The War World One Honour Board at St James the Great Anglican Church in Inkerman Street, East St Kilda lists the names of parishioners as well as students from St John's Theological College who served. There are 79 men who are commemorated on the board, including the Reverend Garnet Shaw, the first vicar.
St John's Theological College opened in 1906 in Alma Road, East St Kilda, on the site of the recently closed Cumloden Grammar School. The College closed in 1919. The Parish of St James the Great, East St Kilda was created in 1914 and services were initially held at the chapel at the Theological College, until a Sunday school and hall were built for the Church in Inkerman Road (1).
The foundation stone of St James the Great, East St Kilda
Image: Isaac Hermann
This original building has had a number of extensions and internal refurbishments and redecorations over the years. In the 1960s during one of the building extensions a number of pillars from demolished Melbourne mansions and other buildings (2) were incorporated in the works. When Father Paul Bower gave us a tour of the building in May 2022, we found seven different sets of pillars in the building, 22 pillars in all. The building has changed substantially from when the men on this Honour Board would have worshipped there.
Four historic pillars in the Lady Chapel at the Church.
Image: Isaac Hermann.
Another set of pillars at the High Altar.
Image: Isaac Hermann.
This post looks at the men on the Honour Board. 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. Extra information comes from the Australian War Memorial, 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 or as footnoted.
The Honour Board at St James the Great, East St Kilda.
Image: Heather Arnold
Allen, Arthur John Harward (SN 10382) Arthur was a 32 year old salesman when he enlisted on August 18, 1915 and his next of kin was his father, Arthur Harward Allen of 8 Chomley Street, East Prahran. He was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal and was Mentioned in Despatches. Arthur Returned to Australia March 25, 1919.
Allen, Herbert Percy (SN 1966) Herbert was 31 years old, a cycle shopkeeper and he enlisted on August 14, 1915. His next of kin was his wife, Lily. Herbert Returned to Australia on September 5, 1919. Lily's address was also listed as 8 Chomley Street, East Prahran.
Arthur and Herbert's father is listed in the Electoral Rolls as a Professor of Music.
Captain John Aram
Australian War Memorial Image P00249.002
Aram, John Thomas Hamilton (Lieutenant) John was commissioned as a Lieutenant on March 29, 1915 and he was later promoted to Captain. He was a accountant and his next of kin was his mother, Sarah Ann Ostberg of Glenfern, Inkerman Street, East St Kilda. John was Killed in Action, at the age of 30, on September 25, 1917 near Polygon Wood, France.
Archard, Lisle Urwin George (SN 2102) Lisle enlisted on July 12, 1915. He was a 23 year old clerk. His next of kin was his father, Thomas Archard, of 12 Shirley Grove, East St Kilda, and later of Quamby, Keeran Street, Caulfield. Lisle Returned to Australia January 18, 1919 and he married Ethel May Martin in 1920.
Ball, William John (SN 33222) William enlisted on October 10, 1916. He was 21 years old and his occupation was listed as Soldier/Bootmaker. William's next of kin was his father, Frederick, of Truro, 526 Inkerman Street, East St Kilda. William was granted leave from the Army in April 1919 to undertake farming training, after which he Returned to Australia September 7, 1919.
Barber, Alfred Thomas (SN Depot) Alfred enlisted on November 16, 1914. He was a 21 year old motor driver and his next of kin was his father, William Thomas Barber, of Main Street, Maldon. Alfred was discharged on medical grounds on April 2, 1915. He enlisted again on August 10, 1915 and was discharged again December 23, 1915 on medical grounds - regurgitation of mitral valve. On his second enlistment he said he was still 21 years, 9 months and a clerk. His next of kin listed was his mother, Mary Ellen barber, of 29 Leslie Street, East St Kilda.
Barber, William Owen (SN 540) William was a 19 year old labourer when he enlisted on November 16, 1914, the same day as his brother Alfred. He was Killed in Action at Mussalabeh, Palestine on July 19, 1918 and is buried at the Jerusalem War Cemetery. His father, William, see below, was listed as his next of kin and his address was 42 Chaucer Street, St Kilda.
Barber, William Thomas (SN 346) William served in the
Royal Australian Naval Bridging Train (RANBT). He enlisted May 29, 1915 and was demobilized two years later on May 29, 1917. William's next of kin was listed as his wife, Mary Ellen Barber, of 13 Nelson Street, Balaclava. He was 39 years old, a butcher and they had five children, including Alfred and young William. It appears that William and Mary Ellen may have separated after his return as young William's Roll of Honour circular at the Australian War Memorial was completed by his mother and there is no mention of his father (her address at the time was 38 Stuart Street, Malvern) and his death notice also does not mention the father.
William Owen Barber's death notice
Barr, W.A - I cannot find a W.A Barr with a local connection, however this may be
Barr, William Ernest (SN 2487). William was a 22 year old engraver when he enlisted on August 3, 1915. His next of kin was his mother, Mary Barr, initially of Rathdowne Street, Carlton but she later changed her address to 5 Shirley Grove, East St Kilda, which is just a few metres from Alexandra Street and then two blocks to the church on the corner of Inkerman Road. William Returned to Australia on April 13, 1919 and married Maud Jeffries in 1920.
Bates, R - I cannot find a R. Bates with a local connection, however I believe this is
Bate, Richard William (SN 7445). Richard first enlisted at the age of 21 on March 5, 1915. He was a tram conductor and his next of kin was his father, Richard, of 36 Andrew Street, Windsor. Richard was discharged as medically unfit - Epilepsy - at the end of June 1915. He re-enlisted on July 2, 1917. He was then 24, his occupation was a motorman, and his next of kin was his wife, Florence, of 33 Duke Street, St Kilda. He embarked on August 4 on the Themistocles. There is a note in his Attestation papers from Major Ryan, who was on board the Themistocles saying
Several men are on board who are obviously unfit for service and should never have been passed, Richard being one of them. He Returned to Australia in December 1917 and was discharged again due to Epilepsy in March 1918.
Baxter, Frank (SN 4672) Frank enlisted on October 16, 1916, he was a 35 year old mechanic and his next of kin was his wife, Mary, of 123 Inkerman Street, St Kilda. Frank Returned to Australia June 19, 1919.
Beach, Victor Henry (SN 1655) Victor was an 18 year old marker gardener when he enlisted on February 7, 1916. His next of kin was his father, Henry, of 1 Malakoff Street, St Kilda. Victor Returned to Australia September 6, 1919. Victor married Dorothy Mary Taylor in 1920 and in the 1924 Electoral Roll they were listed at 13 Young Street, Malvern East and his occupation was a gardener.
Brewster, Arthur Clarence Lieutenant Arthur enlisted July 15, 1915 at the age of 27, he was a farmer of Rupanyup. He was commissioned as a Lieutenant and was awarded the Military Cross. He was Killed in Action in Belgium on October 4, 1917. His next of kin was his father Frank of Shoobra Road, Elsternwick, later of 2 Lambert Grove East St Kilda and then of 45 Milburn Avenue, East St Kilda. Frank's occupation was listed in the Electoral roll as an Evangelist. After Arthur's death, his father received a letter from the Reverend Cleverdon, the padre of the Battalion - I am not saying too much when I tell you he was one of the most popular officers in the battalion, both with the officers and men. He made his name at Bullecourt, last May, and ever since the men have almost worshipped him. Another letter was received by Lieutenant Fethers of the same battalion - Brewster was a great favorite in the Battalion, and his men thought a lot of him. He would have received the military cross very shortly as his name had been sent in to receive it among the New Year honors. He should have got it for Bullecourt; he was recommended." (3).
John Wallace Bull
Bull, John Wallace (SN 7122) John was a 22 year old Theological student at St John's College when he enlisted on October 5, 1916. His next of kin was his father, John Bull of Williamstown. John was Killed in Action on September 20, 1917 in Belgium. John's Roll of Honour circular at the Australian War Memorial notes that he was originally employed with the Post Office and that later was assistant to Church of England clergymen at Aspendale and Chelsea. The Circular also lists people with whom reference could be made by the Historian for future information and his father has listed the Reverend Frank Travers, Curate, All Saints, East St Kilda - his companion who enlisted with him.
Chapman, Thomas Arnold (SN 6390) Thomas enlisted at the age of 19 on April 11, 1916. He was a clerk and his next of kin was his father, Percy, of 22 Hotham Street, East St Kilda. Percy later changed his address to 6 Kalymna Grove in the same suburb, then to The Shack, Ontario Street Caulfield. Thomas Returned to Australia March 25, 1919. The family was still living at The Shack, when Thomas became engaged in 1924 to Rene Letcher.
Thomas Chapman's engagement notice.
Coulthard, Roland Claude (SN 782) Roland was a 22 year old carpenter when he enlisted on August 18, 1914. His next of kin was his father, Walter, of 29 Malakoff Street, East St Kilda. Roland Died of Wounds on May 11, 1915, received while fighting at Gallipoli.
Report of Roland Coulthard's death
Cox, A. This could be either Alan Cox or Arthur Cox
Cox, Alan Clive (SN 6775a) Alan was 21 student at St John's Theological College when he enlisted on July 13, 1917. His next of kin was his father, Alfred, of Woolloongabba near Brisbane. Alan Returned to Australia November 22, 1919. I have no information if Alan completed his studies, but from the early 1930s, according to the Electoral rolls, he was living in Five Dock, a suburb of Sydney, and his occupation was listed as a traveller (salesman).
Cox, Arthur John (SN 3038). Arthur enlisted on August 16, 1915. He was a 28 year old assistant surveyor and his next of kin was his mother, Ada Ellen Cox, of 140 Inkerman Street, East St Kilda. Arthur Returned to Australia April 12, 1919. The notice, below, says Arthur's brother Oscar (SN 3807) was Killed in Action in October 1917, and as he is not listed on this Honour, I believe it makes it more likely that the entry refers to Alan, but I think everyone who served deserves a place on a Honour Board somewhere, so Arthur remains in this list. Arthur married Lydia Elizabeth Lee in 1920.
Report of Arthur Cox being in hospital
Crawford, Hiram Allen (SN 22060) I believe this is the correct H. A. Crawford, even though his religion is listed as Presbyterian. Hiram was a 19 year clerk when he enlisted on January 11, 1916. He Returned to Australia June 4, 1919. His next of kin is listed as his father, Walter, of 36 Prentice Street, East St Kilda, but a note in his file says he has not lived with parents for 16 years and it was his guardian who gave permission for him to enlist as he was under 21. The Guardian's signature appears to be H.L. Crawford and the address is 14 Long Street, Elsternwick. Hiram married Alice Hazel Scott in 1920.
Hiram's marriage notice
Dainty, Harry Robert (SN 106) Harry enlisted on May 1, 1915. He was 25 year old clerk and his father, Frederick, of the East St Kilda Police Station was his next of kin. Harry Returned to Australia May 3, 1919.
Harry Dainty's father is promoted. As a matter of interest, two of Sergeant Kennedy's sons served in the War, they are listed on the Elwood Presbyterian Church Honour Board, see
here.
Dark, N. I cannot find a Dark or a Darke who enlisted who has a local connection.
Dossetor, E. The Honour Board has a E. Dossetor; the 1912 and 1913 list a Francis Ernest Dossetor at St John's College, who was apparently known as Ernest. There are three men with the surname Dossetor/Dosseter who enlisted - Arthur, Howard and Leslie. Howard, Leslie and Ernest were brothers, born in Tasmania to Daniel Rumney and Louisa (nee Green) Dossetor; Arthur was also born in Tasmania, the son of Daniel Vinson and Emily (nee Ikin) Dossetor (4). I finally tracked down Ernest's war service through Ancestry - The Reverend Francis Dossetor served as a Chaplain with the British Army in World War One. He remained in England after the War and died there in November 1950.
Fookes, E.T. There are no E.T. Fookes who enlisted that I can find, I believe this man is -
Fookes, Charles Thomas (SN 7971) Charles was a 35 year old 'chemist storeman' when he enlisted on September 11, 1915. His next of kin was his wife, Edith May of 20 Malakoff Street, East St Kilda. They had two sons, George and Charles. Charles was Killed in Action in Belgium on October 1, 1917.
Report of Charles Fookes' death
Forbes, Alfred Ernest (SN 53) Alfred was a 19 year old grocer when he enlisted on January 29, 1916. His next of kin was his mother, Eliza, of 17 Prentice Street, East St Kilda and later of 17 Nelson Street, St Kilda. Alfred Returned to Australia October 31, 1917 and was discharged on medical grounds - incapacitated due to shell shock. Alfred married Alice Maud Porter in 1918.
Mrs Forbes gives permission for 19 year old Alfred to enlist.
First Australian Imperial Force Personnel Dossiers, 1914-1920
Forsyth, Norman Albert (SN 4496) Norman enlisted on February 19, 1915 at the age of 27. He was a carpenter and his next of kin was his father, Robert, of 340 Inkerman Street, East St Kilda. Norman Returned to Australia January 21, 1916 and was discharged in the June on medical grounds - enteric fever. Norman married Ethel Frances Evans in 1917 and by 1919 they had moved out to Glen Waverley, where he was a market gardener.
Fulton, Noble (SN 1712) Noble was a 23 year old commercial traveller when he enlisted on May 19, 1915. His next of kin was his mother, Catherine, of 21 Alexandra Street, East St Kilda. Noble was sent back to Australia to recover from enteric fever in February 1916, then returned overseas in the September. He Returned to Australia March 5, 1919 and married Ida Carol Crooke in 1923.
Marriage notice of Noble Fulton to Ida Crooke
Furneaux, Francis Albon (SN 36891) Francis was a builder, the son of Arthur Furneaux of Oakfield, Balaclava Road, East St Kilda. He enlisted at the age of 22 on April 14, 1917. Francis Returned to Australia December 20, 1918 suffering from Trench Fever. Francis married Ida Vera Desailly in 1933.
Gasson, Henry Frederick (SN 3336) Henry enlisted at the age of 21 on July 6, 1915. He was a plumber. Henry was reported missing in action and a Court of Inquiry held May 30, 1917 found that he had been Killed in Action in France on August 5, 1916.
Gasson, Reginald Harold (SN 3809) Reginald was 18 when he enlisted on September 18, 1915. He was a carpenter. Reginald Died of Wounds on April 7, 1917.
Henry and Reginald were the sons of Henry William Gasson, whose addresses were listed as 43 Gourlay Street, Balaclava; 62 Grosvenor Street, Balaclava and later 366 Inkerman Street, East St Kilda. Their sister was living in Clayfield, in Brisbane when her brothers died and an article (below) about their deaths in the
Brisbane Courier noted that
these boys have eight cousins at the Front, two of whom were killed early in the War.
Report of the deaths of Henry and Reginald Gasson
Granter, Joseph Andrew (SN 5452) Joseph does not have an Attestation file digitised but the Embarkation Roll tells us that he was a 40 year old manufacturing agent when he enlisted on May 12, 1916. His address was 26 Bendigo Avenue, Elwood. His next of kin was his wife, Edith, and her address was listed as 45 Wattletree Road, East Malvern. Lieutenant Granter Returned to Australia September 23, 1919.
Grey, Henry John (SN 10420) Henry was an 18 year old decorator when he enlisted on July 24, 1915. His mother, Harriett, of 5 Leslie Street, East S Kilda, was his next of kin. Henry Returned to Australia January 16, 1919 and he married Vera Minnie Page in 1920.
Marriage of Henry Grey to Vera Page in 1920.
Haddon, Roy John (SN 3754) Eighteen year old Roy enlisted on July 14, 1915. He was a porter and his next of kin was his father, John, of 19 Empress Road, East St Kilda. Roy Returned to Australia March 23, 1919. Roy married Nancy Rose Wood in 1921.
Roy Haddon's parents give permission for him to enlist.
First Australian Imperial Force Personnel Dossiers, 1914-1920
Hall, Arthur (SN 762) Arthur enlisted on August 15, 1914 at the age of 19. He was a cellarman and his mother, Frances, of 30 Malakoff Street, East St Kilda was his next of kin. Arthur was awarded the Military Medal and twice awarded a Bar to the Military Medal. He was also at one stage promoted to Corporal and Acting Sergeant but later, after a Court martial hearing for being absent without leave, demoted back to the ranks. Not the first time I have seen extraordinarily brave men who had the odd disciplinary issue. Arthur Returned to Australia, five years after he enlisted, on August 28, 1919. In the 1924 Electoral Roll he was still living with his mother at 30 Malakoff Street, and his occupation was a mechanic, but I can't trace him after that.
Hamilton, Henry Edwin (SN 10267) Henry was a 19 year old plumber when he enlisted on January 20, 1916. His father, Armstrong Hamilton, of 506 Inkerman Street, East St Kilda was his next of kin. Henry was Mentioned in Despatches and Returned to Australia March 12, 1918 and discharged on medical grounds - Synovitis, right knee. Henry married Rubina Mary Howlett in 1920.
Marriage of Henry Hamilton to Bene Howlett,
Hardingham, James (SN 947) James enlisted on December 2, 1914. He fought at Gallipoli where he was wounded in the calf on the right leg. He also suffered from dysentry and because of this was sent back home in September 1915 and discharged on medical grounds. James was a 24 year old student when he enlisted and his next of kin was his father, Mr C. Hardingham, of
Sunnydale, Wentworth, NSW. I assumed he must have been a student at St John's College and this was confirmed by the following letter in his file (reproduced below) about the state of his health. The letter is dated November 18, 1915
He arrived here six weeks ago having been told by the medical officer to go to his friends. The letter says he was very ill at first but is continuing to improve..
.At the College he is at home and has congenial surroundings and constant attention....I believe he will get better here than anywhere else...In fact we have thought that we are doing a small public service by looking after him..... The letter is signed by the Warden, Canon J. Stephen Hart. James finished his studies and after various appointments in 1940 became the Archdeacon at Hay, in New South Wales. He was also an Army Chaplain in the Second World War, where he ministered to the internees at the Hay Prisoner of War Camp, his son Malcolm also served in the WW2 and died as a prisoner on the Thai-Burma Railway
(5). The Australian War Memorial has a Coventry Cross, made from the medieval nails from the roof of the Coventry Cathedral which was completely destroyed by bombing in November 1940, which is thought to have belonged to the Reverend Hardingham. You can read about this here
https://www.awm.gov.au/articles/blog/coventry-cross-of-nails
Letter written from St John's College regarding James Hardingham.
First Australian Imperial Force Personnel Dossiers, 1914-1920
Heron, Albert Leslie (SN 511 / 1751) Albert was a 31 year old shipwright when he enlisted on December 30, 1914. His next of kin was his wife, Annie, of 432 Inkerman Street, East St Kilda. He was shot in the hand at Gallipoli and was invalided back to Australia on October 31, 1915 and discharged on medical grounds. Albert was living in Sydney when he enlisted again on April 15, 1918 in the Army Service Corps and served in Australia until April 1920.
Hurst, Charles William Farmer (SN 2046) Charles enlisted on September 17, 1914 at the age of 21 and he was a motor mechanic. He Returned to Australia on October 12, 1918 on 'Special Leave 1914' presumably for soldiers who had been serving since 1914.
Hurst, Thomas (SN 6967) Thomas was 19 years old when he enlisted on February 8, 1915. His occupation was a farmer. Thomas Returned to Australia April 8, 1919.
Charles and Thomas were the sons of Thomas and Harriett Hurst of
Wanvera, Inkerman Road, Caulfield. Charles married Lily May Poulsen in 1922 and Thomas married Dorothy Catherine Dixon in 1925.
Irwin, William Henry (SN 38508) I believe this is the correct man, even though I cannot find his Attestation papers at the National Archives. The Embarkation roll tell us that William was a 32 year old schoolmaster when he enlisted on January 8, 1917. His address was Holyrood, Holyrood Street, Hampton. His next of kin was his wife, Edith, whose address was c/o Mrs Brown, Bamfield Street, Sandringham. The Nominal roll does not list a Return to Australia date, but says he was a Chaplain. William was still engaged as an Army Chaplain after the War.
Reverend Irwin on the Honorary Chaplains list in 1922
Jackson, George Stanley (SN 689) George, a jeweller, enlisted at the age of 21 on August 18, 1914 and he was Killed in Action at Gallipoli, nine months later on May 19, 1915. Corporal Jackson was the son of James and Sarah Jackson of 11 Leslie Street, St Kilda. He had attended Brighton Road State School and had undertaken his jeweller's apprenticeship at J.W. Handley, Fitzroy.
Death notice of George Stanley Jackson
Johnson, William Herbert (Chaplain) I believe this is the right man, even though I don't have a direct link between him and St Kilda or St John's College. William received his commission in the AIF on June 11, 1917 at the age of 28, he was a Minister of Religion and his address was 35 Davis Street, Kew. His next of kin was his father, Samuel, whose address was the Deaf and Dumb School in Brighton, South Australia. He Returned to Australia April 19, 1919. In 1936, the Reverend Johnson, who was was the Dean of Newcastle, was consecrated as Bishop of Ballarat (6).
Jones, William Henry (SN 5043) I believe this is the right man as William lived at 27 Henryville Street, St Kilda, which is off Inkerman Road, so a short walk to the Church. He was 25 years old and a driver when he enlisted on September 24, 1917. His next of kin was his wife, Stella. William Returned to Australia March 5, 1919.
Kelly, M - not sure who this is, as I cannot find an M. Kelly with a St Kilda address. These two men are possibilities as they both have a middle name starting with M, are Church of England and have a St Kilda / Elsternwick address -
Kelly, Richard Meredith (SN 21337) Richard enlisted on May 21, 1917. He was an 18 year old surveyor and his next of kin was his father, Richard Terrence Kelly, of 43 Loch Street, St Kilda. Richard Returned to Australia July 26, 1919.
Kelly, Robert Mathew (SN 2532) Robert was 42 when he enlisted on March 10, 1916. He Returned to Australia September 26, 1917 and was discharged on medical grounds due to senility. His next of kin was his sister, Rhoda Coulson, of Beavis Street, Elsternwick.
Loch Street is about 3 km walk from the Church - Fitzroy Street to Grey Street then to Inkerman Street and Beavis Street is about a 2.5 km walk - up Orrong Road and into Inkerman Street. Not really convinced either of these are the right M. Kelly, but best I can do.
Knight, Lyal James (SN 69054) I believe this is the right man, even though he religion is listed as Methodist and not Church of England, but I can't find another L. Knight with a local connection. Lyal had served for 38 months with the Welsh Regiment, British Expeditionary Force, before enlisting in the AIF on March 5, 1918; he was not sent overseas from Australia and was discharged due to the War ending. Lyal was a 26 year old salesman and his next of kin was his father, George, of 38 Hopetoun Street, Elsternwick. Lyal married Gladys Kane in 1920.
Lyal's engagement announcement to Gladys Kane in 1919
Lambert, A.W I do not know who this is, cannot find anyone with those initials (or W. A. Lambert) with a local connection.
Lister, Eyrl George (Captain). Eyrl enlisted on October 20, 1915. He was a 28 year old clerk and his next of kin was his wife, Gertrude, of Eyrlsleigh, 9 Wilgah Street, East St Kilda. Captain Lister was Mentioned in Despatches and received the Distinguished Service Order. He Returned to Australia May 15, 1919. Eyrl also served in World War Two, enlisting on July 3, 1940 at the age of 52, with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. He was placed on the 'retired list' in May 1944. Eryl's address at the time of enlistment in 1940 was 15 Sidwell Avenue, East St Kilda.
McCready, John Francis (SN 1613) John enlisted on July 5, 1915. He was a 22 year old baker. John Returned to Australia September 22, 1919.
McCready, William Henry (SN 1609) William enlisted the same day as his brother John, he was 18 years old and a grocer. William Returned to Australia May 20, 1919.
John and William were born in Trentham and their next of kin was their father, John, of 33 Leslie Street, East St Kilda. John married Jessie Isabella Fairley in 1921 and William married Florence Gillies in 1926.
I came across this article about John McCready being charged at the St Kilda Court with theft of some coats. It was a apparently a prank on the part of John and his friends, including Joseph Winbanks (not Windbanks as the article states), whose name is also on this Honour Board.
Marshall, H. Another mystery, I cannot find a H. Marshall with a local connection.
Mathews, Ernest Oscar Collier (SN 1062) Ernest enlisted on November 30, 1914. He was a 20 year old traveller and his next of kin was his father, Joseph, of 10 Alexandra Street, East St Kilda. Sergeant Mathews Returned to Australia April 21, 1918 and was discharged on medical grounds - Thrombosis, left leg. Ernest also served in the Army in World War Two, from October 1940 until June 1944; he had the rank of Captain.
Mays, George Percival (Lieutenant) George was a 41 year old soldier in the Royal Australian Garrison Artillery, when he was commissioned as a Lieutenant in the A.I.F on April 1, 1916. His next of kin was his wife, Sarah, of Tasma, 15 Wilgah Street, East St Kilda. George Returned to Australia November 8, 1918 due to medical reasons - thrombosis and an ulcer.
Nutting, Foster Ulric (SN 2199) Foster enlisted on July 13, 1915. He was a 20 year old clerk and his next of kin was his father, Charles Nutting, of Northcote Avenue, Caulfield. Sergeant Nutting Returned to Australia July 31, 1919. Foster married Marjorie Edith Dentry in 1922.
Marriage notice of Foster Nutting and Marjorie Dentry.
Paul, Thomas Giles (SN 121) Thomas was a 31 year old Theological Student at St John's College when he enlisted on August 21, 1914. His next of kin was his father, who lived in England. He attained the rank of Captain and was awarded the Military Cross. Before he returned to Australia in 1920 he attended Merton College, Oxford, where he continued his Theological studies. After the War he was the Minister at various parishes in New South Wales including St Paul's, Stockton and St John's, Camden where he served from 1927 until 1943 (7).
The Reverend Thomas Paul's business card.
First Australian Imperial Force Personnel Dossiers, 1914-1920
Peel, Norman Arnold (SN 18181) Norman was also a Theological student at St John's College when he enlisted on September 18, 1916. He was 28 years old and his next of kin was his father, Thomas, of Cleveland West in Queensland. Norman was 6 ft, 2 inches in height, very tall for the times. Norman Returned to Australia September 6, 1919. His short obituary, below, tell us of his life after the War.
Norman Peel's obituary
Reynolds, Charles Evelyn (SN 6405) Charles enlisted at the age of 33 on July 27, 1915. He was a gardener and his next of kin was his mother, Emma Brooks of 15 Prentice Street, East St Kilda and later his wife, Ellen, of 91a Powlett Street, East Melbourne. Charles Returned to Australia on December 12, 1918 suffering from being gassed, influenza and 'Effort syndrome' which is similar to chronic fatigue syndrome. After the War, Charles and Emma are listed in the Electoral rolls at Marcus Hill and Queenscliff, his occupation being a farmer.
Sanderson, Frederick John (SN 134 / Lieutenant) Frederick was another Theological student at St John's College when he enlisted at the age of 25 on August 21, 1914. His next of kin was his father, who lived in Euroa. Frederick served at Gallipoli and then in France where he was Killed in Action on May 4, 1917.
Informal portrait of Privates Eggington and Sanderson, 6th Battalion, outside their tent at Mena camp in Egypt. Private Henry Tunstall Eggington (SN 79) was later promoted to Lieutenant; he was invalided back to Australia on November 24, 1916. Private Frederick John Sanderson (SN 134) was later promoted to Second Lieutenant; he was killed in action on May 4, 1917.
Caption and Image P06424.010 from Australian War Memorial
Death notices for Fred Sanderson
Shaw, Garnet Eric (Chaplain) The Reverend Shaw was the first Vicar of the newly created St James' Parish, St Kilda East. He enlisted at the age of 38, on February 8, 1916 and served as a Chaplain at the various Army bases in Victoria; this was not his first stint with the military as he had previously served for 18 months as a Chaplain of the Royal Australian Navy. He was discharged on February 2, 1917 and rejoined a month later and this time continued his work as a chaplain overseas. Garnet Returned to Australia on October 11, 1919 and was appointed to various parishes in Victoria including South Sassafras and Sunbury. He was described in a newspaper article as a fine type of cleric and one who has made himself very popular (8). Garnet married Henrietta Elliott in 1941 and died at the age of 76 in 1955.
Smeeton, John Edward (SN 6895) Listed as J. L. Smeeton on the Honor Board. John was 21 years old when he enlisted on February 16, 1917. His mother Emily of 3 Malakoff Street, East St Kilda was his next of kin. Sergeant Smeeton was Killed in Action in France on May 14, 1918. His Roll of Honour circular at the Australian War Memorial lists his occupation as a butcher, although his attestation paper says he was a motor driver.
Death notices for John Smeeton. His finance, Lorna Smiley, listed in the second notice,
married James Weir in 1925.
Storey, Charles Ralph (SN 17361) Charles enlisted on January 10, 1916. He was a 23 year old bootmaker. He married Winifred Carver in England on December 20, 1919 and Returned to Australia April 16, 1920.
Storey, David Burn (SN 1143) David was a 21 years old clerk when he enlisted on July 1, 1915. He was captured by the Germans on July 20, 1916, but as he had been shot in the back and was wounded they transferred him to Switzerland for treatment after which he was transferred to England and Returned to Australia July 31, 1918. David married Agnes Lenore Fawns in 1919.
Storey, James Burn (SN 1144) James enlisted the same day as his brother, David, July 1, 1915. He was a 19 year old clerk. James Returned to Australia January 1, 1918 and was discharged on medical grounds - loss of right eye. James married Flora May Atherton in 1919.
Storey, Henry Burn - Henry enlisted in 1915, aged 25, but his file at the National Archives is not digitised. His file is part of Series MT1486/1 - this series consists of records for those individuals who applied to enlist in the Australian Imperial Force, and were either rejected, discharged while still in training, or went on to serve within Australia only [usually as depot troops or camp guards]. The most common reason for rejection is on medical grounds. Henry married Grace Beatrice Pont in Perth in 1912.
The brothers were the sons of Henry Burn Storey of 341 Hotham Street, Elsternwick. Henry senior, also appears on the Honour Board
Storey, Henry Burn - Henry was a Warrant Officer with the Commonwealth Permanent Military Forces.
Death notice of Henry Burn Storey, senior
Swift, Benjamin Meade. Benjamin enlisted at the age of 43, around 1915 was was rejected. His file, like that of Henry Burn Storey junior (see listing above) is part of Series MT1486/1 at the National Archives and has not been digitised.
Swift, Francis Richard Meade (SN 2019) Francis was an 18 year old Clerk when he enlisted on January 18, 1915. He Returned to Australia August 17, 1916 and was discharged on medical grounds - I believe it was due to Tachycardia and a hernia. Francis was born in Port Elizabeth South Africa and is the son of Edith and Benjamin (above) whose address was St Helen, Clarence Street, Elsternwick. Francis also served in World War Two, enlisting in the Army at the age of 45 in September 1942. He attained the rank of Major and was discharged in July 1944.
Taylour, Eric Lyell (SN 3731) Eric enlisted on December 18, 1917. He was a 21 year old hardware salesman. Eric embarked on March 6, 1918 on the Ormonde (the same day and ship as Frederick Thompson, below) and Returned to Australia July 23, 1919. Eric married Ruby Edna Long in 1927.
Taylour, Harold (SN 7592) Harold was a mining engineer and enlisted on September 23, 1916. He Returned to Australia February 4, 1920. During World War Two, Harold who was in New Guinea, served with the New Guinea Volunteer Rifle from October 1939 until August 1941, with the rank of Captain.
Eric and Harold were the sons of William Taylour of Trippleton, Inkerman Road, Caulfield.
Harold Taylour in New Guinea in 1940.
Thompson, Frederick William Baxter (SN 3752) Frederick was a 27 year old private secretary when he enlisted on December 19, 1917. His mother, Emerentia, of Yangor, Inkerman Road, Caulfield was his next of kin. He embarked on March 6, 1918 (on the same day and ship as Eric Taylour, above) and Returned to Australia July 23, 1919. Frederick married Olive Esselbach in November 1920; the couple lived on the island of Nauru.
Marriage notice of Frederick Thompson to Olive Esselbach
Thoresby, Cecil Peel (SN 124) Cecil enlisted in the Royal Australian Naval Bridging Train on March 19, 1915. For an explanation of RANBT, see under William Thomas Barber, above. Cecil was a 25 year old seaman and had already served in the Royal Australian Navy for 8 years; his next of kin was his wife, Violet, of 414 High Street, St Kilda. On April 2, 1917 Cecil transferred to the A.I.F. and he Returned to Australia November 25, 1918. Sadly, his marriage did not survive the War, they were divorced in 1919 and he married Lily Ross in 1927.
Thoresby, L.T. I cannot find an L.T. Thoresby who enlisted, there is, however,
Thoresby, Francis Laban (SN 3819). Francis was a 29 year old sailor when he enlisted in the A.I.F. on November 3, 1915. His next of kin was his mother, Annie, of 21 Shirley Grove, East St Kilda. Francis Returned to Australia April 13, 1919. Francis married Mary Ferguson Maclellan in 1919.
Thoresby, Ralph Hedley Ralph enlisted in 1917 at the age of 26 and was rejected. His file, like that of Henry Burn Storey junior (see listing above) is part of Series MT1486/1 at the National Archives and has not been digitised.
The boys were the sons of Sidney Francis and Margaret Annie (nee Grice) Thoresby. Sidney died in Papua in 1924 and Annie died at 1 North Road, Elwood in January 1940.
The death of Sidney Thoresby in Papua. He leaves a considerable amount!
Topliff, James (SN 2427) James, a 19 year old bricklayer, was born in England and when he enlisted on July 9, 1915 his next of kin was his father, who lived in England. James' address on the Embarkation roll was 53 Leslie Street, East Kilda. James Returned to Australia April 13, 1919 and he married Ethel Maud Tullett in 1920.
Tucker, Gerard Kennedy (Chaplain) Gerard was the son of the Reverend Horace Tucker, who along with the Reverend Charles Strong, implemented the Tucker Village Settlement Scheme in 1892. Gerard studied at St John's Theological College, entering in 1908, and after serving as a Deacon was eventually ordained in 1914. When he was refused permission to act as a Chaplain, he joined the AIF as a soldier, on August 5, 1915 at the age of 30. A few months later he was appointed as Chaplain and served until late 1917, when he was discharged on medical grounds. In 1930, Reverend Tucker, along with the Reverend Guy Colman Cox founded the Brotherhood of St Laurence, a religious order of the Anglican Church and named for St Laurence, the patron Saint of the Poor (9).
Tullett, Harry (SN 2428) Harry was the father-in-law of James Topliff, listed above. When he enlisted on July 10, 1915, he said he was born in England, was a brick layer and was 45 years old. His address was 53 Leslie Street, in what he called Balaclava, although James called it St Kilda. His next of kin was his wife, Miriam. Harry's enlistment paper said he had also served in the Egyptian War, 1881-1882 and the Burmese War 1889-1890. If you are wondering how he could have served in the Egyptian War, when according to him he was born 1870, it's because he lied about his age. He was actually born May 15, 1860, so was 55 when he enlisted. Harry applied to be sent back to Australia in January 1918 due being nearly 58, his wife being sick, he was suffering from rheumatism, had two sons in the AIF and that he was an old soldier. His application was accepted and he was sent back to Australia in April 1918. You have to admire Harry for doing his bit for the War effort. He mentioned two sons, one was Albert George Tullett (SN 1394) and I can't work out who the other one was, unless he was referring to his son-in-law, James Topliff.
Turnes - listed as Ternes on the Honour Board, the surname is actually Turnes.
Ternes, Albert James (SN 3469) Albert was a 27 year old joiner, when he enlisted on July 1, 1915. Due to an injury to his right foot he Returned to Australia May 4, 1917 and was discharged on medical grounds. Albert married Gerte Jackson in 1918.
Ternes, Frederick Victor (SN 3380). Victor was a 19 year old plumber when he enlisted on June 7, 1917. He Returned to Australia July 20, 1919. Victor married Adeline Grace Sanders in 1923.
Albert and Frederick, both born in Bairnsdale, were the sons of John Ternes of
Safrano, Wilgah Street, East St Kilda.
Van Assche, Ivan Paul Edward (SN 49). Listed as Van Asche on the Honour Board. Ivan enlisted at the age of 17 years and nine months on November 20, 1914 in the 13th Light Horse. His next of kin was his father, Oscar Van Assche, of Montague House, Esplanade, St Kilda. Ivan embarked May 28, 1915 and Returned to Australia on February 9, 1919. Ivan was very well connected, as this obituary, below, of his grandmother, Lady Holroyd, tells us. Ivan married Dorothy Boyd in 1925. Ivan was a champion hockey player, being captain of the Victorian Hockey team for many years.
Obituary of Ivan's grandmother, which lists his four cousins also on active service.
Wonnacott, Horace Edgar (Lieutenant) Surname listed as Wannacott on the Honour Board. Horace enlisted at the age of 23 on July 7, 1915. He was a commercial traveller and his next of kin was his mother Annie, of Armadale and later of Kalymna Grove, then 14 Loch Avenue, East St Kilda. Horace Returned to Australia August 28, 1919.
Horace Wonnacott's commission
Westbrook, Harry Cecil (SN 975) Harry was a 19 year old clerk when he enlisted on August 19, 1914. His next of kin was his mother, Juanita Amy Westbrook (or Mrs H.J Westbrook as they list her with her husband's initials - he was Harry Joshua). Her address was Aberdare, Chapel Street, St Kilda. Harry Returned to Australia December 9, 1918. He married Lois Winifred Rae in 1935.
Winbanks, Joseph Henry (SN 3964). His surname is listed as Windbanks on the Honour Board. Joseph was charged with John McCready (see listing and the court case article, above) and two others with the theft of a couple of overcoats in July 1915. It was just a prank and it was stated that defendants intended to enlist, and the cases were adjourned for thirteen weeks. Joseph enlisted on July 12, 1915; he was a 21 year old pastry cook. His next of kin was his father, David, of 4 Balston Street, East St Kilda. He Returned to Australia July 24, 1919.
Interesting report about evidence given by Joseph's father at an inquiry
into the management of the St Kilda Cemetery.
Acknowledgment
Thank you to Father Paul Bower who generously gave us a tour of St James the Great Church. He also gave us a copy of the history of the Church St James the Great East St Kilda: scenes from the first hundred years by John B. Willis. It was published in June 2018. We went there specifically to see the pillars, so for me the Honour Board was a bonus. Thank you also to my research colleague, Isaac Hermann, for the photos and organising the visit.
Footnotes(1) Willis, John B
St James the Great East St Kilda: scenes from the first hundred years (The Author, 2018)
(2) Some of the pillars came from St Patrick's Hall, Bourke Street, demolished in 1957. I have written about this building
here, When I was doing my research came across this article from
The Age and this prompted our eventual visit to St James the Great.
The Age, February 7, 1959, p. 8
(8)
Table Talk, March 2 1922, see
here.
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