Three conscientious objectors appeared before the Coburg Court the same day as Rollo Heskett and Claude Cash. They were Harold Frederick Swanson, George Alfred Summers and Edward Hamilton Paul. This is their story. Harold F. Swanson The records of the National Archives of Australia show that Harold Swanson did not serve in World War One, […]
Tag: World War 1
The Last Man to Leave Gallipoli
By Anne Course The approaching 100 year anniversary of the landing at Gallipolli put my head in a spin, my Grandfather had volunteered, what was his experience and how did it effect his life. I was I like a dog with a bone, can’t let is go until I have all the information possible and […]
On the Armistice in the City of Heidelberg
by Brian Membrey Hostilities in the Great War ceased at 11 a.m. London time on Monday, 11 November, 1918, with the Armistice formally signed at 5.00 a.m. that morning. Although this is the hour (adjusted for time zone) celebrated ever since by a minute’s silence, rumours of a German surrender had circulated for two or […]
Famous Painter Old Resident of Eltham
Advertiser January 27, 1928 The picture “Ghosts of Menin Gate,” which has been presented to Australia by Lord Woolavington (formerly Sir James Buchanan) was painted by Mr. Will Longstaff, who is an old resident of Eltham. Mr. Longstaff lived here for a good number of years, and enlisted when the war broke out, subsequently attaining the rank of captain, and being the […]
Tribute to the Fallen
Heidelberg Memorial Unveiled. Erected by public subscription in the grounds of the shire hall, Heidelberg’s memorial to her fallen soldiers was unveiled by His Excellency the Governor yesterday afternoon. It consists of a granite obelisk, and bears the names of 29 soldiers from the district who lost their lives in the Great War. Three of them had decorations. The president of […]
Anti-conscription Rally
More than 40,000 people attending a WWI anti-conscription rally on the banks of the Yarra in Melbourne on 21 October 1916. The anti-conscription movement was also active in our Shire. An anti-conscription rally was organised in Panton Hill by Kangaroo Ground wheelwright Mr Fryer. A correspondent writing in the Evelyn Observer in 1916 accused Mr […]
Adeline
By M.R. Simkin My grandmother’s ring was very large indeed, so big it hung loosely on my mother’s thumb when she wore it to the jewelers to have it resized. The jeweler was intrigued but didn’t ask questions. My grandmother told me the story in her tiny, crowded kitchen many, many years ago when I innocently asked her why her left ring finger […]
Anzac Stories from the St Andrews District
The following Anzac stories are from men who served in ‘The Great War ‘- World War 1 from 1914 to 1918. Some men grew up and attended local schools in the District of St Andrews, Shire of Eltham. Some men who enlisted, worked in the area, or were just passing, but they were willing to […]
Greensborough Public Hero, No 1
Hurstbridge Advertiser, 9 April 1937 Mr. Joseph Evans, Anzac – that speaks for itself. The spirit of Anzac, once born in the heart of Australian, years ago now, is still a living thing. It was shown last Sunday, when, without a moment’s hesitation, Mr. Joseph Evans of Greensborough went to the rescue of Betty Thomas, […]
Fly Specks on the Universe
By Paul Howard “Places like Panton Hill had been referred to by Mr Clement Wragge as fly-specks on the universe, and yet, from this little fly-speck, over 32 boys had volunteered and been accepted for active service.” 1916 ‘ RETURNED WOUNDED. SOLDIERS AT PANTON HILL.’, Evelyn Observer and Bourke East Record (Vic. : 1902 – […]