Certificates

Our Vice-President, Jenny, and Secretary, Warren, have now received the hard copies of the Certificates of Achievement they recently received from The Royal Australian Historical Society. 

Corporal William Wallace Croker

  Thanks to Gary Mitchell for permission to share this post.

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22 November 2021

Served bravely and suffered during The Great War, resting at Sandgate Cemetery, have I been forgotten?

85 years ago today, on the Sunday afternoon of the 22nd November 1936 (7 funerals on this day), Lance Corporal William Wallace Croker (M.M.), 14th Battalion (Reg No-6804), teamster from Redhead, New South Wales and Stuart Street, Charlestown, N.S.W., was laid to rest at Sandgate Cemetery, age 45. ANGLICAN 1-17. 41.

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article166556493 - funeral notice does not state service.

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article166556512 - again, funeral notice does not state service.

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article134681174 - death notice.

Born at Dudley, New South Wales on the 23rd March 1891 to Charles Frederick and Annie Elizabeth Croker of Stuart Street, Charlestown, N.S.W., William enlisted November 1916 with the 8th Battalion at Newcastle, N.S.W.

Older brother Robert Wilson (14th Battalion, Reg No-6711, born 1889, KIA 15.10.1917) memorialised same location.

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article123512489 - presentation of wristlet watch at the Dudley School of Arts Hall.

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article133748133 - report that brothers Robert and William had arrived safely in England.

Admitted to hospital 4.5.1917 (influenza).

Wounded in action - 28.3.1918 (not stated), 18.9.1918 (GSW right forearm, severe,).

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article137498256 - report that William wounded 2nd occasion.

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article137490635 - report that William in hospital with GSW right forearm, severe.

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article137495620 - report that William is now convalescent.

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article139645965 - report that William awarded Military Medal, recommended for a Distinguished Conduct Medal.

William returned home March 1919 (not recorded as invalided), and was not discharged until the 26th November 1920.

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article139645305 - report that William returning home.

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article139654943 - William welcomed home and presentation at the Redhead Methodist Church.

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article139648396 - public welcome home for William and presentation at the Dudley School of Arts.

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article159360293 - welcome home for William and presentation.

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article139441379 - report that parents had received a medal for Bob and son William at the Randwick Military hospital and doing well.

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article159360116 - photos of the Croker brothers.

Mr. Croker’s name has been inscribed on the Redhead War Memorial (photos, unveiled on the 14th May 1950 & 11th November 2000, 66 names inscribed, 6 Fallen), Redhead Public School Roll of Honour, Dudley Public School Roll of Honor and the Dudley War Memorial.

There is no indication inscribed on William’s gravesite headstone of his service with the 1st A.I.F., so I have placed poppies and a 1914-1918 WAR label at the Croker gravesite in remembrance of William’s sacrifice for God, King & Country.

http://sandgate.northerncemeteries.com.au/.../index.php...

I will be submitting an application to DVA asking for a Commonwealth War Graves Plaque to be placed at the gravesite to restore Honour and Dignity to William.

Contact with descendants would be greatly appreciated.

Lest We Forget.

A Scattergun Approach

Our members were treated to an entertaining and informative presentation by Committee Member, Jan Butcher, at our monthly meeting at Marmong Point yesterday.

A longterm member whispered after the talk that it was one of the best presentations he had ever witnessed at our Group. This member's sentiments were echoed by all who were present in person and online via zoom.

Supported by an excellent slideshow with graphics that complemented her talk Jan took us along on her research journey to find her elusive Danish ancestor, Robert Smith, a former resident of Newcastle. 

Jan is leaving no stone unturned as she seeks Robert's birth date and place and perhaps his real name. We wish her luck as she continues her hunt.

Private Robert Smith

 Thanks to Gary Mitchell for permission to share this post.

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17th November 2021

Served bravely and suffered during The Great War, resting at Sandgate Cemetery, have I been forgotten?

71 years ago today, on the Friday afternoon of the 17th November 1950, Private Robert Smith (M.M.), 30th Battalion (Reg No-2495), wheeler from "Maudville", 93 Teralba Road, Adamstown, New South Wales, was laid to rest at Sandgate Cemetery, age 57. ANGLICAN 2-141. 71.

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article134386077 - funeral notice states service.

Born at Catherine Hill Bay, New South Wales on the 24th August 1893 (as Richard A) to George Robert and Clara Smith, Robert enlisted August 1915 at Newcastle, N.S.W.

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article137105449 - farewell from Kitchener Hall, Adamstown, N.S.W. (as H. Smith).

Admitted to hospital 14.4.1916 (mumps).

Wounded in action - 29.9.1917 (GSW right arm, Battle of Polygon Wood).

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article138735930 - reported wounded.

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article138740099 - report that Robert being discharged from hospital.

Robert returned home July 1919, being discharged on the 13th September 1919.

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article139441607 - welcome home.

Awarded Military Medal, 15th September 1919.

'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty in the operations near NAUROY from 29th September to 1st October 1918. This man is a stretcher-bearer, and with [2733] Private WHYATT, M.M., rendered untiring service in carrying wounded men under intense shell and machine gun fire. On 30th September an intense barrage fell on our front line posts, which were under direct observation from the enemy who was only 300 yards away. Two men were severely wounded by the barrage and Private SMITH with Private WHYATT immediately rushed forward from Company Headquarters passing through the barrage and in spite of heavy machine gun fire directed at them carried one wounded man back and returning a second time, again passed through the barrage and came under concentrated fire from at least 4 enemy machine guns. With the utmost determination and disregard of personal danger they stuck to their task and brought the second wounded man back. Though exhausted, Private SMITH stuck to his task, and before the Company was relieved, carried out several wounded men passing over an area which was continually under the direct fire of enemy field and machine guns.'

Mr. Smith’s name has been inscribed on the Adamstown Citizens' Memorial, Adamstown Municipal District Roll of Honor and The Capt. Clarence Smith Jeffries (V.C.) and Pte. William Matthew Currey (V.C.) Memorial Wall. Name possibly inscribed on the Adamstown St. Stephen's Church of England Roll of Honour (possibly names inscribed are only the Fallen), whereabouts unknown.

I have placed poppies and a 1914-1918 WAR label at Robert’s gravesite in remembrance of his service and sacrifice for God, King & Country.

http://sandgate.northerncemeteries.com.au/.../index.php...

Contact with descendants would be greatly appreciated.

Lest We Forget.

The Crafts of Cooranbong

The newspaper collection at Trove Australia recounts many stories of Craft Family members from the Cooranbong area.

If your family surnames aren't too common searching Trove with a family surname plus town of residence can reap results and add to your family stories.

Mrs Craft got lucky in 1919.

1919 'JACK'S DAY ART UNION.', Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners' Advocate (NSW : 1876 - 1954), 3 January, p. 4. , viewed 16 Nov 2021, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article139649428

W Craft was busy arranging funerals.

1926 'Family Notices', Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners' Advocate (NSW : 1876 - 1954), 22 April, p. 6. , viewed 16 Nov 2021, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article137516016

1928 'Martinsville', The Gosford Times and Wyong District Advocate (NSW : 1906 - 1954), 6 September, p. 15. , viewed 16 Nov 2021, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article161477540

Robert Craft was in the winning team in 1946.

1946 'Cooranbong Wins School Sports', Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners' Advocate (NSW : 1876 - 1954), 10 October, p. 7. , viewed 16 Nov 2021, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article133169592

Mr H A Craft represented his fellow citizens.

1953 'Letters To the Editor.', Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners' Advocate (NSW : 1876 - 1954), 14 October, p. 2. , viewed 16 Nov 2021, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article140293861

Maisie Craft received an award.

1937 'NEWCASTLE SCHOLARS', Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners' Advocate (NSW : 1876 - 1954), 22 December, p. 10. , viewed 16 Nov 2021, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article134990791

Lance Corporal Joseph Wood

 Thanks to Gary Mitchell for permission to share this post.

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15th November 1948

Served bravely and suffered during The Great War, resting at Sandgate Cemetery, have I been forgotten?

73 years ago today, on the 15th November 1948, Lance Corporal Joseph Wood (D.C.M.), also known as Joe, 30th Battalion (Reg No-2490), ship carpenter and labourer (Walka Water Works, West Maitland, N.S.W.) and foreman at B.H.P. Steelworks, widower from 59 Chinchen Street, Islington, New South Wales and 42 Old Belmont Road, Belmont North, N.S.W., was laid to rest at Sandgate Cemetery, age 75 or 79. CATHOLIC 2-32. 144.

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article140350884 - funeral notice states service as Sgt./Major and Boer War.

Born at Ohio, U.S.A. (June 1869? or 1873?) to ? and ? Wood; husband of Elizabeth Wood nee? (married 23.5.1918, no marriage certificate with Service Records, did not return home with Joseph, died?) of 207 Upholland Road, Orrell, Lancashire, England, Joseph enlisted September 1915 (stated age 42 years, 3 months, could have been 46) at West Maitland, N.S.W.

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article137972509 - report of farewell being organised by the Islington Military Presentation Committee.

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article137967992 - report of presentation.

Wounded in action - 12.10.1917 (GSW left knee, 1st Battle of Passchendaele).

Awarded Distinguished Conduct Medal 5.6.1917.

'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He displayed great courage and devotion in carrying out wounded under heavy fire in daylight.'

Joseph was invalided home June 1918, being discharged medically unfit on the 25th July 1918.

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article159095235 - report of welcome home to be held by the Islington Military Presentation Committee.

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article159095764 - welcome home at the Tighes Hill Rosedale Hall.

I have not located Mr. Wood’s name inscribed on any known War Memorial or Roll of Honour. Note - Islington never produced a War Memorial or Roll of Honour, only 2 Church Rolls of Honour.

I located Joseph resting in an unmarked grave, another Forgotten Digger of The Great War, so August 2020 I placed a cross adorned with poppies on the gravesite, taken a photo of the grave and uploaded the photo onto the Northern Cemetery website as a permanent record of his service.

http://sandgate.northerncemeteries.com.au/.../index.php...

I will be submitting an application to DVA this month asking for a Commonwealth War Graves Plaque, curbing and marble chip to restore Honour and Dignity to Joseph.

Contact with descendants would be greatly appreciated.

Lest We Forget.

The Shark Picnic

We are delighted that our member Anne Gleeson has joined as a co-editor and author of this blog. Anne, who has lived in the local region for many years, will be researching and sharing stories of  local people and places here on our blog.

In this, her first post on our blog, Anne recalls a family outing.

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The Shark Picnic

We picnicked or went for Sunday drives or visited family or friends just about each Sunday when I was a child. As an adult I have come to realise this was most likely because there was never much money to spare in the family and with five kids it was probably easier to take us out than to amuse us at home.

We often took my grandfather with us on these adventures. Mum and Dad and the five of us kids and Grandpop would load into Dad’s green Austin A40. This was of course in the days before rules about seat belts and passenger loading in a car.

On this particular Sunday we went to Pelican foreshore for the picnic. We swam and paddled about in the water before lunch and developed a healthy appetite ready for the picnic lunch which was generally sandwiches and homemade cake followed by a drink of juice or “make-up” cordial. Dad and Pop probably shared a beer and mum would have had a cup of tea from the thermos.

As we waited the obligatory hour before we were allowed to go back in the water after lunch (in case we got cramps and drowned) Pop called our attention to something floating along in the water. It was a very large shark swimming back and forth not far from where we had been swimming earlier in the day. Mum decided that even though the shark swam off there would be no more swimming for us that day. She did not get too much of an argument from me. The shark had come in pretty close to shore and Pop had picked up some pebbles and thrown them at the shark. He said he was trying to scare it away so we could go back in the water.

Image by alondav from Pixabay 

Fast forward about 40 years and we are now living close to shore of Lake Macquarie. My eldest granddaughter used to ask me with the regularity of a four year old. “Grandmother, do you think there are any sharks in that water? My Mum says there probably isn’t” I would ask her “do you think there are sharks in there?” and she would say “tell me the story about when you were little and you saw a shark?” And I would tell her the story about my Pop and what became known as the Shark Picnic. I told her that story probably about thirty times.

As the health of Lake Macquarie improves and shark sightings become more commonplace in the lake it is a positive thing that the sharks and dolphins have made their way back into this amazing natural wonder.

Lance Corporal William George Judd

Thanks to Gary Mitchell for permission to share this post.

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11 November 2021

Served during The Great War, resting at Sandgate Cemetery, have I been forgotten?

71 years ago today, on the 11th November 1950, Lance Corporal William George Judd (commonly referred to as George), 2nd Australian Pioneer Battalion (Reg No-3118), labourer from Speers Point, New South Wales and Charlestown Road, Warners Bay, N.S.W., father of two, was laid to rest at Sandgate Cemetery, age 64. ANGLICAN 3-183. 24.

Born at Moonbi, Tamworth, New South Wales on the 28th April 1886 to Thomas Albert and Mary Anne Judd of Warners Bay, N.S.W.; husband of Selina or Selma Francis M Judd nee Behrends (married 1909, Hamilton, N.S.W., died?), William enlisted August 1915 with the Mining Corps at Newcastle, N.S.W.

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article137965849 - report that the Judd brothers having enlisted and are now in camp.

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article137963642 - presentation and farewell.

Admitted to hospital 4.1.1918 (haemorrhoids).

Older brother Daniel Sydney (1st Australian Tunnelling Company, Reg No-153, born 1883, died 1931) also served 1st A.I.F.

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article140974870 - report that brother Daniel seriously ill in hospital.

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article140986067 - report that brother Daniel (Sid) now convalescent.

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article137493269 - report that brother Daniel arriving home soon.

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article137489241 - welcome home Sid.

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article139653109 - presentation to Sid at the Sulphide Hall, Boolaroo, N.S.W.

Younger brother Arthur Guy (3rd Battalion, Reg No-4495, born 1888, died 1965) also served 1st A.I.F.

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article138741357 - report that brother Arthur returning home.

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article138742599 - report that brother Arthur has arrived in Australia.

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article138735863 - report that brother Arthur welcomed home.

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article138747694 - public welcome home for Arthur at the Sulphide Hall, Boolaroo, N.S.W.

Younger brother Garnett Leslie (2nd Australian Pioneer Battalion, Reg No-7748, born 1896, died?) also served 1st A.I.F.

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article122221341 - report that brother Garnet to receive sheepskin vest and balaclava cap.

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article122223048 - Garnet farewelled and presentation.

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article140077961 - public welcome home and presentation to Garnet at the Sulphide Hall, Boolaroo, N.S.W.

Younger brother Albert Percy (born 1893, died 1960), enlisted 21.8.1915, discharged medically unfit (hydrocele) on the 30.12.1915.

William returned home September 1919, being discharged on the 15th November 1919.

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article139436432 - reported that William and brother Garnet returning home.

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article140067655 - William and Garnet welcomed home.

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article140066928 - report of welcome home.

Mr. Judd’s name has been inscribed on the Boolaroo District Roll of Honour (photo, unveiled on the 14th December 1916, 14 names originally inscribed, 148 names now inscribed) and the Sulphide Corporation Pty Ltd Cockle Creek Works Roll of Honour (photo, unveiled on the 25th March 1922, 91 WW1 names originally inscribed, 101 names now inscribed, 16 Fallen, 42 WW2 names inscribed, 2 Fallen, as of 2015, in storage at the Newcastle Regional Museum warehouse at Maryville, N.S.W.).

I located William resting in an unmarked grave, another Forgotten Digger of The Great War, so November 2019 I placed a cross adorned with poppies on the gravesite, taken a photo of the grave and uploaded the photo onto the Northern Cemetery website as a permanent record of his service.

http://sandgate.northerncemeteries.com.au/.../index.php...

I will be submitting an application to DVA asking for a Commonwealth War Graves Plaque, curbing and marble chip to restore Honour and Dignity to William.

Contact with descendants would be greatly appreciated.

Lest We Forget.