Spotlight On ... Joined Together!

For this Spotlight post, I'm sharing more of the wedding day photos from my family tree photo collection.  These are photos of relatives other than my direct ancestors and I will keep adding photos as I discover them during my family tree research.  

(I have published a previous post of wedding day photos from the period 1871-1919: Link)

This particular collection of photos span the decades from the 1920s to the 1960s, and shows changing trends in wedding attire, particularly for the women.  You can also get a sense of social class, whether they were well-off or less than affluent; and a sense of location, near a town or city where they could access a photographic studio or perhaps living in a small township with photos taken by other family members in the front or back yard. 

Looking at this particular group of 50 couples, the data shows that the majority of these marriages lasted a long time.  The most consistent reason for the end of a marriage was the death of a spouse.  

Sadly the shortest marriage span was that of my maternal Aunt Marcella (my mother's sister).  Her marriage only lasted 7 months as she died suddenly.  Other short marriages included:

- my paternal Uncle Colin's marriage as his wife died unexpectedly just three years after their wedding day

- my 2nd cousin once removed Sydney's marriage lasted just four short years because Sydney died as a prisoner of war during WW11

- my mother and father's marriage only lasted nine years as my mother passed away when she was only 44 years old.

There was one member of this group of people who did appear to go through with a divorce, although I have not yet found any record of this.  It happened in the 1930s which took me by surprise.  It was not all that common to get a divorce even then.   

On a brighter note, the marriage that lasted the longest was that of my maternal 1st cousin once removed, Irene Alma (known as Bond) Bidgood and Edward Michael (known as Ted) Lawlor.  They were married for 70 years. 

1920s  

Photo shared by omeb1 on Ancestry.com

Elizabeth Ann Thomas  (my paternal 2nd cousin 2x removed) married Keith Collins in 1920, at Orange in New South Wales.

Elizabeth was 28 years old and Keith was 23.  When Elizabeth passed away, they had been married for over 50 years.

Elizabeth wore quite a plain wedding dress with very little adornment, and seemingly no veil either.  It does appear that she is wearing a simple necklace and a quite large-faced watch. 

Common Ancestor:  (with Elizabeth)  my 3x great grandparents William Henry Browning and Anne (Nancy) Littlejohns

Photo shared by helenmayne0 on Ancestry.com

Alice Maud Thomas (my paternal 2nd cousin 2x removed), sister to Elizabeth pictured above, married David Young the following year, in 1921.  They also married in Orange, in New South Wales.

Alice was aged 22 and David was 28.  They were married for just 26 years, as David died in 1947.   

In contrast to her sister, Alice had a long, intricately decorated veil and held a beautiful bouquet.  She also wore a simple necklace.

Common Ancestor:  (with Alice)  my 3x great grandparents William Henry Browning and Anne (Nancy) Littlejohns

Photo shared by my Uncle

Sarah Mary Josephine McCane (my maternal grandmother) and James O'Donnell  (my maternal grandfather) also married in 1921.

They wed on the property owned by Sarah's father, near Gumlu  in Queensland.   They remained married for 49 years until the passing of my grandmother Sarah in 1970.

As you can see, there was no studio portrait taken that day.  There was actually no studio for hundreds of miles, so the wedding day photos were taken in the back yard with a blanket on the ground and the climbing rose bushes as the background.

My grandmother's dress was quite simple, but she did wear rather an ornate wedding veil and carried a bouquet of flowers and ferns taken from the family's garden.

My grandfather looks very dapper is his suit with the waistcoat and starched white shirt.  He is also wearing white gloves, which was a trend for grooms at the time.  My eye is always drawn to that unusually shaped object hanging on my grandfather's waistcoat chain.  I wonder if that was a wedding gift from my grandmother or perhaps my grandmother's family?

Photo shared by carol731963 on Ancestry.com

Eileen Roxena Maud Browning  (my paternal 2nd cousin 2x removed) married twice.  

This photo shows Eileen on her first wedding day, in 1921, when she married Richard Mills in Sydney, New South Wales.  Eileen was 17 years old.

She word quite a simple dress with a large sash across the waistline.  She also wore a watch.

Eileen and Richard appear to have divorced at some stage around 1930, as both went on to marry other people and lived into the early 1970s.

Common Ancestor:  (with Eileen)  my 3x great grandparents William Henry Browning and Anne (Nancy) Littlejohns.

Photo shared by jillymac1 on Ancestry.com

Alma Grace Barrow McCann (my paternal 3rd cousin once removed) married Eric Mason in 1922.  They married in Lismore, New South Wales.

Alma was 23 years old and Eric was supposedly only 16.   They were married for 52 years as Eric passed away in 1974. 

Again, the wedding dress was quite plain.  Alma wore a headdress with her veil and carried a stunning and quite enormous bouquet.

Common Ancestors:  (with Alma)  my 3x great grandparents James Exton and Susannah Lancaster.

Photo shared by a distant cousin

Norah O'Donnell (my maternal 2nd cousin 2x removed) married Patrick Irish in 1924 at St. Patrick's Basilica in Montreal, Canada.  

At the time, Nora was working as a teacher and was 25 years old.  Patrick was aged 38.  After their wedding in Canada, they returned to live in Nicholastown, County Kilkenny, in Ireland where their four children were born.  Norah and Patrick were married for 21 years until Norah passed away in 1945, aged only 47.  

Norah's wedding dress is simply stunning with that rather dramatic-looking panel that runs the length of her dress.  What an eye-catching outfit.  

Common Ancestors:  my 3x great grandparents Patrick O'Donnell Daniel) and Margaret Rafter.

Charles Leslie McCann (my paternal 3rd cousin once removed), brother to Alma Grace Barrow McCann pictured above, married Katherine Patricia Fisher in 1925 in Nambour, Queensland.

Charles Leslie (known as Les) was 25 years old and Katherine (known as Kitty) was 22.  Their marriage lasted for 47 years until Katherine became a widow in 1971. 

Interestingly, Katherine did not choose the traditional white dress or veil.  Perhaps this was a matter of affordability at the time.

Charles looks very smart in his suit.

Common Ancestors:  (with Charles)  my 3x great grandparents James Exton and Susannah Lancaster.

Photo shared by AllisonKing01 on Ancestry.com

Myrtle Hukins (my paternal 1st cousin 2x removed) married Stanley Harrington Latty in 1925.  They married at Fairfield, in New South Wales when Myrtle was 26 and Stanley was 29.

Whilst Myrtle's wedding dress is quite simple and plain, her wedding veil is stunning.  Those shoes are quite lovely as well.  Stanley has gone for the starched white shirt and white bow tie, and matching white gloves.

Their marriage lasted for 37 years as Myrtle became a widow with the passing of her husband in 1962.

Common Ancestors:  (with Myrtle)  my 2x great grandparents Adolphus Hukins and Mary Ann Farley.

Photo shared by klhughes112 on Ancestry.com

Marie Olive Cusack (my paternal 1st cousin 2x removed) married Lewis Woolridge in 1925.  Marie was 22 years old and Lewis was also 22.  They married in Byron Bay, New South Wales.  Marie and Lewis were married for 40 years, until Marie's death in 1965.  

Marie is wearing the popular fashion of the time, a slightly loose, straight-cut dress with a dropped waistline and raised hemline. Her veil was also typical of the fashion at the time, calf-length netting fixed with a floral wreath on the bride's head.  Her bouquet is naturalistic and the outfit is completed with white stockings and white buckled shoes.

Common Ancestors: (with Marie) my paternal 2x great grandparents Patrick Cusack and Eliza Exton.

Photo shared by my third cousin Doreen Power

Norah Lonergan (my maternal 1st cousin 2x removed) married Edward James Elliott across the pond in the U.S.A.  They married in 1927 when Norah was aged 25 and Edward was 31.

Their marriage took place at Long Island City, Queens, New York, lasting 47 years until Norah became a widow in 1974.

This is such a beautiful wedding portrait.  My eyes are drawn to that stunning bouquet of roses and that long, long veil with its very pretty headpiece.   I also adore the bridesmaid's bouquet of rose buds.

Common Ancestors:  (with Norah)  my 2x great grandparents John O'Donnell and Catherine Joy.

Photo shared by atmese on Ancestry.com

Leila May Atherton (the wife of my maternal 1st cousin 2x removed) is with her bridesmaids, Betty and Mary, on her wedding day in early 1929.   Leila married Frank Warren Shaw in Nambour, Queensland when she was 26 and Frank was aged 29. 

I found a newspaper article about Leila's wedding day and in it there is a detailed description of her beautiful wedding dress:

"The bride, who was given away by her father, wore a frock of ivory Chantilly lace over silver lame made with a draped bodice, and a long skirt featuring an uneven hemline trimmed with handmade silver flowers.  Her veil of embroidered tulle over pink crepe de Chine was lent by Mrs. Claude Duncombe, and she carried a sheaf of orchids."

The same article also describes the gowns of the bridesmaids:

"There were two bridesmaids in attendance, the Misses Betty Atherton (sister of the bride) and Mary Shaw (sister of the groom), who were frocked alike in lavender georgette fashioned with petalled skirts, and in each petal there was a pink flat flower.  They also wore large cream hats trimmed with lavender flowers, and they carried shower bouquets of pink roses."   (Nambour Chronicle and North Coast Advertiser, Friday, 1 February 1929).

Leila and Frank were married for 24 years.  Leila became a widow in 1953 with the passing of her husband Frank.

Common Ancestors:  (with Frank)  my maternal 2x great grandparents Michael Farrell and Susan Muldowney.

1930s

Photo shared by bluehills05 on Ancestry.com

Mabel Eunice Susan Cusack  (my paternal 1st cousin 2x removed) married in 1930.  She married Harold Armfield in Byron Bay, New South Wales, when she was 20.  Harold was 21.

Their marriage lasted for 55 years when Harold became a widow in 1985. 

Both the wedding dress and the bridesmaid's dress are quite short, at knee length.  The bride's veil is once again, the thing that draws my attention.  It's floor length and held in place with a delicate floral headband.

Common Ancestors:  (with Mabel)  my paternal 2x great grandparents Patrick Cusack and Eliza Exton.

                          Photo shared by my third cousin Doreen Power

Photo shared by my 3rd cousin
Doreen Power

Mary (Mae) O'Donnell (my maternal 2nd cousin once removed) married James Warren McKenna in 1931 in Kings County, New York, U.S.A.  Mary was 19 and James was 23.  They were married for 34 years until James passed away in 1965.

While Mary is wearing quite a simple straight-cut dress, her bridesmaid (her sister Lorena) is wearing a sleeveless dress with multiple layers in the skirt.  I'm fascinated by the oversized satin bows on both the bouquets!  Seems out of the ordinary.

This photo, showing Mary (Mae) on her own, is so lovely.  Just look at that fabulous bouquet!  The veil appears to be double-layered and edge by the most gorgeous lace.  The wedding dress itself is plain and understated so that the veil and bouquet take the spotlight.

Common Ancestors:  (with Mary)  my maternal 2x great grandparents John O'Donnell and Catherine Joy.

Photo shared by Dorothy Smith on Ancestry.com

Reginald Smith (my paternal 2nd cousin 2x removed) married Lilian Elizabeth Fordham in 1931.  They married in Kyogle, New South Wales when Reginald was 30 years old and Lilian was 26.

My attention is drawn to the length of Reginald's trousers, as they do seem rather short!  Lilian is wearing a typical early 1930s calf-length wedding dress with a lovely headdress and veil, and the standard white stockings and shoes.

Reginald and Lilian were married for 19 years, as Lilian became a widow in 1950.

Common Ancestors:  (with Reginald)  my paternal 3x great grandparents William Browning and Anne (Nancy) Littlejohns.

Photo shared by asm94563 on Ancestry.com

Rita Jane Smith (my paternal 3rd cousin once removed) married Thomas Frederick Bruggy in 1932.  They married in Lismore, New South Wales, when Rita was 21 and Thomas was 24.

The photo shows Rita in her simple white wedding dress, wearing a dainty flower-trimmed head piece and a long veil edged with embroidery.

Rita is carrying a stunning bouquet that seems to have lots of daisies and a few roses.  

Rita's marriage lasted for only 18 years as she passed away in 1950.

Common Ancestors:  (with Rita)  my 3x great grandparents Michael Cusack and Mary Green.

Photo shared by MareeJoy1972 on Ancestry.com

John Herbert McCann (my paternal 3rd cousin 2x removed), brother to both Alma Grace and Charles Leslie McCann mentioned earlier, married Violet Matilda Vidler in 1933.

They married in Lismore, New South Wales, when John was 28 years old and Violet was 23.  They remained married for 49 years, until John passed away in 1982.

I noticed Violet's wedding dress has puffs at the top of her long sleeves, and she does not appear to be wearing white stockings which seemed to be the usual choice for bride's wedding outfit at that time.  Her bridal bouquet is simply gorgeous.

Common Ancestors:  (with John)  my paternal 3x great grandparents James Exton and Susannah Lancaster.

Photo shared by my second cousin Brigid O'Donnell

Catherine O'Donnell (my maternal 1st cousin 2x removed) married Nicholas Flahavan in County Kilkenny, Ireland in 1934.  Catherine was 39 years old and Nicholas was 58.  

The wedding day photo was taken outside the family home and Catherine wore a very elegant yet simple dress, while Nicholas wore a smart suit with a flower spray on the lapel.  Catherine and Nicholas were married for 30 years, until Catherine died in 1964.  Nicholas died two years later.

Common Ancestors:  (with Catherine)  my maternal 2x great grandparents John O'Donnell and Catherine Joy.

Photos shared by my 3rd cousin Doreen Power

Lorraine (Lorena) Frances O'Donnell (my maternal 2nd cousin once removed) married James Francis Kenney in 1934.  Lorraine was 19 years old and James was 27.  They married at St. Alphonsus Church in Greenpoint, Brooklyn, New York.

Lorraine (known as Lorena) and James were married for 38 years until James passed away in 1972.

Lorraine's wedding gown is patterned with what look like little flowers and scalloped embroidery.   The very long veil also appears to have little flower sprays sewn onto the scalloped edging and larger flowers sewn above that.  Lorraine's flower bouquet is simply stunning.

Common Ancestors:  (with Mary)  my maternal 2x great grandparents John O'Donnell and Catherine Joy.  

Esme Isabel Aitkin (the wife of my maternal 1st cousin 2x removed), married Edwin Gilbert Shaw in 1935.  She was 21 and he was 26. 

They married in Bundaberg, Queensland and their marriage lasted for 48 years until the death of Edwin in 1983.

This amazing wedding dress seems to be so vastly different to the trends seen in the previous photos.  It seems Esme was quite fashionable and up-to-date with her choice of wedding ensemble for her mid-1930s wedding day.

The dress is floor length and all lace.  Esme is wearing elbow-length gloves and her veil appears to be embroidered all over, not just around the edges.

(Photos shared by Jo Cucchiaro)

The headpiece looks more tiara-like than the usual headband and it appears to be adorned with stones rather than the typical flowers.

Obviously the mid 1930s was the start of a new trend in wedding attire.

Common Ancestors:  (with Esme's husband, Edwin)

my maternal 2x great grandparents Michael Farrell and Susan Muldowney.

Photo shared by David Shaw Gordon

Margaret Hilda Shaw (my maternal 1st cousin 2x removed), sister-in-law of Esme mentioned above, married Alan Desmond Whitbread Johnston in 1935 when she was 35.  Alan was 29 years old.  

They married in Innisfail, Queensland and were married for 19 years as Margaret died in 1954.

An article printed in the Cairns Post dated Thursday, 8th of August, 1935, provides a description of Margaret's wedding dress and veil:

"The bride looked charming in a beautiful frock of magnolia satin which was made with long sleeves, and a slurred under bodice and small waistcoat effect fastened at the waist line with a diamante buckle.

The Honiton lace veil was lined with pale pink tulle, and was held in place by a coronet of orange bloom.  White stain shoes, and an exquisite bouquet of Madonna lilies, white roses and maidenhair ferns, and tulle streamers completed a pretty picture."

Common Ancestors:  (with Margaret)  my maternal 2x great grandparents Michael Farrell and Susan Muldowney.

Photo shared by my cousin Keith, son of the groom Colin

Colin Vincent Connors (my paternal uncle) married Ruth May Masters in 1935.  They were married at the Wesley Church at Kangaroo Point in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.  Colin was aged 26 and Ruth was 22.

Sadly, their marriage only lasted for three years as Ruth passed away just a few weeks after giving birth to twin daughters.  

I adore this photo of my uncle and his first wife.  I know that Ruth made her own wedding dress and veil.  While the dress itself was rather simple, the veil is an absolute work of art with four layers of tulle attached to a tiara-like headband.  I love the three flowers sewn on the neckline of Ruth's wedding dress.

Common Ancestors:  (with my uncle Colin)  my paternal grandparents George Thomas Connors and Grace Olive Brown.

Photo shared by my  3rd cousin on Ancestry.com

 William Augustine Farrell (my maternal 1st cousin 2x removed) married Rachel Currie McBride in 1935.  William was aged 27 and Rachel was 24.  They married in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.

William and Rachel were married for 56 years and had three sons together.  They both passed away in 1991.

Rachel is wearing quite a fitted dress with long sweeping lines.  The neckline is high and she is wearing long elbow-length white gloves.  Her tulle veil is floor length and held in place by a tiara style headband.  Rachel's wedding dress is the first one in my wedding dress photo collection that has a train.

Common Ancestors:  (with William)  my maternal 2x great grandparents Michael Farrell and Susan Muldowney/Downey.

Photo shared by businefamily on Ancestry.com

Sydney Herbert Thomas Busine (my paternal 2nd cousin once removed) married Rheita Ann Madden in mid-1939.  They married in Sydney, New South Wales when Sydney was aged 21, and Rheita was 20.

They were married for only 4 years, as Sydney died as a prisoner of war in Burma during WW2.  I always get a little choked up when I see this photo as my second cousin and his wife look so very young and happy, not knowing what they were about to face in the coming four years.

Rheita's dress has quite a long train and she is carrying a lucky horseshoe with her bouquet.  The dress itself appears to be quite plain apart from the bodice which has more detail on it. The long veil is designed to sit atop the dress train and is about the same length. 

Sydney looks very comfortable in his smart suit.

Common Ancestors:  (with Sydney)  my paternal 2x great grandparents Patrick Cusack and Eliza Exton.

Norma Beryl Jean Moehead (my paternal 3rd cousin once removed) married Harold Lloyd Cupitt in 1939.  They married in Lismore, New South Wales, Australia when Norma was aged 19 and Harold was 26.

Norma and Harold were married for 24 years.  Harold passed away in 1962 at the rather young age of 50.  Norma did re-marry seven years later and that marriage lasted for 32 years until Norma became a widow in 2001.

This wedding group portrait is such a magnificent end to the 1930s collection of wedding photos.  The entire wedding party looks almost regal!  Even the bridesmaids' dresses have trains, and they're quite long. All of the dresses appear to have a sweetheart neckline. The quirky looking hats that the bridesmaids are all wearing add that special touch. 

I have to say I'm very impressed by the enormous bouquets the bridesmaids are carrying.  So many blooms!  The bride's bouquet is quite simply stunning with what appear to be brugmansia flowers hanging from the bottom.

The scene-stealer though is definitely that gorgeous little flower girl.  She just wants the whole day to end!

Common Ancestors: (with Norma)  my paternal 3x great grandparents William Henry Browning and Anne (Nancy) Littlejohns.

1940s

Photo shared by rachelgoddard1 on Ancestry.com

Rita Sneddon (the daughter of the husband of my paternal 1st cousin 3x removed) married  Arthur Sydney Goddard in 1942, in the midst of the war years.  They were married in Sydney, New South Wales, when Rita was 26 and Arthur was 25.

They were married for 31 years until Rita became a widow in 1973.

This photo reflects the wedding attire chosen by many during the Second World War years - ordinary dresses for the ladies and uniform for the men.  Rita is wearing a smart and fashionable white dress with a hat and bag matching the colour of her bridesmaid's dress.  Doesn't that look lovely?  

Allan Herbert Cusack  (my paternal 2nd cousin 2x removed) married Matilda Dorothy Pilkington in 1942.  Allan was 30 years old and Matilda was 26.  They married in Victoria, Australia.

Allan and Matilda remained married for 54 years until Matilda's passing in 1996.  Allan passed away the following year.

The photo above shows Matilda with her bridesmaids, flowergirl and her mother.  Behind the bridesmaids stands Allan and his best man.

Matilda's dress is quite simple in design but is made out of a beautiful lace over satin.  The dress has long lace sleeves and a high neckline.  Her veil is held in place with a pretty garland of flowers.

The bridesmaid's dresses are also quite simple in design, but with short puffed sleeves.  All the bridesmaids are also wearing short veils, which I haven't seen all that often in my family tree wedding photos.

The scene stealer in both the wedding day photos is that adorable little flower girl.  The bow in her hair is almost as big as her head!  She is also wearing a little veil.

Common Ancestors: (with Allan)  my paternal 3x great grandparents Michael Cusack and Mary Green.

Photo shared by joybailey591 on Ancestry.com

Cecil James Peter McQuilty  (my paternal 2nd cousin 2x removed) married just before he was discharged from the AIF in 1945, when he was aged 29.  He married Berenice Joan Miller who was just 19 years old.

Cecil and Berenice married in Sydney, Australia.  They remained married for 42 years until Cecil passed away in 1987, and raised five children together.

There are a number of things I love about Berenice's wedding gown.  It's a gorgeous satin gown with a sweetheart neckline with small sprays of flowers sewn at the sides of this neckline.  She's also wearing beautiful long satin gloves and atop the halo-like head band there's another little spray of flowers.  Berenice also went all the way and had her hair styled beautifully to suit.

Common Ancestors:  (with Cecil)  my paternal 3x great grandparents James Exton and Susannah Lancaster.

Photo shared by Carol Chandler on Ancestry.com

Cyril James Reid (my paternal 2nd cousin 2x removed) was another of my relatives who had a wartime wedding.  He married Muriel Emily Barnes nee Lemon, sometime around 1944-1945.  I don't have an exact date, but it would have been after Muriel had been granted a divorce by the courts in 1944.  

Cyril would have been about 27 and Muriel (known as Babs) would have been 41.  It was Muriel's second marriage.

Cyril and Muriel were married for around 45 years, until Cyril passed away in 1989.

Common Ancestors:  (with Cyril)  my paternal 3x great grandparents James Exton and Susannah Lancaster.

Photo shared by mareecarpenter on Ancestry.com

Emma Eileen May Reid (my paternal 2nd cousin 2x removed), half-sister to Cyril mentioned above, wed Murray Aubrey Waddell in 1946.  She was 31 and he was aged 28.  They were married for 22 years, until the death of Murray in 1968.

Emma married after the end of WW2, and she chose a glamorous all lace gown with a train of the same material.   She wore a flower-adorned coronet and a long veil with embroidery all around the edging.  Emma carried a small bouquet.

Common Ancestors:  (with Emma)  my paternal 3x great grandparents James Exton and Susannah Lancaster.

Photo shared by asm94563 on Ancestry.com

Leila Mary Smith  (my paternal 3rd cousin once removed) married in 1946 when she was 26 years old.  She married Douglas Allen Madson who was 22 years old.

Leila and Douglas were married for 59 years.  Sadly they missed their 60th wedding anniversary as Douglas passed away in 2005.

They married in the suburb of Forest Lodge in Sydney at St. James's Church.

Here they are on the steps outside the church posing for another photo.

Leila's dress is a beautiful satin gown with a fitted bodice, sweetheart neckline and long sleeves.

I do so love the vibrancy of the turquoise bridesmaids' dresses and those little hats they are both wearing.

Common Ancestors:  (with Leila)  my paternal 3x great grandparents Michael Cusack and Mary Green.

Photo shared by Tony Walsh on Ancestry.com

Eunice Marjorie Woolridge  (my paternal 2nd cousin once removed) was 21 years old when she married Edward Alfred Gray in 1947.  They married in Byron Bay, New South Wales.

Eunice and Edward remained married for 58 years until Edward passed away in 2005.

In the wedding day portrait I noticed the satin panelling at the bottom of the bridesmaid's dress immediately as it seemed to match the fabric of the bride's dress.  Eunice's wedding gown is quite simple.  Interestingly the gown had a long train but quite a short veil.  I have to say I adore the little flower girl's dress with all its ruffles and that jaunty little hat that sits atop her curls.

Common Ancestors:  (with Eunice)  my paternal 2x great grandparents Patrick Cusack and Eliza Exton.

Photo shared by Malcolm Harris on Ancestry.com

John Francis Tyler (my paternal 1st cousin once removed) wed Joan Margaret Barry in 1948 at Dulwich Hill in New South Wales. 

John was 21 and Joan was 18.  They were married for 44 years until John died in 1992.

I'd love to know what colour the bridesmaid's dresses were and I'm intrigued to see that the bridesmaid's headpieces also appear to have small veils.  Was this a common thing?

Common Ancestors:  (with John)

my paternal great grandparents Richard Brown and Ellen Cusack.

Robert Edward O'Donnell  (my maternal 2nd cousin once removed) married Catherine DeMarco in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, New York in 1948.  Robert was 26 years old and Catherine was 21.

They remained married for 29 years.  Sadly Robert passed away in 1977 at the relatively young age of 55.

Robert looks so very dapper in his wedding portrait.  He's sporting a long dress coat as part of his suit and wearing a cravat under that stiff white collar.  Catherine's wedding gown is quite beautiful with its full skirt and lovely neckline accentuated with a lace border very similar to the border on her veil.  She wore a very pretty crown atop her beautiful curls.

Common Ancestors: (with Robert)  my maternal 2x great grandparents John O'Donnell and Catherine Joy.

Photo shared by my cousin Therese (Irene's daughter)

Irene Alma Bidgood  (my maternal 1st cousin once removed) married Edward Michael Lawlor in 1949.  Irene (known as Bon) was 22 years old and Edward was 28.  They married in Bowen, Queensland, Australia and were married for 70 years, until Irene passed away in 2019.

Irene's dress looks deceptively simple but on closer inspection you will notice the beautiful embroidery all around the hem of her dress.  Her floor-length veil is also beautifully embroidered all around the edges.

The bridesmaid's simple dresses with floor length skirts are so pretty, covered in flowers with short puffed sleeves.  They are both wearing spectacular wide-brimmed nylon hats and lace gloves.

My mum Margaret was one of the bridesmaids.  She's on the left.  Irene was one of Mum's first cousins.

Common Ancestors: (with Irene)  my maternal great grandparents Owen McCane (Muckian) and Margaret Farrell.

1950s

Photo shared by BrendaDeSantis73 on Ancestry.com

Edward Francis O'Donnell (my maternal 2nd cousin once removed) married Marilyn May Tain in Freehold, Monmouth County, New Jersey, U.S.A. in 1950.  They were married for 64 years, until Edward passed away in 2014.

I love the simplicity of this wedding day photo.  They truly do look so happy as they cut the cake during their wedding reception.  This is a simple family wedding. Nothing terribly lavish.  I can spot sandwiches, coleslaw and cocktail onions on sticks for the wedding luncheon ... so 1950s!  

The bride is wearing an elegant two-piece suit with a simple pill-box hat with a short veil, while the groom is dressed in a stylish striped suit.

Common Ancestors:  (with Edward)  my maternal 2x great grandparents John O'Donnell and Catherine Joy.

Photo shared by philathh on Ancestry.com

Hilton Alexander Hart (my paternal 2nd cousin once removed) married Kathleen Mary Chetham in 1952.  They married at Maitland, New South Wales when Hilton was 31 and Kathleen was 21.

They were married for 32 years until Hilton became a widower in 1984.

I adore this photo ... the bike leaning on the front wall behind them, the formidable looking garden ornament beside them in amongst the overgrown lawn and those radiant smiling faces!  

The bride is wearing quite a simple long white dress with a peculiar looking head piece / hat with a spotted veil.  

Common Ancestors:  (with Hilton)  my paternal 2x great grandparents Henry Johnson Brown and Caroline Penelope Browning.

Photo shared by Mise2a on Ancestry.com

Neville Charles Guthrey (my paternal 2nd cousin once removed) married Berrice Mary Coleman in the late 1950s.  I don't have an exact date for their wedding day, but it's likely they were married for around 55 years when Neville passed away in 2014.

The bride's dress is quite lovely with its lace sleeves and ribboned skirt.  I'm not so sure I love the fingerless gloves worn by the women and the flower girl though.  

Common Ancestors:  (with Neville)  my paternal 2x great grandparents Adolphus Hukins and Mary Ann Farley.

My photo

Margaret Brigid O'Donnell  (my mother) married Bede William Connors (my father) in 1959.  They married in Bowen, Queensland when Margaret was 35 and Bede was aged 34.  Sadly the marriage was to last only 9 years as my mother passed in 1968.

Photo shared by my Uncle

Marcella Therese O'Donnell  (my maternal Aunt), my mother's sister, wed Geoffrey James Webber in 1960 at Bowen, Queensland.  

Marcella was aged 25 and tragically the marriage only lasted seven months as Marcella passed away in 1961.

Both sisters wore similar wedding dresses - all-over lace, with a tight-fitting bodice, a collared neckline, full length sleeves and a full-circle skirt.  Their veils were short and held in place with coronets.  Margaret and Marcella carried small bouquets and satin-covered lucky horseshoes.

1960s

Photo shared by David Shaw Gordon on Ancestry.com

Elizabeth Marion Gordon (my maternal 2nd cousin once removed) wed Kevin John Gregg in 1964.  

They married in Mosman, New South Wales when Elizabeth was 25 and Kevin was 35.  They were married for 55 years, until Elizabeth passed away in 2019.

Elizabeth's wedding dress is simplicity itself.  The veil is beautifully embroidered and held in place by a simple band.

The bridesmaid's hat is a statement though!  

Common Ancestors:  (with Elizabeth)  my maternal 2x great grandparents Michael Farrell and Susan Muldowney.

Spotlight On ... My Family's WW11 Veterans.

All my family's WW11 veterans in one place .........

I've previously posted about all the brave men in the family who sailed off overseas to fight in World War 1 (click on this link: Lest We Forget) and now it's time to pay tribute to all the women and the men on my family tree who served Australia's cause in the second World War.

The family members highlighted in this post were members of what has come to be known as the "greatest generation".  This was a generation who knew real hardship and heartache and withstood the trials and tribulations that came their way with great fortitude and forbearance.  

They were mostly born in the 1900s to 1920s and lived through very difficult times bought on by economic stress and global warfare.  They were born during or just after WW1, grew up or came of age during the Great Depression and served during WW11.  They left an amazing legacy of integrity, commitment, self-sacrifice, personal responsibility, frugality and a strong work ethic.

When looking over the records of the 84 family members I've researched so far, I noted a few interesting points:

  

When it came to the military branch most of the family members served with, there was a clear winner. 

• The majority of these relatives, 41 in all, served with the 2nd AIF - the Second Australian Imperial Force - the name given to the volunteer personnel of the Australian Army who served worldwide.  The 2nd AIF was disbanded after WW11.

• 23 served with the Citizens Military Forces - partly conscripted and liable for service within Australia and a defined area in the South West Pacific.  The CMF were initially involved in garrison duties at home in Australia and New Guinea, which was an Australian territory at the time.  This all changed when Japan entered the war on the 8th of December, 1941 though.  A number of the CMF units served overseas during the Pacific War as well.  1941 also saw the VDC (Volunteer Defence Corps) officially incorporated into The Australian Army as part of the CMF.

• There were several who served with both the CMF and the AIF at different times during their war service, but I have only included them in the numbers for the AIF.

• 20 family members served with the RAAF - the Royal Australian Air Force.

Something else that caught my eye during this research were the enlistment dates for these family members.

• 34 enlisted fairly early on, in either 1940 or 1941, when the theatres of war only included Europe, the Mediterranean and Africa.

• 50 enlisted in 1942 to 1944 when the horrors of war moved closer to home.

Japan had occupied most of south-east Asia and large areas of the Pacific after they entered the war at the end of 1941, so I can understand why so many more family members enlisted from the beginning of 1942 onwards ... the war had come to our shores!  

I found the ages of enlistment quite interesting as well.

• 18 enlisted before they had turned 20 - when they were 17, 18 or 19.

• 33 enlisted when they were in their 20s.

• 21 enlisted when they were in their 30s.

• 9 were in their 40s, including Robert Dooley, Albert Hokin and Alan Desmond Whitbread Johnston who re-enlisted after serving in WW1.

• 3 were in their 50s, including Cyril Ernest Connors and Charles Barrow who had both served in WW1; and there was also one fellow, Eugene John McQuilty, who was one year shy of 60 when he enlisted!!!

There were also quite a varying array of occupations these family members had before they enlisted ... including one who worked as a cordial maker, one who was apparently a traveller, and one who worked as a butter churner!!!

I've included information about how these family members served, primarily focusing on their last posting before being discharge.  It was fascinating to me that out of the 72 family members, the majority did not end up serving with the same unit,.  

3 family members all served with the 1st NSW Battalion Voluntary Defence Corps.

2 family members served with the Australian Women's Army Services.

2 brothers (twin brothers) Harold and Hector Cusack, who enlisted on the same day, served with the 2nd/14th Infantry Battalion.

There was such a variety in the ways these people served their country, everything from the Australian Forestry Company, the Australian Entertainment Unit, the Light Field Ambulance, the Topographical Survey Company, the Flying Boat Repair Depot to various Infantry Battalions and Field Companies.

Thankfully, the majority of those who served returned home and lived fairly long lives.  There were five who never returned home however.  Two were killed in action and three died as a prisoners of war.   

There were two family members who survived being prisoners of war, which was heartening to see!

Extra notes:

In this post I've sorted the family members into two primary groups - those on the maternal side of my family tree and those on the paternal side.  Then I further sorted into smaller groups according to the ancestors we share.

I also included as many enlistment photos as possible, so I could put faces to names.  I find that makes all these people far more real somehow, knowing what they looked like upon their enlistment.  Not all service records had photos attached however.

This is a long post as I wanted to keep a record of all my family's WW11 veterans in one place.  I will be adding to this post as more discoveries come to light during my research efforts.

On my maternal side:

1.  Common Ancestors:  my maternal great grandparents Owen McCane (Muckian) and Margaret Farrell.

Thomas Owen McCane  1899-1967, my maternal great uncle.

Son of Owen McCane (Muckian) and Margaret Farrell.  Known as 'Tom'.

Enlisted at the age of 43 with the CMF/VDC.   

Served part-time with the 15th (QLD) Battalion Volunteer Defence Corps in Queensland, Australia.

Occupation before enlistment:  State School Teacher

Edward Joseph McCane  1923 - 2009, my maternal 1st cousin once removed.

Son of Thomas Owen McCane (listed above) and Agnes Theresa Parnell.  Known as 'Teddy'.

  Enlisted at the age of 19 with the RAAF.

  He completed quite extensive training including Initial Training School, Wireless Air Gunner School, School of Technical Training, Service Flying Training School, mostly in Queensland.  

   He then served as a Wireless Assistant at the RAAF Station Tocumwal in New South Wales, Australia.

  Occupation before enlistment:  School Teacher.

Leonard Ashley Bidgood  1920 - 1999, my maternal 1st cousin once removed.

Son of Frank Alexander Bidgood and Susan Mary McCane.

Enlisted at the age of 20 with the CMF.  

Served with the 31st Battalion D Company in Townsville, Queensland, Australia.  

Discharged in 1942 because he was needed for essential service with the railways.

Occupation before enlistment:  Railway Employee  

Ernest Alfred Bidgood  1922 - 1973, my maternal 1st cousin once removed.

Son of Frank Alexander Bidgood and Susan Mary McCane.  Known as 'Ernie'.

Brother of Leonard Ashley Bidgood (listed above).  

Enlisted at the age of 20 with the CMF/VDC.  

Served with the 22nd (QLD) Battalion Volunteer Defence Corps in Queensland, Australia.

Occupation before enlistment:  Farmer

Ernest's name is inscribed on the North Queensland Garden of Remembrance memorial which stands on the Strand in Townsville, north Queensland, Australia.

Edward Michael Lawlor, 1920 - 2022, brother-in-law of Leonard & Ernest (listed above).

Son of Edward Lawlor and Gretta Grace Dunstan.  Known as 'Ted'. 

Husband of my maternal 1st cousin once removed, Irene Alma (Bon) Bidgood, sister of Leonard & Ernest.

(Connection by marriage to my maternal great grandparents Owen McCane (Muckian) and Margaret Farrell).

  Enlisted at the age of 20 with the AIF.

  Served with the C Squadron of the 2nd/4th Armoured Regiment in New Guinea.

  Occupation before enlistment:  Unemployed.

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2.  Common Ancestors:  my maternal 2x great grandparents, Michael Farrell and Susan Muldowney (Downey).

John Michael Farrell  1905 - 1989, my maternal 1st cousin 2x removed.

Son of Michael Farrell and Hannah Margaret Hynes.

Enlisted as the age of 34 with the AIF.  

Served as an Accountant with the Australian Army Canteen Services with the 2nd/25th Australian Infantry Battalion in the Middle East & New Guinea, and in Australia.

Occupation before enlistment:  Clerk

John's name is inscribed on a memorial plaque at the Victorian Garden of Remembrance at Springvale in Victoria, Australia.

Edward Francis Farrell  1911 - 1977, my maternal 1st cousin 2x removed.

Son of Michael Farrell and Hannah Margaret Hynes.

Brother of John Michael Farrell (listed above).

Strangely, his name is recorded as 'Edward Farrell Farrell' on many of his military service records!

  Enlisted at the age of 33 with the AIF.   

  Served as an engine fitter with the 60th Australian Corps Field Park Company (Engineers) in Indonesia & Borneo, as well as Australia.

  Occupation before enlistment:  Labourer.

Laurine Florence Farrell    1916 - 2015, my maternal 1st cousin 2x removed.

Daughter of Michael Farrell and Hannah Margaret Hynes.

Sister of both Edward Francis and John Michael Farrell (listed above).

  Enlisted at the age of 25 with the RAAF.

  Served in Wireless/Telegraphic Stations in Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria, in Australia.

  Occupation before enlistment:  Typist

Alan Desmond Whitbread Johnston  1899 - 1964, husband of my maternal 1st cousin 2x removed, Margaret Hilda Shaw.

Son of James Barret Johnston and Annie Ethel Beatrice Tooth.

(Connection by marriage to my maternal 2x great grandparents, Michael Farrell and Susan Muldowney (Downey). 

Had previously served in WW1.

Re-enlisted at the age of 41.

Served with both the AIF and CMF/VDC during WW11 and had two Service Nos. QX17363 (AIF) and Q140765 (CMF).

Served with the 2nd/26th Australian Infantry Battalion (AIF) in Australia and Malaya.  

Then served at the VDC (Volunteer Defence Corps) Headquarters.

Occupation before enlistment:  Cane Inspector.

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3.  Common Ancestors:  my maternal 2x great grandparents James Burke and Catherine Crotty.

Joseph Vincent Burke  1907 - 1995, my maternal 2nd cousin once removed.

Son of Maurice Burke and Mary Ann Murphy.

  Enlisted at the age of 34 with the CMF.   

  Served with the 4th Field Regiment in Bougainville & New Guinea.

  Occupation before enlistment:  Mail Officer

John Gregory Burke  1917 - 1995, my maternal 2nd cousin once removed.

Son of Maurice Burke and Mary Ann Murphy.

Brother of Joseph Vincent Burke (listed above).  Known as 'Jack'.

  Enlisted at the age of 22 with the CMF.  

  Served with the 25th Australian Infantry Battalion in New Guinea, Bougainville & Solomon Islands, as well as Australia.

  Occupation before enlistment:  Clerk.

John's name is inscribed on a memorial plaque at the Queensland Garden of Remembrance in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.

Maurice Augustine Burke  1909 - 1992, my maternal 2nd cousin once removed.

Son of Maurice Burke and Mary Ann Murphy.

Brother to both John Gregory and Joseph Vincent Burke (listed above).

Enlisted at the age of 32 with the RAAF.  

Served with the RAAF's 3rd Central Recovery Depot based in Amberley, Queensland, in Australia.

Occupation before enlistment:  Railway Clerk.

Terence Vincent Wilkes  1912 - 1991.  Brother-in-law of Joseph, John and Maurice (listed above).

Son of  Ferdinand John Wilkes.

Married to my maternal 2nd cousin once removed, Monica Josephine Burke, sister of Joseph Vincent, John Gregory and Maurice Augustine Burke.

(Connection by marriage to my 2x great grandparents James Burke and Catherine Crotty).

  Enlisted at the age of 29.

  Served with both the CMF and AIF during the war.  He had two Service Nos. Q147263 and QX43222.

  Served with the 14th Works Company (AIF) in Australia & Indonesia.

  Occupation before enlistment:  Cordial Maker.

More information about the Works / Labour / Employment / 'Alien' Companies:  Link

Edward Francis Dever   1924 - 1997, my maternal 2nd cousin once removed.

Son of James Bernard Dever and Bridget Mary Burke.  Known as 'Ned'.

  Enlisted at the age of 17 with the RAAF.  

  Served with the 33rd Squadron in Townsville, Australia, and in New Guinea.

  Occupation before enlistment:  Assistant to Commission Agent.

Edward's name is inscribed on a memorial plaque at the Toowoomba Garden of Remembrance in Toowoomba, Queensland, Australia.

Maurice Patrick Dever  1912 - 1987, my maternal 2nd cousin once removed.

Son of James Bernard Dever and Bridget Mary Burke.

Brother to Edward Francis Dever (listed above).

Enlisted at the age of 28 with the AIF.  

Served with the 2nd/2nd Australian Composite Anti-Aircraft Regiment (artillery support) in Australia.

Occupation before enlistment:  Blacksmith Assistant.

Both Edward and Maurice's names are inscribed on the Millmeran War Memorial in Toowoomba, southern Queensland, Australia.

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4.  Common Ancestors:  my 2x great grandparents Patrick Muckian and Sarah McCann.

James Gerard McCabe  1920 - 1999, my maternal 2nd cousin once removed.

(Also known as James Gerry McCabe).

Son of William Joseph McCabe and Elizabeth Rocks.

Enlisted at the age of 22 with the CMF.

Served with the 31st/51st (Amalgamated) Australian Infantry Battalion in Australia, New Guinea, & Indonesia.

Occupation before enlistment:  Laboratory Boy.

Patrick Gerard McCabe  1921 - 1994, my maternal 2nd cousin once removed.

Son of William Joseph McCabe and Elizabeth Rocks.

Brother to James (listed above).

Enlisted at the age of 20 with the AIF.

Served with the 2nd/1st Field Company (artillery) in Australia.

Occupation before enlistment:  Labourer.

On my paternal side: 

1.  Common Ancestors:  my paternal grandparents George Connors and Grace Brown.

Thomas Richard Connors 1911-1972, my paternal uncle.

Son of George Connors and Grace Brown.  Known as 'Tommy'.

  Enlisted at the age of 29 with the AIF.  

  Served with the 2nd/15th Australian Infantry Battalion in the Middle East, New Guinea and in Australia.

  Thomas was a 'Rat of Tobruk' during 1941.

  Occupation before enlistment:  Farm Labourer.

Thomas's name is inscribed on a memorial plaque at the Queensland Garden of Remembrance in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.

Reginald Frederick Connors  1924 - 2008, my paternal uncle.  

Son of George Connors and Grace Brown.

Brother to Thomas (listed above).  Known as 'Reggie'.

  Enlisted at the age of 18. 

  Served with the CMF first, and then the AIF. 

  Served with the 2nd/13th Composite Australian Anti Aircraft Regiment (artillery) in Australia.

  Occupation before enlistment:  Shop Assistant.

John Frederick Hodgins  1909 - 1994, brother-in-law to Thomas and Reginald (listed above).

Son-in-law of George Connors and Grace Brown.  Known as 'Bunny'.

Husband of my paternal aunt Betty Patricia Connors, sister to Thomas Richard and Reginald Frederick Connors.  

(Connection by marriage to my paternal grandparents George Connors and Grace Brown).

  Enlisted at the age of 33 with the AIF. 

  He enlisted in Unit 5 of the Australian Division Concert Party (the Australian Entertainment Unit), as he was a musician by profession.

  He served in New Guinea between 1943 and 1944.

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2.  Common Ancestors:  my paternal great grandparents Thomas Edgar Connors and Susannah Fullagar Hukins.

Cyril Ernest Connors  1888 - 1942, my paternal great uncle.

Son of Thomas Edgar Connors and Susannah Fullagar Hukins.

Photo from WW1

  Had previously served in WW1 with the AIF, and fought at Gallipoli.  Served with the 6th Light Horse Regiment and the 1st Camel Brigade.

  Re-enlisted at the age of 52 with the CMF/VDC.  

  Served with the 8th Garrison Battalion and was posted at the Headquarters of the Volunteer Defence Force in New South Wales, Australia

  

  Occupation before re-enlistment:  Labourer

Special Note:  Whilst Cyril died in 1942, he did not die in conflict.  He died of illness at the Yaralla Military Hospital in Concord, New South Wales.  His name is however inscribed at the Australian War Memorial.

Cyril's name is inscribed on the Baerami Creel Roll of Honour Memorial at Baerami, Muswellbrook,

and the Berry Honour Roll at Berry, in New South Wales.

His name is also inscribed on Panel 94 on the Wall of Honour at the Australian War Memorial.

There is also a monument standing in the Alstonville Cemetery, in New South Wales, in honour of Cyril.

Thomas James Connors  1922 - 1994, my paternal 1st cousin once removed.

Son of Cyril Ernest Connors (listed above) and Vera Agnes Coleman.

  Enlisted at the age of 19 with the AIF.  

  Served with the 2nd/4th Field Company RAE (Royal Australian Engineers) in New Guinea & Borneo.

  Occupation before enlistment:  Labourer & Diesel Engine Worker.

Erice Alfred Connors  1917 - 1975, my paternal 1st cousin once removed.

Son of Frederick Augustus Connors and Florence Maud Mackney.

Enlisted at the age of  23.  

  Enlisted with the CMF first in August of 1941, then enlisted with the 5th Australian Field Survey Company RAE (Royal Australian Engineers).

  Served with the 2nd AIF from August 1942 until his discharge in 1947.

  Served in Morotai and the Torres Strait Islands.

  Occupation before enlistment:  Assistant Surveyor.

Cyril James Connors  1927 - 2019, my paternal 1st cousin once removed.

Son of Frederick Augustus Connors and Florence Maud Mackney.

Brother to Erice Alfred (listed above).

Enlisted at the age of 18 with the AIF.

Served with the 2nd M D B I P O D (Military District Bulk Issue Petrol & Oil Depot) in Australia. 

Occupation before enlistment:  Tobacco Assembler. 

Francis Henry Connors  1922 -  , my paternal 1st cousin once removed.

Son of Frederick Augustus Connors and Florence Maud Mackney.  Known as 'Frank'.

Brother to both Erice Alfred and Cyril James Connors (listed above).  

Enlisted at the age of 20 with the AIF.  

Served with the 106th Light Field Ambulance in New South Wales, Australia.  

Occupation before enlistment:  Labourer.

William James Connors  1902 - 1958, my paternal 1st cousin once removed.

Son of John Edgar Connors and Catherine Ann Crummy.

Enlisted at the age of 39 with the CMF.  

Served with the 16 Garrison Battalion in New South Wales, Australia.  The 16 Garrison Battalion was formed to guard prisoner of war and internment camps.

Occupation before enlistment:  Motor Car Salesman.

Cyril Ernest Bates  1917 - 2004, my paternal 1st cousin once removed.

Son of John George Bates and Mary Ellen Connors.

  Enlisted at the age of 24 with the AIF.  

  Served with the 2nd/12th Australian Infantry Battalion in New Guinea & Borneo.

  Occupation before enlistment:  Sawyer.

James Erice Bates  1909 - 1985, my paternal 1st cousin once removed.

Son of John George Bates and Mary Ellen Connors.

Brother of Cyril Ernest Bates (listed above).

  Enlisted at the age of 33 with the AIF.  

  Served with the 2nd/7th Australian Commando Regiment in New Guinea & Indonesia.

  Occupation before enlistment:  Traveller.

James's name is inscribed on a memorial plaque at the Toowoomba Garden of Remembrance in Toowoomba, Queensland, Australia.

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3.  Common Ancestors:  my paternal 2x great grandparents William Conners (Connors) and Eleanor Hickey.

Edward Thomas Connors  1915 - 1992, my paternal 1st cousin 2x removed.

Son of Michael John Connors and Clara Margaret Howe. 

  Enlisted at the age of 25 with the AIF.   

  Served with the 1st Field Training Regiment in Australia.

  Occupation before enlistment:  Orchard Work.

Donald Frank Connors   1900 - 1990, my paternal 1st cousin 2x removed.

Son of William Connors and Elizabeth Duffy.

Enlisted at the age of 41 with the CMF/VDC.  

Served part-time with the 18th (NSW) Battalion Volunteer Defence Corps in New South Wales, Australia.

Occupation before enlistment:  Tailor.

Bede Anthony Connors  1914 - 1994, my paternal 1st cousin 2x removed.

Son of William Connors and Elizabeth Duffy.  Known as 'Dick'.

Brother to Donald Frank Connors (listed above).

Enlisted at the age of 28 with the AIF.    

Served with the 9th Australian Workshop & Park Company RAE (Royal Australian Engineers) in Indonesia & Torres Strait Islands

Occupation before enlistment:  Plumber.

Marie Patricia Connors  1923 - 2012, my paternal 2nd cousin once removed.

Daughter of Maurice Edward Connors and Muriel Myrtle Simmons.

Enlisted at the age of 21 with the AIF.

Served with the Australian Army Medical Women's Services in Australia.

Occupation before enlistment:  Hospital Aid

John Joseph Bewes  1920 - 1999, my paternal 2nd cousin once removed.

Son of John Joseph Bewes and Louisa Maud Coombes.

Enlisted at the age of 21 with the RAAF.

Served with the Air Force Defence Headquarters.

Occupation before enlistment:  Clerk

Frederick James Bewes    1926 - 2020, my paternal 2nd cousin once removed.

Son of John Joseph Bewes and Louisa Maud Coombes.

Younger brother of John Joseph Bewes (listed above).

Enlisted at the age of 18 with the RAAF.

Served with 3 Air Observer School.

Trained in Canada.  Served in Australia.

Occupation before enlistment:  Junior Clerk.

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4.  Common Ancestors:  my paternal 2x great grandparents Henry Johnson Brown & Caroline Penelope Browning.

Lancelot Noel Brown  1895 - 1981, my paternal 1st cousin 2x removed.

Son of Francis Somers Brown and Selina Jane Cameroux.

  Enlisted at the age of 45 with the AIF.  

  Served with supply company originally, then re-enlisted and served on the  2/1 Hospital Ship Manunda.

  Occupation before enlistment:  Labourer / Butcher's Labourer.

Neville Alexander Brown  1919 - 1969, my paternal 2nd cousin once removed.

Son of Alexander Johnson Brown and Susan Charity Ninness.

Enlisted at the age of 20 with the AIF. 

Served with the 2nd/14th Field Company Engineers in Australia, Middle East & New Guinea.

Occupation before enlistment:  Plumber.

Neville's name is inscribed on a memorial plaque at the Queensland Garden of Remembrance in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.

Rupert James Brown  1921 - 1986, my paternal 2nd cousin once removed.

Son of Alexander Johnson Brown and Susan Charity Ninness.

Brother to Neville (listed above).

Enlisted at the age of 20 with the RAAF. 

Served with the 108 Squadron and 462 Squadron in the Middle East, then with the 467 Squadron and at 53 Base in England and then 2 Personnel Depot in Australia.

Occupation before enlistment:  Apprentice Mechanic.

William Norman Brown  1924 - 1975, my paternal 2nd cousin once removed.

Son of Alexander Johnson Brown and Susan Charity Ninness.

Brother to both Neville and Rupert (listed above).

Enlisted at the age of 18 with the RAAF.

Served with the 54 Squadron and then with 3 Personnel Depot in Australia.

Occupation before enlistment:  Furniture Salesman.

Keith Bruce Hart  1922 - 1998, my paternal 2nd cousin once removed.

Son of Hector Randall Hart and Sarah (Sadie) Brown. 

  Enlisted at the age of 18 with the RAAF.  

  Served  at Aircraft Repair Depots with the Royal Australian Air Force and then at 5 Operational Training Unit.

  Occupation before enlistment:  Junior Draftsman

Keith's name is inscribed on a memorial plaque at the Lismore Memorial Gardens in Lismore, New South Wales, Australia.

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5.  Common Ancestors:  my paternal 2x great grandparents Adolphus Hukins and Mary Ann Farley.

Albert Edward Hokin  1901 - 1982, my paternal 1st cousin 2x removed.

Son of George Charles Hokin and Amy Jane Hukins.

Had previously enlisted for WW1 at the age of 18, but had been declared medically unfit after initial medical examination because if "defective eyesight".

Enlisted at the age of 41 with the CMF.

Was discharged as medically unfit within four months of enlistment suffering from chronic dermatitis.

Occupation before enlistment:  Porter.

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6.  Common Ancestors:  my paternal great grandparents Richard Joseph Brown and Ellen Cusack.

Eric John McDermid  1926 - 2009, husband of my paternal 1st cousin once removed, Joan Aileen Tyler. 

Son of Archibald McDermid and Madeline Blanche Mayo.  Son-in-law of Alfred Loring Tyler and Marcella May Brown.

(Connection by marriage to my paternal great grandparents Richard Joseph Brown and Ellen Cusack).

  Enlisted at the age of 18 with the RAAF.  

  Enlisted in October 1944, and fell critically ill with acute appendicitis in December of 1944.  He was discharged in September of the following year.

  Served with the RAAF 1 School of Technical Training in Australia.

  Occupation before enlistment:  Shop Assistant.

Henry David Rapmund   1910 - 1942, husband of my paternal 1st cousin once removed, Lillian Madge O'Donnell.

Son of John Henry Rapmund and Jane Gilmore.  Son-in-law of Jeremiah (Gerald) O'Donnell and Lillian Ruth Brown.

(Connection by marriage to my paternal great grandparents Richard Joseph Brown and Ellen Cusack).

Enlisted at the age of 32 in January 1942 with the CMF. 

Served with the 36th Australian Infantry Battalion in New Guinea and killed in action in December 1942.  

Buried in the Bomana War Cemetery in Port Moresby, New Guinea.

Occupation before enlistment:  Labourer.

Henry's name is inscribed on Panel 67 on the Wall of Honour at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra, Australia.

He was buried at the Bomana War Cemetery in Port Moresby the capital of Papua New Guinea.

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7.  Common Ancestors:  my paternal 3x great grandparents James Exton and Susannah Lancaster.

Eugene John McQuilty  1883 - 1945, my paternal 1st cousin 3x removed.

Son of Francis Thomas McQuilty and Elizabeth (Betsy) Exton.  

Enlisted at the age of 59 with the CMF/VDC.   

Served with the 1st (NSW) Battalion Volunteer Defence Corps in New South Wales, Australia.

Occupation before enlistment:  Carpenter / Labourer.

Francis John Patrick McQuilty  1901 - 1969, my paternal 2nd cousin 2x removed.

Son of Francis Thomas McQuilty and Mary Anne Hall.

Nephew of Eugene John McQuilty (listed above).

Enlisted at the age of 41 with the CMF/VDC.

Served part-time with the Volunteer Defence Corps in New South Wales, in Australia.

Occupation before enlistment:  Tractor Driver.

Robert James Dooley  1896 - 1974, my paternal 2nd cousin 2x removed.

Son of James Dooley and Mary Ann Matilda King.

Had previously served in France in WW1.

Re-enlisted at the age of 45 with the CMF/VDC.   

Served part-time with the 1st (NSW) Battalion Volunteer Defence Corps in New South Wales, Australia.

Occupation before re-enlistment:  Butter Churner.

Robert's name is inscribed on a memorial plaque at the New South Wales Garden of Remembrance in Rookwood, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.

Constance Jean Reid  1912 - 1989, my paternal 2nd cousin 2x removed.

Daughter of Arthur (Alexander) Reid and Mary Jane Dooley.  Known as 'Connie'.

  Enlisted at the age of 30 with the AIF.  

  Enlisted at the Concord Military Hospital, New South Wales in 1943.

  Served with the 2nd/11th A G H (Australian General Hospital) of the Australian Army Nursing Service in Australia.

  Occupation before enlistment:  Trained Nurse.

Constance's name is inscribed on a memorial plaque at the Port Macquarie General Cemetery in Port Macquarie, New South Wales.

Cyril James Reid  1918 - 1989,  my paternal 2nd cousin 2x removed.  

Son of Arthur (Alexander) Reid and Mary Jane Dooley.

Brother of Constance Jean Reid (listed above).  Known as 'Jim'.

Enlisted at the age of 22 with the RAAF.  


Served with the RAAF 23rd Squadron (based in Brisbane) in New Guinea and the Solomon Islands.


Occupation before enlistment:  Bus Driver.

Edward Arthur Chandler  1908 - 1977, husband of my paternal 2nd cousin 2x removed Constance Jean Reid (listed above).

Son-in-law of Arthur (Alexander) Reid and Mary Jane Dooley.

(Connection by marriage to my paternal 3x great grandparents James Exton and Susannah Lancaster).

  Enlisted at the age of 32 with the AIF.  

  Served with the 2nd/18th Australian Infantry Battalion in Malaya.

  Was a prisoner of war in a Malaya P.O.W. camp  in 1944.  Returned    home in 1945.

  Occupation before enlistment:  Labourer.

Edward's name is inscribed on a memorial plaque at the Port Macquarie General Cemetery in Port Macquarie, New South Wales, Australia.

His name is also inscribed on the Ballarat Australian Ex-Prisoners War Memorial in Ballarat, New South Wales.

Alice Joyce Coldwell  1924 - 2010, my paternal 2nd cousin 2x removed.

Daughter of George Watson Coldwell and Mary Jane Dooley.

Half-sister to Constance Jean and Cyril James Reid (listed above).  Known as 'Joy'.

Enlisted at the age of 18 with the CMF.

Served with the Australian Women's Army Service in Australia.

Occupation before enlistment:  Shop Assistant (Clerical Work)  

William Harold Lenehan  1926 - 2008, husband of my paternal 2nd cousin 2x removed Alice Joyce Coldwell (listed above).

Son-in-law of George Watson Coldwell and Mary Jane Dooley.

(Connection by marriage to my paternal 3x great grandparents James Exton and Susannah Lancaster).

Enlisted at the age of 18 with the RAAF. 

Served with the RAAF 100 Squadron in Australian and New Guinea.

Occupation before enlistment:  Shipping Clerk.

Murray Aubrey Waddell  1917 - 1968, husband of my paternal 2nd cousin 2x removed Emma Eileen May Reid.

Son-in-law of Arthur (Alexander) Reid and Mary Jane Dooley.

Brother-in-law of Constance Jean Reid, Cyril James Reid and Alice Joyce Coldwell (all listed above). 

(Connection by marriage to my paternal 3x great grandparents James Exton and Susannah Lancaster).

  Enlisted at the age of 24 in June 1942 with the RAAF. 

  Served with the RAAF in New Guinea and then a discharge was granted to allow Murray to work on his father's property in 1945.

  

  Occupation before enlistment:  Farmer.

Thomas Roy Exton  1907 - 1966, my paternal 2nd cousin 2x removed.

Son of Thomas Henry Exton and Phoebe Mary McKinnon.

  Enlisted at the age of 35 with the AIF.  

  Served at the Cairns Workshops in northern Queensland, Australia.

  Occupation before enlistment:  Salesman.

Frederick Walter Gray  1901 - 1971, my paternal 2nd cousin 2x removed.

Son of Robert Isaac Gray and Mary Jane Jones.

Enlisted at the age of 40 with the AIF.

Served with the 2/3 RMT Coy (Reserve Motor Transport Company) as a driver.

Was a prisoner of war at a P.O.W. camp on Java from 1942 to mid 1946.  Returned home in 1946.

Occupation before enlistment:  

Frederick's name is inscribed on the Ballarat Australian Ex-Prisoners of War Memorial.

Albert Gray   1902 - 1991, my paternal 2nd cousin 2x removed.

Son of Robert Isaac Gray and Mary Jane Jones.

Younger brother of Frederick Gray (listed above).

Enlisted at the age of 39 with the CMF.

Served with 1 Battalion (NSW) VDC

Occupation before enlistment:  Farmer.  

Oliver Robert Gray 1907 - 1984, my paternal 2nd cousin 2x removed.

Son of Robert Isaac Gray and Mary Jane Jones.

Youngest brother to Frederick and Albert Gray (both listed above). 

Enlisted at the age of 34 with the CMF/VDC.  

Served with the 1st (NSW) Battalion Volunteer Defence Corps in Australia.

Occupation before enlistment:  Dairy Farmer.

Alwyn Gray   1923 - 2007, my paternal 3rd cousin once removed.

Son of Albert Gray (listed above) and Irene Margaret Anderson. Nephew of both Frederick Walter and Oliver Robert Gray (both listed above).

Enlisted firstly with the CMF at the age of 18.  Enlisted with the (Militia) 15th Light Horse Regiment.

Enlisted with the AIF at the age of 19.

Served with 15 Australian Motor Regiment & 39 Transport Platoon.

Occupation before enlistment:  Farmer.

Charles Barrow  1886 - 1948, my paternal 2nd cousin 2x removed.

Son of Alfred Barrow and Harriet Clarke.

  Had previously served in WW1.

  Re-enlisted at the age of 56 with the VDC and then the CMF.   

  Charles had two service numbers during WW11.

  He first enlisted with the Volunteer Defence Corps in Australia in March of    1942.  

  He was discharged from the VDC on the 2nd of February 1943 and then he    enlisted with the CMF on the 3rd of February.

  Occupation before re-enlistment:  Dairy Labourer.

Harold Allan Barrow  1910 - 1971, my paternal 3rd cousin once removed.

Son of Alfred Barrow Jnr. and Mary Ellen McCann.

Nephew of Charles Barrow (listed above).

  Enlisted at the age of 30 with the AIF.  

  Served with the Australian Army Service Corps (AASC) as a truck driver in the Pacific theatre of war, including Indonesia.

  The AASC was often referred to as "the Army's grocers and truckies".  They were responsible for the procurement, storage and delivery of military consumables including food and petrol.  They also moved troops and delivered mail.

  Occupation before enlistment:  Labourer.

John Alfred Barrow  1913 - 1988, my paternal 3rd cousin once removed.

Son of Alfred Barrow Jnr. and Mary Ellen McCann.  Known as 'Jack'. 

Brother of Harold Allan Barrow (listed above) and nephew of Charles Barrow (also listed above).

  Enlisted at the age of 28 with the AIF.  

  Served with the 8th Training Battalion briefly.  Discharged as medically unfit after two months of service.

  Occupation before enlistment:  Labourer.

Beryl Veronica Barrow nee Wilson  1923 - 2018, wife of my paternal 3rd cousin once removed, John Alfred (Jack) Barrow (listed above).

Daughter of John (Hubert) Wilson and Lorna Gladys Hayne.  Daughter-in-law of Alfred Barrow Jnr. and Mary Ellen McCann. 

Enlisted at the age of 19 with the RAAF.

Served with the RAAF's 3rd Embarkation Depot at Sandgate, Brisbane in Australia.

Occupation before enlistment: Home Duties 

Iris Belle Fitzsimmons nee Barrow  1921 - 1966, my paternal 3rd cousin once removed.

Daughter of Alfred Barrow Jnr. and Mary Ellen McCann. 

Sister of both Harold Allan and John Alfred Barrow (listed above) and niece of Charles Barrow (also listed above)..

Enlisted at the age of 20 with the RAAF.  

Served with the 6th Aircraft Depot in Oakey, Queensland, Australia.

Occupation before enlistment:  Home Duties.

Douglas Charles Fitzsimmons  1916 - 1945, husband of my paternal 3rd cousin once removed, Iris Belle Fitzsimmons nee Barrow (listed above).

Son-in-law of Alfred Barrow Jnr. and Mary Ellen McCann.  Brother-in-law to Harold Allan and John Alfred Barrow (listed above).

(Connection by marriage to my paternal 3x great grandparents James Exton and Susannah Lancaster).

Enlisted at the age of 25 with the AIF.

Served with the 27th Field Company RAE (Royal Australian Engineers) in Australia.

Occupation before enlistment:  Meat Works Employee.

Alexander James Thompson  1905 - 1943, my paternal 2nd cousin 2x removed.

Son of Alexander Thompson and Emmeline Harding.

  Enlisted at the age of 35 with the AIF.  

  Served with the 2nd/12th Field Company RAE (Royal Australian Engineers) in Malaya.

  Became a P.O.W. in Malaya 1943 and died as a prisoner of  war in Thailand.

  Occupation before enlistment:  Boatbuilder / Carpenter.

Alexander's name is inscribed on the Ballarat Australian Ex-Prisoners of War Memorial in Ballarat, Victoria, Australia.

It's also inscribed on Panel 24 on the Wall of Honour at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra, Australia

Alexander was buried at the Kanchanaburi War Cemetery in Thailand.

Alfred James Gooley  1910 - 1996, husband of my paternal 2nd cousin twice removed Olive May O'Toole.

Son of Patrick J Gooley and Leonora Clara Lulham.  Son-in-law of Edye Lawrence O'Toole and Araicher Dooley. 

(Connection by marriage to my paternal 3x great grandparents James Exton and Susannah Lancaster).

Enlisted at the age of 30 with the AIF.

Served with the 3rd Australian Forestry Company RAE (Royal Australian Engineers) in England.

Occupation before enlistment:  Diesel Engine Driver.

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8.  Common Ancestors:  my paternal 2x great grandparents Patrick Cusack and Eliza Exton.

Walter Henry Cusack   1910 - 1978, my paternal 2nd cousin once removed.

Son of William Hugh Fay Cusack and Mabel Hicks.

  Enlisted at the age of 31 with the CMF.  

  Served with the 190th Australian Ammunition Company in New Guinea.

  Occupation before enlistment:  Farmer.

Walter's name is inscribed on the Wondai Shire Honour Roll in Wondai, Queensland, Australia.

Leslie Alan Cusack  1925-1993, my paternal 2nd cousin once removed.

Son of James Herbert Cusack and Edith Annie Grinstead.

Enlisted with the RAAF at the age of 18.

Served with the 60th Operational Base in Morotai.

Occupation before enlistment:  Sheet Metal Worker.

Leslie's name is inscribed on a memorial plaque at the New South Wales Garden of Remembrance in Rookwood, New South Wales.

Sydney Herbert Thomas Busine  1918 -1943, my paternal 2nd cousin once removed.

Son of Francis Sydney Busine and Charlotte Bertha Cusack.  Known as 'Tom' or 'Tommy'.

  Enlisted at the age of 23 with the AIF.  

  Served with the 2nd/30th Australian Infantry Battalion in Indonesia / Thailand. 

  Became a prisoner of war.

 Died as a prisoner of war as a result of malnutrition at a camp in Thailand during the construction of the Burma-Siam Railway.

  He was buried at the Thanbyuzayat War Cemetery in Burma.

  Occupation before enlistment:  Fitter.

Sydney's name is inscribed on the Ballarat Australian Ex-Prisoners of War Memorial in Ballarat, Victoria.

His name is also inscribed on Panel 58 of the Roll of Honour Wall at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra, Australia.

Sydney was buried in Plot A3, Row C, Grave 5 at the Thanbyuzayat War Cemetery in Burma, now Myanmar.

 

Samuel Edward Giggins  1920 - 1943, my paternal 2nd cousin once removed.

Son of Philip Austin Giggins and Grace Cook.

Enlisted with the AIF at the age of 19.

Served with the 2/30th Australian Infantry Battalion.

Served in Malaya.

Was a prisoner of war in Siam, now Thailand.

Died as a prisoner of war.   He died as a result of illness when he was a P.O.W.

Buried in the Kanchanaburi War Cemetery in Thailand.

Occupation before enlistment:  Farm Hand.

Samuel's name is inscribed on a burial plot plaque at Plot 1, Row C, Grave 8 at the Kanchanaburi War Cemetery in Thailand.

His name is also on Panel 58 of the Roll of Honour Wall at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra, Australia.

Samuel's name is inscribed on the Ballarat Australian Ex-Prisoners of War Memorial in Ballarat, Victoria.

His name is also inscribed on a memorial wall at the Gunnedah Remembrance Grove.

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9.  Common Ancestors:  my paternal 3x great grandparents Michael Cusack and Mary Green.

Five brothers .......

Edward Cusack  1904 - 1980, my paternal 2nd cousin 2x removed.

Son of James Cusack and Hannah Sutton.

Enlisted at the age of 36 with the CMF.

Served with the 1st Australian Engineers Store Base Depot at Rocklea in Queensland.

Occupation before enlistment:  Labourer.

John Lawrence Cusack  1906 - 1976, my 2nd cousin 2x removed.

Son of James Cusack and Hannah Sutton.

Brother of Edward (listed above).

Enlisted at the age of 35 with the CMF.

Served with the 35th Australian Works Company in New South Wales, Australia.

Occupation before enlistment:  Wharf Labourer.

Allan Herbert Cusack  1912 - 1997, my 2nd cousin 2x removed.

Son of James Cusack and Hannah Sutton.

Brother of Edward and John (listed above).

Enlisted at the age of  30 with the RAAF.

Served with the 1st Flying Boat Repair Depot at Lake Boga in Victoria, Australia.

Occupation before enlistment:  Aircraft Hand.

Harold Michael Cusack  1918 - 1990, my 2nd cousin 2x removed.

Son of James Cusack and Hannah Sutton.

Brother of Edward, John and Allan (all listed above) and a twin brother to Hector (who will be listed next).

Enlisted at the age of 22 with the AIF.  He enlisted on the same day as his twin brother Hector.

Served with the 2nd/4th Infantry Battalion in the Middle East.

Harold was discharged in early1945 after suffering from a fracture of the left femur in 1944.

Occupation before enlistment:  Farmer.

Hector Patrick Cusack  1918 - 1966, my 2nd cousin 2x removed.

Son of James Cusack and Hannah Sutton.

Brother to Edward, John, Allan (all listed above) and twin brother to Harold (listed above).

Enlisted at the age of 22 with the AIF.  He enlisted on the same day as his twin brother Harold.

Served with the 2nd/4th Infantry Battalion in the Middle East and New Guinea.

Occupation before enlistment:  Farm Hand.

Frederick John Cusack  1913 - 1979, my paternal 3rd cousin once removed.

Son of Charles Frederick Cusack and Veronica Mary Walz.  Known as 'Jack'.

Enlisted at the age of 29 with the AIF. 

Served with the 6th Australian Army Topographical Survey Company in Australia and New Guinea.

Occupation before enlistment:  Registered Surveyor. 

Allan Sydney Venn  1915 - 2006, my paternal 3rd cousin once removed.

Son of James Venn and Annie Francis Bridget Cusack.

  Enlisted at the age of 24 with the AIF.  

  Served in Australia.

  Served with the Infantry Training Battalion as a cook.

  Occupation before enlistment:  Motor Lorry Driver.

Colin Venn  1920 - 2010, my paternal 3rd cousin once removed.

Son of James Venn and Annie Francis Bridget Cusack.

Brother of Allan Sydney Venn (listed above).

Enlisted at the age of 20 with the AIF.

Served with the 655th Australian Light Anti Aircraft Battery (LAA BTY) in Australia.

Occupation before enlistment:  Ironmonger.  

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10.  Common Ancestors:  my paternal 3x great grandparents William Henry Browning and Anne (Nancy) Littlejohns.

Edward Noel Joseph Degney  1919 - 1978, my paternal 3rd cousin once removed.

Son of Edward Laurence Degney and Violet Mary Browning.

Enlisted at the age of 21 with the AIF.   

Served with the Australian Army Service Corps (AASC) in the 8th Military District of New Guinea.

Occupation before enlistment: Storeman.

Geoffrey Earl Browning  1924 - 1990, my paternal 2nd cousin twice removed.

Son of Robert Albert Browning and Pearl Cornelia Barrow.

Enlisted at the age of 17 with the AIF.

Served with the 23rd Infantry Training Battalion.

James Gray Browning  1924 - 1983, my paternal 2nd cousin 2x removed.

Son of James Browning and Alma Ruby Gray.

Enlisted at the age of 18 with the CMF.  

Served briefly with 5th Australian Infantry Training Battalion. 

Enlisted with the AIF at the age of 19.

Served in Australian and New Guinea.

Served with the 2/1 Forestry Company.

Occupation before enlistment:  Labourer.

Clarence John Edward Moehead  1898 - 1971, husband of my paternal 2nd cousin 2x removed Ivy May Browning.

Son of Edward Denis Moehead and Florence Emily Eastment.  Son-in-law of Henry Joseph Browning and Mary Ann Townsend.

(Connection by marriage to my paternal 3x great grandparents William Henry Browning and Anne (Nancy) Littlejohns). 

Enlisted at the age of 42 with the CMF.

Served with the 16th Australian Infantry Training Brigade in Australia.

Occupation before enlistment:  Labourer.

Harold Lloyd Cupitt  1912 - 1962, husband of my paternal 3rd cousin once removed Norma Beryl Jean Moehead.

Son of Edwin Charles Cupitt and Laura Rose Moll.  Son-in-law of Clarence Moehead (listed above) and Ivy May Browning.

Enlisted at the age of 30 with the RAAF.

Served at the 6th Aircraft Depot at Oakey in Queensland, Australia.

Occupation before enlistment:  Transport Driver.

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11.  Common Ancestors:  my paternal 3x great grandparents James Hukins and Susannah Fullagar.

Cecil Dawes   1914 - 1977,  my paternal 3rd cousin once removed.

Son of Frederick Dawes and Susan Charlotte Timms.  

Enlisted with the CMF/VDC at the age of 28.

Served with the 5th (NSW) Battalion VDC  (Volunteer Defence Corps).

Lance Dawes   1917 - 1943, my paternal 3rd cousin once removed.

Son of Frederick Dawes and Susan Charlotte Timms.  

Younger brother of Cecil Dawes (listed above).

Enlisted at the age of 23.

Served with the RAAF 22nd Squadron.

He was killed in action in February of 1943.  Lance was a member of the 3-man crew flying a 'Boston Mark 111' during a raid on Garrison Hill and other targets.  His plane was shot down over the sea off Lapur Point, two miles south-east of Salamaua, New Guinea.

Occupation before enlistment:  Banana Grower.

Lance's name is inscribed on the Murwillumbah High School WW2 Roll of Honour Board in Murwillumbah, New South Wales.  

His name is also inscribed on the All Saints' Church Second World War Roll of Honour Board in Murwillumbah, New South Wales.

There is a memorial plaque for Lance on the Roll of Honour Wall at the Australian War Memorial - Panel 101. 

Lance's name is also engraved on one of the bronze tablets at the Lae Memorial in New Guinea.  This memorial commemorates more than 300 Australians who lost their lives whilst serving in New Guinea and have no known grave.

Wilfred Dawes   1922 - 2019, my paternal 3rd cousin once removed.

Son of Frederick Dawes and Susan Charlotte Timms.  

Younger brother to Cecil and Lance Dawes (both listed above).

Enlisted with the RAAF at the age of 19.

Served with 203 Squadron.

Occupation before enlistment:  Farmer.

Thank  you  for  your  service.