Private Raymond Thomas Wharton

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

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7th May 2022

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

53 years ago today, on the 7th May 1969, Private Raymond Thomas Wharton, 35th Battalion, butcher from 40 Eveleigh Street, Redfern, New South Wales and 10 Dickinson Street, Charlestown, N.S.W. (1933) and 14 Bishopsgate Street, Wickham, N.S.W. (1936) and High Street, Tenterfield, N.S.W. (1936) and South Gippsland, Victoria (1936) and Cairns, North Queensland (1938) and Surfers Paradise, Queensland and 3 Hexham Street, Kahibah, N.S.W. (1966), father of five, was laid to rest at Sandgate Cemetery, age 72. CATHOLIC 3-95. 134.

Born at Sydney, New South Wales on the 15th March 1897 to James and Minnie Wharton; husband of Evelyn Wharton nee Ford (married 1925, New Lambton, N.S.W., divorced 1941, died 1988, Parkes Cemetery of 16 Second Street, Lambton, N.S.W.), Raymond enlisted April 1916 with the 36th Battalion at the Sports Ground, Sydney, N.S.W.

Admitted to hospital 15.2.1918 (not stated).

Wounded in action - 6.5.1918 (GSW buttock, left leg, left foot).

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article123141146 - reported wounded.

Raymond returned home March 1919, being discharged medically unfit on the 23rd May 1919.

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

I placed a cross adorned with poppies on the gravesite January 2020 in remembrance of his service and sacrifice for God, King & Country.

Mr. Wharton’s gravesite had been attended to at some stage, an old cross with timber surrounds, not forgotten by descendants, would love to make contact.

Also served WW2 (1st Garrison Battalion, Q50710, enlisted 25.1.1941, discharged 7.10.1941).

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article247816294 - amazing story of Ray hitch-hiking to camp from Victoria!

Lest We Forget.