What follows is a list of the World War One Soldiers who are on the RVMYC Honour Board. They are Abrahams, Frederick Alfred (Fred) / Abrahams, Louis Henry / Adams, H / Deacon, Allan Stanley / Dentry, Charles Clifford / Dixon, Herbert Fitzroy / Frankland, Harold Lear / Jones, Norman Henry / Langford, Leslie William / MacDonald, Donald / McBean, Charles Mortimer / Reid, Andrew Lambert / Stringer, Charles Henry / Stringer, Leslie / Watt, Ian Charles / Watts, Stanley Keevil / Winter, John Stodart. I have included their service number (SN), so you can look at their full record on the National Archives of Australia website
www.naa.gov.au
I hadn't realised that the club wasn't in Williamstown during the First World War, so my initial assumption that most of these men would have a Williamstown connection was dashed, thus it was a bit harder than I expected to identify these men. The Winner newspaper had regular reports, written by Hugh G. Hanna, on motor boating and boaterists, as he called those who participated in the sport. These reports included photos of members of the Victorian Motor Boat Club who enlisted and these photos are included here. Also of interest is that Hugh Hanna writes about, and has photos of, other Club members who enlisted who do not appear on the Honour Board, which makes me think that the names were compiled sometime after the War ended, perhaps even in conjunction with the World War Two names.
Abrahams, Frederick Alfred (Fred). The death of 25 year-old Fred on active service in France on September 10, 1916 was reported in the
Winner, on November 8, 1916 -
Prominent Boaterist gives life for the cause - Mr Hugh G. Hanna, hon. secretary of the Victorian Motor Boat Club, writes: - A cablegram has been received by Rear-Commodore H. Abrahams, from his aunt, Mrs G. Abrahams, who is at present in London, stating his cousin Fred had been killed in action in France. The news will be received with deep regret by the many friends of deceased. Mr Abrahams reached England just after the outbreak of war. He was one of the first to volunteer for active service, was rejected either two or three times, but so strong was his determination that he eventually enlisted in the Queen's Westminster Rifles. He had previously gone up for his commission, and passed with flying colors, but would not wait to be gazetted, and received his death wound before it reached him. His first engagement was at the big push on the Somme, where he remained fit and well in the trenches continuously for four months. The late Mr Fred Abrahams was the only son of the late Louis Abrahams, the founder of the firm of Snider and Abrahams Proprietary Limited, Lonsdale street. He was educated at Wesley College, was one of the keenest of the crew of the Kallara, formerly the property of his cousins, Lew and Bert. He was an inseparable companion of the latter. For three years off and on this boat was a familiar sight at the various ports round the bay. He left for England, it may be remarked, just prior to the launching of Katandra. Lew, the skipper, our ex-Rear-Commodore, also volunteered for active service, and is at present in camp in England with the motor transport. The members of the V.M.B.C. desire to extend their deep sympathy to the friends and relatives of their old club mate, whose lose they all deeply deplore. (5) Fred was the son of Louis and Golda (nee Brasch) Abrahams. Snider and Abrahams manufactured cigars and cigarettes.
Fred Abrahams, Killed in Action in France September 1916
Abrahams, Louis Henry (SN 11633). Louis was the cousin of Fred, above. He enlisted on February 14, 1916 at the age of 25 and his occupation was a supervisor. His next of kin was his father, Laurence, of Kallara, Park Street, South Yarra. Louis was assigned to the 3rd Divisional Supply Column, Motor Transport. After serving in France, he was granted leave without pay from March to August 1919 and given permission to return to Australia via America, at his own expense. Louis was the Rear-Commodore of the Club until his enlistment, when his brother Herbert took over the role. Louis and Herbert were the sons of Laurence and Esther (nee Hyams) Abrahams. Louis died at only 49 years of age in 1940 - it appears that he had a love of sailing and machines all his life. This is from his obituary in the Herald -
Mr Louis Henry Abrahams, 49, who died last night on his yacht at Williamstown, following a sudden illness, was a prominent figure in Melbourne's business life, and well known in yachting and aviation circles. He was joint managing director of Radio Corporation Pty. Ltd., Universal Guarantee Ltd., and Electronic Industries Ltd. He served in the last war with the 3rd Divisional Supply Column and was notable, in his business life, for encouraging aviation. In addition to yachting activities as a member of the Royal Yacht Club of Victoria, he did much flying in his own plane and introduced the use of planes by travellers of the companies with which he was associated. (6)
Louis Abrahams, who was the Rear-Commodore of the Club before his enlistment.
Adams, H. I had some trouble finding this man until I identified Donald MacDonald (see below) and then I found this reference to H. Adams in connection to Donald MacDonald and it fell into place - so now I know the role Mr Adams played in the War effort and have a photo of him, I just don't know his given name. The following was written by Hugh G. Hanna and appeared in the Winner in September 1915 -
Mr H. Adams has been appointed to Mr Donald Macdonald's staff of the Radiotelegraph Branch in the Pacific, where a number of Wireless Stations were annexed from the Germans. Mr Adams has just arrived at Rabaul, New Britain. He is a young man who has had a good general experience in engineering and electrical matters, having been connected for several years with The Bnstol Tramways and Carriage Company, the largest company of its kind in the West of England. On his arrival in Australia he joined the staff of Messrs Brodribb Bros., motor and general engineers, St. Kilda road, where he won the thorough appreciation of the firm for his skill and reliability. He should prove a decided acquisition to the staff to which he has been appointed. Mr Adams has left a host or warm friends behind him, all of whom wish him every success, and there is no doubt he will make many staunch friends in the Islands. (7)
H. Adams
Deacon, Allan Stanley (SN 3006) Allan was a 29 year old engineer when he enlisted on September 29, 1915. His address was 342 Albert Street, East Melbourne. He had been born in Scotland and his next of kin was his father Cecil, who lived in Scotland. Allan was assigned to the 5th Field Company Engineers and he Returned to Australia May 20, 1919. Allan married Beatrice Nelson on September 3, 1919 and he died in Sydney in 1972.
Allan Deacon donated a prize for a Victorian Motor Boat Club race
Dentry, Charles Clifford (SN 730) Cliff, as he was known, enlisted on July 22, 1915 in the 29th Battalion, B Company; he was a 31 year old clerk. He was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal, in recognition of valuable services rendered with the Armies in France and Flanders. He reached the rank of Staff-Sergeant and Returned to Australian May 8, 1919. Cliff was the son of Charles Omer and Flora (nee McPherson) Dentry living at the time in Barkly Street, Brunswick. Cliff and Charles were members of the Victorian Motor Boat Club - Charles having served as Commodore and Secretary and Cliff as secretary. Cliff's brother, Norman also enlisted, but is not listed on the Honour Board.
Dentry, Norman Hugh St Omer Dentry (SN 437). Norman enlisted on September 5, 1914; he was a 27 year old surveyor/engineer and was Killed in Action in Belgium on October 31, 1917. Cliff and Norman were the first cousins of Leslie Bassett Stringer, whom I have written about below.
Cliff Dentry
Dixon, Herbert Fitzroy (SN 9340) Herbert was a 23 year old motor mechanic and enlisted on July 26, 1915 assigned to the Army Medical Corps Motor Drivers. He attained the rank of Sergeant and was Mentioned in Despatches. Herbert Returned to Australia April 27, 1919. Herbert was the son of Herbert and Florence (nee Schilds) Dixon and was living in Canterbury at the time of his enlistment with his wife, Katie (nee Lowe); their little daughter Lyla, was born in September 1916, whilst he was on active service. Herbert died in 1958.
Herbert Dixon
Frankland, Harold Lear (SN 15127 and 7870) A. Frankland is listed on the Honour Board and he is mentioned in the article below, and thus we know he was a member of the Army Medical Corps, but I can't find an A. Frankland who enlisted, so I believe I am correct that the man on the Honour Board is actually Harold. Harold enlisted on August 19, 1915, he was a 23 year old electrician. He was assigned to the No. 14 Australian General Hospital and reached the rank of Staff Sergeant. Harold Returned to Australia January 31, 1919. Harold was the son of Frederick and Bonnie (nee Lear) Frankland and was living in Davis Avenue, South Yarra on enlistment.
Harold Frankland
Jones, Norman Henry (SN 22091) Norman was 22 year old scale maker when he enlisted on April 19, 1917 and was assigned to the Engineering Field Companies, General Reinforcements. He Returned to Australia July 13, 1919. Norman was the son of Edward and Elizabeth (nee Murray) of 67 Johnston Street, Fitzroy. Edward was a Scale and Platform Weighing Machine manufacturer. Norman's brother Ernest also enlisted, and for some reason he is not on the Honour Board, although he was involved with the Motor Boat Club, but I have written about him below, because he deserves to be listed.
From a report of Victorian Motor Boat Club activities - N. H. Jones has enlisted.
Jones, Ernest Paul (SN 5248) Ernest enlisted on July 12, 1915 at the age of 24 and his occupation was listed as a paper box maker; although his Roll of Honour circular notes his training as a motor boat mechanic. His next of kin was his father, Edward. Ernest was Killed in Action in Belgium on September 20, 1917. Ernest and Norman had a boat named Pax, with the Victorian Motor Boat Club and in Ernest's will, which he made before he embarked, he left his share of this boat to his brother Norman.
From Ernest's will from his Attestation file.
First Australian Imperial Force Personnel Dossiers, 1914-1920
Ernest Jones, Killed in Action
, Leslie William (SN 1512) An L.W. Langford is mentioned in the article, above, where he is enlisted around the same time as Norman Jones, in 1917. However, the only L.W. Langford I can find is Leslie William, a clerk, and he enlisted at the age of 21 on July 1, 1918; he was sent overseas to England and Returned to Australia August 22, 1919. Leslie was the son of Clements and Sarah (nee Coverlid) Langford of 23 Clifton Street, Richmond. There are mentions in the newspapers of Langfords connected to the Victorian Motor Boat Club - a G.L. Langford and a C. Langford and Leslie had a brother George and a brother Clements, so even though Leslie's enlistment date is nearly a year later than the newspaper article, I believe I have the right man. His father, Clements, was a master builder and amongst other projects, built the spires on St Pauls Cathedral. Clements died in 1930 and one of his obituaries noted that he was fond of boating and motor-boating.
(8) Leslie married Edith Damyon in April 1920, he died in 1967, aged 71.
The Sarona, built for Leslie's brother, Clements.
MacDonald, Donald. Donald MacDonald was a regular contributor to the Winner newspaper on motor boating and aviation and had an article on the history of the Victorian Motor Boat Club published in that paper in July 1914 (9). A report in the The Herald in November 1918 tells us something of his War time activities-
Immediately before the beginning of the war there were three German high-power stations in operation in the Pacific, namely, Yap, Nauru and Samoa. A fourth station of similar size had been begun at Bita Paka, situated close to Rabaul, the capital of the German South Sea possessions. Rabaul was in New Britain. The report continues -
When the late Brigadier-General Sir Samuel (then Colonel) Pethebridge left Sydney by the s.s. Eastern on November 24, 1914, on a tour of inspection Mr Donald Macdonald, an electrical engineer in the Postmaster-General's Department, accompanied him with a small wireless erectional gang for the purpose of making an examination of the German stations, and erecting some additional temporary stations necessary in connection with the conduct of military operations. (10)
MacDonald and his gang re-erected the wireless plant at Bita Paka which had been dismantled by the Germans on the landing of the Australian naval and military expeditions in September, 1914. (11) He was also in charge of the wireless stations in New Britain.
In July 1915, Hugh Hanna, who was a member of the Victorian Motor Boat Club and produced regular reports on the Club's activities for the Winner wrote - This being the birthday issue of "The Winner" and the occasion of laudatory reference to the patriotism of those contributors who have volunteered for active service, I have been specially requested by the Editor to mention Mr. D. Macdonald....Although Mr. Macdonald did not volunteer for active war service, in a sense, I fully agree that his efforts in placing the Commonwealth Radio Service on an efficient footing are no less valuable on that account, particularly so as some of the wireless stations are located in territory formerly belonging to the Germans. (12)
Donald MacDonald also employed two other Victorian Motor Boat Club members on radio stations in the Pacific - Mr H. Adams (see above) and Charles Stringer (see below). Not surprising that his fellow boaterists would have an interest in radio communication and could no doubt see the value it could be in recreational boating.
Donald MacDonald's appointment
On January 21, 1916 Donald was appointed Lieutenant-Commander Telegraphist, the appointment being made for temporary service in the Australian Naval and Military Expeditionary Force, such appointments to continue in force during the present war and for six months thereafter. (13)
McBean, Charles Mortimer (SN 8207) Charles enlisted June 18, 1915; he was a 27 year old salesman. He was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant and Returned to Australia January 14, 1919. Charles was the son of William and Lucy (nee Mortimer) McBean of 71 Riversdale Road, Hawthorn. Charles' grandfather, James McBean, established a jewellers business in the 1850s and from the 1890s occupied premises in the Block Arcade in Melbourne. William and later Charles also worked in the family business. (14) Charles died in January 1949.
Charles McBean
Reid, Andrew Lambert (Lieutenant). Andrew was a 26 year old refrigerating engineer when he enlisted on January 18, 1916. He was Killed in Action in Belgium on June 9, 1917. Andrew was the son of Henry Newman Reid and his wife Lucy (nee Marsden) of Haverbrack Avenue, Malvern. His father was the manager of the Glaciarium. The Glaciarium was the first ice-skating rink in Melbourne, it was located in City Road, South Melbourne and opened in 1916. As might be expected, Andrew was a champion ice skater, as noted in one of his obituaries. The Winner had this obituary in an account of a Victorian Motor Boat Club meeting -
The secretary was asked to forward a letter of condolence to the relatives of Lieut. A. L. Reid, owner of Mohawk, who was killed while on active service in France. Lieut. Reid, at the head of his men, was being piloted to his station near the front trenches, at Messines, in the early morning, on June 9, when they ran foul of the enemy, and he was killed in the scrimmage which followed. Lieut. Reid, who was a most popular officer, was, for nearly a year, acting as instructor at the Broadmeadows and Royal Park camps before he could get away. He had to sacrifice his rank to do so, but the fact that he regained it on service speaks well for his determination and pluck. Lieut. Reid was the first son of Mr Newman Reid, who built the Melbourne Glaciarium, as well as the one in Adelaide. All who were privileged to know Andy will grieve with his relatives in the loss of a noble son, a capable officer, a true friend, and a sport of the first water. (15)
Andrew Reid
Stringer, Charles Henry (SN 250) Charles was a 45 year old engineer, when he enlisted on December 11, 1914, in the 2nd Tropical Force. His war service record notes that he was detailed for duty at the Radio Telegraph Station, Bita Paka, in September 1915; the same radio station re-commissioned by Donald MacDonald (see above) and no doubt hand-picked by MacDonald for his team. Charles spent more time there and at Rabaul and Returned to Australia for discharge April 12, 1917. Charles was a committee member of the Victorian Launch Club and an inaugural committee member of the Victorian Motor Boat Club. He was married to Caroline Charlotte Dentry, the sister of Charles Omer Dentry, whom we have written about above.
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Charles Stringer's War Service
First Australian Imperial Force Personnel Dossiers, 1914-1920
Stringer, Leslie Bassett (SN 1734) Leslie is the son of Charles and Caroline; the nephew of Charles Omer Dentry and the first cousin of Cliff and Norman Dentry. Leslie was a 20 year old clerk when he enlisted on May 17, 1915. He obtained the rank of Corporal and Returned to Australia July 23, 1919. However, before he returned he got married on February 8, 1919 to Norah Stringer, whom I presume must have been a relative of some degree. Sadly, Norah died at the age of 36 in 1932, however Leslie lived until he was 98 and died in 1992. They had two children together and are buried at the Brighton General Cemetery.
Leslie Bassett Stringer
Watt, Ian Charles (SN 7914). Incorrectly listed as J.C. Watts on the Honour Board, and his correct name is confirmed by the article, below. Ian was a 21 year old farmer from Echuca when he enlisted on July 10, 1915, assigned to the 1st Australian General Hospital, Army Medical Corps. He Returned to Australia May 11, 1919. Ian was the son of James and Sybil (nee Lauder) Watt and his next of kin was listed as his mother, Sybil, whose address at the time was 241 Toorak Road, South Yarra. After the War Ian is listed in the Electoral Roll in St Kilda and he married Enid Mather Tombs in 1934.
Winner, October 13, 1915 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article155521684
Ian's brother, James Lauder Watt also served - he enlisted on March 12, 1915 with the rank of Lieutenant. He was a 26 year old, and operated the Echuca farm with his brother; James was awarded the Military Cross and Returned to Australia March 5, 1919. He also served in the Army in World War Two.
Ian Watt, incorrectly named as J.C. Watt.
Ian was no stranger to drama when it came to motor boating and this incident was report in September 1912 -
Through an accident to the driving-gear of the motor-launch Peggy, a party of five young men and three young women were compelled to spend the whole of Sunday night out on Hobson's Bay. The accident happened at 6 o'clock on Sunday evening, off the Brighton Pier. An attempt made to set the engine in motion resulted in the "starting" handle suddenly snapping asunder, and no repair was possible at sea. The launch was only half a mile from the shore, but in spite of distress signals, and blue flare lights, assistance was not forth coming. The party was rescued at day break, through a man in a dingy seeing them. The Peggy, which is 36 ft. long by 8ft. in width, is owned by Mr. S. Darby, of the Acme Motor Company. The names, of those who were on board the launch are as follows:-Julius J. Meyer, George Green, Rex Lindsay, Edward Sevier, Ian Charles Watt, Miss F. Ramshaw, Miss F. Yourelle, Miss J. Yourelle. (16)
Another report covered more of the rescue. The flares and distress signals were
seen at Kemp's Hotel during the early hours of this morning, but it was attributed to a passing boat.
Later, however, the predicament of the party was realised, and Mr Holloway, a fisherman, put off in a dinghy, and brought Mr Green, one of the party, ashore. Mr Green communicated with the city for assistance, and soon two or three boats were making for the Peggy. Owing to the heavy sea that rose early this morning, it was impossible to again set off from Brighton to the boat, and all had to remain on board until the Harbor Trust's Commissioner arrived on the scene. The Commissioner towed the Peggy to Williamstown, and from there the Rob Roy, under Mr Harry Hansen, did the work. About 3 o'clock the Peggy reached her anchorage at Prince's Bridge, where anxious friends were waiting to welcome those on board. (17)
Watts, Stanley Keevil (SN 13084) Stanley was a 20 year old bank teller and he enlisted on April 6, 1916, assigned to the 1st Australian Auxiliary Mechanical Transport Company. He Returned to Australia July 7, 1919. Stanley was the son of Walter Keevil and Charlotte (nee Watson) Watts of 130 Wellington Parade, East Melbourne. He married Julia Adeline Culhane in 1928 and they lived in the St Kilda area. Stanley died in 1968.
Stanley was the owner of the Cleopatra, which he purchased in June 1915; it must have been a wrench leaving her behind to serve overseas. In the early 1920s, Stanley was Rear Commodore of the Club and still owned and raced Cleopatra.
Stanley buys Cleopatra, 1915
Stanley has his motor cycle stolen, 1916
Cleopatra wins, 1921
Winter, John Stodart (SN 11966) John was an inaugural committee member of the Victorian Motor Boat Club. He enlisted on April 18, 1916, assigned to the 3rd Division Supply Column and reached the rank of Lance Corporal. He was 39 years old and a motor garage owner, and his next of kin was his wife Mary (nee Barry), of North Road, Brighton. John Returned to Australia August 24, 1918 and was discharged due to defective hearing. John's father Samuel Vincent Winter, was the General Manager of the Herald newspaper and his uncle Joseph Winter, was the manager of The Advocate, the Catholic newspaper. (18) John died in 1968, aged 91.
Farewell to John Winter and Louis Abrahams.
John Stodart Winter
Trove list - I have created a list of articles on Trove connected to the early history of the Club and the seventeen men on the World War One Honour Board, access it here.
Sources - General information about the soldiers comes from their files, officially known as the First Australian Imperial Force Personnel Dossiers, 1914-1920 at the National Archives of Australia, www.naa.gov.au. Family information comes from the Indexes to the Births, Deaths and Marriages and personal notices in the newspapers and the Electoral Rolls and other information about their activities with the Victorian Motor Boat Club from articles on my Trove list.
Footnotes(1)
Winner, July 29, 1914, see
here.
(2)
Leader, April 3, 1909, see
here.
(3)
Winner, July 29, 1914, see
here.
(4) See articles in my Trove list,
here.
(5)
Winner, November 8, 1916, see
here.
(6) Obituary -
The Herald, January 13, 1940, see
here; Louis had two letters from the Front published in the
Winner, whilst he was on service overseas -
Winner, September 6, 1916, see
here and
Winner, September 27, 1916, see
here.
(7)
Winner, September 15, 1915, see
here.
(8) Clements Langford -
The Argus, February 7, 1930, see
here;
The Herald, May 14, 1936, see
here.
(9)
Winner, July 29, 1914, see
here.
(10)
The Herald, November 21, 1918, see
here.
(11)
Daily Express, October 30, 1920, see
here.
(12)
Winner, July 21, 1915, see
here.
(13)
Commonwealth of Australia Gazette, June 8, 1916, p. 1304, see here. (14) McBean Jewellers -
The Argus, December 13, 1921, see
here;
The Argus, April 18, 1921, see
here.
(15)
The Winner, September 19, 1917, see
here.
(16)
Australasian, September 14, 1912, see
here.
(17)
Mount Alexander Mail, September 10, 1912, see
here; A short interview with Mrs Watt, about her son's adventure,
The Herald, September 9, 1912, see
here.
(18) Samuel Winter and Joseph Winter - Australian Dictionary of Biography entry
https://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/winter-samuel-vincent-4875
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