Walker, Albert John, 528

 

Service No:	528
Occupation:	Carpenter and Joiner
Address:	Montrose/ Surrey Hills
Date of Enlistment:	January 6, 1915
Age at Enlistment:	20 years 9 months
Marital Status:	Single
Physical Description:	5ft 7½in tall, 10stn 7lbs, grey eyes, brown hair, medium complexion.
Next of Kin:	Father, William James Walker
Rank on Enlistment:	Private
Unit Name:	8th Light Horse.
Embarkation Details:	February 25, 1915 Melbourne on HMAT Star of Victoria.

 

Places and dates of service:

1915 May 15: left with the horses to Heliopolis Egypt.
1915 October 25: sick – to hospital (rheumatism).
1916 February 26: to Serapeum Egypt.
1916 December 18: to Kantara Egypt 68th Aust. Flying Corp.
1917 January 13: to Alexandria Egypt and on to Southampton England.
1917 July 1: to Farnborough England.
1917 July 31: to Rouelles France 1st Div. Wireless Station.
1917 November 10: to 16th Squadron R.F.C (air mechanic) France.
1918 September 11: 8 days leave in Paris France.
1918 October 4: sick – in the field France (pleurodynia).
1918 October 5: to Camiers Hospital France (seriously ill).
1918 October 16: died of disease (broncho pneumonia).

Service injuries:
1918 October 16: died of disease (broncho pneumonia) at 4th General Hospital Camiers France. Buried at Etaples Military Cemetery, Nord Pas de Calais France.

Returned to Australia:	Not Applicable
Discharge Date:	Not Applicable
Rank at Discharge:	2/AM at time of death (Air Mechanic)
Honours/Medals:	1914-1915 Star, British War Medal, Victory Medal, Memorial Plaque and Scrol.
Memorials:	Not known

 

Family Story:

Bert was born 1894 Montrose (Mooroolbark) to parents William James Walker and Caroline (Carrie) Margaret Weeks. He had siblings Ivy May (b) 1896, Gladys Victoria 1901-1905, William James (Billy) (b) 1902 who served in WW2 and Rene. He was the grandson of James and Susan Walker and John and Nancy Weeks, both very prominent early Montrose pioneers. He was only 24 years of age when he died of disease 1918 France.

Walker, William Henry, 3305

 

Service No:	3305
Occupation:	Labourer
Address:	Montrose/ Mt. Dandenong
Date of Enlistment:	July 17, 1915
Age at Enlistment:	20 years 3 months
Marital Status:	Single
Physical Description:	5ft 8½ in tall, 10stn 6 lbs, dark brown eyes, dark brown hair, fresh complexion
Next of Kin:	Father Henry George Walker
Rank on Enlistment:	Private
Unit Name:	7/24th Btn.
Embarkation Details:	November 26, 1915 HMAT Commonwealth A73

 

Places and dates of service:

1916 January: sick(mumps) Cairo Egypt.
1916 February 4: Heliopolis (Baalbek) Lebanon
1916 June 15: to France
1916 September 16: France sick( influenza)
1917 February 10: France (septic ulcer  hand) hospital
1917 May 3: France wounded in the field -gunshot wound to ankle.
1917 May 13: to England Bath War Hospital Somerset
1917 June 26 to July 10: Furlo in England.
November 7: to France
1918 July 9: invalided to England (sick)
1918 November 9: Tidmouth England

Returned to Australia:	November 10, 1919: to Melbourne on HT Mahana
Discharge Date:	May 8, 1920
Rank at Discharge:	Private
Honours/Medals:	British War Medal, Victory Medal.
Memorials:	Montrose War Memorial, Montrose State School Honour Board, Shire of Lillydale Honour Board.

 

Family Story:

Will was born April 1895 in Montrose to parents Henry (Harry) George Walker (1862-1919) and Eva Fanny Hand (1863-1956). On the November 23, 1918, Will married and English lass Nora Kathleen Hinds, whom he met while recuperating from his wound in England. They were married in the Parish Church of England in Bath Somerset. Will died in 1977, aged 82 years (Geno) BDM. Possibly Genoa.

Wallace, Charles Henry, 385

 

Service No:	385
Occupation:	Farm hand – fruitgrower
Address:	Seville
Date of Enlistment:	June 3, 1916
Age at Enlistment:	24 years
Marital Status:	Single
Physical Description:	5ft 6½ins, 143 lbs, black hair, blue eyes, medium complexion.
Next of Kin:	Father – James Wallace, Seville.
Rank on Enlistment:	Private
Unit Name:	5R 5 Machine Gun Coy; 22AMGC
Embarkation Details:	September 19, 1916 embarked at Melbourne on the Commonwealth.

 

Places and dates of service:

1917 March 17: France.
1917 October 3: Belgium.
1917 October 4: Killed in Acton, Belgium.

Service injuries:
1917 October 4: Killed In Action, Belgium. Memorial Cross at Perth China Wall cemetery, Zillebeke near Ypres; Panel 31, Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial, Belgium.

Returned to Australia:	Not Applicable
Discharge Date:	Not Applicable
Rank at Discharge:	Private at time of death.
Honours/Medals:	British War Medal; Victory Medal; Memorial Plaque; Memorial Scroll.
Memorials:	Wandin War Memorial; Seville Honour Roll. Shire of Lilydale Honour Roll listed as C. T. Wallace

 

Family Story:

Charles Henry Wallace was born c1892 at Seville to James Wallace and Mary Jane Wallace nee Henderson. He was Methodist. His father was later Lilydale Shire President. Charles’s brother Perrin Norris Wallace also served in WW1, No 386B. On enlistment, the Wwill of Charles bequeathed everything to Miss Mary Wallace, Seville, witnessed by William Needham Turner and Perrin Norris Wallace.

The Wallace house at 473 Warburton Highway, Seville, is listed on the Yarra Ranges heritage database [vdh.heritage.vic.gov.au]. James Wallace owned it from 1882 to 1944. It is now part of Wild Cattle Creek Estate. In 1896 James Wallace, as a Seville fruit-grower, was mentioned in a Report for the Railways committee on selecting localities for survey of a narrow gauge line [www.parliament.vic.gov.au] On enlistment, Charles was farewelled at Seville Mechanics Institute [Lilydale Express July 7, 1916]

Wallace, James Sydney, 3490

 

Service No:	3490
Occupation:	Labourer
Address:	Seville
Date of Enlistment:	July 14, 1915
Age at Enlistment:	23 years 11 months
Marital Status:	Single
Physical Description:	5ft 4½ins, 10st, dark brown hair, blue eyes, medium complexion.
Next of Kin:	Father – Thomas Wallace, Wallace Rd, Seville.
Rank on Enlistment:	Private
Unit Name:	11R 6Btn; 2nd MGC; 1st MGC.
Embarkation Details:	October 11, 1915 embarked at Melbourne on the Nestor.

 

Places and dates of service:

1916 February 14: Egypt.
1917 October 11 to 1918 March 25: 2nd Machine Gun Coy, France.
1918 April 1: 1st Machine Gun Coy., France.
1918 August 24: wounded, France.
1918 August 26: Died of wounds.

Service injuries: 
1918 March 25: Gassed, France.
1918 August 24: Gun shot wound to neck, France.
1918 August 26: Died of wounds, 1st South African Comm. Hospital, France. He was buried at Abbeville Communal Cemetery Extension, France, Plot 4, Row D, Grave 10.

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 Plaque; memorial Scroll & King’s Message.
Memorials:	Seville Honour Roll; Wandin War Memorial and Shire of Lilydale Honour Roll.

 

Family Story:

James Sydney Wallace was born at Seville in 1891 to Thomas Wallace and Annie Wallace nee Lappin. Thomas and Anne were married at Fitzroy in 1890.[www.familytreecircles].

He was a cousin of brothers Charles Henry Wallace and Perrin Norris Wallace. James wrote a letter of thanks from the front to an Adelaide woman, for the Christmas billy she had packed. [Lilydale Express March 3, 1916 p5] In another letter he ends: I hope the war won’t last much longer and that we will all be able to get back to good old Australia, which is the best place on earth (bet your life)..[L&DHS File].

Reports of his death followed: News to hand…that Private James S. Wallace has fallen at the front. He was badly wounded in the neck and died shortly afterwards in hospital. Pte Wallace was the only son of Mr [Thomas] Wallace of the Seville district and enlisted over three years ago. he was a nephew of councillor Wallace of Seville. [Lilydale Express September 9,1918 p2].

Mr & Mrs T. Wallace and family of Seville…sincere thanks for sympathy…[Lilydale Express September 9, 1918 p2] The family received his effects on September16, 1918 and April 8,1919. In 1941 parliamentarians, councillors and staff honoured his uncle James Wallace’s jubilee as a councillor. [Healesville Guardian April 5, 1941 p4 in L&DHS File]

Wallace, Perrin Norris, 386B

 

Service No:	386B
Occupation:	Fruit grower
Address:	Seville
Date of Enlistment:	June 3, 1916
Age at Enlistment:	22 years 5 months
Marital Status:	Married
Physical Description:	5ft 9ins, 151 lbs, black hair, blue eyes, medium complexion, freckled face.
Next of Kin:	Wife – Mrs Emily M. Wallace, Seville.
Rank on Enlistment:	Private
Unit Name:	5/5 MGC; 2nd MGB; 2AS Btn
Embarkation Details:	September 19, 1916, embarked at Sydney on the Commonwealth.

 

Places and dates of service:

1916 September 15: Promoted to temp corporal
1918 July 19: Promoted to corporal.
1917 March 17: France.
1917 November 9: Belgium.
1918 July 19: Promoted to corporal.
1919 March 31: France.

Service injuries: Nil

Returned to Australia:	May 22, 1919 to Melbourne on the Khyber.
Discharge Date:	June 29, 1919
Rank at Discharge:	Corporal
Honours/Medals:	British War Medal; Victory Medal.
Memorials:	Shire of Lillydale Honour Roll; Seville Honour Roll

 

Family Story:

Perrin Norris Wallace was born at Seville in January 1894 to James Wallace and Mary Jane Wallace nee Henderson (1861-1936). He was Methodist. His father was later Lilydale Shire President Perrin married Emily M. Britton, daughter of Jabez Britton of Seville and Margaret Ann Britton nee Hopper.

Jabez Britton was born at 1851 Hartland, Devon, England in 1851. He became a blacksmith and married Margaret Hopper 1874. He was invited to come out to Seville by Mr Jas. Pomeroy. He sailed with his family in 1889, leaving eldest John with grandparents.
In 1889 they selected land near Wandin Creek, later building a home and blacksmith shop. An innovator he invented a tool for removal of troublesome teeth. [Seville, the vision and the reality pg91; Further details Behind the Headstones]]

Perrin’s brother Charles Henry Wallace also served in WW1, (385).

After enlistment Perrin contracted measles and was hospitalised at Glenroy from August 15, 1916 to September 1, 1916. Perrin was promoted from Lance Corporal to Corporal in 1918 [Lilydale Express August 9,1918 p3].

The Wallace house at 473 Warburton Highway, Seville, is listed on the Yarra Ranges heritage database [vdh.heritage.vic.gov.au]. James Wallace owned it from 1882 to 1944. It is now part of Wild Cattle Creek Estate. In 1896 James Wallace, as a Seville fruit-grower, was mentioned in a Report for the Railways committee on selecting localities for survey of a narrow gauge line [www.parliament.vic.gov.au].

Perrin Norris Wallace died at Heidelberg in 1974.

Wardell, Henry Joseph Clifton (Cliff), 771

 

Service No:	771
Occupation:	Painter
Address:	Lilydale
Date of Enlistment:	July 10, 1915
Age at Enlistment:	21 years 9 months
Marital Status:	Single
Physical Description:	5ft 4½ins, 9st 6 lbs, dark brown hair, brown eyes, sallow complexion
Next of Kin:	Father – Henry Wardell sen., Castella St, Lilydale
Rank on Enlistment:	Private
Unit Name:	C Coy. 31Btn
Embarkation Details:	November 8, 1915 embarked at Melbourne on the Wandilla.

 

Places and dates of service:

1915 December 5: Alexandria.
1916 June 23: France.
1916 July 29: Shell shock, France.
1918 September 4: wounded in action, France.

Service injuries:
1916 July 29: Shell shock, France.
1918 September 4: Gun shot wound chest and leg, France. Left leg amputated.

Returned to Australia:	May 15, 1919 to Melbourne on the Dunluce Castle.
Discharge Date:	February 17, 1920
Rank at Discharge:	Private
Honours/Medals:	1914-1915 Star; British War Medal; Victory Medal
Memorials:	Shire of Lillydale Honour Roll; Lilydale Methodist Church Roll of Honour; Lilydale State School Roll of Honour.

 

Family Story:

Cliff Wardell was born at Charlton, Victoria in October 1893 to Henry Wardell and unknown. He was a Methodist and received a presentation at an Athenaeum Hall send off [Lilydale Express October 29, 1915 p5].

His letter home from France was published in the local paper and flagged that he and ‘Mort’ were well. [Lilydale Express December 8, 1916 p3, attached].

The Express reported his wounding: Mr and Mrs Wardell of Lilydale have been notified that their son, Pte C. Wardell, has been admitted to a French hospital suffering from gunshot wounds in chest and leg, and being also dangerously ill. [Lilydale Express September 20, 1918 p2] His leg was amputated and he returned home.

By December 1920 Henry was living at 42 Canterbury Rd, Richmond, and was married to Hannah Rose Wardell nee Lucas. In 1921 they had two boys who died the same year, Albert Clifton Wardell and Thomas Henry Wardell, both born at Richmond. [www.myheritage.com; www.onegreatfamily.com].

Surviving children were Sylvia Marion Dorothy Wardell, Doreen Wardell and Max Wardell. ‘Cliff’ Wardell died in 1942.

Death Notice:
Wardell – On 30 July at Caulfield Repatriation Hospital, Henry Clifton (Cliff), dearly loved husband of Hannah Wardell, 4 Beech St South Caulfield, beloved father of Sylvia (Mrs Graham), Doreen (Mrs Peters) and Max, father in law of Frank and Jack, granddad of John, aged 48. Late 31st Battn. 1st AIF [Age July 31, 1942 p5; Frankston Standard August 7, 1942 p4]

Warren, John Edward Charles, 6095

 

Service No:	6095
Occupation:	Press Hand
Address:	Elsternwick
Date of Enlistment:	March 18, 1916 at Prahran
Age at Enlistment:	21 years 3 months
Marital Status:	Single
Physical Description:	5ft 8½ins, 123 lbs, fair hair, blue eyes, sallow complexion.
Next of Kin:	Father – John Fildan Warren, 390 New St, Elsternwick
Rank on Enlistment:	Private
Unit Name:	19R 7Btn; 37Btn
Embarkation Details:	July 28, 1916 embarked at Melbourne on the Themistocles.

 

Places and dates of service:

1916 November 22 to 1917 February 27: France.
1917 February 27: KIA, France.

Service injuries: 
1917 February 27: KIA, France. First reported missing. (Court of Inquiry proceedings 4.5.1917). His named is listed on the Villers-Bretonneux memorial, France and the  Australian War Memorial, panel 128.

The Red Cross reports state that Pte Warren was in a party billeted at the gum boot store in Houplines, France. He was walking up an alley with a party detailed toraid the German lines, The party was almost in the trench when a bomb landed and fatally wounding him and his Lieutenant. He was buried in a cemetery near Armentieres.

Returned to Australia:	Not Applicable
Discharge Date:	Not Applicable
Rank at Discharge:	Private
Honours/Medals:	Victory Medal; British War Medal; Memorial Plaque; memorial Scroll
Memorials:	Shire of Lillydale Roll of Honour

 

Family Story:

John Edward Charles Warren was born c1895 at South Melbourne to John Fildan Warren and Edith Emily Warren. He attended All Saints College, Windsor. He was Methodist. He was in Senior Cadets for one year as part of the compulsory training scheme. Enlistment previously rejected due to eyesight. The family were told of his death and that he was ‘believed to be buried to the East of Armentieres’. His father moved to Oban Rd, Ringwood, then to 18 Spring Rd, Malvern. In February 1918, J. Marsh & Sons Employees Soldiers Fund asked for details of death and Next of Kin.

Warwick, Frank, 61496

 

Service No:	61496
Occupation:	Grocer
Address:	Lilydale
Date of Enlistment:	February 2, 1918
Age at Enlistment:	18 years
Marital Status:	Single
Physical Description:	5ft 7¼ ins, 117 lbs, dark brown hair, hazel eyes, fresh complexion
Next of Kin:	Father – Henry Warwick, Lilydale
Rank on Enlistment:	Private
Unit Name:	11R GSG(Vict); AAOC
Embarkation Details:	August 31, 1918 embarked at Melbourne on the Barambah.

 

Places and dates of service:

1918 November 14 to 1919 November 6: Codford, England.

Service injuries: Nil

Returned to Australia:	February 4, 1920 on the Konigen Luise.
Discharge Date:	February 27, 1920
Rank at Discharge:	Private
Honours/Medals:	British War Medal
Memorials:	Lilydale State School Honour Roll; St John’s Church of England Lilydale Honour Roll; Loyal Lilydale M.U.I.O.O.F. Honour Roll; Shire of Lillydale Honour Roll.

 

Family Story:

Frank Warwick was born at Lilydale on January 13, 1900, to Elizabeth Sarah Ann Warwick nee Golding and Henry Warwick. His brother Henry Warwick jun. also enlisted, No 2438 Frank was Anglican. He served in S Cadets 49A South Yarra for 10 months prior to enlistment.

The press reported his enlistment: Frank Warwick of Lilydale has enlisted and goes into camp shortly. A brother of this young lad has already been to the front, and returned suffering from a nasty wound from which he has not yet recovered [Lilydale Express February 15, 1918 p2].

Frank was a member of Lilydale RSL. By 22 October 1924 Frank’s address was 41 Dalley St Croxton (Northcote). His mother Elizabeth died February 13, 1927 aged 66, and father Henry died March 12, 1933 aged 78. They are buried at Lilydale cemetery[See LDHS Headstones pages]

Warwick, Henry, 466 and 2438

 

Service No:	2438 (466)
Occupation:	Baker
Address:	Not given
Date of Enlistment:	First: February 20 1915, Melbourne. Rejected due to hat he had a ‘complete set of artificial teeth in upper jaw’ and with a hernia was found unfit. Second: July 8, 1915 at Seymour
Age at Enlistment:	22 years
Marital Status:	Single
Physical Description:	First: 5ft 81/4ins, 9st 8 lbs, very dark hair, grey green eyes and swarthy complexion with pock marked face. Second: 5ft 6ins, 9st 10 lbs, black hair, brown eyes, sallow complexion
Next of Kin:	Father – Henry Warwick, ‘Cranmore’ Lilydale.
Rank on Enlistment:	Private
Unit Name:	7R 8Btn (23Btn)
Embarkation Details:	July 16, 1915 embarked at Melbourne on the Demostenes.

 

Places and dates of service:

1915 October 9: ANZAC, Rest Gully.
1915 June 17: Malta (Hospital).
1916 February 13: Egypt.
1916 July 25: France.
1916 July 29 to 1917 February 22: England.

Service injuries: 
1915 June 17 illness – sent to Malta.
1916 July 30: Gun shot wound left thigh, Pozieres, France.

Returned to Australia:	April 4, 1917 to Melbourne on the Karoola.
Discharge Date:	May 25, 1917, medically unfit
Rank at Discharge:	Private
Honours/Medals:	1914-1915 Star; Victory Medal; British War Medal
Memorials:	Lilydale State School Honour Roll; Loyal Lilydale M.U.I.O.O.F. Honour Rol; Shire of Lillydale Honour Roll;  St John’s Lilydale Honour Roll

 

Family Story:

Henry Warwick was born at Richmond, Victoria, in 1893 to Henry Warwick sen. and Elizabeth Sarah Ann Warwick nee Goldring. He was Anglican. Henry sen. was a fruit grower He was apprenticed to baker J. Garrett at Glenhuntly for two years. His brother Frank also enlisted No 61496

Henry received a pocket wallet and lithographed letter from the Shire. [Lilydale Express April 4, 1915 p3].

The press reprinted his letter from Egypt [Lilydale Express October 22, 1915 p5], and reported his welcome home at Lilydale station [Lilydale Express April 13, 1917 p2] In the following week he receives a testimonial at the Athenaeum Hall screening of A soldier’s life where he also makes a speech. [Lilydale Express April 27, 1917 p2]

When his brother Frank enlisted in February 1918 the press reported it:
Frank Warwick of Lilydale has enlisted and goes into camp shortly. A brother of this young lad [Henry] has already been to the front, and returned suffering from a nasty wound from which he has not yet recovered [Lilydale Express February 15, 1918 p2].
His mother Elizabeth died February 13, 1927 aged 66, and father Henry died March 12, 1933 aged 78. They are buried at Lilydale Cemetery[See LDHS Headstones pages].
In September 1931 Henry jun. was living at 9 Park St Northcote. Henry Warwick jun. died August 27, 1960 [Records p7]

Watson, Arthur Edward, 2824 and 6951

 

Service No:	2824 and 6951
Occupation:	Carpenter
Address:	Lilydale
Date of Enlistment:	First: July 10, 1915 deemed medically unfit, work injury to right knee; Second: April 12, 1917
Age at Enlistment:	First: 40 years and 6 months; second: 42 years 2 months
Marital Status:	Married
Physical Description:	5ft 9ins, 138 lbs, black hair, brown eyes, medium complexion
Next of Kin:	Wife – Mrs Emily Jane Watson, Lilydale
Rank on Enlistment:	Private
Unit Name:	First: 6 refs 22 Btn; Second:19/23rd Refs
Embarkation Details:	May 11, 1917 embarked at Melbourne on the Ascanius.

 

Places and dates of service:

1917 November 14: France.
1918 March 1: England.
1918 June 12: France.
1918 October 13: England.

Service injuries: NIL
After 174 days in the AIF (first enlistment) discharged medically unfit, right knee Nil injuries second enlistment Returned to Australia:October 8, 1919 to Melbourne on the Anchises Discharge Date:November 27, 1919 Rank at Discharge:Private Honours/Medals:Victory Medal; British War Medal Memorials:Lilydale War Memorial; Baptist Church Lilydale Honour Roll [Both A. Watson]

Note: After 174 days in the AIF (first enlistment) discharged medically unfit, right knee. No overseas service.

Returned to Australia:	October 8, 1919 to Melbourne on the Anchises.
Discharge Date:	November 27, 1919
Rank at Discharge:
Honours/Medals:	Victory Medal; British War Medal
Memorials:	Baptist Church Lilydale Honour Roll; Shire of Lillydale Honour Roll.

 

Family Story:

Arthur Edward Watson was born at Tarraville, Gippsland on January 13, 1875 to Henry Charles Watson and Mary Ann Watson nee Palmer [ancientfaces.com]. He was Anglican He first enlisted at Ascotvale on July 10, 1915 aged 40 years. No 2824. He was then married to Emily. He was discharged with an old knee injury, received in October 1914, falling from a building.

In September 1918 Emily Jane moved to 41 Watt St, Box Hill In November 1948 Arthur lived at 165 Stud Rd, Dandenong, and writes of loss of his Returned Soldiers Badge 186557, issued in November 1919.

Watt, Lyndon (Len) Mitchie, 707

 

Service No:	707
Occupation:	Clerk
Address:	Clarke St, Lilydale
Date of Enlistment:	August 8, 1914
Age at Enlistment:	19 years 5 months
Marital Status:	Single
Physical Description:	5ft 10¾ins, 10st 10 lbs, light brown hair, light brown eyes, medium complexion.
Next of Kin:	Mother – Mrs Emma Lopas Watt nee Lyndon.
Rank on Enlistment:	Private
Unit Name:	6Btn; 65Btn
Embarkation Details:	October 19, 1914 embarked at Melbourne on the Hororata.

 

Places and dates of service:

1915 April 5: Dardanelles.
1915 May 14: Gallipoli where wounded.
1916 June 7: to hospital ship at Malta for England.
1916 March 1: Promoted to Corporal, England.
1916 October 25: Promoted to Temp Sgt, England.
1916 December 27: Returned to Corporal.
1917 July 14 to 1917 October 4: France.
1917 August 31: Promoted 2 Lieut and posted to General Infantr Refts.
1917 October 4: wounded.
1918 July 15: 2nd Lieutenant appointment terminated on return to Australia.

Service injuries: 
1915 May 14: rifle wound left arm and forearm, Gallipoli.
1917 October 4: Gun shot wound left leg, compound fracture tibia.

Returned to Australia:	May 25, 1918 returned to Melbourne on the  Wandilla
Discharge Date:	July 15, 1918 and appointment terminated.
Rank at Discharge:	2nd Lieutenant
Honours/Medals:	1914-1915 Star; British War Medal; Victory Medal
Memorials:	Shire of Lillydale Honour Roll.

 

Family Story:

Lyndon Michie Watt was born at Telford, Victoria in 1895 to James Michie Watt and Emma Lopas Watt nee Lyndon. He was Anglican.  Prior to enlistment he had been ‘a trainee’.

The press reported his enlistment:
Another local resident to leave for the war is Mr Len Watt, son of Mr J. M. Watt, stationmaster at Lilydale, who left last night to join the camp at Broadmeadows. Len’s walking tours should render him eminently fitted for soldiering. [Lilydale Express August 21, 1914 p4].
He received wallet and letter from the Shire councillors who travelled to Broadmeadows camp to present them [Lilydale Express October 23, 1914 p3].

He was wounded in Turkey: …Lists issued by the Defence department contained the name of Private Len M. Watt amongst the wounded in the fighting at the Dardanelles. Len was well known in Lilydale, being the eldest son of Mr & Mrs J. M. Watt, who resided up to a few months ago at Lilydale where Mr Watt was stationmaster. Private Watt is a smart, energetic young fellow and was in the first 5 to volunteer in Lilydale. Letters home…showed he delighted in the soldiers life and was anxious to get into the firing line. Employed by the Union Bank, Melbourne, Private Watt was an enthusiastic walking tourist and spent most of his weekends on walking tours in the mountains around Warburton and Healesville…That Len’s wound is slight will be the wish of many…[Lilydale Express June 4, 1915 p5].

In June, Ralph Goode writes home that Len Watt and Bert Reid are wounded but not seriously [Lilydale Express June 25, 1915 p5].

Later Len Watt writes of stirring bayonet charges at Gallipoli and ends his descriptive letter from hospital: I want to be back with the boys again…I am satisfied that this game of dodging lead at 6 shillings a day isn’t as bad as represented. It’s a glorious life, that of the field, if you are successful in dodging the lead. [If not] you also have a glorious time till you are well again…it will do me for a while. [Lilydale Express  July 16 1915 p5].

Len was present at an Athenaeum Hall welcome home where as Lieut. L. Watt he responded on behalf of the men in a few well chosen words [Lilydale Express December 13, 1918 p2]

Emma Lopas Watt died in 1945:
Watt – On May 5 at Caulfield, Emma Lopas, widow of the late J. M. Watt, and loved mother of Evelyn, Gordon, Lyndon and Murray (dec.) [Argus May 7, 1945 p14].
Another notice on this page described her as a wonderful friend – true, sweet and understanding. Application for Probate was advertised:…of the Will of Emma Lopas Watt, late of 17 Alma Rd, Caulfield in Victoria, widow, deceased, may be granted to Lyndon Michie Watt of 4 Edna St, East Malvern, clerk.. .[Argus May 28, 1945 p14]

Wheeler, James 474

 

Service No:	474
Occupation:	Dairy Farmer
Address:	Yering and Yarra Junction
Date of Enlistment:	September 13, 1916
Age at Enlistment:	20 years 11 months
Marital Status:	Single
Physical Description:	5ft 9¼in tall, 144 lbs, brown eyes, dark brown hair, medium complexion
Next of Kin:	Father, Thomas Wheeler
Rank on Enlistment:	Private
Unit Name:	7th FTS. 15th Machine Gun Coy.
Embarkation Details:	October 25, 1916 at Melbourne on HMAT Ulysses A38.

 

Places and dates of service:

1916 December 28: to Plymouth and Perham Downs England.
1917 February 13: to 5th Machine Gun Coy. England.
1917 April 26: to Grantham England.
1917 May 5: to France.
1917 October 10: in the field in France.
1918 March 1: to 4th Machine Gun Btn.
1918 September 19: Wounded (shell concussion) in the field France.
1918 September 21: to Abberville Hospital in France.
1919 January 9: to Temp.Corporal in field France.
1919 April 10: to England.
1919 February: Promoted to Lance Corporal England.
1919 April 11: to Sutton Veny England.
1919 May 5 to August 20: granted leave with full pay to learn about mixed farming at Worsley Farm Longton Bridge in Lancashire England.
1919 September 5: to London England.
1919 September 22: Returned to Australia.

Service injuries:
1918 September 19: concussion from shell blast in the field in France.

Returned to Australia:	November 12, 1919: Melbourne on HT Port Sydney.
Discharge Date:	December 27, 1919
Rank at Discharge:	Lance Corporal
Honours/Medals:	British War Medal and Victory Medal
Memorials:	Shire of Lillydale Honour Roll, Coldstream and Yering War Memorial.

 

Family Story:

James was born (Louis James) 1896 in Yarra Junction to parents Thomas and Jessie Rachel Wheeler. Before returning home he did research on a dairy farm in England. In 1921 he married Ivy Margaret Holding, children not known.

His army records (pg. 25) shows he was living in Warburton. He died there and was buried in the Upper Yarra Cemetery on April 27, 1943 CE1 plot 103. Ivy is also buried there with him.

Whelan, James, 363 in Records but under 3636 with National Archives.

 

Service No:	363
Occupation:	railway employee
Address:	Lilydale
Date of Enlistment:	July 5, 1915
Age at Enlistment:	29 years 3 months
Marital Status:	Single
Physical Description:	5ft 9ins, 147 lbs, dark brown hair, brown eyes, fresh complexion.
Next of Kin:	Mother – Mary Whelan, Lilydale
Rank on Enlistment:	Staff Sergeant
Unit Name:	29Btn
Embarkation Details:	November 10, 1915 embarked at Melbourne on the Ascanius.

 

Places and dates of service:

1916 December 4: 29Btn, France.
1916 December 18, 1st ANZAC Rfts, France.
1918 February 12: A A Ordnance Coy, France.

Service injuries: Nil

Returned to Australia:	December 15, 1919 on the Nestor
Discharge Date:	February 28, 1920
Rank at Discharge:	Staff Sergeant
Honours/Medals:	1914-1915 Star; British War Medal; Victory Medal
Memorials:	Lilydale State School Honour Roll; Shire of Lillydale Honour Roll;

 

Family Story:

James (Jim) was born James John Crowder March 21, 1884 at Tooborac to John Whelan and Mary Crowder, he was the second son of 10 children. The family were living in Heathcote and moved to Lilydale after Jim was born. After he was discharged from the Army, Jim married on November 26, 1921 to Mary Keating (born 1892) from Steeles Creek, they were married at St. Aloysius, Yarra Glen.
They moved to Camberwell and had four children Peggy Brian, Betty and Kevin.
Jim worked as a tram driver with the Melbourne Tramways until his death from a heart attack on September 1944, aged 60 years. Mary died December 29, 1979. Both Jim and Mary are buried at the Buwood Cemetery.

Whisson, Lionel Horace, 4618

 

Service No:	4618
Occupation:	Not given
Address:	Lilydale
Date of Enlistment:	July 31, 1915
Age at Enlistment:	21 years 7 months
Marital Status:	Single
Physical Description:	5ft 8ins, 9st, dark brown hair, brown eyes, fresh complexion.
Next of Kin:	Father – Herbert Whisson, Main St Lilydale
Rank on Enlistment:	Private
Unit Name:	14R 5Btn
Embarkation Details:	January 28, 1916 embarked at Melbourne on the Themistocles.

 

Places and dates of service:

1916, March 13: Heliopolis hospital – injured on board ship.

Service injuries:
1916 February: crushed foot on board Themistocles when a piano fell on him.

Returned to Australia:	Returned to Melbourne April 11, 1916 on the Runic ex Suez.
Discharge Date:	August 22, 1916, on request
Rank at Discharge:	Private
Honours/Medals:	British War Medal; Victory Medal; Silver war badge h53995
Memorials:	Shire of Lillydale Roll of Honour; St John’s Church Roll of Honour.

 

Family Story:

Lionel was born at London on January 16, 1894 to Herbert Whisson and Mrs Rosa Whisson. He was Anglican. Herbert Whisson was recruited by David Mitchell to come to Australia to make soap for him at Cave Hill. He arrived aboard the vessel Ophir in January 1911. His family followed the next year, arriving on the Makarini in July 1912. His home in Main St Lilydale was owned by David Mitchell. Herbert Whisson, soap maker first appears in the rate books in the 1912-1913 year. [PROV Shipping Records and Shire of Lillydale Rate Books 1912-1913 pg 21 entry No. 522 and LDHS Headstones]

Lionel received a presentation at an Athenaeum Hall send off [Lilydale Express October 29, 1915 p5].
He was also welcomed back at the Hall [Lilydale Express May 4, 1917 p3].

In 1918 the Girls friendly Society gave a welcome home social for Anglican soldiers, which Lionel attended [Lilydale Express December 6, 1918 p3].

In August 1916, while on home for a 6 months change, Lionel applied for a discharge. He was at the Victoria Coffee Palace in Main St Lilydale, where he remained until at least 1924 [Service Record p7].
His pension claim was cancelled May 10, 1917. Lionel was a member of the Lilydale RSL and his children Pauline (7) and John (2) attended the 1933 Christmas party.

By the 1931 Back to Lilydale reunion, Lionel had a Radio & Electric Store corner Main & Clarke St. and Ron Whisson had a fruit and vegetable shop in Main St.
His father, Herbert died in 1933:
..He leaves a widow & grown family…of the latter Ronald and Lionel are in business in Main St and two of his daughters, Mrs Delver and Mrs Mason are also residents of Lilydale. Other members of the family are Cecil (Geelong), Mrs Stanley (Footscray), & Mrs Turner (Yarraville) [Lilydale Express June 2, 1933 p3; Headstones].

Rosa died in 1939:
The death occurred on Thursday, October 12 of Mrs Whisson of the Victoria Coffee Palace, Lilydale at the age of 75 years. The late Mrs Whisson arrived in Lilydale with her husband 27 years ago, the latter predeceasing her by six years. . . . After her husband’s death Mrs Whisson carried on the [Victoria] Coffee Palace with the industry for which she was noted until, a few months back, she was afflicted with the illness which brought about her death. Through it all she maintained her usual cheery disposition. [Lilydale Express October 20, 1939 pg 3; Headstones].

Lionel died in 1952:
Mr Whisson was a son of the late Mr and Mrs Whisson, who conducted the coffee palace at the corner of Clarke and Main streets about thirty years ago. Deceased made a study of electrical and radio science, and his weekly articles in the “Express” on these subjects evoked much favourable comment. He established an electrical business in Lilydale which he later disposed of to the present owner (Mr W.J. Bennett) in order to take over a similar concern in Adelaide, in conjunction with a picture theatre. Failing health and a desire to return to his home town caused him to relinquish this enterprise. His sojourn here was of short duration, as his strength gradually faded away, and the end came peacefully on Thursday last. . . and was buried 23.2.1952 at Lilydale Cemetery…leaving a wife, son & daughter. [Lilydale Express 29-02-1952 pg5; Headstones].

References: PROV Shipping Records and Shire of Lillydale Rate Books 1912-1913 pg 21 entry No. 522; Lilydale Express May 17, 1929; June 2, 1933; October 20, 1939 and February 29, 1952 pg 5.

White, Michael Charles, 3671

 

Service No:	3671
Occupation:	Labourer
Address:	Lilydale
Date of Enlistment:	October 23, 1916
Age at Enlistment:	37 years 6 months
Marital Status:	Single
Physical Description:	5ft 5inch tall, 155 lbs, grey eyes, black hair, medium complexion.
Next of Kin:	Mother, Mary White
Rank on Enlistment:	Private
Unit Name:	9/2 Pioneer Btn
Embarkation Details:	May 11, 1917 Melbourne on HMAT Shropshire.

 

Places and dates of service:

1917 July 19: disembarked Plymouth England for hospital (mumps).
1918 March 11: to Havre France.
1918 April 14: died of wounds received in the field France.

Service Injuries:
1918 April 14: died of wounds in the field France.  Memorial at Villers-Bretonneux France M.R 26 part V1, S-Z.

Red Cross Reports:
Private White was in a platoon digging trenches between Walrly and Albert near Morlancourt on the Somme when a shell exploded in the trench killing him. He was buried in a small cemetery nearby.

Returned to Australia:	Not Applicable
Discharge Date:	Not Applicable
Rank at Discharge:	Private
Honours/Medals:	British War Medal, Victory Medal Memorials:Lilydale War Memorial, Shire of Lillydale Honour BOard
Memorials:	Lilydale War Memorial, Shire of Lillydale Honour Board.

 

Family Story:

Michael was born in 1880 Horsham to parents Charles Joseph and Mary White of Sea Lake Victoria. He died of wounds in 1918 on the Western Front in France.

Whiteside, Fred, 1825

 

Service No:	1825
Occupation:	Locomotive Fireman
Address:	Lilydale
Date of Enlistment:	December 16, 1914
Age at Enlistment:	27years 4 months
Marital Status:	Single
Physical Description:	5ft 7inc tall, 11 stn, blue eyes, brown hair, dark complexion.
Next of Kin:	Father, John Parkinson Whiteside Leicester UK.
Rank on Enlistment:	Private
Unit Name:	14th Btn
Embarkation Details:	March 20, 1915 Melbourne on HMAT Shropshire A9

 

Places and dates of service:

1915 September: (sick) to Mudros on Lemnos Island.
1915 November 24: (sick – jaundice) to Ricasoli Military Hospital Malta.
1916 March 19: to Alexandria Egypt.
1916 July 27: (sick – Boils) to 1st New Zealand Hospital Amiens France.
1916 August 10: to Havre France en route to Bristol Hospital England.
1916 August 28 : to France
1917 – 1918 : in the field France.
1918 June 11: wounded in the field France.
1918 June 26: to Epsom War Hospital Surrey England.
1919 April 5: Returned to Australia.
1919 May 17: injured on board ship at sea ( fell from hammock – contusion to back.

Service injuries: 
1918 June 11: shrapnel wounds to arm, neck, chest and buttocks- in the field France.

Returned to Australia:	May 18, 1919: Melbourne on SS Armagh – to hospital.
Discharge Date:	February 20, 1920.
Rank at Discharge:	Private
Honours/Medals:	1914-15 Star, British War Medal, Victory Medal
Memorials:	Shire of Lillydale Honour Roll

 

Family Story:

Fred was born in 1887 in Leyland Lancashire England, to parents John Parkinson and Mary Alice Whiteside. This is all the information that we have for him, other that he spent seven months in hospital on returning from the war.

Wild, Roland William 24719, MM

 

Service No:	24719
Occupation:	Engineer
Address:	Colchester Rd, Kilsyth via Croydon
Date of Enlistment:	February 29, 1916
Age at Enlistment:	34 years 7 months
Marital Status:	Married
Physical Description:	5ft 8¼in tall, 116lbs, blue eyes, fair hair, fair complexion.
Next of Kin:	Wife, Florence Wild
Rank on Enlistment:	Sapper
Unit Name:	4th R. 2nd Pioneers
Embarkation Details:	July 29, 1916 Melbourne HMAT Themistocles.

 

Places and dates of service:

1916 May 1- May 25 : Engineer Officer School Moore Park NSW and promoted to Corporal.
1916 May 25: promoted to 2nd Lieutenant.
1916 July 29: embarked Melbourne.
1916 October 25: to Etaples France.
1916 November 9: transfer to 4th Pioneers Btn. in the field France.
1916 November 12 : promoted to Lieutenant in the field France.
1917 November 7: special mention in dispatches in France by Sir Douglas Haig.
1918 August 19: promoted to (temp) Captain, in the field France.
1918 October 21: promoted to captain in the field France.
1919 January 11: awarded the Military Cross – conspicuous Services rendered.
1919 February 4 – May 4: granted leave to study with Westinghouse Electric Mfg.Co.Ltd. in England, British Switch Gears Ltd. And Brittania Iron Works Gainsborough England.
1919 May 15: to London England for Returned to Australia.

Service injuries: NIL

Mentioned in Despatches twice: Awarded, and gazetted, ‘London Gazette’, second Supplement, No. 30448 (28 December 1917); ‘Commonwealth Gazette’ No. 57 (18 April 1918).

Military Cross  Citation: 
This officer has during the period from February to September 1918 has shown great courage and absolute disregard for personal danger on several occasions. On the night of 4th July 1918, at Hamel he was in charge of the Tape reconnaissance party engaged in the marking out of a Communication Trench linking Front Line. This was carried out despite the exceptionally heavy hostile Machine Gun Fire. Later on when he returned he led up the Company and succeeded in bringing them through a heavy H.E. barrage and placing on the Works which he had completed that night. During the period of consolidation after the battle his untiring efforts on reconnaissance works and then in charge of the Coy, on works set a splendid example to all ranks under his command. [Commonwealth of Australia Gazette: 23 May 1919.}

Returned to Australia:	October 20, 1919: Melbourne on HT Pakeha.
Discharge Date:	1920 January 26, 1920.
Rank at Discharge:	Captain
Honours/Medals:	British War Medal, Victory Medal, Military Medal, 2 oak leaves (1 large 1 small ) for mentions in dispatches.
Memorials:	Kilsyth Memorial Hall Honour Board, Croydon War Memorial.

 

Family Story:

Roland was born 1884/5 in Stockport Cheshire England, to parents William Isaac Wild and Alice Gothard. He came to Australia 1 June 1912 after some time in New Zealand and married Florence before he enlisted in 1916. They were living in Colchester Road Kilsyth. It is possible that Florence was perhaps a school teacher, as she was living in 1918 c/- The Grange School South Yarra. There is no record of any children. In 1931 the electoral roll shows them in Balaclava, he died May 1, 1933 East Melbourne aged 48 years and was cremated at Fawkner Cemetery.

Wilken, James Henry, 1452 MSM

 

Service No:	1452
Occupation:	Radio Telegraphist
Address:	PO.Kilsyth and Kyneton
Date of Enlistment:	March 27, 1916
Age at Enlistment:	22 years 11 months
Marital Status:	Single
Physical Description:	5ft 7¼ in tall, 128 lbs, blue eyes, fair hair, fresh complexion.
Next of Kin:	Father James Joseph Wilken
Rank on Enlistment:	Sergeant
Unit Name:	1st Aust.Wireless Squadron/ Aust. Engineers Signal Corp.
Embarkation Details:	May 30, 1916 Melbourne on RMS Morea.

 

Places and dates of service:

1916 June 15: to Colombo and Bombay India
1916 July 5: to Mesopotamia –Basrah Iraq
1917 August 29: Awarded the Meritorious Service Medal “in recognition of valuable services rendered with the Armies in the Field, in Mesopotamia.
1917 September 22: Mesopotamia – Iraq, Syria and Lebanon.
1918 May 12: Mesopotamia – Iraq, Syria and Lebanon
1918 June 17: to Suez Egypt.
1918 July 13: to Moascar Egypt (candidate for commission in AFC)
1918 July 24: to Lebanon – Heliopolis/Baalba joined Cadet Wing and appointed Cadet AIF
1919 February 10: to Mesopotamia – graduated to Flying Officer (pilot) and 2nd Lieutenant on probation.

Returned to Australia:	July 22, 1919: Melbourne on HT Hungaria.
Discharge Date:	September 8, 1919
Rank at Discharge:	2nd Lieutenant
Honours/Medals:	The Meritorious Service Medal, British War Medal, Victory Medal
Memorials:	Kilsyth Memorial Hall Honour Board, Shire of Lillydale Honour Board.

 

Family Story:

James Wilken was born on May 15, 1893 in Melbourne, to parents James Joseph Wilken and Emma Lawes. In 1909 his father James was the storekeeper in Kilsyth and built the first hall. In 1912 he was a hotel keeper in Yarra Glen and from 1916-1922 he was the lessee of the tea rooms at Kyneton Railway Station. (Rate Books and Army records)

James was a radio telegraphist when he enlisted in 1916. He had siblings Edward (1886-87), Frederick William (1889), John Edward (1891) who also served WW1 5784 but was captured by the Germans and served 1½ years as a prisoner of war; Francis Charles (1895) Frederick William 2nd (1895).

He was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal on August 29, 1917 “in recognition of valuable services rendered with the Armies in the Field, in Mesopotamia.”

After the war James moved to New South Wales where he married Eva May Wilkinson in 1924 at Randwick. They had children Marion (1925) and Judith Lawes (1931). James served his country again in WW2 enlisting in Paddington NX 101575, he died in 1959 Darlinghurst NSW. (Google web site of his name)

Wilken, Walter Edward Bernard, 3647

 

Service No:	3647
Occupation:	Farmer
Address:	Evelyn
Date of Enlistment:	October 5, 1917
Age at Enlistment:	20 years  7months
Marital Status:	Single
Physical Description:	5ft 10in tall, 155 lbs, hazel eyes, brown hair, fresh complexion.
Next of Kin:	Father, Stephen Herbert Wilken
Rank on Enlistment:	Private
Unit Name:	8th/3 Pioneer Refs 60th Btn and later 59th Btn
Embarkation Details:	November 21, 1917 Melbourne on HMAT Nestor A71.

 

Places and dates of service:

1917 December 15: to Suez Egypt.
1918 January 9 : to Port Said Egypt.
1918 January 31: to Cherbourg France.
1918 February 2: to South Hampton and Sutton Veny England for training.
1918 April 17: to France.
1918 September 25: transferred to 59th Btn.
1918 December 12: sick- hernia.
1919 January 1: to England to Brook War Hospital Woolwich
1919 September 5: Returned to Australia.

Service injuries: NIL

Returned to Australia:	October 25, 1919 to Melbourne on the Plassy.
Discharge Date:	December 14, 1919.
Rank at Discharge:	Private
Honours/Medals:	British War Medal, Victory Medal
Memorials:	Shire of Lillydale Honour Roll

 

Family Story:

Walter was born in 1896 in Lilydale, to parents Stephen Herbert and Evelyn Victoria Wilken. It is not known if he married or had family. He died June 28, 1971 in Hamilton and was buried in the Hamilton Lawn Cemetery.

Williams, Archie Robert (Smiler) 837

 

Service No:	837
Occupation:	Printer (Apprentice)
Address:	Lilydale Express Newspaper Office
Date of Enlistment:	August 17, 1914
Age at Enlistment:	19 years
Marital Status:	Single
Physical Description:	6ft 1in tall, 10stn 9lbs, hazel eyes, light hair. fair complexion
Next of Kin:	father, Albert Henry Williams
Rank on Enlistment:	Private
Unit Name:	8th Btn
Embarkation Details:	April 5, 1915 Melbourne on TS Clan McGilvarry

 

Places and dates of service:

1915 August 20: sick (dysentery) at Gallipoli, to casualty clearing station Mudros.
1915 September 16: sick ( dysentery and gastritis) to Lemnos.
1916 January 7: to Alexandria Egypt.
1916 February 27: appointed Lance Corporal Serapeum Egypt.
1916 March 31: to Marseilles France.
1916 June 29: wounded in action in France to hospital.
1916 June 30: to Northampton War Hospital England.
1916 September 20: transfer to Australian Postal Corp.
1917 March 1: transfer to A.I.F Headquarters London.
1917 April 26: transfer to Windmill Hill Camp Perham Downs Middlesex England and appointed a Corporal.
1917 September 11: to Bulford England.
1917 November 24: transfer back to 8th Btn Sutton Veny England.
1918 January 18: to Havre France.
1918 June 24: sick (influenza) in the field France.
1918 September 22: in the field France
1918 October 8: Returned to Australia

Service injuries:
1916 June 29: Gunshot wound to the left shoulder and thigh, in the field France.

Returned to Australia:	December 2, 1918 ship ?
Discharge Date:	January 31, 1919
Rank at Discharge:	Corporal
Honours/Medals:	1914-15 Star, British War Medal, Victory Medal
Memorials:	Shire of Lillydale Memorial Honour Board, St John’s Church of England Lilydale Memorial (as ER Williams)

 

Family Story:

Archie or Smiler as he was known, was born 1895 Fitzroy to father Albert Henry Williams of New Gisborne Vic. He was apprenticed as a printer with the Lilydale Express Newspaper in Main Street Lilydale at the time of enlistment. The paper was owned by Pettit & Co. (1916-1919).

He was the 1st man to enlist from Lilydale (Lilydale Express December 13, 1918). It appears that while in England in 1917 he married  Winifred Ethel ?, as on December 13, 1918 he was living in Barkly St Sunbury when applying for free passage for his wife. It is not known if they had family or where they died.

Williams, Ernest Raymond, 3230

 

Service No:	3230
Occupation:	Saw Mill employee
Address:	Not given
Date of Enlistment:	January 13, 1915
Age at Enlistment:	22 years 6 months
Marital Status:	Single
Physical Description:	5ft 9in tall,10stn 13 lbs, grey eyes, brown hair, fair complexion.
Next of Kin:	Mother, Mrs A. J. Williams
Rank on Enlistment:	Private
Unit Name:	6th Field Ambulance
Embarkation Details:	June 4, 1915 Melbourne on HMAT Ajana A31.

 

Places and dates of service:

1915 August 30: to Gallipoli.
1916 June 23: (sick – influenza) to Marseilles France.
1916 -1917-1918 In the field France/Belgium.
1919 January 14: Returned to Australia.

Service injuries: NIL

Returned to Australia:	April 22, 1919: Melbourne on HT Derbyshire.
Discharge Date:	June 21, 1919.
Rank at Discharge:	Private
Honours/Medals:	1914-15 Star, British War Medal, Victory Medal
Memorials:	Shire of Lillydale Honour Roll.

 

Family Story:

Ernest was born in 1893 Williamstown to mother Mrs AJ Williams, who at the time of enlistment in 1915 was living in Castella Street Lilydale. He married Tressillian Constance after the war and was living at 58 Medway St. Box Hill in 1935, when he had his discharge badge and clothing stolen. In 1967 his wife a widow was still at Box Hill.

Willimott, Charles, 1947

 

Service No:	1947
Occupation:	Motor Mechanic
Address:	Not given
Date of Enlistment:	September 18, 1914
Age at Enlistment:	26 years
Marital Status:	Single
Physical Description:	5ft 5in tall, 10stn, brown eyes, black hair, dark complexion.
Next of Kin:	Father, Robert Willimott Norfolk England.
Rank on Enlistment:	Driver/mechanic
Unit Name:	Mechanical Trans. ASC 17 Div.
Embarkation Details:	December 22, 1914 Melbourne on HMAT Ceramic A40

 

Places and dates of service:

1915 July 9: to Southhampton England.
1915 July 10: to Rouen France.
1915 November 5: to field hospital minor scalp wound.
1916 : in the field France.
1917 February 10: transfer to 5th ASS, Field France.
1917 March 2: transfer to D.A.D..C.S 5th Div. France.
1918 January 9: appointed Lance Corporal (Transport) in the field France.
1918 August 28: to England on leave.
1918 September 4: to Harefield 1st Aux. Hospital England (mastoid/ ear operation).
1918 October 20: Submarine Guard Duty and Returne to Australia.

Service injuries:
1915 November 5: Minor scalp wound in the field Rouen France.

Returned to Australia:	December 15, 1918 to Melbourne on HT Borda.
Discharge Date:	March 25, 1919
Rank at Discharge:	Lance Corporal
Honours/Medals:	1914-15 Star , British War Medal, Victory Medal
Memorials:	Shire of Lillydale Honour Roll.

 

Family Story:

Charles was born in 1888 Beetley Norfolk England to father Robert Willimott, mother unknown. We know nothing about him after returning from the war. He died in 1972 and was cremated on February 7 in the Altona Cemetery.

Wilson, Adolphus George, 3221

 

Service No:	3221
Occupation:	Operating Porter
Address:	Orbost Coffee Palace, McLeod St, Orbost
Date of Enlistment:	July 9, 1918
Age at Enlistment:	20 years 11 months
Marital Status:	Single
Physical Description:	5ft 9½ins, 140 lbs, fair hair, grey eyes, fair complexion.
Next of Kin:	Father – Jeremiah Wilson, Albert Hill, Lilydale
Rank on Enlistment:	Sapper
Unit Name:	Railway Unit
Embarkation Details:	October 22, 1918 embarked at Adelaide on the Boonah.

 

Places and dates of service:

1918 December 11: Disembarked at Fremantle Quarantine Station, Woodmans Point, with pneumonic influenza.

Service injuries:
1918 December 19: died from pneumonic influenza. He is buried in the Perth War Cemetery and Annex, WA.

Returned to Australia:	Not Applicable
Discharge Date:	Not Applicable
Rank at Discharge:	Sapper at time of death.
Honours/Medals:	British War Medal; Memorial Plaque; Memorial Scroll and King’s Message
Memorials:	Healesville Honour Roll; Lilydale War Memorial; Shire of Lillydale Honour Roll; St John’s Church Roll of Honour; MUIOOF Loyal Lilydale Roll of Honour

 

Family Story:

Adolphus George Wilson was born at Lilydale July 12, 1897 to Jeremiah Wilson and Elizabeth Jane Wilson. He was an Anglican, one of two sons. Jeremiah later moved to Orbost Coffee Palace, McLeod St, Orbost. The Loyal Lilydale Lodge M.U.I.O.O.F. received report of his death.

In April 1919 Victorian Railways transportation branch seeks information on his Next of Kin and whether he was employed by the railways at enlistment. In July 1920 Mrs E. J. Wilson of Albert Hill, Lilydale enquires about her son’s kitbag and contents. Jeremiah Wilson died August 12, 1919 aged 59; Elizabeth Jane Wilson died August 22, 1948 aged 78 [LDHS Headstones].

John Wilson and Adolphus share a headstone at Lilydale Cemetery. [LDHS Headstones]

Wilson, Arthur H,

Wilson, Oswald Boyd, 2591

 

Service No:	2591
Occupation:	Bank Clerk
Address:	Not given
Date of Enlistment:	July 24, 1915
Age at Enlistment:	22 years 4 months
Marital Status:	Single
Physical Description:	5ft 7¾ins, 9st 7lbs, light brown hair, blue eyes, fresh complexion.
Next of Kin:	Father – Samuel John Wilson, Main St, Lilydale.
Rank on Enlistment:	Private
Unit Name:	4R 29Btn
Embarkation Details:	March 14, 1916 embarked at Melbourne on the Anchises.

 

Places and dates of service:

1916 June 16: France.
1916 July 19: Wounded, France.

Service injuries:
1916 July 19: gun shot wounds upper and lower extremities, France.
1916 September 1: Right leg amputated, Guildford, England.

Returned to Australia:	November 11, 1917 on A38.
Discharge Date:	February 15, 1918
Rank at Discharge:	Private
Honours/Medals:	British War Medal; Victory Medal
Memorials:	Shire of Lillydale Honour Roll; Lilydale Baptist Church Honour Roll; I.O.R. Lilydale Tent Honour Roll

 

Family Story:

Oswald Boyd Wilson was born at Lilydale c1893 to Samuel John Wilson and Helena Maria Wilson nee Collier. He was a Baptist and brother to Walter Edgar Wilson who also served, No 3634.

He was farewelled with a presentation at the Athenaeum Hall [Lilydale Express October 29, 1915 p5].
The Lilydale Tent I.O.R. also presented him with an engraved medallion [Lilydale Express November 5, 1915 p5].

His wounding was reported:
Friends of Mr O. B. Wilson who was for some years in the Lilydale branch of the Colonial Bank will regret to hear that he has been seriously wounded in France…as a result a leg has been amputated…He was rejected several times by examining officers [but] took a course of physical culture in Melbourne…[Lilydale Express August 18, 1916 p2].

A report follows that he is making good progress toward recovery [Lilydale Express September 8, 1916 p2]

Oswald was photographed in Melbourne Place, The Strand London in an image titled – Amputees [www.europeana1914-18.fr/en/trove/record/165087707]

On his return a large crowd welcomed him at Lilydale station: He was immediately rushed by his numerous friends and kept busily employed hand shaking…Cr McGhee spoke [Lilydale Express November 16, 1917 p2].
The Baptist Church hosted a welcome home for Oswald, one of the church officers and secretary of the Sunday School. His father was included [Lilydale Express November 30, 1917 p3].

Oswald attended the Shire welcome home at the Athenaeum Hall [Lilydale Express March 15, 1918 p3].
He was a full member of the Lilydale RSL.

Wilson, H.R.,

Wilson, Walter Edgar, 3646

Note: His Enlistment papers initially listed him as Edgar Walter which was changed after he produced a Statutory Declaration that his name was in fact Walter Edgar. See below.

Service No:	3646
Occupation:	Grocer
Address:	Not given
Date of Enlistment:	July 24, 1915
Age at Enlistment:	24 years 8 months
Marital Status:	Single
Physical Description:	5ft 9¼ins, 11st, dark brown hair, brown eyes, fresh complexion.
Next of Kin:	Father – Samuel John Wilson, Main St Lilydale.
Rank on Enlistment:	Private
Unit Name:	8R 24Btn; 57Btn
Embarkation Details:	January 15, 1916 embarked at Melbourne on the Afric.

 

Places and dates of service:

1916 February 27: Promoted Sergeant.
1916 March 17: Tel-el-Kebir hospital.
1917 August 1: France.
1917 September 20: wounded, France.
1918 August 13: hospitalised England, wounded.

Service injuries:
1917 September 20: shrapnel wounds back and face, France.
1918 August 8: gunshot wound to buttock, France.

Returned to Australia:	January 15, 1919 on the City of Exeter.
Discharge Date:	July 27, 1919
Rank at Discharge:	Sergeant
Honours/Medals:	British War Medal; Victory Medal
Memorials:	Lilydale State School Honour Roll; Lilydale Baptist Church Honour Roll; Shire of Lillydale Roll of Honour; I.O.R Lilydale Tent Honour Roll.

 

Family Story:

Walter ‘Edgar’ Wilson [true name] was born at Lilydale c1890 to Samuel John Wilson (b.1854 South Yarra) and Helena Maria Wilson nee Collier (born Coburg and married in 1881).

Edgar was brother to Oswald Boyd Wilson who also served, No. 2591. He was originally rejected for enlistment with back problems. His service record lists him as Methodist, but he appears on the Lilydale Baptist Church Honour Roll.
On enlistment he was presented with a medal from I.O.R. Lilydale Tent and a letter of farewell. [Lilydale Express November 5, 1915 p5].

In August 1917 Miss Ruby Tierney c/o police station Cranbourne, inquires about her letters to Walter, her cousin, which were returned. Samuel John Wilson communicated with the department about his son’s actual name and common name. Walter Edgar was commonly known as Edgar and at enlistment when asked his name he answered ‘Edgar’; then they asked if any other name and he answered ‘Walter’, so he was enlisted as Edgar Walter, until an official Stat. Dec. was recorded on March 19, 1917 that his name was Walter Edgar Wilson.

The press reported his wounding:
Mr and Mrs S. J. Wilson have received information that their third son, Sergeant Edgar Wilson has been wounded in the right buttock and admitted to Shornecliffe Military Hospital, England on August 13… He was previously wounded with shrapnel in the face and back last October and spent 4 months in a French hospital. He has been at the front for 2 years 8 months. [Lilydale Express September 9, 1918 p2].

RSL Minutes record that Mrs S. J. Wilson was providing supper for the meeting [Vol.1, p45].

Edgar’s father Samuel died in December 1940 and is buried at Lilydale Lawn Cemetery. [ancientfaces].

Windsor, Clarence Victor, 3277

 

Service No:	3277
Occupation:	Labourer
Address:	Not given
Date of Enlistment:	July 14, 1915
Age at Enlistment:	30 years 7 months
Marital Status:	Married
Physical Description:	5ft 11½ins, 12 st, black hair, brown eyes sallow complexion.
Next of Kin:	Wife – Mrs Sarah Rose Windsor, Anderson St, Lilydale.
Rank on Enlistment:	Private
Unit Name:	7R 23 Btn; 58Btn
Embarkation Details:	December 20 1915 embarked at Melbourne on the Commonwealth.

 

Places and dates of service:

1916 February 23: Taken on strength 58Btn, Tel-el-Kebir.
1916 July 24: Appointed Lance Corporal, France.
1917 January 23: wounded in action, France

Service injuries: 
1917 January 23: gun shot wound left buttock, France.

Returned to Australia:	July 21 1917 embarked UK on the Euripides.
Discharge Date:	October 24, 1917
Rank at Discharge:	Lance Corporal
Honours/Medals:	British War Medal; Victory Medal.
Memorials:	Lilydale State School Honour Roll; Shire of Lillydale Honour Roll; St John’s Church Honour Roll.

 

Family Story:

Clarence Victor Windsor was born at Richmond, Victoria c1885 to N/K. He married Sarah Rose King and they had two children at the time of enlistment. Clarence received a presentation at an Athenaeum Hall send off [Lilydale Express October 29, 1915 p5].

He was welcomed home at the station by about 100 people, the Lilydale Express records:
…after being in camp in Australia [he] put in some 5 months work in Egypt, and was then transferred to the battlefront in France. He saw a lot more trench work than falls to the lot of many, and was in the trenches for 7 months before a highly explosive shell sent him to hospital a badly wounded man…[He] speaks in terms of affection of Sunny Australia which he had been spared to see once more. [Lilydale Express September 21, 1917 p2]

The Girls Friendly Society included Clarence in their welcome social at St John’s schoolroom [Lilydale Express November 2, 1917 p2].

He was present at the welcome home to returned men at the Athenaeum Hall [Lilydale Express March 15, 1918 p3]. Clarence was granted a pension from October 25, 1917 as were his wife Sarah Rose, his daughters Mary Julia and Clarice Rose and his son William Victor – one of whom was born since he enlisted. Clarence died on February 14, 1931.

Wood, William Brown, 1607

 

Service No:	1607
Occupation:	Joiner
Address:	Not given
Date of Enlistment:	March 21, 1916
Age at Enlistment:	22 years 10 months
Marital Status:	Single
Physical Description:	5ft 7ins, 120lbs, brown hair, brown eyes, fresh complexion.
Next of Kin:	Father – Robert Shaw Wood, Sunnyside, Seville.
Rank on Enlistment:	Private
Unit Name:	3 Pioneer Btn
Embarkation Details:	June 6, 1916 embarked at Melbourne on the Wandilla.

 

Places and dates of service:

1916 November 24: France.
1916 December 25: Hospitalised, France.
1917 February 23: Hospitalised England.

Service injuries:
1917 October 21: Died – acute appendicitis with abcess, Kitchener Military Hospital, Brighton, England. He is buried at Brighton Borough Cemetery, Consecrated ground section ZIF, grave 105.

Returned to Australia:	Not Applicable
Discharge Date:	Not Applicable
Rank at Discharge:	Private at time of death
Honours/Medals:	Victory Medal; British War Medal; Memorial Plaque; Memorial Scroll and King’s Message.
Memorials:	Seville Honour Roll; Shire of Lillydale Honour Roll

 

Family Story:

William Brown Wood was born at Bacchus Marsh c1894 to Robert Shaw Wood and Elizabeth Wood nee McFarlane. He was a twin to James Wood and a Presbyterian. William had previously served 18 months in senior cadets and 2 years 34 AE. He was farewelled at the Seville Hall [Lilydale Express March 17, 1916 p4].

He was hospitalised on board Wandilla, en route overseas, with influenza and bronchial pneumonia. After dying in England from acute appendicitis, William was given a military funeral by Chaplain Rev. H. Shearer with a firing party. Three wreaths were sent by his nieces the Misses Irwin Scott, 18 Denmark Villas, Hove, UK. An oak cross was to be erected by AIF. Those present included Mrs Morris (cousin) 6 Sheaf Gardens Sheffield, and Mrs Jackson (cousin) 291 Frankend Rd Kings Norton Birmingham.

In 1918 father, Robert, wrote from ‘Sunnyside’, Seville, querying money missing from his returned possessions. Father Robert’s address changed to 94 McConnell St, Kensington, then back to Sunnyside Farm, Seville. Robert died in 1929 and the Curator of Estates sought William’s Will June 25, 1929 His Next of Kin became his stepmother, Mrs Violet May Wood, Fern Hill Warburton who was told in 1922 that the inscription she had chosen for William’s grave was too wordy. She claimed a gratuity as Next of Kin c/o Mulgrave PO.

In August 1922 his twin James Wood writes claiming William’s medals, stating that their father, Robert, remarried for the third time when they were 11 or 12; that their aunt Mrs Urquhart of Hilton Park, Bacchus Marsh brought them up as infants, caring for them when, at the age of 5, Robert married Kate McKinnon of Buninyong who died about 5 years later. Two years after that Robert married Violet May Oldham. James claims he waived his claim to the War Gratuity so that Violet would benefit, but he was anxious to receive William’s medals. Violet contests the claim saying she raised William from the age of 2. Brother James moved from ‘Cranford’ State St, Malvern to ‘Glen View’ Iris Rd, South Camberwell. In 1948 Violet May Wood writing from 30 Hawson Ave Glenhuntly seeks a death certificate for William for the Permanent Trustee Company of NSW.

Woodruff, Henry John, 2299

 

Service No:	2299
Occupation:	Blacksmith
Address:	Seville PO
Date of Enlistment:	July 12, 1915
Age at Enlistment:	20 years
Marital Status:	Single
Physical Description:	5ft 10½ins, 12st 9lbs, brown hair, brown eyes, fresh complexion.
Next of Kin:	Father – H. Woodruff, Seville.
Rank on Enlistment:	Sapper
Unit Name:	2 Field Coy. Engineers
Embarkation Details:	November 9, 1915 embarked at Sydney on the Beltana.

 

Places and dates of service:

915 December 28: Tel el Kebir.
1916 August 19: wounded, France.
1917 September 20: wounded, France.
1918 August 31: wounded, France.

Service injuries:
1916 August 19: gunshot wound buttock, France.
1917 September 20: shrapnel wound left arm, France.
1918 August 31: shrapnel wounds left arm, back, buttock, France.

Returned to Australia:	February 11, 1919 on the Takada.
Discharge Date:	July 4, 1919.
Rank at Discharge:	Sapper
Honours/Medals:	1914-15 Star; British War Medal; Victory Medal.
Memorials:	Shire of Lillydale Honour Roll

 

Family Story:

Henry John Woodruff was born at Carlton c 1895 to H. Woodruff and N/K. He was Methodist. He served previously 1 year 59B S. Cadets; 1 year 60B S. Cadets; 1 year 60B Infantry; 8 moths 34 Engineers. Henry was farewelled at Seville Hall [Lilydale Express August 13, 1915 p7] [A portrait of him in uniform, aged 20, can be seen at after googling Henry John Woodruff]

Henry died June 21, 1956 and has a plaque in Queensland Garden of Remembrance. [See AIF Project]