The Narre Warren Cool Store

In 1891, William Bailey purchased 50 acres of land at Narre Warren, and began planting out his orchard, which was the first commercial orchard in the area (1). Other orchards soon followed as Narre Warren was considered to be a very suitable area for orchards. The Australasian in April 1919 reported on the advantages of fruit growing in the area -

The orchards and areas available for planting are within comparatively short distance from the railway station, where a central packing shed is in operation; the district is but 22 miles from Melbourne; the climate and soil are well suited for apple and pear culture, and, in addition, the district is settled by progressive fruit growers, who have an intimate knowledge of most matters affecting fruit production. When a district is within comparatively easy reach of the metropolis it has an enhanced value that, while difficult to estimate on an acreage basis, is nevertheless considerable.

In the first case it means that the cost of delivering produce on the market, an ever-recurring expenditure, is far less than that incurred by the up-country grower, and this same question of freight expenditure applies to everything that is purchased for use on the orchard; implements, spraying materials, manures, wrapping paper, cases, and numerous other items that must be obtained from the city, and this also applies to the initial costs connected with settlement. Then, too growers may, if they so choose, put their fruit on rail overnight, and travel to Melbourne by the evening train to sell their own produce. Several hundred acres now planted with fruit trees are within three miles of the local station and packing shed, served by a good level road, and this means easy haulage and expeditious handling of the crop during the height of the season. The co-operative fruit packing shed has been in operation over three seasons, and already there has been some talk of establishing cool stores so that the fruit may be held over for late season marketing (2).

The article also had profiles on local fruit growers including James Bailey, President of the Victorian Fruit Growers' Association (and son of William Bailey). James had 68 acres planted out in fruit trees - 34 acres of apples, 30 acres of peaches and 4 acres of pears (3).

Narre Warren Cool Store

Weekly Times August 21, 1926 https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/223334041

In the endeavour to establish a Cool Store at Narre Warren, the Narre Warren Orchardists' Co-operative Cool Stores Co., was formed in 1923, with James Bailey as Chairman of Directors (4). Mr Bailey was the driving force behind the Cool Store as The Australasian reported - Although possessing a cool store of his own, sufficient for the requirements of his orchard, he has been the dominating figure in bringing about the erection of the new chambers (5).

The method of financing the construction of the Cool Store was reported in The Age newspaper - a first call of 6d. per share was made, which enabled the company to purchase the land. Later the share holders contributed 3/10 per 10/ share, making a total amount of £1700, and £2400 having been advanced by the State Savings Bank, the erection of the store was commenced. They had sufficient machinery to run a store of double the capacity, so that any additions would cost considerably less (6).

Aerial of Narre Warren - taken January 20, 1974. The Cool Store, which is opposite the Narre Warren Railway Station, is circled. The Railway Station moved from original location (west of Webb Street) to it's current location (east of Webb Street) in 1995.

Image: Casey Cardinia Libraries.

The Cool Store at Narre Warren, built on an acre of land near the Railway Station (7) was officially opened on Saturday, March 7, 1925 by the State Minister for Agriculture, Murray Bourchier (8), who congratulated the share-holders on their enterprise and co-operation, and said he felt honored at being invited to start the machinery working (9).

Narre Warren Cool Store

Weekly Times April 27, 1929 https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/223187736

The benefit to the area of having a Cool Store was explained in The Australasian newspaper - Owing to the demand for Jonathan apples for export, and also because this variety may usually be profitably disposed of within three or four months of harvesting, the cool chambers will be utilised mainly for the storage of the Yates and Rome Beauty kinds which are among the best storing varieties of apples grown. In the past many of the growers have been obliged to part with the bulk of their crops at prices which purchasers considered would leave them a margin of profit after paying storage expenses. With the local stores in operation there is the prospect that much of the fruit will return a more lucrative price to those who hold it until late in the season (10).

The Cool Store was designed to hold 10,000 cases of apples, but provision had been made to add two extra chambers if required. These chambers, each holding 3,000 cases were added in early 1928 (11). 

As with all primary production, some years were better than other and 1933 was a record year for fruit export in the Narre Warren area - Approximately 51,000 cases of fruit - 5000 cases of pears and the remainder apples - were exported from Narre Warren this season. In addition, 8000 cases were sold on the Melbourne and inter-State markets, and it is expected that a further 23,000 cases will be held in cool storage for the late markets. The quantity of fruit exported constitutes a record for the district. Last year two new cool stores were erected by individual orchardists, making four stores for the district (12).

One of these two Cool Stores was erected by Robert Haysey, which held 80,000 cases (13). An unusual cool room was built in 1932 by Arthur Robinson, on his Hillsley property, at Narre Warren North. The Dandenong Journal reported on the construction - a store had been built of bluestone boulders, some of which weigh over one ton; it was cut into the side of the hill, and the walls are built of the huge stones, which were after wards cemented. Mr. Robinson is of opinion he will be able to store many thousands of cases for a considerable period, and that they will keep equally as well as in a cool chamber (14).

Arthur Robinson's bluestone cool storage shed built on his Hillsley property in 1932.

Image: Oak Trees and Hedges: a pictorial history of Narre Warren, Narre Warren North and Harkaway (Berwick Pakenham Historical Society, 2002)

The Narre Warren Cool Store wasn't the first one built in the district. As we saw James Bailey already had one on his property, however as early as 1908 Captain Jones installed a cooling plant in his packing shed at Narre Warren, you can read about it here. Captain David Jones (15) of the Victorian Stevedoring Company had purchased 560 acres of land in Narre Warren around 1898 and established a large orchard (16). Captain Jones' property was called Tan-y-dderwen, which means "Under the oak" in Welsh (17). After his death in 1926, his son Thomas Evan Jones (18) took over the property - Tandderwen Court and Tom Jones Court in Narre Warren North are named after him.

The Cool-Air machine and oil engine driving it - photographed on Captain Jones' Narre Warren property, in 1908.

The Australasian, May 2, 1908 https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/139213622#

I do not know when the Narre Warren Cool Store ceased operation, but in February 1953 the Crossley Engine was advertised for sale by tender.

Tender for sale of the Narre Warren Cool Store engine

The Age February 28, 1953 https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/206116830

The Cool Store was demolished in the late 1970s or early 1980s. 

The Narre Warren Cool Store in the process of being demolished.

Some of the cars in this photo have been dated - a 1977 Torana Sunbird, a post 1978 Datsun 200B and possibly a 1977 Corolla and the green car in the centre is a HG Monaro. These identifications date this photo to at least the late 1970s.

Image: Casey Cardinia Libraries.

Acknowledgement
This post, which I wrote and researched, originally appeared on my work blog, Casey Cardinia Links to our Past. Thank you to Tracy Howard and her friends, for helping to identify the location of the Cool Store in the 1974 aerial, shown above.

Trove List
I have created a list of articles on Trove, connected to the Narre Warren Cool Store, access it here.

Footnotes
(1) I have written about William Bailey here https://victoriaspast.blogspot.com/2023/05/william-bailey-orchardist-of-malvern.html
(2) The Australasian, April 26, 1919, see here.
(3) The Australasian, April 26, 1919, see here.
(4) The Age, March 9, 1925, see here.
(5) The Australasian, January 24, 1925, see here.
(6) The Age, March 9, 1925, see here.
(7) The Argus, August 17, 1923, see here.
(8) Murray Bourchier, read his Australian Dictionary of Biography entry, here https://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/bourchier-murray-goulburn-madden-12235
(9) The Age, March 9, 1925, see here.
(10) The Australasian, January 24, 1925, see here.
(11) Weekly Times, August 21, 1926, see here and Dandenong Journal, April 5, 1928, see here.
(12) The Age, May 23, 1933, see here.
(13) Dandenong Journal, January 26, 1933, see here.
(14) Dandenong Journal, January 26, 1933, see here.
(15) Captain David Jones, read his obituary in The Age, December 28, 1926, here.
(16) Weekly Times, December 26, 1908, see here.
(17) Weekly Times, December 26, 1908, see here.
(18) The following information comes from family notices in newspapers and Early Settlers of the Casey Cardinia District (Narre Warren & District Family History Group, 2010) - Thomas Evan Jones (1898-1964) married Margaret Alice Asling in 1921. Margaret, born 1897, died July 15, 1925 at Tandderwen, at the age of 28. She left behind a son, Evan David, who had been born on March 18, 1922. Margaret was the daughter of Edward and Elizabeth (nee Meade) Asling, of Narre Warren North.
Tom Jones remarried in 1928 to Alice Asling. Alice Asling was the half sister of Edward and thus an aunt of Margaret.
Edward Asling (1869-1961) was the son of George Asling (1846-1934) and Margaret Neville (1839-1874). After Margaret Neville died in February 1874, George married Sarah Martha Webb (c. 1854-1923) in December 1874 and one of their children was Alice (1889-1972) who became the second Mrs Jones. Sarah Martha Webb was the sister of Sidney Webb of Holly Green, Narre Warren.

William Bailey - Orchardist of Malvern and Narre Warren

In the 1890s William and Frances (Fanny) Bailey settled in Narre Warren North and established the first commercial orchard in the area. William was born in Harrow in England, the son of a farmer (1). William had arrived in Victoria in 1861 for the purpose of learning the nursery and horticultural business from his uncle, who owned the well-known Coles' Nursery at Hawthorn. For ten years Bailey worked for his uncle and then bought what was the first plant nursery in Malvern on land adjoining Elizabeth Street (2). William Bailey's plant nursery was called Malvern Nursery, and it was on the aforementioned Elizabeth Street and Toorak Road. 

Coles' Nursery was operated by his uncle, Mr Thomas Cornelius Cole (1810-1889), the brother of William's mother, Annie Cole. Two of Mr Cole's sons also had nurseries - John Charles Cole (1838-1891) had the Richmond Nursery and Henry Ungerford Cole (1843-1904), a Hawthorn Nursery. Another son, the Reverend Thomas Cornelius Cole (1836-1879) was the vicar at Malvern. The Reverend Cole inherited an interest in horticulture and his rose garden was envy of rosarians. He also planted many choice shrubs in the church grounds. The surroundings of the fine church were beautified by the artistic groupings of the trees. The church garden appeared to harmonise with the church buildings (3).

John Cole's Richmond Nursery catalogue from 1868. 

John Cole was the first cousin of William Bailey.

The State Library of Victoria has the full catalogue digitised, here.

Along with the nursery, William also had a farm in Malvern, which he acquired in 1872. This article from The Leader in December 1875, had this description  of the farm - 

Mr. Bailey's garden is situated about five miles from Melbourne, on the Toorak-road; the property, consisting of 25 acres, occupies the angle formed by the Toorak and Auburn roads: it is a portion of the old Gardiner's station, and the creek that bears his name runs through it. Mr. Bailey resides in the old house, which is one of the oldest in the district. The garden is situated on the west side of the ground, and has a rather steep slope towards the creek, with an eastern aspect; it contains 10 acres, occupied with fruit trees, the other 15 acres, including the creek, being used as a paddock for the horse and cow. A rich alluvial flat which lies between the garden and the creek was formerly under cultivation with vegetables, but in consequence of the frequent floods it has been laid down to grass, with the exception of about half an acre of the best portion, on which the vegetables and young fruit trees grow luxuriantly. The garden is in two portions, old and new; the latter, which adjoins the road, contains about three acres; the trees have been planted five years, they are mainly pears, are in a fine thriving condition, and just about beginning to bear. In the other portion the trees are about 20 years planted, some of them are of large size, we measured an apple tree which was fully nine yards across and of proportionate height (4).

The article lists the huge varieties of plants grown, including this list of apples and pears, none of which appear to be available in supermarkets these days -

Margaret, Quarrenden, Ribston Pippin, King of Pippins, Adams' Pearmain, and Scarlet Nonpareil; Lord Nelson, Allan Bank Seedling, Kentish Fillbasket, and Stone Pippin. Pears: Doyenne d'ete, Citron des Carmes, Jargonelle, Williams's Bon Chretien, Capiaumont, Durondeau, Beurre Bosc, Vicar of Winkfield, Winter Nelis, and Josephine de Malines. (5).

There was another article in The Leader in November 1886, which lists the variety of other plants grown by William Bailey and mentions his faith in the use of night soil as a fertilizer - 

The lower part of the ground, however, a flat bordering the creek, and used as a tree nursery is alluvial, easy to work, and producing capital young stuff. On this ground is an acre or so of lucerne which is worthy of notice, as there are different opinions current as to the proper time of sowing, some considering autumn the best season while others prefer the spring;  this crop was sown in the early part of May, and although the frost has been unusually severe, especially in river valleys, the lucerne has not been injured in the slightest and some of it is now 15 inches tall. A crop of oats alongside is also in excellent condition. A striking instance of the value of night soil as a manure is afforded by these crops, it having been applied to a portion only of the ground, and on the manured part the oats are stronger, several inches taller and of a far deeper hue of green. Asparagus also does well on that part of the ground. Mr. Bailey has a high opinion of the value of night soil and uses it also for his fruit trees, dressing them with it every third year. Strawberries and vegetables of various kinds are grown on vacant spaces for which the stable manure is used. About a quarter of an acre of rhubarb has already brought £11 this season. Near to this is a little over a quarter of an acre of Yorkshire Hero peas, as fine a crop as can be seen, being estimated to produce a ton weight of green peas, valued at the rate of £40 per acre. Other vacant slips are cropped with tomatoes, capsicums, maize and melons, but the latter have to be resown, the seedlings having gone off through the cold. Strawberries, as in nearly all other gardens, have all but gone off, so that the crop is certain to be light this year. (6).

The last paragraph of 1886 Leader article is very interesting -

Mr Bailey and his fruit have obtained such a good reputation that he has no occasion to stand the market with it, fruiterers and others being willing and anxious to take more than he can supply, knowing that his fruit is always of good quality, and his cases honestly filled. But owing to the inexorable demands of an increasing population be is about to be deprived of a large portion of his orchard which is destined to be cut in twain by the Glen Iris railway, which is to run diagonally across it, a chain and a half in width. This will not only divide the land, but on account of the slope of ground the cutting on one side will be so deep that crossing it will be impracticable (7).

The building of the railway though his property is no doubt the reason that in 1891 William Bailey purchased 50 acres at Narre Warren, and began planting out his orchard, although it appears that the family did not move there until after the birth of the last child, Ivy in 1893. The Narre Warren property was called Bona Vista, in Bailey Road (8).

William's family was a large one.  In 1872, William had married Frances (Fanny) Godwin and they had ten children, all born in Malvern - Annie Frances (1873-1944,  married Charles Brown in 1896); George Robert (1875-1960, married Florence Emma Toe in 1901); James William (1877-1962, married Lucy Agnes Webb in 1903); William Henry (1879-1942, married Christina Cameron in 1905); Rose Emmeline 'Minnie' (1881-1891);  Alfred Percy (1883-1966, married Margaret Josephine Coxon in 1910); Charles Cornelius (1885-1965, married Lilian Mary Mickle in 1911); Charlotte Myrtle (1891-1979, married Edward Percival Krummeck in 1932); Violet Emma (1891-1952, married Edward George Hill in 1915) and Ivy Edith May (1893-1941, did not marry) (9).

Some of William and Fannie's children remained in the Narre Warren area after they reached adulthood - their eldest son, George (1875-1960), was an orchardist and also had a General store in Narre Warren, operated by family members until the 1970s. George and his wife Florence built Brentwood (later called Clarinda Park) in 1904. In 1993, the address was 271-299 Narre Warren North Road, I don't think it still exists.  Another son James married, as we said,  Lucy Agnes Webb, the daughter of Anne and Sidney Webb. He was also a fruit grower and involved in many industry bodies such as the Victorian Fruitgrowers' Central Association, James was also a driving force in establishing the Narre Warren Cool Store, which you can read about here. James and Lucy built Araluen in 1903 and their daughter, Lucy,  lived there until she died  in April 1997 and the land was sub-divided. Araluen, at 301-331 Narre Warren North Road, burnt down in mysterious circumstances some years ago. (10)

William died December 29, 1922 aged 81 and Frances died May 28, 1929, aged 78. They are buried at the Boroondara Cemetery along with their daughters Minnie and Ivy.

I don't have a photograph of William Bailey, 

but this is his son, James Bailey with his son, Sidney James Bailey, taken c. 1918,

 in their Narre Warren North orchard.

Casey Cardinia Libraries collection

William Bailey's horticulture enterprise at Narre Warren was also the subject of reports in the newspapers. This one is from the Weekly Times of April 15, 1899 (see here)   Once again, it mentions a huge variety of fruits which are no longer grown commercially.

FRUIT GROWING AT NARRE WARREN (By Our Agricultural Reporter.)

The Weekly Times of April 15, 1899

The cultivation of fruit has not been extensively carried out in the Narre Warren district, but a splendid object lesson is afforded, as to the possibilities of the district, by Mr W. Bailey's Bona Vista orchard, about 4½ miles from the Narre Warren railway station and 1½ miles from old Narre Warren township

The orchard is pleasantly situated on the side of one of the numerous hills to be found in the district. When Mr Bailey first started the land was heavily timbered and covered with dense scrub. He was laughed at when he stated his intention of planting fruit trees, and was told failure was bound to ensue. Being a practical orchardist, he formed his own opinion about the matter, and from the results there is no doubt as to the soundness of his judgment.

Although the orchard has only been started eight years, the growth made is simply marvellous. Pinus insignis, planted for breakwinds, would, from the growth made, lead one to suppose they had been planted at least twice that period. What strikes one on first entering the orchard is the uniform size of the trees - one tree would serve as a model for the whole of any particular plantation. The soil is of a granite nature, and at the first glance would not impress one as to its fertility.

The orchard has a north and westerly aspect, which seems to suit the trees admirably. Remarking on the size of the trees, Mr Bailey explained that he followed out a system of summer pruning, so often advised in "The Weekly Times", for by this means all the available growth is directed into the proper channel, instead of making rank growth, which has to be cut away in the winter pruning.

The whole of the orchard has been thoroughly drained by means of either tile or charcoal drains, but for efficacy Mr Bailey prefers the former. Although no insect pests have yet made their appearance, spraying is regularly carried out during the winter months as a preventive, Bordeaux being the mixture chiefly favored.

The area devoted to Peaches at the present time is about two acres, and these trees look remarkably well, with the exception of a few worked in the almond stock, and these have proved far from satisfactory, while a few have grown as freely as those worked in the peach stock. The majority are dwarfed and stunted. Why this should be Mr. Bailey is unable to explain, but it should serve as a warning to all intending planters in the district. The crops this season have been very fine, and have given good returns. The varieties most favored are Briggs Red May, Hale's Early, Early Crawford, Fosters Royal George the Comet.  The trees have been planted 15ft x 15ft. apart, and this, Mr Bailey finds, is far too close.

There are twelve acres devoted to the cultivation of apples, and these have also made very free growth. In some instances the outer growths have been brought into a horizontal position, thus causing lateral shoots to grow out, besides utilising the exuberant growth, the size of the trees has been considerably extended. This system has been more particularly observed with trees having a tendency to grow into close pyramid form. 

The following varieties give equally good results: - Rome Beauty, Jonathan, King of Pippins, Reinette du Canada, Summer Scarlet Pearmain, London or Five Crown Pippin, H.U. Cole's Prince of Pippin, and Cole's Rymer. The latter is an enormous cropper; its only fault is that it comes into bearing the same time as Jonathan. The apples are planted 20 x 20 feet apart.

The Rome Beauty apple, one of the varieties grown by William Bailey.

This illustration, dated March 1881 was done by John Charles Cole of the 

Richmond Nursery, the first cousin of William Bailey. 

State Library of Victoria Image H96.160/2075

The three acres of pears show remarkably clean growth, and the fruit is of excellent quality. Williams's Bon Chretien, Souvenir de Congres, Bailey's Bergamot, Keiper's hybrid, Beurre d'Angon, Doyenne du Bossoch and Vicar of Winckfield are the principal sorts grown.

Plums also receive attention, but not to such a large extent as the other fruits, but from the success attained Mr Bailey would feel quite justified in the area devoted to them. Orleans, Washington, Black Orleans, Fellenberg, and Golden Drop have given the best returns. Whilst on the subject of plums we must not forget the Japanese variety, Kelsey. This kind is an enormous bearer, and is especially useful for private use. The blood Japanese Mr Bailey would advise grown as a weeping, ornamental plant, for planting on the lawn or elsewhere.

Apricots seem as much at home as the other varieties of fruits, but only the following varieties are grown to any extent: - Ouillen's Early, Moorpark, and Campbellfield's Seedling. The strawberry plantations are by no means the least important item at Bona Vista. The returns from this source have been excellent. The plants are placed in double rows, 2½ feet apart, and 15 inches in the rows. This enables the horse hoe to work readily between the rows.

The Jonathan apple, another variety grown by William Bailey.

This is a wax model, made in the Melbourne Museum

by Joy Dickins in 1950.

Image: Museums Victoria Collections https://collections.museumsvictoria.com.au/items/385107

Mr Bailey remarked that, to grow strawberries successfully, cultivation of the soil must be carried out the whole of the year, and not, as many growers do, leave the plants untouched directly the fruit is gathered until the following spring The manure used for this crop is principally bonedust and stable manure. The following are the varieties grown: - Marguerite, Edith Christy, Trollope's Victoria, and Arthur. The latter does exceedingly well, but, unlike the other varieties named, does not produce a second crop.

Mr Bailey has a clean lot of young fruit trees, suitable for planting this season. The collection comprises all the leading kinds of peaches, apples, pears, plums, strawberries, etc. Besides the orchard, Mr Bailey has about [illegible] acres devoted to the growth of tomatoes, peas, pumpkins, maize, and other crops, suitable for feeding purposes. (Weekly Times of April 15, 1899, see here)

Sadly, the Bailey orchard has also gone and for the same reason as William Bailey's Malvern farm - the inexorable demands of an increasing population. 

Trove list - I have created a list of newspapers articles on the Bailey family, access it here.

Footnotes
(1) William's obituary in The Argus of January 3, 1923, see here, says he was engaged with his father in fruit growing. An article in The Leader of February 23, 1907, see here, says he was the son of a strawberry grower.
(2) Cooper, John Butler The City of Malvern: from its first settlement to a City (Speciality Press, 1935), p. 124.
(3) Quotes about the Rev Cole's garden from John Butler Cooper, p. 122 (see footnote 2). Information also from Thomas Coles' entry, written by Richard Aitken, in the Australian Dictionary of Biography, here and information about the Nurseries in The Australasian, August 19, 1876, here.

(4) The Leader, December 11, 1875, see here.

(5) The Leader, December 11, 1875, see here.

(6) The Leader, November 6, 1886, see here.

(7) The Leader, November 6, 1886, see here.
(8) William Bailey is listed as owning 50 acres from the 1891/1892 Shire of Berwick Rate Books. As all the children were born in Malvern I am assuming they moved after the birth of Ivy in 1893. This is confirmed by the fact that William is listed in the Malvern Rate Books (available on Ancestry.com) in 1893, but not 1894.

(9) Information from the Indexes to the Victorian Births, Deaths and Marriages 

(10) Heritage of the City of Berwick: Identifying and caring for important places by Context P/L (City of Berwick, 1993)  

This is an expanded version, with new material, of a post which I wrote and researched, which appears on my work blog, Casey Cardinia Links to our Past. 

World War One soldiers with a connection to Narre Warren, Narre Warren North and Narre Warren East

This is a list of any men I could find with a Narre Warren or Narre Warren North or Narre Warren East connection who enlisted in World War One. Twenty nine of the men are on the Narre Warren War Memorial. They are listed as J. Brown / E. Buchanan / C. Burns / J. Dewar / D. Duncan / J. Duncan /  F. Dunwell / A. Hillbrich / E. Hillbrich / H. Hillbrich /  P. Ireland / A. Kent / C. Kent / N. Kent /  D. McKenzie /  A. McLure / G. Mouser / J. Muffit /  W. Neil / S. Nutter / L. Sage / G. Smith / 

W. Smith / A. Stedman / W. Stedman / A. Wanke / F. Wanke / N. Wauchope / G. Woodley (1).

Eighteen of the men are on the Narre Warren North War Memorial. They are listed on the monument as C. Asling / H. Asling / H. Battersby / H. Battersby / A. Brown / R. Brown / A. Collis / M Collis / H. Curtis / J. Dean / P. Hill / J. Moors / R Moors / G. Rae / W. Rae / H. Randle / L. Sage / A. Sheriff (2).

One soldier, Louis Sage, is on both. The other names I found in newspaper reports including a report of the eight men who worked for Donald Rowe, a baker of Narre Warren, who all enlisted. If you know of anyone else, connected to Narre Warren or Narre Warren North, I would be interested in hearing about them. 

Narre Warren originally referred to the township of Narre Warren North, which was surveyed around 1860. This was later known as Old Narre Warren to distinguish it from New Narre Warren which developed around the Railway Station, which opened in 1882. It is likely that some of these men who have their birthplace as Narre Warren, were actually born in 'old' Narre Warren or Narre Warren North.  Narre Warren East is a small town off Wellington Road in the Berwick Road and Mountain Flat, Edebohls and Haysey Roads vicinity. The State School No. 3719, opened in February 1912, in the Anglican Church Hall. It initially operated half time with Menzies Creek, No. 2457, but they both became full-time in 1914. In February 1921, a new school building was erected. The Church of England was called St Mungo's, there was also a public hall, which was opened on November 30, 1928 (3).

The Narre Warren War Memorial was officially unveiled by Colonel George Knox on March 12, 1922 (4).  It was originally erected on the corner of the Princes Highway and the Narre Warren North Road at the recreation reserve. The original memorial had a lovely arch, which you can see in the photograph, below. The arch was removed in 1949 or 1950.  The War Memorial was moved in 1993 to a location near the Civic Centre at Narre Warren and is now located on the Bunjil Place forecourt.  It's interesting to note that seven of the men listed on the Narre Warren War Memorial have their connection to the area because their fathers were Victorian Railway employees and had been appointed to the Narre Warren Railway Station.

Narre Warren War Memorial, erected 1923.

Image: Oak Trees and Hedges: a pictorial history of Narre Warren, Narre Warren North and Harkaway (5).

The Narre Warren North War Memorial was unveiled by Lieutenant Colonel Knox in March 1922. There is also an Avenue of Honour at Narre Warren North, which was dedicated in September 1919 (6).  

The Narre Warren North War Memorial

Photograph courtesy of the Casey Cardinia Remembers website. There are more photos of the memorial here

http://www.caseycardiniaremembers.org.au/narre-warren-north-war-memorial/

What follows is the list of First World Soldiers connected to Narre Warren, Narre Warren North and Narre Warren East and their Service Number (SN) so you can look up their full service records on the National Archives website, www.naa.gov.au

Asling, Charles (SN 69229)
Asling, Henry (69230)
Charles and Henry were twins, born February 24, 1899. They enlisted on August 17, 1918 at the age of 19. They embarked on November 2, but the troopship was recalled due to the War ending and they were discharged in January 1919. The boys, both farmers, were born in Narre Warren North. They were the sons of Charles and Elizabeth (nee Meade) Asling of Narre Warren North. The brothers are listed on the Narre Warren North War Memorial.

Social for the Asling twins and Price Hill.

South Bourke & Mornington Journal October 31, 1918 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article66194926

Battersby, Herbert David (SN 1218) Herbert was born in and lived in Narre Warren North. He enlisted at the age of 21 on March 11, 1916. He was a labourer and his next of kin was his mother, Jane. He was wounded in action in Belgium and died as a result on May 29, 1917. His injuries were horrific - right leg blown off as were toes of his left leg. Herbert was the son of Edward and Jane (nee Crowley) Battersby of Granite Grove, Narre Warren North. He is listed on the Narre Warren North War Memorial.

Report of the sad death of Lance-Corporal Battersby

Dandenong Advertiser, June 21, 1917 https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/88662435#

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. Henry is listed on the Narre Warren North Memorial

Brown, J. The Narre Warren War Memorial lists a J. Brown, my best guess at the moment is that it could be John Alfred Brown (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, Alfred Hart (SN 1217)
Brown, Robert Woodside (SN 3040) 

Robert and Alfred are brothers from Narre Warren North and they are both listed on the Narre Warren North Memorial.

Robert Woodside Brown (SN 3040) enlisted on July 21, 1915. He was a 24 year old farmer.  Robert Returned to Australia on May 18, 1919. His brother,  Alfred Hart Brown (SN 1217) was a 21 year old carpenter and he enlisted on November 8, 1916.  Alfred Returned to Australia on December 11, 1918. They were the sons of Edward and Claudia (nee Kerr) Brown of Narre Warren North. 

Farewell to Alf Brown, Herbert Battersby and Walter Young.

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

Buchanan, Eric Alexander  (SN 1676) Eric was from Station Street, Berwick and enlisted on July 14, 1915. He was a 21 year old Clerk, the son of Charles and Christina (nee McPhail) Buchanan. Eric Returned to Australia on July 23, 1919. I am not sure of Eric's full connection to Narre Warren  - he was born in Yarrawonga, but his mother changed her address as next of kin in January 1919 to Narre Warren North. The Dandenong Advertiser had an article on October 10, 1918 (see here) about the death of Trooper Louis Tchampian of Cockatoo and it mentioned that he was a pal of Sergt. Eric Buchanan of Narre Warren, so Eric was obviously identified with Narre Warren.

Farewell function for Eric Buchanan

Berwick Shire News October 13, 1915 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article92091152

Burns, Charlie. Charlie Burns is on the Narre Warren War Memorial. I have not positively identified him as yet but there are various reports in local papers at the time of his talents as a entertainer at local functions. At the annual cricket club concert held October 9, 1914, it was reported that Charlie was again to the fore with his humorous songs, clog dances and spoon items (see here)  There was  a report of his recent enlistment in the February 16, 1916 issue of the paper (see below).  The AIF Project website has five Charles Burns who enlisted from Victoria and going by occupation (he's  a labourer) and date of enlistment I believe (but I cannot confirm) that our Charles has the Service Number of 4373 and enlisted on December 24, 1915. He Returned to Australia May 29, 1919.

Charlie Burns and Arthur Sherriff enlist

Pakenham Gazette  February 16, 1916 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article92095559

Charman, Herbert Henry (SN 3360). Herbert was born in Narre Warren and enlisted at the age of 19 on February 9, 1917. He was a carpenter. His parents, Thomas William and Kate (nee Brown) Charman, gave their consent to his enlistment. They lived at Oxford Street, Oakleigh. Herbert Returned to Australia February 19, 1919.

Chitts, Vic  (SN possibly 1715) Vic was employed by Donald Rowe, the baker of Narre Warren, and was one of his eight employees to enlist.  As the article, below, notes Mr D.H. Rowe, a baker, of Narre Warren, has been considerably inconvenienced by the quick changes in his staff but he has shown his patriotism in recognising that the needs of the Empire should have consideration before his personal requirements. Donald Hartley Rowe is listed in the Shire of Berwick Rate books from 1912 to 1922, renting his bakery from Sidney Webb. You would think with such a distinctive name that Mr Chitts would be easy to identify, but not so. There was a Clarence, a Hector and a Russell Chitts who enlisted - Russell was a painter from New South Wales; Clarence was a Dairyman from Sandringham and I have found him and his wife Alice in the Electoral Roll both before and after the War and there is no local connection. That leaves Hector Rudolph Chitts as the most likely, so maybe he was known as Vic (for some unknown reason). Hector  was nearly 20 when he enlisted on March 7, 1916, his next of kin was listed as his sister, Mrs Downs of East Malvern. His occupation was a farm hand. He Returned to Australia on February 2, 1919.

Mr Rowe's patriotism.

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

Colliss, Alfred (SN 6780) Alfred said he was 44 years and 3 months old when he enlisted on January 18, 1917. He lived at Narre Warren North and was a labourer. His next of kin was his sister Helena Smith, the mother of Harold Curtis (see below). In reality Alfred was actually 46 and looks his stated age...and not capable of carrying on full training according to his medical report. He was sent home from England in November 1917 and discharged on medical grounds, and the fact that he was overage,
in February 1918. Alfred is listed on the Narre Warren North War Memorial.
Colliss, Malcolm John (SN 6980) Malcolm enlisted on October 18, 1916 at the age of 31. He was a labourer, lived at Narre Warren and his next of kin was his brother, Joseph Colliss of Yallock. Malcolm Returned to Australia November 1, 1917 suffering from Tubercular peritonitis. He was discharged on July 2, 1918 and died on August 14, 1918. Malcolm is listed on the Narre Warren North War Memorial.
Alfred, Malcolm and Helena were born in Narre Warren and were the children of Joseph and Elizabeth (nee Charman) Collis.

Report of Colliss family War service

Berwick Shire News February 28, 1917 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article92093612

Cook, John Francis (SN 129) John enlisted on January 20, 1915. He was a 21 year old grocer. He Returned to Australia April 11, 1916 and discharged on medical grounds - he had Enteric fever (typhoid) and had also been wounded - shrapnel wound to knee and face.
Cook, Thomas Frederic (SN 10598) Thomas was a teacher at Warrandyte State School when he enlisted on January 19, 1916. He was 25 years old. He Returned to Australia April 30, 1919.
The brothers were born in Narre Warren. Their parents were Thomas Galliard and Annie Maria (nee Hayden) Cook of Westgarth Street, Northcote.

Crotty, Gerald Francis Xavier (SN 6983) Gerald enlisted on October 24, 1916. He was a 23 year old Military clerk. Gerald Returned to Australia September 25, 1919.

Crotty, John Patrick Joseph (SN 2783) John was 26 years old when he enlisted on April 26, 1916. He was a clerk. He did not serve overseas and was discharged as medically unfit on May 19, 1917.
John and Gerald were both born in Narre Warren. They were the sons of John Patrick and Teresa (nee Logan) Crotty of Frederick Street, Hawthorn.

Cunningham, Albert (SN 1245) Albert was a 30 year old butcher and farmer when he enlisted on February 25, 1916. He was wounded whilst serving - gun shot wound - shell right eye and Returned to Australia November 20, 1918.
Cunningham, Claude Sydney (SN 1246) Claude enlisted on March 18, 1916 at the age of 24. He was a farmer. Claude Returned to Australia April 30, 1919.
Albert was born in Dunedin in New Zealand; Claude was born in Sydney. Their next of kin was their mother, Emma Cunningham, of Narre Warren East.

Currie, Reg (SN 1840)  Reg was also employed by Donald Rowe (see above under Vic Chitts). He was the son of Donald and Margaret (nee Doran) Currie of Reserve Street in Berwick and he enlisted on November 6, 1915, at the age of 22.  His occupation was Horse Driver. He Returned to Australia April 13, 1919.

Curtis, Harold David (SN 4763) Harold was only 18 when he enlisted on September 28, 1915. He was  a blacksmith. His next of kin was his mother, Helena Smith, of Narre Warren North. Harold Returned to Australia April 13, 1919.  Harold is listed on the Narre Warren North War Memorial, along with his uncles, Alfred and Malcolm Colliss (see above).

Dean, James  (SN 2999) James was born in Sydney and was a 42 year old market gardener when he enlisted on March 17, 1916. His next of kin was his wife Frances, of Narre Warren North. James Returned to Australia March 28, 1919. James is listed on the Narre Warren North War Memorial. James was granted a Soldier Settlement farm, you can read his file, here.

Farewell to James Dean and Louis Sage

Dandenong Advertiser August 17, 1916 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article88658212

Dewar, Alfred James.  Alfred enlisted on July 20, 1915 and he died of 'cerebro spinal meningitis'  less than a month later on August 15, 1915. His father's address was Drouin on the enlistment papers, but they had previously lived in Harkaway. Private Dewar had returned home suffering form what he thought was influenza, but it turned out to be meningitis and his mother, who was nursing him contracted the disease and died after 24 hours illness, and he died soon after. A tragic story. Alfred is commemorated on the Narre Warren War Memorial.

Alfred Dewar's mother dies of meningitis; and even though it was reported that he had recovered he sadly  also died.

The Age August13, 1915 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article1548396

The Dewar Family and their connection to Harkaway.

Berwick Shire News, August 18, 1915  http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article92090119

Drury, Wilfred (SN 566) Wilfred enlisted March 13, 1916. He was a 23 year old farmhand and his address was c/o Mr H. Hillbrick, Narre Warren. His next of kin was his mother, Margaret Taylor, of Geelong. Wilfred was wounded in action - gunshot wound to the scalp - and Returned to Australia September 27, 1917 and was discharged on medical grounds in January 1918. 

Duncan, David Baird (SN 2366)  There is a D. Duncan on the Narre Warren War Memorial who I believe is David Baird Duncan based solely on his occupation of Orchardist. The Bailey family had established  an orchard at Narre Warren North in the 1890s and this was the first of many orchards in this area, thus being an orchardist is a likely occupation for someone from Narre Warren, but I cannot find any actual connection to this area. David was born in Scotland and enlisted on May 10, 1915 at the age of 20. He Returned to Australia April 5, 1919.  There are actually two other D. Duncans who enlisted from Victoria -  David John Duncan (SN 2292) was a coach builder and David Francis Duncan (SN 6665) was a jeweller, both have a Melbourne address, so I feel that David Baird Duncan is the right man.

Duncan, James Ramsay (SN 432) James was born in Berwick and he enlisted on September 28, 1914. He was a 30 year old commercial traveller and his next of kin was his mother, Elizabeth Duncan, of Kew.  James was a Lieutenant and he returned to Australia on April 15, 1918. He was discharged on medical grounds suffering from Pulmonary Tuberculosis. James is listed on the Narre Warren War Memorial

Dunwell, Fred   (SN 1392)    Fred was from Narre Warren and he enlisted July 31,  1915. He was a 25 year old carpenter, born in Yorkshire, and his next of kin was his sister, Hannah, also of Narre Warren.  Fred returned to Australia on July 18, 1919. Fred is listed on the Narre Warren War Memorial.

Edebohls, Arthur (SN 3135) Arthur enlisted on October 31, 1916. He was a 23 year old labourer and he Returned to Australia March 2, 1919.
Edebohls, Edwin John (SN 3136) Edwin enlisted at the age of 26 on July 13, 1915 and was discharged at Broadmeadows on December 13, 1915. He re-enlisted on October 27, 1916 and this time was accepted, served overseas and Returned to Australia July 24, 1919.
The brothers were born in Narre Warren and they were the sons of Henry and Mary (nee Troup) Edebohls. At the time of enlistment the family was living at Frankston Road, Dandenong. Mary was the daughter of John and Elizabeth (nee Fox) Troup. John Troup had purchased land in the area in 1855. Mary was also the sister of Ann Rae, so the Edebohls boys were first cousins of the Rae brothers, written about below.

Fordon, John Henry (SN 1230 / 1462) John was a 39 year old labourer, from Narre Warren, when he enlisted on October 13, 1914. His next of kin was his sister, Mrs Smith,  who lived in Western Australia. John Returned to Australia February 13, 1917 and was discharged on medical grounds - Chronic Alcoholism - in the June. 

Forrester, George (SN 4810)  George, who was a baker,  enlisted on November 6, 1915, the same day as Reg Currie and like Reg he was also employed by Donald Rowe, the baker. George was born in Shepparton, and his next of kin was his father, Zephaniah Forrester of Taradale. He Returned to Australia July 24, 1919.

Notice of Reg Currie  and George Forrester enlist.

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

Gander, Albert Frederick  (SN 7004) Frederick, as he was known, enlisted on October 18, 1916. He was a 28 year old farm hand. He Returned to Australia May 1917 and was discharged on medical grounds - hammer toes and Tachy Cardia. Fred enlisted for a second time on June 4, 1918 in the Australian Naval and Military Expeditionary Force and served in New Britain, and Returned to Australia from Rabaul August 6, 1919. Fred was born in England, his next of kin was his father who lived in Western Australia. His address on his first enlistment was Narre Warren and, on his second enlistment, was Hallam.

Haysey, Norman (SN 6813A) Norman was a 19 year old orchardist when he enlisted on August 12, 1917. He was Killed in Action on July 4, 1918.
Haysey, Robert Ellesmere (SN 2588) Robert was a 20 year old orchardist when he enlisted on May 17, 1915. He was awarded the Croix de Guerre by the Belgium King and he Returned to Australia May 30, 1919.
The boys, were born in Seymour and their address on their Attestation papers was Narre Warren North. Robert listed his mother, Annie Haysey (nee Adkins) of Narre Warren North as his next of kin and Norman, his father George of Seymour, as his next of kin. A notation on Norman's Attestation file said 'Mother, living apart from husband'. There is also a note that Norman's medals were to go to his mother.

Report of the Haysey family

The Age July 29, 1918 https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/1405381

Hill, Abraham Price (SN 1716)  Mr Hill was known as Price and is listed on the Narre Warren North War Memorial as P. Hill. Price was a 37 year orchardist from Narre Warren North when he enlisted on June 22, 1918. His next of kin was his wife, Clara (nee Lehman). He did not serve overseas and was demobilised December 24, 1918. Price enlisted again on January 16, 1919 in the Australian Naval and Military Expeditionary Force, served in New Britain and Returned to Australia from Rabaul February 16, 1921.  

Hillbrich - Ernest and Harold and an A. Hillbrich are listed on the Narre Warren War Memorial. The surname is spelt as Hillbrick on the Attestation papers, Embarkation and Nominal Rolls.

Hillbrich, A  I am not sure who this is. There are only three Hillbrichs who enlisted - Ernest and Harold and the other one was Norman (SN 5326) who enlisted on January 4, 1916 and Died of Wounds on May 6, 1917. He was the son of Gustav Wilhelm and Jessie (nee Neame) Hillbrich and born in Korumburra according to his enlistment paper. His mother was living in Western Australia, which is where he enlisted. 
Hillbrich, Ernest William (SN 3989 and 1045) Ernest was a 19 year old farmer from Narre Warren when he enlisted on March, 9, 1915. He was born in New South Wales, the son of Edward Gustave and Amy (nee Morton) Hillbrich. Ernest Returned to Australia on March 28, 1919.
Hillbrich, Harold Herbert (SN 11760) Harold was born in Narre Warren to Ernst Johann Gottlieb and Maria Augusta (nee Schoppe) and enlisted on November 3, 1915. He was a 22 year old postman. Harold Returned to Australia on June 12, 1919.
The three Hillbrich boys are all descendants of Johann and Maria (nee Wagner) Hillbrich who settled in Harkaway in 1855. Norman and Harold were grandsons; Ernest was the son of Harold's older brother and he was thus a great grandson (or to explain it another way - Norman and Harold are first cousins and Ernest is Harold's nephew.)

Ireland, Percy Markham De Courcy (SN 1116).  Percy is listed on the Narre Warren War Memorial, Percy's parents, De Courcy and Margaret Ireland are listed in the Electoral Rolls at Narre Warren in 1903, so it is possible that Percy went to school at Narre Warren. In 1914 the family was living in Heidelberg. Percy enlisted on May 25, 1915; he was a 21 year old Electrical Engineer. Percy Returned to Australia on April 13, 1919.

Johnstone, Harold. Harold was another one of Donald Rowe's employees, but I cannot identify him. I  have looked for Harold Johnson, Johnston and Johnstone and cannot find a man who enlisted with a connection to the area or to the bakers trade.  

Kent, Alfred Ernest (SN 3336). Alfred enlisted on August 2, 1915 at the age of 40. Alfred is also on the Berwick Grammar School memorial in Church Street, Berwick. He was born in Berwick and was married to Alice Webb, the daughter of Sidney and Ann Webb. Lance Corporal Kent was Killed in Action in France on May 5, 1916.

Kent, Charles Edward ( SN 237) Charles was a 36 year old farmer from Narre Warren and he enlisted on February 28, 1916. He was born in Berwick. Charles Returned to Australia on April 5, 1918.
Kent, Norman Archibald (SN 1009) Norman enlisted on October 1, 1914. He was 32 years old, born in Narre Warren and a farmer. Second Lieutenant Kent Died of Wounds on April 12, 1917.
The Kents were from Narre Warren and their parents, Anthony and Mary Kent, had arrived in Narre Warren around 1875 and purchased Granite Park, which they re-named Oatlands. The brothers are listed on the Narre Warren War Memorial

The sad news of the Kent family

Pakenham Gazette, May 18 1917 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article92155593

Le Mausrier, John William (SN 9564) John was born in Narre Warren, however he was living in Rathmines Road, Fairfield when he enlisted on July 6, 1915 at the age of 22. He was a salesman. His next of kin was his father, John, of the same address. John Returned to Australia June 20, 1919.

Lewis, Frederick (SN 3897)  Frederick was 24 when he enlisted. His occupation was baker's driver and he also worked by Donald Rowe.  His next of kin was his father, Caleb Lewis, of Wilson Street, Berwick.  Fred Returned to Australia March 28, 1919. 

Lyons, Charles Jack  (SN 1394)   Jack enlisted on September 14, 1914 at the age of 27. He was born in South Melbourne and enlisted in Tasmania, but his occupation was baker,  and he was another of Mr Rowe's employees. His actual occupation on his enlistment paper was 'stud groom and baker.' He Returned to Australia on May 12, 1918, suffering from rhuematism and 'bad feet'.

MacKenzie, Dugald (SN 6069) Dugald enlisted on March 22, 1916. He 33 years old, was a widower and his occupation was 'nurseryman labourer'. His address on enlistment was Cecil Street in South Melbourne, but a Dugald MacKenzie is listed in the 1914 Electoral Rolls at Narre Warren, occupation Nurseryman, so I am sure that we have the right man. Dugald was Killed in Action in France on May 4, 1917. He left behind a daughter, Edna, who was being cared for by her grandmother, Kate O'Shea of Footscray. Dugald is listed on the Narre Warren War Memorial.

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article120982275

I came across this note from the Upper Murray & Mitta Herald of May 31, 1917 about the death of  a Dugald MacKenzie. Firstly, the age does not tally with the age of 'our' Dugald, however Mr Stedman was the Station Master at Narre Warren in from 1898 until 1906 and his two sons are also on the Memorial. Mrs Stedman was Helen Jane Bell and Dugald was the son of Archibald MacKenzie and Jessie Bell. This means that Dugald was the first cousin of the Stedman boys, listed below.

McClure, Alexander David  (SN 516) Alexander enlisted on February 10, 1915. He was the son of Colin McClure. Alexander was a miner from Benalla when he enlisted. His connection to the area is confirmed in the article, below.  The article (7) says that he was known as Yank as he had spent time in America; his friend, Lance Corporal Stringer said of him -  ‘Yank’ McClure was one of my best friends at Anzac. We shared the same dug-out, and lived and fought together, he was, I think, the most popular man in our company. His unfailing good humor and pluck made everyone like him. Alexander Died of Wounds, received at Gallipoli,  November 20, 1915.Alexander  is listed on the Narre Warren War Memorial.

Report of Alexander's death. 

Berwick Shire News May 17 1916  Click on this link to read the full report http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article92089339

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

Moore, William Robert - see under Moors.

Moors, James Humphrey (SN 1169) James was 18 years old when he enlisted on October 11, 1915. He was a farmhand. James Returned to Australia January 25, 1919.
Moors, William Robert (SN 581) Enlisted under the surname Moore. Robert enlisted on July 5, 1915 at the age of 21. He was a labourer. He was wounded - gun shot wound hip, penetrating abdomen - and died as a result on July 28, 1916.
William and James were born in Broken Hill and were living in Narre Warren on enlistment. They were the sons of Humphrey and Haddie Moore. Humphrey has a statuary declaration in William's file that says my wife left me 8-9 years ago and that I bore all the responsibility of bringing up my family. There is also a letter in his file from his sister, Mrs H. J. Hall of View Hill, Narre Warren. She had requested her brother's medals as her father considered I was entitled to my late brother's medals having carried out the responsibility of the mother towards the late soldier. The Moors brothers are listed on the Narre Warren North War Memorial.

Mouser, George.  Lieutenant Mouser is listed on the Narre Warren War Memorial. George Mouser  enlisted on May 1, 1916. His next of kin was his father, John Mouser of Narre Warren. John was the Station Master at Narre Warren from July 1915 to August 1918.  He Returned to Australia on July 24, 1919. George is also listed on the Bunyip Methodist Church Honour Roll.  His father was at the Bunyip Station around 1903.

Moysey, William Brown Treeby (SN 239) William was born in Narre Warren and enlisted on March 31, 1916. He was a 29 year old farmer. He was the son of William Henry and Marie (nee Aurisch) Moysey of Jumbuk. William was awarded the Military Medal and Returned to Australia  November 7, 1919. William's grandparents, James Bickford and Susannah Brown (nee Treeby) Moysey arrived in Victoria around 1844 and had a farm in Moorabbin. In 1881 they moved to Narre Warren. 

Muffett, John Henry (SN 3104) He is listed as Muffit on the Narre Warren War Memorial.  John enlisted on January 6, 1917 and was Killed in Action on August 26, 1918. I believe that the connection to Narre Warren can be found in a report in South Bourke and Mornington Journal of April 8, 1903 (see here).  The article reports that railway line repairer, Benjamin Muffit (sic) was killed on the railway line. Muffit resided in a gate house on Lalor's Road, about a quarter of a mile from the Narre Warren Station. He was 42 years old at the time of the accident and he left a wife and four children. There is a birth of a John Henry Muffett in 1892 to a Benjamin and Mary Muffett and his next of kin on his enlistment paper is his mother, Mary. I believe that John is the son of the deceased railway worker and may have went to school at Narre Warren.

Neil, W. This man is listed on the Narre Warren War Memorial, but I have not been able to identify him. There was a William Neill who was the Station Master at Narre Warren from April 1912 until he was transferred to Yarra Glen on June 1, 1914. Is this the connection? He had a son Wilfred Vivian born 1894 but I can't find any evidence that he enlisted.  Any help appreciated on this one.

Nutter, S. This man is also listed on the Narre Warren War Memorial.  There were only four men who enlisted with the surname of Nutter - Alan and Lawrence are brothers from Killara in Sydney; John Nutter was from England and enlisted in Sydney and doesn't seem to have any connection with the area. There is also a William Nutter Scott, born in England and enlisted in Sydney and once again I can find no connection between him and this area.

Pennycook, Ronald (SN 1016 & 38069).  Ronald enlisted on August 17, 1914 at the age of 21. His occupation was Sailor and Labourer. His next of kin was his father, Captain Pennycook, Master Mariner, Liverpool in England. Ronald Returned to Australia May 8, 1916 with a fractured skull.  He re-enlisted April 7, 1917 and this time his occupation was Sailor and Horseman. His address on the Embarkation rolls at both enlistments was Narre Warren North.  Ronald Returned to Australia November 22, 1919. There is a notation in his Attestation file that he signed a Statuatory Declaration on October 13, 1920 that his real surname was Pennycuik.

Rae, George Frederick (SN 5071) George enlisted on January 20, 1916 at the age of 23. He Returned to Australia March 25, 1919.
Rae, Walter John (SN 820). Walter was 18 years old when he enlisted on March 1, 1915. He Returned to Australia April 19, 1919.
The boys were both born in Narre Warren and were farmers from Narre Warren North. Their next of kin was their mother, Ann; their father Frederick had died January 3, 1915 at the age of 48. In the late 1860s Frederick's parents, George and Agnes (nee Webb) Rae, took up land in Narre Warren North and built a store, said to be the first building in the town. Ann Rae was the daughter of John and Elizabeth (nee Fox) Troup and a sister to Mary Edebohls and an aunt to Arthur and Edwin Edebohls, written about above. The Rae brothers are listed on the Narre Warren North War Memorial.

Randle, Henry George (SN 1274).  Henry was born in Narre Warren and enlisted on July 10, 1915 at the age of 27. His occupation was Orchardist and his next of kin was his father, William, of Narre Warren North. Henry Returned to Australia May 15, 1919.  Corporal Randle is listed on the Narre Warren North War Memorial.

Welcome home to Henry Randle and Robert Brown

South Bourke & Mornington Journal July 31, 1919. Click on this link to read the full report  https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/66196497

Rooney, Alfred George (SN 481) Alf was born at Ballarat and enlisted at Ballarat on October 15, 1914. His occupation was a labourer and he was another employee of Donald Rowe, the baker. Alf's next of kin was his father James, of Ballarat East.  Alf was awarded the Military Medal for having carried ammunition and water under heavy fire in the desert fighting of August 9, 1916.  He Returned to Australia on January 2, 1919.

Alfred Rooney's Military Medal

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

Sage, Louis Francis (SN 30437)  When Louis enlisted on March 2, 1916 his next of kin was his mother, Margaret Sage of Narre Warren North and he was 23 years old and a farmer. He Returned to Australia on January 30, 1918. He was discharged on medical grounds, due to acute rheumatism. Louis is listed on both the the Narre Warren War Memorial and the Narre Warren North War Memorial.

Sherriff, Arthur Mason (SN 4529) Arthur was 26 year old Nurseryman when he enlisted on December 24, 1915. Arthur's next of kin was listed as his wife, Violet, of Narre Warren.  He received a gunshot wound to the left wrist whilst serving in France in August 1916 and after treatment,  Returned to Australia in September 1917 and was discharged on medical grounds on December 14, 1917.  Arthur is listed on the Narre Warren North War Memorial. Arthur was the son of Alexander and Margaret (nee Gaskell) Sherriff and he is the first cousin (8) of Mary Alice Sherriff, who was a World War One Army Nurse. I have written about her, here.

Arthur Sherriff returns home

Dandenong Advertiser, November 8, 1917 https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/88818546

Sievers,  Frederick Richard (SN 1615). Frederick enlisted on December 16, 1914 at the age of 26, he was a labourer and his next of kin was his father, Richard, of Narre Warren. He fought at Gallipoli where a bomb burst close to him causing headaches, dizziness and defective eyesight. He was declared permanently unfit for War service. Frederick Returned to Australia October 1915 and was discharged January 24, 1916. 

Report of the return of Frederick Sievers and a presentation to Mrs Rae, for her son Walter and to Mrs Smith for her son, Harold. This is Harold Curtis, see above.

South Bourke & Mornington Journal March 2, 1916 https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/page/6366531

Smith, George Stephen (SN 3679). George was born in Horsham and was living at Longwarry when he enlisted on August 7, 1915. He was Killed in Action in France on March 31, 1917. It took some research to identify George as, according to the Australian War Memorial website, there were 53 G. Smiths who did not return, of these 19 were Victorians, so I concentrated on these 19 and still could not find a Narre Warren connection until I found a George Adolphus Smith listed in the 1903 Electoral Roll, where he was the Station Master at Narre Warren. Then I went back to my 19 soldiers and discovered that our George was the son of a George Adolphus Smith and that the elder George was listed as the Station Master at Longwarry in 1914 Electoral rolls, so it all fitted. George was 19 when he enlisted in 1915. An article in the South Bourke and Mornington Journal in  June 1909 (see below) reports that Mr George Smith was leaving Narre Warren after eight years as Assistant Station Master, so both young George and his brother, William would have attended Narre Warren State School. As a matter of interest, Colin McClure, the father of Alexander McClure, above, 'occupied the chair' for the Smith's farewell social.
Smith, William Edward (SN 20121) William is also the son of George Adolphus and Alice Elizabeth (nee Bail) Smith and was born at Creswick and was living at Longwarry when he enlisted on April 4, 1917, just four days after his brother was killed. He was 18 years old. William Returned to Australia July 18, 1919. The brothers are listed on the Narre Warren War Memorial.

In June 1909, George and William Smith's father was farewelled from Narre Warren after eight years as assistant Station Master.

South Bourke and Mornington Journal, June 23, 1909 - click on this link to read the full report  http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article66200274

Stedman, Albert (SN 3262) Albert enlisted on July 14, 1915 at the age of 18 years and 8 months, or so he said. He was an 'asbestos worker' not an occupation that you hear of today. His father, also called Albert, was Station Master at Outtrim, was listed as his next of kin. Albert was Killed in Action in France on July 28, 1916 and a newspaper report in The Herald (see below) said he was actually on 17 years and 8 months old, so he was only 16 when he enlisted.
Stedman, Walter (SN 3909) Walter enlisted on November 4, 1915. He was 26 years old and a grocer. Walter Returned to Australia February 13, 1917 and discharged on medical grounds due to a gun-shot wound to his right foot.
Albert senior was the Station Master at Narre Warren for eight years and he left in July 1906 as he was appointed to Port Fairy. A report in the South Bourke and Mornington Journal of July 11, 1906 (see here) says that Mrs and Mrs Stedman had a very enjoyable farewell social at the Mechanics' Institute. The boys, who are listed on the Narre Warren War Memorial,  are the first cousins of Dugald MacKenzie, listed above.

Report of Albert Stedman's death.

The Herald November 29, 1916 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article242453294

Thomson, William Henry.  William was born in Narre Warren on December 31, 1897. He enlisted in the Royal Australian Navy on June 1, 1912, when he was not yet 15. His enlistment form says he was 4 feet 9 inches at the time and 'On Advancement to Man's rating' he had grown to 5 feet 3½ inches. His next of kin on enlistment was his mother, Elizabeth, who lived at Mordialloc.  William served until May 21, 1919. 

Wanke, Arthur Robert (SN 1427) Arthur enlisted on March 3, 1916. He Returned to Australia on December 12, 1918.
Wanke, Frederick William (SN 6379) Frederick enlisted on April 28, 1916 and Died of Wounds received May 17, 1918.
The boys were the sons of Emmanuel and Bertha (nee Aurisch) Wanke of Narre Warren and they are both listed on the Narre Warren War Memorial. A report of  Fred's death and his photograph was  published in the  Dandenong Advertiser on July 4, 1918 -

Quite a gloom was cast over the district of Harkaway when the sad news recently came to hand, that Private Fred. Wanke had been killed in action "Somewhere in France," on 17th May. This young hero was born and educated at Harkaway, and took a keen interest in any movement that was likely to improve the district. He was a member of the Harkaway Young Men's Club, and was always a true sport. When in camp, while on many of the numerous expeditions with his mates, his motto was: "Age before honor," and he never could do too much for any of the older members of the party. "Fred" was of most genial and obliging disposition, and was 28 years of age. He left a good home and loving parents, to go forth and do his share with the boys in the trenches, where he made the extreme sacrifice. When on furlough he devoted his time to studying the different methods of farming, and was keen on acquiring a knowledge of new ideas. Much sympathy is expressed by his many friends throughout the district, for Mr and Mrs Wanke and family, of "Hillcroft" who have lost a noble son, and brother. Private Arthur Wanke a brother of this fallen soldier, and who was also a member of the Harkaway Young Men's Club, is on active service in France. (9) 

Wauchope, Neil Andrew (SN 2239)  Neil is listed on the Narre Warren War Memorial. Neil was born at Narre Warren and he enlisted on July 9, 1915. He was 26 years old and a butter maker. He Returned to Australia on August 24, 1918 and discharged on medical grounds due to cardiac insufficiency. Neil was the son of William and Maggie Jane (nee Brunt) Wauchope. 

Webb, Frederick John (SN 28407) Frederick was 19 years old when he enlisted on May 29, 1916. He was a 'striker for blacksmith'. Frederick died of cerebro spinal meningitis in England on January 30, 1917. He was born in Narre Warren, the son of Frederick John and Amelia Webb, who were living in Richmond at the time of Fred's enlistment. Amelia's maiden name was also Webb. As you can see by the death notice, below, he was the brother of Alice, Leo, Doris, Sylvia, Stanley and 'little Reggie'. Reggie was Killed in Action in New Guinea on July 31, 1943, another tragic death for the family. I feel this family must somehow be connected to Sidney Webb, of  Narre Warren, the namesake of Webb Street, Narre Warren, but I am not sure how.

Loving tribute to Frederick from his sister, Alice.

The Age February 17, 1917 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article155187526

Whinfield, David Horace (SN 2776).  David was a 27 year old teacher at Narre Warren East State School, when he enlisted on August 7, 1916. He was born in Macorna and his next of kin was his father, Stephen, of Macorna. David was awarded the Military Medal and he Returned to Australia November 15, 1919.

Report of David Whinfield's Military Medal

South Bourke & Mornington Journal November 14, 1918 https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/66195050

Woodley, Ernest Simmell. Ernest enlisted on August 16, 1915. He was born in Narre Warren and was a 25 year old clerk. Ernest was discharged due to being medically unfit on May 29, 1916 as he suffered from 'traumatic epilspsy'. 
Woodley, George Herbert (SN 4570) George, a brother of Ernest, is listed on the Narre Warren War Memorial.  George enlisted on August 18, 1915. He was a 32 year old salesman and his next of kin was his wife, Maggie, whose address was Powlett Street, East Melbourne. On July 3, 1919 George requested that he be discharged in London, rather than having to return to Australia, as he had a position waiting for me in Calcutta and my presence is necessary there in August.  His request was granted.  

George and Ernest were the sons of Thomas and Hannah (nee Buckley) Woodley. Thomas operated a baker's shop on the corner of the Princes Highway and Webb Street.  Thomas had died on New Year's Day, 1906, he had gone to Melbourne to watch an interstate cricket match and partook of a meat pie after leaving the cricket ground, and that the pie caused ptomaine poisoning, which, with a subsequent sharp attack of peritonitis, was the cause of death (10)

Young, Walter Leslie (SN 632)  A Walter Young was farewelled at a social and dance in April 1916 along with Alfred Brown and Herbert Battersby. There is an Walter Leslie Young listed in the 1914 Electoral Rolls at Narre Warren North, his occupation is a merchant. I believe this is Walter Young who enlisted on February 9, 1916 at the age of 24. His occupation was a grocer. Walter was born in Diamond Creek and his next of kin was his mother, Mary, of Diamond Creek. Walter Returned to Australia May 27, 1919. 

This picture was taken in March 1993, just after the Narre Warren War Memorial was moved to the Civic Centre site. That's long serving Council Officer, David Westlake with a colleague.

Image: Casey Cardinia Libraries

Sources
Early days of Berwick and its surrounding districts (Berwick & District Agricultural and Horticultural Society, 3rd edition, 1979)
Early Settlers of the Casey-Cardinia District compiled by the Narre Warren and District Family History Group (2010)
In the wake of the Pack tracks: a history of the Shire of Berwick (Berwick Pakenham Historical Society, 1982)
Little Hills 1839-1977 by Max Thomson (Narre Warren North State School No.1901 Centenary committee, 1977)
Rigg of the railways: stationmasters of the Victorian railways by Tom Rigg (2001)

Footnotes
(1) http://www.caseycardiniaremembers.org.au/narre-warren-memorial-gates/
(2) http://www.caseycardiniaremembers.org.au/narre-warren-north-war-memorial/

(3) Vision and Realisation: a centenary history of State Education in Victoria edited by Les Blake (Education Department of Victoria, 1973); report of the opening of the Hall Dandenong Journal, November 29, 1928, see here.
(4) A short report of the unveiling can be found in the Box Hill Reporter, March 17, 1922, see here. You can read Colonel Knox's Australian Dictionary of Biography entry here. The City of Knox is named after him. 
(5)  Oak Trees and Hedges: a pictorial history of Narre Warren, Narre Warren North and Harkaway (Berwick Pakenham Historical Society, 2002)
(6) Narre Warren North War Memorial Unveiling - The Argus March 17, 1922, see here; Avenue of Honour - South Bourke & Mornington Journal, September 25, 1919, see here.

(7) Alexander McClure - Berwick Shire News,  May 17 1916, see here.  

(8) Sherriff - Arthur Mason Sherriff is the son of Alexander and Margaret (nee Gaskell) Sherriff. Mary Alice Sherriff is the daughter of Alfred and Maria (nee Auchetto) Sherriff. Alexander and Alfred are the sons of Alexander and Christina (nee Mason) Sherriff. Mary's sister Hilda, like Arthur, has Mason as her second name. 

(8) Frederick Wanke -Dandenong Advertiser, July 4, 1918, see here

(9) Mr Woodley - South Bourke & Mornington Journal,  January 3, 1906, see here.

Some of this information, which I wrote and researched, has appeared in posts in my work blog, Casey Cardinia Commemorates: Our War Years.