Private Edward George Cain

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

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6th April 2022

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

Private Edward George Cain, 45th Battalion (Reg No-3127A), also known as Kelly, teamster from Charlestown, New South Wales and Main Road, Swansea, N.S.W., was laid to rest at Belmont Cemetery on the Thursday afternoon of the 24th August 1939, age 53. Uniting (Methodist) Old - Row C. Plot 25.

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article133734246 - funeral notice does not state service.

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article133737812 - funeral notice states service.

Born at Lambton, New South Wales on the 10th June 1886 to Robert and Mary Jane Cain; husband of Dulcie Louisa Cain nee Wood (married 1923, Newcastle, N.S.W., died 1966, Belmont, N.S.W., sleeping here?), Edward enlisted November 1916 at Cootamundra, N.S.W.

Wounded in action - 7.6.1917 (GSW right arm, Battle of Messines), 5.4.1918 (GSW or SW left side, back, severe).

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article134869456 - reported wounded 1st occasion.

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article140976119 - reported wounded 2nd occasion.

Edward returned home August 1919, being discharged on the 28th September 1919.

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article139444157 - public welcome home and presentation of gold medal at the Charlestown Institute Hall.

Mr. Cain’s name has been inscribed on the Charlestown Public School 1914-1918 Honor Roll (photo, unveiled on the 13th December 1917, 55 names inscribed, 8 Fallen - http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article138735688). Name possibly inscribed on the Charlestown Methodist Church Roll of Honour Tablet (whereabouts unknown).

I have placed poppies at Edward’s gravesite in remembrance of his service and sacrifice for God, King and Country (headstone inscription incorrectly states died 1940).

Plaque in New South Wales Garden of Remembrance.

Contact with descendants would be greatly appreciated.

Lest We Forget.

Trove Tuesday - 1920 - Sad news from Swansea

Several newspapers in the Trove collection relate sad news from Swansea.

William Hill was injured in May 1920 

1920 'OUR NEWCASTLE LETTER.', The Maitland Daily Mercury (NSW : 1894 - 1939), 31 May, p. 2. , viewed 15 Sep 2020, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article127958154

Alfred Lidbetter of Hamilton was injured in November

1920 'MOTOR CAR ACCIDENT.', Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners' Advocate (NSW : 1876 - 1954), 9 November, p. 5. , viewed 15 Sep 2020, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article140080516

Also in November Mr G Connolly died as a result of a trip to Swansea

1920 'BOOLAROO.', Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners' Advocate (NSW : 1876 - 1954), 12 November, p. 6. , viewed 15 Sep 2020, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article140086365

The Cain family of Swansea received the news of the death of Daniel Cain by his own hand just prior to Christmas 1920. There were several articles in the press that outlined the gruesome details.

1920 'TRAGEDY AT TORONTO.', Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners' Advocate (NSW : 1876 - 1954), 22 December, p. 7. , viewed 15 Sep 2020, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article140082099

1920 'GLEANINGS', Singleton Argus (NSW : 1880 - 1954), 25 December, p. 1. , viewed 15 Sep 2020, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article80775101

Cain was fondly remembered by his family in 1922

1922 'Family Notices', Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners' Advocate (NSW : 1876 - 1954), 22 December, p. 6. , viewed 15 Sep 2020, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article140019212