Private Enoch Brennan

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

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4th May 2022

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

Private Enoch Brennan, 34th Battalion (Reg No-2529), wheeler from Hyndes Street, West Wallsend, New South Wales, died on the 18th July 1962, age-66. Burial date unknown (20th July? - GENERAL-OLD SECTION 1. Row Y. Plot 48.

Born at Greta, New South Wales on the 30th April 1896 to Enoch (died 1917 - http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article138746160, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article138738206 and Emma Brennan nee Fuller, died 1935 - http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article139798204; husband of Lillian Brennan nee Newland (married 1930, Cessnock, N.S.W., died 1964?), Enoch enlisted July 1916 at Newcastle, N.S.W.

Admitted to hospital 27.3.1917 (tonsilitis), 3.4.1917 (bronchitis), 22.7.1917 (scabies), 9.12.1917 (epididymitis).

Wounded in action - 12.10.1917 (concussion, 1st Battle of Passchendaele), 8.6.1918 (GSW right leg, severe).

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article138740982 - reported wounded, type of wound not stated.

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article140980256 - reported wounded 2nd occasion.

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article140986331 - report of amputation right leg.

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article140973016 - report that Enoch is progressing favourably.

Transferred to England 21.6.1918.

Amputation of right leg 23.6.1918.

Enoch was invalided home January 1919, being discharged on the 18th July 1919.

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article139656294 - reported returning home.

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article139653478 - reported returning home.

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article139647202 - public welcome home for Enoch at the West Wallsend School of Arts.

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article162561890 - Enoch's name mentioned.

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article162570024 - Enoch's name mentioned.

Mr. Brennan’s name has been inscribed on the West Wallsend and District Soldier's Memorial and the West Wallsend Superior Public School Honour Roll (photos, unveiled date unknown, 124 names inscribed of the Returned, 29 Fallen - The school Honour Roll was made by a teacher and later taken down and stored in the (damp) basement. When it was found in the 1980’s it was not in very good condition but was restored and proudly displayed in the school in time for the school's centenary celebrations in 1989). There was a West Wallsend Junior Technical School Roll of Honour unveiled on the 7-11th August 1916, but unfortunately no names were mentioned in the Newcastle Herald report.

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

Older brother John (Jack, 34th Battalion, Reg No-375, born 1892, Greta, N.S.W., died 30.8.1959, Hamilton, N.S.W.) also served 1st A.I.F.

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article139651223 - report that brother Jack is returning home.

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article139649720 - public welcome home for Jack at the West Wallsend School of Arts.

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.