The Relief of Mafeking celebrations in the Shires of Berwick and Cranbourne

The siege and battle for the town of  Mafeking in South Africa is one of the most well known events in the South African or Boer War. The siege lasted  217 days from October 13, 1899 to May 17, 1900. When the British (which included Australian forces) 'won' the battle and the town of Mafeking was 'relieved' there was wide-spread celebrations throughout the British Empire including Australia. 

These are some accounts of local celebrations, but before we look at them, this is an account of the Siege from South African History on-line, see it here.
The Siege of Mafeking (now known as Mafikeng) was an important battle in the South African War (Second Anglo-Boer War). The war began in late 1899; President Kruger (1) issued an ultimatum, instructing the British to withdraw their soldiers from the border of the Transvaal. When the British failed to heed the instruction, Kruger's government declared war. In 1900 Afrikaans Commandant Eloff was sent to put the town of Mafikeng under siege. Eloff (2) instructed General Piet Cronje (3) to lead approximately 5000 Afrikaner soldiers (numbers vary) to Mafikeng. For almost seven months fighting ensued; with the Afrikaner soldiers burning the Barolong huts and the defences that the British lieutenant-general, Robert Baden-Powell (4), had set up. A turning point occurred on 17 May 1900, when British forces, led by Colonel Mahon (5) and Lord Roberts (6) fought their way into the city and lifted the siege. The British forces were dubbed "defenders of Mafeking". The relief is said to have sparked so much jubilation in London that a new word was coined in English, (to "maffick" came to mean "to revel inordinately). Although the war was fought primarily between the British and the Afrikaner soldiers, the battle of Mafeking claimed the lives of 400 Barolong, who fought alongside the British. The British lost were 212 soldiers and over 1000 Afrikaner lives were lost. (7) 

There was wide-spread joy at the end of the Mafeking Siege, which can be summed up by this report of a Berwick Shire Council meeting in August 1900, where the suggestion was made that a street in Pakenham be renamed Mafeking.  A letter had been received from Mrs. Flower, Pakenham, requesting inter alia  that the name of the street be changed from King to Mafeking street. Cr. D. Bourke moved that the change of name be made as desired, this was seconded by Cr. A'Beckett and carried (8).  

The name was changed, it was still called that in 1918 but I don't know how long it lasted, because it is not called that now.

Nurse Lowen of Mafeking Street, Pakenham East

Pakenham Gazette April 26, 1918 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article92152200

What follows are the accounts of  Relief of Mafeking celebrations from the Shire of Berwick and Shire of Cranbourne. These reports were written 125 years ago and  attitudes and language have changed  since then.

Berwick
The enthusiasm here was intense on Wednesday. An immense bonfire was lit on the highest part of the township, and a splendid display of fireworks was shown, lasting for two hours. The school children were assembled at the post-office, where patriotic songs were sung. They were then marched to the scene of the bonfire, and cheers were given for the Queen, Major-General Baden-Powell and his garrison, and Lord Roberts. (The Argus, May 25, 1900, see here.)  

Berwick
The rejoicings over the relief of Mafeking are past, and Berwick turned out right loyally on Wednesday to participate in the general festivities. We had a grand display of fireworks and a large bonfire, in the evening, and it was a pretty sight to see the rockets and other fireworks ascending.
(South Bourke & Mornington Journal, May 30, 1900, see here.) 

Cranbourne

On the welcome news of the relief of Mafeking, it is the intention of Constable Dwyer (9) to fire 12 rifle shots in front of the shire-hall. The residents of the town will hoist flags, and the Church of England bell will be rung.

(The Argus, May 19, 1900, see here)

Cranbourne
To say that Cranbourne looked gay on Saturday last would be putting it very mildly indeed. News of the relief of Mafeking caused residents to make a bold display in honor of the event, and the amount of enthusiasm shewn by the townspeople was very great. 

(South Bourke and Mornington Journal, May 23, 1900, see here) 

Cranbourne
Our quiet little township made a great demonstration on Wednesday last in honor of the relief of Mafeking. People from Cranbourne and district gathered in large numbers at the Shire Hall in the evening, when speeches of a patriotic nature by Mr. Downward, M.L.A. (10), President Le Roux (11), and Mr. J. W. C. McLellan (12), and other gentlemen were given. Appropriate songs were rendered by Mrs. Wiltshire (13) and Miss Allan, each number being illustrated by the Rev. E. Robertson on a screen with the aid of a magic lantern. The assemblage sang "Rule Britannia" and "God Save the Queen," whilst hearty cheers were given for Her Majesty, Major-General Baden-Powell, Lord Roberts, and General White (14). At the close of the proceedings the Rev. A. A. Wiltshire (15) thanked those who had assisted in the evening's entertainment, and expressed the hope that the war would soon be over. The band played a number of selections, and a collection taken up to defray expenses resulted in over £2 being gathered. The hosts of our respective hotels laid themselves open for the occasion, and their respective houses were gaily dressed in bunting, whilst a line of streamers floated bravely over the main street. Truly "there was a sound of revelry by night," and-an-array of defunct "Sandersons" (16) in a certain pub next morning testified to the fact that both the "spirit" and the flesh were willing.  

(South Bourke & Mornington Journal, May 30, 1900, see here.)

Relief of Mafeking Celebration in Pakenham

Image: North of the Line: a pictorial record (Berwick Pakenham Historical Society 1996)

Pakenham
Our friend Host Hogan (17), of the Gembrook Hotel, was so delighted at the relief of Mafeking that he held open house for the night, and the rejoicings were carried out in a very enthusiastic manner, singing and dancing (for joy) being vigorously carried on till further orders. There in no doubt about Mr. Hogan being a Britisher, and he very fitly hoisted the Union Jack and Stars and Stripes interwoven at the salute on Monday. Never, before, and probably never again, in the lives of the present residents, will there be occasion to celebrate such a memorable and soul stirring event as the relief of Mafeking. For seven months, against overwhelming odds, "stormed at by shot and shell" daily, and the last month literally starving, this garrison of solid heroes knew not defeat, but actually, almost on the last days of the siege, rushed out of the beleaguered town and inflicted a severe defeat upon the enemy.

Little wonder that the whole civilised world is to-day looking with awe and reverent respect on the nation that can produce men capable of such a feat of endurance and such unsurpassed bravery and heroism; and it is good, that even in a little township like ours, that on such an occasion as this we should rejoice and be thankful that we belong to the empire that claims these heroes of Mafeking as her sons and daughters. On Saturday night, there was indeed "a sound of revelry" in the township, and every patriotic song known was sung and received with deafening cheers, the assemblage letting their long pent-up feelings loose with a vengeance. A tall pole was set up in the township and a large new Union Jack hoisted, whilst at Webster and James' and Paternoster's store, the empire's flags were very conspicuous.

On Monday the flag was hauled down until 2.30 p.m., when the local detachment of Mounted Rifles with their captain preparatory to their drill drew, up in front of the pole, and hoisted the Union Jack with which was interwoven the Stars and Stripes of America, amid the cheers of the people present, and fired a Royal salute to the flag, of 21 guns. The National Anthem was then sung and cheers given Baden-Powell and "Our Bobs," and with the consent of the captain, three more cheers for the American flag. The assemblage then dispersed, to meet again on Wednesday (to-day) to further celebrate this gallant and glorious defence and relief.
(South Bourke and Mornington Journal, May 23, 1900, see here.)

Pakenham
The relief of Mafeking was celebrated in a right royal manner here, and our usually staid township fairly eclipsed itself in the effort to do honor to the gallant defender and his band of heroes. The children attending the three local schools marched in procession from the Toomuc Creek bridge through Old Pakenham, along the Main road to the Mechanics' Institute in the new township singing patriotic songs and waving Union Jack flags to the strains of music provided by Mr. C. Battersby, who headed the procession in a buggy. They were halted under a line of flags across the Main street, including the Union Jack, Royal Standard, Stars and Stripes, and others, when they sang the National Anthem. They then adjourned to the Hall, where tea and edibles were served to young and old. Patriotic songs were then sung by Mr. W. Close amidst ringing cheers, the singing being taking up by the audience must enthusiastically. Loud cheers were given for The Queen, Baden-Powell, Lord Roberts, and the Union Jack. The children were marched under the leadership of our worthy Racing Club secretary, Mr. R. C. Clements, who was assisted by the teachers of the respective schools, and every praise is due to them for the efficiency of the arrangements. 

A special word of praise is due to the members of the Rifle Club, as it was they who very fitly mooted the idea and to two of their members - Messrs. W. H. Bloomfield and H. Hogan who collected the amount due to defray the cost of the treat - but they must have felt well repaid for any trouble taken in the matter to hear the happy expressions of approval given sound to by the juveniles and seconded by their seniors. A souvenir handkerchief was presented to every child marching, which they will no doubt treasure in remembrance and honor of the brave souls who so gallantly defended Mafeking. A matter spoken of during the proceedings was the formation of a local band, and, as there is plenty of material here, the matter is well worthy of the residents' consideration, and it is hoped someone will take this matter, up at once.
(South Bourke and Mornington Journal, May 30, 1900 see here.)  

Trove List - I have created a list of articles on Trove about any local connections to the Boer War and any articles on the Relief of Mafeking Celebrations, access it here.

Footnotes
(1) President Kruger - Stephanus Johannes Paulus Kruger (1925 - 1904). He was president of the Transvaal, or South African Republic, from 1883 until his flight to Europe in 1900, after the outbreak of the South African (Boer) War. 

Source: Encyclopedia Britannica https://www.britannica.com/biography/Paul-Kruger
(2) Eloff - Sarel Eloff, described as a 'dashing young officer', grandson of President Kruger. You can see a photograph of him, here. He was taken Prisoner of War at Mafeking and sent to St Helena along with Piet Cronje and others.

Source: https://www.angloboerwar.com/forum/pow-e/26076-eloff-sarel-johannes-comdt
(3) Piet Cronje - Pieter Arnoldus Cronjé (1836 - 1911), was a Boer General. 

Source: Encyclopedia Britannica https://www.britannica.com/biography/Pieter-Arnoldus-Cronje
(4) Robert Baden-Powell - Robert Baden-Powell (1857-1941) 1st Baron Baden-Powell of Gilwell, established the Boy Scout movement in 1908.
Source: Encyclopedia Britannica https://www.britannica.com/biography/Robert-Stephenson-Smyth-Baden-Powell-1st-Baron-Baden-Powell
(5) Colonel Mahon - General Sir Bryan Mahon (1862-1930), British General and later an Irish Senator. See his obituary in the Brisbane Courier, September 25, 1930, here. 

 (6) Lord Roberts - Lord Roberts (1832 - 1914) was Frederick Sleigh Roberts, 1st Earl Roberts, a British Field Marshal.
Source: Encyclopedia Britannica https://www.britannica.com/biography/Frederick-Sleigh-Roberts-1st-Earl-Roberts
(7) South African History - https://www.sahistory.org.za/dated-event/south-african-war-lifting-siege-mafeking
(8) South Bourke and Mornington Journal, August 15, 1900, see here.

(9) Constable Dwyer left Cranbourne for Footscray in 1902 - South Bourke & Mornington Journal, July 2, 1902, see here.  
(10) Mr Downward, M.L.A - Alfred Downward (1847 - 1930). Member for the Legislative Assembly seat of Mornington from 1894 until 1929. See his obituary on The Argus, June 28, 1930, see here.
(11) President Le Roux - Prosper Henry Victor Le Roux, Cranbourne Shire Councillor 1896 until 1905. Shire President 1899-1900. Source: The Good Country: Cranbourne Shire by Niel Gunson (Shire of Cranbourne, 1968)
(12) Mr. J. W. C. McLellan - John William Charles McLellan - Cranbourne land owner and Councillor 1903 - 1905. Source: The Good Country: Cranbourne Shire by Niel Gunson (Shire of Cranbourne, 1968)
(13) Reverend A.A. Wiltshire and Mrs Wiltshire - Albert Arthur Wiltshire. The Reverend Wiltshire was the Anglican Minister, President of the Cranbourne Brass Band established in May 1899, and a member of the Cranbourne Rifle Club formed in March 1900.  Mrs Wiltshire was born Sara Hodgson and they married in 1890. Rev Wiltshire died in an accident in 1908 at the age of 42, you can read his obituary in the South Bourke and Mornington Journal, October 14, 1908, see here. The other information comes from The Good Country: Cranbourne Shire by Niel Gunson. 

(14) General White - Field Marshal Sir George Stuart White (1835 - 1912). Awarded the Victoria Cross in the Afghan War in 1879. 

Source: the British Empire website, see here. https://www.britishempire.co.uk/forces/armycampaigns/africancampaigns/boerwar/stuartwhite.htm
(15) See footnote 13. 
(15) Sandersons - was a brand of Scotch Whiskey.
(17) Host Hogan of the Gembrook Hotel - Charles F. Hogan was the licensee of the Hotel from at least 1894. The Gembrook Hotel is the hotel in Main Street in Pakenham near the Railway Station (now called the Railway Hotel)

A version of this post, which I wrote and researched, appears on my work blog, Casey Cardinia Commemorates: Our War Years blog

Narre Warren East wants a new name

Narre Warren East is just over the border from the City of Casey in the Shire of Yarra Ranges. It was previously part of the Shire of Fern Tree Gully / Sherbrooke (1). Narre Warren East is located off Wellington Road in the Berwick Road and Mountain Flat, Edebohls and Haysey Roads vicinity. 

In the late 1950s, Helen Coulson, in her book The Story of the Dandenongs (2) wrote the following about Narre Warren East -
Narre Warren East, known originally as Muddy Creek, is a rural hamlet boasting only a school, hall, sports ground and store. The Muddy Creek, a stream of crystal clear water which traverses the area, derived its name from the fact that in the early days horses crossing the stream in winter were often covered in mud up to their bellies, Few changes - except in ownership - have occurred in the district since 1839, when cattle from the Monbulk run roamed the poor-type scrubby country, in the vicinity of Mountain Flat Road. In the early days one or two well defined tracks run through the district, the best known of these being the old road to the Emerald Diggings, which crossed the Eumemmerring, Muddy and Cardinia Creeks en route to Emerald, following roughly the route of present Old Emerald (Westland) Road.

Some 55 years ago Muddy Creek boasted a post office, which was located at the home of E. Cunningham. It remained in service for only two or three years and letters were then delivered by the contractor carrying mail from Narre Warren to Macclesfield. The district once possessed a church (3), which was erected about 1907 and remained in use for 20 years. The small Church of England congregation was served by the clergyman stationed at Emerald and today the arbitrary manner in which the district was deprived of its church still rankles with some old-timers. Almost overnight the building was sold for £35 and spirited away to Springvale. About 1921 (4)  the Muddy Creek (now Narre Warren East) School was erected on a site adjoining the church. 

The Narre Warren East hall was erected in 1926 (5) and compulsorily acquired by the Council at the request of the committee in 1951.

A picnic ground of two acres, adjoining the Muddy Creek, was purchased by the Council in 1924 and named Kerr Park in honour of R.H. Kerr (6). In 1947 A.R. A'Beckett (7) gave to the Narre Warren East Progress Association a lease in perpetuity of some 7 acres of Kalora Park for use as a sports ground, in a fulfilment of a promise made to that body by his father, W.G. A'Beckett. In 1949, under threat of compulsory acquisition, A.R. A'Beckett sold this land and the adjoining three acres to the Fern Tree Gully Shire Council, which was anxious to secure tenure for all time by outright ownership, and the area is known as A'Beckett Park in honour of this pioneer family (8).

As Mrs Coulson has written, Narre Warren East began life as Muddy Creek. In October 1946 the name of the town was again an issue for discussion. The Dandenong Journal reported -
Narre Warren East wants to change its name - Owing  to the confusion caused through its distance from Narre Warren proper, and so many “Narre Warrens” an idea is afoot to change the name of the district, and in this regard a special meeting is being held in the local hall on Friday, October 11th, when residents will discuss the merits of the various names suggested. All interested are invited to attend. (9)

Meeting to change the name of Narre Warren East

Dandenong Journal, October 2, 1946 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article214795742

As you can see, the residents felt  they were too far from Narre Warren proper - the town on the railway line.  Narre Warren originally referred to the township of Narre Warren North, which was surveyed around 1860 (and Narre Warren East, is actually east of this town.) The original settlement was later known as Old Narre Warren to distinguish it from New Narre Warren which developed around the Railway Station, which opened on March 10, 1882; when the school in the 'new' town opened in 1889, it was called the Narre Warren Railway Station school, No. 2924 to distinguish it from the original Narre Warren school, No. 1901, which changed its name to Narre Warren North in 1925. (10)

The Dandenong Journal reported on the outcome of the meeting - 

Narre Warren East Selects New Name - As a result of the meeting held on Friday evening, 11th inst, to change the name of the district three names proposed in order of preference were Melville, Pendrill and Lyndisfarme, and these have now been submitted to the Post Office for approval. (11)

New names for Narre Warren East

Dandenong Journal, October 23, 1946 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article214796145

I cannot find any connection between these suggested names -   Melville, Pendrill or Lyndisfarme - and the local area. None of them are listed in Mrs Coulson's extensive index as either surnames or property names. In November, Dandenong Journal reported on this issue again-

Narre Warren East Still Looking For A Name - The Postal Department has rejected all three suggested new names for Narre Warren East, and the Progress Association will now submit the remaining half-dozen names put forward. A special meeting is being held on Friday, December 13th, to consider the names. Any objections or suggestions will have to be made at that meeting. (12)

Names rejected

Dandenong Journal, November 20, 1946 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article214796557

However in a report of the meeting held on December 13 we find that - A new name for the district has not yet been found and the association would be very pleased if any of the local residents would help in this matter. (13) That is the last report I can find on the matter, and as Narre Warren East is still called that, then presumably the residents gave up, or could not think of a name that the Post Office would approve. 

Footnotes
(1) In 1963 the Shire of Fern Tree Gully split and the Shire of Knox was formed on November 16 (it became a City on July 4, 1969). The remains of the Shire of Fern Tree Gully was renamed Shire of Sherbrooke and this was announced in the Victorian Government Gazette of December 23, 1964.
(2) Coulson, Helen Story of the Dandenongs, 1838-1958 (Cheshire 1959), p. 246-247
(3) The Church was called St Mungos.
(4) The State School No. 3719, opened in February 1912, in the Anglican Church Hall. It initially operated half time with Menzies Creek, No. 2457, but they both became full-time in 1914. In February 1921, a new school building was erected. [Source: Vision and Realisation: a centenary history of State Education in Victoria, edited by L.J. Blake. Published by the Education Department of Victoria, 1973]
(5) The Hall was opened on November 30, 1928, by Sir George Knox, M.L.A, who later gave his name to the Shire of Knox.

Opening of the Narre Warren East Hall

Dandenong Journal November 29, 1928 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article200678402

(6) R.H. Kerr - Robert Hart Kerr. His father, Hamill Kerr arrived in the area around 1869, his property was called Aura and was adjacent to Kerr's Lane (source: Coulson - Story of the Dandenongs) Robert Kerr was a Councillor of the Fern Tree Gully Council for over 30 years and was also a Councillor at Dandenong Shire. He died October 1944, read his obituary in The Argus of October 27, 1944, here.
(7) A.R. A'Beckett - Arthur Richard Walstab A'Beckett (1914 - 2004) was the son of William Gilbert A'Beckett (1864 -1941) and his wife Gertrude Walstab (1880 - 1962). William Gilbert A'Beckett was the son of William Arthur Callandar A'Beckett, M.L.C., J.P. (1833-1901).
(8) Coulson, op. cit pp 246-247

(9) Dandenong Journal, October 2, 1946, see here.  

(10) The name was used in the area as early as 1837 when the Native Police Force was established at Nerre Nerre Warren, this area later became an Aboriginal Protectorate to protect the Aborigines from the white settlers. It is now the Dandenong Police Paddocks Reserve. Narree Worran is a Parish name in the County of Mornington. 

Sources for footnote 10 - 

Early days of Berwick and its surrounding districts (Berwick & District Agricultural and Horticultural Society, 3rd edition, 1979)

Thomson, Max Little Hills 1839-1977 (Narre Warren North State School No.1901 Centenary committee, 1977)

Vision and Realisation: a centenary history of State Education in Victoria edited by Les Blake (Education Department of Victoria, 1973)

(11) Dandenong Journal, October 23, 1946, see here. There is another report of the meeting held on October 11, 1946 where the three names - Melville, Pendrill or Lyndisfarme - were selected - Fern Tree Gully News, October 25, 1946, see here. 

(12) Dandenong Journal, November 20, 1946, see here.  

(13) Fern Tree Gully News, December 20, 1946, see here.

This is an expanded version of a post, which I wrote and researched, that first appeared on my work blog, Casey Cardinia Links to our Past.

Edward Vieusseux, Berwick Grammar School and their Avenue of Honour

There are three Avenues of Honour in Berwick which commemorate the service of local people in the First World War.  The City of Casey has produced a book,  Our Living Memorials, on the Avenues in their region, including the three Berwick ones. You can down-load a copy of the book here.

The smallest of these Avenues is the one in Church Street in Berwick which commemorates the nine soldiers who had attended Berwick Grammar School and died in the service of their country. 

Berwick Grammar School (now a private home)

Image: Heather Arnold, 2014

John Bellair, a past pupil of Berwick Grammar, has written a book, The School that Was: a history of the Berwick Grammar School, 1882-1928 (1) and much of the following history of the school comes from his book.    

Berwick Grammar School began in 1882 as a private school owned by the Head Master, Edward Antonio Lloyd Vieusseux (1854-1917)  and operated until 1928. Edward was the third son of Louis and Julie (nee Matthieu) Vieusseux who had arrived in Melbourne in 1852. Louis was a Civil Engineer, but in 1857 opened a private school for girls, Valetta House Ladies College, in Clarendon Street, East Melbourne, where the Freemasons Hospital now stands. (2)  Edward had two older brothers, Stephen who died at 15 months and Lewis, the eldest boy, who disappeared on a family picnic in January 1858. Lewis, aged seven, was riding behind the family buggy on a stock horse, went off the track to look at something and his rider-less pony returned but Lewis did not.  His body was found two years later, by a wood cutter, about ten miles from where he had disappeared. (3)

Edward had worked at Jacob Hessel's boarding school in Harkaway, at the property Ratharnay, from 1880 and previous to this he had taught at Geelong Grammar. His father, who as we know had operated  his own school for many years, financed the purchase of a house in Berwick for his son to operate a school  and so Berwick Grammar school began. The first advertisement I could find for the Berwick Grammar School was in October 1882 (4) The property they purchased, which was on 1½ acres of land, was on the corner of Brisbane Street and Church Street and had been used by Miss Adelaide Robinson as a girls school from when it was built in 1877. (5)

Advertisement for Berwick Grammar School.

South Bourke & Mornington Journal, November 22, 1882 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article70053874

Edward had married Emily Maria 'Nellie' Ross on December 18, 1877 at Trinity Church in East Melbourne. They had four children - Lewis John Matthieu (1878 -1890), Edward Telford Rivier (1880-1887), Dorothy Jean (1888-1921) and Nellie Phyllis (1889-1914). As you can see three of the children died very young and the last remaining child, Dorothy, when she was only 33; she did not marry, so there were no grandchildren. Nellie died on September 26, 1940, aged 82, having out-lived all her children. (6) They are all buried at the Berwick Cemetery. 

Nellie Vieusseux was by all accounts a kind and benevolent woman. At a function to celebrate Edward's appointment as a Justice of the Peace in 1909, the Reverend A.J. Cole,  said -  everyone knew the magnitude of Mrs Vieusseux's charitableness and benevolence. There was never a case of need in the district where Mrs Vieusseux was not the first to the fore with help. In his position he had had many opportunities of witnessing her acts of kindness and practical help to those in want, while there were also many cases which he had only incidentally heard of, and very likely there were many that he had not heard about, thus showing that her kindly acts were not prompted by any desire to be lauded or eulogised by her fellows, but only to exercise the philanthropic propensities with which she was liberally endowed (7)

It is not known how many boys were enrolled in the early years of Berwick Grammar, there are apparently no school rolls in existence and it is thought that around 400 students were educated there over the life of the school. (8)

Edward Vieusseux unexpectedly died on November 6, 1917, aged 63. In June 1919 it was reported that On Sunday afternoon the Church of England  [Berwick] was crowded to the doors, when the memorial window to the late Mr Edward A. L Vieusseux, head master of the Berwick Grammar School for 35 years was unveiled. The window was given by the old boys of the grammar school as a mark of respect to the memory of their late beloved master. (9)  

After his death the School became affiliated with the Church of England, who acquired the buildings. The School then went through a succession of Head Masters, eight in eleven years until it closed in 1928 - The Reverend P.P McLaren became Head Master at the start of 1918, he was replaced by the Reverend Charles Zercho in 1920; in 1922 Mr Hancock took over, then the Reverend Douglas Howard, Mr Charles Kenrick, Mr Paul Polan, Mr J. H Morgan and lastly the  Reverend Hubert Brooksbank. (10) 

The building became the short lived Winchester House Grammar school, then a guest house. From 1949 until 1972 it was used by the Anglican Church  to train teachers and for a holiday camp for 'Christian Holidays' for children. The Building was then called Mary Blackwood house, after a staff member at the Diocesan Office in St Pauls Cathedral. It then became a Community school, until 1977 when it was used as a place of instruction into the Jewish faith. The Church of England (or Anglican church) finally sold the building in  1990 and it is now a private home (11)

Avenue of Honour

This is the memorial stone, at the Avenue of Honour, in Church Street, which lists the names of the nine soldiers.

Image: Heather Arnold, 2014

The Berwick Grammar Avenue of Honour was planted in June 1920 and an Honour Board listing the names of the 66 'old boys' who joined up was unveiled at the same time. The Honour roll was started by Edward Vieusseux in February 1916. (12)

Plans for a Roll of Honour in 1916.

Berwick Shire News February 9, 1916 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article92090882

Unveiling of the Honour Roll and planting of the Avenue of Honour in 1920.

The Argus, June 12, 1920, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article1710870

School historian, John Bellair, describes the process to establish the Honour Roll and the Avenue and the dedication service - 
At the second annual meeting held in June 1920, the Association decided to have a Roll of Honour made for the sixty-six Old Boys' who served World War I, nine of whom made the supreme sacrifice The Old Boy' subsequently thanked Miss Dolly Vieusseux for the great help she had given in compiling the list of names. This roll, handsomely designed and inscribed in blackwood, was moved from the school to Christ Church when Berwick Grammar closed down in 1928. The Association also arranged for ten American Pin Oaks to be planted on the road opposite the school to honour the memory of the nine who fell in World War I, and to honour the memory of Laurie Goudie, who was killed in the Boer War. As well the families of the Old Boys' who lost their lives were presented with a silver emblem which bore each ones battalion colours. This accompanied a letter of sympathy from the Association. At this time also, an oak tree was planted in the school grounds in honour of Edward Vieusseux.

As part of the dedication of the Roll of Honour and the memorial trees, a service was held in Christ Church [in Berwick]. The large congregation consisted of the families of the boys who wee killed and many Old Boys'. Mr Zercho have what is described in the Minutes as "a stirring eloquent appeal to the boys of the school, past and present, to live honest and upright lives and profit by the lesson taught them by the boys who went abroad, especially those who had given their lives for the Empire." His text was the word "Remember." (13)

The Berwick Grammar School Avenue of Honour in Church Street

Image: Heather Arnold, 2014

Avenue of Honour soldiers
Who are the nine boys, who were honoured by the Avenue in Church Street?  It is not always that easy to specifically identify the names on a memorial and in this case as Berwick Grammar was a boarding school as well as  a day school, many of the students did not have a local address. What follows is my best guess of who the nine students are and their Service Numbers (SN). You can access their full service records on the National Archives of Australia website, www.naa.gov.au If you have any more accurate information, I would be happy to hear from you.

Brunn (surname is actually Bruun)  Eric D'Arcy Bruun (SN 3357) Eric was born in Seymour and was 38 years old and living in Woodend when he enlisted on  April 30, 1917.  Eric was Killed in Action in France on April 25, 1918.  His sister, Alice D'Arcy Bruun enlisted in the Australian Army Nursing Service in 1915.

Obituary of Eric Bruun

The Age, May 14, 1918 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article155093343

Elmes  Herbert Oliver Elmes (SN 1543 / 1355 ) was born in Berwick and enlisted at the age of 40, on November 30, 1914. His occupation was a station hand. Herbert was Killed in Action in France on November 5, 1916. His father, Thomas, was the Doctor in Berwick from around 1870 until his death in 1893. As mentioned in his short obituary, below, Herbert's older brother also enlisted -  he was Frederick Warre Elmes (SN 1254). Herbert also attended Melbourne Grammar School, and the photo below comes from their Archives (see here)

Herbert Elmes

Image: Melbourne Grammar School Archives 

Obituary of Herbert Elmes

Berwick Shire News, December 6, 1916 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article92095495

Gaunt  The only Gaunt listed in the student list in Mr Bellair's book is W. Gaunt; but the only Gaunt in the Roll of Honour on the Australian War Memorial website is Edwin George Gaunt (SN 2604). He was born at Yarraville and enlisted at the age of 37 on July 7, 1915, in New South Wales. Edwin was Killed in Action in France on July 19 or 20, 1916.

Death notice of Edwin Gaunt

The Age, August 9 1916 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article155163642

Hodgson  I can't work out who this is. On the Australian War Memorial Roll of Honour there is  only one S. Hodgson listed - Sidney Hodgson (SN 3562)  who was born and enlisted in New South Wales. He was 18 when he enlisted on September 7, 1915 and was Killed in Action in France a year later on October 22, 1916. Was this our S. Hodgson? Mr Bellair's book has an incomplete list of students and it lists an S. Hodgison -  but I cannot find any Hodgisons who enlisted.  If you know who this might be, I would love to hear from you.

Hope  Harry Leslie Hope (SN 61) was born in South Melbourne and was living in Elsternwick  when he enlisted  on June 4, 1915 at 30 years of age. He died of wounds, in France, on April 22, 1917. 

Death notice of Harry Hope

The Argus, May 26, 1917 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article1620752

Kent  Alfred Ernest Kent (SN 3336) was born in Berwick and was living in Narre Warren when he enlisted on  August 2, 1915. Alfred's parents, Anthony and Mary Kent had arrived in Narre Warren around 1875 and purchased Granite Park (which they re-named Oatlands). Alfred was married to Alice Webb, the daughter of Sidney and Ann Webb.  Alfred was 40 when he enlisted as was Killed in Action in France on May 5, 1916. Alfred also attended Melbourne Grammar School, and the photo below comes from their Archives (see here)

Alfred Kent

Image: Melbourne Grammar School Archives

Obituary of Alfred Kent

The Argus, May 25, 1916 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article2098217

Lyon Charles Hugh Lyon (SN 412) was born at Hawksburn and enlisted in Western Australia on September 10, 1914. He was 26  and his next of kin, his mother, was living at Harkaway. Lieutenant Lyon was part of the Camel Corp and was Killed in Action on November 7, 1917 in Palestine.

Charles Lyon

Photographer: Darge Photographic Company  https://www.awm.gov.au/collection/C1059258

Obituary of Charles Lyon

Pakenham Gazette December 7, 1917 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article92152769

Miller Lieutenant Alexander Henderson Miller was born in Berwick  and enlisted, at Beechworth,  on July 15, 1915 aged 29. He was Killed in Action in Belgium on September 25, 1917.

Lieutenant Alexander Henderson Miller

Australian War Memorial https://www.awm.gov.au/collection/C73695 

Obituary of Lieutenant Alexander Miller

Pakenham Gazette October 12, 1917 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article92155976

Robin  Arthur Mervyn Robin (SN 2180) was born at Camberwell and was 21 years old when he enlisted on March 10, 1915.  Arthur was Killed in Action in France on June 29, 1916.

Death notice of Arthur Robin

The Argus, July 19 1916 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article1627046

Trove List - I have created a list of newspaper articles on Berwick Grammar and the Vieusseux family, access it here. 

Footnotes

(1) Bellair, John The School that Was: a history of the Berwick Grammar School, 1882-1928 (The Author, 1992)

(2) Ibid.

(3) Ibid and a report of finding the body was in The Argus, Janaury 17, 1860, see here.

(4)  Bellair, op. cit. First advertisement - South Bourke & Mornington Journal, October 11, 1882, see here.

(5) Bellair, op. cit.

(6) Marriage notice -  The Australasian, January 5, 1878, see here;  Death notice - Nellie Vieusseux - The Argus, September 28, 1940, see here.  Death notices of the children are in my Trove list, see here. 

(7) South Bourke & Mornington Journal, June 2, 1909, see here.

(8) Bellair, op. cit.

(9)  Death notice - The Argus, November 8, 1917, see here. Dandenong Advertiser, June 20, 1918, see here.

(10) Bellair, op. cit.

(11) Bellair, op. cit.

(12) Berwick Shire News February 9, 1916, see here.  

(13)  Bellair, op. cit., pp 40-41.

Acknowledgment: This post is an expanded and updated version of  two posts I wrote and researched and which were posted on my work blogs - 

Casey Cardinia Commemorates: Our War Years and 

Casey Cardinia Links to our Past.

Berwick Footballers who enlisted to serve in the Great War

This is a report from the Berwick Shire News of March 8, 1916 which lists the 23 Berwick Football Club players who had enlisted for active service (even though the article says 24).

Berwick Footballers who had enlisted by 1916

Berwick Shire News, March 8, 1916  http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article92091769

I have done some research to try to work out who these men were . I have listed their Service Numbers (SN) so you can look up  their full record on the National Archives site www.naa.gov.au

Avard, Richard Hugo Turnbull  (SN 1851) Hugo was born in 1893 in Surrey Hills to Richard John and Helen (nee Blackie) Avard. He worked for the Post Office and enlisted on  September 11, 1915, his next of kin was his father, Richard who was the Post Master at Geelong.  He returned to Australia on September 26, 1917 and discharged on medical grounds (dilated action of the heart) in December 1917.

Bannan, John Joseph. (SN 1126) He is listed as Bannon on the War Memorial in High Street, Berwick and as Badnan on the Nominal rolls. John was born in Kerang in 1891 to Dennis and Mary (nee Maher) Bannan. He was a quarryman, and enlisted on June 14, 1915, aged 24. His next of kin was his wife, Mary Ann of Berwick. He died of disease (Malaria) on October, 16, 1918. John's two brothers, William and Francis, were Killed in Action during the War and his two nephews, John and Kevin Frawley, were Killed in Action in World War Two. You can read more about the family, here. 

Obituary of John Bannan

The Advocate, November 23, 1918 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article152180895

Baxter, Frederick Edward (SN 4440) Fred, who was born in Windsor in Melbourne, enlisted on March 5, 1915 at the age of 22; his next of kin was his mother, Ellen, of Elsternwick and his occupation was a coach painter.  Fred was Killed in Action in France on August 22, 1918. 

Fred Baxter of Berwick, enlists

South Bourke and Mornington Journal, May 6, 1915 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article66187622

Bragg, Arthur Robert (SN 2564)  Arthur was born in  Maitland in New South Wales and enlisted on August 2, 1915 at the age of 39. Arthur and his wife Emily had the Gippsland Hotel (now the Central Hotel) in Beaconsfield. He was Killed in Action on July 19, 1916.   Arthur is also listed on the Beaconsfield War Memorial and also has a tree on the Beaconsfield / Berwick Avenue of Honour; you can read about this Avenue here.

Brocklebank, Ralph Thomas. (SN 3012) Ralph was born in Rushworth in 1893 to Thomas and Kate (nee Burge) Brocklebank.  He enlisted on July 20, 1915 age 22, and his occupation was a bank clerk and he was based at Berwick.  His next of kin was his father, Thomas  of 54 Mathoura Road in Toorak. Robert attained the rank of Lieutenant and  Returned to Australia April, 27 1919.

Buchanan, Eric Alexander. (SN 1676). Eric, born in Yarrawonga in 1895 to Charles and Christina (nee McPhail) Buchanan, enlisted on July 14, 1915 age 21. His occupation was a clerk and his next of kin was his mother, of Station Street, Berwick. He Returned to Australia July 23, 1919. Eric is listed on the Narre Warren War Memorial, which I have written about here and there are also more details about him there. 

Clements, John William Henry  (SN 5995) John was born in Kensington in 1888 to Robert Charles and Julia (nee Ansell) Cements. He was a teacher at Officer State School when he enlisted on June 16, 1916 and his next of kin was his father Robert of 170 Scotchmer Street, North Fitzroy.  He returned to Australia September 25, 1919.

Crabtree, Walter (SN 242a). Walter was born in Rockdale, Lancashire in England and enlisted in Berwick on February 29, 1916. His occupation was a driver and his next of kin was his wife, Mabel Annie Crabtree, of High Street, Berwick.  He returned to Australia August 22, 1919.

Faragher, Leslie Victor (SN 2634) Leslie was born at Bloomfield in 1887 to Thomas and Elizabeth (nee Chandler) Faragher. He was employed by R. J Espie as a blacksmith before he enlisted on August 2, 1915 at the age of 28. His next of kin was his father, Thomas, of Drouin. Leslie was Killed in Action in France on May 16, 1916.

Obituary of Leslie Faragher

Berwick Shire News, June 14 1916 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article92093527

Fleer, Harold Edward (SN 3112). Harold was a farmer from Harkaway when he enlisted on July 7, 1915 aged 18. His parents Edward and Martha (nee Povey) Fleer, gave permission as Harold was under 21. Harold returned to Australia on April, 13, 1919.

Harold Fleer's give him permission to enlist.

National Archives of Australia www.naa.gov.au   

First Australian Imperial Force Personnel Dossiers, 1914-1920

Griffin, James Daniel (SN 26752) James, a 32 year-old labourer, had been born in Wangaratta, and was living in Berwick when he enlisted on January 17, 1916. His next of kin was his wife, Eliza Jane Griffin of Berwick. James Returned to Australia June 16, 1919.

Grigg, Donald Douglas (SN 85a) Donald, was born in Drysdale in 1883 to Thomas Tobias and Katherine (nee Williamson) Grigg. Donald was a farmer and was living in Berwick when he enlisted on March 24, 1915; his next of kin was his father, Thomas, of Werribee.  Donald Returned to Australia January 2, 1919.

Lewis, Frederick Archibald  (SN 3897) Frederick  was born in Eaglehawk in 1892 to  Caleb and Agnes (nee Dart) Lewis. Frederick was 24 when he enlisted on July 13, 1915.  His occupation was baker's driver and his next of kin was his father, Caleb, of Wilson Street, Berwick.  Fred Returned to Australia March 28, 1919. Fred worked for Donald Rowe, baker, of Narre Warren; you can read about Donald  here.

Loveridge, Alfred Ellis  ( SN 7880)  Ellis was born in Berwick to 1893 to Alfred Ellis and Emma (nee Crean) Loveridge. His father, Ellis, had arrived in Berwick in the 1890s and took over his father-in-law, John Crean's store and the Loveridge family operated stores in Berwick and surrounds for generations. Ellis enlisted at the age of 21 on June 15, 1915;  his occupation was a storekeeper and his next of kin was his mother of  Peel Street, Berwick.  Ellis Returned to Australia May 3, 1919, and moved to Ouyen, where he ran a store. 

Lyall, Edmund Ramsden (SN 3170). Edmund was born in 1899 to John Stephen and Lucy (nee Ramsden) Lyall  and he was a teacher at the Berwick State school when he enlisted July 24, 1915, aged 20 years, 11 months. His next of kin was his father, Edmund, of Jindvick. Edmund was Killed in Action, in France, on November, 11 1916.

Obituary of Edmund Lyall

South Bourke and Mornington Journal, December 21, 1916 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article66191232

McKay, Albert Duncan (SN 4758) Albert, was a 37 year-old labourer, when he enlisted on February 2, 1916. His next of kin was his wife Agnes Louisa McKay, of Studley Road, Kew and later 64 Aberdeen Road in Prahran East; however the couple were listed in the Electoral Rolls at Berwick from 1905. Albert  Returned to Australia on June 6, 1918, and was discharged for 'family reasons' Albert was given a Welcome Home in August 1918, with two other soldiers, and it was reported that -  Private McKay responded on behalf of the soldiers, and gave a very interesting account of his experiences in.France, where he fought on the Somme and at Bullecourt, and of his sojourn in England. Private McKay was very popular in Berwick in musical circles in years gone by, and he was accorded a hearty ovation on the conclusion of his remarks. (Dandenong Advertiser, August 22, 1918, see here)

Munro, Robert (SN 6542, but indexed as 65421 at the NAA) Robert was a Quarryman and enlisted on June 5, 1915 at the age of 25; he had been born at Neilborough. His next of kin was his wife Ettie Munro of Berwick.  Not surprisingly, as he had worked in a Quarry,  he was a Sapper in the A.I.F. Robert returned to Australia April 13, 1919. 

O'Sullivan, William (SN 3867) William was a 27 farmer, when he enlisted on July 9, 1915. His next of kin was listed as his cousin, Maud Maynard, as both his parents were deceased. He died of a self-inflicted gun shot wound on July 19, 1916.  Bessie Edebohls, inserted a death notice for William in the Berwick Shire News (see below). The Henry and Christina Edebohls were early settlers in Narre Warren East, where they gave their name to Edebohls Road.  They had ten children born between 1856 and 1878, and I presume Bessie was a grand-daughter.  

Death notice for William O'Sullivan from Bessie Edebohls.

Berwick Shire News, September 6 1916 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article92091843

Randle, Henry George (SN 1274). Henry was born at Narre Warren in 1887 to William and Mary Jane (nee Harbrow) Randle. He enlisted on July 7, 1915 aged 27; he was an orchardist from Narre Warren North and his father was his next of kin.  Henry returned to Australia on May 15, 1919 and he is listed on the Narre Warren North War Memorial, you can read about this here. 

Sherriff, Arthur Mason (SN 4529)  Arthur was born in Molesworth and was 26 years old when he enlisted on December 24, 1915. His occupation was a  nursery man, and his next of kin was his wife Violet, of Narre Warren. He returned to Australia August 25, 1917 and was discharged on medical grounds in December 1917, due to having received a gunshot wound to the left wrist. He died in 1939, aged only 49 years old. Arthur is listed on the Narre Warren North War Memorial, you can read about this here, where I have more information about Arthur, also. 

Alf Sherriff, in camp at Royal Park with Charley Byrne

South Bourke & Mornington Journal, February 17, 1916 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article66189374

Smith, Clarence John (SN 107) Clarence, was born in Berwick in 1895 to Alfred and Hannah Lydia (nee Moffett) Smith. He enlisted in Berwick on February 4, 1916, his occupation was a horse driver, and his father Alfred, of High Street Berwick was his next of kin. Clarence was Killed in Action in Belgium on June 8, 1917. There were two lovely obituaries published for Clarence in the local papers. 

Clarence's obituary

Pakenham Gazette, June 29 1917 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article92156221

Another of Clarence's obituaries.

South Bourke & Mornington Journal, July 5 1917 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article66192331

Warne, Charles Frederick Peneligon  (SN 245) Charles was born in North Melbourne  in 1873 to Henry and Mary Anne (nee Carron) Warne. He enlisted at the age of 42 years, on January 29, 1916. His occupation was a painter and he worked in partnership with his brother John in a painting business; John was his next of kin. He Returned to Australia December 12, 1917 to be discharged on medical grounds due to nephritis. Charles died on June 22, 1918 at the Caulfield Military Hospital.

Charles Warne's death notice

The Age, June 24, 1918 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article155088288

Young, Walter Leslie (SN 632) There is a Walter Leslie Young listed in the 1914 Electoral roll, occupation merchant, address Narre Warren North and a Walter Leslie Young, occupation grocer, who enlisted on February 9, 1916 so I believe that W. Young is this person. Walter was born in Diamond Creek, and his mother, Mary, of Diamond Creek was his next of kin. Walter, and other local soldiers, were farewelled at a social at Narre Warren North in April 1916, the report is below.  Walter Returned to Australia on May 27, 1919.

Farewell for Walter and other lads.

Berwick Shire News, May 3 1916 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article92089861

This is a revised and expanded version of a post, which I wrote and researched, that appears on my work blog, Casey Cardinia Commemorates: Our War Years.

The patriotic Mr Rowe, baker, of Narre Warren

When I was Local History Librarian at Casey Cardinia Libraries, I started a blog - Casey Cardinia Commemorates: Our War Years - access it here -  in  January 2014 and wrote 151 posts, the last one being in October 2021, and I resigned from the role in the November. The year 2014 was one hundred years since World War One had started and the blog was originally to focus on the impact of that War on the communities in the old Shire of Cranbourne and Shire of Berwick (now the City of Casey and Shire of Cardinia). It was later expanded to cover other conflicts.  One of my earliest posts and one of my favourites (which is why I have updated it and am posting it here) was based on the following newspaper article, published in the Berwick Shire News in November 1915. 

Mr Rowe, the baker.

Berwick Shire News November 10, 1915 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article92090828

Mr D. H. Rowe, baker, of Narre Warren, could provide a small Roll of Honor, bearing the names of his employes who have enlisted since the outbreak of war. The list includes eight names, and is probably a record when compared with the enlistments from any business place of like size outside of the metropolis. The names of those who have enlisted are :- Harry McGuire, Alf. Rooney, Harold Johnstone, Jack Lyons, Fred. Lewis, Vic. Chitts, Reg. Currie, and Geo. Forrester. All the men with the exception of the last two are at the front. There is no doubt that Mr Rowe has been considerably inconvenienced by the quick changes in his staff, but he has shown his patriotism in recognising that the needs of the Empire should have consideration before his personal requirements, and has placed no obstacle in the way of enlistment.

This is an interesting article as it illustrates the fact so well  that the whole community had to make sacrifices during the Great War.  Donald Hartley Rowe is listed in the Shire of Berwick Rate books from 1911 until 1922. His shop was owned by Sidney Webb, and previously occupied by baker, Thomas Woodley. Webb had built this shop and others on what is now the corner of Webb Street and the Princes Highway in the late 1880s and which were leased from him and initially occupied by Albert Raduchel, a blacksmith; the aforementioned Thomas Woodley, a baker; Thomas Stones, a butcher and James Middleton, a storekeeper. 

Narre Warren in 1908, corner of Webb Street and the Princes Highway. 

Mr Woodley's hygenic bread factory was taken over Donald Rowe in 1911.

Image:  Oak Trees and Hedges: a pictorial history of Narre Warren, Narre Warren North and Harkaway

(Berwick Pakenham Historical Society, 2002)

Donald Rowe was born at Prince Wales Reef, a mining settlement near Talbot, on January 20, 1876 to Samuel and Bridget (nee Hart) Row; he was their fourth child.  Donald married Isabella Mary Gibson on September 24, 1901 at Golden Square, Bendigo; the service being conducted by Reverend James McBruce, a Wesleyan minister. Isabella was born on September 13, 1876 at Booth Street, Sandhurst  (now Bendigo), the sixth child of Samuel and Margaret (nee Emmerson) Gibson.  

Isabella and Donald had two children together - Frances in 1902 in Tungamah and Winifred in 1903 in St Kilda. Sadly, Isabella died on April 17, 1905 at Leura, Davis Street in Elsternwick, aged only 28 years old, of puerperal eclampsia.  Donald married again in 1909 to Louise Iles and they had three children - Hartley William in 1912 in Hawthorn; Patricia May in 1914 in Elsternwick and Allan Gordon in 1917 in Elsternwick.

Mr Rowe's advertisement

Berwick Shire News, December 9, 1914 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article89082666

 Previous to moving to Narre Warren the Electoral Rolls show the following addresses for Donald: 1909 - Rusden Street, Elsternwick and in 1912 Henrietta Street, Hawthorn. After leaving Narre Warren - 1924 and 1928 - 133 Gipps Street, Collingwood and from 1931 until his death ay the age of 84 on November 6, 1958 -  118 Union Road, Surrey Hills. Donald is buried with Isabella in the Methodist section at the Brighton General Cemetery. Louise died aged 74, on October 31 also in 1958, just a week before Donald, and her cremated remains are interred at Fawkner. 

Mr Rowe's employees who enlisted
Here is the list of Mr Rowe's eight employees who enlisted and their Service Number (SN), if I could find it. As you can see I have only (fairly confidently) identified five of the eight, based on address or the occupation.

Chitts, Vic. You would think with such a distinctive name that Mr Chitts would be easy to identify, but not so. There was a Clarence, a Hector and a Russell Chitts who enlisted and served overseas - Russell was a painter from New South Wales who enlisted in July 1915; Clarence was a Dairyman from Sandringham but who didn't enlist until April 1916 and I have also found him and his wife Alice in the Electoral Roll both before and after the War and there is no local connection.  Hector Rudolph Chitts, was a farm hand, but he did not enlist until March 1916, and according to the article which was published in November 1915, Vic Chitts was already serving overseas.  I have just had another look in the Electoral Roll and in 1914 there is a Charles Victor Chitts, of 88 Yarra Street, Newport - occupation - baker. This seems likely to be him, but I can find no record of him enlisting. In 1917 a Charles Victor Chitts is at 6 Scott Street in Kew, occupation was a commercial traveller and in 1924 he was in Princes Street in Kew - but are they the same person as Charles the baker? So, 12 years after I first started researching Vic Chitts, I am no closer to identifying him.   

Currie, Reg (SN 1840)  Reg, born in 1893 in Barnawartha, was the son of Donald and Margaret (nee Doran) Currie of Reserve Street in Berwick and he enlisted on November 6, 1915, at the age of 22.  His occupation was Horse Driver. He Returned to Australia April 13, 1919.

Forrester, George (SN 4810)  George was born in Shepparton, in 1891 to Zephaniah  and Susan (nee Holbrook) Forrester. George, who was a baker, enlisted on November 6, 1915, the same day as Reg Currie, above. His father, Zephaniah, of Taradale was his next of kin. George Returned to Australia July 24, 1919.

Notice of Reg and George enlisting

Dandenong Advertiser, November 18, 1915 https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/88663150

Johnstone, Harold. I cannot identify this man. I have looked for Harold Johnson, Johnston and Johnstone and cannot find a man who enlisted with a connection to the area or to the bakers trade.

Lewis, Frederick Archibald  (SN 3897) Frederick  was born in Eaglehawk in 1892 to  Caleb and Agnes (nee Dart) Lewis. Frederick was 24 when he enlisted on July 13, 1915.  His occupation was baker's driver and his next of kin was his father, Caleb, of Wilson Street, Berwick.  Fred Returned to Australia March 28, 1919. 

Lyons, Charles Jack  (SN 1394) Jack enlisted on September 14, 1914 at the age of 27. He was born in South Melbourne and enlisted in Tasmania, but his occupation was baker, so this is why I assume that he was Mr Rowe's employee. His actual occupation on his enlistment paper was 'stud groom and baker.' Charles' next  of kin was listed as his sister, Grace Blore, c/o G.T. Blore, Lands Department, Melbourne. Charles Returned to Australia on May 12, 1918, suffering from rhuematism and 'bad feet' and was discharged on medical grounds. 

McGuire, Harry.  I cannot identify this man. I have also looked at any Harry or Henry Maguires, but to no avail.

Rooney, Alfred George (SN 481) Alf was born in Ballarat in 1895, the son of James and Lydia (nee Day) Rooney. He enlisted at Ballarat on October 15, 1914 and his occupation was a labourer, and his next of kin was his father, James, of Ballarat East. I came across an article about Alf in the Berwick Shire News in March, 1917 and he was awarded the Military Medal for having carried ammunition and water under heavy fire in the desert fighting of August 9, 1916.  The article goes onto to mention that he was employed by Mr Rowe when he enlisted. He Returned to Australia on January 2, 1919.  

Alfred Rooney's Military Medal

Berwick Shire News, March 28, 1917 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article92090256

Sources

Indexes to the Victorian Births, Deaths and Marriages; Birth certificates of Donald and Isabella; their marriage certificate and death certificate of Isabella; Personal notices in the newspapers on Trove; Electoral Rolls on Ancestry.com; Shire of Berwick Rate Books; Brighton Cemetorians database; First Australian Imperial Force Personnel Dossiers, 1914-1920 at the National Archives of Australia.