1917

WAR: 1917

After a brief sojourn in Flanders, the AIF had returned to the Somme Valley to man the frontline trenches at places like Armentieres, Delville Wood and Gueudecourt. They would remain here during the terrible winter of 1916 – 1917, one of the worst on record, where they had to experience the rain, mud, slush, snow and freezing temperatures that descended upon them. Out in the open, in trenches full of mud, having to experience shelling and sniper fire, as well as constantly being wet and cold; all of this made life wretched and almost unendurable for the Australian soldiers and casualties mounted.

January 1^st, 1917 –
Cpl Ernest Kerslake (Lilydale), 26^th Battalion: Is evacuated from the field to hospital in France suffering from chilblains.

Shoeing Smith Hugh Wilson (Coldstream), 2^nd Field Artillery Brigade: Is evacuated from the field to hospital in France suffering from scabies.

Pte James McNeill (Lilydale), 3^rd Divisional Ammunition Column: Is evacuated from the field to hospital in France suffering from bronchitis and influenza.

January 2^nd, 1917 –
Trp Stanley Mounsey (Seville), 9^th Light Horse Regiment: Arrives back in Australia from Egypt on board the HT Argyllshire. He is to be discharged as medically unfit as a result of wounds he’d received the year before.

January 3^rd, 1917 –
Pte Alex Ingram (Seville), 3^rd Pioneer Battalion: While taking a wagon into the Houplines area he came under fire from a German artillery barrage that included gas. One shell hit his wagon killing him and his two horses. He is 25 years old and was later buried at Cite Bon Jean Cemetery, Armentieres, France. Sadly, his young wife never remarried and remained his widow for the rest of her life.

Pte John Marsh (Wandin), 5^th Battalion: Is evacuated from the field to hospital in France suffering from impetigo.

January 4^th, 1917 –
Pte Roy Cahill (Gruyere), 10^th Field Ambulance: Is evacuated from the field to hospital in France suffering from colitis.

Pte William Barker (Olinda), 22^nd Battalion: Is evacuated from the field to hospital in France suffering from mumps.

Dvr Gus Gilbert (Yering), 8^th Field Artillery Brigade: While stationed at Steenverch, France, he is admitted to hospital injured, with fractured fibula, after an accident while he was attending the horses.

January 5^th, 1917 –
Pte Allan Hooke (Kilsyth), 3^rd Field Bakery: Is evacuated from the field to hospital in France suffering from mumps.

January 6^th, 1917 –
Pte William Buckley (Kilsyth), 6^th Battalion: Is evacuated from the field to hospital in France suffering from bronchitis.

January 8^th, 1917 –
Pte Harry Wilkin (Wandin), 37^th Battalion: Is wounded in action, fractured base of skull and right arm, after being buried during an artillery barrage. He is evacuated to a hospital in England.

Pte David Snell (Wandin): While still at Royal Park, Melbourne he is discharged from the AIF as being medically unfit when he loses the index section of the middle finger of his left hand in an accident.

William Verdon (Lilydale): Leaves his job as a rock drill driver at Cave Hill Quarry and enlists in the AIF, he is 21 years old.

January 10^th, 1917 –
Pte Thomas Amor (Mt Evelyn), 60^th Battalion: Is evacuated from the field to hospital in England suffering from myalgia.

January 11^th, 1917 –
Trp George Gilbert (Yering), 9^th Light Horse Regiment: Fails to return from a patrol near Rafa. Is reported missing, believed to be a prisoner of war. In a letter to George’s father in Yering from Trp William Cole (9^th Light Horse Regiment) –‘A party of us were sent out on patrol and we met a party from another troop of our squadron making a party of ten men altogether. Our instructions were to travel up a ‘waadi’ and see if we could find the enemy. We were about four miles from the outpost and were looking through an orange grove surrounded by thick hedges when the man whom we had left on the lookout called out ‘Look out, the Turkish cavalry are coming’, and then he galloped off.

We all got out and crossed the waadi in a bunch, and as the cavalry had come down a gully and were evidently trying to head us off, we spread out and raced for it. I was on one end of the line, and the enemy, with lances and carbines, were about five hundred yards off, I looked back once and George seemed to be going well. I fired a couple of shots at two men on my left, and then galloped in towards the others, who were making for a hill in front of us. Just before we reached the hill I saw that the cavalry had stopped and had caught someone.

Imagine my feelings when I noticed that George was not with us. I asked several of the others who were riding near him and they said that his horse galloped well for about half a mile and then appeared to stop. I think it must have been hit. They fired several shots at us and the horse was considered one of the fastest in the troop. One of our chaps said he saw George up his rifle when the lance was only six feet off him.

We dismounted and fired a few shots but they gathered round George and we had to stop for fear of hitting him. We sent back word to the post but before they sent a troop up, the lancers had led George away up their own lines. There was about twenty of them at first but a dozen came to their assistance and it was useless for our party to tackle them with ten men. I hope they have taken George to Constantinople’.

James Clarke (Mt Dandenong): Leaves his job as a clerk and enlists in the AIF, he is 18 years old. He older brother Charles had enlisted in 1914 but had returned to Australia in 1916 suffering from bronchitis and was discharged.

January 14^th, 1917 –
Pte Wilfred Palliser (Lilydale), 7^th Battalion: Is evacuated from the field to hospital in France suffering from an ulcer on his left leg.

January 15^th, 1917 –
Pte Frederick Jeeves (Montrose), 22^nd Battalion: While at the front line he is accidentally wounded in the chest when a bomb from a rifle grenade explodes. He is evacuated to the Beaufort War Hospital in Bristol, England. In a letter to the Lilydale MUIOOF – ‘The fact was that up till a few weeks ago I have been leading the strenuous life and hardly had time or opportunity to even write home. That is up till January 15^th, when I was foolish enough to get in the road of a piece of shrapnel’.

Percy Letch (Lilydale): Leaves his job with the railways and enlists in the AIF, he is 34 years old.

January 16^th, 1917 –
Lt William Thompson (Wandin), 38^th Battalion: He was on duty in the front line trenches in France when he was suddenly shot and killed by enemy machine gun fire. He is 20 years old and had only been in action a few weeks. He is buried at Cite Bon Jean Cemetery, Armentieres, France. His brother, Henry Thompson, would later die in World War Two as a prisoner of war of the Japanese.

Thomas McGuire (Mt Evelyn): Leaves his job as a sanitary worker and enlists in the AIF, he is 35 years old and married.

January 17^th, 1917 –
Pte Thomas Kerr (Yering), 3^rd Pioneer Battalion: Is mentioned in despatches for work undertaken at the frontline on this day.

Gnr Percy Hyne(Lilydale), 8^th Field Artillery Battery: In a letter to his Mother – ‘We left Lark Hill on 20^th December, 1916 and arrived at Le Havre on December 31^st, 1916. After that we entrained for Bailleul on January 1^st, 1917 where we arrived the next day, after travelling 24 hours in cattle trucks. We went into action at Houplines, January 17, and stayed there about a month’.

Pte Mort Tait (Lilydale), 31^st Battalion: In a postcard to Kath Phillips, Lilydale – ‘I have often slept next to a pig sty in the billets, some of them can snore too. I am sending these cards to let you see how we live at times. I was in a place like this down at the Somme but old Frizty kicked me out of it, ha, ha. I am looking forward to the time when I shall get home again. It seems a long time now. I’ll bet the boys who left at first are tired of it’.

The following locals leave Australia bound for Europe on the RSM Omrah –

Dvr Herbert Jeeves (Mt Dandenong), 1^st Division Supply Company

Pte Alex McEwin (Lilydale), 4^th Division Signal Company

Pte George Reid (Lilydale), 4^th Wireless Squadron

January 19^th, 1917 –
Stoker James McClure (Yering), HMAS Yarra: Is transferred from HMAS Pioneer to HMAS Yarra and would spend the next year or so with an Australia flotilla on anti-submarine patrols in the Adriatic.

January 21^st, 1917 –
Pte Percy Haddon (Seville), 46^th Battalion: While making tea in Bull Trench near Guedencourt, he was killed instantly during an artillery barrage by shell fire. One witness said he was ‘blown to pieces and was past recognition’. He is 24 years old and as he has no known grave he is remembered on the memorial at Villers-Bretonneux.

January 22^nd, 1917 –
Clarence Jack (Wandin): Born in Wandin but then living at Woori Yallock, enlists in AIF, he is 18 years old.

January 23^rd, 1917 –
Cpl Clarence Windsor (Lilydale), 58^th Battalion: Is wounded in action, gunshot wound to left buttock, and is evacuated to hospital in France.

Thomas Preece (Wandin): Enlists in the Royal Australian Navy for a period of seven years, he is 16 years old.

January 26^th, 1917 –
Pte John Payne (Seville), 5^th Battalion: Is evacuated from the field to hospital in France suffering from tonsillitis.

Pte Alfred Fellows (Lilydale), 2^nd Pioneer Battalion: Is evacuated from the field to hospital in France suffering from influenza.

William Rothque (Lilydale): Leaves his livery stable business in the hands of his wife and enlists in the AIF, he is 44 years old and married.

January 29^th, 1917 –
Pte Ralph Goode (Lilydale), 2^nd Field Ambulance: In the field in France. In his diary – ‘Today is the ninth day of frost, everything has been frozen, the highest the temperature has been sixteen degrees below freezing point, some cold’.

Pte Frank Duffy (Lilydale), 51^st Battalion: Leaves Australia bound for Europe on the HT Miltiades.

Clarence Rouget (Wandin): Leaves his parent’s property in Wandin and enlists in the AIF, he is 20 years old. His father is James Rouget, the local state member of Parliament.

January 30^th, 1917 –
Pte William Thurrowgood (Lilydale), 29^th Battalion: Is wounded in action, severe gunshot wounds to the face, and is evacuated from the field to hospital in England.

January 31^st, 1917 –
Trp Wallace Coutts (Wandin), 8^th Light Horse Regiment: Leaves Australia bound for Egypt on the HMAT Anglo-Egyptian.

February 1^st, 1917 –
Pte George Lawson (Olinda), 2^nd Pioneer Battalion: Is evacuated from the field to hospital in France suffering from a septic foot.

February 2^nd, 1917 –
Dvr Cyril Kuster (Lilydale), 37^th Battalion: Is evacuated from the field to hospital in France suffering from laryngitis.

Gnr Percy Hyne (Lilydale), 8^th Field Artillery Battery: In a letter to his Mother – ‘We went into action at Chapelle Armentieres for two weeks, then back into action at the Asylum in Armentieres for a stunt of four days; then back into the town of Armentieres for a fortnight. The Asylum in Armentieres is the place that Fritz let all the loonies loose from’.

February 3^rd, 1917 –
Sgt Noel Syme (Gruyere), 2^nd Field Ambulance: Is evacuated from the field to hospital in England suffering from influenza.

William Sturges (Lilydale): Leaves his job as a farmer and enlists in the AIF, he is 18 years old.

February 4^th, 1917 –
Pte Charles Harrison (Wandin), 58^th Battalion: Is killed in action. He is 21 years old and is buried at the Bancourt British Cemetery.

Pte Andrew Noden (Lilydale), 12^th Field Artillery Brigade: Is evacuated from the field to hospital in France suffering from scabies.

February 7^th, 1917 – |
Pte Oliver Matthews (Yering): While still in Australia he is discharged from the AIF as medically unfit as a result of having emphysema.

February 8^th, 1917 –
Pte Richard Grossman (Mt Dandenong), 7^th Battalion: Is evacuated from the field to hospital in France suffering from bronchitis.

Sgt Arthur Stallworthy (Lilydale), 1^st Remount Unit: In camp in Egypt. In a postcard to Kath Phillips, Lilydale – ‘I saw Vic Black on his arrival at Suez, he was looking very well and happy. I go to Suez and disembark all reinforcements for Light Horse etc, that come this way. I do not think Vic will join the Camel Regiment but will be a Light Horse man’.

Pte William Sturges (Lilydale): While still at Royal Park, Melbourne he is discharged for being underage and for making a false statement.

February 10^th, 1917 –
Pte Thomas Payne (Seville), 5^th Battalion: Is wounded in action, gunshot wounds to the face, eye and neck, and is evacuated to hospital in England. He wouldn’t return to his unit again and would be later sent home to be discharged as medically unfit.

Pte William Walker (Montrose), 24^th Battalion: Is evacuated from the field to hospital in France suffering from a septic ulcer to his hand.

February 12^th, 1917 –
Stoker Albert Clegg (Wandin), HMAS Psyche: The ship had spent the last few months patrolling off the coast of Burma and Malaya. On this day, while visiting Port Swettenham in Kelang, tensions aboard the ship finally came to a head and seven stokers refused duty, an action that eventually led to their respective court martials. Albert was not one of them.

February 14^th, 1917 –
Lt Clive Rowan (Olinda), 2^nd Field Artillery Brigade: Leaves Australia bound for Europe on the RMS Osterley.

Dvr Alfred Ackerman (Lilydale): While at Royal Park he is discharged from the AIF for family reasons. His wife has become seriously ill and he has two young children he has to look after. The army then allows him to serve with the army on home service and within a few days he joins them.

February 16^th, 1917 –
Pte Joseph Kay (Lilydale), 5^th Battalion: Is wounded in action, gunshot wound to the chest and is evacuated to hospital in England.

From mid-1916, Australians sent over to Europe to serve on the Western Front were disembarking in England. Most of these were sent to training camps around Salisbury to learn more about the type of trench warfare taking place in France and Belgium before being sent across the Channel. On top of that many of those who were evacuated from the front line for being either sick or wounded, usually ended up in hospitals and then convalescent camps in England and if a soldier was given leave, it was usually to England, or ‘Blighty’ as they called it, that they headed.

As a result, during this period Australians were playing tourist en masse in all parts of the United Kingdom. Visiting the grand sites and the scenes of ‘Old England’ or having the chance to visit family or extended family members.

Gladys Gilbert (nee Stanton): Who grew up in Battersea, London and later became an English war bride of a local soldier – ‘London was more or less headquarters for the Allies and all the troops would come over here. There were New Zealanders, Canadians and Australians of course, and later Americans. They were all welcomed here though, all the Colonials, because they’d come a long way for us. We all knew the Australians liked to have a good time. They were wild boys some of them but they were all welcomed’.

February 17^th, 1917 –
The following poem is written by an anonymous soldier from Olinda who went under the pen name ‘Aussie’ and sent to The Lilydale Express to be published –

A DAY OFF IN ENGLAND 

When I was free of the camp,
It was my joy for a day
Along the hedge-lined road to tramp,
And mark beside the way,
Age old houses set in trees
Almost as old as they. 

To enter some quaint old inn –
Partake its homely store –
Where all without and all within
Seemed built for evermore,
Where e’en the barns and stables
Were oak from roof to floor. 

To see what Dickens saw,
Who limn’d with human pen,
That love and kindly social law,
Which saves the Englishmen,
From ‘Nature red in tooth and claw’,
And draws the world to them.

To sit in some old fane,
And hear the organ sound,
Forgetful of all pain,
While plunged in muse profound,
And feel that life is not so vain,
Where there’s such holy ground. 

Though on the tented plain,
Not many miles away,
A host is getting into train,
To join the awful fray.
Thanks, thanks again and yet again,
Old England for a day.

February 18^th, 1917 –
Dvr Cyril Kuster (Lilydale), 37^th Battalion: Is wounded in action, gunshot wound to the face and fractured lower jaw, and is evacuated to hospital in England.

February 19^th, 1917 –
Trp Bert Hutchinson (Lilydale), 4^th Light Horse Regiment: In camp in Egypt. In a letter to his future wife, Jessie Mackenzie of Yalca, Vic – ‘This evening one of our aeroplanes got out of control and fell. As soon as it reached the earth the benzine caught fire and the plane was one mass of flame. The occupants of the aeroplane were both badly burnt. One died in a few seconds and the other one is not expected to live’.

The following locals leave Australia bound for Europe on the HMAT Ballarat:

Pte James Clarke (Mt Dandenong), 38^th Battalion

Pte Archibald Conner (Lilydale), 39^th Battalion

Pte George Conner (Lilydale), 39^th Battalion

Pte Thomas McGuire (Mt Evelyn), 39^th Battalion

February 21^st, 1917 –
Cpl George Hastie (Seville), 58^th Battalion: Is evacuated from the field to hospital in France suffering from rheumatism.

February 22^nd, 1917 –
Trp Bert Hutchinson (Lilydale), 4^th Light Horse Regiment: In camp in Egypt. In a letter to his future wife, Jessie Mackenzie of Yalca, Vic – ‘Thank you very much for the parcel and papers. The cigarettes were highly appreciated by all of us. I do not smoke very often but all the others are heavy smokers. (Eight of us live in one tent.) The handkerchiefs came in the nick of time; I was going to write home for some. We get plenty of time for reading and we are always pleased to get papers. Most of our mail goes on to France and is sent back here but as long as we get it we do not mind.

I have been in this land of sand and sunshine for about sixteen months. I have been all around Cairo etc but I have not been in Upper Egypt. With regard to the summer in Egypt, I was told that it was unbearable and that we would all be glad when the winter arrived but I did not mind the summer last year. I think the worst month was June.

Most of the time we have been camped on the desert doing patrols but I have not been in the thick of the fighting, still there is plenty of time and I hope to have a chance shortly’.

Pte Robert King (Lilydale), 59^th Battalion: Arrives back in Australia from Europe on board the HT Karoola. He is to be discharged as medically unfit as a result of a leg wound received at Fromelles.

February 23^rd, 1917 –
Cpl Archie Kilfoyle (Mooroolbark), 31^st Battalion: Is evacuated from the field to hospital in England suffering from trench feet.

THE GERMAN RETREAT TO THE HINDENBURG LINE, FRANCE (February – March)

After surviving in the front line trenches during the terrible winter of 1916 – 1917, the AIF went on the attack as the German forces began withdrawing towards a defensive position known as the Hindenburg Line.

However, it wasn’t so much a retreat by the Germans but a withdrawal to better prepared positions, a wide line of entrenchments and defensive emplacements. It would be months and many casualties before the allies were able to penetrate the Hindenburg Line.

February 25^th, 1917 –
Sgt Clyde Hoffman (Montrose), 59^th Battalion: Is wounded in action, gunshot wound to the hand, and is evacuated to hospital in England.

February 26^th, 1917 –
Pte Harry Boxall (Silvan), Australian Camel Corps: Is evacuated from the field to hospital in Egypt suffering from pleurisy.

February 27^th, 1917 –
Pte Charles Mortomore MM (Lilydale) & Pte John Warren (Lilydale), both 37^th Battalion: In February 1917 four hundred soldiers from the 38^th Battalion and four hundred soldiers from the 37^th Battalion, including John Warren and Charles Mortomore, formed a special ‘battalion’ to undertake a large scale raid on the German trenches at Houplines. After several weeks training this force staged a thirty-five minute raid on this night.

At 11.30pm the battalion left their trenches and went over the top into No Man’s Land. One witness noticed that John Warren was about half way to the enemy lines when he was hit in the shoulder by machine gun fire. He heard him sing out that he was hit and then he fell down. Charles Mortomore got close to the German lines when he was hit in the leg and abdomen. His friends carried him back to their lines and he was sent by stretcher bearers and ambulance to the No 2 Australian Casualty Clearing Station. He died here of his wounds soon after.

Charles Mortomore MM is 27 years old and is buried at the Trois Aberes Cemetery in France, John Warren is 22 years old and is listed on the memorial to the missing at Villers-Bretonneux, France.

Pte David Briers (Lilydale), 8^th Battalion: While in England is admitted to hospital suffering from influenza.

Dvr Alfred Ackerman (Lilydale): Having been discharged for family reasons from the AIF a few days before, he enlists for home service on this day and serves with the Australian Army Service Corps.

February 28^th, 1917 –
Cpl Ralph Goode (Lilydale), 2^nd Field Ambulance: In the field in France. In his diary – ‘Our boys are doing well, Fritz is going back, we’ve gained two miles in a week, casualties light’.

March 2^nd, 1917 –
Francis Goodall (Lilydale): Leaves his job as a farm labourer and enlists in the AIF. He tells authorities he is 18 years old but he is actually 15 years of age and he enlists under the name of George Goodall.

March 3^rd, 1917 –
Sgt Harold Clark (Gruyere), 27^th Battalion: Is killed in action during an attack on the German lines north of Warlencourt, he is 33 years old and is buried at Warlencourt Cemetery, France.

Pte Howard Morey (Lilydale), 58^th Battalion: Is wounded in action at Laigincourt, gunshot wound to the leg, and is evacuated to hospital in England.

Martin Hatfield (Lilydale): Enlists in the Australian Light Horse for a second time, he had been discharged the year before when his unit was disbanded. Although he is now 50 years old he continues to tell the authorities he is just 44.

March 5^th, 1917 –
Pte Benjamin Gibson (Kilsyth), 23^rd Battalion: Is wounded in action, gunshot wound to the face and arm, and is evacuated to hospital in England. He would end up losing sight in both eyes as a result of this wound.

March 6^th, 1917 –
Sgt Ernest Kerslake (Lilydale), 26^th Battalion: The 26^th Battalion were ordered to attack the German troops moving out of the village of Warlencourt. During this advance he was killed in action. He is 26 years of age and his name is listed on the memorial to the missing at Villers-Bretonneux.

March 7^th, 1917 –
Pte Henry Millward (Olinda), 39^th Battalion: Marries an English girl in Warwick, England. She later comes to Australia as a war bride.

March 8^th, 1917 –
Pte James Wallace (Seville), 1^st Machine Gun Company: Is evacuated from the field to hospital in England suffering from a carbuncle to the shoulder. He wouldn’t re-join his unit until October.

March 9^th, 1917 –
Albert Lalor (Montrose): Leaves his job as a brass finisher and enlists in the AIF, he is 19 years old.

Walter Bridgland (Olinda): Leaves his job as a toolmaker and enlists in the Australian Flying Corps, he is 28 years old.

March 10^th, 1917 –
Pte Ebenezer Gray (Seville), 24^th Battalion: Is evacuated from the field to hospital in England suffering from pleurisy.

March 11^th, 1917 –
Gnr Richard Sharp (Yering), 4^th Field Artillery Brigade: Is evacuated from the field to hospital in France suffering from neuralgia.

March 12^th, 1917 –
Pte Charles Asling (Mt Evelyn), 23^rd Battalion: Is evacuated from the field to hospital in France suffering from acute bronchitis.

George Cassidy (Seville): Leaves his family property ‘Sandhurst’ in Seville and his job as a porter and telegraph operator at the Lilydale Railway Station and enlists in the Australian Light Horse. Although he claims he is 18 years old at the time he is in fact only 16 years old.

March 13^th, 1917 –
Oliver Hargrave (Lilydale): Leaves his job as a labourer and enlists in the AIF under the name of Alfred Murphy, he is 28 years old. This is the second time he has tried to enlist.

Clement Morey (Lilydale): Leaves his job as a draftsman and enlists in the AIF, he is 18 years old. His older brother Howard had already enlisted in 1915.

March 14^th, 1917 –
Pte Barney Gilson (Lilydale), 24^th Battalion: Is wounded in action, gunshot wound to left thigh, and is evacuated to hospital in England.

Francis Webster (Lilydale): Leaves his job as a labourer and enlists in the AIF, he is 21 years old.

March 15^th, 1917 –
Cpl Archie Kilfoyle (Mooroolbark), 31^st Battalion: Was with his platoon at what was known as Till Trench. Eye witness accounts state that they were preparing to make a raid on the German line that night when an artillery barrage came down on them. A dugout just near Archie contained fifty boxes of Mills grenades and during the shelling a ‘pigeon bomb’ exploded under the parapet and the whole lot went up. Archie had both his legs blown off in the explosion and he was hit in the head making him unconscious. Three other men near him were killed outright. Archie only lived for a few more minutes before he died at the trench, he is 23 years old. His mates buried him just nearby and a wooden cross was made for his grave soon after. He body was later reburied in a war cemetery at Beaulencourt in Ligny-Thilloy, France.

L/Cpl George Ingram (Seville), 24^th Battalion: Went into his first action of the war at the attack on Bapaume Ridge. For his actions on this night he was later awarded the Military Medal. His recommendation states: ‘On the night of 15^th-16^th March this NCO showed great courage and initiative as a member of a bombing section. It was mainly owing to the excellent placing of his bombs, that the enemy bombers, who greatly outnumbered our men, were held off. Later when the enemy returned in force this NCO with two men covered the retirement of his party, and by deadly sniping held the attackers off thereby averting serious loss to our bombing party’.

Pte Albert Blair (Lilydale), Remount Unit: Is discharged at Broadmeadows after completion of his service. He never left Australia.

Ernest Cassell (Lilydale): Leaves his job as a clerk and enlists in the Australian Light Horse, he is 18 years old.

March 16^th, 1917 –
Raymond Johnson (Wandin): Leaves his job as the assistant station master at Lilydale and enlists in the AIF, he is 24 years old.

March 17^th, 1917 –
Trp Arthur Rouget (Wandin), 13^th Light Horse Regiment: From his diary (France): ‘We stayed at this place until they had an idea that the Germans were going to retreat. We were all called in and stood by ready to move out very quick, which eventually came on the 17^th of March. We got to the front line but it was too hot to send mounted troops over so we retired a mile and camped for the night sending a patrol over at 3.00am. They got through but could only find a German here and there so they sent the rest of us then.

The way we covered the ground I thought we were going straight to Berlin but after we got out a bit we met a machine gun here and there so had to steady up, so the officers said they were the only ones that did it. It was necessary for some of the men to hold five & six horses and Jerry very soon found out where we had them and came over attacking with machine guns in aeroplanes. One officer got under a log and was shouting out ‘give it to him boys’ as some of the boys were shooting at the plane with rifles. This was the first inkling as to what we got as regards to the sort of officers we had over us. The result was that the men would hardly take any notice of them.

We were relieved by the 21^st Battalion just about sundown and went a little way back to where the wagons had come up to us in the meantime with food for us and our poor horses, who had not had a bite since daylight that morning and some of them had to do a lot of galloping, especially those on patrol. The cook made tea for us and I enjoyed it as I have never enjoyed as well before.

We were not left much to ourselves as we were turned out at 1.00am. We were in the road of the artillery firing so had to pack up and go further back. Getting nicely into bed at our new camp after putting down horse lines, we were immediately turned out again as there was a patrol wanted and other duties as well. Another chap and myself being sent to the 6^th Brigade to carry despatches for them to their battalion, a job that was more interesting at some times than others’.

Cpl Ralph Goode (Lilydale), 2^nd Field Ambulance: In the field in France. In his diary – ‘What we have been striving for happened today: the fall of Bapaume, taken by the Australians, we are all ‘tres bon’.

Pte Frederick Tonkin (Wandin), 5^th Battalion: Arrives in Australia from Europe on the HT Beltana, he is to be discharged as medically unfit as a result of rheumatism.

Arthur Shore (Mooroolbark): Leaves his job as a tanner and enlists in the AIF, he is 18 years old. His brother Sydney has already enlisted. As he needs his parent’s consent because of his age, his father writes: ‘I give him my full consent to avenge his brother, who the Germans have wounded in France, and God speed him a safe return’.

March 20^th, 1917 –
Pte Malcolm Rankin (Lilydale), 21^st Battalion: Following the Germans as they withdraw from Bapaume, he is killed in action near Fremincourt. One fellow soldier, Private W Byrne of the 21^st Battalion, was a witness to what happened to him – ‘About two o’clock on the morning of March 20^th, we were formed up and went marching away for more fighting, and by jingo we got it. We went past Fremincourt about daylight, and were told we were to be relieved at three o’clock. Well we started off, and at about seven we were in sight of the town we were to take. The Germans let us get on a lovely flat and then opened up on us. Men were falling everywhere. Malcolm Rankin fell not far from me. It lasted until about eleven, there was not many of the boys left at three o’clock and the town had not been captured either’. He is 35 years old and is remembered on the memorial at Villers-Bretonneux in France.

Pte John Fitzgerald (Lilydale), 21^st Battalion: Is evacuated from the field to hospital in France suffering from influenza.

March 21^st, 1917 –
L/Cpl George Ingram (Seville), 24^th Battalion: Is evacuated from the field to hospital in France suffering from cellulitis to the face.

Frank Rance (Wandin): Leaves his job as a clerk and enlists in the AIF, he is 21 years old.

March 22^nd, 1917 –
Trp George Gilbert (Yering), 9^th Light Horse Regiment: A Board of Enquiry is held to assess evidence of what has happened to George Gilbert. It is believed from reports that he is being held as a prisoner of war at Bore, near Nigde, Turkey. From a note written by George to his sister in Yering –‘Just a line to let you know I am alright, hoping you are well at home. Well Susie I am in a very nice place, it looks very nice. You can send me parcels and letters. It will come in handy for me. I am alright here with some nice mates’.

March 23^rd, 1917 –
Austin Kennan (Mt Evelyn): Is rejected as a result of his defective vision. This is the sixteenth time he has tried to enlist in the AIF since recruiting first opened, each time he is rejected on account of his poor eyesight.

March 24^th, 1917 –
Spr Samuel Fennell x (Lilydale), 4^th Field Company Engineers: While stationed at the Military Base at Etaples, France, he and a number of other soldiers were standing waiting to enter the mess room when all of a sudden the sandy earth below them opened up, as result of a tunnel collapse underneath them. Samuel sunk beneath the sand and was killed. He is 33 years old and is buried at the Etaples Military Cemetery, France.

Pte Norman Bennier (Lilydale), 59^th Battalion: Is wounded in action, severe gunshot wound to left thigh, and is evacuated from the field to hospital in England.

Pte Frederick Leach (Gruyere), 59^th Battalion – Is awarded the Military Medal for his actions on this day. His recommendation states: ‘Near Beaumetz on 24^th March, 1917, Private Leach displayed conspicuous bravery and coolness. During an attack made on the enemy position on the above date, Private Leach, a Lewis Gunner of the 59th Battalion, pushed his gun forward under heavy shell fire, and established himself just in rear of the shell crater strongly held by the enemy. Although shells were landing practically everywhere except on the gun, Private Leach continued to pour incessant fire on the crater. As the enemy retired along the Sunken Road he inflicted heavy casualties on them. His personal example of bravery and coolness was instrumental in enabling the crater to be occupied with few casualties and the fire he brought to bear afforded excellent covering for the waves that subsequently followed’.

March 25^th, 1917 –
Cpl Thomas Eales (Lilydale), 21^st Battalion: Is awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal for his actions on this day. His recommendation states –‘his daring and valuable reconnaissance work near Ecoust when he volunteered to go forward alone and locate an enemy machine gun which was then silenced by rifle fire with several casualties. He then led the advance and was the last man to leave the forward position when the action was broken off’.

Trp Arthur Rouget (Wandin), 13^th Light Horse Regiment: From his diary (France) – ‘We heard an awful explosion one night that was followed by a lot of bricks falling. You would think that all the bricks that was ever made were all coming down at once. Of course we had to see what had happened and found that the Town Hall of Bapaume had been blown up with some of our own men in it, the first mine of its kind to explode on the Western Front.

My mate and I thought we were close enough as we were about one hundred yards from it but were quite sure about it the next day when one went up twenty yards away and left our horses standing just on the edge of the crater. Luckily for us most of the explosion went on in the opposite side to us. Unlike the Town Hall this one only got two victims, the other getting somewhere about thirty’.

March 26^th, 1917 –
Pte John Thomson (Mt Evelyn), 58^th Battalion: Is wounded in action, gunshot wound to the right leg, and is evacuated to hospital in England.

March 28^th, 1917 –
The following poem is written by an anonymous soldier from Olinda who went under the pen name ‘Aussie’ and sent to The Lilydale Express to be published –

A ROSE OF FRANCE

It was the village of Bapaume,
A weeping maid I found;
All that was left of her old home –
A plot of garden ground.

 I spoke what French I could repeat,
From out my shoolboy’s store;
‘Ma Cere’ and ‘pleurez pas petite’ –
I wished that I knew more!

She pluck’d a lovely Dijohn Gloire,
Her maiden fears at rest;
And saying ‘Les Aussie’s que Padore’,
She pinned it on my breast. 

‘Press on! Press on!’ the orders bore,
But in that famed advance,
There was an ‘Aussie’ proud who bore,
On his breast a Rose of France!

March 30^th, 1917 –
Gordon Howell (Wandin): Has spent the last 76 days doing home service with the military in Melbourne. On this day he is discharged from home service and enlists in the AIF. He had previously tried to join the AIF but had been rejected on account of an injury to his hand.

March 31^st, 1917 –
Pte Ernest Commerford (Lilydale), 2^nd Machine Gun Battalion: Is evacuated from the field to hospital in France suffering from scabies.

Albert Ostrom (Gruyere): Leaves his job as a boot maker and enlists in the AIF, he is 38 years old and the son of Swedish immigrants.

April 1^st, 1917 –
Percy Williams (Lilydale): Leaves his job as a wicker work maker and enlists in the AIF, he is 26 years old and married. A few weeks later he is discharged at his own request.

April 2^nd, 1917 –
Cpl Ralph Goode (Lilydale), 2^nd Field Ambulance: In the field in France. In his diary – ‘Most awful weather. Rain, hail, wind & snow, real blizzards, days of it, but we’re sticking it’.

April 4^th, 1917 –
Pte Paul Clegg (Wandin), 5^th Battalion: Is evacuated from the field to hospital in France suffering from scabies.

Pte Henry Warwick (Lilydale), 8^th Battalion: Arrives in Australia from Europe on the HT Karoola to be discharged as medically unfit as a result of wounds he’d received in action the year before.

April 5^th, 1917 –
Cpl Ralph Goode (Lilydale), 2^nd Field Ambulance: In the field in France. In his diary – ‘Marched from Bazertins, passed through Bapaume, camped two miles further on at Freincourt. Fritz has only been out of this village six days, the damage and destruction is cruel, not a building left standing. But what a treat it is after five months in shell torn country, we are now in lovely green fields, no mud or shell holes, its lovely’.

Midshipman Frank Larkins (Mt Evelyn): While in England he is transferred to the Royal Navy ship, HMS Royal Sovereign, a Revenge class battleship, and would serve with this crew until October 1918 on operations in the North Sea.

April 6^th, 1917 –
Pte Frank Muirson (Lilydale), 50^th Battalion: Is wounded in action, shrapnel wound to the arm, and is evacuated to hospital in England.

Pte Albert Rouget (Seville), AIF Headquarters: Is transferred to the Australian Comforts Fund and would work with this unit in England, France and Egypt for the rest of the war.

April 7^th, 1917 –
Pte John Marsh (Wandin), 5^th Battalion: Is evacuated from the field to hospital in England suffering from influenza. While in hospital he also contracts the mumps.

April 9^th, 1917 –
Pte William Duffy (Lilydale), 11^th Battalion: Is killed in action. He is 34 years old and as he has no known grave, he is remembered on the memorial at Villers-Bretonneux.

April 10^th, 1917 –
Cpl Ralph Goode (Lilydale), 2^nd Field Ambulance: In the field in France. In his diary – ‘On again, moved to Lebucquiere. All these villages, Fritz has just vacated and every village is razed to the ground, all trees are cut down, the destruction is awful. Chasing Fritz up is a bit different to trench warfare’.

Pte William Clarke (Lilydale), 5^th Battalion: Arrives back in Australia from Europe on the HT Karoola to be discharged as medically unfit as a result of a collapsed lung. He would later re-enlist for home service.

Spr Robert Smith (Mt Evelyn), 8^th Field Company Engineers: Arrives back in Australia from Europe on the HT Karoola to be discharged as medically unfit as a result of suffering myalgia and shell shock.

THE ATTACK ON BULLECOURT, FRANCE

In March 1917 the AIF went on the attack as the German forces began withdrawing towards the Hindenburg Line. The most heavily defended of these was the village of Bullecourt.

April 11^th, 1917 –
Pte Norman Pontin (Lilydale) 14^th Battalion: Is killed in action. One witness reports he was ‘Last seen badly wounded in upper arm and lying in a shell hole, half under the German wire’. He is 31 years old and as he has no known grave, is remembered on the memorial at Villers-Bretonneux. He first came to Lilydale in February 1914 as part of the militia involved in Colonel Monash’s Camp of Instruction. While here he met local girl Alice Huston, a relationship started and they were engaged before he left for the front. Even though she went on to marry another man after the war and had a family, she still displayed a portrait of Norman in her home for the rest of her life.

J W Everard in a letter to Alice Huston of Lilydale – ‘I must let you know straight away that I did not actually see Sgt Pontin fall on April 11^th but I knew him very well indeed. The charge which we made that day was a muddled affair right from the start to finish. It should have been done on the 10^th and after laying on the snow covered ground for about four hours we were sent back, but too true we had to do it on the 11^th.

I saw Sgt Norman Pontin marching up the line with his men. It would be more true to say that I heard his voice which one would never mistake, talking to his men under his command. The charge took place about 5.00am if I am not mistaken, I never saw Sgt Pontin anymore. There was only one fellow who could tell me anything at all about Norman. He told me he saw him wounded on the ground and asked the fellow if he would take away his pay book from him and give it in to one of the officers. I am very sorry for you to lose such a splendid friend as Norman Pontin. I trust that the terrible blow you must have received when you heard the fateful news, will partly diminish when you know that he done something that he could not have done better’.

L/Cpl Tom Lydster (Wandin), 4^th Machine Gun Company: Is later awarded the Military Medal for the actions he undertook on this day. His recommendation states: ‘On the morning of the 11^th April 1917, near Bullecourt, Lance Corporal Lydster successfully mounted his gun in our second objective, during a heavy bombing attack by enemy, and while rifle fire was sweeping his parapet, stood by his gun and kept a vigilant watch until ordered to retire. He then carried his gun to our rear line and prepared to resist if that line should be tenable. On this becoming impossible he displayed presence of mind in putting his gun out of action before abandoning it’.

Pte David Mitchell (Lilydale) & Pte John Wilken (Kilsyth), both 14^th Battalion: Are captured by the Germans at Reincourt and taken as a prisoners of war. John Wilken had received a gunshot wound to his chest and back just before being taken prisoner. In a letter to his parents – ‘The incident leading up to my seizure occurred on the morning of April 11 during an attack. I cannot very well give you full particulars of that morning. But on the way back to my lines I had the misfortune to stop a bullet with my back. That was rather a foolish thing to do, do you not think so? However, the metal caught me just above the shoulder blade, passing through my chest, under the collar bone. I did try hard to keep going but only negotiated about 20 yards before I went out of it. Six hours later I was picked up and taken prisoner’.

April 12^th, 1917 –
Arthur Watson (Lilydale): Successfully re-enlists in the AIF, he is 42 years old and married. He had been discharged as medically unfit the year before as a result of a long standing injury to his knee.

April 13^th, 1917 –
Sig Gordon Ewart (Montrose), 58^th Battalion: Is evacuated from the field to hospital in France suffering from trench fever.

April 15^th, 1917 –
Cpl Ralph Goode (Lilydale), 2^nd Field Ambulance: In the field in France. In his diary – ‘Fritz gave us some hurry-up this morning. Started at 3am with his bombardment then launched his infantry, had us rattled for a while. Took Lagnicourt from us, one hour later we counter attacked and got it back, very heavy fighting all day’.

April 16^th, 1917 –
Cpl Ralph Goode (Lilydale), 2^nd Field Ambulance: In the field in France. In his diary –‘Just beginning to get the hang of yesterday morning’s affair, it was about the nearest I’ve ever been to getting captured. Fritz nearly on us, and we didn’t know till today how close, he got six of our field guns (2^nd Brigade) but we got them all back’.

April 18^th, 1917 –
Cpl Ralph Goode (Lilydale), 2^nd Field Ambulance: In the field in France. In his diary – ‘Living in these villages is not much chop, it sort of gets on your nerves, one never knows the minute one will go up in the air. Everything you touch you wonder if there is a mine attached to it, when you’re walking about you wonder if you will step on some hidden mine and set it off. This afternoon a mine went up in Yelu, in a building that had been demolished, it’s over fourteen days since Fritz left this village and the mine went off today, killed six, wounded eight. I’m beginning to wonder if there’s anything under my place of abode, altho it’s a smashed house there might be something under the floor, let’s hope not’.

April 19^th, 1917 –
Noel Cox-Taylor (Silvan): Leaves his family’s orchard in Silvan and enlists in the AIF, he is 18 years old. His father is Lieutenant Colonel Herbert James Cox-Taylor.

April 20^th, 1917 –
Pte George Lawson (Olinda), 2^nd Pioneer Battalion: Is evacuated from the field to hospital in France suffering from trench fever.

April 21^st, 1917 –
Pte Michael Griffin (Lilydale), 17^th Battalion: Is evacuated from the field to hospital in England suffering from a sprained knee.

Trp Bert Hutchinson (Lilydale), 4^th Light Horse Regiment: In camp in Palestine. In a letter to his future wife, Jessie Mackenzie of Yalca, Vic – ‘I have travelled across the desert. We had a good trip and were fortunate in being able to get bread instead of biscuits most of the time. Some days we travelled along the coast and it was lovely riding along in the water but it got monotonous. I was surprised to see millions of crabs on the beach. We visited the famous battlefield at Romani also several other battlefields along the route. Wild poppies and daisies growing on the hills were beautiful, these flowers were growing on the desert, oh it was lovely to get back again in fertile country and see the cattle feeding on the hills. The cows are very small but they are in splendid condition.

Our camp is on the top of a hill surrounded by cultivated land. From here we can see the ocean and the other morning I watched the battleships bombarding the Turks. It was very pretty but I am afraid it was dangerous where the bombs were falling. At the foot of this hill there is a large native village also an old mosque but this place is out of bounds. The population consists of old men, women and children. The young men are away fighting.

Fig trees are very common in this fair land and I usually write and read under a fig tree but I am writing this letter before breakfast or in other words it is a few minutes after six am. To the east of our ‘home’ the country is flat and it is all under crop. Thousands of acres of wheat and barley appear to be going to waste. (Such is war.) It is quite possible that the people will be able to save a good portion of the crop if the firing line is moved on to Jerusalem but there will be a lot of heavy fighting to do before we reach that city.

My ‘home’ is not in the firing line but we are not far away and may be called up at any time. We have to ‘stand to’ every morning. Yesterday the enemy aeroplanes were very active and dropped bombs at several places but they did not do much damage’.

Thomas Hunter (Wandin): Leaves his orchard in Wandin and enlists in the AIF, he is 32 years old and is married.

Leonard Watt (Lilydale): Leaves his orchard and enlists in the AIF, he is 18 years old.

April 22^nd, 1917 –
Pte Ralph Garth (Wandin), 8^th Battalion: Is wounded in action, gunshot wound to his right foot, and is evacuated to hospital in England.

Pte Thomas Gaudion (Wandin), 5^th Battalion: Is wounded in action, gunshot wound to left arm and leg, and is evacuated to hospital in England.

April 23^rd, 1917 –
Albert Anderson (Olinda): Leaves his job as a driver around the district and enlists in the AIF, he is 20 years old.

Joseph Speakman (Coldstream): Enlists in the AIF for a second time, the first time he was discharged as medically unfit.

April 25^th, 1917 –
Pte James Clarke (Mt Dandenong), 38^th Battalion, Ptes Archibald Conner (Lilydale), 39^th Battalion & George Conner (Lilydale), 39^th Battalionas well as Pte Thomas McGuire (Mt Evelyn), 39^th Battalion: Are on the HMAT Ballarat and approaching the English Channel when a German submarine torpedoed the ship. Efforts are made to tow the ship to shallow water but this fails and she soon sinks. All the troops on board were safely evacuated and there was no loss of life.

Pte Duncan St Leger (Coldstream), 14^th Australian General Hospital: Arrives in Australia from the Middle East on the SS Willochra to be discharged as medically unfit as a result of contracting pleurisy.

Pte Harry Duck (Seville): Hospitalised with gastritis at the Military Rest Home, Macleod, Vic, since December 29^th, 1916, his condition hasn’t improved and as a result the military authorities discharge him as being medically unfit. Writing to the authorities from his hospital bed he states: ‘I have been in the AIF for twenty-six weeks and have had three weeks with influenza, three weeks with measles and fifteen weeks in Mont Park rest camp without any improvement to my health. I can honestly say that I am not likely to get fit to do my bit at the front as I felt it my duty to try for’.

William King (Lilydale): Leaves his job as a miner and enlists in the AIF, he is 40 years old.

April 28^th, 1917 –
Pte Harry Black (Coldstream), 23^rd Australian Machine Gun Company: Is evacuated from the field to hospital in France suffering from scabies.

April 29^th, 1917 –
Pte George Allen (Lilydale), 8^th Battalion: Is wounded in action, gunshot wound to left arm, and is evacuated to hospital in England.

Pte Charles Osborne (Lilydale), 8^th Battalion: Is evacuated from the field to hospital in France suffering from scabies.

Gnr William Atkinson (Lilydale), 116^th Howitzer Battalion: In France. In a letter to his wife – ‘Yesterday, a bundle of sixteen letters reached me. That is the first lot since leaving England so you can imagine how pleased I was. We are out behind the line now, having a few days’ spell, after having a bit of lively action. I don’t know when we are to go back again, but I thought it was to be to-day, but so far nothing has been said, so perhaps we are going to have a few days longer. It has been lovely to have the last few nights’ undisturbed rest.

While in action, we telephonists, for that’s what I am now, were going night and day, and I tell you it was sapping our energy away. However, I am feeling ‘tres bon’ now. We have been in the hottest position our brigade has ever been in, I am told, and, my word, it was hot too. I think I told you how I lost a pair of socks through having to run away in the mud when Fritz started shelling. I have had some great experiences, but they have been accompanied by some narrow squeaks, too. That gave them a bit of taste.

The position that we were in when I first went up became untenable, so we had to shift, and dug into a bank further back and before we had finished our pits, Fritz was on to us with his big stuff, and after that, regularly a couple of hours before dark he would hunt us away. We didn’t waste any time in running either. It sort of gives a chap pace when he’s getting away from the big ones. However, that is past now, so we can smile about it.

No, it’s not true that Oswald has lost his arm. I saw him a few days before leaving England, and he was alright then and getting about fairly well on crutches. I was sorry not to see Harry Tudor, but I didn’t know where he was. I was a very long way from the scene of the big explosion in London. . . . You don’t know how much we look forward to mail days. You see, our letters are all that keeps us linked together now. Of course, there is family love, but apart from that there are only letters and thoughts. I think you will follow what I mean. To-day is simply great — just like one of our spring days — and, if only I had civilian clothes on and was under an apple tree with a book, I could think I was home. I am a bit of a cook now; sometimes I make custard for myself, and to-day I have made some jelly for tea.

This country was known as ‘Sunny France’, and today it seems true; but before this ‘Muddy France’or ‘Rainy France’ would be nearer the mark. This part of the country is pitiful to look upon. One time, happy peasants worked in the land, villages flourished, and life went merrily on; but now there is nothing but a mass of ruins. Here a wall stands, there a chimney, and somewhere else a post, to remind us of the one-time homes. It cuts us to the heart and makes us more resolved to fight on to the end. If we could only show the shirkers over there a handful of this awful destruction, I am sure it would arouse their sense of manhood and they would take up arms, don the khaki and come along and help.

On my way up here I passed through, and one night camped on, the famous battlefield of last year — the one where ten thousand of our best lads laid down their lives in the defence of right (Claude amongst them), namely Pozieres. You will know, as I have told you where Claude (his son) was killed. The awful sight is indescribable. All that remained of trenches was a gutter, and there wasn’t a square yard that hadn’t been shell torn, and I gazed on the steep heights and thought of the price it cost to take it. But it doesn’t do to brood too much on this sort of thing. Here and there I could see a little cross in the paddocks that indicated the last resting place of some mother’s boy. All that remained of the village itself was a sign board with the name Pozieres on it. And then I thought, here, nine months ago, Claude passed through a veritable hell, for, that’s what it was, and on the dawn of victory, passed way. Truly, he played the game, gave his best, and I firmly believe, now has his reward. That, to me, is a very comforting thought.

We then passed on, and came to another one-time village, but as it was there, it more resembled a wood heap than a village. Can you imagine the ‘Dale’ all smashed to pieces, trees broken and railway lines all torn down, roads torn up, telephone wires lying everywhere — then you have an idea of what this part of the country is like. It is truly terrible. Churches, the roads torn up, telephone wires, towns and villages are all treated the same, for I have also seen towns with not one whole building in them. The devastation is awful, and we are fighting for our lives, and not a few giving them, to save our own land from like treatment, and there are still fellows who term themselves men, and are not helping. Oh! that they would wake up and face their obligations and responsibilities. The sooner they do, the better for everyone. I wouldn’t like to force a man into this, but I would like to say something that would cause them to face it. But I must stop, as this is rather a lengthy epistle, more than I could send into the censor, but once in a blue moon we get green envelopes, and now I’m making the most of mine.’.

April 30^th, 1917 –
Pte John Wilken (Kilsyth), 14^th Battalion: A prisoner of war in Gefangenenlager, Dulmen, Germany. In a letter to his parents – ‘I suppose you will have heard before you receive this letter that I was taken prisoner. I wrote to England yesterday. That was the first opportunity I have had of penning a line since my capture. I related my misfortune and requested that they might advise you in case the AIF had not already done so. So here I am. I have been in about four different hospitals, and am now in a prisoners’ compound in Dulmen. You may write as often as you like, but I may write only four postcards and two letters per month. That is my limit but I shall write with regularity. My wound has about healed, and has not given me great pain, so it may not be long before the stiffness wears out. I am expecting to be out of hospital in a few days, so you may gather that I count myself rather lucky. The Red Cross organisations are most kindly and they send us many real comforts. They are to us a rich blessing’.

Louis Yoxon (Lilydale): Leaves his job at the railways and enlists in the AIF, he is 18 years old.

Clarence Cutting (Lilydale): Leaves his job as a steward and enlists in the AIF, he is 19 years old.

May 1^st, 1917 –
Roy Langley (Montrose): Leaves his father’s farm at Montrose and enlists in the Australian Light Horse, he is 18 years old.

Joseph Anderson (Lilydale): Having grown up in Lilydale, where his father was the local Presbyterian Minister, he leaves his medical practise in Kew to enlist in the Australian Army Medical Corps, he is 22 years old.

May 2^nd, 1917 –
Pte William Clarke (Lilydale): Having been discharged from the AIF the month before for being medically unfit, he enlists again for home service and serves at the Ascot Vale Camp and the Langwarrin Camp as a Bugler.

THE SECOND ATTACK ON BULLECOURT

May 3^rd, 1917 –
Cpl William Barker (Olinda), 22^nd Battalion: Is killed in action. He is 19 years old and as he has no known grave, he is remembered on the memorial at Villers-Bretonneux.

Pte Henry Petersen (Olinda), 22^nd Battalion: Is killed in action. He is 23 years old and as he has no known grave, he is remembered on the memorial at Villers-Bretonneux.

Pte James Wyles (Olinda), 23^rd Battalion: Is killed in action when hit by an artillery shell. He is 39 years old and as he has no known grave, he is remembered on the memorial at Villers-Bretonneux, France.

Pte David Lohman (Lilydale), 24^th Battalion: Is killed in action when hit by an artillery shell. He is 25 years old and as he has no known grave, he is remembered on the memorial at Villers-Bretonneux.

Pte John Fitzgerald (Lilydale), 21^st Battalion: Is killed in action. He is 28 years old and as he has no known grave, he is remembered on the memorial at Villers-Bretonneux.

Pte Alexander Blair (Olinda), 22^nd Battalion: Is wounded in action, shrapnel wound to the arm, and is evacuated to hospital in France.

Pte William Jackson (Kilsyth), 23^rd Battalion: Is wounded in action, gunshot wound to right leg, and is evacuated to hospital in England.

Pte William Walker (Montrose), 24^th Battalion: Is wounded in action, gunshot wound to ankle, and is evacuated to hospital in England.

Pte Henry Rowney (Coldstream), 24^th Battalion: Is wounded in action, gunshot wound to left knee and thigh, and is evacuated to hospital in England.

L/Cpl Harold Hunter (Wandin), 24^th Battalion: Is awarded the Military Medal for actions on this day. His recommendation states – ‘For conspicuous gallantry as a signaller during the action near Bullecourt in laying and repairing the line to the captured positions under very heavy fire. This work was practically continuous and most valuable’.

Pte Francis Goodall (Lilydale): While still at Broadmeadows Military Camp he is discovered to be under age, 15 years of age, and is discharged from the AIF.

May 4^th, 1917 –
Pte Richard Poole (Lilydale), 8^th Battalion: Arrives in Australia from Europe on the HT Runic to be discharged for home service as a result of an injury to his hand.

Able Seaman Robert Croydon McComas (Montrose): Is part of the crew of the HMAS Sydney when they engage in a running battle with a German Zeppelin off the coast of England.

May 5^th, 1917 –
Gnr Percy Hyne (Lilydale), 8^th Field Artillery Battery: In a letter to his Mother – ‘The next place we went into action was in Belgium, at Ploegsteert (called Plugstreet). We took over from the other battery at half-past ten on Saturday night, registered our line on Sunday morning, got an SOS call on Sunday night. We were covering Tommies (who, when they see a couple of Verey lights, call on the artillery) and Fritz promptly blew us out at 11 o’clock on Monday morning. He put two hundred and six 5.9 shells over on to us and all the damage he did was to put a shell splinter down the bore of No 4 gun. That night at midnight we had to go in and haul the guns out, and put them in a fresh position. We were not finished up until about mid-day next day. We always had plenty of shooting in Ploegsteert’.

May 6^th, 1917 –
Cpl Ralph Goode (Lilydale), 2^nd Field Ambulance: In the field in France. In his diary – ‘Terrific fighting around Bullecourt, we’re right on the Hindenburg Line and Fritz is putting up a great defence. He has counter attacked time after time but has not got through yet, his casualties are enormous don’t know how he stands it. Our casualties are heavy, our unit has got it stiff, four killed, twenty-five wounded over four days’.

May 7^th, 1917 –
Pte Alfred Fellows (Lilydale), 2^nd Pioneer Battalion: Is wounded in action, gunshot wound to the left leg, and is evacuated to hospital in England.

Pte Arthur Lowe (Yering), 24^th Battalion: Is wounded in action, gunshot wound to the left thigh and right arm, and is evacuated to hospital in France.

Sgt John Lucke (Montrose), 12^th Field Artillery Brigade: Is wounded in action, shrapnel wound to the head, and is evacuated to hospital in England.

Sr Edith Yeaman (Montrose), Australian Army Nursing Service: Arrives in France and would spend the next two years serving in various hospitals and casualty clearing stations in France and Belgium.

May 8^th, 1917 –
Pte Thomas Butcher (Yering), 5^th Battalion: Is wounded in action, shrapnel wound to the left hand, and is evacuated to hospital in England.

Pte Henry Stewart (Kilsyth), 8^th Battalion: Is wounded in action, shrapnel wound to the foot, and is evacuated to hospital in England.

Pte David Mitchell (Lilydale), 14^th Battalion: Is reported to be a prisoner of war, interned at Gefangenenlager, Dulmen in Germany.

May 9^th, 1917 –
Pte George Shell (Lilydale), 8^th Battalion: Is wounded in action, shrapnel wound to the leg, and is evacuated to hospital in France.

Capt Joseph Anderson (Lilydale), Australian Army Medical Corps: Leaves Australia bound for Europe on board the HMAT Ulysses.

May 10^th, 1917 –
Sgt Noel Syme (Gruyere), 2^nd Field Ambulance: While on duty at a dressing station he comes under fire from an artillery barrage and receives a shrapnel wound to the head. His wound is dressed and he is evacuated to a casualty clearing station but dies here an hour later. He is 23 years old and is buried at Grevillers British Cemetery, France.

Cpl Ralph Goode (Lilydale), 2^nd Field Ambulance: In the field in France. In his diary –‘Noel Symekilled, buried at Grevillers, Wilson wounded, half an hour before being relieved. Relieved from Vaulx tonight’.

Spr Edward Barratt (Olinda), 5^th Field Company Engineers: Leaves Australia bound for Europe on board the HMAT Marathon.

Trp Walter Boys (Seville), 8^th Light Horse Regiment: Leaves Australia bound for Egypt on the HMAT Boorara.

Pte Martin Hatfield (Lilydale), Army Veterinary Corps: Leaves Australia bound for Egypt on the HMAT Boorara.

May 11^th, 1917 –
Pte John Payne (Seville), 5^th Battalion: Is wounded in action, gunshot wound to the right shoulder, and is evacuated to hospital in England.

The following local soldiers leave Australia bound for Europe on the HMAT Shropshire:

Pte William Boyden (Wandin), 2^nd Pioneer Battalion

Pte Michael White (Lilydale), 2^nd Pioneer Battalion

Dvr Thomas Hennessy (Lilydale), 12^th Field Artillery Brigade

Gnr Bertie Blashki (Lilydale), 12^th Field Artillery Brigade

The following local soldiers leave Australia bound for Europe on the HMAT Ascanius:

Pte Robert Jenkins (Gruyere), 21^st Battalion

Pte Arthur Watson (Lilydale), 22^nd Battalion

Pte Francis Webster (Lilydale), 23^rd Battalion

Pte Gordon Howell (Wandin), 24^th Battalion

Pte Oliver Hargrave (Lilydale), 46^th Battalion

Pte Albert Lalor (Montrose), 46^th Battalion

Gnr Finlay McCay (Silvan), 12^th Field Artillery Brigade

Pte Raymond Johnson (Lilydale), 2^nd Light Rail Operating Company

May 12^th, 1917 –
Pte George Hannah (Mt Evelyn), 59^th Battalion: Is wounded in action, shell shock and concussion, and is evacuated to hospital in England.

May 13^th, 1917 –
Alex Martin (Lilydale): Leaves his job as an employee with the Colonial Bank in Lilydale and enlists in the AIF, he is 20 years old.

May 15^th, 1917 –
Pte Robert Jeeves (Montrose), 58^th Battalion: Is wounded in action, shrapnel wound to the hand, and is evacuated to hospital in France.

Pte Lindsay Yeaman (Montrose), 20^th Battalion: Is wounded in action, gas poisoning, and is evacuated to hospital in France.

May 17^th, 1917 –
William Lucas (Silvan): Enlists in the Australian Light Horse for a second time. On the first occasion he was discharged and sent home when his unit was disbanded. This time he states he is 53 years old.

Frank Turner (Mt Dandenong): Leaves his job as a warehouse man and enlists in the AIF, he is 39 years old and married.

May 18^th, 1917 –
Trp Bert Hutchinson (Lilydale), 4^th Light Horse Regiment: In camp in Palestine. In a letter to his future wife, Jessie Mackenzie of Yalca, Vic – ‘My present home is by the sea in the fair land of Palestine and we spend most of our spare time bathing in the Mediterranean Sea. A few days before we came to this camp we were issued with ‘shorts’ and puttees and as the result a large number of us have sunburnt knees. My knees have felt the effect of the sun but they have not blistered so I shall be as brown as a berry in a few days. We have had our horses in swimming several times but it is rather rocky and some of the horses cut their legs.

Fresh water is plentiful all along the beach but inland water is very scarce. It has been a good season over here and many acres of wheat and oats are going to waste. It is a shame to see wheat going to waste when it is so dear. Peaches and apricots are ripe but they are small. We were camped in an orchard for a few days but the fruit was green then (worst luck). Figs are very plentiful but they are not nearly so nice as the figs we used to get at home.

Last week we did a little skirmishing but only a few shots were fired. It is fairly quiet out here at present. A few days ago we had to dig some trenches also put up barb wire in front of the trenches. This is fairly hard work but we did not work hard’.

May 19^th, 1917 –
Cpl Frank Maher (Lilydale), 2^nd Machine Gun Company: Is awarded the Military Medal for his actions on this day for ‘conspicuous service rendered and bravery in the field’.

Pte Ronald Ingram (Seville), 1^st Battalion, Otago Regiment, NZEF: Is evacuated from the field to hospital in France suffering from trench fever.

May 21^st, 1917 –
Herbert Beswick (Mt Dandenong): Leaves his job as a pottery worker and enlists in the AIF, he is 18 years old.

May 23^rd, 1917 –
Pte Hewitt Hussey (Lilydale), 59^th Battalion: Arrives in Australia from Europe on the HT Ayrshire to be discharged as medically unfit as a result of wounds he’d received the year before in action.

Dr Leonard Cox (Olinda): Leaves his medical practice and enlists in the AIF as a medical officer, he is 22 years old.

May 25^th, 1917 –
Pte Gilbert Hogg (Wandin), 37^th Battalion: The 37^th Battalion were moved to Ploegsteert Wood in Flanders, Belgium in preparation for the attack on Messines that was due to take place early the next month. While here they often sent out parties of men to raid the enemy’s positions and to capture enemy troops to extract vital information from them. On this day he was with one of these parties when they suddenly came under fire. He was severely wounded when he received a bullet to his abdomen and was carried by his friends back to their lines and then to the 6^th Field Ambulance, who took him to the 2^nd Australian Casualty Clearing Station.

Charles Mooney (Gruyere): Leaves his job as a farmer in Healesville and enlists in the AIF, he is 18 years old. His enlistment is later cancelled as he can’t produce written permission from his parents.

Arthur Campbell (Mt Dandenong): Leaves his job as a cattle dealer and enlists in the Australian Light Horse, he is 27 years old.

May 27^th, 1917 –
Gnr Theodore Hand (Mt Dandenong), 12^th Field Artillery Brigade: Is wounded in action at Armentieres, shrapnel wound to right knee and back, and is evacuated to hospital in England.

May 28^th, 1917 –
Edwin Hill (Gruyere): Leaves his job as a farmer and enlists in the AIF, he is 18 years old.

May 29^th, 1917 –
Pte Gilbert Hogg (Wandin), 37^th Battalion: Died of wounds he’d received a few days ago. He was 22 years old and is buried at the Trois Arberes Cemetery in France.

June 1^st, 1917 –
Pte Alvoria Williams (Lilydale), 44^th Battalion: Is evacuated to hospital in England after accidentally spraining his ankle whilst wrestling with another soldier while at Port de Nieppe, France.

Pte Eric Beggs (Lilydale), No 1 Squadron, Australian Flying Corps: Is attached to 67^th Squadron, what No 1 Squadron is now referred to as, in Deir-el-Belah, Palestine, as an air mechanic.

Isabel McAlpine (Wandin): Leaves her job as a nurse at the Homeopathic Hospital in Melbourne and her parents’ home in Wandin to enlist in the Australian Army Nursing Service.

June 5^th, 1917 –
Pte John Wilken (Kilsyth), 14^th Battalion: Is reported to be a prisoner of war and imprisoned in Gefangenenlager, Dulmen, Germany.

Gnr Percy Hyne(Lilydale), 8^th Field Artillery Battery: In a letter to his Mother – ‘After about five weeks in Ploegsteert we went into action behind Hill 63 and prepared for the Messines box-on. This was the first place we had open gun pits. At other places we had reinforced gun pits in houses. This position was not too bad; plenty of shooting. We averaged about 1000 rounds per gun per day for about a fortnight (a week before and a week after Messines) and the issue of sleep amounted to about two hours per day per man. The night before Messines, Fritz put over a gas shell bombardment on to us, amounting to about 14,000 shells, which, at the time, was the heaviest known. He burst the last one right in our gun pit, which burst up a wheel on our gun. This happened about ten minutes before the Messines stunt opened’.

THE BATTLE OF MESSINES, BELGIUM

The Messines offensive was designed to force the enemy to withdraw from the main battlefront around Vimy and Arras and its prime objective was the taking of the strategically important Messines Ridge, a high ground south of Ypres.

The battle is exemplified for its tactical success through careful planning and overwhelming firepower. The AIF’s 3^rd Division, under the command of Major General John Monash, were a part of the attack and were given the task of taking the village of Messines.

For seven days before the attack, artillery bombarded the enemy’s positions and then, to start it off, nineteen mines under the enemy’s trenches, that were filled with explosives, were detonated. The Australian infantry then charged over the top and quickly took what was left of the village.

The Battle of Messines was the most complete success of any major Western Front attack by the allies up until that stage of the war.

June 7^th, 1917 –
Pte Malcolm Bethune (Seville), 3^rd Pioneer Battalion: Is wounded in action, gunshot wound to the ankle, and is evacuated to hospital in England.

June 8^th, 1917 –
Pte Stan Goode (Lilydale), 3^rd Pioneer Battalion: Is wounded in action, shrapnel wound to the face and wrist as well as shellshock, and is evacuated to hospital in France.

Pte Walter Deppeler (Gruyere), 37^th Battalion: Is wounded in action, severe gunshot wound to knee, and is evacuated to hospital in England. He would not return to his unit.

June 9^th, 1917 –
Pte Andrew Noden (Lilydale), 12^th Field Artillery Brigade: Is evacuated from the field to hospital in England suffering from trench fever.

Charles Mooney (Gruyere): After being rejected a month earlier for not having parent’s consent, he enlists again in the AIF, this time claiming he is 19 years old. He ends up in the Sportsmen’s 1000 unit.

June 10^th, 1917 –|
Pte Louis Herry (Lilydale), No 14 Australian General Hospital: Is admitted to hospital in Egypt suffering from deafness.

Pte John Wilken (Kilsyth), 14^th Battalion: A prisoner of war in Gefangenenlager, Dulmen, Germany. In a postcard to his Aunt in Kilsyth – ‘Just to let you know I am getting on A1 and quite recovered from my wound. We have been in this camp two weeks now so are anxiously awaiting the arrival of our parcels. Would you send me a pipe and cigarettes, also chocolates’.

June 15^th, 1917 –
Spr Robert Fairnie (Lilydale), Australian Army Pay Corps: Is admitted to hospital in England suffering from influenza.

Albert Round (Kilsyth): Leaves his job as a farm hand in the district and enlists in the AIF, he is 18 years old. His sister Doris Baldwin (nee Round) of Kilsyth, in an interview in 1994 – ‘A cousin of mine was working on my brother about going and joining up. Well in the end they both did join up and when it came to the medical the cousin was outed and my brother got taken, he was only 18. I remember he drove Mum mad to sign him to go and he went’.

June 16^th, 1917 –
2^nd Air Mechanic Walter Bridgland (Olinda), Australian Flying Corps: Leaves Australia bound for Europe on the HMAT Beltana.

William Gilson (Lilydale): Leaves his job as a labourer and enlists in the AIF, he is 37 years old.

June 17^th, 1917 –
Pte Leopold Navas (Lilydale), 3^rd Pioneer Battalion: Is wounded in action, gas poisoning, but remains on duty rather than go to hospital.

June 19^th, 1917 –
Frederick Miller (Coldstream): Leaves his job as a clerk and enlists in the AIF, he is 20 years old.

June 20^th, 1917 –
Albert Hawkey (Lilydale): Leaves his job as a labourer and enlists in the AIF, he is 21 years old. His brother William had been killed in action the year before.

June 21^st, 1917 –
The following locals leave Australia bound for Europe on the HMAT Suevic:

Pte Clarence Cutting (Lilydale), 57^th Battalion

Pte Arthur Shore (Lilydale), 57^th Battalion

Capt Leonard Cox (Olinda), Australian Army Medical Corps

June 24^th, 1917 –
Dvr Thomas Hennessy (Lilydale), 12^th Field Artillery Brigade: On the journey over to England he develops influenza and has to be transferred at sea from the HMAT Shropshire to HMAT Port MacQuarrie.

June 25^th, 1917 –
Cpl Michael McCristal (Lilydale), Anzac Signal Section: While in Palestine he transfers to the Australian Pack Wireless Section attached to the Desert Mounted Corps.

June 26^th, 1917 –
Allan Dodd (Olinda): Leaves his job as a storekeeper and enlists in the AIF, he is 19 years old.

June 27^th, 1917 –
Pte Ernest Smith (Yering), 3^rd Pioneer Battalion: Is wounded in action, gunshot wound to the chest and neck, and is evacuated to hospital in England.

Bernard Johnson (Gruyere): Leaves his job as a horse trainer and enlists in the AIF, he is 23 years old. He enlists on a special ‘Sport Man’s Recruiting Day’ designed to encourage sport’s people to enlist together. He ends up in the Sportsmen’s 1000 unit.

July 1^st, 1917 –
Pte Harry Boxall (Silvan), Australian Camel Corps: In the field in Egypt. In a letter to the students at the Mt Evelyn State School – ‘Many, many thanks for the kind gift of tobacco. The weed and the knowledge that so many kind hearts are thinking of our welfare and comfort help us to pass the long winter nights away. We are on a tough job and are determined to do it thoroughly so that you will not be called on to do it over again in a few years’ time. Though we miss our homes and our friends we make ourselves as comfortable and as happy as circumstances permit, and we all hope to be back again in out dear sunny Australia by the end of the present year’.

July 2^nd, 1917 –
Pte James Clegg (Wandin), 46^th Battalion: He was attached to a group of the Battalion’s Lewis gunners stationed on Hill 63, near Ploegsteert Wood, in front of the village of Messines, when they came under artillery attack. Sadly, he was killed in action here. He was just 24 years old and was later buried at the Underhill Farm Cemetery in Belgium. Just before he was killed he wrote a letter home to his father saying he had little hope of seeing home again and told his father ‘don’t worry over us Dad, whatever happens’.

Pte William Tait (Mt Dandenong), 29^th Battalion: Returns to Australia on the HT Themistocles to be discharged as medically unfit as a result of having his right arm amputated.

Wesley Noden (Lilydale): Leaves his job as a baker and enlists in the AIF, he is 24 years old.

Wilmot Stephens (Lilydale): Having been discharged from the AIF the previous year, he travels to New Zealand and join their expeditionary force.

July 4^th, 1917 –
Pte Charles Asling (Mt Evelyn), 23^rd Battalion: Is wounded in action, shrapnel wound to thigh, and is evacuated to hospital in England.

Sgt Charles Stanbury (Lilydale), 8^th Light Horse Regiment: Is awarded the Military Medal for his actions on this day. His recommendation states: ‘In the reconnaissance on July 4^th towards Beersheba, I ordered B Squadron to cover the retirement of C Squadron. C Squadron were out of touch with Regimental Headquarters. The Officer Commanding B Squadron sent Sgt Stanbury under a heavy shell fire, and the advance of Turkish cavalry, to find out if C Squadron had retired. This he did and returned with the information required. B Squadron were then enabled to cover the retirement successfully and in good order without any casualties’.

Trp Bert Hutchinson (Lilydale), 4^th Light Horse Regiment: In camp in Palestine. In a letter to his future wife, Jessie Mackenzie of Yalca, Vic – ‘Our Election Day was very quiet and a large number of our men did not vote. While our votes were being taken we could hear the guns roaring. We hear very little of what is happening in France and on the other fronts. Out here it is fairly quiet and we go out on small stunts every few days. We usually have a few shots at Jacko but he keeps well away. These ‘stunts’ are very hard on the horses as often they go twenty-four hours without water. Most of us have waterbags so we have plenty of water. We carry enough wood to boil the billy and make a drop of tea. You can travel for miles in this country without finding enough wood to boil a billy. One day I boiled the billy and used straw for fuel. This was a very difficult operation’.

July 5^th, 1917 –
Pte Robert Mitchell (Seville), 5^th Battalion: Is evacuated from the field to hospital in France suffering from scabies.

Cpl Leslie Jerrams (Lilydale), 1^st Australian Wireless Squadron: Having contracted malaria in October 1916 while serving in the Mesopotamia campaign, he is sent from hospital in Baghdad to hospital in Poona, India for further treatment.

Trp Leonard Watt (Lilydale): While still at Broadmeadows he is discharged as being medically unfit for having tuberculous.

July 6^th, 1917 –
Gnr James Strachan (Lilydale), 2^nd Field Artillery Brigade: Is evacuated from the field to hospital in England suffering from trench fever.

July 7^th, 1917 –
Pte Walter Horne (Wandin), 8^th Light Horse Regiment: Is wounded in action, shrapnel wound to right hand and arm, and is evacuated to hospital in Egypt.

Pte Charles Pazzi (Lilydale), 29^th Battalion: Is evacuated from the field to hospital in France suffering from scabies.

Dvr Andrew Blythe (Mt Dandenong), 14^th Field Artillery Brigade: Leaves Australia bound for Europe on the HMAT Shropshire.

Alwyn McConachy (Montrose): Leaves his job in the boot trade and enlists in the AIF, he is 18 years old.

July 9^th, 1917 –
Pte Fred Town (Lilydale), 2^nd Division Ammunition Column: Is evacuated from the field to hospital in France suffering from jaundice.

July 10^th, 1917 –
Pte Albert Woolrich (Olinda), 14^th Battalion: Is wounded in action, shell shock, and evacuated to hospital in England.

July 11^th, 1917 –
Sister Dorothy Moroney (Lilydale), Australian Army Nursing Service: Leaves India bound for Egypt on the RMS Malwa.

July 12^th, 1917 –
Sgt William Marshall (Wandin), 57^th Battalion: Is wounded in action and evacuated to hospital in France.

July 14^th, 1917 –
Pte Ormond Footit (Lilydale), 2^nd ANZAC Light Horse Regiment: Is wounded in action, gunshot wound to the head resulting in compound skull fracture, and evacuated to hospital in England.

July 15^th, 1917 –
Sister Dorothy Moroney (Lilydale), Australian Army Nursing Service: In a letter to her sister while on board the RMS Malwa travelling from India to Egypt:‘But I must begin with our visit to Aden which appears to be nothing but an impregnable rock, most uninviting, with no growth, not even a blade of grass. Well, we took gharris, the most dilapidated conveyances I have ever beheld, and when we got in they swayed and rocked in a most alarming manner. The harness was all tied together with pieces of string, and the horses were the most pitiable objects. However afterwards, we were able to hire taxis and drove out to the only spot of interest some very old tank, very wonderfully built in the solid rock to save any rainwater which falls only about once a year, and which has to be carted to the town by camel teams. They were built centuries ago and historians have been unable to identify by what race of people. The whole place is a military centre, and I must not say too much about it.  

We returned to the ‘Malwa’ for afternoon tea and oh! the different atmosphere on board here to the boat in which we left Australian twelve months ago. Then the other passengers seemed to resent military nurses even travelling in the first saloon, whereas here no one can do enough for our entertainment and our little party really has the jolliest time. It’s a lazy life, but oh! so restful. Yesterday, as you know, was my birthday, and when I woke I discovered presents from a lot of the girls all over my cabin, and when I went to afternoon tea, a beautiful cake was on the table with roses and fruit and inscribed ‘A happy birthday’. Really they are all very good to me.

After dinner, we had a dance till 11, then supper on deck and impromptu speeches. It was really beautiful – the most brilliant moon light – as clear as day – and such a glorious light, and the bluest of blue skies, and just a ripple on the water. I think the girls were all trying to keep me from thinking of home. We had a gymkhana on board the other day, and derived a good deal of fun from it, and in the evening they gave us a dinner party and some very nice things were said of us, and we were toasted with the usual songs. Then we danced until 10.30 in the glorious moonlight. I wonder where we shall go, and what will become of us. It is such an extraordinary feeling to know nothing, for under ordinary circumstances we should have it all cut and dried, and stick to it unless some un-foreseen thing occurred; whereas now we are simply disposed of by others. It makes one feel rather a cypher’.  

July 16^th, 1917 –
Dvr Percy Hyne (Lilydale), 8^th Field Artillery Brigade: Is evacuated from the field to hospital in France suffering from mumps.

Pte Albert Ostrom (Gruyere), 10^th Battalion: Leaves Australia bound for Europe on the HMAT Port Melbourne.

Pte Herbert Beswick (Mt Dandenong), 58^th Battalion: Leaves Australia bound for Europe on the HMAT Port Melbourne.

July 17^th, 1917 –
Trp Bert Hutchinson (Lilydale), 4^th Light Horse Regiment: In camp in Palestine. In a letter to his future wife, Jessie Mackenzie of Yalca, Vic – ‘We have not arrived at the beach yet but we have shifted our camp in that direction and I suppose we shall get there when we shift next time. One morning when we were drilling we found a water melon plot and so we visit this place every night to gather a few melons. These melons are very nice but not as good as the melons we used to get when we were home. Needless to say this melon plot is visited by many soldiers every day, also Bedouins come from the surrounding villages and collect melons and tomatoes for their own use but the owners of these gardens are far away, fighting against us, so I suppose I shall have to pay for the melons with lead if I get the chance. You see I do not want to steal their melons but I cannot pay them in cash.

We have shifted again and our home is on the beach, oh, it is lovely by the seaside. We play football in the water and this is a very exciting pastime especially if our officers are about. The weather is nice over here just now but some days it is rather too warm, very often it is windy in the afternoon. This is supposed to be the warmest part of the year over here. Last summer it was very hot in July but I was in Egypt then’.

Pte Sydney Shore (Mooroolbark), 8^th Battalion: Arrives in Australia from Europe on the HT Ayrshire, to be discharged as medically unfit as a result of developing a dilated action of the heart.

Pte Clyde Richardson (Lilydale), 23^rd Battalion: Arrives in Australia from Europe on the HT Ayrshire to be discharged as medically unfit as a result of contracting dysentery.

Pte Arthur Orenshaw (Seville), 59^th Battalion: Arrives in Australia from Europe on the HT Ayrshire to be discharged as medically unfit as a result of wounds he’d received at Fromelles the year before.

Charles White (Lilydale): Leaves his job as a clerk to enlist in the AIF, he is 20 years old.

July 20^th, 1917 –
Pte Alexander Tonkin (Wandin), 36^th Battalion: Is wounded in action, gunshot wound to the chin, and is evacuated to hospital in England.

July 21^st, 1917 –
Sr Alicia Kelly (Mt Dandenong), Australian Army Nursing Service: Is awarded the Military Medal for her actions on this day at the 3^rd Australian Casualty Clearing Station. She is one of only seven Nurses to be awarded the Military Medal during the war.

From the Australian Dictionary of Biography: ‘Sister Kelly was on duty at the 3^rd A.C.C.S. during an air raid. Orders sent the rest of the medical staff running for their lives as bombs fell. A padre discovered Sister Kelly sitting in one of the hospital tents holding a patient’s hand. When he asked why she had not left with the rest she answered ‘I couldn’t leave my patients’. She had covered their heads with enamel washing basins or urine pots to give them some feeling of security; she knew that the basins would be useless against flying shrapnel or a direct hit but there were no helmets. Her quiet courage enabled her patients to come through the bombardment ‘with confidence’.

Cpl Clarence Windsor (Lilydale), 58^th Battalion: Arrives in Australia from Europe on the HT Euripides to be discharged as medically unfit as a result of wounds he’d received in action.

Pte Daniel Bowen (Lilydale), 60^th Battalion: Arrives in Australia from Europe on the HT Euripides to be discharged for family reasons.

July 22^nd, 1917 –
Sr Matilda McNeill (Lilydale), Australian Army Nursing Service: Arrives in Australia from Europe on the HT Nestor, she had served as the nursing sister on the voyage. She would return to Europe again in December.

Pte Francis Hughes (Lilydale), 8^th Battalion: Arrives in Australia from Europe on the HT Nestor to be discharged as medically unfit as a result of wounds he’d received in action.

Pte Joseph Kay (Lilydale), 5^th Battalion: Arrives in Australia from Europe on the HT Nestor to be discharged as medically unfit as a result of loss of hearing.

July 23^rd, 1917 –
Pte James Varty (Mt Evelyn), 8^th Battalion: Is evacuated from the field to hospital in England suffering from trench fever.

July 26^th, 1917 –
Gnr Percy Hyne (Lilydale), 8^th Field Artillery Battery: In a letter to his Mother – ‘After leaving Tokaybure we went into action in Mud Lane. We stayed there about ten days and then went to Messines Ridge. It was here we started to lose men fast, for on that ridge we lost 24 men killed and wounded out of 36. I was not sorry to leave it. But bad as it was, it was holiday to Ypres’.

July 27^th, 1917 –
Joseph Goodall (Lilydale): Leaves his job as a farm labourer and enlists in the AIF. He enlists under the name Cyril Fish as he is underage, he tells the authorities he is 21 years old when in fact he was just 17.

July 31^st, 1917 –
L/Cpl Walter Summers (Seville), 23^rd Battalion: Is wounded in action, shrapnel wound to the throat, and is evacuated to hospital in England.

Capt James Rowan (Olinda), Australian Army Medical Corps: Is appointed to the 2^nd Australian Casualty Clearing Station in France and would serve here for the rest of the year.

August 1^st, 1917 –
Pte Arthur Shore (Lilydale), 57^th Battalion: While on board the HMAT Suevic on his way to Europe, he is injured and received a concussion to the brain.

Pte William Verdon (Lilydale), 4^th Field Artillery Brigade: Leaves Australia bound for Europe on the HMAT Orsova.

August 4^th, 1917 –
Pte Roy Davies (Wandin), 14^th Battalion: Is evacuated from the field to hospital in Belgium suffering from rheumatism.

The following local soldiers leave Australia bound for Europe on the HMAT Themistocles:

Pte Albert Hawkey (Lilydale), 3^rd Pioneer Battalion

Pte Frank Rance (Wandin), 5^th Battalion

Pte Edwin Hill (Gruyere), 7^th Battalion

Pte Bernard Johnson (Gruyere), 7^th Battalion

Pte Charles Mooney (Gruyere), 7^th Battalion

Pte Frank Turner (Mt Dandenong), 7^th Battalion

Sgt Charles White (Lilydale), 7^th Battalion

Lt Francis Johnson (Seville), 58^th Battalion

Pte Clement Morey (Lilydale), Australian Flying Corps

Cpl Albert Atkinson (Lilydale), Australian Army Medical Corps

Spr William King (Lilydale), Tunnelling Company

Sister Dorothy Moroney (Lilydale), Australian Army Nursing Service: Arrives in Egypt from India. In a letter to her sister: ‘Well, at 11 am the other day, a wireless message was received with orders to disembark at Suez. There was great gloom, as we had hoped to have gone closer to the front lines. However, we flew round and finished packing, and were the only passengers to leave the boat. Those remaining on board lined the rails and gave us a great send off, which rather affected some of us.  

We landed at Port Tuelig, and invaded the only hotel for afternoon tea; we eventually boarded the train for Alexandria – a ghastly journey of eleven hours; five in a very small compartment, and no sleepers. The rails run parallel to the Canal for some miles, and we passed the ‘Malwa’ en route, and there was much waving. Oh! the fascination of it all – and the coloring – quite different from India. The sunset behind the desert! Oh, the colors, and that beautiful golden and pink light that one sees in the pictures of the places, and the tall palms, and the donkeys, and camels, while the Arabs in their gowns and hoods look as though they had just stepped out of the Bible. The irrigation of course, is marvellous, and it is wonderful to see that part of the desert on one side of the line that is irrigable blossoming like the rose; and on the other side nothing but an illimitable stretch of golden sand.

At several stations we saw Australian hats, so we hung out and ‘coo-eed’, which of course, brought them along, and it was lovely to see them. We had a shocking night journey, but when one of the others would say ‘What sort of a time are the boys having’ and then there would be no more complaints. Well, we arrived at Alexandria about 6 am and drove to the Khedival Hostel, which was originally an Egyptian prince’s palace, then a hotel; and now it is a home for stray army nurses, and there are literally swarms and swarms of them, and nothing else to break the monotony. There are sufficient notices posted on the bedroom doors to paper a house and break any ordinary girl’s heart, if she tried to keep them’. 

August 5^th, 1917 –
Cpl Arthur Chapman (Wandin), 13th Field Artillery Brigade: Is wounded in action, gunshot wound to abdomen, and is evacuated to a casualty clearing station in France.

August 7^th, 1917 –
Lt Thomas Rowan (Olinda), 4^th Field Artillery Brigade: Is wounded in action, gunshot wound to the head, and is evacuated to hospital in France.

August 8^th, 1917 –
Cpl Arthur Chapman (Wandin), 13th Field Artillery Brigade: While at the 22^nd Casualty Clearing Station in Belgium he dies of wounds he’d received days before. He is 26 years old and is buried at the Brandhoek New Military Cemetery in Belgium.

Gnr William Atkinson (Lilydale), 116^th Howitzer Battalion: Is wounded in action, gunshot wound to both thighs and jaw, and is evacuated to hospital in England.

Pte Henry Maidment (Lilydale), 13^th Light Horse Regiment: Is evacuated from the field to hospital in France suffering from scabies.

Gnr William Lucas (Silvan), 4^th Light Horse Regiment: Leaves Australia bound for Europe on the HMAT Anchises.

August 9^th, 1917 –
Sister Dorothy Moroney (Lilydale), Australian Army Nursing Service: In a letter to her sister: ‘Now, here I am in Cairo, where we were instructed to proceed to a nurses’ club, but having had some at Alexandria, we decided to put up at the Grand Continental, which, though it is not Shepherd’s is quite good enough for me. The best hotels suit me down to the ground, but one thing we miss is the lack of electric fans. We never sat a minute in India without a fan being switched on.  

Now, everybody has said how dirty Cairo was, but compared to Bombay it is almost beautifully clean. Well of course, the first thing was the Pyramids, and as someone had told us not to miss the zoo, which is on the way, we called at the zoo. Of all the places in the world that I despise, commend me to a zoo. We went inside and walked about twenty yards, and could see nothing! We expected beautiful gardens, but could only see beasts in cages, so I said ‘If anyone expects me to wander round here in the heat looking at wild beasts – well, they’re mad’ and as the others were bored too, we came out and had afternoon tea at an awful little roadside cafe, and then took the tram for the Pyramids along a magnificent road lined on either side by huge shady trees, and were quite affected by the first glimpses we had of the Pyramids.  

We each took a camel to go round them, and oh! the mounting of the brutes. Of course, they lie down till you get on, and then three lurching movements and there you are mountains high. How we laughed! The natives have picked up a lot of Australian slang, and one who posed as a guide said, when I told him I did not require a guide, he said ‘I’m not an ordinary guide Sister; I’m the dinkum Moses’, and when he saw I meant it, he remarked ‘Nothin’ doin’ and went off. When we made our camels trot, I wish you could have seen us. The shops here are really splendid, and didn’t we revel in them. We spent our money freely, but it is the only pretence of furlough I have had for years, so I did not mind, but thoroughly enjoyed it.  

One morning we spent in the ‘Mouskie’ as they call the bazaar here – a most fascinating place, and glorious things to buy. The Persian rugs were dreams, but everything is much dearer than in India. We met three Australian boys in one shop buying silk and being taken down so we went to their rescue. They were down from Palestine on furlough, and there are swarms of them. It gladdened our hearts to see them, when we had not seen any of ‘our’ boys for ages. Really, when one see’s them among other men it makes one feel proud of them; they are a strong, manly lot of fellows. Oh! they’re some boys, I tell you. Well, the three we rescued asked if they might call and take us to afternoon tea, and, receiving permission, went to a cafe with two cars the following day, and drove us 26 miles to the Barrage – a system of lochs and weirs that controls the whole irrigation system of the Nile. It is a most interesting and beautiful place; with splendid lawns and lovely shady trees; then we had a drive home in the cool of the evening. We all thoroughly appreciated it.  

We expected to be sent forward today, but seventy others have gone and the Indian Unit has been kept back. Palestine may be our destination, and as all the British troops have been transferred from a place we were expecting to go to, none of us is complaining. It is seven weeks now since I had any letters. I think if I do not receive a batch when I reach my destination (where-ever it is) I shall go mad. You will, of course, receive my letters very irregularly, but you are not to worry, as the mails are only being dispatched very casually, but I shall post every week on the off chance’.

August 10^th, 1917 –
Gnr Theodore Lowe (Gruyere), 11^th Field Artillery Brigade: Is wounded in action, gunshot wound to right hand and thumb, and is evacuated to hospital in Belgium.

Trp Bert Hutchinson (Lilydale), 4^th Light Horse Regiment: In camp in Palestine. In a letter to his future wife, Jessie Mackenzie of Yalca, Vic – ‘I have been very fortunate and have not been sick since I arrived in this land, also I have always managed to keep my condition. This place is alright while you are healthy but malaria is a common complaint, and, when you once get this complaint you never enjoy good health during the warm months. One of my mates suffers from this disease and he is bad during the afternoon and well again by tea time. Of course some chaps are much worse than this.

Just at present we are camped by the beautiful Mediterranean Sea and so we are having a splendid time. I go down swimming every evening and sometimes during the day. We often swim the horses in the morning. The boys in France suffer more than we do. I shall do my best to take care of myself and dodge the bullets’.

August 11^th, 1917 –
Pte Charles Dorrington (Montrose), 3^rd Pioneer Battalion: Is evacuated for a second time from the field to hospital in France suffering from scabies and dermatitis.

Dvr Thomas Smith (Lilydale), 13^th Field Artillery Brigade: While in camp in England, is accidently shot in the thigh by another soldier who was cleaning their gun.

Geoffrey Berry (Seville): Leaves his family’s orchard at Seville and enlists in the AIF, he is 18 years old. His brother Guy had already enlisted the year before.

For many of the soldiers visiting England, it was an opportunity of meeting English girls and starting up a relationship.

Dvr Gus Gilbert (Yering), 8^th Field Artillery Brigade: In an interview undertaken in 1994 – ‘I was in the army then and just where we were, everyone would go walking. This day these two girls were walking as well and they were going across the bridge but we didn’t see them’.

Gladys Gilbert (nee Stanton), Battersea, London, England: In an interview undertaken in 1994 – ‘We nearly collided with these two big Australians and they asked us out’.

They would marry the following year and Gladys would come to Australia as an English war bride. Many other local soldiers also married while on service in Europe and returned home with war brides.

August 12^th, 1917 –
Dvr Albert Bedbrook (Lilydale), Australian Army Service Corps: Marries an English girl at Portsmouth, England. She later travels to Australia as a war bride.

August 13^th, 1917 –
Gnr Percy Hyne (Lilydale), 8^th Field Artillery Battery: In a letter to his Mother – ‘The next place we went to was Wytschaete. It was quieter here than Messines Ridge. We did not stay long as we were not in the line for a spell. We no sooner got out than we were ordered back to Ypres to cover our infantry’.

August 19^th, 1917 –
Dvr Thomas Hennessy (Lilydale), 12^th Field Artillery Brigade: Is evacuated from the ship HMAT Port MacQuarrie to hospital in England suffering from influenza and chronic bronchitis.

August 21^st, 1917 –
Pte Roy Cahill (Gruyere), 10^th Field Ambulance: Is evacuated for a second time from the field to hospital in England suffering from colitis.

Pte Harry Boxall (Silvan), Australian Camel Corps: Is evacuated from the field to hospital in Egypt suffering from malaria.

Dvr Hubert Guiney (Yering), 8^th Field Artillery Brigade: While in England recovering from a bout of tonsillitis, he decides to desert from the AIF and makes his way to Ireland. He hides out here until well after the war, marrying an Irish girl in 1925. Eventually, in the late 1920’s, he made his way back to Victoria with his family and lived here for the rest of his life.

August 23^rd, 1917 –
Lt Thomas Rowan (Olinda), 2^nd Field Artillery Brigade: Is believed to have been killed in action on this day at Franvillers near Peronne. On that morning he was working as a forward observer and told his men he was going forward to make a reconnaissance but was never seen again. A search was later made but no body was found. He is 34 years old and as he has no known grave he is remembered on the memorial at Villers-Bretonneux.

August 24^th, 1917 –
Dvr Edmund Boulter (Olinda), 5^th Field Artillery Brigade: Is wounded in action, shrapnel wound to the head, and is evacuated to hospital in England.

Sister Dorothy Moroney (Lilydale), Australian Army Nursing Service: Arrives in Salonika, Greece, and is seconded to the 66^th General Hospital to work.

August 27^th, 1917 –
Pte Thomas Mackay (Lilydale), Anzac Provost Corps: Arrives in Cape Town, South Africa to serve with the Provost Corps there. The Provos are needed here as numbers of Australian troops visit Cape Town on their journey to and from Europe.

Pte Harry Black (Coldstream), 23^rd Australian Machine Gun Company: In France. In a postcard to Kath Phillips, Lilydale – ‘I’ve just had seven days in Paris and it’s a great place, talk about gay Lilydale, it’s not in it. We are having bonnie weather lately but don’t know how long it will last’.

August 28^th, 1917 –
Dvr Harry Dinsdale (Olinda), 5^th Field Artillery Brigade: Is evacuated to hospital in England with a severely fractured right leg.

Trp Bert Hutchinson (Lilydale), 4^th Light Horse Regiment: In camp in Palestine. In a letter to his future wife, Jessie Mackenzie of Yalca, Vic – ‘We have shifted away from the beach and will be doing a little more drill ‘just to keep us fit’. I expect we will do some more shooting at the range while we are here. Last week we went out on a three days’ stunt and this is the longest we have been away from camp. We did not do any dirty work as we were in reserves but the Taubes came over to see us.

Life over here is much about the same every week. On Wednesday evening there is a concert which is being given by the Honourable Artillery. I hope to be able to attend the concert. The weather over here is lovely just at present and most likely the weather will be good for another two months and then we shall feel the cold’.

August 29^th, 1917 –
Pte Francis McLass (Lilydale), 59^th Battalion: Is evacuated to hospital in England suffering from myalgia, trench fever and poor vision.

Sr Alicia Kelly (Mt Dandenong), Australian Army Nursing Service: A letter written by Chaplain G C Munschamp, attached to her unit, to Alicia’s mother – ‘I am chaplain of the unit which your daughter, Miss A. M. Kelly (But whom we all call Rachel) has been a Sister. I think you ought to know what a wonderful influence for good she has been upon everyone – Officers, Orderlies, Patients. From the Colonel downwards, every man and woman adores her, though I need hardly say we do not tell her so. No one has ever shown greater devotion to duty, greater courage in the face of danger, greater usefulness in every way. She has been a mother to every soldier she comes across and every man is a better man for having met her.

She has been recommended more than once for decoration (She may not know this) and we shall never be contented till she receives recognition of her splendid devotion; but very few honours fall to the nurses, and then they always go first to the heads. We have just passed through a very trying time. We have been bombed continually. The noise of the guns, only a hundred yards from the camp, has been startling and deafening. One bomb fell close to the Sister’s quarters, killing an Officer and an Orderly and riddling the sister’s tents in which they were sleeping, fortunately on the ground. Rachel suffered a great deal from sleeplessness and looked worn out, but the duty was so exacting, she had to go on, in fact she will never give in.

She has now been sent to 3^rd AGH. We shall miss her greatly, but she ought to have a chance from the exciting CCS work for a time. It seems a shame that a mother should not be able to see her daughter and the glorious life she is living. Glorious, I say, but she is the humblest, gentlest child that ever lived. And so I wanted you to know in this very brief way how much the Army values and how much it owes your daughter. My own great joy is to hear that my son is doing his duty in the world and I wanted you to know that though you have made this great sacrifice of being parted from your daughter, there are thousands who are benefitting from your sacrifice and who thank God for this revelation of noble womanhood. With all good wishes that you may soon have your daughter back safe and happy’. 

August 31^st, 1917 –
Sr Isabel McAlpine (Wandin), Australian Army Nursing Service: Leaves Australia bound for Europe on the HMAT Wiltshire.

September 3^rd, 1917 –
The following local soldiers leave Australia bound for Egypt on the HMAT Kyarra:

Tpr George Cassidy (Seville), 4^th Light Horse Regiment

Tpr Arthur Campbell (Mt Dandenong), 8^th Light Horse Regiment

Spr Ernest Cassell (Lilydale), Special draft, Signal Section

William Hayes (Mt Dandenong): Leaves his father’s orchard at Mt Dandenong and enlists in the Australian Light Horse, he is 19 years old.

September 5^th, 1917 –
Spr Patrick Duffy (Lilydale), 6^th Tunnelling Company: Is wounded in action, gas poisoning, and is evacuated to hospital in England.

September 8^th, 1917 –
Pte James Donleavey (Gruyere), 5^th Division Sanitation Section: Is admitted to hospital in France suffering from incontinence.

September 9^th, 1917 –
Pte Arthur Leckie (Lilydale), 59^th Battalion: Is wounded in action, shrapnel wounds to legs and arm, and is evacuated to hospital in England.

September 10^th, 1917 –
Pte Thomas Gaudion (Wandin), 5^th Battalion: Arrives in Australia from Europe on the HT Ulysses to be discharged as medically as a result of wounds he had received in action.

September 13^th, 1917 –
Pte Alfred Blanksby (Wandin), 8^th Battalion: Is evacuated from the field to hospital in France suffering from bronchitis.

September 14^th, 1917 –
Lt Harold Bartram (Olinda), 5^th Battalion: Is transferred to the AIF Records Section for duty after being declared unfit for general service.

September 16^th, 1917 –
Pte Felix Hargrave (Lilydale), 7^th Battalion: Is wounded in action, bayonet wound to arm, and is evacuated to hospital in England.

September 18^th, 1917 –
Gnr Percy Hyne (Lilydale), 8^th Field Artillery Battery: Is wounded in action, crushed finger and right hand, and is evacuated to hospital in England.

Pte Thomas Amor (Mt Evelyn), 60^th Battalion: Arrives back in Australia on board the HMAT Euripides to be discharged as medically unfit as a result of developing myalgia.

September 19^th, 1917 –
Pte Philip Kidgell (Lilydale), 15^th Machine Gun Company: Is awarded the Military Medal for his actions on this evening. His recommendation states: ‘On the night of the 19th and morning of the 20th September, 1917 at Westhoek Ridge near Ypres Signaller Kidgell went several times through the enemy barrage and successfully repaired telephone lines to forward guns. On the morning of the 20th September he also did the work of runner very effectively notwithstanding persistent enemy shelling.’

Percy Cox (Seville): Leaves his studies at Melbourne University to enlist in the AIF, he is 18 years old. He lived at Essendon but often came out to Seville to help his father Harry on his property there.

BATTLE OF MENIN ROAD RIDGE, BELGIUM

September 20^th, 1917 –
Cpl Ralph Goode (Lilydale), 2^nd Field Ambulance: In the field in France. In his diary –‘The old 1^st Division again over the top this morning, gained all objectives’

Pte Rupert Langley (Kilsyth), 5^th Battalion: Is reported missing in action during the fighting here. Later investigations by the Red Cross report eye witness accounts that state he was with a number of men in a trench at Glencourse Wood when a German shell landed on top of them killing them all. Rupert was found dead soon after and buried nearby, he was 31 years old. As his body was never found again, he has no known grave and is remembered on the war memorial at Menin Gate, Ypres, Belgium.

Pte Hugh Comans (Lilydale), 5^th Battalion: Is wounded in action, shrapnel wound to the head, when a bomb exploded near him. He is evacuated from the field to the No 5 Canadian General Hospital where he is operated on.

Pte William McCallum (Lilydale), 6^th Battalion: Is wounded in action, gunshot wound to leg, and is evacuated from the field to hospital in France.

Pte James Graham (Seville), 7^th Battalion: Is evacuated from the field suffering from concussion and shell shock. He would spend nearly a year in hospital in England being cared for with shell shock.

Pte Edwin Meade (Mooroolbark), 8^th Battalion: Is wounded in action, shrapnel wound to right leg, and is evacuated to hospital in England.

Pte George Evans (Mt Evelyn), 22^nd Battalion: Is wounded in action, shrapnel wound to back and face, and is evacuated to hospital in England.

Sgt Edgar Wilson (Lilydale), 57^th Battalion: Is wounded in action, shrapnel wound to the head, and is evacuated to hospital in England.

Sapper Henry Woodruff (Seville), 2^nd Field Company Engineers: Is wounded in action, shrapnel wound to the left arm, and is evacuated to hospital in England.

L/Cpl Leonard Bunt (Wandin), 2^nd Light Trench Mortar Battery: Is wounded in action near the Menin Road, gunshot wound to left leg and right arm, and is evacuated to hospital in England.

September 21^st, 1917 –
Pte Cyril Dennis (Lilydale), 5^th Battalion: Is wounded in action, gunshot wound to the right thigh and arm, and is evacuated to hospital in England.

September 22^nd, 1917 –
Sgt George Ingram (Seville), 24^th Battalion: Is wounded in action near Bellewarde Ridge, dislocated his knee after a shell blast blew him backwards into a trench, and is evacuated from the field to hospital in France.

Pte Henry Lord (Wandin), 8^th Battalion: Is later awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal for his action between this date and November 5^th 1917. His recommendation states: ‘For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty during the operations East of Ypres. During the whole time his personal disregard of danger and devotion to duty set a fine example to the men under his command’.

September 23^rd, 1917 –
Gnr Percy Hyne(Lilydale), 8^th Field Artillery Battery: In a letter to his Mother – ‘The first place there that we went into action was Zonnebeke, where we stayed over a week’.

Cpl Ralph Goode (Lilydale), 2^nd Field Ambulance: In the field in France. In his diary – ‘All out again, short and sweet but we’ve done great, gave old Fritz another taste of Australia’.

Cpl Rupert Bloom (Lilydale), 21^st Battalion: Is killed in action. He is 24 years old and is remember on the Menin Gate Memorial, Ypres, Belgium.

Pte Vivian Grenness (Kilsyth), 6^th Battalion: Is wounded in action, gunshot wound to his right leg, and is evacuated from the field to hospital in England.

Pte Thomas Mackay (Lilydale), Anzac Provost Corps: While stationed in Cape Town, South Africa with the Australian Provost Corps, he is sent to the British Colony of Sierra Leone in West Africa to serve here for a couple of months. He later returns to Cape Town.

September 24^th, 1917 –
Pte Edward Read (Seville), 58^th Battalion: Is wounded in action, wounds to his left thigh, right hand and neck, and is evacuated from the field to hospital in England.

Pte Ernest Le Page (Seville), 58^th Battalion: While in his trench a shell bursts, burying him. He is dug out but receives severe shell shock and is evacuated to hospital in England.

Pte Joseph Keeley Snr (Mooroolbark), 67^th Battalion: Arrives in Australia from Europe on board the HT Demosthenes. He is to be discharged as medically unfit as a result of suffering from shell shock.

THE BATTLE OF POLYGON WOOD, BELGIUM

September 25^th, 1917 –
Pte Louis Cazaly (Montrose), 57^th Battalion: Is wounded in action, gunshot wound to left thigh, and is evacuated to hospital in England.

Pte Francis Lyall (Mt Evelyn), 57^th Battalion: Is wounded in action, gunshot wound to left arm and knee, and is evacuated to hospital in England.

Pte James Jordon (Kilsyth), 59^th Battalion: Is wounded in action, gunshot wound to left arm and neck, and is evacuated to hospital in England.

Pte Albert Parkes (Coldstream), 59^th Battalion: Is captured and taken prisoner by the Germans at Polygon Wood.

September 26^th, 1917 –
Pte Leslie Tegart (Montrose), 31^st Battalion: Is killed in action. One witness, L/Cpl Keogh, later stated: ‘I was with Leslie Tegart all the morning of the 26^th September 1917 and while he was with me, he fought quite calm and very coolly and he also showed his heroism by hunting Germans out of their dugouts. I can tell you he died a brave hero and a son a mother should be proud of. He got killed in the afternoon, after he had left me, by a sniper. He was just going to compliment himself for being out of danger and in a trench, when he was hit in a vital part which caused his death instantaneously. He was buried in a shell hole. All the boys of his platoon sent their deepest sympathy to his mother, he was a pal of mine and I grieved his death very sincerely’. He is 19 years old and is buried at the Tyne Cot Cemetery in Belgium.

Pte Ted Duncan (Lilydale), 2^nd Machine Gun Battalion: He was in a pillbox at Westhoek Ridge when word came through that an officer was wounded in a trench nearby. He and Lieutenant Hopper volunteered to go a get him but soon came under fire. At around ten o’clock that night he was wounded by machine gun fire and then five minutes later he was killed outright when a shell exploded near him. He is 40 years old and is buried at the Perth Cemetery (China Wall) at Ypres.

Pte Harry Black (Coldstream), 23^rd Australian Machine Gun Company: In a letter to the President of the Shire of Lillydale– ‘On my arrival back from leave I was informed of the sad news that poor Ted Duncan was killed in action during my absence. By his death we have lost a sterling good soldier, and I have lost one of my best pals. He was killed whilst doing a brave deed in carrying in a wounded officer from ‘No Man’s Land’, I was up to the trenches three times making preparations for the coming offensive before I went on leave. Ted and I walked home together on the last night. He gave me some German ‘relics’ which he found in ‘No Man’s Land’ to post to his wife while I was in England. He was a Sergeant and was to go away to England after this stunt for four month’s course of instruction and get his commission’.

Pte Hugh Comans (Lilydale), 5^th Battalion: Dies while a patient in the No 5 Canadian General Hospital. He had been wounded a few days before, shrapnel wound to the head, and had been operated on and had the shrapnel removed. However, he started having convulsions as a result of inflammation that had developed on his brain from his wound, and died in his hospital bed. He is 33 years old and is buried in the Bologne Eastern Cemetery, France.

Sgt Tom Lydster MM (Wandin) 4^th Machine Gun Company: Is later awarded the Military Medal for a second time for the actions he undertook on this day. His recommendation stated: ‘This NCO displayed conspicuous gallantry and skill in the attack on the 26th September, 1917, near Zonnebeke. While in charge of a machine gun in the front line during an enemy counter attack he inflicted heavy losses on enemy who were being brought up by motor buses. While in charge of a strong post consisting of one Vickers and one Lewis gun, twenty-five yards in front of the front line, the position was blown in, all his own gun crew being wounded and of the Lewis gun crew, one being killed and one wounded. Sergeant Lydster immediately manned his Vickers gun and sent to the Infantry Commander for another crew for the Lewis gun and commenced firing on enemy who were seen approaching two hundred yards away under a heavy artillery barrage. It was largely due to this NCO’s coolness and bravery that the enemy’s counter attack in this particular sector was frustrated’.

L/Cpl Frederick Leach MM (Gruyere), 59^th Battalion – Is later awarded the Military Medal for the second time for the actions that he undertook on this day. His recommendation stated:‘At Polygon Wood, for conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. During the enemy bombardment the remainder of his Lewis Gun Team were either killed or wounded. This Lance Corporal for a period of about ten hours held his post and worked his gun by himself’.

Pte William Thurrowgood (Lilydale), 29^th Battalion: After being severely wounded in the face back in January, 1917, that included a fractured jaw and complete right facial paralysis, he is sent home to Australia for further treatment. On the ship home however, he develops septic meningitis and when the ship docks in Cape Town, South Africa he is taken off and transferred to a hospital there.

Pte Albert Lalor (Montrose), 46^th Battalion: Arrives in Australia from Europe on board the HT Borda. He is to be discharged as medically unfit as a result of defective eyesight.

September 27^th, 1917 –
Pte John Evans (Silvan), 60^th Battalion: Is killed in action when he is shot by a sniper while sheltering in a shell hole in No Man’s Land at Polygon Wood. He was dressing a wounded man at the time. He is 21 years old and is remembered on the memorial at Menin Gate, Ypres, Belgium.

Pte Frank Rae (Mooroolbark), 57^th Battalion: Is wounded in action during an artillery attack, shrapnel wound to the left eye, and is evacuated to hospital in England.

Pte Walter Leach (Gruyere), 2^nd Pioneer Battalion: Is wounded in action, severe wounds to both legs, and is evacuated to hospital in England.

Sgt Arthur Stallworthy (Lilydale), 1^st Remount Unit: Arrives in Australia from the Middle East on board the HT Boorara. He is to be discharged as medically unfit as a result of being overage.

September 28^th, 1917 –
Lt William Eales (Lilydale), 3^rd Division Ammunition Column: Is wounded in action, severe gunshot wound to back, and is evacuated to hospital in England.

Trp Bert Hutchinson (Lilydale), 4^th Light Horse Regiment: In camp in Palestine. In a letter to his future wife, Jessie Mackenzie of Yalca, Vic – ‘We were camped in the waadi away from the regiment for a week and it was lovely to have plenty of fresh water. We came to the regiment a few days ago and so far it has been alright. The weather is much cooler and the nights chilly. We may find the winter cold out here. While we are at the camp we shall have plenty of blankets. The other day we went out on a stunt and I expected to find a few Turks about but it was very quiet all day’.

September 29^th, 1917 –
Cpl Ralph Goode (Lilydale), 2^nd Field Ambulance: In the field in France. In his diary – ‘All out again, gave a bit of a concert tonight but in the middle of it had to scatter, Fritz bombed us – one of the biggest raids I’ve seen’.

September 30^th, 1917 –
Pte William Thurrowgood (Lilydale), 29^th Battalion: Dies while in hospital in Cape Town, South Africa of meningitis. He is 25 years old and is buried at the Woltemade Cemetery in Cape Town. Sadly, his brother-in-law, William Shell, would be killed in action in Belgium the following day.

Dvr Ernest Dutton (Wandin), 1^st Divisional Ammunition Column: Is wounded in action, severe shrapnel wound to his right thigh, left arm and head, and is evacuated to hospital in England.

Pte Bert Hooper (Mt Dandenong), 15^th Machine Gun Company: Is wounded in action, gunshot wound to his left shoulder, and is evacuated to hospital in England.

October 1^st, 1917 –
Pte William Shell (Lilydale), 8^th Battalion: While preparing for the attack on Broodseinde he comes under an artillery barrage and is killed in action. He is 25 years old and is remembered on the memorial at Menin Gate, Ypres, Belgium. His brother in law, Bert Thurrowgood, died while on active service the day before.

Gnr Arthur Jeeves (Mt Dandenong), 12^th Field Artillery Brigade: Is wounded in action, gunshot wound to left leg, and is evacuated to hospital in England. His leg would later be amputated.

Pte Stan Goode (Lilydale), 3^rd Pioneer Battalion: Is wounded in action from the effects of a shell blast, gas poisoning and shellshock, and is evacuated to hospital in France.

Pte Harry Moore (Lilydale), 45^th Battalion: Is awarded the Military Medal for his actions on this day. His recommendation states: ‘On the morning 1st October, 1917, near Zonnebeke the enemy opened a heavy artillery fire on our front line trenches. By the bursting of a shell, one man was hurled over the parapet in front of the trench. Without delay Private Moore jumped over the top and in broad daylight, despite the heavy machine gun fire, succeeded in dressing the wounded man and carrying him back into the trench and finally to the RAP through a shell swept area’.

Capt George Crowther (Lilydale), 39^th Battalion: Is recommended for the Military Cross. His recommendation states –‘For exceptionally good staff work extending over a period of six months. Since his appointment to Staff Captain this officer has displayed fine skills of organisation and administration. He supervised and controlled the administration and supply arrangements for the brigade in connection with the Messines battle in June last, and his effects contributed largely to the successful carrying out of the operations. He has always shown great capacity and initiative, and his been untiring in the performance of his onerous duties’.

October 2^nd, 1917 –
Pte Henry Lord (Wandin), 8^th Battalion: Is wounded in action, gas poisoning, and is evacuated from the field to hospital.

Pte Harry Black (Coldstream), 23^rd Australian Machine Gun Company: In a letter to the President of the Shire of Lillydale– ‘I arrived back on Monday last and joined up with my unit, after spending a most enjoyable twelve days in England and Ireland. I have not been to the trenches since my return; in fact, I have been a ‘cold-footer’ so far as this offensive is concerned. I have not heard how the local boys have fared. There is talk of us being returned so I will look them up first opportunity. I have not seen Robert Lawlor for some time, and it is now over a month since I last heard from Vin.

The days are rapidly drawing in and the weather is getting very cold here now. Winter is drawing nigh, and the war is still going on, but judging by the poor stand Fritz made in this last offensive, where in many instances they came out of their trenches with their hands up to meet our boys, when they saw them coming, I think their prospects of going through a winter campaign are far from rosy’.

Dvr Cyril Kuster (Lilydale), 37^th Battalion: Arrives in Australia from Europe on the NZT Pakeha to be discharged as medically unfit as a result of wounds he’d received in action in February.

October 3^rd, 1917 –
Pte John Payne (Seville), 5^th Battalion: Is evacuated from the field to hospital in England suffering from tonsillitis.

Pte Alexander Blair (Olinda), 22^nd Battalion: Is wounded in action, gunshot wound to the hand, and is evacuated to hospital in France. This is the second time he has been wounded in action.

Sig Guy Berry (Seville), 2^nd Divisional Signal Company: Is wounded in action, gunshot wounds to the right knee and chest, and evacuated to the 3^rd Canadian Clearing Station, Belgium.

L/Cpl Harold Wilkin (Wandin), 39^th Battalion: Is wounded in action for a second time, shrapnel wound in right hand, and is evacuated to hospital in France.

Pte Ernest James (Gruyere), 2^nd Pioneer Battalion: Is wounded in action, shrapnel wound to left arm, and is evacuated to hospital in England.

THE BATTLE OF BROODSEINDE RIDGE, BELGIUM

October 4^th, 1917 –
Pte Robert Lawlor (Coldstream), 22^nd Battalion: He is killed in action. After his death his officer, Lieutenant Burrage, wrote the following to his family: ‘at the time Bob was a Lewis gunner and doing duty in one of the greatest battles of the war, which was fought in Flanders. He was holding a portion of our newly captured positions when a large German shell came over and fell on the post, wounding several and ending the earthly days of your noble son. Bob was a great favourite with all whom he came in contact, and his loss is very much regretted’. He is just 21 years old and is buried at Tyne Cot Cemetery Belgium.

Pte Claude Pitt (Mt Evelyn), 37^th Battalion: He is killed in action. After his death his Commanding Officer wrote the following to his family: ‘I desire on behalf of the officers, NCOs and men of the battalion to convey to you our deepest sympathy. Your son, who only recently joined the battalion, had at all times conducted himself in such a manner as to earn the respect, praise and admiration of all ranks, by his unfailing cheerfulness and devotion to duty under most trying circumstances. His death is a severe blow to the battalion, and we all mourn, not only the loss of a comrade, but a brave man, who upheld the best traditions of the AIF’. He is 23 years old and is remembered on the memorial at Menin Gate, Ypres, Belgium.

Pte Charles Wallace (Seville), 22^nd Australian Machine Gun Company: He was killed in action. He is 25 years old and is remembered on the memorial at Menin Gate, Ypres, Belgium.

Pte William McCallum (Lilydale), 6^th Battalion: He was killed in action. He was on the No 1 machine gun at Rosieres and according to a witness, as soon as he started to work his gun he was instantly shot through the head by a sniper. He is 28 years old and is remembered on the memorial at Menin Gate, Ypres, Belgium.

Sig Guy Berry (Seville), 2^nd Divisional Signal Company: Dies of wounds he’d received in action the day before. He is 22 years old and is buried at the Lijssenthoek Military Cemetery in Belgium.

Dvr Albert Street (Gruyere), 2^nd Field Artillery Brigade: Is wounded in action, shrapnel wound to hand, and is evacuated to hospital in Belgium.

Lt Lyndon Watt (Lilydale), 6^th Battalion: Is wounded in action, gunshot wound to left leg, and is evacuated to hospital in England.

Cpl George Deacon (Lilydale), 7^th Battalion: Is wounded in action, gunshot wound to buttocks, and is evacuated to hospital in England.

Pte Harold Wright (Mooroolbark), 21^st Battalion: Is wounded in action, gunshot wound to groin and thigh, and is evacuated to hospital in England.

Pte Arthur Lowe (Yering), 24^th Battalion: Is wounded in action, gunshot wound to the cheek, and is evacuated to hospital in England.

Pte William Goodall (Lilydale), 24^th Battalion: Is wounded in action, gunshot wound to leg and neck, and is evacuated to hospital in England.

Cpl Frank Maher (Lilydale), 2^nd Machine Gun Company: He is recommended for the Distinguished Conduct Medal for his action on this day and over the next few days. His recommendation states: ‘During the operations at Broodseinde Ridge, east of Ypres, on the 4^th to 11^th October, 1917 the NCO was in charge of a machine gun. He was wounded but refused to leave his post. His gun position was blown in by shell fire and he showed great coolness and ability in constructing a new position under very heavy shell fire and in getting his gun and men forward into it. His conduct throughout was splendid and his cheerful behaviours and fine exhibition of courage and endurance were a great example to his men and no doubt prevented the weaker ones from giving way under the continual strain’.

October 5^th, 1917 –
L/Cpl Frank Tait (Mt Dandenong), 57^th Battalion: Is wounded in action, shrapnel wound, contusion to back, and is evacuated to hospital in England.

Pte Thomas Telson (Lilydale), 37^th Battalion: Is wounded in action, shrapnel wound to his face, legs, hand and he lost a finger, and is evacuated to the 3^rd Australian Casualty Clearing Station in Belgium.

Walter Wilken (Silvan): Leaves his farm in Silvan to enlist in the AIF, he is 20 years old.

October 6^th, 1917 –
Pte Thomas Telson (Lilydale), 37^th Battalion: While at the 3^rd Australian Casualty Clearing Station in Belgium he dies of wounds he’d received the day before in action. He is 44 years old and is buried at the Nine Elms British Cemetery in Belgium.

October 7^th, 1917 –
Pte Thomas Brown (Olinda), 6^th Machine Gun Company: Is wounded in action, bullet wound to left leg, and is evacuated to hospital in France.

October 9^th, 1917 –
Gnr Percy Hyne (Lilydale), 8^th Field Artillery Battery: In a letter to his Mother – ‘We then pulled into Zillebeke, where it was one continual run, night and day, to and from the guns. I got my issue there, in the shape of a finger, which I was not sorry for, as it was a crook place to be in. After that we went back to Messines Ridge on Stinking and Gooseberry Farms, where we were for the winter’.

Cpl Leslie Jack (Seville), 21^st Battalion: Is killed in action while dug in at Daisy Wood. He is hit in the head with shrapnel during an artillery barrage and is killed instantly. He is 25 years old and is remembered on the memorial at Menin Gate, Ypres, Belgium.

Pte Frank Ketteridge (Lilydale), 21^st Battalion: Is killed in action while dug in at Daisy Wood. He is killed during an artillery barrage when a shell landed in his trench killing him and all of his Lewis gun team. He is 25 years old and is buried at the Tyne Cot Cemetery, Belgium.

Pte Thomas Holter (Lilydale), 21^st Battalion: Is wounded in action, severe gunshot wound to the right leg, and is evacuated to hospital in England.

L/Cpl Harold Hunter MM (Wandin), 24^th Battalion: Is wounded in action, contusion to back, and is evacuated to hospital in England.

October 10^th, 1917 –
Pte Charles Clegg (Wandin), 32^nd Battalion: Is wounded in action, shrapnel wound in back, and is evacuated to hospital in England.

Pte Thomas Harvey (Lilydale), 23^rd Battalion: Is wounded in action, gunshot wound left leg, and is evacuated to hospital in England.

October 11^th, 1917 –
Pte Harold Dozell (Lilydale), 59^th Battalion: Is tried by a District Court Martial on a charge of ‘while on active service he deserted from His Majesty’s Service’. While in London on March 10^th, 1917, he remained absent without leave until apprehended in London on September 29^th, 1917. He is awarded eighteen months’ detention, and forfeited 762 days’ pay.

THE BATTLE OF PASSCHENDAELE RIDGE, BELGIUM

October 12^th, 1917 –
L/Cpl Ronald Ingram (Seville), 1^st Battalion, Otago Regiment, NZEF: Is killed in action in the charge at Bellevue Spur at Passchendaele Ridge. He is 30 years old and as his body was never recovered, he is remembered on the memorial at Tyne Cot Cemetery, Belgium. He younger brother Alex had already been killed in action earlier in the year and his brother George was to go on to be awarded the Victoria Cross at Montbrehain the following year.

Pte Robert Jeeves (Montrose), 58^th Battalion: Is wounded in action, gunshot wound to neck and right thigh, and is evacuated to hospital in England.

Pte Edward Gray (Seville), 37^th Battalion: Is wounded in action, gas poisoning, and is evacuated to hospital in England.

October 13^th, 1917 –
Pte Arthur Roger (Silvan), 39^th Battalion: Is killed in action at Passchendaele. He is 31 years old and has no known grave but is remembered on the memorial at Menin Gate, Ypres, Belgium.

Pte Harry McCormack (Wandin), 6^th Battalion: Is killed in action at Passchendaele. He is 21 years old and has no known grave but is remembered on the memorial at Menin Gate, Ypres, Belgium.

Lt Leslie Bolitho (Lilydale), 29^th Battalion: Is wounded in action, gunshot wound to leg and sprained ankle, and is evacuated from the field to hospital in England. He is also awarded the Military Cross for his actions on this day. His recommendation states – ‘For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty during an attack. He did excellent work throughout and when the position was somewhat obscure, he made a reconnaissance of the line under heavy machine gun fire, and obtained information which was of great assistance to his commanding officer. When the latter was wounded, he commanded the battalion most successfully until relieved’.

Pte Florian Deschamp (Lilydale), 22^nd Battalion: In the field in Belgium. In a letter to his mother – ‘We are now billeted in a farmhouse for two days, having returned from the fighting area. I was nine days in the trenches; the fighting was mostly artillery, though there was some hand-to-hand infantry fighting. On coming out of the trenches, we were served with a good hot meat stew and plenty of well cooked vegetables both for dinner and tea. We also had a warm bath on coming out of the firing line although we had to march four miles to get that; then each man was given a splendid wool shirt, singlet, underpants, and socks.

The weather is turning fairly cold. In a few days from now I will have had my twelve months as a soldier. To-night we are having a concert in the big barn. I have just received a parcel from you, and am lucky in saying it has arrived safely, as your others have done. The farm house here is built of mud, plastered walls and thatched roof; while the farm buildings are of brick with tiled roofs. They have big dogs that work the tread mill, the wheel being about 11′ feet high. The last visible crops are being gathered (beets), and the big manure pit; are being emptied on to the fields again. Hoping friends are well, and with my best wishes to them all’.

Dvr Thomas Hennessy (Lilydale), 12^th Field Artillery Brigade: Arrives back in Australia from Europe on board the HMAT Borda to be discharged as medically unfit as a result of developing chronic bronchitis.

October 14^th, 1917 –
Lt Thomas Eales (Lilydale), 21^st Battalion: Is wounded in action, shell fracture to his arm, and is evacuated to hospital in England.

October 16^th, 1917 –
Pte Lindsay Yeaman (Montrose), 20^th Battalion: Is wounded in action, gas poisoning, and is evacuated to hospital in France.

October 17^th, 1917 –
Pte Edmund Rossiter (Silvan), 6^th Battalion: Is wounded in action, shrapnel wound to shoulder, and is evacuated to hospital in England.

Pte Wesley Noden (Lilydale), 2^nd Depot Battalion: Goes missing from Broadmeadows Army Camp. A later court of enquiry declares him to be a deserter.

October 18^th, 1917 –
Dvr Cecil Watson (Olinda), 10^th Field Ambulance: Is wounded in action, bullet wound to the scalp, and evacuated to hospital in England.

October 19^th, 1917 –
Sr Alicia Kelly (Mt Dandenong), Australian Army Nursing Service: At the 3^rd Casualty Clearing Station, France. From her diary: ‘The noise was so terrific, and the concussion so great that I was thrown to the ground and had no idea where the damage was. I shall never forget the awful climb on hands and feet out of that hole that was about five feet deep with greasy clay and blood (although I did not know then that it was blood). A bomb had fallen directly alongside the pneumonia ward (pre-antibiotic). Though I shouted, nobody answered me, or I could hear nothing for the roar of planes and artillery. I seemed to be the only living thing about.

I flew through the chest and abdo wards and called out: ‘are you alright boys?’ ‘don’t bother about us’ was the general cry. I cannot remember what came next, or what I did, except that I kept calling for the orderly to help me and thought he was funking, but the poor boy had been blown to bits. Somebody got the tent up, and when I got to the delirious pneumonia patient, he was crouched on the ground at the back of the stretcher. He took no notice of me when I asked him to return to bed, so I leaned across the stretcher and put one arm around and tried to lift him in. I had my right arm under a leg, which I thought was his, but when I lifted I found to my horror that it was a loose leg with a boot and a puttee on it. It was one of the orderly’s legs which had been blown off and had landed on the patient’s bed. The next day they found the trunk about 20 yards away’.

Pte Alex Duncan (Lilydale), 14^th Battalion: Is wounded in the field, burnt right hand and fingers, and is evacuated to hospital in France.

Pte John Albrey (Seville), 2^nd Pioneer Battalion: Arrives in Australia from Europe on the HMAT Port Lyttleton to be discharged as medically unfit as a result of contracting myalgia. He had spent eight months serving in England before getting sick and never arrived in France.

Spr Dennis Shepherdson (Lilydale), No 5 Tunnelling Company: Arrives in Australia from Europe on the HMAT Port Lyttleton to be discharged as medically unfit as a result of contracting chronic rheumatism and because of his age.

October 20^th, 1917 –
Pte Harry Moore (Lilydale), 45^th Battalion: Is wounded in action, gunshot wound to face, arm and right leg, and is evacuated to hospital in England.

Pte Albert Parkes (Coldstream), 59^th Battalion: Is reported to be a prisoner of war in a camp in Limberg, Germany.

October 21^st, 1917 –
Pte William Wood (Seville), 3^rd Pioneer Battalion: Dies in the Kitchener Military Hospital in Brighton of acute appendicitis with abscess. He is 24 years old and is buried in the Brighton Borough Cemetery, England.

Pte Henry Tudor (Lilydale), 23^rd Battalion: Due to infection in his wounded left leg while in hospital in England, doctors are forced to amputate his leg.

October 22^nd, 1917 –
Cpl Ralph Goode (Lilydale), 2^nd Field Ambulance: In the field in France. In his diary – ‘Big raid by Fritz tonight, just as it got dark about 7pm, don’t know how many bombs he dropped, he missed us but the ‘long ranges’, 100 yards away, whew’.

Pte Barney Gilson (Lilydale), 14^th Battalion: Arrives in Australia from Europe on board the HT Pakeha to be discharged as medically unfit as a result of wounds he’d received in action the year before.

Pte Charles Kimberley-Walker x (Lilydale), 23^rd Battalion: Arrives in Australia from Europe on board the HT Pakeha to be discharged as medically unfit as a result of contracting a venereal disease.

October 24^th, 1917 –
Cpl Leslie Jerrams (Lilydale), 1^st Australian Wireless Squadron: Arrives in Australia from India on the HT Gracchus to be discharged as medically unfit as a result of contracting malaria in Mesopotamia in October 1916.

Walter Gladstone Clegg (Wandin): Leaves his job as a painter in Subiaco, WA, where he is living, and enlists in the AIF, he is 30 years old and married.

October 25^th, 1917 –
Pte George Allen (Lilydale) & Pte Thomas Goodall (Lilydale), 8^th Battalion: Both were killed in action. According to one eye witness, during the advance on Passchendaele. George Allen was at the Company Headquarters, just behind a pillbox on Passchendaele Ridge, and was standing with Thomas in a trench just outside having a smoke. Suddenly a high explosive shell landed in the trench killing both of them and another two soldiers instantly. Their mates buried them all together the next day in a shell hole near where they fell, they were both 27 years old and both are remembered on the memorial at Menin Gate, Ypres, Belgium.

Dvr Alfred Pomeroy (Wandin), 24^th Field Artillery Brigade: Is wounded in action, shrapnel wound to the face, and is evacuated to hospital in Belgium.

October 26^th, 1917 –
Pte Jack Lester (Yering), 8^th Battalion: Is wounded in action, shrapnel wound to the back, and is evacuated to hospital in England.

Pte John Rose (Lilydale), 8^th Battalion: Is wounded in action, gunshot wound to the chest, and is evacuated to hospital in England.

Pte Henry Lord (Wandin), 8^th Battalion: Is later awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal for his actions on this date. His recommendation states – ‘On one occasion, when in charge of a party engaged in establishing communications tracks through Polygon Wood to the forward area, he behaved with great gallantry under heavy enemy fire when the enemy heavily shelled the vicinity and the party suffered heavy casualties, getting all the wounded to the dressing station, and by his personal example encouraging the men in their difficult task so that the work was completed in spite of the enemy fire.’

October 27^th, 1917 –
Spr Harry Linacre (Seville), 14^th Field Company Engineers: Is severely wounded in action with multiple shrapnel wounds and is evacuated from the field by the 15^th Field Ambulance but dies soon after. He is 26 years old and is buried at the Menin Road South Military Cemetery in Ypres, Belgium. His personal possessions would later be sent to his fiancée Elsie Mitchell of Seville.

October 29^th, 1917 –
Trp Alexander Mathews (Seville), 8^th Light Horse Regiment: Is evacuated from the field suffering from haemorrhoids and sent to hospital in Kantara, Egypt.

October 30^th, 1917 –
Spr Joseph Gibson (Kilsyth), 3^rd Division Signal Company: Is wounded in action, gas poisoning, and is evacuated to hospital in England.

Pte Joseph Goodall (Lilydale), 10^th Battalion: Leaves Australia bound for Europe on the HMAT Aeneas.

Pte Albert Anderson (Olinda), 6^th Machine Gun Company: Leaves Australia bound for Europe on the HMAT Aeneas.

THE CHARGE AT BEERSHEBA, PALESTINE

October 31^st, 1917 –
Locals in the charge –

Trp Bert Hutchinson (Lilydale), 4^th Light Horse Regiment

Trp Walter Morrison (Lilydale), 4^th Light Horse Regiment

Trp Vincent Black (Coldstream), 4^th Light Horse Regiment: Is wounded during the charge, gunshot wound to abdomen, chest and arm as well as a fractured wrist. He is eventually evacuated to hospital in Egypt.

November 2^nd, 1917 –
Capt Leonard Cox (Olinda), Australian Army Medical Corps: Is attached to the 8^th Field Ambulance to serve with them as a Regimental Medical Officer for the next three months.

Pte Norman Stewart x (Wandin), No 3 Company, New Zealand Machine Gun Corps: Arrives back in New Zealand on board the HT Tainui to be discharged as medically unfit as a result of a wound he’d received the year before.

Alvin Closs (Olinda): Leaves his orchard at Olinda and enlists in the AIF, he is 22 years old and married.

November 5^th, 1917 –
Pte Fred Town (Lilydale), 2^nd Division Ammunition Column: Is evacuated from the field to hospital in France suffering from diphtheria.

Peter Witt (Olinda): Even though his parents were both born in Germany, he doesn’t hesitate to leave his job as a blacksmith and enlist in the Australian Light Horse, he is 24 years old.

November 7^th, 1917 –
Pte Thomas Geddes (Wandin) 1^st Remount Unit: After 204 days’ service at camps in Seymour, Ascot Vale and Bendigo, he is discharged as medically unfit by the military authorities.

November 8^th, 1917 –
Gnr Howard Guttmann (Olinda), 2^nd Field Artillery Brigade: Is wounded in action, gas poisoning, and is evacuated to hospital in France.

November 9^th, 1917 –
Gnr Clarence Rouget (Wandin), Field Artillery Brigade: Leaves Australia bound for Europe on the HMAT Port Sydney.

Gnr William Rothque (Lilydale), Field Artillery Brigade: Leaves Australia bound for Europe on the HMAT Port Sydney.

November 10^th, 1917 –
Sister Dorothy Moroney (Lilydale), Australian Army Nursing Service: While serving in Salonika, Greece, she is transferred to the 42^nd General Hospital to work.

Pte Albert Walker (Montrose), Australian Flying Corps: Is transferred to the 16^th Squadron Royal Flying Corps in France as an air mechanic.

Pte Peter Witt (Olinda), 1^st Remount Unit: Leaves Australia on board HT Gracchus to deliver horses to India. He would return in a few months’ time on board HT Chindwarra.

November 11^th, 1917 –
Cpl Ralph Goode (Lilydale), 2^nd Field Ambulance: In the field in France. In his diary –‘Relieved by 2/1 East Lancasters 10am, thank goodness I got out safe. The liveliest twenty minutes I’ve had for a long while getting out, marched to Dominion Camp (near Ouderdom), mud up to our necks’.

Lt James Wilken (Kilsyth), Australian Flying Corps: Is awarded the Meritorious Service Medal ‘in recognition of valuable services rendered with the Armies in the Field, in Mesopotamia’. 

Pte Oswald Wilson (Lilydale), 29^th Battalion: Arrives in Australia from Europe to be discharged as medically unfit as a result of losing his right leg.

November 13^th, 1917 –
Stoker Albert Clegg (Wandin), HMAS Psyche: After time at HMAS Cerberus he is reassigned to HMAS Psyche and for the next four months the ship would be on patrol in the Bay of Bengal and off the coast of Burma until March 1918, when it would escort military transports between Burma and India.

Pte Thomas Gaudion (Wandin), 5^th Battalion: Arrives in Australia from Europe on the HT Ulysses to be discharged as medically unfit as a result of wounds he had received in action.

Pte John Thomson (Mt Evelyn), 58^th Battalion: Arrives in Australia from Europe on the HT Ulysses to be discharged as medically unfit as a result of wounds he had received in action.

Dvr Charles Reilly x (Olinda), 3^rd Divisional Ammunition Column: Arrives in Australia from Europe on the HT Ulysses to be discharged as medically unfit.

Pte Alfred Fellows (Lilydale), 2^nd Pioneer Battalion: Arrives in Australia from Europe on the HT Ulysses to be discharged as medically unfit as a result of wounds he had received in action.

November 14^th, 1917 –
Pte Albert Ragartz (Seville), 6^th Battalion: After being in the trenches for some time, he began to suffer from dizziness and shortness of breath. He was evacuated to a hospital where he was diagnosed with cardiac dilation.

November 15^th, 1917 –
Leslie McGregor (Lilydale): Leaves his dental practise in Lilydale and enlists in the AIF, he is 34 years old.

November 16^th, 1917 –
Pte Leslie Farndon MM (Mt Dandenong), 23^rd Battalion: Is evacuated from the field to hospital suffering from pneumonia.

Pte Wilmot Stephens (Lilydale), 23^rd Battalion, Wellington Regiment: Leaves New Zealand bound for Europe on the HT Tahiti.

John McGhee (Lilydale): Leaves his job as a telegraph messenger and enlists in the AIF, he is 18 years old.

November 17^th, 1917 –
Sig Gordon Ewart (Montrose), 58^th Battalion: Sustains injuries to his left knee in an accident and is admitted to hospital in France.

Trp Walter Boys (Seville), 8^th Light Horse Regiment: Is injured in action when a horse rolls on him and damages his back. He is evacuated to hospital in Egypt.

November 18^th, 1917 –
Pte William Russell (Seville), 6^th Battalion: Is evacuated from the field to hospital in England suffering from trench fever.

Pte Richard Robertson (Mt Evelyn), 23^rd Battalion: Arrives back in Australia from Europe on the HT Suevic to be discharged as medically unfit as a result of wounds he’d received in action in 1916.

November 19^th, 1917 –
Pte George Reid (Lilydale), Australian Flying Corps: Is attached to 69^th Squadron in France as an air mechanic.

November 21^st, 1917 –
The following local soldiers leave Australia bound for Europe on board the HMAT Nestor:

Pte Allan Dodd (Olinda), 8^th Battalion

Pte Alex Martin (Lilydale), 14^th Battalion

Pte William Gilson (Lilydale), 22^nd Battalion

Pte Walter Wilken (Silvan), 3^rd Pioneer Battalion

November 26^th, 1917 –
The following local soldiers leave Australia bound for Europe on board the SS Indarra:

Gnr Thomas Hunter (Wandin), Field Artillery Brigade

Gnr Noel Cox-Taylor (Silvan), Field Artillery Brigade

Lt Leslie McGregor (Lilydale), AMC Dental

Pte Frederick Miller (Coldstream), 59^th Battalion

November 28^th, 1917 –
Gnr William Lucas (Silvan), 4^th Light Horse Regiment: While in England he is discharged as medically unfit and ordered to be sent back to Australia. His medical report states: ‘he is 54 years of age and looks it. Cannot carry on the work which is too heavy for him. Suffers from senility and cardio vascular changes’.

November 30^th, 1917 –
L/Cpl Frederick Leach MM & Bar (Gruyere), 59^th Battalion: Is killed in action while at Messines. He is 25 years old and is buried at Cabin Hill Cemetery, Belgium.

Sgt Kavan Lawlor (Coldstream), 8^th Light Horse Regiment: Is awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal for his actions on this day during the Battle of Jersualem. His recommendation states -‘For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. During a very severe enemy attack he worked unceasingly in the performance of his duties, showing the greatest energy and resource and a complete disregard of all danger, and it was in a very great measure due to his personal exertions that the firing line was so well supplied with ammunition and bombs’.

Arthur Padgett (Lilydale): Leaves his job as a labourer and enlists in the AIF, he is 25 years old.

December 1^st, 1917 –
Lt Charles Stanbury MM (Lilydale), 8^th Light Horse Regiment: Is wounded in action, gunshot wound to shoulder, and is evacuated to hospital in Egypt.

December 8^th, 1917 –
Pte Alfred Larking (Lilydale), 2^nd Pioneer Battalion: Is wounded in action, gas poisoning, and is evacuated to hospital in England.

Spr Ernest Rae (Mooroolbark), 1^st Divisional Signal Company: Is evacuated from the field to hospital in France suffering from sciatica.

Pte Mort Tait (Lilydale), 31^st Battalion: Is evacuated from the field to hospital in England suffering from neurasthenia. His medical report states – ‘he was in a state of extreme terror. Imagines every slight noise is a bursting shell’.

December 9^th, 1917 –
Gnr Alfred Eades (Montrose), 12^th Field Artillery Brigade: Is evacuated from the field to hospital in France suffering from tonsillitis.

December 10^th, 1917 –
Pte George Rouget (Wandin), 59^th Battalion: Is evacuated from the field to hospital in England suffering from bronchitis.

Pte Albert Woolrich (Olinda), 14^th Battalion: Arrives back in Australia from Europe on board the HT Beltana to be discharged as medically unfit as a result of wounds he’d received in action.

Cyril Barnes (Lilydale): Leaves his job as a postal assistant and enlists in the AIF, he is 19 years old.

Thomas McCarthy (Lilydale): Leaves his job as a grocer and enlists in the AIF, he is 21 years old.

December 15^th, 1917 –
L/Cpl Cyril Gregan (Olinda), 23^rd Battalion: Arrives back in Australia from Europe on board the HT Port Lyttleton to be discharged as medically unfit as a result of wounds he’d received the year before in action.

Francis O’Hara (Olinda): Leaves his studies as a medical student at Melbourne University and enlists in the AIF, he is 19 years old.

December 16^th, 1917 –
Pte George Hamilton (Lilydale), 1^st Pioneer Battalion: Is evacuated from the field to hospital in England suffering from rheumatism and myalgia.

Cpl Ralph Goode (Lilydale), 2^nd Field Ambulance: On leave in England. In a letter to his mother in Lilydale – ‘I had a glorious time, my mate Frank Green and I were together all the time, we stayed with his Aunts at Surrey and Brockley and oh they did give us a great time by the way. I took Alice to see ‘Chu Chin Chow’. On Sunday morning they took us across the famous Wimbledon Common, a great place on Bank Holiday.

While on our way there I noticed a nice house standing by itself and I said that’s a nice house, whose is it? Oh, said one of the girls, that’s Coombe Cottage, Melba’s home, I said Melba’s? – then explanation followed and I told them all about Coombe Cottage at Coldstream, anyway I’ve seen Melba’s home in Surrey. During the afternoon they took us to Hampton Court, I didn’t know what Hampton Court was, thought it was a tennis court, nevertheless I said I did, when we got there I found it was a palace built by Cardinal Wolsey for Henry VIII and lived in by Henry and his various wives for years. It was a most wonderful old place, the wonderful gardens, altho it is winter, and all the old rooms with all the walls covered with old pictures of all the lords and ladies and the armies going into battle. Some of the walls were covered with tapestries and then all the old furniture, the Queen bedroom, sitting room, drawing room and all the Kings rooms, oh and the lovers walk where the King used to court his various wives’.

December 17^th, 1917 –
Ordinary Seaman Samuel Rouget (Wandin), HMAS Fantome: Having been transferred back to HMAS Fantome in October, the ship undertakes patrols around the Pacific while basing itself at Suva Bay, Fiji. It was while he was here on this day that he accidentally drowned. He was 24 years old and as he has no known grave is remembered on the Plymouth Naval Memorial in Devon, England.

A report that appeared in the Argus newspaper stated the following –‘He apparently fell off the pier whilst waiting for a boat, only his cap being found. He was a very steady man, and exceedingly well liked, and appears to have had no worries. It is thought likely that he was suffering from a type of malaria and he apparently slipped on a pier which is used for copra and is very slippery, especially as it was a rainy night. His body has been dragged for, without success, but sharks are numerous in the locality’.

Pte Alex Pope (Lilydale), 6^th Battalion: Is admitted to hospital in France suffering from scabies.

Pte Louis Herry (Lilydale), No 14 Australian General Hospital: Arrives in Australia from Egypt on board the HMAT Wiltshire to be discharged as medically unfit due to deafness.

December 18^th, 1917 –
Cpl Ralph Goode (Lilydale), 2^nd Field Ambulance: On leave in England. In a letter to his mother in Lilydale –‘We came up to London on Monday night intending to go from Surrey to Scotland but met a couple of pals who were going up the next night so we decided to go up with them, and that was how we got in the Air Raid the next night.

It was one of the funniest nights I’ve seen, crowded streets one minute and a few minutes – nobody to be seen except a few soldiers and policemen. Goodness knows where the people got to, the motto seems to be ‘any port in a storm’, or ‘any hole’s a good hole’. I don’t know how much I can say about it here, I know a policeman shoved us into a big restaurant and told us if he caught us out he would put us in the ‘clink’ so we had to put in two hours trying to amuse half hysterical women and howling kids. Several more Australians and French and I got the kiddies together and we played games and danced with them and I think we did a bit of good cos we had the women laughing at our antics. A lot of them forgot there was a raid on till a couple of bombs fell near and that was the end of it, they simply went to pieces after that’.

Gladys Gilbert (nee Stanton), Battersea, London: She later married a local soldier and came to Australia as a war bride. In an interview undertaken in 1994 –‘With the war being on, all the lighting in the street was blackened and you only had a little glimmer because they’d painted around the globes you see. Then they’d have the searchlights going and if there were any Taubes over they’d fire and they were doing that all over London. You’d look up with the searchlights and you’d see the planes and when they used to drop the bombs, we’d count them; they carried eight bombs each, and we’d count all the explosions up to eight then we knew they’d be finished’.

December 19^th, 1917 –
Pte Percy Letch (Lilydale), 2^nd Section Railway Unit: Leaves Australia bound for Egypt on the HMT Ballarat.

December 20^th, 1917 –
Pte Henry Millward (Olinda), 39^th Battalion: Is admitted to hospital in France suffering from scabies.

Cpl Ralph Goode (Lilydale), 2^nd Field Ambulance: On leave in England. In a letter to his mother in Lilydale –‘I say what about conscription, isn’t it awful, we are astounded over here, we never thought the people would let us down, not after the way the people put the National Government into power. By gum Mum I do feel bitter, I think it’s absolutely disgraceful, we are the only country who is not conscripted, what are we going to do, we can’t get reinforcements to keep us up to strength. There was a big chance of us old hands going home this year had conscription gone through but its settled now, I wonder if Fritz was to bomb or shell some of our cities would the people wake up. Well I must close, haven’t been too brilliant last few days, touch of trench fever, feeling much better now, altho still a bit groggy’.

December 21^st, 1917 –
Pte Alexander Blair (Olinda), 22^nd Battalion: Marries a Scottish girl in London. She would later follow him to Australia as a war bride.

Henry Simpson (Wandin): Born in Wandin, although living in Balaclava at the time, he enlists in the AIF, he is 32 years old.

Harold Smith (Silvan): At 49 years old he was too old for the AIF, so he left his job as a teamster in the timber industry and volunteered as an Australian War Worker to work in the agricultural industry in England. He is married with four children.

December 22^nd, 1917 –
The following locals leave Australia bound for Europe on the HMAT Ulysses:

Sr Matilda McNeill (Lilydale), Australian Army Nursing Service

Pte Clarence Jack (Wandin), 37^th Battalion

Pte Geoffrey Berry (Seville), 38^th Battalion

Pte Roy Langley (Montrose), 13^th Light Horse Regiment

December 23^rd, 1917 –
Sr Edith Yeaman (Montrose), Australian Army Nursing Service: Is removed from active service and sent to hospital suffering from bronchitis.

December 25^th, 1917 –
Pte William Wood (Seville), 3^rd Pioneer Battalion: Is evacuated from the field to hospital in England suffering from appendicitis. He would not return to his unit.

December 26^th, 1917 –
Sgt John Hogg (Wandin), 7^th Battalion: Is wounded in action, gas poisoning and is evacuated from the field to hospital in England.

Pte Wilfred Palliser (Lilydale), 7^th Battalion: Is wounded in action, gas poisoning and is evacuated from the field to hospital in England.

Pte Edward Gray (Seville), 37^th Battalion: Is evacuated from the field to hospital in England suffering from dysentery and pleurisy.

Dvr Richard Pendlebury (Seville), 2^nd Field Artillery Brigade:  Is evacuated from the field to hospital in France suffering from scabies.

December 27^th, 1917 –
Wyatt Blair (Mooroolbark): Leaves his job as clerk and enlists in the Australian Flying Corps, he is 21 years old.

December 30^th, 1917 –
Gnr Theodore Hand (Mt Dandenong), 12^th Field Artillery Brigade: Arrives in Australia from Europe on board the HT Berrima to be discharged as medically unfit as a result of wounds he’d received in action.

Pte Roy Cahill (Gruyere), 11^th Field Ambulance: Arrives in Australia from Europe on board the HT Berrima to be discharged as medically unfit as a result of developing severe bronchitis.