The areas that are now known as Hallam and Hampton Park have gone through a few name changes over the years. In the case of Hallam this is a relatively new name for the area, dating from around 1905. Before that, the district was known as Hallam's Road after William and Mary Hallam. Earlier than that it was sometimes referred to as Dandenong and sometimes as Eumemmerring, which covered the area basically from the Dandenong Creek to what is now Hallam Road and both sides of the Princes Highway - so essentially the current suburbs of Doveton, Hallam, Endeavour Hills and the modern day suburb of Eumemmerring (gazetted May 20, 1981) (1). William and Mary Hallam purchased the 50 acres (20 hectares) in 1856 on the corner of what is now called the Princes Highway and Hallam Road. They established a store and a Post Office and eventually operated a 'licensed house' which they sold, with their land to Edmund U'ren, in 1885. Edmund operated the premises as a Hotel until his death in 1892, when his wife Elizabeth took over (2). This Hotel has also being known as Hallam's Road Hotel, Uren's Hotel, Hallam's Eumemmering Hotel and various other combinations of those names which reflects the fluidity of the early place names.
The name Hampton Park comes from a 1917 sub-division by the developer Edward Victor Jones of Somerville Road, Footscray. Until then rate payers of the area were listed variously as living in Eumemmerring, Dandenong or Lyndhurst. Further subdivision at Hampton Park took place after the World War One into blocks between five to 50 acres (4). Niel Gunson in his book The Good Country: Cranbourne Shire notes - The area had originally enclosed the Dandenong Pound (later known as the Cranbourne Pound). The ‘pound’ Paddock was later owned by the Garner family of Diamond Hill, well known in Dandenong as undertakers and coach builders. When W. Garner was gored by a bull the paddock was purchased by E.V Jones of Somerville Road, Footscray (5).You can read about Lyndhurst soldiers, here and you can read about the Garners and Diamond Hill, here.
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This post looks at any Great War Soldiers that I could find that have a connection to the Hallam and Hampton Park areas, so thus will also include Doveton, Endeavour Hills and the Eumemmerring suburb area. There were around 250 soldiers who enlisted with a Dandenong address or were born in Dandenong, some of whom may be eligible to be in this blog post so if you know that I have missed some Hallam or Hampton Park soldiers, then let me know.
Some of the information in this post is from the booklet, Hallam 1830-1930 written by Dr Deborah Stephan and published in 1993 by the City of Berwick. The booklet includes material provided by Mrs Marie Carson, the great niece of Elizabeth Andrews. Elizabeth was the daughter of John and Bridget Andrews who settled at Hallam in 1854. Some of the information about Hampton Park comes from The history of Hampton Park by Roy R. Scott, written in 1970 and published in the Dandenong & District Historical Society Journal, Gipps-land Gate.
Mrs Carson remembers attending an ANZAC Service at the Hallam State School I remember about that time..my mother taking me along a rough and bumpy track in a a 'go-cart' as they called a baby pusher in those days, to an ANZAC celebration at Hallam State School. Someone pinned an ANZAC medal with red, white and blue ribbon on it on me and I had it for many years and felt very proud of it....this ANZAC day must have been a very early one - 1919 or 1920 perhaps (6).
What follows is a list of soldiers, their connection to the Hallam and Hampton Park areas, their fate (i.e. when they Returned to Australia after active service or when they were Killed in Action) and their Service Number (SN) so you can look up their full service record on the National Archives website (www.naa.gov.au)
Andrews, Louis John (SN 4493) Louis was born in Dandenong and enlisted at the age of 22 on September 30, 1916. He was a printer and his next of kin was his wife, Ellen, of Glenferrie Road, Malvern. He Returned to Australia on April 30, 1919. Louis was the grandson of the aforementioned John and Bridget Andrews, early pioneers of the Hallam area.
Battersby, John Henry (SN 2582) Henry, as he was known, was a 23 year old timber worker when he enlisted on July 14, 1915. He Returned to Australia on March 28, 1919. His next of kin was his father, John Battersby of Hallam Road, Dandenong. John and Susan (nee Skinner) had ten children and built Cloverdale Cottage in 1870. Cloverdale Cottage is still standing in Hallam North Road and is listed on the City of Casey Heritage Conservation Study (7). Henry is listed on the Narre Warren North War Memorial, see here.
Brown, John Alfred (SN 64160) John was born in Hallam but was living in East Caulfield when he enlisted on May 7, 1918. He was 20 years old and a clerk with the Victorian Railways. He left Australia in September 1918, suffered from pleurisy (right lung, very severe was the notation in his record) and he Returned to Australia on July 26, 1919 and was discharged on medical grounds on September 13, 1919.
Brown, W There is a W. Brown listed in the South Bourke and Mornington Journal article of October 16, 1919 (see article above) I believe that this is William Reginald Brown (SN 125) as he (or someone by the same name) is listed in the 1919 Electoral Roll at Hallam Road, Hallam, occupation farmer. William enlisted on January 11, 1915 aged 24 and a labourer. His next of kin was his sister, Stella, of South Melbourne. He is listed twice on the Embarkation Rolls - once with his address as Yarram and once as South Melbourne. He was sent overseas and Returned to Australia on June 10, 1916 and was discharged on medical grounds on October 2, 1916 as he was suffering from 'otitis media' or deafness.
Brunet, Harry (SN 52808) The South Bourke and Mornington Journal has a report of the Dandenong Exemption Court hearings from October 16 & 17, 1916. Harry Brunet of Hallam, applied for an exemption and the paper noted that he was an engine driver and mechanic and could plough 12 acres per day where man and three horses could only plough three and thus could take the place of at least four men in the harvest field. The Court refused to exempt Harry and he enlisted at the age of 23 on December 18, 1917. He Returned to Australia on July 26, 1919. His next of kin was his father, Antonio Brunet, of Clyde. The family are listed in the 1917 Electoral Roll at Hallam Road, Hallam and obviously moved to Clyde that year and are in the 1918 Electoral Roll at Clyde.
What was an Exemption Court? The government made a proclamation at the beginning of October 1916 declaring all unmarried able-bodied men between the ages of 21 and 35 were to undertake military training leading to the possibility of service within the Commonwealth. All men meeting those criteria had to enrol at enrolment centres where they were assessed for suitability. However, there was a procedure whereby men classified as suitable could appeal and be granted exception from service (8).
Crean, Andrew Norman (SN 1230) Andrew enlisted on July 17, 1915 aged 22. He was a carter. His next of kin was his father, also Andrew, of Hallam's Road, Hallam. Andrew was awarded the Military Medal. He Returned to Australia on May 15, 1919. Andrew's mother, Annie Florence Crean, was a member of the Hallam State School Mothers Club in 1921, see photo below between James Meehan and Charles Morris.
Dempsey, William Stanley (SN 3519) Mrs Carson writes that her uncle, William Dempsey, enlisted in the First World War. Her father, Walter Dempsey (William's brother) had married a niece of Elizabeth Andrews and the family was living at Hallam 'near the turn of the century' - there was a Patrick Dempsey in the Rate Books at Hallam in 1903 and a Patrick, Clara, James and Walter Dempsey in the Electoral Roll at Hallam in 1906. William's mother Clara was his next of kin when he enlisted on September 27, 1915 at the age of 23, although she was living in Geelong then. His occupation was listed as a waiter. William was discharged on medical grounds on May 18, 1917 as he had suffered a nervous breakdown. I believe this is the correct William Dempsey.
Eccles, James Leslie (SN 72595) James enlisted on August 19, 1918. He was a 28 year old farmer and his next of kin was his father, James, of Dandenong. As you can see by the article below he had a 'grand concert and send-off' on October 11. James did not get to serve overseas and was Demobilized on December 24, 1918.
Emerson, Walter Cecil (SN 1559) Walter enlisted at the age of 18 on August 4, 1915. His occupation was Railway employee. His father was his next of kin and his address was Richmond, but was later changed to Berwick Road, Hallam. His parents, Alfred and Carrie Emerson, are listed in the Electoral Roll at Hallam for a few years from 1917. Walter served overseas but was discharged on medical grounds, 'Nerves' was listed as the condition, on May 30 1917. However, Walter re-enlisted on September 17, 1918 and was demobilized as the War ended. In 1929 Walter wrote a letter asking for proof of his service as he was then employed by the Post Masters General Department and as they gave preference to returned soldiers he needed this proof. His address on this letter was the quaintly named 'Cosy Tea Shop', Point Nepean Road, Chelsea.
Frawley, John (SN 2172) According to Mrs Carson - John was known as Jerry, so that's what we will call him. Jerry was born in Hallam and enlisted on April 28, 1916 at the age of 36 years and ten months. He was a labourer and his next of kin was his sister, Rosanna, also of Hallam. Jerry Returned to Australia on June 10, 1919. Frawley Road is named after the family - Mary Frawley purchased 60 acres in the area in 1857 and Jerry and Rosanna were her grandchildren (9).
Gander, Frederick (SN 1550) Frederick enlisted for the first time at the age of 28 on June 4, 1916. His occupation was farm labourer. Frederick was born in England and his address was Narre Warren. He was sent overseas to England but Returned to Australia on May 4, 1917 and was discharged on medical grounds as he suffered from 'Hammer toes, both feet' Frederick re-enlisted on June 4, 1918 and missed his send-off that was being held with James Eccles (see newspaper report, above under James Eccles' entry) as he had already sailed. By this time he was 30 years old and living in Hallam. Frederick served in New Guinea and was again discharged on medical grounds this time on August 16, 1919.
Higgins, Thomas (SN 4641) Thomas enlisted on October 15, 1917 at the age of one month off 22 years of age. His next of kin was his father, Edward, of Hallam (the Embarkation Roll has the address listed as Hallam, Mt Dandenong, which is incorrect). Thomas was a 'turner and fitter.' Thomas left for Egypt on April 30, 1918 and Returned to Australia on December 22, 1918. Thomas was farewelled along with Clarie Pool and Henry Waite by over 200 people on January 31, 1918. (see report below)
Hill, David Ernest (SN 4645) David enlisted on October 4, 1915, He was a 21 year old labourer. David Returned to Australia August 29, 1919.
Hill, Robert (SN 1591) Robert was a 19 year old farmer when he enlisted on August 2, 1915. Less than a year later on July 20 1916 he was Killed in Action in France.
Hill, Thomas Frederick (SN 4516) Thomas enlisted on September 6, 1915 at the age of 23. He was a Police Constable. He was wounded in action, gun shot wound right arm, and Returned to Australia March 12, 1918 and was discharged on medical grounds in the June.
David and Robert were both born at Lillimur, between Kaniva and Serviceton, so very close to the South Australian border and Thomas was born in Murtoa. Their parents were George and Mary (nee Jackson) Hill and they were living at Hallam or Hallam's Road as it was listed on Robert and Thomas' file, when the boys enlisted.
Liston, A Private A. Liston is named in the report from the South Bourke and Mornington Journal of October 16, 1919 (reproduced further above between John Brown and William Brown) as being welcomed home with 'other Returned Soldiers connected with Hallam District.' Who is he? I can't find any Listons listed in the Electoral Roll at Hallam, so no clues there. There was an Alexander Liston (SN 3569) who enlisted on July 28, 1915 in Seymour, his next of kin was his wife Rebecca of South Melbourne. He was a 32 year old labourer. Alexander's his medical examination was carried out in Dandenong, so that's the closest connection that I can find between a Liston and the Hallam area. Alexander Returned to Australia on January 31, 1918. Ironically, on the Nar Nar Goon Honour Board (see here), there is a C. Liston listed who I can't find either, my best guess is that it is Thomas Liston, who enlisted at Tynong, so I don't know why Listons have proved to be so puzzling.
Masters, Albert Ernest (SN 428) Albert enlisted on February 8, 1915 aged 28, at Morwell. Albert Returned to Australia on December 11, 1918 and was discharged for medical reasons (flat feet, was the disability listed) on March 24, 1919.Masters, Charles Henry (SN 2893) Charles was 23, a grocer, when he enlisted on June 7, 1915. He was awarded the Military Medal and the Distinguished Conduct Medal. Charles Returned to Australia on January 15, 1919 and was discharged for medical reasons (Gassed) in April 24, 1919.
Albert and Charles were the sons of William and Sarah Jane (nee Blythman) Masters of Kirkham Road in Dandenong. They are listed in the report from the South Bourke and Mornington Journal of October 16, 1919 (reproduced further above between John Brown and William Brown) as being welcomed home with 'other Returned Soldiers connected with Hallam District' but I am not sure what the exact connection to Hallam was, apart from being the adjacent town.
Meehan, James Joseph (SN 2112) When James enlisted on July 5, 1916 at the age of 24, he was living in Sea Lake. He was wounded whilst serving in France. He Returned to Australia on May 12, 1918 (incorrectly listed as May 12, 1919 on the Nominal Rolls) and was discharged on medical grounds on July 23, 1918. What is his connection to Hallam? A report in the South Bourke and Mornington Journal of February 11, 1915 said that Mr J.J. Meehan was farewelled by the residents of Hallam before his departure to Sea Lake. There is a James Joseph Meehan in the Electorate Roll of 1914 at Hallam's Road - also listed is a Thomas Michael and Ellen Meehan of Hallam's Road - I am surmising that they are his relatives (Uncle and Aunty perhaps) - then in 1915 he moved to Sea Lake where he enlisted. In the South Bourke and Mornington Journal of May 29, 1919 there is a report about an unfortunate accident which befel Mr J. Meehan, a Returned Soldier farming at Hallam (10). I am confident that this is our James, and that he returned to Hallam after his war service. James Joseph Meehan and Ruth Rebecca Meehan are in the 1921 Electorate Roll at Hallam's Road. Mrs Meehan is pictured in the Hallam State School Mothers Club photograph from 1921.
Morris, Charles (SN 7578) Charles was born in England and was working as a farm labourer in Hallam when he enlisted on April 2, 1917 aged 24. His next of kin was his father who lived in Mansfield, Nottingham in England. Charles was married to Gertrude Jones in Mansfield on July 12, 1919 and was discharged from the AIF in England on October 2 the same year. Did they return to Australia? I don't know.
Poole, Clarence Edward 'Clarie' (SN 50194) Clarie was living in New South Wales when he first enlisted at the age of 18 on January 17, 1916 and he was discharged February 16 the same year - a notation in another enrolment paper says that it was because he was underage, although his date of birth was listed as July 24, 1896, so possibly he didn't have his parent's permission as his next of kin was a friend, Mrs Chandler of Campsie, NSW. His occupation was listed as dairy hand. Anyway he re-enlisted on February 2, 1918 at the age of 21 and this time his next of kin was his mother Amelia Poole of Canterbury in New South Wales. Clarie's address on the Embarkation Roll was Hallam's Road, Hallam. He was farewelled along with Henry Waite and Thomas Higgins on January 31, 1918 (see report above between Thomas Higgins and the Hill brothers). Clarie was Killed in Action in France on October 4, 1918.
Reedy, John Thomas (SN 1220) John, known as Jack, was a 32 year old farmer, when he enlisted on July 19, 1915. He Returned to Australia on May 8, 1919. Jack was awarded the Military Medal. John was granted a Soldier Settlement farm, you can read his file on the Battle to Farm website, here.
Jack and George were the sons of James and Elizabeth (nee Kirkham) Reedy, their father had already passed away when they enlisted and their mother was listed as the next of kin. The Reedy family had along association with the area. Michael Reedy, the grandfather of Albert and John, had arrived in Victoria in 1841 and his 1883 obituary said that the greater portion of his Colonial life was spent in the Dandenong district (12). The men were born in Dandenong and this was the address on enlistment, although they actually lived in what we now call Hampton Park.
Waite, Henry (SN 50467) Henry was farewelled at a function on January 31, 1918 along with Clarie Poole and Thomas Higgins (see report above between Thomas Higgins and the Hill brothers). Henry enlisted on December 11, 1917, he was 21 years old. His next of kin was his sister, Elizabeth Waite of Broadford. He was a labourer, presumably working for Mr C.A. McKenzie as his address was C/O Mr McKenzie, Hallam's Road, Hallam. Henry was sent overseas to Egypt and Returned to Australia on March 14, 1919. Henry was granted a Soldier Settlement farm, you can read his file on the Battle to Farm website, here.
(1) Stephan, Deborah Hallam 1830-1930 (City of Berwick, 1993). the date of the gazettal of the suburb if Eumemmerring comes from Harding, Maria Doveton: a brief history (Friends of Doveton Library, 1993)
(2) Stephan, op. cit.
(3) Scott, Roy R. The history of Hampton Park written in 1970 and published in the Dandenong & District Historical Society Journal, Gipps-land Gate.
(11) More information on these women. According to the Electoral Rolls - Mrs Boles - I can't find Mrs Boles in the Electoral roll; Annie Florence Crean, Hallam, home duties, husband Andrew, a farmer; Mrs Gatter - I can't find Mrs Gatter in the Electoral roll; Ruth Rebecca Meehan, Hallam's Road Hallam, home duties, husband James Joseph, farmer; Ellen Rout, Hallam, home duties, husband Charles Rout dairyman; Miss Morgan - I can't find Miss Morgan in the Electoral Roll but she may not have been 21 years old; Mrs Blackley - I can't find Mrs Blackley in the Electoral roll; Bertha Opperman, Berwick Road Dandenong, home duties, wife of Adolphus Samuel Opperman, water carter; Amy Louise Butcher, home duties, wife of Alfred Butcher, dairy farmer; Augusta Emma Wallace, home duties, wife of Jeremiah Wallace, farmer; Elizabeth Duncan Service, home duties, wife of John Service, Berwick Road, Dandenong, Dairy farmer.
A version of this post, which I wrote and researched, has appeared on my work blog, Casey Cardinia Commemorates: Our War Years.
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