This post will be an on-going record, telling the stories of family members in my family tree who served on the western front in World War 1. As my research uncovers more "diggers", I will add them to this record.
(Number so far: 43)
Five great grandsons of my paternal 3x great grandparents James Hickey and Margaret McNamara.
Patrick Francis Hickey (my paternal 2nd cousin 2x removed)
Place of birth | East Maitland New South Wales |
Religion | Roman Catholic |
Occupation | School teacher |
Marital status | Single |
Age at embarkation | 28 |
Next of kin | Father, Patrick Thomas Hickey, Largs, West Maitland, New South Wales |
Enlistment date | |
Rank on enlistment | 2nd Lieutenant |
Unit name | 18th Battalion, 17th Reinforcement |
AWM Embarkation Roll number | 23/35/3 |
Embarkation details | Unit embarked from Sydney, New South Wales, on board HMAT A11 Ascanius on |
Rank from Nominal Roll | 2nd Lieutenant |
Unit from Nominal Roll | 18th Battalion |
Fate | Returned to Australia |
- Patrick was born in 1886. He was the only son of Patrick Thomas Hickey and Catherine Bowe.
- Patrick, school teacher, was 28 years old when he enlisted in 1915.
- He saw action in France and was severely wounded in February of 1917 with gunshot wounds to the back and both arms.
- He was evacuated to the London General Hospital in March of 1917, then transferred to the 6th Auxiliary Hospital.
- In March of 1917 Patrick was promoted to Lieutenant.
- Patrick returned home to Australia in early 1918.
- He married the following year but sadly, died just seven years later leaving a widow and two young children.
John Michael Hickey (my paternal 2nd cousin 2x removed)
Regimental number | 10068 |
Place of birth | Maitland New South Wales |
Religion | Roman Catholic |
Occupation | Clerk |
Address | Forest Hill, Queensland |
Marital status | Single |
Age at embarkation | 19 |
Next of kin | Mother, Mrs Kathleen Hickey, Forest Hill, Queensland |
Enlistment date | |
Rank on enlistment | Private |
Unit name | 7th Field Ambulance, 11th Reinforcements |
Embarkation details | Unit embarked from Sydney, New South Wales, on board HMAT A16 Star of Victoria on |
Rank from Nominal Roll | Driver |
Unit from Nominal Roll | 6th Field Ambulance |
Fate | Returned to Australia |
- John was born in 1898 at Morpeth in New South Wales, Australia.
- He was the eldest son of James Michael Hickey and Catherine Frances Maher and one of six sons born to James and Catherine (also known as Kathleen or Katherine).
- John was a clerk when he enlisted in 1915 at the age of 17.
- His parents wrote a letter giving their permission for John to enlist.
- On his attestation form John gave his age as 18.
- He saw action in France.
Francis Steven Patrick Hickey (my paternal 2nd cousin 2x removed)
Regimental number | 3550 |
Place of birth | Bolwarra, Maitland |
Religion | Roman Catholic |
Occupation | Assistant mechanic |
Address | Nimmitabel, New South Wales |
Marital status | Single |
Age at embarkation | 21 |
Next of kin | Father, D J Hickey c/o Government, Works Depot, Nimmitable, New South Wales |
Enlistment date | |
Rank on enlistment | Acting Sergeant |
Unit name | 20th Battalion, 8th Reinforcement |
AWM Embarkation Roll number | 23/37/2 |
Embarkation details | Unit embarked from Sydney, New South Wales, on board HMAT A60 Aeneas on |
Rank from Nominal Roll | Private |
Unit from Nominal Roll | 54th Battalion |
Fate | Killed in Action |
Miscellaneous details (Nominal Roll) | *Given name Francis Stephen |
Age at death from cemetery records | 26 |
Place of burial | Peronne Communal Cemetery Extension (Plot V, Row G, Grave No. 16), France |
Panel number, Roll of Honour, Australian War Memorial | 159 |
Miscellaneous information from cemetery records | Parents: Denis and Ellen HICKEY, 4 Windsor Street, Paddington, New South Wales |
Other details | War service: Western Front Medals: British War Medal, Victory Medal |
- Francis was born in 1894 in Bolwarra, New South Wales.
- He was the son of Dennis James Hickey and Ellen (known as Nellie) Hickey nee Bowe.
- Francis (known as Frank) enlisted at the age of 21 in September of 1915 with the 8th Reinforcement of the 20th Battalion.
- His unit embarked less than 3 months later on the 20th of December aboard the HMAT A60 Aeneas.
- Francis was transferred to the 54th Infantry Battalion while at Tel-el-Kebir in February 1916.
- He was promoted to Corporal in August of 1916.
- He was promoted again to Sergeant in January of 1918 while in the field in France.
- Francis was killed in action. According to an eye witness: "On the 1st of September about 7.30 in the morning during our attack at Peronne, was killed outright by shell."
- He was firstly buried in the field at Sainte Radegronde at the right end of the town, about a 10 min walk from Peronne. His body was later exhumed and buried in the Peronne Communal Cemetery Extension, Plot V, Row G, Grave 16, at Peronne in Picardie, France.
Vincent Thomas Neylon (my paternal 2nd cousin 2x removed)
Regimental number | 5847 |
Place of birth | East Maitland, New South Wales |
Religion | Church of England |
Occupation | Jockey |
Address | Newcastle Street, East Maitland, New South Wales |
Marital status | Single |
Age at embarkation | 29 |
Next of kin | Mother, Mrs Margaret Neylon, Newcastle Street, East Maitland, New South Wales |
Enlistment date | |
Rank on enlistment | Private |
Unit name | 18th Battalion, 16th Reinforcement |
AWM Embarkation Roll number | 23/35/3 |
Embarkation details | Unit embarked from Sydney, New South Wales, on board HMAT A40 Ceramic on |
Rank from Nominal Roll | Private |
Unit from Nominal Roll | 18th Battalion |
Fate | Returned to Australia |
Family/military connections | Brother: 1286 Sergeant Michael NEYLON, 34th Bn, died of wounds, 1 September 1918. |
Other details | War service: Western Front Medals: British War Medal, Victory Medal |
- Vincent was born in East Maitland, New South Wales, in 1887. He was the son of Thomas Joseph Neylon and Margaret Magdalen Hickey.
- Vincent was one of eleven children born to Thomas and Margaret.
- He enlisted with the AIF in May of 1916.
- Vincent embarked in late 1916 from Sydney on board HMAT A40 with the 18th Battalion, 16th Reinforcement. He was aged 29.
- Vincent was wounded in action in May of 1917, receiving a gunshot wound to the left shoulder and evacuated to hospital in England.
- Vincent returned to service in France but was hospitalised again in November of 1917 suffering "trench fever". He was evacuated to hospital in England once more in December of 1917.
- Vincent married an Englishwoman in May of 1919 in Kent, England.
- He returned home to Australia in 1919 with his English-born wife.
Michael Neylon (my 2nd cousins 2x removed).
Regimental number | 1286 |
Religion | Roman Catholic |
Occupation | Labourer |
Address | East Maitland, New South Wales |
Marital status | Single |
Age at embarkation | 22 |
Height | 5' 6.5" |
Weight | 140 lbs |
Next of kin | Mother, Mrs Margaret Neylon, Newcastle Street, East Maitland, New South Wales |
Previous military service | Served for 3 years 4 months in 14th Infantry, Citizen Military Forces; still serving at time of AIF enlistment. |
Enlistment date | |
Place of enlistment | West Maitland, New South Wales |
Rank on enlistment | Corporal |
Unit name | 34th Battalion, D Company |
AWM Embarkation Roll number | 23/51/1 |
Embarkation details | Unit embarked from Sydney, New South Wales, on board HMAT A20 Hororata on |
Rank from Nominal Roll | Sergeant |
Unit from Nominal Roll | 34th Battalion |
Fate | Died of wounds |
Place of burial | Daours Communal Cemetery Extension (Plot VIII, Row B, Grave No 58), France |
Panel number, Roll of Honour, Australian War Memorial | 124 |
Family/military connections | Brother: 5847 Pte Vincent Thomas NEYLON, 18th Bn, returned to Australia, 9 August 1919. |
Other details | War service: Western Front Medals: British War Medal, Victory Medal |
- Michael was born in East Maitland, New South Wales, in 1894.
- He was also a son of Thomas Joseph Neylon and Margaret Magdalen Hickey.
- Michael was one of eleven children born to Thomas and Margaret, and a younger brother of Vincent Neylon (listed above).
- Michael enlisted with the 34th Battalion when he was 21 years old.
- He embarked for overseas service from Sydney on the 2nd of May 1916 on board HMAT A20 Honorata.
- Michael was hospitalised with shell shock during his service and was wounded in action on two occasions with gunshot wounds.
- When he was wounded in action in August of 1918, with a gunshot wound to the hip, he was moved to the 61st Casualty Clearance Station, where he died the following day at the age of 23.
- Michael was buried at the nearby local military cemetery.
Three great grandsons of my 3x great grandparents Michael Cusack and Mary Green.
Henry James Sutton-Cusack (my paternal 2nd cousins 2x removed)
Regimental number | 3709 |
Place of birth | Sydney New South Wales |
Religion | Roman Catholic |
Occupation | Miner |
Address | Cawongla View, Kyogle, New South Wales |
Marital status | Single |
Age at embarkation | 19 |
Next of kin | Father, J Cusack, Cawongla View, Kyogle, New South Wales |
Enlistment date | |
Rank on enlistment | Private |
Unit name | 15th Battalion, 12th Reinforcement |
AWM Embarkation Roll number | 23/32/2 |
Embarkation details | Unit embarked from Sydney, New South Wales, on board HMAT A23 Suffolk on |
Rank from Nominal Roll | Private |
Unit from Nominal Roll | 4th Trench Mortar Battery |
Fate | Returned to Australia |
Date of death | |
Place of burial | Kyogle Cemetery |
- Henry was born in 1896. He was the first born child of James Cusack and Hannah Sutton.
- Henry enlisted at the age of 19 with the 12th Reinforcement of the 15th Battalion.
- He saw action in France and was wounded in action in late 1917, with gunshot wounds to his right hip, thigh and knee .
- Henry returned to Australia in early 1918.
William Clive Cusack (my paternal 2nd cousin 2x removed)
Regimental number | 6929 |
Place of birth | Lismore New South Wales |
Religion | Roman Catholic |
Occupation | Farm hand |
Address | Rock Valley, Queensland |
Marital status | Single |
Age at embarkation | 21 |
Next of kin | Father, James Cusack, Rock Valley via Lismore, New South Wales |
Enlistment date | |
Rank on enlistment | Private |
Unit name | 26th Battalion, 20th Reinforcement |
AWM Embarkation Roll number | 23/43/5 |
Embarkation details | Unit embarked from Sydney, New South Wales, on board HMAT A20 Hororata on |
Rank from Nominal Roll | Private |
Unit from Nominal Roll | 26th Battalion |
Fate | Returned to Australia |
- William was born in 1899. He was also a son of James Cusack and Hannah Sutton.
- He was the younger brother of Henry (listed above).
- William enlisted at the age of 17, but stated he was 21 on his attestation form.
- He disembarked in Liverpool, England in August 1917 and was then admitted to the Fargo Military Hospital just a few days later diagnosed with influenza.
- William returned to Australia in February 1918.
- He was discharged in May of 1918 as medically unfit, diagnosed with bronchial asthma.
Edward Cusack (my paternal 2nd cousin 2x removed)
Regimental number | 4257 |
Place of birth | Lismore New South Wales |
Religion | Roman Catholic |
Occupation | Butcher |
Address | Lismore, New South Wales |
Marital status | Married |
Age at embarkation | 29 |
Next of kin | Wife, Mrs Ida May Cusack, South Kyogle PO, South Kyogle, Richmond River, New South Wales |
Enlistment date | |
Date of enlistment from Nominal Roll | |
Rank on enlistment | Private |
Unit name | 26th Battalion, 10th Reinforcement |
AWM Embarkation Roll number | 23/43/3 |
Embarkation details | Unit embarked from Brisbane, Queensland, on board HMAT A73 Commonwealth on |
Rank from Nominal Roll | Private |
Unit from Nominal Roll | 26th Battalion |
Fate | Returned to Australia |
- Edward was born in 1887. He was the son of Edwin Cusack and Jane Cochran.
- Edward was a cousin of both Henry and William (listed above).
- He enlisted at Enoggera in Queensland with the 26th Infantry Battalion in September of 1915, at the age of 28.
- Edward's unit embarked from Brisbane in early 1916.
- He served in France.
- Edward was hospitalised a couple of times during the war suffering from influenza.
- He was evacuated to England and sent to the General Hospital in Colchester in November of 1916.
- Edward returned home in May of 1917 suffering "shell shock and cardiac insufficiency".
- He was discharged in September of 1917.
A husband of one of the great granddaughters of Michael Cusack and Mary Green.
George Gerald Mildare (husband of my paternal 2nd cousin 2x removed).
Regimental number | 4832 |
Place of birth | Boston United States Of America |
Religion | Roman Catholic |
Occupation | Traveller |
Address | Campbelltown, New South Wales |
Marital status | Single |
Age at embarkation | 22 |
Next of kin | Father, Charles Mildare, Vaudeville Club, Charing Cross Road, London, England |
Enlistment date | |
Rank on enlistment | Private |
Unit name | 31st Battalion, 13th Reinforcement |
AWM Embarkation Roll number | 23/48/4 |
Embarkation details | Unit embarked from Sydney, New South Wales, on board HMAT A18 Wiltshire on |
Rank from Nominal Roll | Lance Corporal |
Unit from Nominal Roll | 31st Battalion |
Fate | Returned to Australia |
- George was born the U.S. in 1894. He was the son of Charles Mildare and Virginia Goulden.
- George's father was an English-born vaudeville performer who travelled to various places with his act and whilst in the U.S., George was born. The family did return to England where George spent his teenage years. Around the age of 19, George emigrated to Australia.
- George attempted to enlist with the AIF in August of 1916 but was refused because of "deficient eyesight".
- He attempted enlisting again a few months later and this time the medical officer deemed him fit for service.
- George enlisted at the age of 22 with the 13th Reinforcements of the 31st Battalion.
- He served in France and returned home to Australia in mid 1919.
- George married the following year and lived out the rest of his life in Australia.
A great-grandson of my paternal 3x Great Grandparents William Henry Browning and Ann Nancy Littlejohns.
His name was recorded as "Luis" on his war service record and "Louis" on his war cemetery record.
Regimental number | 3391 |
Place of birth | Manning River, New South Wales |
School | State School, Tamworth, New South Wales |
Religion | Church of England |
Occupation | Labourer |
Marital status | Single |
Age at embarkation | 21 |
Next of kin | Mother, Mrs. W. Carter, Emmaville, via Deepwater, New South Wales |
Enlistment date | |
Rank on enlistment | Private |
Unit name | 31st Battalion, 7th Reinforcement |
AWM Embarkation Roll number | 23/48/3 |
Embarkation details | Unit embarked from Brisbane, Queensland, on board HMAT A49 Seang Choon on |
Rank from Nominal Roll | Private |
Unit from Nominal Roll | 31st Battalion |
Fate | Killed in Action |
Place of death or wounding | France |
Age at death | 22 |
Age at death from cemetery records | 22 |
Place of burial | Adelaide Cemetery (Plot III, Row H, Grave No. 18), Villers-Bretonneux, France |
Panel number, Roll of Honour, Australian War Memorial | 118 |
Miscellaneous information from cemetery records | Parents: Thomas Matthew and Caroline Maria KEAN, One Mile Estate, West Ipswich, Queensland. Native of Manning River, New South Wales |
Other details | War service: Western Front Medals: British War Medal, Victory Medal |
- Luis was born in New South Wales in 1894. He was the son of Thomas Matthew Kean and Caroline Maria Browning.
- His father had died by the time Luis enlisted and his mother had re-married with the new surname of Carter.
- Luis enlisted at the age of 21.
- His name is spelt in various ways on his war service records - Luis, Lewis - although his signature was always written as "Luis".
- It's interesting to note however that his name was written as "Lewis" by his mother in a letter she sent to Base Records Office in 1919.
- In September of 1917 Luis was hospitalised in England as a result of a severe gunshot wound to his left arm.
- He was killed in action seven months later in 1918 and was buried at Villers-Brettoneux in France.
Two grandsons of my paternal 2x Great Grandparents Patrick Cusack and Eliza Exton.
Alfred Adolphe Cook (my paternal 1st cousin 2x removed)
Regimental number | 2640 |
Place of birth | Broadwater New South Wales |
Religion | Church of England |
Occupation | Labourer |
Address | Broadwater, Richmond River, New South Wales |
Marital status | Single |
Age at embarkation | 33 |
Next of kin | Father, William James Cook, Broadwater, Richmond River, New South Wales |
Enlistment date | |
Date of enlistment from Nominal Roll | |
Rank on enlistment | Private |
Unit name | 6th Light Horse Regiment, 18th Reinforcement |
AWM Embarkation Roll number | 10/11/4 |
Embarkation details | Unit embarked from Sydney, New South Wales, on board HMAT A20 Hororata on |
Rank from Nominal Roll | Private |
Unit from Nominal Roll | 6th Light Horse Regiment |
Fate | Returned to Australia |
- Alfred was born in New South Wales in 1881.
- He was the eldest son of William James and Ann (Annie) Cusack.
- Alfred was one of eleven children born to William and Ann.
- He enlisted at the age of 33.
- He embarked from Sydney in May of 1916 for overseas service and served with the 6th Light Horse Regiment 18th Reinforcement.
- Alfred saw service in the Middle East. He was sent to the Palestine Front, where he crossed the River Jordan and passed Jacob's Well. He was with the troops at the capture of Jericho.
- In February of 1919 Alfred was sent back to Australia suffering from malaria.
Percy Cook (my paternal 1st cousin 2x removed)
Regimental number | 2737 |
Place of birth | Broadwater, Richmond River, New South Wales |
School | Riley's Hill Public School, New South Wales |
Religion | Church of England |
Occupation | Fisherman |
Address | Broadwater, New South Wales |
Marital status | Single |
Age at embarkation | 18 |
Next of kin | Father, William James Cook, Broadwater, Richmond River, New South Wales |
Previous military service | Nil |
Enlistment date | |
Date of enlistment from Nominal Roll | |
Rank on enlistment | Private |
Unit name | 15th Battalion, 9th Reinforcement |
AWM Embarkation Roll number | 23/32/2 |
Embarkation details | Unit embarked from Sydney, New South Wales, on board HMAT A33 Ayrshire on |
Rank from Nominal Roll | Private |
Unit from Nominal Roll | 12th Machine Gun Company |
Fate | Died of wounds |
Place of death or wounding | Pozieres, Somme Sector, France |
Age at death | 19.5 |
Age at death from cemetery records | 19 |
Place of burial | No known grave |
Commemoration details | Australian National Memorial, Villers-Bretonneux, France |
Panel number, Roll of Honour, Australian War Memorial | 143 |
Miscellaneous information from cemetery records | Parents: William and Annie COOK, Broadwater, New South Wales |
- Percy was born in New South Wales in 1897.
- Percy was the youngest son of William James Cook and Ann (Annie) Cusack.
- He was a younger brother of Alfred (listed above) and one of eleven children born to William and Ann.
- Percy enlisted at the age of 18 with the 15th Infantry Battalion 9th Reinforcement.
- He embarked with his unit from Sydney in September of 1915.
- He saw service in both Turkey and France.
- Percy was sent to the Dardanelles from Egypt and saw action not far from Anzac Cove. After the evacuation from Gallipoli, Percy was sent to France.
- He was killed in action in France while serving with the 47th Infantry Battalion at the Battle for Pozieres.
- Percy died of wounds received during that battle on the 9th of August 1916.
- His name is inscribed on the Australian National Memorial at Villers-Bretonneux in France.
Seven grandsons of my paternal 2x Great Grandparents Henry Johnson Brown and Caroline Penelope Browning.
Regimental number | 1156 |
Place of birth | Lismore, New South Wales |
Religion | Church of Christ |
Occupation | Labourer |
Address | Hunter Street, Lismore, New South Wales |
Marital status | Single |
Age at embarkation | 24 |
Next of kin | Father, Alexander Johnston Brown, Hunter Street, Lismore, New South Wales |
Enlistment date | 9 April 1916 |
Rank on enlistment | Private |
Unit name | 2nd Light Horse Regiment, 8th Reinforcement |
AWM Embarkation Roll number | 10/7/2 |
Embarkation details | Unit embarked from Brisbane, Queensland, on board HMAT A55 Kyarra on 16 August 1915 |
Rank from Nominal Roll | Private |
Unit from Nominal Roll | 25th Battalion |
Fate | Returned to Australia |
Date of death | 3rd June 1956 |
Place of burial | Ipswich Cemetery |
- Sydney was born in 1891. He was the son of Alexander Johnson Brown (known as Sandy) and Margaret Jane Bustard. He was the 10th of twelve children born to Alexander and Margaret. He worked as a horse breaker before enlistment.
- Sydney enlisted in April of 1915 when he was aged 24. His unit, the 2nd Light Horse Regiment, 8th Reinforcement, embarked from Brisbane in August of 1915. He fought mostly in France.
- Sadly, Sydney was transferred to Military Hospital in England in October of 1917 because of "shell shock and classified insanity". He was put on a ship in December of 1917 for return to Australia, identified with "confusional insanity - mental deficiency".
- Sydney died in 1956 at the age of 65.
Regimental number | 1816 |
Place of birth | Lismore New South Wales |
Religion | Church of Christ |
Occupation | Labourer |
Address | Lismore, New South Wales |
Marital status | Single |
Age at embarkation | 20 |
Next of kin | Father, A J Brown, Hunter Street, Lismore, New South Wales |
Enlistment date | 7 January 1916 |
Rank on enlistment | Private |
Unit name | 4th Pioneer Battalion, Reinforcement 2 |
AWM Embarkation Roll number | 14/16/3 |
Embarkation details | Unit embarked from Sydney, New South Wales, on board RMS Mooltan |
Rank from Nominal Roll | Private |
Unit from Nominal Roll | 4th Pioneer Battalion |
Fate | Returned to Australia |
- Curtis (Curtess) was born in 1895, the youngest of twelve children born to Alexander Brown and Margaret Bustard, brother to Sydney (listed above). On his birth record, his name was recorded as 'Curtess'.
- He enlisted in January of 1916, aged 20, the year after his older brother Sydney had enlisted.
- Curtis enlisted with the 4th Pioneer Battalion, Reinforcement 2, and served mostly in France.
- Soldiers of the Pioneer Battalions were essentially infantry with light military combat and engineering skills, and were located at the forward edge of the battle area.
- Curtis served until the 4th Pioneer Battalion was disbanded in early 1919.
- He returned home to Australia in May of 1919.
- Curtis re-enlisted for service in WW11.
- He lived until the age of 74, passing in 1970.
Regimental number | 2021 |
Place of birth | Lismore New South Wales |
Other Names | Henry Herbert |
Religion | Presbyterian |
Occupation | Labourer |
Address | Lismore, New South Wales |
Marital status | Married |
Age at embarkation | 31 |
Next of kin | Wife, Mrs L Brown, c/o Mrs Hislop, South Lismore, New South Wales |
Enlistment date | |
Rank on enlistment | Private |
Unit name | 49th Battalion, 3rd Reinforcement |
AWM Embarkation Roll number | 23/66/3 |
Embarkation details | Unit embarked from Brisbane, Queensland, on board HMAT A46 Clan Macgillivray on |
Rank from Nominal Roll | Private |
Unit from Nominal Roll | 41st Battalion |
Fate | Returned to Australia |
Other details | War service: Western Front Medals: British War Medal, Victory Medal |
Date of death | |
Age at death | 64 |
Place of burial | Warren Cemetery, New South Wales |
- Henry was born in 1883, the third-born of four children born to Henry Johnson Brown Jnr. and Hannah Towns.
- He enlisted with the 9th Battalion, 3rd Reinforcement when he was 31 years old.
- His unit embarked from Brisbane on May 1st, 1916.
- Henry served on the western front until he was wounded in battle in France in January of 1917.
- He received a gunshot wound to the left shoulder and was invalided to England aboard the Princess Elizabeth.
- Upon arrival in England he was admitted to hospital at Edmonton.
- He was shipped home in September of 1917.
Regimental number | 3014 |
Place of birth | Sydney New South Wales |
Religion | Presbyterian |
Occupation | Blacksmith |
Address | 120 Moore Street, Rozelle, New South Wales |
Marital status | Single |
Age at embarkation | 18 |
Next of kin | Father, F Brown, 106 Mansfield Street, Rozelle, New South Wales |
Enlistment date | |
Rank on enlistment | Private |
Unit name | 1st Battalion, 10th Reinforcement |
AWM Embarkation Roll number | 23/18/3 |
Embarkation details | Unit embarked from Sydney, New South Wales, on board HMAT A69 Warilda on |
Rank from Nominal Roll | Private |
Unit from Nominal Roll | 53rd Battalion |
Fate | Returned to Australia |
- Leslie was born in 1897. He was one of eleven children born to Francis Somers Brown and Selina Jane Cameroux.
- Leslie enlisted at the age of 18.
- He fought in France until he was wounded in action in August of 1916 with a gunshot wound to the right arm
- He was discharged as medically unfit and returned home in 1917.
Regimental number | 3256 |
Place of birth | Rozelle New South Wales |
Religion | Church of England |
Occupation | Slaughterman |
Address | 106 Mansfield Street, Rozelle, Sydney, New South Wales |
Marital status | Single |
Age at embarkation | 21 |
Next of kin | Mother, Mrs. Brown, 106 Mansfield Street, Rozelle, Sydney, New South Wales |
Enlistment date | |
Date of enlistment from Nominal Roll | |
Rank on enlistment | Private |
Unit name | 1st Battalion, 11th Reinforcement |
AWM Embarkation Roll number | 23/18/3 |
Embarkation details | Unit embarked from Sydney, New South Wales, on board HMAT A32 Themistocles on |
Rank from Nominal Roll | Private |
Unit from Nominal Roll | 45th Battalion |
Fate | Killed in Action |
Age at death from cemetery records | 24 |
Place of burial | Noreuil Australian Cemetery (Row H, Grave No. 19), France |
Panel number, Roll of Honour, Australian War Memorial | 139 |
Miscellaneous information from cemetery records | Parents: Francis and Selina BROWN, 6 Bruce Street, Rozelle, New South Wales |
- Ernest was born in 1893. He was also a son of Francis Somers Brown and Selina Jane Cameroux.
- He was an older brother of Leslie (listed above).
- Ernest enlisted just a few days after his younger brother in July of 1915, but embarked for overseas service three days earlier.
- Ernest was killed in action in France in 1917 and was buried at the Noreuil Australian Cemetery.
Robert Henry Johnson Gall (my paternal 1st cousin 2x removed)
- Robert was born in 1882. He was the first born son of Robert Gall and Eliza Duncan Brown.
- He enlisted at the age of 33 with the 13th Reinforcement of the 2nd Light Horse Regiment.
- While he was still in training camp, Robert was discharged in January 1916 because of chronic muscular rheumatism of the back muscles.
A son of my paternal 2x Great Grandparents Henry Johnson Brown and Caroline Penelope Browning).
Regimental number | 1465 |
Place of birth | Lismore New South Wales |
Religion | Presbyterian |
Occupation | Draper |
Address | c/o Mrs Bottger, Pinkenba, Queensland |
Marital status | Widower |
Age at embarkation | 44 |
Next of kin | Sister, Mrs Gall, Nimbin via Lismore, New South Wales |
Enlistment date | |
Rank on enlistment | Private |
Unit name | 15th Battalion, 3rd Reinforcement |
AWM Embarkation Roll number | 23/32/2 |
Embarkation details | Unit embarked from Brisbane, Queensland, on board HMAT A49 Seang Choon on |
Rank from Nominal Roll | Private |
Unit from Nominal Roll | 15th Battalion |
Fate | Returned to Australia |
- Robert was born in 1867. He was the youngest son of Henry Johnson Brown and Caroline Penelope Browning, one of their 12 children.
- Robert enlisted at the age of 47 (not 44 as recorded on his attestation papers) at the end of 1914.
- He disembarked in Egypt in early 1915, where he was put on light duties.
- Robert returned home to Australia in April of 1916 suffering from rheumatism.
Two nephews of my paternal 2x Great Grandparents Henry Johnson Brown and Caroline Penelope Browning.
Regimental number | 25 |
Place of birth | Lismore, New South Wales |
Religion | Church of England |
Occupation | Teamster |
Address | Blakebrook, Lismore, New South Wales |
Marital status | Single |
Age at embarkation | 26 |
Next of kin | Mother: Mrs Elizabeth Browning, Blakebrook, Lismore, New South Wales |
Enlistment date | 16th November, 1915 |
Rank on enlistment | Private |
Unit name | 42nd Battalion, A Company |
AWM Embarkation Roll number | 23/59/1 |
Embarkation details | Unit embarked from Sydney, New South Wales, on board HMAT A30 Borda, June 1916 |
Rank from Nominal Roll | Private |
Unit from Nominal Roll | 42nd Battalion |
Other details from Roll of Honour Circular | Enlisted 16 November 1915. Taken on strength, 42nd Bn, 15 April 1916. Wounded, but remained at duty in February 1917 - 5 February 1917 & 9 February 1917 |
Fate | Killed in Action |
Place of death or wounding | Armentieres, France |
Age at death | 27 |
Place of burial | Cite Bonjean Military Cemetery (Plot IV, Row F, Grave No. 7), Armentieres, France |
Panel number, Roll of Honour, Australian War Memorial | 135 |
Other details |
War service: Western Front
|
- Jack was born in 1890. He was the son of Joseph Edward Browning and Elizabeth Wilson. He worked as a teamster before enlistment.
- Jack embarked from Sydney aboard HMAT A30 Borda in June of 1916, when he was 26 years of age. He disembarked at Southampton, England in July and proceeded overseas to France in November of 1916.
- Jack was wounded twice in the field in February of 1917, and then sadly he was killed in action on the 8th of March 1917. He had only been fighting in France for a little over 2 months!
- Jack was buried in the military cemetery at Cite Bonjean in Armentieres, France.
Regimental number | 4039 |
Place of birth | Lismore New South Wales |
Religion | Church of England |
Occupation | Carpenter |
Address | Goolmangar, New South Wales |
Marital status | Married |
Age at embarkation | 25 |
Next of kin | Wife, Mrs Pearlie Cornelia Browning, Blakebrook, Lismore, New South Wales |
Enlistment date | 17 April 1917 |
Rank on enlistment | Private |
Unit name | 4th Pioneer Battalion, Reinforcement 11 |
AWM Embarkation Roll number | 14/16/3 |
Embarkation details | Unit embarked from Sydney, New South Wales, on board HMAT A7 Medic on |
Rank from Nominal Roll | Private |
Unit from Nominal Roll | 4th Pioneer Battalion |
Fate | Returned to Australia |
- Robert was born in 1892. He was also the son of Joseph Edward Browning and Elizabeth Wilson.
- Robert was a younger brother to Jack (listed above).
- He was 25 when he enlisted in 1917.
- Two months after disembarkation Robert was hospitalised with neurasthenia.
- He was sent home to Australian in January of 1918 and then discharged in May of 1918.
Husband of a granddaughter of my paternal 3x great grandparents James Exton and Susannah Lancaster.
Regimental number | 154 |
Place of birth | New Zealand |
Religion | Presbyterian |
Occupation | Labourer |
Address | Bellinudgee, Lismore Line, New South Wales |
Marital status | Married |
Age at embarkation | 24 |
Next of kin | Wife, Mrs Dolly Jane Reid, Bellinudgee, Lismore Line, New South Wales |
Enlistment date | Apr 24 1915 |
Rank on enlistment | Sergeant |
Unit name | 26th Battalion, B Company |
AWM Embarkation Roll number | 23/43/1 |
Embarkation details | Unit embarked from Brisbane, Queensland, on board HMAT A11 Ascanius on 4th of September 1915 |
Regimental number from Nominal Roll | Commissioned |
Rank from Nominal Roll | 2nd Lieutenant |
Unit from Nominal Roll | 26th Battalion |
Recommendations (Medals and Awards) | Mention in Despatches 'For conspicuous gallantry in patrol work in the vicinity of Butte Warlencourt. On one occasion he climbed an embankment 50 feet high getting within 10 yards of an enemy position. On the second occasion he made a daylight recognizance at great personal risk bringing back most useful and reliable information (Later killed by shell just prior to attack on Malt Trench.)' |
Fate | Killed in Action |
Age at death from cemetery records | 27 |
Place of burial | No known grave |
Commemoration details | Australian National Memorial, Villers-Bretonneux, France |
Panel number, Roll of Honour, Australian War Memorial | 108 |
Miscellaneous information from cemetery records | Parents: Alexander and Sarah REID; husband of M.J. REID, Church Street, Bellingen, New South Wales |
Seven great grandsons of my paternal 3x Great Grandparents, James Exton and Susannah Lancaster.
Regimental number | 2454 |
Place of birth | Condong, New South Wales |
Religion | Church of England |
Occupation | Cattle drover |
Address | Brisbane, Queensland |
Marital status | Single |
Age at embarkation | 19 |
Next of kin | Mother: Mrs Mary Lawrence, East Murwillumbah, New South Wales |
Enlistment date | Apr 19 1916 |
Rank on enlistment | Private |
Unit name | 49th Battalion, 5th Reinforcement |
AWM Embarkation Roll number | 23/66/3 |
Embarkation details | Unit embarked from Brisbane, Queensland, on board HMAT A49 Seang Choon on |
Rank from Nominal Roll | Private |
Unit from Nominal Roll | Australian Corps Working Party |
Fate Other Details | Returned to Australia Termination of period of enlistment War Service: Western Front, France Medals: 1914-1915 Star, British War Medal, Victory Medal |
- Robert was born in 1898. He was the son of William Truckle Lawrence and Mary McDonough and had worked as a cattle drover before he enlisted.
- Robert enlisted about six months after his older brother.
- He embarked aboard HMAT A49 in September of 1916, aged 19. He served in France and returned to Australia aboard H.M.A.S. Berrima in January of 1919.
- Whilst his period of enlistment had ended, he was listed as being an 'invalid', suffering from the effects of gas.
- He never married.
William Charles Lawrence (my paternal 2nd cousin 2x removed)
Regimental number | 3129 |
Place of birth | Condong, New South Wales |
Religion | Church of England |
Occupation | Butcher |
Address | Brisbane, Queensland |
Marital status | Single |
Age at embarkation | 19 |
Next of kin | Mother: Mrs Mary Lawrence, Murwillumbah, New South Wales |
Enlistment date | Oct 16 1915 |
Rank on enlistment | Private |
Unit name | 25th Battalion, 7th Reinforcement |
AWM Embarkation Roll number | 23/42/2 |
Embarkation details | Unit embarked from Brisbane, Queensland, on board HMAT A50 Itonus on |
Rank from Nominal Roll | Corporal |
Unit from Nominal Roll | 25th Battalion |
Fate | Killed in Action |
Place of burial Commemoration Details Panel Number, Roll of Honour, Australian War Memorial Other Details | No known grave Australian National Memorial, Villers-Brettoneux, France 105 War Service: Western Front, France Medals: British War Medal, Victory Medal |
- William was born in 1896, also a son of William Truckle Lawrence and Mary McDonough. He had worked as a butcher before he enlisted in 1915.
- William was an older brother to Robert (listed above).
- He embarked aboard HMAT A50 Itonus at the end of 1915 and served in France with the 25th Battalion.
- In November of 1916 he was promoted to Temporary Corporal, but sadly, a mere two months later, William was reported as 'missing in action' in January of 1917. A court of inquiry listed him as 'killed in action' in July of the same year. There was no listed place of burial.
- William's name is listed on the Villers-Brettoneux Memorial in France.
Robert James Dooley (my paternal 2nd cousin 2x removed)
Regimental number | 5569 |
Place of birth | Bangalow New South Wales |
Religion | Roman Catholic |
Occupation | Buttermaker |
Address | Lismore, New South Wales |
Marital status | Single |
Age at embarkation | 19 |
Next of kin | Father, James Dooley, Carlyle Street, Byron Bay, New South Wales |
Enlistment date | |
Rank on enlistment | Private |
Unit name | 25th Battalion, 15th Reinforcement |
AWM Embarkation Roll number | 23/42/4 |
Embarkation details | Unit embarked from Brisbane, Queensland, on board HMAT A46 Clan Macgillivray on |
Rank from Nominal Roll | Private |
Unit from Nominal Roll | 25th Battalion |
Fate | Returned to Australia |
Miscellaneous information from cemetery records | Plaque in New South Wales Garden of Remembrance |
Date of death |
- Robert was born in 1896. He was the oldest son of James Dooley and Mary Ann Matilda King.
- He enlisted at the age of 19 with the 25th Battalion and served in France.
- In September of 1917 Robert was wounded in action receiving gun shot wounds to the right arm and right leg.
- He was evacuated to the Graylingwell War Hospital at Chichester in England.
- Robert returned home to Australia in February of 1918.
- He was discharged as medically unfit in June of 1918.
- Robert went on to re-enlist in WW11.
Charles William Scovell (Jnr.) (my paternal 2nd cousin 2x removed)
Regimental number | 152 |
Place of birth | Richmond River New South Wales |
Religion | Church of England |
Occupation | Cook |
Address | 6 Kilby Terrace, South Melbourne, Victoria |
Marital status | Single |
Age at embarkation | 30 |
Next of kin | Brother, Walter Scovell, 6 Kilby Terrace, South Melbourne, Victoria |
Enlistment date | |
Rank on enlistment | Private |
Unit name | 5th Battalion, B Company |
AWM Embarkation Roll number | 23/22/1 |
Embarkation details | Unit embarked from Melbourne, Victoria, on board Transport A3 Orvieto on |
Rank from Nominal Roll | Private |
Unit from Nominal Roll | 5th Battalion |
Fate | Discharged |
- Charles was born in 1884. He was the son of Charles William Scovell and Ellen Dooley.
- He was a cousin of Robert James Dooley (listed above).
- Charles enlisted at the age of 30 in August 1914.
- He was living in Melbourne at the time, but was born in the Richmond River District in New South Wales.
- He enlisted with the 5th Battalion, B Company and embarked from Melbourne in October of 1914, just 2 moths after enlistment.
- Charles was discharged in March of 1916 as he was deemed "no longer physically fit for war service at home or abroad owing to gun shot wound to the right shoulder" (from Certificate of Discharge).
Walter Henry Scovell (my paternal 2nd cousin 2x removed)
Regimental number | 3469 |
Place of birth | Lismore, New South Wales |
Other Names | Scovell, Walter H |
Religion | Church of England |
Occupation | Cook |
Address | Nil |
Marital status | Single |
Age at embarkation | 32 |
Height | 5' 5" |
Weight | 117 lbs |
Next of kin | Brother, Bert Scovell, Grant Street, Ballina, New South Wales |
Previous military service | Nil |
Enlistment date | |
Place of enlistment | Melbourne, Victoria |
Rank on enlistment | Private |
Unit name | 57th Battalion, 9th Reinforcement |
AWM Embarkation Roll number | 23/74/4 |
Embarkation details | Unit embarked from Melbourne, Victoria, on board HMAT A29 Suevic on |
Rank from Nominal Roll | Private |
Unit from Nominal Roll | 57th Battalion |
Fate | Returned to Australia |
Date of death | |
Miscellaneous information from cemetery records | Plaque in Garden of Remembrance, Victoria. |
Discharge date | |
Other details | Commenced return to Australia on board HT 'Corinthic', 10 January 1918; disembarked Melbourne, 3 March 1918; discharged (medically unfit), Sydney, 9 April 1918. Medal: British War Medal |
- Walter was born in 1885. He was the son of Charles William Scovell and Ellen Dooley.
- Walter was a younger brother of Charles William Scovell Jnr. (listed above)
- Walter enlisted with the 57th Infantry Battalion in March of 1917 when he was 32 years old.
- His unit embarked from Melbourne in June of 1917.
- They disembarked at Liverpool in August of 1917.
- Walter returned home to Australia in January 1918 as a result of a diagnosed debility - angina pectoris.
- He did not see action. He served as a cook whilst in England and participated in some training.
- He was discharged as medically unfit in April of 1918.
Lawrence James Scovell (my paternal 2nd cousin 2x removed)
Regimental number | 4217 |
Place of birth | Lismore New South Wales |
Religion | Church of England |
Occupation | Showman |
Address | 87 Cecil Street, South Melbourne, Victoria |
Marital status | Single |
Age at embarkation | 28 |
Next of kin | Brother, Walter Scovell, 87 Cecil Street, South Melbourne, Victoria |
Enlistment date | |
Rank on enlistment | Private |
Unit name | 22nd Battalion, 10th Reinforcement |
AWM Embarkation Roll number | 23/39/3 |
Embarkation details | Unit embarked from Melbourne, Victoria, on board HMAT A18 Wiltshire on |
Rank from Nominal Roll | Private |
Unit from Nominal Roll | 60th Battalion |
Fate | Returned to Australia |
Date of death | |
Place of burial | Coburg Cemetery |
- Lawrence was born in 1887. He was also a son of Charles William Scovell and Ellen Dooley.
- He was a younger brother of Charles William Scovell Jnr. and Walter Henry Scovell (listed above).
- Lawrence enlisted with the 22nd Battalion, 10th Reinforcement in July of 1915 at the age of 28.
- His unit embarked from Melbourne in March of 1916.
- In June of 1917, while serving in France, he received a gun shot wound to the shoulder and was suffering from pneumonia.
- Lawrence returned to Australia just a year and a half later in August of 1917.
Regimental number | 578 |
Place of birth | Lismore New South Wales |
Religion | Church of England |
Occupation | Dairy farmer |
Address | Horseshoe Creek, Kyogle, New South Wales |
Marital status | Single |
Age at embarkation | 28 |
Next of kin | Mother, H Barrow, Horseshoe Creek, Kyogle, New South Wales |
Enlistment date | Nov 14 1914 |
Date of enlistment from Nominal Roll | |
Rank on enlistment | Driver |
Unit name | 5th Light Horse Regiment, Headquarters |
AWM Embarkation Roll number | 10/10/1 |
Embarkation details | Unit embarked from Sydney, New South Wales, on board TRANSPORT A34 Persic on |
Fate | Returned to Australia 15 November 1918 |
- Charles was born in 1886. He was the son of Alfred Barrow and Harriet Clarke.
- He enlisted at the age of 28 as a driver with the 5th Light Horse Regiment.
- Charles saw active service in Egypt and Palestine.
- He returned to Australia four years after he had enlisted.
- Charles went on to serve in WW2 as well. He served with a Garrison Unit.
Joseph John Gray (my 2nd cousin 2x removed)
Regimental number | 1051 |
Place of birth | Lismore New South Wales |
Religion | Church of England |
Occupation | Dairy farmer |
Address | Kyogle, Richmond River, New South Wales |
Marital status | Single |
Age at embarkation | 19 |
Next of kin | Father, R.I. Gray, Kyogle, Richmond River, New South Wales |
Enlistment date | |
Rank on enlistment | Private |
Unit name | 2nd Battalion, A Company |
AWM Embarkation Roll number | 23/19/1 |
Embarkation details | Unit embarked from Sydney, New South Wales, on board HMAT A23 Suffolk on |
Rank from Nominal Roll | Private |
Unit from Nominal Roll | 2nd Battalion |
Fate | Returned to Australia |
Date of death | |
Place of burial | Lismore Crematorium / Goonellabah Lawn |
- Joseph was born in New South Wales in 1895.
- He was the son of Robert Isaac Gray and Mary Jane Jones.
- Joseph was one of six children born to Robert and Mary Jane and was their eldest son.
- He enlisted at the age of 19 and served with the 2nd Infantry Battalion.
- His unit embarked for overseas service from Sydney in October of 1914.
- Joseph served in France.
- He returned home to Australia in July of 1917.
Two great grandsons of my paternal 3x Great Grandparents James Hukins and Susannah Fullagar.
Hollis Roy Dawes (my paternal 2nd cousin 2x removed)
Regimental number | 4499 |
Place of birth | Albion Park, New South Wales |
School | Avondale Public School, New South Wales |
Religion | Presbyterian |
Occupation | Carpenter |
Address | Avondale, New South Wales |
Marital status | Single |
Age at embarkation | 23 |
Next of kin | Mother, Mrs M Dawes, Post Office, Dapto, New South Wales |
Enlistment date | Aug 16 1915 |
Date of enlistment from Nominal Roll | Aug 31 1915 |
Rank on enlistment | Private |
Unit name | 1st Battalion, 14th Reinforcement |
AWM Embarkation Roll number | 23/18/4 |
Embarkation details | Unit embarked from Sydney, New South Wales, on board RMS Osterley on 15 Jan 1916 |
Rank from Nominal Roll | Corporal |
Unit from Nominal Roll | 45th Battalion |
Fate | Killed in Action |
Place of death or wounding | Bullecourt, France |
Age at death | 25 |
Age at death from cemetery records | 25 |
Place of burial | Vraucourt Copse Cemetery (Plot III, Row B, Grave No. 4), France |
Panel number, Roll of Honour, Australian War Memorial | 139 |
Miscellaneous information from cemetery records | Parents: Caleb and Mary Ann DAWES, Dapto, New South Wales |
Family/military connections | Brother: 2167 Pte Walter Leslie DAWES, 11th Bn, returned to Australia, 4 January 1919. |
Other details | War service: Western Front Medals: British War Medal, Victory Medal |
- Hollis was born in 1892. He was the son of Caleb Dawes and Mary Anne Prior.
- He enlisted in August of 1915 when he was 22 years old.
- Hollis enlisted with the 1st Battalion 14th Reinforcement.
- His unit embarked from Sydney in January 1916.
- Hollis served in Egypt and France.
- He was killed in action in April of 1917. According to eye witnesses "he was killed by a shell instantly at the sunken road between Vaulx and Nereuil .... coming up to the front line at Bullecourt".
Walter Leslie Dawes (my paternal 2nd cousin 2x removed)
Regimental number | 2167 |
Place of birth | Dapto New South Wales |
Religion | Presbyterian |
Occupation | Farmer |
Address | Dapto, New South Wales |
Marital status | Single |
Age at embarkation | 21 |
Next of kin | Mother, Mrs Mary Ann Dawes, Dapto, New South Wales |
Previous military service | 37th Infantry |
Enlistment date | |
Rank on enlistment | Private |
Unit name | 45th Battalion, 4th Reinforcement |
AWM Embarkation Roll number | 23/62/3 |
Embarkation details | Unit embarked from Sydney, New South Wales, on board HMAT A18 Wiltshire on |
Rank from Nominal Roll | Private |
Unit from Nominal Roll | 11th Battalion |
Fate | Returned to Australia |
Other details | War service: Western Front Medals: British War Medal, Victory Medal |
- Walter was born in 1895. He was the son of Caleb Dawes and Mary Ann Prior.
- He was a younger brother of Hollis Roy Dawes (listed above).
- Walter enlisted initially with the CMF in January of 1916.
- He then enlisted with the AIF in February of 1916.
- Walter served in France.
- He was wounded three times whilst serving, once in 1917 and twice in 1918, and was evacuated to a hospital in London after he had fallen dangerously ill with pneumonia in late 1917.
- After recovering from gunshot wounds to his right arm and chest received in August of 1918, Walter returned home to Australia in January of 1919.
Ernest Johnson
Regimental number | 266 |
Place of birth | Tumut New South Wales |
Religion | Church of England |
Occupation | Labourer |
Address | Riverdale, Tumut, New South Wales |
Marital status | Single |
Age at embarkation | 25 |
Next of kin | Mrs E A Johnson, Riverdale, Tumut, New South Wales |
Enlistment date | |
Rank on enlistment | Private |
Unit name | 1st Light Horse Regiment, B Squadron |
AWM Embarkation Roll number | 10/6/1 |
Embarkation details | Unit embarked from Sydney, New South Wales, on board HMAT A16 Star Of Victoria on |
Rank from Nominal Roll | Warrant Officer (Class II) |
Unit from Nominal Roll | 1st Light Horse Regiment |
Fate | Returned to Australia |
Other details | Medals: 1914-15 Star, British War Medal, Victory Medal |
Date of death | |
Age at death | 51 |
Place of burial | Tumut Cemetery, New South Wales |
- Ernest was born in New South Wales in 1889. He was the son of Napoleon Bonaparte Johnson and Elizabeth Ann Quarmby.
- Ernest married my 1st cousin 2x removed Ruby Maud Connors in 1924 when he was 35 years old and Ruby was 33.
- Ernest enlisted with the 1st Light Horse Regiment B Squadron in August of 1914.
- He served at Gallipoli and in the Middle East.
- Whilst in the Middle East, in May of 1915, Ernest was seriously wounded with a gun shot to the eye.
- Sadly he lost his eye and returned home in October of 1918.
A nephew of my paternal 2x Great Grandparents Thomas Connors and Susannah Hukins.
Regimental number | 2578 |
Place of birth | Camperdown, New South Wales |
Religion | Roman Catholic |
Occupation | Carter |
Address | Oakura Street, Rockdale, New South Wales |
Marital status | Single |
Age at embarkation | 22 |
Next of kin | Father: F J Coombes, Oakura Street, Rockdale, New South Wales |
Enlistment date | Jun 13 1915 |
Rank on enlistment | Private |
Unit name | 4th Battalion, 8th Reinforcement |
AWM Embarkation Roll number | 23/21/2 |
Embarkation details | Unit embarked from Sydney, New South Wales, on board HMAT A54 Runic on |
Rank from Nominal Roll | Gunner |
Unit from Nominal Roll | 13th Field Artillery Brigade |
Fate Other Details | Returned to Australia |
- Frederick was born in 1893. He was the son of Francis Coombes and Bridget Ellen Connors.
- He embarked from Sydney aboard HMAT A54 Runic on the 9th of August 1915 when Frederick was aged 22. He was transferred to the 56th Battalion in February 1916 based at Tel-el-Kabir, then the 13th F.A. Brigade in March 1916 in France, then the 5th D.A.C. two months later as a 'mustered gunner', and finally to the 13th F.A.B. in April of 1917.
- He served in France. He returned to Australia aboard H.M.A.S. Berrima, discharged in October of 1917 with 'deficient hearing'.
- Frederick died in 1950 at the age of 56. His occupation at the time was 'glass worker'.
George Charles Hokin (Jnr). (my 1st cousin 2x removed).
Regimental number | 1133 |
Place of birth | Sydney, New South Wales |
Religion | Church of England |
Occupation | Horse driver |
Address | 204 Australia Street, Camperdown, New South Wales |
Marital status | Single |
Age at embarkation | 25.3 |
Height | 5' 6.5" |
Weight | 149 lbs |
Next of kin | Mother, Mrs A Hokin, 201 Australia Street, Camperdown, New South Wales |
Previous military service | Served in St George's Rifles, Citizen Military Forces. |
Enlistment date | |
Place of enlistment | Sydney, New South Wales |
Rank on enlistment | Corporal |
Unit name | 4th Battalion, 1st Reinforcement |
AWM Embarkation Roll number | 23/21/2 |
Embarkation details | Unit embarked from Melbourne, Victoria, on board HMAT A32 Themistocles on |
Rank from Nominal Roll | Private |
Unit from Nominal Roll | 4th Battalion |
Fate | Returned to Australia |
Discharge date | |
Other details | War service: Egypt, Gallipoli Commenced return to Australia on board HT 'Themistocles', 15 August 1915; discharged (medically unfit: loss of left arm), Sydney, 27 December 1915. Medals: 1914-15 Star, British War Medal, Victory Medal |
Date of death | |
Age at death | 65 |
Place of burial | Rookwood Necropolis, Sydney, New South Wales |
- George Charles Jnr. was born in New South Wales in 1889.
- He was the eldest son of George Charles Hokin and Amy Jane Hukins.
- George was one of six children born to George and Amy.
- He enlisted at the age of 25 with the 4th Battalion 1st Reinforcement.
- His unit embarked from Sydney in December of 1914.
- George was amongst the Australian & New Zealand Corps who landed on the Gallipoli Peninsula on the 25th & 26th of April in 1915.
- George was wounded within 2 months of landing with a gunshot wound to the left arm.
- He fell dangerously ill as a result of this wound and was evacuated to the Australian General Hospital at Heliopolis in Egypt.
- George's left arm was amputated whilst in hospital at Heliopolis in June of 1915.
- He returned to Australia in August of 1915.
Stanley Clyde Hokin (my 1st cousin 2x removed)
Regimental number | 10165 |
Place of birth | Sydney New South Wales |
Religion | Church of England |
Occupation | Labourer |
Address | 168 Norton Street, Leichhardt, New South Wales |
Marital status | Single |
Age at embarkation | 18 |
Next of kin | Father, G C Hokin, 221 Johnston Street, Annandale, New South Wales |
Enlistment date | |
Rank on enlistment | Gunner |
Unit name | Reinforcement 2 |
AWM Embarkation Roll number | 13/33/2 |
Embarkation details | Unit embarked from Sydney, New South Wales, on board HMAT A35 Berrima on |
Rank from Nominal Roll | Gunner |
Unit from Nominal Roll | 13th Battalion |
Fate | Returned to Australia |
- Stanley was born in New South Wales in 1898.
- He was the son of George Charles Hokin and Amy Jane Hukins.
- Stanley was one of six children born to Charles and Amy and was a younger brother of George Charles Jnr. (listed above).
- Stanley enlisted at the age of 17
Three sons of James Cusack, my paternal Grandmother Grace Connors nee Brown's uncle.
Ernest Thomas Stanley Cusack (my paternal 1st cousin 2x removed)
Regimental number
|
508
|
Place of birth
|
Byron Bay, New South Wales
|
Religion
|
Presbyterian
|
Occupation
|
Labourer
|
Address
|
Byron Bay PO, Byron Bay, New
South Wales
|
Marital status
|
Single
|
Age at embarkation
|
19
|
Next of kin
|
Mother, Mrs Mary Ann Cusack,
Byron Bay PO, Byron Bay, New South Wales
|
Enlistment date
|
15 June 1916
|
Rank on enlistment
|
Private
|
Unit name
|
Machine Gun
Company 15, Reinforcement 8
|
AWM Embarkation Roll number
|
24/20/3
|
Embarkation details
|
Unit embarked from Melbourne,
Victoria, on board HMAT A34 Persic on 22 December 1916
|
Other details from Roll of
Honour Circular
|
Died Military Hospital, London,
England.
|
Fate
|
Died of disease (Influenza) 3 March 1919
|
Age at death
|
21.7
|
Age at death from cemetery
records
|
21
|
Place of burial
|
Brookwood Military Cemetery
(Plot IV, Row J, Grave No. 7), Surrey, England
|
Panel number, Roll of Honour,
Australian War Memorial |
176
|
Miscellaneous information from
cemetery records |
Parents: James and Mary CUSACK,
Byron Bay, New South Wales
|
- Ernest was born in 1897. His father was James Cusack and his mother was Mary Ann Davies.
- Ernest's unit embarked from Melbourne, Victoria on board HMAS A34 Persic on December 22nd, 1916.
- He served in France.
- Ernest was wounded in September of 1917 with a "shell wound to the chin".
- He died in a military hospital in London, England. Ernest had been on leave and had contracted influenza.
- His headstone reads: "Though lost to sight to memory ever dear"
Regimental number
|
3721
|
Religion
|
Roman Catholic
|
Occupation
|
Plumber
|
Address
|
Byron Bay, New South Wales
|
Marital status
|
Single
|
Age at embarkation
|
20
|
Next of kin
|
Mother, Mrs M A Cusack, Byron
Bay, New South Wales
|
Enlistment date
|
10 August 1915
|
Rank on enlistment
|
Private
|
Unit name
|
15th
Battalion, 12th Reinforcement
|
AWM Embarkation Roll number
|
23/32/2
|
Embarkation details
|
Unit embarked from Sydney, New
South Wales, on board HMAT A23 Suffolk on 30 November 1915
|
Rank from Nominal Roll
|
Private
|
Unit from Nominal Roll
|
15th Battalion
|
Fate
|
Returned to Australia 12 April
1916
|
- Harold as born in 1895. His father was James Cusack and his mother was Mary Ann Davies.
- Harold was an older brother of Ernest (listed above).
- Harold embarked from Sydney, New South Wales on board HMAT A23 Suffolk on November the 30th 1915.
- He made it to a training camp in Egypt but did not join in the Mediterranean Expeditionary Force as he fell ill with acute appendicitis in March of 1916.
- He was discharged as medically unfit and sent home to Australia the following month.
Regimental number
|
6064
|
Place of birth
|
Blakebrook New South Wales
|
Religion
|
Church of England
|
Occupation
|
Labourer
|
Address
|
Byron Bay, New South Wales
|
Marital status
|
Single
|
Age at embarkation
|
27
|
Next of kin
|
Mother, Mrs Mary Ann Cusack,
Byron Bay, New South Wales
|
Enlistment date
|
9 August 1916
|
Rank on enlistment
|
Private
|
Unit name
|
25th
Battalion, 17th Reinforcement
|
AWM Embarkation Roll number
|
23/42/5
|
Embarkation details
|
Unit embarked from Brisbane,
Queensland, on board HMAT A75 Marathon on 27 October 1916
|
Rank from Nominal Roll
|
Private
|
Unit from Nominal Roll
|
9th Battalion
|
Fate
|
Returned to Australia 8 August
1919
|
Other details
|
War service: Western Front
Medals: British War Medal,
Victory Medal
|
- James was born in 1889. His father was James Cusack and his mother was Mary Ann Davies.
- James was a brother of both Ernest and Harold (listed above).
- He embarked on board the HMAT A75 Marathon in October of 1916. James served in France. He was wounded in action in July of 1918.
- The following year, James married Edith Grinstead in London in May 1919.
- He returned home in August of 1919.
Three sons of my maternal Great Great Grandparents, Michael Farrell and Susan Downey/Muldowney.
Patrick Joseph Farrell (my maternal 2nd great uncle)
Regimental number
|
6550
|
Place of birth
|
Durham, England
|
School
|
St Joseph's, West Stanley,
County Durham, England
|
Age on arrival in Australia
|
12
|
Religion
|
Roman Catholic
|
Occupation
|
Ironmoulder
|
Address
|
Bundaberg, Queensland
|
Marital status
|
Single
|
Age at embarkation
|
39
|
Next of kin
|
Mother, Mrs S Farrell, Bridge
Street, Charters Towers, Queensland
|
Enlistment date
|
17 November 1916
|
Rank on enlistment
|
Private
|
Unit name
|
25th
Battalion, 19th Reinforcement
|
AWM Embarkation Roll number
|
23/42/6
|
Embarkation details
|
Unit embarked from Sydney, New
South Wales, on board HMAT A18 Wiltshire on 7 February 1917
|
Rank from Nominal Roll
|
Private
|
Unit from Nominal Roll
|
25th Battalion
|
Fate
|
Killed in Action 20 September
1917
|
Place of death or wounding
|
Polygon Wood, Belgium
|
Age at death
|
39
|
Age at death from cemetery
records
|
39
|
Place of burial
|
No known grave
|
Commemoration details
|
The Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial (Panel 23), Belgium
|
Panel number, Roll of Honour,
Australian War Memorial |
104
|
Miscellaneous information from
cemetery records |
Parents: Michael and Susan
FARRELL. Native of Co. Durham, England
|
Other details
|
War service: Western Front
Medals: British War Medal,
Victory Medal
|
- Patrick was born in 1878 in England. He was the son of Michael Farrell and Susan Muldowney. The family emigrated from England to Australia when Patrick was 8 years old.
- Patrick embarked from Sydney in February of 1917. He served in France and Belgium.
- Patrick was killed in action in late 1917 in the area of the Polygon Wood in Belgium.
- His name is inscribed on the Menin Gate Memorial at Ypres in Belgium.
Matthew Felix Farrell (my maternal 2nd great uncle)
Regimental number
|
6486
|
Place of birth
|
West Stanley England
|
Religion
|
Roman Catholic
|
Occupation
|
Hairdresser
|
Address
|
Bridge Street, Charters Towers,
Queensland
|
Marital status
|
Single
|
Age at embarkation
|
29
|
Next of kin
|
Father, Mr M Farrell, Bridge
Street, Charter's Towers, Queensland
|
Enlistment date
|
10 July 1916
|
Rank on enlistment
|
Private
|
Unit name
|
9th
Battalion, 21st Reinforcement
|
AWM Embarkation Roll number
|
23/26/4
|
Embarkation details
|
Unit embarked from Brisbane,
Queensland, on board HMAT A36 Boonah on 21 October 1916
|
Rank from Nominal Roll
|
Private
|
Unit from Nominal Roll
|
9th Battalion
|
Fate
|
Returned to Australia 5 April
1918
|
- Matthew was born in 1887, in England. He was the son of Michael Farrell and Susan Muldowney, and brother to Patrick (listed above). The family emigrated from England to Australia when Michael was just a few months old.
- Matthew was working on a station named Bluff Downs, near Charters Towers, when he enlisted. He embarked from Brisbane in 1916.
- Matthew served in France and Belgium.
- He somehow fractured both bones in his right leg in October 1917, and was sent home in early 1918.
James Farrell (my maternal 2nd great uncle)
Regimental number
|
22
|
Religion
|
Roman Catholic
|
Occupation
|
Hairdresser
|
Address
|
Brisbane, Queensland
|
Marital status
|
Married
|
Age at embarkation
|
34
|
Next of kin
|
Wife, Mrs Minnie Farrell, Camden
Street, Albion, Brisbane, Queensland
|
Enlistment date
|
4 January 1916
|
Rank on enlistment
|
Private
|
Unit name
|
Brigade 11,
Headquarters
|
AWM Embarkation Roll number
|
23/11/1
|
Embarkation details
|
Unit embarked from Sydney, New
South Wales, on board HMAT A64 Demosthenes on 18 May 1916
|
Rank from Nominal Roll
|
Private
|
Unit from Nominal Roll
|
42nd Battalion
|
Fate
|
Returned to Australia 15 April
1918
|
- James was born in 1880, in England. He was the son of Michael Farrell and Susan Muldowney and brother to both Patrick and Matthew (listed above). The family emigrated from England to Australia when James was 6 years old.
- He embarked from Sydney in 1916 and fought in France.
- In November of 1917 he was sent to a hospital in England suffering from Nephritis, which is apparently an inflammation of the kidneys which causes impaired kidney function.
- He was returned home to Australia in early 1918.
Two sons of my paternal 2x Great Grandparents, Thomas Connors, and Susannah Hukins.
Erice Sylvester Connors (my paternal great uncle)
Regimental number
|
4474
|
Place of birth
|
Berry,
New South Wales
|
Religion
|
Roman
Catholic
|
Occupation
|
Carter
|
Address
|
Gotha
Street, Valley, Brisbane, Queensland
|
Marital status
|
Single
|
Age at embarkation
|
23
|
Next of kin
|
Sister,
Mrs E Bates, 76 Gotha Street, Valley, Brisbane, Queensland
|
Enlistment date
|
28
September 1915
|
Rank on enlistment
|
Private
|
Unit name
|
9th
Battalion, 14th Reinforcement
|
AWM Embarkation Roll number
|
23/26/4
|
Embarkation details
|
Unit
embarked from Brisbane, Queensland, on board HMAT A62 Wandilla on 31
January 1916
|
Rank from Nominal Roll
|
Gunner
|
Unit from Nominal Roll
|
11th
Field Artillery Brigade
|
Other details from Roll of Honour
|
Enlisted
28 September 1915 - 14th Rfcts. 9 Bn. TOS 11 FAS 17 June 1916
|
Fate
|
Killed
in Action 30 December 1916
|
Place of death or wounding
|
Somme,
France
|
Age at death
|
24
|
Place of burial
|
No
known grave
|
Commemoration details
|
Australian National Memorial,
Villers-Bretonneux, France
|
Panel number, Roll of Honour,
Australian War Memorial |
16
|
Family/military connections
|
Brother:
639 WO II Cyril Ernest CONNORS, 6th Light Horse Regiment, returned to
Australia, 15 November 1918.
|
Other details
|
War service: Western
Front
Medals:
British War Medal, Victory Medal
|
- Erice was born in 1892 in New South Wales. He was the son of Thomas Connors and Susannah Hukins.
- Erice embarked from Brisbane in early 1916. He served in France, initially as a gunner with the 43rd Battery of 11th FAB. Then in mid 1916 he was transferred to 11th FAB HQ as a signaller, responsible for communications with the Brigade.
- By December of 1916, Erice was in the area of Flers in The Somme. On the 30th of December, at 4.00 pm a shell hit one of the HQ dugouts. Erice was killed instantaneously.
- His place of burial is unknown.
- Erice's name is listed on the Villers-Bretonneux Memorial in France.
Cyril Ernest Connors (my paternal great uncle)
Regimental number
|
639
|
Date of birth
|
23 April 1890
|
Place of birth
|
Berry, New South Wales
|
Enlistment date
|
1 October 1914
|
Rank from Nominal Roll
|
Warrant Officer II
|
Unit from Nominal Roll
|
6th Light Horse Regiment
|
Fate
|
Returned to Australia 15
November 1918
|
Family/military connections
|
Brother: 4474 Gunner Erice
Sylvester CONNORS, 11th Field Artillery Brigade, killed in action, 30
December 1916.
|
Other details
|
Medals: 1914-15 Star, British War Medal, Victory
Medal
Also served in World War II:
enlisted Adamstown, New South Wales, 19 January 1942; died, N393474 Pte HQ,
Volunteer Defence Corps, New South Wales, 18 June 1942.
|
Date of death | 18 June 1942 |
Age at death
|
52
|
Embarkation Details
|
Eventually his name was found on the embarkation roll for December 1914. Unit embarked from Sydney, New South Wales on board HMAT A29 Suevic 21
|
- Cyril was born in 1888 in New South Wales. His father was Thomas Connors and his mother was Susannah Hukins.
- Cyril was an older brother to Erice (listed above).
- Cyril embarked in late 1914 with the 6th Australian Light Horse Regiment.
- He spent time in Egypt before arriving at Gallipoli on the 20th of May 1915. He became ill with influenza in in October 1915 and was evacuated to Malta.
- He spent six months there and then returned to Egypt where he joined the Imperial Camel Corps and rose to the rank of Company Quarter Master Sergeant. This unit saw some heavy fighting. He was wounded several times.
- In 1918 the Camel Corps was disbanded and he transferred back to the Light Horse.
- He returned to Australia on leave in November 1918 just as the war was ending.
I have included your blog/s in INTERESTING BLOGS in FRIDAY FOSSICKING at
ReplyDeletehttps://thatmomentintime-crissouli.blogspot.com/2018/04/friday-fossicking-27th-april-2018.html
Thank you, Chris
This is amazing. You have done a fantastic job of putting this together regarding your Diggers in your family.
ReplyDeleteIt's a labour of love, given that I knew absolutely nothing about these people for so long.
Delete