Haberfield World War One Roll of Honour
(Frederick Campbell - A Evans)
Campbell, Frederick William
Campling, Campbell Roy (Dr)
✞ Cantello, John Earnest
Carthew, Harold Lancelot Sylvannus
Carwardine, Walter Sydney
Castaldi, Eligio
Cate, Reginald Ian Hamilton
Chapman, Frederick
Charge, Edgar Gilbert
Charter, Henry William James
Cherry, Lancelot Alfred
Clark, George Thomas
✞ Clark, John Roxbee
Clarke, L
Clarke, P
Cleave, William Nicholas
Clephane, James
Coates, Leslie Herbert
✞ Cole, Thomas Arthur
Colvin, William Cargill
Comerford, Edgar Herbert
Comerford, William Joseph
Cook, Frederick George
Cook, William Henry
Cooper, Charles Samuel
Cooper, Ernest Russell
Cottam, Ernest Reuben
Cotterell, John Joseph
Cotterill, Percy Theodore
Cotterill, Wilfred Leslie
Cousins, Bernard James
Cousins, William Stanley
Cowan-Lunn, Herbert William
Cowled, Augustus John
Cowled, Stanley George Clayton
Cowley, (Sister)
Crago, Arthur Edward
Crago, Francis Arthur
✞ Crago, Joseph George
✞ Crane, Percival
Crompton, Albert Francis John
Crook, Vivian Ebenezer
Currie, Leslie Thomas Patrick
Currie, William Oswald
Curtis, Leonard
Dagnall, Georges Pierre
Davie, Harold
✞ Davies, Frederick George
Davis, Richard John
Davison, Albert John
Davoren, Martin Stanislaus
Dawson, Harold Frederick James
Day, Frederick Herbert
Day, Norman Henry
Deardon, Frederick
Dixon, John
Dodson, Harrie
Donohue, Patrick
Donald, Francis McLeod
Douglas, Robert
✞ Dreves, Arthur Wellsley
Duff, David
Duffecy, Joseph Owen
✞ Duffecy, Thomas Emmet
Dunn, A
Dunn, Ronald George
Eadie, Hugh MacLean
✞ Eamens, George Alder
✞ Earle, Arthur
Earle, Colin Percy
Earle, Robert Osborne Wrightson
Easy, Edmund Sydney George
Eaton, William
Edgecombe, E R
Edmonds, N F
Elgood, Walter Henry
Ella, Alfred George
Ella, Ernest Edward
Ella, Leslie Frederick
Elliott, George
Elliott, Leo Charles
✞ Elvin, Leonard Roy
Elvin, Richard Horatio
Ennis, Victor
Evans, A
5th Light Horse Regiment
Frederick William Campbell
23 March 1885 - Woollahra New South Wales
31 January 1963 - Sutherland New South Wales
Rank: Private
Service No: 1316
Religion: Church of England
World War I (9 June 1915 - 15 October 1919)
Frederick Campbell was born in Woollahra New South Wales 25 March 1885, one of four children to Alfred Campbell and Emily Begbie.
He married Vera Limon at All Soul’s Leichhardt NSW on 17 March 1913. Vera passed away in 1975.
A stockman, he enlisted in Brisbane Queensland on 9 June 1915. He gave his mother’s address at Garthowen Tintern Road Ashfield.
Part of the 5th Light Horse Regiment, he embarked from Brisbane on 5 October 1915 aboard HMAT Warilda.
He was admitted to hospital in Heliopolis with gastritis on 15 November 1915, after which he re-joined his unit in Serapeum in Egypt.
He returned to hospital on 4 April 1916 and re-joined his unit on 7 April.
On 19 August 1917 he was sent to a Rest Camp in Moascar suffering from dysentery. He re-joined his unit but on 8 June 1918 he returned to hospital in Bayt Jala Jerusalem. He once more re-joined his unit and served until the end of the war.
On 28 June 1919 he returned to Australia aboard HMAT Madras, disembarking on 5 August 1919 and was discharged on 15 October 1919.
Australian War Memorial records show that he passed away at Randwick NSW on 4 August 1929. Births, Deaths and Marriages record Frederick’s date of death as 31 January 1963.
There is no obvious connection to Haberfield.
https://recordsearch.naa.gov.au/SearchNRetrieve/Interface/ViewImage.aspx?B=1853155
Hospital Transport Corps
Campbell Roy Campling (Dr)
3 April 1892 - Brewarrina New South Wales
21 April 1977 - Taree New South Wales
Rank: Lance Corporal
Service No: 4982
Religion: Church of England
World War I (18 June 1915 - 31 December 1915)
World War II (21 May 1941 - 6 February 1946)
Campbell Campling was born in Brewarrina NSW on 3 April 1892, the eldest of three children to Ebenezer Campling and Jessie Booty.
A medical student, he enlisted at Queens Park NSW on 18 June 1915. He was living in the family home of Glen Ugie at 6 Denman Avenue Haberfield.
He embarked from Sydney on 14 July 1915 aboard HMAT Orsova. He was then appointed to the No 1 Hospital Ship Karoola. However, on 22 December 1915 he returned to Australia aboard HMAT Kanowna in order to complete his university course.
On 31 December 1915 he was discharged.
He re-enlisted on 8 November 1918 and made application for commission, this time as a qualified medical practitioner. The war ended prior to the consideration of the application.
On 10 December 1919 he married Isabella Mawhiney at St Stephens Church in Sydney. Isabella was the sister of John Blair Mawhiney of Gillies Avenue Haberfield, whose name also appears on the Roll of Honour Board.
Isabella passed away on 6 November 1976. They had been married for 56 years.
In 1937, Dr Campling was employed as a medical officer in the Medical Branch of the NSW Department of Public Instruction. By 1947 he was with the School Medical Service in the NSW Department of Health, where he would continue until his retirement in the 1950s.
On 21 May 1941 he enlisted in Sydney during World War Two. Serving in the 111th Convalescent Depot, he was discharged on 6 February 1946, having reached the rank of Captain.
Campbell passed away in Taree NSW on 21 April 1977.
https://recordsearch.naa.gov.au/SearchNRetrieve/Interface/ViewImage.aspx?B=3201380
https://recordsearch.naa.gov.au/SearchNRetrieve/Interface/ViewImage.aspx?B=5666529
17th Infantry Battalion
John Earnest Cantello
10 April 1890 - Newcastle New South Wales
19 May 1916 - St Omer France
Rank: Private
Service No: 3488
Religion: Church of England
World War I (11 August 1915 - Died of Illness 19 May 1916)
John Cantello, known as Jack, was born in Newcastle on 10 April 1890, the youngest of three children to George Cantello and Margaret Blundell.
A clerk, he enlisted at the Royal Agricultural Showgrounds in Sydney on 11 August 1915. He gave his father as next of kin at Tonbridge 54 Walker Avenue Haberfield.
A member of the 17th Battalion, he left Australia aboard HMAT Aeneas on 20 December 1915. After landing at Alexandria, the battalion left for Marseilles on 17 March 1916, arriving six days later.
On 30 March 1916 he was admitted to the no 2 Canadian Casualty Clearing Station, having been diagnosed with cerebral spinal meningitis.
From there he was transferred to the hospital at St Omer in France where his condition was listed as dangerously ill.
He died as a result of cerebral spinal fever at 11.30pm on 19 May 1916. A newspaper report states his mother’s address as 45 Stanton Road.
He is interred at the Longuenesse (St Omer) Souvenir Cemetery in France.
https://recordsearch.naa.gov.au/SearchNRetrieve/Interface/ViewImage.aspx?B=3202767
https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/awm-media/collection/RCDIG1040064/document/5627734.PDF
https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/15701769?searchTerm=john%20cantello
https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/15665313
https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/15768869
Longuenesse (St Omer) Souvenir Cemetery France
2,874 Commonwealth graves
14 Australian soldiers died this day
18th Infantry Battalion
Harold Lancelot Sylvannus Carthew
1895 - Broken Hill New South Wales
1951 - Balmain New South Wales
Rank: Private
Service No: 6281
Religion: Church of England
World War I (9 December 1915 - 11 April 1916, 19 June 1916 - 3 December 1917)
Harold Carthew was born in Broken Hill New South Wales in 1895, one of eight children to John Carthew and Anna Murray.
A labourer, he enlisted at Casula NSW on 9 December 1915. He gave his mother’s address as 43 O’Connor Street Haberfield.
He was a member of the 18th Depot Battalion. At the military base at Liverpool NSW he was A.W.L between 1 and 5 February 1916 and was fined 10/- pay. There was a further absence on 27 February. He was A.W.L a second time between 14 and 21 March and forfeited 20/- pay.
After an absence from parade on 3 and 4 April, he forfeited 2 day’s pay and was paraded for discharge at his own request. He was discharged on 11 April 1916.
Harold re-enlisted at the Royal Agricultural Showground in Sydney on 19 June 1916.
There were further instances of absenteeism whilst at the Liverpool and Dubbo bases between July and September 1916.
He left Sydney with other members of the 18th Infantry Battalion aboard HMAT Suevic on 11 November 1916.
He was fined 5/- for neglect of duty whilst on guard on 3 December during the voyage.
Stationed at the 5th Training Battalion in Devonport he was found to be A.W.L between 12 and 14 February 1917. He forfeited four days’ pay and was confined to camp for six days.
Harold suffered bouts of illness, and on 20 April 1917 he was admitted to Fargo Military Hospital with scabies. He was discharged after ten days, but was re-admitted on 3 May with epilepsy, returning to duty on 15 May.
He left England aboard HMAT Demosthenes on 27 July 1917 as a result of mental instability, disembarking in Melbourne on 24 September.
He was discharged as medically unfit on 3 December 1917.
His application for a military pension was rejected on the grounds that there was no incapacity resulting from warlike operations.
Harold passed away in Balmain NSW in 1951.
His name is recorded as Harold Ciranues Carthew on AIF Project.
https://recordsearch.naa.gov.au/SearchNRetrieve/Interface/ViewImage.aspx?B=3215360
https://www.aif.adfa.edu.au/showPerson?pid=48163
5th Field Artillery Brigade
Walter Sydney Carwardine
23 September 1886 - Ashfield New South Wales
6 July 1958 - Burwood New South Wales
Rank: Acting Sergeant
Service No: 37849
Religion: Church of England
World War I (17 May 1917 - 14 March 1920)
Walter Carwardine was born in Ashfield New South Wales on 23 September 1886, one of four children to Aaron Carwardine and Jane Arrowsmith.
He married Sarah Jeffreys in the Congregational Church Leichhardt NSW in 26 January 1910. Sarah died in Burwood NSW on 2 October 1934.
A clerk, he enlisted at Leichhardt NSW on 17 May 1917. He was living at 11 Boomerang Street Haberfield.
He embarked from Sydney on 8 November 1917 aboard HMAT Port Sydney, disembarking in Melbourne as a result of illness. He left Melbourne on 22 December 1917 aboard HMAT Ulysses.
After a period with the Reserve Brigade Australian Artillery in Heytesbury England, he was transferred to the 2nd Australian Divisional Ammunition Column and finally, on 26 September 1918, the 5th Field Artillery Brigade.
On 16 October 1918 he was transferred to hospital with tonsillitis.
He was appointed as Acting Sergeant on 5 November 1918. He returned to Australia on 7 February 1920 aboard HMAT Konigin Luise, and was discharged from service on 14 March 1920.
After the passing of his first wife, he married Elizabeth Goodsir in 1937. Elizabeth passed away in 1972.
He passed away in Burwood NSW on 16 September 1972.
His name appears as Cawardine W. S on the 1914-19 Haberfield Roll of Honour Board.
https://recordsearch.naa.gov.au/SearchNRetrieve/Interface/ViewImage.aspx?B=3217773
54th Infantry Battalion
Eligio Fortunato Castaldi
17 September 1891 - Malta
8 June 1967 - Sydney New South Wales
Rank: Corporal
Service No: 3615
Religion: Roman Catholic
World War I (23 March 1917 - 13 January 1920)
Eligio Castaldi was born in Malta on 17 September 1891 to Salvatore and Evaristo Castaldi.
Known as Paul, he was a solicitor working in the Lands and Survey Department in Darwin Northen Territory. He left in March 1915 to take up a position in the Imperial Civil Service in Fiji.
Returning to Australia, he enlisted in Sydney on 23 March 1917. He gave an address c/- Kathleen Hickey at 22 Rawson Street Haberfield.
Eligio attained the rank of corporal on 23 May. His rank reverted back and forth between private and corporal on a number of occasions.
He embarked from Sydney aboard HMAT Euripides on 31 October as part of the 54th Battalion, disembarking at Devonport on 26 December.
The unit travelled to France on 16 June 1918 and on 9 July he received a gunshot wound to his left thigh. After initially being taken to the 3rd Australian Field Ambulance, he was transferred to the 5th General Hospital in Rouen.
On 31 August Eligio reported to a field ambulance suffering from cardio syncope. The following day he transferred to the 6th General Hospital in Rouen where his condition was recorded as tachycardic. On 5 September he embarked for England.
Eligio served at the No 2 General Depot in Weymouth from 8 October, before assignment at the London HQ on 3 November.
On 23 December he received approval to return to Australia via Malta at his own expense, and left England on 30 December aboard Czaritza.
He later left Malta aboard HMAT Ormonde on 29 December 1919. He was discharged on 13 January 1920.
He married Kathleen Hickey at St Mary’s Concord NSW on 18 December 1920.
Eligio later worked as a private inquiry agent before taking a position in the Chief Secretary’s Department. It also appears that at one point he owned a business selling gramophone records.
He passed away on 8 June 1967. His death was recorded in the Burwood district.
His name does not appear on the 1914-18 Haberfield Roll of Honour Board.
Source: Ashfield & District Historical Society
https://recordsearch.naa.gov.au/SearchNRetrieve/Interface/ViewImage.aspx?B=3219252
https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/3270059?searchTerm=eligio%20castaldi
https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/225484021?searchTerm=eligio%20castaldi
https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/155658052?searchTerm=kathleen%20hickey
https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/181178826?searchTerm=eligio%20castaldi
31st Infantry Battalion
Reginald Ian Hamilton Cate
6 September 1892 - Norwood South Australia
1 May 1980 - Heidelberg Victoria
Rank: 2nd Lieutenant
Service No: V365499
Religion: Church of England
World War I (16 August 1915 - 12 September 1919)
World War II (19 March 1942 - 31 October 1945)
Reginald Cate was born in Norwood South Australia on 6 September 1892, one of three children to William Cate and Florence Day. A newspaper article regarding the death of William Cate in 1918 mentions the fact that Mrs Cate mysteriously disappeared in 1907 and was not heard of after that date.
A commercial traveller, he enlisted at Warwick Farm New South Wales on 16 August 1915. He gave his address as St Aldrem Rogers Avenue Haberfield, the home of his cousin Kathleen Berry.
He applied for his commission on 7 February 1916.
Part of the 31st Infantry Battalion, he left Melbourne aboard HMAT Anthesis on 14 March 1916, disembarking in Alexandria. On 2 May 1916 he transferred to the 4th Division Cyclist Company while in France, and then the 1st ANZAC Army Corps on 7 July.
On 24 August 1918 he was seconded to the 13th ANZAC Light Horse Training Regiment. In December Reginald married Jane Reid in Andover England. Jane passed away in 1954.
His appointment terminated on 12 September 1919. The date of his return to Australia is not recorded in his military records. As of 1922, it appears he and Jane were living in Canada.
On 19 March 1942 he enlisted with the Victorian Battalion Volunteer Defence Corps as a Captain. He served until 31 October 1945.
He passed away in Heidelberg Victoria on 1 May 1980.
His brothers Sgt-Major Maxwell Cate (SN 1866) of Norwood SA and Capt Hugh Cate of Kew VIC also served.
https://recordsearch.naa.gov.au/SearchNRetrieve/Interface/ViewImage.aspx?B=3220320
https://recordsearch.naa.gov.au/SearchNRetrieve/Interface/ViewImage.aspx?B=6651309
https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/209650334?searchTerm=reginald%20cate
1st and 2nd Field Troops Engineers
Frederick Chapman
18 August 1890 - London England
26 June 1969 - East Hills New South Wales
Rank: Sapper
Service No: 17954
Religion: Church of England
World War I (14 March 1917 - 21 December 1919)
Frederick Chapman was born in London England on 18 August 1890, one of five children to Arthur Chapman and Sophia Pooley.
He married Lilian Lambert in East Bradenham England on 12 September 1909. Lilian passed away in Griffith New South Wales in 1961.
He enlisted in Sydney on 14 March 1917. A clerk, he and Lilian were living at 9 Empire Street Haberfield.
With the 2nd Field Troop Engineers, he left Sydney on 9 May 1917 aboard HMAT Port Sydney, arriving at Suez on 20 June 1917.
Between 14 and 19 July 1917 he was put in the hospital isolation unit suffering from malaria. He would return to his unit; however it was deemed that he was unfit to serve in the front line.
Although working in the military stores, he had numerous recurrences of malaria, spending time in the Abbassia and Ghezineh hospitals in Egypt.
He returned to Australia aboard HMAT Malta on 3 July 1919, arriving on 10 August 1919. He was discharged on 21 December 1919.
There is also a record for a Frederick Joseph Chapman (SN 707) who served 1st Infantry Battalion, Naval and Military Forces - Special Tropical Corps between 11 August 1914 and 1 January 1915.
The details are similar, and may provide some insight as to the ongoing malaria issues.
Frederick passed away in East Hills NSW on 26 June 1969.
His name does not appear on the 1914-19 Haberfield Roll of Honour Board.
Source: Inner West 15000
https://recordsearch.naa.gov.au/SearchNRetrieve/Interface/ViewImage.aspx?B=3232608
https://recordsearch.naa.gov.au/SearchNRetrieve/Gallery151/dist/JGalleryViewer.aspx?B=3232608&S=1&N=29&R=0#/SearchNRetrieve/NAAMedia/ShowImage.aspx?B=3232608&T=P&S=27
https://recordsearch.naa.gov.au/SearchNRetrieve/Gallery151/dist/JGalleryViewer.aspx?B=3232608&S=1&N=29&R=0#/SearchNRetrieve/NAAMedia/ShowImage.aspx?B=3232608&T=P&S=11
19th Infantry Battalion
Edgar Gilbert Charge
5 April 1891 - Townsville Queensland
15 February 1940 - Newcastle New South Wales
Rank: Private
Service No: 2125
Religion: Methodist
World War I (28 June 1915 - 20 June 1919)
Edgar Charge was born in Townsville Queensland on 5 April 1891, one of seven children to William Charge and Emily Morris.
A printer, he enlisted at Liverpool New South Wales on 28 June 1915. He was living at 13 Forrest Street Haberfield.
He left Sydney with the 19th Battalion reinforcements aboard HMAT Argyllshire on 30 September 1915, proceeding to France on 8 January 1916.
Following a bout of illness in July 1916, he was transferred to the 2nd Machine Gun Company on 10 September 1916. He had a further bout of illness in April 1917.
On 17 July 1917, he was charged with disobeying a lawful order given by his superior officer when he ‘failed to escort a soldier in arrest to the guard room.’ He was sentenced to 5-6 days field punishment.
He returned to his unit and continued his active service in France, where on 24 July 1918 he was promoted to corporal.
Edgar was wounded on 3 October 1918, but returned to active duty after a short convalescence.
He returned to Australia aboard HMAT Castalia on 13 April 1919, disembarking on 1 June. He was discharged on 20 June 1919.
He later married Ethel Harris in Bathurst NSW on 17 March 1921.
After working for a short time in Sydney, Edgar and Ethel moved to Newcastle where he was employed at the Commonwealth Steel Company.
He was also a trustee at the Waratah Methodist Church.
Edgar was working when he suffered a serious accident. A Coroner’s Inquest determined the cause of death to be –
‘Effects of injuries sustained in the cause of his employment as a ladle man when he was knocked to the ground by the moving gate of the ladle.’
He died in the Mater Hospital Waratah NSW on 23 February 1940 as a result of a fractured skull.
https://recordsearch.naa.gov.au/SearchNRetrieve/Interface/ViewImage.aspx?B=3235527
https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/140528098?searchTerm=edgar%20gilbert%20charge
https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/140519462?searchTerm=edgar%20gilbert%20charge
4th Infantry Battalion
Henry William James Charter
15 January 1888 - Bethnal Green England
4 August 1957 - Brisbane Queensland
Rank: Private
Service No: 1738
Religion: Church of England
World War I (11 January 1915 - 7 November 1915, 21 July 1919 - 24 October 1919) World War II (18 October 1939 - 26 September 1943)
Henry Charter was born in Bethnal Green London England on 15 January 1888 to John Charter and Caroline Cash.
He enlisted at Liverpool New South Wales on 11 January 1915. A dispatch clerk, he was living at Walker Avenue Haberfield.
Along with other members of the 4th Infantry Battalion, he left Sydney aboard HMAT Shropshire on 17 March 1915.
Whilst serving in Gallipoli, he suffered a bout of rheumatism in June 1915 which required him to be transferred to hospital in Alexandria. He returned to Gallipoli in July.
Further recurrences of rheumatism resulted in his discharge and he returned to Australia on 2 September 1915 aboard HMAT Euripides, disembarking on 24 October. He was discharged on 7 November 1915.
He married Annie Blair in Rockdale NSW in 1917. Annie passed away in 1987 aged 100.
Re-enlisting on 14 May 1919, he embarked for England aboard HMAT Willochra on 21 July 1919 with the Special Service Unit. He would return to Australia once more aboard HMAT Euripides on 3 September 1919, disembarking on 24 October 1919.
He was discharged on 7 November 1919.
During World War Two, he and his wife were living in Edungalba Queensland, when he enlisted at Rockhampton QLD on 18 October 1939.
Henry served with the No 1 Garrison Battalion until he was discharged as medically unfit on 26 September 1943.
He passed away in Brisbane QLD on 4 August 1957.
His name does not appear on the 1914-19 Haberfield Roll of Honour Board.
Source: Inner West 15000
https://recordsearch.naa.gov.au/SearchNRetrieve/Interface/ViewImage.aspx?B=3237556
https://recordsearch.naa.gov.au/SearchNRetrieve/Interface/ViewImage.aspx?B=4631547
5th Light Trench Mortar Battery
Lancelot Alfred Cherry
1 December 1892 - Forest Lodge New South Wales
1 March 1974 - Unknown
Rank: Private
Service No: 1463
Religion: Church of England
World War I (15 August 1915 - 18 March 1918)
Lancelot Cherry was born in Forest Lodge New South Wales on 1 December 1892, the eldest of five children to George Cherry and Annie Martin.
A salesman, he enlisted at the Royal Agricultural Showgrounds in Sydney on 15 August 1916. He gave his mother’s address as Zara 89 Dalhousie Street Haberfield.
He embarked from Sydney aboard HMAT Ascanius on 25 October 1916 with the Light Trench Mortar Battery reinforcements, disembarking in Devonport on 28 December.
On 6 November 1916 whilst at sea, he was charged with using insubordinate language to a superior officer and was sentenced to 14 days detention and forfeiture of 16 days’ pay.
On 6 February 1917 he was transferred to 33rd battalion. He was admitted to Tidworth Hospital on 5 April 1917 suffering from melancholia.
On 21 July 1917 he was discharged from hospital. His medical papers recorded imbecility, the result of which he left for Australia aboard HMAT Euripides on 21 July 1917, disembarking on 18 September.
He was discharged on 18 March 1918 medically unfit, but his application for a pension was denied as his incapacity was not greater than prior to enlistment.
Lancelot passed away in Sydney on 1 March 1974.
His name appears on both the Haberfield Roll of Honour board in the library, and the St David’s Church Haberfield Roll of Honour board.
https://recordsearch.naa.gov.au/SearchNRetrieve/Interface/ViewImage.aspx?B=3241331
1st Infantry Battalion
George Thomas Clark
3 August 1871 - Morpeth New South Wales
24 September 1925 - Grafton New South Wales
Rank: Private
Service No: 6723
Religion: Church of England
World War I (9 January 1916 - 4 September 1919)
George Clark was born in Morpeth New South Wales on 3 August 1871, the eldest of three children to Thomas Clark and Mary-Jane Marshall. He would later have four half-siblings.
He married Florence Hunt in Sydney on 1 January 1894.
His name appeared on the NSW Teachers Roll from 14 March 1887, and during the period 1912-14 he taught at Gundagai.
He enlisted at Liverpool NSW on 9 January 1916, giving his address as 1 Walker Avenue Haberfield.
Along with other members of the 1st Battalion he embarked from Sydney on 8 November 1916 aboard SS Port Nicholson, arriving at Devonport England on 10 January 1917.
He was charged with being A.W.L for 24 hours on 22 January and received five days field punishment. On 8 February 1917 he was appointed as Acting Lance Corporal, then Acting Sergeant on 30 June 1918.
In a War Office communique dated 28 August 1919, he was brought to the notice of the Secretary of State for War for valuable services rendered in connection with the War.
The majority of his war service occurred in and around Sutton Veny in England.
He returned to Australia aboard HMAT Bremen on 4 June 1919, disembarking on 28 July. Soon after arriving home, Florence passed away on 28 August 1919 in Ashfield NSW.
He was discharged on 4 September 1919.
George married Sarah Mackie in Woodstock NSW on 27 December 1920.
He passed away suddenly on 24 September 1925. He was playing tennis with his wife in a mixed doubles competition at the Grafton Tennis Courts when he collapsed after the match. Medical personnel could not revive him.
At the time he was the Headmaster at Grafton District School, a position he had held for just over twelve months.
George’s surname is incorrectly shown as Clarke on the 1914-19 Haberfield Roll of Honour Board.
https://recordsearch.naa.gov.au/SearchNRetrieve/Interface/ViewImage.aspx?B=1967087
https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/85900607?searchTerm=george%20clark%20tennis%20grafton
3rd Infantry Battalion
John Roxbee Clark
1895 - Paddington New South Wales
18 September 1918 - Hargicourt France
Rank: Acting Lance Corporal
Service No: 7463
Religion: Church of England
World War I (13 March 1917 - Killed in Action 18 September 1918)
John Clark was born in Paddington New South Wales in 1895 to William and Sarah Clark.
A bank clerk, he enlisted in Sydney on 13 March 1917. Known as Jack, he was living at 69 O’Connor Street Haberfield.
A member of the 3rd Battalion, he embarked form Sydney aboard HMAT Euripides on 31 October 1917, disembarking in Devonport on 26 December.
He received training at the School of Musketry on Hayling Island near Portsmouth from 22 March 1918.
On 31 January 1918 he was appointed as Acting Lance Corporal but reverted to Private when his unit proceeded to France on 24 April 1918.
John lost his life in France on 18 September 1918. A report from Pte Solomon Hayes (SN 7736) states that John was shot through the head in Hargicourt France. He was buried behind the trench.
He has no known grave.
https://recordsearch.naa.gov.au/SearchNRetrieve/Interface/ViewImage.aspx?B=1967396
https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/awm-media/collection/RCDIG1042160/document/5629829.PDF
https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/16495123?searchTerm=john%20roxbee%20clark
https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/15974135?searchTerm=john%20roxbee%20clark
https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/16495123?searchTerm=john%20roxbee%20clark
Longuenesse (St Omer) Souvenir Cemetery France
2,874 Commonwealth graves
14 Australian soldiers died this day
Clarke, L
Virtual War Memorial lists 28 soldiers with the surname Clarke and initial L. Cannot identify based on the available information.
Clarke, P
Virtual War Memorial lists 15 soldiers with the surname Clarke and initial P. Cannot identify based on the available information.
2nd Aust Light Railway Operating Coy
William Nicholas Cleave
7 March 1894 - Balmain New South Wales
30 August 1978 - Umina New South Wales
Rank: Private
Service No: 2557
Religion: Church of England
World War I (18 December 1917 - 23 May 1919)
William Cleave was born in Balmain New South Wales on 7 March 1894. He was one of nine children to Charles Cleave and Susan Cain, including a half-sister and half-brother.
He married Florence Phillips in Sydney on 24 December 1912. Florence passed away at Strathfield on 22 February 1949.
He enlisted in Sydney on 18 December 1917, giving his date of birth as 7 March 1895. This conflicts with information from other sources. A shunter, he was living with his wife at 22 O’Connor Street Haberfield.
As part of the December Reinforcements, he departed Melbourne on 28 February 1918 aboard HMAT Nestor, docking at Liverpool England on 20 April 1918. The unit left England on 26 May and disembarked at Rouelles on 30 May 1918.
He then transferred to the 16th Light Rail Operating Company.
He was operating out of the base depot when he suffered a gas attack on 21 October 1918 and was hospitalised. Still suffering the effects of the gas attack, he then contracted influenza and remained in hospital throughout November.
On 10 December 1918 it was decided to return him to Australia as a result of chronic bronchitis. He left England aboard HMAT Somali that day, arriving in Australia on 15 February 1919.
He was discharged on 23 May 1919.
Following the passing of his first wife, he married Eileen King, who passed away on 15 August 1988. No other details are available.
He passed away in Umina NSW on 30 August 1978 was laid to rest at Point Clare Cemetery at the Central Coast NSW.
https://recordsearch.naa.gov.au/SearchNRetrieve/Interface/ViewImage.aspx?B=3253685
1st Infantry Battalion
James Clephane
1892 - Leith Scotland
Unknown
Rank: Private
Service No: 6230
Religion: Church of England
World War I (3 March 1916 - 19 September 1919)
James Clephane was born in Leith Scotland in 1892. Immigration records show he left London aboard Marathon on 17 July 1913, bound for Brisbane.
A milk carter, he enlisted at the Royal Agricultural Showground in Sydney on 3 March 1916. He gave his address as 100 Ramsay Street Haberfield.
Part of the 20th reinforcements of the 1st Battalion, he left Sydney on 9 September 1916 aboard HMAT Euripides, disembarking at Plymouth on 26 October 1916.
After some time at the Base Depot in Waucham, the unit left for France on 4 February 1917.
He received a gunshot wound to his left arm on 9 April 1917 and was transferred to the General Hospital in Rouen. He did not return to the front until 10 August 1917.
On 13 October he moved to the ANZAC Corps School, followed by the 1st Division Intelligence School on 15 December 1917. He returned to the battle in France on 12 February 1918.
Following the Armistice, he took a position as a driver, which he would maintain until 11 April 1919 when he returned to England.
On 23 April 1919 he married Lily Wilson at the United Free Church in South Leith Scotland.
He returned to Australia aboard HMAT Aeneas on 31 May 1919, arriving in Australia on 13 July. He was discharged on 19 September 1919.
James’ date of death could not be confirmed.
His name does not appear on the 1914-19 Haberfield Roll of Honour Board.
Source: Inner West 15000
https://recordsearch.naa.gov.au/SearchNRetrieve/Interface/ViewImage.aspx?B=3256440
1st Infantry Battalion
Leslie Herbert Coates
25 May 1882 - Petersham New South Wales
29 September 1963 - Wyong New South Wales
Rank: Lance Corporal
Service No: 131 / 152 / N71785
Religion: Church of England
Boer War (1902)
World War I (29 August 1914 -23 May 1915, 19 February 1917 - 26 August 1917) World War II (15 October 1940 - 11 February 1944)
Leslie Coates was born in Petersham New South Wales on 25 May 1882, the eldest of three children to John Coates and Sarah Waterman.
Under the service number 131, he was a Trooper with the 5th Battalion Australian Commonwealth Horse during the Boer War conflict. His enlistment date was 18 April 1902.
He married Vera Robb at Stanmore NSW on 5 October 1908. Vera passed away in 1954.
A commercial traveller, he enlisted at Randwick on 29 August 1914. At the time he and Vera were living at 33 St David’s Road Haberfield. Other documents list the address as 39 St David’s Road.
Part of the 1st Battalion, he left Sydney aboard HMAT Afric on 8 October 1914. On 22 March 1915 he returned to Australia aboard HMAT Ulysses, suffering from chronic rheumatism. He arrived in Melbourne on 15 April 1915 and was discharged on 23 May 1915.
He was granted a pension of £52 per annum, amended to £3 per fortnight. His wife received a pension of £26 per annum, amended to £1/10- per fortnight. Their children both received pensions of £13 per annum, later amended to £1 and 15/- per fortnight.
All pensions were suspended when he re-enlisted in Sydney on 19 February 1917. The service number N71785 was allocated on this occasion. He was passed as medically fit and entered camp on 16 March.
Leslie successfully completed 10 weeks of training before being struck down with fatigue. A revision of his medical records showed his prior history, and he was discharged on 26 August 1917.
On 15 October 1940, he enlisted at Paddington NSW for duty during World War Two. At the time he was living at Buff Point NSW and gave his occupation as lighthouse keeper.
He was assigned to the Provost Company and served at the Darwin Detention barracks. He suffered bouts of chronic arthritis in his left shoulder and was transferred to the General Details Depot.
He was discharged on 11 February 1944.
Leslie would later become involved in the building of Toukley RSL in 1950
Five years after the passing of his first wife, he married Margaret Ramsay at Parramatta NSW in 1959.
He passed away at Wyong NSW on 29 September 1963.
His name also appears on the Newington College Boer War Roll of Honour.
https://recordsearch.naa.gov.au/SearchNRetrieve/Gallery151/dist/JGalleryViewer.aspx?B=679363&S=1&N=1&R=0#/SearchNRetrieve/NAAMedia/ShowImage.aspx?B=679363&T=P&S=1
https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/awm-media/collection/RCDIG1069435/large/5520641.JPG
https://recordsearch.naa.gov.au/SearchNRetrieve/Interface/ViewImage.aspx?B=3263012
https://recordsearch.naa.gov.au/SearchNRetrieve/Interface/ViewImage.aspx?B=5602934
5th Infantry Battalion
Thomas Arthur Cole
8 May 1899 - Bathurst New South Wales
6 October 1939 - Williamstown Victoria
Rank: Lance Corporal
Service No: 1109 / 58547
Religion: Roman Catholic
World War I (9 January 1918 - 2 March 1918, 28 May 1918 -15 September 1919) World War II (6 December 1926 - Died in Service 6 October 1939)
Thomas Cole was born in Bathurst New South Wales on 8 May 1899 to Thomas Cole and Gertrude Treanor.
A family tree on Ancestry.com states that his birth was recorded as Thomas Treanor in Ladysmith South Africa as he was born out of wedlock.
A posting on Ancestry also mentions an attempt to enlist in 1914, although this hasn’t been conformed.
He enlisted in Sydney on 9 January 1918 but was discharged 2 March prior to leaving Australia due to age.
He enlisted a second time at Sydney on 28 May 1918. He gave his occupation as photographer, and his address as Noela 13 Kingston Street Haberfield.
He embarked from Sydney aboard SS Feldmarschall on 19 June 1918 with members of the 55th Battalion. The ship arrived in London on 26 August 1918.
He began training as a gunner on 7 October before being attached to duty at HQ in the Publicity Bureau on 26 November.
He returned to Australia on 1 August 1919 aboard HMAT Argyllshire, disembarking on 22 September 1919. He was discharged 15 September 1919.
He married Irene Lawson at Penshurst NSW in 1926. Irene passed away in 1981.
He enlisted with the RAAF on 6 December 1926 and joined the No 3 Squadron with the service number 1109. There were issues with his place of birth, necessitating a letter to the District Registrar of Births and Deaths in Natal South Africa on 20 September 1927.
The Registrar returned the fee and informed Corporal Cole that there was no record of his birth with the likelihood being that it was never registered.
In a Statutory Declaration dated 24 December 1931, his mother stated that he was born in Ladysmith South Africa.
During his service in the RAAF at HMAS Albatross, he operated as an aerial photographer and an air gunner.
He died in motorcycle accident on 6 October 1939 at Williamstown Victoria. Thomas was attached to RAAF Laverton at the time. He was cremated at the New Melbourne General Cemetery in Fawkner, and his ashes were scattered over the Laverton Aerodrome from an RAAF plane.
Newspaper reports of his death refer to Arthur Thomas Cole.
His name does not appear on the 1914-19 Haberfield Roll of Honour Board.
Source: Inner West 15000
https://recordsearch.naa.gov.au/SearchNRetrieve/Interface/ViewImage.aspx?B=4262838
https://recordsearch.naa.gov.au/SearchNRetrieve/Interface/ViewImage.aspx?B=3267721
https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/11233535?searchTerm=thomas%20cole%20laverton
https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/70692535?searchTerm=thomas%20cole%20laverton
3rd Infantry Battalion
William Cargill Colvin
18 September 1898 - Pyrmont New South Wales
23 June 1970 - Burwood New South Wales
Rank: Private
Service No: 3026
Religion: Church of England
World War I (24 August 1915 - 16 November 1919)
William Colvin was born in Pyrmont New South Wales on 18 September 1898, the eldest of five children to James Colvin and Lucy Goff.
He enlisted at Warwick Farm NSW on 24 August 1915. An engineer, he gave his address as Carisbrook 13 O’Connor Street Haberfield.
He left Sydney aboard HMAT Warilda on 8 October 1915 along with other members of the 3rd Battalion’s 10th reinforcements.
After transferring to the 55th Battalion, he saw active service in France through 1916. On 8 April 1917 he received an accidental injury to his right eye and on 22 May 1917 he was transferred to the 5th General Hospital in Rouen.
Upon returning to London, he joined the Australian Flying Corps on 5 October 1917. He received his commission as a Flying Officer on 19 July 1918. He served in the Serbian campaign until the end of the war.
William returned to Australia aboard HMAT Canberra on 23 July 1919 and his commission was terminated on 16 November 1919.
He married Gladys Goodsir in Ashfield in November 1923.
In March 1938 he took up employment with Department of Labour and Industry.
In 1951 he was a Senior Investigating Officer with the NSW Department of Secondary Industries and Building Materials. By 1960 he was with the Department of Labour and Industry in the same position.
He passed away on 23 June 1970 at Burwood NSW.
His name also appears on the Sydney Technical High School Roll of Honour.
https://recordsearch.naa.gov.au/SearchNRetrieve/Interface/ViewImage.aspx?B=3273712
https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/2783293?searchTerm=william%20cargill%20colvin
https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/220347134?searchTerm=william%20cargill%20colvin
https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/220277873?searchTerm=william%20cargill%20colvin
https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/220331402/14275491
2nd Infantry Battalion
Edgar Herbert Comerford
26 September 1882 - Christchurch New Zealand
16 December 1962 - Sydney New South Wales
Rank: 2nd Lieutenant
Service No:
Religion: Church of England
World War I (6 August 1915 - 26 June 1919)
Edgar Comerford was born in Christchurch New Zealand on 26 September 1882, one of six children to William Comerford and Sarah Barlow.
He married Mary Harlow in Sydney on 1916.
An accountant, he enlisted at Holsworthy NSW on 6 August 1915, giving an address c/- Mrs T Harlow at Waratah Lodge 14 Waratah Street Haberfield.
He completed initial training at Cootamundra NSW and left Sydney aboard HMAT Ceramic on 7 October 1916. He was part of the 21st reinforcement of the 2nd Battalion, and was appointed 2nd Lieutenant on 16 March 1916.
After training at the Worgret Camp from 15 March 1917 and proceeded to France on 14 May.
On 10 August 1917, he was promoted to Lieutenant and was attached to the 1st Australian Field HQ before re-joining his unit on 19 February 1918. On 10 September 1918 he suffered a gunshot wound to the right buttock. After initial treatment in the field hospital, he was transferred to the 3rd London General Hospital 17 September 1918.
He was discharged to duty on 25 November 1918 and would continue service in the No 2 Command Depot.
On 24 March 1919 he left Liverpool aboard HMAT Czar for Alexandria. He transferred to HMAT Dangola on 5 April, disembarking in Australia on 19 May 1919.
His appointment was terminated on 26 June 1919, and he passed away in Sydney on 16 December 1962.
His surname is incorrectly stated as Cornerford on the 1914-19 Haberfield Roll of Honour Board.
https://recordsearch.naa.gov.au/SearchNRetrieve/Interface/ViewImage.aspx?B=3274436
53rd Infantry Battalion
William Joseph Comerford
13 August 1894 - West Maitland New South Wales
6 July 1959 - Hamilton New South Wales
Rank: Corporal
Service No: 1892
Religion: Roman Catholic
World War I (7 February 1916 - 4 September 1919)
William Comerford was born in West Maitland New South Wales on 13 August 1894, one of six children to John Comerford and Helena Hourigan.
A station hand, he enlisted at the Royal Agricultural Showgrounds in Sydney on 7 February 1916. He gave his mother’s address as Warrwee 25 Wattle Street Haberfield.
The 53rd Battalion’s 3rd reinforcements left Sydney aboard HMAT Barambah on 23 June 1916, disembarking in Plymouth on 25 August.
He was gassed on 21 March 1918 Boulogne in France and was invalided to England on 4 April 1918. Following his recovery he returned to France where on 30 September 1918 he was promoted to Lance Corporal and Corporal on 1 December 1918.
William returned to Australia aboard HMAT Beltana on 2 June 1919, arriving in Australia on 19 July 1919. He was discharged on 4 September 1919.
He married Lillian Hogan in Sydney in 1923. Lillian passed away in Mayfield NSW on 22 April 1940. His second marriage was with Dorothy Flanagan in Hamilton in 1941.
William passed away in Hamilton NSW on 6 July 1959.
His name also appears on the Maitland High School Roll of Honour.
His surname is incorrectly stated as Comberford on the 1914-19 Haberfield Roll of Honour Board.
https://recordsearch.naa.gov.au/SearchNRetrieve/Interface/ViewImage.aspx?B=3274463
1st Railway Section
Frederick George Cook
18 May 1893 - Katoomba New South Wales
7 August 1961 - Ettalong Beach New South Wales
Rank: Corporal
Service No: 41
Religion: Church of England
World War I (22 December 1916 - 3 January 1920)
Frederick Cook was born in Katoomba New South Wales on 18 May 1893, one of six children to Thomas Cook and Ellen Crangle.
A locomotive fireman, he enlisted in Sydney on 22 December 1916. He gave his address as Glenthorpe Turner Avenue Haberfield.
Along with other members of the 1st Railway Section, he left Sydney aboard HMAT Wiltshire on 7 February 1917, arriving in Devonport on 11 April.
After a short illness, his unit left for France on 14 May 1917. Whilst in France he transferred to the 6th Broad Gauge Railway Operating Company.
He returned to Australia aboard HMAT Karmala on 1 July 1919, and was discharged on 3 January 1920.
Frederick married Edna Jarvis in Ashfield NSW I 1924. Edna passed away in 1985.
He passed away in Ettalong Beach NSW on 7 August 1961.
His brother William Henry Cook, who also appears on the 1914-19 Roll of Honour served during World War One.
17th Infantry Battalion
William Henry Cook
8 July 1885 - Pyrmont New South Wales
24 July 1957 - Beresford New South Wales
Rank: Sergeant
Service No: 2233 / 126
Religion: Church of England
World War I (27 June 1915 - 24 November 1919)
William Cook was born in Pyrmont New South Wales on 8 July 1885, one of six children to Thomas Cook and Ellen Crangle.
A paying officer at the Federal Land Tax Department, he enlisted at Liverpool NSW on 27 June 1915. He gave his address as Glenthorpe Turner Avenue Haberfield.
As part of the 17th Battalion’s 4th Reinforcements, he left Sydney aboard HMAT Argyllshire on 30 September 1915 and disembarked at Alexandria Egypt. On 1 December 1915 he was promoted to Corporal, which coincided with a transfer to the 1st Army Pay Corps in London.
He spent time in hospital in December 1916 with a heart aneurism.
On 1 September 1917, he was promoted to sergeant.
Following the armistice, he was posted for duty with the War Pensions Department in Australia House. On 13 May 1919 he was then promoted to 2nd Lieutenant, and later lieutenant.
William resigned his appointment on 24 November 1919 after being demobilised.
He remained in England where he would marry Mathilde Badollet in Berkshire on 24 July 1920. Mathilde passed away in 1950.
On 17 April 1956, he married Henrietta Wastfield in Middlesex England and returned to Australia shortly after.
William died at Beresford NSW on 24 July 1957.
His brother Frederick George Cook also appears on the 1914-19 Haberfield Roll of Honour board.
https://recordsearch.naa.gov.au/SearchNRetrieve/Interface/ViewImage.aspx?B=3400721
Cooper, Charles Samuel
Charles Cooper (SN 4752) is shown on Inner West 15000 as living in Haberfield, but this has not been confirmed. He was assigned to the Australian Veterinary Hospital. Charles also served during World War II (5-Jun-40 – 27-Jul-43).
Source: Inner West 15000
https://vwma.org.au/explore/people/172855
20th Infantry Battalion
Ernest Russell Cooper
21 January 1893 - Leichhardt New South Wales
18 February 1966 - Concord New South Wales
Rank: Private
Service No: 3046 / 87262
Religion: Methodist
World War I (16 June 1915 - 4 January 1918, 2 April 1918 - 24 April 1918)
Ernest Cooper was born in Leichhardt New South Wales on 21 January 1893, one of two children to James Cooper and Ada Russell.
He married Florence Sorensen in Bondi NSW on 16 June 1915. Florence passed away in 1969.
A tailor, Ernest enlisted in Holdsworthy NSW on 4 August 1915. He and Florence were living in Dalhousie Street Haberfield.
The 20th Battalion’s 7th reinforcements left Sydney aboard HMAT Suevic on 20 December. Ernest was taken on strength with the 20th Battalion whilst in Moascar on 15 Match 1916.
The Battalion embarked for Marseilles on 18 March.
He was reported as wounded in action on 27 July, having received shrapnel wounds to his left leg. Ernest was transferred to England aboard HS Dieppe and admitted to the 2nd Northern General Hospital. Some records refer to gunshot wounds, not shrapnel.
Ernest remained in hospital until 12 February 1917 when he was discharged to the Weymouth Depot. The decision was made to return him to Australia.
He embarked on HMAT Themistocles on 4 May, arriving in Melbourne on 4 July. After travelling to Sydney he was discharged on 4 January 1918.
His daughter was awarded a pension of £1 per fortnight on 5 January 1918. Ernest received a pension of £3 per fortnight, and his wife 30/- per fortnight. The pensions were later amended to 15/-, 22/6 and 45/- respectively.
Ernest re-enlisted on 2 April and served in the East Sydney Depot Battalion until he was discharged as medically unfit on 24 April 1918. The disability is recorded as drop foot, along with back and leg pains.
Ernest passed away in Concord NSW on 18 February 1966.
His name does not appear on the 1914-19 Haberfield Roll of Honour Board.
Source: Australian War Memorial
https://recordsearch.naa.gov.au/SearchNRetrieve/Interface/ViewImage.aspx?B=3410055
20th Australian Army Supply Column
Ernest Reuben Cottam
25 August 1891 - Annandale New South Wales
7 February 1961 - Gosford New South Wales
Rank: Lance Corporal
Service No: 6094
Religion: Church of England
World War I (27 March 1915 - 11 June 1919)
Ernest Cottam was born in Annandale New South Wales on 25 August 1891, the eldest of five children to Reuben Cottam and Ellen McGuiness.
His military record states Annandale NSW as the place of birth, however records on Ancestry.com show the place of birth as Leichhardt NSW.
He enlisted at Liverpool NSW on 27 March 1915. A sheet metal worker, he gave his address as 23 Rawson Avenue Haberfield.
Ernest embarked from Sydney aboard HMAT Afric on 17 May 1915.
His initial service was with the 20th Australian Army Supply Column as a driver. He would reach the rank of Lance Corporal on 28 April 1917.
He transferred to the 2nd Divisional Supply Column and proceeded to France. On 31 August 1917 he reverted to private at his own request. A further transfer to the 2nd Australian Military Transport Coy would see him finish the war in that unit.
He returned to Australia aboard HMAT Runic on 21 April 1919, disembarking on 11 June 1919.
Ernest married Ivy Napthaly at St Oswald’s Haberfield on 19 May 1923. They were both still living at Rawson Street Haberfield in 1949, but moved to Umina NSW shortly after. Ivy passed away in 1981. Her name is recorded as Napthaly in some records.
Ivy’s brother Harold Napthaly also served during World War I and lost his life in France on 9 April 1918. His name appears on the 1914-19 Haberfield Roll of Honour board.
Ernest passed away in Gosford on 7 February 1961.
https://recordsearch.naa.gov.au/SearchNRetrieve/Interface/ViewImage.aspx?B=3427437
20th Infantry Battalion
John Joseph Cotterell
1874 - Redfern New South Wales
16 June 1925 - Redfern New South Wales
Rank: Private
Service No: 6067
Religion: Church of England
World War I (1 September 1916 - 29 October 1918)
John Cotterell was born in Redfern New South Wales in 1874, the eldest of four children to John Cotterell and Elizabeth Keller.
He married Alice Swift in Sydney in 1896. Alice passed away in 1908 from the effects of burns when her clothing caught fire.
John enlisted at the Royal Agricultural Showground in Sydney on 1 September 1916. A theatre employee, he gave his address as Tressider Avenue Haberfield.
As part of the 20th Infantry Battalion, he left Sydney aboard HMAT Ascanius on 25 October 1916. After arriving in England, the unit proceeded to France on 25 February 1917.
On 2 May 1917 he received a gunshot wound to the face while fighting, and was sent to hospital in Rouen. After convalescing in Buchy, he was sent back to base where on 20 June, he was charged with malingering and forfeited 14 days’ pay.
John returned to his unit at the front on 30 June 1917.
On 17 February 1918 he was transferred to Bethnal Green Hospital suffering from trench fever. A further transfer occurred on 3 March, when he was moved to the 3rd Auxiliary Hospital. He was discharged to his unit on 11 March.
He returned to Australia aboard HMAT Medic on 24 August 1918, disembarking on 13 October. He was discharged 29 October 1918, suffering from premature senility.
John passed away in Redfern NSW on 16 June 1925.
His name does not appear on the 1914-19 Haberfield Roll of Honour Board.
Source: Inner West 15000
https://recordsearch.naa.gov.au/SearchNRetrieve/Interface/ViewImage.aspx?B=3428314
30th Infantry Battalion
Percy Theodore Cotterill
8 March 1890 - Orbost Victoria
28 July 1970 - Ryde New South Wales
Rank: Private
Service No: 629
Religion: Church of England
World War I (11 July 1915 - 18 August 1919)
Percy Cotterill was born in Orbost Victoria on 8 March 1890, the eldest of nine children to Theodore Cotterill and Annie Leatham.
A grocer’s assistant, he enlisted at Liverpool NSW on 11 July 1915. He gave an address in Croydon NSW, however his parents moved to 201 Parramatta Road Haberfield during the conflict.
With other members of the 30th Battalion, he left Sydney aboard HMAT Beltana on 9 November 1915, disembarking in Suez on 11 December.
He was admitted to the 8th Field Hospital on 15 January 1916 suffering from the Mumps. He returned to action on 28 January 1916.
Percy was wounded on 29 August 1916 and did not re-join his unit until 8 February 1917. He was then seconded to the Australian Army Ordnance Corps, ending on 1 June 1917.
On 10 September 1916 he received a gunshot wound to the mouth and did not return to duty until 10 February 1917.
On 12 March 1919 he was admitted to the Fulham Military Hospital suffering from influenza contracted in France. He was released from hospital on 10 April 1919.
Percy left England aboard HMAT Devanha on 8 May 1919, disembarking on 26 June. He was discharged 18 August 1919.
He married Annie Wicks in Ashfield in 1922. Annie passed away in 1975.
Percy passed away in Ryde NSW on 28 July 1970.
His brother Wilfred Leslie Cotterill also served during World War One. His name is incorrectly shown as Cotterell on the 1914-19 Haberfield Roll of Honour board.
Percy’s name is incorrectly shown as Cotterill, P S on the 1914-19 Haberfield Roll of Honour Board.
https://recordsearch.naa.gov.au/SearchNRetrieve/Interface/ViewImage.aspx?B=3428360
3rd Australian Field Artillery Brigade
Wilfred Leslie Cotterill
27 October 1896 - Orbost Victoria
9 September 1974 - Sydney New South Wales
Rank: Driver
Service No: 14548
Religion: Church of England
World War I (19 March 1917 - 13 December 1919)
World War II (13 May 1942 - 30 September 1945)
Wilfred Cotterill was born in Orbost Victoria on 27 October 1896, one of nine children to Theodore Cotterill and Annie Leatham.
A carrier, he enlisted in Sydney on 19 March 1917. At the time of enlistment he was living in Newtown NSW, however the family home was at 201 Parramatta Road Haberfield.
He married Eva MacKinnon at Ashfield 1917. Eva passed away in 1983.
Wilfred was part of the Australian Army Service Corps when he left Sydney aboard HMAT Miltiades on 2 August 1917. On 10 October 1917 he was taken on strength by the 3rd Australian Field Artillery Brigade before proceeding to France on 23 November 1917.
He would see out his service in France as a driver. On 22 May 1919 he was granted leave to work at the Buckingham Gate Motor Works in London for three months.
Wilfred returned to Australia aboard HMAT Port Sydney on 22 September 1919, arriving in Australia on 13 November 1919 and was discharged on 13 December 1919.
He enlisted in Ashfield NSW during World War II. He served in the 24th Battalion Volunteer Defence Corps between 13 May 1942 and 30 September 1945 until the corps was disbanded.
Wilfred passed away in Sydney NSW on 9 September 1974.
His brother Percy Theodore Cotterill also served during World War One and his name incorrectly appears on the 1914-19 Haberfield Roll of Honour board as Cotterill, P S.
Wilfred’s surname is incorrectly stated as Cotterell on the 1914-19 Haberfield Roll of Honour Board.
https://recordsearch.naa.gov.au/SearchNRetrieve/Interface/ViewImage.aspx?B=3428372
https://recordsearch.naa.gov.au/SearchNRetrieve/Interface/ViewImage.aspx?B=6183274
20th Army Service Corps
Bernard James Cousins
1894 - Lincolnshire Park Victoria
27 October 1967 - Sydney New South Wales
Rank: Driver
Service No: 8720
Religion: Church of England
World War I (1 October 1915 - 20 February 1918)
Bernard Cousins was born in Lincolnshire Park Victoria in 1894, one of six children to Bernard Cousins and Sarah Nichol.
He enlisted in Sydney on 1 October 1915. A carrier, he gave his father’s address of Carlyle 136 Bland Street Haberfield.
As part of the 20th Army Service Corps, he left Sydney on 18 November 1915 aboard HMAT Persic. On 17 March 1916 he was admitted to hospital with influenza.
He re-joined his unit on 4 April, and on 5 June the unit embarked for France.
On 10 August 1916 he was returned to hospital in England suffering from stomach and bowel complaints. Following a return to duty he had two offence instances on 10 December 1916 and 21 April 1917.
On 27 September 1917 he was again admitted to hospital with chronic dysentery and remained in hospital for ten months. Whilst still in hospital he was found to be weak and anaemic. As a result he was recommended for discharge.
Bernard returned to Australia aboard HMAT Anchises on 4 January 1918 and was discharged on 20 February 1918
He later married Lillian Mason at Marrickville in 1934.
Bernard passed away in Sydney on 27 October 1967.
His brother William Cousins also served during World War One and his name appears on the 1914-19 Haberfield Roll of Honour board.
https://recordsearch.naa.gov.au/SearchNRetrieve/Interface/ViewImage.aspx?B=3432289
1st Light Railway Operating Company
William Stanley Cousins
5 February 1887 - Melbourne Victoria
20 July 1948 - Murwillumbah New South Wales
Rank: Private
Service No: 2125
Religion: Church of England
World War I (26 April 1915 - 11 August 1919)
William Cousins was born in Melbourne Victoria on 5 February 1887, one of six children to Bernard Cousins and Sarah Nichol.
A NSW Railways employee, he enlisted at Liverpool on 26 April 1915. He gave his parents address at Carlyle 136 Bland Street Haberfield.
He married Stella Latham on 11 June 1915 at St James Church Sydney, and as he had enlisted as a single man this left his wife without support. This caused some issues at the Base Records Office, and was not resolved until 21 October 1916.
They divorced on 29 May 1934.
Initially assigned to the 1st Infantry Battalion, his unit embarked from Sydney aboard HMAT Karoola on 16 June 1915. From Egypt, the unit proceeded to Gallipoli.
On 31 December 1915 he was found guilty of being A.W.L between 4.30pm on 29 December and 7am on 30 December. He was penalised with two days field punishment and forfeiture of two days’ pay.
William returned to Alexandria on 28 December 1915 and soon after found trouble again. He was found to be A.W.L between 6pm on 26 January and 6.15am on 29 January 1916. He forfeited seven days’ pay.
On 4 March 1916 he was taken on strength by the Railway Operating Company whilst in Ismailia Egypt.
On 9 May 1916 the unit would travel to Etaples and Calais France where he would serve in various capacities. On 9 September 1917 he was assigned as an officer’s batman.
William returned to front line duty and was on leave in London when the armistice was called.
He returned to Australia aboard HMAT Runic on 27 April 1919 and disembarked on 11 June. He was discharged on 11August 1919.
William passed away in Murwillumbah on 20 July 1948.
His brother Bernard Cousins also served during World War One and his name appears on the 1914-19 Haberfield Roll of Honour board.
https://recordsearch.naa.gov.au/SearchNRetrieve/Interface/ViewImage.aspx?B=3432857
https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/195091997?searchTerm=william%20stanley%20cousins
47th Infantry Battalion
Herbert William Cowan-Lunn
1896 - Drummoyne New South Wales
7 June 1965 - Burwood New South Wales
Rank: Private
Service No: 1984
Religion: Roman Catholic
World War I (16 November 1915 - 16 June 1919)
Herbert Cowan-Lunn was born in Drummoyne New South Wales in 1900, one of two children to Herbert Lunn and Jessie Cowan.
A clerk, he enlisted at Casula NSW on 16 November 1915. He gave his father’s address at Criccieth 49 Walker Avenue Haberfield.
He was taken on strength by the 31st battalion on 4 January 1916 and left Australia from Melbourne aboard HMAT Ballarat on 18 February 1916. The ship docked at Suez on 23 March, where he was transferred to the 47th battalion
Herbert received a gunshot wound to back of his left leg on 12 August 1916 and on 15 August he was sent to the 1st Southern Hospital in Birmingham. He was discharged to Wareham Depot on 4 December 1916.
During his time at the Depot he served as Acting Corporal between 21 July 1917 and 3 January 1918. On 5 January he was found guilty of disobeying an order. He was reprimanded and reverted to private.
In August of 1918 he was marched out to the 12th Training Brigade, followed by the Field Post Office.
He returned to Australia aboard HMAT Kashmir on 9 March 1919, arriving on 2 May 1919. He was discharged from service on 16 June 1919.
He married Alice Morrison in Ashfield NSW during 1921. Alice passed away on 30 March 1958.
Herbert passed away at Burwood NSW on 7 June 1965.
Interestingly, Claude Parsonson, whose name appears on the Haberfield Roll of Honour board uses the same address.
His name does not appear on the 1914-19 Haberfield Roll of Honour Board.
Source: Inner West 15000
https://recordsearch.naa.gov.au/SearchNRetrieve/Interface/ViewImage.aspx?B=3433890
https://recordsearch.naa.gov.au/SearchNRetrieve/Gallery151/dist/JGalleryViewer.aspx?B=6525378&S=1&N=2&R=0#/SearchNRetrieve/NAAMedia/ShowImage.aspx?B=6525378&T=P&S=1
4th Infantry Battalion
Augustus John Cowled
9 December 1893 - Junee New South Wales
19 September 1976 - Junee New South Wales
Rank: 2nd Lieutenant
Service No: 178
Religion: Methodist
World War I (29 March 1916 - 13 September 1919)
Augustus Cowled was born in Junee New South Wales on 9 December 1893, the eldest of six children to Albert Cowled and Elizabeth Shephard.
A farmer, he enlisted on 29 March 1916. He gave his father’s address as 56 O’Connor Street Haberfield.
He completed his early service at Liverpool NSW, then Broadmeadows and Seymour Victoria. He embarked from Sydney on 31 October 1917 aboard HMAT Euripides, disembarking at Devonport England on 26 December 1917.
The unit proceeded to France on 28 March 1918. He suffered a gas attack on 28 May 1918 and was sent to the field hospital, returning to duty on 8 June 1918.
On 16 June 1918 he reported to hospital suffering from conjunctivitis, resuming his duty on 4 July.
Augustus returned to England on 21 September 1918. Following the Armistice he served in the Office HQ carrying out repatriation work.
He left for Australia aboard HMAT Norman on 4 July 1919, disembarking on 20 August 1919. His appointment was terminated on 13 September 1919.
On 9 March 1921 he married Adelaide Belling in Junee NSW. She passed away in Junee on 29 October 1967.
Augustus was sworn in as a Justice of the Peace in Cooma NSW on 21 February 1930.
Augustus passed away in Junee NSW on 19 September 1976.
His name also appears on the Ashfield Bowling Club Roll of Honour.
His brother Stanley Cowled also appears on the 1914-19 Haberfield Roll of Honour board.
https://recordsearch.naa.gov.au/SearchNRetrieve/Interface/ViewImage.aspx?B=3434615
https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/144422044?searchTerm=augustus%20cowled
Army Medical Corps
Stanley George Clayton Cowled
4 August 1885 - Junee New South Wales
29 August 1983 - North Haven New South Wales
Rank: Private
Service No: 19455
Religion: Methodist
World War I (15 August 1917 - 16 October 1919)
Stanley Cowled was born in Junee New South Wales on 4 August 1895, one of six children to Albert and Elizabeth Shephard.
A divinity student, he enlisted in Darlinghurst NSW on 15 August 1917. He gave his father’s address as 56 O’Connor Street Haberfield.
After serving in the Australian General Hospital at Randwick NSW, he embarked from Sydney on 1 May 1918 aboard HMAT Port Darwin.
Upon arrival at Suez, he took up duties as an ambulance driver in Moascar and the Jordan Valley. He also served at Richon in Palestine, before returning to Moascar.
On 9 April 1919 he was transferred to the Abbassia region, where he would remain until 8 July 1919.
He left Kantara Egypt on 2 August 1919 aboard HMAT Delta, disembarking on 13 September 1919 and was discharged on 16 October 1919.
He married Isora Anderson in Chatswood NSW in 1922. She passed away on 21 January 1982.
Stanley and Isora later took a missionary positing in Fiji during 1945, returning to Australia in 1947. He was a chaplain with the Fijian Infantry Battalion in the Solomon Islands.
In 1945 he was awarded the O.B.E for valour and devotion to duty. Their work was featured in the January edition of National Geographic magazine.
He died at North Haven NSW on 29 August 1983.
His name also appears on the Ashfield Bowling Club Roll of Honour and the Illabo War Memorial in Junee.
His brother Augustus Cowled also appears on the 1914-19 Haberfield Roll of Honour board.
https://recordsearch.naa.gov.au/SearchNRetrieve/Interface/ViewImage.aspx?B=3434620
https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/155479319?searchTerm=stanley%20cowled%20obe
https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/141230038?searchTerm=stanley%20cowled
Cowley, (Sister)
Virtual War Memorial lists 53 enlistees with the surname Cowley. There is an Isoline Cowley, however her place of residence was Caulfield Victoria.
45th Infantry Battalion
Verden Germany
Arthur Edward Crago
27 January 1896 - Maryborough Victoria
14 August 1950 - Burwood New South Wales
Rank: Private
Service No: 2303
Religion: Church of England
World War I (1 April 1916 - 27 November 1918)
Arthur Crago was born in Maryborough Victoria on 27 January 1896, one of six children William Crago and Barbara Jones.
A butcher, he enlisted at Cootamundra New South Wales on 1 April 1916. He gave his mother’s address as Concord NSW.
Part of the 45th Battalion, he left Sydney aboard HMAT Wiltshire on 22 August 1916, disembarking in Plymouth on 13 October 1916.
Whilst training at Codford, he was charged with the offence of ‘whilst on duty was found in the canteen drinking with two prisoners without equipment and rifle.’ He was penalised 28 day’s field punishment.
On 13 February 1917 he proceeded to France and transferred to the 13th Battalion. He was reported as missing in action on 14 April 1917.
This was amended on 1 May 1917 when information was received that on 11 April he had been wounded and taken prisoner of war. He was interned at the Verden Camp in Hanover Germany.
He was repatriated to Holland, and arrived in England on 16 February 1918. On 23 February he was moved to King George Hospital where he received treatment for the gunshot wound he had received in the abdomen.
In his later report he stated that the Battalion was fighting at Bullecourt, and at 4am on 11 April, they used a sunken railway cutting as cover to launch an attack on the enemy trenches. He reached as far as the third line of trenches before receiving a bullet wound to the stomach.
He states that the German soldiers gave him and other wounded soldiers reasonably good treatment, before taking them back 12 kilometres to a dressing station. Some were then taken by train to Verden, arriving on 15 April.
Arthur states that he and the other prisoners were well fed whilst there. He was transferred to Soltau on 7 December 1917, and remained there until 11 February 1918. He said there were no Sisters in the hospital and the Belgian and Russian orderlies were very poor. Arthur was sent to Aachen exchange, and then to Rotterdam.
He returned to Australia aboard HMAT Karoola on 27 April 1918, arriving on 28 May. He was discharged on 27 November 1918.
Arthur married Dorothy Rawling at Concord NSW on 29 January 1921. Dorothy passed away in 1984.
He passed away in Burwood NSW on 14 August 1950.
His connection to Haberfield appears to be that his mother resided at 4 Hawthorne Parade at one time.
His brothers Francis and Joseph also served and appear on the 1914-19 Haberfield Roll of Honour board.
Arthur is the nephew of Francis Crago of Crago Flour Mills in Newtown NSW. The families also owned mills in Bathurst and Yass.
Arthur’s name also appears on the Corrimal Public School Roll of Honour. He is also remembered on the Ballarat Australian Ex-Prisoners of War Memorial.
https://recordsearch.naa.gov.au/SearchNRetrieve/Interface/ViewImage.aspx?B=3438547
https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/awm-media/collection/RCDIG1041154/document/5628823.PDF
https://www.powmemorialballarat.com.au/prisoners-of-war/crago-arthur/
http://www.illawarraremembers.com.au/node/8121
https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/157225600?searchTerm=francis%20arthur%20crago
6th Light Horse Regiment
Francis Arthur Crago
8 February 1888 - Maryborough Victoria
20 July 1930 - Camperdown New South Wales
Rank: Private
Service No: 2158
Religion: Church of England
World War I (6 November 1915 - 30 March 1920)
Francis Crago was born in Maryborough Victoria on 8 February 1888, the eldest of six children to William Crago and Barbara Jones.
He married Lucy Spinks in Corrimal on 5 August 1911.
A miner, he enlisted at Casula NSW on 6 November 1915. At that time he gave his address as being Bellambi NSW.
Part of the 6th Light Horse Regiment he departed Sydney aboard HMAT Pera on 22 March 1916. Whilst in Port Said, he was admitted to the 31st General Hospital on 3 September 1916 suffering from enteritis and did not return to duty until 20 November.
On 12 December 1917 he reported to hospital suffering from pyrexia and bruised ribs following an accident.
He continued his military service in and around Moascar and Tel-el Kebir in Egypt. On 1 May 1918 he was charged with creating a disturbance after lights out and forfeited seven days’ pay.
On 11 July 1918 he was found guilty of being A.W.L between 9 and 10 July, and forfeited five days’ pay.
Francis left for Australia on 28 June 1919 aboard HMAT Madras from Kantara, arriving in Melbourne on 3 August 1919. When the ship left Melbourne two days later, he was an absentee. Military records do not show any penalty for this event.
He was discharged on 30 March 1920.
His connection to Haberfield appears to be that his mother resided at 4 Hawthorne Parade at one time.
Francis died on 20 July 1930 in RPA Hospital at Camperdown NSW. The cause of death was carbon monoxide poisoning from coal mining. Some records list the cause of death as suicide.
His brothers Arthur and Joseph also served and appear on the 1914-19 Haberfield Roll of Honour board.
Francis is the nephew of Francis Crago of Crago Flour Mills in Newtown NSW. The families also owned mills in Bathurst and Yass.
https://recordsearch.naa.gov.au/SearchNRetrieve/Interface/ViewImage.aspx?B=3438555
https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/157225600?searchTerm=francis%20arthur%20crago
https://www.illawarraremembers.com.au/node/8120
3rd Infantry Battalion
WWII - Sandakan Borneo
Joseph George Crago
28 February 1898 - Balmain New South Wales
29 November 1944 - Sandakan Borneo
Rank: Private
Service No: 5778 / NX43552
Religion: Church of England
World War I (28 December 1915 - 2 June 1919, 8 August 1919 - 29 February 1920) World War II (25 August 1941 - Died of Illness 29 November 1944)
Joseph Crago was born in Balmain New South Wales on 28 February 1898, one of six children to William Crago and Barbara Jones.
A miner, he enlisted at Liverpool NSW on 28 December 1915 using his middle name of George. He gave his mother’s address as Concord NSW. He stated his age as 19 years and 10 months, when in fact he was under 17 years and 10 months at the time of enlistment.
He left Australia aboard HMAT Kyarra on 3 June 1916. After arrival in England the unit proceeded to France on 10 August 1916 but was recalled twelve days later.
In Stokes he took up training at the Mortar School before returning to France. Here he joined the 1st Australian Light Trench Mortar Battery on 9 December 1916 and remained with the unit well into 1917.
On 13 August 1918 he lost three day’s pay after being found guilty of disobeying a direct order by a superior.
On 22 September 1917 he received a gunshot wound to the left leg and buttock and was repatriated to the Norfolk and Norwich Hospital in England.
He was found to be A.W.L between 7 and 14 March 1918 and forfeited six day’s pay. He was in hospital with illness in May and June of 1918.
On 1 September 1918 he was promoted to Lance Corporal but reverted to private on 1 January 1919.
Joseph returned to Australia on 5 April 1919 aboard HMAT Armagh, disembarking in Australia on 2 June. He re-enlisted at Holsworthy on 8 August 1919, joining the AIF Special Services. He left Australia aboard HMAT Rio Negro on 19 August and arrived in London on 27 October. On this application he stated his age as 23 years.
He returned to Australia aboard HMAT Cape Verde on 5 January 1920, disembarking on 29 February 1920.
Joseph married Evelyn Livingstone at Hurstville NSW 16 July 1921. Evelyn passed away in 1985.
On 25 August 1941 he enlisted at Paddington NSW for service during World War Two, again using his middle name of George. He states his date of birth as 28 February 1902.
Serving with the 2/18 Battalion he was taken prisoner by Japanese forces and sent to the camp at Sandakan.
Joseph died on 29 November 1944 as a result of malaria and meningitis.
He is interred at the Labuan War Cemetery in Borneo Malaysia.
His connection to Haberfield appears to be that his mother resided at 4 Hawthorne Parade at one time. He enlisted on each occasion using his middle name of George.
His brothers Francis and Arthur also served and appear on the 1914-19 Haberfield Roll of Honour board.
Joseph is the nephew of Francis Crago of Crago Flour Mills in Newtown NSW. The families also owned mills in Bathurst and Yass.
https://recordsearch.naa.gov.au/SearchNRetrieve/Interface/ViewImage.aspx?B=3438557
https://recordsearch.naa.gov.au/SearchNRetrieve/Interface/ViewImage.aspx?B=4921772
https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/157225600?searchTerm=francis%20arthur%20crago
https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/247988916?searchTerm=NX43552
2nd Infantry Battalion
Percival Crane
1897 - Granville New South Wales
6 November 1917 - Flanders Begium
Rank: Private
Service No: 5667
Religion: Roman Ctholic
World War I (19 October 1914 - Killed in Action 5 May 1915)
Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial
54,593 memorials Commonwealth troops
83 Australian soldiers died this day
Percival Crane was born in Granville New South Wales in 1897, one of five children to William Crane and Mary Andrews.
A labourer, he enlisted at Cootamundra NSW on 12 December 1915. He gave his father’s address at Surry Go Haye 23 Wattle Street Haberfield.
Known as Percy, he found himself in strife very early in his service. He refused to attend dinner parade on 27 January 1916, and once there used insulting language. Percy was fined 25/- and confined to barrack for seven days.
He was in further trouble when reported for lolling against a tank and saying ‘you bloody fools’ to the men marching. This resulted in a 10/- fine and confinement to barracks for five days.
He embarked from Sydney aboard HMAT Kyarra on 3 June 1916 with members of the 2nd Battalion, arrinh in Plymouth on 3 August. During the voyage he was fined 2/6 for failing to report to duty on 12 June.
Percy was charged with refusing to obey an order issued by an officer and using threatening language on 28 August and received 168 hours detention. He also forfeited seven day’s pay.
The 1st Training Battalion proceeded to France on 16 September, then to Belgium on 6 October.
Percy was charged with refusing to obey an order issued by an officer and using threatening language
On 16 February 1917 Percival was found to be AWL from 0630 on 11 September to 1000 on 13 September 1916 and received 72 hours dention. He also forfeited six day’s pay.
Percy was absent from parade on 27 March 1917 and received 14 day’s field punishment No 2.
Returning to his battalion, he reported sick suffering from trench feet on 27 April. Percy returned to duty on 5 May. He later reported to the 8th Field Ambulance with a septic toe, rejoining his unit on 18 May.
On 12 October and 19 October, he was charged with drunkenness. He received three days and 14 days field punishment No 2 respectively.
Percy returned to duty on 2 November and lost his life four days later on 6 November at Flanders in Belgium.
He has no known grave and is remembered at the Menin Gate Memorial, Ypres Belgium.
Percy’s father did not receive his medals until 1922, as he had moved a number of times without leaving forwarding addresses.
His name does not appear on the 1914-18 Haberfield Roll of Honour Board.
Source: Ashfield & District Historical Society
https://recordsearch.naa.gov.au/SearchNRetrieve/Interface/ViewImage.aspx?B=3096481
1st Pioneer battalion
Albert Francis John Crompton
20 October 1893 - Waverley New South Wales
8 July 1966 - Heidelberg Victoria
Rank: Private
Service No: 2593
Religion: Church of England
World War I (1 March 1916 - 6 June 1919)
Albert Crompton was born in Waverley New South Wales on 20 October 1893, one of six children to William Crompton and Jane Stephenson.
His enlistment form shows the place of birth as Walorrali. There is no listing for such a place in NSW, and could possibly be poor handwriting.
He enlisted at the Royal Agricultural Showgrounds on 1 March 1916. A builder, he gave his address as 130 Dalhousie Street Haberfield.
The 1st Pioneer Battalion’s 5th reinforcements left Sydney on 24 August 1916 aboard HMAT Anchises. He was A.W.L from camp between 23 and 29 December 1916 and forfeited 21 day’s pay.
On 16 January 1917 the unit left Folkstone aboard the Princess Clementine for France. He received a gunshot wound to his right leg on 23 October 1917 and on 3 November was repatriated to England.
Albert was found to be A.W.L between 3.30pm on 3 January and 10.30am on 7 January 1918 and forfeited 10 day’s pay. He re-joined his unit in France on 12 February 1918.
On 24 August 1918 he received a gunshot wound to his left foot, although it was ruled to be an accidental injury. During an inquiry in December 1918, Pte William Dwyer (SN 4078) stated that he and Pte Crompton were on the bank of the Somme Canal reading letters. He stated that Private Crompton was hit by a bullet which appeared to come from the opposite side of the bank where members of the 50th and 51st Division were carrying out rifle practice.
He returned to Australia aboard HMAT Nevasa on 5 March 1919, arriving in Australia on 23 April 1919. He was discharged on 6 June 1919.
Albert married Susanna Watts at St Stephen’s Church Milson’s Point on 30 September 1920. Susanna passed away in 1964.
He passed away in Heidelberg Victoria on 8 July 1966.
His name does not appear on the 1914-19 Haberfield Roll of Honour Board.
Source: Inner West 15000
5th Field Bakery
Vivian Ebenezer Crook
21 June 1885 - Leichhardt New South Wales
11 December 1961 - Chatswood New South Wales
Rank: Private
Service No: 302 / 60419
Religion: Methodist
World War I (11 August 1914 - 4 March 1915, 8 February 1918 - 14 June 1919)
Vivian Crook was born in Leichhardt New South Wales on 21 June 1885, one of four children to Thomas Crook and Emily Maidment.
In 1901 he was a junior clerk in the NSW Government Audit Office and would return to the Public Service following his military service.
He married Isabella Colebrook in Petersham NSW in 1908. Isabella passed away in 1969.
On 11 August 1914 he enlisted in Sydney. He gave his address as Dalhousie Street Haberfield, which appears to be his mother-in-law’s address.
His initial service was with the Australian Naval & Military Expeditionary Force with the service number 302. He was assigned to the 5th Field Bakery and departed from Sydney aboard HMAT Berrima on 19 August 1914.
Vivian served in Rabaul, and was discharged on 4 March 1915. Records show he suffered from a bout of malaria.
He re-enlisted on 8 February 1918, and with the 17th NSW Reinforcements, he left Sydney aboard HMAT Bakara on 4 September 1918.
After serving in training battalions, he transferred to the 5th Field Bakery again and shipped out to France.
He returned to Australia aboard HMAT Warwickshire on 5 April 1919 and disembarked on 31 May 1919. He was discharged on 14 June 1919.
Following his discharge, Vivian returned to the NSW Public Service initially working in the Returned Soldiers’ Settlement Branch of the Department of Lands. Vivian was with the Department of Lands in different capacities from 1931 until retiring on 7 January 1947.
He and his wife were living at 123 Dalhousie Street Haberfield in 1933 before moving to Tascott on NSW’s Central Coast.
Vivian passed away in Chatswood NSW on 11 December 1961.
His brother Samuel Richard Crook of Canterbury NSW was a member of the 9th Field Ambulance and died on 13 October 1917 in Zonnebeke Belgium.
Vivian’s son Thomas served in the RAAF during World War Two.
His name does not appear on the 1914-19 Haberfield Roll of Honour Board.
Source: Inner West 15000
https://recordsearch.naa.gov.au/SearchNRetrieve/Interface/ViewImage.aspx?B=3467568
https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/225846381?searchTerm=vivian%20ebenezer%20crook
https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/227977111?searchTerm=vivian%20ebenezer%20crook
https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/224767285/14141548
17th Infantry Battalion
Leslie Thomas Patrick Currie
26 May 1895 - Albury New South Wales
13 January 1975 - Fairfield Victoria
Rank: Private
Service No: 5558
Religion: Roman Catholic
World War I (2 February 1916 - 16 May 1918)
Leslie Currie was born in Albury New South Wales on 26 May 1895, one of two children to John Currie and Mary Matthews.
A clerk, he enlisted at the Royal Agricultural Showground in Sydney on 2 February 1916. He gave his address as 212 Old Canterbury Road Summer Hill.
Along with other members of the 17th Battalion he embarked from Sydney aboard HMAT Euripides on 9 September 1916, disembarking at Plymouth on 26 October 1916. The unit proceeded to France on 13 December 1916.
He received a gunshot wound to his left hand on 20 September 1917 in Abbeville France, and returned to duty on 19 October 1917.
Leslie was shipped back to England and served in administrative capacities until 21 December when he returned to Australia aboard HMAT Persic, disembarking on 14 February 1918.
After being required to attend the Permanent Medical Referee Board on 2 March, he was discharged 16 May 1918 and granted a pension of £2 per fortnight from 17 May.
In 1924 he married Ellen Gandini in Victoria. Ellen passed away on 25 September 1961.
Records show that on 24 October 1924 he was registered as a doctor working at the Homeopathic Hospital in Melbourne after gaining a Batchelor of Medicine degree in Sydney in 1923.
Leslie passed away in Fairfield VIC on 13 January 1975.
His details are not listed on the AIF Project and Virtual War Memorial websites.
All information indicates that he lived in Summer Hill, and no direct connection to Haberfield has been established.
His brother William Currie, whose name also appears on the 1914-19 Haberfield Roll of Honour board also served during World War One. They enlisted together and have consecutive service numbers.
https://recordsearch.naa.gov.au/SearchNRetrieve/Interface/ViewImage.aspx?B=3478823
17th Infantry Battalion
William Oswald Currie
26 September 1896 - Adelong New South Wales
28 July 1964 - Mosman New South Wales
Rank: Private
Service No: 5557
Religion: Roman Catholic
World War I (2 February 1916 - 4 June 1919)
William Currie was born in Adelong New South Wales on 26 September 1896, one of two children to John Currie and Mary Matthews.
A civil servant, he enlisted at the Royal Agricultural Showgrounds in Sydney on 2 February 1916. He gave his address as 212 Old Canterbury Road Summer Hill.
Along with other members of the 17th Battalion he embarked from Sydney aboard HMAT Euripides on 9 September 1916. He disembarked in Fremantle on 17 September as a result of illness. After returning to duty he embarked from Fremantle on 29 December aboard HMAT Persic, arriving in Devonport on 3 March 1917.
On 14 July 1917 he transferred to the 36th Battalion.
On 5 September 1917, his unit left for France. He was transferred to England on 26 April 1918, having been gassed on 19 April 1918. He was admitted to Connaught Hospital in Aldershot.
On 12 December 1918 he returned to Australia aboard HMAT Nestor, disembarking in Melbourne on 1 February 1919. William was required to attend the Staff Office for Invalids and Returned Soldiers on 5 May, and was discharged on 4 June 1919 as medically unfit resulting from effects of the gas attack.
He married Grace Griffiths at Canterbury in 1923.
Records show that he worked as the Legal Officer in the Department of Labour and Industry Workers’ Compensation Commission until he resigned in August 1935. William then went into private practice.
William passed away on 28 July 1964. Electoral records show that he had been living in Mosman NSW since 1949.
All information indicates that he lived in Summer Hill, and no direct connection to Haberfield has been established.
His brother Leslie Currie, whose name appears on the 1914-19 Haberfield Roll of Honour board also served during World War One. They enlisted together and have consecutive service numbers.
https://recordsearch.naa.gov.au/SearchNRetrieve/Interface/ViewImage.aspx?B=3478938
https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/237496007?searchTerm=william%20oswald%20currie
18th Infantry Battalion
Leonard Curtis
1 April 1888 - Tottenham England
7 September 1953 - Concord New South Wales
Rank: Private
Service No: 3553
Religion: Church of England
World War I (11 October 1915 - 20 April 1918)
Leonard Curtis was born in Tottenham England on 1 April 1888, one of six children to Thomas Curtis and Susan Horwood.
He arrived in Melbourne from Antwerp for on 16 September 1912.
A shipping clerk, he enlisted at Holsworthy NSW on 11 October 1915. He gave his father’s address at Gallipoli Ramsay Road Haberfield.
He embarked from Sydney aboard HMAT Aeneas on 20 December 1915 as part of the 18th Battalion’s 8th reinforcements.
The unit travelled to Marseilles on 25 March 1916 and proceeded to the front.
Leonard was admitted to the 13th Stationary Hospital at Boulogne France suffering from shell gas poisoning on 26 July 1916
After returning to his unit, he suffered a gunshot wound to the left thigh and buttock on 12 September 1916 and was admitted to Lewisham Military Hospital. After being discharged from hospitals, he continued his repatriation in Weymouth.
News of the injuries was sent to his mother, who at that time was living in Tottenham England. His father, still living in Haberfield NSW had to pursue the Records Section for notification.
He was recommended for discharge and returned to Australia HMAT Euripides on 30 January 1918, arriving home on 22 March 1918. He was discharged 20 April 1918.
On 23 April 1918 he was awarded a pension of £2 per fortnight. His address on the application was Summerlees 63 St David’s Road Haberfield.
Leonard married Winifred Beck at St Andrews Summer Hill on 23 August 1919. Winifred passed away in 1973.
He passed away in Concord Repatriation Hospital on 7 September 1953.
His name does not appear on the 1914-19 Haberfield Roll of Honour Board.
Source: Inner West 15000
https://recordsearch.naa.gov.au/SearchNRetrieve/Interface/ViewImage.aspx?B=3479821
Australian Medical Corp
Georges Pierre Henri St Anne Overton Dagnall
15 March 1883 - Hamilton Canada
1963 - Unknown
Rank: Private
Service No: 21007
Religion: Church of England
World War I (13 May 1918 - 19 January 1919)
World War II (24 January 1940 – 31 December 1943)
Georges Dagnall was born in Hamilton Canada on 15 March 1883. Some records show his date of birth as 15 November 1882. Some postings in Ancestry.com cast doubt on this, stating his place of birth as London with the name George Overton Dagnall.
He married Hilda Perkins in St Leonards NSW in 1915. Hila passed away in 1937.
An engineer, he enlisted in Leichhardt NSW on 15 April 1918. He and Hilda were living at 116 Hawthorne Parade Haberfield. This application appears to have been rejected on 20 April.
On 13 May he enlisted for a second time in Sydney using an address in Coogee NSW. He stated his occupation as picture theatre proprietor.
He left Sydney aboard HMAT Medic on 2 November 1918 with the Sea Transport Sections. According to a letter dated 23 October 1935 he was discharged on 19 January 1919.
The extent of his service is not obvious from the available records.
In 1928 Georges was involved in a company called Country Electric Supply which went into liquidation under unusual circumstances. A most interesting character, this is one of a number of legal matters that Georges was involved during his life.
Georges enlisted in Paddington NSW during World War Two on 24 January 1940. A sergeant in the General Transport Company, he served until 31 December 1943. On the enlistment form he states his date of birth as 15 November 1882.
He served in various camps such as Dubbo, Rutherford and Marrickville prior to being discharged as medically unfit.
He passed away in 1963.
https://recordsearch.naa.gov.au/SearchNRetrieve/Interface/ViewImage.aspx?B=3482360
https://recordsearch.naa.gov.au/SearchNRetrieve/Interface/ViewImage.aspx?B=5561133
https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/168696147?searchTerm=country%20electric%20supply%20dagnall
12th Field Ambulance
Harold Davie
24 August 1892 - Sunderland England
1 May 1952 - Unknown
Rank: Private
Service No: 9608
Religion: Church of England
World War I (30 July 1915 - 30 June 1919)
Harold Davie was born in Sunderland England on 24 August 1892, one of four children to Albert Davie and Elizabeth Thompson.
He left England on 9 May 1912 aboard SS Mamari bound for New Zealand. He travelled to Australia shortly thereafter.
A salesman, he enlisted at Warwick Farm New South Wales on 30 July 1915. His address was Gabriel 13 Turner Avenue Haberfield.
He left Sydney aboard HMAT Star of England on 8 March 1916, part of the 4th Field Ambulance. On 15 May 1916 he was taken on strength with the 12th Field Ambulance, and would proceed to France on 23 December 1916. At this time he would become a motor transport driver.
The remainder of his service would occur in France.
On 7 May 1917 he was found guilty of riding in a war department motor vehicle without permission and received 24 hours field punishment No 2.
Following the armistice he transferred to a casualty clearing station.
He returned to Australia aboard HMAT Khyber on 31 March 1919, disembarking in Sydney on 14 May. Harold was discharged on 30 June 1919.
He married Ada Rochester at St Andrew’s Summer Hill on 12 September 1923. Sadly she passed away on 8 March 1931.
Harold passed away on 1 May 1952.
https://recordsearch.naa.gov.au/SearchNRetrieve/Interface/ViewImage.aspx?B=3491436
13th Infantry Battalion
Frederick George Davies
14 October 1877 - Waverley New South Wales
12 February 1917 - Somme France
Rank: Private
Service No: 6007
Religion: Church of England
World War I (6 March 1916 - Died of Wounds 12 February 1917)
Dernancourt Communal Cemetery Extension
1,997 Commonwealth graves and memorials
27 Australian soldiers died this day
Frederick Davies was born in Waverley New South Wales on 14 October 1877, one of two children to Frederick Davies and Charlotte Dixon (aka Lestrange). He also had two half-siblings
He enlisted at Bathurst NSW on 6 March 1916. A wharf labourer, he gave his mother’s address at Quondong 21 Walker Avenue Haberfield. All correspondence was to go to his sister Ethel Ruthven at the same address.
He left Sydney on 22 August 1916 aboard HMAT Wiltshire. He was taken on strength with the 13th Battalion, arriving at Plymouth England on 13 October. The unit left Folkstone on the SS Arundle for France on 12 December 1916.
Frederick was fighting in the area at Somme in France when he received a gunshot wound to his left lung on 7 February 1917. He was taken to a casualty clearing station the next day, where he would succumb to his wounds on 12 February 1917.
His personal effects were returned to the family, but his war service medals were not received by his sister Ethel until June 1922. As was the practice at the time, Base Records attempted to contact male relatives in the first instance.
https://recordsearch.naa.gov.au/SearchNRetrieve/Interface/ViewImage.aspx?B=1899730
https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/awm-media/collection/RCDIG1040723/document/5628392.PDF
Davis, Richard John
The Australian War Memorial shows Richard Davis (SN 4801) as living in Haberfield. His service records do not show such information.
Source: Australian War Memorial
https://vwma.org.au/explore/people/168681
1st Pack Wireless Signal Troop
Albert John Davison
1893 - Islington England
22 September 1974 - Hunters Hill New South Wales
Rank: Sergeant
Service No: 7666
Religion: Church of England
World War I (1 January 1916 - 14 November 1919)
Albert Davison was born in Islington England in 1893 to Thomas Davison and Ann Townsend.
A wireless operator, Albert, known as Jack, enlisted in Sydney on 1 January 1916. He gave his address as Akaroa Dudley Street Haberfield.
He embarked from Melbourne aboard HMAT Saldanha on 5 February 1916, arriving in Colombo Ceylon on 24 February 1916. He transferred to the P & O Sardinia and sailed for Bombay India, arriving on 28 February.
On 10 March 1916 he embarked on the SS Teesta for Basra, arriving on 20 March. Six days later he was promoted to sergeant.
After being hospitalised with dysentery, he would later sail from Bombay to Alexandria aboard SS Devanha on 27 July, arriving in Alexandria on 4 August.
He travelled to Parkhouse England and joined the Drafting Department before joining up with the 1st Pack Wireless Signal Troop on 31 May 1917. He left for France on 1 June 1917, and would serve there until the end of the war.
Albert was promoted to staff sergeant on 17 October 1918.
He left England aboard HMAT Persic on 13 July 1919, and arrived back in Australia on 2 September. He was discharged on 14 November 1919.
He married Ivy Thomas at the Congregational Church Hunters Hill on 27 December 1920. Ivy passed away in 1972.
Albert passed away in Hunters Hill NSW on 22 September 1974.
https://recordsearch.naa.gov.au/SearchNRetrieve/Interface/ViewImage.aspx?B=1897477
4th Infantry Battalion
Martin Stanislaus Davoren
1882 - Maitland New South Wales
23 November 1957 - Epping New South Wales
Rank: Private
Service No: 6477
Religion: Roman Catholic
World War I (5 April 1916 - 3 September 1918)
Martin Davoren was born in Maitland New South Wales in 1882, one of four children to James Davoren and Mary Nagle.
A staff superintendent at the NSW Railways, he enlisted at Liverpool NSW on 5 April 1916. He gave his address as Ennistimon 9 O’Connor Street Haberfield. He used the middle name of Stanley when enlisting.
He embarked from Sydney aboard HMAT Aeneas on 30 September 1916, and disembarked at Plymouth on 19 November 1916.
Following time at the Australian Divisional Base Depot, he joined the 4th Infantry Battalion and proceeded to France on 20 March 1917.
On 20 April 1917 he was admitted to 3rd Field Ambulance suffering from influenza and diarrhoea. On 28 April he was found to have ringworm. He re-joined his unit on 21 May.
He was wounded on 10 November 1917, although it appears minor.
On 15 December 1917 he returned to hospital suffering from furunculosis and did not re-join his unit until 5 January 1918.
On 21 January 1918 he was returned to hospital suffering from suspected tuberculosis and was transferred to England for treatment on 27 January.
He would remain in England until 7 July 1918, when he returned to Australia aboard HMAT Gaika. He was discharged on 3 September 1918 with serious debility.
He married Lillian Rooney in 1921 at Murrurundi NSW.
Martin passed away in Epping NSW on 23 November 1957.
His name also appears on the Lochinvar and Keinbah Districts War Memorial.
His name does not appear on the 1914-19 Haberfield Roll of Honour Board.
Source: Inner West 15000
https://recordsearch.naa.gov.au/SearchNRetrieve/Interface/ViewImage.aspx?B=3491869
1st Infantry Battalion
Harold Frederick James Dawson
5 July 1898 - Bowral New South Wales
17 December 1922 - Hornsby New South Wales
Rank: Corporal
Service No: 4015
Religion: Church of England
World War I (12 August 1915 - 14 January 1921)
Harold Dawson was born in Bowral New South Wales on 5 July 1898, one of five children to James Dawson and Ada Tweddell.
A clerk, he enlisted at Holsworthy NSW on 12 August 1915. He gave his address as 11 Hawthorne Parade Haberfield. He listed his place of birth as Wollongong NSW.
He embarked from Sydney on 11 December 1915 aboard HMAT Mooltan.
Harold was appointed Lance Corporal whilst in France on 25 October 1916. He received a further promotion to Corporal 19 January 1917.
After suffering a gunshot wound to the left leg and buttock, he was transferred to Fort Pitt Chatham Hospital in England on 18 May 1917. On 14 August his leg was amputated at the thigh.
Whilst in hospital he developed pulmonary tuberculosis.
He returned to Australia on 31 March 1919 aboard HMAT Wandilla, disembarking at Melbourne on 18 May 1919. He was not discharged until 14 January 1921.
He died on 17 December 1922 in Hornsby NSW as a result of tuberculosis.
Harold is one of approximately 1,000 soldiers who died within five years of the armistice.
https://recordsearch.naa.gov.au/SearchNRetrieve/Interface/ViewImage.aspx?B=3493384
https://recordsearch.naa.gov.au/SearchNRetrieve/Gallery151/dist/JGalleryViewer.aspx?B=6517150&S=1&N=4&R=0#/SearchNRetrieve/NAAMedia/ShowImage.aspx?B=6517150&T=P&S=1
1st Infantry Battalion
Naval & Military Forces
Special Tropical Corps
Frederick Herbert Day
1891 - Bedford England
18 January 1915 - Cowra New South Wales
Rank: Corporal
Service No: 713
Religion:
World War I (12 August 1914 - 15 January 1915)
Frederick Day was born in Bedford England in 1891, one of six children to Frederick Day and Emily Goodman.
A butcher, he enlisted on 12 August 1914 in Sydney New South Wales. His address was Hawthorne Parade Haberfield.
He embarked from Sydney on 19 August 1914 aboard HMAT Berrima.
The Australian Naval and Military Expeditionary Force was a small volunteer force of approximately 2,000 men, raised in Australia to seize and destroy German wireless stations in German New Guinea near Rabaul. The German wireless installations were ordered to be destroyed because they were threatening merchant shipping in the region.
The German troops surrendered after a battle in Toma. Some members of the Expeditionary Force stayed on in an administrative capacity until the end of the war. Most of the Force returned to Australia and re-enlisted in the AIF.
Frederick returned to Australian on 15 January 1915 following the termination of his engagement.
Records show that he had been ill from the time of his discharge. He died at Cowra NSW on 7 April 1915 as a result of diabetes and exhaustion.
Frederick is not recorded as a war fatality. His death came just over two months after his discharge.
His name does not appear on the 1914-19 Haberfield Roll of Honour board.
Source: Inner West 15000
https://recordsearch.naa.gov.au/SearchNRetrieve/Gallery151/dist/JGalleryViewer.aspx?B=3493965&S=1&N=6&R=0#/SearchNRetrieve/NAAMedia/ShowImage.aspx?B=3493965&T=P&S=6
http://www.mkheritage.org.uk/wsc/people/war-casualties/war-casualties-1/ww1-frederickday/
1st Field Company Engineers
Norman Henry Day
1893 - Newtown New South Wales
6 February 1952 - Earlwood New South Wales
Rank: Sergeant
Service No: 14583
Religion: Methodist
World War I (18 January 1916 - 26 October 1919)
Norman Day was born in Newtown New South Wales in 1896, one of five children to Henry Day and Mabel Barnaby.
He enlisted in Sydney on 18 January 1916. An electrical mechanic, he gave his parent’s address at Whitby 6 Deakin Street Haberfield.
A member of the 1st Field Company Engineers, he left Sydney on 8 July 1916 aboard RMS Mongolia.
During his service he would remain in the regions around Moascar, Abbasan al-Kabir and Romani from 12 August 1916 until March 1919.
He was promoted to 2nd Corporal on 28 May 1917 and Corporal on 23 August 1918. He reached the rank of sergeant on 8 January 1919.
He embarked from Port Said aboard HT Malwa for England on 27 March 1919.
Norman was granted external leave at Heytesbury England between 12 May and 12 June 1919.
He returned to Australia on 23 July 1919 aboard HMAT Suevic, disembarking on 10 September, and was discharged on 26 October 1919.
Norman married Florence Evans in Brisbane on 5 April 1920. Electoral records show that they were still living in Deakin Street in 1933; however they divorced 6 December 1937.
He passed away at Earlwood NSW on 6 February 1952.
https://recordsearch.naa.gov.au/SearchNRetrieve/Interface/ViewImage.aspx?B=3494188
11th Field Artillery Brigade
Frederick Dearden
4 May 1887 - Balmain New South Wales
12 June 1970 - Gosford New South Wales
Rank: Gunner
Service No: 32041
Religion: Church of England
World War I (8 October 1916 - 23 June 1919)
Frederick Dearden was born in Balmain New South Wales on 4 May 1887, one of two children to Arthur Deardon and Emma Thompson.
A motor metal worker, he enlisted at the Royal Agricultural Showgrounds in Sydney on 8 October 1916. He gave his father’s address as 17 Stanton Road Haberfield.
Part of the 11th Field Artillery Brigade, he left Sydney aboard HMAT Osterley on 10 February 1917, arriving in Plymouth on 11 April 1917.
On 27 June he forfeited three day’s pay after being absent from the Tattoo. He reported to hospital on 30 July 1917 with pyrexia, and was released to his unit on 10 August. He would transfer to the 8th Field Artillery Brigade on 9 May 1918
The unit proceeded to France on 10 August 1918, and on 4 September he received a gunshot wound to the right leg. On 14 September he was returned to England aboard the HS Grantully Castle.
He forfeited one day’s pay for being A.W.L between 10am and 6pm on 1 November 1918. He was reported as A.W.L on 13 November, but no punishment is recorded.
He performed general duties after the end of the war.
On 20 May 1919 he returned to Australia aboard HMAT Nestor, disembarking on 4 July. Records indicate that he was discharged whilst on board on 23 June 1919.
Frederick passed away on 12 June 1970 on the Central Coast.
His surname incorrectly appears as Deardon on the 1914-19 Haberfield Roll of Honour Board.
https://recordsearch.naa.gov.au/SearchNRetrieve/Interface/ViewImage.aspx?B=3495519
9th Infantry Battalion
John Dixon
13 May 1887 - Carlisle England
13 August 1944 - Corrimal New South Wales
Rank: Private
Service No: 760
Religion: Church of England
World War I (26 August 1914 - 3 February 1919)
John Dixon was born in Carlisle England on 13 May 1887 to Daniel Dixon and Mary Little.
He married Isabella Stephenson in Arlecdon England on 30 June 1909. Isabella passed away in Wollongong in 1941.
There is not record on Ancestry.com of their arrival in Australia.
A labourer, he enlisted in Gladstone Queensland on 26 August 1914. He gave his father’s address at Carlisle England. The AIF Project shows his address as Orfordness 16 Turner Avenue Haberfield, but this hasn’t been confirmed by other sources.
He embarked from Brisbane QLD on 24 September 1914 aboard HMAT Omrah.
Whilst serving in Gallipoli, he received a shell wound to his arm on 10 August 1915, and after treatment in hospital he returned on 30 October.
He returned to Mudross on 4 January 1916. He was found to be absent from camp from 9.15pm on 21 January until 12pm on 24 January and forfeited four days’ pay.
His unit left for Marseilles on 2 April 1916 and would spend much of his service on French soil, where on 12 March 1918 he would suffer a serious gas attack.
On 24 March 1918 he was admitted to Bath War Hospital suffering from gas poisoning. He re-joined his unit on 2 may 1918.
John was A.W.L from midnight on 20 June until 1.15pm 22 June, forfeiting five days’ pay and again from midnight on 31 July until 3.55pm on 1 August, forfeiting four days’ pay.
He returned to Abbeville France on 8 August 1918.
On 8 October 1918 he returned to Australia aboard HMAT Port Sydney, disembarking on 2 December. He was discharged on 3 February 1919.
John passed away in Corrimal NSW on 13 August 1944.
His name does not appear on the 1914-19 Haberfield Roll of Honour Board.
Source: Inner West 15000
https://recordsearch.naa.gov.au/SearchNRetrieve/Interface/ViewImage.aspx?B=3508985
No 2 Squadron Australian Flying Corps
Harrie Dodson
4 June 1890 - Redfern New South Wales
3 February 1956 - Chatswood New South Wales
Rank: Private
Service No: 618
Religion: Church of England
World War I (22 February 1916 - 15 September 1916, 18 September 1916 - 20 June 1919)
Harrie Dodson was born in Redfern New South Wales on 4 June 1890, the eldest of five children to Henry Dodson and Amelia Tucker.
He married Laurie Steel at All Saints Petersham NSW on 8 March 1913. Laurie passed away in 1974.
He enlisted at Liverpool NSW on 22 February 1916. He gave his address as Narwonah Bland Street Haberfield. Records show he enlisted for home service and he was discharged on 15 September 1916.
Harrie re-enlisted on 18 September and his unit embarked from Melbourne on 25 October 1916 aboard HMAT Ulysses, disembarking at Plymouth England on 22 December 1916.
He was admitted to hospital on 27 January 1917 with laryngitis. He was released on 21 February and proceeded to the squadron base, where he would train as an air mechanic.
The unit proceeded to France on 24 August 1917, but on 12 November he was returned to hospital with severe DAH (disordered action of the heart). He returned to England and was admitted to the Bath War Hospital.
He was released in January 1918, and on 19 February he was back in hospital suffering from influenza. He returned to the No 1 Aircraft Depot in April 1918 and on 16 May proceeded to France.
On 1 June 1918 he transferred from the No 2 to No 3 Squadron and remained at the HQ in Sutton Veny until 4 March 1919.
He left England aboard HMAT Port Denison on 5 April 1919 and arrived in Australia 10 May. He was discharged on 20 June 1919.
Correspondence in 1920 indicates that he had requested his first seven month service be counted in his war service. There was a reluctance to do so, as he had not travelled overseas during that period. There is no record of the outcome.
He passed away in Chatswood NSW on 3 February 1956.
He is also remembered on the Chippendale and Haymarket Substation Staff Government Tramways Rolls of Honour.
https://recordsearch.naa.gov.au/SearchNRetrieve/Interface/ViewImage.aspx?B=3511377
Field Bakeries and Butcheries
Patrick Donohue
1875 - Boston United States of America
Unknown
Rank: Private
Service No: 10432
Religion: Roman Catholic
World War I (13 March 1916 - 15 August 1919)
Patrick Donohue was born in Boston USA in 1875.
He married Laura Smith at Woollahra NSW in 1898.
He enlisted in Sydney on 13 March 1916. At the time he was living with his wife Laura at Hazelbrook 52 Northcote Street Haberfield.
Members of the bakery units left Sydney on 4 May 1916 aboard HMAT Marathon. Upon arrival he joined the 4th Field Bakery and proceeded to Rouen France.
On 25 April 1917 he was found guilty of drunkenness on active duty and penalised two days' pay.
He was on leave in the United Kingdom between 13 November and 29 November 1917 before re-joining his unit in Rouen. He was found guilty of drunkenness and being absent from duty from 10am on 1 August until apprehended by Military Police at 10.20pm the same day. As a penalty he was deprived fourteen days' pay.
He was admitted to 14th Australian General Hospital in Rouen on 17 October 1918 suffering from influenza. He was discharged to his unit on 20 October.
On 5 February 1919 he was found to be absent from active duty from 7.15am until 2.30pm the same day. His penalty was fourteen days' Field Punishment No 2 and forfeiture of fifteen days' pay.
He re-joined his unit on 19 February 1919 and on 12 March he was marched out to the Base Depot for demobilisation.
Patrick returned to Australia on board HT Zealandia on 11 May 1919, disembarking in Sydney on 1 July. He was discharged on 15 August 1919.
There is no information regarding his post war movements or his date and place of death.
18th Infantry Battalion
Francis McLeod Donald
24 February 1876 - Hamilton New South Wales
16 October 1922 - Tamworth New South Wales
Rank: Acting Sergeant
Service No: 7048
Religion: Church of England
World War I (23 August 1917 - 30 March 1920)
Francis Donald was born in Hamilton New South Wales on 24 February 1876, one of four children to George Donald and Margaret Archibald.
He married Ethel Oliphant at St John’s Tamworth NSW on 22 June 1910. Ethel passed away in 1967.
He enlisted at the Recruiting Depot at Royal Naval House in Grosvenor Street Sydney on 23 August 1917. A commercial traveller, he gave his address as 144 Hawthorne Parade Haberfield.
He left Sydney aboard the HMAT Ulysses on 19 December 1917, disembarking at Suez on 16 January 1918.
Francis was admitted to the General Hospital in Taranto Italy on 2 February 1918, having come in contact with measles. His unit proceeded to service in France during June 1918.
He report sick on 10 August 1918. He was discharged from hospital, but returned to the Colchester Heart Hospital on 5 September suffering from a disordered action of the heart or DAH.
Following his hospital discharge, he was found to be A.W.L between 14 and 16 November. He forfeited two day’s pay and was admonished.
He proceeded to France in December 1918 where he would serve until returning to England on 29 April 1919. By December 1919 he had attained the rank of Acting Sergeant.
Francis returned to Australia aboard HT Cape Verde on 5 January 1920, disembarking on 29 February, and was discharged on 30 March 1920.
Following his return from service he and Ethel moved to Tamworth NSW where he took over as licensee of the Post Office Hotel in July 1920.
He passed away in the hotel on 16 October 1922 after a short illness.
Francis was one of approximately 1,000 soldiers who died within five years of the armistice.
https://recordsearch.naa.gov.au/SearchNRetrieve/Interface/ViewImage.aspx?B=3512881
https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/105119263?searchTerm=post%20office%20hotel%20tamworth%20francis%20mcleod%20donald
18th Infantry Battalion
Robert Douglas
17 February 1881 - Kilmarnock Scotland
4 February 1971 - (Unknown)
Rank: Private
Service No: 692
Religion: Presbyterian
World War I (28 August 1914 - 18 September 1919)
Robert Douglas was born in Kilmarnock Scotland on 17 February 1881 to William Douglas and Catherine Stewart.
A seaman, he enlisted at Randwick NSW on 28 August 1914. He gave his address as Boomerang Street Sydney.
He left Sydney aboard HMAT Afric on 18 October 1914.
On 20 July 1915 he was transferred to the Military Hospital in Valetta Malta suffering from lymphangitis. He was later taken to England on 26 August.
Whilst still serving, Robert married Marion Hislop in Glasgow Scotland on 21 September 1915. There are some records regarding Marion’s passing in 1941 in Glasgow.
He was absent from the camp between 3 and 7 October 1915. His penalty was forfeiture of five day’s pay and 120 hours detention. Following his detention he re-joined the unit at Tel-el-Kabir on 15 January 1916.
On 26 March 1916 he forfeited fifteen day’s pay after being found sleeping in the officer’s quarters on HMAT Ivernia.
He would be stationed in the Middle East for the remainder of his military service. He was set for demobilisation on 18 September 1919. His military records do not show any details of his return to Australia.
Robert married Edith Wilkins who passed away in 1968.
Records show he passed away on 4 February 1971 and is buried at Woronora Cemetery.
He served with fellow Boomerang Street resident Gordon Frazer, who died at Pozieres in 1916.
Robert’s connection to Haberfield has not been confirmed, and his name does not appear on the 1914-19 Haberfield Roll of Honour Board.
Source: Inner West 15000
https://recordsearch.naa.gov.au/SearchNRetrieve/Interface/ViewImage.aspx?B=3517313
https://www.aif.adfa.edu.au/showPerson?pid=82262
3rd Infantry Battalion
Arthur Wellsley Dreves
11 July 1886 - Annandale New South Wales
5 May 1915 - Gallipoli Turkey
Rank: Private
Service No: 114
Religion: Church of England
World War I (19 October 1914 - Killed in Action 5 May 1915)
4th Battalion Parade Ground Cemetery Gallipoli Turkey
116 graves 7 unidentified
31 Australian soldiers died this day
Arthur Dreves was born in Annandale New South Wales on 11 July 1886, the eldest of four children to Albert Dreves and Maria Beaumont.
A fettler, he enlisted in Sydney on 17 August 1914. He gave his mother’s address at Drevesdale 26 Rawson Street Haberfield. Arthur’s father had died when he was twelve years old.
Part of the 3rd Battalion he departed Sydney aboard HMAT Euripides on 19 October 1914. After the ship arrived in Alexandria, the battalion was transferred to Gallipoli.
He was killed in action on the Gallipoli Peninsula on 5 May 1915. Pte William Bassage (SN 99) reported that Arthur was hit by shrapnel whilst digging a sap.
His mother only learnt of his death when two letters were returned marked ‘Dead and Killed in Action.’ Prior to any military notification, she received a letter from one of her son’s Battalion comrades.
His mother received a pension of £26 per annum, which was amended to £2 per fortnight on 26 January 1916. His Victory Medal did not arrive until 31 July 1922.
Arthur’s cousin Walter Beaumont of Rozelle lost his life in Bullecourt France on 3 May 1917.
His name also appears on the Haymarket NSW Government Railway and Tramway Honour Board and the Leichhardt War Memorial.
https://recordsearch.naa.gov.au/SearchNRetrieve/Interface/ViewImage.aspx?B=3521832
https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/awm-media/collection/RCDIG1035214/document/5535283.PDF
https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/15724560
1st Pioneer Battalion
David Duff
20 September 1869 - Nowra New South Wales
27 September 1946 - Newtown New South Wales
Rank: Private
Service No: 3573
Religion: Wesleyan
World War I (21 November 1917 - 23 February 1918)
David Duff was born in Nowra New South Wales on 20 September 1869, one of nine children to Thomas Duff and Mary McIntosh.
He married Edith Millard in Ballina NSW in 1903. Edith passed away in 1959.
He enlisted at the Royal Agricultural Showground in Sydney on 21 November 1916. A butcher, he was living with his wife Edith at 120 O’Connor Street Haberfield.
On his enlistment form he gave his age as 40 years and one month, however other records indicate that he was 47 years of age.
He embarked from Sydney aboard HMAT Anchises on 24 January 1917, arriving in Devonport England on 27 March. He was marched into training with the 1st Pioneer Battalion the same day.
On 26 September he was recorded as suffering from chronic rheumatism and recommended for discharge.
He returned to Australia aboard HMAT Borda on 25 November 1917 and was discharged on 23 February 1918.
He passed away in Newtown NSW on 27 September 1946.
https://recordsearch.naa.gov.au/SearchNRetrieve/Interface/ViewImage.aspx?B=3524288
18th Infantry Battalion
Joseph Owen Duffecy
1888 - Granville New South Wales
10 May 1956 - Sydney New South Wales
Rank: Private
Service No: 4107
Religion: Roman Catholic
World War I (6 December 1915 - 3 April 1918)
Joseph Duffecy was born in Granville New South Wales in 1888, one of nine children to Malachi Duffecy and Mary Plunkett. Mary died in 1893.
As a twelve-year old he appears in the Vernon and Sobraon books, two training ships for wayward youth. Joseph refused to attend school and was taken into custody whilst roaming the streets of Parramatta. It is noted that Joseph was illiterate.
A labourer, he enlisted in Casula NSW on 6 December 1915. He gave his father’s address as 46 Waratah Street Haberfield.
He embarked from Sydney aboard HMAT Star of England on 8 March 1916 with other members of the 18th Battalion. Shortly after arrival he was taken on strength with the 54th Battalion in Ismailia. The unit joined the British Expeditionary Force and left for France, arriving in Marseilles on 28 June 1916.
On 22 July he received a gunshot wound to his thigh and was taken to the 1st Australian Casualty Clearing Station. Three days later Joseph boarded HS Jan Breydal and transferred to England. He was admitted to the Military Hospital in London and was not discharged until 22 November.
He served in various depots in Weymouth, Perham Downs and Wareham until 29 July 1917 when he returned to France. Joseph suffered from illnesses throughout July and August. On 15 September he was found to be drunk whilst on active service and received 14 days field punishment No 2.
The illnesses continued until 3 November when he was classified as P.B or permanent base duties. Joseph returned to England eight days later.
He returned to Australia aboard HMAT Corinthic on 10 January 1918, disembarking on 7 March. He was discharged on 3 April 1918. A pension of £1:10/- per fortnight was awarded to him the following day.
In February 1921 he and a friend were assaulted near McEvoy Street Waterloo. Joseph was taken to hospital with fractured ribs and internal injuries.
Joseph was last known to be living in Portland Street Zetland in 1954. He passed away on 10 May 1956.
His name does not appear on the 1914-19 Haberfield Roll of Honour board.
Source: Ashfield & District Historical Society
Joseph’s brother Thomas also served and lost his life in Armentieres France on 19 July 1916. His name does not appear on the 1914-19 Haberfield Roll of Honour board.
https://recordsearch.naa.gov.au/SearchNRetrieve/Interface/ViewImage.aspx?B=3524554
https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/85819706?searchTerm=joseph%20duffecy
https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/123240391?searchTerm=joseph%20duffecy
53rd Infantry Battalion
Thomas Emmet Duffecy
1876 - Yorkshire England
19 July 1916 - Armentieres France
Rank: Private
Service No: 2494
Religion: Roman Catholic
World War I (22 May 1915 - Killed in Action 19 July 1916)
Rue-du-Bois Military Cemetery Fleurbaix France
845 graves 395 unidentified
220 Australian soldiers died this day
Thomas Duffecy was born in Yorkshire England in 1876, one of nine children to Malachi Duffecy and Mary Plunkett. Mary died in 1893.
He arrived in Sydney on 7 April 1879 with his parents and sister Winifred.
In 1889 records show that he was convicted of stealing in Parramatta and served 14 days detention.
On 19 May 1915 he applied to join the AIF in Mungindi New South Wales. The application was signed by the local police Sergeant G Somerville.
A slaughterman, he enlisted in Liverpool NSW on 22 May 1915. He gave his father’s address at 46 Waratah Street Haberfield.
Members of the 1st Battalion left Sydney aboard HMAT Orsova on 14 July 1915.
Thomas was admitted to the 1st Australian General Hospital in Heliopolis on 2 October. The reason is not fully noted and he was discharged to duty on 26 October.
He was taken on strength with the 1st Battalion in Tel-el-kebir on 6 January 1916. Just over a month later on 12 February Thomas was guilty of overstaying leave and was confined to barracks for seven days.
Transferring to the 53rd Battalion on 19 February, he embarked for Marseilles aboard HT Royal George on 29 June.
Thomas was killed in action in Armentieres France on 28 July 1916.
He was laid to rest at the Rue-du-Bois Cemetery 4½ miles southwest of Armentieres.
Thomas’ father was granted a pension of £1:10/- per fortnight on 17 December 1916.
His name does not appear on the 1914-19 Haberfield Roll of Honour board.
Source: Ashfield & District Historical Society
Thomas’ brother Joseph also served. His name does not appear on the 1914-19 Haberfield Roll of Honour board.
https://recordsearch.naa.gov.au/SearchNRetrieve/Interface/ViewImage.aspx?B=3524555
https://recordsearch.naa.gov.au/SearchNRetrieve/Interface/ViewImage.aspx?B=6515174
Dunn, A
The Virtual War Memorial lists 41 soldiers named Dunn with the initial A. There is no indication he was related to Ronald Dunn.
4th Light Horse Brigade Signal Troop
Military Medal
Meritorious Service Medal
Ronald George Dunn
1894 - Richmond Victoria
14 January 1963 - Tahmoor New South Wales
Rank: Sergeant
Service No: 1171
Religion: Roman Catholic
World War I (26 February 1915 - 1 December 1919)
Ronald Dunn was born in Richmond Victoria in 1894, one of four children to John Dunn and Catherine Piper.
A grocer, he enlisted at Liverpool NSW on 26 February 1915. He gave his mother’s address at St Kilda 32 Walker Avenue Haberfield.
He embarked from Sydney on 31 May 1915 aboard HMAT Ajana.
On 30 December 1915 he was admitted to the General Hospital at Ghezireh with jaundice and re-joined his unit on 21 January 1916. He was back in hospital on 6 February with a case of the mumps.
The unit left Egypt aboard HT Melville on 19 May 1916.
He was recommended for the Military Medal on 4 October 1916 for –
‘Great devotion to duty at all times during service with Company in Gallipoli and France’.
On 1 May 1917 in France, he received a gunshot wound to his left leg and buttock and following treatment in Rouen, he was transferred to the Southern General Hospital on 18 May 1917. He returned to his unit in Abbeville France on 21 January 1918.
On 6 October 1919 he was recommended for the Meritorious Service Medal -
‘For devotion to duty. This N.C.O. has been section Sergeant since the formation of the unit and has, at all times, proved himself keen, eager and hard-working over his period of four years’ service. He has maintained excellent discipline at all times, and particularly proved his solid qualities of command and unselfish hard work during the operations East of Amiens, from August 1918 onward, both with this Corps and the II American Corps, where his work was particularly valuable and consistent.’
He returned to Australia aboard HMAT Sardinia on 23 April 1919, disembarking on 13 June 1919. He was discharged on 1 December 1919.
Ronald passed away in Tahmoor NSW on 14 January 1963.
https://recordsearch.naa.gov.au/SearchNRetrieve/Interface/ViewImage.aspx?B=3528527
https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/awm-media/collection/RCDIG1068512/document/5506614.PDF
https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/220334384/14274557
4th Infantry Battalion
Hugh MacLean Eadie
1 January 1893 - Glasgow Scotland
17 December 1962 - (Unknown)
Rank: Lieutenant
Service No: 1125
Religion: Presbyterian
World War I (31 August 1914 - 16 October 1918, 13 August 1919 - 4 March 1920)
Hugh Eadie was born in Glasgow Scotland on 1 January 1893, the eldest of six children to William Eadie and Mary MacLean.
He left from London on 18 November 1911 aboard SS Ballarat, bound for Sydney NSW.
A labourer, he enlisted in Sydney NSW on 31 August 1914. He was living at 39 Hawthorne Parade Haberfield.
Along with other members of the 4th Battalion, he left Sydney aboard HMAT Euripides on 20 October 1914.
The unit left for Gallipoli Peninsula in the first wave.
On 12 August 1915 he was admitted to the St Elmo Hospital at Valetta Malta after suffering a gunshot wound to his right thigh. He returned to duty in Egypt on 25 March 1916, where he was transferred to the 56th Battalion at Serapeum. On 1 June 1916 was promoted to corporal.
By 1 March 1917 he had been promoted to 2nd Lieutenant, and on 2 March he left the Headquarters in London and proceeded to France with six other officers.
On 31 March a medical board in Etaples France found he was suffering from an irritable heart with associated neurasthenia. He had previous complained about weakness, giddiness and fatigue.
Hugh returned to England and took up a positon as an instructor. On 15 February 1918 he was found to be suffering from debility and neurosis and was recommended for return to Australia. He returned to Australia aboard HMAT Llanstephan Castle and was discharged on 16 October 1918.
He re-enlisted and left Sydney on 13 August 1919 aboard HMAT Ypiringa, serving with the Special AIF. At this point he reached the rank of Lieutenant.
During his second service stint he married Alice Baker in Winchester England on 5 November 1919.
He and Alice returned to Australia aboard HMAT Themistocles on 22 December 1919, disembarking on 6 January 1920. He was discharged on 4 March 1920.
He passed away on 17 December 1962. His funeral service was held at St Thomas’ Anglican Church in Enfield NSW.
Hugh’s brother William, serving with the Queen’s Own Cameron Highlanders, lost his life in Somme France on 18 October 1916.
Hugh’s middle is spelt McLean or MacLean in different records.
https://recordsearch.naa.gov.au/SearchNRetrieve/Interface/ViewImage.aspx?B=3531563
53rd Infantry Battalion
George Alder Eamens
17 Oct 1876 - Northumberland England
11 Aug 1916 - Armentieres France
Rank: Private
Service No: 5489
Religion: Church of England
World War I (29 December 1915 - Killed in Action 11 August 1916)
Rue-David Military Cemetery Fleurbaix France
898 graves and memorials
72 Australian soldiers died this day
George Eamens was born in Northumberland England on 17 October 1876, one of six children to William Eamens and Jane Ternet. He also had a half-sibling, Frances.
Frances married Mark Heselden (see entry below) on 12 April 1913.
He served in the Royal Navy between 14 October 1891 and 15 February 1902. He arrived in Sydney aboard Matatua on 19 December 1911.
An electrician, he enlisted at Liverpool NSW on 29 December 1915. His gave his mother’s address at 49 Hawthorne Parade Haberfield.
As part of the 1st Battalion, he left Sydney aboard HMAT Ceramic on 14 April 1916. He disembarked at Suez on 16 May, and following initial training he was taken on strength with the 53rd Battalion. The Battalion arrived in Marseilles on 29 June and proceeded to Etaples.
He was killed in action at Armentieres France on 11 August 1916.
Prior to sending his medals, the AIF sent a letter to his mother on 16 December 1921 asking if his father was still alive. His father had died years before, but this appears to have been the practice at the time.
His mother did not receive the medals until 1 March 1923, almost seven years after his death.
https://recordsearch.naa.gov.au/SearchNRetrieve/Interface/ViewImage.aspx?B=3531680
https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/15699015
https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/16215922
6th Light Horse Regiment
Arthur Earle
1889 - Pambula New South Wales
2 September 1915 - Suez Egypt
Rank: Trooper
Service No: 1160
Religion: Church of England
World War I (20 April 1915 - Died of Illness 2 September 1915)
Suez War Memorial Cemetery Egypt
513 WWI Commonwealth graves 377 WWII
43 Australian soldiers died this day
Arthur Earle was born in Pambula New South Wales in 1889, one of six children to Arthur Earle and Ellen Wrightson.
He enlisted at the Light Horse Depot in Liverpool NSW on 20 April 1915. An assistant surveyor, he gave his parent’s address at Taree 33 Walker Avenue Haberfield.
The 6th Light Horse Regiment’s 8th reinforcements left Sydney on 28 July aboard HMAT Suffolk.
Arthur died as a result of cerebro spinal fever on 2 September 1915.
His military records do not record the circumstances or the date of his diagnosis.
He was interred at the Suez War Memorial Cemetery
Arthur Earle incorrectly appears as Earle, H on the Haberfield Roll of Honour Board. (November 2023)
His brothers Robert and Colin also served, and their names appear on the Haberfield Roll of Honour board.
A fourth brother Edward Robert (SN 9902), who lived in Marrickville also served between 18 October 1915 and 21 July 1917. Edward passed away as a result of pneumonia, heart failure and shell shock on 6 May 1920.
https://recordsearch.naa.gov.au/SearchNRetrieve/Interface/ViewImage.aspx?B=3531969
Unit not assigned
Colin Percy Earle
29 September 1899 - Pambula New South Wales
4 March 1981 - (Unknown)
Rank: Private
Service No: 93614
Religion: Presbyterian
World War I (9 September 1918 - 19 November 1918)
Colin Earle was born in Pambula New South Wales on 29 September 1899, one of six children to Arthur Earle and Ellen Wrightson.
He enlisted in Sydney on 9 September 1918. A civil servant, he was living at Taree 33 Walker Avenue Haberfield.
He was discharged on 19 November 1918 due to the end of hostilities.
On 30 November 1922 Colin applied for a copyright to a monthly magazine called Arts and Crafts Australia. Colin later was a partner in the accounting firm Dent, Earle & Co.
He married Muriel Stanley in Ashfield on 1923. Muriel passed away in 1975.
Colin passed away on 4 March 1981. He may have been living in Narooma NSW at that time.
His brothers Robert and Arthur also served, and their names appear on the Haberfield Roll of Honour board.
Arthur died on 2 September 1915 whilst serving in Suez Egypt. He succumbed to cerebral spinal fever.
A fourth brother Edward Robert (SN 9902), who lived in Marrickville also served between 18 October 1915 and 21 July 1917. Edward passed away as a result of pneumonia, heart failure and shell shock on 6 May 1920.
https://recordsearch.naa.gov.au/SearchNRetrieve/Interface/ViewImage.aspx?B=3531977
https://recordsearch.naa.gov.au/SearchNRetrieve/Gallery151/dist/JGalleryViewer.aspx?B=3461427&S=1&N=4&R=0#/SearchNRetrieve/NAAMedia/ShowImage.aspx?B=3461427&T=P&S=1
1st Field Company Engineers
Meritorious Service Medal
Robert Osborne Wrightson Earle
1891 - Pambula New South Wales
1962 - Hornsby New South Wales
Rank: Lieutenant
Service No: 706
Religion: Church of England
World War I (9 September 1914 - 31 March 1920)
Robert Earle was born in Pambula New South Wales in 1891, one of six children to Arthur Earle and Ellen Wrightson.
A survey draftsman, he enlisted at Paddington NSW on 9 September 1914. He was living at Taree 33 Walker Avenue Haberfield.
The name Wrightson was his mother’s maiden name.
He embarked from Sydney aboard HMAT Berrima on 22 December 1914 with other members of the 1st Field Company Engineers. Upon arrival he joined the British Expeditionary Force in Alexandria.
He served in the Maadi district of Cairo, and on 3 July 1915 was promoted to Lance corporal. After service in Tel-el-Kebir, he transferred to HQ in Serapeum, where on 23 February 1916 he was promoted to sergeant.
On 21 March 1916 he proceeded to France where he would serve for five months near Rouen. During his service in France he was recommended for the Meritorious Service Medal for -
‘most consistent good as Headquarters Corporal and Headquarters Sergeant. This NCO joined the company at Mena, Egypt, in January 1915. He had charge of the Orderly Room of the three Field Companies’ transport when stationed in Egypt, when the Companies were at Gallipoli and carried out his duties in a most satisfactory manner. He was made Orderly Room Corporal of the 1st Field company in December 1915 and promoted to Orderly Room Sergeant in February 1916. I cannot speak too highly of the good work and of the satisfactory manner in which this NCO has carried out his duties at all times’.
He returned to Wales to undertake the Engineer Cadet Course on 28 July 1917, and on 28 October he was promoted to 2nd lieutenant.
Following the course completion, he returned Rouelles France and on 28 January 1918 he was promoted to lieutenant.
Robert was given permission to return to Australia for two month’s leave on 30 July 1918 on half pay. His reason was to visit his ill father. He mentions two brothers who also served, both of whom died in service.
He returned to Australia on 23 September 1918 aboard HMAT Runic and arrived in Sydney on 26 November.
Robert was discharged on 31 March 1920, and the same year married Zoe Hibble in Burwood NSW.
He made a career in the NSW Public Works Department and was the Acting Resident Engineer on the Moss Vale to Port Kembla railway project in 1932.
Robert passed away in Hornsby in 1962.
His brothers Arthur and Colin also served, and their names appear on the Haberfield Roll of Honour board.
Arthur died on 2 September 1915 whilst serving in Suez Egypt. He succumbed to cerebral spinal fever.
A fourth brother Edward Robert (SN 9902), who lived in Marrickville also served between 18 October 1915 and 21 July 1917. Edward passed away as a result of pneumonia, heart Failure and shell shock on 6 May 1920.
https://recordsearch.naa.gov.au/SearchNRetrieve/Interface/ViewImage.aspx?B=3532197
https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/awm-media/collection/RCDIG1068467/document/5504765.PDF
1st Machine Gun Company
Edmund Sydney George Easy
25 October 1898 - Paddington New South Wales
10 August 1969 - Parramatta New South Wales
Rank: Private
Service No: 413
Religion: Church of England
World War I (25 April 1916 - 24 January 1920)
Edmund Easy was born in Paddington New South Wales on 25 October 1898, the eldest of seven children to Edmund Easy and Lizzie Clarke.
An audit clerk, he enlisted at Addison Road Marrickville on 25 April 1916. He gave his parent’s address at Elsareh 25 Walker Avenue Haberfield. He was a student at Fort Street High School.
With other Machine Gun Company members he departed from Melbourne aboard HMAT Port Lincoln on 20 October 1916, disembarking at Devonport on 5 December.
Following training his unit left for France on 5 September 1917. He was appointed Lance Corporal on 10 November 1917.
He was promoted to Corporal on 8 August 1918 following the death the company’s corporal. He would continue in France until 7 March 1919, when he returned to England for demobilisation.
Edmund was admitted to Dartford Hospital on 6 June 1919 suffering from an ulcerated throat and remained there for treatment until 21 June.
He returned to Australia aboard HMAT Ulysses on 22 July 1919, disembarking on 5 September. He was discharged on 24 January 1920.
He married Evelyn Moran in Mosman in 1923. Evelyn passed away in 1976.
Edmund passed away in Parramatta NSW on 10 August 1969.
His name appears as Easy, S on the 1914-19 Haberfield Roll of Honour Board.
https://recordsearch.naa.gov.au/SearchNRetrieve/Interface/ViewImage.aspx?B=3533177
55th Infantry Battalion
William Eaton
1885 - Basford England
14 August 1933 - Hurstville New South Wales
Rank: Private
Service No: 3054
Religion: Church of England
World War I (25 August 1915 - 27 March 1919)
William Eaton was born in Basford England in 1885.
He married Amy Guyler at the Wesleyan Methodist Church in Basford on 13 March 1906.
A stationer, he enlisted in Sydney on 25 August 1915. He gave his address as Terara 36 Stanton Road Haberfield.
As part of the 17th Battalion, he left Sydney on 23 December 1915 aboard HMAT Suevic. On 16 February 1917 in Tel-el-Kebir, he was taken on strength with the 55th Battalion.
The unit embarked aboard HT Caledonia on 10 June, disembarking at Marseilles on 20 June. The unit then proceeded to the front.
He was admitted to the 14th Field Ambulance on 18 November 1916 suffering from bronchial catarrh, and would spend eleven days receiving treatment. On 5 December he was transferred to the district base depot before re-joining his unit on 8 February 1917.
On 16 March he was transferred to the 14th Training Battalion and served as a batman, where he would be appointed as acting lance corporal on 15 May.
On 14 October he was admitted to the 1st ADH (Australian Dermatological Hospital) suffering from venereal disease and would remain in hospital until 18 November.
He return to the 14th Training Battalion and on 24 July 1918 was appointed acting sergeant, but on 26 September he reverted to his substantive rank of private.
He returned to Australia aboard HT Saxon on 11 December 1918, disembarking in Australia on 1 February 1919. He was discharged on 27 March 1919.
William passed away in Hurstville NSW in 1933.
His name does not appear on the 1914-19 Haberfield Roll of Honour Board.
Source: Inner West 15000
Edgecombe, E R
The Virtual War Memorial lists 3 soldiers named Edgecombe with the initial E. There is a Roy Anderson Edgecombe (SN W26832) of Petersham.
Edmonds, N F
The Virtual War Memorial lists Neil Flower Edmonds (SN 2655) of Western Australia. No connection to Haberfield was established.
20th Infantry Battalion
Walter Henry Elgood
2 December 1892 - Lambeth England
7 July 1965 - Hazelbrook New South Wales
Rank: Private
Service No: 2360 / 3334
Religion: Church of England
World War I (12 July 1915 - 5 August 1916, 8 November 1916 - 3 July 1918)
Walter Elgood was born in Lambeth England on 2 December 1892, the eldest of nine children to Benjamin Elgood and Lucy Diffey.
The family emigrated to Australia on 13 October 1911 aboard SS Otranto.
He married Alma Ashcroft in Ashfield NSW in 1915.
A plasterer, he enlisted at Liverpool NSW on 12 July 1915. He gave his address as Otranto Walker Avenue Haberfield.
As a member of the 20th Battalion, he left Sydney aboard HMAT Ballarat on 6 September 1915.
He returned to Australia aboard HMAT Ulysses on 3 January 1916. He was discharged on 5 August 1916 on the grounds of medical unfitness, although the nature of the issue is not clear from the records.
Walter was granted a pension of £1 10/- per fortnight, but it was cancelled when he re-enlisted.
He re-enlisted at the Royal Agricultural Showground in Sydney on 8 November 1916 and left Sydney aboard HMAT Beltana on 26 November 1916. The ship disembarked in Devonport on 29 January 1917. He attained the rank of Lance Corporal before proceeding to France on 5 April 1917. On 18 August 1917 he suffered a gas attack, and on 30 August 1917 he was transferred to England to the Connaught Hospital in Aldershot.
The gas poisoning resulted in a consolidation of the left lung, and he was recommended for discharge on 1 November 1917.
He returned to Australia aboard HMAT Anchises on 4 January 1918, and was discharged on 3 July 1918.
From 4 July 1918 he received a pension of 60/- per fortnight. His wife Alma received a pension of 30/- per fortnight.
Alma passed away in Penrith NSW on 5 October 1921.
He married Emily Thurston in Haberfield on 2 October 1926. Emily passed away at the Castlereagh Rest Home in Drummoyne NSW on 19 November 1942.
In 1943 he married Winifred Andrews in Sydney. Winifred passed away in 1972.
Walter passed away in Hazelbrook NSW on 7 July 1965.
His brothers Benjamin, Alexander and Edward all served during World War One. Alexander lost his life in France on 24 August 1918.
His name also appears on the Municipality of Waterloo Roll of Service No 4.
His name does not appear on the 1914-19 Haberfield Roll of Honour Board.
Source: Inner West 15000
https://recordsearch.naa.gov.au/SearchNRetrieve/Interface/ViewImage.aspx?B=3547150
https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/68816024?searchTerm=walter%20elgood
1st Australian General Hospital
Alfred George Ella
4 November 1890 - Surry Hills New South Wales
6 June 1968 - Gymea New South Wales
Rank: Lance Corporal
Service No: 7742
Religion: Presbyterian
World War I (5 June 1915 - 23 August 1919)
Alfred Ella was born in Surry Hills New South Wales on 4 November 1890, one of eight children to Edward and Isabella Ella.
A plumber, he enlisted at Liverpool NSW on 5 June 1915. He gave his parents’ address at 26 O’Connor Street Haberfield.
A member of the 1st Australian General Hospital, he left Melbourne aboard HMAT Orsova on 14 October 1915.
Whilst in France he reported sick to hospital on 17 December 1916, re-joining his unit on 23 December 1916
He was appointed Lance Corporal on 25 May 1917, and three day later reported to hospital with an abscess in his mouth. He returned to duty on 2 June.
Whilst in hospital he was found to be A.W.L between midnight on 19 September and 6.18am on 20 September. He was reprimanded and forfeited one days‘ pay. He re-joined his unit from hospital the same day.
Alfred returned to England on 12 March 1919, and left England aboard HMAT Zealandia on 24 May 1919, arriving in Australia on 1 July. He was discharged on 23 August 1919.
He married Ivy Pritchard in Ashfield NSW in 1920. Ivy passed away on 5 May 1968.
On 7 May 1940 he reported a house robbery in which his Returned Soldier Badge was one of the stolen items. A replacement was supplied, but on 29 May 1951, he reported losing it at a function. It was also replaced.
Alfred passed away at Gymea NSW on 6 June 1968, thirty-two days after his wife.
His brothers Ernest and Leslie also served during World War I. All three appear on the Haberfield and St David’s Church Roll of Honour boards.
The Ella Community Centre was opened in 1975 in honour of Isabella Ella following a donation from her son Henry.
https://recordsearch.naa.gov.au/SearchNRetrieve/Interface/ViewImage.aspx?B=3537542
7th Field Company Engineers
Ernest Edward Ella
19 October 1893 - Ashfield New South Wales
1963 - Ashfield New South Wales
Rank: Driver
Service No: 9023
Religion: Presbyterian
World War I (16 January 1916 - 3 July 1919)
Ernest Ella was born in Ashfield New South Wales on 19 October 1893, one of eight children to Edward and Isabella Ella.
A plumber, he enlisted in Sydney on 16 January 1916. He gave his father’s address as 30 O’Connor Street Haberfield.
Along with members of the 1st Field Ambulance, he left Sydney aboard HMAT Hororata on 2 May 1916. The unit would leave Alexandria on 11 June for England, before proceeding to the base Depot in France on 24 August.
On 17 November 1916, he was marched in to Abbeville where he was taken on strength by the 7th Field Company Engineers. Aside from a short period of leave, he would remain in France until the end of the war.
He had a brief stay in hospital as a result of tonsillitis, and did not leave France until 12 April 1919.
Ernest left England aboard HMAT Mahia on 5 June 1919, disembarking in Australia on 20 July. He was discharged on 3 July 1919.
He married Olive Catt in Ashfield in 1924. Olive passed away in 1973.
Ernest passed away in Ashfield NSW in 1963.
His brothers Alfred and Leslie also served during World War I. All three appear on the Haberfield and St David’s Church Roll of Honour boards.
The Ella Community Centre was opened in 1975 in honour of Isabella Ella following a donation from her son Henry.
https://recordsearch.naa.gov.au/SearchNRetrieve/Interface/ViewImage.aspx?B=3537544
1st Troop Company Engineers
Leslie Frederick Ella
1895 - Sydney New South Wales
1 May 1943 - Five Dock New South Wales
Rank: Sapper
Service No: 17369
Religion: Presbyterian
World War I (30 October 1916 - 20 September 1919)
Leslie Ella was born in Sydney New South Wales in 1895, one of eight children to Edward and Isabella Ella.
An apprentice painter, he enlisted at the Royal Agricultural Showgrounds in Sydney NSW on 30 October 1916. He gave his father’s address at 30 O’Connor Street Haberfield.
He left Melbourne aboard HMAT Clan McGillivray on 10 May 1917 as part of the 1917 reinforcements, disembarking at Plymouth on 26 July.
Leslie was marched into camp on 29 July and on 22 December was taken on strength with the 1st Troop Company Engineers. The unit then proceeded to France.
Although on leave when the war ended, he returned to France on 21 December 1918.
He returned to Australia on 5 July 1919 aboard HMAT Port Melbourne, disembarking in Australia on 20 August and was discharged one month later.
Leslie married Clara De Melim at Bankstown in 1925.
He passed away at Five Dock NSW on 1 May 1943.
His brothers Ernest and Alfred also served during World War I. All three appear on the Haberfield and St David’s Church Roll of Honour boards.
The Ella Community Centre was opened in 1975 in honour of Isabella Ella following a donation from her son Henry.
https://recordsearch.naa.gov.au/SearchNRetrieve/Interface/ViewImage.aspx?B=3537549
Railway Unit
Meritorious Service Medal
George Elliott
1882 - Newcastle New South Wales
27 April 1954 - Ashfield New South Wales
Rank: Sergeant-Major
Service No: 65
Religion: Church of England
World War I (3 January 1917 - 25 July 1919)
George Elliott was born in Newcastle New South Wales in 1882, the eldest of seven children to Luke Elliott and Mary Embleton.
He married Emily Hopwood in June in 1909. Emily passed away in 1975.
He enlisted in Sydney NSW on 3 January 1917. A locomotive driver, he gave his address as 101 Chandos Street Haberfield.
George left from Sydney aboard HMAT Wiltshire on 7 February 1917, disembarking at Devonport on 11 April 1917.
Members of the Railway Unit left for France on 14 May 1917. On 8 November 1917 he reached the rank of sergeant. His service in France continued until 15 March 1919, when he returned to England.
Whilst in France he suffered from a serious bout of bronchitis which necessitated a medical report.
He returned to Australia aboard HMAT Borda on 11 May 1919. He arrived in Australia on 28 June and was discharged on 25 July 1919.
On 27 October 1919, notification was sent notifying his Meritorious Service Medal. It was sent c/- Chamber Street Haberfield. The matter was resolved. The exact details regarding the award aren’t recorded.
His brother Robert (SN 114) of Newcastle NSW was killed in action at Polygon Wood on 26 September 1917 and has no known grave.
George passed away in Ashfield NSW on 27 April 1954.
https://recordsearch.naa.gov.au/SearchNRetrieve/Interface/ViewImage.aspx?B=3538717
https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/232512401/25025332
5th Field Artillery Brigade
Leo Charles Elliott
9 February 1889 - Petersham New South Wales
4 September 1958 - (Unknown)
Rank: Gunner
Service No: 7172
Religion: Church of England
World War I (11 November 1915 - 7 December 1917)
Leo Elliott was born in Petersham New South Wales on 13 August 1893.
A newspaper article from 1901 states that he was assaulted by another boy whilst playing cricket in a Petersham Street.
A solicitor, he enlisted at the National Park NSW on 11 November 1915. He gave his address as Rothleigh Haberfield. This may be Rothley in Ramsay Street.
Part of the Field Artillery Brigade, he left Sydney aboard HMAT Persic on 18 November 1915. Shortly after arriving in England the unit proceeded to France.
On 24 November 1916 he was invalided to England and was admitted to the Queen’s Park Hospital at Shorncliffe. Following a bout of trench fever, he was suffering from dyspnoea, and was easily fatigued. His symptoms included involuntary twitching on his left side.
He left for Australia aboard the HMAT Themistocles on 5 July 1917. He was discharged on 7 December 1917 as medically unfit.
It appears that Leo was struck of the roll of solicitors in 1929 for misconduct. He failed in an attempt to be reinstated in 1948.
He passed away on 4 September 1958.
Leo’s name also appears on the NSW Law Society Roll of Honour.
https://recordsearch.naa.gov.au/SearchNRetrieve/Interface/ViewImage.aspx?B=3539329
https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/114019708?searchTerm=leo%20charles%20elliott
https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/225160633?searchTerm=leo%20charles%20elliott
https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/243838564?searchTerm=leo%20charles%20elliott
https://www.lawsociety.com.au/about-us/organisation-and-structure/president/Saluting-solicitors-service/roll-of-honour
1st Infantry Battalion
Leonard Roy Elvin
10 October 1890 - Tuena New South Wales
5 May 1917 - Bullecourt France
Rank: Sergeant
Service No: 2828
Religion: Church of England
World War I (20 June 1915 - Killed in Action 5 May 1917)
Villers-Bretonneux Memorial France
10,982 memorials
277 Australian soldiers died this day
Leonard Elvin was born in Tuena New South Wales on 10 October 1890, one of five children to Richard Elvin and Margaret Neill.
A locomotive fireman, he enlisted in Liverpool on 20 June 1915. He gave his father’s address at Seacombe 67 O’Connor Street Haberfield.
He embarked from Sydney aboard HMAT Argyllshire on 30 September 1915 with other members of the 1st Battalion. His brother Richard was also on the ship.
He was taken on strength with the 1st Battalion in Tel-el-kebir in 19 February 1916. The unit proceeded to France on 22 March, mostly likely alongside his brother Richard.
Leonard was appointed as Lance Corporal on 22 September. During November he was further promoted Corporal, Lance Sergeant and finally Sergeant on 5 January 1917.
In June of 1916 Leonard wrote home and advised his parents that the general belief was that the war would be over by the end of July.
Leonard lost his life during the Second Battle of Bullecourt on 5 May 1917. He has no known grave.
A letter from 1931 stated that his remains could not be located and that Leonard’s name would appear at the planned Villers Bretonneux Memorial. Both the Villers Bretonneux Cemetery and Memorial were designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens. The memorial was unveiled by King George VI on 22 July 1938.
His name does not appear on the 1914-19 Haberfield Roll of Honour board.
Source: Ashfield & District Historical Society
Leonard is also remembered on the Haymarket NSW Government Railway and Tramway Honour Board.
Leonard’s brother Richard also served and the brothers have consecutive service numbers. Leonard’s name does not appear on the 1914-19 Haberfield Roll of Honour board.
https://recordsearch.naa.gov.au/SearchNRetrieve/Gallery151/dist/JGalleryViewer.aspx?B=3541980&S=1&N=32&R=0#/SearchNRetrieve/NAAMedia/ShowImage.aspx?B=3541980&T=P&S=22
https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/218732298?searchTerm=leonard%20elvin
1st Infantry Battalion
Richard Horatio Elvin
25 August 1892 - Tuena New South Wales
8 September 1951 - Ermington New South Wales
Rank: Sergeant
Service No: 2827
Religion: Church of England
World War I (27 June 1915 - 27 October 1919)
World War II (9 July 1942 – )
Richard Elvin was born in Tuena New South Wales on 10 October 1890, one of five children to Richard Elvin and Margaret Neill.
A labourer, he enlisted in Liverpool on 27 June 1915. He gave his father’s address at Seacombe 67 O’Connor Street Haberfield.
He embarked from Sydney aboard HMAT Argyllshire on 30 September 1915 with other members of the 1st Battalion. His brother Leonard was also on the ship.
After initially serving in Abbassia, he was taken on strength with the 1st Battalion and departed for Marseilles aboard Iverna on 22 March 1916, mostly likely alongside his brother Leonard.
He attended training at the Machine Gun School of Instruction on 2 June before proceeding to the front.
On 28 July Richard received gunshot wounds to his forehead and right thigh. He was taken to the No 44 Casualty Clearing Station. He was transferred to England on 1 August where he was admitted to the 3rd Northen Hospital in Sheffield.
Following discharge, he was attached to the Records Office in October 1916, then the AIF Depot HQ on 24 January 1917. Richard was promoted to Sergeant on 2 May.
He married Ina Ferguson at St Andrew’s Edinburgh in 1918. Ina passed away in 1986.
He served the remainder of the war in administrative capacities before leaving England aboard HMAT Warwickshire on 10 April 1919, disembarking in Columbo on 12 May. Richard continued his journey aboard HMAT Delta on 16 August, disembarking in Australia on 3 September.
Richard was discharged on 27 October 1919.
He enlisted during World War Two on 9 July 1942 at the Merrylands Drill Hall in NSW. There is no information as to his service record or discharge.
Richard passed away in Ermington NSW on 8 September 1951.
His name does not appear on the 1914-19 Haberfield Roll of Honour board.
Source: Ashfield & District Historical Society
Richard’s brother Leonard also served and he lost his life during the Second Battle of Bullecourt on 5 May 1917. The brothers have consecutive service numbers. Leonard’s name does not appear on the 1914-19 Haberfield Roll of Honour board.
https://recordsearch.naa.gov.au/SearchNRetrieve/Gallery151/dist/JGalleryViewer.aspx?B=3541986&S=1&N=25&R=0#/SearchNRetrieve/NAAMedia/ShowImage.aspx?B=3541986&T=P&S=25
https://recordsearch.naa.gov.au/SearchNRetrieve/Gallery151/dist/JGalleryViewer.aspx?B=6151240&S=1&N=7&R=0#/SearchNRetrieve/NAAMedia/ShowImage.aspx?B=6151240&T=P&S=4
https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/218764917?searchTerm=richard%20elvin
No 2 Squadron Australian Flying Corps
Victor Ennis
4 March 1887 - Durham England
22 December 1965 - Dundas New South Wales
Rank: Private
Service No: 622
Religion: Presbyterian
World War I (11 September 1916 - 20 April 1920)
Victor Ennis was born in Durham England on 4 March 1887, one of five children to Robert Ennis and Ann Errington.
He married Susanna Grey in South Shields England in 1912. They emigrated to Australia arriving on 3 May 1914.
A marine engineer, he enlisted at the Royal Agricultural Showgrounds in Sydney NSW on 11 September 1916. He was living with his wife Susanna at Mayfield 28 Hawthorne Parade Haberfield.
Victor embarked from Melbourne on 25 October 1916 aboard HMAT Ulysses and disembarked at Plymouth on 28 December.
He joined the Scottish Fitter’s School in Edinburgh Scotland on 9 January 1917. On 1 February 1917 he was promoted to corporal, and on 11 March he reached the rank of sergeant.
On 24 August the unit proceeded to France, where he transferred to the No 2 Squadron of the Australian Flying Corps. On 20 March 1918 he was promoted to Flight Sergeant. He was re-mustered as Chief Mechanic on 17 May 1918.
He proceeded to the Home Establishment on 8 November 1918. Whilst in Leighterton he was found to be A.W.L between 2359 hours on 31 December 1918 and 0800 hours on 3 January 1919. He was reprimanded and forfeited three days’ pay.
Between 31 March and 30 June 1919 he enrolled in the Marine Engineering course at the South Shields Marine School.
He returned to Australia aboard HMAT Megantic on 9 January 1920, disembarking in Australia on 27 February 1920. He was discharged on 20 April 1920.
Moving to Cairns in 1925, it appears that Victor became involved in the local operatic society, serving as musical director in some productions.
Records show that Victor worked as the Chief Engineer for Northern Australian Breweries Ltd in Cairns, where he retired in 1953 after 29 years.
Susanna passed away on 1 January 1954.
Victor was still living in Cairns 1963, but records show he passed away in Dundas NSW on 22 December 1965.
https://recordsearch.naa.gov.au/SearchNRetrieve/Interface/ViewImage.aspx?B=3543311
https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/40479214?searchTerm=victor%20ennis
https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/149890444?searchTerm=victor%20ennis
https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/42710356?searchTerm=victor%20ennis
https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/42778581?searchTerm=victor%20ennis
Evans, A
The Virtual War Memorial lists Arthur Evans (SN 6013) of Leichhardt NSW and Alfred Evans (SN 4068) of Summer Hill NSW. May also be Albany Edwin or Alfred John Evans as below.
https://vwma.org.au/explore/people/267548
https://vwma.org.au/explore/people/302736
Sources
AIF Project https://www.aif.adfa.edu.au/index.html
Ancestry.com https://www.ancestry.com.au/
Australian Nurses in World War 1 http://ausww1nurses.weebly.com/co.html
Australian War Memorial https://www.awm.gov.au/
Australian War Memorial (Glossary) https://www.awm.gov.au/learn/glossary
Commonwealth War Graves Commission https://www.cwgc.org/
His Majesty’s Transport Ships https://alh-research.tripod.com/ships_lh.htm
Inner West 15000 https://www.leichhardt5000.com.au/
National Archives Australia https://www.naa.gov.au/explore-collection/defence-and-war-service-records
Department Veteran Affairs (Nominal Rolls) https://nominal-rolls.dva.gov.au/ww2
Prisoner of War Memorial Ballarat https://www.powmemorialballarat.com.au/
Trove https://trove.nla.gov.au/
Virtual War Memorial https://vwma.org.au/
St David’s Haberfield 150 Years (Vincent Crow © 2020)
Tours of Haberfield Past and Present Part One (Vincent Crow © 2002)
Tours of Haberfield Past and Present Part Two (Vincent Crow © 2007)
Tours of Haberfield Past and Present Part Three (Vincent Crow © 2010)
Preserving Their Names 1914-18 - Ashfield History No 22 (Ashfield & District Historical Society / Ann O’Connell © 2020)