Tag Archives: HMAT A15 Star of England

Joseph John WILLIAMS

Posted on March 6, 2017 | Leave a comment

Joseph John WILLIAMS

Per his military service record (regimental no. 4912), Joseph John Williams was born at Woollahra, N.S.W.[1] He gave his age as 36 years and 11 months, his marital status as single, and his occupation as farrier. His description on Certificate of Medical Examination was height 5 feet 5 ½ inches tall, weight 144 lbs., with a dark complexion, brown eyes, and grey hair. His religious denomination was Roman Catholic. He claimed that he had no previous military experience. He completed his medical examination at Ashfield on 11^th November 1915 (the day the Coo-ees marched from Parramatta to Ashfield), and was attested by Lieutenant F. Middenway at Ashfield on 11^th November 1915.

It is not known exactly where Joseph John Williams joined (or first presented to join) the Coo-ee March, but it may possibly have been before the 11^th November 1915. The Oath on his Attestation Paper was dated ‘from 6^th November 1915’. The “Date of Joining” recorded for Private Williams on his embarkation roll was 7^th November 1915.

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

On 18^th February 1916 Private Williams was charged with being absent without leave from the Liverpool Camp for 3 days. He was fined 25 Shillings.

On his embarkation roll his address at time of enrolment was C/o T. Stephenson, 1 Ruffe [sic] Street, Leichhardt, Sydney, N.S.W., and his next of kin is listed as his mother, Mrs. E. M. [Esther Mary] Williams, at the same address. The initial address recorded for his mother on his Attestation Paper was ‘Railway Parade Wentworth Falls N.S.W.’.

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

It is not recorded in his service record when Private Williams left Egypt, but after some training in Egypt, he was sent to the 4^th Training Battalion at Rollestone, England.

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

He was taken on strength of the 13^th Battalion on 26^th August 1916 when it was at Albert, France, preparing to re-enter the fighting around Pozieres.

On the 1st of January 1917 Private Williams was sent to the 8^th Australian Field Ambulance suffering from a sore ankle. On 4^th January 1917 he was moved to the 1^st General Hospital at Etretat, France. On 26^th January 1917 he was transferred to the 2^nd Stationary Hospital at Amiens, France, with ICT right ankle. He was discharged and returned to the 13^th Battalion on 8^th February 1917.

On 2^nd March 1917 Private Williams was sent to the 8^th Australian Field Ambulance suffering from Scabies. He was moved back to the 5^th Rest station later that day with Influenza. On 7^th March 1917 he was transferred to a Casualty Clearing Station with Trench Feet. He was later moved to the 5^th General Hospital at Rouen with Trench Fever.

On 12^th March 1917 Private Williams was placed aboard the Hospital Ship Grantully Castle at Le Harve for evacuation to England. He was admitted to the 2^nd Southern General Hospital at Bristol, England, on the 13^th of March 1917, with Trench Fever.

On 16^th April 1917 Private Williams was transferred to the 3^rd Australian Auxiliary Hospital at Dartford, England. He was granted leave to report to the Number 3 Command Depot at Hurdcott, England, on 1^st May 1917.

On 12^th of May 1917 Private Williams was charged with being absent without leave in London from 3.30 p.m. on 1^st May 1917 till 9.15 p.m. on 8^th May 1917. He was awarded 8 days Field Punishment Number 2 and fined 19 days pay.

On 4^th August 1917 Private Williams was transferred to the Number 2 Command Depot at Weymouth, England.

On 27^th September 1917 Private Williams departed England aboard the H.T. Suevic bound for Australia, with Debility. He arrived in Australia on 20^th November 1917, and was discharged medically unfit on 25^th December 1917.

[1] NAA B2455, WILLIAMS J J

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Tagged Ashfield recruits, HMAT A15 Star of England, Joseph John Williams, Wentworth Falls

Thomas Henry TURVEY

Posted on February 26, 2017 | Leave a comment

Thomas Henry TURVEY

Private T. H. Turvey, of Gilgandra “Coo-ees”, awarded Military Medal (Newspaper unknown, 1917)

Per his military service record (regimental no. 4902A), Thomas Henry Turvey was born at Gulgong, N.S.W. [1] He gave his age as 22 years and 9 months, his marital status as single, and his occupation as laborer. His description on his Certificate of Medical Examination was height 5 feet 8 ½ inches tall, weight 10 stone 10 lbs., with a dark complexion, light blue eyes, and dark hair. His religious denomination was Roman Catholic. He claimed that he had no previous military service. He completed his medical examination on 4^th October 1915 at Gilgandra, and was attested by Captain Eade at Lawson on the 7^th October 1915.

Thomas Turvey stated that he had joined the Coo-ees at Katoomba in a court case in December 1915, in which he was a witness.[2] The Coo-ees had stayed overnight at Katoomba on 5^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 Gilgandra, N.S.W., and his next of kin is listed as his father, T. [Thomas] Turvey, Gilgandra, N.S.W.

On 8^th March 1916 Private Turvey, 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.

He was transferred to the 45^th Battalion on 20^th May 1916.

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

On 19^th July 1916 Private Turvey was taken on strength of the 45^th Battalion.

Private Turvey served with the 45^th Battalion through its first action at Fleurbaix, France, in July 1916, then the Battle of the Somme around Pozieres, Mouquet Farm and Flers, without injury or illness.

His service record states that he was allocated the letter “A” to his regimental number on 22^nd February 1917 on account of duplication of numbers.

Private Turvey was serving with the 45^th Battalion when it was in action around Guedecourt, France, where on 27^th February 1917 he was recommended for, and subsequently awarded, the Military Medal for bravery in the field, for his action on the 22^nd/23^rd February 1917. This award was published in the London Gazette Supplement no. 30036 on 26^th April 1917, and promulgated in the Commonwealth Gazette No. 133 on 21^st August 1917.[3]

The citation for the Military Medal reads: “For his gallant conduct and devotion to duty during an attack on a enemy trench near Guedecourt on the night of 22/23^rd Febry. 1917 when as a runner he maintained communication overland under artillery and machine gun fire between the front line and Headquarters. His work in this respect was quite consistent with his previous fine record established for coolness and determination in the face of all obstacles”.[4]

On 7^th June 1917 the 45^th Battalion was involved in an attack at Messines Ridge when Private Turvey received a gunshot wound to the abdomen. He was one of 352 members of the 45^th Battalion wounded during the attack. Another 100 were killed and 50 missing. He was evacuated to the 77^th Field Ambulance, then to the 53^rd Casualty Clearing Station. On 9^th June 1917 he was admitted to the 2^nd Australian General Hospital at Wimereux.

On 11^th June 1917 Private Turvey was placed aboard the Hospital Ship St Patrick for evacuation to England, and he was admitted to Royal Herbert Hospital at Woolwich with a gunshot wound to his right side on the same day.

On 22^nd June 1917 Private Turvey was transferred to the 1^st Australian Auxiliary Hospital at Harefield, England.

On 13^th July 1917 he was discharged from hospital, and sent to the No. 2 Command Depot at Weymouth, England.

On 27^th July 1917 Private Turvey commenced his return to Australia aboard the H.M.A.T. Demosthenes.

He arrived in Australia on 29^th September 1917, and was discharged medically unfit on 1^st November 1917.

[1] NAA: B2455, TURVEY THOMAS HENRY

[2] ‘Alleged Disloyal Conduct’, The Dubbo Liberal and Macquarie Advocate, 3 December 1915, p. 4. Retrieved February 26, 2017, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article77602826

[3] The London Gazette, 26 April 1917, Supplement 30036, p. 3948, https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue/30036/supplement/3948 ; Commonwealth Gazette, No. 133, 21^st August 1917, p. 1786, https://www.legislation.gov.au/content/HistoricGazettes1917 (and copy in service record)

[4] Australian War Memorial. Recommendation for Military Medal, Thomas Henry Turvey, 27^th February 1917, https://www.awm.gov.au/people/rolls/R1625170/

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Posted in Recruits

Tagged Gilgandra recruits, HMAT A15 Star of England, Katoomba recruits, Lawson recruits, Military Medal, Thomas Henry Turvey

Thomas William EVANS

Posted on February 26, 2017 | 2 comments

Thomas William EVANS

Per his military service record (regimental no. 4770), Thomas William Evans was born at Castlemaine, Victoria.[1] He gave his age as 38 years, his marital status as single, and his occupation as Labourer. His description on his Certificate of Medical Examination was height 5 feet 6inches tall, weight 149 lbs., with a fair complexion, blue eyes, and light brown hair. His religious denomination was Church of England. He completed his medical examination at Dubbo on 12^th October 1915, and was attested at Dubbo on 14^th October 1915 (the day the Coo-ees left Dubbo for Wongarbon). He claimed to have had no previous military service.

His brother, Mr. J. Evans, later reported in the Mount Alexander Mail that he had ‘been engaged in farming’ in New South Wales for about three years before he enlisted, and that ‘he was one of those who made up the famous Gilgandra snowball’.[2] A letter in his service record from a Mrs. S. H. Dunford, from a property near Parkes, enquiring as to his whereabouts after the war, stated that he had ‘enlisted with the Gilgandra Coo-ees’.[3]

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 Parker Street, Castlemaine, Victoria, and his next of kin is listed as his mother, Mrs I. [Isabella] Evans, at the same address.

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

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

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

Private Evans 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 14^th August 1916 the 45^th Battalion was in the front line trenches between Pozieres and Martinpuich in France. During this day 45^th Battalion had casualties of 15 men wounded from artillery shelling. Private Evans was one of the wounded. He was evacuated to the 4^th Field ambulance, then 44^th Casualty Clearing Station, with a shrapnel wound to his back. He was put on the Ambulance Train, and admitted to the 5^th General Hospital at Rouen on 16^th August 1916.

On 23^rd August 1916 he was discharged, and sent to the 4^th Australian Division Base Depot at Etaples, France.

He rejoined the 45^th Battalion on 16^th of September 1916 when it was conducting training at Victoria Camp near Rhenninghelst, Belgium.

On 19^th November 1916 the 45^th Battalion was moving into the front line at Grease Trench, just north of Gueducourt, France, when Private Evans was evacuated to the 38^th Casualty Clearing Station sick with Influenza.

On 21^st November 1916 he was placed aboard the 20^th Ambulance Train, and conveyed to the 12^th General Hospital at Rouen, France, where he was admitted on 22^nd November 1916.

Private Evans was discharged from hospital on 2^nd December 1916 and sent to the 4^th Australian Division Base Depot at Etaples, France

Private Evans rejoined the 45^th Battalion on 5^th January 1917 when it was at Dernacourt, France, preparing to move to the front line.

On 20^th February 1917 the 45^th Battalion was in action near Guedecourt, France, when Private Evans was wounded in action for a second time, receiving a serious shrapnel wound to his right forehead that fractured his skull. He was evacuated to a Casualty Clearing Station, then on 25^st February 1917 placed aboard the 21^st Ambulance Train. He was conveyed to the 11^th Stationary Hospital at Rouen, France , where he was admitted on 26^th February 1917, suffering from gunshot wound head penetrating cranium, severe.

On 19^th April 1917 Private Evans was evacuated to England by Hospital Ship. He was admitted to the 3^rd London General Hospital at Wandsworth.

On 21^st July 1917 Private Evans was evacuated to the 1^st Australian Auxiliary Hospital at Harefield, England.

On 25^th July 1917 Private Evans was discharged from hospital, and granted leave to report to the Number 2 Command Depot at Weymouth, England.

Private Evans left England on 27^th August 1917 for return to Australia aboard the H.M.A.T. Pakeha, arriving in Australia on 25^th October 1917.

He was discharged medically unfit on 22^nd November 1917, with gunshot wound to the head, fracture of skull.

[1] NAA: B2455, EVANS T W

[2] ‘Items of News’, Mount Alexander Mail, 14 September 1916, p. 2. Retrieved February 7, 2017, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article119637481

[3] NAA: B2455, EVANS T W, letter to Base Records, Melbourne, from Mrs S. H. Dunford, “Clear View”, Wongalia P.O., via Gunningbland, Parkes, 29^th July 1920.

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Posted in Recruits

Tagged Dubbo recruits, HMAT A15 Star of England, Thomas William Evans

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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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

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

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

Francis Albury HOLLAND

Posted on January 9, 2017 | Leave a comment

Francis Albury HOLLAND

Per his military service record (regimental no. 4800), Francis Albury Holland was born at Wyong, N.S.W.[1] He gave his age as 22 years, his marital status as single, and his occupation as laborer. His description on his medical was height 5 feet 4 ½ inches tall, weight 141 lbs., with a medium complexion, brown eyes, and dark hair. His religious denomination was Church of England. He claimed that he had 4 months previous military service with the Australian Rifles.

He completed his medical examination on the 2^nd November 1915 at Lithgow, and was attested by Captain A. C. Eade at Lithgow on 2^nd November 1915.

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

On his embarkation roll his address at time of enrolment was Alison Road, Wyong, N.S.W., and his next of kin is listed as his mother, Mrs. L. [Louisa] Holland, at the same address.

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

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

On 2^nd June 1916 Private Holland left Alexandria aboard the Transport Kinfauns Castle bound for France, arriving at Marseilles on 8^th June 1916.

Private Holland served with the 45^th Battalion in France until 27^th July 1916, when he was admitted to the 1^st New Zealand Stationary Hospital at Amiens, France, suffering from Epilepsy.

On 31^st July 1916 he was transferred to the 1^st Australian General Hospital at Rouen, France.

On 4^th August 1916 he was placed aboard the Hospital Ship Marama at Havre for evacuation to England.

He was admitted to the 2^nd Birmingham War Hospital in England on 6^th August 1916.

Private Holland was discharged on 13^th September 1916, and sent to the No. 2 Command Depot at Weymouth, England.

On 17^th October 1916 Private Holland departed Portland, England, aboard the H.M.A.T. Ajana, bound for Australia.

On 20^th November 1916 he was charged with Breaking Hospital at sea on 17^th November 1916. He was awarded 24 hours detention.

Private Holland arrived in Australia in early December 1916, and was discharged medically unfit on 20^th January 1917.

[1] NAA: B2455, HOLLAND F A 4800

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Posted in Recruits

Tagged Francis Albury Holland, HMAT A15 Star of England, Lithgow recruits

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Tag Archives: HMAT A15 Star of England

Joseph John WILLIAMS

Thomas Henry TURVEY

Thomas William EVANS

George Elsie EWENS

John Graham WATSON

William Stirling MASON

Alfred WARDROP

William COLLYER

Thomas SHAW

Francis Albury HOLLAND

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