QX34877 Major Noel Robert Vary
47th Battalion
By Robert Simpson
Noel Robert Vary was born on 15th July 1921, a son to Robert John Vary and Florence Willday. Robert had married Florence in Queensland on 30th March 1920. Florence had been born on 12th July 1897 in Queensland and Robert had been born 14th May 1897 in Maryborough. His parents, William Vary (1858-1911) and Elizabeth Agnes Bailey (1859-1943) had been born in the UK and had migrated to Queensland separately in the late 1800’s and married on 21st September 1884. They had 8 children in all. William, a Scotsman, was an engineer and they lived in Maryborough in Saltwater Creek Road. Unfortunately, he passed away on 18th November 1911 and buried in the Maryborough cemetery in A394. His death notice was published in the Fraser Coast Chronicle on 17th November 1911 and his funeral the next day. Maryborough cemetery records show his denomination was Independent and he died in St Marys Hospital of anaemia from an operation on a hernia. He was buried by Reverend Leeder on 18th November 1911 in A394 in the Maryborough cemetery. J Ammenhauser was the undertaker. Elizabeth passed away on 16th September 1943 and is buried in the same grave. Her death notice was published in the Maryborough Fraser Coast Chronicle on 17th September 1943 and hers VARY Elizabeth Death aged 84 at Maryborough as published in the Fraser Coast Chronicle of 17th September 1943.
Headstone Description – William died in his 53rd year, also his wife Elizabeth died aged 84 years
Their eldest, Kenneth William Vary was born on 7th July 1885 in Maryborough and served in WW1 as Private 1095 in the 41st Battalion, joining on 15th January 1916. He was a labourer and had 3 years previous service with the ASC in Maryborough. Kenneth went AWOL a few times and broke his right leg while wrestling. A court of enquiry found they were not self-inflicted, he was not on duty and no one was to blame. He attended a cookery school in 1917 and a month later accidently scalded his foot. In mid-1918 he was medically discharged in the UK as he was “taking up employment as an Australian Munition Worker”. He was entitled to the British War and Victory medals. After the war he lived in Oxley and was a wharf labourer, marrying Elizabeth Dunbar in 1935. They then lived in Clayfield until he died on 6th July 1956. He is buried in Lutwyche cemetery. His funeral notice was headed: VARY Kenneth William 9th July 1956 Funeral, as published in the Fraser Coast Chronicle of 11th July 1956.
Alexander George Vary was born on 5th January 1888. He lived in Maryborough all his life, was a railway clerk and married Lily Jackson in 1929. They lived at 368 Ann Street and he died in 1941. His death notice was published in the Fraser Coast Chronicle on 31st October 1941.
Francis Thomas Vary was born on 16th October 1890. He married Matilda Cronan in 1915. They lived at 53 Churchill Street and he was a carpenter. He died in 1963 in St Stephens Hospital. His death notice was published in the Fraser Coast Chronicle on 27th August 1963.
Allan Richard Vary was born on 17th December 1892. He married Amy Maud Harris in 1916. They lived at 118 Ferry Street Maryborough and he was a labourer, before moving to Pialba at 111 Esplanade and he was a railway employee up to the 1963 electoral roll. His death notice on 3rd February 1968 in the Fraser Coast Chronicle of 5th February 1968, showed he died at the age of 75 at Demaine Private Hospital, Maryborough, late of Maryborough, formerly of Torquay.
Jane Robertson Vary was born on 15th January 1895. She married Charles Alexander James Crawford on 15th January 1921. Charles served in WW1 as Private 529 in the 2nd Light Horse Field Ambulance, being awarded a Military Medal and Mentioned in Despatches. His story is on Anzac Biographies and includes Jane. Her death notice and funeral were published under: “VARY Jane Robertson see CRAWFORD, Jane Robertson Fraser Coast Chronicle on 4th and 5th January 1985.
Elizabeth Agnes Vary was born on 10th November 1899. She married Herbert Andrew Wilschefski in 1927. Herbert died in 1932 of encephalitis and coma; they were living at Ideraway and he was a dairyman according to Maryborough cemetery records. He was a Baptist and was buried by Reverend Earl on 21st October 1932 in A647. Kirk and Son were the undertakers. In 1936 Elizabeth was living in Gayndah and she remarried at some time. Her death was recorded in the Maryborough Chronicle of Saturday 27th March 1954 on page 4: – “DEATH LORENZ, Elizabeth Agnes — At Gayndah, March 23, 1954 Elizabeth Agnes, beloved wife of Mr. H. Lorenz, Ideraway, mother of Mrs. G. E. Schonrock, Wellington Pt. (nee Wilschefski), sister of Mrs. J. Crawford, (Kilkivan), Kenneth (Brisbane), Frank, Alan, Robert, Edward Vary (Maryborough). ‘Peace, Perfect Peace’”.
Edward James Vary was born on 5th April 1903. He married Marjorie Lorette Gardiner in 1929. In the 1943 electoral roll, they were living at Iindah Road Tinana and he was a farmer, but another record for that year has them living at 43 Gilbert Street with Edward a labourer. In the 1958, 1963 and 1968 roll they were both still there. By the 1972 roll, he had retired and they were living at 37 Mant Street Point Vernon. He died on 24th October 1979 and is buried in Polson Cemetery, Hervey Bay with Marjorie who died in 1987. His death and funeral notices show his death, aged 76 at Royal Brisbane Hospital, late of Point Vernon as published in the Fraser Coast Chronicle on 25th and 26th October 1979.
Robert John Vary was born on 14th Mary 1897 in Maryborough. At the age of 14, he started out as a Naval Cadet before commencing an apprenticeship as a Brass Finisher at Walkers Limited. He enlisted in WW1 as Private 3137 in the 15th Battalion in Brisbane on 7th July 1915 and was passed medically fit on the same day. On his service record he stated he was an apprentice brass finisher, working at Walkers for 3½ years. Robert listed his mother as next of kin. He had 4 years’ service with the RANR previously. His mother wrote a letter saying “I the undersigned, hereby give consent to my son Robert, John, Vary enlisting with the Australian expeditionary forces. Signed: – Elizabeth Vary”. Underneath that in pencil was written “My Father is Deceased R. J. Vary”. He was 18 years and 2 months old, 5 foot 8 inches tall, weighed 141 pounds, had a chest measurement of 34 to 36 inches and was fresh complexion with blue eyes and light brown hair. His religious denomination was Baptist. He had clear skin with no distinctive marks, had 6/6 vision in both eyes and was passed medically fit.
His service record is a bit confusing, with a stamp for 10th Reinforcements 15th Battalion crossed out, a handwritten entry for 30th Battalion crossed out and 47th Battalion written in blue then red and a 51 under that. On 2nd October 1915, he filled out a form asking that while on service they were to pay 3 shillings a day to his mother, Mrs W Vary of Saltwater Creek Road Maryborough. A vaccination chart has him with the 9th reinforcements of the 15th Battalion and he had two inoculations, one on 16th July 1915 and the other on the 26th.
First picture as postcard taken at Cairo. Second picture: John Oxley Library, State Library of Queensland Neg or Image No: 702692-19151106-s0024-050, as published on page 24 of The Queenslander Pictorial, supplement to the Queenslander, 6 November, 1915
He joined the 15th Battalion at Moascar on 5th February 1916. Robert was awarded 5 days confinement to barracks and was to forfeit 2 days’ pay as he was AWOL from 6am 26th February 1916 to 10.30pm on 27th February 1916. He was transferred to and joined the 47th Battalion at Tel-el-Kebir on 3rd March 1916 and was to be Corporal on 14th March 1916. He had been part of the 15th Battalion that had been transferred to make up the 47th Battalion (as part of 4th Division) when the Divisions were expanded. From the 12th Australian Field Ambulance, he was admitted to the 11th Casualty Clearing Station with a soft chancre on 12th April 1916 at Serapeum. From there he was transferred and admitted to 1st Australian Stationary Hospital. The next day he was sent on the No 4 Hospital Train at Ismailia to 1st Australian Dermatological Hospital at Abbassia, where he was admitted with Venereal disease. He was discharged from there to Tel-el -Kebir on 24th April, joining the 47th Battalion on 26th April 1916. The next entry in his service record says remaining at 4th Training Battalion. He was to be Lance Sergeant on 25th May 1916.
Robert proceeded to join the BEF at Alexandria on 2nd June 1916, embarking on Caledonia and disembarking at Marseilles on 9th June 1916. The 47th Battalion was then involved in the Battle of Pozieres. They relieved the 48th Battalion on 7th August and were relieved 5 days later. Only a single entry was made in the Battalion War Diary over those days, that the bombardment during its stay was “heavy, and considerable casualties were inflicted on the battalion.” He was wounded in action in France on 8th August 1916 and was admitted to 44th Casualty Clearing Station with a gunshot wound to the hand on the 9th. He was shot through the left hand, almost severing a finger. Robert was then admitted to 2nd Australian General Hospital at Wimereux on the 10th and was transferred to England on 12th August 1916, embarking on HS St Dennis at Boulogne that day. He was admitted to 5th Southern General Hospital at Portsmouth in England with what they recorded as “shell wound” to the left hand “slight” on the same day. He was sent to 1st AAH at Harefield on 4th September 1916 and was discharged to Weymouth on 29th September 1916, marching into No 2 Commonwealth Depot there on 26th.
His mother wrote to Base Records on 12th September 1916, asking “I am in receipt of your wire of 9th instant advising me of my son Lance Sergeant R J Vary No 3137 of C Company 47th Battalion 12th Brigade being wounded in France and I respectfully beg to ask if you will please give me particulars of his wound also the Hospital in which he is now confined.” The note they sent her on 8th September 1916 stated he was wounded and they did advise they would let her know promptly if anything further arrived. Their reply was quite wordy but said they had no other information.
As a Lance Sergeant in the 47th Battalion, he was placed on the supernumerary list of NCO’s on 8th November 1916 owing to his absence from the unit for a period of 3 months. Robert was returned to Australia for discharge from England on HT Wiltshire on 12th November 1916, leaving Portland. He was discharged in the 1st Military District as a Sergeant in the 47th Battalion on 14th February 1917.
His mother, at Saltwater Creek Road, was sent a letter by Base Records on 14th December 1916, saying 3137 R J Vary 47th Battalion (late 15th Battalion) was returning to Australia and was due in Brisbane late December.
AIF Headquarters in London sent a letter to The Secretary, Department of Defence in Melbourne a letter on 20th November 1916 which read: “Herewith is forwarded a watch the property of No.3137 Corporal A.J. Bary, 47th Battalion, A.I.F. which has been recovered from an Egyptian Watch Maker by the A.I.F. Headquarters, in Egypt. This N.C.O. returned to Australia per H.M.T. “Wiltshire” on 12th November, 1916, and it is desired that you be good enough to forward the watch to him.” Another sentence was added by D.A.A.G. 1st Military District to Base Records in Melbourne, saying: ‘Referred for favour of necessary action. This soldier (whose correct appellation is No.3137 Sergeant R.J. Vary, 47th Battalion) returned ex Transport “Wiltshire” on 31/12/16. He should be required to prove ownership of this watch before it is handed over.” (They had originally made an error with his surname.) On 24th May 1917, a minute letter was sent to Base Records stating “the watch in question was sent to Mr Vary on the 2nd March last under registered cover. Letter proving ownership and file returned herewith.” Another letter to AIF Command in England acknowledged their letter covering the despatch of his watch, which had then been handed over to him.
The letter he wrote was dated 26/2/17 from Maryborough and said “Referring to a letter 137.1.118 which I received some time ago, mentioned about a watch supposed to be my property, also asking for proof of ownership. This watch was handed by myself, to a Egyptian watchmaker to undergo repairs to the winding spring, but owing to early departure from Egypt was unable to procure same when it was repaired. This watch is a small gunmetal wristlet watch, with no engraving whatever on it, but I fancy it has my name scratched very lightly on the back, this watch being a present which I received on departure for active service, and I am anxious to procure same again. Hoping this will answer description of watch, and thanking you for all care taken. Yours Truly R J Vary Address Creek Road Maryborough Queensland”.
Robert was issued the 1914-15 Star, British War and Victory medals for his service.
Back in Maryborough, he completed his apprenticeship at Walkers. In the 1919 electoral roll he was living at Creek Road and was a fitter. On 30th March 1920 Robert married Florence Willday in Queensland. Florence was born in Queensland on 12th June 1897. Her parents, Charles (1858-1932) and Jessie (1869-1923) both migrated from the UK before marrying in 1892 in Queensland. Both are buried in Howard Cemetery. The 1924 Queensland Post Office Directory showed Robert was living at Fort Lane Maryborough.
During WW2 he served as Q25011, enlisting on 3rd April 1939 in Maryborough and being discharged on 11th March 1941 from the 47th Battalion (CMF). Florence was listed as his next of kin.
In the 1954 electoral roll, they were living at 70 Fort Lane and he was a fitter.
Fort Lane
The Queensland Branch of Repatriation Department sent a letter to CARO, which they received 20th February 1962, requesting service documents for Sergeant 3137 Robert John Vary of the 4th Battalion as he had lodged a claim for Repatriation Benefits (should be 47th Battalion).
He was a founding committee member of the Maryborough RSL, played rugby league for Maryborough Roos and was a member of the Pipe band. Florence and Robert had two children, Noel and Joyce. Bob maintained his connection with the 47th Battalion serving in the Regimental Band and later as a National Service Training WO2 in the lead up to and commencement of WW2. In 1941 Bob was asked to return to Walkers where he was foreman of the Brass Shop for the remaining years of the war and until his retirement in 1960. Florence and Bob lived at 70 Fort Lane Maryborough.
Robert passed away in 1977. His notice appeared in the Fraser Coast Chronicle of 29th April 1977 as: VARY Robert John (Bob) Death notice 28th April 1977 Death 79 at St Vincent de Paul Aged Home, Mackay, formerly of Maryborough. Florence died in Sydney in 1976.
His medical records are at National Archives Australia in the Brisbane branch and are open, but not online, under M8846 Parts 1 & 2. Robert’s WW2 records are at the Canberra branch but have not yet been examined under B884, Q25011.
Their son, Noel Robert Vary, was born on 15th July 1921 in Maryborough. Noel attended the Maryborough Central and Grammar Schools. On 28th January 1936 Noel was recorded in the Maryborough Boys State High School Admission Register. Being the depression years Noel left school in 1936 to fend for himself and commenced work as a railway Porter in Murgon. He was listed as a Lad Porter in the Traffic Branch of Queensland Railway in the 1938 and 1940 lists. In the 1943 electoral roll, he was listed as a soldier, living at 70 Fort Lane with his parents.
On 26th May 1943, he married his school sweetheart Vera Lyle Thorne in Maryborough. Vera had been born in Warwick on 24th December 1921, a daughter to Herbert Thomas Thorne (1894-1983) and Gladys May Andrews (1897-1981). They had been married in Maryborough on 17th August 1919. Herbert had served in WW1 as Private 4607 with the 15th Battalion, joining on 15th September 1915. He served in the Middle East and France with them and rose in the ranks to a rank of Temporary Sergeant. Bert (as he was known) was reported missing in action on 11th April 1917. He was captured at Reincourt and spent time as a POW in Germany, interred in Limburg originally. His whereabouts were not known until September 1917. The AWM has a series of Red Cross correspondence from Gladys and Herbert’s mother and the Red Cross replies after they had confirmed he was a POW. It is all listed here: – https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/awm-media/collection/RCDIG1060792/document/5648671.PDF While in Germany, he sent some letters to his parents, two of which were published in the book by The Maryborough Historical Society “Letters from the Front Line” in the Prisoner of War section on page 192. He arrived back in England in January 1919, returned to Australia in May 1919 and was discharged. Herbert was entitled to the 1914-15 Star, British War and Victory medals. Bert was a steam train driver who worked routes from Cordalba, Isis Junction, Bundaberg and Maryborough. He passed away on 25th December 1983.
Noel enlisted in the 47th Battalion and was allotted to the Signals Platoon of HQ Company on 15th July 1940. He attended a 3-month National Service Camp as a volunteer in September 1940. Noel served full time in the Australian Army in WW2 as Q1326, joining at Lytton on 5th February 1941 with Northern Command Area Signals. He entered Signals Training Camp there on 6th February. The unit was recorded as being on Active Service from 1940 and was responsible for the maintenance of communications throughout Queensland, Northern NSW, Cape York and Torres Strait. Noel progressed through gradings and NCO ranks. In 1942 he was a Linesman Trade Group 2, Operator Trade Group 1, Lance Corporal (posted to Switchboard Section) and Corporal (posted to Wireless Section). He was involved in mobile research and selection of suitable transmission sites in south Queensland, which included Cabarlah (near Toowoomba) which became a permanent transmission site. In January 1942 he was a Lance Sergeant and in charge of International Wireless Telegraphy.
In April 1942, as a Sergeant, he was transferred to the AIF and given service number QX34877. He was eligible to attend the School of Signals Officer Training Course in November 1942, but his CO (Lieutenant Colonel C J C Hargreaves) advised him that as the priority was for Line Officers, he would therefore be ineligible, but he would be promoted to Warrant Officer. On 25th November 1942, he was appointed Warrant Officer Class II as Company CSM. The Chief Signals Officer at Victoria Barracks was not happy with the arrangement, and held an examination of 4 eligible Sergeants in the area. WO Vary topped the exam. On 30th November 1942 he was selected by CSO Victoria Barracks to attend the School of Signals Officer Course No 50 at Bonegilla Victoria.
On 19th April 1943 he was commissioned to the rank of Lieutenant in the Permanent Forces. This was unusual as most commissions at that time were for AIF or CMF. He was posted as Officer Commanding 23rd Australian Despatch Rider Section on 1st May 1943. Arriving in Townsville on 30th May 1943 to take up the posting, he was appointed as Signal-master of Stuart Signal Centre and was reposted as Officer Commanding 56th Australian Operating Section Adv LHQ Signals. While there he received a signal of commendation from the Commander Allied Naval Forces for communication support. The original copy of this signal is held by Ian Vary. While he was based at Stuart, he was involved with in liaison with Constructions Groups at Repeater Stations on the Cape York Overland Telegraph, the marine cable between Port Moresby and Cape York and the installation of Wheatstone Telegraph Equipment at Stuart.
In January 1944 he was transferred to 106 Australian Telegraph Operational Section and was appointed Signal-master at General Blamey’s HQ at Advanced Land HQ. Noel served for some time as Chief Signal-master late in 1944. In early 1945 he was transferred to 22 L of C Signals earmarked for service in Bougainville. He was sent to School of Signals to undergo a refresher course in late April 1945. While he was at Bonegilla the war in Europe ended in May 1945 and he returned to 22 L of C at Balcombe. Japan surrendered in August 1945 and he was offered a Permanent Force posting at Adelaide River on 31st October 1945, but he elected to take his discharge at Redbank Brisbane. He was discharged on 31st October 1945 as a Lieutenant in 106 AUST OP SECT.
Noel returned to civilian life with the Queensland Railway in Townsville before being posted to Maryborough in 1947. He was dissatisfied with Railway duties and undertook trade training as a carpenter. He worked in railway maintenance roaming the bush and living in railway box wagons and tents. Lyle and Noels’ family home was at 33 Grosvenor Street where they raised two children, Kay and Ian. In 1950 Noel started the Wizard Laundrette and mobile dry-cleaning business. At this time Lyle re-commenced music teaching, a role she commenced as Music Mistress at St Gabriels Anglican Girls School at Charters Towers in 1938 and continued for 70 years.
The 1949 roll shows them living at 112 Churchill Street and Noel was a railway employee.
Churchill Street
In the Maryborough Chronicle of Saturday 22nd April 1950 on page 6 under Social And Personal: – “Mr. and Mrs. N. Vary, who are opening a business on Monday, are in receipt of heaps of telegrams and good wishes for success in their new venture.” They were opening Vary’s Wizard Wash Shop, a laundry business as the ad in the Maryborough Chronicle showed. He later worked as paymaster for Walkers in Maryborough. Vera was a music teacher and St. Paul’s organist for many years.
In the Maryborough Chronicle of Thursday 12th July 1951 on page 4 was a notice: – “Noel Robert Vary and John Palmer were each fined £1/10- plus 6/- costs, for not being in possession of current driving licences. Vary was questioned by Constable Gillespie on May 18 and Palmer, by Sgt. Faulkiner on May 28.”
In October 1952 the CMF was reformed and he was offered an appointment as Officer Commanding Signals Platoon of 42nd Battalion Maryborough.
Noel was involved in a court issue as recorded in the Maryborough Chronicle of Wednesday 24th September 1952 on page 4
“FINED FOR EVADING SERVICE
A youth who had absented himself without leave from an obligatory National Service training camp was fined £5 and 6/- costs of court, by Mr. J. Ward, S.M., in the Court of Petty Sessions, yesterday. He was also ordered to enter into a recognisance of £50 to comply with any notice subsequently served on him. It was the first case of its kind heard in Maryborough. Eric William Connellan, labourer, of 83 John-street, was charged with having failed to render the service he was liable to render under Section 26 of the National Service Act of 1951, in that he absented himself without leave from an obligatory camp of continuous training, from May 14, 1952, to June 4, 1952. Lieut. Noel Robert Vary, 33 Grosvenor-street, an officer of the Australian Military Forces, prosecuted. Defendant pleaded guilty and admitted receipt of the summons. Lieut. Vary said that he had been posted to the 42nd Battalion, Maryborough. The defendant, Pte. Connellan, was a non-effective member of the battalion. He was required under the Act to render national service in the military forces, including 98 days’ fulltime training in a national service training battalion, and 78 days with a C.M.F. unit, normally spread over three years. Defendant was posted to the 42nd Battalion on November 17, 1951, and had completed his 98 days’ national training and was required to attend a recognised camp held from March 19 to April 9. Connellan failed to attend that camp and was given an opportunity of attending an alternative camp with the 9th Battalion from May 14 to June 4 last. The necessary notice was despatched to him and he acknowledged its receipt. He failed to attend the camp. Connellan in answer to the S.M., said that he had nothing to say. It would be no good telling a lot of lies as they would get him nowhere, he added. The S.M, said that the defendant must realise that he had to do his training or he would have to go to gaol. He convicted him and fined him £5 and 6/- costs of court, in default two weeks in gaol. He ordered him to enter into a recognisance in the sum of £50 to comply with any notice subsequently served on him under Section 26 of the Act. If he failed to enter into a recognisance he would be committed to the prescribed authority.”
Robert and Florence also had a daughter, whose marriage was recorded in the Maryborough Chronicle of Saturday 19th December 1953 on page 4 in the marriage section: – “RICKARDS—VARY: At St. Mary’s Catholic Church, on December 19, at 4.15 p.m., Moreen Joyce, only daughter of Mr. and Mrs. R. J. Vary, of Maryborough, to Brian Charles, second son of Mr. and Mrs. It. F. Rickards, of Maryborough.” Moreen had been born on 13th October 1924 in Maryborough and Brian (born in 1923 in Gayndah). Brian served in WW2 as QX63959. He was originally Private Q137060 in 5 ARD before attesting in the AIF. His civilian job was a clerk (other records say butcher). In October 1942 he was charged with “Conduct with prejudice of good order and military discipline in that he use obscene language to superior officer”. Brian also was charged in December 1942 for revving an engine excessively while in low gear. Even with those charges, he was promoted to Corporal. He only had active service within Australia with 5 Australian Reinforcement Depot Training Centre. He was discharged on 18th June 1946. In the 1980 electoral roll, they were living at 2 Bryce Avenue St Ives and Brian was an executive. Moreen passed away in 2002 in Brisbane and Brian died in 2010 in Thornlands.
The Colours of the 47th Battalion were laid up in the Warriors’ Chapel St Paul’s Church in Maryborough in 1953. They were the second set (being presented in 1927), the first having been laid there in 1937. In 1953 the 42nd Battalion was split in two, with their Headquarters at Rockhampton and the 47th Battalion was formed with its’ Headquarters in Maryborough. Lieutenant Vary was promoted to Temporary Captain Officer Commanding Signals Platoon. In 1954 his rank was substantiated with his promotion to Captain and he was appointed Officer Commanding HQ Company.
The Maryborough Chronicle of Saturday 13th November 1954 on page 2: – “CITY CHORAL SOCIETY The Maryborough Choral Society reports keen enthusiasm by all members at the bi-weekly practice. The choir is happy to welcome former member. Barry Nowitzke, who is home on college vacation, and is hoping to have the assistance of his fine bass voice in the ‘Messiah’ presentation. Again this year, in addition to the grand piano, an organ will be specially installed at the City Hall to ensure excellent instrumental support to the choir. Well-known musician, Mrs. Noel Vary, will play the organ. The majority of choir members will visit Gympie one evening next week to enjoy ‘Pirates Of Penzance’, presented by the Gympie Dramatic and Musical Union. Though very familiar with this operetta, many members have not actually ‘seen’ it being themselves on stage for the local production last July —so are especially looking forward on this occasion to be out in front.”
In 1955, Noel qualified at a Command “Tac 3” course for promotion and was promoted to Temporary Major. Around this time, he closed the Laundrette business and commenced work at Walkers Limited in the pay office. He was promoted to substantive Major in 1956 and in civilian life took on the role as Paymaster at Walkers. In 1957 he was offered an appointment to the United Nations Observer Group in Kashmir, which he declined. He was appointed Second in Command of the 47th Battalion and qualified for Command appointment. In 1960 the Australian Army was reorganised into “Pentropic” Division and the 47th Battalion Wide Bay Regiment was disbanded and absorbed into the Royal Queensland Regiment and subsequently retitled as 9th Battalion RQR. Noel was transferred to The Command and Staff Group at Victoria Barracks in Brisbane for 4 years, pending Command opportunities. He was offered Command of the Signals Regiment, but as this meant permanently living in Brisbane, the appointment was declined. In 1964 his appointment was terminated and he was posted to the Reserve of Officers, thus ending his Army service. A few years later, he was posted to the Retired List.
By the 1954 roll, Noel and Vera had moved to 33 Grosvenor Street and Noel was a carpenter. The same details were recorded for the 1958, 1959, 1963 and 1968 rolls.
On 27th February 1956 Noel took an oath to serve as a Justice of the Peace as recorded in the Queensland State Archives under SCT/R55.
Vera (Lyle)
Vera was a compassionate and dedicated Music Educator for 70 years. She was Music Mistress at St Gabriel’s in 1938, Senior Music Mistress at St Ann’s in Townsville in 1939 and St Catherine’s in Warwick in 1941. Vera was St Pauls Organist for 25 Years, had Community involvement with Plays, Musical Societies, Eisteddfods, Choir and Radio and taught from home in Maryborough, Mackay and Sunnybank. Her post-nominals were – A Mus A, ATCL, LTCL, LRSM, Adv SUSUKI.
Grosvenor Street
Arcoona Street Sunnybank
On 17th November 1968 Noel oversaw the laying down of the 47th Battalion’s third set of Colours into St Pauls Warrior Chapel. They accompanied the other two sets already laid up there. Lyle officiated in the service as the organist.
In 1972 Noel and Lyle moved to Mackay, residing at 22 Binnington Esplanade and working as an Industrial Officer with the meat works and then Pioneer Shire Council. (The 1972 and 1977 electoral rolls record him as being an industrial officer.) In 1979 Noel and Lyle moved to Sunnybank where Noel worked as Personnel and Industrial Manager for Logan Shire Council. In the 1980 roll their listing was 6 Arcoona Street Sunnybank and he was still an industrial officer. Noel retired in 1986. His retirement interests were the Signals Museum at Victoria Barracks, grandchildren and travel. Lyle continued to teach piano and music until 2009.
His service record is at NAA in Canberra under B884, Q25011, but is not yet examined. Another file, titled “A22 [application for a commission] – 1/32616 Lieutenant Noel Robert Vary” is in Melbourne, but has not been opened. One file naming him – Appointment of Officers – Lt Vary, Noel Robert – 1/32616- is open but not online.
Noel passed away on 25th June 2013 in Brisbane. Vera passed away on 1st July the same year. They were cremated at Mt Gravatt Crematorium and their ashes are located at CRE-MEM-S WALL BOR-25. His Funeral notice in the Courier Mail of 27th June 2013 reads: VARY Noel Robert Death on 25th June2013, aged 91, late of Eight Mile Plains and Sunnybank, formerly of Maryborough.
These are various items held by the museum that Noel had, including old drums from the 47th Battalion.
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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