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

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They Answered the Call – P

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.

Padgett, Arthur William, 3362
Service No: 3362
Occupation: Labourer
Address: c/o Mr H Leach, Federal Store Lilydale.
Date of Enlistment: November 30, 1917
Age at Enlistment: 25 years 1 month
Marital Status: Single
Physical Description: 5ft 1in tall, 108 lbs, blue eyes, brown hair, fair complexion.
Next of Kin: Father, George Padgett, Leicester England.
Rank on Enlistment: Private
Unit Name: 39th Btn. 8th reinforcement
Embarkation Details: February 2, 1918 from Sydney on HMAT Wiltshire A18.
Places and dates of service:

1918 March 11: to Suez Egypt.
1918 March 19: to Alexandria Egypt and on to Southampton England.
1918 July 29: to France.
1918 August 24; sick (bronchitis).
1918 September 3: to Rouelles France.
1919 February 8: sick (bronchitis) in the field France.
1919 March 11: to hospital Southwark Hospital London England.
1919 April 7: to Weymouth Hospital England.
1919 July 5: discharged from army in England, medically unfit (bronchitis).

Service injuries: NIL

Returned to Australia: 1924 to Melbourne on the  Benalla.
Discharge Date: July 5, 1919 in England.
Rank at Discharge: Private
Honours/Medals: British War Medal, Victory Medal, Silver War Badge and certificate.
Memorials: Shire of Lillydale Honour Roll
Family Story:

Arthur was born in 1892 Leicestershire England to father George Padgett. He came out to Australia around 1914 and became a labourer in Bunyip and Lilydale until enlisting in 1917. The electoral rolls show he was a farmer in Acheron 1925-1928. We do not know if he married, or when and where he died.

Palliser, Wilfred, 5742
Service No: 5742
Occupation: Storeman/Greengrocer
Address: Cave Hill Road Lilydale
Date of Enlistment: February 28, 1916
Age at Enlistment: 32 years 9 months
Marital Status: Married
Physical Description: 5ft 9in tall, 149 lbs, blue grey eyes, brown hair, fresh complexion.
Next of Kin: Wife, Isabella Ellen Palliser
Rank on Enlistment: Private
Unit Name: 7th Btn.
Embarkation Details: July 3, 1916 Melbourne on HMAT Ayrshire A33.
Places and dates of service:

1916 September 2 : to Plymouth England.
1916 October 22 : to France.
1916 December 13 : wounded in action – remained on duty.
1917 January 14: sick ( ulcer on leg) hospital in the field France.
1917 December 26 : wounded in the field (2nd ) gassed Belgium to Camiers Hospital France.
1918 January 3 : transfer to hospital in England, Liverpool.
1918 May 8: to France.
1918 June 24: transfer to Div. Signal School France.
1918 September 11: accidental injury to spine to Hospital Amiens France.
1918 September 17: transferred to 3rd Western General Hospital Cardiff England.
1918 November 7: awarded the Military Medal – for bravery in the field, as company runner he enabled important messages to be passed to headquarters, then under fire brought in an injured comrade and attended to many more. An inspiring example in circumstances of exceptional danger and difficulty.
1919 January 14: Returned to Australia (medically unfit).

Service injuries:
1916 December 13: wounded in the field (ulcer on left leg), later to field hospital France.
1917 December 26 : Gassed in the field Belgium.
1918 September 11: accidental injury – sprained dorsal ligament of cervical spine, France.

Returned to Australia: February 27, 1919 to Melbourne on City of York. 
Discharge Date: April 16, 1919 (medically unfit)
Rank at Discharge: Private
Honours/Medals: Military Medal, British Medal, Victory Meda
Memorials: Shire of Lillydale Memorial Honour Roll, St. John’s Church of England Lilydale Honour Roll.
Family Story:

Wilfred was born 1884 Wickham Durham England to parents Thomas Palliser and Ann Peak. His siblings were William, Thomas P, Wilfred and James, Henry and sister Hannah.

In 1909 he married Isabella Ellen Winstanley in Theekrington Northumberland England. On the wedding certificate father Thomas was a smelter, and Isabella’s father Robert was a quarry man.  Wilfred was stated to be a fruiterer.

It is not known if there were children to this marriage after they came to Australia in about 1914. When he enlisted in 1916 he was living in Cave Hill Road Lilydale. The Palliser family had business interests in Silvan and in Lilydale, and after Wilfred came home, he is listed as being in Lilydale 1921, then by 1924 he was a storekeeper in Strezlecki (near Warragul), they stayed here until his death on July 19, 1939 in Warragul hospital aged 56 years.

He was cremated at Springvale Cemetery, Pittosporum Garden, wall ZAA, niche 510.

Parish, Alfred, 1471 and 1581
Service No: 1471 and 1581
Occupation: Horse Breaker
Address: Cave Hill Rd Lilydale
Date of Enlistment: First: August 14, 1914 and second time: April 17, 1915
Age at Enlistment: 25 years
Marital Status: First: Single Second: Married.
Physical Description: 5ft 4in tall, 144 lbs, brown eyes, dark hair , dark complexion
Next of Kin: First: Brother, Fred Parish Second: Wife, Ivy Parish
Rank on Enlistment: First: Driver. Second: Private
Unit Name: First: 2nd field Artillery. Second: 19th Btn.
Embarkation Details: First: October 1914 Melbourne on HMAT Marrare. Second: 1915 May 12, 1915 at Sydney on HMAT Themistocles.
Places and dates of service:

1914, October 19: to Egypt.
1914 November 24: broke camp, AWOL 3 days, fought and bit everyone, tried to stab himself admitted to 2nd Field Ambulance.
1915 February 5: Returned to Australia from Suez.
1915 July 25 to France.
1916 August 10: wounded in the field France.
1916 October 22: transfer to 13th Btn in France.
1916 October 28: sick in the field France.
1916 December 5: to England Shorncliffe Hospital (injured ankle).
1917 February 4: marriage.
1917 February 9: transfer No.4 Com Dep, Wareham from Croydon War Hospital.
1917 March 22 for duty with Headquarters No3 Com Dep.
1918 July 18: Discharged in England – Australian War Worker.

Service injuries:
1916 August 10: buried by shell – suffered superficial wounds and fracture of the right fibula 3 moths in hospital.

Returned to Australia: Not applicable.
Discharge Date: 1918 July 18, 1918:in  England.
Rank at Discharge: Private
Honours/Medals: 1914-1915 Star, British War Medal, Victory Medal.
Memorials: Shire of Lillydale Honour Board.
Family Story:

Alfred was born in 1889 in Paris France, parents unknown. He had a brother Frederick.
Alfred enlisted in 1914 and went to Egypt, where he became sick (melancholia and violent) he was sent home as medically unfit for service.

He the re- enlisted in Sydney 1915, and served in France where he was wounded, he met and married Ivy Harvey (who was born in Adelaide), on February 4, 1917 in Croydon, Surrey England.

They lived in Thornton Heath Surrey, while he worked as an Australian War Worker, in December 19, 1918 Alfred was admitted to Croydon Hospital with a cut throat, was transferred to the 3rd Aux. Hospital Dartford. It is not known if he lived or died.

Parker, Alfred, 2032
Service No: 2032
Occupation: Station Master
Address: Bayswater, West Australia (Silvan Vic.)
Date of Enlistment: October 10, 1916 at perth.
Age at Enlistment: 34 years.
Marital Status: Married
Physical Description: 5ft 10 in tall, 180lbs, hazel eyes, dk.brown hair, fair complexion.
Next of Kin: 5ft 10 in tall, 180lbs, hazel eyes, dk.brown hair, fair
Rank on Enlistment: Sergeant
Unit Name: 44th Btn.
Embarkation Details: October 10, 1916 at Freemantle WA on the HMAT Suffolk
Places and dates of service:

1916 December 2: to Plymouth England.
1917 March 10: attended course of instruction at bomb throwing England.
1917 March 11: promoted to Corporal England.
1917 March 18: sick-to Fargo Hospital England .
1917 October 1: to Rouelles France.
1917 November 1: promoted to temp. Sergeant France.
1918 January 12: sick (scabies) to hospital in the field France.
1918 January 12: promoted to Sergeant France.
1918 July 6: KIA France.

Service injuries:
1918 July 6: Killed in Action in the field France. Buried Villers- Bretonne_ux Military Cemetery Picardie France.

Returned to Australia: Not Applicable.
Discharge Date: Not Applicable
Rank at Discharge: Seargeant at time of death
Honours/Medals: British War medal and Victory Medal.
Memorials: : Shire of Lillydale Memorial Honour Board and  Silvan Memorial.
Family Story:

Alfred was born 1882 in Basford Nottinghamshire England to Robert and Jane Parker. In 1902 he married at Basford to Sarah Hannah Flint, and they had a son Stephen born 1903 in England. (Ancestry records). By 1914 they were living in Perth W.A when he enlisted, he appears to have come to Australia between 1911 and 1914. Alfred was Killed In Action in 1918, and Sarah and Stephen left Brisbane on the Orontes, and arrived back in London September 1919.

Parker, W.H.,

Paton, George, PM2678  Navy
Service No: PM2678
Occupation: Not available
Address: Kilsyth
Date of Enlistment: January 13, 1919
Age at Enlistment: 18 years 6 months
Marital Status: Not Available
Physical Description: Not available
Next of Kin: Father John Paton
Rank on Enlistment: Not available
Unit Name: Australian Navy
Embarkation Details: July 9, 1919 Cerberus
Places and dates of service:

1919 January 13: ‘Cerberus’

1919 July 9: ‘Australia’ signed up for 7 years to 1926.
1920 ‘Cerberus’

Service injuries: Not available.

Returned to Australia: Not available
Discharge Date: Not available
Rank at Discharge: Not available
Honours/Medals: Not available
Memorials: Montrose State School Honour Board, Shire of Lillydale Honour Board.
Family Story:

George was born September 9, 1901 in Korumburra, to parents John Paton and Amy Smith. Navy records do not tell us much at all. His wife was Mrs L. Paton of Armadale. George died at Heidelberg in 1975 aged 74 years, and was cremated at Springvale.

Payne, John Frederick, 5743
Service No: 5743
Occupation: Farmer
Address: Wandin
Date of Enlistment: February 19, 1916
Age at Enlistment: 18 years 4 months
Marital Status: Single
Physical Description: 5ft 11in tall, 142 lbs, brown eyes, brown hair, fresh complexion.
Next of Kin: Father, Thomas Payne
Rank on Enlistment: Private
Unit Name: 5th Btn.
Embarkation Details: April 4, 1916 Melbourne on HMAT Euripides A14.
Places and dates of service:

1916 May 11: to Tel-el-Kebir Egypt.
1916 May 28: to Alexandria Egypt.
1916 June 4: to Marseilles France.
1917 January 26: sick (tonsillitis) France.
1917 May 11: wounded in action in the field France.
1917 October 3: sick (tonsillitis) France.
1918 May 25: appointed to Lance Corporal.
1918 August 18: promoted to Temp.Corporal.
1918 August 23: wounded in action in the field France.
1918 August 30: promoted to Corporal.
1918 August 31: died of wounds.

Service injuries:
1917 May 11: gunshot wound to right shoulder in the field France.
1918 August 23: gunshot wound to thigh, hand and groin in the field France.
1918 August 31: died of wounds received at Rouen Military Hospital France. Buried Bois-Guillaume Cemetery France, Row E Grave 2.

Returned to Australia:  Not applicable
Discharge Date: Not applicable
Rank at Discharge: Corporal at time of death.
Honours/Medals: British War Medal. Victory Medal, Memorial Plaque and Scroll.
Memorials: Shire of Lillydale Honour Roll, Seville Honour Roll, Wandin Honour Roll.
Family Story:

John was born 1897 in Wandin to parents Thomas Payne and Mary Ann Gowling. He had 6 brothers and sisters, Thomas Henry 1894-1963, William 1895-1972, Elizabeth Rose 1901-1901, George 1902-1911, Mary Ellen 1902-1969, Alfred 1908- 1909. John was a member of the local cricket and football clubs, and enlisted with his brother Thomas on the same day and left together, Thomas returned March 4,1918. All the family are buried in the Lilydale Cemetery.

Payne, Thomas Henry, 5744
Service No: 5744
Occupation: Farmer
Address: Wandin
Date of Enlistment: February 19, 1916
Age at Enlistment: 21 years 11 months
Marital Status: Single
Physical Description: ft 8½ in tall, 133lbs, brown eyes, brown hair, fresh complexion.
Next of Kin: Father, Thomas Payne
Rank on Enlistment: Private
Unit Name: 5th Btn.
Embarkation Details: April 4, 1916 Melbourne on HMAT Euripides A14.
Places and dates of service:

1916 May 13: sick (measles) to 2nd Aust. Stationary Hospital Tel-el-Kebir Egypt.
1916 June 2: to Alexandria Egypt.
1916 June 4: to Marseilles France.
1916 June 7: to Etaples France.
1917 February 10: wounded in the field France.
1917 February 25: to England, Milford Hospital.
1917 April 16: transferred to 1st Australian Hospital England.
1917 December 9: transferred to AAMC Harefield Weymouth England.
1918 January 16: RTA (on nursing staff) .

Service injuries:

1917 February 10: gunshot wound to neck, face and eye (severe).

Returned to Australia: 1918 March 4: Melbourne on HMAS Port Darwin. 
Discharge Date: September 4, 1918.
Rank at Discharge: Private
Honours/Medals: British War Medal, Victory Medal
Memorials: Shire of Lillydale Honour Roll, Seville Honour Roll.
Family Story:

Tom was born 1894 in Wandin Yallock, to parents Thomas Payne and Mary Ann Gowling. He had 6 brothers and sisters- William 1895-9172, John Frederick 1897- 1918 France, Elizabeth Rose 1901-1901, George 1902-1911,Mary Ellen 1902- 1969 and Alfred 1908- 1909, all buried at Lilydale with the exception of John who died in WW1.

Tom and John enlisted together 1916 and both sailed together on board HMAT Euripides. Tom was a farmer in Seville until after 1954, he never married and was a member of Lilydale RSL. He died in Parkville 1963 January 1, aged 68 years and was buried at Lilydale Cemetery.

Pazzi, Charles, 2567
Service No: 2567
Occupation: Cook
Address: Not given
Date of Enlistment: September 11, 1915
Age at Enlistment: 32 years and 9 months
Marital Status: Married
Physical Description: 5ft 7in tall, 9st 10lbs, Dark hair turning grey, blue eyes, fresh complexion.
Next of Kin: Wife – Mrs Martha Moore Pazzi, Lilydale, Vic.
Rank on Enlistment: Private
Unit Name: 4R 29Btn
Embarkation Details: March 14, 1916, place N/K, on the Anchises.
Places and dates of service:

1915 September 27 to 1916 January 17: 24th Depot, Royal Park.
1916 May 25: Taken on strength, 4/29th Btn, Egypt.
1916 June 12: Attached to 5th Div. Headquarters, 29th Btn, Egypt.
1916 November 3: 5th Div. Headquarters, from France.
1918 October 12: Transferred to 32nd Btn, France.
1919 April 9: Embarked for England from France.
1919 September 22: Returning to Australia.

Service injuries:NIL

Returned to Australia: November 12, 1919 to Melbourne on the Port Sydney.
Discharge Date: January 4, 1920
Rank at Discharge: Private
Honours/Medals: British War Medal; Victory Medal
Memorials: NIL
Family Story:

Charles was born December 16, 1881, at Germanton, NSW, to Mathew Pazzi (1840-1928) and Mary Pazzi nee Potton (1851-1934). [His mother’s step-brother was Edwin Rupert Poyner (3423) Ancestry.com]

Charles was Catholic and married Martha Moore Poyner (1884-1941). Martha was born at Lilydale to Joseph Moore Poyner and Matilda Moore [Ancestry.com].

Charles and Martha had five children: Dorothy 1911-1970; Marion 1909-1970; Gwendoline 1914-1966; Geoffrey Mathew N/K; Charles Edward 1912-1964.

On enlistment, Charles received a presentation at a Lilydale Send-off social [Lilydale Express October 29, 1915 p5] On return he joined the Lilydale RSL. Charles died at Albury in 1929. Earlier that year his wife Martha applied for a dissolution of the marriage on grounds of desertion for three years. [State Records, NSW]

Peisley, Reginald, 162
Service No: 162
Occupation: Harness Maker
Address: Not given
Date of Enlistment: September 14, 1914
Age at Enlistment: 29 years 11 months
Marital Status: Married
Physical Description: 5ft 8in, 10st 12lbs, dark hair, blue eyes, fair complexion.
Next of Kin: Wife – Mrs R. Peisley, Lilydale
Rank on Enlistment: Sapper
Unit Name: 3rd Field Coy. Engineers
Embarkation Details: September 22, 1914 from Melbourne on the HMAT Geelong.
Places and dates of service:

1915, September 21: Hospitalised, ANZAC.
1915, October 5: Promoted to Corporal.
1915, November 4: Embarked at Alexandria to join MEF, Zeitoun.
1915, December 15: injured, Cairo.
1916, January 20: Shell shock. Embarked at Suez for Australia.

Service injuries:
1915, November 13, back injury.
1916, January 20, shell shock.

Returned to Australia: February 21, 1916 on the Karoola.
Discharge Date: July 19, 1916
Rank at Discharge: Corporal
Honours/Medals: 1914-1915 Star; Victory Medal; British War Medal.
Memorials: Not known.
Family Story:

Reginald was born at Newton, Sydney in 1884. He was Anglican. Hi parents are not known. [An H. I. Peisley is listed on Memorial to Mosman’s War Dead. He was Hercules Ivan with parents William and Sarah, of Neutral Bay].

He was not mentioned in Lilydale RSL minutes.

On January 8, 1919 the Sydney Morning Herald reported: Mr Reginald Peisley has been appointed Secretary of the Returned Sailors and Soldiers League, Melbourne. He is an ANZAC, and was formerly in the 3rd Field Coy. Engineers. He first saw service on the Canal against the Turks. On Febuary 4, 1919, Reginald was witness to the signing of the Returned Sailors and Soldiers Imperial League of Australia, Victorian Branch. [A copy of the Deed of Trust is available at: www5.austlii.edu.au]

Perrin, Charles Haddon Spurgeon, 6609
Service No: 6609
Occupation: Bank Clerk
Address: Hopetown Parade, Box Hill
Date of Enlistment: June 12, 1916
Age at Enlistment: 23 years and 7 months
Marital Status: Single
Physical Description: 5ft 3 ¼in, 126lbs, black hair, grey eyes, dark complexion.
Next of Kin: Father – Frederick W. Perrin, Hopetown Pade., Box Hill.
Rank on Enlistment: Corporal
Unit Name: 21/14th Infantry Btn
Embarkation Details: October 2, 1916 embarked at Melbourne on the Nestor.
Places and dates of service:

1916, June 26 to August 23: Signal School, Broadmeadows.
1916, December 28: Proceeded overseas from Folkstone UK to Etaples.
1917, February 26: 59th Btn, France.
1917, August 5: Appointed Lance Corporal, France.
1917, September 16: Promoted to Corporal, France .
1918, December 17: Transferred to London headquarters Australian Army Pay Corps.
1919, June 19: Returning to Australia.

Service injuries: Nil

Returned to Australia: August 5, 1919 on the Miltiades
Discharge Date: September 20, 1919
Rank at Discharge: T/VO Sergeant
Honours/Medals: Victory Medal; British War Medal
Memorials: Lilydale Baptist Church Roll of Honour; Shire of Lillydale Roll of Honour.
Family Story:

Charles was born at Lilydale on October 21,1892 [worldconnect.rootsweb.ancestry.com] to Frederick W. Perrin and Ellen Matilda Perrin. He had 9 siblings. He was a Baptist. He married Ethel (maiden name and date not known).  In 1923 when his medals were despatched his address was c/o National Bank, Traralgon. His mother Ellen died on December 4,1924 [further details Stories behind the headstones online] and Frederick married again. His father, Frederick W., died February 28, 1931.

Charles died at Hampton January 4, 1950 [Necropolis List] His death was recorded: Perrin – On January 4 at his home 41 Grout St Hampton, Charles Haddon Spurgeon, dearly loved husband of Ethel and loved father of William, aged 57 years (late 59th Battalion, 1st AIF) (The Argus January 5, 1950 p12).

Also:
Perrin: On January 4, Charles Haddon Spurgeon, loved brother of Osmond (dec.), Harold, Henry (dec.), Norman, Fred and Eric.  (The Argus January 5, 1950 p12).

Frederick Perrin, H. Perrin and Henry Perrin are mentioned in Back to Lilydale Reunion, but not Charles

Perrin, G.,

Pettit, William George, No Number
Service No: No Number
Occupation: Printer and Publisher (Lilydale Express)
Address: P.O Lilydale
Date of Enlistment: January 18, 1916
Age at Enlistment: 32 years
Marital Status: Single
Physical Description: 5ft 6 ¾ in tall, 138 lbs, grey eyes, brown hair, fresh complexion.
Next of Kin: Father, Thomas Allard Pettit
Rank on Enlistment: Not Applicable
Unit Name: Not Applicable
Embarkation Details: Not Applicable
Places and dates of service:

1916 – It appears for some reason not explained, that he did not proceed overseas. Medical or perhaps he was in an essential service.

Returned to Australia: Not Applicable
Discharge Date: Not Applicable
Rank at Discharge: Not Applicable
Honours/Medals: Not Applicable
Memorials: Shire of Lillydale Memorial Honour Board
Family Story:

William was born in 1884 in Glossop Derbyshire England to parents Thomas Allard Pettit and Mary Higginbottom. He had siblings- Thomas Allard (b) 1876 UK, Herbert Harrison (b) 1878 UK, Gertrude Higginbottom (b) 1882 UK, Lillian Gladstone (b) 1887 Traralgon, Ormond Gladstone (1890) Traralgon (BDM)

His family owned the Lilydale Express newspaper when he enlisted. It is not known if he married or had family. In 1944 he was in partnership with Ken McPhan running the Gippsland Independent Newspaper. (Google .William.Pettit Traralgon Vic. there is a photo of them both in 1944).

He died in 1956 Traralgon aged 72 years. Burial not known.

Petty, S.,

Pontin, Norman Max, 3120
Service No: 3120
Occupation: Labourer
Address: Not given
Date of Enlistment: July 12, 1915
Age at Enlistment: 29 years and 9 months
Marital Status: Single
Physical Description: 5ft 9 ¼ in, 11st 7lbs, black hair, dark brown eyes, fresh complexion
Next of Kin: Father –Stephen George Pontin, ‘Esdale’, 77 Chestnut St, Richmond.
Rank on Enlistment: Sergeant
Unit Name: 10R 14Btn
Embarkation Details: Embarked on October 16, 1915 at Melbourne on the Port Lincoln
Places and dates of service:

1916, February 4: Reverted to ranks as Private, Egypt.
1916, March 3: Transferred to 46Btn.
1916, March 14: Promoted to Sergeant.
1916, August 5: Wounded, France.
1917, February 16: Marched in to France from England.
1917, March 12: Rejoined 46Btn, France.
1917, April 11: Wounded, reported missing, KIA (Court of Inquiry November 26,1917)

Service injuries:

August 5, 1916: Gunshot wound to shoulder, hospitalised.
April 11, 1917: “Last seen badly wounded in upper arm and lying in a shell hole, half under the German wire”, near Bullecourt. Later listed as K.I.A. on that date.
As he has no known grave Sgt Ponton’s name is commemorated on the Villers Bretonneux Memorial, France.

Returned to Australia: Not Applicable
Discharge Date: Not Applicable
Rank at Discharge: Sergeant at time of death.
Honours/Medals: 1914-1915 Star; British War Medal; Victory Medal.
Memorials: Memorial Plaque; Memorial Scroll & King’s Message; Lilydale Methodist Church Roll of Honour; Shire of Lillydale Roll of Honour;Villers-Bretonneux Memorial M.R. 26 Part V, N-R.
Family Story:

Norman was born at Richmond, Vic. in 1885 to Stephen George Pontin and Anna Margaretta Pontin nee Paydon. His siblings were Victor Harold, May Frances, Cyril Rupert, Ida Clare, Sydney Mervyn (Norman’s twin), Hubert Esdale [www.onegreatfamily.com].

[An image of Norman in uniform is available at www.ictedservices.typepad.com Copy in file]

The Red Cross reported the death of Norman, but officially he was ‘wounded and missing’ on April 17, 1917 and again on November 23, 1917. His twin, Syd, wrote from ‘Marma’, 9 Princess St, Seddon, asking about the whereabouts of the grave of Norman.

On September 7, 1917 the Lilydale Express reports Norman’s listing on the Methodist Church Roll of Honour.

On September 28, 1917 Private T. Hanrahan (3039) makes a statement to the Court of Enquiry, on the fate of Norman Pontin. In January 1918 his father seeks his personal belongings. In August 1921 his father is informed they are unable to trace Norman’s grave. In November, 1922, his father Stephen writes asking for Norman’s Victory Medal.

Sgt Pontin’s image.

Pope, Alexander George, 5160
Service No: 5160
Occupation: Railway employee
Address: Not given
Date of Enlistment: February 2, 1916
Age at Enlistment: 23 years and 2 months
Marital Status: Single
Physical Description: 5ft 10in tall, 10st 10lb, black hair, dark brown eyes and dark complexion.
Next of Kin: Mother – Mrs Fanny Pope, Kidgell St, Lilydale.
Rank on Enlistment: Single
Unit Name: 6Btn
Embarkation Details: He embarked from Melbourne on April 1, 1916 on the Suffolk.
Places and dates of service:

1916, September 15: 6Btn, France.
1916, December 27: fettler, ANZAC Light Railways, France.
1917, June 11: Rejoined 6Btn, France.
1918, April 8: Returning to Australia on Dunluce Castle with trench fever, tachycardia and debility.

Returned to Australia: August 17, 1918 on the Port Darwin.
Discharge Date: September 3, 1918
Rank at Discharge: Private
Honours/Medals: British War Medal; Victory Medal
Memorials: Lilydale State School Roll of Honour; Shire of Lillydale Roll of Honour; St John’s Church of England, Lilydale, Roll of Honour.
Family Story:

‘Alick’ was born at Brunswick in 1892 to Fanny Pope and P. C. Pope who was deceased by the time of his enlistment. He was Anglican. After enlistment ‘Alick’ received a presentation from the Shire as departing boys were given a send off.

Alick responded: Notice to the Shire of Lillydale, September 18, 1916 – Dear Sirs I desire to return many thanks to you and the citizens…for the wallet and other useful gifts…I fully assure you, as a soldier, and for the welfare of my country, I shall endeavour to do my duty to my utmost ability. Pte A. G. Pope [Lilydale Express September 29, 1916 p2]

The Lilydale Express recorded his return: Another local boy, Pte. Alick Pope, returned to Lilydale on Monday evening last. Pte Pope is the son of Mrs Pope of Lilydale, and left Australia in April 1915, having seen over 3 years of war…he was in many of the severe battles in which the Australians distinguished themselves, and suffered from trench fever…later he was severely gassed [then] invalided home. he was met at the station by a large crowd… [Lilydale Express August 23, 1918 p2]

In September 1918 Alick’s address was 28 Victoria St, Melbourne He was welcomed home, with others, at the Athenaeum Hall [Lilydale Express September 13, 1918 p2] In November 1918 a Mrs Pope was on the Children’s Flower Day stall [Lilydale Express December 6, 1918 p2].

In 1936 Mrs P. C. Pope notified of her changed address: 127 Were St Brighton, where she received the Victory Medal for the “late Pte A. G. Pope” Mrs Pope was formerly at 10 Jasper Rd, Moorabbin.

Welcome Home Lilydale Express Report September 13, 1918

Poyner, Edwin Rupert, 3423 (formerly 3424)
Service No: 3423 (formerly 3424)
Occupation: Huntsman
Address: Lilydale
Date of Enlistment: July 12, 1915
Age at Enlistment: 18 years and 7 months
Marital Status: Single
Physical Description: 5ft 8in tall, 11st 4lbs, dark brown hair, blue eyes, medium complexion.
Next of Kin: Father – Mr Joseph Moore Poyner, ‘Willowbank’, Lilydale
Rank on Enlistment: Private
Unit Name: 6Btn
Embarkation Details: Embarked on October 11, 1915 at Mebourne on the Nestor,
Places and dates of service:

1915, July 12 to September 15: 8th Depot Battalion.
1915, December 3: Hospitalised Abbassia with mumps.
1916, January 14: Severe abdominal pain, Cairo Hospital.
1916, February 22: Taken on strength Serapeum.
1916, March 30: Disembarked Marsailles to join BEF.
1916, August 16: Killed In Action, France. He is buried at  Sunken Road Cemetery, Contalmaison, France, Plot A, Row 8 [photograph of grave sent to Next of Kin. The Army indicated a permanent headstone would be erected.

Red Cross records of the Inquiry following Edwin’s death show that both Edwin and Frank were in the same dug-out. Frank was above his brother and was able to get out. He was led away dazed but they couldn’t dig out Edwin in time. He was clutching his disc in his left hand when he was found.

Returned to Australia: Not applicable
Discharge Date: Not applicable
Rank at Discharge: Private at time of death
Honours/Medals: 914-1915 Star; Victory Medal; British War Medal; memorial Plaque; Memorial Scroll & King’s Message
Memorials: Sunken Road Cemetery, Contalmaison, France, Plot A, Row 8 [photograph of grave sent to NOK, permanent headstone to be erected]; St John’s Anglican Church, Lilydale, Roll of Honour; Lilydale Rechabites Roll of Honour; Shire of Lilydale Roll of Honour.
Family Story:

Edwin was born at Lilydale c1897 to Joseph Moore Poyner (1861-1950) and Elizabeth Ada Poyner nee Mundy. He was Anglican.

Joseph Moore’s first wife Martha died in 1884 and Joseph married Elizabeth Ada Mundy [Ancestry.com.au] Eddie had six siblings and two step siblings. [His brother Frank had service no. 3422; His step sister Martha Moore Poyner married Charles Pazzi (service no. 2567)].

Eddie was rejected for previous service on grounds of ‘teeth’. The I.O.R. Lilydale presented engraved medals to volunteers including Edwin [Lilydale ExpressNovember 5, 1915].

On September 9, 1916, Rev. Arthur M. Capper wrote from Lilydale Anglican church seeking clarification on Edwin’s death notification as he service number had been changed from 3424 to 3423. The Army confirmed the correct number was 3423.

Much sympathy is felt for Mr & Mrs J. Poyner of Lilydale, who on Saturday last received word that their youngest son, Eddie, had been killed while fighting for his country in France. Mr Poyner has two other sons at the front.[Frank and Joseph]. [Lilydale Express September 15, 1916 p].

Mr & Mrs J. M. Poyner desire to thank their many friends for expressions of sympathy during their recent sad bereavement. ‘Willowbank’, Lilydale.[Lilydale Express September 29, 1916 p2]

Also: Poyner – Killed in Action, in France on 16th August, Edwin Rupert, youngest son of J. M. and E. A. Poyner…aged 19 years and 9 months. One of our heroes, “The bugles of England. How could I stay.” [Lilydale Express September 29, 1916 p2]

I.O.R. Lilydale received his medical history on July 14, 1917. [Poyner family biography and notes available at Stories behind the headstone]

Lilydale RSL discussed the Poyner family: Vol. 1, pp118,120,145,146

J. M. Poyner is mentioned in the Back to Lilydale Reunion p 28.

In 1984 a Mr R. Steeples, 49 Rothdale Rd, Jingili, NT, 5792, inquired about Edwin’s service records.

Poyner, Frank Horace, 3422
Service No: 3422
Occupation: Carpenter’s Improver
Address: Not given
Date of Enlistment: July 12, 1915
Age at Enlistment: 21 years and 3 months
Marital Status: Single
Physical Description: 5ft 9 ¾ in, 11st 6lbs, light brown hair, blue-grey eyes, fresh complexion.
Next of Kin: Father – Joseph Moore Poyner, Lilydale
Rank on Enlistment: Private/Sergeant
Unit Name: 6th Btn
Embarkation Details: October 11, 1915 at Melbourne on the Nestor.
Places and dates of service:

1915 July 12 to September 16: 8th Depot Btn, 11/6R .
1916 August 16: Wounded in action, France.
1916 December 5: Admitted to Colchester Hospital, England.
1917 March 23: Taken on strength 6Btn, England.
1917 October 18: Proceeded to France.
1918 August 28: Gassed, France.
1919 October 6: Returning to Australia.

Service injuries:
1916 August 16: Shell shock, France.
1918 August 28: Gassed, France

Returned to Australia: November 24, 1919 on the Pakeha.
Discharge Date: February 7, 1920
Rank at Discharge: ER/Sergeant
Honours/Medals: 1914-1915 Star; British War Medal; Victory Medal
Memorials: I.O.O.R. Lilydale Tent Honour Roll; St John’s Anglican Church Lilydale, Honour Roll; Shire of Lillydale Honour Roll.
Family Story:

Frank was born at Lilydale on March 7 1894 to Joseph Moore Poyner (1861-1950) and Elizabeth Ada Poyner nee Mundy. He was Anglican. Joseph Moore’s first wife Martha died in 1884 and Joseph married Elizabeth Ada Mundy [Ancestry.com.au].

Frank had six siblings and two step siblings. [His brother Eddie had service no. 3423]; His step sister Martha Moore Poyner married Charles Pazzi (service no. 2567)]

“Gassed – Word was received from the Defence Department on Wednesday morning that Signaller F. H. Poyner has been gassed and is now in hospital in England. It is now over three years since this soldier joined the A.I.F., and he has been doing duty as signaller for the past six months. he was severely wounded two years ago, at the time his brother [Eddie] was killed, and spent six months in hospital as a result. Another brother [Joseph Arthur] is still at the front.” (Lilydale Express September 20, 1918 p2)

The Poyner family is mentioned in Back to Lilydale Reunion book.

Frank married Norma May Barker (1893-1948) and Dorothy Joyce Wilson (1915-1984). His children were Ian Ronald Poyner and Norma Poyner.

Engagements: Poyner-Bath. Norma Elizabeth, only daughter of F.H. Poyner and the late May Poyner, Nullawill, to Cliff, younger son of Mrs M. J. Bath and the late Thomas Bath, Culgoa.(The Argus May 21, 1949 p10)

Frank died on October 4, 1958 at Nullawill, Vic.

Poyner, Joseph Arthur, 19
Service No: 19
Occupation: Carrier
Address: John St, Lilydale
Date of Enlistment: July 21, 1915
Age at Enlistment: 32 years and 11 months
Marital Status: Married
Physical Description: 5ft 5 ½ in tall, 9st 7lbs, brown curly hair, blue eyes, fresh complexion
Next of Kin: Wife – Mrs Emily Maud Poyner, Lilydale
Rank on Enlistment: Private
Unit Name: 3rd Australian Pioneer Btn
Embarkation Details: Embarked on June 6, 1916 at Melbourne on the Wandilla.
Places and dates of service:

1915 August 4 to 1916 March 2: 10th Depot Btn, Ascot Vale.
1916 October 18 to 1917 March 1: Admin. Postal Corps, England.
1917 August 8: Proceeded to France to Reinforce Australian Army Veterinary Corps (A.A.V.C.), Calais Vet. Hospital.
1918 October 16 to 1918 November: France.
1919 January 19: Returning to Australia.

Service injuries:
1919, Synovitis left knee.

Returned to Australia: March 4, 1919  at Melbourne on the Margha.
Discharge Date: April 12, 1919
Rank at Discharge: Driver
Honours/Medals: British War Medal; Victory Medal
Memorials: Lilydale Fire Brigade Roll of Honour; Lilydale State School Roll of Honour; M.U.I.O.O.F. Lilydale Roll of Honour.
Family Story:

Joseph A. was born at Lilydale in 1883 to Joseph Moore Poyner (1861-1950) and Martha Poyner, nee Moore (1861-1884) [He enlisted as Joseph Arthur but press uses A.J.] He was Anglican. His mother Martha died in 1884 and Joseph Moore Poyner married Elizabeth Ada Mundy [Ancestry.com.au].

Joseph A. had one sibling and seven step siblings. [His step brothers Frank and Edwin had service nos. 3422 and 3423; His sister Martha Moore Poyner married Charles Pazzi (service no. 2567)]

Lilydale Express July 30, 1915 p4: Ron Poyner takes over the carrying business of A. J. Poyner, his brother, who has enlisted.

Lilydale Express August 6, 1915: Smoke night at Olinda Hotel for the enlisted men, includes A. J. Poyner.

Joseph A. married Emily Maud Wilson (1885-1948). Their children were Coral Jean and Howard Moore.

In April 1919 The Mutual Provident Society, Collins St, sought details and certificate of Joseph’s movements on active service.

In May 1919 M.U.I.O.O.F. Loyal Lilydale Lodge seeks confirmation of Joseph’s wrist fracture while at Luck Hill Camp, England In 1921 the Lilydale R.S.L. thanked Mrs A. J. Poyner and ‘her girls’ for work with the social committee of which A. J. was a member.

Joseph Arthur Poyner died on October 10, 1956 at Heidelberg.

Preece, James Thomas, 5929
Service No: 5929 Navy
Occupation: Orchardist
Address: Coldstream
Date of Enlistment: Entry date, January 23,1917 (for 7 years)
Age at Enlistment: 16 years
Marital Status: Single
Physical Description: 5ft 5½in tall, hazel eyes, brown hair, fresh complexion
Next of Kin: Sister, Lilla Preece
Rank on Enlistment: Not Available
Unit Name: Navy
Embarkation Details: January 2, 1917 Melbourne on Tingira ?
Places and dates of service:

1917 January 2 – 1918 January 4: ship “Tingira” ?
1918 January 5: Cerberus, Western Port.
1919 April 16 – 1919 June 12: ship “Australia”.
1919 June 13 _ 1919 August 3: ship “Melbourne”.
1919 August 4 – 1919 September 23: ship “Cerberus”.
1919 September 24 – 1919 November 16: ship “Sydney”.
1919 December 1 – 1920 May 2: ship “Australia”.
1920 May 3 – 1923 June 13: ship “Melbourne”.
1924 January 25 – 1926 July 10: ship “ Cerberus”.

Service injuries: N/A

Returned to Australia: N/A
Discharge Date: N/A
Rank at Discharge: N/A
Honours/Medals: N/A
Memorials: Coldstream Memorial Honour Board
Family Story:

James was born 11July 1901 in Carlton to parents Samuel Henry Preece and Annie Elizabeth McCluskey, who had married in 1899. He had siblings- Sydney Arthur (b) 1900 (d) 1912 Lilydale and Elizabeth Lilla (b) 1909 Lilydale. (BDM)

James joined the Navy as a young boy of 16 years, it is not known if he ever married or had family. He died March 4, 1987 at Greenvale, and was cremated at Fawkner Cemetery.

Priest, Thomas Martin, 3895
Service No: 3895
Occupation: Driver
Address: Not given
Date of Enlistment: March 11, 1916
Age at Enlistment: 33 years and 2 months
Marital Status: Single at time of enlistment but married on May 2, 1916.
Physical Description: 5ft 9¼ in tall, 165lbs, brown hair, blue eyes, fresh complexion.
Next of Kin: Sister – Mrs Ethel Savage, Narrandera [Parents deceased]
Rank on Enlistment: Driver
Unit Name: No 5 Tunnelling Coy
Embarkation Details: Embarked May 25 1916 from Melbourne on the Warilda.
Places and dates of service:

1916 August 28: France.
1916 October 26: Attached to 1st Canadian Tunnelling Coy.
1916 December 3: Attached to 1st Australian Tunnelling Coy.
1918 March 14: Wounded in action, France.
1918 March 24: Admitted to Surrey County Hospital, England.
1918 August 8: Returning to Australia.

Service injuries:

1918 March 14: Gassed – gas poisoning, France.

Returned to Australia: October 4, 1918 to Melbourne on the Carpentaria 
Discharge Date: Not given
Rank at Discharge: Driver
Honours/Medals: British War Medal; Victory Medal
Memorials: Shire of Lillydale Roll of Honour
Family Story:

Thomas was born at Echuca c1883 [though web site genealogi.st. says 5.6.1880] to Thomas Priest and Rose Ann Priest nee Baldock genealogi.st claims that prior to enlisting Thomas was a drover.

He married Ruby Jane Simpson (1894-1969) on May 2 1916, soon after enlisting, at St Paul’s Church, Broadmeadows. Their children were Martin John 1917-2008, Neil Thomas 1919-2010, Jack Werilda 1920-, Kathleen Ruby 1925-, Juliet Harriet 1923-1977 married a Kelly, Marjorie Louise 1923-1981 married a Garden, and Arnold Victor 1926-2008 [genealogi.st]

Lilydale Express October 25, 1918 p3: Seville. A welcome home was tendered to Private T. Priest on Tuesday evening. The hall was tastefully decorated, flags of the Allies being a prominent feature. During an interval in the programme Cr. J. Rouget, on behalf of the large assemblage, gave Pt. Priest a very warm welcome. The guest of the evening who was accorded a great reception, feelingly responded.

In 1922 a Mrs A. Dyer picked up his medals for him. Thomas was living at Seville. Thomas died on June 12, 1939 and is buried at Lilydale Lawn Cemetery. His wife Ruby Jane was also buried there in 1969. [billiongraves.com]

Purcell, John James, 2655
Service No: 2655
Occupation: Labourer
Address: Not given
Date of Enlistment: June 26, 1915
Age at Enlistment: 25 years and 7 months
Marital Status: Single
Physical Description: 5ft 8in tall, 147lbs, fair hair, blue eyes, fair complexion.
Next of Kin: Mother – Mrs Christina Purcell, Bulla P.O., Victoria.
Rank on Enlistment: Private
Unit Name: 60th Btn
Embarkation Details: At Melbourne on September 15, 1915 on the Makarini.
Places and dates of service:

1915 December 7: ANZAC, 8Btn.
1916 January 7: Alexandria.
1916 February 24: Transferred to 60Btn, Serapeum and Tel-el-Kebir.
1916 June 18: Joined B.E.F. at Marseilles.
1916 July 19: Reported missing, France. KIA, Fleurbaix. [Court of Enquiry in the Field, France August 4, 1917]

Service injuries:
1916 July 19: K.I.A., Fleurbaix, France.

Returned to Australia: Not Applicable
Discharge Date: Not Applicable
Rank at Discharge: Private at time of death.
Honours/Medals: 1914-1915 Star; British War Medal; Victory Medal; Memorial Scroll; Memorial Plaque.
Memorials: ‘Y’ Farm Military Cemetery, Boie Grenier near Armentieres, France, Plot 2, Row c, Grave 63; AWM Panel 170.
Family Story:

John James was born in 1890 at Lilydale to John Purcell and Christina Purcell, nee Brown. His father was deceased by the time of his enlistment. John J. went to school at Brighton Road State School, Balaclava [A.I.F. Project]. His mother, Christina, later moved to 7 Morton St, North Essendon, Vic. from 4 Gibbs St, Balaclava.

In February 1917 Mr K. Thompson ‘le Quamby’ Queenscliff, was told that the only report received in respect of John J. was that he was missing on July 19, 1916.

In July 1921, Christina was notified that they were unable to trace the last resting place of her son, John. In 1922 Christina was asked to complete an accompanying form so that ‘completion of the cemeteries can be undertaken’.

In 1923 Christina wrote from Essendon seeking a copy of Graves of the Fallen booklet. In 1947 the Public Trustee deals with the estate of Janet May Purcell, sibling.

Purves, Robert Leslie, 612A
Service No: 612A
Occupation: Labourer
Address: Not given
Date of Enlistment: September 29, 1914
Age at Enlistment: 28 years
Marital Status: Single
Physical Description: 5ft 8¾ in tall, 10st 5lbs, dark brown hair, blue eyes, dark complexion
Next of Kin: His sisters Mrs E. G. Taylor, Loch, Victoria: Mrs C. L. Brumley, Leongatha, Victoria.
Rank on Enlistment: Private
Unit Name: 9th Light Horse
Embarkation Details: February 12 ,1915 at Melbourne on the Armadale.
Places and dates of service:

1914 September 29 to 1915 January 4: 2R 9th Light Horse, In depot.
1915 August 5: M. E. F., 9th Regiment, 3rd Light Horse, Gallipoli.
1916 March 17: Returning invalided to Australia.

Service injuries:
1915, September 8, Gallipoli, gastroenteritis became dysentery.

Returned to Australia: 1916 March 17: Returned on Ascanius.
Discharge Date: July 16, 1916.
Rank at Discharge: Private
Honours/Medals: 1914-1915 Star; Victory Medal; British War Medal.
Memorials: Shire of Lillydale Roll of Honour
Family Story:

Robert was born at Brunswick in 1886 to Thomas Purves, Leongatha JP and chemist and Sarah Milligan. Both Thomas and Sarah (d 1896) were deceased by the time of Robert’s enlistment. Robert was Anglican.
Reported as Leslie Purves by the Lilydale Express, Robert received a presentation at Broadmeadows camp after enlisting, from the Shire of Lillydale. (Lilydale Express October 23, 1914 p3)
In May 1916 his sister Mrs E. G. Taylor of Loch was informed of Robert’s pending return to Australia. Previously she was informed of his London hospitalisation with dysentery, and his hospitalisation in Malta.

In the Lilydale Express May 4, 1917 p2 Robert was listed as ‘Leslie Purvis’ at an Athenaeum Hall social for returned soldiers.

The Argus December 29, 1917 p1 Marriages: Purves – Parsons. On 29th November at her parents residence, 15 Lambeth Ave. Malvern, by the Rev. W. A. Phillips, Ethel, elder daughter of Francis Robert Hall and Emma Marian Parsons, to Robert Leslie (Late 9th Light Horse) and youngest son of the late Thomas Purves, JP, chemist, Leongatha. Home address: ‘Tarilta’ Bamawm Extension, via Rochester, Vic.

A Thomas Kerr Purves (1836-1907) died at Leongatha aged 71.

Headstone image at leongathacemetery.com.au: ‘In loving memory of Thomas Purves died Feb. 5th 1907. Also his daughter Sara Isobel died Feb. 9th 1904’. In 1917 Robert claimed a war pension. His address was 15 Lambeth Ave., Malvern Robert died on October 1, 1955 – Necropolis, Springvale.

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