The Day the War came to Dandenong 25 th April 1915 Researched and written by Chris Keys

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1 The Day the War came to Dandenong 25 th April 1915 Researched and written by Chris Keys The 1914 Dandenong Football Team which lost the final by 4 points on 29 th August was greatly diminished due to members of their team enlisting in the Expeditionary Forces prior to the game. The Dandenong & District Historical Society took on the task during the commemoration of the 100 years since WW1 to tell the tale of these fine young lads and others who departed from our district and fought in the Great War. This is the story of three of the first Dandenong enlistments and the first to give their lives at Gallipoli, two of whom were missing members of the Football Team. Eric Douglas Martin joined on the 20 th August He was the son of William Henry Martin of Bend Rd Keysborough and aged 21. He was very well known in the District as from the age of 16 he was working at the Dandenong Post Office as a telegraph messenger and during his employment he proved himself an obliging and painstaking assistant. He was quickly promoted to the position of letter carrier at Malvern Post Office. In 1912 Martin resigned from the post office in order to join his father in farming pursuits in Keysborough and when the war broke out on 4 th August 1914 Martin quickly volunteered and joined the 8 th Infantry Battalion and swore the oath: That he would well and truly serve his Sovereign Lord the King in the Australian Imperial Forces from 20 th August 2014 until the end of the War, and further period of four months thereafter unless sooner lawfully discharged, dismissed, or removed therefrom: and that he would resist His Majesty's enemies and cause His Majesty's peace to be kept and maintained; and that he would in all matters appertaining to his service faithfully discharge his duty according to law. All enlistments took this Oath". Martin was one of the first. He along with a number of his fellow Dandenong 1

2 residents trained at Broadmeadows from 24 th August The 8 th Battalion was among the first infantry units raised for the AIF during the First World War. The battalion was raised from rural Victoria by Lieutenant Colonel William Bolton within a fortnight of the declaration of war and embarked just two months later. On the 19 th October 1914 Martin along with the Couve brothers embarked on HMAT A24 Benalla and headed to Egypt. HMAT Benalla joined the first convoy of 38 Australian and New Zealand ships and four cruisers that left Albany, Western Australia, on 1 st November At that time there remained an ever present danger from enemy ships in the Indian Ocean, in particular the German raider Emden. One of the light cruisers escorting the convoy was HMAS Sydney and it was an eventful trip for this warship as en route across the Indian Ocean, the Sydney peeled off and sank Emden near the Cocos Islands. The defeat of this threat meant that future convoys from Australia and New Zealand could travel unescorted across the Indian Ocean. The Benalla along with the rest of the convoy eventually arrived safely in Egypt at Alexandria on 2 nd December The Australian troops were camped at Mena near the Pyramids; while the light horse were stationed at Maadi, parallel with Mena but on the eastern side of the Nile Three months later on the 5 th April 1915 all three men embarked from Alexandria on the HMAT Clan McGilvarry for the Gallipoli campaign. Mudros Harbour on the south side of Lemnos Island was the assemble point for the Gallipoli attack. News came of the landing of the 8 th Battalion at Gallipoli, via Private John George Pearson whose parents lived at Keysborough and had sailed on the Benalla along with Martin and the Couve brothers. We (the 8 th ) landed about 7.30am on the 25 th April and went straight up the hill, over that, down a deep valley, and half way up another hill, always making straight for the Turks. The bullets and shells were landing about us all the time. Here we took our packs off, and left them with one man in charge. The word came down that reinforcements were needed in front and we doubled up over the brow of the hill with Lieutenant Couve leading. My word the fire was hot, the bullets were humming around us like bees, and the shells were bursting 2

3 everywhere. I got separated from our platoon in going over some rough ground, but kept on going forward with some to the 9 th Battalion chaps. There were no officers to be seen by this time, as they were nearly all wounded, so we could just keep on going as far as we could. We got three guns from the Turks (Pom Poms), but we could not advance any further, as the fire was too heavy. It was about one pm that I got hit, and laid there for a while, as the shock nearly stunned me, and then I rolled over and started to crawl back. Men were dropping everywhere, and I was expecting to get another any minute but I didn t. I crawled down a deep gully then, using my rifle as a crutch I started for the beach; I went a good way and found our doctor and some A.M.C s; they patched me up, and another chap helped me down to the boats. After waiting for a while, we got sent aboard the ship, and arrived here in Alexandria on the Friday about 1pm. There are only three out of our tent that I don t know anything about Eric Martin and two new chaps but, you know, they may have been wounded and sent on another boat, or they may be all right and with the company. All the rest are wounded, that is out of our tent barring one and he is at rest, poor chap. I now see that Private Eric Martin s name has, unfortunately, been included among the list of those killed in action. The stretcher bearers could not get up near the firing line at all, as half of them were wounded also. Any of the wounded that could not get back before our fellows retired back to the hill were murdered by the Turks. The place where we landed goes by the name of Sadd-el-Bhair, so if you have a map you will be able to see it for yourself. George Pearson was medically discharged and returned to Australia on 3 rd September News arrived via The Journal on Thursday 6 th May that one of Dandenong s Volunteers Private Eric Douglas Martin had been killed in action and the consequences of the war were brought home to the residents of this town. Sympathetic feelings were expressed on all sides for the bereaved relatives. Eager enquiries were made in regard to other volunteers from these parts, but no further information was available at the time of the paper going to press. Eric was described as a person of most generous disposition and had a large circle of friends in his neighbourhood of Keysborough. Records show that Martin died of wounds on 25 th April 1915 and was buried in isolated graves Anzac, Victoria Gully N side 150 yards from the Water Tanks Gallipoli about 1000 yrds S.E. of Anzac Cove. Later his body was exhumed and he was buried at Lone Pine Cemetery, Gallipoli Peninsula, Turkey. 3

4 From the Lone Pine Memorial there is a magnificent view in all directions. In the vicinity of the Memorial there stood on 25 April 1915, in Bean s words, a single dwarf pine tree. Within days the tree had been shot away but not before it gave its name to the position, Lone Pine. Within months, Lone Pine was the site of one of the bloodiest and hardest fought actions of the campaign the Battle of Lone Pine Alan Crawford Couve (Dutchy) led his men into battle on 25 th April 1915 and died of wounds inflicted on that day, on 26 th April Lieut Colonel W K Bolton wrote to Eileen Couve Alan s sister in January 1916, stating that Alan Couve had died from gunshot wound to the skull. Wound said to be near the top of head, the bullet going in near the forehead over the right eye and coming out somewhere about the crown of the head. On 25 th April the wound was thought to be superficial when examined by his sergeant immediately it occurred and with the help of a private Couve was carried back to the beach leaving him unconscious at the dressing station on the Beach at the Anzac Landing Gallipoli he was expected back to his unit in 3 or 4 days. A month later in May 2015 he was posted dead. Records show he was buried at Beach Cemetery Gallipoli Turkey. On 20 th May 1915 The Journal reported: A C Couve the second son of Mr Jason Couve chemist of Dandenong and was 21 years of 4

5 age. Lieut Couve when the war broke out had been studying chemistry for two years and was a prominent member of the Dandenong football team. On Tuesday morning widespread regret was expressed when it became known that Lieut Couve had succumbed to the wounds received whilst fighting with the 8 th Battalion at the Dardanelles, and many messages of condolence have been received by the sorrowing relatives. The flag on the Town Hall was at half mast, in honour of the local volunteer and mourning was displayed outside the business premises in Lonsdale St. Henry Thomas Ladson Couve (Tom) was twenty-four when he set off with his brother Alan (Dutchy), Eric Martin and other Dandenong Volunteers to fight the war. He quickly rose through the ranks and on the 28 th April 1915 was promoted to 2 nd Lieutenant of the 8 th Battalion. On the 8 th of May just 15 days after his brother s death he was killed in action on the Gallipoli Peninsular. News did not reach Dandenong till June 1915 and The Journal reported on 10 th June that Lieutenant Tom Couve was killed in action. Lieut Couve, prior to the outbreak of the war was engaged in the Public Works Department and proved himself an efficient officer in the newly formed Country Roads Board. He had occupied the position of Hon. Secretary of the Dandenong football club and was also a playing member as was his brother Dutchy. Widespread regret has been expressed for the bereaved parents, whose two sons have been killed at Gallipoli. Lieut Tom Couve is remembered at Helles Memorial, Cape Helles Gallipoli Turkey. The Helles Memorial has 20,771 names on it and is both the memorial to the Gallipoli campaign and to men who fell in the campaign and whose graves are unknown or who were lost or buried at sea in Gallipoli waters. It stands on the tip of the Peninsula and is in the form of an obelisk over 30m high that can be seen by ships passing through the Dardanelles. 5

6 Corporal John Walker wrote to his father and part of the letter was published in The Journal on 26 th August Writing about the middle of June last, from the trenches, he mentions that there are lots of Dandenong boys kicking about near him Jim Kennedy, 'Coach' Turner, Jack McQuade (Dandenong footballers). Jack McQuade looks very fit and well; also Heggall, Claude Chalmers (in the 6 th Battalion) Eric Keys (in the Light Horse, looking very well). Tyers (with the artillery) Stretch, Austin, Hepburn (in the 5 th Battalion) are quite close to the writer in the firing lines. The follow are his verbatim remarks as to the two Couves who lost their lives in the cause: I miss the two Couves very much. Both Tom and Dutchy were well thought of, in fact very much admired. Those who faced the task in the beginning, and were killed, did their duty and died like men. Even I, who am not a military expert, can vouch for that These remarks make us think also of Eric Martin. He mentions that Dutchy, who was badly wounded, must have been buried at sea, as he believes he died next day in a hospital ship. He searched for Tom s grave but found he was killed at Point Hellis, and not where he (the writer was at the time). Corporal John Walker was himself killed on 27 th July 1916 in France. 6

7 8 th Battalion The 8 th Battalion was an infantry battalion of the Australian Army. Initially raised in 1914 for the First Australian Imperial Force during the First World War the battalion was completely recruited from Victoria and formed the 2 nd Brigade, 1st Division. During the war it fought at Gallipoli and in France and Belgium on the Western Front. The 8th was known as the "Blood and Bandages" brigade due to their Unit Colour Patch being white and red. The 1914 infantry battalion was a large unit, composed of eight rifle companies each of 3 officers and 116 other ranks armed with Short Magazine Lee-Enfield.303rifles, a small headquarters with 4 officers and 21 other ranks and a machine gun section with two.303 Maxim machine guns, one officer and 17 other ranks, a total of 32 officers and 991 other ranks. In December 1914 a battalion were reorganised into four companies each of four platoons, but strength was unchanged. By mid 1918, the number of officers had increased to 38 but the number of other ranks had declined to 900. At the same time, the firepower of the battalion was greatly augmented with hand and rifle grenades and Lewis Guns, of which there was 34 per battalion. After arriving in Egypt on 2 nd December 1914 the 8 th Battalion undertook training and briefly took part in the defence of the Suez Canal from the Turks following the First Suez Offensive. The Turkish offensive ended before the battalion could see any action. Following this, the battalion remained in Egypt before being transported to Lemnos Island in early April in preparation for their involvement in the Gallipoli campaign. Under the command of Lieutenant Colonel William Kinsey Bolton, they took part in the Landing at Anzac Cove, coming ashore as part of the second wave on 25 th April Ten days after the initial landing at Anzac Cove they were transferred to Helles to assist in the British and French attack on Krithia, where they carried out a largely unsuccessful assault before being brought back to the Australian lodgement at Anzac Cove. In August, the battalion took part in the attack on Lone Pine, as the Allies attempted to break the stalemate that had developed on the peninsula. The August offensive proved unsuccessful, however, and for the remainder of the campaign the 8 th 7 Battalion carried out mainly defensive duties before being evacuated along with the rest of the Anzac forces in December After the withdrawal

8 from Gallipoli, the battalion returned to Egypt where the Australian Imperial Force underwent a period of re-organisation and expansion in preparation for deployment to the Western Front. Casualties of the Gallipoli Campaign 8709 Australians died in the Gallipoli Campaign, 19,441 wounded. We know that 754 Australians died on 25 th April In Egypt the AIF was expanded and the 8 th Battalion proved a cadre of experienced staff to form the 60 th Battalion. In March 1916, the 8 th Battalion embarked for France and after arriving there shortly afterwards, it took up a position in the trenches on the Somme battlefield. HMAT Benalla A24 While the nine local Lads who departed on A24 Benalla on 19 October 1914 with Martin and the two Couve brothers did not pay the price of their lives, they did pay a heavy price to their health. Andrews Frederick Leyton enlisted on 18 th August 1914 in the 8 th Battalion, H Company at the age of 34 years. Regimental number 866 Andrews like most of the solders in WW1 escaped death through a wall of fire. On 1 st June 1915 he was admitted to hospital with shell concussion and back to duty on the 7 th June. On 4 th Sept 1915 he was admitted to Hospital with a Gun Shot Wound (GSW) to his forearm and transferred to Malta and discharged for duty on 6 th October 1915 to the Island of Lemnos. Fred was again admitted to hospital on 31 st Dec 1915 with typhoid. In March 1916 he was not fit for the Front and sailed to Melbourne aboard HT Demontheses as an Escort. Considered fit for active service Andrews embarked for France on 4 th Feb However on 22 nd April 1917 Andrews was wounded at the disastrous attack at Bullecourt by a GSW to Leg, Face and Thigh. He was evacuated to England on the 30 th April On 19 th Feb 1918 Lance Corporal Andrews was detached for duty at 1st Aust. Div. Hdgrs in France, he returned to Australia on 20 May 1919 with the Star Medal, British War Medal and the Victory Medal. Andrews tried his hand at farming around Warrandyte and according to the electoral roll of 1926 he was living at Pickle St, Port Melbourne and his occupation was gardener. Records show he never married and according to the Death Index of Victoria Frederick Leyton Andrews died at Campbellfield Victoria in

9 Daffy Richard (Rick) Murray enlisted on 17 th August 1914 in the 8 th Battalion, G Company Regimental number 773 Daffy was 19 years old and a Carpenter when he sailed off to war on A24 Benalla. On 19 th August 1915 Daffy was sick to hospital with ICT legs (inflammation of the connective tissue) caused by boots being on too long or socks not changed regularly that get wet and literally your feet rotted inside your boots. He was continually inflected with ICT during his service, with a number of hospitalizations. Daffy was also hospitalised twice with GSWs. In March 1916 the 8 th Battalion including Daffy saw action at Pozieres, a small village in the Somme Valley in France. The 8 th Battalion as part of the 2 nd Division mounted an attack on the Germans on 29 th July 1916 which was a costly failure, Daffy was wounded with a Shrapnel wound to the arm & leg which was later found to be a Gun Shot Wound and hospitalized in England. He did not return to the front till 16 th November After several hospitalizations in England for I.C.T to the feet he was transferred to the 66 th Battalion serving in England. On 20 th October 1917 he joined the 8 th Battalion in Belgium and served with his unit until the end of the War on 11 th November Daffy had served in Egypt, Gallipoli and the Western Front. He returned to Australia aboard HT Durham disembarking in Melbourne 23 rd December 1918, discharged 21 st February Daffy resumed carpentry and was on the Echuca electoral roll in Daffy died at Oakleigh at the age of 44 in 1939 of chronic fibrosis of lungs which he had had for 20 years. He never married. Kennedy James (Jas) Gerald enlisted on 19 th August 1914 in the 8 th Battalion, G Company Regimental number 800 Jas Kennedy was one of the 15 players missing in the 1914 Dandenong Football team that lost the Grand Final by 4 points. In August 1914 he was listed as a Blacksmith and embarked Alexandria on Clan McGilvarry for the Gallipoli campaign on 5 th April 1915 with the 8 th Battalion G Company. He was admitted to 1st Australian Casualty clearing Station(ACCS) on 12 th December with POU (Pyrexia of unknown), with symptoms of a raging temperature with no obvious cause, transferred to Egypt and on 29 th December 9

10 1915 was diagnosed with typhoid. Kennedy re-joined 11 th Battalion 11 th March 1916, wounded in action on 18 th August with GSW to leg which resulted in being evacuated to Lakenham Hill Military Hospital in Norwich, UK. Kennedy was discharged to No 1 Command Depot, Perham Downs UK on the 4 th October 1916 and while on furlough was again admitted to Lakenham Military Hospital on 9 th October with a wound to the left leg, discharged on 4 th November 1916, he marched into No 2 Command Deport, Weymouth. During this time Kennedy met Elizabeth H Scott and they were married at Tibshelf Derbyshire on 3 rd February Kennedy attended Course of Instruction at Physical & Bayonet Training School, Aldershot and Portsmouth, 1 st to 25 th May On 2 nd August 1917 he was found guilty of being in Kimpton at 6.30am on 30 th July 1917 without a pass: severely reprimanded. However he was selected to attend Officer s Cadet Course on 5 th October A confidential report on Kennedy stated Standard of education: very fair; Military knowledge: Poor; Power of Command & Leadership: Fair; Good sportsman, bad at examination and book-work; practical work, fair. Kennedy was appointed 2 nd Lieutenant on 1 st April 1918 and proceeded to France on 10 th April 1918 and taken on strength, 8 th Battalion in the field 20 th April The Australians commenced attack on the Germans at Morlancourt and Sailly-Le-Sec on 28 th July 1918 and Kennedy was wounded on the 31 st July 1918 with a fractured right tibia. On 25 th August 1918 he was admitted to 3 rd London General Hospital, Wandsworth. Kennedy commenced returning to Australia on HT Karoola 13 th December 1918 and disembarked Melbourne 29 th January He was discharged on 25 th May Kennedy returned to Dandenong and lived in King Street; his wife joined him in Australia in In 1921 the Electoral roll states both James and his wife Elizabeth s address at Manangatang and James s occupation as a farmer. Newsome Frederick Charles enlisted on 18 th August 1914 in the 8 th Battalion, H Company Regimental number 919 Newsome a butcher before enlisting, was wounded in his left leg on 25 th April 1915 at Anzac and hospitalised at Alexandria. Discharged for duty on 27 th May 1915 and embarked for Gallipoli Peninsula on 16 th June On 3 rd March 1916 he was hospitalised in Cairo with typhoid. Discharged to duty at the Aust depot stores Chezereh Egypt 26 th June In July 1916 Newsome embarked for Australia on HT Seeang Choon as escort arriving in Melbourne on 19 th October 1916 were he was discharged from the AIF medically unfit. Newsome is on the electoral roll for Dandenong in 1918 along with his father. However, Newsome re-enlisted at Sydney on 4 th June 1918 and embarked for overseas service on 17 th July Before he embarked he married Maude Elizabeth Minton. After being disciplined for gambling at sea he disembarked in England on 27 th September Admitted to hospital on 10

11 5 th October 1918 with measles & influenza in England. During the next few months he suffered for P.O.U (Pyrexia of unknown), with symptoms of a raging temperature with no obvious cause, and was admitted to hospital on several occasions. On 24 th January 1919 he embarked for Australia arriving in Melbourne on 23 rd May 1919, discharged medically unfit. Both Frederick and his wife Maude lived in Heidelberg Victoria. Frederick Newsome died at the age of 76 on the 20 th January 1968 and was cremated at Springvale Crematorium. Pearson John George enlisted on 18 th August 1914 into the 8 th Battalion, H Company. Regimental Number 923 Pearson described with passion his experience of the 25 th April 1915 in a letter dated to his father and printed in The Journal 17 th June Pearson's father was President of the Shire at the time and heavily involved in working for the Dandenong Patriotic League. Part of Pearson s letter can be read on page 3. While Pearson seemed to shrug off his wounds, his war record shows that he had shrapnel wounds to back of leg and knee. Pearson was admitted to hospital in Egypt and his wounds were serious enough for him to transfer back to Australia. Pearson embarked for Australia at Suez on HMT Ulysses on 3 rd September 1915 and transferred to OC Base Hospital St Kilda Road on 15 th October Medical report outlines Xray shows about 10 pieces of fragments of shrapnel in muscles of calf with thickening around left fibula. Pearson was discharged medical unfit on 29 th February John lived at Keysborough on the family farm in Perry Road for a number of years and was the first solider welcomed home to Dandenong. The Journal reported on the 14 th October 1915 the "Welcome Home to Private G Pearson". On Tuesday evening 5 th October Private G Pearson recently returned from Gallipoli was entertained at the social held at the Town hall, Cr Pearson (president of the Shire and father of George) in the Chair. There was a large attendance of townspeople to publically welcome the first soldier to return home from the firing line, and throughout the evening the proceedings were of a most enthusiastic nature. The programme started with the national anthem, and at the call of the chairman, three ringing cheers were given for Private G Pearson. Private Pearson, upon rising to speak, was greeted with hearty cheers, and he said "I desire to thank you for your kindness, I am not much of a speaker and can only say that, with the others I went to do my little whack. Those about to go deserve quite as much credit". Pearson went on to say that whilst in the firing line, one did not have much time to think, it was a time for action. He also stated that his experience, regarding the Red Cross Society, had been most satisfactory and to his knowledge the comforts had been dealt out to the 11

12 soldiers, and they never had to buy a thing. Pearson married Louisa Ethel Tate in 1916 and by 1919 they were living in Perry Rd Keysborough with John s occupation listed as gardener. By 1928 they both lived in Duff St Cranbourne and Pearson s occupation was farmer. By the time of Ethel Louisa s death in 1970 they were living at 20 Wetherall Rd Cheltenham. John George Pearson died on 6 th December 1976 at the age of 86 leaving behind his 6 adult children. Sledge Francis William enlisted on 17 th August 1914 in the 8 th Battalion, G Company Regimental number 821 Sledge a 20 year old carpenter was cast into the War on 25 th April 2015 at Gallipoli. He was admitted to hospital on the 19 th August 1915 with influenza. However Sledge developed dysentery and was evacuated to a hospital in Lewisham Abbeywood UK on 23 rd September He re-joined the 8 th Battalion on 11 th March 1916 in France. Soldiers suffered from a variety of illnesses and injuries during the course of the war, and many soldiers were hospitalized on more than one occasion. Medical services were relatively primitive, and many of today s life-saving antibiotics were yet to be discovered. Minor injuries, therefore, could prove lethal. Vaccination in the early 20 th century was not as prevalent as it is today; hence communicable diseases such as mumps, dysentery, typhus, and cholera were very common. The occurrence of such illnesses were exacerbated by poor sanitation in the trenches, and many more soldiers died of illness than of gunshot wounds, gas attacks or shell fire. Respiratory diseases such as influenza, tuberculosis, pleurisy and pneumonia were rife, as were scabies, pediculosis (lice) and other parasites. Body lice caused trench fever, resulting in headaches, aching muscles, skin sores and a high fever. Sledge suffered from scabies throughout 1916 and 1917 and was admitted to hospital on many occasions even being evacuated to the UK. While he suffered from this disease he also was wounded on 25 th October 1917 with GSW to the left leg, he was gassed on 16 th April Chemical warfare was first employed by the Germans in October Chlorine gas a greenish vapour induced choking and vomiting, taking soldiers totally by surprise. Soldiers were advised to cover their mouth and nose with a cloth soaked in urine; the ammonia in the urine neutralized the chlorine. Other gasses were colourless and odourless and caused blistering of skin and airways, congestion of the lungs and blindness. Symptoms were not always immediate, but would develop over several hours. Death took up to 5 weeks during which victims were tied to their beds while they slowly suffocated. The gas remained active in the soil for several weeks. The box respirator mask was 12

13 developed in 1915 at Melbourne University and was standard issue for allied troops by Nicknamed The Exasperator, it was uncomfortable and cumbersome, making it difficult to talk, sneeze or sleep. Although thousands of Australians were affected by gas, only about 200 died from it, a very small number considering overall casualties. Sledge embarked for Australia on SS Port Darwin on 3rd October 1918 and disembarked at Melbourne on 24 th December He was discharged on 22 nd February Sledge married in 1920 and died in Elsternwick in Smith James Cully enlisted on 24 th August 1914 in the 8 th Battalion, H Company Regimental number 933 The first records found on Smith indicate he embarked for Melbourne on 10 th June He had had no injuries or hospitalization during his stay from December 1914, so research was conducted to find out why Smith was sent home in Smith was declared medically unfit and transported to Melbourne on HT Kyarra at Suez and arrived Melbourne on 17 th July In February 1915 Smith complained of a serve breast pain after Influenza and after medical examination at No 2 Base Hospital he was found to have Mastitis of the right Breast. Mastitis is a condition that causes an inflammation in the breast tissue. Most men will think that the condition only affects women, but that is not true. Mastitis can affect men too because it involves breast tissue which is also present in men. However, its occurrence is relatively rare. Smith returned to the Dandenong District and is listed as a Dairy Farmer at Outtrim Gippsland from 1922 and married Joyce Helen Stewart. Smith retired to Dandenong around 1963 living with his wife in Hammond Road. Smith died at Dandenong on 1 st May 1980 at the age of 86 yrs leaving his wife Joyce and 5 adult children. McQuade John Peter enlisted on 17 th August 1914 in the 8 th Battalion, H Company Regimental number 862 McQuade was the son of the publican at the Albion Hotel in Lonsdale Street Dandenong and also a member of the Dandenong Football Club. He was admitted to No 3 Field Ambulance on 20 th August 1915 with diarrhea and admitted to ACC at Mudros Malta. On 3 rd April 1916 he was transferred to Anzac, Police Corpe Mil. Police at Tel-el-Kebir, to serve in England. On 11 th November 1916 McQuade was charged with being drunk on duty in as much whilst he was a member of the guard at Bulford Hospital UK on 28 th September

14 He was awarded 28 days detention and was discharged to duty on 28 th July He was transferred to 8 th Battalion and spent the rest of the war in England constantly suffering from Neurasthenia (shell Shock) and returned to Australia on 30 th January McQuade disembarked in Melbourne on 14 th February 1918 and was discharged on 9 th May From the electoral rolls we can see that McQuade returned to Dandenong to live with his parents and by 1937 he was a barman at the Albion Hotel and playing billiards and football. Unfortunately, we have not found any records of his marriage or death. Turner Frank Lester Peter enlisted on 17 th August 1914 in the 8 th Battalion, G Company Regimental number 830 Fred Turner was nick named Coach Turner and was one of the missing 1914 players in Dandenong's lost Grand Final. He was another soldier who was admitted to hospital with diarrhea. On 10 th September 1915 Turner was transferred to hospital in Malta aboard the HS Neuralia. On 13 th October 1915 he was discharged for active service and embarked for Egypt on HS Berrima and rejoined his battalion. On 6 th February 1916 we find Turner attached to school of instruction at Zeitoun in Egypt. The 8 th Battalion was transferred to France in March 1916 and by April both the 1 st and 2 nd Divisions were beginning to take over the front lines around Fleurbaix Flanders. Turner received a GSW to his left arm on the 5 th November in the Australian attack on Gueudecourt and Flers and transferred to England on the 14 th November1916. Turner was promoted to Corporal on 12 th August 1916, however was not discharged from hospital till 26 th April On 2 nd May 1917 Turner was transferred to 67 th Battalion which saw service in England. On 17 th August 1917 promoted to Sergeant and transferred back to the 8 th Battalion in the field on 19 th September The 8 th Battalion was engaged in the battle of the Menin Road Ridge at the time and by noon on the 20 th September 1917 the Australians had taken all their objectives and were at the western end of Polygon Wood. Turner does not appear in records again till January 1918 when, sick, he is admitted to hospital in England. By the 13 th September 1918 he is back in France with the 8 th Battalion. On 13 th October he embarked to Australia with his Battalion and was discharged on 21 st February Not only did Turner have to battle the injuries of the war, he also suffered the loss of his leg in January 1920 due to a tram running over him in St Kilda Road Melbourne. However on the 25 th September 1920 he married Rose Elizabeth Adelene Roy at the Presbyterian Church at Clifton Hill. By 1924 they lived in Powercourt Street, Maffra. In 1927 the Turner family were living at 11 Rutland St, Clifton Hill and Frank s occupation was taxi driver. Turner died in 1972 at the Heidelberg Repatriation Hospital. He left his widow Rose and four children, Harold 51 yrs, William deceased, Gwendoline 49 yrs and Frank Lester 46 years. 14

15 Medals received by all who served at Gallipoli 15

16 Letters from the Front. Researched by Chris Keys The Journal 24 th December 1914 The Following is to hand from Corporal H E Tulloch no 745, G Coy 8 th Battalion, 2 nd Infantry Brigade. TSS Benalla 23 rd November Dear Sir As I write this we are off the north east coast of Africa, about 30 hours from Aden, our next port of call. Our first halt after leaving Melbourne on 19 th October 1914 was Albany West Australia. We stayed there eight days. On the Saturday before leaving we went ashore for a six mile march through beautiful scrub and flowers, and everybody returned home laden with them. After another fortnight s sail we arrived at Colombo, which is a beautiful sight from the sea. We were not allowed ashore here, but we had our bit of fun with the natives, who came out on boats made of three planks of wood, and who dived for any silver coin thrown into the water. At this they were very clever; I never saw them lose a single coin. As soon as they reach the top of the water they place the money in their mouth, some of them keeping over a handful in it. We crossed the line on the 13 th November, and were given a holiday to celebrate the occasion. Needless to say a good time resulted, officers and men being lathered with paste, shaved with a big wooden razor and heaved into a big canvas bath erected by the crew. With regard to the capture of the Emden, the following wireless message received on board 10 th November 1914: - the Sydney started at 7am, at 9am she had sighted the enemy sailing at full speed. She got within range in 20 minutes. At the time she signalled the case was steering north. At 10.40am the Sydney was briskly engaging the enemy and at the Emden breached herself to avoid sinking. Her foremast and three funnels were down, but the flag was still flying. 16

17 The Sydney then went after the Emden s collier, took off the crew, and then sank Emden, who surrendered. The Emden had time to destroy the wireless station and to cut one of the cables; the others were intact. All the instruments have been destroyed except one which was buried. The Emden s casualties were 117 killed and wounded including 17 officers: The Sydney had two men killed and 19 wounded. The Sydney sailed on the following Sunday with the wounded and prisoners on board. All hands turned out at 4.30am and stood to attention. She had 11 shot holes in various parts of her. There have been six deaths so far on various boats, but ours has so far escaped. On Saturday 21 st November a little excitement was caused by a slight collision between two ships, but no serious damage was done. Ours is one of the fastest and best of the transports. As it will soon be my watch on guard, I will conclude by wishing you and the staff at the Journal a Merry Christmas and Happy New year. PS All is right with me; have not had a bad day since I left Melbourne. Tell M we can get tobacco at 1/6 a half pound and matches at 6d a packet, HET." The Journal 11 th February 1915 Mena Egypt 13 th January 1915 All is well with me; in good health and having a good, if not hard time. We are nearly completed our training here and are expecting to be at the Turks on the Suez canal shortly. Tomorrow we go for a long march in full war equipment. In another few days we are going to practice an attack under artillery fire. The guns will be stationed on a hill in the rear, and firing ball cartridges, we will advance to the attack on trenches lined with dummy men. The artillery meanwhile will be pouring in a hot fire, with shells and shrapnel over our heads. They will continue firing till it is impossible to fire without injuring us; We conclude the game with a bayonet charge into over the trenches. We had a Merry Xmas on stew, dry bread and sand. Trust that all is well with you and family, staff and work. Hoping to be home before next Christmas. Must close now as it is nearly lights-out. The Journal 15 th April 1915 The following extract is from a letter received by The Journal from Corporal H E Tulloch: "Night work is the order now, the days being so hot. We go out at 3 in the afternoon and return at 7 next morning. I hear many complaints being made by the men about the reports appearing in the Melbourne dailies. Such reports have been largely magnified and the men are very well conducted. 17

18 The whole of the trouble is that the troops have been kept too long here, and are sick of trooping over the same thing day after day. We will most likely be shifting quarters soon, when it is hoped there will be something doing. I saw a 'Journal' today, and notice that things seem to be fairly good at Dandenong. All the Dandenong boys are fit as fiddles. Our battalion is considered the crack of the brigade, and my company is one of the first to go into action when the opportunity offers. Our trip to Ismailia, on the canal ended very tamely, and the boys returned to Mena much disappointed. Would like to be back on the old paper again for a change, as things are so slow here, and sick of wandering over the sand day after day. We will make the Germans or Turks pay for it if we get the chance". The Journal 29 th April 1915 Mena Egypt 28 th March 1915 Just a few lines to let you know that things are still the same. The weather now is absolutely rotten, nothing but heat and dust with swarms of flies (which bite like blazes) and locusts. Some days it is impossible to see ten yards in front of yourself. Have met a lot of Dandenong boys in the reinforcements. It looks as if we are here for keeps, as they are erecting sheds for the horses. There is a terrible amount of coughs and colds in camp amongst the infantry. The men are supposed to get 1lb of meat and 1¼lb of bread a day, with amply supply of tea, also a 6d a day mess allowance. For this allowance four men are supplied with a 7lb tin of jam. How about that? The regimental song is Starving, Starving, starving Always jolly well starving. The officers get their guts well filled, while we are fed on kill stone dead. Tune holy, Holy, Holy Tomorrow (Monday) Sir Ian Hamilton is going to review the troops. We have been having a lot of night attacks lately. We go out in the afternoon, have tea out here and as soon as it grows dark we set to work and dig our trenches, and in a couple of hours are waiting in our trenches ready for an attack at any minute. No more to tell. Must close now as I am R.O.C, and it is nearly teatime. The Journal 12 th August 1915 Writing from the concentration camp (Prison Camp) at Anzac Cove on 16 th June 1915, Sergeant Harold Tulloch writes as follows: 18

19 I am still well and got through the two big advances without a scratch. On the morning of landing on 25 th April we were up at 3am, had breakfast at 4am and were ready to leave the transport at 5am. At about 7.30 the first batch of us boarded the destroyer alongside, and we started off for the decidedly unfriendly looking shore. We got as close to land as it was safe for these boats to get. We then transferred into small boats that were towed ashore by a pinnace. All this time the enemy had been pelting us with shrapnel, but not a man in my boat was hit. We kept in the boat till it grounded, then sprang ashore, or rather into water up to our waists, holding our rifles well out of the water and waded ashore. Just as we got ashore shrapnel whistled over our heads and burst over the boat following us, causing about a dozen casualties. We formed up upon the arrival of the rest of our company and then started to advance. The country consists of high hills and valleys, heavily covered with scrub and prickles, which made things not too pleasant. Every bush seemed to hold some hidden sniper, who kept up a consistent fire on us all the time, whilst the enemy s artillery swept the hills and valley with a hail of shrapnel. Soon the men were tired as they were carrying a pick and shovel as well as their full equipment, and short breathing spaces were given as soon as shelter was reached. We arrived at the top of the place where we were to make our firing line at about noon. All the picks and shovels were thrown in a heap, we helped each other off with our packs fixed bayonets, and charged forward up the hill to our position. About noon our platoon sergeant, who had receive shrapnel bullet in the leg the previous day arrived back again. He had been taken aboard the boat and as they would not take the bullet out he got ashore next morning and came back. We held these trenches for a fortnight when we, the 2 nd Brigade, were sent to Cape Helles. Here we had a couple of days spell. We were then sent as reserves to the left; we had just completed digging our trenches when we received the order to advance and support the firing lines. Nobody understood exactly where the firing line was so we went straight ahead. We passed over some of our own troops entrenched, then on over the Indian troops in support, and finally over the firing line. We continued for another 600 or 700 yards and then commenced to dig a fresh firing line. The advance was made over open country and under terrible fire from artillery, machine guns and rifles. It was during this advance that T Couve was killed. It was reported that I was wounded, but if this appears in the papers take no notice of it, as the closest they got to me was to hit my rifle, and one through the leg of my trousers. The platoon sergeant again had trouble, getting a bullet one inch above the other wound in his leg, but he was up with us that night. We were to be relieved next day, but were not relieved till five days 19

20 later. It had been raining all day, and was still going strong. We started to leave our trenches at 11pm then the fun began. Men were continually getting stuck in the mud which in parts of the trenches, was knee deep. After falling into the creek, falling into dugouts etc., wading across the creek about a dozen times and other little accidental trips into wells and things we arrived at our halting place at 3am. All this time bullets had been whistling down the creek, but only three men were hit. As soon as we arrived at our halting place we just threw the waterproofs on the ground and ourselves after them. Next morning we did look a lot, guys covered with mud from head to foot. After a good breakfast we again moved off than took up a rest position for three days, when we again waited for our transport and went back to our first landing place. Again the Turks welcomed us with some more presents but without doing much damage. We again got more dug outs made, and next day started work on the beach and road making, with a trip up to the support trenches every third night thrown in. After three weeks of this I was detailed as sergeant of the guard to the concentration camp to guard prisoners. Have been here a week now. It is a pleasant change to be away from the roar of the guns and shrieks of the shrapnel, with which we were presented with every day in our dug out. E Martin has been killed and the two Newsome s Fred and Henry, slightly wounded. Have not mentioned anything about our losses, you have seen that by the papers already. Must finish now, hoping all is well with you. On the 5 th September 1915 Tulloch was sick to hospital at Anzac suffering from dysentery. Dysentery was caused by contaminated water and was especially a problem in the early stages of the war and unfortunately Harold Tulloch was a victim which resulted in him being invalided out of the forces and returned to Australia on 3 rd January Editor s note: Harold s surname upon enlistment is recorded as Tulloch however it was misread and during his service his name became recorded as Tullock. I am delighted to write that Harold Tulloch returned to Dandenong and his printing job at the South Bourke and Mornington Journal. He volunteered with the Dandenong Fire Brigade shortly after his return to Australia and was the Captain of the Dandenong Fire Brigade from 1917 till Harold was 39 when he married a local girl Elsie Grahame in 1933, there being 19 years difference in their ages as Elsie was only 20 when they married. By this time Harold was the Volunteer Station Master and the family including their two children Murray and Barbara grew up at the Dandenong Fire Station House in 20

21 Mason Street. Barbara married Jack Edwards and today lives in Pakenham. Murray is deceased. Legendary Journal reporter Marge Stork paid tribute to Harold in 1995 when The Journal celebrated its 130 th anniversary. Marge called Harold a Father confessor not only to young apprentices at The Journal but also young fire brigade recruits. He was a quiet friendly man with a great depth of sincerity wrote Marg. Long time Journal editor and owner Greg Dickson included Harold on his list of the fine, loyal bunch who worked with me rather than for me. Funeral of Harold Edward Tulloch moving past the Dandenong Journal Offices on its way to Springvale Cemetery on 16 th September

22 The Masters Family Members at WW1 Ken Masters William and Sarah Masters of Kirkham Rd Dandenong saw each of their two sons off to War in Albert Ernest (Chip) enlisted on 8 th February and his brother Charles Henry 5 months later on 5 th July Both boys had been educated at Dandenong School no1403. Albert was 28 and Charles was 23, both were single. On their enlistment papers Albert s occupation was labourer and he was living at Mirboo South. Charles was a grocer living in Dandenong. Masters Albert Ernest enlisted on the 8 th February 1915 in the 22 nd Battalion, B Company which became part of the 6 th Infantry Brigade 2 nd Division. Regimental number 426 Masters s unit was formed at Broadmeadows Camp on 26 th March 1915 and embarked from Melbourne on board HMAT A38 Ulyssess on 3 rd May The battalion deployed to Gallipoli in the first week of September 1915 allowing elements of the 2 nd Brigade to be rested from their positions in the front line at ANZAC. The battalion served on the peninsula until the final evacuation in December 1915, and were then withdrawn to Egypt and brought back to strength with reinforcements. After the failure of the August 1915 offensive at Suvla the campaign had obviously stalled, and had no prospect of future success. Lord Horatio Kitchener successfully recommended to the British Government that all forces on the Gallipoli Peninsula, except Cape Helles, be evacuated. On 28 th December a further decision was taken to evacuate the British and French at Cape Helles. Once again the force slipped away unobserved on the night of 7/8 th January Troops numbers were unobtrusively reduced from 7 th December 1915 and various ruses, such as Australian Lance Corporal William Scurry's self-firing rifle, which was rigged to fire by water dripping into a pan attached to the trigger, were used to 22

23 disguise the planned departure. The problem was that if the Ottomans learned of it, they would attack during the embarkation, killing and capturing thousands of men. In fact the Ottomans did suspect an evacuation might be on the cards, and made preparations to assault the beachheads if it occurred, but they did not find out about it until after the event. Suvla and Anzac were evacuated simultaneously, the last troops leaving before dawn on 20 th December In terms of achieving its objective, the evacuation was the best-executed move of the entire campaign. With almost no loss, over 80,000 men were evacuated in December and January. Masters was evacuated back to Egypt, however on the 7 th January 1916 he and the reinforced 22 nd Battalion proceeded to Alexandria for France and disembarked at Marseilles on the 24 th March The battalion experienced their first service on the Western Front in reserve breastwork trenches near Fleurbaix France. The battalion s first major action was at Pozieres, part of the massive British offensive on the Somme. In September/October 1916 they were moved to the Ypres sector then back to the Somme for the winter. Having escaped injury and sickness for nearly 6 months Masters was admitted to hospital with Scabies pediculosis (lice) and other parasites. Body lice caused trench fever, resulting in headaches, aching muscles, skin sores and a high fever. However Masters was discharged from Hospital 4 days later. The battalion spent most of 1917 bogged in bloody trench warfare from Bullecourt to Broodseinde in Flanders. On 26 th September 1917 Masters joined the 6 th Machine Gun Company. And was selected to attend Infantry Cadet Course in England; however on the 24 th April 1918 Masters was struck off strength of No 5 Officers Cadet Battalion having been found unfit for General Service due to his Flat Feet. On 4 th May 1918 Masters was to report to No 1 Depot Sutton Veny a Camp and hospital in England, having been classified C1 (permanently unfit for general service but fit for home service). By the 7 th June 1918 Masters was admitted to hospital with diphtheria and left England for return to Australia on 11 th December Sergeant Albert Ernest Masters embarked on the Saxon in England and disembarking at Melbourne on 30 th January Masters was 23

24 discharged from the AIF on 24 th March 1919 and went back to being a grocer. While we have not been able to find any marriage or death certificates for Albert and his wife Olive we have found information about their life in the Electoral Rolls. It appears that Albert married in 1922 Olive Vera Trilby and they spent most of their working lives in either the Dandenong District or Red Cliffs Victoria. Albert dropped off the electoral roll in 1958 so we can conclude he died about this time. Olive shifted from their Mt Evelyn home in Bailey Rd to 9 Heth St Oakleigh after Albert s death and she remained there until her death in about Albert and Olive had one adopted son Geoff. Albert s nickname Chip came from him being just like his Dad. Masters Charles Henry enlisted on the 5 th July 1915 in the 8 th Battalion, 9 th Reinforcement. Regimental Number 2893 Charles Henry Masters sailed on the Markarini on the 15 th September 1915 and was part of the 9 th Reinforcement to the 8 th battalion which had arrived in Egypt 2 nd December By the time Masters arrived at ANZAC on the 7 th December 1915, he was just in time for the evacuation. Masters wrote in his diary: 19 th December 1915 Sunday: We left Anzac last night about 10.30pm and when I woke up this morning we were anchored outside Lemnos, we disembarked and landed at West Mudros sometime in the afternoon. 25 th December1915 Saturday: Christmas and under existing circumstances it has turned out a rather enjoyable one. I was on Guard yesterday from 9 o'clock in the morning until 9 o clock this morning, our duty was to one of the wells. I have just heard that we to get a Roast of beef & Christmas pudding which the cooks are providing. The Master Brothers went on to the Western Front and Charlie wrote down his experiences. 25 th March 1916 Sunday: We embarked at half past 8 o clock last night and arrived at Alexandria at 7 o'clock this morning (travelled up in open trucks) we embarked on the Megantic during the morning. Only the 7 th and 8 th Battalions are on board and we are fixed up in cabins. Four bunks in each. This is the best ship I have been on as yet; she is a White Star Liner. 24

25 Charles Masters arrived in Marseilles on 31 st March 1916, 7 days after his brother Albert. Masters and took up position in the trenches on the Somme Battlefield with the 8 th Battalion. 1 st April 1916 Saturday. We arrived in harbor at Marseilles at half past four yesterday afternoon and disembarked soon after tea. The 7 th Battalion going off first. We then marched about one and half miles to a receiving camp and rested there overnight. I was surprised when I woke up to see such a lovely scene all the slopes are covered with green grass and trees, more like Australia than anything that I have seen yet, I was unlucky enough to strike Guard Duty. 15 th May 1916 Monday: We left out billets at 8 o clock last night and took up positions in the trenches at 9.30pm - I was on duty for 2 hours in case of gas. Have been in all day today on an Observation Post. 18 th May 1916 Thursday: I put in a very rotten night last night we had to stand to for 3 hours (12 till 3 this morning). The old Hun was dishing out gas somewhere along the line. 2 nd June 1916 Friday: I was on fatigue all day today; we were down near the firing line covering duck boards with wire netting 25 th June 1916 Saturday: Fritz gave us a warm welcome all day by dishing up great Coal Boxes (heavy German shelling) and then he had to check that he could come over and take out trenches at stand to this morning. A party of Germans were seen about 50 yards away from our post in the act of cutting our wire. They happened to be right in front of Jim Kennedy s post and it was bad luck for them as Jim is a cool customer and he waited patiently until they were all together and then gave the order to fire. Fritz immediately sent over a shower of bombs but they all fell short, however to make a long story short we bagged about half a dozen and managed to get one in, he was a big fellow probably a Prussian Guard. Charlie like his brother Albert took part in the Battle of Pozieres. Charlie described his experience of the battle in his diary. 25

26 25 th July 1916 Tuesday: The Germans shelled hell out of us all day and to make things worse our own Artillery opened up on us in the afternoon, this was a sad mistake but I believe the men on the guns didn t know we were so far advanced, however we didn t fare too badly as we were well down in the dugouts. 10 th August 1916 Thursday: It was raining this morning when I woke up and I was hoping no parade would be sounded but the weather cleared up by 9 o clock and we got orders to fall in at I went on a Lewis Gun class again. We all got a great surprise this afternoon, got orders to fall in at Belt and side arms when we marched down to the main road and lined the side, the surprise was that the King was going to pass along sometime during the afternoon and sure enough an hour later he drove along in his motor, we all gave him a great cheer, later Brigade were lined up and General Birdwood said a few words he also presented two or three Military Crosses 19 th August 1916 Saturday: True enough we had to support A Company in a hop out which took place about 9 o clock last night and we had a rough time. Proof of the fact that we failed twice to take the German trench. I had the bad luck to get knocked half silly by a shell bursting about five yards from me soon after we hopped out of the first trench and it took me fully half an hour to regain my proper senses. I then battled on to a support trench in front and joined up with D Company. I haven t heard the full strength of the whole thing yet. 20 th August 1916 Sunday: I am still in this support trench with D Company and it is a pretty warm shop, we get hell shelled out of us day and night. I had charge of an observation post last night 6 men and myself, this morning there is only one man and myself left the others were all wounded by one of the big shells, the same shell buried two men but they were not too bad got a bit of a shaking up. I don t know when we are going to be relieved but hope they don t keep us here much longer. 23 rd August 1916 Wednesday: Up and off again this morning I don t know where our destination is to be but we are too go to Rupampre today. I haven t seen any of the boys yet but intend to have a look around after tea. It was a very hot marching 26

27 today. I forgot to mention that poor old Jim Kennedy got wounded in the last Stunt and I ve just heard that Dick Walmsley was killed he was in the 7 th Battalion. 26 th September 1916 Tuesday: Have charge of No 7 Platoon at present as I am acting Platoon Sergeant. We are still down at La Clyte siding. I don t mind this job it will do me until the end of the war. 1 st October 1916 Sunday: we had a big church parade this morning at 8.30am general Birdwood and General Walker were both present. After the service General Birdwood presented some of the Ribbons won by men of the of the 2 nd Brigade at Poziers. I went on as Company Orderly Corporal at midday. Albert came over to see me in the afternoon. Diary entries show that Albert and Charles Masters walked miles in the trenches to meet up with one another during their service on the Western Front. 2 nd October 1916 Monday: I went up a step higher today, had to take over the duties of Company Orderly Sergeant in the absence of Sergeant T Anderson. More rain today the place is a fine old mess. On 13 th October 1916 Masters was promoted to Sergeant. By August 1917 Masters was detached from his unit to attend Army School for a month. However by 22 nd September 1917 he was back with his unit at the Somme and about to engage with the enemy at Passchendaele, Bullecourt and Ypres. The Battle of Passchendaele, also known as the Third battle of Ypres took place on the Western Front, from July to November 1917, for control of the ridges south and east of the Belgian city of Ypres in West Flanders. Passchendaele lay on the last ridge east of Ypres. Masters wrote in his diary: 26 th October 1917 The Canadians hopped the bags for Passchendaele Ridge, we were on their right. In the afternoon the Fritz bombarded our position. I got smacked 27

28 through the right arm and have arrived at the Canadian Casualty Clearing station. On 4 th November 1917 Masters was admitted Grayling Well War Hospital Chichester with Shrapnel wound to the arm and remained in hospital until 23 rd November th November 1917 Monday: Left Grayling Well War Hospital for Dartford this morning arrived Dartford about 4 o clock this afternoon. 20 th November 1917 Tuesday: The Doctor had a look at my arm this morning and I had my arm dressed later. I don t think I will be here long as they call it a Hoot Sweet place. 23 rd November 1917 Left Dartford this morning for Hurdcott arrived at about 3 o clock in the afternoon. Going from better to worse. This place is an isolated camp about 5 miles from anywhere. Hurdcott Camp was on the Salisbury Plans and was mainly used for training. 18 th December 1917 Tuesday: Went up for a reclassification this morning and I think I am still good for another week. My wounds have healed but I still can t straighten my arm yet. On 4 th January 1918 Masters was classified B1B (fit for light duties only). However on 15 th May 1918 he was classified fit for duty and marched out and re-joined the 8 th Battalion on 23 rd May 1918 that was taking part in defensive operations. In July 1918 Masters was recommended and received the Military Medal. The commendation stated: During a raid on the enemy this Sergeant together with one man rushed a strongly held enemy post and despite the determined opposition of the six occupants who fought till the last with bombs, he and his companion eventually capturing the position. He then led his men further forward setting a fine example by his fearlessness and dash and so contributed largely to the success of the raid. 28

29 The 8 th Battalion went on to participate in the Battle of Amiens 8 th August which ultimately brought about an end to the war. During this battle Masters continued to show leadership and on the 30 th August was recommended and received the Distinguish Conduct Medal for conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty during the attack on Herleville Wood on 23 rd August The commendation stated: Sergt. Masters took charge of his platoon on his officer becoming a casualty early in the advance and handled them with great courage and dash. When approaching St. Denis Wood, his coy came under very heavy shell fire and also Machine Guns fired from the wood. By a skilful manoeuvre he got his platoon into a suitable position from where he charged the wood with the bayonet. His courage and initiative were such as to inspire his men to a splendid effort. He succeeded in gaining the wood, taking the garrison of 40 Germans, prisoners, and capturing three machine Guns. His action enabled the flank and reserve Coy to get forward and greatly facilitated the advance. During a later advance, Masters succeed in bombing his way single handed 200 yards up a communication trench and killed six of the enemy, clearing the way for his platoon to move up over the top. However Masters paid a price for his courage, on 28 th August 1918 he was gassed and admitted to Military Hospital in Cheltenham England. He was discharged on the 18 th October 1918 and was granted leave till 2 nd November, when he reported to No 1 Com Deport, Sutton Veny as a Class B1A2. (Fit for overseas in a couple of weeks). The 8 th Battalion continued operations until late September, when suffering severe manpower shortages; the Australian Corps was withdrawn from the line for rest and re-organisation. They were subsequently out of the line when the Armistice was signed on 11 th November Masters never did not re-join the 8 th Battalion and left England on 15 th January 1919 on HT City of Exeter disembarking at Melbourne on 2 nd March After serving 1,397 days in the AIF he was discharged Medically Unfit due to gas poisoning on the 24 th April From March to April he had his eye on a lady in the typing pool at the Army Barracks where he was working, called May Gertrude Morris and on the 5 th December 1926 he married May and they came to live in Mason Street, Dandenong. 29

30 May and Charles went on to have 7 Children with the youngest born in 1937 and named Kenneth James Masters. Charles died at the age of 70 on 29 th January In the May 1963 edition of Westwood Ho!, the official Journal of the Dandenong Sub-Branch RSL, Charles was remembered. The late Charles Masters was elected the first secretary of the Dandenong Sub-branch a position he held for many years. Later he became interested in social welfare work on behalf of the branch and continued this for several years. In his capacity he was ably assisted by his wife, solving may of the welfare problems. Mrs Masters was also an ardent worker of the RSL ladies Auxiliary. In 1945 he was elected president of the sub-branch and was the first member to be made a life member. This honour was bestowed on him in appreciation of the abundance of work he undertook on behalf of the RSL generally. Charles was possessor of a very happy disposition and was truly one of nature s gentlemen and anyone having had the pleasure of association with him could not be anything but the better for it. Apart from his activities with the RSL and these were many and varied he found time to devote to a great deal of energy to other associations. The Dandenong and District Hospital, of which he was a life governor, the Dandenong Festival of Music and Art, the committee of which offered him a life membership 1 st Dandenong Boy Scout Group. May Masters worked in the Arcadians Club which devoted its activities to fund-raising for the establishment of the local hospital. Father of two daughters and four sons, he also made time to take an interest in their many activities - church, school, sporting and social. On discharge from the army, he joined the Closer Settlement Commission and spent a good deal of time in the Mallee as a surveyor. Later in partnership with Mr. Leo Matthews, he opened a butchery business in Lonsdale Street, Dandenong and traded there for many years. After disposing of the business he became secretary of the Dandenong Sewerage Authority from 1945-to 1959, when he was forced to resign owing to ill-health. Charles then moved to his farm at Yannathan, where he remained until his death in

31 Brendan Nelson, Director of the Australian War Memorial once said A life of value is given to the service of others How true this was of Charles Henry Masters 31

32 Gwen Doris Jarvis "When you stay with a community commitment you become a part of it. I was grateful to move in so many different circles - (it) was very, very, very rewarding." Gwen Jarvis said these words when she was being interviewed in 1999 for the Living Treasures of Greater Dandenong publication. Her daughters Elizabeth, Bronwyn, Sue and Marion shared their experiences living in a household committed to community life at the Memorial Service for their mother on Friday 21 st August 2015 at the Pakenham Uniting Church. Gwen Jarvis was the second daughter of Charles and Doris McPhee and was born at home in Close Avenue, Dandenong in She attended Dandenong West Primary School, followed by Dandenong High School, where she was a prefect in her final year. Church was an important part of her family's life and it was here that Gwen met her husband, Maurie. They were married in the Methodist Church in 1944 and from that day both Gwen & Maurie supported each other in the numerous ways they both contributed to the welfare of the Dandenong community. As a Mother and a committee member Gwen worked to provide or improve many community facilities such as the Truby King Infant Welfare Centre, Dandenong West Kindergarden and Primary School and the Girl Guides Association. For forty years she was a volunteer with Dandenong's Festival of Music and Art for Youth. She also helped establish the YMCA in Dandenong. In all her voluntary capacities, Gwen was motivated by a genuine love and compassion for all people and it showed. She always appeared happiest in the role of making others feel comfortable and welcome. The Jarvis home in Jones Road was open to all in need and was the scene of many meetings and community projects. Gwen's association with "Wallara" gave her enormous satisfaction, as she saw it formed in her living room in 1959 and 32

33 watched over its growth. Today one of the rooms at Wallara is named 'The Jarvis Room'. Gwen was a great supportor and contributor to the Dandenong & District Historical Society and she will be greatly missed. ****** Harking Back 73 Years Compiled by Bev Pursell Extracts from the Dandenong Journal with grammar and spelling preserved. July 1 st 1942 Fate of the Old Park Gum in the Balance Drawing attention to the dying state of the big red gum near the band rotunda in the Dandenong Park, Cr J Edwards said that he thought now, when poor families were short of wood, would be a good time to have it down. It was dangerous as it was. July 8 th 1942 The stork is a busy bird these days There was a big increase in the number of births in Dandenong during the past three months, the number of babies 55 being the greatest for any quarter for many years. Twenty five of these were girls and 30 boys. But the Grim Reaper had also taken a heavier toll in the district over the same period. In the three months Mrs Pearson the Registrar has registered no less than 27 deaths (11 females, 10 males). July 8 th 1942 Another of Dandenong s Grand Old Men Mr James Bowman Another of Dandenong s grand old men passed away late Sunday night when Mr James Bowman of 28 Langhorne street, who has lived here for close on 80 years, breathed his last at the fine old age of 92. Known the length and breadth of the district as a straight goer the late James Bowman was a member of one of the district s best known families in the pionerring days, and has left a memory behind that will live on. Born at Pakenham in 1850, he came to Dandenong when 13 years old and has lived here practically the whole of his life. His parents owned the Bridge Hotel before Dunbars and it was not long before he himself made a name for himself as an astute 33

34 and successful business man, and a fine citizen. At one time he owned the Kangaroo store in the period before Isaac Lowerston took it over. Later in life he became a leading estate agent and financier, with money interests in the district. As a youth he was an accomplished horse man and did a lot of riding for the Leckies.` He took a prominent part in many district clubs and organizations, and maintained his interest in many of them until failing health intervened. He was one of the first members of the Dandenong Bowling Club and was made a life member of that organiszation a few years back. He was also a leading member of the Presbyterian Church and was an Elder of Scot s Church up till the time of his death. Out of respect to the memory of a fine citzen the flag at the Town Hall was flown half-mast. The funeral, which took place yesterday, was a large one, as befitted the man, and en-route to the cemetery an impressive service was conducted by Rev V F Handley at Scots Church. The lengthy cortege then proceeded to the Dandenong Cemetery where Rev V F Handley read the burial servcie. The Dandenong Shire Councial was represented by the shire secretary (Mr K G Alpin), Crs A W Bowman, J New, J Mills, J Edwards and A Fleming. The pall-bearers, Cr A W Bowman, K McAlpin, K McLennan, F Facey, A Evans, K Twiss, E C Butler, R Silcock, J Greig and D Birss. Messres J W Garner and son had charge of the funeral arrangments. July 15 th 1942 Personals Miss P Newman of Narre Warren is present acting as a temporary teacher at Dandenong SS 1403 Mr & Mrs F B Jenkins of Kelonz Heatherton Roads, Noble Park have been warmly congratulated by their friends on the birth of a daughter, Gail Margaret. St James church of England Dandenong was the setting last Saturday for a quiet wedding in which the contracting parties were Miss Evelyn May Lovell, daughter of Mr & Mrs Alfred Lovell of Potter Street Dandenong, and Mr Raymond Sorrell, a member of the AIF. Friends of Gunner Eric Riddell, of Dandenong will regret to hear that he is at present in the military hospital at Port Moresby suffering from a bout of fever. Here s hoping he ll soon be up and about again. Word has been received by Mrs Llewellyn of Grassmere, that her son, Pte Jack Llewllyn 2/29 th Battalion, has been reported missing in Sinapore. 34

35 September 30 th 1942 Car brings in 200 for Red Cross Won by Mr Steve de George The single seater Riley car, given to the Dandenong Red Cross by Mr Greg McLellan of Walker St Dandenong and raffled by members for Red Cross funds brought in the grand sum of 200. It was won by Steve de George, well known Dandenong café proprietor. The drawing took place at the Red Cross dance in the Town Hall last Saturday night, and was perfomed by Cr J C Mills, the shire president. The proceeds of the raffle amounted to 165 but when he was informed that he had won the car, Mr de George generously handed over his cheque for 35 to bring the total up to 200. Local Red Cross members are most appreciative of his open hearted gesture. Roy Selleck pays tribute to stretcher bearer Eric Reader. A page from a recent letter from Sgt Roy Sellick of Spring Vale, who was wounded in action some little time back I don t know if you rememnebr Eric Reader of Spring Vale. He is a stretcher bearer in our battalion and doing a wonderful job. He got me safely out when I was wounded. His is a job you very seldom hear much about, but I would like all at home to know about it. I can t explain what he has gone through to get wounded out, but it is plenty. Roy is doing fine and expects to be moving back to the hospital in Palestine very shortly. October 7 th 1942 Personals Sister Louise Oldmeadow daughter of Mr & Mrs Oldmeadow, of 35 Robinson Street, has completed her nursing training at the Alfred Hospital and after a week s holiday at Castlemaine joins the nursing staff of Murray House private hospital, Dandenong on Monday next. Congratulations to her on having come through her arduous three years training so well. November 4 th 1942 The Bride Wore Orchids In a beautiful setting of pink and white liliums and gilder roses, Thelmas Winifred, elder daughter of Mr & Mrs Charles Rendell, Perry Road, Keysborough was married to Cpl Douglas Clarence Keys (AIF retuned) only son of Mrs Ivy Keys, Dandenong, at 35

36 Church of England, Springvale on Saturday morning, October 24 th. The Rev R E O Finger celebrated the ceremony and Mrs Erickson presided at the organ. The bride, who entered the church on the arm of her father wore a dainty jacket frock of delphinium blue swav, with demure white collar and hat of summer felt. Her veiling matched her frock and contrasting navy accessories were worn. She carried a white prayer book the gift of the bridegroom's mother, with a spray of rare scented white orchids. The bride's sister, Mrs Lola Rendell was bridsmaid and wore, a charming clover pink frock with hat to match. Fragrant pink roses, carnations and Maggie Mott pansies comprised her bouguet. Mr Robert Andrews was best man. Ill walk beside you was beautifully sung by Mrs T L Keys. Afterwards Mr & Mrs Rendell entertained a few close friends and relatives at their home. Mrs Rendell wore a black crepe de chine ensemble with bronze beading and black velvet hat. Pinned to her dress was a corsage of pink carnations and forget me nots. Mrs Keys favoured a navy and white ensemble with hat en suite. The bridgroom, who is in the audit section of the AIF, recently returned from overseas, and his friends from his section presented him with a reading lamp. The bride, who is on the staff of the Gippsland Bacon Co, was presented with a silver teapot from the staff. Many congratulatory telegrams were received from all parts of Australia. The bridegroom s gift to the bride was a canteen of cutlery and her gift to him was a pair of gold initial links. The bridgroom s gift to the bridesmaid was a gold and blue enamel compact. The bride and bridegroom are spending their honeymoon at Mornington, after which they will make their home in Herbert Street Dandenong. November Grandstand Destroyed in Spectacular Night Blaze With flames over 100 feet high illuminating the surroundings like day, the timber grandstand at the Dandenong Showgrounds was destroyed in spectacular blaze shortly after 10 o clock on Saturday night. The Military was in occupation of the gounds and the fire is thought to have started in some baled hay which was stored underneath one end of the building. Internal combustion has been advanced as one theory, but the whole of the circumstances surrounding the fire will be the subject of a Military Inquiry. Originally a portion of the old Caulfied Racecourse grandstand, the building was shifted and re-erected at Dandenong somewhere about It is owned by the Agricultural Society, and with its contents was insured for

37 November Lest We Forget At 11 O Clock this morning Armistice Day was solemnly observed at an impressive ceremony at the Cenotaph in Lonsdale Street Dandenong. Wreaths were laid on the Cenotaph by the Shire President on behalf of the Dandenong council. Mr E J de Graff (Rotary Club), Mr D Walker (RSSILA). Mrs Aledxander (Women s Auxiliary of the RSL). After appropriate addresses by the Rev Hadley, Cr Mills, Messres. Walker and de Graaff, the crowd stood with bowed heads as the 2 minutes silence was observed. The poignant notes of the Last Post cut the silence to end a commemoration that held more than ordinary significance in these war-torn days. Many mothers afterwards placed wreaths on the Cenotaph in memory of gallant sons. November

38 December LEMONS WANTED The answer to this one is a lemon or dozens of them if possible. The Dandenong & District Hospital has run short of lemons and needs a large quanity of them for use of patients. If you have a tree and can spare some of the friut leave them at Roberts baker s shop in Lonsdale Street, from where they will be sent to the hospital. December ` Dandenong Footballer Wins Military Medal for Bravery New Guinea Epic Just what you d expect of Charlie, He d go through anything Remarked a friend of Pte Charlie Pyke, of Dandenong West, when he learned that this well known Dandenong lad had been awarded the Military Medal for outstanding bravery with the CMF, in the New Guinea battlefront. The offical citation made: Pivate Charles Richard Pyke V422272, of Dandenong West, Victoria when the enemy had encircled his comparatively small force and were massing to storm his position. Private Pyke, in face of heavy machine-gun and rifle fire, advanced to within 10 yards of the enemy and threw hand grenades into their midst, enabling our greatly outnumbered force to take another position without further loss. Charlie who is 25 years old, is the son of Mr & Mrs J Pyke of Yarramon Park Dandenong. He was born at Noble Park, gained his schooling at the Dandenong West State School, and after leaving, worked with Ted Buchan at Heatherton Road until he joined the AMF. Solidly built and always cheeful, he was a playing member of Dandenong s side that carried off the premiership. He showed the same go through determination on the football field that earned him recognition on the battle field December Christmas

39 President s Report During the last six months the volunteers have been heavily involved in cataloguing the material received from the Dandenong Bowls Club and Dandenong Croquet Club which have been disbanded. The Civic & Historical Societies Future Directions Committee This committee is now into the final phase of the Archive Storage at Hammond Road. Work has begun to enable the hand over of the building late in The first collection to be shifted into the premies will be the Civic Collection. Saturday 29 th August I was honoured to be present when representatives of the Ewart, Garnar, Boyd and Crump families gathered in Harmony Square on Saturday 29 th August. The Mayor Cr Sean O Reilly took us on a short walk to view the newest award winning interpretive signs on Ewart Lane, Garnar Lane, Boyd Lane and Crump Lane. At each sign the group heard of the orgins of their names and their significance to Dandenong. Thursday 3 September It was also delightful to represent the Society on Thursday evening at the launch of new public art specially created for the Dandenong Civic Centre. Artists Kris Coad and Julie Squires have created three large canoe-shaped bone china sculptures representing the evolution of Dandenong and surrounding areas. Both Kris and Julie came to the rooms when looking for ideas on the journey Dandenong had undergone. It was very pleasing to see our suggestions created into such beautiful works of art. Member Meetings Since the last Gippsland Gate we have had three member meetings: April: Jeremy Smith a prize winning organist told us the history of the St James Church organ and the craft of organ restorers. June: Margo and Tom Hartley entertained us at the annual luncheon with their story of growing up in the Dandenong area. August: Ken Masters enlightened the meeting on the history of his family s involvement in World War 1 Dates for your diary Sunday 18 October: Annual General Meeting 2pm at Agricultural Society s room, Greaves Reserve Showgrounds when Carmen Powell will speak on the effect of the 1930 s Depression on her family in Dandenong. 39

40 Saturday 14 th & Sunday 15 th - Dandenong Show Looking for volunteers for 2hr shifts on our display. Sunday 6 th December: Christmas Lunch pm at the Dandenong Club. Come and catch up with friends and share some Christmas cheer. The Pig Little did Ian McDonald know when he fought to save the Dandy Pig sign it would be made into a national icon. Congratulations Ian 40