Corporal William Ford

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

_________________________________________________________________________

The tragic end for an Original Anzac of The Great War resting at Sandgate Cemetery, not forgotten.

85 years ago today, on the Sunday afternoon of the 30th May 1937, Corporal William Ford, 12th Australian Field Ambulance (cook, Reg No-987), labourer (Hetton Colliery) and crane driver from Little Gipps Street, Carrington, New South Wales and 9 Vista Parade, Belmont, N.S.W., was laid to rest at Sandgate Cemetery, age 41. (3 funerals on this day). GENERAL-30. 3.

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article166612302 - funeral notice does not state service.

Born at Sydney, New South Wales on the 14th May 1896 to George and Margaret Ford; husband of Isabella McArthur Ford nee Munro (married 11.10.1918, Marlborough House, Glasgow, Scotland, arrived at Carrington on the Tuesday night of the 9th September 1919, died?), William enlisted October 1914 with the 4th Australian Field Ambulance at Broadmeadows, Victoria.

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article137968335 - report that relatives presented with medal at the Carrington School of Arts hall.

Wounded in action - 7.8.1915 (GSW? right hand).

Admitted to hospital 2.8.1915 (septic right hand), 14.6.1917 (anthrax), 8.8.1918 (appendicitis, seriously ill).

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article140980657 - report that William suffering from appendicitis.

William was invalided home January 1919, being discharged medically unfit on the 12th March 1919.

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article139645188 - welcome home for William at the Carrington School of Arts hall.

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article140071717 - report of reception for Corporal Ford and his Scottish bride at the Carrington School of Arts hall.

Mr. Ford’s name has been inscribed on the Carrington Citizens' Memorial Gates and the Carrington Municipal District Roll of Honor (photo, unveiled date unknown, 275 names inscribed, 43 Fallen).

The tragic circumstances of William’s death were reported.

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article166622444 - car accident victim dies in hospital.

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article166615163 - inquest.

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article133544080 - Evidence at Inquest.

I placed a cross adorned with poppies at William’s unmarked grave July 2021 in remembrance of his service and sacrifice for God, King & Country.

A Plaque will be placed at the gravesite courtesy of the Forgotten Diggers Headstone Project to restore Honour and Dignity to William.

Many thanks to William's Granddaughter Julie Bayliss for the notification and photo.

Lest We Forget.