Gunner Francis Edward Beard was the 3rd of eight children of parents Robert Harrod Beard (1863-1940) and Charlotte Jane Watson (1863-1937). Francis was born in Hobart on 15th March, 1885. He was noted to be a master tailor and motor mechanic on his enlistment 17th November, 1915.

Francis embarked on HMAT Port Lincoln on 4th May, 1916, with the 16th reinforcements of the 2nd Field Artillery Brigade. This brigade was raised to support the 2nd Brigade of the 1st Division which was involved in most of the Allied operations on the Western Front. Francis joined the artillery training school on arrival in England and joined his unit in France in February, 1917. He did suffer with sickness and was hospitalised during his service. Francis returned to Australia 19th April, 1919.

Francis married Ethel Maud Meredith (1899-1989) in 1926 and they had five children. Two sons served during World War 2; Flight Sergeant Robert Beard killed in action 8th June, 1944 and Leading Aircraftsman Edward Beard. A daughter, Patricia, moved to the USA as a war bride.

In 1944, the family were living in Lockhart Street, Como. Francis died on 25th June, 1949, in Mt Hawthorn, and was cremated with his ashes spread over the gardens at Karrakatta Cemetery.

Trooper Albert Edwin Smith was the eldest of two sons of parents David Arundel Smith (1854-1931) and Agnes Leith Smith Craigie (1863-1943). He was born on 10th August, 1885 in Featherston, South Wairarapa, Wellington, New Zealand. His parents were living in Geraldton at the time of his enlistment and Albert was working as a machinist in Perth. He had married Ruby Florence Smith (1894-1987) in 1914.

Albert enlisted on 29th May, 1916, embarking on 26th February, 1917 on RMS Morea and joined his unit as part of the 26th reinforcements of 9th Light Horse Regiment, 20th May, 1917. A short time later he was infected with threadworm and did not rejoin his unit until September, 1917. 9th Light Horse Regiment was involved in the fall of Gaza via the outflanking move at Beersheba in October, 1917 and then pursued the enemy in a move to capture Jerusalem. Albert sustained a gun shot wound to the R hand in November, 1917. He returned to Australia in January, 1919.

Albert and Agnes had four children. Albert died on 28th September, 1972. He was cremated at Fremantle Cemetary. Image courtesy of the VWMA.

Albert’s younger brother, Corporal Ernest David Smith (1894-1921) served in artillery on the Western Front, suffering shell shock, gas poisoning and tuberculosis and died at age 37.

He embarked from Fremantle on 26th September, 1916 on HMAT Surada, arriving in England and joining 7th Training Battalion, then proceeded to France as part of the 15th Reinforcements of 28th Battalion 20th January, 1917. The start of 1917 saw the German consolidation of their Front Line via an orderly withdrawal through the ‘outpost villages’ along the Western Front. 28th Battalion as part of the AIF was tasked with a series of engagements around these villages. By 10th February, 1917, Oliver was suffering from Trench Feet and was invalided to England, rejoining his unit in July,1917. 28th Battalion took part in the “Last Hundred Days” campaign beginning with the Battle of Amiens in August, 1918 and then with 2nd Division’s “finest hour” attack on Mont St Quentin. Oliver remained with his unit until his return to Australia in May, 1919.

Oliver married Hilda Marie Larratt (1890-1968) in 1924. Oliver worked for Charles Moore and Co’s Western Australian Branch and was their longest serving employee at 36 years. He attained the position of staff manager. He was living at 11 Lawley Crescent at the time of his death 8th November, 1951. He passed away on his birthday and is buried at Karrakatta Cemetery

He is mentioned on memorials in Maylands.

Lieutenant Christopher John Long was the first born of eight children of parents Conrad Long (1858-1922) and Minna Emma Stammer (1862-1944). He was born in Woodend Victoria on 20th July, 1883. The Long family were living in Kanowna, WA, in 1906 when the last of Christopher’s siblings was born.

He married Harriet Lavinia Wilson in Boulder 1907. Christopher was the Commissioned Area Officer of the Boulder Citizen’s Military Force at the time of his enlistment as a Lieutenant on 23rd March, 1916. He embarked from Fremantle, 13th October, 1916 on the Port Macquarie, arriving in Plymouth and transferring to the 4th Training Battalion (and while there suffering Pleurisy), then 70th Battalion and finally joining his unit, 16th Battalion, on the Western Front 3rd April, 1917. The Battalion spent much of 1917 in trench warfare, advancing to the Hindenburg Line. April saw the Battalion suffer heavy losses at Bullecourt.

Christopher sustained a gun shot wound to the L upper arm resulting in a compound fracture while fighting at Ypres on 26th September, 1917. He was evacuated and treated at the 3rd London General Hospital. He required surgery to remove bone fragments and he was left with stiffness of the elbow and shoulder. He returned to Australia on 4th May, 1918 and his appointment was terminated on 12th September, 1918.

https://vwma.org.au/explore/people/270002

Christopher and Harriet had five children. The eldest, Private Christopher Raymond Long (1916-1989), a planter in Carnarvon, served in WW2.

It is noted Christopher took delivery of a Model 501 Fiat in November, 1924. Christopher died on 23rd December, 1948 and was cremated at Karrakatta Cemetery.

Sapper William Alexander Grant was one of five children of parents Susan Ann (Annie) Dickison (1867-1929) and John Grant (1851-1929). William and his twin sister Florence were born in Hindmarsh, SA, on 6th March, 1895. William was a hairdresser at the time of his enlistment as a 12th reinforcement, 16th Battalion, on 25th September, 1915. He embarked from Fremantle on HMAT Ajana on 22nd December, 1915 and was taken on strength from 16th Battalion into the 4th Division Signalling Company on 18th March, 1916. He served as a “linie” on the Western Front.

The Division Signalling Companies belonged to the Royal Australian Engineers during WW1 and they were responsible for providing communications from Headquarters to the subordinate formations. Communications in 1916-18 would be by a combination of field telephone requiring the laying of lines and limited radio towards the end of WW1. At various times homing pigeons and motorcycle dispatch riders were also used. The “linies” had to move above ground carrying a reel of wire. They could often be the only moving thing on the battlefield and thus attracted fire-both small arms and artillery. These tasks were often performed at night with the added risk of disorientation on the battlefield. The linies also had the unenviable task of locating and repairing breaks in the line.

William was killed in action on 27th April, 1918 at Hennecourt, France. His parents received a memorial plaque, scroll and victory medal. He is buried in the Frechencourt Communal Cemetery(image of the original cemetery) in Amiens, France, with the inscription, ” In loving remembrance, He answered the call, For King and Home”.

https://vwma.org.au/explore/people/65699

Private Lesley Como ‘Leslie’ Coffey was the third of seven children of parents Francis (Frank) Edward Coffey (1860-1899) and Catherine (Kate) Auchetto (1864-1952). He was born in Chewton, Victoria, in 1892. He was educated at St Killian’s Christian Brothers Bendigo. The family moved to Western Australia following the death of Francis and by 1910 were living in Farnley Street. Leslie enlisted on 17th March, 1916, with the 18th Reinforcements 16th Battalion. His occupation listed at enlistment was a machinery assembler. Electoral rolls noted he had been a letter carrier.

Leslie embarked on A48 Seang Chow on 18th July, 1916. He disembarked at Plymouth and was assigned to 4th Training Battalion. Leslie departed for France on SS Princess Victoria in December, 1916 and was taken on strength by 16th Battalion 22nd December, 1916. The Battalion spent much of 1917 in Belgium advancing to the Hindenburg Line. The Battalion, along with 4th Brigade, suffered heavy losses at Bullecourt in April when the Brigade attacked strong German positions without promised tank support. As the Battalion moved into the line of attack on 11th April, 1917, Leslie and two companions were sleeping in a dugout in the railway cutting at Noreuil, when a shell burst buried all three men. The men were dug out as soon as possible but all had been suffocated. The men were not formally buried and their bodies were not recovered after the war.

Leslie had two brothers also enlist in WW1; Francis Bernard (alias Patrick Bernard O’Leary) and Thomas Bernard. Mother Kate was granted a pension of 40/- per fortnight from July, 1917, and also received his medals, memorial plaque and scroll. Leslie is honoured at the Australian War Memorial Roll of Honour, Fremantle 849 Memorial, Mount Lawley-Inglewood War Memorial and Villers-Bretonneux Memorial. Image is the Bullecourt Digger taken by the author.

Warrant Officer Class 2 Thomas Bernard Coffey was the fifth of seven children of of parents Francis (Frank) Edward Coffey (1860-1899) and Catherine (Kate) Auchetto (1864-1952). He was born in Chewton, Victoria, on 25th January, 1896. Thomas was a clerk at the time of his enlistment with 14th Reinforcements, 44th Battalion on 22nd November, 1915. He embarked on HMAT Suevic on 6th June, 1916 having already been promoted as the company quartermaster in March. He attended the messing school in Weymouth in October and departed for France in November, 1916. He was promoted to Warrant Officer Class 2, Regimental Quartermaster in December.

The 44th spent the bleak winter of 1916-17 alternating between service in the front line and training and labouring in the rear areas. The Battalion fought its first major battle at Messines in June. Thomas sustained a gun shot wound to the jaw on 5th June, 1917. He rejoined the Battalion on 27th June, 1917, after spending three weeks in a field hospital. The following months saw the Battalion involved in operations in the Ypres sector. At the end of these operations in October, only 158 men emerged unwounded out of 992. In the spring of 1918, the Battalion took part in the preparatory battle of Hamel and its last action was breaching the formidable defences of the Hindenburg Line along the Mont St Quentin Canal. At this stage the Battalion’s strength was 80 men. The unit had acquired 15 battle honours including a Meritorious Service Medal awarded to Thomas. The citation noted Thomas was instrumental in getting ammunition and rations to the forward troops. These journeys usually involved being in active operational areas, entailing exposure to heavy enemy shell fire. Apart from the time spent injured, Thomas was in the entire operational time of the 44th Battalion in France-a remarkable achievement.

Thomas was granted leave in 1919 and he participated in a wool classing course at Halifax College. He returned to Western Australia on Barambah and lived with his mother and sisters in Farnley Street, working as a motor mechanic for Charles Pearn in Newcastle Street for a time. Thomas along with mother Kate and sister Veronica then moved to South Kumminin and farmed sheep for wool production. They moved onto Toodyay in the 30’s. He enlisted in WW2 in the 9th Battalion, Volunteer Defence Corps, Northam in 1942. Thomas retired and was living in Floreat for some years. He died in South Perth on 27th January, 1967 and is buried at Karrakatta Cemetery. Brother’s Leslie and Francis (alias Patrick Bernard O’Leary) also enlisted in WW1.

Sergeant Henry (Alex) Alexander Hunt was one of two children of parents Henry and Adela Hunt. He was born in Marrickville, Sydney and was a 26 year old commercial salesman when he enlisted on 21st May, 1915 into 1 Australian General Hospital. His wife, Elizabeth, was living with Mrs Millard at “Wentworth”, 21 Farnley Street, Mt Lawley. He embarked from Fremantle 25th June, 1915, on HMAT Wandilla.

Alex served with 1 Australian General Hospital. The hospital was situated in Heliopolis, Cairo, in a large, palatial building, The Heliopolis Palace Hotel, and in tents. The hospital served all ranks of the AIF including those from Egypt and the sick and wounded from the Gallipoli Expedition. In May, 1916, the hospital moved to Rouen, France, to service the Western Front. The hospital cared for all ranks of the British (except officers), Australian, New Zealand, Canadian and US armies. Alex’s wife was now living at 141 Chelmsford Road and was receiving an allotment from the government.

Alex was promoted through the ranks and was transferred to 2 Field Ambulance on 19th August, 1918. 2 Field Ambulance was supporting the 2nd Australian Infantry Division and in late August was receiving gas casualties, up to 101 in a 24 hour period. A gas centre was established. The Field Ambulance moved with the Division and in early September found itself situated in Bouzencourt, “a delightful spot on the banks of the Somme Canal”, according to the commanding officer! The Ambulance then moved to Peronne, Mont St Quentin and Brusle (the chosen site for the ambulance had been “jumped by a Canadian Railway unit”). By October the Ambulance was situated in Yaucourt-Bussus. The original 1914 members departed for Australia on furlough.

Following Armistice, the Field Ambulance was billeted at Louverval, France. Preparations were in place for demobilisation and return to Australia. Alex was discharged on 3rd August, 1919. Electoral records has Alex living in North Perth and then Rockingham in 1968. He died on 14th July, 1969 and is buried at Fremantle Cemetery. Image courtesy of the City of Vincent library.

Sergeant Charles Andrew Templeton Atkinson was the eldest of two children of parents Frederick Green Atkinson (5/5/1855-31/3/1914) and Margaret Atkinson (1856-1931). He was born in Williamstown Victoria on 8th June, 1889. Charles was a draughtsman in government services at the time of his enlistment 5th January, 1916. He embarked on A48 Seang Bee on 18th July, 1916 and joined the 4th Training Battalion.

Sergeant Charles Andrew Templeton Atkinson was the eldest of two children of parents Frederick Green Atkinson (5/5/1855-31/3/1914) and Margaret Atkinson (1856-1931). He was born in Williamstown Victoria on 8th June, 1889. Charles was a draughtsman in government services at the time of his enlistment 5th January, 1916. He embarked on A48 Seang Bee on 18th July, 1916 and joined the 4th Training Battalion.

Charles was taken on strength as one

Charles was taken on strength as one of the 18th reinforcements to 16th Battalion on 30th October, 1916. The Battalion was fighting on the Western Front and in April of 1917 was involved in the First Battle of Bullecourt. Charles suffered a grenade injury to his right hip and calf and was captured by the Germans 10th April, 1917. He was imprisoned in Germany until the end of the war. Charles was initially listed as missing. A timber merchant uncle in Victoria, John Robertson, tried to find information on Charles. The Red Cross obtained information regarding his imprisonment in Zerbet. The Germans held excellent records and photos of the POWs.

Charles was repatriated from Germany on 7th January, 1919 and he returned to Australia 31st March, 1919. He married Vera Annie Bailey (1892-19/7/1937) later that year. They lived at 41 Third Avenue, Mt Lawley. Vera must have been an excellent cook as she one third prize for her honey sandwich sponge cake in 1933. Charles and Vera had two children, Warrant Officer Class 1 and architect, Bruce Frederick Robinson Atkinson WW2, and daughter Shirley. Vera died in 1937 at St Anne’s Hospital, Mt Lawley, aged 46.

Charles worked as an architect until he died on 11th March, 1944. he is buried at Karrakatta Cemetery. Charles is memorialised on the Ballarat Australian ex-prisoners of war Memorial and the West Perth Public Works Department of Western Australia Honour Roll.

Sergeant Walter Charles (Chas) Fuller was the 5th child of parents John Fuller (1841-1905) and Mary Rogers (1861-1936). He was born in South Melbourne in 1893. Walter was a Bank Clerk in the Western Australian Bank at the time of his enlistment in 10th Light Horse Regiment on 19th July, 1915. Walter listed his home town as Leonora. His Next of Kin was his sister Mrs Ethel Maud Phillips who lived at 27 Farnley Street, Mt Lawley. He embarked on 13th October, 1915 on A32 HMAT Themistocoles.

After the Gallipoli campaign, the 10th Light Horse Regiment was brought up to strength to defend Egypt from the Ottoman Army advancing to the Suez Canal. Through 1916, they drove the Turks across the deserts of Sinai, participating in the Battles of Romani and Magdhaba.

Walter suffered an accidental gun shot wound to the left foot at Ferry Post #9 near Gebel Hebeita on 23rd April, 1916. A board of inquiry had a finding of misadventure however the Brigade Commander found Trooper Fuller was careless and he was deprived of pay while ‘ineffective’. Walter required surgery to the left foot in August, 1916. Following his recovery, Walter was detached to the Postal Corps at the base post office in Kantara. He suffered malaria in October, 1918 and was promoted to Sergeant in November, 1918. Walter was discharged on 25th October, 1919.

The Western Australian electoral roll has Walter living in Mt Leonora in 1919 and selling a mining lease in 1921. He was in trouble with the law, appearing in a Criminal Court in October 1921, noting he was a former clerk in the Western Australia Bank. Walter pleaded not guilty to a charge of forging signatures on documents purporting to be entries in a gold dealer’s book kept by the Bank showing particulars of gold purchased by the Bank. He was bailed for £100.

Walter was living at 4 Duncraig Road, Applecross in 1967 when he applied for his ANZAC medallion. He died on 11th September, 1969 and is buried at Karrakatta Cemetery under the name Charles Walter Fuller. Walter has memorials with the Western Australia Bank WW1 Roll of Honour located now in Westpac’s Homebush Office, the Leonora Honour Roll, the Leonora Road Board District Roll of Honour and the Leonora War Memorial. Image courtesy of the VWMA.

Trooper Henry James Franklin was the 2nd of six children of parents Henry Franklin (1862-1950) and Hannah Bugg (1861-1942). He was born in Mt Barker, South Australia on 19th January, 1889. At the time of his enlistment as an 11th reinforcement of 10th Light Horse Regiment, 16th August, 1915, he was the assistant station master at Mt Lawley railway station. Embarkation was via HMAT Benalla 1st November, 1915.

On the 9th January, 1917, the 10th Light Horse Regiment attacked and captured the Turkish post at Rafa. On the 11th January Henry sustained a gun shot wound to the left shoulder. He was invalided back to Australia on HT Willochra and was discharged on 19th October, 1917. His details are listed in ‘Australia’s Fighting Sons of the Empire’ WA edition, page 89.

Henry married Agnes Foster Knight (1892-1979) in Albany 1917. They farmed at Calingiri and he was active in the RSL. In 1942 and at 52 years of age, Henry enlisted in the 9th Battalion Volunteer Defence Corps and served until the end of WW2. Henry continued farming and in 1949 was living at ‘Lyndale” orchard in Byford. By 1958, Henry and Agnes had retired and were living at 13 Wheatley Street, Gosnells. Henry died on 29th August, 1971. He has a memorial plaque on the St Mary Columbarium Wall.

Henry had two brothers with military service; Corporal Stanley Franklin SN 91, 10th Light Horse Regiment and Trooper George Franklin SN 3054, 3rd Australian Machine Gun Squadron and W36715 WW2. Henry’s brother-in-law Lieutenant Frank Churm WX8528, 2/28 Battalion, died from rheumatic endocarditis in October, 1942.

Henry and Agnes had six children. Three sons served in WW2; Signaller William Franklin WX1006, 2/11 Battalion, prisoner of war in Germany1941-1945 , Leading Aircraftman Eric Franklin 29227 RAAF and Leading Aircraftman Noel Franklin 80409 RAAF.

Image courtesy of VWMA.

Lieutenant John Henry (Harry) Snaden was the 3rd of four children of parents William Thomas Snaden (-4/2/1953) and Marion Elliot Grimshaw (-15/11/1933). John was born in Perth in 1895 and was educated at Perth Boy’s School. John sat the University of Adelaide primary examinations in 1908 and passed in geography, English History, Latin and Geometry. He attended the University of Western Australia, studying an Arts Degree and was teaching at Pearce in 1915.

John enlisted the 8th Reinforcements, 12th Battalion on 18th June, 1915. He embarked on HMAT Anchises 26th September, 1915, joining his unit in November. At the time, 12th Battalion was being withdrawn from the failed campaign on the Gallipoli Peninsular. In March 1916, the 12th Battalion was deployed to the Somme on the Western Front. The first major action was at Pozieres and then later action was at Ypres. John was promoted through the ranks while in the field and was transferred to commence officer cadet training in Oxford December, 1916. He was promoted to 2nd Lieutenant in March, 1917. The Battalion took part in a brief advance that followed the German Army’s retreat to the Hindenburg Line. For their valorous actions near Boursies, 2 members of the Battalion were awarded the Victoria Cross. John was wounded in this action, sustaining injuries to the face, right eye, hands and left shoulder. He was admitted for treatment in the 3rd General Hospital, London. John was promoted to Lieutenant In July, 1917. He was placed on a supernumerary list and returned to Australia for discharge January, 1918.

John resigned from the WA teaching service in May, 1918. In 1926, he was working as an officer in the WA Customs Department. 1926 also saw John becoming engaged to Lucie Andree Haywood, daughter of Mrs and Mrs C W Andre Haywood of Cremore, NSW and formerly Cottesloe. Mr Haywood had occupied a prominent position in the press circles of Kalgoorlie and Perth. John and Lucie married later in the year in Mosman, NSW. John and Lucie lived in Nedlands and Claremont, WA and later the ACT, Mosman, Turramurra and Wollstonecraft, NSW. John worked in the Department of Trades and Customs.

John died in Sydney on 8th January, 1971. He has a memorial at the NSW Garden of Remembrance at Rookwood, Cumberland Council. John’s sister Hazel (Dot) died in Singapore in 1924. Brother Private William Charles Snaden, W66945, served in WW2. John lost paternal two uncles on the Western Front, WW1.

Image courtesy of the VWMA.

Lance Corporal David William Kenworthy was the 6th of nine children of parents William Kenworthy (1850-1923) and Mary Ann (Marianne) Goodman (1857-1936). David was born in Perth on 14th September, 1889. David was a clerk at the time of his enlistment as a 2nd Reinforcement, 28th Battalion on 15th June, 1915. He embarked from Fremantle 22nd July, 1915 on HMAT Demosthenes and joined his unit in October, 1915. The Battalion had a relatively ‘quiet time’ at Gallipoli(!), and it departed for Egypt in December 1915, then proceeded to France and the Western Front.

The Battalion’s first major action was at Pozieres, 28th July, 1916. On 29th July, 1916, David sustained a severe shrapnel wound to his left upper arm. He was treated at the 3rd General Hospital, Manchester. He did not return to his Battalion until November, 1917. 28th Battalion wintered in Belgium and in early 1918 transferred to the Somme in response to the German Spring Offensive. In March and April, the Battalion defended around Villers Bretonneux and in June, July it was involved in an action around Morlancourt. It was here, on the night of 10/11 June, 1918, David was awarded a Military Medal. His recommendation to the King read; ‘This man showed conspicuous gallantry and initiative throughout the whole attack. On finding that his platoon officer and NCOs were casualties, he took charge of the platoon, gained the objective, and carried on with the organisation and consolidation with great coolness and ability. He set an outstanding example of courage and leadership.’

David was wounded in action, sustaining a gun shot wound to left hand, 9th July, 1918. He was invalided to England for treatment in the 3rd Southern General Hospital. David was promoted to Lance Corporal on 19th August, 1918. He returned to Australia in December, 1918.

David married Daisy Alma White (1895-1963) on 27th September 1921. In 1939, David enlisted for WW2, W47782. He served in the 29th Garrison Battalion. At the time of enlistment, David was a storekeeper and lived with Daisy in Government Road, Morley Park. He was medically discharged in January, 1943 at age 53 years. David was living at 122 Walter Road,Bedford when he applied for his Gallipoli Medallion.

David died on 18th May, 1970, in Bedford, and is buried at Karrakatta Cemetery. His son Roy William Kenworthy, WX37751, WW2, served with the 2/12th Australian Commandos in Borneo. David’s grand daughter, Major Julie Kenworthy, also served in the ADF.

Photo courtesy of Ancestry.

Driver Percy Carlyle Neville was the 10th of 11 children of parents Thomas Neville (1843-1914) and Mary Elizabeth Wilding (1850-1916). He was born on 3rd September, 1893 in Eidsvold, Queensland. He was a Bruce Rock farmer at the time of his enlistment 8th March, 1917 in the 1st Light Horse Brigade Machine Gun Section. Brother Edgar Wesley Neville was his next of kin as both parents had died. Edgar was living in Farnley Street.

Percy embarked on HMAT Port Lincoln 30th June, 1917. The soldiers in this Squadron were equiped with Vickers medium machine guns. They provided support to their parent Brigade throughout the Egypt and Palestine campaigns 1916-1918. Elements of this Squadron provided fire support at the famous charge at the Battle of Beersheba on 1st October, 1917. Percy was wounded in the field in November, 1917, however he remained on duty.

Percy was hospitalised for management of an abscess in January, 1918 and upon discharge was seconded to the school of instruction, becoming a qualified instructor in June, 1918. Percy had malaria in July, 1918, and in August, returned to his unit as a driver. Percy returned to Australia in March, 1919.

Following the war, Percy farmed at ‘Carlisle Park’, Lot 105, Yandanooka Estate. He was a very active member of the community including membership of the Yandanooka Building Committee 1922, Foundation member of the Tennis Club and first chairman 1923, Chairman of the Gala Day 1930, member and president of the Yandanooka Farmer’s Association, member of the Yandanooka branch of the Primary Producer’s Association, member of the Cricket Club and member of the Mingenew Football Club.

A Western Mail report of 26th December, 1929 stated that Mr P C Neville had the distinction of possessing the highest individual average of the Yandanooka team that won the Challenge Shield for the district wheat yield competition in the previous season. His average was 31.28 bushels.

He married Melva Gladys Lila Irlam (1905-1975) in St Andrew’s Church, 1928. They moved to 205 Guildford Road, Maylands, in 1949, living with Melva’s mother and sister. In the same year, Percy was fined £50 for continuing to erect a beach shack at Coogee. He had used materials valued at £62. Percy was appointed a JP in August, 1959.

Percy died at Maylands, 19th September, 1979 and was cremated. Younger brother George Stanley Neville served in WW1, SN 1471 and WW2 V372555.

Private George (and within documents referred to as Michael George and George Michael and George) Hummerston was the 10th child and 4th son of Michael Hummerston (1822-1907) and the oldest of two children of 2nd wife Mary Owen (1847-1898). Michael had been transported to Van Diemen’s Land as a 17 year old having been given a seven year sentence for larceny.

George was born in Quorn, South Australia, on 22nd April, 1883, where father Michael was a licensed victualler. In 1915, George was a locomotive driver for the Timber Corporation and lived in Greenbushes. He enlisted at Blackboy Hill on 28th October, 1915, in the 14th Reinforcements, 11th Battalion. Younger brother Victor lived in Farnley Street, Mt Lawley.

George embarked on HMAT Miltiades on 12th February, 1916. He joined his Battalion via Suez and Marseilles on 19th May, 1916. In May, 11th Battalion moved up to the front line in the Fleurbaix sector, and on the 30th May had its first experience of combat on the Western Front with German Army artillery bombardment. The Battalion lost four captured, 37 killed and 70 wounded and during June supported the front line while being brought back up to strength. On 6th June, George sustained a severe injury to the right eye as a result of shelling, losing site in the eye. George was invalided to England and the Peter Street Hospital via hospital ship Cambria.

George was discharged on 28th June, 1917, and took up a position as a pipe fitter in the explosives department of HM Guncotton Factory, Colnbrook, Middlesex. He married Daisy Eliza Agnes Gould (1896-1974) in Weymouth, July, 1917, and their daughter Gwendoline was born in England in March, 1918. In July, 1919, the family arrived in Fremantle and settled in Nannup. George returned to his work as a locomotive driver.

George W86105, enlisted in 14th Battalion, Volunteer Defence Corps, WW2, 11th May, 1942. Younger brother Victor W69276 from Farnley Street, also enlisted WW2. Victor’s wife, Florence Ellen Hummerston OBE, was the first Perth City Councillor woman.

George died 11th July, 1946 and is buried at Karrakatta Cemetery. Image courtesy VWMA.

Lieutenant Frederick Douglas Atlee Bowra was the 2nd of six children of parents Frederick James Bowra (1862-1937) and Maria Jane Coffee (1863-1928). He was born in Perth on 9th October, 1887. Frederick was educated at the Perth Public School and entered service with the Western Australian Government Railways at age 15 years as a probationary cadet draughtsman. By 1913, he had a permanent appointment and was earning £235 per annum. He also served in the Citizen’s Military Force, firstly in a field artillery unit then later promoted to 2nd Lieutenant with 13 Field Company Engineers until 1915. Frederick married Minnie Salter (1886-1960) in Canning in 1911 and they had two boys; Douglas Samual (1912-2011) and Geoffrey Frederick (1914-1993).

Frederick successfully applied for a commission in the AIF on 30th June, 1915, with embarkation on HMAT Wandilla 23rd July, 1915. He was an inaugural member of the 4th Field Artillery Company Engineers which formed in Heliopolis, Egypt, in August,1915. The Company landed at Anzac Cove in September and Lieutenant Bowra led 3 Section to Scott’s Post. During September, they restarted two mine tunnels towards a crater that it was thought the Turks were trying to reach. On 29th October, 1915, tunnellers set a 150lb Amatol charge at a depth of 35ft which appeared not to fracture the ground above. Frederick and a sapper were sent to investigate and they were asphyxiated by gas poisoning. Desperate efforts were made to save the two men, without success. Altogether, 5 lives were lost and 15 men injured in the rescue attempt. Frederick’s heroism was reported by Charles Bean. Frederick is buried in the Shrapnel Valley Cemetery 400yds southeast of Anzac Cove. His memorials include the Australian War Memorial Roll of Honour, Bassendean War Memorial, Guildford War Memorial, Kelmskott-Armadale Parish Roll of Honour and the Mt Lawley-Inglewood War Memorial. Image courtesy of VWMA.

Minnie was granted a war pension in December, 1915, of £91 per annum with both sons receiving £13 per annum later increasing to £26 per annum. Frederick and Minnie’s youngest son, Flight Lieutenant Geoffrey Frederick Bowra, 406050 RAAF WW2, was awarded a Distinguished Flying Medal in 1943. Frederick’s younger brother Major Herbert Joyce Bowra served in WW1 and WW2 and lived in Nanhob Street, Mt Lawley.

Warrant Officer Class One Horace Oscar Radford was the 4th of six children of parents Thomas Charles Radford (1857-1896) and Elizabeth Sedgwick (1858-1953). He was born at 7 Cambridge Terrace, Blackboy Lane, Tottenham, England on 13th October, 1888. Horace came out from England onboard the Omrah, landing in Fremantle in 1908.

Horace was a shop assistant at the time of his enlistment 12th May, 1915, joining the Army Medical Corps. On the 24th May, 1915, Horace embarked on RMS Mooltan. Horace returned to Australia then embarked from Melbourne on AGM Karoola with 14 General Hospital. The hospital was situated on the outskirts of Cairo until 1919. It also had an annex on the canal at Port Said. In addition to war casualties the hospital also treated men with a range of illnesses and diseases including malaria, dysentery and pneumonia during the campaigns in the Sinai and Palestine. Horace rose through the ranks reaching WO1. He was discharged 16th July, 1919.

In 1919, Horace was a shop assistant and living at 30 Palmerston Street, Perth. That same year he married Emily May Williams Renfree (1886-1935). Horace and Emily had 3 sons and lived at 37 Farnley Street, Mt Lawley. He was a partner in the Premier Catering Company, Guildford Road. Emily was a very active member of the Mt Lawley community; church, choir and young people’s organisations. Emily died on the 20th January, 1935, leaving Horace a widower with 3 young sons. Horace married Dorothy Margaret Spence in East Claremont on 1st February, 1936. Dorothy died at 37 Farnley Street on 29th April, 1955. Horace married Alice Kathleen Royce in April 1957 in Forrest Park, Mt Lawley.

Horace died on 2nd October, 1973 and was cremated at Karrakatta Cemetery. Younger brother Private William Douglas Radford 266460, served in the Kings Liverpool Regiment. Eldest son Flight Lieutenant Horace William Radford 406731, served in 142 Squadron, RAAF, WW2, and was awarded a Distinguished Flying Cross. Second son, Flying Officer Edward Charles Radford 415549 served in 456 Squadron, RAAF, WW2 and was killed in action and lost at sea over the English Chanel while he was piloting a Mosquito 12th July, 1944. Niece Wylie Margaret Radford served as an officer in the WRANS, WW2.

Image courtesy of the VWMA.

Lieutenant Charles Oxley Piesse was the 5th of nine children of parents The Honourable Charles Austin Piesse MLC (1855-1914) and Martha Amelia Ella ‘Minnie’ Chipper (1864-1901). Charles also had 2 step siblings from his father’s 2nd marriage. He was born in Arthur River 8th April, 1891, and educated at Hale School. May 1911, saw the Piesse family, who pastoralists in Wagin, hosting a Hale school cricket team as part of an Eastern Districts Tour. Charles married Evelyn Ivy Riley in the Archbishop’s chapel in Perth in 1916 and later that year their only child, daughter Esme Amelia, was born in Nurse Piper’s Private Hospital, Irvine Street, Cottesloe.

Charles was commissioned on 24th March, 1916 and he embarked on HMAT Berrima with the 23rd Reinforcements, 11th Battalion, on 23rd December, 1916. He arrived in England in February, 1917 and became ill with mumps in March. Charles jointed his unit in France in May, 1917. The Battalion had its first experience on the Western Front in late May in the Fleurbaix sector. They moved to the Somme in July and were committed to fighting around Pozieres, enduring gas attacks and heavy artillery bombardment. The Battalion lost 19 officers and 512 other ranks killed, wounded or captured, and was moved back to Berteaucort to rebuild. August saw the Battalion fighting at Mouquet Farm suffering further casualties. 11th Battalion then moved to Belgium and Ypres. Charles sustained a gun shot wound to the left leg during the offensive on Menin Road on 22nd September, 1917. He was admitted to the 2nd Red Cross Hospital in Rouen, France. He died of this wound along with pneumonia on 7th December, 1917. Charles is buried at the St Sever Cemetery, Rouen, France. Charles’ personal effects were sent back to Australia on the Barunga which was lost at sea due to enemy fire. Image courtesy VWMA.

Charles’ widow, Evelyn, married The Honourable Hector Charles Stewart (1875-1931) MLC, in 1929. Charles’ older brother, Captain Vernon Frederick Piesse, 10th Light Horse Regiment, was killed at The Nek, Walker’s Ridge, Gallipoli, 7th August, 1915. His younger sister, Sister Geraldine Mary ‘Dene’ Piesse AANS, served in WW1. Half brother Gunner Mervyn Charles Piesse, 2/4 Machine Gun Battalion, was a POW in Java 1942-1945. Charles and Evelyn’s only daughter, Corporal Esme Piesse, WF45339, served in WW2.

Charles has memorials at The Australian War Memorial Roll of Honour, Mt Lawley-Inglewood War Memorial, Wagin and District Honour Roll, Wagin War Memorial, Wembley Downs Hale School Honour Roll and Grove and Kings Park Honour Avenue.

Lance Corporal Charles Douglas ‘Chas’ Stewart was the youngest of seven children of parents Charles Ballantyne Stewart (1851-1917) and Jane Douglas Chisholm (1856-1940). He was born in Ballarat on 15th December, 1893. The family moved to Western Australia and Guildford via Albany. Charles was educated at Guildford Grammar and was noted to be a day boy 1906-1908. He was an apprentice fitter with Western Australian Government Railways in 1910. Charles was permanently appointed having remained loyal to the department during the mechanic’s strike of 1912.

Charles enlisted in the 2nd Reinforcements, 28th Battalion, 1st June, 1915. He embarked on HMAT Demosthenes on 22nd July, 1915. Charles disembarked at Suez and joined the MEF as a postal clerk. He joined his Battalion at Tel-el-Kebir and was promoted to Lance Corporal in March, 1916. The 28th Battalion embarked for France and the Western Front soon after. Their first major action was at Pozieres, 28th July, 1916. Charles was initially reported missing in action on the battlefield 29th July, 1916 and later changed to killed in action. Red Cross files confirmed his death by shrapnel and Charles was left un buried in the field. A burial was later witnessed by Reverend W E Dexter. He is honoured at the Villers-Bretonneux Memorial, France. Charles is also honoured at the 28th Battalion Memorial, Kings Park, The Midland Junction Railways Workshop Memorial, Guilford War Memorial and the Guildford Grammar Honour Roll.

Charles’ widowed mother, Jane, received his Memorial Scroll, Memorial Plaque and Victory Medal. She moved from Swan Street, Guildford, to 70 Farnley Street, Mt Lawley. Sister, Helen, worked at the Central Infants School, James Street, Perth.

Private Fred Hudson was the 5th son of parents Henry Hudson (1854-1908) and Charlotte Crosse (1843-1916). He was born in Taunton, Somerset, England in October, 1882. Fred left England on the Narrung in March, 1911, and he was noted to be a traveller on the ship’s passenger list.

Fred was a salesman when he enlisted on 10th April, 1916. He embarked with the 15th Reinforcements, 28th Battalion, on HMAT Suranda, 26th September, 1916. Fred disembarked in Plymouth, England. He was hospitalised in February, 1917, with dermatitis and gastritis in April, 1917. Fred joined his unit in France in August, 1917. 28th Battalion had been providing a supporting roll in the Third Battle of Ypres and was preparing for fighting at Menin Road. Fred sustained a gun shot wound in the left leg on 20th September, 1917. He was treated in a military hospital and did not return to his unit until January, 1918. In early 1918, 28th Battalion transferred to the Somme in response to the German Spring Offensive. March and April saw them fighting around Villers-Bretonneux as the Allies sought to secure the vital railhead around Amiens and in May they supported 6th Brigade’s attack on Ville-sur-Ancre. Fred became ill again in August with gastritis and he was invalided back to England and returned to Australia in December, 1918.

Fred married Grace Amelia Harper (1885-1973), the fifth daughter of Mr and Mrs W Harper of Cranley Gardens, Palmer Green, London, on 31st March, 1920. They were married at the Museum Baptist Church, Perth, by the Reverend F E Harry. Fred worked as a salesman for Alfred Morris and Co in Hay Street, Perth. Fred and Grace’s first child, Harlowe John, was born at Nurse Lappin’s Private Nursing Home on 14th September, 1924. The family lived at 549 Fitzgerald Street, North Perth.

Fred died on 30th October, 1960, at North Perth, and was cremated at Karrakatta Cemetery. Probate noted in January, 1961. Eldest child, Private Harlowe John Hudson, W82443, served in the Swan River Volunteer Defence Corps in WW2.

Image courtesy of the VWMA.

Private George John Snaden was born in Dublin, Ireland, to parents John Allen Snaden and Sarah Snaden, in 1886. George had four siblings and at the time of the death of their father on 21st May, 1896, (a retired Warrant Officer, Royal Engineers), the Snaden siblings were living in Beverley. Mother Sarah had left the family home and was living in a de facto relationship. Older brother William was unable to look after the family and care of George and brother Thomas was given to sister Eliza Mildred ‘Lillie’ Snaden Holtfreter. The brothers lived with Lillie for some years in the goldfields then left to farm at Pingelly. George was a member of the local Methodist Church, was a local preacher, and noted to be a stirling Christian.

George enlisted on 1st May, 1916, with 22nd Reinforcements, 11th Battalion. During his time in camp, prior to embarkation, George was living with older brother William at 33 Farnley Street, Mt Lawley. George married Dorothea Mary Maxwell at the Museum Street Baptist Church.

George embarked on HMAT Argyllshire on 9th November, 1916 and disembarked at Devonport in January, 1917. He became unwell with mumps in April 1917 while with 12th training Battalion. In June, George joined 48th Battalion in France. 1917 was a trying year for 48th Battalion, suffering heavy casualties at 1st Bullecourt and later at Passchendaele, Belgium. George was killed in action in Belgium on 9th August, 1917. He is buried at Cabin Hill Cemetery, just north of Messines.

George and Dorothea had two children; Leading Aircraftman George Reason Snaden 16451, WW2 and Dorothea May Snaden. The family were in receipt of a pension. Widowed Dorothea married Private William Francis Loughridge SN 4155, 28th Battalion, in 1922.

Image courtesy of VWMA.

Private Thomas Frederick Snaden was born in Malta to parents John Allen and Sarah Snaden. Thomas had four siblings and at the time of the death of their father on 21st May, 1896, (a retired Warrant Officer, Royal Engineers), the Snaden siblings were living in Beverley. Mother Sarah had left the family home and was living in a de facto relationship. Older brother William was unable to look after the family and care of Thomas and brother George was given to sister Eliza Mildred ‘Lillie’ Snaden Holtfreter. The brothers lived with Lillie for some years in the goldfields then left to farm at Pingelly.

Thomas enlisted on 28th February, 1916 with 11th Reinforcements, 28th Battalion. During his time in camp, prior to embarkation, Thomas was living with older brother William at 33 Farnley Street, Mt Lawley. He embarked on HMAT Shropshire 31st March, 1916. Thomas landed in Marseilles in May, 1916. The 28th Battalion took part in its first major battle at Pozieres in July and August and in October moved to Flers in the Somme Valley. Thomas was killed in action on 10th November, 1916. He has no known grave. Thomas has memorials at Villers-Bretonneux, Australian War Memorial Roll of Honour, Mt Lawley-Inglewood War Memorial and Pingelly Memorial Rotunda.

Image of Flers from the Australian War Memorial collection.