Private George Singleton Duggan

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

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16th May 2022

A Forgotten Digger of The Great War resting at Sandgate Cemetery, his Honour and Dignity to be restored.

72 years ago today, on the Tuesday afternoon of the 16th May 1950, Private George Singleton Duggan, 4th Battalion (Reg No-7224), labourer from 6 Tyrrell Street, Newcastle, New South Wales and 7 Bali Street, Blacksmiths, N.S.W., was laid to rest at Sandgate Cemetery, age 64. PRESBYTERIAN-B10. 16.

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article135292403 - funeral notice does not state service.

Born at Paterson, New South Wales on the 28th November 1885 to William and Elizabeth Duggan nee Mooney; husband of Annie Louisa Duggan nee Hayward (married 1924, Newcastle, N.S.W., died 1960?, Balmain, N.S.W.), George enlisted February 1917 at Newcastle, N.S.W.

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article133751827 - report of farewell and presentation of pocket wallet.

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article123510896 - Answering the Call.

Wounded in action - 11.4.1918 (GSW right foot & buttock, severe).

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article140974255 - reported wounded.

George returned home July 1919, being discharged on the 13th August 1919.

I have not located Mr. Duggan’s name inscribed on any known War Memorial or Roll of Honour.

I located this Forgotten Digger resting in an unmarked grave, so October 2016 I placed a cross adorned with poppies at the gravesite in remembrance of George’s service and sacrifice for God, King & Country.

George had died at the Royal Newcastle Hospital, N.S.W. (no children) on the 15th May 1950 of a coronary occlusion and arteriosclerosis.

I submitted an application to DVA April 2022 asking for a Commonwealth War Graves Plaque, curbing and marble chip, and this was accepted April 2022.

I will post photos when gravesite complete.

Older brother Bernard Sidney (4th Battalion, Reg No-7324, born Gresford, N.S.W. 26.9.1883, died 1927) also resting at the cemetery. CATHOLIC 1-L Com. 32.

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article122217049 - report that brother Bernard had enlisted.

Lest We Forget