Private Leo (Mick) Aloysius McGuinness

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

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Awaiting memorialisation at Sandgate Cemetery, have I been forgotten?

104 years ago today, on the 27th June 1918, Private Leo (Mick) Aloysius McGuinness, 2nd Battalion (Reg No-727C), miner from Toronto, New South Wales, was Killed in Action, age 35?

https://www.awm.gov.au/collection/R1650630 - Roll of Honour.

No Roll of Honour circular submitted.

Born at Quirindi, New South Wales about 1883 to Daniel (died 12.9.1915 - http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article137969011, of Gulliver Street, Hamilton Park, N.S.W.) and Teresa Bridget (Theresa, died 4.6.1919 - http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article139446629, of "Rosallen", Toronto, N.S.W.) McGuinness, Leo enlisted November 1916 with the 1st Australian Machine Gun Company at Newcastle, N.S.W.

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article140987006 - reported KIA.

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article140973653 - report that Leo had been KIA.

Leo is resting at La Kreule Military Cemetery, Hazebrouck, France. Plot I Row F Grave 15.

Mr. McGuinness’s name has been inscribed on the Toronto Public School Roll of Honour, Toronto Soldiers' Memorial (photos, unveiled on the 30th September 1922, 115 names inscribed, 21 Fallen), Toronto Red Cross Honour Roll, Catherine Hill Bay Roll of Honour and the Catherine Hill Bay Honour Roll of Soldiers.

There is no headstone at parent’s curbed gravesite, therefore no memorial inscription to tell us of their son’s supreme sacrifice during The Great War, so July 2020 I placed a Memorial cross adorned with poppies in remembrance of Leo’s service and sacrifice for God, King & Country. CATHOLIC 1-08. 24.

Younger brother Charles Alphonsus (served as McGUINESS, Reg No-955, 36th Battalion, born 1888, died 1963, Sydney, N.S.W.) also served 1st A.I.F.

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article134860409 - Charles reported wounded.

Older brother Denis L (served as McGUINESS, Reg No-2610, 33rd Battalion, born 1879, died 1957, Newcastle, N.S.W.) also served 1st A.I.F.

Older brother Daniel James (born 1873, died 1944, Toronto, N.S.W.) enlisted but did not serve.

Contact with descendants would be greatly appreciated.

Lest we forget

Meeting Reminder

 We meet today at The Marmong Point Community Hall

Corporal George Henry Ruddy

Thanks to Gary Mitchell for granting us permission to share his Facebook posts on our blog
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One of the saddest aspects of my research is locating families who lost a son or sons during The Great War that are buried at Sandgate Cemetery who have a headstone, but there is no memorial inscription to tell us of the supreme sacrifice of their son for God, King and Country.

126 gravesites located so far, many more to locate, this is a typical example.

Corporal George Henry Ruddy, 5th Australian Pioneer Battalion (Reg No-2177), miner from 53 Morgan Street, Merewether, New South Wales, father of one (George Alan), was killed in action on the 29th September 1917 at the Battle of Polygon Wood, age 24.

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article138745505 - reported George KIA.
https://www.awm.gov.au/people/rolls/R1663778/ - Roll of Honour.
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article159090805 - photo of George.

Born at Catherine Hill Bay, New South Wales on the 3rd August 1893 to George (died 1931 - http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article137707309) and Ellen Mary (died 1942 - http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article132826602) Ruddy of Alice Street, Merewether, N.S.W.; husband of Mildred Ruddy nee Jones (married 1915, died?), George enlisted February 1916 with the 1st Australian Pioneer Battalion at Newcastle, N.S.W.
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article133888997 - farewell concert.
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article133747815 - report that George and Joseph and Jack Jones have met up in England.
Wounded in action - 20.7.1916 (multiple GSW, slight, Battle of Fromelles - http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article133888029, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article133878292), George’s name has been inscribed on The Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial (Panel 31), Belgium.
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article138738369 - Memorial Service for George held at the Morgan Street Presbyterian Church.
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article138742186 - George's wife Mildred Ruddy receives letter from the front.
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article137488548 - George's wife Mildred Ruddy presented with certificate.
Mr Ruddy’s name has also been inscribed on the Merewether (Mitchell Park) Memorial Gates, Merewether Public School Roll of Honor, Merewether Advance Football Club Roll of Honor - http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article138747464, Merewether School of Arts Roll of Honour - http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article138736228, Merewether U.A.O. Druids (Rock of Hope branch) Roll of Honour - http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article133885247 and the Cooks Hill Superior Public School Roll of Honour. Name would be inscribed on the South Newcastle Rugby League Football Club Roll of Honour. Name not inscribed on the Merewether St. David's Presbyterian Church Roll of Service/Roll of Honour.
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article138741783 - Roll of Honour, 1917.
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article138747109 - Roll of Honour, 1917.

There is no memorial inscription on the headstone of George’s parents, and I am unable to place a memorial cross, so I have placed poppies in remembrance of the supreme sacrifice of their son. PRESBYTERIAN-13SW. 92.

Obituary for father George - http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article137710336 NMH, 17.4.1931.
Younger brother Joseph Alexander (8th Battalion, Reg No-6852, born 1895, died 1961) also served 1st A.I.F.
Brother-in-law Edward (Jack) Stamford Jones (57th Battalion, Reg No-66227, DOD 3.2.1919) memorialised at the cemetery, METHODIST 3 (UNITING) G. 9., no memorial inscription.

Lest We Forget.

Corporal William Ford

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

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The tragic end for an Original Anzac of The Great War resting at Sandgate Cemetery, not forgotten.

85 years ago today, on the Sunday afternoon of the 30th May 1937, Corporal William Ford, 12th Australian Field Ambulance (cook, Reg No-987), labourer (Hetton Colliery) and crane driver from Little Gipps Street, Carrington, New South Wales and 9 Vista Parade, Belmont, N.S.W., was laid to rest at Sandgate Cemetery, age 41. (3 funerals on this day). GENERAL-30. 3.

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article166612302 - funeral notice does not state service.

Born at Sydney, New South Wales on the 14th May 1896 to George and Margaret Ford; husband of Isabella McArthur Ford nee Munro (married 11.10.1918, Marlborough House, Glasgow, Scotland, arrived at Carrington on the Tuesday night of the 9th September 1919, died?), William enlisted October 1914 with the 4th Australian Field Ambulance at Broadmeadows, Victoria.

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article137968335 - report that relatives presented with medal at the Carrington School of Arts hall.

Wounded in action - 7.8.1915 (GSW? right hand).

Admitted to hospital 2.8.1915 (septic right hand), 14.6.1917 (anthrax), 8.8.1918 (appendicitis, seriously ill).

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article140980657 - report that William suffering from appendicitis.

William was invalided home January 1919, being discharged medically unfit on the 12th March 1919.

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article139645188 - welcome home for William at the Carrington School of Arts hall.

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article140071717 - report of reception for Corporal Ford and his Scottish bride at the Carrington School of Arts hall.

Mr. Ford’s name has been inscribed on the Carrington Citizens' Memorial Gates and the Carrington Municipal District Roll of Honor (photo, unveiled date unknown, 275 names inscribed, 43 Fallen).

The tragic circumstances of William’s death were reported.

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article166622444 - car accident victim dies in hospital.

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article166615163 - inquest.

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article133544080 - Evidence at Inquest.

I placed a cross adorned with poppies at William’s unmarked grave July 2021 in remembrance of his service and sacrifice for God, King & Country.

A Plaque will be placed at the gravesite courtesy of the Forgotten Diggers Headstone Project to restore Honour and Dignity to William.

Many thanks to William's Granddaughter Julie Bayliss for the notification and photo.

Lest We Forget.

Private Edward Hartland

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

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17 5 2022

Served and suffered during The Great War, resting at West Wallsend Cemetery.

Private Edward Hartland, 56th Battalion (Reg No-3262), wheeler from Saint Helen Street, Holmesville, New South Wales, died at West Wallsend, N.S.W. on the 1st February 1955, age-60, possibly buried on the 3rd February 1955. GENERAL-OLD SECTION 3. Row T. Plot 45.

Born at West Wallsend, New South Wales on the 10th April 1894 to Mr.? Anderson and Hannah Maria Hartland of Saint Helen Street, Holmesville, New South Wales; husband of Vera Hartland nee Featherstone (married 1918, West Wallsend, N.S.W., died?), Edward enlisted December 1915 (as ANDERSON) with the 35th Battalion at Newcastle, N.S.W.

Discharged medically unfit for active service on the 5.4.1916.

Reenlisted-9.10.1916, Newcastle, N.S.W.

Wounded in action - 15.5.1917 (gassed).

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article122215666 - reported wounded (gas poisoning).

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article134868616 - reported wounded (gas poisoning).

Embarked for England 29.5.1917.

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article134868264 - report that Edward admitted to hospital.

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article134862554 - report that Edward discharged from hospital.

Edward was invalided home October 1917, being discharged medically unfit (bronchitis) on the 22nd November 1917.

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article138741721 - report that Edward being invalided home.

Mr. Hartland’s name has been inscribed on the Holmesville WW1 Roll of Honour (photos) and the West Wallsend Soldiers' Memorial. Name inscribed on the West Wallsend Superior Public School Honour Roll as ANDERSON, E.

I have placed poppies on Edward’s Commonwealth War Graves Plaque in remembrance of his service and sacrifice for God, King & Country.

Service record states Died after Discharge, 1.2.1955.

Older brother Albert William Wooderson (Lieutenant, D.C.M., M.I.D., 35th Battalion, Reg No-459, born 1893? Holmesville, N.S.W., died 7.12.1944, Lidcombe, N.S.W. - http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article17930859, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article134262064) also served 1st A.I.F.

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.

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

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.