Along with his comrade's brave - Somewhere in a Foreign land he's now sleeping
.
SAINT Herbert Charles 2514
Rank: Private
Unit: 50th Infantry Battalion Born: 18th August 1889, Hindmarsh, Sth Aust - Attestaion states Bowden Son of Charles & Matilda Saint Next of Kin: Wife - Rubina Angeline Sarah Saint, Govenor Hotel, Hindmarsh, Sth Aust Occupation prior to Enlistment: Farmer Enlisted: 4th March 1916, Adelaide, Sth Aust. Embarked for Overseas 21st September 1916 from Adelaide per HMAT "Commonwealth" Prisoner of War - Captured Moreuil 2nd April 1917 and interned Limburg, Germany Repatriated to London 3rd December 1918 Returned to Australia 26th May 1919 per HT "Medic" Discharged: 4th July 1919 - Cessation of Hostilities |
Photo: All Australia Memorial S.A. Edition
SALLNOW Frederick Lionel 4650
Rank: Private
Unit: 32nd Battalion
Born: London, England
Next of Kin: Father - Charles Sallnow, 5 Duncan Gallows Cottages, Beckton, Essex, England
Occupation prior to Enlistment: Farm Hand
Enlisted: 24th October 1916, Adelaide, Sth Aust.
Address at Date of Enlistment: Calca, West Coast, Sth Aust.
Embarked for Overseas 16th December 1916 from Adelaide per HMAT "Berrima"
Served in England
Service Abroad: 1 year 79 days
Returned to Australia 4th March 1918 per HT "Port Darwin"
Discharged: 3rd May 1918
SANDERCOCK Wilfred James 3594B
Rank: Private
Unit: 10th Battalion late 27th Battalion
Born: Broken Hill, N.S.W.
Son of James Henry Sandercock & Emma Sophia nee Hart
Next of Kin: Mother - Mrs Emma Sophis Sandercock, 22 Foundry Street, Goodwood, S.A.
Occupation prior to Enlistment: Labourer
Enlisted: 17th August 1915, Adelaide, Sth Aust.
Embarked for Overseas 12th January 1916 from Adelaide per HMAT "Borda"
Killed in Action 25th July 1916, Pozieres, France
Memorialised: Villers-Bretonneux, France
Australian War Memorial Commemorative Area - Panel 60
Photo: District Council of Ceduna
The Advertiser 5th September 1916
The late Private W.J. Sandercock, who was killed in action on July 23, was 23 years of age. He enlisted in August 1915 at Port Lincoln, and left Australia in January last for Egypt. He spent some time on the Suez Canal defences, and in March sailed for France.
SAUNDERS Samuel Gilbert George 2354
Rank: S/Smith Temp
Unit: 3rd Light Horse Regiment
Born: 18th August 1889, Wandearah, Sth Aust
Son of William Saunders & Elizabeth nee Newbury
Next of Kin: Mother - Mrs Elizabeth Ann Saunders, Penong, West Coast, Sth Aust.
Occupation prior to Enlistment: Labourer
Enlisted: 7th September 1915, Adelaide, Sth Aust.
Address at Date of Enlistment: Charra, West Coast, Sth Aust
Embarked for Overseas 29th April 1916 from Adelaide per HMAT "Botanist"
Served in Egypt
Returned to Australia 12th July 1919 per HT "Aeneas"
Discharged: 31st December 1919
Died: 25th November 1971
Resting: Centennial Park, Adelaide - General D, Path 11, Grave 768
Photo: Courtesy Susanne Rendell
SCOTT Robert 3182
Rank: Private
Unit: 54th Battalion Born: Fowlers Bay, Sth Aust Next of Kin: Wife - Mrs Florence Scott, Mead St., Exeter, Sth Aust Occupation prior to Enlistment: Farmer Enlisted: 28th October 1916, Rutherford, N.S.W. Embarked for Overseas 11th November 1916 from Sydney, N.S.W. per HMAT "Suevic" Killed in Action 18th October 1917, Belgium Memorialised : Ypres Menin Gate, Belgium Australian War Memorial Commemorative Area - Panel 159 |
"International Wargraves Photography Project #46770518 on Find-A-Grave"
SEDGLEY William Henry 5912 / 8791 - M.M.
Rank: Corporal
Unit: 18th Aust. Army Service Corps
Born: 1st June 1890, Gawler South, Sth Aust
Son of Walter Henry Sedgley & Annie nee Mongan
Next of Kin: Father - W.H. Sedgley, Waranda Wells, West Coast, Sth Aust
Occupation prior to Enlistment: Farmer
Residence prior to enlistment: Waranda Well, via Streaky Bay, Sth Aust.
Enlisted: 3rd November 1914, Morphettville, Sth Aust
Embarked for Overseas 26th May 1915 from Adelaide per HMAT "Afric"
Service Abroad: 3years 248 days
Returned to Australia 22nd January 1919 per HT "Argylshire"
Discharged: 22nd March 1919 - Medically unfit
Died: 16th September 1971
Resting: Ceduna, Sth Aust.
Photo: State Records South Australia ref: GRG26/5/4 - 1654
Awarded Military Medal - Commonwealth of Australia Gazette 27th June 1918, page 1391
For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. Was on duty with a convoy of 80 mules, under Command of Lieut. B.D. Rush, carrying rations and water to the 14th Australian Infantry Brigade in the front line on 19 October 1917. On arriving near Westhoek, the convoy was stopped by a block on the road caused by enemy shell fire, the road being totally destroyed in several places. The convoy was taken around over bad ground and proceeded on its journey, it was twice stopped by Traffic Control Officers who considered it impossible to get through. Several other officers encountered, were also of the same opinion and advised that the trip should be abandoned. At two points the column was thrown into confusion and was retiring when these two H.C.O's (the other being Lance Corporal George Thomas Roberts) rallied their men, and eventually by their fine example and courage under most trying and dangerous circumstances, succeeded in reforming the column and getting it forward and delivering the whole of the rations and water. This was the only column that got through.
Advertiser 17th September 1971 SEDGLEY, William Henry - At Murat Bay District Hospital, on September 16, Beloved husband of the late Jennie and loved father of Madge, Freda, and Walter (Jim), also Hugh (deceased), loved father-in-law of Otto, Jean and Lorraine, and loved grandfather of John, Jule, Heather and Kaye. Aged 81 years. So mote it be. |
SEDGLEY Walter John Mongan 6905
Rank: Warrant Officer (Class 1) Unit: Australian Flying Corps Born: 16th March 1888, Gawler, Sth Aust Son of Walter Henry Sedgley & Annie nee Mongan Next of Kin: Wife - Mrs Olive Victoria Sedgley, 6 Holland Street, Southwark, Sth Aust Occupation prior to Enlistment: Architect Address prior to Enlistment: Waranda Wells, via Streaky Bay, Sth Aust Enlisted: 12th March 1917, Brisbane, Queensland Embarked for Overseas 14th June 1917, from Sydney, N.S.W. per HMAT Hororata Returned to Australia 13th December 1919 per HT "Wahehe" Discharged: 6th May 1920 Died: 16-4-1971 Resting: North Road Cemetery, Nailsworth, S.A. |
Advertiser 17th April 1971 SEDGLEY, Walter John Mongan - Of 5 Robe terrace, Medindie, formerly Colonel Royal Australian Engineers and City of Adelaide Building Surveyor. On April 16, suddenly, dearly loved husband of Olive, loving father of John and Bryant (deceased), father-in-law of Mary and grandfather of Michael, Anne and Susan. |
SHAW James 3133
Rank: Private
Unit: 9th Light Horse
Born: Adelaide, Sth Aust
Next of Kin: Wife - Mrs Eva Christina Shaw, Streaky Bay, Sth Aust.
Occupation prior to Enlistment: Labourer
Enlisted: 26th October 1916, Adelaide, Sth Aust.
Address at Date of Enlistment: Streaky Bay, Sth Aust.
Embarked for Overseas 31st January 1917, per "Clan MacCorqodale" - disembarked Fremantle, W.A.and admitted to No. 8 Australian General Hospital
Served: 294 days
Returned to Adelaide 8th March 1917 per "Kanowna" from West Aust.
Discharged: 15th August 1917 - medically unfit
Died: 14th December 1927
Resting: West Terrace, Adelaide, - Light Oval, Row 3N, C/E/W W No.11
SHEILD Marmaduke Samuel 7550
Rank: Private
Unit: 10th Battalion Born: Dishforth, Yorkshire, England Next of Kin: Father - William Sheild, Wittingham, Northumberland, England Occupation prior to Enlistment: Labourer Enlisted: 4th August 1917, Port Lincoln, Sth Aust Address at Date of Enlistment: Fowlers Bay, Sth Aust Embarked for Overseas 30th October 1917 from Melbourne, Victoria per HMAT 'Aeneas' Served in France Service Abroad: 1year 97 days Returned to Australia 1st February 1919 per HT "Somali" Discharged: 19th February 1919 Died: 9-4-1926 Resting: West Terrace, Adelaide - Light Oval, Row 7N, C/E/W W No. 4 |
Photo: Gravesecrets at your Fingertips
SHEPHERD Charles John 4573
Rank: Private
Unit: 10th Battalion
Born: London, Middlesex, England
Next of Kin: Mother - Mrs Rose Shepherd 21A Grace Street, Bromley by Bow, London, England
Wife: Mabel Shepherd, 50 Gordon Road, Southall, Middlesex, England
Occupation prior to Enlistment: Horse Driver
Enlisted: 7th September 1915, Adelaide, Sth Aust.
Address at Date of Enlistment: Penong, Sth Aust.
Embarked for Overseas 7th February 1916 from Adelaide per HMAT "Miltiades"
Served in Egypt, France
Service Abroad: 1 year 204 days
Discharged: 24th August 1917 in London, England
SHILLABEER John William Lambert S15214
Rank: Private
Unit: 7th "S" UK Butlers Reinforcements
Born: 5th December 1897, Erskine, Sth Aust. - Attestation states Orroroo, Sth Aust.
Son of Andrew Shillabeer & Emma nee Lambert
Next of Kin: Father - Andrew Shillabeer, Penong, Sth Aust.
Occupation prior to Enlistment: Farmer
Enlisted: 5th July 1918, Streaky Bay, Sth Aust.
Address at Date of Enlistment: Penong, Sth Aust.
Discharged: 24th December 1918 - Cessation of Hostilities
SHILTON Albert 64257
Rank: Private
Unit: 8th Reinforcements "S" Egypt
Born: 11th June 1881, Adelaide, Sth Aust.
Son of Charles Shilton & Euphamie nee Craige
Next of Kin: Father - Charles Thomas Shilton, 226 Angas Street, Adelaide, Sth Aust
Occupation prior to Enlistment: Farmer
Residence prior to Enlistment: Merghiny P.O., West Coast, Sth Aust
Enlisted: 6th September 1917, Murat Bay, Sth Aust.
Discharged: 24th December 1918 - Cessation of Hostilities
Died: 21-11-1952
Resting: North Road Cemetery, Nailsworth, Adelaide, S.A.
Photo Courtesy The District Council of Ceduna
SHILTON Frank Harold 2890
Rank: Lance Corporal Unit: 1st Machine Gun Squadron Born: 16th July 1890, Adelaide, Sth Aust. Son of Charles Henry Shilton & Euphamie nee Craigie Next of Kin: Wife - Hazel Grace Shilton, Merghiny, West Coast, Sth Aust. Occupation prior to Enlistment: Farmer Enlisted: 3rd March 1916, Adelaide, Sth Aust Address at Date of Enlistment: Merghiny, Sth Aust. Embarked for Overseas 24th August 1916 from Adelaide per RMS "Mooltan" Served in Egypt Service Abroad: 2 years 233 days Returned to Australia 13th April 1919 per HT "Port Sydney" Discharged: 21st May 1919 |
Photo: The District Council of Ceduna
SHIPWAY Walter Leslie 1603
Photo: Phil Sullivan
|
Rank: Lance Corporal
Unit: 9th Light Horse Regiment Born: 8th August 1891, Keilli, Sth Aust Son of Edgar Shipway & Mary nee Barratt Next of Kin: Mother - Mrs Mary Shipway, Keilli, Sth Aust. Occupation prior to Enlistment: Labourer Enlisted: 7th September 1915, Adelaide, Sth Aust. Address at Date of Enlistment: Charra, West Coast, Sth Aust Embarked for Overseas 18th November 1915 from Adelaide per HMAT "Geelong" Served in Palestine, Egypt Returned to Australia 10th August 1919 per HT "Oxfordshire" Discharged: 3rd October 1919 Died: 23rd September 1962 Resting: Keilli Cemetery, Sth Aust. |
The Advertiser 25th September 1962
SHIPWAY W.L. - 23rd September, No. 1603 9th Light Horse Regiment. - Remembered by old comrades.
SHIPWAY W.L. - 23rd September, No. 1603 9th Light Horse Regiment. - Remembered by old comrades.
SHORT Albert Charles Edward 128
Photo: All Australia Memorial S.A. Edition
|
Rank: Warrant Officer
Unit: 3rd Field Ambualnce Born: 29th December 1888, Evandale, Sth Aust. Son of Edward Short & Elsie nee Abbott Next of Kin: Father - Edward Short, 98 Ward St., North Adelaide, Sth Aust. Occupation prior to Enlistment: Commercial Traveller Enlisted: 22nd August 1914, Adelaide, Sth Aust. Address at Date of Enlistment: 98 Ward St., North Adelaide, Sth Aust. Embarked for Overseas 20th October 1914 from Adelaide per HMAT "Medic" Served in Egypt, Lemnos Service Abroad: 1 year 147 days Returned to Australia 14th March 1916 per S.S. "Suffolk" Discharged: 31st May 1916 - Medically unfit Died: 28th August 1928 Resting: Ceduna, Sth Aust. |
SHORTT Herbert George 4514 - M.M.
Rank: Lance Corporal
Unit: 27th Battalion
Born: 25th december 1898, Coolgardie, West Aust.
Son of Ernest Herbert Shortt & Catherine Elizabeth nee Banks
Next of Kin: Mother - Mrs Catherine E. Shortt, c/- Mrs Bennington, Stroud Villa, Dulwich Hill, Sydney.
Occupation prior to Enlistment: Stockman
Enlisted: 3rd Janaury 1916, Adelaide, Sth Aust.
Address at Date of Enlistment: Stroud Villa, Boulevard, Dulwich Hill, Sydney, N.S.W.
Embarked for Overseas 25th March 1916 from Adelaide per HMAT "Shropshire"
Served in Egypt, France
Returned to Australia 9th October 1919, per HT "Ajana"
Discharged: 2nd December 1919
Died: 14th Sept 1955
Resting: Ceduna, Sth Aust.
Awarded Military Medal promulgated Commonwealth of Australia Gazette No. 61 dated 23rd May 1919.
During the advance South of Framerville near Amiens on the 9th August 1918 this NCO volunteered and successfully carried a message from his Coy Commander to Bn. H.Q. through an intense enemy machine gun fire after two other runners had been wounded. The message was a most important one and L/Cpl Short showed great bravery in getting it through. |
SIGGINS Henry 180
Rank: Private
Unit: 32nd Battalion
Born: 18th March 1893, Streaky Bay, Sth Aust
Son of John Hewitt Siggins & Eliza nee Hipwell
Next of Kin: Mother - Mrs Eliza Siggins, Morgan St., West Hindmarsh, Sth Aust.
Occupation prior to Enlistment: Clerk
Enlisted: 21st July 1915, Keswick, Sth Aust.
Address at Date of Enlistment: Morgan St., West Hindmarsh, Sth Aust
Embarked for Overseas 18th November 1915 from Adelaide per HMAT "Geelong"
Served in Egypt, France
Service Abroad: 3 years 131 days
Taken Prisoner of War, 20th July 1916 at Fleurbaix and interned at Ofgl Schneidemuhl, Germany
Repatriated to England 13th December 1918
Returned to Australia 21st March 1919 per HT "Ascanius"
Died: 12th October 1971
Resting: Centennial Park, Adelaide - Derrick Gardens of Rememberance, Tree Bed 11, Position 022
Advertiser (Adelaide, S.A.) 14-10-1971
SIGGINS, Henry (Joe) - On October 12, at Evemtide Home, Henry father of Ray, Audrey and Hazel. Aged 78years
SIGGINS, Henry (Joe) - On October 12, at Evemtide Home, Henry father of Ray, Audrey and Hazel. Aged 78years
SIGGINS Robert Hewitt 1015
Rank: Gunner
Unit: 36th Heavy Artillery Group
Born: 1st December 1895, Streaky Bay, Sth Aust
Son of John Hewitt Siggins & Eliza nee Hipwell
Next of Kin: Mrs Eliza Siggins, 13 Morgan St., West Hindmarsh, Sth Aust.
Occupation prior to Enlistment: Postal Assistant
Enlisted: 23rd April 1917, Fort Largs, Sth Aust.
Address at Date of Enlistment: West Hindmarsh, Sth Aust.
Embarked for Overseas 5th July 1918 from Sydney per RMS "Orontes"
Served in France
Returned to Australia 27th August 1919 per "Persic"
Discharged: 11th September 1919
SIMONS Benjamin Quartermaine 1092
Rank: Private
Unit: 16th Infantry Battalion Born: 25th December 1892, Echunga, Sth Aust. Son of Richard Henry Quartermaine Simons & Mary Ann nee Watson Next of Kin: Mother - Mary Ann Simons, Hart Avenue, Unley, Sth Aust. Occupation prior to Enlistment: Labourer Enlisted: 14th September 1914, Morphettville, Sth Aust. Embarked for Overseas 22nd December 1914, Melbourne, Victoria per HMAT "Ceramic" Served in Gallipoli Returned to Australia 20th November 1915 per "Suevic" Discharged: 4th April 1916 (wounded at the Dardanelles) Died: 21st March 1973 Resting: Naracoorte, Cemetery |
Photo of soldier courtesy District Council of Ceduna
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Advertiser (Adelaide, S.A.) 25-3-1973 SIMONS, Benjamin Quartermaine - On March 21, at Naracoorte Hospital, the beloved husband of Eileen Veronica and loving father of Mabel (deceased) Thomas (Penola), Richard (Victoria), Ben (N.S.W.), and Eileen (Mrs. John O'Connor, Naracoorte). Grandfather of 19 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren. Aged 80years. Peacefully sleeping. |
Photo: Gravesecrets at your Fingertips
SIMONS Frederick Quartermaine S14867
Unit: A Company Base Infantry, Mitcham A.I.F. Camp, Sth Aust.
Born: 30th September 1898 at Echunga, Sth Aust.
Son of Richard Henry Quartermaine Simons & Mary Ann nee Watson
Next of Kin: Father - Richard Henry Simons, Hart Avenue, Unley
Enlisted: 30th January 1918, Adelaide, Sth Aust.
Occupation prior to Enlistment: Farmer
Address at Enlistment: Waranda Well, West Coast, Sth Aust.
Discharged: 24th December 1918
Died 9th June 1981
Resting: Centennial Park
Also Served World War II - S45423
Photo courtesy District Council of Ceduna
SIMOUNDS James Thomas 1568
Rank: Private
Unit: 32nd Battalion
Born: Eba Island, West Coast, Sth Aust.
Next of Kin: Father - Mr Thos. Simounds, Perlubie, Sth Aust.
Occupation prior to Enlistment: Farmer
Enlisted: 15th July 1915, Keswick, Sth Aust.
Address at Date of Enlistment: West Coast, Sth Aust.
Embarked for Overseas 18th November 1915 from Adelaide per HMAT "Geelong"
Served in Egypt, France
Service Abroad: 3 years and 277 days
Returned to Australia 21st August 1919 per HT "Zealandic"
Discharged: 13th October 1919
Died: 15-4-1966
Resting: Streaky Bay, Sth. Aust.
Photo: Gravesecrets at your Fingertips
SIMPSON Charles Henry 2480
Rank: Private
Unit: 27th Battalion
Born: Hyde Park, Sth Aust.
Next of Kin: Sister - Mrs Annie Wells, 203 Grote Street, Adelaide, Sth Aust.
Occupation prior to Enlistment: Farmer
Enlisted: 24th March 1916, Adelaide, Sth Aust.
Address at Date of Enlistment: Adelaide, Sth Aust.
Embarked for Overseas 21st September 1916 from Adelaide, per HMAT "Commonwealth"
Served in France
Service Abroad: 1 year 208 days
Returned to Australia 16th April 1918 per "Llanstephan"
Discharged: 7th June 1918
Died 6th November 1936
Resting: West Terrace, Adelaide - Light Oval, Row 3S, C/E/W/ E, No. 42
Photo: Gravesecrets at your Fingertips
The Chronicle 12th November 1936
On the 6th November, Charles Henry Simpson, 3rd son of the late John Simpson, aged 61 years. At Rest
SINGH Desunda 3720
Rank: Private
Unit: 34 / 3rd Light Horse
Born: Punjab, India
Next of Kin: Brother - Chunda Singh, Jullunder Rampur, Reast Kaporthala, India
Occupation prior to Enlistment: Farmer
Enlisted: 1st November 1917, Adelaide, Sth Aust.
Address at Date of Enlistment: Denial Bay
Embarked for Overseas 6th March 1918 from Melbourne, Victoria per SS "Ormonde"
Served in Egypt
Service Abroad: 212 days
Returned to Australia 3rd October 1918 per HT "Wiltshire"
Discharged: 10th October 1918 - Family Reasons
Photo: Courtesy Ceduna RSL
Desanda - Dasunda Singh A Pioneer
Dasunda Singh was born in Kapurthala, Punjab, India in 1879. He was the son of Boota Singh and had a brother, Chunda. Dasunda migrated to Australia in 1898. He began hawking in South Australia and in the early 1900’s he conducted his hawking business from the Murray River Paddle Steamer the “City of Oxford”with his friend Bhagwan Singh. The “City of Oxford” was owned by another of Dasunda’s friends Rhoda Singh.
Dasunda settled on the Eyre Peninsular in South Australia, to be more exact in around the Denial Bay – Ceduna area and spent most of his working life there. He settled on a farm in the early days after his arrival in Australia and tried his hand at Farming and Hawking. This area was declared marginal country because of the lack of rain and surface water.
He can be consider to be a pioneer of the district as he is mentioned in early histories of the area as a farmer who was involved in clearing the virgin scrub, a thankless, difficult, lonely and dirty job. The area that we are talking about was covered with Saltbush and Mulga and Mallee trees as well as other desert and semi desert species of plants. To clear virgin bush it was necessary to first burn the scrub to thin it out.
Towards the end of the First World War Dasunda enlisted in the 3rd Australian Light Horse in 1917 and on March the 6th 1918 he embarked on the “Ormonde” for Suez. Later he was transferred to Palestine where he became ill or suffered an injury and was returned to Australia and discharged on October the 10th 1918. He returned to Australia with Sirdar Singh his friend from Adelaide. It is interesting to note that both Dasunda and Sirdar were accepted in the Australian Light Horse, as this was an elite Regiment and many good Australian Horsemen were rejected. It is suspected that Dasunda had served in the 16th Bengal Lancers and this would have certainly given Dasunda preference over other enlistments regardless of their nationality. Records confirm Sidara’s military record with the 16thBengal Lancers and as they were close friends who travelled together it is reasonable to assume that they knew each other. In addition to this Dasunda wore a yellow and blue turban for most of his life and this was the Regimental Colours of the 16th Bengal Lancers.
Dasunda returned to India on a number of occasions for holidays to visit his wife and children. He returned to India on the the 30th May 1939 on the “Narkunda” and the trail of Dasunda seems to end in Australia around the 1940s. However, he did finally return to his family in India, where he later became blind and died about 10 or 15 years later.
Len Kenna & Crystal Jordan
Dasunda Singh was born in Kapurthala, Punjab, India in 1879. He was the son of Boota Singh and had a brother, Chunda. Dasunda migrated to Australia in 1898. He began hawking in South Australia and in the early 1900’s he conducted his hawking business from the Murray River Paddle Steamer the “City of Oxford”with his friend Bhagwan Singh. The “City of Oxford” was owned by another of Dasunda’s friends Rhoda Singh.
Dasunda settled on the Eyre Peninsular in South Australia, to be more exact in around the Denial Bay – Ceduna area and spent most of his working life there. He settled on a farm in the early days after his arrival in Australia and tried his hand at Farming and Hawking. This area was declared marginal country because of the lack of rain and surface water.
He can be consider to be a pioneer of the district as he is mentioned in early histories of the area as a farmer who was involved in clearing the virgin scrub, a thankless, difficult, lonely and dirty job. The area that we are talking about was covered with Saltbush and Mulga and Mallee trees as well as other desert and semi desert species of plants. To clear virgin bush it was necessary to first burn the scrub to thin it out.
Towards the end of the First World War Dasunda enlisted in the 3rd Australian Light Horse in 1917 and on March the 6th 1918 he embarked on the “Ormonde” for Suez. Later he was transferred to Palestine where he became ill or suffered an injury and was returned to Australia and discharged on October the 10th 1918. He returned to Australia with Sirdar Singh his friend from Adelaide. It is interesting to note that both Dasunda and Sirdar were accepted in the Australian Light Horse, as this was an elite Regiment and many good Australian Horsemen were rejected. It is suspected that Dasunda had served in the 16th Bengal Lancers and this would have certainly given Dasunda preference over other enlistments regardless of their nationality. Records confirm Sidara’s military record with the 16thBengal Lancers and as they were close friends who travelled together it is reasonable to assume that they knew each other. In addition to this Dasunda wore a yellow and blue turban for most of his life and this was the Regimental Colours of the 16th Bengal Lancers.
Dasunda returned to India on a number of occasions for holidays to visit his wife and children. He returned to India on the the 30th May 1939 on the “Narkunda” and the trail of Dasunda seems to end in Australia around the 1940s. However, he did finally return to his family in India, where he later became blind and died about 10 or 15 years later.
Len Kenna & Crystal Jordan
SKINNER William John 1933
Photo: Gravesecrets at your Fingertips
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Rank: Private Unit: 5th Pioneers Battalion Born: Warricknabeal, Victoria Next of Kin: Mother - Mrs Martha Maud Skinner, Penong, West Coast, Sth Aust Occupation prior to Enlistment: Farm labourer Enlisted: 20th February 1916, Adelaide, Sth Aust. Embarked for Overseas 11th April 1916 from Adelaide per HMAT "Aeneas" Returned to Australia 1st March 1919 per HT "Ulysses" Discharged: 24th April 1919 Died: 8th May 1965 Resting: West Terrace, Adelaide - Kendrew Oval, Row 23, N0. 20K |
Advertiser (Adelaide, S.A.) 10-5-1965
SKINNER - On May 8th, at Elizabeth East (suddenly) William John, beloved cousin of Queenie Skinner. Aged 69years. At Rest
SKINNER - On May 8th, at Elizabeth East (suddenly) William John, beloved cousin of Queenie Skinner. Aged 69years. At Rest
SLATER Herbert Allan 1823
Rank: Private
Unit: 16th Battalion late 32nd Battalion
Born: 11th November 1896, Gawler South, Sth Aust.
Son of Walter Herbert Slater & Agnes Jane nee Reid
Next of Kin: Mother - Mrs Agnes Jane Slater, Merghiny, West Coast, Sth Aust.
Occupation prior to Enlistment: Labourer
Enlisted: 15th July 1915, Keswick, Sth Aust.
Address at Date of Enlistment: Merghiny, West Coast, Sth Aust.
Embarked for Overseas 11th January 1916 from Adelaide per HMAT "Borda"
Served in Egypt, France
Returned to Australia 16th May 1919 per HT "Armagh"
Discharged: 11th July 1919
Photo: The District Council of Ceduna
SMART Allen Edward 4517
Photo: Register (Adelaide, S.A.) 15-1-1917
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Rank: Private
Unit: 27th Battalion Born: 22nd September 1872, Kangarilla, Sth Aust. Son of Frederic William Smart & Charlotte nee Baker Next of Kin: Mother - Mrs Charlotte Smart, Koppio, Port Lincoln, Sth Aust. Occupation prior to Enlistment: Driver Enlisted: 20th December 1915, Adelaide, Sth Aust. Address at Date of Enlistment: Port Adelaide, Sth Aust. Embarked for Overseas 25th March 1916 from Adelaide per HMAT "Shropshire" Served In: France, Belgium Killed in Action: 5th November 1916 Memorialised: Villers Bretonneux, France Australian War Memorial Commemorative Area - Panel 111 |
West Coast Sentinel (Streaky Bay, S.A.) 30-12-1916
SMART.—On November 5th, in action, in France, Allan Edward, second son of Mr. F. W. Smart, Koppio, late of Streaky Bay.
SMART.—On November 5th, in action, in France, Allan Edward, second son of Mr. F. W. Smart, Koppio, late of Streaky Bay.
SMITH John Charles 1985
Photo: Streaky Bay Museum
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Rank: Private Unit: 27th Battalion Born: 9th February 1893, Streaky Bay, Sth Aust Son of John Hy. Smith & Elizabeth nee Bastian Next of Kin: Mother - Mrs E. Smith, Streaky Bay, West Coast, Sth Aust. Occupation prior to Enlistment: Labourer Enlisted: 19th May 1915, Keswick, Sth Aust. Address at Date of Enlistment: Streaky Bay, Sth Aust. Embarked for Overseas 23rd August 1915 from Adelaide per RMS "Morea" Served in France Service Abroad: 3 years 231 days Returned to Australia 10th April 1919 per HT "Anchises" Discharged: 5th June 1919 |
SMITH James Hamilton Campbell 63961
Photo: Tony - Great War Forum
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Rank: Private Unit: 4th Field Ambulance Army Medical Corp Born: 31st October 1889, Maitland, Sth Aust Son of John Hamilton Smith & Susanna Campbell Moore Next of Kin: Mother Susanna Campbell Smith, Denial Bay, West Coast, Sth Aust. Occupation prior to Enlistment: Farmer Enlisted: 22nd June 1917, Murat Bay, Sth Aust. Embarked for Overseas 5th June 1918 from Sydney, N.S.W. per RMS "Orontes" Died of illness 12th December 1918, 25th Stationary Hospital, Rouen, France Resting: St. Sever Cemetery Extension, Rouen, France - Plot S, Row 5D Australian War Memorial Commemorative Area - Panel 183 The Advertiser 6th January 1919 SMITH. —On the 12th December, 1918, at 25th Stationary Hospital, France, of broncho-pneumonia, Private J. H. C. Smith (Hamilton), Army Medical Corps, A.I.F, formerly, of Denial Bay. Inserted by his friend, Phoebe E. Morcombe, Prospect. |
SMITH Morton James 586
Photo: Streaky Bay Museum
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Rank: Corporal Unit: 15th Light Horse Regiment Born: Streaky Bay, Sth Aust. Next of Kin: Mother - Mrs J Smith, Streaky Bay, Sth Aust Occupation prior to Enlistment: Farmer Enlisted: 10th December 1914, Oaklands, Sth Aust. Address at Date of Enlistment: Streaky Bay, Sth Aust. Embarked for Overseas 2nd June 1915 from Brisbane, Queensland per HT "Medic" Served in Gallipoli, Egypt Returned to Australia: 3rd September 1919 per HT "Prince Ludwig" Discharged: 4th October 1919 Died: 8th June 1962 Resting: Streaky Bay, Sth. Aust. |
The Advertiser 12th June 1962 SMITH - Morton James, 1st A.I.F., 11th Light Horse. On June 8th, at Streaky Bay Hospital, loved husband of Nell, father of Lloyd (2nd A.I.F., deceased) and Ted, father-in-law of Mary and fond grandfather of Lynette, Carmel, Lloyd, Sharron and Yvonne. Aged 81 years. A patient sufferer at rest. |
SOLLY George 201
Rank: Sergeant
Unit: 27th Battalion
Born: Bowden, Sth Aust
Next of Kin: Mother - Mrs Mary Solly, Tenth Street, Bowden, Sth Aust.
Occupation prior to Enlistment: Labourer
Enlisted: 8th February 1915, Keswick, Sth Aust.
Address at Date of Enlistment: Tenth St., Bowden, Sth Aust.
Embarked for Overseas 31st May 1915 from Adelaide per HMAT "Geelong"
Served in Gallipoli, Egypt, France
Returned to Australia 21st May 1919 per "Port Macquarie"
Discharged: 20th July 1919
SORENSON Frederick Johann Karl 6329
Rank: Private
Unit: 27th Battalion
Born: Sorvgen, Denmark
Son of Niels & Ane Sorensen
Next of Kin: Mother - Mrs Ane Sorensen, Ry Skov, Denmark
Occupation prior to Enlistment: Labourer
Residence prior to Enlistment: Murat Bay, Sth Aust
Enlisted: 16th June 1916, Adelaide, Sth Aust.
Embarked for Overseas: 28th August 1916 from Adelaide per "Anchises"
Served: France
Died of Wounds 7th October 1918, 58th Casualty Clearing Station, France
Resting: Tincourt New British Cemetery, Plot 6, Row F, Grave 44
Australian War Memorial Commemorative Area - Panel 111
SPROLL Frederick Richard 14507
Rank: Driver
Unit: 12th Field Company Engineers Born: 9th August 1889, Streaky Bay, Sth Aust. Son of Frederick Sproll & Emma nee Scott Next of Kin: Mother - Mrs Emma Costello Sproll, Streaky Bay, Sth Aust. Occupation prior to Enlistment: Farm Hand Enlisted: 29th February 1916 Address at Date of Enlistment: Fowlers Bay, Sth Aust. Embarked for Overseas 11th July 1916 from Sydney per HMAT "Vestalia" Served in France Returned to Australia 29th June 1919 per HT "Napier" Discharged: 13th August 1919 Died 30-9-1955 Resting: Alice Springs Memorial Cemetery |
Photos: Jason Brandon
|
SPRY David 2449
Rank: Corporal
Unit: 10th Battalion
Born: 23rd April 1893, Coobowie, Sth Aust - Attestation states Edithburgh
Son of Thomas Spry & Charity nee Hatcher
Next of Kin: Mother - Mrs Charity Spry, Denial Bay, Sth Aust
Occupation prior to Enlistment: Labourer
Residence prior to enlistment: Murat Bay, West Coast, Sth Aust.
Enlisted: 23rd March 1915, Keswick, Sth Aust.
Embarked for Overseas 23rd June 1915 from Adelaide per HMAT "Kanowna"
Returned to Australia 13th May 1919 per "Dunluce Castle"
Discharged: 12th July 1919
Died: 27th February 1970
Resting: Ceduna, Sth Aust
Photo: State Records South Australia ref: GRG26/5/4 -2175
SPRY John Benjamin 6137A - M.M.
Rank: Corporal
Unit: 27th Battalion
Born: 13th July 1881, Minlaton, Sth Aust.
Son of Thomas Spry & Charity nee Hatcher
Next of Kin: Mother-in-law - Mrs Elizabeth Coleman, Broadbent Cottage, Wright St., Adelaide
Occupation prior to Enlistment: Farmer
Residence prior to enlistment: Murat Bay, West Coast, Sth Aust.
Enlisted: 10th April 1916, Adelaide, Sth Aust.
Embarked for Overseas 12th August 1916 from Adelaide per HMAT "Ballarat"
Served: France & Belgium
Returned to Australia 18th February 1920 per "Megantie"
Discharged: 26th April 1920
Died 10th January 1943, Gawler, Sth Aust.
Resting: West Terrace Cemetery, Adelaide, - Light Oval Row 6S, C/E/W: C, Grave 24
Photo: State Records South Australia ref: GRG26/5/4 - 2173
Awarded Military Medal
Promulgated in Commonwealth of Australia Gazette, No. 61 dated 23rd May 1919
During the attack on the 9th August 1918 South of Framerville, near Amiens, this man's Company met with heavy casualties. He was acting as stretcher bearer. Time after time he went out bandaging and carrying wounded men under a heavy enemy barrage of shell and machine gun fire, and it was mainly through his efforts that the whole of the wounded on his sector were cleared before nightfall.
SPRY William James 2256
Rank: Private
Unit: 5th Pioneer Battalion
Born: 2 September 1879, Koolywurtie, Sth Aust - Attestation states Minlaton
Son of Thomas Spry & Charity nee Hatcher
Next of Kin: Mother - Mrs Charity Spry, Murat Bay, Sth Aust.
Occupation prior to Enlistment: Farm Labourer
Residence prior to enlistment: Murat Bay, West Coast, Sth Aust.
Enlisted: 10th April 1916. Adelaide, Sth Aust.
Embarked for Overseas 13th July 1916 from Adelaide per HMAT "Seang Bee"
Returned to Australia 29th December 1918 per HT "Gaika"
Discharged: 29th January 1919
Died: 31st January 1960
Resting: Ceduna, Sth Aust.
Photo: State Records South Australia ref: GRG26/5/4 - 2174
STANWAY Edwin 3194
Rank: Private Unit: 9th Light Horse Born: 22nd April 1892, Norwood, Sth Aust. Son of John Stanway & Annie nee McKinsie Next of Kin: Mother - Mrs Annie Hobbs, Cook Street, Payneham, Sth Aust Occupation prior to Enlistment: Farmer Enlisted: 4th October 1916, Adelaide, Sth Aust. Address at Date of Enlistment: Cook Street, Payneham Embarked for Overseas 8th February 1917 from Adelaide per RMS "Karmala" Served in Egypt Returned to Australia 10th August 1919 per HT "Oxfordshire" Discharged: 18th September 1919 Died: 2nd May 1969 Resting: Centennial Park - Derrick Gardens, Path 12, Grave 748A |
Photo: Gravesecrets at your Fingertips
STAPLES Edward Leson 3882
Rank: Private Unit: 32nd Battalion Born: 20th May 1884, Grunthal, Sth Aust - Attestation states Ambleside, Sth Aust Son of John Staples & Aline nee Pedder Next of Kin: Sister - Miss Nellie Staples, Greenhill Road, Burnside, Sth Aust. Occupation prior to Enlistment: Farmer Enlisted: 6th April 1916, Adelaide, Sth Aust. Embarked for Overseas 21st September 1916 from Adelaide per HMAT "Commonwealth" Died of Wounds 2nd November 1917, 3rd Casualty Clearing Station, France Resting: Lijssenthoek Military Cemetery, Belgium - Plot 21, Row FF, Grave15 Australian War Memorial Commemorative Area - Panel 121 |
Chronicle (Adelaide, S.A.) 24-11-1917
STARLING Walter Roy S15664
Rank: Private
Unit: "B" Company, Mitcham A.I.F. Camp, Sth Aust
Born: 8th July 1897, Denial Bay, Sth Aust
Son of George Starling & Julia nee Rogers
Next of Kin: Father - George Starling, Denial Bay, West Coast, Sth Aust
Occupation prior to Enlistment: Farm Labourer
Enlisted: 1st October 1918, Adelaide, Sth Aust.
Address at Date of Enlistment: Denial Bay, Sth Aust.
Discharged: 24th December 1918 - cessation of Hostilities
ST. CLAIRE John Edward Harold Norman 2261
Rank: Private
Unit: 43rd Battalion
Born: Skibbereen, County Cork, Ireland
Next of Kin: Wife - Mrs Jean St Claire, 8 Tomsey street, Adelaide, Sth Aust.
Occupation prior to Enlistment: Labourer
Enlisted: 15th May 1916, Adelaide, Sth Aust
Address at Date of Enlistment: 30 Grenfell street, Kent Town, Sth Aust.
Embarked for Overseas 12th Ausgust 1916 from Adelaide per HMAT "Ballarat"
Served in France
Killed in Action 12th June 1917, Belgium
Memorialised Ypres Menin Gate Memorial, Belgium
Australian War Memorial Commemorative Area - Panel 137
Chronicle (Adelaide, S.A.) 7-7-1917
THE LATE PRIVATE ST. CLAIRE.
Mrs. St. Claire, of Union-street, Adelaide, has been notified that her husband, Private J. E. H. N. (Pat) St. Claire, was killed in action on June 11. Private St. Claire was well known on the West Coast.
ST. CLAIRE.—Killed in action in France on June 11, Private J. E. H. N. (Pat) St. Claire, dearly-beloved husband of Jean St. Claire, late of West Coast.
His fight is fought, he stood the test,
We remember "Pat" as one of God's best.
—Inserted by his pals, A. M. and E. Brown.
THE LATE PRIVATE ST. CLAIRE.
Mrs. St. Claire, of Union-street, Adelaide, has been notified that her husband, Private J. E. H. N. (Pat) St. Claire, was killed in action on June 11. Private St. Claire was well known on the West Coast.
ST. CLAIRE.—Killed in action in France on June 11, Private J. E. H. N. (Pat) St. Claire, dearly-beloved husband of Jean St. Claire, late of West Coast.
His fight is fought, he stood the test,
We remember "Pat" as one of God's best.
—Inserted by his pals, A. M. and E. Brown.
STEELE Alexander John 2433
Rank: Private
Unit: 5th Pioneer Battalion
Born: 29th June 1885, Adelaide, Sth Aust.
Son of William Steele & Charlotte nee Brealey
Next of Kin: Mother - Charlotte, Ballville St., Prospect, Sth Aust.
Occupation prior to Enlistment: Lumper
Enlisted: 7th June 1916, Adelaide, Sth Aust.
Address at Date of Enlistment: Murat Bay, Sth Aust.
Embarked for Overseas 14th August 1916 from Adelaide per HMAT "Itria"
Served in France
Service Abroad: 1 year 326 days
Returned to Australia 5th July 1918 per HT "Ruahine"
Discharged: 8th February 1919
Died: 18th September 1919
Resting: West Terrace, Adelaide - Road 2, Path 7, E/W/-Count E, No.11
Australian War Memorial Commemorative Area - Panel 175
STEER Wallington Stewart 3325
Rank: Private
Unit: 27th Battalion Born: 9th February 1899, Mount Gambier, Sth Aust. Son of Harry Steer & Ethel Maud nee Coates Next of Kin: Mother - Mrs Ethel Maud Steer, Streaky Bay, Sth Aust. Occupation prior to Enlistment: Clerk Enlisted: 29th June 1915, Keswick, Sth Aust. Address at Date of Enlistment: Streaky Bay, Sth Aust. Embarked for Overseas 12th January 1916 from Adelaide per HMAT "Medic" Served in France, Belgium Returned to Australia 2nd July 1919 per HT "Ypiringa" Discharged: 5th September 1919 |
STEINLE Edward 62599
Rank: Private
Unit: 6th General Service
Born: 18th April 1898, Streaky Bay, Sth Aust.
Son of Frederick Gottlieb Steinle & Bertha Auguste nee Wallschutzky
Next of Kin: Mother - Mrs Bertha Augusta Steinle, Streaky Bay, Sth Aust.
Occupation prior to Enlistment: Labourer
Enlisted: 1st September 1918, Streaky Bay, Sth Aust
Address at Date of Enlistment: Streaky Bay, Sth Aust.
Embarked for Overseas 22nd October 1918 from Adelaide, Sth Aust per HMAT "Boonah"
Service Abroad: 91 days
Returned to Australia 20th January 1919 per HT "Boonah"
Discharged: 2nd February 1919
Died: 8th November 1959
Resting: Centennial Park, Adelaide -Derrick Gardens, Path 14, Grave 342
The Advertiser 9th November 1959
STEINLE - On November 8th, at hospital, Edward, of 15 McPherson street, Clapham (late 6th General Service Re-inforcements 1st A.I.F.) and late of S.A. Police Force, dearly beloved husband of Hilda Jane, loving father of Joyce and Edward, and stepfather of Ron and Len. Aged 60 years.
STEINLE Frederick 3103
Rank: Private
Unit: 10th Battalion
Born: 19th September, Streaky Bay, Sth Aust
Son of Frederick Gottlieb Steinle & Bertha Augusta Wallschutzky
Next of Kin: Mother - Mrs Bertha Steinle, Streaky Bay, Sth Aust.
Occupation prior to Enlistment: Jetty Carpenter
Enlisted: 17th June 1915, Keswick, Sth Aust.
Address at Date of Enlistment: Streaky Bay, Sth Aust.
Embarked for Overseas 14th September 1915 from Adelaide per HMAT "Ballarat"
Served in Egypt, France
Captured at Pozieres, taken Prisoner of War by Germany
Repatriated to England 1st September 1919
Returned to Australia 5th June 1919 per HT "Marathon"
Discharged: 29th July 1919
Died: 29th August 1950
Resting: Centennial Park, Adelaide - Acacia A, Path AJ, Grave 496
Studio portrait of 3103 Private (Pte) Frederick Steinle, 10th Battalion, from Streaky Bay, South Australia who enlisted at the age of 21 on 17 June 1915 and embarked for overseas on 14 September 1915 aboard HMAT Ballarat. He was wounded and captured at Pozieres, France, on 22 August 1916 and held as a Prisoner of War (POW) in a number of camps in Germany including Munster in Westphalia, Stendal, Wittenberg and Merseburg. While in the camp at Merseburg he wrote on 1 August 1918 Parcels have arrived well after a short delay. We are anxiously looking forward to the results of the conference regarding exchange of prisoners. Pte Steinle was repatriated to England on 1 January 1919 and arrived back in Australia on 5 June 1919.
Photo: Gravesecrets at your Fingertips
STEPHENS Claude Ralph 2151
Rank: Private Unit: 43rd Battalion Born: 25th April 1890, Port Adelaide, Sth Aust. Son of William Richard Stephens & Caroline nee Snowball Next of Kin: Sister - Mrs Mary Ann Berck, Wilmott St, Glanville, Sth Aust. Occupation prior to Enlistment: Farm labourer Enlisted: 15th July 1916, Adelaide, Sth Aust Embarked for Overseas 28th August 1916 from Adelaide per HMAT "Anchises" Died: 12th December 1916, Military Hospital, Wareham, England Resting: Wareham Cemetery, Dorset, England - Grave No. C. 12, Section B Australian War Memorial Commemorative Area - Panel 137 |
Photo: Judy Rieck
|
The Journal (Adelaide, S.A.) 29-12-1916 LATE PTE. C. R. STEPHENS. Information has been received that Pte. Claude R. Stephens died of pneumonia in a London hospital on December 12. Prior to enlisting he was for several years engaged in farming on tbe west coast. The deceased was 26 years of age. He has two brothers at the front and another brother resides at Willochra. He was held in high esteem by a large circle of friends. |
STEPHENSON David Allan 3628
Rank: Private
Unit: 10th Battalion late 5th Pioneers, 1st Divisional Train
Born: 23rd January 1891, Kersbrook, Sth Aust
Son of John Stephenson & Salome nee Butler
Next of Kin: Mother - Salome Stephenson, Highbury East, Sth Aust.
Occupation prior to Enlistment: Farrier
Enlisted: 2nd November 1916, Adelaide, Sth Aust
Address at Date of Enlistment: Murat Bay, Sth Aust
Embarked for Overseas 10th February 1917 from Adelaide per HMAT 'Seang Bee"
Served in France
Returned to Australia 16th August 1919 per Ht "Wiltshire"
Discharged:25th September 1919
STEVENS William Parr 3490
Photo: Chronicle 15-7-1916
|
Rank: Private
Unit: 4th Pioneer Battalion late 10th Battalion Born: 10th February 1883, Peachy Belt, Sth Aust.- Attestation states Angle Vale, Sth Aust Son of Charles Bennett Stevens & Elizabeth nee Parr Next of Kin: Father - Mr Charles Stevens, Falcon Ave., Mile End, Sth Aust. Occupation prior to Enlistment: Labourer Enlisted: 23rd July 1915, Keswick, Sth Aust. Address at Date of Enlistment: Falcon Ave., Mile End, Sth Aust. Embarked for Overseas 27th October 1915 from Adelaide per HMAT "Benalla" Served in Egypt, France Died of Wounds 27th June 1916 at 1 Canadian Casualty Clearing Station, France Resting: Bailleul Communal Cemetery Extension, Grave - plot 2 E Aust War Memorial Commemorative Area - Panel 174 |
Chronicle (Adelaide) 15-7-1916
THE LATE PRIVATE W. P. STEVENS. Mr Charles B. Stevens, of Falcon- avenue, Mile-End, has been notified by the military authorities that his son, Private W P. Stevens, died from wounds received in action on June 27 last. Private Stevens was 33 years of age. He was born at Peachey Belt and was the youngest son of Charles B. and the late Elizabeth Stevens. He enlisted on the West Coast in July last year, and left Adelaide in October. Private Stevens was of fine physique, being 6 ft in height. He possessed a generous disposition. |
SYMONDS Philip Warburton 1995
Rank: Private
Unit: 48th Battalion
Born: Ballarat, Victoria
Son of Richard Phillip Symonds & Mary nee Warburton
Next of Kin: Mother - Mrs Mary Symonds, Merghiny P. O., Sth Aust
Occupation prior to Enlistment: Labourer
Enlisted: 1st March 1916, Adelaide, Sth Aust
Embarked for Overseas 13th July 1916, from Adelaide per "Seang Bee"
Prisoner of War: Wounded & Captured 11th April 1917, Bullecourt
Arrived in England via Holland 6th January 1918
Returned to Australia 29th January 1919 per "Karoola"
Discharged: 17th August 1919
Studio portrait of Australian ex-Prisoners of War (POW) 1568 Private (Pte) Patrick O'Connor, 14th Battalion, from Monbulk, Victoria (on left) and 1995 Pte Philip Warburton Symonds, 48th Battalion, from Merghiny, South Australia (on right). Pte O'Connor enlisted on 21 December 1914 and embarked for overseas on 19 February 1915 aboard HMAT Runic. He was captured at Gallipoli on 8 August 1915 and interned in Turkey before being transferred to Austria in December 1917. He arrived in England in February 1918 with his right leg amputated. Pte O'Connor arrived back in Australia on 10 March 1919. Pte Symonds enlisted at the age of 23 on 1 March 1916 and embarked for overseas on 13 July 1916 aboard HMAT Seang Bee. He was wounded and captured at Bullecourt, France on 11 April 1917 and subsequently had his left leg amputated. He was held in German POW camps until he was repatriated to Holland on 2 January 1918. He arrived in England on 8 January 1918 and received further surgery. Pte Symonds arrived back in Australia on 29 January 1919. Photograph was taken in England.
STATEMENT BY REPATRIATED PRISONER OF WAR
Circumstances of Capture
(a) Date of Capture 11th April
(b) Place - Bullecourt
(c) What happened before Capture
The Battalion attacked about 5a.m. on the morning of 11th April, 1917 our objective was the 2nd Hindenberg Line, but I was wounded (five machine gun bullets in the leg, 1 in the left hand little finger and a slight graze on top of the head) immediately I got to the 2nd line. I crawled into a shell hole and lay there as I was unable to move. Two other chaps (names unknown) were lying in the same shell hole. I did not see any more of the Battalion and about 5p.m. two Germans came and carried me into their trench.
What happened immediately after capture?
I was in the trench for about 1 hour and was then removed to a dugout where I was given some food and a piece of gauze was put around my wound. Next morning I was removed to another dugout and a splint was put on over my trousers. At dusk I was again removed by stretcher to a Dressing station in a small village behind the lines. I was here transfered to a waggon and taken to another Dressing Station. After another 2 hours I was taken by motor ambulance along with 3 other Australians (unknown) to the railway station where I was transfered to a Red Cross train. This was about 2a.m., and at
3p.m. the same day we left for Germany.
Account of life as a Prisoner of War
During this period I got sufficient food but my wound had not been again looked to. The journey took two days and we arrived at Verden Lazerette on Sunday the 15th about 9p.m. I was put straight to hospital where my wounds were dressed the following morning. Nothing further happened until the 20th when I was taken to the operating theatre and when I was on the table I was told my leg was to be amputated. Considering the condition of my leg I agreed to this as it looked very bad all the way up to my thigh and had a greenish blue appearance. The day following the operation I was in a very bad
state and it was though that my end was near, but fortunately I recovered and in about a weeks time I was back to normal again though my leg gave me a great deal of pain for about three weeks.
My food at this time consisted of 3 slices black bread, per day, soup at dinner time and soup at night with a little jam and butter thrown in. I was not given any special hospital diet. My Leg was dressed twice weekly after the amputation. I stayed at this place until the 17th of July, in hospital all the time, when I was transferred to Soltau camp, Hanover. Before leaving Verden I had received my clothes parcel from the Red Cross. I stayed at Soltau until the 6th of December when I went to Mannheim to go before the commission and I was passed for repatriation. At Soltau we were forced to go on Parade
on Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays but this practice was stopped in October as many of the men were unable to do the parades as they were like myself limbless. The barracks were made of wood and were very cold especially at night as we had only two thin blankets. The ration was mostly soup of a very poor quality and a poor class of bread, but I did not avail myself of it as by this time my parcels had arrived. The Russians used
to get our rations, therefore, and they could eat as much as they could get irrespective of quality.
During my stay there I had not much opportunity to see outside conditions but on my way to Mannheim I saw that the shops were very bare there being no goods at all in the windows. While at Mannheim I had the pleasure of witnessing a bombing raid by allied planes but unfortunately I did not see the finish as we were all confined to Barracks. I was told later that 3 factories had been struck. A factory had also been knocked out during a raid in November the ruins of which I myself saw from the camp. From general appearances it would seem that the people are in a bad state and the fact that the
sentries tried to buy our rations would bear this out. They are nevertheless hopeful of winning but judging by the difference between this country and Germany I don't fancy their chance.
On the 28th December I left Mannheim for Aachen and after staying there 2 days left for Holland arriving at Rotterdam on the 2nd January. The people of Holland gave us a hearty welcome and we were given cigarettes, chocolates and fruit as well and coffee and cakes. We only stayed a short time at Rotterdam, and proceeded to England where we arrived on the 7th January feeling very pleased to be back again among our own people.
SYMONDS Richard Roy 570
Rank: Private
Unit: 43rd Battalion
Born: 23rd March 1897, Ballarat, Victoria
Son of Richard Phillip Symonds & Mary nee Warburton
Next of Kin: Mother - Mrs Mary Symonds, Merghiny, South Australia
Occupation prior to Enlistment: Farm Labourer
Residence prior to Enlistmant: Merghiny, Sth Aust
Enlisted: 14th February 1916, Adelaide, Sth Aust.
Embarked for Overseas 9th June 1916, from Adelaide per "Afric"
Killed 31st July 1917 in vicinty of Warneton, Belgium - said to have been buried in the Field
Memorialised Ypres (Menin Gate) , Belgium
Australian War Memorial Commemorative Panel 137
Richard is the soldier standing
Photo: State Records South Australia ref: GRG26/5/4 - 1070
SYMONDS William John 1612
Rank: ER/2/Corporal
Unit: Anzac Provost Corps late 27th Battalion
Born: Gawler, Sth Aust
Next of Kin: Mother - Mrs Lilian Symonds, Murat Bay, West Coast, Sth Aust
Occupation prior to Enlistment: Farmer
Enlisted: 28th April 1915, Keswick, Sth Aust.
Address at Date of Enlistment: Murat Bay, West Coast, Sth Aust
Embarked for Overseas 31st May 1915 from Adelaide per HMAT "Geelong"
Served in Gallipoli, France
Returned to Australia 3rd September 1919 per HT "Indarra"
Discharged: 3rd November 1919