The news that the United Kingdom had been at war with Germany in 1914 had stirred a rather similar response here in Victoria to that in England in 1852 with the arrival of news that gold had been discovered here in Victoria awaiting those prepared to set sail and dig for it; those responding to […]
Tag: WW1
World War 1 : Home Nurse Jessie FLANNERY
Nurse Jessie FLANNERY, Hutton Street, Thornbury Home Service Nurse, Bodington Soldier’s Home and Sanatorium, Wentworth Falls, New South Wales Parents : John Thomas and Mrs Matilda Flannery (nee Horgan) Jessie Flannery is not listed in official records as a member of the A.I.F., but her demise was listed in the “Died In Service” column of […]
World War 1 : Sister Emma Argyle CUTHBERT
Sister Emma Argyle CUTHBERT (R.R.C) Address : c-o Mrs BORTHWICK, ‘Malwa’, Main Street, Heidelberg Next of Kin : mother, Mrs Emma Argyle Cuthbert, King Street, Sydney (later South Yarra), Father Robert (late) Emma Cuthbert was shown c-o Mrs Borthwick, “Malwa”, Main Street, Heidelberg when she embarked; her mother was given as next of kin in […]
Women were there too
Olive’s story: women were there too – Olive Haynes (Dooley) By Liz Pidgeon ‘I am so glad I brought my gramophone that was given to me. The men simply love it, and I have to promise it days ahead to the different huts and tents. They start it going the minute they awake, and never stop until they have to. […]
He Answered his Country’s Call
By Liz Pidgeon Outside the French village of Bullecourt, a bronze statue The Bullecourt Digger stands in the Australian Memorial Park. It reminds visitors of the role our Anzacs played in the Battle of Bullecourt under the British command in early April 1917. Over 3,000 Australians were wounded or killed in the First Bullecourt Battle […]
Searching for the Searcher
Often when searching history you learn about the people involved, their personalities, likes, dislikes and life achievements, other times just about the achievements. In researching the life of Stanley Simpson Addison it was somewhat easier to find out about his achievements than Stanley, the person. Whilst born into a modest farming family at Aldinga, near […]
Christmas Hills cenotaph
The Christmas Hills cenotaph was unveiled on 10 Dec 1921 by Captain Stanley Melbourne Bruce, who had served on the frontline at Gallipoli, and was to become Australia’s eighth Prime Minster (1923-29). The Eltham and Whittlesea Advertiser painted a vivid picture of the moving ceremony of dedication, and captured some of Bruce’s heartfelt speech, delivered […]
The Anzac Story of William James Capewell
On 13 September 1915, local Eltham Butcher, William James Capewell, enlisted in the Australian Remount Unit 1, Squadron 2 which played an important and often overlooked role in the history of the Australian Light Horse Regiments. The following day, the local Eltham Blacksmith, Alfred Edgar Knapman followed in Mr Capewell’s footsteps, enlisting in the same […]
100 years later – Private Harold Underwood McDonald, Arthur’s Creek
The Melbourne Town Hall The Melbourne Town Hall was alive with music, Union Jack flags, excitement and speeches. The meeting was in August 1914 and the British Empire had just declared war. As a result, Australia also entered the First World War. The evening had been organised to garner support for Victorian men to enlist. Thousands […]
A Devotion to Duty
“For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. This officer rendered valuable service throughout three days’ operations. The information furnished by his reconnaissance was invaluable, and helped greatly to the success of two advances. He showed marked ability in adapting captured machine guns for use against the enemy, instructing the gunners and helping them in every way. He led a […]