Tag Archives: Katoomba recruits

George Alfred RUDDOCK

Posted on February 5, 2023 | Leave a comment

George Alfred RUDDOCK

Per his military service record (Depot), George Alfred Ruddock was born at St Peters, Sydney, N.S.W.[1]  He gave his age as 23 years and 7 months, his marital status as single, and his occupation as labourer.  It was noted on his Attestation Paper of Persons Enlisted for Service Abroad that he could ‘understand buchering’. His description on his Certificate of Medical Examination was height 5 feet 11 ½ inches tall, with a dark complexion, blue eyes, and dark brown hair.  His religious denomination was Roman Catholic.  He claimed that he had no previous military service.

His Application to Enlist in the Australian Imperial Force form was dated 29th October 1915, and he gave his postal address as C/o Mrs Wm. Hall, Gordon Cottage, Warriga Street, Katoomba.

His next of kin was recorded on his Attestation Paper as Mrs Kate Murphy, 4 Portland Street, Waterloo, Sydney, N.S.W.

He was named (as ‘A. G. Ruddock’) in The Blue Mountain Echo as one of the men who enlisted with the Coo-ees at Katoomba.[2]

He completed his medical examination on 5th November 1915 at Katoomba. He was attested by Lieutenant F. Middenway at Katoomba on the same day.

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

On 4th February 1916 Private Ruddock was examined by a Medical Board.  His Detailed Medical History of an Invalid form recorded that he had ‘varicose veins of left leg’, that ‘has probably been aggravated by marching’.

On 23rd March 1916 Private Ruddock was discharged from the Australian Imperial Force medically unfit.

[1] NAA B2455, RUDDOCK George Alfred.

[2] ‘March o’er the mountains’, The Blue Mountain Echo, 12 November 1915, p. 3, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article108042142, accessed 5 February 2023.

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Cormack Peter SMITH

Posted on February 5, 2023 | Leave a comment

Cormack Peter SMITH

Per his military service record (Depot), Cormack Peter Smith was born at Katoomba, N.S.W.[1]  He gave his age as 30 years and 6 months, his marital status as single, and his occupation as labourer.  His description on his Certificate of Medical Examination was height 5 feet 9 inches tall, weight 140 lbs., with a dark complexion, hazel eyes, and black hair.  His religious denomination was Roman Catholic.  He claimed that he had no previous military service.

His next of kin was recorded on his Attestation Paper as his mother, Mrs Ellen Smith, Katoomba, N.S.W.

He completed his medical examination on 5th November 1915 at Katoomba. He was attested in Katoomba on the same day.

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

On 24th November 1915 Private Smith was charged with Not on List but Present in Camp. He was fined one day’s pay.

On 9th January 1916 Private Smith was charged with desertion.  A note on the charge record in his military service record noted ‘Deserves punishment but had an invalided family to look after’.

The New South Wales Police Gazette recorded that ‘Cormack Peter Smith, military deserter, had been arrested by Katoomba Police, and handed over to the military authorities.[2]

On 10th March 1916 Private Smith was discharged Services no Longer Required.

[1] NAA: B2455, SMITH C. P.

[2] Apprehensions. (1916, March 15). New South Wales Police Gazette and Weekly Record of Crime (Sydney : 1860 – 1930), p. 152. Retrieved August 14, 2022, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article251742718

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Benjamin William DAVIS

Posted on November 4, 2018 | Leave a comment

Benjamin William DAVIS

Per his military service record (2320), Benjamin William Davis was born at Sydney, N.S.W.[1]  He gave his age as 18 years and 2 months (although it appears he was only about 16 ½ years of age at the time), his marital status as single, and his occupation as greengrocer.[2] His description on his Certificate of Medical Examination was height 5 feet 3 inches tall, weight 8 stone 2 lbs., with a medium complexion, grey eyes, and black hair. His religious denomination was Roman Catholic. He claimed to have 18 months previous military service in the Senior Cadets.

‘B. W. Davis’ was named in The Blue Mountain Echo as one of the recruits who joined the Coo-ees at Katoomba.[3]

He completed his medical examination, and was attested by Lieutenant F. Middenway, on the 5th November 1915 at Katoomba.

After completing the march he went to Liverpool Camp as reinforcement for the 6th Light Horse Regiment.

Private Davis, along with several other local Coo-ees, including Privates Trow, Nimmo, Pettigrew, Perkins, Hayes, Duff, and Mason, was given a send-off at the Empire Theatre in Katoomba on Wednesday evening 15th December 1915, where Mayor James presented them with medals, and ‘spoke highly of the courage of the boys who marched away with the Coo-ees, and wished them every luck in the great fight they were undertaking’.[4]

On his embarkation roll his address at time of enrolment was “Eden” Leichardt Street, Katoomba N.S.W.[5] His next of kin was listed as his father, B. W. Davis, at the same address.

On 3rd May 1916 Privater Davis departed Sydney on the HMAT Hymettus A1, with the 16th reinforcements for the 6th Light Horse Regiment.

On 22nd May 1916, whilst on the voyage to Egypt, Private Davis was charged with absenting himself without leave from all parades on 18th and 19th May 1916 and being a malingerer. He was awarded 120 hours detention.

After arriving in Egypt, Trooper Davis was taken on strength of the 2nd Light Horse Training Regiment at Tel-el-Kebir on 27th June 1916.

On 1st July 1916 Trooper Davis was admitted to the 2nd Australian Stationary Hospital sick.  He was admitted to the 1st Australian Dermatological Hospital at Abbassia on 4th July 1916. He was discharged and returned to the 2nd Light Horse Training Regiment on 27th July 1916.

On 5th August 1916 Trooper Davis was transferred to the 6th Light Horse Regiment at Tel-el-Kebir.

On 14th January 1917 Trooper Davis was sent to the 2nd Australian Light Horse Field Ambulance for dental treatment. He returned to the Regiment on 15th January 1917.

He served with the 6th Light Horse Regiment until  23rd March 1918, when Trooper Davis was sent to the 2nd Australian Light Horse Field Ambulance sick. On 24th March he was moved back to the 66th Casualty Clearing Station. On 25th March 1918 he was moved to the 76th Casualty Clearing Station. On 27th March 1918 he was admitted to the 43rd Stationary Hospital. On 28th March 1918 he was transferred to the 24th Stationary Hospital at Kantara. On 29th March he was admitted to the 2nd Australian Stationary Hospital at Moascar. On 19th April 1918 he was transferred to the 14th Australian General Hospital.

On 26th April 1918 he was sent to a Rest Camp at Port Said. He was discharged on 15th May 1918 and sent to the 2nd Light Horse Training Regiment at Moascar.

On 18th June 1918 Trooper Davis was charged with when on active service ‘he at Cairo on the 16th of June 1918 made use of a document purporting to be a genuine pass well knowing that the date thereon had been altered’, and also with being absent without leave from 0900 on 13th June 1918 till apprehended by the Military Police in Cairo at 0945 on 16th June 1918. He was fined 4 days pay and awarded 28 days Field Punishment No. 2.

Trooper Davis re-joined the 6th Light Horse Regiment at Moascar on 25th July 1918.

On 17th December 1918 Trooper Davis was admitted to the 78th General Hospital suffering Lupus Vulgaris. On the 18th of December 1918 he was transferred to the 44th Stationary Hospital at Kantara, then onto the 14th Australian General Hospital at Abbassia later that day.

On 26th January 1919 Trooper Davis commenced his return to Australia from Suez aboard the HT Damosthenes for medical discharge.

He arrived in Australia on 2nd March 1919.

He was discharged medically unfit on 28th June 1919.

 

[1] NAA: B2455, DAVIS B W

[2] NAA: B2455, DAVIS B W – Date of birth given as 14th April 1899 in a Statutory Declaration dated 19th May 1953.

[3] March O’er the Mountains. (1915, November 12). The Blue Mountain Echo (NSW : 1909 – 1928), p. 3. Retrieved September 21, 2015, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article108042142

[4] Benefit to Our Boys. (1915, December 17). The Blue Mountain Echo (NSW : 1909 – 1928), p. 6. Retrieved April 7, 2018, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article108041454

[5] Australian War Memorial. First World War Embarkation Roll, Benjamin William Davis, HMAT Hymettus A1, 3rd May 1916.

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Alexander Muir NIMMO

Posted on April 7, 2018 | Leave a comment

Alexander Muir NIMMO

Per his military service record (Depot), Alexander Muir Nimmo was born at Katoomba, N.S.W.[1]  He gave his age as 26 years and 2 months, his marital status as single, and his occupation as letter carrier. His description on his Certificate of Medical Examination was height 5 feet 3 ½ inches tall, [weight not recorded], with a fair complexion, blue eyes, and brown hair. His religious denomination was Presbyterian. He claimed that he had no previous military service.

He listed his next of kin on his Attestation Paper as his father, Joseph Nimmo, Parke Street, Katoomba, N.S.W.

His postal address on his initial Application to Enlist in the Australian Imperial Force form was Parke Street, Katoomba.

The Oath to be taken by person being enlisted section on his Attestation Paper was signed by Lieutenant F. Middenway at Katoomba on 5th November 1915 at Katoomba (the day to Coo-ees arrived at Katoomba).  He completed his medical examination on the 6th November 1915 at Katoomba.   The Certificate of Attesting Officer section of his Attestation Paper was signed by Lieutenant Edward F. Shaw on 13th November 1915.

‘Alex M. Nimmo’ was named in The Blue Mountain Echo as one of the recruits who joined the Coo-ees at Katoomba.[2]

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

Private Nimmo, along with several other local Coo-ees, including Privates Trow, Davis, Pettigrew, Perkins, Hayes, Duff, and Mason, was given a send-off at the Empire Theatre in Katoomba on Wednesday evening 15th December 1915, where Mayor James presented them with medals, and  ‘spoke highly of the courage of the boys who marched away with the Coo-ees,  and wished them every luck in the great fight they were undertaking’.[3]  The Blue Mountain Echo reported that ‘Private Alex Nimmo responded on behalf of the departing soldiers, voicing a very appropriate appreciation’.[4]

On 17th December 1915, Private Nimmo was charged by the Civil Police in Sydney for traveling in a railway car without paying the fare. He was fined 5 shillings.

Two months later, on 17th February 1916 Private Nimmo went before a medical board at Liverpool Camp, where he was diagnosed to be medically unfit not due to misdconduct.

Private Nimmo was discharged from the A.I.F. on 22nd February 1916 medically unfit.

 

[1] NAA: B2455, NIMMO ALEXANDER MUIR

[2] MARCH O’ER THE MOUNTAINS. (1915, November 12). The Blue Mountain Echo (NSW : 1909 – 1928), pp. 2-3. Retrieved September 21, 2015, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article108042142

[3]  Benefit to Our Boys. (1915, December 17). The Blue Mountain Echo (NSW : 1909 – 1928), p. 6. Retrieved April 7, 2018, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article108041454

[4] Benefit to Our Boys. (1915, December 17). The Blue Mountain Echo (NSW : 1909 – 1928), p. 6. Retrieved April 7, 2018, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article108041454

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William GRAHAM

Posted on March 11, 2018 | 2 comments

William GRAHAM

Per his military service record (Depot), Graham William was born at Dumfries, Scotland.[1]  He gave his age as 30 years, his marital status as single, and his occupation as miner (coal). His description on his Certificate of Medical Examination was height 5 feet 7 ¾ inches tall, [weight not recorded], with a sallow dark complexion, brown eyes, and brown hair. His religious denomination was Church of England. He claimed that he had 5 years previous military service with the Royal Garrison Artillery.

He listed his next of kin as ‘None’ on his Attestation Paper.

His postal address on his initial Application to Enlist in the Australian Imperial Force form was Grey Street, Lithgow.

He completed his medical examination on the 5th November 1915 at Katoomba, and was attested at Katoomba by Lieutenant F. Middenway on the same day.

‘W. Graham’ was named in The Blue Mountain Echo as one of the recruits who joined the Coo-ees at Katoomba.[2]

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

On 17th November 1915 Private Graham went before a medical board at Liverpool Camp, where he was diagnosed to be suffering from Nystagmus, and unfit for active service.

Private Graham was discharged medically unfit on 29th November 1915.

 

[1] NAA: B2455, GRAHAM W

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

 

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Joseph Jacob John HERRINGE

Posted on October 9, 2017 | Leave a comment

Joseph Jacob John HERRINGE

Joseph Herringe and his mother Mrs Bridget Herringe (Photograph courtesy of Marie Cribbin)

Per his military service record (regimental no. 5700), Joseph Jacob John Herringe was born at Cowra, N.S.W.[1]  He gave his age as 21 years and 7 months, his marital status as single, and his occupation as fitter.  He stated he has been apprenticed as a gasfitter for 3 years to A. Wright at Cowra. He claimed that he had 2 years previous military service with the 41st Infantry at Cowra.

His description on his Certificate of Medical Examination form was height 5 feet 10 inches tall, weight 147 lbs., with a ruddy complexion, brown eyes, and brown hair. His religious denomination was Roman Catholic.

He completed his medical examination on 11th November 1915 at Ashfield, and was attested by Lieutenant Frank Middenway at Ashfield on 11th November 1915. His date of joining was recorded as 11th November 1915, the day the Coo-ees marched from Parramatta to Ashfield.

It appears that Joseph Herringe may have first presented to join the Co-ees at Katoomba, as a ‘J. Herringe’ was listed in The Blue Mountain Echo on 12th November 1915 as ‘one of the lads who answered the call, and marched out [of Katoomba] with the “Coo-ees” on their triumphant march to the sea’.[2]  (Several of the Coo-ees listed in this article did not undertake their attestation and medical examination until further along the march, or until they reached Liverpool Camp).

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

Private Herringe, along with Private Colin Wren, ‘of the Coo-ees’, were ‘among the lads in khaki’ reported to be in Cowra on leave in the Cowra Free Press on 27th November 1915.[3]

They were both reported being on leave again ‘spending the festive season with their relatives and friends’ in the Cowra Free Press on 30th December 1915.[4]

On his embarkation roll Private Herringe’s address at time of enrolment was Grenfell Road, Cowra, N.S.W. His next of kin was recorded as his mother, Mrs B. [Bridget] M. Herringe, at the same address.[5]

On 3rd May 1916 Private Herringe departed Sydney on the HMAT A46 Clan McGillivray, along with fellow Coo-ees Private Saunders and Private Keating, as part of the 18th reinforcements for the 13th Battalion.

HMAT Clan MacGillivray A46

He arrived in Egypt in June 1916.

On 6th August 1916 Private Herringe departed Egypt bound for England aboard the Transport Megantic.

He was sent to the 4th Training Battalion at Rollerstone, England.

On 23rd September 1916 Private Herringe departed England bound for France.

He marched into the 4th Australian Division Base Depot at Etaples, France on 24th September 1916.

He was taken on strength of the 13th Battalion on the 4th of October 1916 whilst it was training and reorganising in the vicinity of Reninghelst, Belgium.

On 18th October 1916 the 13th Battalion was relieving the 15th Battalion in the front line in the vicinity of Zonnebeke, Belgium, when Private Herringe was wounded by mustard gas poisoning.  He was moved back to the 11th Australian Field Ambulance, then to the 3rd Australian Field Ambulance.

On 20th October 1917 Private Herringe was sent to the 2nd Canadian Casualty Clearing Station. On 22nd October 1917 he was admitted to the 16th General Hospital at Le Treport, France.

On 5th November 1917 Private Herringe was placed aboard the Hospital Ship Panama for evacuation to England. On 6th November 1917 he was admitted to the 1st Southern General Hospital at Birmingham, England, with status ‘gassed severe’.

He was discharged on 15th November 1917, and marched into the No. 3 Command Depot at Hurdcott, England.

On 12th February 1918 Private Herringe was transferred to the Overseas Training Brigade at Longbridge Deverill, England.

On 23rd February 1918 Private Herringe was charged with being absent without leave from midnight on 21st February 1918 until 8.30 a.m. on 23rd February 1918. He was awarded 4 days field punishment no. 2, and fined 5 days pay.

On 4th March 1918 Private Herringe departed Southampton, England bound for France.  He marched into the 4th Australian Division Base Depot at Le Harve on 5th March 1918.

He re-joined the 13th Battalion on 9th March 1918 whilst it was training in the vicinity of Neuve Eglise, France.

On 28th April 1918 Private Herringe was sent to the 14th Australian Field Ambulance then moved to the 20th Casualty Clearance Station with a condition not yet diagnosed. He was discharged and returned to the 13th Battalion on 30th April 1918 when it was at Glisy, France.

On 25th May 1918 the 13th Battalion was conducting training at Allonville, France, when Private Herringe was sent to the 4th Australian Field Ambulance suffering pyrexia.  He was moved back to the 61st Casualty Clearing Station. On 26th May 1918 he was placed aboard the 20th Ambulance Train and evacuated to the 56th General Hospital at Etaples, France, where he was admitted on 27th May 1918.

On 1st June 1918 Private Herringe was placed aboard the Hospital Ship Princess Elizabeth for evacuation to England with severe trench fever. He was admitted to the Reading War Hospital in England later that day.

Private Herringe was discharged from hospital on 5th July 1918, and given leave until 19th July 1918.  He marched in to the No. 1 Command Depot at Sutton Veny, England, on 19th July 1918.

On the 10th of August 1918 Private Herringe was transferred to the Overseas Training Brigade at Longbridge Deverill, England.

On 19th August 1918 Private Herringe was transferred to the 12th Training Brigade at Codford, England.

On 19th November 1918 Private Herringe was admitted to the 1st Australian Dermatological Hospital at Bulford, England, suffering warts.  He was discharged on 6th December 1918 and returned to the 12th Training Battalion.

On 15th January 1919 private Herringe marched into the Concentration Depot at Codford to await his return to Australia.

Private Herringe departed Liverpool, England on 19th February 1919 for return to Australia aboard the H.T. Orca.

He arrived in Australia on 9th April 1919.

A letter in his file dated 1st February 1921, addressed to the O.C., Base Records, reported that he was ‘still on Hospital strength’.

H was discharged medically unfit on 14th May 1921.

 

[1] NAA B2455, HERRINGE J J J 5700

[2] ‘March O’er the Mountains’, (1915, November 12). The Blue Mountain Echo (NSW : 1909 – 1928), pp. 2-3. Retrieved September 21, 2015, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article108042142

[3] ‘Soldiers on Leave’, (1915, November 27). Cowra Free Press (NSW : 1911 – 1921), p. 2. Retrieved October 3, 2017, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article99695725

[4] ‘On Leave’, (1915, December 30). Cowra Free Press (NSW : 1911 – 1921), p. 2. Retrieved October 8, 2017, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article99696209

[5]  First World War Embarkation Roll Joseph Jacob John Herringe, https://www.awm.gov.au/collection/R1830996

 

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Cecil George HAYES

Posted on June 10, 2017 | Leave a comment

Cecil George HAYES

Per his military service record (regimental no. 2465), Cecil George Hayes was born at Bathurst, N.S.W.[1]  He gave his age as 18 years, his marital status as single, and his occupation as labourer. His description on his medical was height 5 feet 4 inches tall, weight 9 stone 6 inches, with a dark complexion, grey eyes, and black hair. His religious denomination was Church of England. He claimed that he had 3 months military service in the Senior Cadets. He completed his medical on the 5th November 1915 at Katoomba, and was attested at Katoomba by Lieutenant F. Middenway on the same day.

‘Cecil Hayes’ was named in The Blue Mountain Echo as one of the recruits who joined the Coo-ees at Katoomba.[2]  He was reported in The Blue Mountain Echo as ‘proudly bearing aloft the Katoomba flag’ when the Coo-ees marched out of Katoomba.[3]

After completing the Coo-ee March he went to Menangle Park Camp as reinforcement for the 6th Light Horse Regiment.

On his embarkation roll his address at time of enrolment was Main Street, Katoomba, N.S.W., and his next of kin is listed as his father, William Hayes, at the same address.

On 26th April 1916 Trooper Hayes departed Sydney on the HMAT Port Macquarie A39 with the 17th reinforcements for the 6th Light Horse Regiment (along with fellow Coo-ee Ronald Hector Perkins).

After arriving at Suez in Egypt, on 21st June 1916 Trooper Hayes was taken on strength with the 2nd Light Horse Training Regiment at Te-el-Kebir.

On 15th July 1916 he was taken on strength of the 12th Company of the Imperial Camel Corps.

On 11th November 1916 Trooper Hayes was transferred to the 3rd ANZAC Battalion of the Imperial Camel Corps.

On 17th December 1916 Trooper Hayes was admitted to the New Zealand Field Ambulance sick with influenza. He was discharged and returned to his unit on 19th December 1916.

On 2nd January 1917 Trooper Hayes was charged with Neglect of Duty on 30th December 1916 whilst on line piquet. He was awarded 14 days field punishment no. 2.

On 8th January 1917 Trooper Hayes was charged with delay in obeying an order by an NCO. He was awarded 7 days field punishment no. 2.

On 5th July 1917 Trooper Hayes was admitted sick to hospital in Palestine. On 13th July 1917 he was admitted to 2nd Australian Stationary Hospital at El Arish with septic sores.  On 14th July 1917 he was transferred to the 36th Stationary Hospital at Mahemdia, Egypt.   He was discharged to ICC details at Australian Base Depot Company at Abbassia from hospital on 15th August 1917.

On 10th September 1917 he rejoined his Battalion in Palestine.

On 23rd February 1918 Trooper Hayes joined the Signal Training Unit at Moascar.

He wrote from Palestine in a letter home published in The Blue Mountain Echo on 22nd March 1918 “This life suits me down to the boots, and in spite of the hard work and poor tucker I’m packing on weight daily. My work as signaller is risky, but there are risks in anything nowadays, and whilst I’ve had three close calls I’m still as fit as every, I think a fellow’s fate is booked from the cradle, and nothing will change it. I have met some fine men in the Army, and like them greatly, but, at all times, I’m thinking of my old mate, [fellow Coo-e] Reg Duff, in France, and wondering if he is still going strong… I am into this till the end, dad, so buck up and I’ll pull through”.[4]

He rejoined his Battalion on 29th June 1918.

On 1st July 1918 Trooper Hays was transferred to the 15th Light Horse Regiment.

On 13th March 1919 Trooper Hayes was charged with drunkenness at Beirut on 8th March 1919. He was awarded 7 days field punishment no. 2 and fined 10 days pay.

On 25th May 1919 Trooper Hayes was charged with a number of offences including overstaying his leave from 1700 till 1830 on 24th May 1919. He was awarded 28 days field punishment no. 2.

On 5th July 1919 Trooper Hayes was charged with a number of offences including being absent from 1600 parade on 3rd July 1919, breaking camp, and causing a disturbance in town. He was awarded 28 days field punishment no. 2, and fined 30 days pay.

While still undergoing this punishment, on 24th July 1919 Trooper Hayes commenced his return to Australia aboard the H.T. Dongala.

He arrived in Australia on 25th August 1919, and was discharged termination of period of enlistment on 21st October 1919.

[1] NAA: B2455, HAYES C G 2465

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

[3] ‘March o’er the Mountains’, The Blue Mountain Echo, 12 November 1915, p. 6, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article108042142

[4] ‘Friday, March 22, 1918. Signaller Cecil Hayes’, The Blue Mountain Echo,  p. 2. Retrieved March 7, 2017, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article108248103

 

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Joseph Clark GILMOUR

Posted on May 26, 2017 | Leave a comment

Joseph Clark GILMOUR

Per his military service record (regimental no. 4779), Joseph Clark Gilmour was born at Glasgow, Scotland.[1]  He gave his age as 27 years and 8 months, his marital status as single, and his occupation as mercer.  His description on his Certificate of Medical Examination form was height 5 feet 5 inches tall, with a fair complexion, grey eyes, and fair hair.  His religious denomination was Presbyterian.  He claimed that he had 6 years previous military service with the Royal Army Medical Corps.

He was attested and completed his medical examination at Liverpool on 13th November 1915, the day after the end of the Coo-ee March.  However, his date of joining on his embarkation roll is 5th November 1915, the day he joined the Coo-ee March at Katoomba.  “J. C. Gilmour” 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]

He had been working for Messrs. Hermann and Co. Ltd, at Coonamble,  and was presented with a ‘set of safety razors and fountain pen’ before he left Coonamble, and caught the train at Dubbo on 4th November 1915 to join the Coo-ees at Katoomba.[3]

After completing the Co-ee March he went to Liverpool Camp as reinforcement for the 13th Battalion, with the rank of Acting Corporal.

On his embarkation roll his address at time of enrolment was not listed.  His next of kin is listed as his father, D. [David] Gilmour, 107 Pollock Street, Glasgow, S.S. [South Side], Scotland.

On 8th March 1916 Acting Corporal Gilmour, 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 16th April 1916 he was transferred to the 5th Division Cyclist Corps at Tel-el-Kebir.

On 9th May 1916 he was appointed Lance Corporal.

On 13th June 1916 he was promoted to Corporal.

On 17th June 1916 Corporal Gilmour departed Alexandra, Egypt, bound for France.  He arrived at Marseilles, France. on 25th June 1916.

On 22nd July 1916 Corporal Gilmour was promoted to Company Quarter Master Sergeant with the 2nd ANZAC Cyclist Battalion.

On 17th August 1916 C.Q.M.S. Gilmour was detached for duty with the New Zealand Division Headquarters.

On 29th December 1916 C.Q.M.S. Gilmour was granted leave to England.  Hejoined the 2nd ANZAC Cyclist Battalion on 10th January 1917, when it was at Douliou, France.

On 7th June 1917 the 2nd ANZAC Cyclist Battalion was working on a cavalry track in the vicinity of Messines, Belgium, when C.Q.M.S. Gilmour was wounded in action, receiving a gunshot wound to his right arm.  He was sent to the 77th Field Ambulance, then moved to the 1st New Zealand Field Ambulance. On 9th June 1917 he was moved back to the 11th Casualty Clearing Station.  Later that day he was admitted to the 4th Stationary Hospital at Arques, France.

On 15th June 1917 he was discharged and returned to his unit, arriving on 16th June 1917 when it was in the vicinity of Steenwerck, France.

On the 31st of August 1917 C.Q.M.S. Gilmour was granted leave.

He returned to the 2nd ANZAC Cyclist Battalion from leave on 15th September 1917.

On 16th September 1917 he was sent to the 133rd Field Ambulance sick, then was moved back to the 41st Casualty Clearing Station.  On 17th September 1917 he was placed aboard the 26th Ambulance Train and moved to the 1st Australian General Hospital at Abbeville, France, being admitted on the 18th of September 1917.  He was transferred to the 39th General Hospital at Le Havre on 19th September 1917.  He was discharged from hospital on 1st October 1917 and sent to the Australian General Base Depot at Le Harve, France.  He re-joined his unit on 18th November 1917.

A letter he wrote to a Miss C. DeGill in Penrith in December 1917 thanking her for a gift of socks was published in the Nepean Times:

“Just a line to let you know I received a pair of socks with your name and address enclosed in one of the socks, and I take this opportunity of thanking you for your kindness in sending such a useful gift, and I can assure you that the socks received by our battalion were appreciated by our boys. We are glad to know that the majority of people at home think something of those who are over here fighting for them, and we are proud of those gifts which are distributed to us occasionally. We also had sweets, tins of cocoa, and milk, flannel shirts and other items, mostly all of which are very useful to us, especially at a time like this – when the winter is setting in and getting very cold. I might say we are in the line just at the present time and doing some good work. As you reside in Penrith I think it might be interesting for me to tell you that I am one of the Gilgandra Coo-ees – and well I remember the reception we got at Penrith. I suppose you were one of the crowd who helped to make that reception the success it turned out to be. However, I shall never forget the day we marched into Penrith, and I might also state, that as far as I can learn there are not many of the Coo-ees left, but I happen to be one of the lucky ones, although I have had my fair share of being wounded and have recovered.  I must conclude, hoping this finds you well, it leaves me in the best of health. Again thanking you for your kindness in sending such a useful gift”.[4]

On 16thJanuary 1918 C.Q.M.S. Gilmour was transferred to the Australian Corps Cyclist Battalion in France.

On 26th January 1918 C.Q.M.S. Gilmour was granted leave to England.  He returned Australian Corps Cyclist Battalion on 11th February 1918.

On 9th March 1918 C.Q.M.S. Gilmour attended the Australian Corps Infantry School for a course of instruction.  He re-joined his Battalion on 28th March 1918.

On 27th April 1918 C.Q.M.S. Gilmour was detached for duty with the Area Commandant at Amiens .  He returned from the detachment on 9th May 1918.

On 24th June 1918 C.Q.M.S. Gilmour was transferred to the 35th Battalion in France.

On 1st August 1918 C.Q.M.S. Gilmour was sent to the 10th Australian Field Ambulance sick with Influenza.  He was moved back to the 5th Casualty Clearing Station later that day.  On 3rd August 1918 he was admitted to the 3rd General Hospital at Le Treport, France.  He was discharged on 12th August 1918, and sent to the Australian Convalescent Depot on 13th August 1918. On 5th September 1918 he was sent to the Australian Base Depot at Le Harve, France.

He re-joined the 35th Battalion on 12th September 1918.

On 2nd November 1918 C.Q.M.S. Gilmour was detached for duty with the 24th Company of the Australian Army Service Corps.  He returned from detachment to the 35th Battalion on 10th November 1918.

On 12th December 1918 C.Q.M.S. Gilmour was transferred to the Administrative Headquarters in England.

On 2nd January 1919 C.Q.M.S. Gilmour was transferred to the Australian Army Pay Corps.

On 25th February 1919 C.Q.M.S. Gilmour was admitted to the 3rd Australian Auxiliary Hospital at Dartford, England, with an ingrown toenail.  He was discharged on 11th April 1919.

On 30th June 1919 C.Q.M.S. Gilmour was granted Non Military Employment Leave.

He returned to the 35th Battalion on 22nd September 1919.

On 6th October 1919 C.Q.M.S. Gilmour departed Southampton, England, aboard the Transport Pakeha bound for Australia.

He arrived in Australia on 24th November 1919, and was discharged Termination of Period of Enlistment on 17th January 1920.

 

[1] AA: B2455, GILMOUR J C

[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] ‘Our Soldiers’, The Dubbo Liberal and Macquarie Advocate, 16 November 1915, p. 3. Retrieved May 14, 2017, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article77602202 ; N.S.W. Government Railways & Tramways docket from Dubbo to Katoomba dated 4th November 1915 in the official correspondence of the march held in the Mitchell Library collection.

[4] ‘Soldiers’ Welcome Socks’, Nepean Times, 9 March 1918, p. 3. Retrieved May 14, 2017, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article86191998

 

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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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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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