LEE, Brigadier Joseph Edward DSO MC MiD

Brigadier Joseph Edward Lee DSO MC MiD

13th & 45th Battalions AIF
12th & 7th Brigades HQ AIF (Brigade Major)
Australian Staff Corps

by Robert Simpson

Joseph Edward Lee was born in Narraport, near Birchup, in the Shire of Buloke in Victoria on 10^th December 1893. He was one of seven children to John Thomas Lee and Margaret Barber who had married in 1881 in Victoria. John had been born in 1860 in Victoria while Margaret had been born in the same year in Ireland. Their other children in birth order are Eveline Elizabeth (1883 to 1960), George Raymond (1889-1916), Andrew Clifford (1891-1970), Joseph, Maria Blanche (1897-1978), Thomas Norman (1898-1969) and Matthew Osbourne, who does not have any birth or death records. Edward’s Grandfather, Edwin (born 1829 in Yorkshire) had migrated to Australia after 1851 and had married in Victoria in 1860. He had been a farmer in England, working with his father and family on a large farm owned by them.

Joseph entered the Royal Military College on 7^th March 1912 as part of the second class to graduate. On 12^th March 1913, Canberra was given its’ name officially and the first official function was held there. With the cadets of the Royal Military College (RMC) at Duntroon, it was the first time they had paraded outside of the college grounds. One of the cadets, Joseph Lee, was particularly interested in seeing Lady Denman as she was a distant cousin of his and he later recalled not only the great honour of being present at the ceremony, but of hearing her announce the name of the city. He graduated on 2^nd November 1914 and was appointed as 1^st Lieutenant.

By 1914, John had moved to 460 Ryrie St in Geelong, and had probably retired.

There were three people by the name of Joseph Edward Lee who served in WW1. This can cause some confusion when searching for records. Two were born in Victoria and one in NSW. One enlisted in 1915, deserted, and then was discharged in 1916 “not likely to be an efficient soldier”, Private 1197 in the 45^th Battalion. One joined the 1^st Battalion as Private 94 in 1914, and after being promoted to Corporal and reported missing in 1916, was reported killed in action.

Joseph applied for a Commission in the Australian Military Forces in the 2^nd Military District. A note on his application form stated “The Commandant of the Royal Military College is also to be advised of any casualty to this Officer”. His terms of service were for the length of the war and 4 months. He served 3 years at the Royal Military College and he was a single British Subject. His father was next of kin. Joseph was 5 foot 11 inches tall, weighed 11 stone 2 pounds, had a chest measurement of 34 inches with 3½ inch expansion and his eyesight was good. He was appointed to the AIF with the rank of Lieutenant on 3^rd November 1914. Joseph was recommended to be appointed a Lieutenant in Headquarters of the 13^th Battalion AIF on 21^st December 1914. His religious denomination was Church of England.

As part of H Company, 13^th Battalion, Lieutenant J E Lee departed on HMAT Ulysses A38 on 22^nd December 1914. He was listed in the Nominal Roll as a single soldier, living at R. M. College, Duntroon, Federal Territory, who joined 3^rd November 1914. His father was his next of kin. He was paid 17 shillings and 6 pence a day before leaving. His pay book number was 68228.

On 12^th April 1915, he proceeded to Mediterranean Expeditionary Force at Gallipoli. He was given the temporary rank of Captain on 19^th July 1915, due to a Captain being wounded. His service records states he was at Anzac on the Gallipoli Peninsula from 26^th April to 7^th August 1915.

 

Sphinx Gully, Gallipoli. c. 7 August 1915. A platoon of the 13th Battalion formed up on a steep path waiting for Captain (Capt) Joseph Edward Lee, platoon commander, to address them. The men are in full battle order and it is probably prior to the advance on Sari Bair. Capt Lee (later DSO MC) is standing in front of a tent.

Bean mentions Lee with the 13^th Battalion moving up the Aghyl Dere during the Battle of Sari Bair on 7^th August 1915. Advancing towards Aghyl Dere, a native guide took them on a shorter path to what had been reconnoitred by Major Overton, between Walden Point and Bauchop’s Hill. Captain Lee was with the platoon on the right, moving up the slope, and was fired on from a fold of the Aghyl Dere. They were ordered not to fire, unless commanded by their officers and so they advanced in silence, with the Turks retreating. A hundred yards on, a group of Turks opened a steady rifle-fire, so Joseph ordered them to fire 5 rounds at 30 yards and then charge them. He was wounded during the fighting, bullet wounds to the back of his left arm behind the radial surface artery and to the thigh. The Turks retreated before the Australians reached them.

A Casualty Sheet from Base Records in his records reads that Captain J E Lee of the 13^th Battalion was wounded under Authority 13/1 M.E.F.O. and is dated 7/8/25, but probably should read 7^th August 1915, as this was the date he was wounded, according to his Active Service record. It was described as a gunshot wound to the right thigh and left forearm. He was sent to Hospital Ship Delta on the same day and arrived at Ghezirah on 12^th August and was sent to No 2 General Hospital, where the wound was described as slight. The next entry says that he had a fractured forearm and a gunshot wound to the right leg and on 14^th September 1915 he was sent to England. Another entry from the 13^th Battalion on 7^th August stated his pay as Captain was stopped on the date he was wounded and his temporary rank was cancelled. He embarked on HS Asturias on 15^th September at Alexandria, bound for England. Joseph disembarked at Southampton on 26^th September and was admitted to the 3^rd London General Hospital on the same day. He was discharged from the hospital and granted sick leave on 1^st October. On 6^th December 1915, he was admitted to No. 5 Australian Auxiliary Hospital, but no discharge date was recorded.

A Medical Case sheet for Captain Joseph Lee of the 13^th Battalion reads bullet wound, compound fracture of left forearm and bullet wound left thigh. He was admitted into hospital on 12^th August 1915, after being wounded at ANZAC on the 7^th by a close range rifle. “Two lacerated wounds at back of left arm behind radial surface artery. Looks very clean and healthy. Dressed with Gauze and Iodoform. Bullet wound in thigh, dressed with saline and bandages. X Ray etc report.” On 15^th August he felt comfortable and Cyanide Gauze was “for ward use”. On 16^th and 17^th, his wounds were dressed and also on 20^th and 22^nd and things were looking very well. Dressings were done on 24^th, 26^th, 28^th, 30^th, 1^st and 2^nd of September. On the 6^th, he was taken over by another doctor. On the 11^th “X Ray shown good position, wound not healed. Arm very prone, but bones united. Splint taken off. Recommended 3 months change to England.” This was approved on the 13^th. He embarked on Hospital Ship Asturias on 15^th September for passage to England. His father was notified of his wounding on 16^th August 1915, and on the 19^th, he and the Military Commander at Duntroon were advised that Joseph was in hospital and the nature of the wound. His father was also notified he was in a hospital in London on 5^th October 1915. A Medical Board found him unfit for 1 month on 29^th December 1915.

Under the heading “Gallipoli Honours, Australians Rewarded, Officers Decorated” is an article reading “The following list of honours and military decorations bestowed on Australian and New Zealand Officers and men for services rendered at the Dardanelles has been released for publication on Friday morning:- Lieutenant J.E. Lee, 13^th Battalion (N.S.W.), 4^th Infantry Brigade.”

As a Lieutenant in the 13^th Battalion, Joseph was awarded a Military Cross which was published in the London Gazette on 14^th January 1916 in location: Page 591, position 6.

Joseph was Mentioned in Despatches as a Captain in the 13^th Battalion, and it was published in the London Gazette on 28^th January 1916 on page 1209, position 20.

His record shows that on 8th February 1916, he was awarded the Military Cross at Ismailia. Another entry stated he returned to Egypt for duty on 22^nd February 1916. At the same place, he was also Mentioned in Despatches on 29th February. At Tel el Kebir on 1st March 1916, Joseph was promoted to Captain to complete establishment, and on the 12^th, he was to be Adjutant and was taken on the strength of the 45^th Battalion from the 13^th Battalion (another record has from the supplementary list). The 45^th Battalion was initially made up from B and D Companies of the 13^th Battalion. Headquarters AIF in Savoy House in London wrote to the Commandant at Headquarters AIF at Hotel Victoria in Cairo on 14^th March 1916, stating that they had appended “copies of Board proceedings on Capt. J. E. Lee, 13^th Bn., A.I.F., who has been passed as “Fit for General Service,” and left with No. 22 draft to rejoin the Expeditionary Force on 21/22 February 1916.” Another letter from DMS AIF in England to Base Records in Victoria, forwarded to them the Board Proceedings and also noted on the letter that he had been transferred to 45^th Battalion, as Adjutant in March 1916. His father and the Commanding Officer at Duntroon were advised that he had returned to duty on 1^st March 1916. The 45^th Battalion stayed in Egypt, where a large number of reinforcements were absorbed at Serapeum.

His father was sent a letter by Base Records on 13^th April 1916, saying “I have much pleasure in forwarding herewith copy of extract from Fourth Supplement, No. 29438, to the “London Gazette” of 11^th January, 1916, relating to the conspicuous services rendered by your son, Captain J. E. Lee, 13^th Battalion. “HIS MAJESTY THE KING has been graciously pleased to approve of the undermentioned Award for distinguished service in the Field, with effect from 1^st January, 1916, inclusive :- AWARDED THE MILITARY CROSS. Lieutenant Joseph Edward Lee, 13^th Battalion.” It was posted to Narraport, Via Birchip, Victoria.

At Alexandria on 2^nd June 1916 on the Transport Kinfauns Castle, he proceeded to join the BEF, disembarking at Marseilles on the 3^rd. The 45^th Battalion was involved in the fighting at Pozières during August 1916. On 6^th August 1916, he was promoted to Major in the field, due to Major D K Chapman being killed in action on that date. Many casualties occurred on that day, due to the continuous bombardment by the Germans that obliterated the captured trenches they were in. The battalion achieved at Pozieres the reputation that it would do its’ job, no matter the consequences. Joseph was Adjutant of the 45^th Battalion until September 1916. He was sent to hospital as sick from the 45^th Battalion in the field on 14^th November 1916. At the 8^th General Hospital at Rouen, he was admitted on the 15^th with pyrexia after passing through the 38^th Casualty Clearing Station. From there, he was sent to Base, being discharged from the hospital at Rouen on 24^th November and was marched in on the 27^th. From Reinforcement Camp at Etaples on 3^rd December 1916, he re-joined his Battalion in the field on the 4^th. On 5^th January 1917, Joseph was seconded for training as Staff Captain to 12^th Brigade Headquarters. Again on 2^nd April 1917, he was detached for training to Staff School in England. On 22^nd May, the course was terminated and Joseph proceeded overseas from London.

He re-joined his unit in the field from Staff School on 2^nd June 1917. As a Brigade-Major, Major Lee went with General Holmes at dawn on the 10^th June 1917 to the front line to ascertain the situation. They moved up to a barricade erected by the 45^th Battalion and viewed the nearest German blockhouse which was 40 yards away. It was decided to have the area bombarded during the day and the attack would be immediately after dark, with the 45^th Battalion bombing down to meet the 50^th. On 27^th July, he was attached to 1^st Anzac Headquarters as Brigade Major Trainee, from 12^th Infantry Brigade Headquarters. On 7^th August 1917, he ceased to be seconded as Brigade Major Trainee, 1^st Anzac Corps Headquarters and was seconded for duty as Brigade Major, 7^th Brigade Headquarters.

On 22^nd August 1917, he was admitted to 7^th Field Ambulance in France as he had accidently injured himself, with a fractured left clavicle. He was then sent to 7^Th General Hospital at St Omer. The accident occurred on that day while he was at Divisional Bombing School on ordinary duty. He was in no way to blame for the accident. On 24^th August, he relinquished the appointment of Brigade Major due to him being invalided. He was transferred to No 3 General Hospital at Le Treport in France on 30^th August and was discharged from hospital and re-joined the 7^th Brigade Headquarters on 4^th October 1917. On 12^th October, he was to be Brigade Major of the 7^th Infantry Brigade.

Joseph was granted leave to England from 2^nd January 1918 until 18^th January 1918. On 9^th February 1918, he was sent to Machine Gun School at Camiers until 12^th February. He was granted leave to Paris from 19^th June to 5^th July 1918. Then on 18^th October, he was sent to England on leave. On 28^th October 1918, he was posted to duty at War Office and was graded as G.S.O. II, while employed in the Staff Duties Directorate.

Joseph was again Mentioned in Despatches as a Major in the 45^th Battalion which was published in the London Gazette on 31 December 1918 on page 15225, position 50.

On 20^th September 1918, Joseph was recommended for a Distinguished Service Order. It reads “7^th Aust. Inf. Brigade, 2^nd Australian Division, Australian Corps. Unit 7^th Australian Infantry Brigade Headquarters A.I.F. Major Joseph Edward LEE M.C. For great devotion to duty during the whole of the period this Officer has been with the Brigade, namely about 12 months. His work in and out of action has been conspicuously good., and very valuable. During the most strenuous periods when active operations were in progress, he would never rest or go off duty, although often almost physically exhausted. His sound advice, tactical and otherwise, has always been of the greatest assistance, and his extremely daring and thorough reconnaissances have been invaluable.” It was signed by Charles Rosenthal Major-General Commanding 2^nd Australian Division. Joseph was awarded the Distinguished Service Order as a Major in the 45^th Battalion and it was published in the London Gazette on Page 21, position 16. He was awarded the Distinguished Service Order for his work that year with the 7th Brigade.

On 4^th February 1919, he ceased to be attached to the War Office and was posted for duty with the Repatriation and Demobilisation Department. He was then detached from that duty and proceeded to the Deputy Assistant Adjutant General for disposal on 26^th February 1919. On 9^th March 1919, he embarked on HT Kashmir for Australia, arriving there on 30^th April 1919. His appointment was terminated in Melbourne on 29^th June 1919.

Group portrait of officers, many from the 13th Infantry Battalion, annotated “Aerodrome Camp”. Middle row third from left is Captain Lee.

AIF Headquarters sent Base Records in Melbourne a copy of a memo from the War Office to file with the Attestation papers of Major J E Lee DSO MC 45^th Battalion on 20^th January 1919. The memo had been sent to the War Office on the 16^th and reads “The Director of Staff Duties presents his compliments to the Chief of the Australian General Staff and begs to thank him for the services of Major J.E.LEE, D.S.O., M.C., Australian Imperial Force. Major Lee has been employed in the Staff Duties Directorate for the past three months, where he has shown much energy and keenness and has been of great assistance. The Director of Staff Duties is sure that he will prove himself a valuable Staff Officer.”

On 18^th June 1918, Joseph signed for his Form of Commission, the effects of Major J E lee 45^th Battalion. He signed for a Certificate for a Mention in Despatches, London Gazette No. 31089/62 on 1^st March 1920. Joseph signed for his 1914-15 Star on 14^th September 1920 (Lieutenant J E Lee 13^th Btn) and his British War Medal on 28^th April 1921 (Major J E Lee AIF). A package from Base Records for his Warrant and Statutes for Distinguished Service Order was signed for by him on 19^th August 1920. Base Records had also sent a letter about them, “Forwarded, per separate registered post, are the Warrant and Statutes relating to your appointment to the Distinguished Service Order. The package bears registered No. 5572 G.P.O. Melbourne. Kindly acknowledge receipt.” He signed for two oak leaves (one large and one small) – Mentioned in Despatches emblems on 25^th August 1920. On 12^th July 1921, Joseph signed for a Mention in Despatches Certificate, London Gazette No. 29455, Certificate No. 3756. He signed for his Victory medal on 22^nd May 1922 (Major J E Lee AIF).

His father was sent a letter from Base Records on 2^nd July 1919 to his Narraport address, stating “I have much pleasure in forwarding hereunder copy of extract from Fifth Supplement, No. 31089, to the “London Gazette”, dated 27^th December, 1918, relating to the conspicuous services rendered by the undermentioned member of the Australian Imperial Force. MENTIONED IN DESPATCHES. The following is a continuation of Sir DOUGLAS HAIG’S Despatch of 8^th November, 1918, submitting names deserving of special mention : – – Major J.E. LEE M.C.” Another letter on the same day read “I have much pleasure in forwarding hereunder copy of extract from Supplement, No. 31092, to the “London Gazette,” dated 31^st December, 1918, relating to the conspicuous services rendered by the undermentioned member of the Australian Imperial Force. AWARDED THE DISTINGUISHED SERVICE ORDER. “HIS MAJESTY THE KING has been graciously pleased to approve of the above award for Distinguished Service in connexion with Military Operations in France and Flanders. Dated 1^st January. Major J.E. Lee M.C.”

His will was sent to the 3^rd Military District on 10^th January 1920, and then to Register General on 21^st February 1925.

A Mentioned in Despatches certificate was sent to him on 4^th February 1920.

His DSO warrant and stationary was sent to him on 7^th August 1920 and two oak leaves were forwarded on 24^th August.

Another Mentioned in Despatches certificate was sent on 17^th June 1921.

The half-yearly exam results of Officers of the Permanent Forces in October 1921 shows that Captain and Battalion Major J E Lee DSO MC of Staff Corps in the list of Captains for promotion to Major- Subject (d), passed that subject. In 1922 Joseph was appointed as Secretary to the Army Head-Quarters Mobilization Committee which was to act as a sub-committee of the Military Board. The results from the No. 6 Light Gun Qualifying Course from 24^th August to 13^th September 1923 under Lewis Gun heading shows that Captain (Battalion Major) J E Lee DSO MC of Staff corps at AHQ, qualified first class.

On 2^nd December 1924, the Adjutant General requested that Base Records would “please furnish this office with a statement of the service in the A.I.F. of Btn. Major J.E.Lee, D.S.O. M.C., Staff Corps.” They sent the particulars back on 5^th December 1924, which follow:-

“3-11-14 Appointed Lieutenant. 13^th Battalion. Embarked. 19-7-15 Promoted temporary Captain. 7-8-15 Wounded. 11-12-15 Mentioned in Despatches. 1-1-16 Awarded the Military Cross. 1-3-16 Promoted Captain. 12-3-16 Transferred to 45^th Battalion and appointed Adjutant. 6-8-16 Promoted Major. 5-1-17 Seconded for training as Staff Captain to 12^th Brigade Headquarters. 2-4-17 Detached for training to Staff School England. 2-6-17 Rejoined 12^th Infantry Brigade from Staff School. 27-7-17 Attached to 1^st Army Headquarters as Brigade Major. 7-8-17 Transferred to 7^th Infantry Brigade Headquarters and to be temporary Brigade Major. 7-8-17 Appointed Brigade Major. 24-8-17 Relinquished appointment as Brigade Major. 12-10-17 Appointed Brigade Major 7^th Infantry Brigade. 28-10-18 Posted for duty Directorate War Office and is graded as G.S.O. II whilst so employed. 8-11-18 Mentioned in Despatches. 1-1-19 Awarded the Distinguished Service Order. 4-2-19 Ceased to be attached to War Office and is posted for duty with Repatriation and Demobilisation Department. 9-3-19 Struck off strength.”

Writing as “Quarante-Cinq”, Joseph submitted a history of the 45^th Battalion in an essay writing competition conducted by the Australian National Defence League (NSW Division) in 1925. He was advised in early 1926 that he had won the first prize. In 1926, Major J E Lee DSO MC joined the staff at Duntroon as Instructor in Infantry and Small Arms Training and Officer Commanding “A” Company.

At the visit of His Royal Highness the Duke of York to open Parliament House in Canberra in 1927, Major J E Lee commanded the Corps of Staff Cadets. On the parade ground, The King’s and Regimental Colours was presented by the King to the Corps of Staff Cadets in a ceremony while they were drawn up in line.

Joseph is listed in the Roll of Commanding Officers at RMC Duntroon as “1928: Major J.E. Lee, DSO, MC (1914)”. In 1928, Major J E Lee was the battalion commander and the first graduate to have that honour. Lieutenant Watchorn, who had graduated from Duntroon in 1924, was appointed instructor in infantry and small arms training on 11th December 1928, in place of Major Lee. Major J E Lee presented the Lee Shield, when commanding the Corps of Staff Cadets in 1928, for the champion company at all athletic games, ceremonial drill and small arms training.

Canberra, ACT. 15 March 1928. Visit of Herbert John Louis (Bert) Hinkler to the Royal Military College Duntroon. Shown are Bert Hinkler, Colonel Heritage (Commandant) and College staff, including Captain Joseph Edward Lee DSO MC (second row, second from left).

A reply from Base Records to the Secretary of the Shrine of Remembrance Trustees in Melbourne stated “With reference to your telephone enquiry of 12^th. June, 1935, I have to confirm the particulars of Major Joseph Edward LEE, D.S.O., M.C., 45^th. Battalion, A.I.F., for commemoration in the Victorian Shrine of Remembrance. It is noted that, whereas this office was appointed to the Australian Imperial Force in Sydney, New South Wales, his birthplace is stated to be Narraport, Victoria. The omission is regretted.”

The 1936, 1937 and 1943 electoral rolls show Joseph to be a Military Officer at Victoria Barracks in Glenmore, East Sydney. He was promoted to Brevet Lieutenant-Colonel on 12^th May 1937, Lieutenant Colonel on 22^nd April 1939 and Temporary Colonel on 29^th April 1939. Joseph was appointed as General Staff Officer 1 to the 2^nd Australian Infantry Division from 15^th June 1935 to 6^th November 1939. An entry in his record stated he was at Victoria Barracks, Paddington NSW in 1939. He was then Senior Instructor at the Command and Staff School from 7^th November 1939 to 28^th April 1940. Then he was Commandant and Chief Instructor of the Command and Staff School. From 1^st August 1940 to 24^th April 1944, he was Brigadier on the General Staff of Eastern Command. While with that Staff, he was Director of Military Training at Army Headquarters from 25^th April 1942 until 22^nd September 1942 and from 6^th April 1944 and into 1945, he was a Colonel in the General Staff in the Victoria Lines of Communication Area. His service record summary shows he enlisted on 15^th April 1942 and was give the service number NP9852, later changed to VP16110. He was discharged on 22^nd June 1947 from the Australian Staff Corps with the rank of Brigadier.

John Thomas Lee passed away in August 1940 at Geelong and Margaret Lee passed away in December 1941 at Geelong. They were buried at Geelong Eastern Cemetery in Plot: EAS-METH-09-807-136.

The Australian War Memorial published a book in 1952 by Colonel J E Lee DSO MC Australian Staff Corps called “Duntroon The Royal Military College Of Australia 1911 – 1946”. The book was published by the Australian War Memorial in Canberra in 1952. The book was dedicated “To THE CORPS AND STAFF CADETS OF THE MILITARY COLLEGE OF AUSTRALIA, AND ESPECIALLY TO THOSE FORMER MEMBERS WHO MADE HE SUPREME SACRIFICE IN SERVICE OF THEIR COUNTRY”. There are six forwards in the book, by General Sir Ian Hamilton, Field-Marshall Lord Birdwood, General Sir Alexander Godley, General Sir Thomas Blamey, Major-General Sir Charles Gwynn and Major-General E G Sinclair-MacLagan. He signed a copy of the book to “Colonel C. W. Johnstone with the compliments of the Author. J. E. Lee Sydney 3rd Dec. 52”.

Joseph was mentioned in various “Who’s Who in Australia” publications. In the 1922 publication, it reads “LEE, Major Joseph Edward, D.S.O., M.C.; b. 1893. 45^th Battalion (N.S.W.) European War. Address- Staff Corps, Army Headquarters, Victoria Barracks, Melbourne, Vic.” It was expanded in the next two issues (1933-4 and 1935) to read “LEE, Major Joseph Edward, D.S.O., M.C., Staff Corps: son of John Thomas Lee, of Narraport, Vic,; b. Dec 12, 1893, Narraport; ed. Royal Mily. Coll., Duntroon; served Gt. War A.I.F., 1914-19, 13^th Battn. Gallipoli, 45^th Battn. France, G.S.O.2 Gen. Staff, War Office, 1918-19, despatches, M.C., D.S.O. 1919; Captain and Brevet Major Staff Corps since 1919, now Bde. Major 3^rd Inf. Bde., A.M.F., Keswick Barracks, Adelaide, S.A.” The 1947 entry contained more information: “LEE, Col. Joseph Edward, Aust. Staff Corps, D.S.O., M.C., Colonel-General Staff H.Q. Vic L. of C. Area 1944-45 & Southern Command, Melb. 1946: son of late J. T. Lee, Narraport & Geelong, Vic; b. Dec. 10, 1893, Leeholme, Narraport; ed. Ballarat & R.M.C. Duntroon: A.I.F. 1914-19; Regt. Officer, 13^th & 45 Bns.; Bde. Maj., 7^th Inf. Bde. and G.S.O. 2, War Office, twice M.I.D.; since 1919 has had various duties, incl. G.S.O. 1, 2^nd Divn. Comdt. Command & Staff Sch. Syd., N.S.W., 1940; B.G.S. Eastern Comd. 1940-42; D.M.T. L.H.Q. 1942, Liaison Offcr. Gen. Staff L.H.Q.1934-44; publication, The Chronicles of 45 Bn., A.I.F.; address, Victoria Barracks, Syd., N.S.W.” The 1950 book also records “Col. Gen. Staff. H.Q. Vic. L. of C. Area 1944-45 and H.Q. S. Comd. Melb. 1946.”

In 1954, as in the electoral roll, he was living at 170 Phillip Street in King, West Sydney and he had no occupation. Some time that year, he went for a trip to England. His address in the UK was listed as 160 Cromwell Road S.W.5 as recorded on his return passage. He left London on 18^th January 1955 on Strathaird in Tourist Class, and he had contracted to land at Melbourne. He was listed as a retired, single male, born 10.12.1893. His passport showed he was a citizen of Australia, and his country of last and future permanent residence was Australia.

On 7^th June 1955, the Deputy Commissioner of Repatriation Commission asked Base Records to supply to them a list of records from Joseph’s file, which included a request for Attestation Papers. A comment was written on the letter that “No Attestation papers are available for commissioned officers”. The reference for the request was RX7608.

By the 1958 electoral roll, Joseph was living at the Royal Hotel in Perouse Road, Randwick. He still had no occupation.

Joseph Edward Lee passed away in Randwick on 11^th August 1962 and his death was published in the Sydney Morning Herald on the 13^th. His death record is number 18591 on NSW Births, Deaths and Marriages has his mother as Elizabeth Margaret, with his father correctly named.

Joseph Edward Lee was the 56th person to enter Duntroon. His nominal roll of the Australian Members of the Corps of Staff Cadets reads “(56) Lee, Joseph Edward b. 10 Dec. 1893; e.c. [entered RMC] 7 Mar. 1912; g. [graduated from RMC] 2 Nov 1914; First World War; wounded; Second World War; T/Brigadier; D.S.O., M.C., m.i.d. (2).”

His niece, Mrs M McDonald of Forbes in NSW requested a statement of his service in 1962.

 

Of his family-

Evaline Elizabeth was born in Dooboobeti Victoria. In 1909 she married Edgar Sanders, who was living in Narraport as a farmer. She passed away in Birchip in 1960.

Mathew Osbourne was working in Narraport as a farmer by the 1909 electoral roll. In 1910, he married Joanna Victoria McCallum. He was still living in Narraport in 1963, as a labourer. Mathew died in 1967 in Victoria.

George Raymond was born in Narraport in 1889. In the electoral rolls before WW1, he was listed as a farmer. On 5^th July 1915, he joined the 11^th Reinforcements of the 5^th Battalion as Private 3323 in Melbourne. His father was next of kin and his other details were the same. He was 5 foot 10 inches tall, weighed 168 pounds, had a chest measurement of 35 to 39½ inches, and was of fresh complexion with blue eyes and brown hair. George’s Religious Denomination was Presbyterian and he had 2 vaccination marks on his left arm and a scar of the flexor surface of the left forearm. They embarked on Nestor on 11^th October 1915 from Melbourne. He had a case of venereal disease in Cairo on 27^th December 1915. As a Lance Corporal (appointed on 5^th July 1916 in Belgium), he was deemed to have been killed in action on 25^th July 1916 in France by a Court of Inquiry that was held on 26^th November 1917. He had originally been reported missing in action on that date. He was originally buried in the vicinity of Pozieres at map reference 57DSEX5A. He is now remembered at Villers-Bretonneux Memorial. In 1923, his father gave permission for base Records to give Major J E Lee permission to collect George’s medals. His father had previously received his Star in 1920, memorial scroll in 1921, a package of his effects in 1922 and his memorial plaque in 1922. Initially there was some confusion of his death, with the Red Cross trying to ascertain what had happened to him. In early 1917, some soldiers in the 5^th Battalion thought he was still alive, but they were confused with an S R Lee 3322 who was still with the Battalion and had come with George in the same reinforcements. In March 1917, C Henderson wrote “I knew Cpl Lee rather intimately he was in 13^th Platoon of this Coy. Information relating to his disappearance is however rather hard to supply. I know personally that Lee started off in No Man’s Land at Pozieres at 2.a.m. on the morning of 25^th July and as far as we know was never seen again. Some of the chaps of his section tried their hardest to find some trace of him, as he was a very popular NCO, and also a good solider There can be no mistake as to his identification, as Lee was a great big chap. I should say about 6ft 2”, and weighed about fourteen stone. He and his mate L/Cpl Miller (who I’m sorry to say was killed three days ago) were the biggest men in the coy. I remember his brother Captain Lee of a fourth division batt, searching everywhere to find a trace of his brother.” His father filled out the particulars for the Roll of Honour at the War Memorial, also noting he attended Narraport State School and that Joseph was his brother.

Andrew Clifford was born in 1891 in Narraport. By the 1917 electoral roll, he was a Constable, living 50 at Rothsay Avenue with his wife Christiana Rose. They were living at 241 Barkly Street, St. Kilda in the 1919 roll. In the 1921 roll, he was now a Detective and they were living at 42 Addison Street and in the 1937 roll they had moved to 4 Hudson Grove in Brunswick. By the 1949 roll, they were living at 160 Bell Street in Coburg, and he was a Police Sergeant. They were back at 4 Hudson Grove in the 1954 roll and were still there in the 1967 roll. He remained at the same rank. He died in 1970 in Coburg.

Maria Blanche was born in 1897 in Narraport. She lived with her parents most of her life, doing home duties. She married Herbert Reginald Sutterby in 1924. Born in 1900, he had served in WW1 as Private 2739 in the 57^th Battalion, embarking on 2^nd October 1916 from Melbourne on HMAT Nestor. Herbert spent a fair amount of time in hospital, being sick from various illnesses. His father owed a machinery business, selling farm machinery. He also served in WW2, as VX112277, a Captain in the AASC. Herbert died on 17^th September 1955. Maria died in 1978 in Mildura. They had two children, Claire and Maxwell Vaughan.

Thomas Norman, the youngest, was born about 1898 in Narraport. In the 1924 electoral roll he was living at 42 Marine Parade in St. Kilda and was an inspector. By the 1934 roll, he had shifted to 33 Grey Street, with the same occupation. In the 1943 roll, he was living at 34 Mary Street. He had retired by the 1968 roll, and was living at 8 Deakin Street, still in St. Kilda. He died on 28^th April 1977 in Victoria.

 

 

His medals are Distinguished Service Order, Military Cross, 1914-15 Star, British War Medal, Victory medal with oak leaf, 1939-45 War Medal, Australian Service Medal and 1937 Coronation Medal.