761 Sergeant Hugh Dyring MM
5th Battalion AIF
23rd Battalion AIF
6th Light Trench Mortar Battery AIF
by Robert Simpson
704 Corporal Edgar Andrew Dyring
by Robert Simpson
Hugh Dyring was born on 12th June 1894 in Ballarat East, a son to Christian Constance Dyring and Annie Martin. Christian had been born in 1852 in Copenhagen, Denmark and had married Annie in 1888 in Victoria. Annie had also been born in 1852, where is not known. They had four sons altogether, William Carl Constantine in 1890 in Brighton, Harold Edward in 1891 in Brighton, Edgar Andrew in 1893 in Brighton and Hugh. Tragedy struck the family, when Harold died in Brighton in 1892. He was only 17 weeks old.
In 1885, a Charles Brown was charged with stealing a clock (which was recovered) from Constantine Dyring. He was sentenced to three months hard labour in Wagga Wagga Gaol. In 1886, a warrant was issued for the arrest of William Harrison and Walter Smith, who forged a cheque for £13 10s to Constantine Dyring, of Wagga Wagga. In the 1890 rate book for Brighton, Constantine is listed as a merchant, living in Asling Street. By the 1892 book, he is listed in the same street as a Gentleman. Also in 1892, Constantine appears as a shareholder in the Lowe’s Log Paddock Freehold Gold-Mining Company, with his address at North Brighton, Victoria and his occupation as Gentleman. He had bought 1000 shares in the company. In the 1907 City Directory, he is listed at 44 Park Street, St Kilda. By the 1914 and 1915 electoral rolls, he is listed at Goldsborough as a mine manager. In the 1924 roll, he was still listed as being there, but he passed away on 1st January 1924, being recorded as dying in Maryborough Victoria. He was buried in Dunolly Old Pioneer Cemetery.
Hugh enlisted on 17th August 1914 as Private 761 in G Company 5th Battalion AIF at Prahran. He was born in Ballarat in Victoria, a British Subject of 20 years and 2 months, and a traveller. He had not been an apprentice, was not married and his next of kin was listed as his Mother, Annie Dyring of 98 Park Street, St Kilda Melbourne, which was later changed to 810 South Street Ballarat. He had no convictions or discharges, and had done 1 years’ senior cadets and was now serving with the 49th Infantry, and had 2 years’ service with them. His attestation page also has MM written in red and also his service number was crossed out with 73 written in red instead. Hugh was 6 foot tall, weighed 12 stone 7 pounds, had a chest measurement of 41 inches, and had a fair complexion with grey eyes and light brown hair. His religion was Presbyterian. He was appointed by Lieutenant-Colonel Frank Le Maistre. His pay book number was 43612.
The AWM had a photo of members of G Company, 5th Battalion taken in December 1914 in Melbourne (which seems the wrong date) numbered DAX2503, but it does not seem to be on the site anymore. It also has copyright issues.
Private 761 Hugh Dyring embarked with G Company, 5th Battalion on HMAT Orvieto A3 on 21st October 1914 in Melbourne. He was a single 20 year old traveller and gave his address as 96 Park Street St Kilda, the same as his next of kin, his mother, Mrs A Dyring. His religion was Presbyterian and he had previous service with 49th Infantry. His rate of pay was 5 shillings a day. They arrived in Egypt on 2nd December 1914.
Edgar enlisted on 26th February 1915, filling out his attestation form in Melbourne on that day. He was given service number 704 in D Company 23rd Battalion, 6th Infantry Brigade. Edgar stated he had been born in Brighton, was a 22 year old natural born British Subject, a labourer, had not been an apprentice and was not married. His next of kin was his father, Constance Dyring of 9 Clarendon Street Ballarat (This was later changed to mother, Mrs C Drying and then brother C Dyring, with two addresses recorded, c/o Huddart Parker Ltd Sydney and “Hollywood” Were St Brighton.). He had not been convicted, had previous service or been discharged. His description was 22 years old, height 5 foot 11 5/8 inches, weight 11 stone, chest measurement 36½ to 39 inches, and he had a dark complexion with blue eyes and dark hair. His religious denomination was Presbyterian. For distinctive marks, he had 4 vaccination marks on his left arm, a scar above the nipple on the left breast, on his left wrist and forehead. Edgar was passed medically fit on that day. Edgar was appointed to D Company, 23rd Battalion on 9th March 1915 at Broadmeadows.
704 Private Edgar Andrew Dyring, a single 22 year old labourer of 9 Clarendon Street Ballarat embarked on 10th May 1915 on HMAT Euripides A14 in Melbourne with D Company, 23rd Battalion, 6th Infantry Brigade. His next of kin was Mr C Dyring of the same address. His religion was Presbyterian and his rate of pay was 5 shillings a day.
Hugh embarked to join the Mediterranean Expeditionary Force (Gallipoli Campaign) from Alexandria on 5th April 1915, with the 5th Battalion. The 5th Battalion landed at Gallipoli on 25th April 1915, as part of the second wave. On 9th May 1915, Hugh was wounded at the Dardanelles with a gunshot wound to the right finger, which was classified as slight at the No. 11 Casualty Clearing Station. On the same day, he was admitted to Hospital Ship Allania. He was transferred to the Franconia on 19th May and re-joined his Battalion at Anzac on 28th May. He had been involved with the Battalion’s transfer to Cape Helles and the attack on Krithia, which cost a lot of casualties under heavy fire, for very little gain.
His mother was notified of his wounding on 18th June 1915. She notified Base Records of a change of address on 22nd June 1915.
The Melbourne newspaper, The Argus, established a section under the title “Roll of Honour” which was to be a short personal record of those soldiers who had been killed or wounded in action (after authenticating). On Monday 28th June 1915 an entry was placed for “Private Hugh Dyring (Wounded) is the youngest son of Mrs. Dyring, of Soldiers’ Hill, Ballarat. He is 21 years of age.”
Punch in Melbourne on Thursday 1st July 1915 on page 15 had pictures of some of those wounded or killed on Gallipoli and included Private H Dyring (wounded), with the photo being supplied by Marlborough Studios.
The Ballarat Courier of Friday 25th June 1915 on page 4 had “PRIVATE HUGH DYRING Pte H. Dyring (wounded) is a member of C Company, 5th Battalion, and a native of Ballarat. He is the youngest son of Mrs C. Dyring, Clarendon street, and a grandson of the late Mr Andrew Martin, one of the pioneers of Ballarat. Pte Dyring, who has only just turned 21 years of age, is of splendid physique, and a fine diver and swimmer, being well known at St. Kilda, where he boarded prior to enlistment. One of his other two brothers, Edgar, is with the 23rd Battalion, 6th Infantry Brigade, under Lt-Col Morton.” A photo of him was also included in the article, as below.
The 5th Battalion was involved in the Battle of Lone Pine in early August, being sent in as reinforcements. On 30th August 1915, Edgar proceeded to join the MEF at Gallipoli. The Battalion arrived at Gallipoli in September at 9.30 pm on the 4th. They then took over defensive positions at Lone Pine.
The Age of Wednesday 8th September 1915, on page 12 had:
“SEA BATHING AT GALLIPOLI.
St. Kilda “Fried Eggs” Would Envy.
Private H. Dyring, 5th Battalion, writing from Gallipoli on l6th July to his brother, who resides at Middle Park, gives an interesting account of the life in the trenches, of which the following is an extract. Private Dyring says: — “We still remain strongly entrenched, and for the time being the Turks appear to have no further desire to try and attempt to push us into the sea. Evidently their attempt in May, which ended so disastrously to them, has made them more cautious, and shown them how very difficult it is to dislodge us from our position. We all enjoy the sea bathing, which we are fortunate to be able to indulge in during our spare moments, though Abdul with his shells seeks to break up the merry party but with little success. The water is beautifully clear, and at times it is quite warm. Sun bathing also plays a prominent part, and some of our chaps have gone past the brown stage and are now entering on the black. I, myself, have developed a color which would be greatly envied by some of the St. Kilda ‘fried eggs’. The Australians in Gallipoli wear some very quaint costumes indeed; in fact, you would think that we had gone back to the primitive stages. The weather is getting very warm now, and the flies are making a general nuisance of themselves. Great improvements have taken place here in the ten weeks or so since we have resided in Gallipoli. Roads and trenches abound and stretch in every direction, opening up communication with all parts of the firing line. Telephone communication with all points has also been established. Water is not too abundant, and we have had to sink numerous wells, which are just able to supply our demands. Our firing line is several hundred feet above the sea, and some splendid views of the surrounding country can be obtained.””
Hugh disembarked at Alexandria, from Lemnos, from HMT Empress of Britain on 9th January 1916. At Tel-el-Kebir, he was charged with breaking camp on 22nd January 1916 and was given 28 days Field Punishment No 2. From Alexandria on 25th March 1916, Hugh embarked on the Briton to join the British Expeditionary Force, disembarking at Marseilles on the 30th. In mid-July, the 23rd Battalion was transferred to the Somme and was involved in battles at Pozieres and Mouquet Farm, from which they suffered 90% casualties.
Edgar disembarked from the Minnewaska at Alexandria from Mudros on 10th January 1916. At Moascar, on 15th March, he was charged with failing to comply with a Battalion order and was given 24 hours Field Punishment No 2. He proceeded to join the BEF at Alexandria and disembarked from the Lake Michigan at Marseilles on 26th March 1916. Edgar was in trouble again on that day, when he failed to comply with a general order and was given 120 hours of Field Punishment No 2. On 15th April, he was transferred to 6th Australian Light Trench Mortar Battery at Fort Romper, and he was taken on their strength on the same day.
On 7th August 1916, their mother notified Base Records of a change of address, to which they replied on the 10th.
Edgar was promoted to Corporal on 12th August 1916. On 18th August 1916, Hugh was transferred to the 6th Light Trench Mortar Battery in Belgium. There are two entries for 9th September 1916, one says he was transferred to the 23rd Battalion from the 5th Battalion in Belgium and the other says he was taken on strength of the 6th LTMB in the field (from the CO of the 23rd Battalion). The 6th LTMB war diary has an entry on 6th September 1916 saying that “761 Pte Dyring H reported as transferred from 5th Battalion from date 15/8/16.”
Private 761 Hugh Dyring was recommended for a Military Medal by the Officer Commanding the 5th Battalion, the citation reading “As a company stretcher bearer he was conspicuous for his devotion to duty during the operations on Gallipoli Peninsula, on many occasions carrying out his work under shell fire with the utmost coolness and bravery.” His award of the Military Medal was promulgated in the London Gazette of 27th October 1916 on page 10487 at position 5.
On 22nd December 1916, Corporal Dyring and Private Dyring, with a Lieutenant, Sergeant and 7 other Privates proceeded to the front line at Trones Wood at 4.30 pm and relieved men of the 15th LTMB, taking over 2 guns.
On 31st January 1917, Base Records was notified of a change of address of his mother, Mrs A Dyring, from 98 Park Street St Kilda Victoria to 810 South Street Ballarat.
Hugh was appointed Temporary Corporal on 16th April 1917 and promoted to Corporal on the same day.
On 26th April 1917, Edgar was sent sick to hospital from the 6th LTMB in the Field. He was first sent to the 6th Field Ambulance with scabies and was sent to Casualty Clearing Station. He re-joined his unit on 9th May 1917 from hospital. An entry in a war diary for the 6th LTMB on Friday 18th May 1917 stated that Corporal A Dyring’s leave was due on that day, but was stopped as a note to stop all leave was received.
In the Dunolly and Betbetshire Express and County of Gladstone Advertiser (Victoria), on Friday 2nd March 1917 on page 2 was an article “The following appeared in a recent issue of the Manly (N.S.W.) “Daily”: —“Mr C. Dyring, of Ocean Beach, North Steyne, Manly, has received word that his brother Hugh, who went into camp at Broadmeadows, Victoria, the first day it was officially opened for the acceptance of recruits in August, 1914, and left with the first Australian Expeditionary Force in the following October, was awarded the Military Medal in October last for bravery in France. Private Dyring was very slightly wounded during the 2nd Infantry Brigade’s famous charge at Cape Helles in May 1915, and was absent from the firing line for a fortnight. With the exception of this break, he has seen continuous service in Gallipoli, Egypt, and France, having been in both the landing and the evacuation at the first mentioned. About six months ago Private Dyring, who has been offered promotion, but prefers to remain in the ranks, transferred to the 6th Infantry Brigade, with which his brother Edgar, – who has seen two years’ service, is also connected.” These two young soldiers are sons of Mr; G. Dyring, of Goldsborough, who has taken such a keen and. active interest in mining development here. Naturally Mr Dyring is proud of the records of his brave sons.”
Another article in the same newspaper on 6th July 1917 gave some more personal points on both of the Dyring sons in their service: “Recently the sad news was sent to Australia of the death from wounds received in the heavy fighting in France of Corporal Edgar A. Dyring, a son of Mr C. Dyring, Dunolly and Goldsborough, and of Mrs Dyring, Ballarat. The intelligence came through the minister of Scots Church, Ballarat. A further cable was received by a brother resident in Sydney on the 19th June, from a brother, Corporal Hugh Dyring, from London, notifying the death of his brother Edgar from wounds. Both sons- Edgar and Hugh – of Mr. Dyring enlisted in the early stages of the war, and had been through the heaviest fighting at Gallipoli and afterwards in France with hardly a spell at all from the fighting lines. Hugh bad evidently been on furlough in London when the news of his brother’s death reached him. The deceased young soldier was only 25 years of age, and his younger brother Hugh, at the front, is 23. The following particulars were received through the minister of Scots Church, Ballarat: – Corporal E. A., Dyring, 704, died on June 1st of gunshot wounds in the head, wrist, and thigh at 56th Casualty Clearing Station. It is supposed that a machine gun or shrapnel must have inflicted the injuries, and it appeared, as if, after receiving them, he did not long survive. The deceased young soldier had written, on April 4, expressing the hope that the war would end soon. He said “You only see the sun now and again, and when it does shine you would think someone had struck a match. I am satisfied there is no place on earth like Australia, but I will have to hang on here while the job lasts.” Both brothers, as we say, have been in the war almost from the first, and Hugh, still at the front, will have his three years up on August 19th this year— a great and brave record. A private letter to Mr C. Dyring, Dunolly, relating to the death of his son Edgar, Says: — “There is consolation for all of us in knowing that he has died in a noble cause. Considering his wonderful skill as a rifle shot, and the ticklish jobs he took on, it is marvellous that he escaped injury for such a time. Numbers of trophies were taken by him from the Turks at Gallipoli, and we may see some of them later.” The very many friends of Mr C. Dyring here will deeply sympathise with him in the death of his son, although, as said in the letter quoted, it was in a noble cause. Mother and brothers will also have the sincere and earnest sympathy of the community, and good wishes for the future of Corporal Hugh Dyring. The family have made a great sacrifice.”
Base Records sent Mrs A Dyring of 10 South Street Ballarat a letter on 25th April 1917, letting her know that Hugh had been awarded a Military Medal for bravery in the Field. It was recorded in the Second Supplement No. 29794 to the London Gazette of 20th October 1916.
The Weekly Times of Melbourne on Saturday 12th May 1917 on page 24 had: “COUNTRY Military Medals have been awarded to Private H. Dyring, son of Mrs A, Dyring, of 810 South street, Ballarat ……”
On display in the Australian War Memorial’s First World War Gallery is this damaged trench mortar barrel, pictured above, which was similar to the 3-inch mortar they were using. The article here – https://www.awm.gov.au/articles/blog/trench-mortar talks about what happened to that particular mortar and also the explosion that mortally wounded Edgar. The article goes into detail of the events, during a practice assault. On 1 June 1917 at around 11.30am, as the last company of the 24th Battalion was advancing with support from the 6th Australian Light Trench Mortar Battery, a Stokes mortar shell exploded in the barrel, killing three men instantly and wounding 22. 704 Corporal Edgar Andrew Dyring from Ballarat, Victoria was wounded in the head, wrist and thigh in the accident and died during the night. He had served with 23rd Battalion, including a few months on Gallipoli from late August 1915. Edgar was transferred to the 6th ALTMB in 1916. His brother, Hugh Dyring MM also served at Gallipoli and later transferred to the 6th ALTMB. Presumably he was there when the accident occurred. The book, The Red and White Diamond, the authorised history of the 24th Battalion AIF also mentions the event, as the 6th LTMB were part of the training exercise with them. It discusses how the whole village of Warloy mourned for the dead. It also adds that a group of German prisoners working on a road where the dead were carried down showed them no respect, one even laughing, until a rifle butt interrupted. When the rest saw how Australian’s dealt with the lack of respect, “they became suddenly attentive to their work on the road”. The Batteries’ war diary also records the incident, noting it was No 1 Section that had the premature burst resulting in 25 casualties- 4 killed and 21 wounded. Corporal Dyring was listed as seriously wounded. An enquiry that afternoon determined that all casualties were “accidental”. The record of the next day noted that Corporal Dyring died of wounds that same night.
On 1st June 1917, Edgar’s service record stated he was accidently wounded, with a shell wound to the head and he was admitted to the 56th Casualty Clearing Station where he died of his wounds. Another entry stated it was a shell wound to the head wrist and thigh. He was buried at Communal Cemetery Extension, Dernancourt on the same day by J W Dunbar C.F. of 56th Casualty Clearing Station. His records give the location as 62D Square E20 A75. A court of enquiry assembled on 1st June 1917 found his “Wounds caused by accidental explosion of a Stokes bomb during practice operations (1-6-17), all necessary precautions were taken and no blame is attachable to any officer, N.C.O. or man concerned. Place of accident, Near Warloy.”
Army Form B.2090A, titled Field Service, and reporting on his death, listed 704 Corporal Edgar Andrew Dyring of the 6th LTMB as having died on 1st June 1917 at 56th Casualty Clearing Station in the Field France. He died of wounds accidently received, as noted in a memorandum from the Commanding Officer at the station on the 2nd. It also recorded his burial details and that a will had not been received. It was filled out by ANZAC Section 3rd Echelon GHQ BEF on 10th August 1917.
A stamp on the Attestation page of Edgar’s records says that his War Medal etc was issued to his father from Base Records, Mr C Dyring c/o Goldsborough Gold Mine, Goldsborough Victoria. The word “Deceased” was written through it in red pen.
The CWGC records his entry as: “DYRING, Cpl. Edgar Andrew, 704. 6th Australian Light Mortar Bty. Died of accidental injuries 1st June, 1917. Son of Constantine and Annie Dyring, of “Hollywood” 59, Were St., Brighton Beach, Victoria, Australia. Native of Melbourne, Victoria. VI. F. 2.” He is buried in Dernancourt Communal Cemetery Extension in grave 2 of row F in plot 6. With his gravestone, no age was put on it, the religious emblem was to be a cross, and no inscription was written to add to it. In the Nominal Roll, he is listed as dying accidently. Details: Died of accidental injuries 01/06/17 VI. F. 2. Son of Constantine and Annie Dyring, of “Hollywood,” 59, Were St., Brighton Beach, Victoria, Australia. Native of Melbourne, Victoria. Edgar Andrew Dyring’s name is located at panel 19 in the Commemorative Area at the Australian War Memorial. Annie filled in the information sheet for him to be added to the Roll of Honour at the AWM. She filled in all his service details and where and when he died. She also recorded his calling was farming pursuits, he attended the Humffrey Street State School in Ballarat East and he had had no previous military experience. She also included he was “A splendid shot with the rifle when with the 23rd Battalion, 6th Infantry brigade, and picked as a sniper at Gallipoli.” And also noted he was a “Brother of Hugh Dyring, 5th Battalion, then 23rd Battalion, who went into Broadmeadows Camp on the first day it was opened for recruits and who secured Military Medal, and only returned January, 1919.” She signed the form as Annie Dyring, mother, at Hollywood 59 Were Street Brighton Beach Victoria. She also added Hugh as a reference, stating he was “Hugh Dyring (late Ser. Major 23rd Battalion 6th Light Trench Mortar Battery) (Capt. J.P.W. Hogg O.C. 6th A.L.T.M.B.) of 12 Lansdowne Road East St Kilda.”
The Argus of Saturday 16th June 1917 on page 8 had an article under the heading “MILITARY AWARD. Private Hugh Dyring, of Ballarat and St. Kilda, who entered Broadmeadow Camp on the first day it was officially opened for the acceptance of recruits in August, 1914, and left for the Front in October of the same year, had been awarded the Military Medal. Private Dyring was very slightly wounded during the 2nd Infantry brigade’s famous charge at Cape Helles in May, 1915, which necessitated his being absent from the firing-line for a fortnight. With the exception of this break, he has seen continuous service in Gallipoli, Egypt, and France. His brother Edgar has seen two years’ service.” Also on page 13 was: “DIED ON SERVICE. DYRING.-Killed in action, in France, Private Edgar Dyring, dearly beloved second son of Mrs. C. Dyring, Ballarat, and loved brother of Hugh (on active service) and Carl, Musgrave street, Mosman, Sydney (late Middle Park), aged 24 years 4 months, after nearly 2½ years’ service in Egypt, Gallipoli, and France.” An article in The Age on the same date had an entry under “Died of Wounds” about Edgar, which said she was living with her eldest son at Musgrave Street, Mossman and that Edgar was considered one of the best shots in the 6th Infantry Brigade.
The Sydney Morning Herald of Tuesday 26th June 1917 had a casualty list, No 215 which contained 935 names with 261 killed or died, and included under Victoria: Died of Wounds: Corporal Edgar Andrew Dyring.
AAG 3rd Military District wrote a letter to Base Records in Melbourne on 11th July 1917, regarding their report of Corporal Dyring dying of a gunshot wound to the head, wrist and thigh, advising them that the next of kin (Father) was dead and they should write to his mother (who had been advised of this) and her address was c/o Mr C Dyring, Huddart, Parker & Co. Sydney.
On 21st June 1917, Hugh was transferred to the 23rd Battalion from the 6th LTMB. He was sent to the 6th Training Battalion and to be borne supernumerary to the establishment of the 23rd Battalion on 25th June 1917. Hugh was admitted to the 1st ADH at Bulford on 28th August 1917 as being sick and discharged to the Convalescent Training Depot at Bulford on 6th September 1917. Another entry seems to suggest he had V.D. On 23rd October 1917, he was marched into the 3rd Commonwealth Depot at Hurdcott. While there, he was classified B1a4 on 24th October and then A3 on 8th November 1917. On 9th December 1917 at Southport, he proceeded overseas to France from Sandhill Camp at Longbridge Deverille. At the 2nd Australian Divisional Base at Havre on 10th December, he was marched out to 23rd Battalion on the 16th, re-joining them in the Field on the 19th. He was transferred to the 6th LTMB and taken on their strength on that date. An entry in their diary confirms that, saying “No 761, Cpl Dyring H was transferred from the 23rd Bn and taken on the strength of the 6th ALTMBty.”
Base Records sent a letter to Mrs A Dyring at 810 South Street Ballarat on 28th December 1917, stating “No. 704, Corporal Edgar Andrew Dyring, 6th Light Trench Mortar Battery, (late 23rd Battalion) enlisted in the Australian imperial Force on 26th February, 1915”. It is not known the circumstances behind them supplying this information, or why it was sent to that address.
On 15th February 1918, Carl wrote a letter to Base Records in Melbourne on behalf of his mother, thanking them for “giving full information concerning the last resting place of the late, No. 704, Corporal E. A. Dyring, 6th Light Trench Mortar Battery. Please accept my sincere thanks for the particulars furnished.” He typed it on Huddart Parker Limited letterhead. Base records had sent a letter to her, detailing the report of the loss of her son and adding they were “now in receipt of advice which shows that he died at 56th Casualty Clearing Station, in France, on 1/6/17, of wounds accidently received and was buried the same day at Communal Cemetery Extension, Dernancourt, 62D Square E20 A75, Chaplain J. E. Dunbar officiating.”
A copy of Edgar’s will is with his service records and reads: “THIS IS THE LAST WILL AND TESTAMENT of me Edgar Andrew Dyring of 9 Clarendon St Ballarat in the State of Victoria made this twenty-third day of February in the year of Our Lord One thousand nine hundred and fifteen. I HEREBY revoke all wills by me at any time heretofore made. I APPOINT Annie Dyring my mother and eldest brother W.C.C.Dyring to be my Executors and direct that all my just Debts and Funeral and Testamentary Expenses shall be paid as soon as conveniently may by after my deceased. I give and bequeath unto my mother Annie Dyring all my real and personal estate and failing her to my brothers, William, Carl, Constantine and Hugh and failing Hugh all to go to my eldest brother William, Carl, Constantine.” It was signed by Edgar in front of two witnesses.
Hugh was appointed Lance Sergeant on 3rd January 1918, was promoted to Sergeant on 21st March 1918 and appointed acting Sergeant-Major on that day. On 18th May 1918, as Acting Sergeant-Major, he was sent to Cadet School in England, reverting to the rank of Sergeant on proceeding to the school. Another entry from Australian Corps Headquarters stated he was selected to attend Cadet School in England on 7th June 1918. On the same date, he joined No 4 Officers Cadet Battalion at Oxford and qualified for commission in the infantry and was appointed Cadet. He left Officers Training College on 20th November 1918, and marched in to a rest camp on the 25th.
Annie signed for a parcel on 15th April 1918, being a package of Edgar’s from the Barambah. A letter from Base Records was also sent to her, c/o Carl at his work, asking her to sign the receipt. The effects, which had a receipt saying they were forwarded to Mr C Dyring of 9 Clarendon Street Ballarat, was from Kit Store, Book number 16 and included a pair of socks, 2 brushes and souvenirs of Edgar.
An entry under the heading “In Memoriam On Active Service” in The Argus on Saturday 1st June 1918 read: “DYRING. – In loving memory of Edgar A. Dyring, 6th Light Trench Mortar Battery, who died of wounds in France, 1st June, 1917, son of Mr. and Mrs. C. Dyring, brother of Sergeant Hugh Dyring, M.M. (on active service) and Carl.”
On 6th September 1918, Annie signed for the effects of Edgar that had been returned on the Gilgai. Base Records also sent her a letter on 21st September 1918, discussing the package and that it was sent securely fastened and sealed and to check them before opening and check the package had not been tampered with. If there was any issue, she was to contact Base Records. The letter was sent to her. c/o Carl at Huddart, Parker & Co. The list of effects from 3rd Echelon France (9528) 18.1.18 were wallet, photos, cards, letters, paper cuttings, badge.
Hugh returned to Australia on 9th December 1918 as a Corporal with the 6th Light Trench Mortar Battery on Leicestershire from England for 1914 leave. His mother was notified of his return on 8th January 1919. Hugh disembarked in the 3rd Military District on 22nd January 1919. On 22nd March 1919, he was discharged in the 3rd Military District. His will was sent on 21st June 1919. He signed for his 1914-15 Star on 21st August 1920.
Two photos of Edgar’s grave were sent to the next of kin on 26th August 1919.
Annie was buried in Manly Cemetery in Plot Z.058 on 2nd June 1920. She is recorded as age 62, register page MD97, Vine Roll number 4636 and there is a headstone. Also on the headstone is Edgar Andrew Dyring (died in war, buried overseas), with a date of burial as 1st June 1917, age 24 and his name was not recorded in the burial register. The inscription reads: “In Loving Memory Of Annie Dyring Died At Chatswood 31st May 1920 Aged 62 Years Edgar Andrew Dyring Died Of Wounds, Dernancourt, France, 1st June 1917 Age 24 Years.” The Argus in Melbourne on Thursday 19th August 1920 on page 6 under Wills and Estates had the following entry: “Annie Dyring, formerly of Were Street Brighton, but lately of Holland street, Chatswood, N.S.W., married woman, who died on May 31, left, by will dated May 17, 1920, personal estate in Victoria valued at £5.963, and property in New South Wales valued at £408, to her sons.”
Where the Australians Rest was sent to Mrs Dyring on 27th July 1921, as was the Memorial Scroll.
H Dyring (should possibly be Hugh?) signed for the 1914-15 Star for Private E A Dyring 23rd Battalion on 25th January 1921. C Dyring signed for the British War Medal for Edgar on 4th November 1921. C Dyring signed for the Victory Medal for Corporal E A Dyring 6th LTMB on 9th June 1923. A letter was also included, which confirms it was his father who signed, dated 8th June 1923 at Goldsborough. He also asked if they could send a copy of the pamphlet “entitled graves of the fallen” and enclosed stamps to the value of 6 pence for it. He signed the letter as Mine Manager for the Goldsborough Mine. Constance also signed for the memorial plaque on 28th May 1923 and also enclosed a letter, thanking them for sending it.
A letter sent to Mrs Dyring “Hollywood” Were Street Brighton Beach Victoria on 9th November 1922, was sent back to Base Records with the word deceased written on it. A registered post for a war medal was also sent back with the same comment written on it. The note inside the letter was advising her that the Victory Medal for Edgar was being sent by registered post and she should get it within a few days and if not, to contact them and the post office. She was to sign the attached receipt form and return to Base Records. The letter added “it is to be noted that the rank shown is the highest held during the war period (unless reverted for misconduct); the unit, that with which a member first entered a theatre of war,; and the name, that under which he actually served.” The letter was forwarded to the deceased section.
Base Records in Melbourne wrote a letter in December 1922, asking a few questions about “the late No. 704 Corporal Edgar Andrew DYRING, 6th L.T.M.Battery”. They wanted to know to whom the War Gratuity was paid to, their names, addresses and relationship of the claimants and if the file disclosed the eldest brother’s address. The reply from the District Finance Officer was handwritten on that letter and stated it was paid to his father, his mother was deceased and the address of the eldest son was Carl Dyring c/o Huddart Parker Ltd Sydney.
The Ballarat Star of Friday 11th January 1924 on Page 8, under the headings “DUNOLLY. OBITUARY.” Had “The deaths of two well-known residents have occurred. Mr C. C. Dyring supervising manager of the Goldsborough Gold Mining Co., died at the age of 75…..” Hugh signed for his British War and Victory Medals on 3rd February 1925. Base Records had sent him a form on 21st August 1923, stating that they were available for collection then, but Hugh only signed the form on 14th January 1925, with the medals to be sent to his mother at 11 Park Street St Kilda, which seems strange. His service record states both medals were returned on 10th May 1923 by 3rd D. B. Another stamp on his records has the date of 23rd January 1925 for them being sent to him. On 1st June 1925, a letter was sent to Mr C Dyring c/o Goldsborough Gold Mine advising him that the remains of Corporal E A Dyring were interred in Dernancourt Communal Cemetery Extension, France.
William Carl Constantine Dyring was first listed in electoral rolls in St Kilda, at Brooklawn in Fitzroy Street and he was listed as a clerk. By the 1914 roll, he had moved to Beaconsfield Hotel and had the same occupation. In 1916, he boarded the Aramac in Melbourne and travelled to Sydney, arriving there on 21st August 1916. He married Ivy Irene Bellion in 1925 there. She had been born in 1890 in New South Wales. In the 1930 electoral roll, they were living at Wendourse Boomerang Street Turramurra and he was still a clerk. They were still there for the 1932 and 1933 rolls. In 1935 the address was recorded as 3 Boomerang Street, which may be the same address. This continued through the 1936, 1937, 1943, 1949, and 1954 rolls, and he was still a clerk. Ivy passed away on 10th December 1952. In the 1958 roll, William is by himself at 11 Katina Street Turramurra and he was a secretary. He passed away on 15th November 1961 at Turramurra and probate was granted on 7th March 1962. His occupation was listed as retired company secretary.
Hugh has a set of 3 records at National Archives in Perth, which have not been examined yet and are listed as H33089, M33089 and C33089.
A letter from Base Records sent to Mr C Dyring c/o Goldsborough Gold Mine in June 1925 was sent back to them. The letter was dated 1st June and was a request for him to purchase a register of the Dernancourt Communal Cemetery Extension where Edgar was buried. They were asking for 3 shillings a copy. Base Records then sent a letter to William with the form, asking him to forward them onto his father. William wrote back to Base Records, informing them of his father’s death in January the year before, and asking them to forward to him a copy of the register, for which he enclosed the correct amount as a postal note. Base Records sent him a reply back on 28th June 1925, saying a copy of the register was being sent to him. His address at the time was c/o Messrs. Huddart Parker Limited of 10 Bridge Street, Sydney.
Hugh filled out a statutory declaration, stating he had lost his discharge and asked if they could send another one to the William Street Post Office in Sydney. He declared it in Sydney on 22nd March 1930 in front of a JP. A form was sent to him on 27th March 1930 from Base Records in Melbourne, which was issued for identification purposes in lieu of a lost discharge certificate. It read 761 Sergeant Hugh Dyring MM of 6th Light Trench Mortar Battery AIF, enlisted at Prahran Victoria on 17/8/1914, embarked abroad on 21/10/1914 and returned to Australia on 22/1/1919 and was discharged in Melbourne on 23/3/1919 as termination of his period of enlistment. He was described as being 6 foot tall, chest measurement 41 inches, grey eyes, aged 20 years and 2 months, weighed 12 stone 7 pounds, and had a fair complexion with light brown hair. He had no distinctive marks.
What happened to Hugh after returning is not known for the next couple of decades. In the 1943 electoral roll, he is found in Fremantle, Western Australia; living at 29 Gill Street, Mossman Park, with his occupation as civil servant. In the 1949 roll, he had moved to 3 Eileen Street, with the same occupation. He was living at 49 Hope Street in the 1949 and 1954 rolls, and 16 Rose Street in the 1958 roll; all with the same occupation. By the 1963 roll, he had retired and was living at 11 Irwin Street. His details were the same in the 1963 roll. By the 1968 roll, he had moved to 8 Princess Street, Mosman Park, Cottesloe. It had a beach view. He was still there in the 1972 roll and by the 1980 roll, he had moved to 132a Marmion Street, East Fremantle. That house was last sold for $275,000 on 21st December 2015, and some of the previous houses he lived in sold recently for over $1,000,000. It appears he did not marry.
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29 Gill Street and 9 Irwin Street.
The Repatriation Department asked Base Records for Hugh’s service records on 23rd October 1952.
In or before 1965, he must have moved to NSW as a letter was written by him on 19th July 1956 from 126 Wattle Street, Punchbowl, Sydney to Base Records in Melbourne stating “Having some years ago either lost or inadvertently destroyed my military discharge certificate, and now finding that certain circumstances have arisen which may require the identifying and verifying of my military service, I would esteem it a favour if you were able to ensure that a certified copy of such discharge were now furnished me. Hereunder are appended relevant particulars”. Born Victoria 12-6-1894. Enlisted Melbourne Sept. 1914. Embarked Melbourne 20th October 1914 with 5th Infantry Battalion. Discharged February or March 1919 rank Sergeant 6th LMTB. Thank you in advance. Hugh filled out a Statutory Declaration, stating his address as 126 Wattle Street, Punchbowl and that he lost his military discharge my mislaying or destroying it “during the process of shifting residence from Sydney to Darwin in 1941”. He stated it was in Sydney in December 1941. He filled in the declaration in Brisbane on 3rd August 1965. Hugh gave his mother’s address as 9 Clarendon Street, Ballarat. A form was filled out which stated 761 Sergeant Hugh Dyring MM having stated that his certificate had been lost was issued a Statement of Service in lieu thereof. His service was from 17th August 1914 to 23rd March 1919 AIF, with total effective service of 1679 days and overseas service 1554 days. His Honours, Decorations and Awards during that service were Military Medal, 1914-15 Star, British War Medal, Victory Medal and he has a RASB War Badge.
9 Clarendon St Ballarat.
Hugh passed away on 9th September 1985 in East Fremantle at the age of 91. His ashes were scattered to the winds at Karrakatta Cemetery.
Both brothers are named on Ballarat’s Avenue of Honour. It extends for 22 kilometres and the trees represent men or women who served in WW1 from Ballarat and district. 3771 trees were planted in the order of the soldiers’ enlistment, along the Western Highway with bronze name plaques fixed to the tree guards. Hugh is commemorated on tree 1553 which is species Ulmus X holl. Purpurescens planted by Sir Alex. Peacock and Edgar on tree 1555 which is species Ulmus X holl. Purpurescens planted by Brigadier-General Williams.
The museum just has the Military Medal and 1914-15 Star for Hugh and the Memorial Plaque, 1914-15 Star and British War Medal for Edgar.
ANZAC Biographies
On our website you will find the biographical details of ANZAC (as well as British) servicemen & women
whose medals or other memorabilia form part of the collection on display at the
Maryborough Military & Colonial Museum,
Maryborough, Queensland, Australia.
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