Lieutenant-Colonel Hannibal SLOAN MSM
30th Battalion AIF
By Robert Simpson
672 Warrant Officer (Class I) John James SLOAN MSM
4th Battalion AIF
John James Sloan pre-1897
By Robert Simpson
March 2020
Hannibal Sloan was the first born of John Hannibal Sloan and Isabel Whyte, born on 11th May 1871 in Kilmore, Victoria. Kilmore has a claim as Victoria’s oldest inland settled town. John had been born in Greenock Scotland in 1841 and Isabel had been born in 1850. John had come to Australia with his family in 1859. They had married in Albury, New South Wales on 28th March 1870. Hannibal was the first of eight children to them. Next born was Katie in 1873, then Emily in 1876, John James in 1878 in Molesworth Victoria, Agnes in 1881 in Yea, Isabel in 1883, Georgina was born and died in 1885 and James Sloan in 1888 in Alexandra, Victoria. John Hannibal Sloan was a son of Hannibal Sloan, who had been born in Scotland. His death was recorded in Alexandra and Yea Standard, Gobur, Thornton and Acheron Express (a Victorian newspaper) on Friday 3rd July 1885 in page 2 under Deaths: “SLOAN.-On the 30th June, at Molesworth, Hannibal Sloan, aged 76, formerly Trinity pilot, Scotland.” The same newspaper on Saturday 23 February 1878 in page 3 under GAZETTE NOTICES, had an entry in “Issue of new licenses under the 49th section; -“for “Hannibal Sloan, 20s, Molesworth John H. Sloan, 20s, Molesworth”. The Argus (Melbourne) of Friday 2nd April 1886 on page 10 under the heading “LAW REPORT. SUPREME COURT. THURSDAY, APRIL 1. EQUITY COURT. (Before His Honour Mr. Justice Molesworth, Acting Chief Justice.) PROBATES AND LETI’ERS OF ADMINISTRATION The registrar granted probates to the wills of Hannibal Sloan, £75.” The Kilmore Free Press (Victoria), of Thursday 19th August 1886 on page 2 had “The following applications for leases under sec. 2 are gazetted approved :- John H. Sloan (administrator to estate of Hannibal Sloan, deceased), Molesworth, 20s.”
Isabel (nee Whyte) Sloan with her first-born child Hannibal
John (aka Jack) Sloan aged approx. 14 with his sister Emily
The Sydney Morning Herald of Wednesday 16th July 1919, on page 11 under Funerals was “SLOAN.-The Relatives and Friends of Mrs. JOHN HANNIBAL SLOAN and FAMILY are kindly invited to attend the Funeral of their beloved HUSBAND and FATHER; to leave the residence, Whanregarwan, Centennial-avenue, Randwick, THIS DAY, WEDNESDAY, at 3.15, for Randwick General Cemetery; W. CARTER, Undertaker, Waverley.”
In the Sydney Morning Herald on Monday 3rd November 1930, on page 7 under the title Funerals “SLOAN -The Relatives and Friends of the late Mrs ISABEL SLOAN widow of the late John Hannibal Sloan of Randwick are kindly invited to attend her funeral to leave her son’s residence 10 Centennial avenue Randwick THIS DAY (Monday) at 2 pm for Randwick General Cemetery. Motor Funeral. W CARTER Undertaker Waverley.” Also, under deaths on page 8 were two entries “SLOAN.-November 1, 1930, at the residence of her daughter. Mrs. A. Horne, of Asquith, Isabel, widow of the late John Hannibal Sloan, of Randwick, and dearly loved mother of Hannibal, Katie (Mrs. A. McLennan), Emily (Mrs. A. Horne). John, Agnes (Mrs. G. Rudd, Isabel (Mrs. J. Martin), and James, aged 80 years.” and “SLOAN.-November 1, at Asquith, Isabel Sloan, the dearly loved grandmother of Isabel, Jessie. Sandy, Sheila, Donald, Jean, Norman, and Maizie McLennan, Edith Sloan, Jack, Charlie, Douglas, and Wilson Sloan, Annie, Dorothy, and Elsie Martin, John Horne and Judith Rudd, and the great-grand-mother of Donald. Doreen, and John Donaldson, aged 80 years.”
A picture of Hannibal Sloan, age 17
Hannibal married Martha Jane O’Donnell in Newtown, New South Wales in 1900. Martha had been born in 1871 in Yass. They had a girl, Edith Isabel Sloan in 1902 in Sydney. The Evening News (Sydney) of Friday 30th March 1900, on page 8 under “MILITARY MATTERS. General French has approved the appointment of Mr. Hannibal Sloan to the Permanent Staff, as third-class color-sergeant instructor, on probation, with pay at the rate of 6s 8d per diem, and the usual lodging allowance of his rank. C.S. Sloan will be attached from this date to the Seventh Regiment (St. George’s Rifles).” Hannibal was involved in a court case in 1910 involving a person named Piggott, to do with a shooting competition in New Zealand. The newspaper stated “Hannibal Sloan, sergeant-major and instructor to St. George’s Rifles, stated that on the day following the last stage of the King’s match Piggott received £100 in notes at the pay window. Afterwards the £100 was returned and he was led to believe it came from Piggott.” More evidence was given, but the case was extended for a week and the verdict was not noted. In the 1913 electoral roll, they were living at Hampden Road and he was an instructor. Military Order 566 of 1913 is a seniority roll of Instructional Staff (Warrant and Non-Commissioned Officers) and shows that Staff Regimental Sergeant-Major H Sloan in the 2nd Military District had Corps Seniority which was to date from 1st May 1913.
Martha Jane (Fan) and Edith Sloan in 1910
Hannibal as a Sergeant Major
The Permanent Forces of the Empire Beyond the Seas Long Service Medal was awarded to Warrant Officer H Sloan, Staff RSM, Instructional Staff 2MD and recorded on Commonwealth Gazette (CG) Number 99, dated 28th August 1915.
On 12th August 1915, Hannibal enlisted as a Lieutenant in the 30th Battalion (as part of the 8th Infantry Brigade). It was raised in Liverpool on 5th August 1915. His term of service was for the war and 4 months. Hannibal reported for duty as Adjutant on 19th August 1915 with the rank of Lieutenant, being promoted to Captain on 18th October 1915. He embarked on HMAT Beltana A72 with the 30th Battalion as Captain Adjutant at Sydney on 9th November 1915, after being promoted on 18th October. While being Adjutant, he was responsible for writing the War Diary of the Battalion. Before going overseas, the diary was typed up and it was signed H W Sloan, for some reason. No middle name is documented for him. He was listed as a 44-year-old solider who was married. His next of kin was his wife, Jane Sloan, and their address was “Archray”, Hampton Road Artarmon, NSW. His religion was Presbyterian and his rate of pay per day was 22 shillings and 6 pence. In his records, his Attestation Paper was missing, and a file was put in stating that. It also had on the page Major Hannibal Sloan 30th Battalion, with next of kin as Jane Sloan “Archray” “Handen” Road Artarmon NSW. His Application for a Commission in the AIEF form showed his educational qualifications were Superior Public School, and his military qualifications were 3 years in the Victoria Mounted Rifles, 3 years 3 months in Permanent Artillery (R.A.G.A.) and 15 years 3 months in Instructional Staff. His present civil employment was S.R.S.M. (Warrant Officer) Instructional Staff, C.M. Forces. He was a British Subject and was married. He dated it 24th July 1915. The medical certificate stated he was 6-foot-tall, had a chest measurement of 35½ to 40 inches, weighed 13 stone 2 pounds and had good eyes. He was initially recommended to be a Lieutenant, but that was crossed out with Captain and Adjutant written. They arrived at Suez, where they disembarked on 11th December 1915. On 16th June 1916, he embarked at Alexandria to join the B.E.F., disembarking at Marseilles on 23rd June from HMAT Hororata. The 30th Battalion headed for the Western Front, where their first major battle was at Fromelles on 19th July 1916. Initially tasked with carrying parties for supplies and ammunition, the Battalion was soon drawn into the battle and was involved in vicious fighting. After that battle, the Battalion was rotated in and out of the front line, but was not involved in any major offensives for the rest of the year.
His signature on a page of the 30th Battalion War Diary in April 1916.
On 4th October 1916, he was promoted to Major and relinquished his appointment of Adjutant. Hannibal was admitted to hospital with bronchitis on 23rd December 1916, re-joining the 30th Battalion on 10th January 1917 from the NZ Stationary Hospital at Amiens. He was seconded for duty with 8th Infantry Training Battalion in England on 1st February 1917. On 25th February 1917, he was admitted to Fovant Hospital at Hurdcott, being sick. He was marched in to the 8th Training Battalion at Hurdcott on 17th March 1917.
A note about allotments was sent by District Paymaster in Sydney on 29th November 1916 from Staff Paymaster, which said “Herewith I forward for necessary action allotments as follows: – Major, H. SLOAN, 30 th Btn, 20/- p.d. from 4/10/16 in favor of (Wife) Mrs. J Sloan, “Achray”, Hampden Road, Artarmon N.S.W. This cancels previous allotment of 17/- p.d. in favour of the same allottee.”
On 9th January 1917, Base Records sent Mrs M J Sloan at Archray, Hampden Road Artarmon NSW a letter stating that “Major H.Sloan, was admitted to the New Zealand Stationary Hospital 25/12/16 suffering from Bronchitis Mild.” A postal address was given as “SICK … Major H.Sloan 30th Australian Infantry in New Zealand Stationary Hospital. C/o A. I. F. Headquarters, 130 Horseferry Road, Westminster, LONDON. S.W.” Also a note saying that “SICK” should be written in red to “ensure speedy delivery”.
A Medical Board at Tidworth on 15th October 1917 found him permanently unfit for general service and unfit for home service for 6 months. He was to be invalided to Australia.
The District Paymaster at Victoria Barracks in Sydney on 23rd August 1917 sent Base Records a note confirming their telegram previously which said “AdminAust cables telegraph dates rates allotment paid after embarkation Major S Sloan no trace here please advise”. The reply from Base Records on 24th August, stated “With reference to your telegram, E.47778, of the 23rd instant, the nearest on records is Major Hannibal Sloan, (late 30th Battalion), who joined the Australian Imperial Force at Sydney on 12/8/15, and embarked from the same District on 9/11/15, attached to Head Quarters, 30th Battalion.”
On 8th December 1917, Jane signed for his Commission Form on a form from base Records which noted Captain H Sloan 8th Infantry Training Battalion (30th Battalion).
He returned to Australia on HT Ormonde on 25th November 1917 “for Asthma Term of Appointment Struck off strength”. At Durban, he re-embarked on Medic. In the Sydney Morning Herald NSW of Saturday 29th December 1917 on page 12, had under the heading: “RETURNING SOLDIERS. The following invalided New South Wales soldiers have been listed for return to Australia, and are actually on route from abroad – Col. Reginald Spencer Browne, Lieut. Hy. Jas. Cox, Major Hannibal Sloan, Pte John Alfred Hy. Annetts, Cpl Geo Fredk. Bidgood, Ptes Phillip Brown….” On 22nd January 1918, he disembarked at Melbourne, bound for Sydney. On 16th April 1918, he was found unfit for further service at Sydney. His appointment was terminated on 20th April 1918.
He wrote a series of letters to family members while overseas. A transcript of them is available on the AWM here – https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/awm-media/collection/PR05385/document/7431387.PDF
An application for war service leave gratuity was processed on 14th March 1919.
A short list of his appointments and promotions was produced by Base Records on 10th May 1921, which was issued to I.G.’s Department. His particulars to his AIF service were recorded by Base Records on 10th March 1924 and again on 23rd August 1924. The second one was a shorter description of his service.
Hannibal was awarded the Meritorious Service medal as Quarter Master & Honourable Major H Sloan, Australian Instructional Corps (AIC) 2MD on CG Number 38, dated 4th May 1922.
After the war, he published a book, “The Purple and Gold: a history of the 30th Battalion, compiled by H. Sloan”.
In 1925, they must have visited England, as Major H Sloan, Mrs F Sloan and Miss E Sloan boarded the Orient steamship Ormonde at London on 17th October 1925, bound for Australia. He was a soldier aged 53, his wife aged 52 and daughter 23 (both home duties). They were heading for Sydney. Their address in England was listed as Australia House, Strand.
He wrote an article in Reveille in September 1935, an obituary for Sergeant Robert Barnes, who had served with the Lancers in the Zulu War and was with the First Field Ambulance on Lemnos during WW1. At some stage after the war, he was the President of the 30th Battalion Association.
In the 1928 New South Wales directory and 1933, 1936 and 1937 electoral rolls, they were living at 192 Hampton Road Artarmon, North Sydney and he was a drill instructor. His service records were listed in 1928. Edith was still living with them and was a stenographer. No other records are known for Edith. Martha passed away in 1941 in Chatswood, New South Wales. They were still living there and he had the same occupations in the 1943 roll.
“Reveille” of 1st June 1933 had an article on ““YOUNG” ROWLEY: 30th BN MOUNT. On the march of the 30th Bn. from Morbecque to Estaires in 1916 a halt was not called for many weary miles owing to the column being longer than the distance between estaminets. “Young” Rowley having dipped his feet in the ditch to ease swollen feet, was unable to get his boots back on again and continued on the march with these strung around his neck. In compassion, Major Sloan lent his horse to “Young” Rowley, and so the battalion was let into Estaires by two horsemen – Colonel Clark, most immaculate; and “Young” Rowley, in bare feet with boots around his neck. Colonel H. Sloan, ex-major-adjutant, affectionately known as “Ted”, and Mr. R. E. Lording, Baksheesh sig. corporal, then 16 years old and known as “Young” Rowley recently met again (after seventeen years).” 81 Private Rowland Lording embarked with the 30th Battalion on 9th November 1915 on HMAT Beltana A72 as well. He was an 18-year-old bookkeeper from Burwood. In 1917, he was wounded and dangerously ill. He returned to Australia, leaving England on 22nd February 1917. The wounds were so grave, that he endured 53 operations, as a newspaper article in his medical file recorded. He died in October 1944 of pneumonia, after suffering with hysteria and delusions for a period of time. Alcohol and morphine played a role in his demise. He left a wife and three children.
Hannibal passed away on 10th August 1945 in Royal North Shore Hospital, St Leonards. The Sydney Morning Herald of 13th August 1945 had “SLOAN. – August 10 1945, at Royal North Shore Hospital, Hannibal, of 194 Hampden Road, Artarmon, dearly loved father of Edith, aged 74 (late 1st 30th Battalion, A.I.F.). Privately cremated.”
He was entitled to the 1914-15 Star, British War and Victory medals, the Permanent Forces of the Empire Beyond the Seas Long Service Medal and Meritorious Service Medal.
His medals are named:
1914/15 Star. CAPTAIN H. SLOAN. 30 BN. A.I.F.
British War Medal. MAJOR H. SLOAN A.I.F.
Victory Medal. MAJOR H. SLOAN A.I.F.
Permanent Forces of the Empire Beyond the Seas. WAR.OFF. H. SLOAN INST STAFF.
Meritorious Service Medal. Q. M. & HON MAJ. H. SLOAN
John James Sloan was awarded the Queen Victoria Diamond Jubilee Medal for being part of the NSW Contingent to England in 1897, to be part of the Jubilee celebrations for Queen Victoria.
This photo taken in 1908 shows three generations of the Sloan Family.
Isabella Sloan (1850-1930) aged 58, Mother of Jack Sloan.
Jack Sloan (1878-1961) aged 30.
John Hannibal Sloan (1907-1972) aged 1 year, son of Jack Sloan.
He married Alice Ridd in 1906 in Victoria. Alice had been born in 1873 in Molesworth too. Her father had come from England. They had 4 sons; John Hannibal born 29th July 1907 in Newcastle, New South Wales, Charles Lindsay born on 21st March 1910 in Tamworth, Douglas Sloan born in 1912 and Wilson Sloan born in 1914.
He was also listed in the same Seniority Roll as his brother, as Staff Sergeant-Major J Sloan in the 2nd District, with Corps Seniority to date from 16th August 1910.
John enlisted on 27th September 1914 at Holsworthy Sydney as 672 Staff Sargent Major in the 4th Battalion at Kensington. The 4th Battalion was one of the first battalions raised for the AIF, recruiting in NSW. It formed the 1st Brigade with the 1st, 2nd and 3rd Battalions. (A copy has the date the 27th crossed out and 28th written and ticked for his enlistment). He was a 35-year old military instructor who was married to Olive Sloan. She lived at Douglas Street Armidale NSW. He had just stated his name as John Sloan. He was a Natural Born British Subject of 36 years old, as recorded on another copy of his Attestation Form. John served for 8 years in the RAA before transferring to Instructional Staff for 10 years and was then still serving. On the embarkation roll for the 4th Battalion, he was a 35-year old soldier, who was married and living at Douglas Street Armidale. His wife, Alice Sloan of the same address was his next of kin and his religion was Presbyterian. The embarkation roll stated he joined on 28th August 1914. Before embarking, he was entitled to a pay of 12 shillings a day. They embarked on 20th October 1914 on HMAT Euripides A14 from Sydney. There was a brief stop in Albany before proceeding to Egypt.
A rather poor newspaper picture of him during the war.
They arrived at Suez and disembarked on 6th December 1914. He embarked on Lake Michigan on 5th April 1915 at Alexandria to join the MEF for the Gallipoli Campaign. The Battalion landed at Gallipoli on 25th April 1915 as part of the second and third waves. Their Commander was killed the next day. The battalion then took part in the defence of the beachhead.
On 15th June 1915, John was admitted to 1st Clearing Station on Gallipoli and transferred to the fleet sweeper. After being sent to HMS Clacton on 16th June 1915, he was sent to No 1 Stationary Hospital on the 17th. From SS Minewaska, John was admitted to No 15 General Hospital in Alexandria on 21st June 1915 with a nervous breakdown. He was listed as a 37-year old with 19 years’ service and 9 months service in the Field Force. John was admitted with neurasthenia and was transferred on 20th July 1915 on HMT Wandilla to England. John was admitted to 3rd London General Hospital at Wandsworth on 1st August 1915 with neurasthenia. Another record has him entering the hospital on 31st July 1915 with debility and being discharged on 5th August 1915 to Depot. 672 Sergeant Major J. Sloan of the 4th Battalion was admitted to 1st Australian Auxiliary Hospital at Harefield Park from MEF at Dardanelles on 20th August 1915, with shell shock. A medical report done at Harefield on 23rd August 1915 showed that 672 Staff Sergeant Major John Sloan of the 4th Battalion, whose former trade was regular army, had a disability of nerve shock. It started on 15th June 1915 at Gallipoli, while on active service, where he was badly shocked by an explosive shell and since then was weak, nervous, had bad headaches etc. The repost said currently he was “nervous, sleeping badly- tremor hands- unable to do anything the least arduous”. It was recommended he be discharged as he was permanently unfit for war service. John was rated at half capacity to earn a full livelihood. He was discharged from hospital on 21st September 1915 after 33 days of treatment for furlough as he was unfit.
His wife was sent a letter from Base Records on 13th August 1915 advising her that John was sick and had been admitted to a hospital in London, and with no other reports it was assumed that things were progressing favourably.
On 20th November 1915, he returned to Australia on A29 Suevic with nerve shock, after leaving Plymouth on 8th October 1915. On 5th January 1916 at Sydney, a medical history continuation form stated his capacity to earn a livelihood in the general labour market was lessened to one half. The Board recommended that at present he did not need to be discharged as permanently unfit and recommended one-month further treatment. Another review on 2nd February 1916 stated he was at ½ to ¾, was not to be discharged at present and the general recommendations recorded “He is still below par, some muscle tremor, and tachycardia, pulse 108. He might be discharged to take up his usual work on the instruction al staff. some occupation may be good for him, but he is not fit to take up arduous duty. We would advise that he be kept under medical observation for another month as an out patient.” On 1st March 1916, his capacity was lessened to ¼ and he was to be discharged as permanently unfit. The general recommendations stated “Fit for home service though not for the more arduous forms. Some employ ment will be beneficial ,to his health.” It was signed by a Colonel PMO in the 2nd Military District. He was discharged at Sydney as medically unfit on 2nd March 1916. His disability was listed as shell shock and neurasthenia. A letter from District Headquarters in Sydney to the Secretary, Department of Defence in Melbourne containing information from his Medical Board proceedings, which were finalised and were to be sent to Base Records for filing. Base Records received them on the 14th.
John applied for an incapacity pension, but it was rejected. The form stated 672 Warrant Officer J Sloan 4th Battalion of Roscrae Avenue Randwick had the claim rejected as “Claimant is not incapacitated in view of employment on Home service.” The forms also listed John H Sloan as a child, Charles L Sloan as a child, Douglas L Sloan as a child and Alice Sloan as his wife. The form was dated 27th July 1916 in Sydney.
He was awarded the Permanent Forces of the Empire Beyond the Seas Long Service Medal as Warrant Officer J Sloan, Staff RSM, Instructional Staff 2MD on CG Number 82, dated 7th June 1917. His application for war service leave gratuity was passed on 4th April 1919. He also has a collection of letters at the AWM – https://www.awm.gov.au/collection/C261941 .
On 11th June 1919 at Holsworthy, John enlisted in the Special AIF as 86045 Warrant Officer (Class I). His pay book number was 518148. He was a natural born British Subject of 41 3/12 years (born 3/4/78) current occupation was listed as a solider, had not been an apprentice, was married, with his wife Alice Sloan being next of kin. Their address was Arabian 13 Avoca Street Randwick NSW. His will, number 35476, was held by Base Records. John had 9 years in RAGA, 12 5/12 years with Instructional Staff and 1 7/12 years with the AIF as his previous service. His height was 6-foot, weight 168 pounds, chest measurement 35 inches and he had a dark complexion with hazel eyes and black hair. His religion was Church of England. He was involved with special transport and embarked at Sydney on Ypiringa on 13th August 1919, with deportees for Europe. He disembarked at London on 12th October 1919 and reported to AIF Headquarters in London and was granted leave to report to AIF HQ, for transfer to No 2 Group Sutton Veny. He was granted a couple of extensions, to 10th November 1919, when he marched into the Depot at Berwick. On 6th December 1919, he left on the Shropshire, disembarking at Sydney on 30th January 1920. While at sea on the ship, he was admitted to the ship’s hospital on 5th January 1920 and discharged on the 13th. John was discharged in the 2nd Military District on 14th February 1920. Another service record has his service number as 85876, crossed out with 86045 written above and also below N97357 and N97171, both crossed out. His unit was listed as Escort German Repatriation. A military conduct sheet for him for that time had no entries on it.
On 16th July 1920, Base Records replied to Finance Member about No. 86045 WO Class 1 J Sloan, Special Services, and stated that “Certified Copy of Attestation Sheet for abovenamed soldier herewith. Nominal roll at embarkation shows ranks as W.O. (Class 1.) with rate of pay 14/- per diem.”
He was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal as Warrant Office Cl 1 J Sloan, Australian Instructional Corps 2MD on CG Number 46, dated 25th May 1922.
There are two records at National Archives under the name John Sloan, one dated 1926 for an “Application for Letters Patent for an invention by John Sloan” titled, “Improvements in or relating to rock packs, pillars or like supports for use in mine workings” in Canberra, and the other in 1942 for “Department of Supply and Development- Staff – Sloan, John” in the Darwin records. Neither are online, so it is not known if either are the same John Sloan.
On 9th July 1925, Base Records sent the Department of Repatriation in Sydney documents relating to the service of John Sloan in the AIF. There were records from his period of service as 672 SSM in the 4th Battalion and also included a list of what he did as 86045 WOI in Special Service.
Between the 1930 and 1936 electoral rolls, they were living at 10 Centennial Avenue, Randwick North, and John was a drill instructor. Alice wrote to Base Records on 20th January 1942, asking “I have been unfortunate to lose the Badge that was issued to me (and all wives & mothers) of men who served in the Great War 1914-1918. I feel the loss of it keenly & would be very grateful if you would let me know if there is any chance of me getting a duplicate of same.” A letter from Base Records to Mrs A Sloan of 9a Avoca Street Randwick Sydney on 28th January 1942 read “In reply to your letter of the 20th January, 1942, relative to the replacement of a Next of Kin Badge issued in respect of the service in the A.I.F. of No.672, W.O. Sloan, J., 4th Battalion, I have to advise that the cost of replacement of this badge is 6/4d., and on receipt of your remittance for this amount together with the enclosed form of Statutory Declaration duly completed, a new badge will be forwarded to you.” She sent the postal note and declaration back with the original letter. In the statutory declaration she stated that she lost the next of kin badge during alterations to their home about two years before. She was wearing the badge at the time and thought it must have fallen from her dress and been lost in the builder’s debris. She had searched since, not being able to find it. It was also signed by a JP. By the 1943 roll, they had moved to 9A Avoca Street, still in Randwick North and he was still a drill instructor. On 8th March 1944, Alice passed away at Randwick. For subsequent rolls, he was still there and had the same occupation, up to and including the 1958 roll. He passed away on 4th January 1961 in Wentworth Hospital in Randwick and his funeral was held at, and he was cremated at Eastern Suburbs Crematorium on 6th January. His ashes were taken from the Crematorium.
His medals are 1914-15 Star, British War Medal, Victory Medal, the Queen Victoria Diamond Jubilee Medal, the Permanent Forces of the Empire Beyond the Seas Long Service Medal and Meritorious Service Medal.
His medals are named:
1914/15 Star. 672 W.O. (CL 2) J. SLOAN 4/BN. A.I.F.
British War Medal. 672 W.O/2. J. SLOAN. 4/BN. A.I.F.
Victory Medal. W.O.2. J. SLOAN. 4 BN. A.I.F.
1897 Diamond Jubilee Medal. Unnamed
Permanent Forces of the Empire Beyond the Seas. W O J SLOAN S R.S.M. IS 2ND MD
Meritorious Service Medal (GV). W.O. (1) J. SLOAN A.I.C.
Their brother James Sloan also enlisted. James had been born on 25th March 1888 in Molesworth Victoria. He enlisted as 1679 Private James Sloan in the Reinforcements of the Australian Naval and Military Expeditionary Force. He was a single 36-year old, and Area Officer in the 2nd Military District, living at Randwick and his next of kin was his mother, Mrs I Sloan of Centennial Avenue Randwick. He joined on 29th October 1918 in Bathurst with a daily rate of 6 shillings. He embarked on 18th December 1918 aboard SS Melusia from Sydney and went to Rabaul. His religious denomination was Presbyterian. He was 5 foot, 9½ inches tall, weighed 140 pounds, had a chest measurement from 34 to 37 inches, and was of dark complexion, with brown eyes and dark hair. He signed for two years’ service. James was promoted to Sergeant on 20th February 1919 and CQMS on 5th June 1919. On 27th May 1919, he was taken on strength of Rabaul Garrison from Kokopo. While at Kokopo, he was Police master. After being of furlough, he embarked on SS Marsina at Sydney on 22nd May 1920. He was discharged in New South Wales on 24th December 1920. Afterwards, he complained of being debilitated, the result of malaria. He married Thelma Phairess Barnes in 1933 and they had one child, Emily (that is known of). In 1941, he applied for war medals, only to be told he embarked for New Guinea after the signing of the Armistice, and so was not entitled to any. At that time, he was living at “Eurangai” 251 Oxford Street Bondi Junction. James died on 30th March 1948, as a result of an accident when he fell off a scaffold at the construction site for the Hay War Memorial High School. He was privately cremated.
James Sloan
With the rest of their family: –
Agnes Sloan, born on 20th August 1880 in Yea, married on 14th September 1921, as noted in Sydney Morning Herald, of Wednesday 2nd November 1921 on page 10 “RUDD-SLOAN.-September 14, at the Methodist Church, Randwick, by the Rev. F. E. Fletcher. George Wilson, son of the late Henry Watson and of Mrs. Rudd, of Cherry Tree Hill, Inverell to Agnes (Nancy), daughter of the late John Hannibal and of Mrs Sloan, of Randwick.” She died in 1966 in Inverell. Her husband was a farmer and they lived in Cherry Tree Hill at Warialda in the 1949 electoral roll. He predeceased her on 1st September 1949 in Lewisham Private Hospital and was buried in Waverley Cemetery in Sydney.
Katie married Alex McLennan (1868-1945) and passed away in 1945 in New South Wales.
Emily married Arthur Horne (1876-) and died in 1958.
Isabel died in 1961 in Chatswood. Nothing else is known about her.
With John James Sloan’s sons: –
John Hannibal Sloan, born on 29th July 1907, had a court case in 1927, where he was accused of assaulting a female and committing an act of indecency to a Moya Olsen. He was tried in court on 5th August 1927 and was acquitted. It was recorded in the New South Wales Police Gazette of 21st September 1927. The Sydney Morning Herald on Saturday 6th August 1927 on page 12, also recorded the result under the heading “QUARTER SESSIONS. (Before Judge Scholes.) Crown Prosecutor, Mr L J. McKean
ACQUITTED.
John Hannibal Sloan, 19, clerk, was charged with Indecently assaulting a little girl, 12 years and three months of age, at a picture show in Sydney on July 12. Mr. J. W. Abigail appeared for the accused. At the close of the Crown case, the jury acquitted the accused without leaving the box, and he was discharged.”
In the 1930 electoral roll, he was living at 10 Centennial Avenue and was a clerk.
In 1932 in Randwick, he married Elizabeth Linn. Elizabeth had been born in about 1896 and had migrated to Sydney with her daughter Muriel, leaving London on 22nd December 1927 and arriving at Sydney on 30th January 1928. She was stated as being Mrs. on the passenger list, but there was no Mister. She was about 9 years older than him. Unfortunately, nothing else is known about her or if they had a family. In the 1935 electoral roll, they were living at 1 Calmray, Thorpe Street Clovelly in New South Wales and he was a clerk.
John enlisted on 19th July 1940 as Private NX59848 in Paddington New South Wales. His nominal roll says he was born in Waratah and was living in Randwick when he enlisted. Elizabeth was listed as his next of kin. Unfortunately, his service records are not yet examined and are not open for viewing, so not much else of his war service is known. He was discharged as a Private in the 2/4 Australian Pioneer Battalion on 5th January 1946. He received no gallantry awards and was entitled to the medals below.
He wrote a copy of the family genealogy, which had been handed down to him from his Grandfather and showed the family heritage back to James Lusk, an officer born in London in 1610. It showed where the name Hannibal came from and how it carried through the family. Stories of various family members were also written.
Between the 1949 and 1963 electoral rolls, they were living at 9 Avoca Street in Randwick North and he was a clerk. John died on 9th January 1972 in Newtown, New South Wales. The Sydney Morning Herald published his death notice twice, on the 10th and 11th of January, noting he was late of Randwick.
His medals are 1939-45 Star, Pacific Star, Defence medal, 1939-45 War Medal and Australian Service Medal.
Charles Lindsay Sloan, born 1910, lived at 10 Centennial Avenue, Randwick North between the 1933 and 1937 electoral rolls and gave his occupation as printer. He married Muriel Dorothy Linn in 1938 in Randwick. She could be the daughter of Muriel Linn, who married his brother John.
Charles enlisted in the Australian Army on 27th June 1940 at Paddington as Private NX55188, and was living in Randwick at the time. Muriel was listed as his next of kin. His service records also have not been examined yet and are not online to view. He was discharged on 23rd October 1945 from the 2/3 Pioneer Battalion. The outline of what the 2/3 Pioneer Battalion did is listed here from the AWM – https://www.awm.gov.au/collection/U56187 .
In 1946, he was living in Randwick as a painter. Charles passed away on 15th May 1947 at Prince Henry Hospital in Randwick. He was buried in Randwick General Cemetery, South Coogee in the Methodist Section Vault 72. The plaque has Private NX55188 Australian Infantry A.I.F. 2/3 Pnr. Bn. on it and his grave is looked after by CWGC. His will reads “329050 SLOAN CHARLES LINDSAY LATE OF Randwick near Sydney in the State of New South Wales- Printer. THIS IS THE LAST WILL AND TESTAMENT of me CHARLES LINDSAY SLOAN of 9 Avoca Street, Randwick near Sydney in the State of New South Wales Member of the Australian Imperial Forces I REVOKE all former Wills heretofore made by me I GIVE DEVISE AND BEQUEATH the whole of my estate both real and personal of whatsoever kind and wheresoever situate to my Father JOHN HANNIBAL SLOAN AND I APPOINT my Father the said JOHN HANNIBAL SLOAN Sole Executer and Trustee of this my will IF HOWEVER my father the said John Hannibal Sloan should predecease me THEN I GIVE DEVISE AND BEQUEATH the whole of my estate to my brother JOHN HANNIBAL SLOAN Junior and in that event I APPOINT my brother the said JOHN HANNIBAL SLOAN Junior sole Executor and Trustee of this my will. IN WITNESS whereof I have hereunto set my hand to this my will at Sydney this twenty eight day of April one thousand nine hundred and forty-four. CHARLES LINDSAY SLOAN. SIGNED AND ACKNOWLEDGED by the Testator the said CHARLES LINDSAY SLOAN as and for his last will and Testament in the presence of us both present at the same time who at his request in his presence and in the presence of each other have hereunto subscribed our names as witnesses; – ALFRED J. MORGAN, Solr. & Notary, Sydney. J. Brown, Clerk, Sydney. 7th August 1947. On this date Probate of the last will of the above-named deceased was granted to JOHN JAMES SLOAN (in the will called John Hannibal Sloan) the sole Executor in the said will. TESTATOR died on the 15th May, 1947. ESTATE SWORN at the sum of £1,276;17;5 nett.” The Sydney Morning Herald published his death notice on 17th May 1946. He is on the Roll of Honour at the Australian War Memorial on panel 74 in the Commemorative Area. The memorial states he died of unspecified causes. He is buried in Randwick General Cemetery, NSW, Australia, in the Methodist Section, Vault 72.
There were two entries in the Sydney Morning Herald on Saturday 17th May 1947 in page 38 under the section headed “DEATHS SLOAN, Charles Lindsay.-May 15, 1947, at Prince Henry Hospital (suddenly), Charles Lindsay Sloan (late 2,3 Pioneer Battalion), dearly loved son of J. J. and the late Alice Sloan, of 9 Avoca Street, Randwick, aged 37 years. SLOAN, Charles Lindsay.-May 15, 1947. Charles Lindsay Sloan (late of 2/3 Pioneer Battalion), dearly loved brother of Jack. Douglas, and Wilson, loving brother-in-law of Betty and Monica, and dear uncle of Betty. John. Alice, and Lorraine.”
The next newspaper entry for him is in the Sydney Morning Herald on Thursday 22 May 1947 in page 19, under “LEGAL NOTICES
IN the Will of CHARLES LINDSAY SLOAN late of Randwick near Sidney in the State of New South Wales Printer deceased. Application will be made after 14 days from the publication hereof that Probate of the last Will and Testament dated 28th April 1944 of the abovenamed deceased may be granted to John James Sloan (in the Will called John Hannibal Sloan) the solo Executor in the said Will named and all notices may be served at the undermentioned address All creditors in the Estate of the deceased are hereby required to send in particulars of their claims to the undersigned Alfred J Morgan & Son. Proctors for the Executor, Federal Mutual Chambers 129 Pitt Street, Sidney.” Probate was granted on 7th August 1947 and is recorded at the Western Sydney Records Centre in Kingswood.
His medals are 1939-45 Star, Africa Star with 8th Army clasp, Pacific Star, Defence Medal, 1939-45 War Medal and Australian Service Medal.
There was also Douglas Luton Sloan born about 1912 and died in 1977, and Sidney Wilson Sloan born about 1918 and died in 1956. No other records can be found for them apart for them being mentioned in the death notice record in the newspaper as above for Charles.
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.