Lance Corporal John Archibald Pritchard

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

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12 April 2022

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

71 years ago today, on the 12th April 1951, Lance Corporal John Archibald Pritchard, 8th Battalion (Reg No-6838), also known as Spanker, quarryman (Mr. F. Croft Gravel Quarry, Fassifern, N.S.W.), of Fassifern, New South Wales and Adamstown, N.S.W. and Henry Street, Cardiff, N.S.W., was laid to rest at Sandgate Cemetery, age 68. ANGLICAN 1-03. 16.

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article139510293 - funeral notice states service.

Born at Lambton, New South Wales on the 25th April 1882 to John (died 1951, name not inscribed on headstone) and Elizabeth Pritchard; husband of Annie Francis Pritchard nee McNaughton (married 1916, Adamstown, N.S.W., died 1953, sleeping side by side - ANGLICAN 1-03. 18., name not inscribed on headstone, no death or funeral notice located) of Victoria Street, Adamstown, N.S.W., John enlisted October 1916 at Newcastle, N.S.W.

Wounded in action - 4.10.1917 (SW right thigh).

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article138735930 - reported wounded.

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article138747953 - reported wounded.

Admitted to hospital 23.11.1917 (not stated).

John returned home September 1919, being discharged on the 10th October 1919.

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article140067841 - welcome home.

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article162566350 - welcome home.

Mr. Pritchard’s name has possibly been inscribed on the Adamstown Citizens' Memorial as PRITCHARD H. W.

John’s name has not been inscribed on the headstone, so July 2021 I placed a cross adorned with poppies at the gravesite in remembrance of his service and sacrifice for God, King & Country.

Many thanks to Ross John Pritchard for the notification.

Lest We Forget. 

Sapper Richard Campbell

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

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9th April 2022

Served and suffered during The Great War, resting at Belmont Cemetery, not forgotten.

Sapper Richard Campbell, 1st Australian Tunnelling Company (Reg No-5504), miner from Killingworth, New South Wales and 99 Parbury Road, South Swansea, N.S.W., was laid to rest at Belmont Cemetery on the Wednesday afternoon of the 2nd July 1952, age 60. Roman Catholic Old - Row C. Plot 11.

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article133196368 - funeral notice does not state service.

Born at Clifton, New South Wales on the 4th August 1891 to Thomas and Margaret Campbell; husband of Hannah E Campbell nee McWilliams (married 1912, Lambton, N.S.W., died 1921, Wallsend, N.S.W.) and Eva Marie Campbell nee? (married?, died 10.8.1988, age 83, sleeping here), Richard enlisted May 1916 with the Tunnelling Company Reinforcements at Waratah, N.S.W.

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article133878484 - report of send off and presentation at the Killingworth Institute Hall.

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article134866302 - report of letter home from Richard.

Admitted to hospital 4.5.1918 (influenza), 12.6.1918 (not stated), 6.8.1918 (not stated).

Invalided to England 9.8.1918.

Richard was invalided home February 1919, being discharged medically unfit on the 30th March 1919.

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article139653479 - report that Richard is returning home.

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article139644449 - welcome home at the Killingworth Institute Hall.

Mr. Campbell’s name has been inscribed on the Killingworth Soldiers' Memorial (photos, unveiled on the 1st July 1922, 88 names inscribed, 20 Fallen, refurbished 2018? - http://www.warmemorialsregister.nsw.gov.au/.../killingwor...).

There is no indication inscribed on Richard’s grave plaque of his service with the 1st A.I.F., so I have placed a 1914-1918 WAR label in remembrance of his sacrifice for God, King & Country.

Many thanks to Richard's Grandson Barry Copas for the photos and family history, and maybe able to provide more information regarding marriages, etc.

My Grandfather, Richard Campbell is resting at Belmont Cemetery. Sapper Richard Campbell (5504), 1st Australian Tunnelling Company, died 30th of June 1952, aged 60. He and his third wife are buried in the RC Section. I have confirmed that he was working at Hill 60 at Messines when the tunnels were detonated. (unfortunately, he wasn't mentioned in the movie!).

Lest We Forget.

Private William Amos (Snr)

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

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8 April 2022

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

Private William Amos (Snr), 9th Australian Light Trench Mortar Battery (Reg No-351), miner from Aberdare Street, Kurri Kurri, New South Wales and Bellevue Road, Belmont, N.S.W. and Piriwal Street, Pelican Flats, N.S.W., father of five (Dick, Jack, Bill, Tom, Lorna), was laid to rest at Belmont Cemetery on the Saturday afternoon of the 27th August 1949, age 70. Uniting (Methodist) Old - Row B. Plot 21.

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article134468966 - funeral notice states service.

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article134460534 - Bereavement Notice.

Born at Newcastle-Upon-Tyne, England (1879? or 27.3.1885, date inscribed on headstone indicates 1879) to William and Catherine Amos nee Blake; husband of Catherine Amos nee Taylor (married 3.8.1907, died 28.8.1937 - http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article134959603, age 53, sleeping here), William enlisted January 1916 with the 34th Battalion at West Maitland, N.S.W.

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article123398837 - report that William had enlisted.

Admitted to hospital 25.4.1917 (sore feet).

Wounded accidentally 1.6.1917 (GSW back, abrasions).

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article134863138 - report that William had been wounded.

William was invalided home December 1917 with trench feet, being discharged on the 25th February 1918.

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article138160327 - welcome home at the King's Hall, Kurri Kurri.

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article123668295 - welcome home by the "Rose of Kurri" Lodge at the Kurri Kurri Congregational Hall.

Mr. Amos’s name has been inscribed on the Kurri Kurri Methodist Church Roll of Honor (photo, unveiled on the 28th November 1915, 29 names originally inscribed, 92 names now inscribed, 18 Fallen - https://www.warmemorialsregister.nsw.gov.au/.../kurri...), Kurri Kurri-Pride of Kurri Lodge and the U.A.O. Druids Roll of Honour - http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article133889983, and the Kurri Kurri Rose Lodge (No. 8863) G.U.O.O.F. Roll of Honour. Unfortunately, name not inscribed on the Kurri Kurri Soldiers' Memorial.

I have placed poppies on William’s white marble headstone in remembrance of his service and sacrifice for God, King & Country.

Service record states Died after Discharge, 25/8/1949.

Many thanks to William's Great Granddaughter Tracey Wilson for photos and family history.

William was born in Newcastle-Upon-Tyne 27 March 1885. His father, also named William, was from Midlothian, Scotland and his mother Elizabeth (formerly Blake) was English, I think from the Durham area. William married Catherine Taylor on the 3th of August 1907. The following year Catherine gave birth to their first son, Thomas.

William was a coal miner and in 1910, decided to move his family to what seemed a better life and prospects in Australia. After two years of living in Australia Catherine gave birth to their second son, my Grandfather, William. William Snr. joined the Imperial Forces on the 17th January 1916, and was placed with the 34th Battalion May 1916. Before his embarkation, Catherine had fallen pregnant and gave birth to their third son John (known as Jack) in 1917. After the war, a daughter Lorna (1922) and another son Richard (1928). William moved the family to Belmont c1930s. They lived on Bellevue Rd. Unfortunately, William lost his beloved Catherine to cancer on the 28 August 1937, she was 53 years of age. He survived Catherine for 12 years, nearly to the day.

My Great Grandfather died of a cerebral haemorrhage on the 25 August 1949, aged 70 years.

Lest We Forget

Private David Watkin Humphreys

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

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7th April 2022

Served during The Great War, died tragically, resting at Belmont Cemetery.

Private David Watkin Humphreys, 1st Battalion (Reg No-3064), miner from Park Street, Swansea, New South Wales, was laid to rest at Belmont Cemetery on the Saturday afternoon of the 4th June 1938, age 50. Old Anglican - Row D. Plot 16.

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article133618530 - funeral notice states service.

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article133620938 - report of funeral.

Born at Merewether (Glebeland), New South Wales on the 28th March 1888 (as David M HUMPHRIES) to David (died 1890) and Elizabeth Ellen Humphreys (remarried as CLEAVER, 1892, Gosford, N.S.W., died 1943, Belmont, N.S.W.); husband of Jessie May Humphreys nee Albrighton (married 2.2.1918, at the Register Office, Birmingham, England, died 1973, age 79, 35 years a widow, sleeping here), David enlisted July 1915 at Sydney, N.S.W.

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article137974373 - report of public farewell and presentation of wristlet watch at the Swansea Hall.

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article133752140 - report of letter from the front.

Admitted to hospital 11.12.1915 (not stated).

Wounded in action - 22 / 25.7.1916 (GSW right arm, compound fracture, left side, left shoulder).

David returned home with wife Jessie August 1919, being discharged on the 10th October 1919.

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article139441424 - reported returning home.

Mr. Humphrey’s name has been inscribed on the Catherine Hill Bay Cornstalk Lodge G.U.O.F.G. Roll of Honour as W D HUMPHRIES (photo, unveiled date unknown - https://www.warmemorialsregister.nsw.gov.au/.../catherine... ).

David had died on the 24th May 1938, and the tragic circumstances were reported.

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article133618635 - Body in Lake, Swansea Man Missing for Nine Days.

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article133613477 - Open Verdict Returned.

On the night of May 24th, 1938, David Watkin Humphreys, 50, a miner, of Park Street, Swansea, disappeared. Search parties were organised and Lake Macquarie was dragged, but it was not until June 3 that the body was found in the lake at Marks Point. At an inquest at Newcastle Courthouse yesterday, the District Coroner (Mr. A.G. Chiplin) returned an open verdict. He came to the conclusion that Humphreys either fell into the water or went in purposely, but which it was the evidence did not enable him to say. He was satisfied, however, that there was no foul play, and that nobody pushed him in. The body must have been carried by the tide from Swansea to Marks Point. Humphreys was a returned soldier and did his bit at the front, Mr. Chiplin continued. No doubt he was upset and worried by his ill-health. He paid a tribute to those who had taken part in the search, particularly the miners who sacrificed a day's pay to look for Humphreys. The action was typical of them, he said. The Acting Government Medical Officer (Dr. F.W.D. Collier) said that death was caused by suffocation due to drowning. Death had occurred nine or 10 days before the post mortem.

Lena Plain, of Coon Island, Swansea, said that about 6.30 pm on the night of May 24, when close to the channel bank, she saw Humphreys standing with his back to the side wall of a house, looking towards the channel. He had on an overcoat and felt hat. Witness spoke to him, and he returned his bidding; then she went on to Swansea. He was not there when she returned. Evidence that while walking along the shore of Lake Macquarie at Marks Point about 2.15pm on June 3 he saw Humphrey's body, partly in the water, was given by James Lenaghan, of Lenaghan's Flat, Minmi.

Humphreys was married, was a returned soldier, and was in poor health for about four years. He had ceased work for about three weeks before he disappeared. He was very weak and could not walk very far. Continuous search was made for him from the morning after he disappeared until the body was found. He was a miner, and the miners came out for one day to help in the search. They offered to come out again if required.

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

Contact with descendants would be greatly appreciated.

Many thanks to Ros Cheetham for the notification and information.

Lest We Forget.

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.

Lieutenant James Young

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

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Served bravely and suffered during The Great War, died tragically, resting at Belmont General Cemetery.

On the Thursday afternoon of the 16th September 1937, Lieutenant James Young (M.C., D.C.M., M.I.D.), miner from Powell Street, West Wallsend, New South Wales and Main Road, Belmont, N.S.W., father of one (Margaret), was laid to rest at Belmont Cemetery, age 48. Uniting (Methodist) Old - Row A. Plot 44.

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article134958626 - funeral notice states service.

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article134948931 - obituary.

Born at Stirlingshire, Kilsyth, Scotland on the 13th May 1889, to George and Sarah Young; husband of Robina Anderson Young nee Wilson (married 1913, West Wallsend, N.S.W., died 1978, district unknown), James enlisted November 1914 at Liverpool, N.S.W.

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article137095996 - report of letter home to wife Robina.

Admitted to hospital 10.10.1915 (pyrexia, also known as fever), 11.5.1916 (urethritis, an inflammation of the urethra).

Wounded in action - 2.8.1916 (SW head), 5.4.1918 (SW back, head, penetrating chest wound (lung), right foot, left thigh, severe).

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article133850919 - reported wounded, 1st occasion.

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

Invalided to England 19.4.1918.

Mentioned in Despatches, (Company Sergeant Major) 10th April 1916.

Awarded Distinguished Conduct Medal, (Company Sergeant Major) 14th November 1916.

Awarded Military Cross, (Lieutenant) 26th July 1918.

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article137499378 - letter home being awarded the Military Cross.

James was invalided home December 1918, being discharged on the 23rd May 1919.

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article137499378 - report that James had arrived home.

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article139650851 - public welcome home and presentation at the West Wallsend School of Arts.

Mr. Young’s name has been inscribed on the West Wallsend and District Soldier's Memorial and the West Wallsend Presbyterian Church Roll of Honour (photo, unveiled on the 8th July 1917, 60 names originally inscribed, 68 names now inscribed, 13 Fallen).

The tragic circumstances of James’s death were reported.

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article134944687 - Deputy Crushed by Coal Fall - accidental death.

I have placed poppies at the gravesite of this WW1 Hero in remembrance of his service and sacrifice for God, King and Country.

Contact with descendants would be greatly appreciated.

Lest We Forget.