SLIDE 25

The outbreak of war

SLIDE 26 The British PM Joseph Cook immediately promised an expeditionary force of 20,000

men. SLIDE 27 The British born leader of the opposition, Andrew Fisher, promised to support Britain “to our last man and last shilling”.

SLIDE 28 In the seat of Illawarra , George Fuller was running as the Liberal candidate. He

addressed a meeting in the Oddfellows Hall on 12 August 1914 with a message that was strongly supported by the Kiama Independent. That it was the duty of every young man to take positive action for the protection of the old homeland and for justice. Fuller also had strong support from Kiama’s leading citizens.

The outbreak of war was accompanied by a search for the enemy within. There was a report that a German spy was taking photographs off Blowhole Point, and that German Cruisers were spotted off the south coast.

The war had an immediate effect in other ways within the Kiama community. Due to a suspension in public works projects, there was a decline in demand for blue metal. Also, plans to promote Kiama as a tourist destination were placed on hold.

SLIDE 29

Enlistment & Conscription

SLIDE 30 The Kiama Recruiting Association, formed 17 July 1915, was in favour of

conscription. Others were less certain.

Kiama was a farming community, and if conscription was introduced would have a negative effect on the local families, as employment of outside labour was expensive.

SLIDE 31 In the 1916 votes, Kiama rejected conscription, 786 to 548. It was thought that young

fit men were required to run the farms and feed the nation.

SLIDE 32 Other strategies were used to get men to enlist:

1. Stirring information lectures praising bravery and actions of men in the field.2. Shame. Papers reported on men regretting having to return home, leaving their

mates behind.

SLIDE 33 Welsh born PM Billy Hughes again announced a plebiscite on conscription in

December 1917.

SLIDE 34 The Kiama Independent supported a “yes” vote very vigorously. Government posters

WERE aimed to create fear and anger in the community, depicting rape and murder. The plebiscite was again defeated.

SLIDE 35 In August 1918, a “March of Freedom” open air service was held when returned

servicemen marched from the Drill Hall to the showground. The following day, another contingent of local men was farewelled to the front.

In October 1918, the Mayors of Kiama, Jamberoo and Gerringong, Alderman Cornford, Noble and Walker, met with Divisional recruiting staff to discuss the establishment of a Voluntary Enlistment Ballot. It was stated that within the Kiama division there were 623 men eligible for war service. It was proposed that a ballot be drawn publicly every 3 months by a returned soldier who was blindfolded and asked to draw from numbered marbles.

SLIDE 37

The Waratah March

Began in Nowra on 30 November with about 50 men.

SLIDE 38 After leaving Gerringong the men proceeded to the Kiama Town Hall where they

were welcomed with speeches. The Red Cross organised decorations for the hall and town. SLIDE 39

SLIDE 40 The men were housed in the Drill Hall with food provided by the local hotels, but

with no alcohol. SLIDE 41

Quarry workers were given ½ day off work to attend the function, with 5 joining the march.

SLIDE 42 At 10.00am on 3 December the march continued to Jamberoo. Numbers who joined

the march at Kiama were somewhat between 19-21. SLIDE 43 By the time the march reached Sydney, numbers had grown to about 120.

SLIDE 44

Kiama Camps

In December 1915, PM Billy Hughes announced a second recruitment campaign. Training Camps would be established in regional areas such as Kiama, providing preliminary training and drill for regional volunteers prior to more strenuous training at Liverpool.

SLIDE 45 Captain Kieran Ryan, representing the Department of Defence, met with the Kiama

Agricultural Show, requesting the use of the showground and buildings for military purposes. Approx. 2000 soldiers would be camped at the showground for an indefinite time.

SLIDE 46 The showground was converted to a camp in March 1916.

The soldiers spent much of their week in training while opening their doors on Sundays for visits by the local townsfolk. The local children looked forward to the open days as the soldiers would give them sweets and jam rolls.

The Ettingshausen house was located in Bong Bong Street, next to the showground, here the soldiers enjoyed visiting the house, which operated as a boarding house. Here they enjoyed the creature comforts of home, whilst singing communal ditties around the piano.

SLIDE 47 There was another Kiama camp, known as “Barroul”, on the present hospital site

above Kendall’s Beach.

SLIDE 48 The showground camp was known as camp1, with Barroul camp2.

SLIDE 49 SLIDE 50 SLIDE 51 Both camps were home for reinforcements to the 13th 30th and 45th Battalions, as well

as home to the NSW Signallers Corps.

Reverend W. McCallum, resident minister of the Kiama Methodist Church, was Chaplain Captain for the showground camp.

Captain Kieran Ryan was Officer in command of the showground camp.

Concerts

SLIDE 52 Wartime for soldiers in Kiama was not all drill practice and digging trenches at

Bombo Beach. Various concerts and social entertainments were organised to boost the morale of those in camp.

For example, a camp concert was held in June 1916, the ‘sweet voice” of Miss Farquharson entertaining the soldiers with several songs. Mr Percy gave a whistle solo while Privates Bell, Chard, Dunne, Hall, McCormack and Smith also presented musical items.

A large number of residents packed the showground pavilion in August 1916, to hear a concert given by Sid MacDonald and party. The musical items included “The boys of the Dardanelles” by Dr. McCarthy and “A little bit of heaven – Ireland” by Miss Gwynne.

Diary of Henry Joseph Parsons

“Kiama camp was situated at the showground” and adjoined the sea. It was a very nice camp, well laid out and kept in good condition and also kept very clean. There was a lot of nice scenery to be seen at a few minutes walk off the camp. The Kiama blowhole was the main attraction. The kiama lighthouse which throws a green light to sea is situated on the headland”.

SLIDE 53

Kiama’s first ANZAC service

SLIDE 54 A citizens committee was appointed by Kiama Council in 1916 to attend the needs of

returned soldiers in the district. It was this committee which initiated the celebrations and memorial service for Kiama’s first ANZAC Day.

The committee resolved that a collection be taken at the service, while Miss Eleanor Weston recommended that the funds raised be used to assist returned district soldiers, as opposed to the money being sent to Sydney.

Mr Dennis, President of the Kiama recruiting association, agreed, saying that while a great deal of money had been raised in the Kiama area, little of it had made its way back to the homes of Kiama’s war wives and children who had been “left to starve almost”.

Sergeant McLeay agreed, adding that the committee should concern itself with seeing to the welfare of the local returned soldiers and “getting them employed in easy directions”.

The Town Clerk, Mr Cope, said that a similar suggestion had been made to Kiama Council to allocate positions such as a night watchman, park rangers and “other such easy positions” to returned servicemen.

On the motion of Mr Dennis and Mrs Jenkins, it was proposed that a combined memorial and religious service be held on 25 April. It would be asked that the business houses be closed for 1 hour during the duration of the service.

The mayor Alderman Cornford, Town Clerk and Captain Blow were appointed to approach Captain Ryan, Officer in charge of the showground camp, on the feasibility of the troops in camp talking part and any returned soldiers to take prominence of place.

SLIDE 55

SLIDE 56

Memorial Services

SLIDE 57Lord Kitchener

On 13 June 1916, men from both the showground and Barroul camps marched to Surf Beach shortly before 4.00pm to deplore the death of the Secretary of State for War, Lord Kitchener.

Kitchener had drowned on 5 June 1916 when the HMS Hampshire struck a German mine, killing 600 on board.

The Australian flag hung at half mast, as Rev A.H. Gallop presided and the Rev McCallum and Chaplain Captain Ramage took part. Rev Tulloch Yuille gave the address.

“We are here today to honour the memory of Earl Kitchener our great leader and prince among men…Our foes have killed the man but they cannot kill his work. It will bring our foes to their knees in a thorough triumph for us and a crushing of our enemy. Do your duty bravely, fear God, honor the King.”

SLIDE 58Tree plantings

Dick McDonald

A Moreton Bay Fig tree was planted on the site of the old Council Chambers on 25 April 1917 4.00pm. in memory of Kiama soldier Dick McDonald.

Present were Mr W.G.Walker who planted the tree, Bombo quarrymen, Mr Chin, secretary of the Kiama Cricket Club, as well as 50 cadets under the command of Lieutenant Booth.

Lieutenant Booth explained the object of the tree planting to the boys:

“there is no doubt that in years to come, when their boyhood days have passed away, and the tree planted in memory of Dick McDonald has become an ornament and boon to the town, they will be able to look back and say with pride and pleasure …I was present when that tree was planted, and I remember well that it was planted in memory of one of Kiama’s fallen heroes, Dick McDonald.”

The day would have been Dick’s 35th birthday.

SLIDE 59

Christchurch

A tree planting ceremony took place in the grounds of the Kiama Church of England in September 1918, when 21 trees were interred by relatives of the fallen.

SLIDE 60Church Portraits

Various churches had framed pictures made of portraits of soldiers who were members of their Men’s Society. One such was from Christ Church. Local photographer Samuel Cocks was the photographer. It hung in his studio window for a while before being transferred to the Christ Church meeting room.

SLIDE 61

Peace

SLIDE 62 The Kiama men were spared the anxiety of the enlistment ballot, as within a fortnight

on Monday 11 November 1918, the war was over.

Kiama first learnt that the Armistice had been signed when the town clock boomed out 47 o’clock. It coincided with the shrill sound of locomotive whistles sounding throughout the town.

13 November was declared a public holiday. Various community events were held including a peace parade which was initiated by the local returned soldiers.

The procession started at the Council Chambers. When the Mayor, Alderman Cornford, addressed “the little ones”, and spoke of the trials that children had experienced in countries over-run by “the German horde”.

The Kiama Band then struck up, leading a procession through the streets to Church Point, where a community picnic was held.

SLIDE 63

The names on the arch

SLIDE 64

Percival Edward Addison

Was born in Tenterfield, NSW. And was aged 40 when he enlisted. Percival moved to Kiama around March 1914 where he took up the position of clerk

of petty sessions at Kiama Courthouse.

SLIDE 65

John Edmund Allison

John was born in Kiama in February 1900.

In May 1915, Jack accidently shot his mother, Elizabeth. She soon later died of her wounds. Jack’s father Charles remarried.

Jack worked as a telegraph messenger at Kiama Post Office.

On 23 April 1918, aged 18, Jack was killed in action in the Valley of Ayres, France.

His sister Carrie wrote a few times to the Department of Defence enquiring about her brother’s death. She would not consult with her father, as in her words, they were “not friends”. This could possibly have been about his decision to remarry very soon after his wife’s unfortunate death.

Tributes to Jack in the paper did not mention his sister. Possibly an indication of the bad blood between father and daughter.

SLIDE 66

Jonas Price Arnold

Junie was born in Kiama in August 1892. A labourer who lived in Shoalhaven Street, he was a prominent member of the Kiama Rifle Club, and captain of the football club.

SLIDE 67 Junie had a brother who was a fireman, stationed at Five Dock, Sydney.

His father served in the Sudan, retiring as Warrant Officer.

Corporal Arnold’s 2nd Battalion was chosen to take part in the initial assault on Lone Pine between 6 and 10 August 1915. After gaining possession of the main enemy line, the Australians were subjected to a series of determined counterattacks which would last the next three days. Having started the battle with 22 officers and 560 other ranks, the 2nd Battalion has lost 21 officers and 409 other ranks either killed or wounded.

According to his brother, Junie was

“wounded in the Lone Pine battle, got first aid and left for the dressing station with five other men to get fixed up. A shell burst on their way and there was nothing heard of them afterwards, as the Turks took the ground. The fighting was so great that no one ever got to see what happened.”

There was a report that a wounded soldier in a Randwick hospital thought he saw Junie carried off the battlefield wounded only, and that he again saw him in a Birmingham Hospital and likely to recover.

Official confirmation of his death came through to the family in November 1915.

Junie’s body was never recovered. The words on his memorial read: “He saved others; himself he could not save”.

Junie was aged 22.

SLIDE 68

Walter John Badans

Walter was born in Jamberoo in July 1895, to parents Edward and Mary.

He enlisted at Kiama and trained here as part of the 21st reinforcements to the 13th Battalion.

SLIDE 69 Walter married Margaret Guthrie of Sydney and they farmed with Walter’s brother

Roy for a short while. They moved to “Range Farm” where they continued farming for a few years prior to moving to Wollongong. Here they remained for the rest of their lives.

Walter and Margaret had one son, Russell.

Dorothy O’Keefe, Walter’s niece, remembers him returning from the war a sick man. He had been gassed and wounded. She said that he was a skilled boxer and won medals for this sport during the war. He was also an extremely fast runner and it certainly paid off, for when he was held prisoner by the Germans, he managed to escape and under gun fire zig-zagged as he ran.

SLIDE 70

George Lawrence Boniface

George was born in Kiama in June 1892 to parents Ben and Mary.

He attended Kiama Public School, after which he worked on local farms and quarries.

When the family moved to “Happy Villa” he became involved with his brother Harry in the milk vending business.

SLIDE 71 George was a keen rifleman and member of the Kiama “E” Company Militia.

George was of a genial nature with a keen sense of humour, generous to a fault and slow to anger.

SLIDE 72 He suffered wounds on two occasions, one being a serious gunshot wound to the

neck.

SLIDE 73 In June 1921, George married Pauline Anslow, a city girl with a bright and cheery

disposition.

Up until the 1950s, George would have been one of the best known and respected persons in Kiama.

Over time, George’s son Les, took over the family farm.

SLIDE 74 George died in April 1974. His brother Harry, a patient in the adjacent bed, died two

months later.

SLIDE 75

Frank Bullen

The younger of two brothers, Frank was born in Kiama in April 1898.

A keen footballer, Frank was anxiously waiting for his 18th birthday so he could enlist and meet up with his brother John, who had enlisted earlier.

Soon after enlisting, Frank needed to return home from Liverpool camp as he became ill after being vaccinated.

Said the Kiama Independent:

“Mr and Mrs Bullen have now given their eldest and youngest son to the Empire and are to be congratulated on the patriotic spirit of their boys and in their loyalty in letting them go forth to do their bit under the old flag…”

Frank married Violet Mary Wildig just before the end of the war.

SLIDE 76 He died at Lidcombe in 1953, aged 55.

SLIDE 77

John Bullen

John was the elder brother of Frank Bullen.

He played the bugle in his unit, and was a very keen footballer like his brother.

In writing letters home, John stressed that he was OK and for his family not to worry.

On embarkation, a girl was found in soldier’s clothes, on board John’s ship HMAT Suevic, apparently trying to find her brother fighting on the Western Front.

John met up with his brother Frank, spending five days sight-seeing in England.

John was with his section commander when a shell killed them both instantly, on the Menin Road, Ypres, Belgium. John was aged 24.

He had been recommended for a Commission and was waiting on his turn to proceed to an Officer’s Training College in England.

It was later discovered that John’s initial grave site was incorrectly marked. His final resting place remains unknown.

SLIDE 78

Patrick Joseph Burke

Irish born Patrick was employed as a draper at the Major Store in Manning Street.

He was great friends with Percy Pattenden, with both of them living with Mr and Mrs Marley in Kiama. He had many friends in Kiama.

Patrick enlisted early, in November 1914. With the 4th Battalion, he took part in the Gallipoli landing.

At Gallipoli he was wounded and invalided back to Australia. Here he re-cooperated for six months, after which he re-enlisted and returned to France.

Patrick was killed on the Somme in April 1917, aged 25. He has no known grave.

Unfortunately, Patrick did not have the opportunity to visit his parents in Ireland before he was killed. Patrick had a brother who was also killed on service.

SLIDE 79

Edwin James Burrows

For some time Edwin was employed at Stevenson’s Ltd. in Kiama.

He enlisted under the name Burrows, however, his true name was Fernandez.

Edwin stated on his attestation papers that he was a widower. He had in fact deserted his wife two years prior to enlistment.

The Department of Defence only learnt of Edwin’s true name after his death, which occurred on 3 May 1917.

Edwin has no known grave.

SLIDE 80

George Canham

Married to Ivy and with a family, George lived in Manning Street, Kiama and was a butcher by trade.

On leaving, he was presented with a pocket wallet and Testament on behalf of the Methodist Church congregation.

George suffered a severe GSW to the elbow and side. The elbow of his left arm was blown away. His arm was practically useless.

Invalided back to Australia in early 1918, 700 people gathered at the station for his return, with the Kiama Band playing “Home sweet home”. There was also a public welcome home at the Oddfellows hall.

A benefit concert was held for George, with the proceeds going towards equipment needed for a milk run which he decided to establish.

SLIDE 81

Claude Carbury

On his attestation paper he says that he was born in Kiama. He was actually born in Newcastle. He also states his father as NOK and lived in Manning Street Kiama. He actually lived in Newcastle.

In a letter from his father to the department of defence, he believes that his son “Clyde Allsop” joined the 35th Battalion under the name of “Claude Carbury”.

Police records from 1920 show that he had many aliases such as: Claude Allsopp, Clyde Allsop and Claude Carbury.

He returned to Australia in June 1919.

He was only once mentioned in an article in the Kiama Independent, and this was very vague. He did make it regularly on the Kiama Independent “Roll of Honor.”

It was said that he spoke very quickly and was fond of jewellery.

SLIDE 82

Henry James Chin

Henry was born in Kiama in May 1886

He lived at Minnamurra Street, was employed in the local quarries, and played with the Bombo football club. He also played cricket in Kiama with Dick McDonald.

While at the war, George lost his 1 year old child to memingitis.

His name is incorrectly spelt on the memorial: Chinn.

SLIDE 83

Frank Clift

Frank was born in Huntingdon, England in 1889.

He lived at “Rylesworth” Kiama and enlisted in Kiama.

During the war Frank received the military cross

“For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He was badly wounded by an enemy bomb, but, in spite of his injuries, he remained at his post directing operations until his platoon had begun to consolidate their positions, and had got in touch with the unit on their flank. His example of determination and endurance had a great effect on his men”.

He turned his hand to rice growing at Leeton after the war.

Frank is buried at Frenchs Forest Cemetery, Sydney, NSW.

SLIDE 84

Ralph Alexander Colley

Ralph was born in Berry, the only son of Alexander and Charlotte. His father Alexander was the Manager of the English, Scottish and Australian Bank in Berry.

He was also the grandson of James Colley, the first Mayor of Kiama.

Ralph was working as a bank clerk for the Commercial Bank in Parramatta when war broke out.

Ralph did not enlist for active service straight away. Early in 1916 his father died, and Ralph took his new role as head of the household seriously.

In March 1917, he enlisted from an overriding sense of duty.

Ralph achieved the rank of Gunner, later promoted to Bombardier, in the 3rd Brigade Field Artillery.

By late September 1918 the AIF was poised to participate in an operationagainst the last great German defence on the Western Front – the Hindenburg Line.

As the 3rd Battery moved forward, they came under German artillery fire.

Ralph was sitting on his gun as it was being pulled along the road, when a shell burst alongside him.

A man who saw him put on the stretcher and carried away described him as “practically dead”, although he survived long enough to get to a casualty clearing station. He died very shortly after admission.

It was written he was:

“as fine a type of young Australian as could be found”.

The following year, when his youngest sister, Hope, married a returned soldier, the wedding was a quiet affair, overshadowed by the memory of Ralph. Ralph was aged 24.

SLIDE 85

Joseph Thomas Cooper

Joseph was born in Kiama in May 1897.

He was a labourer and lived in Barney Street Kiama with his parents Thomas and Mary.

Joseph was a Waratah, and like many Waratahs, died from wounds received at Pozieres on 29 July 1916. He was 18.

Joseph’s parents knew nothing about the circumstances of their son’s death until a letter was received from Sister C. Fairland who worked at No.1 Stationary Hospital, Rouen, France. She writes:

“The injuries he received were very severe and he passed away quietly this evening. It may comfort you to know that he wished you all not to grieve – he had done his bit, and was proud of it. If he had lived he would have suffered very much for a long time and his future would have been ruined.”

SLIDE 86

Charles Walter Cornford

Charles was born in Kiama in October 1893.

He was the youngest son and seventh child of Walter and Ester Cornford.

After leaving school, Charles started work with the NSW Govt. railways. He was stationed at Waterfall, working as a railway signalman when he enlisted in the AIF in 1915 aged 21.

Charles returned to Australia in January 1918 and was discharged as medically unfit after suffering heart trouble.

SLIDE 87 Charles married Ruby Hall in June 1918. They produced four children – Dorothy,

Roydon, Melva and Yvonne.

Charles spent many years working at Wollongong railway station where he became supervisor of the goods shed, a position he held until retirement.

SLIDE 88 Community service played a large part in Charles’s life. He served on Wollongong

Municipal Council as alderman from 1930-1947. Charles was a life member of both the Wollongong Agricultural and Horticultural Societies.

Charles exhibited both flowers and poultry at shows and was known for the magnificent dahlias which he grew. His garden was his pride and joy into his early nineties.

Charles passed away in May 1988 at Helensburgh, aged 94.

SLIDE 89

William George Dawes

“Billy” as he was known, was born in Kiama in December 1874.

Being part of a great pioneering family in the district, Billy lived all his life in Kiama.

He became Health Inspector at Kiama Council, and was a foundation member of the Kiama branch of the Returned Soldiers League.

Billy worked very hard for his less fortunate comrades.

He died in 1954, aged 79.

SLIDE 90

Jack Dixon

Jack possibly worked at Bombo quarry.

He was a keen boxer and cyclist before the war.

Jack trained with the 1st ANZAC cyclists, then being transferred to the 13th Battalion.

Due to acute rheumatism, Jack was invalided home in 1917, where he was also unfit for home service.

SLIDE 91

William Thomas Downey

William was born at Jamberoo in June 1887, to William and Bridget Downey.

He lived with his sister in Sydney and worked on railway construction. Both of their parents were dead.

Before the war, William was a member of Kiama E Company 2nd Australian Infantry Regiment.

He was killed in action at Lone Pine on 6 August 1915, around the same time as Jonas Price Arnold.

A friend of William who saw him die, passed information onto his sister. He said that he was “blown to pieces” at Lone Pine.

William was aged 28 and has no known grave.

SLIDE 92

Thomas William Dyer and John David Dyer

These soldiers were brothers. David was born in Gerringong and Thomas in Kiama.

Both were members of the Kiama Band. David a baritone player and Thomas the bandmaster.

Thomas played cricket with Dick McDonald for Kiama.

Of the 22 members of the band, 10 had enlisted and 3 had died in service, namely Herbert Ettingshausen, Dick McDonald and Harry Warren.

For a send off, David was given a dinner at Tory’s Hotel.

Thomas was farewelled along with the Waratahs at the Town Hall, attended by 600 people.

Both Dyer men were welcomed home at the Drill Hall by the bandmaster Mr Cameron. 3 cheers were given for the brothers. At the end the band proceeded with their practice.

Thomas moved to Sydney directly after the war where he became a night foreman of Anthony Hordern and Sons night delivery staff. With his wife Maud (who died in 1935, aged 45) , he had two daughters, Winnie and Joyce, and one son, Richard.

Thomas died at Kogarah in 1972, aged 83.

David died at Grafton in 1961, aged 64.

SLIDE 93

Wentworth Lincoln East

Wenty was born in Nowra in 1889.

An active member of the Methodist Church Wenty was rejected at first for service, but successful on a second attempt.

SLIDE 94 He was presented with a wallet and new testament from the Methodist Church

congregation, plus a silver matchbox from the recruiting committee.

The Methodist Church described him as of spotless character, consistent and faithful. Wenty was well known in the Leeton and Glen Innes Methodist community.

In a letter to his parents, Wenty wrote:

“I am receiving all I require, and moreover I am facing this awful business calmly, knowing that if it comes to the worst, I am fully prepared for the end”.

SLIDE 95 Wenty was killed 7 June 1917 at Messines, Belgium, aged 28. He has no known

grave.

On 7 October 1933, a window in honour of Wenty was unveiled in the Kiama Methodist Church.

SLIDE 96

Herbert Vaughan Ettingshausen

Herbert was born in Kiama in June 1892.

The Kiama Independent described him as:

“a courteous, kindly district boy, who was liked by all who knew him…”

Herbert was a member of the Kiama Band, the St Peter’s Church Choir, and the local branch of the Hibernian Society.

Farewelled at the Catholic school hall, Herbert was presented with an illuminative wrist watch from the choir and a razor from the Hibernian brethren. After receiving an ovation, Herbert said that he was only doing his duty. The evening was concluded with 3 cheers for the boys on the front, 3 for those on their way, the singing of “Auld Lang Syne”, “He’s a jolly good fellow” and the “National Anthem”.

Herbert was reported missing on 19 July 1917. For many months the family had received no news. Many cables had been sent to France to no avail. His mother was feeling in her words, “awful suspense”. It was the Red Cross who found out the truth. In a report which quoted Sapper Hiddlestone:

“I had occasion to re-cross no man’s land and while doing so I passed the body of H.V. Ettingshausen. I stopped to ask if I could do anything for him, but regret to say he was then beyond human aid”.

SLIDE 97

Harry Percy Gadsby

Harry lived at 34 Catherine Street, Westminster, London, where he was a ledger clerk.

Harry worked at the Brighton Hotel in Kiama when he enlisted in January 1915.

Harry was at the Gallipoli landing, also serving in France and Belgium.

In a letter he wrote to Captain Ryan of the 37th Illawarra Infantry Brigade from Gallipoli:

“This Quinn’s Post is undoubtedly the worst post out here and we were only 10 yards away from the Turks. When the Turks took the Australian trench, it was decided to re-take it. It was a simultaneous movement, them jumping from their trench and we from ours…it ended in just a real good set to and our boys won easily, as you cannot beat us with the bayonet”.

Harry left as a Private and returned a Lieutenant.

Later in life, Harry served as an insurance agent. He also served in WWII .

He died at Chatswood in October 1950, aged 59.

SLIDE 98

Alfred Henry Gallop

Rev Gallop succeeded Rev Pearce as Rector at Christ Church in November 1915.

Chaplain Captain Gallop served with the 27th Battalion.

In a letter, Private Dawes says the Rector is a “brick” and takes his turn as stretcher bearer.

SLIDE 99

Harry Galpin

Originally from Somerset, England, Harry had immigrated to Australia as a young man and found employment on the Stewart farm in Kiama, “Strathleven”, where he also lived.

He enlisted about the same time as Eddie Stewart.

Harry was shot through the knee in the Battle of Ypres. Due to the seriousness of his wound he was repatriated back to Australia in February 1918.

He returned to the Stewart farm and although he later married and lived in Kiama, he worked on the farm for the remainder of his working life.

Harry died in June 1952, aged 70.

SLIDE 100

William Henry Gibson

William does not appear on the Kiama Memorial Arch, however I will mention him here.

SLIDE 101 William was born in Jamberoo in August 1895, to parents Verjetta and Bill.

SLIDE 102 At his time of enlistment, William was a member of the 37th Illawarra Regiment,

holding the rank of Company-Sergeant-Major.

One of William’s farewells was held at the Jamberoo Methodist Sunday School Hall, organised by the Loyal Orange Lodge, of which he had been a member for the past two years.

William embarked with the rank of Corporal, with the other Waratahs, in April 1916.

Like other Waratahs, William was killed at Pozieres, just shy of his 21st birthday.

Sergeant Goulding was with William when he was killed. He says:

“I saw him killed by a bullet through the heart – was killed instantly. We were advancing and he was hit before we got to the first German Trench. He was very popular”.

SLIDE 103 It is said that like all mothers, Verjetta never got over the death of her son.

SLIDE 104

Archibald Richard Hewitson

Archibald was a member of the 6th Light Horse. The same unit as Sergeant Wallace Sharpe of Gerringong and Hugh Love.

Archibald was reported missing on 28 March 1918. This was the same day that Wallace Sharpe was eventually reported as being killed in action.

Archibald had actually been taken prisoner of war by the Turks.

There is the possibility that Archibald was with Wallace when he was killed, and he captured.

Archibald arrived in Alexandria in November 1918, after being released by the Turks. He arrived back in Australia in February 1919.

SLIDE 105

Alfred Francis Sydney Howes

Alfred enlisted on 3 December 1915 at Kiama as part of the Waratah recruitment march. However he was discharged in April 1916 for being absent without leave on four occasions.

Alfred’s father , John Lester Howes, lived at Crooked River, Gerringong, some time after April 1916.

Alfred joined again in January 1917. On his way to England on board HMAT Hororata, he contracted meningitis, and died at the City Infectious Hospital at Cape Town.

Alfred’s personal effects were lost and never returned to his father.

SLIDE 106

Louis Stanley Kendall

Stan was born in October 1878 in Milton.

A dairy farmer, Stan married Ruby Kendall in 1903 and lived at “Wingello Cottage” in Kiama. This is located in Marks Street, Kiama. They had three children.

SLIDE 107

With Eddie Stewart, Stan was a keen member of the Kiama Rifle Club, which was formed in 1894 and was affiliated with the Kiama based E Company 2nd Infantry Regiment.

Before Stan embarked he represented the Kiama Rifle Club in a match against No.1 Camp, which was the showground camp. Also, his dairy herd was auctioned by Alex Campbell.

SLIDE 108 Stan was on board this train at Kiama station on 4 August 1916. As it departed a

chorus of “Advance Australia Fair” would have been ringing in his ears. This would be the last time Stan saw his home town. No doubt his wife and three children were there to see him off.

On 23 October 1917, Stan was killed in action, aged 38. Initially it was said that he was killed when a bomb dropped on the Ambulance wagon that he was driving. However. Four months later, according to the Kiama Independent, he was exiting a German pill box, when a shell burst, killing him instantly.

SLIDE 109 Private Hotchkiss, a member of his battalion, wrote to Stan’s wife Ruby:

“Only those, like us, who lived and worked with dear old Stan, and knew him and his many sterling qualities, can appreciate your loss, and I can assure you that his death was a very real and personal loss to every one of us”.

There has been a story circulating that Stan only enlisted because his son was rejected for service. At the time Stan’s son was about 10 years old. The true story may have been that Stan saw families with their sons enlisting, so he may have thought that it was his duty to shoulder some of the burden, seeing his children were too young.

SLIDE 110

Hugh Humphrey Love

Hughie was born in Kiama in October 1893.

According to the Kiama Independent he was blessed with a happy and kindly disposition, and had a warm spot in the district’s hear.

SLIDE 111

He was a member of the 6th Light Horse along with Archie Hewitson and Wallace Sharpe.

On his return, a huge crowd mobbed him at the station, and a civic welcome was extended at the Town Hall, which was brightly lit and decorated with flags, with a “Welcome Home” flag unfurled.

SLIDE 112 The Mayor asked the public to in the future abstain from going on to the railway

platform. The trains crowded with strangers would be one of the greatest sources of infection, and they wanted to keep influenza out of Kiama if they possibly could.

Three cheers were given to Hughie as he was driven away to his home at “Silver Hill”.

SLIDE 113

Richard McDonald

Dick was born at the Burdekin River in Queensland in 1883. He was about 26 when he came to Kiama.

SLIDE 114

Dick was a great footballer and cricketer of the Kiama district. In his last season playing cricket for Kiama, he scored his sides only century, 113, and averaged 25. He also took 38 wickets at the amazing average of 11.

SLIDE 115 He also worked as a quarryman, was a member of the Kiama Band, and also a

member of the 37th Illawarra Infantry Band, and the Kiama Reserve Rifle Club.

SLIDE 116 Before Dick left Kiama for the front, the Kiama Salvation Army presented a bible to

him. It read:

“To R.McDonald on his departure for the front wishing him safe return. From the Officers and soldiers of the Salvation Army Kiama.” Signed A.Woodcock and F. Partridge.

Dick was the guest of honour at a farewell organised by the local cricket club. One of the speakers referred to him as “our cricketing corporal”.

SLIDE 117 Like many of his fellow Waratahs, Dick was killed at Pozieres, dying of wounds on

24 July 1916, aged 33.

On his attestation papers, for next of kin Dick stated none.

In his will which was made a month before he died, Dick left all his military and deferred pay to Miss Morrow of Dapto. She said of him:

“he was absolutely without a living relative”.

Dick’s Bible which the Salvation Army had given to him before embarkation turned up in Sydney in 2006 in a box of second hand books. In 2011 it was presented to Kiama Library.

As mentioned before, a fig tree was planted in Dick’s honour on the site of the old council chambers building on 25 April1917. The location of that tree is unknown.

SLIDE 118

Edward MacFarlane McFarlane

Edward had been a Lieutenant of the 37th Illawarra Infantry Brigade.

He took part in the initial landing at Gallipoli, receiving a GSW to his shoulder and back.

Promoted to Captain, Edward rejoined his unit two months later.

He died of a GSW to the head in August 1915 at Shrapnel Gully, and was buried at sea on board HMAS Rewa.

The Kiama Memorial Arch incorrectly indicates that Edward survived the war.

SLIDE 119

Thomas Matthew Moore

Thomas was born in Temora in 1893.

He was an engine cleaner by trade.

Thomas had been admitted to Kiama Hospital with pneumonia in June 1915. After he was discharged he travelled to camp at Liverpool where evidently the strenuous life was too much for his weak state.

Thomas was granted a leave pass from 2-7 August. After visiting his parents at Omega, he was once again admitted to Kiama Hospital where he died on 12 August 1915.

A service was held at the Kiama Catholic Church, after which the cortege wended its way to the North Kiama Cemetery. Shops were closed and flags at half mast. There was conjecture that authorities could have done more in providing a military funeral.

Thomas was cousin to Edmon Moore who had previously been killed at Gallipoli. He had been eager to take his place in the firing line.

SLIDE 120

Edward William Stewart

Eddie was born in Kiama in December 1892.

He was the only son on the family dairy farm, “Strathleven”. The family had not long owned the farm, having operated a bakery in Kiama for many years. They had only recently built the farmhouse and were in the process of setting the farm up so there

was still much to be done. For these reasons, Eddie would have felt somewhat reluctant to enlist.

There would have been great pressure from the Kiama Recruiting Association, newspapers and prominent citizens for fit young men to enlist.

Eddie certainly met the criteria, being a well known sportsman and marksman.

When Captain Carmichael launched a recruiting drive and called for volunteers from rifle clubs in NSW to form a battalion, Eddie would have felt obliged to enlist. He would become one of “Carmichael’s One Thousand”.

SLIDE 121 Eddie would soon be followed by Harry Galpin, who worked as a labourer on the

farm.

After the war, Eddie settled back into life on the farm, progressively taking more of the management and work from his ageing father.

He played rugby league for Kiama for a couple of seasons but the effects of his war wounds caused him to move into administration and coaching. He also found time to go fishing with his old friend, George King.

SLIDE 122 Eddie passed away in May 1952, aged 59.

SLIDE 123

Charles Henry Townend

Charles was born in Kiama in June 1896 to parents Dobson and Martha.

After being gassed, Charles returned to Australia in May 1918.

SLIDE 124 After the war, Charles became a member of the Kiama Fire Brigade.

SLIDE 125

Robert Warner

Robert was born in London in 1898.

He was employed on a dairy farm in Kiama and lived in Collins Street.

Robert died of wounds on 16 August 1916 in France.

According to the Kiama Independent, many knew Robert and liked him for his

“cheery kindly ways and respectful manner. He showed the spirit of a patriot despite his years in which boyhood had hardly ended, and has died a hero..”

According to Corporal Banfield

“I knew Warner well. He was only a young lad but a great cobber of mine. I should like to see his people. We were wounded on a Monday near Moquet Farm; we were just going up to a sap (covered trench or tunnel). They were going over the top that night. He was hit by a bomb. Both his legs had to be amputated. He died in Hospital near Albert. He was very well liked.”

Another report states that he died “quite peacefully”.

Robert’s mother and father, Emily and James, were told that he suffered shrapnel wounds to his left arm and leg. Amputation was not mentioned. Robert was 18 years of age.

Robert had a brother, Henry, who was a Waratah. He survived the war. Both boys were very slight, about 5ft 2in and 52kgs.

SLIDE 126

Frederick Albert Weir

Fred spent his war fighting the Turks in Palestine, Gaza and Jerusalem, enduring extreme heat and arid conditions.

Remembered by younger members of the extended family as a kind and gentle man, Fred resumed working on the family dairy farm at Wesley Park, Kiama.

In 1920, Fred married Nell, and the two moved to their own farm, “The Hill”, perched up on the ridge overlooking “the bends” on the road between Kiama and Gerringong, and also overlooking his grandparent’s farm, “Bushbank”.

Fred and Nell did not have children.

Fred was active in civil affairs, serving as a Councillor on Jamberoo Council for many years, as his father had done before him.

He was also active in the local branch of the RSL and was very supportive of other returned servicemen.

Fred suffered the after-effects of his war service for the remainder of his life, with recurrent bouts of illness leading him to retire at a relatively young age.

Fred died in 1971, having outlived all of his siblings.

SLIDE 127

George Ernest Weir

George was born in Kiama in November 1894 and grew up at “Wesley Park”, in Kiama Heights.

George was a popular young man, an active church-goer (at Christ Church) and a Sunday school teacher. He was also a keen rifle shooter.

SLIDE 128

Before leaving he was farewelled numerous times from the Church, the Anglican Men’s society, the girl’s friendly society, and the sporting groups which he belonged to.

George was great friends with George Boniface. They enlisted at the same time but were split up. George tried very hard to be transferred to his “brothers” company. In his letters home, George constantly asks for news of George Boniface.

George was killed on 6 November 1916 on the Somme, aged 21. According to accounts of the battle, it was bitterly cold, with gale force winds and constant rain.

George has no known grave.

SLIDE 128

Alfred Clive Wooster

Clive was born in Parramatta in 1896.

He was one of four Wooster brothers to enlist.

The “Cumberland Argus and Fruitgrowers Advocate” states:

“He was formerly on the land down South, but he enlisted in Queensland, whilst on a trip north to see his brother, Dr. Frank Wooster.

Clive died of wounds on 2 November 1917 received from a bomb in Palestine. He was aged 21.

The Kiama Independent stated:

“Many in this and the Jamberoo district will regret to hear of Trooper A.C. Wooster’s death, who enlisted from this district where he carried on farming pursuits, he for some time having been associated with Messrs East, old friends of his family, and from whom he gained experience on the land. He was a fine manly young fellow, and it will be regretted he has been called upon to pay the supreme sacrifice...His name appears on the Methodist Roll of Honor”.

The Jamberoo Red Cross regularly sent Clive parcels.

A day before receiving news of Clive’s death, his parents, Jonathan and Elizabeth, had received word that another son, Sergeant Eric David Wooster had been mentioned in General Haig’s despatches.

Clive, the youngest, was the only one of the brothers to die.