Honour Board at the Elwood Presbyterian Church

The South St Kilda Presbyterian Church, on the corner of Tennyson and Scott Streets was dedicated on December 12, 1912.  The Church is now known as the Elwood Presbyterian Church. The Argus reported that the new church is to be known as Scots Church, South St. Kilda, and opened as a branch of the St. Kilda Presbyterian Church (1). The Reverend Alexander Yule (1876-1952) was inducted as the first Minister on June 26, 1913 and served at the Church until 1924, when he moved to the newly formed congregation at Balwyn (2).  Alexander Yule, born in Aberdeen in Scotland, came to Victoria when he was a year old; his father who was also called Alexander and also a Presbyterian Minister had been appointed to Erskine Presbyterian Church in Carlton. Alexander Yule, senior, was the Moderator of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in 1891-92 (3).

The existing Elwood Church, which was built on the Tennyson Street side of the original weatherboard church, was designed by the firm of Scarborough, Robertson and Love. The foundation stone was laid on December 10, 1938 and it was dedicated on April 24, 1939 (4).  The original Church is now the Hall, which for several decades was used as the local kindergarten.

In the Sixth Annual Report (5) of the Church from October 1918, a Roll of Honour was included, listing 47 men from the Church who had served in the war.  On December 14, 1924 an Honour Board was unveiled by the Moderator-General of the Presbyterian Church, the Right Reverend J. Crookston (6).  The board contains 53 names. This post looks at these young men of Scots Church, South St Kilda [who] answered the call to Arms. 

The South St Kilda (Elwood) Presbyterian Church Honour Board, 

unveiled December 14, 1924.

Photo: Isaac Hermann.

I have included the Service Numbers (SN) of the men, so you can look up their files at the National Archives of Australia www.naa.gov.au.   The address of the men is how it was written on their enlistment papers; many have a St Kilda address but it would now be Elwood. Extra information comes from articles and personal notices in newspapers, accessed on Trove;  the Indexes to the Victorian Births, Deaths and Marriages and the Electoral Rolls on Ancestry.com.

Roll of Honour, printed in the South St Kilda Presbyterian Church, 

6th Annual report, October 1918.

(see footnote 5)

Anderson, David Findlay (SN 3455) David was 35 when he enlisted on July 7, 1915 at the age of 35. He was a Storeman.  He Returned to Australia  April 5, 1919. 

Anderson, William Fleming (SN 101)  William enlisted in Guilford, Western Australia on October 5, 1914. He was a 33 year old store assistant.  He was Killed in Action at Gallipoli on August 7, 1915.

David and William, both born in St Kilda, were the sons of Alexander and Catherine Anderson of 14 Scott Street, St Kilda. Alexander had died in 1912, so Catherine was listed as the next of kin. William's Roll of Honour circular said that he had attended Brighton Road State School, St Kilda and that he had also served with the 5th Victorian Mounted Rifles in the Boer War. David also served in the Boer War and they are both listed on the Brighton Road State School Boer War memorial, see here.

William Fleming Anderson. Killed In Action at Gallipoli

Australian War Memorial Image H05646

 

Bagley, John Latrobe (SN 39) Known as Jack, he enlisted at the age of 19 on August 18, 1914. He was a clerk. Sergeant Bagley Returned to Australia November 12, 1916 and was discharged for 'family reasons' in February 1917. 

Bagley, Leonard  (SN 41) Leonard enlisted on August 19, 1914. He was a 25 year old Librarian. Captain Bagley was invalided back to Australia in November 1915 due to 'heart strain' and discharged December 4, 1915. 

The boys were the sons of James Latrobe Bagley of Fairfield, 43 Tennyson Street, St Kilda. James died September 23, 1916 at the age of 60,  so I presume that was the 'family reason' for Jack's discharge. Their mother, Mary Louisa (nee Fuller) had died at the age of 37 in 1903 and they had one sister,  Violet. James was the son of the Reverend John Bagley. His entry in the Jubilee History of the Presbyterian Church of Victoria (7) reads From the Independent Church in Ireland. Settled in Richmond in 1864; at Portland in 1877. Resigned in 1891. Died in 1898.

Bertram, Frederick William (SN 2029)  Fred was a turner and fitter and enlisted at the age of 18 on July 9, 1915. He was the son of  William James Bertram and Harriet Hettie Perkin, of 11 Rothesay Avenue, South St Kilda. In September 1917 he suffered a severe gun shot wound to the face, neck and eye. He was discharged in May 1919. Fred died in 1965, aged 67. 

Biddle, Edward Rathbone (SN 3610) Twenty year old Edward enlisted on December 3, 1917 at the age of 20.  He was from Madresfield, 57 Byron Street,  South St Kilda and he was a clerk with the National Bank. Edward Returned to Australia December 18, 1918.  Next of kin was his father, Thomas. E. Biddle. After the war, Edward moved to Perth, and we know this because his brother, Robert, was married to Olive Moody at St Stephens Presbyterian Church, East St Kilda in June 1932 and their wedding was written up in Table Talk -  Mr Edward Biddle, of Perth, brother of the bridegroom was best man (8). The wedding was officiated by the Revered Alexander Yule.

Bownas, Leslie Anthony Foster (SN 8082) Leslie enlisted at the age of 27 on July 1, 1915. He was a traveller and his next of kin was his father, William, of  22 Mayfield Street, East St Kilda.   Lieutenant Bownas was awarded the Military Medal (London Gazette October 30, 1917) and Returned to Australia August 9, 1919.  He married Sarah Mabel Hyland on November 1, 1919 and died in New South Wales in 1956. 

Bramley,  Samuel Leslie John (SN 68). Leslie, as he was known, enlisted on February 21, 1916 at the age of 20. He was an electrical fitter. His father, Harry of 173 Ormond Road Elwood, was listed as his next of kin. Leslie was appointed as a Lieutenant in the Royal Flying Corp in March 1917 and sadly six months later was officially reported missing in  France on September 28 and later declared dead.  He was only 22. 

Report of Leslie Bramley's death

The Argus October 26, 1917  https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/1658519

Brown, John Anderson (SN 5048)  John was a 21 year old clerk when he enlisted on September 27, 1915. He was Killed in Action in Belgium two years later, September 20, 1917. Sergeant Brown was the son of Alexander and Martha Edith Brown of 5 Clarke Street, St Kilda. 

Report of John Brown's death.

Prahran Telegraph November 3, 1917 https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/74840024

Brown, Leslie Herbert (SN 3528) I had two other men with the initials L. H. Brown, who I thought could be this soldier, until I came across Leslie's death notice notice, see below, which told us that he was the brother-in-law of John Parker, who is also on this list, then it all fell into place. Leslie enlisted on August 2, 1915 at the age of 24. His occupation was listed as a labourer, although on his Roll of Honour circular his occupation was Chief Steward. His next of kin was his brother, George Brown, of South Yarra. This was later changed to his wife, Elsie, whose address was Oreti, 55 Regent Street, Elsternwick.  Leslie, who was awarded the Military Medal (London Gazette January 5, 1917), was Killed in Action in France on August 19, 1918. His Roll of Honour circular also says that his step brother William Mills Cleaves was Killed in Action, July 31 1917. However William's circular says Leslie was his half brother. William was born to Louisa Cleaves (no father listed) in 1889. In 1891 Louisa gave birth to  Leslie (no father listed), so the boys were at least half brothers and not step brothers. William's death notice says that he was also known as W. Mills, and I feel that gives a clue to his father's name. Louisa married Thomas Brown in 1893 and Leslie adopted his surname, Thomas may likely to have been his father. Louisa died in 1907, aged 50.

Leslie Brown's death notice

The Argus August 31, 1918 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article1411795

Brown, Joseph  There are two possibilities - Joseph Brown (SN 874)  Joseph was 44 years old and a shopkeeper of 51 Glen Eira Road, East St Kilda when he enlisted on October 14, 1915. He was  a widower and his son, Duncan, was his next of kin. His religion was Presbyterian.  He Returned to Australia June 14, 1919. The other possibility is Joseph Brown ( SN 1059). This Joseph was 20 years old when he enlisted on July 8, 1915. He was in the boot trade and his next of kin was his brother, of 178 Hotham Street, Elsternwick. He Returned to Australia March 5, 1919. He was listed as Church of England, so I think the other Joseph is one on the Roll of Honour.

Campbell, William Barnsdale.  William was commissioned as an officer in the A.I.F on December 23, 1914 and rose to the rank of Captain. His was living in Ballarat when he enlisted, was married to Elsie,  29 years old and was a school teacher.  He was wounded in action on three occasions, Mentioned in Despatches (London Gazette, December 28, 1917) and Returned to Australia January 11, 1918. What is his connection to the St Kilda area? Elsie's address on his enlistment paper was changed to 8 Austin Avenue, St Kilda on March 18, 1918. 

Campbell, Frederick Cole (SN 5355)  Frederick enlisted on March 13, 1916. He was a 25 year clerk and his next of kin was his father, Ronald, of 8 Austin Avenue, St Kilda.  Frederick and William were the sons of Ronald and Selina (nee Cole) Campbell. Lieutenant Campbell was Mentioned in Despatches (London Gazette, December 27, 1918) and awarded the Belgium Croix de Guerre (London Gazette, April 5, 1919). He Returned to Australia September 6, 1919. Frederick's religion was listed as Methodist, this may have been a mistake, or else as the Presbyterian Church was only two short blocks away from Austin Avenue, they may have attended for that reason.

Clyne, Albert Henry  (SN 886). Albert enlisted August 18, 1914. He was a 19 year old clerk and his father, Henry Clyne of 44 Sycamore Grove, East St Kilda was his next of kin. On July 17, 1917 The Argus published  a list of Victorian who had served for 1,000 continuous days, War-worn veterans, and Albert Clyne was on the list. An appeal was being made to relieve these men so they could return to Australia, but it was still over a year before Albert saw home again.  He Returned to Australia November 8, 1918 on 'special 1914 leave', which I presume is leave for those who had been serving since 1914. He had the rank of Gunner and was gassed in October 1917, so by the end of 1918 he must have been exhausted.  Albert died in 1968 aged 72.

War-worn Veterans

The Argus, July 17, 1917  https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/1636374

Cubbins, John Harold (SN 2130)   Harold enlisted on July 10, 1915 at the age of 20. He was a carpenter. Harold was awarded the Military Medal (London Gazette, October 21, 1918) and he Returned to Australia April 10, 1919.

Cubbins, Leslie James Lachlan (SN 3126) Leslie enlisted on October 6, 1916. He was a  25 year old carpenter and his wife Dorothy of 12 Myrtle Street, Ripponlea was his next of kin. He died of broncho-pneumonia on October 20, 1918 in France. 

Cubbins, Lindsay Gordon  (SN 2429). Lindsay was a 20 year old motor trimmer when he enlisted on October 22, 1917. He died in England of haematemesis appendicitis on August 14, 1918. 

Cubbins, William Tennyson (SN 2597). William enlisted in the Australian Flying Corp at the age of 18 on November 5, 1917. Like his older brothers John and Leslie, William was also a carpenter. William Returned to Australia May 6, 1919. Bill played football for St Kilda and was also the Captain and later the coach. He also served in the Army in World War Two from April 1942 until February 1943.

The boys were the sons of James and Jessie (nee McKinnon) Cubbins of Ailsa, 24 John Street, South St Kilda.

Announcement of John Cubbin's Military Medal

The Age October 22, 1918 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article155237049

Durston, Norman Henry (Lieutenant)  Norman applied for a Commission in the AIF on November 3, 1914. He was 21 years old and his next of kin was his father Sidney Durston of Kingsley, 97 Tennyson Street, and later of 119 Tennyson Street. Lieutenant Durston embarked on the Ceramic on December 22, 1914 and less than six months later he was dead. He Died of Wounds on May 9, 1915 at Gallipoli. Norman's two brothers also enlisted in the War,  but they are not listed on this Honour Board.  Twenty six year old Sidney Walter Durston (SN 685) enlisted on June 20, 1917. He was already in the Army - a staff clerk. His next of kin was his wife, Stella, of 91 Acland Street. Warrant Officer Durston served as a clerk in England and Returned to Australia April 3, 1920. Their younger brother, Raymond George, enlisted at the age of 18 on March 16, 1918 (SN 61387). His next of kin was his father, who was also at 91 Acland Street. He was still a student at Scotch College when he enlisted and had spent four years in the Cadets. Raymond embarked on the Barambah on August 31, 1918 for London and Returned to Australia November 22, 1919.

Grant, Bruce  I believe this is Harold Bruce Grant (SN 3348) who enlisted firstly in the Pay Corp then on June 1, 1916 in the AIF, when he was 24. His parents were William Fraser and Catherine (nee Marden) Grant, of Bulla. His address was Princes Street, Flemington (and he was at that location in the 1914 Electoral Rolls as well), he was a clerk and he Returned to Australia November 22, 1919. He was also a Presbyterian and according to his father's death notice from 1916 he known as Bruce.  What's is his connection to Elwood? His parents were married at Trinity Church, South St Kilda on June 23, 1873, which is an Anglican Church.  Catherine is listed as the only daughter of John Marden of St Kilda.  Bruce was engaged in October 1916 to Florence May Tellefsen of Orrong Road, Elsternwick; however  when they married in September 1920 it was at St Marys Church of England in Caulfield. As you can see, I haven't actually found an Elwood Presbyterian connection, but I don't know who else it could be.

Hignett, Benjamin Claude (SN 15548). Surname listed as Highnett in the booklet and on the Honour Board.  Ben enlisted on June 5, 1917 at the age of 22. His occupation was station overseer. His next of kin was his mother, Mary Jane of Kaneira (now called Culgoa) in the Mallee. He was Killed in Action in France on September 20, 1918. His family moved around the State a bit, but they were in St Kilda for a short time as his father, Percy Norman Hignett is listed in the City of St Kilda Rate Books at 7 Gray Street from 1898 for some years. His occupation was bicycle maker. Ben's sister Jean was born in St Kilda in 1901.  As a matter of interest in February 1900,  Percy was a witness at a trial at the St Kilda Police Court where  Kathleen Fraser was charged with shooting her husband, Paul Wilkes Fraser, with intent to murder. Percy, whose occupation was reported as bicycle engineer, saw Mr Fraser 'stagger' and 'his face was bleeding'. The St Kilda Court committed Mrs Fraser to the Supreme Court to be tried for murder, where she was acquitted (9).

Death notice of Benjamin Hignett

Kyneton Guardian October 19, 1918 https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/129615059

Hudson, C.H  I could not find a C. H. Hudson, a H. C Hudson, a C.H. Hodson or a H. C. Hodson with a connection to Victoria, so I am unsure who this is.

Keep, Leslie Thomas (SN 3062) Leslie was 25 years old  and a surveyor when he enlisted on July 31, 1915. Leslie was awarded the Military Medal (London Gazette, October 20, 1916). He was wounded in May 1917 whilst serving in France (multiple gunshot wounds) and lost his left eye and Returned to Australia August 27, 1917. His next of kin was his father, Thomas Charles Keep, of 224 Inkerman Street, East St Kilda, later 50 Park Street St Kilda and 10 Docker Street, Elwood. Thomas was a member of the Kirk Session at the Elwood Church.  Leslie married Amy Lobban in 1923. Leslie's sister, Daisy, was married to Harold Wortley, also listed on this memorial. Leslie died in 1944.

 

Report of Leslie Keep's wedding

Wodonga and Towong Sentinel January 19, 1923 https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/69643210

Kennedy, Donald (SN 1684) Donald was 23 when he enlisted on June 12, 1915. His occupation was dairy supervisor at Longernong, the Agricultural College. He was gassed in October 1917 and Returned to Australia March 13, 1918 and discharged on medical grounds. Donald died on June 2, 1921 at the Caulfield Military Hospital. 

Kennedy, Leonard (SN 3305) Leonard enlisted on July 12, 1915 at the age of 20. He was a Postal Official. He Returned to Australia May 6, 1919.

The boys were the sons of Peter and Elizabeth (nee Cowden) Kennedy, whose address was Police Station Elsternwick and later 9 Mozart Street, St Kilda. 

Death notice of Donald Kennedy

The Argus, June 4, 1921 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article1763274

Lowe, Alexander Harold (Lieutenant) Alexander enlisted on March 8, 1915 at the age of 22. He was a clerk. He fought at Gallipoli and, because he was sick, he was invalided back to Australia. Alexander recovered and attended Duntroon Military College and appointed to the rank of 2nd Lieutenant. After serving overseas again, he Returned to Australia September 25, 1919. Alexander died in 1985, aged 93. 

Lowe, Hugh Mosman (SN 1053)  Hugh enlisted on October 19, 1914. He was a 20 year old Clerk. He Died of Wounds, received whilst fighting at Gallipoli, on June 1, 1915. Hugh was employed by Michaelis Hallenstein Co., who operated a large tannery at Footscray. They have a  lovely memorial in Footscray, to their employees who died in the Great War, and Hugh's name is one of the men listed. I have written about this Memorial, here.
Lowe, Thomas Ernest  (SN 1057) Thomas was a 26 year old Accountant when he enlisted on March 8, 1915, same day as his brother Alexander. He Returned to Australia a year later suffering from 'Post Typhoid Debility'. He recovered and applied for a Commission and was appointed a Lieutenant. He embarked on May 11, 1917. Thomas was awarded the Military Cross (London Gazette, September 18, 1918). Thomas Returned to Australia February 7, 1919. He died in 1955, aged 67.

Lowe, William Bertram (Lieutenant) William was a 29 year old Commercial Traveller when he enlisted on January 12, 1916. He was Gassed and after treated Returned to Australia September 10, 1917 and was discharged from the AIF in March 1918. William was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal (London Gazette, August 24, 1917).  William died at the age of 42 in 1928.

The Lowe brothers, all born in Aberdeen in Scotland, were the sons of William and Jessie (nee Andrews) Lowe of Lufra, 13 Glen Eira Road, East St Kilda. The family later moved to Leura, 18 Pine Avenue, Elwood. When I say the family, it was actually Jessie Lowe. There is a statuary declaration in Hugh's Attestation file at the National Archives from Jessie, in which she states whether his [Hugh's] father is dead or alive cannot be stated as nothing has been seen nor heard of him by me or my children for the past 18 years. Jessie died in 1943, aged 86. Jessie's son-in-law, Hubert Waller also enlisted, he is written about below.

The square tower is a feature of the Elwood Presbyterian Church.

Image: Isaac Hermann.

Maxwell, Alexander George (SN 317) Alexander was 19 years old, a warehouseman, when he enlisted in the Royal Australian Navy on May 1, 1915. He Returned to Australia March 10, 1918. Alexander's next of kin was his father, Robert Gordon Maxwell of 208 Hotham Street, Elsternwick. Alexander served in the Army from March 1940 until September 1944 during World War Two. By then he was living in Pert in Western Australia, which was where he died in 1971, aged 75.

McBean, James Baker (SN 151)  James was a 19 year old student when he enlisted on August 18, 1914. He was wounded in France - gun shot wounds thigh and chest - and after treatment, Returned to Australia March 10, 1918. James reached the rank of Sergeant. His next of kin was listed as his parents of Corvey, 79 Brighton Road St Kilda and later Grantham, 35 Brighton Road. His parents were Frederick Charles and Jeannie McAllan McBean. James also served in the Army in the Second World War where he was a Lieutenant Colonel. 

McCleery, Alexander Carl  (SN 931) Alexander was 38 years old when he enlisted on February 7, 1916. He was a Clerk. His next of kin was his mother, Annie Robertson McCleery of 86 Tennyson Street, St Kilda. Alexander Returned to Australia July 20, 1919. He died in 1947, aged 70. 

Death notice for Alexander McCleery

The Argus March 28, 1947 https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/22417615/1701306

McIntyre, Clement John (SN 1077) Clement was a 19 year old Clerk when he enlisted on August 24, 1914. He was awarded the Military Medal (London Gazette, September 25, 1917) and Returned to Australia October 20, 1918.  He died in 1978, aged 83. 

McIntyre, William Gibson  (SN 4878) William, a Salesman, enlisted at the age of 18 on January 13, 1916. William Returned to Australia April 13, 1919. He died in 1971, aged 73.

Clement and William were the sons of William and Elizabeth (nee McChlery) McIntyre. When the boys enlisted they were living at Darebin Road, Northcote. As William was under 21 his parents had to give permission for him to enlist, and the letter from them in his Attestation file states that his 'father has Brain trouble and is at Kew' referring of course to the Kew Asylum. Elizabeth McIntyre later changed her address to The Breakers, 74 St Kilda Street, Elwood. 

McLeod, Duncan Albert 'Bert' (SN 2630) Bert enlisted in Western Australia on June 17, 1915, he was a 32 year old bank clerk. He had been born in Kiewa in Victoria, was a widower and had one daughter, Mabel Gwen McLeod, who was living with her grandmother, Mrs J. Davies, of Geelong. Bert listed his father, Donald, of 7 Byron Street, St Kilda as his next of kin. Bert Died of Wounds on September 2, 1916.

McLeod, Eric (SN 829) Eric was born in Yackandandah and enlisted on August 17, 1914 at the age of 23. He was a motor mechanic. His mother, Mary, was listed as his next of kin. Her address initially was Tangambalanga and it was later changed to 7 Byron Street. Eric was Killed in Action on August 15, 1916.

Duncan 'Bert' and Eric were brothers, the sons of Donald and Mary (nee Abbott) McLeod. 

There is also Robert McLeod, a Warrant Officer, listed on the Honour Board. There are two possibilities. The first one has a Yackandandah connection, so I have made the assumption that he is related to the two other McLeods, but he has no obvious St Kilda connection.

McLeod, Robert (SN 3832) Robert was 40 years old when he enlisted on July 5, 1917. He had been born in Yackandandah and was a farm hand. His next of kin was his uncle, William Tasker, 29 Little Church Street, Port Melbourne. Robert Returned to Australia August 24, 1918 and was discharged on medical grounds due to rheumatism. 

There is also another Robert McLeod - 

McLeod, Robert (SN 19592). For some reason his file has not been digitised at the National Archives, however his Embarkation Record shows that Robert enlisted January 8, 1916. He was a 21 year old joiner and enlisted as Warrant Officer Class 2. His address and that of his father, J. McLeod, his next of kin was Ruthven Street, Toowoomba in Queensland. There was a James and Mary McLeod in the Electoral Rolls at 20 Steele Avenue, St Kilda from 1903 until 1914. There was a Robert McLeod born to a James McLeod and Mary Donn in St Kilda in 1894. I believe they are the same family. On January 20, 1923 a Mary McLeod, wife of James, died in Toowoomba. She was the mother of a Robert and 'late of St Kilda'. The Queensland Births, Deaths and Marriages, list her father's name was William Donn. So adding all this together, it is more than possible that this man is Warrant Officer Robert McLeod, honoured at the Presbyterian Church in Elwood. 

Death notice of Mary McLeod, mother of Robert

The Age January 23, 1923 https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/1870477

Morey, Clement Alexander (SN 1930).  Clement enlisted in the Australian Flying Corp at the age of 18 on March 13, 1917. He was a Draftsman. He was the son of Bernard and Eliza Morey. His mother was listed as his next of kin and their address was 22 Linden Street Elsternwick (it is actually Lyndon Street) and the address later changed to the corner of Byron and Tennyson Street, and then  24 Byron Street. Clement Returned to Australia May 6, 1919.   Clement married Ada Vaughan in October 1924 and he served in the Volunteer Defence Corp in World War Two. 

Munro, William (SN 2182) William, a Clerk, enlisted at the age of 23 on June 11, 1917,  his mother Mary died ten days later on June 21.  His next of kin was his father, also William Munro, of 12 Blessington Street, St Kilda. William joined the Australian Flying Corp and Returned to Australia May 6, 1919. 

William Munro married to Isabel Carnie, by the Reverend Yule, 

 at the Church on September 20, 1919. 

The Argus, October 25, 1919 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article4666238

Parker, John (SN 914). John was an 36 year old engine driver when he enlisted on July 17, 1915. His next of kin was his sister, Rose Parker of 55 Regent Street, Elsternwick. John was awarded the Military Medal and Returned to Australia March 21, 1919. John's sister, Elsie, was married to Leslie Brown, also listed on this memorial. 

Pollock, William Henry (SN558) William was born in Monaghan, in Ireland. He was 21 when he enlisted on February 1, 1916 and his next of kin was his mother, Elizabeth, also of Monahan. William was a draper and his address was 29 Hartpury Avenue, East St Kilda. He Returned to Australia June 23, 1916. Sadly, William was found drowned in the Yarra River. on 1933.  His Attestation file had the following  newspaper clipping from the Melbourne Sun of October 17, 1933. 

Report of the finding of William's body in the Yarra from the Melbourne Sun October 17, 1933. 

National Archives of Australia www.naa.gov.au 

First Australian Imperial Force Personnel Dossiers, 1914-1920

Pollard, William Charles Sydney (SN 213) William was a 19 year old Shorthand writer and Typist when he enlisted on February 4, 1915. He had appendicitis and Returned to Australia on April 12, 1916 to recover; he re-enlisted on September 26, 1916 for Home Service. William's height was listed as 6ft 4 inches, extraordinarily tall for the times. William was the son of William and Charlotte Pollard of 92 Tennyson Street, St Kilda. 

Reid, Eric  I don't know who this is. There are no Reids, Reads or Reeds who enlisted with an Elwood address. There are seven with a St Kilda address and one with an Elsternwick address. Two of these were Presbyterian - George Duncan Reid (SN 2762) of 4 Little Neptune Street, St Kilda. He was Killed in Action in France July 25, 1916.  The other was Vere Aubrey Reed (SN 7063) of 429 Inkerman Street, East St Kilda. He Returned to Australia March 17, 1919. There is a J. T. Reid listed as a member of the Elwood Church Kirk Session, his address is Normanby Road, Elwood (10),  so Eric may be connected to him. 

Scilley, William Russell (SN 3242) William enlisted at the age of 22. He was a wood and coal merchant. His next of kin was his father, William, of 74 Ormond Road, Elwood. Whilst in Egypt he started having heart issues and Returned to Australia August 17, 1916 and was discharged on medical grounds - vascular disease of the heart, mitral regurgitation -  in the November. The family later lived at 5 Vautier Street, Elwood. William married Charlotte Park on February 22, 1919.

The marriage notice of William Russell Scilley and Charlotte Park at the 

Elwood Presbyterian Church, February 22, 1919.

The Age, March 22, 1919 https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/155216986/18577843

Semmens, James Michael.  Lieutenant Colonel Semmens  was 46 years old when he received his commission on August 18, 1914.  His address was Siller Craig, Melby Avenue,  East St Kilda and his next of kin was his wife, Jessie. He was pronounced unfit for service at a Medical Board hearing on March 31, 1915 due to 'General Asthenia' and given six months leave and his appointment was terminated October 2, 1915. Lieutenant Colonel Semmens' file at the National Archives is 94 pages long and it has a report that on June 24, 1917 he broke his leg through a jinker accident at Seymour whilst on 'official duty' so he was serving in some capacity at that time. According to his obituary  he was officer in charge of the Seymour Camp, but I can't find an official appointment to this role in his file.  He later became Chairman of the Repatriation Commission from 1920 until 1935, and died in 1937 aged 69. Jessie Semmens was the President of the Red Cross Society at the Church in 1918. 

Obituary of Colonel Semmens

Weekly Times June 26, 1937 https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/225721302

Smith, Hamilton Strathern (SN 71) There are five H.S. Smiths who had a connection to suburbs not too far away from Elwood or St Kilda and I think the most likely one is Hamilton because he was Presbyterian and his next of kin was his mother, 'Mrs Smith' who lived at 26 Myrtle Street, Ripponlea, which is off Glen Eira Road, the third street from Hotham Street. Hamilton was a 44 year old Book-keeper when he enlisted on October 8, 1914. His address was 125 Orrong Road, Toorak.  He Returned to Australia March 13, 1918.To further strengthen my case that Hamilton is the man on the Roll of Honour,  H. S. Smith is listed as a Corporal and Hamilton was promoted to a Corporal on March 1, 1916 in Egypt. As well, Hamilton's mother was Matilda Louisa Smith (nee Dean) and a Mrs M. Smith is listed in the 1917 Annual Report, as having donated money to the Church. That's less conclusive as Smith is a very common surname.  Hamilton died in 1947, aged 77.

Stringer, A. C.  It took some time to identify this man as I could only find one A. C. Stringer who enlisted and he was born, lived and enlisted in South Australia. Then I looked for any connections of Stringers to the St Kilda area and found there was a Councillor Arthur Stringer on the St Kilda council from 1899 until 1902.  He was  a successful butcher  with several shops and a farm at Scoresby and  lived at 7 Oak Grove, near the Ripponlea Railway Station. He had a son, Archie Craven Stringer, born in 1889. Archie is not listed in the Embarkation or Nominal Rolls, but has a file at the National Archives, which has not been digitised. However, an Archie Craven Stringer was granted a Soldier Settlement farm at Ensay in1920 and his application (11) tells us that he was rejected here and I went abroad to enlist and that he enlisted on September 10, 1915 and was discharged May 21, 1920. He served with the British Army. Archie also served from March 1942 until September 1945 in the Volunteer Defence Corp in World War Two, which is why he has a file at the National Archives. 

Death notice of Archie's father, Arthur. The notice lists Archie as being 'on active service'

The Herald February 16, 1918 https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/page/26340170

Waller, Hubert Hansard (SN 2604) Hubert was 27 years old and a farmer when he enlisted on August 2, 1915. He Returned to Australia March 4, 1919. His next of kin was his wife, Mrs Jessie Alice Campbell Waller c/o Mrs Lowe of Lufra, Glen Eira Road, St Kilda. Jessie was the sister of Alexander, Hugh, Thomas and William Lowe, written about, above. 

Jessie Lowe's engagement to Hubert Waller. 

Punch, March 6, 1913 https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/176032458

Wilkie, Alexander Hector  (SN 598)  Alexander was an electrical engineer and he enlisted at the age of 20 on August 18, 1916. His father, Alexander, of 7 Scott Street, St Kilda was his next of kin.  Alexander Returned to Australia May 6, 1919. He married Jessie Cameron in 1934. She came from a pioneering Cranbourne family.  The couple were written up in the Dandenong Journal of July, 11 1935 - Visitors to Cranbourne last week, were Mrs. Ewen Cameron and Mr and Mrs Hector Wilkie, Mrs. Wilkie being a daughter of Mrs. Cameron. Mrs. Cameron, whose home is at East Malvern, is a former much esteemed resident of Cranbourne. In her parents’ home, at "Mayfield,” the first religious services in the district were conducted by the late Rev. Alex. Duff (12). The Reverend Duff was the Presbyterian Minister in Cranbourne and surrounds from 1855 until his retirement in 1888. The Wilkie family had lived in Clyde and were also parishioners at the Cranbourne Presbyterian Church. Hector Wilkie died in 1973 aged 76. 

Woolnough, Edgar Oliver Farkas (SN 6371) Edgar enlisted in Hamilton at the age of 21 on May 30, 1916, his occupation was a farm hand and he was born at Daylesford. His next of kin was his widowed mother, Mary Woolnough,  of 23 Rusden Street, Elsternwick. Mary passed away on August 20, 1917, when Edgar was serving overseas. He Returned to Australia June 19, 1919. Edgar married Ivy Hutchings in 1922 and according to the Electoral Rolls from the mid 1920s until the mid 1960s  lived in Frederick Street, Caulfield Street. His occupation was listed as a painter. Edgar died at the age of 92 in 1987.

Wortley, Harold Valentine (Lieutenant) Harold enlisted on July 7, 1915. He was a 25 year old grocer and his next of kin were his parents of Kilmore, which is where he was born. He attended Brighton Grammar School.  On June 15, 1916 he married Daisy Keep at the Presbyterian Church in St Kilda. She was the daughter of Thomas Keep of Park Street, St Kilda and the sister of Leslie Keep, listed above. Their address after marriage was 1 Beach Avenue, Elwood. Harold embarked on July 4, 1916 and three years later Returned to Australia July 5, 1919. The couple moved to Kilmore after  the War and there was a report in the Kilmore Free Press of November 13, 1919 that Harold had been appointed to the position of Kilmore Shire Council Inspector of Nuisances. The Kilmore Historical Society has an detailed account of Harold's life and military career on their website, see it here.

Lieutenant Wortley's wedding to Daisy Keep.

Kilmore Free Press June 22, 1916 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article58429794

Wright, Charles Norman (SN 5702) Charles enlisted on February 8, 1915. He was a 22 year old tailor and had undertaken his apprenticeship with F. Mitchell, Bridport Street, Albert Park. His next of kin was his mother, Elizabeth Wright, of Elizabeth Street, Elsternwick. Charles Returned to Australia January 2, 1919.  On July 17 the same year,  Norman married Mabel Madeleine Cuthbert at St Mary's in Caulfield. 

Marriage notice of Norman Wright to Mabel Cuthbert.

The Argus, August 16, 1919  http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article4704541

Wright, Leslie Clyde  (SN 4631) 28 year old Leslie enlisted on October 7, 1915. He was a clerk and his next of kin was his mother, Mary Ann Wright, of 46 Elm Grove, East St Kilda. Leslie was Killed in Action in France on August 8, 1918.  Leslie was born in Caulfield to John and Mary Ann (nee Cole) Wright and his Roll of Honor Circular says that he attended Caulfield State School, No. 773.

Death notices for  Leslie Wright 

The Argus, August 24, August 26 and August 31,  1918

Acknowledgment

I have an interest in Churches, Honour Boards and other War memorials. I became interested in this Board because one of the Architects of the Church Allan Rynhart Love of Scarborough, Robertson lived in Elwood at Kingsley, 97 Tennyson Street. He was the son of John Jeremiah Love, St Kilda Councillor and Mayor. Henry Norman Durston, who appears on the Honour Board, also lived for a short time at Kingsley. My  research colleague, Isaac Hermann, has written a short history of Kingsley - 'Kingsley: a history of the Elwood and St Kilda Neighbourhood Learning Centre', published in 2019.  As the title of the book suggests, the building is now the Elwood and St Kilda Neighbourhood Learning Centre (and now at 87 Tennyson Street due to street renumbering) and this got me interested in the Church and Honour Board and the men whose names appeared on it. I'm not glorifying War, I just want them to be remembered. You can read Isaac's history of Kingsley, here. Isaac also took the photos of the Church and the Honour Board. Thank you, Isaac. Also thank you to the Reverend Phillip Chang, for allowing us access to the Church.  

Footnotes

(1) The Argus, December 10, 1912, see here.

(2) Prahran Telegraph, June 28, 1913, see here;  The Argus, July 1 1924, see here. There is a short history of the Church in Spirit of St Kilda: Places of worship in St Kilda by Janette Bomford (St Kilda Historical Society, 2003).  Access it on-line here, http://skhs.org.au/SKHSchurches/churches.htm

(3) Weekly Times, April 18, 1914, see here; The Presbyterian Church of Victoria, Jubilee History: Growth in 50 years 1859-1909 by D. Macrae Stewart (General Assembly, 1909).

(4) The Argus, June 4, 1938, see here; Spirit of St Kilda: Places of worship in St Kilda by Janette Bomford (St Kilda Historical Society, 2003).  Access it on-line here,   http://skhs.org.au/SKHSchurches/churches.htm

(5) I have the 5th and 6th Annual Reports of the Church. They are full of useful information such as the Office Bearers; reports on the Church activities - the Tennis Club, Red Cross Society, Boys Gymnasium Club, Presbyterian Women's Missionary Union (the group which produced the PWMU cookbook, a staple in all Presbyterian houses) and a full financial report.

List of office bearers from the 6th Annual report - click on images to enlarge.

(6) The Argus, December 15, 1924, see here.

(7) The Presbyterian Church of Victoria, Jubilee History: Growth in 50 years 1859-1909 by D. Macrae Stewart (General Assembly, 1909).

(8) Table Talk, July 14, 1932, see here.

(9) Report of Mrs Fraser's trial - The Australasian, February 10, 1900, see here.

(10) Normanby Road, Elwood - doesn't exist in my Melway, perhaps they meant Normanby Road, Caulfield. 

(11) Archie's Soldier Settlement file -  http://soldiersettlement.prov.vic.gov.au/soldiers/972-12-stringer-archie-craven/

(12) Dandenong Journal, July 11, 1935, see here.