Category Archives: Recruits

Clarence William STEWART

Posted on April 17, 2017 | Leave a comment

Clarence William STEWART

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

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

‘C. W. Stewart’ was named in the Bathurst Times as one of the Wellington recruits that joined the Coo-ees at Blayney on 26th 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 Stewart was charged with being absent without leave for 6 days. He was fined 30 shillings.

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

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

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

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

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

 

[1] NAA: B2455, STEWART C W

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

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

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

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Harold Edmund CROUCH

Posted on April 17, 2017 | Leave a comment

Harold Edmund CROUCH

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

[1] NAA: B2455, CROUCH H E

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

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

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

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

 

 

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Arthur LAKEMAN

Posted on April 17, 2017 | Leave a comment

Arthur LAKEMAN

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

[1] NAA: B2455, LAKEMAN ARTHUR E.

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

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

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William Arthur BURTON

Posted on April 17, 2017 | Leave a comment

William Arthur BURTON

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

 

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Francis Charles Edward CLARKE

Posted on April 17, 2017 | 1 comment

Francis Charles Edward CLARKE

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

[1] NAA: B2455, CLARKE F C E

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Thomas William HASKETT

Posted on April 17, 2017 | Leave a comment

Thomas William HASKETT

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

He arrived in Australia on 5th July 1917.

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

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

 

[1] NAA: B2455, HASKETT T W

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

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

 

 

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Robert William PETTIGREW

Posted on April 16, 2017 | Leave a comment

Robert William PETTIGREW

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[1] NAA: B2455, PETTIGREW ROBERT WILLIAM

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

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

 

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Robert Michael HICKEY

Posted on April 16, 2017 | 3 comments

Robert Michael HICKEY

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

On13th April 1917 Private Hickey was transferred back to the No. 2 Command Depot at Weymouth, England.

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

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

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

 

[1] NAA: B2455, HICKEY R M 5099

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

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Sydney Raymond CARVER

Posted on April 13, 2017 | Leave a comment

Sydney Raymond CARVER

Per his military service record (regimental no. 4745), Sydney Raymond Carver was born at Hill End, N.S.W.[1]  He gave his age as 30 years and 6 months, his marital status as single, and his occupation as fettler.  His description on his Certificate of Medical Examination form was height 5 feet 6 inches tall, with a dark complexion, brown eyes, and black hair.  His religious denomination was Methodist.  He claimed that he had served for 5 years in the Hill End Rifle Club.

He was attested by Captain A. C. Eade at Katoomba on 5th November 1915 (the day the Coo-ees marched from Mount Victoria to Katoomba).  He did not complete his medical examination until 13th November 1915 at Liverpool.

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

Sydney Raymond Carver was also known as “Tom” Carver.[2]  He was referred to as ‘Private Tom Carver, of the Coo-ees … home on final leave’, in the Lithgow Mercury on 29th December 1915.[3]

The National Advocate reported that Private S. Carver was given a send-off on Thursday night 30th December 1915 in the Royal Hall at Hill End, where he was presented with a wristlet watch.[4]

On his embarkation roll his address at time of enrolment was Hill End, N.S.W., and his next of kin is listed as his father, B. [Benjamin] Carver, Hill End, N.S.W.

On 8th March 1916 Private Carver, 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 Carver left Alexandria aboard the transport Kinfauns Castle bound for France arriving at Marseilles on 8th June 1916.

On 4th July 1916 Private Carver was sent to the 4th Australian Field Ambulance suffering from Influenza.  On 7th July 1916 he was sent to the 4th Division Rest Station.  He rejoined the 45th Battalion on 9th July 1916.

On 30th July 1916 Private Carver was promoted to Lance Corporal.

On 24th August 1916 he was promoted to Corporal.

On 6th April 1917 he was promoted to Sergeant.

On 11th April 1917 the 45th Battalion was moving into the front line in the vicinity of Noreuil, France when Sergeant Carver was wounded in action, receiving a shrapnel wound to his left leg.  He was sent to the 4th Australian Field Ambulance, then moved back to the 9th Casualty Clearing Station, then the 56th Casualty Clearing Station.  On 12th April 1917 he was placed aboard the 11th Ambulance Train.  On 13th April 1917 he was admitted to the 1st General Hospital at Entretat, France.

On 25th April 1917 Sergeant Carver was placed aboard a hospital ship for evacuation to England.  On 26th April 1917 he was admitted to the 2nd Southern General Hospital at Bristol, England.

He was discharged from hospital on 21st May 1917, and granted leave to report to the No. 1 Command Depot at Perham Downs on 5th June 1917.

On 26th June 1917 he was transferred to the Overseas Training Brigade.

On 9th December 1917 Sergeant Carver departed Southampton bound for France.  He arrived at the 4th Australian Division Base Depot at Le Harve, France, on 10th December 1917.

He rejoined the 45th Battalion when it was training at Haut Allaines, France, on 16th December 1917.

On 5th April 1918 the 45th Battalion was in action around Dernacourt, France, when Sergeant Carver was wounded in action for the second time, receiving a gunshot wound to his abdomen.  He was sent to the 13th Australian Field Ambulance, then back to the 29th Casualty Clearing Station.  On 6th April 1918 he was placed aboard the 27th Ambulance Train being admitted to the 7th Canadian General Hospital on the 7th of April 1918 at Etaples, France.

On 25th April 1918 he was placed aboard the Hospital Ship Princess Elizabeth for evacuation to England.  On 26th April 1918 he was admitted to the County of Middlesex War Hospital at Napsbury  in England.

On 3rd June 1918 he was transferred to the 1st Australian Auxiliary Hospital at Harefield, England.  He was discharged on 18th June 1918 and sent to the No. 3 Command Depot at Hurdcott, England.

On 3rd July 1918 Sergeant Carver was admitted to the Fovant Military Hospital sick.  He was discharged on 31st July 1918.

On 11th September 1918 Sergeant Carver was transferred to the No. 1 Command Depot at Sutton Veny, England.

On 21st October 1918 Sergeant Carver was sent to the Overseas Training Brigade.

He departed Southampton on 21st November 1918 bound for France.  He arrived at the 4th Australian Division Base Depot at Le Harve, France, on 22nd November 1918.

He rejoined the 45th Battalion in France on 1st December 1918.

On 19th March 1919 Sergeant Carver was sent to the 12th Australian Field Ambulance sick with old abdomen wound.  He was discharged, and rejoined the 45th Battalion, on 25th March 1919.

On 6th April 1919 Sergeant Carver was sent to the Australian Base Depot at Le Harve.

On 11th April 1919 Sergeant Carver was admitted to the 39th General Hospital sick at Le Havre.

On 18th April 1918 he was placed aboard a hospital ship for evacuation to England.  He was admitted to the 1st Australian Dermatological Hospital at Bulford, England, on 19th April 1919.

He was discharged on 4th July 1919 and sent to the No. 2 Depot at Sutton Veny, England.

On 23rd July 1919 Sergeant Carver departed England aboard the H.T. Suevic bound for Australia.

He arrived in Australia 10th September 1919, and was discharged medically unfit on 10th November 1919.

The Mudgee Guardian and North-Western Representative reported that Sergeant Carver was one of the soldiers who were given a welcome home at a large gathering held at the Royal Hall in Hill End on Friday 3rd October 1919.  Each soldier was given an inscribed gold medal, and a ‘useful bundle of clothing from the ladies’ knitting circle’.[5]

Research note: Sydney Raymond ‘Tom’ Carver was not named in The Blue Mountain Echo as one of ‘the lads who answered the call, and marched out with the Coo-ees’ at Katoomba.[6]  His “Joined on” date on his Attestation Paper is 5th November 1915, so it appears possible that he may have joined the Coo-ees somewhere on that day before they reached Katoomba. The Coo-ees picked up two recruits in Blackheath on route from Mount Victoria to Katoomba.[7]  One of these men was Thomas Walsh.  ‘T. Carver’ and ‘T. Walsh’ are listed together on the Blackheath Roll of Honor published in The Blue Mountain Echo on 13th April 1917.[8]  It appears a possibility that ‘Tom’ Carver may have been the other recruit who joined the Coo-ees at Blackheath.  

[1] NAA: B2455, CARVER S R

[2] ‘CARVER, Sydney Raymond (Tom) : Service Number – 4745’’, Hill End War Memorial, http://www.heatgg.org.au/resources/databases/hill-end-war-memorial/

[3] ‘Hill End’, Lithgow Mercury, 29 December 1915, p. 4. Retrieved March 27, 2017, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article218453720

[4] ‘’Hill End Recruits’, National Advocate, 6 January 1916, p. 3. Retrieved March 27, 2017, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article158046862

[5] ‘Soldiers’ Welcome Home’, Mudgee Guardian and North-Western Representative, 9 October 1919, p. 12. Retrieved March 27, 2017, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article157039404

[6] ‘March o’er 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]

[7] ‘The Route March’, The Farmer and Settler,  9 November 1915, p. 3. Retrieved March 27, 2017, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article116669569

[8] ‘Eastertide at Blackheath’, The Blue Mountain Echo, 13 April 1917, p. 3. Retrieved March 29, 2017, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article108244227

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Thomas WALSH

Posted on April 13, 2017 | Leave a comment

Thomas WALSH

Per his military service record (Depot), Thomas Walsh was born in Melbourne, Victoria.[1]  He gave his age as 43 years and 4 months, his marital status as single, and his occupation as labourer.  His description on his Certificate of Medical Examination was height 5 feet 6 inches tall, weight 9 stone 7 lbs., with a dark complexion, grey eyes, and brown hair.  His religious denomination was Church of England.  He claimed he had no previous military experience. Marked against his next of kin on his Attestation Paper was “No Relatives”.

He was attested at Katoomba by Captain A. C. Eade on 5th November 1915 (the day the Coo-ees marched from Mount Victoria to Katoomba).  He did not complete his medical examination until 13th November 1915 at Liverpool.

He appears to have been one of the two recruits that joined the Coo-ees at Blackheath during their march from Mount Victoria to Katoomba on 5th November 1915.  His initial Application to enlist in the Australian Imperial Force form dated 5th November 1915 was addressed to the Recruiting officer at Blackheath, and his postal address was left blank.  The Preliminary Medical Examination section was signed by a medical officer at Blackheath on 5th November 1915.  The Certificate of Recruiting Officer section at the bottom of this form was signed by Captain Eade at Lawson on 7th November 1915.

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

However, it appears that his service in the Australian Imperial Force was short.

On 15th January 1916 Private Walsh was posted as a deserter. A warrant for his arrest was issued the on 19th February 1916. The warrant was withdrawn on the 13th of January 1920.

Research note: It may just be a coincidence, but the signature of this Thomas Walsh is very similar to that of another Thomas Walsh aged 43 years and 5 months, who was attested at Liverpool on 20th January 1916, who was also born at Melbourne, and was assigned to the same company that the Coo-ees were initially assigned to in the 13th Battalion.  The “Joined on” date of this Thomas Walsh was 4th November 1915, but there is nothing in his service record to indicate where this occurred.  This Thomas Walsh was sent overseas in May 1916, served on the Western Front, and returned to Australia in 1917.  However his next of kin was listed as his mother, who had a different surname, and there were some small differences with his appearance, and a different occupation was listed.

[1] NAA: B2455, WALSH THOMAS

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