he had no previous military service.

There is some irregularity in his service record. No details apart from his age, and recording his religious denomination as Roman Catholic, are given on his Certificate of Medical Examination, and it was not signed by an Examining Medical Officer. His period of service in his service record is dated as having commenced on 26^th October 1915 (when the Coo-ees were at Blayney). He was attested by Lieutenant Edward J. Shaw on 13^th November 1915, with the oath dated from 26^th October 1915, and recorded as ‘taken and subscribed at Blayney’ on 26^th October 1915.

The Leader named Joseph Healey as one of six men who joined the Coo-ees at Blayney.[2]

After completing the Coo-ee March he went to Liverpool Camp as 15^th reinforcement for the 13^th Battalion.

On 21^st November 1915 Private Healey was charged with being absent without leave, and fined 1 day’s pay.

Private Healey was transferred to 17^th Reinforcement for the 13^th Battalion on 11^th March 1916.

On his embarkation roll his address at time of enrolment was 91 Rope Street, Leichhardt, Sydney, N.S.W., and his next of kin is listed as friend, M. Riches, at the same address.

On 9^th April 1916 Private Healey departed Sydney on the HMAT Nestor A71 (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.

On 7^th June 1916 Private Healey departed Alexandria aboard His Majesty’s Transport Ionian bound for France, and arrived at Marseilles on 14^th June 1916. He marched into the 4th Australian Divisional Base Depot at Etaples.

On 19^th August 1916 Private Healey joined the 13^th Battalion when it was in action around Pozieres, France. Private Healey served through the fighting around Pozieres until 30^th August 1916, when he was evacuated with Shell Shock. He rejoined the Battalion the next day.

On 11^th October 1916 the 13^th Battalion was training at Quebec Camp at Rhenninghelst, Belgium. Private Healey was charged with being absent without leave from Camp from 10 pm on 8^th October 1916 till 5 pm on 10^th of October 1916. He was awarded 3 days Field Punishment Number Two and fined 6 days pay.

On 4^th February 1917 the 13^th Battalion launched an attack on the German Trenches in front of the village of Guedecourt, France. During this attack Private Healey was wounded in action when he received a gun shot wound to his left knee. He was evacuated to the 12^th Australian Field Ambulance on 5^th February 1917.

On 9^th February 1917 Private Healey was admitted to the 8^th General Hospital at Rouen, France. He was sent to Le Harve later that day, and boarded the Hospital Ship Formosa, bound for England.

He was admitted to the 2^nd Birmingham War Hospital on 10^th February 1917.

On 26^th March 1917 Private Healey was evacuated to the 3^rd Australian Auxiliary Hospital at Dartford, England.

On 9^th April 1917 Private Healey was discharged from hospital, and transferred to the Number 2 Command Depot at Weymouth, England.

A Medical Report on an Invalid form in his service record dated 14^th May 1917 stated that he was ‘over age – 47 years’.

On 21^st July 1917 Private Healey departed England aboard the H.M.A.T. Euripides bound for Australia.

Private Healey arrived in Australia on 18^th of September 1917.

He was discharged medically unfit at Sydney on 29^th December 1917, with disability gun shot wound to the left leg, and over age.

[1] NAA: B2455, HEALY J F 5385

[2] ‘Blayney Recruits’, Leader, 29 October 1915, p. 8. Retrieved April 1, 2016, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article117842821

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Tagged Blayney recruits, HMAT A71 Nestor, Joseph Francis Healey

David James O’ROURKE

Posted on February 17, 2017 | Leave a comment

David James O’ROURKE

David James O’Rourke (Photograph courtesy of Warren O’Rourke)

Per his military service record (regimental no. 2043), David James O’Rourke was born at Mudgee, N.S.W.[1] He gave his age as 18 years and 4 months [though he was much younger], his marital status as single, and his occupation as labourer. His mother Mrs Harriet Ann Lonergan signed the consent of parents or guardians section on his initial Application to enlist in the Australian Imperial Force form. His description on his Certificate of medical examination was height 5 feet 8 inches tall, weight 155 lbs., with a fair complexion, brown eyes, and auburn hair. His religious denomination was Roman Catholic.

He completed his medical examination at Wellington on 18^th October 1915 (when the Coo-ees were at Wellington), and was attested by Captain Nicholas at Stuart Town on 19^th October 1915. He claimed he had no previous military service.

After completing the march he went to Menangle Park Camp as reinforcement for the 1^st Light Horse Regiment.

On 1^st June 1916 he was reallocated as a reinforcement for the 12^thLight Horse Regiment.

On his embarkation roll his address as time of enrolment was Arthur Street, Wellington, N.S.W., and his next of kin is listed as his mother, Mrs Harriet Ann Lonergan, at the same address.

Trooper O’Rourke departed Melbourne on the HMAT A6 Clan Maccorquodale on 19^th September 1916, with the 13^th Reinforcements for the 12^th Light Horse Regiment.

He arrived at Suez, Egypt, on 19^thOctober 1916. The next day, Trooper O’Rourke was sent to the Isolation Camp at Moascar.

On 12^th November 1916 he marched into the 2^nd Light Horse Training Regiment at Moascar.

On 24^th February 1917 he was transferred to the 4^th Light Horse Training Regiment.

On 15^th March 1917 he was taken on strength of the 12^th Light Horse Regiment whilst it was conducting training at Ferry Post, Egypt.

The following month, he was with the 12^th Light Horse Regiment when it was involved in the Second Battle of Gaza 17^th-19^th April 1917.

On 26^th August 1917 Trooper O’Rourke was detached to conduct guard duties at Khan Yunis.

On 29^th August 1917 he was sent to the 65^th Casualty Clearing Station with a septic throat.

On 6^th of September 1917 he was transferred to the 24^th Stationary Hospital with tonsillitis.

On 10^th September 1917 he was admitted to the 14^th Australian General Hospital at Abbassia, Egypt, with tonsillitis.

Trooper O’Rourke was discharged from hospital on 1^st October 1917, and marched into the 2^nd Light Horse Training Regiment on 2^nd October 1917.

He rejoined the 12^th Light Horse Regiment on 25^th October 1917 when it was at Fara, preparing for the Battle of Beersheba. Trooper O’Rourke was with the 12^th Light Horse Regiment when it participated in the Charge of Beersheba on 31^st October 1917. Casualties for the 12^th Light Horse Regiment were reported in the Regiment’s War Diary the next day as as 20 men killed, 19 men wounded, 44 horses killed, and 60 horses wounded.[2]

The Wellington Times reported that his mother Mrs H. A. Lonergan was ‘in receipt of a cable from her son, Trooper David O’Rourke, stating that he had gone safely through the recent big battle in Palestine, and was quite well’, and that Trooper O’Rourke was ‘only 18’.[3]

On 2^nd April 1918 the 12^th Light Horse Regiment was at Jaffa where Trooper O’Rourke was part of a watering party, leading three horses, when a horse in front of him kicked him in the left knee, which caused a contusion of the femur & tibia with much swelling. Trooper O’Rourke was sent to 4^th Light Horse Field Ambulance, then on 3^rd April 1918 to the 43^rd Stationary Hospital.

On 5^th April 1918 he was moved to the 44^th Stationary Hospital at Kantara. On 6^th April 1918 he was transferred to the 14^th Australian General Hospital at Port Said.

On 12^th June 1918 Trooper O’Rourke was discharged from hospital, with a Medical Board classification of B3, due to his injured knee. On 19^th June 1918 he was assigned to duties at the Depot Stores at Gezira.

On 16^th September 1918 Trooper O’Rourke was admitted to the 31^st General Hospital at Cairo sick. He was transferred to a Convalescent Hospital at Helouan on 12^th December 1918.

He rejoined the Depot Stores on 25^th January 1919.

On 2^nd August 1919 Trooper O’Rourke departed Kantara, to commence his return to Australia aboard the H.T. Delta. He arrived in Australia on 3^rd September 1919.

The Freeman’s Journal reported on 11^th September 1919 that his mother Mrs T. Lonergan ‘has received word that her son, Trooper D. J. O’Rourke, was expected to arrive at Melbourne this week. Trooper O’Rourke was one of the youngest members who left with the Coo-ees, being only sixteen years and four months when he enlisted. He went over with 12th Light Horse and saw 4 years service with them in Egypt and Palestine. He came through all the engagements safe and sound, though he had some narrow escapes, his horse being shot from beneath him on one occasion’.[4]

He was discharged Termination of Period of Enlistment on 19^th October 1919.

[1] NAA: B2455, O’ROURKE DAVID JAMES

[2] AWM4 10/17/9 – October 1917, Australian Imperial Force unit war diaries, 1914-18 War, 12^th Australian Light Horse Regiment.

[3] ‘Personal Pars’, Wellington Times, 26 November 1917, p. 2. Retrieved September 13, 2015, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article137413032

[4] ‘The gossip of the week : round about Australia’, Freeman’s Journal, 11 September 1919, p. 23. Retrieved April 28, 2015, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-page13246397

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Tagged David James O'Rourke, HMAT A6 Clan Maccorquodale, Stuart Town recruits, Wellington recruits

Alfred WARDROP

Posted on February 17, 2017 | Leave a comment

Alfred WARDROP

Alfred Wardrop (Courtesy of Gary Wardrop)

Per his military service record (regimental no. 4908), Alfred Wardrop was born at Pyramul, N.S.W.[1] He gave his age as 28 years and 6 months, his marital status as single, and his occupation as ‘no particular trade’. His description on his medical was height 5 feet 9 inches tall, weight 11 stone, with a fair complexion, blue eyes, and fair hair. His religious denomination was Anglican. He claimed that he had no previous military service. He completed his medical on 7^th October 1915 at Gilgandra, and was attested by Captain Nicholas at Gilgandra on 9^th October 1915.

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

The people of his home town of Pyramul gave him a farewell social and presentation when he was home on leave in February 1916.[2]

Along with fellow Coo-ees Privates W. Howard, J. Maher, C. Marchant, V. Quinton, L. L. Maguire, L. Greenleaf, T. Turvey, H. Baxter, and Signallers A. Lynne and J. Quinn, Private Wardrop was ‘entertained at a monster send-off’ in the Australian Hall on Friday, 3^rd March 1916, when in Gilgandra on final leave.[3]

On his embarkation roll his address at time of enrolment was ‘Pyramel’ [sic], via Mudgee, N.S.W., and his next of kin is listed as his father, R. Wardrup, at the same address. His trade or calling was recorded as labourer.

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

After arriving in Egypt he was transferred to the 45^th Battalion on the 19^th April 1916.

On 2^nd June 1916 Private Wardrop left Alexandria aboard the Transport Kinafauns Castle bound for France, and arrived at Marseilles on 8^th June 1916.

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

On 16^th August 1916 the 45^th Battalion had just been relieved from the front line trenches between Pozieres and Martinpuich, France. Private Wardrop had suffered a gun shot wound to his right hand, and was evacuated to the 44^th Casualty Clearing Station. He was then moved by Ambulance Train, and admitted to the 9^th General Hospital at Rouen, France on 17^th August 1916.

On 21^st August 1916 he was sent by the Hospital Ship Asturias to England. On 22^nd August 1916 he was admitted to the 3^rd London General Hospital at Wandsworth, London, England.

On 8^th September 1916 Private Wardrop was discharged from Hospital, and granted leave. On 27^th September 1916 he reported back from leave to the No. 1 Command Depot at Pernham Downs, England.

On 11^th November 1916 Private Wardrop departed England for return to France.

On 13^th November 1916 he marched into the 4^th Australian Division Base Depot at Etaples, France.

On 4^th of December 1916 Private Wardrop rejoined the 45^th Battalion when it was resting at Dernacourt, France.

On 23^rd February 1917 Private Wardrop was with the 45^th Battalion when it was engaged in action in the vicinity of Stormy Trench, north east of Guedecourt, France, when he was wounded in action, receiving gunshot wounds to his left foot and left leg, and right thigh. He was evacuated to the 14^th Australian Field Ambulance, then back to the 45^th Casualty Clearing Station.

On 26^th February 1917 Private Wardrop was placed aboard the 31^st Ambulance Train, and moved to the St Johns Ambulance Brigade Hospital at Etaples, France.

On 12^th March 1917 his left foot was amputated three inches above the ankle.

On 13^th March 1917 he was evacuated to hospital in England from Le Havre aboard the Hospital Ship Gloucester Castle.

On 14^th March 1917 Private Wardrop was admitted to the 3^rd London General Hospital at Wandsworth, England.

While he was recovering in this hospital, he wrote a letter home to his mother in Pyramul, which was published in the Mudgee Guardian and North-Western Representative, in which he wrote: “[Sending] a line to let you know that I am getting along well now. … I am in the same hospital now as I was when I was wounded before, but I cannot get [around] like I could before. I am wounded pretty badly this time, but am over the worst of it now … I have no pain at all. I [had] my left foot off above the [ankle], a wound in the thigh on the … leg, and one under the knee on the right leg … I … go back to Australia after a few months. You have no need to worry about me in any way, as I am getting along fine, and am as happy as I ever I was. I will be able to get up in a chair in a few weeks. The same shell got [five] others, killing three – and wounding three of us. I was one of the lucky ones again, as I was between two of my mates who were killed”.[4]

On 15^th September 1917 Private Wardrop was transferred to the 2^nd Australian Auxiliary Hospital at Southall, England.

On 4^th October 1917 Private Wardrop was granted leave to report back to the 2^nd Australian Auxiliary Hospital on 18^th October 1917.

He was granted leave again from 3^rd January 1918 to 6^th January 1918.

Private Wardrop commenced his return to Australia on 10^th January 1918 aboard the H.T. Corinthic.

He arrived in Sydney on 7^th March 1918.

He was discharged medically unfit on 6^th September 1918.

[1] NAA: B2455, WARDROP ALFRED

[2] ‘Pyramul’, Mudgee Guardian and North-Western Representative, 21 February 1916, p. 2. Retrieved February 7, 2017, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article156945383

[3] ‘District News’, Mudgee Guardian and North-Western Representative, 9 March 1916, p. 30. Retrieved February 7, 2017, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article156951725

[4] ‘Wounded in France’, Mudgee Guardian and North-Western Representative, 28 May 1917, p. 4. Retrieved February 7, 2017, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article157120908

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Posted in Recruits

Tagged Alfred Wardrop, Amputee, Gilgandra recruits, HMAT A15 Star of England

William COLLYER

Posted on January 28, 2017 | Leave a comment

William COLLYER

Per his military service record (regimental no. 4752), William Collyer was born at Wongarbon, N.S.W.[1] He gave his age as 19 years and 3 months, his marital status as single, and his occupation as butcher. (He was the son of Thomas William Collyer and Flora Collyer). [2] His description on his medical was height 5 feet 8 ½ inches tall, weight 10 stone 10 lbs., with a fair complexion, blue eyes, and fair hair. His religious denomination was Church of England. He completed his certificate of medical examination on the 17^th October 1915 at Wellington (while the Coo-ees were at Wellington). However he was not attested until 24^th October 1915 by Captain Nicholas at Orange. A note at the top of his Attestation Paper reads ‘Presented himself 24/10/1915 with form signed by Metcalfe [the doctor at Wellington]. Sworn in 24/10/15’.

His Application to Enlist in the Australian Imperial Force form, addressed to the Recruiting Officer at Wellington, was signed by both his father Thomas Collyer and stepmother Ellen Collyer, so perhaps he had travelled back to Wongarbon to get the consent of his parents, before he caught up with the Coo-ees at Orange. He claimed that he had no previous military service.

‘William Colyer’ [sic] was listed in The Leader as one of the men who were recruited at Orange to join the Coo-ees.[3]

‘W. Collyer’ was listed as one of the ‘Wongarbon boys’ with the Coo-ees in The Dubbo Liberal and Macquarie Advocate.[4]

After completing the remainder of the march he went to Liverpool Camp as reinforcement for the 13^th Battalion.

The Wellington Times reported that Privates W. Collyer and H. Saunders were presented with wristlet watches by the residents of Wongarbon at a farewell social while they were home on final leave on 3rd March 1916.[5]

On his embarkation roll his address at time of enrolment was Wongarbon, N.S.W., and his next of kin is listed as his father, T. Collyer, Wongarbon, N.S.W.

On 8^th March 1916 Private Collyer, 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 16^th April 1916 he transferred to the 4^th Division Artillery at Tel-el-Kebir, and was taken on strength of the 10^th Field Artillery Brigade. He was also mustered as a Driver.

On 25^th May 1916 he was transferred to the Artillery Training Depot at Tel-el-Kebir.

On 28^th May 1916 Gunner Collyer left Alexandria on the HMT Corsican, bound for England. He disembarked at Plymouth on 12^th June 1916, for further training.

On 30^th July 1916 Gunner Collyer departed England bound for France.

On 9^th August 1916 Gunner Collyer was taken on strength of the 4^th Division Ammunition Column in France, while it was training in the vicinity of the village of Acquin, 9 miles from St. Omer.

On 14^th October 1916 his rank was changed to Driver.

On 7^th March 1917 Driver Collyer’s rank was changed back to Gunner.

On 29^th November 1917 Gunner Collyer was granted leave to England.

On 13^th December 1917 whilst on leave in England, he was admitted to the 1^st Australian Dermatological Hospital at Bulford, England, sick. He was discharged from Hospital on 1^st April 1918.

On 2^nd April 1918 he marched into to No. 1 Command Depot at Sutton Veny in England.

On 24^th May 1918 he marched out to the Overseas Training Brigade.

On 3^rd July 1918 Gunner Collyer departed Southampton for return to Le Havre, France.

Gunner Collyer rejoined his unit on 14^th July 1918, when the 4^th Division Ammunition Column was at Frenchencourt, France.

On 9^th March 1919 Gunner Collyer left his unit, and marched into the Base Depot at Le Harve to commence his return to Australia. He departed France on 31^st March 1919.

He arrived at Weymouth, England, on 1^st April 1919, where he marched into the No. 4 Command Depot.

On 12^th May 1919 Gunner Collyer departed England for return to Australia aboard the HT Port Napier (along with Wongarbon Coo-ee Driver Saunders).

Gunner Collyer arrived in Sydney on 5^th July 1919, and was discharged on the 19^th of August 1919.

[1] NAA: B2455, COLLYER W

[2] NSW Birth Registration 35916/1896 William A Collyer.

[3] ‘The Recruits’, Leader, 25 October 1915, p. 4. Retrieved November 26, 2016, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article117842599

[4] ‘Our Soldiers’, The Dubbo Liberal and Macquarie Advocate, 29 October 1915, p. 4. Retrieved January 26, 2017, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article77601711

[5] ‘At Wongarbon’, Wellington Times, 9 March 1916, p. 6. Retrieved November 29, 2016, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article143398796

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Posted in Recruits

Tagged HMAT A15 Star of England, Orange recruits, Wellington recruits, William Collyer, Wongarbon recruits

Loring ASHHURST

Posted on January 17, 2017 | Leave a comment

Loring ASHHURST

Per his military service record (Depot), Loring Ashhurst stated on his Attestation Paper that he was born at Montreal, Canada.[1] (He stated on his naturalization application papers dated August 1916 that he was born in Charleston, South Carolina, in the United States of America).[2] He gave his age as 39 years and 9 months, his marital status as single (although it appears he was married), and his occupation as miner. His description on his certificate of medical examination was height 5 feet 7 inches tall, weight 160 lbs., with a dark complexion, brown eyes, and dark hair. His religious denomination was recorded as Church of England. He claimed that he had no previous military service.

He listed Alice Ashhurst, Linsley Street, Cobar, N.S.W., as his next of kin on his Attestation Paper. He listed his postal address as ‘Cobar, N.S.W.’ on his initial Application to Enlist in the Australian Imperial Force form.

The Wellington Times reported ‘Askhurst’ as one of the 8 named men who offered themselves at the recruiting meeting held at Wongarbon.[3] His surname is spelt differently in several newspaper articles.

He completed his medical examination on the 16^th October 1915 at Wellington (the day the Coo-ees arrived at Wellington), and was attested by Captain Nicholas at Dripstone on the 18^th October 1915.

A Medical History form in his service record shows he was admitted to Orange District Hospital during his time in the Coo-ee March from 23^rd October 1915 to 25^th October 1915 (while the Coo-ees were at Orange), with ‘congestion base right lung’, induced by ‘exposure to wet’.

Loring Asshurst appears to have been one of the 5 men reported in The Bathurst Times to have been admitted to Orange Hospital ‘suffering from influenza’ following a ‘drenching ‘.[4] It had poured rain on the Coo-ees the morning they left Molong, on their way to Orange, on 23^rd October 1915.[5]

He rejoined the Coo-ees after being in hospital at Orange. A letter in the official correspondence of the march from W. T. Hitchen, Wallerawang, 31/10/15, addressed to Mrs Ashhurst, Cobar, reads:

‘Dear Mrs Ashhurst, your husband is still with the Coo-ees and is in good health. You will no doubt have heard from him before this. Under the conditions of the march it is rather difficult at times to attend to correspondence …’[6]

After completing the Coo-ee March he went to Liverpool Camp to the Infantry Depot.

‘Askhurst’ was included in a list of ‘Wellingtonians at the front’ in the Wellington Times on 9^th December 1915.[7]

The Statement of Service for Private Ashhurst in his service record shows his period of service was from 18^th October 1915 until 9^th January 1916. He is listed as ‘Deserter’ in the Remarks column.

On 9^th January 1916 Private Ashhurst of the Cooees Regiment or Corps was charged with desertion. A warrant was put out for his arrest on 16^th February 1916.

On 14^th March 1916 Private Ashhurst was arrested at Cobar by the Civil Police. He was escorted back to the Liverpool Camp by the Military Police.

The Western Age reported that ‘A Cobar resident named Loring Ashurst, who enlisted with the Coo-ees, was arrested by police on Tuesday as a military deserter, notwithstanding the fact that he holds his discharge from Liverpool camp, dated 9^th December last, stating that he was medically unfit’, and that ‘The military authorities claim that the discharge is irregular’.[8]

Loring Ashhurst sent a letter to the Editor of the Western Age, in which he stated ‘Upon arriving at Liverpool camp and being brought before the proper officers it only required a little explanation on my part to prove to them that it was through no fault of mine that the discharge, which I possessed, was irregular, but the fault of a military acting Adjutant-General’, and that ‘I consider that I have been treated very shabbily, after having done my best’.[9]

Private Ashhurst was discharged services no longer required on 17^th March 1916.

[1] NAA: B2455, ASHHURST L.

[2] NAA: A1, 1916/22239 Loring Centennial Ashhurst, Naturalization application, August 1916.

[3] ‘On the Track’, Wellington Times, 18 October 1915, p. 3. Retrieved January 15, 2017, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article143388423

[4] ‘The “Coo-ees”’, The Bathurst Times, 26 October 1915, p. 2. Retrieved January 15, 2017, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article111234699

[5] ‘The Route March’, The Farmer and Settler, 26 October 1915, p. 3. Retrieved January 15, 2017, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article116655979

[6] Alex Halden (Joe) Miller, Gilgandra Coo-ee Recruitment March correspondence and papers, 1915-1939, letter from W. T. Hitchen to Mrs Asshurst, Cobar, 31 October 1915.

[7] ‘Serving the Empire’, Wellington Times, 9 December 1915, p. 8. Retrieved January 15, 2017, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article143397726

[8] ‘Summary’, Western Age, 17 March 1916, p. 2. Retrieved January 15, 2017, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article136725191

[9] To the Editor’, Western Age, 21 March 1916, p. 2. Retrieved January 15, 2017, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article136724511

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Posted in Recruits

Tagged Cobar, Dripstone recruits, Loring Ashhurst, Wellington recruits, Wongarbon recruits

Richard John CROCKER

Posted on January 15, 2017 | Leave a comment

Richard John CROCKER

Per his military service record (Depot), Richard John Crocker was born at Croydon, N.S.W.[1] He gave his age as 18 years and 4 months, his marital status as single, and his occupation as brickmaker. His description on his Certificate of medical examination was height 5 feet 8 inches tall, weight 128 lbs, with a fair complexion, blue eyes, and brown hair. His religious denomination was Church of England. His next of kin on his Attestation paper was listed as his mother, Mrs Alice W. Crocker, Brighton Avenue, Croydon, N.S.W. He completed his medical examination and was attested by Lieutenant Edward J. Shaw at Ashfield, on 11^th November 1915. He claimed to have four years previous military experience with the 39^th Regiment.

After joining the Coo-ee March at Ashfield, he went to Liverpool Camp. However, his time with the Coo-ees would be short, as he was underage.

A letter from Lieutenant Stanley Stilling from the Ashfield Drill Hall dated 16^th November 1915 in his file states that ‘Mrs Crocker … called at this Office this evening, and states that she will not consent to her son Richard Crocker, 16 ½ years old, and who is a Trainee of the Area – going with the A.I.F. and asks for his discharge. Crocker volunteered here, and was duly Medically examined, etc., in connection with the Gilgandra Recruits’.[2]

A letter from his mother Alice Crocker dated 18^th November 1915 is also in his file, in which she states ‘My son Richard Crocker enlisted with the Gilgandra Coo-ees last Thursday night against my wish as he is only 16 last May and I think far too young, I want you to send him home at once, please’.[3]

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

Less than a year later, Richard John Crocker re-enlisted in the A.I.F. He completed his Certificate of medical examination at Victoria Barracks on 20^th September 1916, and was attested at the Show Ground Camp at Sydney on 25^th September 1916.

A letter dated 19^th September 1916 in his file signed by both his parents gave consent for their son to enlist. However he was still underage. He had stated that he was 18 years and 3 months of age in this application to enlist, but this was later changed to 17 years and 4 months on his Certificate of medical examination. A copy of his Birth Certificate in his service record dated 20^th March 1917 shows that his date of birth was 13^th May 1899.

Private Crocker was allocated to the 7^th reinforcements for the 60^th Battalion.

On his embarkation roll his address at time of enrolment was Ashfield, N.S.W. His next of kin was listed as his father, Edwin Crocker, 53 Arthur Street, Ashfield, N.S.W.

Private Crocker (regimental no. 2873) embarked from Sydney on the HMAT Afriq A19 on 3^rd November 1916. He disembarked at Plymouth on 9^th January 1917.

He marched into the 15^th Training Battalion at Hurdcott, England on 10^th January 1917.

On 10^th May 1917 Private Crocker was transferred to the Australian Army Medical Corps, and he marched into the Medical Corps Training Depot at Parkhouse, England.

He later wrote in a letter to the O.C., Victoria Barracks: ‘I went away in 1916 but was under age so I was transferred from the 7/60^th to the A.M.C. I was constantly in Hospital work and I volunteered 3 times to go up to the line but I was in the operating theatre & did not get shifted’.[4]

On 4^th September 1917 he went to Parkhouse Hospital with a headache. He returned to the A.M.C. Training Depot on 10^th September 1917.

On 29^th September 1917 Private Crocker was taken on the staff of the 1^st Australian Auxiliary Hospital at Harefield, England.

On 13^th June 1918 Private Crocker was admitted to the Hospital suffering Influenza. He was discharged on 16^th June 1918.

On 27^th January 1919 Private Crocker was detached for duty at the 1^st Australian General Hospital at Sutton Veny, England.

On 23^rd March 1919 he was admitted to the Hospital suffering Influenza. He was discharged on 4^th April 1919, and sent to the Training Depot.

On 13^th of May 1919 [his 20^th birthday], Private Crocker was granted leave, to report back on 25^th May 1919.

Private Crocker commenced his return to Australia on 2^nd July 1919, aboard the H.T. Karmala. He disembarked at Sydney on 17^th August 1919.

He was discharged Termination of Period of Enlistment on 6^th October 1919.

[1] NAA: B2455, CROCKER R J

[2] NAA: B2455, CROCKER R J, letter to Headquarters, A.I.F.Camp, Liverpool, from Lieut. Stanley Stilling, Area Officer, 39^th Infantry, 16 November 1915

[3] NAA: B2455, CROCKER R J, letter from Alice Crocker, 18 November 1915

[4] NAA: B2455, CROCKER R J, letter to O.C., Victoria Barracks, from Richard John Crocker, [1936].

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Posted in Recruits

Tagged Ashfield recruits, HMAT A19 Afriq, Richard John Crocker

Thomas SHAW

Posted on January 14, 2017 | Leave a comment

Thomas SHAW

Per his military service record (regimental no. 4896), Thomas Shaw was born at Draycott in the Clay, Staffordshire, England.[1] He gave his age as 36 years and 8 months, his marital status as single, and his occupation as farmer labourer. His description on his certificate of medical examination was height 5 feet 5 ½ inches tall, weight 11 stone 2 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 on the 16^th October 1915 at Wellington (the day the Coo-ees arrived at Wellington), and was attested by Captain Nicholas at Stuart Town on the 19^th October 1915. His “Joined on” date on his Attestation Paper was 18^th October 1915, the day the Coo-ees left Wellington, and marched to Dripstone.

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 not recorded, and his next of kin was listed as his sister, Mrs P. White, Bruce Bridge, Heath, Lincoln, England.

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

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

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

Just two months later, on 7^th August 1916 the 4^th Pioneer Battalion was constructing communication trenches in Becourt Wood, France, when Private Shaw was wounded in action, receiving gunshot wounds to his left leg and neck. He was evacuated to the 4^th General Hospital at Camiers, France, the next day.

On 20^th August 1916 he was moved to Calais, France, and transferred to England aboard the Hospital Ship Newhaven. He was admitted to the Carrington Military Hospital at Nottingham, England on 21^st August 1916.

On 2^nd September 1916 Private Shaw was transferred to the 1st Australian Auxiliary Hospital at Harefield, England.

On the 23rd of October 1916 Private Shaw was moved to the 3^rd Auxiliary Hospital at Dartford with Myalgia.

On 14^th January 1917 Private Shaw departed Southampton, England, on the Hospital Ship Kanowna, bound for Australia.

He arrived in Sydney on 11^th March 1917, and was discharged Medically Unfit on 29^th August 1917.

[1] NAA: B2455, SHAW THOMAS

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Posted in Recruits

Tagged HMAT A15 Star of England, Thomas Shaw, Wellington recruits

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Category Archives: Recruits

George Elsie EWENS

John Graham WATSON

William Stirling MASON

Joseph Francis HEALEY

David James O’ROURKE

Alfred WARDROP

William COLLYER

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Richard John CROCKER

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