Private Henry Martin

52nd Battalion AIF

By Warren Martin

  Private Henry Martin Regimental number 2212 Place of birth Maryborough Queensland Religion Church of England Occupation Shop assistant Address Howard, Queensland Marital status Single Age at embarkation 27 Next of Kin Sister, Mrs Helena Jane Steley, Howard, Queensland Enlistment Date 29 March 1916 Unit name 52nd Battalion, 4th Regiment AWM Embarkation Roll number 23/69/3 Embarkation details Brisbane, Queensland, on board HMAT A42 Boorara on 16 August 1916 Rank from Nominal Roll Private Unit from Nominal Roll 52nd Battalion Fate Returned to Australia 19 Octover 1917   Henry Martin was a 27 year old Shop assistant from Howard near Maryborough. He enlisted in the AIF on the 29 th March 1916. He was initially enlisted in the 52 nd Battalion and after some training embarked Brisbane, Queensland, on board HMAT A42 Boorara on 16 August 1916 bound for the battlefields of the Western Front.  

     

He would arrive in England in late 1916 having missed the first major actions by Australians after Gallipoli at Fromelles and Pozieres where thousands of Diggers lost their lives. After a bout of mumps, Henry would arrive at Etaples in France on the 19 th December 1916 training and labouring behind the lines during the harsh winter in Belgium.

The 52nd Battalion was raised at Tel el Kebir in Egypt on 1 March 1916 as part of the “doubling” of the AIF. Approximately half of its recruits were veterans from the 12th Battalion, and the other half, fresh reinforcements from Australia. Reflecting the composition of the 12th, the 52nd was originally a mix of men from South and groups mainly comprised men from Queensland. The 52nd became part of the 13th Brigade of the 4th Australian Division.

After arriving in France on 11 June 1916, the 52nd fought in its first major battle at Mouquet Farm on 3 September. It had been present during an earlier attack mounted by the 13th Brigade between 13 and 15 August, but had been allocated a support role and missed the fighting. In this second attack the 52nd had a key assaulting role and suffered heavy casualties – 50 per cent of its fighting strength. The battalion saw out the rest of the year alternating between front line duty, and training and labouring behind the line. This routine continued through the bleak winter of 1916-17.

Early in 1917, the battalion participated in the advance that followed the German retreat to the Hindenburg Line, and attacked at Noreuil on 2 April. Later that year, the focus of AIF operations moved to the Ypres sector in Belgium. There the battalion was involved in the battle of Messines between 7 and 12 June and the battle of Polygon Wood on 26 September. Another winter of trench routine followed.

Henry and the 52nd Battalion moved to Vignacourt in mid December. They were to remain here until early January, billeted and training for further deployment. It is extremely possible that Henry had his photo taken by the Thuilliers while there. He may even have visited Naours caves and left his name there. The Battalion spent time at Villers-Bocage, Fricourt and finally Flers.

As February came the Battalion was involved in and out of the lines around Flers. It snowed heavily and conditions would have been terrible for soldiers both in and out of the lines. Shelling continued during the entire time. In April at Buire and Lagnicourt the Battalion was in the front line and assisted in the capture of Noreuil. On the 29 th April time was even granted for polling for the Federal election of 1917.

As the weather improved the Battalion was rested and moved back to Belgium via Abbeville, Boulogne, Calais and Hazebrouk. Billeted near Caestre in late May they were visited by General Plummer. By late May they finally were in the Ypres sector in Belgium.

It was here that the Messines Ridge was a major objective. The Battalion was in and out of the front doing reconnaissance waiting for orders to be given.

 

It was during events at Messines Ridge that Henry was to be severely wounded. This was to eventually lead to his return to Australia. The war for Henry on the Western Front was over.

“A bullet hit the left side pocket of his tunic, shattering his razor and passing through his paybook and hit his steel mirror. The bullet hit the mirror and missed his heart. The bullet stayed in his body after he was repatriated to England. The bullet remained there for over 10 years until it moved closer to his spine and was eventually removed at Maryborough Hospital in 1927. “ 

Being the only male in the family this event saved the Martin family !

The 52nd Battalion War Diary below gives the events of early June.

Henry was treated at a local field hospital in the field before being repatriated to Boulogne for further treatment. He was transferred to the Military hospital at Folkstone and eventually transferred to the 4rd Auxilliary Hospital at Dartford in England. Finally he was to depart for Australia on the 19th October 1917. He was discharged unfit from his active service in January 1918.

 

 

NOTE BY WARREN MARTIN, GRANDSON OF HENRY MARTIN:

With reference to the quote on Page 5 of this document:

Something which has puzzled me for a number of years is how the stainless steel mirror in Grandad’s breast pocket could have deflected the shrapnel ball, thus saving his life.

After Grandad passed away my dad had the contents of Grandad’s breast pocket and when Dad passed away they were passed on to me until Uncle Col requested that all items be collected and placed in the Maryborough Military Museum for safe-keeping. We have been told that the mirror deflected the shrapnel ball thereby saving Grandad’s life and I also remember being told that it passed through his liver. But the mirror is the only item that was not damaged. By lining up the various items I believe Grandad had his paybook at the back, his wallet in front of his paybook and his razor and mirror side by side at the front of his pocket. The stainless steel mirror was inside a leather cover. Neither the leather cover nor the mirror suffered any damage. Because his razor was in its case most of the shattered parts were contained and can be pieced together. From the trajectory of the shrapnel ball through these items I feel it is unlikely that it ended up near his spine as it struck him in the left side of his chest and was travelling further to the left.

After studying extracts of Grandad’s medical records, provided by the Australian War Memorial, I was surprised to see that he actually received three separate wounds from the one incident on 7 June 1917. His medical records indicate that he received wounds to the jaw, chest and abdomen. After my visit to the Western Front Battlefields and the numerous military museums in the towns in those areas I now understand how the shrapnel rounds were calibrated and adjusted so as to explode overhead to cause maximum damage. I feel confident that it was three shrapnel balls that struck Grandad and the one that was removed through his back 10 years later was the one that caused his abdominal wound, passing through his liver and coming to rest near his spine. The injury to the jaw must have been relatively minor as no family members have ever mentioned that injury and nobody is aware of any facial scarring. The shrapnel ball that struck Grandad in the chest must have been removed while in the military hospital before his discharge.

A bit of extra information. Dad had said that Grandad walked with his full kit and rifle to the medical aid post, waited his turn to be treated, only to be told it was for New Zealand soldiers only. He was offered a lift to the Australian medical aid post but he refused the offer and walked. Having seen a map of the Messines Ridge battlefield, showing where the various divisions were lined up for the assault, Grandad was in the Fourth Division and immediately to their left was a New Zealand Division, hence the confusion at the medical aid post. We can now only speculate as to the reason for the story about the mirror deflecting the shrapnel ball. Knowing that Grandad did not like to talk about it, perhaps it was the simplest way to explain to his children how fortunate he was to have survived the ordeal.

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.

Lieutenant Thomas ROBERTSON

15^th Battalion Australian Imperial Force

Killed in Action on his 21^st Birthday

By Robert Simpson 

Thomas Robertson was born on 27 April 1894 at Rockhampton, Queensland. His parents, Robert Cochran Robertson and Sophia Stephens, had married on 5 May 1892 in South Brisbane. They married at her family home. She was a daughter of the Hon. T B Stephens MLC. Robert had been born on 5 January 1856 in Govan, Scotland. Sophia had been born on 18 October 1870 in Brisbane. They were living in Wellington Street, Manly in the 1903 electoral roll and Robert was an agent. In the 1919 electoral roll they were living at ‘Wyetha’, Mowbray Street (a lot of the rolls have Street instead of Terrace and Wyetha instead of Wyetah) and he was a merchant. Robert passed away on 7 August 1928 in Brisbane. He is buried in Mount Gravatt Cemetery and Crematorium in Mon-4E-9-632. A New South Wales deceased estate file shows he was a Manufacturer’s Agent from East Brisbane and he also had a probate record in Victoria. A newspaper article showed his funeral left the family home at 3pm, to arrive at the cemetery at 3.45pm. Sophia passed away on 3 August 1956 and is buried with her husband. Their first child, Robina Cochran (Ina) Robertson was born on 7 April 1893 in Queensland. In the 1919 electoral roll, she was still living at home at ‘Wyetha’, Mowbray Terrace, doing home duties. On 16 March 1920 she married William Roy Cowley (1888-1942) with Presbyterian rites at the home of her parents in Mowbray Terrace. William Roy (‘Roy’) Cowley served as a Gunner in the 7^th Field Artillery Brigade during WW1. His story is recorded here – http://heritage.saintandrews.org.au/william-roy-cowley/ . His brother Campbell also served as recorded here, with details on their parents also included – http://heritage.saintandrews.org.au/campbell-cowley/ . William is buried in Toowong Cemetery in plot 8-9-16/17. They were living at ‘Coondoo’ Wilson Street, Taringa in the 1937 electoral roll. William was a sugar worker. In the 1958 and 1963 rolls she was living at 82 Taunton Street Annerley and doing home duties. Robina was living at 421 Annerley Road Annerley in the 1977 and 1980 electoral rolls. She had no occupation listed. Robina passed away on 7 January 1982 in Queensland. After Thomas, John Stephens ‘Jack’ Robertson was born on 4 October 1897 in Rockhampton Queensland. As part of the 8^th Queensland Reinforcements, he embarked on SS Carpentaria in Sydney on 7 November 1918. John was a Private with the service number 65119. In the nominal roll he was listed as a single 20-year-old Engineers Cadet (5 years with Queensland Government Railways) of Brisbane. His next of kin was his father, R C Robertson of Wyetah, Mowbray Terrace East Brisbane. Presbyterian was his religion and he had previous AMF service with 2^nd Battalion 15^th Infantry (4 years Senior Cadets Area 6 BASC and 2 years Citizens Forces 8^th Infantry). John was paid 6 shillings a day of which he deferred 1 shilling, took 2 and allotted 3 shillings. He was 5 foot 10 inches tall, weighed 155 pounds, had a chest measurement of 34 to 37½ inches and had a fair complexion with blue eyes and dark hair. After trying out for the Australian Flying Corps at Laverton as a 3^rd Class Air Mechanic, he failed a test and was transferred to 8^th Reinforcements. The ship was recalled and he disembarked in the 2^nd Military District on 28 November 1918 and was discharged in the 1^st Military District on 23 December. He is recorded in the Brisbane Grammar School book under ‘Robertson, Jno. Stephens (1909). Sergt., C.C.T., 1914 – 100 yds. C., 1914 – M.O.B.A. – Ry. Eng. Cadet – Construction Staff, Innisfail – With Harding Frew, civil engineer 1922. Pte., A.I.F., April to December 1918.’ John was entitled to the British War Medal. He passed away in 1988. Jane Robertson was born on 6 April 1900 in Queensland but unfortunately passed away on 9 April 1900. Their last son and child was Robert Bruce Robertson, born on 14 August 1903 in Manly, Queensland. Robert married Kathleen Maude Grimes on November 1929. In WW2 he served as Q226682, enlisting in Stanthorpe on 11 April 1942 and being discharged on 17 July 1944 as a Corporal with the 8^th Battalion Volunteer Defence Corps. He died on 29 May 1992 and was cremated, with a memorial plaque on Columbarium Wall 1 G41, with his wife, at Bundaberg Crematorium. Thomas was educated at the State School and Brisbane Grammar School in Brisbane. He served 2 years in the old Junior Cadets, 1 year in the old Senior Cadets, where he was Colour Sergeant and had confirmed his appointment as a 2^nd Lieutenant. His first appointment as 2^nd Lieutenant was qualified at a competitive exam in March 1913. Regimental lists of the 1^st Military District on 1 January 1914 list under 8^th Infantry (Oxley Battalion), whose headquarters were in South Brisbane, that 2^nd Lieutenant T Robertson (1.9.13) was with D Company, whose location was ‘Paddington – Ithaca – Red Hill’. His application for a commission in the 2^nd Expeditionary Force showed he was single, a junior Salesman, of Mowbray Street (Terrace?), East Brisbane, Queensland. Thomas was a British subject, born 27 April 1894, age 20 years and 4 months. His next of Kin was listed as: father; R C Robertson, mother; Mrs R E Robertson, of Mowbray Street, East Brisbane. The address was changed to Commerce House, Adelaide Street, Brisbane on 15 May 1936. In the Medical Certificate section, he is recorded as being 5 foot 11 inches tall, weighing 163 pounds, having a chest measurement of 35½ to 38½ inches and having 6/6 eyesight in both eyes. He was recommended by the District Commander on 30 September 1914. His term of service was for the duration of the war and 4 months with his service reckoning from 26 September 1914. Thomas was appointed to the AIF on 23 September 1914 as a 2^nd Lieutenant with the 15^th Infantry Battalion, 4^th Infantry Brigade in Brisbane, Queensland. The Graduation List of 6 December 1914 has his name and birth details and adds that he was a 2^nd Lieutenant with the 8^th Infantry Commonwealth Military Forces from 1 September 1913 and the same rank with the AIF from 23 September 1914 with 15^th Battalion.   On 22 December 1914, Second Lieutenant Thomas Robertson, 15^th Infantry Battalion, E Company embarked on HMAT Ceramic at Melbourne. He was recorded on the embarkation roll as 20 years old, a salesman who was single, with his address and that of his next of kin, his mother, Mrs R C Robertson, as “Wyetuh”, (sic) Mowbray Street East Brisbane, Queensland. His religion as Presbyterian. Enlisting on 23 September 1914, his previous AMF unit he was serving in when he enlisted was 8^th Infantry. Thomas was paid 15 shillings a day, he took 14 shillings 6 pence, with 3 pence as deferred pay. ‘Group portrait of officers of the 15th Battalion prior to embarkation overseas. Captain (later Major) Quinn [of Quinn’s Post, Gallipoli], is second from right, third row. Identified in back row, left to right: Second Lieutenant (2nd Lt) Francis Leofric Armstrong (killed in action 10 May 1915); 2nd Lt John Anderson Good; 2nd Lt John Hill; 2nd Lt Thomas Robertson (killed in action 27 April 1915); 2nd Lt Leo George Casey; 2nd Lt Leslie Norman Collin (killed in action 9 May 1915); 2nd Lt Archibald Douglas. Third row: Captain (Capt) Douglas Herman Cannon; Capt Cyril Frederick Corser; Lieutenant (Lt) Henry Charles. Davies; Lt Nikolai Theodore Svensen; Capt John Foulkes Richardson; 2nd Lt Douglas Stephen Freeman; Capt John Francis Walsh (killed in action 28 April 1915); Capt Hugh Quinn (killed in action 29 May 1915); 2nd Lt George Frederick Dickinson. Second row: 2nd Lt Norman Dickson (died of wounds 27 April 1915); Major (Maj) Robert Eccles Snowden; Maj Hubert Reginald Carter; Lieutenant Colonel James Harold Cannon; Capt William Organ Willis (killed in action 3 May 1915); Honorary Lt Frederick William Craig. Front row: 2nd Lt Cecil Edwin Snartt; 2nd Lt Samuel William Harry; Lt Harry Kessell; Lt Francis Moran (died of wounds 20 August 1915); Lt Leslie John Walters; 2nd Lt Nicholas O’Brien; 2nd Lt Arthur Gurr Hinman.’ From AWM A03576, taken at Broadmeadows, Victoria in December 1914.

A03577. Group portrait of officers and men of E Company, 15th Battalion. Front row, 6th

from left, Second Lieutenant (2Lt) Thomas Robertson (killed in action at Gallipoli 27 April 1915).

While in Egypt the battalion was re-organised, changing to four rifle companies, each of four platoons, with 10 Platoon under 2^nd Lieutenant Thomas Robertson. On 1 February 1915 he was to be a Lieutenant. He proceeded to join the Mediterranean Expeditionary Force to the Gallipoli Peninsula on 12 April 1915. Thomas was reported as being wounded in action and missing at Gallipoli on 28 April 1915. On 4 May 1915 Sophia Robertson of Woolloongabba sent a telegram to the Officer Commanding Base Records asking ‘Wire me address Lieut Tom Robertson 15^th battalion wounded reply paid’. It was in reply to a cable she had received from Base Records on the same day which said ‘regret reported Lieutenant Q. Robertson wounded will cable free receipt your request’. They made an error with his name. She sent another telegram on 5 May asking ‘Inquire for lieut Thomas Robertson 15^th Battalion fourth infantry brigade reported wounded’, and added Mowbray Street to her address. Another telegram from her on 6 May asked ‘Did you send cable yesterday Lieut Robertson have you got reply yet’. On 15 May Base Records sent a cable that Egypt reports all wounded progressing satisfactorily will advise on receipt further particulars. Another cable said that they can only suggest to cable care of Stralis Cairo. Egypt reports all wounded progressing satisfactorily. The Daily Standard of Brisbane on Friday 7 May 1915 in page 3 had an article titled ‘Rowing’ which includes in the article ‘Another well-known oarsman in the list of casualties was genial Tom Robertson, of the C.R.C., but Tom was more fortunate that the University rower, he being reported as wounded. He will be remembered as one of Dick Billington’s under twenty crew, which performed so well a couple of years ago when that crew won almost all the races started in.’ A Court of Enquiry held on 23 May 1915 at Monash Valley, Gallipoli ‘was of opinion that as there was a possibility of his having been taken prisoner on 27/4/15 (either wounded or unwounded) he should continue to be shown as Missing.’ One of the witnesses that day was No 707 Sergeant William Harold Nicholls, 15^th Battalion, who stated ‘About 6 p.m. on 26.4.15, I was with part of No. 10 Platoon, 15^th Battalion. We were sent to a position approximately E.S.E. of JOHNSTONE’S JOLLY (Map Anzac Position, 6” – 1 inch) by a Major Irwin, who took command and led us out. I do not know what Battalion he belonged to, the troops in the firing line were all mixed. The position was approximately 250 yards in advance of the firing line on ridge. We dug in under fire and remained there through the night. At daylight on 27.4.15 we could see a number of troops on the ridge facing us. We had been told when we went out to this position that the Indian Troops would be on our right. I do not know who was responsible for this information. Lieut. Robinson (sic) said to me that he thought the men in front of us were Ghurkas. He had a look at them. He ordered the Company Signaller to signal them. They answered and Lieut. Robinson told them to come on. They exhibited a white flag and came towards us, about a dozen of them. On getting within about ten yards, their officers said in English “Come on, you are prisoners” Lieut. Robinson gave the order to open fire on them. Later he gave the order to retire. The party under Lieut. Robinson numbered 26 or 27. Six got back to the firing line unwounded. I did not see Lieut. Robinson after he gave the order to retire. As far as my knowledge goes he was not wounded. The Signaller above was not seen again.’ A note under that statement says ‘Enquiries made by the Court lead them to the opinion that no evidence showing whether Lieut. Robinson was taken prisoner, wounded or killed, is available.’ Colonel Monash, who was commanding the 4^th Infantry Brigade forwarded a list to Headquarters from Monash Valley, Gallipoli on 25 May 1915 in which he concurs on the opinion of the Court that Lieutenant T Robertson 15^th Battalion was missing. On 21 September 1915 the ‘Report was confirmed by letter in reply to our enquiry of’ 31 August 1915, as sent to the Commanding Officer of the Battalion. His Father wrote to The Secretary, Defence Department, Commonwealth Office, Melbourne on 30 September 1915. They received it on 5 October and passed it on to Base Records who received it on 6 October. He had written ‘In the issue of the “Sunday Times” September 12^th, there appeared a photograph of “two unidentified Australian prisoners of war in Constantinople”. As the figure on the right had a resemblance to my son, Lieut. T. Robertson, of E. Coy. 15^th Battalion, 4^th Infantry Brigade, who was reported by the Defence Department on the 27^th May last as missing, I wrote to the Manager of the above Newspaper, asking him if he could lend me the original photo, as the one is his paper was rather indistinct. He replied enclosing a print copy of the original which enable me and my family to feel all but confident that the figure on the right is that of my son. Not being content with this, I showed the photo to a number of his companions, asking them if they saw any resemblance to any one they knew, they all pointed to the same figure saying it was my son. Now in a further communication from Mr. Topliss, manager of the “Sunday Times”, this gentleman informs me that the picture was forwarded to them by you, and I now address you in the hope that you will be able to furnish me with some further particulars as to how this photograph came into your possession, or if you can advise me what steps I can take to prove whether I am correct in my assumption, that he is my son. As a matter of further information for you regarding the disappearance of my son, I enclose copy of particulars supplied by his Sergeant Major, and sent to me by Colonel Cannan.’ He signed it R C Robertson and added ‘In replying please address, R. C. Robertson, Fitzroy Buildings, Adelaide Street, BRISBANE.’ The letter also had their private address embossed on it as Wyetah, Mowbray Terrace, East Brisbane. A letter to him on 14 October from Base Records stated ‘With reference to yours of the 30^th ult., concerning a photograph of two Australian prisoners of war in Constantinople, which appeared in the “Sunday Times”, I have to inform you that the two soldiers have been identified, consequently, neither of them is identical with your son.’ They went on to discuss how reports of missing are immediately reported to next of kin and reviewed daily by authorities. Mr R C Robertson, Fitzroy Buildings, Adelaide Street, Brisbane wrote to T Trumble Esq., Secretary Defence Department, Melbourne on 13 December 1915 asking “Concerning Lieut. T. Robertson, E. Coy. 15^th Battalion 4^th Infantry Brigade, A.I.F. reported wounded 5^th May and missing 27^th May. Referring to the verbal conversation I had with you when in Melbourne about a fortnight ago re my son. I enclose one or two statements which have been given me at different times lately, by some of the returned wounded. A perusal of these by you will give you all the information I have regarding the missing boy, and if there is anything you can do to clear up the doubt as to whether he is alive and a prisoner or not, I will be very grateful. I might say that Colonel Cannan commanding the 15^th Battalion, in a personal letter to me, stated that they had had a strict search made for his body at the time of the armistice, but could not find it. This seems to confirm Pvt. Brayley’s statement. It was the Colonel also who from Gallipoli sent me Nicholls account of the outpost affair. At the suggestion of the Defence Department, Melbourne I sent a cable on 5^th June to “Stralis” Cairo, on the 5^th June, asking if they could give me any information regarding my son, and paid for a reply. This is over 5 months ago and no reply to hand I put in a claim for a refund, and in the latest communication from the Deputy Post Master General here, dated 7^th inst., he says, “That before a claim can be allowed the addressee must prove to the Administration in Cairo, that he has not made use of the reply Voucher.” Please do not bother over this latter matter if it will cause you any trouble, the only thing is, I think the Post Office people are quibbling rather unnecessarily over the matter. Thanking you for your kindness in allowing me to address you personally re the foregoing’.

Published in Sydney Mail 19 May 1915 page 8.

A note from 15^th Battalion on Lieutenant T Robertson who had been reported wounded and missing on 25 May 1915 recorded a ‘Court of Enquiry found if not Prisoner of War must be missing.’ It was certified by Australian Interm. Base at Cairo on 30 December 1915. A report for the Red Cross Society, contains three letters about Lieutenant Thomas Robertson. The first one reads ‘Informant states that on Apr. 28^th at Courtney’s Post, Anzac, Lieut T. Robertson, 15 C. Aust. Imp. Force was sent out in charge of a patrolling party, being pulled up by the enemy, dressed as Gurkas who instructed them “not to shoot as they were Gurkas”. They attempted to surround Lieut. Robertson and party and told them they were prisoners, however Lieut Robertson attempted to fight his way out, one of the enemy’s machine guns was trained on them and only 7 or 8 returned. Lieut Robertson was seen wounded by some of these men. Cpl Nicholls and L/Cpl Seacombe who returned told informant. Reference: Sergt Robert Hunter, 451, 15 C. Aust. Imp. Force Hanworth Red X Hospital, Middlesex. Home address: Maryborough, Queensland, Australia. London 13^th January, 1916. C.N. Reid.’ The second one reads ‘Court of Inquiry held on 28.5.15 found if not prisoner of war must be missing, 27.4.15. Cert. by: – 3^rd Echelon Record Office, Alex. CAIRO. 17.1.16’. The last one read that Lieutenant Thomas Robertson, 15^th Battalion, 4^th Brigade AIF was ‘Killed in Action 27.4.15. No burial. Cert. by Hqrs List 26.8.19. London 23.10.19’ A copy of the report given by Sergeant Hunter is included in a document which also adds at the bottom that a ‘Court if Inquiry held on 28.5.15 found if not prisoner of war must be missing 27.4.15.’ It was certified by 3^rd Echelon Record Office at Alexandria and dated 17 January 1916. The nominal roll lists him as Lieutenant Thomas Robertson 15^th Battalion, who was killed in action on 27 April 1915. The Casualty list in the Sydney Town & Country Journal of 12 May 1915 in page 16 lists Thomas as being ‘Wounded in action.’ His father’s name is recorded differently in following account in the Kalgoorlie Miner of 6 May 1915 in page 5: ‘Lieut. T. Robertson is the son of Mr. Herbert Robertson, of East Brisbane, well-known in bowling circles.’ A correction was made in newspapers the next day, as the original report had confused him with another person.

Photo in ‘Annals of The Brisbane Grammar School.’ (plate xlix p 260) – attributed to State Library of Queensland.

Notes in his file deal with an extract of BR.35401 that was sent to ‘Stralis’ on 4 January 1916 regarding ‘Lt Robertson 15^th Bn Reported missing 43 Reynolds 15^th Bn states buried alone’. Another note dated 28 February asks ‘What is result (of) investigations’. His father wrote a letter to Base Records in December 1915, which was replied to on 3 January 1916 letting him know ‘that in view of your representations a cable message has been despatched to Egypt asking verification’ and he would be notified. The letters he sent them would be held until the result of the investigation and then returned to him. On 14 January 1916, Base Record wrote to his father telling him that a cable had been received and it said that ‘the matter is being investigated. Upon receipt of the result you will be promptly advised.’ Thomas was placed on the supernumerary list in AIF orders on 20 February 1916. A note from the Commanding Officer of the Battalion on 16 March 1916 stated ‘“Missing 27/4/15” no further Details’. Finally, a Court of Enquiry with the 4^th Australian Infantry Brigade on 6 April 1916 recorded he was killed in action on the Gallipoli Peninsula on 27 April 1915. A form filled out by 3^rd Echelon, General Headquarters, MEF, Australian Records Section on 22 February 1916 recorded that with Lieutenant Thomas Robertson 15^th Battalion, the latest report was missing and effects package 7010 contained his field service records book and a letter. Base Records sent a letter to his father on 30 March 1916 letting him know that a ‘further cable requesting the expedition of investigations concerning your son … a reply has been received stating that he is reported missing and there is no reliable evidence yet to hand upon which an alteration of the above report can be made.’ Base Records sent the Commanding Officer, 8^th Infantry, Peel Street, South Brisbane a letter on 14 August 1916 which reads ‘Herewith Record Books, C.M. Forms M7-8 (with A.I.F service entered) relating to Lieutenant ROBERTSON, Thomas, 15^th Battalion, Australian Imperial Force, and formerly of your Command, reported as – Killed in action 27^th April, 1915. Please acknowledge receipt hereon.’ On 16 May 1916 Stephens and Tozer Solicitors wrote to Base Records asking if they could forward them a copy of the death certificate for Lieutenant Thomas Robertson, late of 15^th Battalion, Queensland at their early convenience as a ‘Board lately found him killed.’ A report of the death of an Officer form was filled out on 17 May 1916 at Alexandria and shows that Lieutenant Thomas Robertson 15^th Battalion was reported by a ‘Court of Enquiry held at Serapeum 6-8-28/4/16 4^th Australian Infantry Brigade Headquarters’ to have been killed in action at Gallipoli on 27 April 1915. Form B7862 was filled out confirming those details and added ‘Cable No. M.F.C. 41604, from the Officer Commanding Intermediate Base, dated Alexandria, 5^th May 1916, confirmed by Arm Form B 104-52, and Army Form B 2090A.’ A letter received by Base Records in Melbourne on 20 May 1916 marked private and confidential was sent by Captain Llewellyn Stephens. He wrote ‘Kindly excuse me writing privately to you. I am O/C Records at Enoggera & in my private capacity I am Solicitor for my sister Mrs R C Robertson. Her son Lieut. Thomas Robertson of the 15^th Bat was reported missing on 26^th April 1915. A couple of days ago she was notified that he had been boarded and declared killed. Presumably we can get a certificate of death and prove his will. My firm will write you officially for the P/D, but what I want is a copy of the board proceedings on which he was found to be killed. Would you be as kind as to send me a copy.’ Their reply on 27 May 1916 stated ‘In reply to your communication received 20^th inst., the Board Proceedings in connexion with Lieutenant T. Robertson, 15^th Battalion, have not yet come to hand, nor is it expected they can arrive for some weeks yet. It appears the whole of the cases of the 4^th Brigade have been dealt with by one board, but there will be no objection to an extract of the portion relating to Lieutenant Robertson being supplied if required. Certificate of report of death cannot be furnished prior to the receipt of confirmation by mail of the cabled advice.’ Base Records sent a letter to the Solicitors on 25 May 1916 advising them that they had not received official confirming documents covering the report of his death but would reply at the earliest possible date. They sent the Solicitors a note enclosing a certificate of report of death of Lieutenant Thomas Robertson on 17 July 1916. On 5 August 1916 his father signed for a package of personal effects from Lieutenant T Robertson that had been sent from Egypt on Itonus by Thomas Cook and Sons. His mother signed for two packages from them, a trunk and a valise, that had come on Port Macquarie on 21 October 1916. The contents of the valise and trunk are listed below.

Base Records sent the Commanding Officer 8^th Infantry at Peel Street, South Brisbane a letter and a list of the service of Thomas as shown below.

Messrs Stephens and Tozer, Solicitors at Union Trust Buildings, corner of George and Queen Streets, Brisbane requested from Base Records two copies of his death certificate for insurance purposes on 24 November 1916. A reply to the solicitors from Base Records on 1 December 1916 included a letter acknowledging their request and enclosing in duplicate the certificate of the report of his death, which read ‘Lieutenant Thomas Robertson 15^th Battalion, Australian Imperial Force’ … ‘was killed in action’ ‘Gallipoli’ ‘27^th April 1916.’ ‘Cable No. M.F.C. 41604, from the Officer Commanding Intermediate Base, dated Alexandria, 5^th May 1916, confirmed by Army Form B 104-52, and Army Form B2090A.’ On 13 December 1916 National Mutual Life wrote to Base Records asking if they could have details of Thomas Robertson for the purpose of identification. They wanted to know his place of birth, age, height and next of kin. Base Records wrote a list about Lieutenant T Robertson 15^th Battalion on 19 December 1916. It stated he was 20 years and 4 months, commissioned on 16 September 1914, his next of kin was his mother, Mrs R C Robertson of Mowbray Street East Brisbane Qld, he was 5 foot 11 inches tall; but they put ‘No record’ for place of birth, complexion, colour of eyes, colour of hair and distinctive marks. They also sent a letter to the insurance company with the list. A letter from CQMS W H Nicolls in the Memorial Book for the school reads: ‘On April 26^th Lieutenant Robertson with half his platoon was sent on outpost duty. At daybreak April 27 the lookout reported a party of men advancing waving the white flag. The party on being signalled to replied that they were Gurkhas, but on nearer approach they were seen to be enemies. Their officer recognising the fact calling out in English, ‘Surrender you are our prisoners.’ Lieutenant Robertson said, ‘Prisoners be damned! Let them have it boys.’ We accounted for a good few but as they were seen to be coming on in hundreds Lieutenant Robertson gave the order to get back to the firing line. Only four of the little company got back. Lieutenant Robertson was last seen standing facing the enemy with his revolver.’ He was killed on his 21st birthday, while retiring from a forward post to the main Australian lines: ‘At dusk, however, a party had been sent out on to the Jolly by the portion of the 15th Battalion near the Razorback. This party, 25 men under Lieutenant Robertson, took position on the south-eastern edge of the Jolly, dug a circular, shallow trench, and remained there all night. It was still there when the Turks attacked at 7.30 a.m. next day. The Queenslanders watched them coming in numbers up Legge Valley, from which, covered by intense machine-gun fire, the enemy attacked. On reaching a point immediately below the trench, the Turks called upon Robertson’s party to surrender, but he refused. He had instructed his men that, when the machine-guns stopped, they should pour three rounds of rapid fire into the enemy and then withdraw to the Australian line. By this means certainly seven, one or two more, of Robertson’s party got back; he and the majority, however, were killed. Their resistance explains the enemy’s claim, not previously understood, that on April 27th he ‘captured’ Johnston’s Jolly.’ (Bean preface to 3^rd edition xviii and vix). A footnote adds ‘Lieut. T. Robertson, 15^th Bn. Salesman; of East Brisbane; b. Rockhampton, Q’land, 27 April, 1894. Killed in action, 27 April, 1915. (The information, which has been confirmed, comes from Pte. H. L. L. Smith, of Toowoomba and Imbil, Q’land, a survivor of the party which held the post.) A letter in the Brisbane Courier of 15 July 1915 on page 8 from Private Robert E Stephens 15 Battalion who was in the 1^st Field Hospital at Lemnos to his cousin in Sandgate reads ‘‘Stormie’ is flourishing, he is Platoon Sergeant now. Tom Robertson was his Platoon Commander, and ‘Stormie’ tells me that he (Robby) went out with a party of 26 on outpost duty the second or third night after landing, and they got cut off, only about six returning, and nothing has been heard of the others. We lost nearly all our officers.’ In the Army Journal “Quinn of Quinn’s Post” it records: ‘That night a strange event occurred. Lieutenant Robertson, an original E Company officer, and 25 men of his 10 Platoon were led forward by a guide and told to dig in. One account says that the guide was a German and that he lured Robertson into a trap. Later Quinn wrote that the orders came from the brigade major of 1 Brigade who was to be killed the next day. When dawn of 27 April came, Robertson and his men were dug-in to a depth of four feet but they had Turks on three sides. The Turks called upon them to surrender. Robertson refused to do so and when they tried to escape only about seven got back. Robertson (it was his twenty-first birthday) and the others were killed.’ A letter from Base Records on 29 October 1919 to his mother at their East Brisbane address, saying it was their ‘painful duty to transmit herewith one form of Commission which has been issued by the British War Office covering the appointment of your son, the late Lieutenant T. Robertson, 15^th Battalion, as a temporary 2^nd Lieutenant, in the regular forces of the British Army. This refers to the first appointment to Commission and not to his later rank.’ She signed for it on 2 December 1919. His memorial scroll was sent to his father on 12 July 1921. At some time a cemetery register was also despatched after a circular and booklet on graves was sent on 12 December 1919. On 3 September 1920 his 1914-15 Star was sent to the Commandant in the 1^st Military District, as was his British War Medal on 6 May 1921. His Victory Medal was sent to his father on 12 September 1922. His father signed for his Victory Medal on 25 September 1922. The Memorial Plaque to Thomas was signed for by his father on 5 December 1922. In The History of the 15^th Battalion AIF 1914-1919 by Lieutenant T P Chataway records on pages 14 and 15: ‘During the late hours of Monday, April 28, to No. 10 Platoon under Lieut. Tom. Robertson which did not participate in the fighting upon the Razorback, but was in support to the troops holding the line behind Johnston’s Jolly, came disaster. An officer, now believed to have been a German in the guise of an English Engineer Major, approached Lieut. Robertson, and asked him if he belonged to the 15^th Battalion. Upon receiving assurance that Robertson did, he then exclaimed: “Colonel Cannan said you were to go with me!” Suspecting nothing, Robertson detailed the number of men the “Major” required for the party and, leaving Sergeant S. L. Stormonth in charge of the remainder of the platoon, followed the stranger. With no knowledge of the country, the party quite unsuspectingly passed through the front line into No Man’s Land, and being shown a position were told to dig a line of trenches. The “Major” then left them and the lads, setting to work with a will, were down a little more than four feet by daylight. Some time after daylight, a Turk officer walked over to the trench and pointed out to the occupants that they were surrounded on three sides and had better surrender. Robertson said:” “No!” and firing his revolver into the Turk, gave the order for his men to get back as quickly as possible. When the men started their run back they found nearly two hundred yards of country ahead of them. The enemy’s machine guns opened fire, and seven men only managed to reach the Australian line. Robertson’s tall form was last seen to dodge behind a clump of bush, where he stopped and turned as if to see how his men were faring. The seven men who survived the trap were Corporal W. H. Nicholls, Privates Stan Cousens, H. Cooper, A. J. Small, R. T. Owens, H. L. L. L. Smith (who was badly wounded), and F. J. Merrell, who had an astonishing escape from death. Merrell had a bandolier slung across his back, and when half-way home a machine-gun bullet struck his bandolier, and cartridge after cartridge exploded, luckily inflicting only slight injuries. Two of these men, Corporal Nicholls (who was afterwards killed in France), and Private Jack Merrell, were to receive their commissions at a later date. H. L. L. Smith, who was shockingly wounded in the retirement, with a bullet in each thigh, a smashed shoulder and a bullet through the lungs, forwards the following version of what happened. The other version was supplied by Sergeant Stormonth, who stated he was with Robertson when the order arrived, and the other details were supplied to him by Nicholls and others after the incident:- “About dusk on the night of 26/4/15, Mr. Robertson and 28 volunteers were asked to go out on outpost duty, and were taken out to the position by a Staff Officer – a big, stoutly built, florid, light-haired man. When just in front of our lines I overheard Mr. Robertson ask: ‘Is this an order from H.Q.?’ and the Staff Officer replied, “Yes,” and then proceeded to take us out. We went out to the S.E. edge of Johnston’s Jolly, overlooking Legge Valley, and dug a shallow circular trench around a small rocky knoll, just over the edge of the Jolly. I should say from memory, about eight feet below the level of the Jolly. We stayed there that night, and waited till daylight, when we were supposed to be relieved, but no one came. In the meantime we had been exchanging shots with the Turks on our left front, and had been getting the best of it. The Turks then opened up with a couple of machine-guns from about opposite to us, and this kept our heads down, but did not stop some of the men from the back of the knoll spotting a company of Turks advancing up Legge Valley on our left. Still covered by intense machine-gun fire, the enemy advanced until opposite and just below us, and spread out in a half-moon shape, when the machine-gun fire stopped. A Turkish officer jumped up with us and called upon Mr. Robertson to surrender. Now, while keeping low under the intense machine-gun fire, Mr. Robertson had summed up the position, and told us we were in a tight corner, and that when the machine-guns stopped, to fire three rounds rapid at the enemy and then bolt for our lines. If any man dropped two men were to pick him up and take him to safety. When the Turk officer called upon Mr. Robertson to surrender, he said: ‘Surrender be damned,’ and shot the Turk officer with his revolver. Then hell broke loose, and we had to climb up the slope we were exposed to the enemy machine guns as well as rifle fire. We temporarily checked the enemy when we opened fire, but not for long, and most of us were either killed or wounded. I do not think Mr. Robertson ever left the trench alive, but whatever happened he certainly did not get anywhere near the line.”’ He is listed in the Nominal Roll as Lieutenant Thomas Robertson, 15^th Battalion, KIA 27.4.15. His name also appears in the Annals of the Brisbane Grammar School as ‘Robertson, T. (1909). Lieut., 15^th – Killed, Gallipoli, 27-4-15.’ His brother, J S Robertson, filled out the Roll of Honour of Australia in the Memorial War Museum. He filled out the Lieutenant Thomas Robertson, 15^th Battalion, was chiefly connected with East Brisbane in Queensland. He had been born in Rockhampton and died on 27 April 1915 on Gallipoli. His calling was listed as ‘salesman – warehouse’, his age at time of death was 21 and his school was Boys Grammar Brisbane. No other details were entered other than his brother stating his address was “Wyetuh”, (sic) Mowbray Terrace, East Brisbane. The Memorial at Mowbray Town Presbyterian Church Honour Roll 1914-1919 has his name on their honour board. The church also published a book, which includes his name as ‘ROBERTSON, Thomas, Lieutenant, “Wyetah,” Mowbray Street, East Brisbane.’ He is also in a list in the book under the heading ‘Men who have made the Supreme Sacrifice’. Unfortunately, it is no longer a church and has been sold a few times in the last twenty years. It is not known if the memorial is still in the building. The Presbyterian Church was at 22 Mowbray Terrace East Brisbane. The former church sold in November 2020 for $2,200,000.

Current picture of the former church.

His name is recorded at the war memorial at East Brisbane and on the Lone Pine Memorial on Panel 43. His will is at Queensland State Archives under 583, ITM2820546 and is open. An intestacy file is also open there under 501/1916, ITM451888. Both are accessed here – Search records (archivessearch.qld.gov.au) but have to be paid for. On 7 December 1923 a note was added in his file which noted as a communication, dated 26 November 1923, from ‘the Historian, Tuggranong, re date of death’. Thomas Robertson’s name is located at panel 77 in the Commemorative Area at the Australian War Memorial. His name was projected onto the exterior of the Hall of Memory on: Tue 21 December 2021 at 3:07am Tue 15 March 2022 at 3:42am His medals are the 1914-15 Star, British War Medal and Victory Medals. The museum just has his Victory Medal.  

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.

Major Robert Horatio Roy BAYLY

Auckland Infantry Battalion NZEF

Ian Curtis

i

Pour Devoir ⁱⁱ

Robert Horatio Roy Bayly was born at Pukekohe, Auckland on 10 October 1880, the son of William Bray Bayly and Loveday (née Jervis). William was a farmer, born in North Tamerton, Cornwall, England in 1815. He grew up and worked in Warbstow, Cornwall until 1857, at age 42, he left Liverpool England and boarded a ship to New York, United States of America. There, later the same year, he married 15-year-old Loveday Jervis in Chicago, Illinois. In 1860, when Loveday was 18, she and William had their first child, Annie Segetia Bayly. On 17 September 1861, the Baylys left the small village of London Mills, Illinois, and travelled on the Northumberland to New Zealand, arriving on 5 October. The family settled initially in Papakura Valley, Auckland and in 1865 their second daughter, Mary Kate Bayly, was born.

William and Loveday established a farm on top of Pukekohe Hill. William took an interest in local affairs and at one time was chairman of the Road Board. They had nine more children – William Bray in 1866, Daniel Joseph in 1868, Jessie Jane in 1871, Matilda de Rose in 1873, John Ernest Archer in 1875, Violet Rebekah Revina in 1877, Robert Horatio Roy in 1880, Louis John Jervis in 1882 and Isa Myrtle Loveday in 1886. William was 71 and Loveday was 44 when their last child was born. It was not uncommon in the 19^th century for children to die at a young age. Daniel, Matilda and John all passed away before Robert was ten years old.

Robert attended Pukekohe Intermediate School for four years before being enrolled at King’s (Anglican) College in Auckland. The first principal was Mr Graham Bruceⁱⁱⁱ and Robert one of the original students, 1896-1897. He then studied at Auckland University College.

On 4 April 1900, Robert’s father William Bray Bayly passed away and the following year on 25 December 1901, his mother Loveday died. William left an estate of £NZ 850. Loveday had gone to live with her daughter Mary Kate and her husband William James Comrie in Hastings. Her remains were taken back to Pukekohe for interment. Both parents are buried in the Pukekohe Cemetery.

Gravestones of William Bray Bayly, Loveday Bayly and eldest son William Bray Bayly (who passed away in 1922). (Source: Ancestry.com)

Robert qualified as a teacher with the Auckland Education Board and then decided to travel and see the world. He taught for some time in the north of England and later taught in Glasgow, Scotland, 1905-1907. Having returned to New Zealand in late 1907, he joined the staff of King’s College and was the manager of King’s College yearbook King’s Collegian for term 3 in 1907.

The school appointed him acting captain of N^o 3 Company College Rifle Cadet Volunteers. Robert was first commissioned on 2 December 1908 (after twelve months in an acting role, and having sat for an examination) as a captain in the King’s College Senior Cadets. On 17 March 1911, he transferred to the 15^th (North Auckland) Regiment and was promoted to major in 1913, while still retaining his association with the King’s College Cadets as a company commander.

In November 1913, Robert was appointed a Special Constable when such troops (both mounted and foot) were needed to join the regular police force which descended on the Auckland wharves to capture union militants, in particular the Industrial Workers of the World known as “Wobblies”. When the specialists occupied the wharves some 6,000 workers went on strike.^iv

15th (North Auckland) Company. Cap badge: Regimental number between fern-fronds within a circle with ‘Pour Devoir’ and ‘North Auckland’ and surmounted by a crown. Collar badges: Smaller version of the cap badge.  Unit motto: Pour devoir (For right).

(Source: nzhistory.govt.nz)

In 1914, Robert was master in charge of the lower school at King’s College where he resided. He never married. Two of his brothers, William and Louis, remained farming the family property. His sisters Jessie, Violet and Isa were living at Milton Road, Mount Roskill.^v His two older sisters had married and moved away from the area.

When war broke out in Europe in August 1914, Robert applied for a commission with the New Zealand Expeditionary Force. His application states that he stood 5 feet 8 inches tall, weighed 180 pounds and was 34 years of age. He named his brother Louis as his next of kin. New Zealand was organised into four military districts under the Territorial scheme and each of the districts – Auckland, Wellington, Canterbury and Otago ^_ provided a battalion to form the New Zealand Infantry Brigade. The Auckland Battalion consisted of a headquarters and four companies – 3^rd (Auckland) Company, 6^th (Hauraki) Company, 15^th (North Auckland) Company and 16^th (Waikato) Company. Robert was appointed officer commanding 15^th (North Auckland) Company. Another Master at King’s College, Frederick Stuckey, was appointed officer commanding 6^th (Hauraki) Company. They had both been instrumental in the development and command of the college cadet unit.

Frederick Stuckey was born in Nelson on 8 April 1879 and attended Nelson College. He was a keen sportsman and champion of the college swimming and gymnastic teams. He later represented Auckland in rugby and graduated from college in 1902 with a Master of Arts. He trained as a teacher and was a master at King’s College. Like Robert, he was also single.

The battalion was formed at Epsom under the command of Englishman Lieutenant Colonel Arthur Plugge, who had immigrated to New Zealand after attending Leeds University. In Auckland, he taught science at King’s College and later was a headmaster at Dilworth Ulster Institute and served with the 3^rd Auckland Regiment Territorial Force.

The officers of the North Auckland Company at Epsom Camp^vi.

left to right, standing: Lieutenant Norman Weir, Lieutenant Noel Steadman (King’s College 1906-07), Lieutenant Thomas Gerald Norman Screaton; sitting: Lieutenant Charles Harold McClelland (awarded DSO in 1918) Major Robert Horatio Roy Bayly, and Captain John Henry Bartlett.

Source: Sir Geoge Grey Special Collections Auckland Libraries AWNS – 19140924-50-8

At Epsom, initial training and the issuing of equipment took place. The most exciting experience was the march to Manurewa, some fifteen miles. The distance was accomplished in good style, and the battalion then bivouacked in an open field for a wet and cold night, where the majority walked about, shivering and miserable, but heroically stuck it out^vii. Little did they know what was to come in the war zone. Training was not too hard and there was a reasonable allowance of leave. On Sundays, the camp was open for visitors.

On the evening of 22 September, the battalion marched to the wharf to load their baggage and be allocated their quarters on HMNZT 12 Waimana. The following day a large crowd assembled in the Domain to farewell the Auckland Battalion, where the men marched through a great throng to the wharf. The King’s College Cadets had one important parade during the third term, 1914. They attended the official farewell from Auckland and were given the duty to line both sides of Queen Street from Customs Street to the wharf gates. … We are also proud to think that two of the companies are in command of Major Stuckey and Major Bayly, who have done so much in the past to bring our cadets up to a high state of efficiency.^viii

The ship departed Auckland, however, HMS Pyramus, which was scouting well ahead, had come into contact with the German Pacific Fleet, so the Waimana returned to port. The battalion, for the next fortnight, lived on the boat but went ashore every day for training. On 11 October the Waimana left once again, this time for Wellington where the remainder of the New Zealand Expeditionary Force had assembled. At dawn, 16 October, the escort ships moved out, with the transports following in file behind. Hobart was the first stop before sailing on to Albany, Western Australia.

When the ship reached Colombo, it seemed that very few would be allowed off the ship, but Colonel Plugge managed to misunderstand the order issued, with the result that everyone went off. It was the only chance of sending back Christmas presents to home folk.^ix Wares of all types were purchased. After the ship left Colombo, the New Zealand Expeditionary Force found out that they were to disembark at Alexandria and go into camp outside Cairo for training to be completed.

The Auckland Battalion arrived in Alexandria on 3 December, disembarked and went by train to Helmieh station, Zeitoun. They marched to the camping ground and made preparations for the night on the desert sand. Training then commenced. A typical day saw the battalion march, fight, dig in and undertake drills for six or seven hours per day before returning to camp. Every night, the city of Cairo was crowded with fit, high-spirited young men, free after their day of training, looking for fun before returning to camp to sleep.

‘Imperial men with the battalion reckoned it was harder than anything they had done with British Troops, platoon, company and battalion drill, musketry, extended order work, attack, defence, trench digging, tactical schemes, night bivouacs and above all, route marching with full packs. A few of the weaker ones broke under the strain but the majority thrives on hard work.’^x

On 25 January 1915, orders were given that the battalion were to entrain for the Suez Canal. Colonel Plugge made a short address at the entraining point, telling the battalion that they would be ‘scrapping within the next 24 hours. Play the game. Let Auckland and New Zealand be proud of you.^xi The battalion moved to Ismailia where they spent the next month. The New Zealand Brigade was kept in reserve to the Indian troops and continued with their training routine before returning on 26 February to Zeitoun with their camp re-established at the same spot.

Finally, on 15 April the battalion embarked for Lemnos Island on HMT Lutzow, a captured German liner. The concentration of the force grew larger and larger – English Territorials, Indian, Australian and New Zealand soldiers – all swelling the numbers. On 23 April, Lutzow moved to the outer harbour with Colonel Plugge and his officers, including Major Robert Bayly high on the bridge. The men massed along the rails. On the evening of 24 April, the battalion knew the great adventure had begun. The officers spent time in the mess before everything went quiet. Some slept while others peered through the darkness for sight of land.

At 2am on 25 April, the battalion commenced landing operations. The Auckland Battalion would be the first New Zealand unit ashore at Gallipoli, with all men landed under shellfire by 9.30am.^xii Many had to jump from the boats and wade chest-deep in the water, led by Colonel Plugge. The battalion was ordered to move forward up the hill and support the Australians who had landed some hours earlier, and were being heavily pressed. The centre, where help was most needed, was showing signs of breaking. While turning to make the shortest route to the threatened point, Colonel Plugge received shrapnel in his wrist, but carried on.

‘The new route lay over the Plateau, and it was here that things started to get busy. Once above the crest line, across the level, and descending the slope towards Shrapnel Valley, men commenced to fall.’^xiii Shrapnel and snipers were taking their toll over the rough ground and the line became disorganised. From this time the battalion ceased to exist with small groups taking over, led by the natural leaders, officers, NCOs and private soldiers. While fire on the battalion became hotter and hotter, the groups pushed on. The Turks were counter-attacking in over-powering numbers but the stubborn New Zealanders and Australians mixed together, refused to give ground. The wounded crawled back towards the stretcher bearers, ammunition and water were taken from dead men, but still the pressure was kept up. The battalion lost Major Stuckey^xiv, Lieutenants Flower, Dobson and Allen and others were wounded. Still the line held. Among those who did great things was Lieutenant Steadman from Robert’s Company.

When night fell, work to consolidate was undertaken. ‘It was a wild and terrible night. The Turks were moving in the scrub in great numbers, but they were, like the Australasians, tired. The new ANZAC spirit ensured resolute defence and the gunfire of the fleet had cost the Turks many thousands of men. The first 24-hours fighting had led to great disorganisation with brigades, battalions and companies all mixed up. The Auckland battalion was placed in reserve, and ordered to concentrate on Plugge’s Plateau. They soon learned the difference between fighting and resting. ’Resting meant hard toil with pick and shovel, varied by carrying loads of bully-beef, biscuits and ammunition long distances and up steep tracks.’^xv The Auckland Battalion lost 5 officers and 73 men killed. Nine officers and 211 men were wounded and evacuated.

‘On May 1^st the Aucklanders left the Plateau and climbed the steep track to Walker’s Ridge. The next day they were to have been in support to an attack, but at the last moment the operation was cancelled. Half the battalion then moved to Pope’s Hill under Colonel Plugge, while the remainder with Major Harrowell stayed on in the support position. Two days afterwards, orders were received by the battalion to rendezvous at Brighton Pier, prior to embarking for Cape Helles.’^xvi

The New Zealand Brigade was reformed and on the evening of 5 May they embarked for Cape Helles. Having landed, the brigade marched inland. On the morning of 8 May, orders were issued for the New Zealand Brigade to pass through the British units and advance on Krithia Village. The Wellington Battalion were on the left connecting up with the 29^th Division, Auckland Battalion in the centre and Canterbury Battalion on the right linking with the Australians. The Otago Battalion was in reserve. The Auckland Battalion moved up along a winding creek bed, just enough to give shelter and when they were a couple of hundred yards from the front line, platoon rushes were used to reach the front line. Lieutenant Steadman was killed and there were several casualties. The Turkish units were located on a hump known as Achi Baba but from the New Zealand front line they were not visible. Colonel Plugge told his men, ’Well boys, the orders are to go ahead, and we have got to carry them out.’^xvii The British Regular units in the front line were surprised, ‘What! You are going to cross the Daisy Patch? God help you.’^xviii They had tried the day before without success. On the signal, all the men in the first wave went over the parapet and down the slope and the Turkish troops opened fire. Most of the battalion in the first wave went down but some reached the scrub on the other side and formed a sort of firing line.

All the men of the second wave were shot down and when the third wave tried, only a few got across. The Daisy Patch was a tangle of Auckland dead and wounded.^xix Lieutenant Screaton was killed and Lieutenant Macfarlane and Lieutenant Weir were wounded. Captain Bartlett who had shown great leadership in the battle was wounded later.

The battalion was in a terrible state, cut to pieces, disorganised, utterly spent, so that it was no longer an effective fighting unit. Having been withdrawn, its place was taken by the Otago Battalion.²¹ Colonel Plugge, who was wounded, was replaced by Lieutenant Colonel Young as commanding officer. The Auckland Battalion suffered 400 killed and wounded.

Two days later the New Zealand Brigade was withdrawn and placed in reserve, doing fatigues. On 19 May, the Brigade embarked to return to Gallipoli. Major Bayly was killed by a stray bullet from off the shore in the early hours of 20 May 1915. The 15^th North Auckland Company suffered great losses. Only Lieutenant McClelland remained of the original company officers.

Major Robert Horatio Roy Bayly was one of four with the rank of major in the battalion who paid the supreme sacrifice while serving at Gallipoli. He was the twenty-seventh officer to be killed or wounded of the original twenty-nine.^xxi

In the diary of Captain Fairchild, New Zealand Army Medical Corps, he stated, ‘A stray bullet killed Major Bayly who was landing with some troops in a barge. He had lain down and gone to sleep in the barge. It was noticed that he had slipped down a little bit; it was not noticed that he had been hit until the men were out of the barge. Then it was found that he was dead. He had got a bullet through the brain.’^xxii

The Auckland Star quoted in Wanganui Herald on 17 September 1915 stated, ’Major Bayly was killed by a shot from a stray bullet, fired from the shore, which struck him in the head as we came back on a trawler from Cape Helles. He had been a sick man for a long time before he was killed. A shot from [the ship] Queen Elizabeth landed in one of our trenches and killed a couple of men and Major Bayly received a shock which would have thoroughly justified him going to hospital’.

Major Bayly was buried at sea. His name is recorded on the Lone Pine Memorial at Gallipoli.

One of Robert’s sisters received a letter dated 17 June 1915 from the Remuera Lawn Tennis Club.^xxiii

Miss Bayley

Milton Road, Off Dominion Rd.,

Mount Eden

Dear Madam,

I have to inform you that at the Annual General Meeting of my Club a unanimous vote of sympathy was passed to you in the sad loss you have sustained by the death of your brother Major R H Bayley [sic]. We trust that time will alleviate the sorrow and regret you must at present experience. The fact that he died nobly fighting for his King and country and the cause of humanity is doubtless some recompense to you and I can assure you we feel proud that he was a member of our Club. It is the intension of the Committee to perpetuate the memory of all its members who fall in this fearful war and whatever means are adopted, I can assure you that your brother will hold an honoured place therein.

Yours truly

Hon. Secretary

Major Robert Horatio Roy Bayly is remembered at Gallipoli on the Lone Pine Memorial (panel 72), on the King’s College Roll of Honour, on the Auckland University Roll of Honour, on the Pukekohe Intermediate School Memorial Stone, at the Auckland War Memorial Museum World War 1 Hall of Memories, at the Hamilton Memorial Park, and on the Memorial plaque of the Auckland Garrison Officers’ Club at St Mary’s Church.

Pukekohe Intermediate School, WW1 Memorial Stone Bayly, Robert H R Major.

(Source: Aucklandmuseum.com)

During winter 1924, a grove of memorial trees was planted at Pukekohe School to commemorate the Old Boys of the school who died during the Great War. Individual memorial stones were later placed at the base of each tree. The memorial was re-dedicated in April 2006 with the stones restored and reset in a wall outside the Pukekohe Intermediate School.

Memorial Plaque, Auckland Garrison Officers Club at St Mary’s Church

(Source: Aucklandmuseum.com)

Auckland War Memorial Museum, World War 1 Hall of Memories (Panel B.E.Baxter – K.A.Bayne)

(Source: Aucklandmuseum.com)

Lone Pine Memorial, Auckland Infantry Regiment

(Source: nzwargraves.org.nz)

Soon after Robert’s death, his sister Violet Rebecca Revina Bayly enlisted as a nurse with the New Zealand Army Nursing Service. She had qualified in 1914 and had worked as a staff nurse at Auckland Hospital. She served throughout the war and was discharged on 25 August 1919. Violet is remembered on the New Zealand Returned Army Nursing Sisters’ Association Honour Board in Auckland.

The medals, medallion, and flask of Major Bayly are proudly displayed at the Maryborough Military & Colonial Museum. The flask was presented, 5 May 1910, to Captain Robert Bayly by the 3^rd Company King’s College Cadets. Shown with the medals of Major Robert Horatio Roy Bayly – 1914-15 Star, British War Medal and Victory Medal – are his Special Constabulary Foot medallion and his sister Violet’s New Zealand Returned Soldiers’ Association (Nurse) badge.

Flask presented to Capt R Bayly

N^o 3 Compy KCC

5.5.10

Medals and medallion of Major Robert Horatio Roy Bayly and badge of Violet Bayly.

Lest we Forget

References

New Zealand Expeditionary Force Form 2 Attestation of Robert Horatio Roy Bayly

New Zealand Defence Records R22273643 Robert Horatio Roy Bayly

www.aucklandmuseum.com

nzhistory.govt.nz

Ancestry.com

www.paperspast.natlib.govt.nz

nzetc.victoria.ac.nz/ww1-centenary/roll-of-honour/search?page=113

Auckland Weekly News 27 May 1915 page 56

Ozlists.com (from Auckland Weekly News)

Nzwargraves.org.nz New Zealand War Graves Project

Discover.stqry.com/v/pukekohe-intermediate-school-memorial-trees

New Zealand Herald 12 April 1900

www.sooty.nz/king’s-college-roll-of-honour

ww100.nelsonmuseum.co.nz

King’s College King’s Collegian, term 3, 1914

Australian War Memorial Unit Diaries Item 35/18/2 Auckland Battalion April 1915

Australian War Memorial Unit Diaries Item 35/18/2 Auckland Battalion May 1915

Canterbury Times 25 July 1915 page 58

Wanganui Herald 7 September 1915 page 7

Endnotes

i^ King’s College Auckland Honour Roll 1914-1918

ii^ Motto of 15^th (North Auckland) Company

iii^ Principal 1896-1901

iv^ nzhistory.govt.nz

v^ Auckland Weekly News 27 May 1915 page 56

vi^ Discover.slqry.com

vii^ The Auckland Regiment

viii^ King’s Collegian, Term 3, 1914 page 33

ix^ Ibid

x^ The Auckland Regiment

xi^ Ibid

xii^ Auckland Battalion War Diary.

xiii^ The Auckland Regiment

xiv^ Died of wounds to his neck and chest. He succumbed to his wounds on the hospital ship on 25 April 1915 and has no known grave and is remembered on the Lone Pine Memorial

xv^ The Auckland Regiment

xvi^ Ibid

xvii^ Ibid

xviii^ Ibid

xix^ Ibid

xx^ Auckland Weekly News 1915 via Aucklandmuseum.com

xxi^ The New Zealanders at Gallipoli page 131

xxii^ Canterbury Times 28 July 1915, page 58

xxiii^ The club was formed in 1907 and is today known as Remuera Rackets Club.

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.

Major Douglas Dunbar Jamieson MC MiD

2^nd Light Horse Field Ambulance and 8^th Light Horse Regiment Australian Army Medical Corps

By Robert Simpson

H19241. ‘Studio portrait of Captain (later Major) Douglas Dunbar Jamieson, AAMC, attached to the 2nd Light Horse Field Ambulance’. From Australian War Memorial.

Douglas Dunbar Jamieson was born in Kew, Melbourne about 1879 with his birth being recorded in that year. In his service record his date of birth is stated as 5 July 1879. His parents were Francis Jamieson and Annie Hince. Francis had been born in about 1831 in Scotland and Annie about 1842 in England. Annie arrived in Melbourne on 25^th October 1860 on the Merlin from Liverpool. They married in 1862 in Victoria. Douglas was the last child born to them, with them having thirteen children in all. Their first child was Francis Finlay Jamieson, born in 1864 in Kew. Then Caroline Constance Jamieson was born in 1867 in Kew. Alfred Edward Jamieson was born in 1869 in Kew and sadly died in the same year. Stanley Connebee Jamieson was the next born on 26^th January 1879 in Kew (see his story for more on him). Harold Vincent Jamieson had been born in 1871 in Kew, but passed away in 1872. Annie Amy Jamieson was born in 1873 in Kew; and the next two daughters did not live long; Martha Jamieson born and died in 1875 and Minnie Jamieson born and died in 1877; both in Kew. A letter in the collection says there were 13 children, but only 9 can be found listed in Victoria births, as recorded above. It does add that several ‘were born on sailing ships or some of their various visits to and from England.’

On 9 March 1886, the rate assessment for 6 Brougham Street Kew showed Francis Findlay Jamieson, a solicitor, lived there and paid £10.

The Victoria Police Gazette of 19 August 1896 had an entry on page 252 for ‘FRANCIS JAMIESON, 37 Cotham-road, Kew, reports stolen from his harness-room, on the night of the 13^th inst., a lady’s saddle; a boy’s saddle, worn; a single set of buggy harness, silver mounted, in good condition; and a bridle for a pony. Value £10.- O.7229. 15^th August, 1896.’ In the 1896 rate assessment, Francis Jamieson (of no occupation) was living at 37 Cotham Road Kew and paid £2.

In the 1905 Australian electoral roll, Francis Jamieson was living at 37 Cotham Road Kew (of independent means) with Annie (home duties) and Douglas Dunbar (a student).

A list of ‘Legally Qualified Medical Practitioners’ from the Medical Board of Victoria was listed in the Victoria Police Gazette of 27 April 1905 on page 178 and included certificate number 2439, registered on 14 April 1905 for Douglas Dunbar Jamieson of 37 Cotham Road Kew with the qualification ‘M.B. et Ch.B. Melb. 1905’.

Punch (Melbourne) on Thursday 4 July 1907 in page 27 had under ‘Approaching Marriages’ ‘The marriage of Mr. Douglas Dunbar Jamieson, M.B., B.S., youngest son of Mr. Francis Jamieson, ‘ Nirvana ” Kew, and Miss Mary Gertrude, younger daughter of Mr. G. A. Russell, of “Warriston,” Brighton, will take place at South Perth, W.A., in the last week of July.’

In Perth, Western Australia in 1907, Douglas married Mary Gertrude Russell. It was registered that year as number 359. Mary had been born in Hunters Hill NSW on 11 November 1879, a daughter to George Alfred Russell and Louisa Gertrude Townsend Robey, who had been married on 26 December 1866 by Catholic rite as required by Chilean law, then on 27 December by the British chaplain, Mr Dennet, at 8am in Valparaiso, Chile. Their son, Douglas Ronald Jamieson, was born on 8 June 1908 in Brighton Victoria. Family portrait below.

In the Personal section of the West Australian on Saturday 12 October 1907 on page 12 was an entry for ‘The following have been appointed Justices of the Peace: -Dr. Douglas Dunbar Jamieson, of Laverton, for the Mt. Margaret district…’

The Victoria Police Gazette of 25 July 1908 on page 261 had a listing under ‘Officers of Health’ for Shire of Wannon-Coleraine and Nareen Ridings’ for ‘DOUGLAS DUNBAR JAMIESON M.B., to be Acting Officer of Health, during the absence on leave of Samuel Connor M.D.’ He was replaced by another doctor as recorded in the Police Gazette of 6 August 1908 in page 318.

After a hard life, Annie passed away on 16 November 1908 in Kew Victoria. She was buried in Boroondara Cemetery in Area PRES A, Grave Number 512-513. A church publication stated ‘what a sources {sic} of great grief was the sudden death of Mrs. Jamieson … who was so respected in Kew, Victoria, where she had been active for more than 40 years’. The article went on to say how ‘she was always so bright & cheerful inspite (sic) of the loss of so many of her children in infancy…’ The letter also said ‘Uncle Stan Jamieson (doctor) wrote that the Jamiesons were descended from the Stuarts of Bute who in tune were descended from John Stuart natural son of King Robert II (1371-1391)’ and went on to discuss other titles and names. Merlin

The 1911 Loxton’s Medical Directory had an entry for ‘JAMIESON, DOUGLAS DUNBAR, Katoomba – No. 2797; Oct. 14^th, 1908; M.B.,B.S., 1905; Univ. Melb.’

The 1912 Australian electoral roll had Francis living at 37 Cotham Road Kew (of independent means).

In the Victoria Police Gazette of 12 June 1913 in page 299, was Douglas Jamieson ‘M.B. et Ch.B., to be Public Vaccinator for South-Eastern District’.

The Horsham Times of Victoria on Friday 5 September 1913 in page 5 had; ‘Dr. Douglas Dunbar Jamieson was the only applicant for the position of resident surgeon of the Stawell Hospital, and the Board of Management on Monday night decided to offer him the appointment. He has latterly been in private practice at Toora, Gippsland.’

Francis passed away on 20 June 1915. His death was recorded in The Age of 22 June 1915 under deaths as ‘JAMIESON.- On the 20^th June, at “Nirvana,” Cotham-road, Kew, Francis Jamieson, aged 84 years.’ Probate jurisdiction in the will of Francis Jamieson ‘late of Cotham Road Kew in the State of Victoria – Gentleman deceased’ was handled by Madden, Drake & Candy, solicitors of 475 Collins Street Melbourne. The will is quite a lengthy one, with 3 codicils attached. Originally done in December 1904, he had left all to his wife Annie, with the house left to his daughter Caroline Constance while she remained a spinster and allowed her a monthly payment. The rest was to be split evenly between other family members, including other properties he owned. If all his children died without family, he directed the money should be provided to the University of Melbourne for two scholarships to help with Law or Medicine degrees. There were also provisions for money to be bequeathed to three Melbourne hospitals, to be called Annie Jamieson bequests. He added a codicil to it in December 1908, another in January 1909 and a final one in July 1910, which stated that any child indebted to him was to have their share adjusted for the debt.

In Loxton’s Medical Directory of 1911 in the New South Wales section is a listing for ‘JAMIESON, DOUGLAS DUNBAR, Katoomba- No. 2797; Oct. 14^th,1908, M.B.,B.S., 1905; Univ. Melb.’

A directory in 1915 listed Douglas D Jamieson as living at Stawell. In the Victoria Medial Directory, he was also listed under Stawell as ‘JAMIESON, Douglas Dunbar, Stawell Hosp. – M.B., Ch.B., 1905 (Univ. Melb.) B.M.A.’ The Sands Victorian Directory of 1917 had the same details. The same directory in 1919 had Douglas as a physician in Stawell.

Douglas applied for a commission in the Australian Army Medical Corps AIF on 21 June 1915. His educational qualifications were MBBS Melbourne. For military qualifications he had four years as a member of a rifle club and he had been a Lieutenant in K Company 73^rd Battalion Senior Cadets. His present employment was Medical Superintendent at Stawell Hospital. Douglas stated his birth date which made his age as 35 years 11 months. He was a British subject, married to Mary Gertrude Jamieson and was Church of England for religion. His medical certificate shows he was 5 foot 10 inches tall, chest measurement of 33 to 37 inches, weighed 11 stone 7 pounds and for eyesight was written ‘1.25 both eyes wears glasses good’. The Commanding Officer recommended him to be appointed as a Captain and to be posted to the Convalescent Depot AIF London on 7 July 1915. His pay book number was 234711. The address listed for his wife changed a few times. Other details on his description include fair complexion, grey eyes and brown hair.

In the nominal rolls is a file for Convalescent Depot, Harefield Park, London. In the list of men who embarked at Melbourne on HMAT Orsova on 17 July 1915 was Captain D D Jamieson, age 33, a Medical Practitioner, of Stawell Hospital Stawell. He was married and his next of kin was Mary Gertrude Jamieson of 5 Tennyson Street Brighton Beach. His religion was Church of England and he enlisted on 29 June 1915. His pay before embarkation was 22 shilling 6 pence and from 15 July 1915, 13 shillings were kept in Australia, he took 6 shillings and 3 shillings 6 pence were deferred. After arriving in Egypt, he was detached from the unit.

On 18 January 1916 Douglas joined the 2^nd Light Horse and was taken on strength of 2^nd Light Horse Field Ambulance at Maadi Egypt.

At the 2^nd Light Horse Brigade Camp at Maadi Egypt, the brigade had a military sports day on Thursday 10 February 1916. A program is with his effects and lists the committee and the program, which included a variety of races and other events, starting at 12.30 pm. There was prize money on offer.

At Maadi he was marched out to Serapeum on 24 February 1916.

Douglas was recommended for an award as recorded in the 2^nd Light Horse Field Ambulance war diary below.

Recommendation for an award from war diary.

On 27 June 1916 he was transferred to HS Magara at Kantara with enteritis and on 28 June at Et Maler he was admitted to hospital and transferred and admitted to the Casualty Clearing Station at Kantara, and the next day he was transferred to the Scottish Horse Field Ambulance at Port Said with enteritis. He was admitted to the Officers Convalescent Hospital at Cairo with enteritis on 8 July 1916. On 18 July 1916 he was transferred to Sirdarish Officers Convalescent Hospital at Alexandria with enteritis (mild) and on the same day was admitted to Ras-El-Tin Convalescent Depot. His wife was notified of him being in hospital on 26 July. He was transferred to 3^rd Australian General Hospital at Alexandria on 26 July 1916 and was admitted there with enteritis and haemorrhoids on the same day. On 4 August 1916 Douglas was discharged to his unit (2^nd LHFA) from 3^rd AGH.

His service record showed he was awarded the Military Cross for ‘gallantry and devotion to duty in the Field’ with the EEF and it was recorded under General Routine Orders List No. 194 on 5 September 1916. Under AIF Orders List No 124 on 13 October 1916 he was Mentioned in General Murray’s despatches of that date.

In November 1916 he was awarded the Military Cross for leading the rescue of two wounded men who lay in front of the retreating line at Bir-El-Abd in August 1916. Although shells were bursting around them and the horses rearing, they managed to rescue the two wounded and then picked up another three wounded on the way back to safety. His citation, which was ‘To accompany List of Appointments, Commissions, Rewards, &c. No.194, dated 9^th September, 1916’ for the Military Cross read ‘Captain Douglas Dunbar JAMIESON, Australian Army Medical Corps, attached 2^nd Australian Light Horse Field Ambulance. At BIR-EL-ABD on 9^th August, 1916. With 2 Drivers and a man he went with a sandcart to the left flank. Leaving the nearer wounded, they passed through the line which was rapidly retiring, reached two wounded men in front. Under heavy rifle fire and shell fire, loaded them into the cart with great difficulty, as bursting shells were frightening the horses and causing them to plunge. Captain Jamieson having searched in front to make sure there were no more, the party returned, with their harness in a tangled condition, picking up three other wounded on the way back.’ His service record stated it was on 21 November at Cairo that he was awarded the Military Cross as recorded in Routine order for No 2 Anzac Mounted Division.

One of the other soldiers involved was 529 Driver Charles Alexander James Crawford who was awarded the Military Medal ‘For distinguished gallantry. On 9th August, 1916, at BIR-EL-ABD, in company with Captain D. D. Jamieson, Driver Thomson and Private Davis, went with a sandcart to the left flank. Leaving the nearer wounded, they passed through the line which was rapidly retiring, reached two wounded men in the front. Under heavy rifle and shell fire, loaded them into the cart with great difficulty, as bursting shells were frightening the horses and causing them to plunge.’ The museum also has his medals.

Douglas was awarded the Military Cross as a Captain in the AAMC, which was recorded in the London Gazette on 25 November 1916 on page 11548 at position 4 and in the Commonwealth of Australia Gazette on 19 April 1917 on page 925 at position 106. His award was mentioned in various papers all around Australia in 1916 as one of the Australian officers to be awarded a Military Cross. He was Mentioned in despatches in the London Gazette of 1 December 1916 on page 11808 at position 22 and the Commonwealth of Australia Gazette on 19 April 1917 on page 926 at position 92.

The war diary for 2^nd Australian Light Horse Field Ambulance on 11 February 1917 at Massid shows ‘Capt. D.D. Jamieson M.C. transferred to 8^th L.H. & struck off strength of unit’. His service record stated he was transferred on 10 February and attached the next day. On 1 May 1917 the Director General AAMS at the Department of Defence in Melbourne wrote to Captain D D Jamieson AMC C/o DMS AIF 130 Horseferry Street London saying ‘I noted in the latest copy of Commonwealth Gazette that you have been awarded the Military Cross. Please accept my sincerest congratulations on the high honour which you have won, and in so winning have brought honour and credit to the Australian Army Medical Services. Hoping that I may soon have the opportunity of congratulating you personally.’

J02856 – ‘Captain Jamieson of the 2nd Australian Light Horse (2ALH) Field Ambulance (later killed in aeroplane crash) examining natives of the Camel Corps at the native sick parade. (Donated by Mr. F.H. Smith.)’ From AWM.

Base Records sent a letter to Mary Jamieson of 5 Tennyson Street Brighton Beach Victoria on 25 April 1917, stating ‘I have much pleasure in forwarding hereunder copy of extract from Supplement No. 29845 to the London Gazette of 1^st December 1916, relating to the conspicuous services rendered by Captain D. D. Jamieson, 2^nd Light Horse Field Ambulance. Mentioned in Despatches. “In accordance with the final paragraph of the Despatch dated 1^st October, the following are mentioned for distinguished services rendered during the period of General A.J. Murray’s Command of the Egyptian Expeditionary Force:- Captain DOUGLAS DUNBAR JAMIESON.” The above has been promulgated in Commonwealth of Australia Gazette No. 62 of 19^th April, 1917.’ They sent another letter on the same date stating ‘I have much pleasure in forwarding hereunder copy of extract from Second Supplement No. 29837 to the London Gazette of 24^th November 1916, relating to the conspicuous services rendered by Captain D. D. Jamieson, Convalescent Depot, London, A.M.C.’ being awarded the Military Cross. ‘“HIS MAJESTY THE KING has been graciously pleased to confer the Military Cross on the undermentioned officer in recognition of his gallantry and devotion to duty in the field:- Captain DOUGLAS DUNBAR JAMIESON. For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. With two drivers and a man he went with a sand cart to the Left flank. He rescued the wounded men and loaded them into the cart under intense fire. Later, he searched the front for more wounded men.” The above has been promulgated in Commonwealth of Australian Gazette, No. 62 of 19^th April, 1917.’

At Abasan on 19 July 1917 he was with the 8^th Light Horse Regiment. On 24 August 1917 Douglas was to be a Major, under AIF Egypt Routine Order No 13.

On 19 February 1918 he was sent to the Rest Camp at Post Said from 8^th LHR at Selah. He marched in to DMC Rest Camp at Post Said on 29 February and marched out to Moascar on 23 March 1918, where he marched in to 2^nd Light Horse Training Regiment for rations only on the same day. On 29 March he was marched out to his regiment from Moascar, returning to duty with the 8^th LHR at Selmeh on 31 March. Douglas was marched out from 8^th LHR at Solomon Pools to 14^th Australian General Hospital at Port Said on 27 June 1918, to await transport duty to Australia. On the next day he was attached to them for rations awaiting embarkation.

Entries in his service record on 18 and 25 July 1918 show he was admitted to the 14^th Australian General Hospital with ‘abrasions, face Comp frac. of nasal and ethmoid bones, dangerously ill’.

In the admission form for the 14^th Australian General Hospital AIF, it showed that Douglas was admitted on 18 July 1918 with a fractured skull and nose and meningitis. He was in hospital for 11 days. The records show ‘Aeroplane accident 18/7/18. Laceration of nose on both sides & along septum causing complete separation of cartilage of nose except at upper attachment. Marked haemorrhage into both upper lids. Nasal bones smashed. Optn. 18/7/18 nose stitched along sides and septum. While in hp’t’l continuous pyrexia & patient became delirious. X Ray report 24/7/18 “Extensive smashing of the nasal bone at its base, the nasal septum & the superior maxilla extending into the infra orbital plate inner walls of orbits. Whole area of nose appears to be flattened & pushed backwards. Frontal sinuses appear to be clear.” 26/7/18 On patient’s condition becoming worse – exploratory operation decided on. Wound of nose re-opened & explored. Flap turned down over L forehead, & skull trephined just above & extl to L frontal sinuses. Escape of clear fluid & some lymph on meninges. Escape of blood on raising frontal lobe. Scalp wound stitched & rubber drains inserted in angle – decompression operation. 27/7/18 Frequent convulsive attacks – pulse soft & quick – comatose condition. 29/7/18 Patient died at 8.30 A.M’.

His statement of service record showed he was appointed a Captain in the AIF on 14 July 1915, promoted to Major on 24 August 1917 with 2^nd LHF Amb. and was RMO with the 8^th Light Horse Regiment from 10 February 1917. It listed his civilian occupation as Medical Practitioner, that he was born at Stawell, his wife Mrs Jamieson lived at 45 Cotham Road Kew Melbourne (another record has 9 Pakington St Kew, crossed out and “Cradley” Studley Park Road Kew added), he was 38 years old, was 5 foot 9 inches tall, weighed 154 pounds, had a chest measurement of 36 inches, had a fair complexion with grey eyes and brown hair and his religious denomination was Church of England. The record showed he died at Port Said on 29 July 1918 as a result of an aeroplane accident.

The Age of Melbourne on Friday 2 August 1918 had under Death on active service: ‘JAMIESON. – At No. 14 Australian General Hospital Port Said Major Douglas Dunbar Jamieson, M.C., 8^th Light Horse Regiment, dearly loved husband of Mary Jamieson.’ The same paper on 6 August had: ‘JAMIESON. – On the 29^th July, at Port Said, Egypt, in No. 14 Australian General Hospital, Major Douglas Dunbar Jamieson (M.C.), of the A.I.F., surgeon in the 8^th Light Horse Regiment, youngest son of the late Francis Jamieson and Annie Jamieson, of “Nirvana,” Cotham-road, Kew, by accident, after 3 years’ active service, aged 39 years.’

In the Tungamah and Lake Rowan Express and St. James Gazette (Victoria) on Thursday 8 August 1918 in page 2 was an article on ‘DEATH OF MAJOR JAMIESON’ which said: ‘The sad news was received on Friday by Dr. Jamieson, of Yarrawonga, that his brother Major Douglas Dunbar Jamieson, had died from the result of an accident at Port Said. The accident occurred on the 25^th (sic) July, and Major Jamieson died on the 29th. No particulars of the accident have yet been received, but it is believed to have resulted in a fracture of the scull (sic), followed by meningitis. Major Jamieson had been on active service in Palestine for three years, and won the Military Cross, and was recommended for V.C. He was attached to the 8th Light Horse Regiment, and was returning home when he met with his tragic death. He leaves a wife and one son, who reside in Melbourne. Major Jamieson’s death was mentioned at the Commemoration service on Sunday evening by the Rev. G. Nelson, who said he felt sure that the sympathy of the people of Yarrawonga went forth to the widow and to the relatives in their sad bereavement.’

A copy of the proceedings of a court of enquiry held at 14^th AGH at Port Said on 14 August 1918 by the Commanding Officer of the 14^th AGH ‘Enquiring into the circumstances of the death of Major D. D. Jamieson (M.C.) was sent to Base Records. The first witness was Major A B Peck Commanding 144^th Squadron RAF who stated ‘The accident was due to the machine stalling whilst at a low height, too low for the pilot to recover again before crashing. Pilot Gann has an excellent record since he began flying and is quite reliable. There is no question of alcoholism in connection with him on day of accident. There is a regulation that no Officers of Navy or Army can be taken up for flights without permission of Squadron Commander or his representative. This permission was given to Pilot Gann by the representative of the C. O. Pilot Rutherford for taking up Major Jamieson on the day of the accident.’ Five other people gave witness statements. 2^nd Lieutenant William Holden Gann 144^th Squadron RAF stated ‘About 17-7-18 Major Jamieson asked me if I would take him up for a flight and I replied that provided I obtained permission I was quite willing to do so. On July 18^th 1918 Major Jamieson came down to the Aerodrome, found me there, we had tea about 1600, and immediately afterwards we started the flight. I had received permission from the Adjutant, Lieut. APPS to take Major Jamieson up with me, after I had found that the C. O., Major Peck was absent from the Aerodrome. Major Jamieson and I then got in the machine and the mechanic started the engine, after which I remember no more until about 0400 next morning, when I found myself in hospital. I had flown in that machine several times shortly before the accident and found the machine satisfactory. Major Jamieson and I had no alcoholic drinks that afternoon. I have had 100 hours flying up to July 18^th 1918 and this is the first accident of any kind I have had in a machine. The Board found that at ‘the time of the accident Major Jamieson was not in performance of a Military Duty’ and ‘was not to blame for the accident’. The Court did note that ‘G.R.O. 3123 Bounds, puts aerodromes out of bounds to all ranks’ and although permission was obtained from the CO to fly, Douglas ‘was to blame primarily for being out of bounds in defiance of G.R.O.’s.’ The flying regulation was determined to be supplementary to the Order, but as all requirements were fulfilled for it ‘absolves Major Jamieson from blame’ and no other person was to blame. Both Lieutenants Rutherford and Apps gave statements stating they had been asked by Lieutenant Gann if he could take a friend up flying, with both stating they had no objections. Lieutenant Colonel Athol J H Saw of 144^th AGH stated ‘I saw Major Jamieson on the 18^th August 1918 when he was admitted to Hospital. He was suffering from fracture of the nasal bones, laceration of Ala Naer Septum. Fracture of Ethmoid bone extending into base of skull, also of both Frontal Sinuses. He was taken to the Operating Theatre, the wounds treated under an anaesthetic. His progress was satisfactory for 5 days and then he developed symptoms suggestive either of Cerebral Abscess or Meningitis. His condition became worse, a Trephining Operation was done with a view of relieving symptoms but no ameliorations ensued. He died 2 days later. The cause of his death was Septic Haemeptis (sic) supervening on fracture of the base of the skull.’

The Week (Brisbane) of Friday 16 August 1918 on page 19 added ‘GALLANT MEDICAL OFFICER Major Douglas Dunbar Jamieson, M.C., Australian Army Medical Corps, who is reported to have died at No. 14 Australian General Hospital, Port Said, was, before the outbreak of the war, a medical practitioner, at Stawell. He was a brother of Mrs. P. P. McBride of Brisbane. He was awarded the military cross for conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty, in connection with the fighting at Romani and Bir-el-Abd, Egypt in August, 1916. With two drivers, and a fourth man, he went with a sandcart (sic) to the left flank, rescued two wounded men and put them in the cart under intense fire. Later he searched the front, for more wounded men. Major (then Captain} Jamieson was mentioned in Sir A. Murray’s Egyptian Expeditionary Force despatches on 13^th October, 1916. On 10^th February, 1917, he was transferred from the 2nd Light Horse Field Ambulance to the 8th Light Horse as medical officer, and while serving in Palestine, he was again mentioned in despatches for gallantry. He was promoted major on 21^st August, 1917.’

A part of a letter is with his records at the museum and states: ‘Dr. D. D. Jamieson, who is now a Major, came over here to see me yesterday, and again to-day and we spent most of the time together here (14^th A.G.H. Egypt). He and I were always very good friends. I admire him very much. There are few in the Army I like better. He is very well considering his hard going as M.O. to the 8^th L.H. While I lived with him at the Ambulance all our days were good days, full of fun (and work at times). These times we have been talking over again, so to-day has been a very good day. I wanted him to apply to come here for a spell, but he says he would never leave his regiment. That is “Jamie” all over. He is one of the real men. So if he does not write, tell his wife no man could be more respected by soldiers than “Old Jamie” as he is called. He will do anything for soldiers, thinks nothing of risking his life for them at every scrap, and the soldiers will do anything for him.’ A couple of newspaper cuttings with the letter say: ‘Gallant Medical Officer Major Douglas Dunbar Jamieson, M.C., Australian Army Medical Corps, who is reported to have died at No. 14 Australian General Hospital, Port Said, was before the outbreak of the war a medical practitioner at Stawell. He was awarded the Military Cross for conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty in connection with the fighting at Romani and Bir-el-Abd, Egypt, in August, 1916. With two drivers and a fourth man he went with a sandcart to the left flank, rescued two wounded men and put them in the cart under intense fire. Later he searched the front for more wounded men. Major (then Captain) Jamieson was mentioned in Sir A. Murray’s Egyptian Expeditionary Force despatches on October 13, 1916. On February 10, 1917, he was transferred from the 2^nd Light Horse Field Ambulance to the 8^th Light Horse as Medical Officer, and while serving in Palestine, he was again mentioned in despatches for gallantry. He was promoted Major on August 24, 1917.’ The other cutting said: ‘The following message through the Governor-General has been received by Mrs. M. E. Jamieson, “Cradley”, Studley Park-road, Kew, regarding the death of her husband, Major Douglas Jamieson M.C., :- “The King and Queen deeply regret the loss you and the army have sustained by the death of your husband in the service of his country. Their Majesties truly sympathise with you in your sorrow.” Major Jamieson, surgeon in the 8^th Light Horse, was recently reportedly accidently killed at Port Said.’

Douglas has another two files at National Archives Australia, one is open but not online – Citation NAA: MT297/14, JAMIESON/D D, which is dated from 1915 to 1918; and Citation NAA: B73, R14614, which has not been yet examined and dates from 1918 only. It also says ‘File Cover Only’.

Two lots of personal effects were sent to Mary, one lot ex Wiltshire on 29 November 1918 and the other lot ex Sardinia on 18 February 1919, as shown below.

Inventories of his effects, page 15 and 29 in his service record.

The Commonwealth War Graves Commission has an entry for him – ‘Major JAMIESON, DOUGLAS DUNBAR Died 29/07/1918 Aged 39 8th Australian Light Horse M C, Mentioned in Despatches Son of Francis and Annie Jamieson; husband of Mary G. Jamieson, of “Warriston,” 47, Princess St., Kew, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. Native of Kew.’ Their documents also record he was AAMC attached 8^th Light Horse Regiment and he died of accidental injuries. He was to have a cross on his stone and was buried in E. 3. Port Said War Memorial Cemetery. His name is recorded in the report of the Grave Registration Unit in report Egypt 14.f.1 which shows the place of his grave in a list. He was buried by Chaplain D. W. Weir at Port Said Military Cemetery on 30 July 1918; recorded in his service record as grave 54 B.

Grave photo P03569.027. ‘The original grave marker, covered in flowers, of Major (Maj) Douglas Dunbar Jamieson, MC, Medical Officer attached to the 8th Australian Light Horse, of Stawell, Vic. Maj Jamieson, a doctor and surgeon at the Stawell Hospital in Victoria, enlisted as a captain on 29 June 1915 and embarked from Melbourne aboard HMAT Orsova on 15 July 1915. He was appointed to the Convalescent Depot, Haberfield Park, London. On 18 January 1916 he was transferred to the 2nd Australian Light Horse Field Ambulance in Egypt. At Bir-El-Abd on 9 August 1916 he was awarded the Military Cross for his daring exploits in rescuing wounded soldiers under heavy rifle and shell fire. He died on 29 July 1918 from complications of a fractured skull received in an aeroplane accident in Egypt on 17 July 1918 aged 39 years.’ From AWM.

A photo of his grave was also sent to his wife in a card, with a description of where it is, on 12 December 1919.

New Gravestone. With thanks to TWGPP.

The nominal roll shows that Major Douglas Dunbar Jamieson (MC) AAMC died of accidental injury on 29/7/18. The Australian Red Cross had an enquiry on his death and has some records which show that Major D D Jamieson AIF AMC 8^th Light Horse Regiment ‘Died 29/7/18 at 14^th Gen. Hpl. Egypt Frac: skull Cart. by A.I.F. Hqrs List 5/9/18.’ They also had a couple of statements ‘I first knew Major Jamieson when he was admitted as a patient after an aeroplane crash that happened at Port Said while he was going up for a joy ride. Something went wrong with the engine and the aeroplane crashed nose first from a little over 100 feet high. The pilot suffered minor injuries – but Major Jamieson was very much hurt having his nose broken, his jaw broken and his skull fractured. He was brought into the officer’s ward at the 14^th A.G.H. and attended to. A few days later septiceina (sic) set in and they performed trephining on him. He lived a few days afterwards in a semi-conscious condition. He used to get up and try to wander about but you had only just to speak to him and he would go and lie down. All hope of his recovery was given up on the night of the 28^th but he lingered on till the morning at 8 o’clock when he passed away. The pilot of the aeroplane was very cut up when he died – they had to remove him from the ward while the body was being carried out to the mortuary. He attended the funeral in the afternoon and took it very hard. He is buried in the Military Cemetery in Port Said. He was a very brave man through his sickness – never once complaining – and it was a pleasure to nurse him. Sister Cooke was in charge of the Officer’s ward at the time and Col. Saw was the surgeon in charge of his case.’ The informant was 13628 Trooper J McGrath 14 AGH. Another statement by 9871 Driver W Spottiswood of 2^nd Field Ambulance attached to 14^th AGH read ‘I was in the same unit as Capt. Jamieson (the 2^nd L.H.Field Ambulance) for about 18 months, and I knew him well. When he was appointed Major he went to the 8^th L.H., for a long time and had left them and was at Port Said awaiting embarkation for Australia when the accident occurred. I had just gone to Alexandria on leave – when it happened – so I have arranged with Tpr. C. McGrath of 14^th A.G.H. who nursed Major Jamieson to supply missing data of his death and burial. Major Jamieson was one of the best and liked by everybody.’

On 20 August 1918 the Secretary to the Governor-General in Melbourne sent a letter to Mrs M G Jamieson of “Cradley” Studley Park Road, Kew Victoria saying ‘I am desired by His Excellency the Governor-General to transmit to you the following message from Their Majesties The King and Queen:- “The King and Queen deeply regret the loss you and the Army have sustained by the death of your husband in the service of his Country. Their Majesties truly sympathise with you in your sorrow.” In addition to the above message, I am desired by the Governor-General to express Their Excellencies’ heartfelt sympathy with you on this death of their gallant officer.’

His obituary is recorded in The Medical Journal of Australia, published on 1 October 1918 on page 296, but it not freely available online. It is also mentioned in the Index-catalogue of the library of the Surgeon-General’s Office, U.S. Army in 1928 on page 16. He is listed as ‘Jamieson (Douglas Dunbar) [1879-1918]. Obituary. Med J. Aust., Sydney, 1918, ii, 296.’

Australian Headquarters at Cairo wrote to Base Records on 21 October 1918 referring to Major D D Jamieson MC AAMC and forwarding a ‘certified true copy of proceedings of Court of Enquiry in connection with the death of the above named Officer on 25.8.18.’

On 11 April 1919 the Secretary to the Governor-General again wrote to Mary advising her that ‘I am directed by His Excellency the Governor-General to inform you that the Army Council has transmitted to the Governor-General a Military Cross which was awarded to the late Major D.D.Jamieson.M.C. His Excellency will be glad to learn whether you would like the decoration to be presented to you on the occasion of a Parade of Troops, or whether you would prefer that it should be handed to you privately. In the event of you preferring to receive the decoration privately I shall be glad if you would communicate with me with a view to arranging a suitable morning on which you could attend at Federal Government House, when the Military Cross will be handed to you by the Governor-General.’

His temporary commission in the Land Forces of the Australian Military Forces as a Captain was dated from 14 July 1915 and was filled out on 4 January 1917. Mary signed for the Commission Form on 19 November 1917 and Base Records received the receipt the next day. On 2 December 1918 Mary signed for a package, ‘being the effects of the late Major D.D. Jamieson, 8^th Light Horse Regiment’ from the Wiltshire. The receipt reached Base Records on 4 December.

On 18 August 1920 Australian Graves Services in London wrote to Base Records about Douglas, advising them he was buried in Port Said Military Cemetery in ‘Grave E.64’ and that the ‘O.C., Australian Graves Services, Egypt, has been instructed to ascertain whether the carved red gum tablet despatched by Mrs. Jamieson is still on the grave. The Imperial War Graves Commission have no objection to small tablets being placed on graves provided they are laid flat on the surface.’ Base Records received the letter on 30 September 1920. Another letter from Imperial War Graves Commission in London to Australian Graves Services there ‘regarding a small gum tablet placed on the grave of Major D.D. Jamieson. We do not allow as a rule private memorials of this nature to remain on graves unless the memorial is of such a nature and size that it will not interfere with the proper maintenance of the cemetery. In many cases memorials which the next-of-kin wish to lay on the graves interfere with the machine cutting of the grass. In the present case I judge that the memorial is so small that it can safely be left, but I think Mrs Jamieson should be told that it will be left providing it does not interfere with the proper maintenance of the graves.’

Mary signed for his Mentioned in Despatches certificate (number 2974) on 1 December 1920 and Base Records received it back on 4 December. On 19 January 1921 the pamphlet ‘Where The Australians Rest’ was sent to Mary. His memorial scroll was sent to Mary on 7 September 1921, she acknowledged the receipt on 22 September and Base Records received it back on 24 September. The memorial plaque was sent on 8 December 1922. Mary could not collect it, so she authorised Stanley to collect it; which he did on 17 January 1923 and signed for it. On 12 January 1923 his Victory medal and oak leaf was sent to her by registered post, which she received and signed for on 17 January and Base Records received the receipt back on 22 January. The register order form was posted to her on 16 January 1931 with two cemetery registers posted on 17 February 1931.

On 18 September 1937 Mary wrote, asking ‘Will you let me have the number of my husbands’ grave in the cemetery at Port Said. I had it once years ago, but it has unfortunately been lost. My husbands’ full name and rank was Major Douglas Dunbar Jamieson M.C. R.A.M.C. and the date of his death was July 29^th 1918. Yours very truly Mary G. Jamieson’ She recorded her address as 67 Wellington St Kew EH. The Repat Commission of Victoria received it on the morning of 20 September 1937. They replied on 22 September, advising her that his grave was at ‘Port Said War Memorial Cemetery, Egypt. Plot (or Block) E, Grave No. 3’.

After his death, Mary remained a widow for the remainder of her life. She passed away in 1960 in Malvern, Victoria and is buried in the family grave. Their son, Douglas, married Beth Merritt Nickolls on 24 November 1939 at Melbourne Grammar Chapel in a double ceremony with her sister, Nancy Berkley Nickolls marrying Francis Guthrie. Beth had been born in 1908 and died in Queensland in 2005, as did Douglas in 1987.

The AWM also has in their collection a private record relating to the service of Major Douglas Dunbar Jamieson, MC, 8^th Light Horse Regiment, Palestine, 1917-1918. It consists of one letter written by him to his wife in Australia. It is not available online, but is open to view at the museum. They also note of him: ‘Biographical note: Major Douglas Dunbar Jamieson, MC, 8 Light Horse Regiment, AIF, who died from a fracture of the skull on 29 July 1918, in Egypt. Other biographical details concerning him are: medical practitioner; of Stawell, Victoria; born Kew, Victoria; educated at Hawthorn Grammar School and Melbourne University (where he took his degree); was a good athlete, and on one occasion won a 10 mile cross country championship run; was also a frequent contributor of verse and prose to various papers; held a commission in the Commonwealth Military Forces; age at time of death, 39. An elder brother, Stanley Connebee Jamieson, served as a medical officer with the Tasmanians in the South African War, and was also a member of the AIF.’

Douglas Dunbar Jamieson’s name is located at panel 6 in the Commemorative Area at the Australian War Memorial. Douglas Dunbar Jamieson’s name will be projected onto the exterior of the Hall of Memory on:

• Thu 16 July 2020 at 9:43pm

• Sun 30 August 2020 at 4:32am.

Douglas originally had his will written on 13 May 1915 with D R Herald, a solicitor in Stawell. It was filed in Melbourne on 18 September 1918. He appointed his wife as sole executrix. Stanley was to get all his medical books and instruments and all else of his property was to go to Mary. The Supreme Court of Victoria recorded on his will that he was ‘formerly of Stawell in the State of Victoria Medical Practitioner but lately on active service in the Australian Imperial Forces Major deceased’. It was shown to Mary on 13 September 1918 when she submitted her affidavit to the court. There is also an entry in the New South Wales index to deceased estate files which shows his name and address, date of death and occupation and that it was resealed on 19 February 1940 with the estate valued at £30. The name Windeyer CO is also written at the bottom. A copy of the probate of his will outlining the above is included in his service record.

Windeyer & Co, Solicitors in Sydney, wrote to Base Records on 8 January 1940 asking ‘We have received instructions to apply for reseal in New South Wales of Probate of the Will of the late Douglas Dunbar Jamieson, Probate of whose Will was granted by the Supreme Court of Victoria on 22^nd October 1918. For the purpose of obtaining relief from assessment of New South Wales death duties we desire to have a Certificate that the said deceased died on Active Service. The deceased was Medical Officer to the 8^th Australian Light Horse, and died at Port Said on 29^th July 1918.’ Their reply on 10 January 1940 stated they had to ‘advise that the cost of preparing a Departmental certificate of report of death of the late Major D.D. Jamieson, M.C., A.A.M.C., A.I.F., will amount to two shillings and six pence (2/6d)., and on receipt of remittance (postal note) the necessary action will be taken to comply with your request.’ The solicitors replied on 11 January and again on 8 March, enclosing the postal note which base Records received and posted out the receipt and the certificate on 16 January and 14 March 1940. A copy of the certificate in his service record reads ‘Major, Douglas Dunbar Jamieson, M.C., Australian Army Medical Corps, Australian Imperial Force. Fractured scull (sic)………… 14^th, Australian General Hospital, Port Said, Egypt. 29^th, July, 1918 xxx Cable No. C.E.B.C. 1179 from the Commandant, A.I.F. Headquarters, dated Cairo 29^th, July, 1918, confirmed by Mail from the Commandant, A.I.F. Headquarters, dated Cairo 5^th, August, 1918, and Army Form B.103.’

Francis Finlay Jamieson was living at 6 Brougham Street as a solicitor as listed in the Kew rate book for 1886. He passed away on 25 September 1889 in Kew and is buried in the family plot. The Age of Melbourne on Saturday 28 September 1889 in page 10 explained what happened ‘THE FATAL ACCIDENT TO A SOLICITOR. Mr. Candler, the District Coroner, held an inquest at Kew, yesterday, on the body of Mr. Francis Finlay Jamieson, aged 25 years, a solicitor, residing at Kew, who died on Wednesday from injuries received through a pony falling on him on the 24th inst. Miss Caroline Constance Jamieson stated the deceased was her brother, and on the 24th inst., at about 9 o’clock, he went to bridle a pony. It ran at him, reared on its hind legs and fell on him. She and her sister carried the deceased into the house. The occurrence was an unfortunate accident. Mr. W. E. Walshe, surgeon, stated that he saw Mr. Jamieson on the 24th inst. He was somewhat dazed, and told him what had happened. He ordered Mr. Jamieson to be put to bed, and afterwards the injured man vomited, and symptoms of congestion developed, death ensuing on the following day. A verdict of accidental death was returned.’

Caroline Constance Jamieson did not marry. In the 1934 electoral roll she was living at 45 Cotham Road Kew, doing home duties. An article in a Kew Historical Society newsletter was titled ‘Spinster who defeats Parliaments…’ and discussed an article in a newspaper of 1925 about her not willing to sell her property to allow the widening of Kew Road. It also discussed the family as recorded here – http://kewhistoricalsociety.org.au/khs/wp-content/uploads/KHS-Newsletter-2017-3.pdf . On 8 February 1955 she passed away in Kew and was buried in the family plot. Probate was granted on 24 May 1955 and her occupation was listed as a spinster.

45 Cotham Street Kew

Annie Amy Jamieson married Frederick Franz Schultz in 1904 in Victoria. Frederick had been born about 1880 in either Germany or Australia (1884 according to the cemetery headstone and middle name Frank). It was recorded in the Argus of Saturday 16 April 1904 in page 9 under ‘MARRIAGES. SCHULTZ—JAMIESON.—On the 24th February, at the Presbyterian Church, Kew, by the Rev. Maldon Robb, Frederick, second son of William Schultz, Sydney, to Amy, younger daughter of Frances Jamieson, “Nirvana,” Kew, Melbourne.’ The Weekly Times in Melbourne on 27 February 1904 in page 29 had their wedding under ‘SOCIETY and FASHION on Wednesday, Mr F. Schultz and Miss Amy Jamieson were married at Presbyterian Church, Kew, by the Rev. A. F. Robb. The bride was given away by her father. She wore a gown of ivory satin trimmed with old lace, and carried “a pretty shower bouquet. Miss Maggie Craig was bridesmaid. She wore white silk with lace yokes, chiffon sleeves, black velvet picture hats. The bridegroom’s gift was a miniature of the bride, “Nellie Stewart” bangles. Dr Jamieson was best man, and Mr Diddams groomsman. Breakfast was served at “Nirvana,” Kew, in a marquee on the lawn. The travelling gown was reseda green canvas, worn with light straw hat trimmed with green velvet, pink roses.’ They had a girl, Sheila Eveleen Schultz, in 1905 in Kew, Victoria. He changed his surname by deed poll in August 1915, which was recorded in The Advertiser of Adelaide on 11 August 1915. McBryde was his mother’s maiden name. Confusingly, NAA has an open file which is not online which states ‘Name of Lieut (Prov.) F.B. Schultze to be Altered to Read Lieut (Prov.) F.B. McBryde’ in Citation NAA: A2023, A257/5/7 in 1915. His service record has McBryde for his surname with his uncle, Frederick Frank McBryde, manager AMP Society Adelaide SA, recorded as next of kin. He is another Frederick Schultz, middle name was Balfour (his mother’s maiden name), so it is odd he would also pick McBryde for a surname. He had different parents and was married twice. His grandparents were William Schultz and Annie McBryde, Frederick Frank’s parents. Frederick Balfour McBryde enlisted in 1916 and was recommended for a commission. He left Australia in 1917 as a part of reinforcements for the 50^th Battalion and was promoted to Lieutenant in 1918. After serving in France he returned to Australia. After the war he is mentioned in Who’s Who in Australia as having various roles in the Supreme Court. Frederick Frank McBryde was listed as a Justice of the Peace in Queensland on 15 October 1917. They are recorded it the electoral roll for 1921 and 1925 at Montpelier Wickham Terrace and he was a manager. They were in Wellington in the 1928 New Zealand electoral roll, at 14 Selwyn Terrance. He was a manager, Annie was listed as being married and Sheila Evelyn McBryde, a spinster, was also living there. In the 1943 electoral roll they were living at Monalto Marne Street South Yarra in Melbourne and Frederick had no occupation with Annie doing home duties, as well as Sheila. Frederick passed away on 27 July 1951 in South Yarra and was listed as a Gentleman when probate was granted on 3 October 1951. Sheila married a man named Tilbury. She passed away, with The Sydney Morning Herald of 4 September 1997 on page 4 recording under deaths ‘TILBURY, Sheila Eveleen. – August 31, 1997. Much loved mother and mother-in-law of Carol and Bruce and fond grandmother of Geoffrey and Hugh. Privately cremated.’ She is remembered in Northern Suburbs Memorial Gardens.

The headstone transcription for the family grave in Boroondara Cemetery in the Presbyterian A section for graves 512 and 513 reads ‘ILMO/Jeanne Emma JAMIESON/ BWO Major Stanley C. JAMIESON V.D. J. P., of Verdun, Yarrawonga & dau of the late Dr. A. A. DENIS, M.D., B, Sc., Bac. Lit. of Yarrawonga/ b at Mauritius 11 Sep 1876/ d at Yarrawonga 29 Jul 1930/ a dev wife & companion/ also the above Stanley C. Jamieson, R.M.D. of Tasmania AIF in the Boer War/ & 8^th A.L.H. in the Great War/ born at Kew 26 Jan 1870/ d 10 Feb 1938/ Frederick Frank McBRYDE/ d 27 Jul 1951/ 87y. ILMO/ Francis Finlay/ eldest son of Francis & Annie JAMIESON./ d at Kew 25 Sep 1889/ 25y/ Annie/ BWO Francis JAMIESON/ d 16 Nov 1908 also Francis JAMIESON d 20 Jun 1915/ 84y. Caroline Constance JAMIESON/ d 8 Feb 1955 also Major Douglas Dunbar JAMIESON M.C. of the AIF/ Surgeon to the 8th Light Horse Regt d at Port Said Egypt on 29 Jul 1918/ after three years active service/ The LHO/ Mary Gertrude JAMIESON/ A gallant soldier/ also of their inf children/ Alfred, Harold, Martha & Minnie.’

His medals are the Military Cross, 1914-15 Star, British War Medal and Victory Medal with oak leaf. The medal group and memorial plaque are on display at the Maryborough Military & Colonial Museum.

His Memorial Plaque.

The museum also has on display various items from Douglas.

His identity disc.

A framed caricature.

His brandy flask, which was issued to Medical Officers.

His red cross armband.

The King’s Scroll for him.

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.

37 L/Cpl Joseph Charles Harvey KRUGER DCM

22^nd Australian Infantry Battalion AIF

By Robert Simpson

Joseph Charles Harvey Kruger was born in Port Melbourne Victoria and his birth was registered in 1896 with the registration number 30344/1896. He was the eldest of 5 children to Charles Albert Kruger and Annie Cornish, who had been married in 1896 in Victoria. Charles had been born in Victoria in 1865, from German parents who had migrated to Australia. Annie had been born about 1880, according to other family trees; where is not known. Their other children were Charles Frederick William Kruger, born in Port Melbourne in 1898; George Malcolm Kruger, born in 1900 in Port Melbourne, but unfortunately passing away on 30^th October 1900; Lydia Carol Kruger, born in 1902 in Port Melbourne and Ethel May Kruger, born in 1904 in South Melbourne.

Joseph enlisted on 16^th February 1915 at Melbourne, stating he was a natural born British subject, born in Port Melbourne and was 19 years and 2 months old. He was a labourer, single and had not been an apprentice. His next of kin was his father, Charles Kruger of 248 Bridge Street Port Melbourne. He had also given consent for Joseph to enlist. Joseph had 3 years with the senior cadets at Port Melbourne, being discharged due to being medically unfit. He took the oath the same day. His physical description was aged 19 years and 2 months, height 5 foot 5 3/8 inches, weight 10 stone 2 pounds, chest measurement 33½ to 35½ inches, and had a medium complexion with blue eyes and brown hair. For distinctive marks, he had 4 vaccinations on his left arm, a scar on his left forearm and a birthmark on his lower spine. He was medically certified on the same day. Joseph was appointed to A Company 22^nd Battalion on 1^st May 1915 by the Commanding Officer of the 22^nd Battalion as Private 37 Joseph Harvey Kruger. The Battalion had been formed at Broadmeadows Camp on 26^th March 1915, as part of 6^th Brigade. His religious denomination was Church of England.

Private 37 Joseph Harvey Kruger embarked with A Company 22^nd Battalion, 6^th Infantry Brigade on 10^th May 1915 on HMAT Ulysses A38 at Melbourne. He was a 19-year-old labourer who lived at 248 Bridge Street Port Melbourne. His father Charles Kruger of the same address was his next of kin. His religion was Church of England and he was paid 5 shillings a day. In the book, “With the Twenty-Second, A History of the 22nd Battalion, A.I.F.” by Captain E. Gorman MC on page 4 it states “On the 21^st May, the Battalion Representative, Pte Kruger – later awarded the DCM on Gallipoli and killed in action at Warlencourt – won the Lightweight Championship of the boat from Pte Springhall, of the 21^st, a boxer of some note.” The transport ship, the 15,000-ton Ulysses, carried the 21^st and 22^nd Battalions and the HQ for the 6^th Brigade. There were in excess of 2000 soldiers on board.

248 Bridge Street, Port Melbourne is a house, with 3 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, and 2 parking spaces. It is on a 141 sqm block of land. This house is estimated to be worth around $1.2m. It was last sold 17 years ago for $380 000. It has been listed for rent since it was last purchased and was most recently listed for rent in 2016 with an asking price of $730 per week.

On 30^th August 1915 he proceeded to join the MEF at the Gallipoli peninsula. He joined the 22^nd Battalion there. They deployed at Gallipoli in the first week of September and moved to the front line, allowing the 2^nd Brigade to be rested. On 30^th October 1915 (according to his service record) he had been asphyxiated by gas and went to the 6^th Field Ambulance. He returned to duty the next day. His service record says “poisoned by gas (slight)”. The Battalion war diary on 29^th October 1915 at ANZAC noted that at “1400 Mine blown up in Tunnel C3 today.” An “officer was overcome by gas.” Officers and men of the 22^nd Battalion “went to rescue – many overcome by guncotton fumes. 2 officers & 3 men died – about 14 suffered from poisoning”.

Joseph was recommended for a Distinguished Conduct Medal which was written: 29/10/1915. C2 Tunnel. ANZAC. Distinguished himself greatly by his plucky conduct in entering the tunnel and shaft repeatedly to rescue others and, though suffering from the effects of fumes succeeded in bringing up Lieut. Bowra’s body with the aid of No. 1536 L/Cpl. J. P. Doyle, who also displayed endurance and devotion in rescue work.” The incident occurred when the 4^th Field Company Engineers detonated a mine in the tunnel near the 22^nd Battalion’s position in the line. It failed to break through to open air, causing the poisonous gasses from the explosion to remain in the tunnel. Lieutenant Frederick Bowra was overcome by the gasses as he was lowered into a shaft to the tunnel. Lieutenants Edwin Bazeley, Charles Thom, and Sapper Frederick Currington went to his aid and were all overcome. Toxic gasses were then detected coming up the shaft. Several men, including Private Joseph Kruger, participated in a rescue attempt. Five men died as a result of this incident and several were hospitalised. Joseph was amongst those who were asphyxiated by gas.

Lieutenant Inglis Peter Stewart was awarded a Military Cross for the same event. The museum has his medal group as well.

Base Records sent his father a letter on 17^th November 1915 stating: – Regret reported son Private J.H. Kruger poisoned by gas slight October 30^th will promptly advise if anything further received.” They sent him another one on 22^nd December 1915 advising him: – now reported son Lance Corporal Joseph H. Kruger admitted 3^rd Auxiliary Hospital Heliopolis 15^th December rheumatism mild will promptly advise if anything further received.”

On 11^th December 1915, he was to be a Lance Corporal. Joseph was sent to HS Oxfordshire with rheumatism on 12^th December 1915 and was admitted to the 3^rd Auxiliary Hospital at Heliopolis on the 15^th with the same illness. He was discharged on 6^th January 1916 for overseas duty.

The Colac Reformer (Victoria) on Thursday 30^th December 1915 in page 3 had

“AUSTRALIAN CASUALTIES

128th List

The 128th list of casualties was released by the Defence Department last night. The list contains the names of 9 officers and 548 of other ranks.” Under “INJURED” was a list including “Lance-Corporal J. H. Kruger”.

In the Farmer and Settler (Sydney) of Wednesday 5^th January 1916 in page 2 was

“AUSTRALASIA’S ROLL OF HONOR

The Commonwealth’s and the Dominion’s Losses in Turkey Now Total 45.920

The casualties in the Australian Expeditionary Force, notified by the Defence Department, number 37,877, comprising 6318 of all ranks, killed or died of wounds or illness. 30.004 wounded or ill, and 1555 missing. The New Zealand casualties total 8043, and the aggregate for Australasia is thus 45,920.” In the list of “ILL IN HOSPITAL” in the 3rd Auxiliary Hospital at Heliopolis was “L.-Cpl. J. H. Kruger, 22nd Btn, (Port Melbourne) second occasion.”

The Herald of Melbourne on Wednesday 12^th January 1916 in page 5 had the story: –

“D.C.M. WON BY BOXER

LANCE-CPL. J. H. KRUGER

For having attempted to rescue sappers who were being suffocated by gas, Lance-Corporal J. H. Kruger has been awarded a Distinguished Conduct Medal. He is a son of Mr and Mrs Charles Kruger, of Bridge street, Port Melbourne, and a nephew of Mr F. W. Porter, physical culturist. He is attached to C Company, 22nd Battalion, 6th Infantry Brigade, but is now in the hospital at Hellopolis (sic) suffering from the effects of the gas. In a cable message to his mother he stated that he was making good progress. Lance – Corporal Kruger is 18 years of age. His first notable feat was to compete in the featherweight boxing championship of Broadmeadows, which he won after 15 severe contests, defeating several professional boxers in the competition, the prize for which was a medal. His next performance was to compete in and win the championship of the transport — the Southland, which was torpedoed.”

 

His entry in the London Gazette of 22^nd January 1916 on page 959 at position 1 reads “KRUGER J. H. Pte. 37 22^nd Bn. For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty during rescue operations near Anzac, Gallipoli Peninsula, on 29th October, 1915, when he repeatedly entered a mine tunnel and shaft to rescue others. He showed great pluck and, though suffering from the effects of the fumes, succeeded with the aid of another man in bringing up the body of an Officer who had succumbed.” It was also entered in the Commonwealth of Australia Gazette on 6 April 1916 on page 860 at position 53.

 

The Echuca and Moama Advertiser and Farmers’ Gazette (Victoria) of Tuesday 25^th January 1916 in page 2 had:

“BRAVE DEEDS.

AUSTRALIANS HONORED.

Distinguished Conduct Medal. Sergeant R. G. Stone, 22nd Australian Infantry; Lance-Corporal J. H. Kruger, 22nd Australian Infantry; Sapper Rankin, 4th Field Company. On the same occasion these three men displayed conspicuous gallantry and devotion in descending a shaft foul with gas fumes and bringing up men who had succumbed. Lance-Corporal Kruger is a son of Mr. and Mrs. C. Kruger, of Port Melbourne. He is 18 years of age and when at Broadmeadows he won the boxing championship of the camp. He is a member of the C Company, 22nd Battalion, 6th Infantry Brigade.”

The Southern Cross (Adelaide) of Friday 28 January 1916 in page 8 had:

“AUSTRALIAN HEROES DECORATED.

The following awards for bravery have been, gazetted:- The Military Cross has been awarded to Second Lieutenant Edwin Bazeley, of the 22nd Battalion, Australian Infantry Force (Vic-). Near Anzac, on October 29, Bazeley descended a shaft communicating with a mine tunnel, and placed a rope around the body of an officer who was insensible through foul air. The would-be rescuer was himself overcome, and just managed to reach the mouth of the shaft in time to be given successful treatment. He had no sooner recovered from the effects of the gas than he again descended to complete the rescue. Once more he was rendered unconscious by the noxious fumes, and on having been resuscitated again volunteered to go down, but his comrades would not permit the attempt. In connection with the same event the Distinguished Conduct Medal (D.C.M.) has been awarded to Sergeant R. G. Stone and Private J. H. Kruger, of the 22nd Infantry, and to Sap. Rankin of the 4th Field Company, for conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. They descended the shaft amid foul gas fumes and brought up the body of the officer, who had succumbed to the noxious air.”

 

On 9^th February 1916 he was to return to Australia as Escort on Nestor, which sailed from Suez on that day.

Base Records sent Mr C Kruger 248 Bridge St Port Melbourne a letter on 23^rd February 1916 saying that Joseph was returning to Australia and was due in Melbourne about the middle of March but no more details could be disclosed and the information could be incorrect pending verification from the troopship roll.

 

The Ballarat Star of Wednesday 1^st March 1916 in page 3 under sick and wounded heading was and entry for 22nd Battalion— L.-Cpl. J. H. Kruger, in the section headed by “Returned to Duty”.

The Bendigo Independent of Friday 7^th April 1916 in page 5 had:

“The Distinguished Conduct Medal has been awarded to the following: -Private J. H. Kruger, 22nd Battalion A.I.F., for conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty during rescue operations near Anzac: on October 29, 1915, when he repeatedly entered a mining tunnel and shaft to rescue others. He showed great pluck and, though suffering from the effects of the fumes, succeeded, with the aid of another man, in bringing up the body of an officer who had succumbed.”

According to the Australian War Memorial, Joseph is mentioned in either letters written by Lieutenant Frank Gerald Kellaway MC 22^nd Battalion AIF to family members in Australia, or in his personal diary for the period August 1915 to October 1916. They are not online.

On 12^th April 1916 Base Records sent Charles Kruger 248 Bridge Street Port Melbourne a letter stating they had “much pleasure in forwarding herewith a copy of extract from No. 44 of the “Commonwealth of Australia Gazette” of the 6^th April, 1916, relating to the conspicuous services rendered by your son, No. 37, Private J. H. Kruger, 22^nd Battalion.” It said he had been awarded the DCM for “conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty during rescue operations near Anzac, Gallipoli Peninsula, on 29^th October, 1915, when he repeatedly entered a mine tunnel and shaft to rescue others. He showed great pluck, and, though suffering from the effects of the fumes, succeeded, with the aid of another man, in bringing up the body of an officer who had succumbed.”

This page is in his service records.

In Port Melbourne, School Anzac Activities in 1916 were held on Thursday 20^th April as Tuesday 25^th fell following Easter. Events at the Graham Street School included “At 2 o’clock the school gathered around the flagpole. The head teacher, Col McShane, gave a short address followed by the National Anthem and God Bless Our Splendid Men. The ‘old boys’ who had enlisted spoke in turn led off by Corporal Joseph Kruger who had been awarded a DCM for “conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty during rescue operations near Anzac, Gallipoli Peninsula, on 29th October 1915, when he repeatedly entered a mine tunnel to rescue others”.” Another newspaper, the Port Melbourne Standard on Saturday 29^th April 1916 on page 2 had “SCHOOL WORLD. Graham Scholar’s Impressions. Anzac Day. (By Charles R. W. Sharp.) In the morning of Anzac Day the ordinary school lessons at Graham were despatched with divided attention on the part of most of us, for our thoughts would wander in other directions, as to whether the supply of medals would meet the demand, or how many old boys of Anzac fame would be able to visit us in the after-noon. The arrival of a fresh supply of medals, and the appearance in our room of Sgt.-Major A. H. Howlett, set our fears in these directions at rest. The sgt.-major lunched with the staff, and afterwards was good enough to take charge of our grades -the seventh and eighth. It seemed like old times to hear him say, “School papers out! Turn to the first war picture!” For an hour or so he described to us some of his experiences in Cairo, and told us about the scenes shown in our papers. The event of the day took place at 2 o’clock. The school was assembled round the flagpole. Our head teacher (Col. McShane) gave a short address. We then sang the National Anthem and “God Bless Our Splendid Men.” The “old boys” of the school who had taken part in that memorable landing, on April 25, 1915, spoke to us in turn. Pride of place was given to Corporal J. H. Kruger, who has won the D.C.M. Like most soldiers, the hero is a fighter, not an orator, as his brief remarks showed. The other old boys all gave little speeches, including Sgt.-Major Howlett. Privates A. and F. Banton, who are soon to leave for the front, were present. We cheered the Anzac boys, and then sang “The Recessional” and “God, Our Help in Ages Past.” The ceremony was brought to a close by the sounding of the “Last Post.”‘ As we listened to its solemn notes, our hearts went over the sea to where our men lie at rest. The committee afterwards entertained the Anzacs and teachers at afternoon tea. At this function “Old Lang Syne” was sung by all present. Thus ended a day which should live for ever in the memories of the Graham scholars. The same newspaper had on 1^st July 1916 “ITEMS OF NEWS. Private Kruger, D.C.M. Arrangements are being made for the presentation at an early date of the Distinguished Conduct Medal to Lance-corporal J. H. Kruger, of the 22nd Battalion. Lance-corporal Kruger, who formerly resided with his parents at Port Melbourne, after having distinguished himself at Gallipoli, was invalided home. He is now in camp at Broadmeadows, preparatory to returning to the front. The presentation will take place in the presence of a muster of troops attached to the Broadmeadows camp.”

The Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners’ Advocate of Saturday 27^th May 1916 in page 10 had:

“Private J. H. Kruger, 22nd Battalion, A.I.F., who was recently awarded the D.S.O. (sic) for “conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty during rescue operations near Anzac, Gallipoli, on October 29th, 1915,” is a boxing pupil of Fred Porter, the Melbourne teacher, who had hopes of making something good out of him. Although Kruger has not appeared publicly in Melbourne, he won the feather championship of Broadmeadows Camp and the transport championship. He also secured first prize in a featherweight competition in Egypt. Private Kruger has been home on sick leave, but returns to the fighting line again on June 13.” Also, the story was in the Winner (Melbourne) on Wednesday 24 May 1916 in page 6 under the heading “AMONG THE BOXERS”. It was a boxing newspaper.

On 23^rd June 1916 his DCM was forwarded to The Commandant of the 3^rd Military District with a note saying “It is the Minister’s desire that early opportunity be taken for this decorations to be presented with as much publicity as possible.” Confirmation of receipt was asked for also.

The Daily Herald (Adelaide) of Thursday 29^th June 1916 in page 4 also discussed about the DCM award and presentation and noted “The incident was graphically described by Captain Bean in “The Daily Herald”.” A letter from AMF Headquarters in Melbourne on the same day to the Secretary, Department of Defence read “Referring to your B.R. 61765 for the 25^th June relative to Lance Corporal J.H. Kruger, 22^nd Battalion, please note that this N.C.O. has been absent without leave since the 12^th instant. C.O. Broadmeadows Camp has been asked to advise District Head Quarters as soon as he returns or is apprehended.” Base Records received a copy on 30^th June.

The Port Melbourne Standard of Saturday 1^st July 1916 in page 2 had under:

“ITEMS OF NEWS. Private Kruger, D.C.M. Arrangements are being made for the presentation at an early date of the Distinguished Conduct Medal to Lance-corporal J. H. Kruger, of the 22nd Battalion. Lance-corporal Kruger, who formerly resided with his parents at Port Melbourne, after having distinguished himself at Gallipoli, was invalided home. He is now in camp at Broadmeadows, preparatory to returning to the front. The presentation will take place in the presence of a muster of troops attached to the Broadmeadows camp.”

 

The Herald (Melbourne) of Wednesday 5^th July 1916 in page 10 had:

“D.C.M. WINNER MISSING.

Though there is a Distinguished Conduct Medal waiting for Lance-Corporal J. H. Kruger, 22nd Battalion, at the Victorian District Headquarters, he cannot be found. He was in the Anzac Army at the Dardanelles. It was announced some time ago that arrangements were being made for the presentation of the medal to Kruger, but afterwards it was discovered that he had been missing from the camp at Broadmeadows since June 12, and he was soon posted as being absent without leave. Col. Jr Hawker, Assistant Adjutant General, said today that Kruger was still missing.”

The Evening Echo (Ballarat, Victoria) on Wednesday 5^th July 1916 in page 4:

“D.C.M. HERO

DISAPPEARS FROM CAMP. MELBOURNE, This Day.

Lance-corporal J. H. Kruger, of the 22nd Battalion, who won the Distinguished Conduct Medal by his gallantry at Gallipoli, and was to have been officially invested with it shortly, has disappeared from the camp at Broadmeadows, and his whereabouts are unknown. He was first reported missing on June 12, and has not since been seen. When he turns up again he will not only be formally invested, but also court-martialled for being absent without leave.”

The Daily News (Perth) on Thursday 6^th July 1916 in page 5 put it a bit kinder:

“A D.C.M. WINNER

MISSING FROM CAMP DISAPPEARANCE OF LANCE CORPORAL KRUGER. MELBOURNE, Thursday. Lance-Corporal J. H. Kruger, of the 22nd Battalion, who was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal for gallantry at Gallipoli, has disappeared from the Broadmeadows Camp. He was first reported missing on June 12. The military officials cannot understand Kruger’s disappearance, since arrangements had been made to present him with the medal in the camp. When he returns the ceremony will take place, out he will also have to undergo a trial for being absent without leave.”

The Gippsland Times (Victoria) of Thursday 6^th July 1916 in page 3 had:

“SOLDIER MYSTERIOUSLY MISSING. Corporal J. H. Kruger, of the 22nd Battalion, who won the distinguished conduct medal at Gallipoli, has disappeared from Broadmeadows. Arrangements had been completed for the presentation of his medal to him at the camp, when he disappeared on June 12.” The article was also in the Hamilton Spectator (Victoria) of Thursday 6^th July 1916 in page 4.

The Victoria Police Gazette Of 6^th July 1916 had an entry in page 413 for “KRUGER, JOSEPH HARVEY (D.C.M.), lance-corporal, 19 6-12 years of age, 5 ft. 5 3/8 in., medium brown hair, blue eyes. Born at Port Melbourne. His father resides at 248 Bridge-street, Port Melbourne. Absentee from Broadmeadows since 12^th June, 1916.” In the Gazette dated 20^th July 1916 on page 441, under the heading Deserters from H M Service was an entry saying the “following warrants have been withdrawn” and the list included “KRUGER, JOSEPH HARVEY, Police Gazette, 16/413”.

The Argus (Melbourne) of Saturday 8^th July 1916 in page 18 had:

“DISTINGUISHED CONDUCT

L.-CORP. KRUGER DECORATED.

A SHY HERO.

Lance-Corporal J. H. Kruger, a young Australian soldier of the 22nd Battalion, was decorated with the Distinguished Conduct Medal at the Broadmeadows camp yesterday afternoon by the Minister for Defence (Senator Pearce), The ceremony took place in the Lady Stanley Hall, the building being packed by between 2,000 and 3,000 troops. The acting State commandant (Brigadier-General Williams), attended by Lieutenant Treadwell, Colonel Garrard (commanding officer at Broadmeadows), Major Carroll, Mr. Fenton, M.H.R., and Mr. C. Kruger, of Port Melbourne, the lance-corporal’s father, were present. Lance-Corporal Kruger was a member of the 22nd Battalion, and reached Gallipoli last September. He came back unscathed to Australia on escort duty after the evacuation, and is off to the front again with the 24th Reinforcements. The Minister read the official record of Lance-Corporal Kruger’s deed, as follows:- “For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty during rescue operations near Anzac, Gallipoli Peninsula, on October 29, 1915, when he repeatedly entered a mine tunnel and shaft to rescue others. He showed great pluck, and, though suffering from the effects of the fumes, succeeded, with the aid of another man, in bringing up the body of an officer who had succumbed.” The decoration was pinned on to the gallant lad’s tunic by the Minister, who called for three cheers for the lance-corporal, which were given most heartily. Addressing the troops, the Minister expressed pleasure at being present to bestow this well-earned reward on their comrade. There were many men who ought to get a decoration, but who were probably over-looked. The one consolation every brave man got was the knowledge that he had done his duty. He congratulated the lance corporal’s father on being the father of one of Australia’s heroes, and also congratulated the camp on turning out so many soldiers who had made Australia’s name known far and wide. The Distinguished Conduct Medal winner was pressed to make a brief response, but the soldier, who had faced death on Gallipoli, frankly confessed that he was too shy to address a few words to his comrades. Led by Chaplain-Colonel Mackay, the men sang several of their marching songs in a fine vigorous fashion, the gathering concluding with cheers for the King.”

 

The Daily Herald (Adelaide) Saturday 8^th July 1916 in page 5 had:

“A D.C.M. Presented. In the Lady Stanley Hall, at Broadmeadows, this afternoon, Senator G. F. Pearce, Minister of Defence, presented a Distinguished Conduct Medal to Lance-Corporal J. H. Kruger, 22nd Battalion, who, when taking part in the Gallipoli campaign, rescued several comrades who had been overcome with gas in a sap, which had been mined by the Turks. Among those present was Brigadier-General R. E. Williams.”

 

Joseph was with the 13^th Reinforcements 22^nd Battalion at Broadmeadows on 8^th June 1916 and transferred to 13^th Reinforcements 24^th Battalion and was given the service number 5173 on 6^th July 1916. He had his final examination on 27^th July 1916 to return to duty in the 3^rd Military District. On 28^th July 1916, he embarked with the 13^th Reinforcements of the 24^th Battalion on HMAT Themistocles A32 from Melbourne, after being certified to join them on 8^th June. All of his embarkation information was the same as previously recorded, except his service number, which was 5173. A remark on the roll recorded he “Previously served as No. 37, 22^nd Btn.” His service number and Battalion were also recorded on another attestation form, with all the other details the same. He disembarked at Plymouth on 11^th September 1916.

He was re-examined and found fit on 6^th November 1916. On 4^th December 1916 at Folkestone England, Joseph proceeded overseas to France for the 22^nd Battalion on SS Princess Victoria. At the 2^nd ADBD at Etaples he marched in from England on the 8^th and marched out on the 15^th. He was taken on strength of the 22^nd Battalion the next day in the field from 13^th Reinforcements 24^th Battalion. They were at the Somme and were there for most of 1917, involved in bloody trench warfare. When he arrived at the Battalion, they were at Flessells doing training and drills. On the 19^th they entrained to Amiens and marched to huts at Fricourt the next day. They marched to E Camp at Thoneswood on the 22^nd and the next day moved into Needle Trench. On Christmas day they relieved the 21^st Battalion in the firing line, occupying Zenith, Gusty and Spectrum trenches. After 3 days they were relieved and moved back to Needle trench and then to B Camp Thoneswood the next day.

In January they moved into a new sector of the trenches, which were very bad with mud and water. Snipers were very active. They held 1200 yards of the line, some of which was impassable. After improving the trenches and shelters and drainage they were relieved in the 5^th. After going in and out of the trenches, in mid-January they moved back to billets at Ribemont. On 23^rd January they were inspected by Major General N M Smyth VC CB, Commanding the 2^nd Australian Division. They were there for most of the rest of the month, training, and moved to Becourt Wood late in the month for more training.

They were still there in February, training for an upcoming attack. On 9^th February they moved into the firing line near Le Sars. The ground began to thaw, with mud and shush everywhere. Captain C E W Bean visited the Battalion on the 18th while they were in a camp. On the 21^st they moved back into the trenches at Le Sars, with the dark and deep mud impeding progress, but it was quiet. The next few days were quiet. On the 24^th, they received a telephone message from Brigade HQ to move up as an enemy evacuation was suspected. No artillery support was to be used. They “were ordered to advance and occupy the enemy front line GALLWITZ trench.” From the book “With the Twenty-Second” was a description of Gallwitz trench: “a broad, creek-like excavation knee deep in mud and devoid of habitable dug-outs, which lay between our post and the village of Warlencourt, and had, up to this time, served as the German front line.” The advance of C & D Companies, who were the front garrison, was very quiet, with only scattered machine gun and sniper fire and a few flares. The trench was in their hands by 4am on the 25^th and they pushed forward. “Several men were wounded by “booby traps” left by the enemy.” On 25^th February 1917, Joseph was wounded in action and was admitted to the 1/1 SMD CCS with a compound fracture of the thigh. He died there from his wounds the next day. The site https://anzac-22nd-battalion.com/22nd-battalion-1917/ also noted “At dawn in Little Wood a patrol from C Company was engaged and a stray bullet detonated a box of bombs being brought forward causing 16 casualties killed and wounded, including L-Cpl Kruger, DCM. Several were also wounded by booby traps left by the enemy. In all 50% of the men engaged in the failed attack of the 25th/26th February became casualties”.

 

The Australian Red Cross Society Wounded and Missing Enquiry Bureau has a file on 37 Private Joseph Harvey Kruger. There are a variety of replies to their enquiry on him which read: –

AIF Headquarters certified that Lance Corporal Joseph Harvey Kruger 22^nd Battalion, late 24^th Battalion 13^th Reinforcements died of wounds on 22^nd February 1917. (His number is recorded as 5173, as it is in most of the individual files in the folder.)

4.6.17 Informant Private R C MacPhee 440 22^nd Battalion AIF B Company at Richmond Military Hospital Gove Road said “L/Cpl. Kruger was accidently killed by one of our own bombs and died in Hospital.” He was not an eyewitness.

Informant Private E Hynes 1557 22^nd Australians D Company 16^th Platoon, who was at Havre Hospital, stated on 11^th June 1917 “I think he was in C Coy. Near Warlencourt about the 22^nd Feb. we were attacking, took the 1^st line, and held the ground. I saw Kruger in the trench we had taken: he was wounded and very bad. I heard nothing more of him.”

On 12^th June 1917 informant Corporal A G Parry 4516 22^nd AIF, A Company, 3^rd Platoon, who was at the Military Hospital in Devonport (home address c/o T Love Dumbalk Meringan Victoria) gave a statement “We were holding the line between Le Sars and Warlencourt when Kruger was wounded in the trench and taken to a C.C.S. where he died a couple of days later and was buried near there.” Corporal Parry was not a witness and added “He was called Joe, was a good boxer, medium height and dark. Had D.C.M.”

Informant Private W G Smith 686 at No 8 General Rouen on 7.7.17 was interviewed and the “Informant states that Kruger was in C Coy., 9 Pl., the same as himself. Also that whilst this man was on a post, an explosion occurred of some bombs which had recently been sent up, and that his leg was blown off. The incident happened at Le Sars, and Kruger was taken back to the dressing station, and from there to the C.C.S. Edgehill, where he died, and was buried. Informant also states that he had been told by several men that they have seen his grave in the cemetery in this place, and that a cross has been erected over the grave, giving full particulars.”

10^th July 1917. Informant Private E A Gray 4814 C Company 9^th Platoon 22^nd Australians at an Australian Camp wrote “He was in my platoon, C Co. 9^th Platoon, and died of wounds at the Dressing Station at Beaucourt in February 1917. He is buried in the cemetery at Beaucourt.

20.7.1917 Informant Sergeant Arthur W Dixon 4691 A Company 3^rd Platoon 22^nd AIF at Harborne Hall, VAD Hospital Birmingham (home address 150 Richardson Street Albert Park Victoria) wrote “I knew L/Cpl. Kruger intimately. He belonged to the 2^nd Plt of my A.Coy (?). I was attached to different Pltns at different times. He died of wounds by a bomb which exploded in our lines after being hit by a piece of shell on the 22^nd Feb/17 nr Le Gura. I was on post duty at the time; but I saw Kruger about a quarter of an hour after he was taken out, he died soon after. I did not see him buried but it was between Le Sars and Warlencourt.

3.8.17. Witness Private G F O’Brien 5127 6^th Lt. Mortar Battery who was at 3^rd Australian Auxiliary Hospital at Dartford wrote “I saw him in a trench wounded at Warlencourt he was hit by a Mills bomb, his leg was almost blown off and had to be amputated. He died the next day. Do not know where he is buried. Cannot refer to anyone who can give place of burial. He was a D.C.M. gained the honour at Gallipoli. He was a guide that night bringing the men up the trenches Germans had evacuated them that night, evidently leaving a trap for them. No other of the same name, quite sure of his number. I was in the battalion at the time.”

London 29.8.17. Died of Wounds. He was admitted on 25.2.17 suffering from Compound fracture of the thigh and died the following day. His brother Wm. C. Kruger 248 Bridge Street Victoria Port Well (should be Port Melbourne) was with him at the time and all particulars given. This was in a letter from I Taggart Sister-in-Charge 56^th Casualty Clearing Station. (Research shows his brother did not serve, unless under an alias).

On 21^st March 1917, the Officer in Charge of Records for Anzac Section, 3^rd Echelon, GHQ, B.E.F. filled out Field Service form B2090A for Private 37 Joseph Harvey Kruger 22^nd Battalion AIF who died on 26^th February 1917 at 1/1 South Midland Casualty Clearing Station from wounds received in action. A death report was made on the 28^th by the CO of the CCS. Details of his burial were not yet to hand nor had his will been received yet.

He is buried in Dernancourt Communal Cemetery Extension, Somme Pte., with this site http://silentcities.50megs.com/cemeteryd/derncomcemext.htm acknowledging he is one of 376 Australians buried there and is recorded as “Joseph Harvey Kruger D.C.M., 22nd Bn. Australian Inf. Died of wounds 26th Feb. 1917, aged 20. 5.D.18”. CWGC record his as Private 37 Joseph Harvey Kruger DCM 22^nd Battalion AIF aged 20 died 26^th February 1917. He was the son of Charles and Annie Kruger, of 248, Bridge St., Port Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. On the grave record in 1920 his service number is written as 37 (had 57 crossed out) and he is in Plot 5 Row D Grave 18 and a cross was erected. The headstone was of badge design number 1200, layout number 1D and headstone number 1223, and was to have inscribed “37 Private J H Kruger DCM 22^nd Bn Australian Inf 26^th February 1917 Age 20. In memory of the dearly loved son of Mr & Mrs C Kruger.” A Grave Registration record, dated 28^th March 1917, states he was buried at Dernancourt Sheet 62d SQ 20 A 7.7 France by Reverend T Lovery.

 

He is also mentioned here – https://firstworldwaronthisday.blogspot.com/2017/02/562-died-on-this-day-mon-26021917.html as one of 16 buried in that cemetery on that day.

 

In The Port Melbourne Standard of Saturday 24^th March 1917 on page 3 was a heading of Late Corporal Kruger DCM which went on to say “The Port Council, at its last meeting, carried a resolution recording its regret at the death from injuries at the front of Corporal Kruger, D.C.M. The Mayor said that, after recovering from wounds received at Gallipoli, this young man joined up again, and finally made the supreme sacrifice.”

The Argus of Melbourne on Saturday 21^st April 1917 in page 11 under Died on Service was “KRUGER.— Died at First Clearing Station on the 26th February, L.-Cpl. J. H. Kruger, D.C.M., beloved son of C. and A. Kruger, and dearly loved brother of Charles, Madge, and Peggie, nephew of J. H. Cornish and B. E. Porter (on active service), after two years’ active service, aged 20 years. Manly, unselfish, and brave. Nearer, my God, to Thee.” It was also published in The Age.

His mother Annie Kruger of 248 Bridge St Port Melbourne was granted a pension of 30 shillings per fortnight from 8^th May 1917. On 27^th August 1917 she requested a certificate of his death to be sent to her Bridge Street address.

On 15^th June 1917 Miss Clare Whittington of ‘Risdon’ Martin Street Gardenvale wrote a letter to Base Hospital asking them “Could you oblige me with the name of address of the next-of-kin of Private Kruger deceased 22^nd Battalion 6^th Brigade. I Believe he came from Port Melbourne & won a military medal, but do not know his number or Christian name. A friend of mine was the stretcher bearer who carried him in & he would like to write to Kruger’s people & give them his last words. Yours sincerely”. Base Records received it on the 18^th and replied to her on 20^th June, giving her the name and address of his father as next of kin

A true copy of his will was extracted from form A.B.64 on 8^th August 1917 by R Taylor ORS 22^nd Battalion and checked by a Staff Sergeant in the 17^th Battalion. It was dated 28^th October 1916 and said “In the event of my death I give the whole of my property and effects to my (Mother- Mrs Annie Kruger 248 Bridge St Port Melbourne, Australia” It was signed by J H Kruger DCM No 37 C Company 22^nd Battalion 6^th Infantry Brigade.

On 30^th August 1917 a form was filled out which showed “No. 37 Private Joseph Harvey Kruger 22^nd Battalion Australian Imperial Force” died of “wounds received in action” at 1/1 South Midland Casualty Clearing Station” in France on 26^th February 1917. This was extracted from “Cable No. C.I.B.L. 1136, from the Commandant A.I.F.Headquarters, dated London 6^th March 1917, confirmed by Mail from the Commandant A.I.F. Headquarters, dated London 14^th March 1917 and Army Form B.2090A.”

Base Records sent a form to Mrs A Kruger 248 Bridge St Port Melbourne on 31^st October 1917 with a package containing the effects of Joseph, from the Euripides in registered packet No.2693 GPO Melbourne, asking her to sign and return the acknowledgement slip. The inventory showed it contained effects sent from 3^rd Echelon No 9561 and contained “Money Belt, Wallet, Medal Ribbon Brooch, Letters, Cards.” The form sent it was to be forwarded to his father.

In the Port Melbourne Standard of Saturday 12^th January 1918 on page 4 was an article titled “MEDAL WINNER’S DEATH. Lance-Corporal J. H. Kruger. Writing to Mrs. Kruger, Bridge street, Port Melbourne, mother of No. 37, Lance-Corporal Joseph A. Kruger, D.C.M., 22^nd Battalion, Warrant Officer R. Porter gives some particulars regarding the death of Corporal Kruger, which occurred on February 26, as the result of wounds received in France. Warrant Officer Porter says that he had considerable difficulty obtaining details, but he learned that Kruger was acting as a runner when he was wounded, and died when undergoing an operation. “The boys tell me”, Warrant-Officer Porter says “that he was just the same daredevil man that he was on Gallipoli. I believe he paraded before the commanding officer at Larkhill, when he arrived in England, and asked to be sent to France as soon as possible. He told – that he was going for the Victoria Cross when he got over, but he was unlucky.” Lance-Corporal Kruger left Australia early in the war, and served for some time on Gallipoli. He was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal in January, 1916, for bravery in rescuing some comrades who had been overcome by gas in a sap which had been mined by the Turks. He returned to Australia soon afterwards, and the medal was presented to him at the Broadmeadows camp by Senator G. F. Pearce, Minister for Defence, on July 7, 1916.”

There are numerous entries under “In Memoriam, On Active Service” in The Age on Saturday 23^rd February 1918, Tuesday the 26^th and Wednesday the 27^th for Joseph from various family members.

On 16^th July 1919, Charles Kruger of 248 Bridge St Port Melbourne wrote to the “Officer Base records enquiry office” asking “Would you kindly forward to Mr & Mrs Charles Kruger next of kin of deceased solider Joseph H Kruger D.C.M. No 37 22 Batt tickets for Parliament Steps Saturday next.” It was received on the 17^th and formally acknowledged on the 18^th. His British War Medal was sent out on 31^st May 1920 and his 1914-15 Star was sent out on 22^nd November 1920 with a booklet on his grave.

Charles was sent the pamphlet “Where the Australians Rest” on 4^th August 1921, signed for the Memorial Scroll for Joseph on 26^th August 1921 and sent the slip back to Base Records, who received it on the 31^st. The Memorial Plaque (311879) for Joseph was received and singed for by his father on 4^th August 1922 at Anzac House. Charles Kruger signed for a package being effects of Joseph on 27^th February 1923, which was possibly his Victory Medal, the receipt being endorsed “1 VM D12049”. It had been sent out on 23^rd November 1922, but was returned as unclaimed.

Base Records sent a letter to Mr C Kruger 116 Queen St Melbourne on 19^th May 1925 advising him that “your son, the late No. 37 Pte. J.H.Kruger, D.C.M., 22^nd Btn.” had his remains interred in Dernancourt Communal Cemetery Extension France. It had been extracted from the folder of the photo of his grave. They had changed address as an envelope for his war medal sent to the old address had been returned to Base Records.

The Age of Melbourne had on Saturday 26^th February 1927 in page 7 under the heading “IN MEMORIAM. On Active Service.”, were the entries “KRUGER. — In loving and sacred memory of our dear son “(Joe), J. H. Kruger, D.C.M., died of wounds received in France on the 20th February, 1917, aged 20 years. Sweet memories. — Inserted by his loving parents. KRUGER.— In proud memory of our beloved and only brother (Joe), J. H. Kruger, D.C.M. Remembrance. — Inserted by his loving brother and sister-in-law, Maude and little nephew, Harry. KRUGER. — In loving remembrance of my darling brother (Joe), J. H. Kruger, D.C.M., died of wounds received in France on the 26th February, aged 20 years. Dear are the memories that never will fade. —His loving sister, Madge, and brother-in-law, W. H. Fullard. KRUGER. — In fond and loving memory of my darling brother (Joe), J. H. Kruger, D.C.M. Thoughts return to scenes long past, Years roll on, but memory lasts, — His loving sister. Peg. KRUGER.— In loving memory of my darling nephew, J. H. Kruger, D.C.M., died of wounds received in France 26th February. 1917. Ever remembered. — Inserted by loving Aunt Cissy and family. KRUGER.— In loving memory of my darling nephew, J. H. Kruger (Joe), D.C.M., died of wound received in France 26th February, 1917. Love lights the gloom of sorrow. Faith sees the dawn to be. Hope waits the glad to-morrow That brings us nearer to thee. —Inserted by his loving Aunty Ethel, and cousins, Kevin, John and Joe.”

The Age of Melbourne on Friday 26^th February 1932, page 1 had under “IN MEMORIAM. On Active Service. KRUGER. — In proud and loving memory of our only brother, J. H. Kruger, D.C. M. died of wounds on the 26^th February 1917, aged 20 years. We shall meet again, dear brother. On the dawn of a beautiful day. Inserted by brother and sister-in-law and nephew, Harvey. KRUGER. — A tribute of love to the memory of our brother. J. H. Kruger (Joe). D.C.M., died of wounds in France on the 26th February, 1917. Time will never take away, The love our hearts hold dear. —Inserted by his sister and brother-in-law, M. and W. Fullard. KRUGER. — In loving memory of J. H. Kruger, D.C.M., beloved grandson of Joseph and the late Annie Cornish, and beloved nephew of L. Plummer and J. H. Cornish. Remembrance. — Inserted by grandpa and Aunty Lea, Mildura. KRUGER. — A tribute of love to the memory of dear nephew and cousin, Lance-Corporal J. H. Kruger, D.C.M. All is repose and peace. Untrampled lies the sod ; The shouts of battle cease, ‘Tis the truce of God. — Lydia and cousins. KRUGER.— In loving memory of my nephew, Joseph Kruger, D.C.M., who was killed in France on the 20th February, 1917, loved cousin of Kevin, John and Joe. Always remembered. — Inserted by his loving Auntie Ethel. KRUGER. — In loving memory of our dear son, J. H. Kruger, (Joe), D.C.M., died of wounds received in France on the 26th February, 1917, aged 20 years. Ever lovingly remembered. —Inserted by his mother and father. KRUGER. — In fond memory of my beloved brother, J. H. Kruger (Joe), D.C.M., died of wounds in France on the 26th February, 1917. Beautiful, memories of one so dear. —Inserted by his sister, Peg.” In 1933 another list of memorials were entered in The Age for him from family members.

Joseph is noted “as one of three casualties at the unveiling of the City Mission Honour Board, Standard, 8 September, 1917, and again as paying the supreme sacrifice at the unveiling of a third panel of the Honour Board at the Graham Street Methodist Church, Standard, 23 March, 1918.”

Joseph Harvey Kruger’s name is located at panel 96 in the Commemorative Area at the Australian War Memorial. His name will be projected onto the exterior of the Hall of Memory on:

Tue 30 July 2019 at 5:43am

Thu 26 September 2019 at 12:54am

Thu 26 December 2019 at 1:46am

Mon 30 March 2020 at 9:53pm.

His father filled out a form for the AWM for the Roll of Honour, in which he stated his full name was Joseph Harvey Kruger No 37, 22^nd Battalion, who was born in and connected with Port Melbourne, Melbourne Victoria. He died on 26.2.17 in France. Joseph was a Labour(er) aged 20 when he died. His school was “Grahame St State Port Melbourne” and for any other training and previous service it was recorded he was a “Naval Cadet”. His father also wrote for biographical details “Distinguished Conduct Medal for conspicuous Gallantry and Devotion to Duty during rescue operations near Anzac Gallipoli.” He signed the form C Kruger, relationship to soldier – Father and address as 248 Bridge St Port Melbourne. The AWM also added on another sheet that he died of wounds along with some of the details his father had filled out.

The Deputy Commissioner of the Department of Repatriation wrote to CARO in Albert Park Barracks Victoria, requesting form AFB 103 for Private 5173 Joseph Harvey Kruger 24^th Battalion (DOW 26.2.17) on 18^th June 1968. It was received on the 19^th and sent to them on the 20^th.

He also has a file at NAA under “KRUGER, Joseph Henry – Service Number – 37 B73, M115740 Contents date range 1915 – 1968” which is open but not online (error in middle name).

With his family: –

The 1912 electoral roll had them living at 248 Bridge Street. Annie did home duties and his father was listed as Charles Albert Kruger, a labourer. In the 1915, 1919 and 1921 rolls, all the details were the same. Listed as Charles Albert Kruger in the 1924 and 1927 electoral rolls, they were living at 116 Queen Street Port Melbourne and he was a labourer. Albert (no occupation listed) and Annie were living at 403 Dorcas Street Port Melbourne in the 1943 electoral roll. Albert passed away in 1948 in Port Melbourne. Due to her common name, it is not known what happened to Annie.

Not much can be found on Charles Frederick William Kruger, but it appears he may have changed his name to be the same as his father’s. He died in 1955 in Melbourne. Nothing else can be found on Lydia.

Ethel married Joseph Alfus Clive Vercoe in 1923 in Victoria. Joseph was born in 1901 in Richmond and served in the Navy with the service number 11221. His trade was a photographer. He joined on 6^th May 1919 for 7 years. His description was 5 foot 5½ inches tall, brown hair, hazel eyes and a fresh complexion. He had a long scar on the back of his right hand. He was at Cerebus with the rank of Stoker III from 6^th May 1919 to 1^st August 1919. His character was very good and ability satisfactory. He was then on Australia from 2^nd August 1919 to 24^th September 1919 at the same rank and then as Stoker II from 25^th September 1919 to 19^th December 1919. There are some comments on his service records about further service, but they are unreadable. He was entered in various state Police Gazettes in 1920 under “Deserters from His Majesty’s Service”, where he was one of seven deserters “From H.M.A.S. “Australia.” at Sydney, on the 19^th December 1919.” He was listed as “Clive Alfus Joseph Vercoe, stoker, born in Victoria, 19 years of age, 5 feet 5½ inches high, fresh complexion, brown hair, hazel eyes.” “A reward not exceeding £6 will be paid for the apprehension of each of the abovenamed deserters.” He is also listed under B883, VX18132 at NAA with the details “VERCOE JOSEPH ALFUS CLIVE : Service Number – VX18132 : Date of birth – 25 Sep 1906 : Place of birth – RICHMOND VIC : Place of enlistment – CAULFIELD VIC : Next of Kin – VERCOE ETHEL” 1939 – 1948 but the file is not yet examined. The Nominal Roll shows he enlisted as VX18132 and his Date of Discharge was 26^th May 1944 with the rank of Staff Sergeant and his Posting at Discharge was 2 ORDNANCE VEHICLE PARK AAOC. In the 1954 electoral roll they were living at 403 Dorcas Street Port Melbourne and he was a storeman, with Ethel doing home duties. Joseph died in 1968 and Ethel in 1983.

 

403 Dorcas Street, South Melbourne. Having been extensively refurbished, it sold in 2016 for $ 1 730 000. Set over 3 levels, it features 4 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, living and entertaining zones, gourmet style kitchen opening to landscaped outdoor living, breath taking roof-top ‘winter garden’ terrace with entertainment bar and panoramic city viewing.

Joseph Kruger’s medals are Distinguished Conduct Medal, 1914-15 Star, British War and Victory medals. The museum only has his DCM.

The purchase of this significant medal was made possible through the generous support of the Copland Foundation.

 

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.

Lieutenant-Colonel Harold Arthur Maunder DSO MiD

1st Light Horse Brigade Train

Anzac Mounted Divisional Train ASC HQ

by Robert Simpson

Portrait in The Queenslander

Harold Arthur Maunder was born on 15^th April 1891 in Spring Hill, Brisbane, Queensland. He was a son to Herbert Maunder and Elizabeth Sharpe who had been married in Queensland on 2^nd October 1890. Herbert Maunder had been born in Holton, Oxfordshire, England on 19^th May 1867 and his father was an agricultural labourer. The family left England for Australia on the Toroaster, arriving in Brisbane on 25^th September 1874. Herbert was a stonemason. Elizabeth had been born in Ipswich, Queensland on 26^th January 1871. He had two sisters, Ruby Lilian Maunder born on 28^th May 1893 in Bogantungan and Ivy Jane Sharp Maunder born on 31^st July 1901 in Charters Towers. In the 1896 roll, Herbert was living at Railway Street Ipswich and was a Stonemason.

In the 1913 Australian electoral rolls, Harold was listed as living at Normanby Terrace Brisbane and his occupation was a clerk. He was recorded in British Army Lists in 1913 and 1914. In Regimental Lists, under Army Service Corps for the 1^st Military District was 2^nd Lieutenant H A Maunder (1.8.13) of 2^nd Company in Brisbane.

.

Picture from the State Library of Queensland. “This recently uncovered photograph was taken in 1914 at what is now known as Gallipoli Barracks. The flag identifying the unit is proudly held above the Officers and NCO’s who were the 1st Light Horse Brigade Train, part of the 5th Australian Army Service Corps, shortly to depart for Egypt and Gallipoli.” For “Harold Arthur MAUNDER, DSO, MB, B.Sc.”, (front row far right) they wrote “Maunder was a mechanical engineer when he enlisted age 23 and served with distinction in the Gallipoli, Sinai and Palestine campaigns. He was awarded the DSO for services as the C.O. Australian Mounted Divisional Train, & Mentioned in Despatches twice. Lieut. Col. Maunder returned to Brisbane and gained entry to the School of Medicine, University of Sydney. After graduating he practiced in Victoria, before moving to England in 1936.” (Error in civilian occupation and University).

Harold filled out his application for a commission in the Expeditionary Force on 13^th August 1914. For educational qualifications he stated he went to State School to 6^th Standard and passed the Commonwealth Public Service Clerical Exam. His previous military service was 4 years in the Army Service Corps and he was serving as a 2^nd Lieutenant with the 2^nd AASC. He listed Public Servant as his present Civil Employment. Harold was a single British subject, born on 15^th April 1891 His postal address was “Glenalvon” Ithaca Street Brisbane (later changed to Normanby Terrace Brisbane) and his next of kin was his father, Herbert Maunder. A Captain in the AAMC filled in his medical certificate, stating Harold was 5 foot 8½ inches tall, weighed 9 stone 4½ pounds, had a chest measurement of 31 to 34 inches and had 6/6 eyesight in both eyes. He was recommended to be a 2^nd Lieutenant in the Force and was recommended by the District Commandant on 24^th August 1914. His pay book number was 238519. He enlisted for the war and 4 months after.

In a list of the 1^st Light Horse Brigade, Light Horse Brigade Train, No. 5 ASC Company (Queensland), Supply Details, Requisitioning Duties (Captain or Subaltern) was 2^nd Lieutenant H A Maunder 20.8.14.

Herbert is listed in the nominal roll of 1^st Light Horse Brigade Train (5^th Company ASC [Army Service Corps]) (September 1914), which embarked on 24^th September 1914 at Brisbane on HMAT Omrah A5, as a 2^nd Lieutenant. He was promoted to Lieutenant with 1^st Light Horse Brigade on 1st February 1915.

On his Statement of Service page in his record it stated his next of kin was his father, H Maunder with the address listed as “No. 7 Remount Section Maadi”, with an entry in the remarks column of “Mother Mrs. Maunder Ithacca St Normanby St Brisbane Q’land”. His father did serve in WW1, enlisting on 23^rd September 1915 with the 2^nd Remounts Unit, 7 Squadron as Trooper 1869. He was a married storeman of Ithaca Street, Normanby Hill, Brisbane, Queensland. His wife Elizabeth was his next of kin and he had no previous service. The Unit embarked from Sydney on board HMAT RMS Orontes on 10^th November 1915. After arriving in Egypt, he spent a bit of time in hospitals with rheumatism and bronchitis. He returned to Australia on Port Sydney with multiple peripheral neuritis on 22^nd July 1916 and was discharged in Brisbane on 16^th August 1916. Herbert was entitled to the standard trio of medals.

The Queenslander of Saturday 26^th June 1915 on page 41 published a letter “With Our Boys. “FOUGHT LIKE LIONS.” THE QUEENSLANDERS’ BAPTISM OF FIRE. In the course of a letter to his mother (Mrs. H. Maunder, Glen Alvon, Ithaca-street, Normanby Hill) Lieutenant H. A. Maunder writes under date Cairo, May 2:—”The gallantry and dash of our lads at the Dardanelles is a ready theme. You have probably read as much as I can tell you of it, but perhaps I know some details, heard from wounded officers, which the papers have not mentioned. I shall copy from my diary. On April 29 the first batch of wounded were returned here from the Dardanelles, and are in hospital, only half a mile from our camp. The landing of our boys at Gallipoli Peninsula commenced at 4 a.m. on Sunday, April 25. When within a couple of hundred yards of the shore a murderous fire was opened by the Turks, the machine guns (of which they have 30 to a battalion) doing great damage. As soon as our boys landed they fought like lions, and the Turks hadn’t the ghost of a show against them. The Australians were simply irresistible in their bayonet charges, and General Sir Ian Hamilton said he could not speak in terms too eulogistic of their bravery and enthusiasm. The Queenslanders were the first to land, and every one who saw them go into action and receive their baptism of fire cannot say too much for them; all affirm that they would be proud indeed to be a Queenslander. Some of the wounded say that when the Turks started firing it was simply hell, and an officer who had been in the retreat from Mons said that this, while it lasted, was even worse than that great retreat. Wire entanglements were placed, in the sea, pits were dug in which were embedded sharp pikes, mines were exploded, aeroplanes bombs, artillery bombarded them, and a galling fire was kept up by snipers and machine guns. In addition the Turkish forts, seven miles away, were hurling great shells at our troops, who under it all behaved as if they were on manoeuvres, except that they were more earnest and excited. To make matters worse the enemy had to be routed from trenches on a very steep hill, which meant climbing under great difficulties at any time. However, immediately our troops landed they were given the order, ‘Off packs! Fix bayonets!’, and then began their first bayonet charge. With cries of ‘Imshi Yalla!’ the position was captured. The officers are very proud of their men, who, though worked up to the highest pitch of excitement, were under control the whole time, and obeyed every order implicitly. On the other hand, the men speak in the highest terms of their officers. Joe Costin, whose home, you will remember, I used to visit, did great work with his machine gun. Up till the time that the first batch of wounded were brought away, all of his men had been shot down, and he and his sergeant-major were firing two guns them-selves. Dr Butler, whom I described to you as judge in the fancy dress evening we had on board the —-, also did splendid work, attending wounded under fire, &c. At one stage he was blown up by a mine, but managed to escape unhurt. Of course, this is only hearsay, but I have it from a chap who says he saw it happen and was blown up himself, and is in hospital with a damaged back. Without doubt the Australians did great work, but un-fortunately our casualties are very heavy. To take the place of the wounded the reinforcements here have been despatched post-haste to the Front. The 4th Brigade has been in action, and has had many casualties. All the officers of the 9th Battalion who are in hospital here are very happy, despite the fact that up to yesterday some still had the bullets in them, and they are very anxious to return to the firing line.”.”

 

Harold embarked on Anchises for ANZAC on 14^th December 1915. From Mudros, he disembarked from MT Tunisian on 3^rd January 1916 at Alexandria. He re-joined his unit ex ANZAC at Heliopolis on 8^th January 1916. The Officer Commanding 5^th Company AASC recorded that Harold transferred to Bir-Nooker on 15^th January and transferred from Warden to Minia on 18^th February 1916. On 13^th March 1916 he was transferred to 5^th Australian Divisional Train and was promoted to Captain on the same day. At Ismailia on 26^th March 1916, he was transferred to ASC Anzac Mounted Division from 5^th A D Train as a Captain. On 23^rd May 1916 he was taken on strength of the Australian Mounted Division. At Romani on 11^th September 1916 Harold was transferred to Headquarters Australian Service Corps Anzac Mounted Division from 1^st Light Horse Brigade Supply Section AMD and was taken on their strength on the same day. On 20^th September 1916 he was posted as Senior Requisitioning Officer with Headquarters Division ASC AMD at Cairo.

On 1^st March 1917, as part of the Egyptian Expeditionary Force, Harold was detached temporarily to the 3^rd Light Horse Brigade Supply Section from HQ ASC AMD and struck off ration strength. He transferred temporarily at Ma’ Said. At Rafa on 22^nd March 1917 he detached to HQ ASC Anzac Mounted Division, returning from 3^rd Light Horse Brigade Supply Section and taken on ration strength at Bir Abu Shumman. He was to be a Major to complete establishment with the EEF on 1^st July 1917. Harold was appointed to command the Australian Mounted Divisional Train on 1^st August 1917. On 6^th August 1917 Harold was taken on strength at Moascar on temporary duty with HQ ASC AMD and was transferred to Australian Mounted Divisional Train and struck off strength on the same day.

Harold was Mentioned in Despatches in General Sir A J Murray’s despatch dated 18^th March 1917. A note in red adds “main despatch dated 1/3/17 Published in London Gazette No 30169 dated 6/7/17” and published in the Commonwealth Gazette in 11^th October 1917. It appeared in the London Gazette of 6^th July 1917 on page 6773 at position 97, noting he was a Captain in the AASC.

Base Records sent his father a letter to “Glenaloon” Ithaca Street Normanby on 17^th November 1917 stating “I have much pleasure in forwarding hereunder copy of extract from Supplement No. 30169 to the London Gazette dated 6^th July, 1917, relating to the conspicuous Services rendered by your son, Captain H. A. Maunder, Anzac Mounted Divisional Army Service Corps Headquarters. MENTIONED IN DESPATCHES The Secretary of State for War has received the following despatch from General Sir Archibald Murray, G.C.M.G., K.C.B., Commander-in-Chief, Egyptian Expeditionary Force, enclosing a list of those officers, non-commissioned officers, and men, whose name he desires to bring to notice for gallant or distinguished conduct in the field, or for other valuable services:- Captain H. A. MAUNDER.”

The organisation of the Australian Army Service Corps in February 1918 included: “Australian and New Zealand Mounted Divisional Train. Commanded by Lieutenant-Colonel W. Stansfield (Qld) Assistant Director of Supplies and Transport, Desert Mounted Corps. Australian Mounted Divisional Train. Commanded by Major H. A. Maunder (Qld).”

He was sent to a School of Instruction at Cairo on 21^st January 1918 while in the field with HQ Australian Mounted Divisional Train and returned to them from the School on Instruction in Cairo on 7^th March 1918. On 2^nd July 1918 he was to be Lieutenant-Colonel temporarily while commanding and on the same day he was to be Lieutenant-Colonel under AIF (Egypt) Order List 31. He was promoted to Honorary Captain with Australian Military Forces AASC on 3^rd June 1918 and was to “be noted for the Brevet rank of Major in promotion to substantive rank of Captain, for meritorious service during the present war”. Another entry has recorded that he was recommended to be Honorary Captain on 14^th June 1918.

As a Major in the Australian Mounted Divisional Train, he was recommended for a Mention in despatches on 6^th September 1918.

He was recommended for a Distinguished Service Order with it reading “Major (temporary Lieutenant-Colonel) Harold Arthur MAUNDER, Australian Army Service Corps. For continuous and good work as Commander of the Australian Mounted Divisional Train. His administrative duties have been carried out very successfully and his services are worthy of recognition.” The recommendation was approved. Another recommendation for the “Peace Gazette”, dated 23^rd December 1918 read “Lt.Col. Harold Arthur MAUNDER Div’l Train This officer has shown marked ability as Commander of the Train since its formation. Has very materially assisted in the Supply and Transport services of the Division by his close and continued attention to the consistently heavy responsibilities of those particular services.” The DSO was recommended by the GOC Australian Mounted Division.

Major (temporary Lieutenant-Colonel) Harold Charles Maunder of the Australian Mounted Divisional Train was recommended for a Mention in Despatches by GOCC Australian Mounted Division “For continuous good work as Commander of the Divisional Train. His administrative duties have been carried out to my entire satisfaction and I consider his services are worthy of recognition.” The form also mentions he was awarded the DSO in New Year Honours 22/1/19 and Mentioned in the London Gazette.

In the London Gazette Supplement No 31138 dated 22^nd January 1919 Harold was Mentioned in Sir General E H Allenby’s despatch dated 23^rd October 1918. It was recorded on page 1165 at position 34, with his rank as a temporary Lieutenant-Colonel in the AASC. On 1^st January 1919 he was awarded the Distinguished Service Order.

He was recommended on 23^rd December 1918 for Distinguished Service Order as a Lieutenant Colonel in the Divisional Train AASC. The award was published in the London Gazette on 1^st January 1919 on page 55 at position 4 and the Commonwealth Gazette on 23^rd May 1919 on page 890 at position 24.

Harold was Mentioned in despatches as a Temporary Lieutenant Colonel in the AASC in London Gazette of 22^nd January 1919 on page 1165 at position 34.

 

A Confidential report was filled out on Lieutenant-Colonel H A Maunder DSO, CO of Australian Mounted Divisional Train which stated he was recommended for advancement and the appointment for which he was best fitted was Store or Transport duties. The form noted he was 27 9/12 years old, had service of 3 8/12 years in CMF and 4 5/12 years in AIF. For PSC it recorded “no (one weeks Senior officers School Cairo).” For Services in the present War was entered “Embarked Sept 23^rd 1914. Landed Lemnos Is. Dec 1915 on S. H. Frontier of Egypt (Senussi Campaign) Jany-May 1916. Sinai campaign from May 1916. Palestine & Syrian campaigns from March 1917 to date. “Mentioned” in dispatch up to 28.2.17; made Hony. Capt & noted for Brevet Major in C.M.F. 3.6.18; awarded D.S.O. Jany 1918. Promoted. “Mentioned” in dispatch up to Sept 18^th 1919.” Remarks of Reporting Officer included “This Officer has carried out his duties in a very satisfactory manner.” It was signed by the Brigadier-General and Commanding Officer of the Australian Mounted Division, with a “I concur” written underneath by a Major. Under Higher Command Remarks was “I concur. Has performed his duties with particular zeal and energy. Is strict about discipline and shows much ability in all his work.” It was signed by Major-General H W Hodgson, Commanding the Desert Mounted Corps on 7^th April 1919.

 

From Headquarters Australian Divisional Train, he was marched out to Details at Moascar on 20^th May 1919 and attached to Details Camp on that day. He was to embark on HT Nile at Port Said on 2^nd June 1919 for UK for 1914 leave. A recommendation on 14^th June 1918 by the GOC AMD for Major Harold Arthur Maunder A.M.Div. Train AASC reads “The work of this officer has been known to me for the last 12 months during which time he has carried out his duties in a most creditable and conscientious manner. He has served in the field for 3 years and 9 months.”

The United Grand Lodge of England Freemason membership register shows that the date of initiation for Harold Arthur Maunder was 18^th September 1915, passing was 19^th February 1916 and raising was 1^st November 1916. He was a 24 years old Lieutenant and living in Cairo. A certificate was issued on 14^th July 1916. Harold resigned from the lodge on 21^st June 1919.

On 14^th June 1919 Base Records sent a letter to his father, advising him that Harold had been awarded the Distinguished Service Order. It had been recorded in the Second Supplement No. 31093 to the London Gazette dated 1^st January 1919 relating to his conspicuous service rendered. The entry was listed in the London Gazette on page 55 under Australian Force awarded the Distinguished Service Order as “Maj. (T./Lt.-Col.) Harold Arthur Maunder, Aust. A.S.C.” On 23^rd June 1919 Base Records sent his father a notification of his Mention in Despatches, recorded in the Second Supplement No 31138 to the London Gazette dated 21^st January 1919 for conspicuous services rendered by Major (Temporary Lieutenant-Colonel) H A Maunder DSO from General Sir E H H Allenby GCB GCMG Commander-in-Chief of the EEF who submitted names deserving of special mention. Both were sent to Mr H Maunder Esq. of “Glenalvon” Ithaca Street Normanby Brisbane.

 

Lieutenant-Colonel Maunder reported to AIF Headquarters ex Egypt, on leave till 16^th August 1919 and then for immediate return to Australia, on 16^th June 1919 at London. He was granted leave from 28^th July 1919 to 29^th October 1919 with pay assist, the reason being he was attending an Accountancy course at G W College Tottenham Court Road London. With his period of leave expired he was marched out to DAAG for disposal on 30^th October 1919. He returned to Australia from England on 28^th November 1919.

Harold signed a form which stated he had paid all accounts owing to him in England and if he was not aware of any they were to be forwarded to “Fernleigh” Normanby Terrace Brisbane and he signed it as a Lieutenant-Colonel in the AMDT.

 

The Australian War Memorial has quite a collection of photos on Harold. Unfortunately, they are not dated.

Colonel Harold Arthur Maunder and soldier, Australian Mounted Divisional Train, inspecting the trenches at Rafa. J01134

Portrait of Colonel Harold Arthur Maunder, Australian Mounted Divisional Train (3rd from right) and six other unidentified officers standing on the platform at a train station. J01153

 

Colonel Harold Arthur Maunder, 5th Australian Mounted Division Train, (right) with another officer, sit outside his tent at Romani, under date trees laden with fruit. J01056

 

Colonel Harold Arthur Maunder, Australian Mounted Divisional Train, and soldier Field inspecting the trenches at Rafa. J01135

Major Stansfield (centre) and Colonel Harold Arthur Maunder, 5th Australian Mounted Division Train (right), with their horses, under the palms at Romani. J01055

Colonel Harold Arthur Maunder, Australian Mounted Divisional Train and Captain Dickenson, stopped for lunch during their patrol after the Turks at Salmana. A shady area has been constructed with palm fonds. The horses are feeding from their nosebags on. J01103

 

Portrait of Colonel Harold Arthur Maunder, DSO, (later Australian Mounted Divisional Train, AASC) 5th Division, mounted on his horse outside his tent at Mazar. J00916

Colonel Harold Arthur Maunder, (right), beside one of the four captured Turkish mountain battery guns, left on the ground where they had been abandoned. The gun is a 7.5cm Gebirgskanone M1904, a Krupp-manufactured design with a sliding wedge breech. J01088

 

The Australian Mounted Divisional Train trekking along the shores of the Sea of Galilee, towards Damascus. Colonel Harold Arthur Maunder is in the lead. J01193

Portrait of Major William Stansfield, 1st Light Horse Brigade Train and Colonel Harold Arthur Maunder, Australian Mounted Divisional Train, poring over the maps and working out a method by which troops could be fed if they moved to a certain place. J00918. The museum has medals and information on William Stansfield.

 

The sun on the desert beats down unmercifully and every advantage is taken of what little shade there is. Colonel Harold Arthur Maunder, Australian Mounted Divisional Train, rests under the shade of some canvas, reading a book and smoking his pipe. J01086

Four officers stop for afternoon tea at Salmana. They are from left to right:- Lieutenant Broadbent, Colonel Harold Arthur Maunder, Captain Price, Captain Dickenson. J00925

 

Informal outdoor group portrait of officers of the Headquarters Staff of the Australian Mounted Divisional Train. Identified from left to right: Captain Robert Norman Wardle, Veterinary Corps; Major Francis Sidney Dickinson (later awarded OBE); Lieutenant Colonel Harold Arthur Maunder (later awarded DSO); Lieutenant John Whitty; and Major Cyril James Weedon, Medical Corps. B02497

Informal outdoor group portrait of officers of the Headquarters Staff of the Australian Mounted Divisional Train. Identified from left to right, back row: Lieutenant (Lt) Lewis George Cole (later Captain); Lt Edward Charles Upfold; Lt Alexander Edward Nicholl Simpson; Lt Frederick Joseph Pawsey; Lt Reginald Thomas Hunt; Lt Arthur Gill; and Lt Henry Alfred Cook (later awarded MC). Second row: Major (Maj) Cyril James Weedon, Medical Corps; Captain (Capt) Derrick Peter Sellars; Maj Francis Sidney Dickinson (later awarded OBE); Lieutenant Colonel Harold Arthur Maunder (later awarded DSO); Lt John Whitty; Capt Frank Howson, Medical Corps; and Capt Sydney Robert Young. Front row; Lt Short and Lt Skiff. B02498

The AWM also has 2 photos which are listed: – Colonel Harold Arthur Maunder, Australian Mounted Divisional Train leading a road reconnaissance. J01159 and Types of Arabs, riding horses with the Sheikh of Mecca’s army. Colonel Harold Arthur Maunder, DSO, Australian Mounted Divisional Train is on the right of the two standing in the foreground. J01110. There are no photos online for them, but a link suggests they can be purchased.

 

 

Harold filled out a form for Australian War Records Section after the war which are the biographical details of Lieutenant-Colonel H A Maunder DSO. The form was filled out and returned to the AWRC at 103 Horseferry Road London. In it he gave his personal details as Harold Arthur Maunder, born 15^th April 1891 at Brisbane. He was educated at Boys’ Central School Charters Towers Queensland and his occupation was in the Commonwealth Public Service. He had no other “active service other than in present war”. For service in the Australian Military Forces he wrote “Joined December 1910 as Private in A.A.S.C. 1^st Military District. Promoted to Corporal, Sergeant & Quartermaster Sergeant respectively, & in August 1913 appointed 2^nd Lieut. Attended A.S.C. School of Instruction held at Enoggera, near Brisbane, during July 1913. Held appointments as Supply officer & as Transport officer during above period.” He was Transport Officer 24^th Company ASC as his appointment held on the outbreak of war. For War Service in Australia he wrote “On August 5^th 1914, was sent to Lytton near Brisbane, to act as Supply officer to the Garrison there. Carried out these duties until joining the A.I.F. on August 21^st 1914.” He had no service in the AN&MEF.

For service in the AIF he joined at Brisbane on August 21^st 1914 with the rank of 2^nd Lieutenant and appointment of Requisitioning officer with the 5^th Company ASC 1^st Light Horse Brigade Train. On 8^th May 1915 he was O/C 5^th ASC details & supply officer at Aerodrome Camp Cairo Egypt. He was then O/C 5^th ASC reinforcements for Gallipoli on 21^st November 1915. On 26^th March 1916 he was Supply Officer 1^st Light horse Brigade, from September 1916 he was Senior Requisitioning officer HQ ASC Anzac Mounted Division, from May 1917 he was Senior Supply officer Anzac Mounted Division and from 1^st August 1917 to May 1919 he was CO Australian Mounted Divisional Train. Also, in that time he was O/C ASC Damascus Area & Line of Communication Syria from 12^th October 1918 to 26^th October 1918 and O/C AASC in Egypt from 17^th October 1918 to 20^th November 1918. He listed promotions as 2^nd Lieutenant to Lieutenant on 1^st February 1915, Lieutenant to Captain on 13^th March 1916, Captain to Major on 1^st July 1917 and Major to Lieutenant-Colonel on 2^nd July 1918. For transfers he wrote 5^th ASC to 5^th Divisional Train (but did not take up duty) on 15^th March 1916, 5^th Divisional Train to Anzac Mounted Division ASC on 26^th March 1916 and AMD ASC to command Australian Mounted Divisional Train on 1^st August 1917.

He wrote for operations: 21^st November 1915, taken on strength on Mediterranean Expeditionary Force & sent to Gallipoli; landed at Lemnos but not allowed to proceed further on account of the evacuation of the Peninsular. 9^th January to 13^th May 1916: South Western Frontier of Egypt (Senussi Campaign). Sinai Peninsular Campaign from 16^th May 1916 to 24^th March 1917 which included Romani, Bir el Abd, Mazar, El Arrish, Maghdaba & Rafa operations. Palestine Campaign from 25^th March 1917 until Syria entered. This included 1^st Gaza, 2^nd Gaza, Beersheba & Jerusalem operations. “Also was in the Jordan Valley from April 26^th ‘18 to August 20^th 1918 (less one month of this time spent at Bethlehem) during which period took part in 2^nd Esalt & Amman operations. Syrian Campaign from 19^th September 1918 to 31^st October 1918 where he “took part in the advance to Damascus with the Aust. Mtd. Divn.

In the Honours and Awards section, he wrote: Mentioned in General Murray’s despatch up to 28^th July 1917, AIF List No. 200 of 6.7.17; Mentioned in General Allenby’s despatch up to 18^th September 1918, AIF List No. 441 of 31.1.19; awarded the DSO in General Allenby’s despatch up to 18^th September 1918, AIF List no. 427 if 1^st January 1919. Promoted in AMF to Provisional Lieutenant on 1^st July 1915. Promoted in AMF to Honorary Captain & to be noted for the Brevet rank of Major on promotion to substantive rank of Captain, AIF List No. 438 of 24.1.19.

For “Period during service in A.I.F. considered most important or interesting” Harold wrote “I consider that the most important and interesting period during my service was that which commenced on Sept. 19^th 1918 & finished when the Armistice was signed on Oct 31^st 1918, because during this time it was shown what Mounted Troops could do even in modern warfare, & also, this from my point of view, it demonstrated that a Divisional Train attached to such Mounted Troops could keep in touch with them & deliver supplies as required. Before the war it would not have been considered possible for a divisional Train, loaded most of the time, to keep in touch with rapidly moving Mounted Troops, who in 12 days traversed more than 200 miles of country, over for a good part of the way, sandy, heavy or broken roads. Yet my Train did this, with only one drink a day for the animals sometimes, & entered Damascus on Oct 1^st 1918, the day after the town had been captured. At Damascus, besides having to ration the Division & many other Units, about 20,000 Turkish & German prisoners had to be fed. This had to be done with a greatly depleted staff owing to sickness, & when Motor Convoys for the first three weeks were very few & far between. But it was done in spite of almost insufferable difficulties & not one day from Sept 19^th (the commencement of operations) did the Division go without rations. It shows that in Australia, where probably Mounted Troops would be used a great deal, that a Divisional Train for a Mounted Division is a very useful Unit & greatly assists operations.”

He signed the form on 18^th May 1919 at Moascar Egypt as H A Maunder Lt Col Commanding Australian Mounted Divisional Train.

 

In the British Army Lists he appears in 1915 as 2^nd Lieutenant AASC, 1916 as Lieutenant (1^st July) AASC, 1917 as Lieutenant AASC (under Forces of the Overseas Dominions and Colonies, Australian Commonwealth Graduation List, 1^st July 1915) and 1918 as Lieutenant in Graduation List of Officers. In one Graduation List he was listed under Light Horse, Harold Arthur Maunder, born 15.4.91, 2^nd Lieutenant 1.8.13 AASC (rank, date and Corps in the Commonwealth Military Forces) and date of 1^st appointment 21.8.14, 2^nd Lieutenant in Light Horse Brigade Train in the Australian Imperial Force.

His father signed for the Commission Form of Lieutenant-Colonel H A Maunder DSO Australian Mounted Divisional Train on 25^th September 1919 and Base Records received the form back on the 30^th. He was also advised of Harold’s return to Australia on 8^th December 1919. Harold returned to Australia on 22^nd November 1919 on HT Anneas to be demobilised.

On 1^st February 1920 Harold wrote to the Officer in Charge at Base Records from Normanby Terrace Brisbane. He wrote “During the war I was mentioned in dispatches as follows: 1. General Murrays dispatch up to 28.2.17. A.I.F. List No. 200 of 6.7.17. 2. General Allenbys dispatch up to 18.9.18. A.I.F. List No. 441 of 31.1.19. The certificates bearing the King’s signature, issued in this connection have not yet reached me. I shall be glad if you would forward them to the above address. If these certificates have not yet reached you it would appear that they have been overlooked. Could you kindly make enquiries.” They received the letter on 10^th February 1921 and his change of address was noted. All other dates on the letter are 1921, so Harold must have mistakenly put 1920. Their replied on 11^th February 1921 and said”… Certificates for all members of the Australian Imperial Force who were mentioned in Despatches have not yet been received from A.I.F. Headquarters, London. It is anticipated that a further batch will be to hand shortly, and should yours be included, they will be individually transmitted to you at the under-mentioned address.” It was the same address as in his letter. Both certificates were sent on 1^st June 1921.

His appointment was terminated in the 1^st Military District on 14^th March 1920 with his rank as Lieutenant-Colonel.

Harold signed for the two oak leaves (one large and one small) – Mention in Despatches emblems on 24^th September 1920 and Base Records received the receipt back on 4^th October.

The Darling Downs Gazette of Thursday 25^th November 1920 had in page 3 under “QUEENSLAND UNIVERSITY. EXAMINATION RESULTS” and Faculty of Science Day Students “The following students have passed in the subjects necessary to exempt them from the first year’s work of the medical course at the University or Sydney and Melbourne: Aubrey George Bennett, Francis Robert Guinane, James Alfred Larwill, Harold Arthur Maunder, Alexander Dunbar Aitken Mayes, Laurence Ruth Reisz.” The 1920 Commonwealth Public Service List has an entry for Harold as a Class 5 Clerk, showing he was first appointed on 1^st March 1912 with a yearly salary of £198 from 1^st March 1920.

Harold appears in the 1922 Who’s Who in Australia as “MAUNDER, Lieutenant-Colonel Harold Arthur, D.S.O. (Queensland): b. Brisbane, 15 Apr. 1891; s of Herbert Maunder: ed. Boy’s Central School, Charters Towers. Commonwealth Public Officer. Served in European War – embarked Sept. 1914 – in Senussi, Sinai, Palestine and Syrian campaigns (mentioned in despatches twice); D.S.O. Jan. 1919. Address – Normanby Terrace, Brisbane, Q.” The 1929 entry reads: “MAUNDER, Harold Arthur, D.S.O. medical student, Melbourne Univ.; b. 15 Apr. 1891; s, of Herbert and Elizabeth Maunder; unmarried. Educ. Charters Towers, Queensland. Entered the Commonwealth Public Service; was in the Australian Military Force before the war; enlisted in the A.I.F., and was given a Commission (2^nd Lieut.); left Australia with the first fleet, Sep. 1914 service with the Mediterranean Expeditionary Force; took part in the Senussi, Palestine, and Syrian Campaigns with the Anzac Mounted Division; commanded the Australian Mounted Divisional Train, Aug. 1917 till end of war; discharges from A.I.F., March 1920 (despatches twice, D.S.O., Brevet rank); promotions by successive stages from 2^nd Lieut. To Lieut.-Colonel; after the war, matriculated at the University of Queensland (Honours), Recreations: golf, tennis. Address: 205 Park Street, Partville, Melbourne, Australia. T.: C11427. Club: United Services, Melbourne.” Another entry (1932?) has “MAUNDER, Lieut.-Colonel Harold Arthur, D.S.O., M.B. B.S. (Melb.) (Vic.): son of Herbert Maunder; b. Ap. 15, 1891, Brisbane; ed. Univ. Melb.; served Great War, A.I.F. 1914-19, Egypt, Palestine, despatched twice, brevet rank, D.S.O. 1919; m Feb. 16, 1929, Ruth Cust, 1 s.; address, Warracknabeal, Vic.”

The 1924 electoral roll Harold was living at 205 Park Street Melbourne by himself and was a student. The University of Melbourne has an entry in the annual year book under degrees conferred 1924-25 under the heading Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery, in “absented” is a list which includes Harold Arthur Maunder. In the 1924 Officers List, he was in the Unattached List with the 11^th Mixed Brigade as Brevet-Major H A Maunder DSO (AIF), transferred from the AASC on 1^st August 1921. He was also in the Honours List and Graduation List which showed his promotions.

Brevet Lieutenant-Colonel G E Badcock wrote “A History of the Transport Services of the Egyptian Expeditionary Force”, published in 1925. In his Personal Reminiscences he wrote of the Australian Imperial Force and of his friendship with Lieutenant-Colonel Stansfield, who wrote him a farewell letter saying how the Australians appreciated him. He also wrote about an incident involving one AASC Horse Transport unit stealing some horses from another unit at night as a joke. He stated “I wonder if my two friends Lieutenant-Colonels Loveridge and Maunder remember the episode!” Further on, he added that in his experience that Australians were not difficult to deal with and he would work with “such as Stansfield, Howell-Price, Loveridge and Maunder – good fellows all.”

Harold is mentioned in a court case here – https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/244052198/26531147 , where it states he was resident surgeon at the Melbourne hospital when he examined the person who was hit by a car and also later on, before the trial. The person was seeking compensation.

In 1929 Harold married Ruth Millicent Cust in Warrnambool Victoria. Ruth had been born in Hopetoun Victoria on 9^th February 1910. Their marriage notice reads “MAUNDER-CUST. The friends of Dr. H. A. Maunder, D.S.O., formerly of Brisbane, will be interested to hear of his marriage to Miss Ruth Cust, (second daughter of Mr. E. A. Cust, Prospect Hill road, Camberwell, Victoria), which took place on February 16, at Trinity Church, Camberwell. Dr. and Mrs. Maunder left Melbourne by the Nieuw Holland on February 18 for a trip to Java and Singapore, after which the doctor will return to his practice at Warracknabeal, Victoria.” The wedding was discussed in Table Talk (Melbourne) of Thursday 14^th March 1929 on page 64 under the heading “Maunder Cust THERE was a pretty wedding at Trinity Presbyterian Church, Camberwell, on Saturday evening, February 10, when Ruth Millicent, younger daughter of Mr and Mrs E. A. Cust, of Prospect Hill road, Camberwell, became the wife of Dr. Harold Maunder, only son of the late Mr and Mrs Maunder, of Brisbane. Rev. Wilson Macauley officiated. The bride’s pearl-tinted duchesse satin coat on medieval lines had a low, square neck to its fitting bodice with tight tulle sleeves. There was a bouffant pannier at each hip, and the skirt, dipping in points at each side, was lengthened by a wide, undulating band of tulle. Wings of tulle fell from her shoulders, and the filmy tulle veil which formed a train, was secured with orange blossoms at the back of her head. A sheaf of pink and white gladioli was carried. Misses Phyllis Oust and Jean Devereux, as bridesmaids, wore shell pink chiffon, the full skirts dipping in points at the sides to reach the ground, with wide, softly swathed hip bands, the ends caught at the back and falling to the ground. Their droop hats of felt in a deeper shade were swathed with ring velvet. Dr. David Brown was best man, and Mr Beresford Darke groomsman. Wedding dinner was served at Menzies’.” They had two boys, David Halford Maunder born on 12^th August 1931 in Richmond Victoria and Kenneth Halford Maunder born in 1933 in England and a girl, Rosanne Elizabeth born in 1945 in Dartford, Kent, England.

Base Records sent a reply on 11^th January 1929 to The Director of the Australian War Memorial Exhibition Buildings in Melbourne stating “In reply to your L/12/11/1635 of 7^th January, 1929, I have to advise that the latest address held here of Lieut.-Colonel H.A. MAUNDER, D.S.O.,A.A.S.C., A.I.F., is identical with that quoted in your communication.” The letter they wrote had initially been dated 21^st December 1928, but that was crossed out and a date stamp of the above date added. They had wanted to get in touch with “Lieutenant-Colonel H. A. Maunder, D.S.O., Anzac Mounted Divisional Train, A.I.F. whose A.I.F. appointment was terminated on 14/3/1920.” His last recorded address was Normanby Terrace Brisbane but a letter sent to that address had been returned marked “left”. A record has his address in 1932 as Woolcock Street Warracknabeal Victoria.

On 18^th April 1934 Base Records replied to a letter from the Repatriation Commission asking for service records for “Lieutenant-Colonel H H Maunder DSO” and included a list of those sent.

Ruth and the two boys are listed in the passengers arriving at Southampton from Melbourne on 10^th September 1936 on Largs Bay. Their proposed address in England was “c/- Commercial Bank of Australia Ltd. 17, Moorgate. London”, with country of permanent residence as Australia. Ruth was doing home duties.

In the Bexley, Kent, England, Electoral Registers of 1937, Harold was living at 68 Bexley Road, Bexley, Kent, England with Ruth and Ruby Lamont. The 1938, 1939 and 1940 registers have the same details. In the 1945 register, there is only Harold and Ruth. The 1940 UK Medical Directory lists “MAUNDER, Harold Arthur, 68, Bexley Rd., Erith, Kent – M.B., B.S. Melb. 1925”. The 1943 directory has the same details.

68 Bexley Road, Erith, Kent, England – the block above tip of arrow.

Kelly’s Directory for Kent England in 1938 has an entry “Maunder Harold A., D.S.O., M.B., B.S.Melb. physcn. & surgn. (firm, Carrie & Maunder), 8 Pier rd. TN 2058”. The 1938 directory has a listing in Public Establishments under Erith, Crayford, Belvedere & Abbey Wood Hospital for “H. A. Maunder D.S.O., M.B., B.S.Melb.” It also gave his address in Erith as “Maunder Harold A., D.S.O., M.B., B.S. 68 Bexley road”.

In the 1939 register Harold was living at 68 Bexley Road Erith with two domestic servants. He listed his date of birth as 15^th April 1891 and he was a Medical Practitioner. A note on the side says “Australian Military Forces Reserve of Officers A.S.C. Lieut-Col”. His servants were Ruby Lamont, born 3^rd July 1915 and Pearl Pearse, born 22 February 1921. He had some service during WW2, but no record is available to detail what that was.

Masters D H Maunder aged 8 and K H Maunder aged 5 left Southampton on the Orcades with Miss R H Lamont, a nurse aged 24, of 68 Bexley Road Erith Kent, bound for Australia, with that listed as their country of intended future permanent residence. They arrived in Freemantle on 5^th August 1940 with an address of 223 Church Street Brighton listed.

Harold was listed in the Reserve of Officers on 18^th January 1945, under Australian Army Service Corps as “MAUNDER, Harold Arthur, DSO (Vic.), Born 15/4/91, 2/Lt AASC 1/8/13, Lt AASC 1/7/15, Capt AASC 1/2/20, (H’/Capt 3/6/18 to 31/1/19), Maj (Brevet) AASC 1/2/20, UL 1/8/21, Lt-Col R of O (Vic) 1/8/26.”

On 9^th January 1948 Ruth and Elizabeth travelled on the Stratheden from London to Melbourne. Their English address was recorded as 68 Bexley Road, she was a housewife and their intended future residence was Australia. They returned to London from Melbourne on the same ship, arriving on 6^th July 1948 and giving England as their county of permanent residence. The Kalgoorlie Miner (WA) of Friday 5^th May 1950 on page 5 had an entry “Presentation at Court FIVE WEST AUSTRALIANS London, May 4.— The following West Australian women will be presented at Buckingham Palace to-day:— Mrs. Jean Richardson, Mrs. Phyllis Pansy Lamb, Mrs. Ruth Millicent Maunder, Dr. Done L. Officer, Miss Mary J. Officer.” On 1^st April 1952 they did another trip to Australia on the Himalaya from London to Melbourne. All their details were the same.

The 1972 Australian electoral roll shows Ruth living at 10/844 Malvern Road Armadale Victoria with her occupation listed as “housmtrs”. Ruth passed away on 9^th November 1977 in Melbourne and probate was granted on 5^th January 1978 with her being listed as a widow.

 

In the 1955 England electoral register, a Kenneth H Maunder was living at Half Acre, Crawley Down, Reigate, Surrey with Geraldine G Maunder. The 1967 phone book has a K H Maunder listed at Canada cottage, Cross Keys, Sevenoaks. In the 1967 Australian electoral roll for Malvern in Victoria are entries for Kenneth Halford Maunder, a manager and Diana Louise Maunder, doing home duties. Both were living at 16 Horsburgh Grove. The Age in May 1976 had an entry under Deaths for “MAUNDER. – On 11^th May (suddenly), at Cairns, Kenneth Halford Maunder, beloved younger son of Ruth Maunder, of Armadale, and the late Dr. Harold Arthur Maunder.”

 

David left Southampton on the Orcades bound for Melbourne Australia in 1940, with Kenneth, listed as students. They travelled on the MV Glenstrae, arriving in New York USA in 1944 (both listed as born in Melbourne Australia- aged 13 and 10), heading for the United Kingdom. David was listed as a British crew member on the Peter Dal II arriving in New York USA in 1952, at the age of 21 as an apprentice from 14^th March 1952. His description was Australian, 5 foot 11 ½ inches, 150 pounds and had no scars. David was listed in the 1967 electoral roll as living at “C’villa Mtl. Princess H’way” and he was a business manager, with a Merle Junice Maunder, a business manageress. He died on 17^th February 2000 in Heidleburg Victoria.

 

The Sunday Mail in Brisbane had on Sunday 27^th January 1946 on page 8 under Births “MAUNDER.— On November 5, 1945, at Ormiston, Erith, Kent, to Ruth, Wife of Harold Maunder, D.S.O., M.B., B.S. a Daughter (Rosanne Elizabeth).” In the 1968 Australian electoral roll for Victoria, Rosanne was living at 10/844 Malvern Road Armadale with her mother. Her occupation was listed as secretary. The Age in January 1970 had an entry under Engagements “MAUNDER-BAIRD. – The engagement is announced of Rosanne Elizabeth, the only daughter of Mrs. R. M. Maunder, of Armadale and the late Dr. Harold Maunder to Richard Hutchison, only son of Mr. and Mrs. Neil Baird of The Esplanade, Peppermint Grove, Perth, WA.” In the 1972 electoral roll they were living at 8/183 Broome Street Cottesloe and he was a financial advisor and Rosanne was a travel consultant. By the 1977 roll they had moved to 7 Andrews Place Cottesloe and Richard was a manager with Rosanne doing home duties. The 1980 roll had the same details.

In the 1919 electoral roll Herbert and Elizabeth were living in Normanby Terrace Kelvin Grove and he was a postal assistant. Herbert passed away on 10^th March 1922 in Brisbane and was buried in Toowong Cemetery on the 11^th. He was buried in Portion 13-Section 21-Plot 27 at Toowong Cemetery. The grave reads “In Loving Memory Of Herbert Maunder Died 10^th March 1922 Aged 53 Years And Only Son Harold Maunder D.S.O., M.B., B. CH. Died Kent England 3^rd March 1951 Aged 59 Years.”

 

 

Elizabeth married Evan Griffiths on 11^th May 1931 in Brisbane.

Elizabeth was buried on 12^th October 1953 in Portion 13-Section 29-Plot 20 in Toowong Cemetery. The grave reads “Elizabeth Wife Of Herbert Maunder Died 11^th Oct 1953 Aged 81 Years.” Herbert is also mentioned there, with the date of service 11^th March 1922.

 

Ruby married Robert Ker Bell in 1914 in Queensland. He had been living at Cloncurry and was an engine driver (according to the 1913 electoral roll). By the 1937 electoral roll they were living at “Restholme” Mareeba Road Ashgrove and Robert was a public servant. He died on 15^th September 1942. Ruby was living at 55 Lewis Street Buranda in the 1958 roll, doing home duties. She died on 9^th June 1963 in Brisbane.

Ivy married Stewart Fletcher McIntosh on 28^th September 1927 in Queensland. Stewart had been born on 6^th March 1898 in Brisbane. In WW1 he served as Private 5076. He enlisted on 5^th May 1917 in Brisbane after being previously rejected due to “under chest standard”. Stewart had been a storeman and stated he was 19 years and 1 month old, was 5 foot 3 inches tall, weighed 114 pounds, had a chest measurement of 30 to 33 inches and had a fair complexion with blue eyes and light brown hair. He had a scar on his right shin and was a Presbyterian. He was with the 14^th Reinforcements to the 31^st Battalion. Embarking on A20 from Sydney on 14^th June 1917, they arrived in Liverpool and disembarked on 26^th August 1917. From the training battalion in England he was sent to France to reinforce the 41^st Battalion and was taken on strength on 4^th January 1918. He was gassed on 26^th May 1918 and sent to England in June with “Gas-shell wd- severe” In September he was transferred to the Machine Gun Corps and was sent to the 5^th Machine Gun Battalion in France on 2^nd December 1918. He had gone AWOL in November, for which he was confined to barracks for 7 days and lost pay. Stewart returned to Australia on the Melbourne on 5^th July 1919 and was discharged in Brisbane on 22^nd September 1919. Stewart was entitled to the British War and Victory medals. He died on 30^th June 1963 in Brisbane. Ivy died on 21^st June 1977 in Brisbane and is buried in Mt Gravatt Cemetery.

 

 

 

 

 

Harold passed away on 3^rd March 1951 in London. He was living at 68 Bexley Road Erith. Probate in London was granted on 29^th August 1951 to Ruth Millicent Maunder widow. Effects of £13899 16s. 10d. Probate in Victoria was granted on 5^th November 1951, and he was recorded as a Medical Practitioner. The New South Wales index to deceased estates file shows he was living in Kent England, was a medical practitioner and the date of grant was 27^th May 1952. The Courier-Mail (Brisbane) of Friday 16^th March 1951 on page 5 had “Doctor’s death Dr. Harold Arthur Maunder, 59, who was born at Spring Hill in April, 1891 and educated at Charters Towers, has died at his Erith (England) home. A second lieutenant with the first contingent of Queenslanders to go to World War I, he became a lieutenant-colonel, and won a D.S.O. He took his doctor’s degree after demobilisation, and practised in Melbourne before settling in England in 1936.” He is also mentioned on his father’s grave in Portion 13 at Toowong Cemetery with a plaque saying “and only son Harold Maunder D.S.O. M.B., B.CH. Died Kent, England 3^rd March 1951. Aged 59 years.” The British Medical Journal of 10^th March 1951 has under Deaths “Maunder.- On March 3, 1951, at Erith, Harold Arthur Maunder, D.S.O., M.B. B.S., of Ormiston, 68, Bexley Road, Erith, Kent.”

For some unknown reason, a card summarising his military history during the war has a handwritten entry stating he “Died 27 July1961”?

At the Shrine of Memories, ANZAC Square in Brisbane is a plaque to the AASC. The unit motto is included ‘PAR ONERI’ or ‘EQUAL TO THE TASK’.

There is also a memorial “In Honour of the Members of A.A.S.C. 1^st M.D. who served in The Great War 1914-1919”. It lists Lieutenant H. A. Maunder and was “erected by comrade members of the Corps in Appreciation of Services Rendered.” A sketch of the memorial is in documents held by the museum, but the actual memorial is not found in memorial registers online.

 

Harold’s medals are Distinguished Service Order, 1914-15 Star, British War Medal, Victory medal with oak leaf and WW2 Defence Medal.

The museum has both pictures below of him.

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.