Lest we Forget

 

ANZAC Day 1921

 Toronto

Anzac Day was celebrated at Toronto Public School on Monday, when there was a large attendance of returned soldiers, parents, and friends of the children. The proceedings opened with the unfurling of the flag and a march pastby the children. Appropriate speeches  were made by the headmaster, Mr. W.J. Davies, and the "Rev. Mr. Linden Webb. "Hymn of the of the Empire" was recited by Grace Donnelly, Ken Osland and Marie Barnier.. The names on the Honour Roll were then read, and after the names of the fallen had been read a wreath of flowers and a shield were hung up on the flagstaff. Master Jack Thomas recited "How Sleep the Brave." The Governor's letter was read to the children. The function concluded by the singing of the National Anthem.

Newcastle Herald and Miners Advocate: Wednesday 27th April 1921.

How Sleep the Brave

by Walter de la Mare

Nay, nay, sweet England, do not grieve!

Not one of these poor men who died

But did within his soul believe

That death for thee was glorified.

Ever they watched it hovering near

That mystery 'yond thought to plumb,

Perchance sometimes in loathèd fear

They heard cold Danger whisper, Come! --

Heard and obeyed. O, if thou weep

Such courage and honour, beauty, care,

Be it for joy that those who sleep

Only thy joy could share

 

Corporal William Ernest Bookless

Thanks to Gary Mitchell for granting us permission to share his Facebook posts on our blog

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24th April 2022

Served during The Great War, resting at West Wallsend Cemetery.

Corporal William Ernest Bookless, 45th Battalion (Reg No-4555), labourer or miner from Eare Street, West Wallsend, New South Wales and Brown Street, West Wallsend, N.S.W., father of one (Billie or Billy), was laid to rest at West Wallsend Cemetery on the 31st July 1940, age 46. GENERAL-OLD SECTION 3. Row S. Plot 33.

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article139379836 - funeral notice does not state service.

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article139369119 - funeral notice does not state service.

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article139367364 - report of funeral mentions service.

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article139380353 - death notice states service.

Born at Homerton, Northern London, England about 1894 to Henry John and Eleanor Bookless of 18 Heigham Road, Eastham, London, England; husband of Hannah nee? (married? died?), William enlisted August 1915 with the 1st Battalion at Newcastle, N.S.W.

Admitted to hospital 4.12.1916 (trench feet), 19.7.1918 (otitis media - middle ear infection), 23.9.1918 (abrasion left knee, abscess, severe).

Wounded in action - 12.10.1917 (GSW right knee, Battle of Passchendaele).

William was invalided home February 1919, being discharged medically unfit on the 17th April 1919.

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article139647859 - reported returning home.

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article159367565 - welcome home and presentation of a gold medal at the Hartland's Hall, Holmesville, N.S.W.

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article162564131 - William mentioned as being a Returned member of the West Wallsend Rifle Club.

Mr. Bookless’s name has been inscribed on the Holmesville Community WW1 Honour Roll and the West Wallsend and District Soldier's Memorial.

The tragic circumstances of William’s death were reported.

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article139379851 - Miner's Sudden Death.

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article167456007 - inquiry into death of miner (natural causes, heart failure).

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article139380387 - Coroner's Report.

I have placed poppies at the gravesite in remembrance of William’s service and sacrifice for God, King & Country.

Many thanks to Smith Dick for the notification and database of those resting at West Wallsend General Cemetery.

Contact with descendants would be greatly appreciated.

Lest We Forget.

Private Albert Leslie Hunt

   Thanks to Gary Mitchell for granting us permission to share his Facebook posts on our blog

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22 April 2022

Served and suffered during The Great War, resting at West Wallsend Cemetery, Honour and Dignity must be restored.

Private Albert Leslie Hunt, 34th Battalion (Reg No-794), shunter from William Street, Holmesville, New South Wales, was laid to rest at West Wallsend Cemetery on the Friday afternoon of the 31st May 1918, age 22. GENERAL-OLD SECTION 1. Row R. Plot 24. (died at Newcastle Hospital, N.S.W. on the 30th May 1918, not the 29th).

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article140983211 - funeral notice states service.

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article140979672 - report of funeral.

Born at Lambton, New South Wales on the 13th August 1895 to James Charles and Jane Hunt of William Street, Holmesville, New South Wales, Albert enlisted January 1916 at Newcastle, N.S.W.

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article137099795 - report of send off and presentation of gold medal at the Holmesville Hall.

Albert was invalided home on the 15th April 1918, being discharged medically unfit (chronic otitis media - persistent inflammation of the middle ear or mastoid cavity) on the 22nd May 1918.

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article138156375 - report that Albert is returning home.

Mr. Hunt’s name has been inscribed on the Holmesville Community WW1 Honour Roll (photos, unveiled on the 5th September 1916, unsure the number of names originally inscribed, 70 names now inscribed, 13 Fallen, proudly displayed at the Holmesville Community Hall, 22 George Street, Holmesville, N.S.W. with the Holmesville Community WW2 Honour Roll) and the West Wallsend and District Soldier's Memorial. A member of the Pride of West Wallsend No. 5619 G.U.O.O.F. (unsure if a Roll of Honour was unveiled).

Holmesville Community WW1 Honour Roll

I have placed poppies at Albert’s gravesite in remembrance of his service and sacrifice for God, King & Country.

I will be submitting an application to DVA asking for a Commonwealth War Graves Plaque to be placed at the gravesite, and that his name be added to the Australian Roll of Honour, as his death occurred during the war years.

Albert has not been recognised for his service and sacrifice with a Plaque at the New South Wales Garden of Remembrance, Hawthorne Avenue, Rookwood, N.S.W.

Contact with descendants would be greatly appreciated.

Many thanks to Smith Dick for the notification and database of those who served during The Great War and are resting at West Wallsend General Cemetery.

Lest We Forget.

Private Norman Roland Campbell

  Thanks to Gary Mitchell for granting us permission to share his Facebook posts on our blog

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21 April 2022

An Original Anzac who served and suffered during The Great War, resting at Belmont Cemetery, have I been forgotten?

Private Norman Roland Campbell, 13th Battalion (Reg No-834), labourer from Belmont, New South Wales, was laid to rest at Belmont Cemetery about the 4th December 1960, age 71 (passed away on the 2nd December 1960). Roman Catholic Lawn - Row 8. Plot 49.

Born at Adamstown, New South Wales about 1889 to Alexander and Rachel Ann Campbell (unsure if married), Norman enlisted September 1914 at Rosebery Park Racecourse, N.S.W.

Wounded in action - 8.6.1915 (GSW or SW right lung, right loin, right shoulder, back, severe).

Invalided to England 8.8.1915.

Nothing located on Trove regarding enlistment, service, returning home, etc.

Norman was invalided home June 1916, being discharged medically unfit (GSW back) on the 8th September 1916.

Mr. Campbell’s name has been inscribed on the Belmont Presbyterian Church Roll of Honour (photo, unveiled on the 25th July 1915), Belmont Public School Roll of Honour (whereabouts unknown), Belmont Memorial Hall Roll of Honour (destroyed in Community Hall fire, date unknown), and the Charlestown Public School Honor Roll.

I had received information that possibly a small cross had been erected at the gravesite, so imagine my surprise when seeing a beautiful black headstone without Norman’s name being inscribed.

Any information regarding the inscriptions of deceased would be greatly appreciated.

I cannot absolutely ascertain that Norman is resting here without a funeral notice, so any information would be greatly appreciated.

Norman’s service and sacrifice for God, King & Country has been remembered with a Plaque at the New South Wales Garden of Remembrance, Hawthorne Avenue, Rookwood, N.S.W.

Contact with descendants would be greatly appreciated.

Lest We Forget.

Toronto Red Cross

 The War Effort 

Toronto Red Cross

During the past 6 months Toronto Red Cross has raised  241 pounds, 19 shillings and sixpence and spent 206 pounds, seventeen shillings and two pence.

This was reported at the final meeting for this year by the secretary, Miss F. Thomas.

During the period under review 1170 garments were sent to headquarters in Sydney. These comprised 53 men's Jumpers and pullovers, 30 cotton shirts, 135 pairs of socks, 12 pairs of mittens, 20 scarves,  three sleeping shirts,  20 balaclava scarves, 50 hussy’s,  2 balaclava caps, 290 pairs pyjamas, 8 bed waistcoats, 24 pairs garters, 38 pairs underpants, 14 slinkies, and 206 washers.

Mesdames H. Richers and Young's sewing classes made the following articles for British air raid victims: 8 coats,  1 twin set, 28 nightgowns, 13 woollen rugs, 18 caps and vests,

4 bonnets, 4 pairs bootees, 10 pairs boys' trousers, 18 pairs children's pyjamas, 16 throw-ovcrs, 2 blazers, 37 children's knitted jumpers, 4 bovs' suits, 2 girls' skirts. 11 woollen boys' jumpers, 7 singlets, 5 pairs of bloomers and 4 layettes.

The branch is now concentrating on fulfilling a request from the Sydney headquarters to collect supplies to create a depot at Toronto.

Private Albert William Parrott

 Thanks to Gary Mitchell for granting us permission to share his Facebook posts on our blog

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18th April 2022

I served and suffered during The Great War, now resting with my brother at Sandgate Cemetery, have we been forgotten?

103 years ago today, on the Friday afternoon of the 18th April 1919, Private Albert William Parrott, 35th Battalion (Band Member), labourer from "Armentieres", 53 Brunker Road, Hamilton West, (Newtown) New South Wales and John Street, Cardiff, N.S.W. and 7 Narara Road, Adamstown, N.S.W., father of four (Albert (Bert) Frederick William, Alma Bessie, Levina Ivy, Allan H), was laid to rest at Sandgate Cemetery, age 35, not 37. ANGLICAN 1-08. 40.

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article139644649 - funeral notice states service.

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article139656163 - error in funeral notice.

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article139656002 - report of funeral.

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article139655066 - death notice.

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article139425618 - In Memoriam.

Born at Newcastle, New South Wales on the 4th August 1883 to William J and Harriet R Parrott; husband of Margaret Levina Parrott nee Dawson (married 1906, Wickham, N.S.W., died 1938, sleeping here), Albert enlisted January 1916 at Hamilton West, N.S.W.

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article137094521 - presentation of wallet at the Hamilton Mechanics' Institute.

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article133846562 - letter home to wife Margaret about being in the Brigade Band.

Admitted to hospital 18.1.1917 (laryngitis), 27.1.1917 (scabies), 5.2.1917 (scabies and haemorrhoids).

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article128041541 - Albert reported ill.

Albert was invalided home September 1917, being discharged medically unfit (arteriosclerosis due to chronic nephritis) on the 23rd October 1917.

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article138747165 - welcome home and presentation at the Broadmeadow Mechanics' Institute.

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article138738181 - welcome home banquet and presentation of medal at the Hamilton Mechanics' Institute.

Mr. Parrott’s name has been inscribed on the Hamilton (Gregson Park) War Memorial (photos, unveiled on the 20th May 1922, 627 names originally inscribed, 634 names now inscribed, 98 Fallen), Hamilton Municipal District Roll of Honor, Sulphide Corporation Pty Ltd Cockle Creek Works Roll of Honour and The Capt. Clarence Smith Jeffries (V.C.) and Pte. William Matthew Currey (V.C.) Memorial Wall.

I have placed poppies at the family gravesite in remembrance of Albert’s service and sacrifice for God, King & Country.

Service record states Died after Discharge.

Younger brother Carlton (1st Australian Tunnelling Company, Reg No-5597, born 1893, died 1975) also resting at the cemetery. METHODIST 2 (PRIMITIVE) 8 NW. 57.

Contact with descendants would be greatly appreciated.

Lest We Forget.

An Easter Hike around our Lake

 Back in 1947 these five scouts from Speers Point walked right around out lake. That's over 170kum.

They were George Barnier, ' Bob Forster, John Wallace, Colin Adams and Dave Oughten. 

1947 'Scouts Walked Around Lake Macquarie', The Newcastle Sun (NSW : 1918 - 1954), 12 April, p. 3. , viewed 15 Apr 2022, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article157767088

Easter Greetings

 

Stories from Croudace Bay

 Several articles on Trove mention people with a connection to Croudace Bay. Do you recognise any names?

1950 'No title', The Farmer and Settler (Sydney, NSW : 1906 - 1955), 12 May, p. 5. , viewed 12 Apr 2022, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article117395261

1952 'ARM BROKEN AT FOOTBALL', Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners' Advocate (NSW : 1876 - 1954), 24 April, p. 2. , viewed 12 Apr 2022, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article133716062

1944 'KILLED AT STEELWORKS', The Sun (Sydney, NSW : 1910 - 1954), 2 March, p. 3. (LATE FINAL EXTRA), viewed 12 Apr 2022, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article231838461

1934 'OFFENCE IN RESERVE.', Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners' Advocate (NSW : 1876 - 1954), 1 March, p. 11. , viewed 12 Apr 2022, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article139888268

1937 'ADULTERATED MILK SOLD.', Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners' Advocate (NSW : 1876 - 1954), 10 July, p. 6. , viewed 12 Apr 2022, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article134957927

1929 'ROAD WANTED.', Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners' Advocate (NSW : 1876 - 1954), 9 January, p. 6. , viewed 12 Apr 2022, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article134715491

Lance Corporal John Archibald Pritchard

Thanks to Gary Mitchell for granting us permission to share his Facebook posts on our blog

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12 April 2022

Served during The Great War, resting at Sandgate Cemetery, not forgotten.

71 years ago today, on the 12th April 1951, Lance Corporal John Archibald Pritchard, 8th Battalion (Reg No-6838), also known as Spanker, quarryman (Mr. F. Croft Gravel Quarry, Fassifern, N.S.W.), of Fassifern, New South Wales and Adamstown, N.S.W. and Henry Street, Cardiff, N.S.W., was laid to rest at Sandgate Cemetery, age 68. ANGLICAN 1-03. 16.

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article139510293 - funeral notice states service.

Born at Lambton, New South Wales on the 25th April 1882 to John (died 1951, name not inscribed on headstone) and Elizabeth Pritchard; husband of Annie Francis Pritchard nee McNaughton (married 1916, Adamstown, N.S.W., died 1953, sleeping side by side - ANGLICAN 1-03. 18., name not inscribed on headstone, no death or funeral notice located) of Victoria Street, Adamstown, N.S.W., John enlisted October 1916 at Newcastle, N.S.W.

Wounded in action - 4.10.1917 (SW right thigh).

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

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article138747953 - reported wounded.

Admitted to hospital 23.11.1917 (not stated).

John returned home September 1919, being discharged on the 10th October 1919.

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article140067841 - welcome home.

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article162566350 - welcome home.

Mr. Pritchard’s name has possibly been inscribed on the Adamstown Citizens' Memorial as PRITCHARD H. W.

John’s name has not been inscribed on the headstone, so July 2021 I placed a cross adorned with poppies at the gravesite in remembrance of his service and sacrifice for God, King & Country.

Many thanks to Ross John Pritchard for the notification.

Lest We Forget.