The Rocking Stone - 'a tottery lump of granite'

The Rocking Stone is located somewhere between Ferntree Gully and Narre Warren. In 1917 the Melbourne Walking Club (1) made three attempts to locate this natural feature. The efforts were reported in the Weekly Times. The short reports are transcribed below.

  

The Rocking Stone. Photographer: Charlie Hammond.

The men are identified as Fred Swords and Cr Robert Kerr on the right.

They are both referred to in the November 10, 1917 article below.

State Library of Victoria Image H90.72/63. It is dated c. 1900, but it is possibly from 1917.

AN ELUSIVE LAND MARK
Ten members of the Melbourne Walking Club on Sunday last sought the "Rocking Stone" that lies on a hillside somewhere between Ferntree Gully and Narre Warren, and they declare that they would have found it but for the "assistance" offered by a local resident. This is the second attempt the club has made to locate the tottery lump of granite, and the members went armed with the best available information as to its whereabouts. It was against their better judgment that they followed a resident who declared that he knew all about it, and their forebodings were justified, for he gave up the hunt after-wasting their afternoon, and once, more they had to return unsatisfied. Their consolation lay in the fact that they had had a good breezy walk over picturesque country; even if they had not achieved their original aim. A third try will be made on Sunday, November 11, when the elusive rock will be stalked from the Narre Warren side.
Weekly Times, November 3, 1917, see here.

THE ROCKING STONE LOCATED
Last week I described an unsuccessful effort made by members of the Walking Club to locate the Rocking Stone, Sugar Leaf Hill. Mr Fred W. Swords, of Dandenong, writes for the benefit of those who intend making another effort as follows: - "Might I suggest that the walkers come to Dandenong by train on Sunday morning, ariving here from the city at 12 noon. Lunch at one of the local hotels, and then take a back road to the rock - a distance of seven or eight miles. There is a good stiff climb to the top of Sugar Loaf Hill with a very fine view of the surrounding country and away to Westernport. The return journey could be made to Narre Warren or Hallam railway stations, a walk of about eight miles. A train could be caught, arriving at Dandenong at 8 p.m. Cr. Robert H. Kerr, "Aura," is on the adjoining hill and if the secretary of the Walking Club writes to me at once I would arrange for Mr Kerr to provide afternoon tea. If the walkers decide to come to Dandenong, I would act as 'guide and friend,' and carry your camera, for I would have to drive, being incapacitated from walking by rheumatism." Mr Swords' address is c/o "Dandenong Advertiser," Walker street, Dandenong.
Weekly Times, November 10, 1917, see here.

THE ROCKING STONE AGAIN By "ALL ROUND"
The Melbourne Walking Club officials noted with pleasure the generous offer made by Mr F. W. Swords, of Dandenong, in these columns, to lead them to the elusive rocking stone, and advantage would have been taken of it, but that arrangements were already perfected for a trip from Narre Warren. This was carried out on November 11, when eleven members, accompanied by some lady friends, made the excursion. The day was delightful until three o'clock, then a thunderstorm, with haIl, drove the party to the shelter of a hay-shed for half an hour. Lunch was held at a little creek some miles out, and at about five miles from Narre Warren, and about 5½ from Ferntree Gully station, the rocking stone was located on the north-west side of a hill. It is a granite tor, said to contain about 9½ tons, and is so balanced on another mass of stone that It can readily be swayed several inches. In shape it is, as Hamlet remarked of the cloud, "very like a whale." After inspection the walk was resumed to Wellington road, along the Monbulk Valley, and so to the Ferntree Gully station, to catch the evening train home.
Weekly Times, November 17, 1917, see here.

Fred Swords
This information about Fred Swords, who is mentioned in the second and third reports, and his family, publishers of the Dandenong Advertiser, comes from the Weekly Times of January 13, 1934, see here. The Dandenong Advertiser ceased publication in 1959 (1).

NEWSPAPER'S BIRTHDAY
The Dandenong Advertiser celebrated its 60th birthday on January 4. Established by the late James W. Swords in January, 1874, the Advertiser has had a successful career, and was the first newspaper printed in Dandenong, circulating at that time over a big area, including Phillip Island, Hastings, Flinders, the Mornington Peninsula, Bass, Leongatha, Warragul, Emerald, Ferntree Gully, and Cockatoo. On the death of James Swords, the business was carried on by his eldest son, Henry Falkiner Swords, who was later joined by his brother, Frederick Walter Swords, who succeeded to the control of the destinies of the Advertiser on the death of his brother late in 1917. The death of Frederick Walter Swords occurred on July 19, 1923. He bequeathed the business to his wife Joan E. Swords, and his eldest son, James Walter, the present owner. There are two other sons who are connected with the Advertiser, Henry Falkiner, compositor and machinist; and Robt. R. Falkiner, literary representative.

The late James W. Swords came out from the North of Ireland in 1840 on the barque "Theresa," as a writer to the staff of the Port Phillip Gazette. In 1842 he established the Portland Guardian, the first provincial press in the State, and after disposing of it, joined the staff of the Argus in 1846. Later still he left the Argus and established several country newspapers, including the Wahgunyah Watchman, Kilmore Free Press, and the Ballan Reporter. In the latter part of 1873 he went to Dandenong, and it was on this visit that he decided to establish the Dandenong Advertiser. While on the Advertiser, Fred. Swords frequently rode on horseback to Tooradin to catch the boat to Phillip Island, in order to report the Phillip Island Council meetings. He also rode on occasions to Pakenham, Kooweerup and Ferntree Gully.
Weekly Times of January 13, 1934, see here.

Cr Robert Kerr
Robert Hart Kerr, mentioned in the second report, died on October 25, 1944 aged 87. The family property was Aura, in Narre Warren North. This is his obituary.
LONG SERVICE AS COUNCILLOR
Death of Mr. R. H. Kerr
Mr. Robert Hart Kerr, who had been a resident of the Dandenong district for many year died at Cheltenham on Thursday. Born at 236 Collins-street, Melbourne, on May 26, 1857, with his parents, he took up residence at Narre Warren in 1868. He was a member of the Berwick Board of Advice for 23 years. In 1890 he was elected to the Fern Tree Gully Shire council, and represented the South riding for 35 years. During that time he was president on eight occasions, and was absent from only one meeting. He represented the Fern Tree Gully council for 32 years at the annual municipal conference, He was chairman of the Fern Tree Gully and Gembrook Railway Trust for 20 years, and for 58 years was a member of the committee of the Dandenong Agricultural Society. He was responsible for the movement for compulsory registration of motor cars, the introduction of the Pure Foods Act, as well as several important amendments to the Local Government, Act. He was a Justice of the Peace for many years. The funeral will take place to day, leaving W. J. Garnar and Son's parlors, Dandenong, at 10 a.m., for the Boroondara cemetery, Kew.
The Age, October 27, 1944, see here.

Footnotes
(1) Melbourne Walking Club https://www.melbournewalkingclub.org/

(2) Brennan, Niall Chronicles of Dandenong (Hawthorn Press, 1973), p. 137.

A version of this blog post, which I wrote and researched, also appears on my work blog - Casey Cardinia Links to Our Past.

Mechanics' Institutes and the Women's Suffrage Movement

Mechanics’ Institutes have been the heart of their communities for social, educational and cultural activities since they were established in suburbs and country towns throughout Victoria; in fact nearly 1,000 were erected in Victoria.  The term mechanic refers to an artisan or working man and the Institutes were established to provide an education through lectures and libraries for these men. The first Victorian Mechanics' Institute was the Melbourne Mechanics' Institute established in 1839 and renamed the Melbourne Athenaeum in 1873 (1).  Mechanics' Institutes would generally have a public hall, meeting rooms and the library and ranged from small weatherboard buildings to grand double storey edifices.

Mechanics’ Institutes have have also been part of the political process. Some Councils met in Mechanics’ Institutes before Council Offices were built; they have been used (and still are) over the years as polling places and political candidates have held meetings in the buildings. However, I thought we will look at Mechanics’ Institutes and their connection to the Women’s Suffrage movement. 

Women in South Australia gained the right to vote and stand for Parliament in 1894. In 1902, women Australia wide were granted the right to vote and stand for election in Federal elections; the first election they voted in was the 1903 one.  Victoria was the last State to give women the right to vote, this was in 1908 and they couldn’t stand for election until 1923. As a matter of interest,  the United States didn't allow women to vote until 1920 and the United Kingdom had introduced limited female suffrage in 1918 and extended the vote to all women in 1928 (2). 

The Suffrage movement began in Victoria on May 7, 1884 a group of women met in South Yarra to form the Victorian Women's Suffrage Society  (3). The next meeting was held at the South Melbourne Mechanics’ Institute on October 28, 1884 and it was very sparsely attended not fifty persons being present. The following motion was passed That in the opinion of this meeting, it is desirable that the Victorian legislators should pass an act legalising woman's suffrage. (4). 

South Melbourne Town Hall, where the second meeting of the Victorian Women's Suffrage Society  was held.  The building opened in June 1880 as the Emerald Hill Town Hall. The Mechanics' Institute was the section on the left; it was established in 1854 in another building. 

State Library of Victoria Image H2007.78/135

Many other meetings and debates took place around Victoria after this, often held in the local Mechanics' Institutes.  The events were either a traditional debate on the merits of the issue or meetings advocating for or against women’s suffrage.

Mechanics' Institute, Upper Maffra (Newry), where a debate on Women's Suffrage took place in August 1894. 

Photographer: John T. Collins, taken November 10, 1963. State Library of Victoria Image H98.250/1180

In May 1889, a debate was held at the Balmoral Mechanics’ Institute (5); in August 1894 at the Upper Maffra (Newry) Mechanics' Institute (6) and in July 1895 the Myrniong Mutual Improvement Association debated the issue at their local Mechanics’ Institute. (7). Also in 1895 at Longwood two gentleman debated the issue in the well filled Mechanics’ Institute. (8).  In all these instances the vote at the end of the night was against women’s suffrage, at Longwood, it lost by a large majority (9). 

At Myrniong, the issue was debated again in August  1898 by the local Debating Society, in conjunction with Bacchus Marsh Debating Society. The audience was still was not convinced of the merits of the argument and upon a vote being take the champions for the ladies found themselves in a minority of 2, the numbers being -  for, 12; against, 14 (10).  Debates were still being held two years later; in September 1900 the Gisborne Mechanics' Institute hosted the local Debating Club and the topic was Women's Suffrage, however, once again the majority was against the idea (11). 

In April 1897, the Narre Warren Literary and Debating Society was formed at the Mechanics' Institute and Women's Suffrage was the subject of their very first debate and a vote taken was strongly in favour of the affirmative. This is the only reference I can find where a debate produced a positive vote (12). 

Geelong Mechanics' Institute in 1866, where lectures in favor of Women's Suffrage were held.

Photographer: Eugen de Balk. State Library of Victoria Image H87.251

Alongside debates, many meetings were held in country towns with speakers advocating the extension of suffrage to women. In February 1892, the Reverend David O'Donnell spoke in favour of the matter at the Geelong Mechanics' Institute. He was a Congregational Minister at the time, though he began and ended his career as a Methodist Minister. He was also an advocate of the Temperance movement (13).  In June the same year John Vale lectured on Womanhood Suffrage at the Horsham Mechanics' Institute. John Vale was Secretary of the Victorian Alliance, a group formed in 1880 to co-ordinate Temperance objectives, as well as being the Secretary of the Independent Order of Rechabites (14). 

It was no coincidence that Women's Suffrage advocates and other social reformers were also involved in the Temperance movement, as they believed  that they could achieve their goals of restricting alcohol through political representation and that women would be more likely to vote for these measures. In April 1894, Mrs Christopher (15), President of the Women's Christian Temperance Union, chaired a meeting on Women's Suffrage at the Geelong Mechanics' Institute, attended by 400 women. One of the speakers, Mr E. Tennyson Smith clearly stated the nexus between Temperance and the Suffrage question; he was reported thus -  that he advocated the enfranchisement of women, because he believed that it would put an end to the evils of drink and gambling and other social vices. "Women would begin the exercise of their political rights by sweeping away the liquor traffic, and the gambling evil would follow, in its train." (16).  E. Tennyson Smith was an English Temperance advocate who toured  Australia in 1893/1894 (17).

In June 1894, at  the Nagambie Mechanics' Institute, Annette Bear-Crawford addressed the audience on Women's Suffrage. She was the founder of the Victorian Women's Suffrage League and the United Council for Woman Suffrage which co-ordinated groups advocating for the cause. She also organised the Queen's Willing Shilling appeal that led to the establishment of the Victoria Hospital for Woman and Children in 1896 (later called the Queen Victoria Hospital). Sadly, she didn't live to see either the opening of the Hospital or women receiving the vote as she died at the age of 46 in 1899 (18).  In November 1898, the Attorney General, Isaac Isaacs, who later became the Governor General, spoke at a well attended meeting at the Castlemaine Mechanics' Institute (19).  

There were, of course, many other meetings to  promote  Women's Suffrage held with local speakers.  For instance in June 1895 a panel of twelve speakers, six men and six women spoke on the issue at the Castlemaine Mechanics' Institute (20); in October 1895 a Women's Franchise League meeting was held at the Ballarat Mechanics' Institute (21) and  in December 1897 a public meeting was held at the Broadford Mechanics' Institute (22).

Advertisement for Vida Goldstein's meeting at the Cheltenham Mechanics' Institute

Brighton Southern Cross October 20, 1900 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article165303975

We will look at one more high profile speaker, Vida Goldstein. Vida, whose mother, Isabella, was a suffragist, tea-totaller and social reformer, was also an organiser of the Willing Shilling appeal. She was the first woman to stand for Parliament in the 1903 elections (23). Vida spoke at the Cheltenham and the Kyneton Mechanics' Institute in October 1900; at the latter it was reported that she gave cogent reasons why women should be enfranchised. She also answered satisfactorily questions from the anti-suffragists. (24). 

Because of course, there were many who objected to women being able to vote and one notable member of the Women's Anti-Suffrage League was Lieutenant-Colonel Goldstein, the father of Vida. Apparently although they lived in the same house he was estranged from his wife Isabella; but there must have been some interesting discussions on family occasions (25). Jacob Goldstein delivered an anti-suffrage lecture at the Beulah Mechanics' Institute in September 1900, in front of an audience of a 100 people, including forty women (26). 

It was the work of these supporters of Women's Suffrage that led to it being enacted in Australia on a Federal level and later in Victoria and gave women the right to visit their local polling booth on election days, more often than not at the local Mechanics' Institute, and cast their vote.

Trove - I have created  a list of articles on Women's Suffrage events held in Mechanics' Institutes, access it here.

Footnotes
(1) History of Mechanics' Institutes http://www.mivic.org.au/history-of-mechanics-institutes.html
(2) https://www.parliament.nsw.gov.au/about/Pages/Women-in-Parliament.aspx
(3) The Age, March 8, 1884, see here.
(4) Emerald Hill Record, October 31, 1884, see here. 
(5) Hamilton Spectator, May 16 1889, see here.
(6) Gippsland Times, August 9, 1894, see here.
(7) Ballan Times, July 25, 1895, see here.
(8) Euroa Advertiser, September 6, 1895, see here.
(9) Euroa Advertiser, September 13, 1895, see here.
(10) Bacchus Marsh Express, August 13, 1898, see here.

(11) The Argus, September 13, 1900, see here.
(12) South Bourke and Mornington Journal, April 7 1897, see here.
(13) Geelong Advertiser, February 16, 1892, see here. Read his obituary in the Spectator, July 24, 1914, here. 
(14) The Horsham Times, June 14, 1892, see here. Victoria Alliance  https://www.parliament.vic.gov.au/publications/research-papers/download/36-research-papers/13740-2016-2-liquorlaws-hn  Obituary of John Vale - Weekly Times, July 17, 1926, see here.
(15) Mrs Christopher - this was, I believe, Mary Christopher. She was listed in the 1903 Electoral Rolls at 19 Clarence Street, Geelong West, with her husband, Henry, who was a carpenter. Next door at No. 17 was her son Henry Frederick, a blacksmith, and his wife Mariam. Henry Junior was the Mayor of the Borough of Geelong West in 1907 (The Herald, August 26, 1907, see here). Mrs Christopher died in January 1921, aged 74.
(16) Geelong Advertiser, April 26, 1894, see here. 

(17) Mr  E. Tennyson Smith - short biog here - Adelaide Register October 27, 1911, see here.
(18) Nagambie Times, June 29, 1894, see here. Annette Bear Crawford - Australian Dictionary of Biography entry https://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/bearcrawford-annette-ellen-5168

(19) Ovens and Murray Advertiser, November 12, 1898, see here.

(20) Mount Alexander Mail, June 8, 1895, see here.

(21) Ballarat Star, October 11, 1895, see here.

(22) Broadford Courier, December 17, 1897, see here.
(23) Australian Dictionary of Biography entry https://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/goldstein-vida-jane-6418
(24) Brighton Southern Cross, October 20, 1900, see here; The Age, October 26, 1900, see here.

(25) Australian Dictionary of Biography entry https://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/goldstein-jacob-robert-yannasch-7041

(26) The Argus, September 17, 1900, see here

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.