World War One Veterans - Lilydale Local History - They Answered the Call

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They Answered the Call – C

Please Note: Those service personnel without a Service Number means we have not been able to establish we have found the right person. If you can help us with more information, please contact us via our enquiry form and we will happily add the relevant information.

Cahill, Francis Roy, 12269
Service No: 12269
Occupation: Draper
Address: Cahillton Coldstream
Date of Enlistment: November 11, 1915.
Age at Enlistment: 18 years 3 months
Marital Status: Single
Physical Description: 5ft 5¾ in. tall, 8stn 9lbs, blue eyes, fair hair, fresh complexion.
Next of Kin: Father, Richard Cahill
Rank on Enlistment: Private
Unit Name: 10th Field Ambulance
Embarkation Details: June 20, 1916 Melbourne on HMAS Runic.
Places and dates of service:

1916 August 10: to Plymouth England.
1916 October 5: sick (tonsillitis) to 10th Brigade Hospital England.
1916 November 24: to France.
1917 January 4: sick (colitis) to 7th General Hospital France.
1917 July 5: transfer to 11th Field Ambulance France.
1917 August 1: sick ( colitis) to 11th Field Hospital France.
1917 August 3: transferred to 22nd General Hospital Camiers, France.
1917 August 8: transferred to England to 3rd Southern General Hospital (ibcolitis and Phthisis).
1917 August 21: transferred to 3rd AA Hospital Dartford England.
1917 October 31: Returned to Australia.

Service injuries: NIL

Returned to Australia: December 30, 1917 on HT Barrima (medically unfit).
Discharge Date: February 1, 1918
Rank at Discharge: Private
Honours/Medals: British War Medal, Victory Medal.
Memorials: Shire of Lillydale Honour Roll, Gruyere Honour Roll, Gruyere South State School Honour Board.
Family Story:

Roy was born in 1897/8 at Coldstream to parents Richard Cahill and Ellen Beatrice Anderson. He never married, and died in Brunswick on July 27, 1928, and was buried in the Lilydale Cemetery RC2 lot 273.

His father Richard died on November 9, 1931 and his mother Ellen died on November 3, 1954. Both are buried in Lilydale Cemetery. He also had a brother Stuart who died September 27, 1963.

Campbell, Charles Ewing, 1149
Service No:   1149
Occupation: Orchardist
Address: c/o Post Office Kilsyth
Date of Enlistment: October 27, 1914
Age at Enlistment: 29 years 6 months
Marital Status: Single
Physical Description: 5ft 5in tall, 10stn 7 lbs, grey eyes, brown hair, medium
Next of Kin: Father: Archibald James Campbell
Rank on Enlistment: Private
Unit Name: 8th Btn
Embarkation Details: December 22, 1914 from Melbourne on HMAT McGilvarry.
Places and dates of service:

1915 February: Suez Canal Egypt
1915 April 25: landing Gallipoli
1915 April 25: wounded at the landing – Gunshot wound – right foot (top of foot).
1915 April 30: Alexandria Hospital, Egypt
1915 June 20: Manchester Hospital, England

Returned to Australia: April 22 1916 to Melbourne on “Suevic”
Discharge Date: August 23, 1916 – Medically Unfit
Rank at Discharge: Private
Honours/Medals: 914/1915 Star, British War Medal, Victory Medal
Memorials: Kilsyth Memorial Hall Honour Board, Shire of Lillydale Honour Roll, Croydon War Memorial.
Family Story:

Charles was born 1890 Armadale (Victorian Birth Register) in 1885 (Service Records) to parents Archibald James Campbell and Elizabeth Anderson Melrose. It is not known if he married and had any family. In 1967 Charles was living in Adelaide, when requesting a Gallipoli Medal. He died in 1968 at Camberwell aged 78 years.

Campbell, D.,

Campbell, Victor Rosmond, 60897
Service No:  60897
Occupation: Farmer
Address: Silvan, Victoria
Date of Enlistment: May 9th 1918
Age at Enlistment: 19 years and 6 months
Marital Status: Single
Physical Description: Victor was 5 ft 5 ½ inches, weighing 115 lbs, with brown hair, blue eyes and medium complexion
Next of Kin: John Campbell, 31 Drummond St Carlton, was his father, but later a guardian was appointed: Mrs Agnes Benham of ‘Alisa’ Buckley St Essendon.
Rank on Enlistment: Private
Unit Name: 5th Battalion; then 1st Australian Divisional Train.
Embarkation Details: August 31, 1918
Places and dates of service:
1918, November 14 to 1919, January 25: England
1919, January 29 to 1919, April 26: France
Returned to Australia:  November 24, 1919
Discharge Date: December 9, 1919
Rank at Discharge: Private
Honours/Medals: British War medal; Victory Medal
Memorials: Shire of Lilydale Honour Roll
Family Story:

Victor Rosmond Campbell was born at Macclesfield, South Australia on October 14, 1898, to John C. Campbell and Elizabeth Bridget O’Keefe. Mrs Agnes Benham (Dr Rosamund Agnes Benham of Silvan) was later made his guardian. On March 15, 1923 Victor changed his name by Deed Poll from Victor Rosmond Campbell to Victor Rosmonde Benham.

Also in 1923, Victor married Amy Minnie Norah Luckhurst (1901-1983). In December of 1924 and of 1926 The Argus carried In Memoriam notices: In loving memory of Dr Rosamund Benham who passed to the higher life 11.12.1923.

Victor Benham died at Lilydale, Victoria in 1982.

Cassell, E.,

Cassidy, George Frederick, 19225
George Frederick Cassidy - They Answered the Call
Service No:  19225
Occupation: Railway employee
Address: ‘Sandhurst’, Seville, Victoria
Date of Enlistment: March 12, 1917
Age at Enlistment: 18
Marital Status: Single
Physical Description: George was 5 ft 8 inches weighing 142 lbs, with fair hair, blue eyes and a fresh complexion.
Next of Kin: Mrs Emma Cassidy, mother; Father deceased by 1917
Rank on Enlistment: Sapper
Unit Name: Special draft reinforcements, Signals service (Egypt); Later 4th Light Horse Regiment.
Embarkation Details: September 3, 1917 from Sydney on HMAT Kyarra
Places and dates of service:
1917, October 19 – 1919, June 15: Egypt.
Returned to Australia: July 25th 1919 on the Essex
Discharge Date:
Rank at Discharge: Private
Honours/Medals: British War Medal; Victory Medal
Memorials: Shire of Lillydale Honour Board
Family Story:

George Frederick Cassidy was born in 1899 at Ringwood, Victoria. He was the first Lilydale station staffer to enlist.

A letter to his mother from overseas was published in the Lilydale Express August 23, 1918.
He appears in the Indi Electoral Roll 1922-1927 His mother Emma died aged 82 on June 14, 1946 at her residence Beenak Rd, Seville. Her death notice lists children: Gladys Victoria (Mrs Hesserman) and George Frederick; as well as grandchildren John, Ramon, Jim, Eddie and Lorna.
Casson, John Hulbert, 21
Service No:  21
Occupation: Railway Employee Loco
Address: Kilsyth
Date of Enlistment: October 12, 1914
Age at Enlistment: 21 years 8 months
Marital Status: Single
Physical Description: 5ft 6in tall, hazel eyes, light brown hair, fair
Next of Kin: Father Ostle Casson
Rank on Enlistment: Sergeant
Unit Name: Army Veterinary Corp later 2nd Divisional Ammunition Column
Embarkation Details: December 22, 1914 from Melbourne on HMAT Bakara
Places and dates of service:

1915 no mention ? – Middle East (Egypt) working with the horses ?
1916 January 6: Mumps – Cairo Egypt
1916, March 20: Left Alexandra for France
1916 March 27: Arrived in  France
1916 August 20: to England with tumour of brain.
1916 October 17: Died of Disease in Sheffield England from cerebral tumour.  He was buried in a family grave no.639N, Willesden New Cemetery, Willesden, Brent, London UK.

Returned to Australia:  N/A
Discharge Date: Sergeant
Rank at Discharge: 1914/1915 Star, British War Medal, Victory Medal.
Honours/Medals: Kilsyth Memorial Hall Honour Board, Shire of Lillydale Honour Board.
Memorials:
Family Story:

John was born 1893 in Ballan (near Ballarat) to Ostle Casson and Amelia Geneva Sinnamon. He had a sister Millie Casson.

Cathcart, John Brownlees, 61593
Service No: 61593
Occupation: Storekeeper
Address: Lilydale, Victoria.
Date of Enlistment: April 4, 1918
Age at Enlistment:  28 years and 1 month
Marital Status: Married
Physical Description: 5ft 4 ½ in tall, 174lbs, blue eyes, fair hair, fresh complexion, Presbyterian.
Next of Kin: Ethel May Cathcart
Rank on Enlistment: Private
Unit Name: Army Service Corps
Embarkation Details: August 31, 1918 embarked from Melbourne on Barambah.
Places and dates of service:

1918 February 2: Tfd to ACMT London
1918 November 14: ALLT to 58th Btn from GSRfs London
1918 November 14: M/I TO No 2 Dtls camp p’house from Aust.
1919 June 21: Strained right side hernia developed. England.

Returned to Australia: June 21, 1919 on “Leicestershire”
Discharge Date: August 6, 1919
Rank at Discharge: Private
Honours/Medals: Victory Medal, British War Medal
Memorials: MUIOOF Loyal Lilydale Lodge Roll of Honour; Shire of Lillydale Honour Roll for the Shire 1914-1918, Presbyterian Church.
Family Story:

John Brownless Cathcart was born at Country Antrim, Ireland on February 18, 1890. His parents had died in 1929.

By 1913 he had purchased the well-known grocery and bakery business of Mr J. Garratt at Lilydale. The new townsman who should provide a welcome addition to Lilydale comes with recommendation of high merit and he is wished well. He was married to Ethel May Cathcart when he enlisted in WW1 April 1918. They had two children John and Eileen.

See various links below.

Bakery Advertisement.

Aquisition of Oliver & Sons business in 1921.

General store photograph.

Central Lilydale Service Station advertisement.

His parents had died in 1929.

James was a successful business man, he owned many properties and in his earlier days was recognizes and admired for his courage, initiative and willingness to work had in any of the numerous enterprises he tackled. After the bakery he operated a brick making and tile works, then a garage and car sales business. He was very active in the Presbyterian Church and the community. (Lilydale Express July 6, 1962)

He died on June 24, 1962 and Ethel died on September 29, 1971. They are buried at Lilydale.

References:Lilydale Express July 6, 1962, Gun Alley Book & Billanook Country.

Cazaly, Louis Edgar, 1893
Service No:  1893
Occupation: Orchardist
Address: Montrose
Date of Enlistment: February 21, 1916
Age at Enlistment: 39 years 2 months
Marital Status: Single
Physical Description: 5ft 5in tall, brown eyes, black hair, dark
Next of Kin: Father Peter Cazaly
Rank on Enlistment: Private
Unit Name: 57 Btn
Embarkation Details: July 8,1916 from Melbourne on HMAT Ajana A31
Places and dates of service:
1916 December 29: Etaples – France
1918 January 28: France – in the field
1919 March 1: to England (sick)

Service injuries:
1917 September 25: Gunshot wound to left thigh, France in the field.
Returned to Australia: August 5, 1919 to Melbourne on the Port Lyttleton
Discharge Date: November 1, 1919
Rank at Discharge: Private
Honours/Medals: British War Medal, Victory Medal
Memorials: Montrose War Memorial, Shire of Lillydale Honour Board, Croydon War Memorial.

 

Family Story:

Louis was born 1877 December 4 in Ballarat, to Peter Cazaly and Elizabeth Waters. The Victorian Birth records state that he was born in 1874, so he put his age down by 3 years. He was a farmer/orchardist and in 1930 he married Frances Carol Mitchell. Louis was a nephew to Clarence Herbert Cazaly of Sheffield Rd. Montrose, who wrote many poems about the soldiers and the war. ( see Frederick William Jeeves) Louis died 1945 October 30 in Warragul, and is buried at Pakenham.

Chambers W.

Chauvin, William John, 3044
Service No:  3044
Occupation: Carter
Address: Cave Hill Road, Lilydale
Date of Enlistment: July 21, 1915
Age at Enlistment: 23 years 5 months
Marital Status: Single
Physical Description: 5ft 6.5in tall, 146lbs, dark brown eyes, fresh complexion, brown hair
Next of Kin: Emma Chauvin & James William Chauvin
Rank on Enlistment: Private
Unit Name: 8th Battalion
Embarkation Details: November 20, 1915 from Melbourne on HMAT Commonwealth
Places and dates of service:

1915 July 21: 1st Depot Battalion Seymour.
1915 November 16: Appointed to 7th Reinforcements, 24th Battalion, Seymour
1916 February 24: Transferred to 8th Battalion at Zeitoun: taken on 8th at Serapeun
1916 March 26: Proceeded to join B.E.F. at Alexandria
1916 March 31: ‘Megantic’, disembarked at Marseilles
1916 July 25: Wounded in action, France
1916 October 4: Reported wounded and missing
1916 October 12: Recorded as wounded and missing
1918 July 18: Court of Inquiry decision received on the death of William Chauvin and his mother formally advised. He is honoured at Villiers-Bretonneux, France.

Returned to Australia: N/A
Discharge Date: N/A
Rank at Discharge: N/A
Honours/Medals: 1914-15 Star, British War Medal, Victory Medal
Memorials: Lilydale War memorial, Honour Rolls of Baptist Church, Lilydale School, Lilydale Fire Brigade, IOOF Honour Roll
Family Story:

Chauvin’s death witnessed by Private GL Clark 3062: . . . . I knew Chauvin, he came from Australia with me . . . on a Sunday, I think July 23. We were about 400 yards from the Germans in a poor trench and under enfilade artillery fire. Several shells had fallen when one landed right in our trench in the middle of nine of us. Five were killed. Chauvin, one of the nine, was never seen again at all . .  Also witnessed by GH Allen (of Lilydale) . . .  (Chauvin) was buried by a shell at Casualty Corner, Poziers about 9 am. . .  He was dug out and must have been killed instantly. [Refs:numerous newspaper articles in LDHS files]

Cheep, Arthur Collins, 4773
Service No: 4773
Occupation: Cook
Address: 12 Francis St. Prahran
Date of Enlistment: October 5, 1915
Age at Enlistment: 23 years 6 months
Marital Status: Single
Physical Description: 5ft 2 ¾ in tall, 9stn 8 lbs, brown eyes, dark brown hair, sallow complexion
Next of Kin: Father William Cheep. Koyura via Echuca.
Rank on Enlistment: Private
Unit Name: 5th Btn
Embarkation Details: March 7, 1916 on the Wiltshire.
Places and dates of service:

1916 June 18: to Plymouth England
1917-1918: in England
1918 June 13: Returned to Australia with defective vision.

Returned to Australia: August 1, 1918 to Melbourne on HT Essex 
Discharge Date: September 17, 1918
Rank at Discharge: Private
Honours/Medals: British War Medal
Memorials: Shire of Lillydale Honour Board
Family Story:

Arthur was born 1892 in Alexandra Vic. to parents Andrew William Cheep and Mary Elizabeth Waters. He was a cook at David Mitchell’s Cave Hill Lime Quarry. It is not known if he married, he died in 1955 and was cremated 23rd December at Springvale.

Clark, Harold Ernest, 986
Service No: 986
Occupation: Bank Manager
Address: Rose Park, SA
Date of Enlistment: March 29, 1915
Age at Enlistment: 31 years 2 months
Marital Status: Single
Physical Description: 5ft 7.5in tall, 141 lbs, blue eyes, fair hair, fair complexion
Next of Kin: Samuel & Ellen Clark (nee Fieldwick) parents
Rank on Enlistment: Private
Unit Name: 27 Battalion
Embarkation Details: May 31, 1915 embarked from Adelaide SA on HMAT Geelong
Places and dates of service:

1915 March 24: Base Infantry
1915 April 15: Tfrd ‘C’ Company, 27th Infantry
1915 May 1: Promoted to Corporal
1915 May 31: Embarked at Adelaide on ‘Geelong’
1915 August 31: Promoted to Sergeant
1915 September 4: Embarked Alexandria to join Med Exped Force, Gallipoli on ‘Ivernia’
1916 May 2: At Keswick Barracks, SA.
1916 June 24: Re-embarked at Adelaide on ‘Bulla’, for England
1916 September 9: Proceeded to France
1916 September 14th: Rejoined 27th Battalion, Belgium, proceeded to Etables

Service injuries:
1915 November 27: Jaundice, Gallipoli. Tfrd via ‘Kararar’
30 Nov to St Paul’s Hospital Malta
1916 January 21: Disembarked on ‘Valdivia’ from Malta to Alexandria with Paratyphoid
1916 March 9: Returned to Australia with Paratyphoid, for 3 months on ‘Nestor’, admitted Keswick Hospital
1917 March 3: K.I.A. France, buried 2.5 miles SW of Bapaume & 2 miles NNE of Le Sars, France

Returned to Australia:  N/a
Discharge Date: N/A
Rank at Discharge: N/A
Honours/Medals: 1914-15 Star, Victory Medal, British War Medal, Memorial Scroll, Memorial Plaque
Memorials: Warlencourt British Cemetery, Pas de Calais, Gruyere State School Honour Board
Family Story:

Harold Clarke was born at Norwood South Australia. At Port Pirie Volunteer Militia for 6 years and Joined National Bank Port Pirie as a junior, spending time at Crystal Brook and Mt Barker branch. At the time of enlistment he was Manager of Adelaide branch Lived at Rose Park and was connected with Congregational Church.

His brothers were Bernard Roy Clark 11680 & Herbert Murray Clark 4351 also gave Next of Kin details for parents in Glenhuntly. Harold Ernst met up with his brothers at Salisbury Plain, UK on return from furlough in Australia (with Paratyphoid).

Another brother Reg P Clark visited his grave in 1960 Father:Samuel Clark ‘Warinilla’ Booran Road Glenhuntly received his medals and Death Certificate. [Service Record]

Clarke, James?,

Clarke, William George, 6396
Service No: 6396
Occupation: Stable hand/groom
Address: Nicholas St, Lilydale
Date of Enlistment: August 29, 1916
Age at Enlistment: 18 years and 9 months
Marital Status: Single
Physical Description: 5 foot 3 inches, weighing 108 lbs, with brown hair and eyes and a fresh complexion.
Next of Kin: Mrs Rosia Lillias Clarke, mother; Father deceased by 1916.
Rank on Enlistment: Private
Unit Name: 20th Reinforcements 7th Battalion, Castlemaine
Embarkation Details: September 11, 1916 at Melbourne, on the Euripides.
Places and dates of service:

1916 October 26: Disembarked Plymouth UK
1916 November 16: admitted to hospital with collapsed left lung.
1917 April 10: Returned to Australia on the Karoola, and entered Home Service at Ascot Vale Isolation Camp.
1917 June 12 – 191 October 23: he was a Bugler at Langwarren Camp.

Returned to Australia: April 10th 1917 on Karoola
Discharge Date: October 23, 1919
Rank at Discharge: Corporal
Honours/Medals: British War Medal; Victory Medal
Memorials: Shire of Lillydale Honour Board
Family Story:

William was born at Corio, Geelong in 1897. He served in the Senior Cadets at Geelong for 18 months until leaving the district, then Home Service for 9 months. In May 1933 he was writing from 259 Adderly St, West Melbourne seeking a military brooch for his wife.

Clements, Percy James, 175
Service No: 175
Occupation: Printer
Address: Anderson St, Lilydale
Date of Enlistment: July 10, 1915
Age at Enlistment: 21 years and 3 months
Marital Status: Single
Physical Description: 5 foot 8 inches, weighing 10 stone with dark brown hair, grey eyes and a medium complexion.
Next of Kin: Mark William Clements, father, and Mary Pearce Clements mother.
Rank on Enlistment: Private
Unit Name: No 1 Squadron, Australian Flying Corp.
Embarkation Details: March 16, 1916 on the Orsova.
Places and dates of service:

1916, April 14 – 1918 December 28: Air mechanic, Egypt.

Returned to Australia: April 17th 1919 on Hospital Transport Port Sydney
Discharge Date: April 17, 1919
Rank at Discharge: Air Mechanic
Honours/Medals: 1914-15 Star; Victory Medal; British War Medal
Memorials: Lilydale State School Honour Board
Family Story:

Percy was born in 1894 an Lilydale, Victoria, to Mark William Clements and Mary Pearce Clements. He attended Lilydale State School and appears on their Honour Board. Prior to his enlistment in 1915, He served with C. F. Camperdown 71st Infantry for 2 years.

Clements, T.J.,

Clow, K.C.,

Cole, Harry Royal, 444
Service No: 444
Occupation: Civil Servant
Address:
Date of Enlistment: March 21, 1916
Age at Enlistment: 24 years and 9 months
Marital Status: Single
Physical Description: 5 ft 6 ½ inches, weighing 126 lbs, with fair hair & blue eyes
Next of Kin: Robert David Cole, father, of Bethanga
Rank on Enlistment: Private
Unit Name: 1st Reinforcements 37th Battalion; 38th Battalion
Embarkation Details: Embarked at Melbourne June 3, 1916 on the Persic
Places and dates of service:

1916 March 21: – 1916 April 19: AIF Signal School Broadmeadows & Seymour.
1916 November 22: – 1919 September 30 in  France, promoted to Corporal then Sergeant.
1916 December 11: contracted mumps
1918 October 25: Awarded Military Medal
1920 January 16: Discharged TPE

Returned to Australia: November 19, 1919
Discharge Date: January 1, 1920
Rank at Discharge: Sergeant
Honours/Medals: Military Medal and mention in London Gazette [Citation enclosed]; British War Medal; Victory Medal.
Memorials: Shire of Lillydale Honour Board.
Family Story:

Harry Roy Cole was born at Bethanga, Victoria in 1892. He was an Anglican. His father was Robert David Cole. While on active service Harry was granted leave without pay to attend Clark’s College in Chancery Lane London for Commercial ID2. However he did not take the course. Harry applied for his Victory Medal on August 23, 1923. His address was then ‘Abbotsford’ 76 Darlinghurst Rd, Darlinghurst, New South Wales. On August 31, 1923 the Wodonga Sentinelpublished a notice for Probate of the Will of Robert David Cole, with executors Leslie Walter Cole, Bethanga farmer, and Harry Roy Cole of Darlinghurst. In 1924 Harry applied for a War Service Home grant.

Collins, Henry Robert, 29717
Service No: 29717
Occupation: Chauffer (in UK.)
Address: Not given
Date of Enlistment: April 20, 1916
Age at Enlistment: 23 years
Marital Status: Single
Physical Description: 5ft 8½ in tall, 130lbs, brown eyes, brown hair, medium complexion.
Next of Kin: Mother, Mrs Eliza Collins (Twickenham UK.)
Rank on Enlistment: M.T.Driver
Unit Name: 119th Howitzer Btn.
Embarkation Details: October 2, 1916 at Melbourne on HMAT Aeneas A60.
Places and dates of service:

1916 November 19: to Plymouth England.
1917 January 10: to Etaples France.
1917 January 21: transfer to 1st AAMTC.
1917 June 20: OFFENCE – driving over speed limit – award 1 days pay France.
1917 June – 1918 October 30: in the field France.
1919 April 14: in the field France.
1919 May 6: Returned to Australia.

Service injuries: NIL

Returned to Australia: August 6, 1919 to Melbourne on Konig Frederick August.
Discharge Date: September 20, 1919.
Rank at Discharge: M.T.Driver
Honours/Medals: British War Medal, Victory Medal
Memorials: Shire of Lillydale Honour Roll
Family Story:

Henry was born March 23, 1891 at Hastings England (not as on Service record but in Stat. Declaration) to parents Henry Robert Collins and Eliza. His father Henry was deceased prior to enlistment in 1916. He had a brother Frank Collins living in Middlesex England, (pg no 18 Service records).

On November 16, 1923 he was working at Coldstream at Coombe Farm owned by Nellie Melba. In 1939 he was in Armadale (pg20 Service records). He died in 1962 Bentleigh East aged 63 years. Burial not known nor if he was married.

Family Reminiscences from Henry’s Grandson Cmdr R.F. Curtis, AFACHSM, ADC (July 15th 2019)

“Henry was indeed as your records indicate employed at Coombe Cottage. He was Dame Nellie Melba’s personal chauffeur from 1909 until he enlisted in 1916. He returned to Coombe in 1919 and a year later married the daughter (Mary known as Jesse) of Dame Nellie’s manager of Coombe farm, Mr Daniel Guinea (my great grandfather). Henry and Mary had two children, Sheila Nellie Curtis (nee Collins)(my mother) 1923-2012 and Robert Collins (1924-1975). Henry Robert Collins drove Dame Nellie’s Pearce Arrow saloon car. It is now, I think in the Bendigo Museum of Fire Brigade.”

Comans, Hugh Patrick, 6974
Service No:  6974
Occupation: Driver
Address: Cave Hill Rd, Lilydale
Date of Enlistment: September 9, 1916
Age at Enlistment: 22 years 8 months
Marital Status: Single
Physical Description: 5ft 9in tall, 143lbs, blue eyes, light brown hair, medium complexion.
Next of Kin: Father Daniel Comans, Lilydale P.O.
Rank on Enlistment: Private
Unit Name: 23R 5Btn
Embarkation Details: November 23, 1916 embarked from Melbourne on the Hororata.
Places and dates of service:

1916 November 9-23: Depot, Royal Park and Domain.
1916 November 23: Left Melbourne.
1917 January 29: Arrived at Plymouth, England.
1917 January 29 to June 4: In France.

Service injuries:
1917 September 20: wounded in action, at Menin Road, Belgium.
1917 September 26: died of a gunshot wound to the head, fracturing his skull at the 3rd Canadian General Hospital, Boulogne, France. He is buried at the Boulogne Western Cemetery, France Plot 8 Row 1 Grave 39.

Returned to Australia: N/A
Discharge Date: N/A
Rank at Discharge: N/A
Honours/Medals: British War medal, Victory Medal, memorial Scroll, Memorial Plaque.
Memorials: Lilydale War Memorial, Shire of Lillydale Honour Board.
Family Story:

Hugh Comans was born at Richmond c January 1894 and at the time of his enlistment, Hugh Comans was a driver with the Lilydale Cordial Factory. By October, 1917 his family had moved to 196 Kilgour St, East Geelong. The Lilydale Express on October 5, 1917 reported his death: Prior to enlisting Pte Coman was employed at the Lilydale Cordial Factory and was a general favourite with everyone whom he came into contact. Pte Coman’s parents live at Geelong. [Lilydale Express 05-10-1917]

Commerford, Ernest George, 1505
Service No: 1505
Occupation: Labourer
Address: Lilydale, Victoria.
Date of Enlistment: March 29, 1915
Age at Enlistment: 34 years 11 months
Marital Status: Single
Physical Description: 5ft 6ins tall, 11st 3lbs, blue eyes, dark brown hair, dark complexion, Roman Catholic.
Next of Kin: Aunt Marg Hughes, Lilydale
Rank on Enlistment: Private
Unit Name: 23rd Battalion
Embarkation Details: December 19, 1916, from Aust CD MG Training Depot, on the SS Princess Clementine.
Places and dates of service:

1916 December 23: Camiers, England
1917 January 24: joined 5th Machine Gun Company in France
1916 August 18: Gun shot wound to the left shoulder.
1917 March 3 to 31: Treated for scabies

Returned to Australia: May 28, 1919 on the Warwickshire
Discharge Date: October 12, 1919
Rank at Discharge: Private
Honours/Medals: 1914–1915 Star, British War Medal, Victory Medal.
Memorials: Shire of Lillydale Honour Board
Family Story:

Ernest Commerford was born in Lilydale, his parents were William and Agnes Commerford, and he was one of 11 children. William had immigrated to Australia in 1838 he married a local girl Agnes MacLean. William became involved in a founding committee formed to assist with running of the first Catholic community in Lilydale. When the pioneers opened St. Patrick’s school in 1865, eight Commerford children were included on the attendance roll.
The links with St. Patrick’s continued through their children Mary and James. Ernest died at the age of 43 years on November 3,1923 and is buried at Lilydale Cemetery with his brother Albert aged 23 who died on October 29, 1897.  (References: No Tombstones and Vines and Branches, History of St Patrick’s Church Lilydale.

Image of Ernest Commerford and his cousin Harry Black

Considine, John,

Cook, Harry Page, 7613
Service No: 7613
Occupation: Farm-Hand
Address: Frankston, Victoria.
Date of Enlistment: July 17, 1915
Age at Enlistment: 25 years 3 months
Marital Status: Single
Physical Description: 5ft 5in tall, hazel eyes, dark brown hair, ruddy complexion.
Next of Kin: Father Thomas Cook, Regent St, Oakleigh Victoria.
Rank on Enlistment: Driver
Unit Name: Attached to 11/10th AGC
Embarkation Details: September 19, 1915 embarked from Melbourne on HMAT Osterley.
Places and dates of service:

191, December 4: Taken on Strength to the 10th Coy. AASC from 11/10th Coy. AASC.
1917 September 16 detached for duty to 14th Aust Field Ambulance.
1917 September 26: Re-joined unit from 14th FLD. Amb.
1917 September 29 attached from 10th AASC ceased on re-joining unit.
1918 December 18: Transferred to 1st Ausc Hosp Debility (VT).

Service injuries:
1918 November 25 (F) Adm to No 4 Can Gen Hosp Basingteken.
1918 December 20 to 1919 January 3: Disc from Hosp. Fur & Rep Debility (VT).

Returned to Australia: March 31, 1919 on H.T. Fancashive.
Discharge Date: May 22, 1919
Rank at Discharge: Driver
Honours/Medals: Star 1914/15, British War Medal, Victory Medal.
Memorials: Shire of Lillydale Honor Roll.
Family Story:

Not known.

Coppin, Lesley Wade, 883
Service No: 883
Occupation: Artist/Carpenter
Address: Oxford Rd. Kilsyth
Date of Enlistment: July 9, 1915
Age at Enlistment: 23 years 6 months
Marital Status: Single
Physical Description: 5ft 9 ¾ in tall, 10stone 5lbs,grey eyes, light brown hair, fair
Next of Kin: Father Frederick William James Coppin
Rank on Enlistment: Private
Unit Name: 13th Light Horse
Embarkation Details: September 10, 1915 from Melbourne on HMAT Malakuta.
Places and dates of service:

1915 December 13: Cairo Egypt ( sick-heart).
1916 March 27: France
1916 June 2: England ( sick- malaria)
1916 August 31: France (sick- gastritis and TB).

Returned to Australia: October 17,1916 to Melbourne NZ HS Marama.
Discharge Date:
Rank at Discharge: Private
Honours/Medals: 1914-1915 Star, British War Medal, Victory Medal
Memorials: N/A
Family Story:

Leslie was born in 1892 Carlton to Frederick William James Coppin and Rebecca Porteous. He died February 8,1919 at Oxford Rd. Kilsyth from TB contracted during his war service, and was buried in the Burwood Cemetery – CE4 D-D.

Correicllo, Dominico, 1849
Service No: 1849
Occupation: Farmer/ Stone Quarrier
Address: Lilydale
Date of Enlistment: July 22, 1915
Age at Enlistment: 25 years
Marital Status: Single
Physical Description: 5ft 3¼ in tall, 9stn 5lbs, blue eyes, brown hair, sallow complexion.
Next of Kin: Father, Barnardo Correicllo.
Rank on Enlistment: Private
Unit Name: 4th Pioneers
Embarkation Details: December 29, 1915 Brisbane on HMAT Kyarra A55.
Places and dates of service:

1916 March 6: with 46th Btn to Tel-el-Kebir Egypt.
1916 March 16: Offence (in bed after reveille- award 2 days pay) to 4th Pioneers at Tel-el-Kebir Egypt.
1916 March 31: sick (mumps) to 12th Field Hospital Egypt.
1916 June 4: to Alexandria Egypt.
1916 June 11: to Marseille France Offence – obscene language/threatening violence – award 28 days pay.
1916 August 3: wounded in the field France (gunshot).
1916 August 4: to 22nd General Hospital France.
1916 September 3: to 26th General Hospital Etaples France.
1916 September 9: Offence – absent from 6am parade – award 1 days pay.
France 1917 January 23: sick ( old wound) France.
1917 January 26: admitted to 1st A.C Hospital Rouen France (old wound shoulder/back).
1917 January 29: to England to War Hospital in Beaufort.
1917 August 7: to No.3 Com. Depot Hurdcott England.
1917 August 10: Offence – AWOL- award 14 days pay England.
1917 September12: Offence – disobeying orders – award 7 days pay England.
1918 August 7: Offence – AWOL without pass – award 5 days pay Weymouth England.
1919 March 26: Offence – AWOL 4/3/1919–29/3/1919 award 35 days pay England.
1919 July 2: Returned to Australia.

Service injuries:
1916 August 3: Gunshot wound to shoulder and back- in the field France.

Returned to Australia: October 11, 1919 to Melbourne on the Main.
Discharge Date: December 16, 1919
Rank at Discharge: Private
Honours/Medals: British War Medal, Victory Medal
Memorials: Listed as Correlli on Shire of Lillydale Honour Roll
Family Story:

married April 8, 1918 at

Dominico was born 25th December 1895 Chile in South America the only child of parents Bernardo Correicllo and Lucia Foschi. (Ancestry).

Bernardo’s father was an Italian who moved to Chile in the late 19th century. While still in Britain Dominico married on 8th April, Elizabeth McKecknie in Glasgow, Scotland on on April 8, 1918. They had 3 boys – Bernard Alexander b. December 2, 1918 at Fitzroy; Thomas b. June 17, 1921 at Collingwood and Rudolph b. 2nd September 2, 1922 at Lilydale. Rudolph was Killed in Action in New Guinea in 1943.

In 1921 the family were living in Lilydale when he received a medal at RSL (pg17 Army Service Record). In 1933 they were in Collingwood (Army serv. Pg no 15). In 1953 his wjfe Elizabeth asks for his discharge papers – he was deceased and son KIA WW2 –for war service loan (Pg 7 Army Service
Record).

Dominico died in 1943 aged 56 years and was buried at Box Hill Cemetery. Elizabeth died in 1979 aged 81 years and was also buried at Box Hill.

Cox, Charles George, 1929
Service No: 1929
Occupation: Carpenter
Address: Wandin Victoria
Date of Enlistment: March 2, 1915
Age at Enlistment: 19 years 5 months
Marital Status: Single
Physical Description: 5 feet 6 ¼ ins, 10st 2lbs, Fair complexion, Grey Eyes, Brown Hair, Scare front left thigh.
Next of Kin: Father Mr.G.Cox, 65 Canterbury St, Burnley Vic.
Rank on Enlistment: Private
Unit Name: 6th A.I.F.
Embarkation Details: April 17, 1915 from Melbourne on HMAT A20 Hororata.
Places and dates of service:

1915 April 17: embarked Melbourne on HMAT A20 Hororata.
1915 June 8: Dardanelles
1915 June 17:Joined unit from reinforcement.
1915 August : Reported missing at Gallipoli.

Returned to Australia: N/A
Discharge Date: N/A
Rank at Discharge: N/A
Honours/Medals: British War Medal (recalled 13-10-1922) 1914/15 Star, Victory Medal.
Memorials:  Lone Pine Memorial, Gallipoli, Turkey and Gruyere State School Honour Board.
Family Story:

Not known.

Cox, P.,

Cox-Taylor, Noel 39015
Service No: 39015
Occupation: Student
Address: ‘Rosemont’ Silvan Victoria
Date of Enlistment: April 19, 1917
Age at Enlistment: 18 years
Marital Status: Single
Physical Description: 5ft 7in tall, 155 lbs, blue eyes, black hair, medium complexion
Next of Kin: Father, Lieutenant Colonel Herbert James Cox-Taylor
Rank on Enlistment: Acting Corporal
Unit Name: 6th Field Artillery Bgd.
Embarkation Details: November 26, 1917 Melbourne on SS Indarra.
Places and dates of service:

1917 December 14; to Colombo Ceylon, down graded from Acting Corporal to Gunner due to being AWOL.
1918 February 15 : to Heytesbury England.
1918 June 18 : to France.
1919 July 13: Returned to Australia.

Service injuries:
Nil.

Returned to Australia: August 29, 1919 to Melbourne on Persic.
Discharge Date: September 21,1919
Rank at Discharge: Gunner
Honours/Medals: British War Medal, Victory Medal
Memorials: N/A
Family Story:

Noel was born 1899 Sydney. His father Herbert John Cox-Taylor served in the Boer War in 1891 and again in 1915 where with 1st Light Horse formed and trained 5th Div. FAB.
He designed the Rising Sun badge the Australians used in WW1.
He was an army man until he died May 2, 1936.

When Noel enlisted the family were living at “Rosemont” Silvan, but in late 1917 they moved to East Malvern, and later back to Sydney. Noel had two sisters, and after returning from the war he married 1925 in Sydney, to Heather Lilias “Lottie” McRae Cramsie. It is not known if they had family. Noel died on the January 16, 1988 and is buried at Chatswood Cemetery NSW, Lottie died May 12, 1995 also buried at Chatswood NSW.

Crameri, Cyril, 1943
Service No: 1943
Occupation: Motor Mechanic
Address: Montrose
Date of Enlistment: November 9, 1915
Age at Enlistment: 22 years 11 months
Marital Status: Single
Physical Description: 5ft 5 3/4 in, 10stn 6lbs, blue eyes, dark hair, fresh
Next of Kin: Mother Mrs Eva Ada Hansen St Kilda
Rank on Enlistment: Private
Unit Name: 13th Light Horse Bde
Embarkation Details: October 20, 1916 on the A30 Borda
Places and dates of service:

1916 Training for Light Horse
1917 January 10: to Tidworth UK
1917 April 25: to Etaples France
1919 May 7: France in the field.

Returned to Australia: August 17, 1919 to Melbourne on Karmali.
Discharge Date: November 10, 1919
Rank at Discharge: Corporal
Honours/Medals: British War Medal, Victory Medal
Memorials: Montrose War Memorial, Shire of Lillydale Honour Board
Family Story:

Cyril was born in Benalla in 1893 to parents Benjamin Crameri and Eva Ada Boucher. His father Benjamin died in 1908 Welshpool. In 1920 Louis married Cora Marion Cazaly (niece of Clarence Cazaly) and they had a daughter, Shirley Patricia born Oakleigh 11 May 1931. Cora died at Sandringham aged 79 years, Louis’s death is not known.

Crowther, George Hinchcliffe, Capt. MC
Service No: Capt.
Occupation: Manufacturer’s agent
Address: Lilydale
Date of Enlistment: May 10, 1916
Age at Enlistment: 21 years
Marital Status: Single
Physical Description: 5ft 11in Tall, 11 stone
Next of Kin: Father, Robert Hinchcliffe Crowther
Rank on Enlistment: Captain
Unit Name: 10th Btn.
Embarkation Details: May 27, 1916 Melbourne on HMAT Ascanius A11
Places and dates of service:

1916 August 4: to Fargo Military Hospital England ( Bronchial Catarrh).
1916 December 10: transfer to 39th Btn Cambridge England.
1917 January 8: to France.
1917 February 6: seconded for duty with 10th Inf. Bde. Headquarters France.
1917 March 23: appointed to Staff Captain France.
1918 January 1: awarded Military Cross -for distinguished service in the field France.
1919 September 27 : Returned to Australia.

Service injuries:

Nil

Returned to Australia: November 6, 1919: Melbourne HT Osterley.
Discharge Date: December 29, 1919
Rank at Discharge: Staff Captain
Honours/Medals: Military Cross, British War Medal, Victory Medal
Memorials: Shire of Lillydale Honour Roll
Family Story:

George was born May 25, 1895 in Brighton to parents Robert Hinchcliffe Crowther and Nellie Mabel Criswick. He was educated at Sydney Grammar NSW (2 years) and Wesley College Melbourne (3 years) On returning home from the war he was living at “The Hey” Finch St. East Malvern with his parents. It is not known if he married (possibly to Mary M E Mayer) or if they had family. He died July 13, 1920 in Dunedin New Zealand.

Cummings, George Illingworth, 6717
Service No: 6717 (Navy)
Occupation: N/A
Address: Kilsyth
Date of Enlistment: July 27,1918
Age at Enlistment: Not stated
Marital Status: Not known
Physical Description: 5 ft 51/4 inches, hair light brown, eyes grey, complexion fresh. 2 inch long scar back right elbow.
Next of Kin: Father Robert Arthur Cummings 84 Vine St, Windsor
Rank on Enlistment: Stoker
Unit Name: Not Applicable
Embarkation Details: Not known
Places and dates of service:

George Cummings served on the following vessels:
1918 October 1 – 1919 June 30: Meannter.
1919 July 1 – 1919 August 11: Suva. 
1919 August 12 – 1921 January 10: Australia.
1921 January 1 – 1922 June 30: Platypuss.
1922 July 1 – 1922 September 19: Cerberus. 

Returned to Australia:  Not known
Discharge Date: Not known
Rank at Discharge: Not known
Honours/Medals: Not known
Memorials: Not known
Family Story:

George was born April 11, 1899 in Kilsyth to Robert Arthur Cummings and Sara Townsend. He died in 1971 in Caulfield, aged 72 years.

Currell, Alfred, 72261
Service No: 72261
Occupation: Groom
Address: c/o Madame Melba, Coombe Cottage, Coldstream
Date of Enlistment: July 26, 1918
Age at Enlistment: 18 years and 4 months
Marital Status: Single
Physical Description: 5ft 7 ½ inches, weighing 126 lbs, with dark brown hair, grey eyes and a fair complexion
Next of Kin: Mrs Jessie Mary Currell, mother, ‘Coombe Cottage’ Coldstream.
Rank on Enlistment: Private
Unit Name: Recruit Depot Battalion Broadmeadows Camp.
Embarkation Details: Not applicable
Places and dates of service:

1918 August 21 – 1918 December 24: Broadmeadows

Returned to Australia:
Discharge Date: December 24, 1918, on demob of AIF
Rank at Discharge: Private
Honours/Medals: NIL
Memorials: Coldstream and Yering War Memorial
Family Story:

Alfred was born at Kirby in Ashfield, Nottinghamshire, England, on April 14, 1900. His mother Jessie Mary Currell was a widow, as his father, Alfred Currell sen., born 1868, died in 1915 at Coldstream, Victoria.

Alfred jun. was a groom at Dame Nellie Melba’s Coombe Cottage in Coldstream. After enlistment he passed the Light Horse riding test and volunteered for Egypt, but AIF demobilisation meant he was not required to leave Australia. He was possibly known as Fred as he is mentioned on honour boards and in the press as F. Currell. Alfred’s grandfather was Emmanuel Currell.

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