Sergeant William Thomas Merifield was the 2nd of five children of parents Francis John Merifield (1870-1932) and Louisa Bennett (1865-1935). He was born on the 13th June, 1896, in Mt Lawley. His Merifield grandparents were Cornish immigrants to Victoria, with William’s parents leaving for WA in 1914, setting up a confectionery business on the Corner of Aberdeen and William Streets. The family lived at 19 Grosvenor Road. William was working as a process engraver at the time of his enlistment 16th June, 1915, with the 2nd Reinforcements, 28th Battalion. He embarked on HMAT Demosthenes in July, 1915, and joined his unit at the tail end of the Gallipoli campaign, defending the beachhead, until the mid December evacuation. William was hospitalised with jaundice in December, rejoining his unit in time for Christmas on Lemnos. In mid March, 1916, the Battalion moved to France and by April was defending the front line at Armentieres. William was hospitalised in May and rejoined his unit in time to participate in their first major action at Pozieres. The Battalion suffered heavy losses and was moved to a ‘quieter sector’ at Ypres. By December 1916, the Battalion had moved to the Somme. William was hospitalised with trench feet. 1917 saw 28th Battalion providing supporting roles including in the Battle of Bullecourt in May. William was granted leave to England in July, returning to his unit to participate in the Battles of Menin Road, Broodseinde and Poelcappelle over the remainder of 1917. In March and April 1918, the Battalion was defending the line around Villers-Bretonneux. William was hospitalised with a PUO(fever) in May and bronchitis in August, and was invalided to England where he remained, rising through the ranks to Sergeant, returning to Australia in 1919.

William married Elsie May McGlew (1896-1987), a mother of two daughters, Kathleen and Jean, and a son in Perth 1923. The family lived at 31 Alma Road, Mt Lawley. William and Elsie had a daughter, Joyce, in 1926. William worked as a tram employee. He was awarded a Certificate of Merit in 1943 for rescuing a tram motorman from a fire following a collision between a tram and in truck in Beaufort Street.

William was living in Tropicana Way, Waikiki, in 1977. He died at Safety Bay on 4th December, 1978 and was cremated at Karrakatta Cemetery.

Image courtesy of the North Perth Congregational church. Merifield Lane is named after this prominent Mt Lawley family.

Sapper Sidney (sometimes spelt Sydney) Vernon Clutsom was the 2nd of three children born to parents Sidney Hirons Clutsom (1861-1954) and Sidney’s first wife, Emily Higgins (1858-1905). He was born in Brighton England in 1887. Sidney arrived in Fremantle on the RMS Oroya in December, 1909. His occupation was ‘farmer’. Sidney was living in Guildford in 1910. He was noted to be a musician on enlistment 4th April 1916 in the 12th Field Company Engineers. Their responsibilities included trench and defensive works, bridging and river crossings, obstacle clearance, demolitions and mine warfare , camouflage and deception. One of the unit’s significant contributions was constructing dummy tank decoys to deceive German observers about the location and strength of the impending assault on the Hindenburg Line in 1918.

Sidney embarked from Fremantle aboard HMAT Seang Bee as part of the Reinforcements for the Divisional Cyclist Companies 18th July 1916. He spent time in the Chiseldon Training Camp on a signallers course in 1917 He became ill and received treatment at 1st Australian Dermatological Hospital Bulford in 1917, and was transferred to the Field Engineers, joining his unit in France March 1918. Sidney was later detached to the 4th Divisional Headquarters. In 1919 he was granted four months leave to attend The Royal Academy of Music. Sidney returned to Perth on the HMHS Plassy in October 1919.

Sidney became engaged to Nellie Marjorie Lavelle (1903-) in September, 1920, and they married in 1921. By 1923 Sidney and Nellie were living in Sidney and their son Trooper Vernon Frederick Clutsom, WX135410, WW2, 2/4 Armoured Regiment, New Guinea and New Britain, was born. The family lived from many years at 29 Francis Street Bondi. Sidney worked as a musician and taught piano, organ and sight reading. He also entertained with organ recitals at the Liverpool Unitarian Church, spending six years as the Church organist, playing on an historic Richardson organ. The Church burnt down in 1936.

Sidney died on the 4th July, 1956 and he was noted to be a retired Post Master General employee. He was cremated at the Eastern Suburbs Memorial Park. Sidney’s younger brother Eldred was granted an exemption from serving in the British Army due to his work of national importance.

Image of mines laid on a bridge in France June 1918 by this unit – courtesy AWM.

Staff Sergeant Eric Leslie Salisbury Danker was the 2nd of three children and only son of parents Frederick William Ferdinand Danker (1866-1925) and Clara Martha Ann Salisbury (1869-1953). He was born in Cairns on 7th August 1892. Eric was educated at the James Street State School. The family lived in Grosvenor Road and father Frederick was a well known chemist with The Swan Pharmacy Drug Company. In 1909, Eric donated snakes, 18 lizards and 100 insects to the Western Australian Museum and Art Gallery. On 7th July 1913, Eric’s parents hosted his 21st birthday party at their home in Grosvenor Road. The party included musical entertainment, some humorous speeches and supper. Eric was best man at his friend Victor Wilson’s wedding at St Alban’s Church on 3rd June 1914.

Eric was training in the profession of chemistry when he enlisted on 21st May, 1915, initially serving with the 1st Australian General Hospital and later in 2nd Field Ambulance. He embarked on RMS Mooltan on 24th May, 1915, and worked in the General Hospital, Egypt, becoming the chief dispenser. In March, 1917, he transferred to the Field ambulance and served in France. Eric spent time on leave in England in July 1917. On 17th April 1918, he was killed instantaneously by an enemy shell, while serving at the unit headquarters. The Sunday Times noted he was not quite 26 years of age and was engaged to a popular young lady of the city. He died as he had lived in an unselfish sacrifice for the great cause in support of which so many Westralian boys had given their lives.

In 2014, the Rotary Club of Heirisson hosted an exchange student, Charles, who spoke of a former Mount Lawley resident, Eric Danker, who was killed in the Great War and buried in Charles’ home village of Hazebrouck, France. Charles was able to provide a photo which included Eric, of the officers and NCOs of 2nd Field Ambulance taken in February 1918.

In 2015 Danker Lane, Mount Lawley, was named in recognition of Eric Danker’s service to his country and the Danker family’s long commitment to the area and their community. Eric has memorials at the Western Australian War Memorial, Kings Park, The Australian War Memorial and the North Perth Presbyterian Church Honour Roll.

Image courtesy of VWMA.

Corporal Leonard Aubrey Ives was the 4th of nine children of parents Alfred Ives (1868-1921) prospector, discoverer of Ives Reward Gold mine and mine manager, and Florence Eugenie Churly (1868-1941). He was born in Burracoppin in 1893. Not all of the Ive’s children survived beyond childhood.

Leonard was a 21 year old clerk when he enlisted at Meekatharra on 21st Septembe, 1914 in 16th Battalion. Leonard embarked on HMAT Ceramic 22nd Decembe, 1914 and was involved in the Gallipoli landing on 25th April 1915. He was serving with Battalion Headquarters Signals on 1st May 1915 carrying a despatch, when he was shot through the chest by a Turkish sniper. The entry wound was under the left clavicle and exit wound under the left scapula. Leonard survived and was evacuated to England for treatment at Southern General Hospital. He suffered chest pain due to adhesions, shortness of breath and weakness.

Leonard returned to Australia on SS Suevic on 8th October, 1915. A medical board in April, 1916, determined he was permanently unfit for war service and Leonard was granted a pension of £68 per annum. He married Ethel May Harper (1896-1982), daughter of prominent West Australian and Member for Beverley and Pingelly, Nathanial White Harper, in 1917 at St Bartholomew’s Church East Perth. The marriage was against her father’s wishes. Leonard and Ethel had three children.

He applied for a Soldier Settlement holding under the Discharged Soldier’s Settlement Act for a citrus orchard in Canning, which unfortunately was the first orchard in Western Australia to be infected with Xanthana. He appeared before the 1922 Royal Commission into the settlement scheme which had seen a high failure rate.

In 1926 Leonard was working at Cullaculong near Peak Hill. In 1928 Leonard and Ethel divorced on the grounds of adultery, at the time the most expensive divorce case in Western Australia, costing around £2000.

In 1954, Leonard was living in Elizabeth Bay, NSW, and married to Thelma Corboy, divorced wife of aviator Sir Charles Kingsford-Smith MC, AFC, SN1017. Leonard was noted to be a retired grazier. Thelma had been the subject of Leonard’s 1928 divorce proceedings. Leonard and Thelma lived in Fauntleroy Avenue, Redcliffe, and his electoral roll occupations listed included mine manager, engineer and mining investor. Leonard died of a stroke on 26th June, 1968, while on a cruise with wife Thelma. He is buried at Karrakatta Cemetery. Image courtesy of the Grayden family.

Leonard and Ethel had three children; Phyllis (1918-2019), Captain William Grayden (1920-), WX8868, 2/16th Battalion WW2-Honourable Bill Grayden AM, Federal Member for Swan and State Member for South Perth., and Sergeant David Grayden, WX15299, 2/8th Battalion WW2-Honourable David Grayden (1924-2003), State Member for Nedlands.

Leonard’s three brothers also saw military service: Sergeant Darcy Percival Ives (1899-1963), SN39866, 1st Australian Divisional Artillery Column WW1, W66730 1st Battalion Volunteer Defence Corps WA WW2; Private Alfred Oliver Cromwell Ives (1905-1961), WX15044, Western Command General Details Camp,WW2 and Warrant Offer Class 2 Wilberforce Lancelot Ives (1905-1975), WX28796, 1st Australian Water Transport Company, WW2.

The Mount Lawley Society submitted a request for the naming of a laneway in the City of Vincent for the Ives Family as the family had a long connection with Mt Lawley.

The 33 Grosvenor property was sold upon the death of widow Florence, with the proceeds invested in government bonds. The interest from the investment was to provide for daughter Florence Hope until she married with funds then to be equally distributed among Florence and Alfred’s six children.

Sergeant Darcy Percival Ives was the 7th of nine children of parents Alfred Ives (1868-1921) prospector, discoverer of Ives Reward Gold mine and mine manager, and Florence Eugenie Churly (1868-1941). He was born in Perth on 7th April, 1899. Darcy was educated at Perth Boys School and was a cadet in the 88th Battalion. In 1915 he was a cadet in the Western Australian Government Railways. By 1917, Darcy was living in the northwest of Western Australia, having qualified as a horseman on the De Grey station.

Darcy enlisted in Port Hedland in November 1917 noting he was a storekeeper. He was training at Blackboy Hill in November and was assigned as a trooper in the Light Horse Depot Squadron. Darcy had asked to be considered for services in a light horse unit, in particular 10th Light Horse Regiment. In the end he was assigned a gunner, embarking on the SS Port Darwin from Albany in May 1918, arriving in Southhampton in July 1918. He had been ill en route with influenza. From there he went to France in October and joined the 1st Division Ammunition Column. Darcy became ill again with influenza in November. He rejoined his unit and fought until war’s end and then was transferred to England. He was granted leave with pay in June, 1919, to attend a Bradford Technical College wool classing course, with fees of £3 paid for. Darcy achieved good marks, 384/500, and was noted to have very satisfactory conduct and general behaviour. Darcy returned to Australia on SS Pakeha in November, 1919.

Darcy’s father Alfred was the founder of the Ives Reward Gold Mine. He passed away in 1921 and Darcy became the mine manager. The Ives Reward Mine was the largest in the St Ives District in the 1920s. It had its own 10 head stamp battery. By 1926 the mine became unprofitable and initially Darcy’s position was terminated to save costs. The mine closed after producing 7115 ounces of gold (current value in 2025 $36,690,000). Western Mining Corporation rediscovered gold in the St Ives area and production recommenced in 1980.

In 1926 Darcy was a postal vote officer for the South Provence Legislative Council elections. He married Elizabeth Shepherd (1903-1994) in 1926. They had two children, Dorothy Faith (1926-2010) and Robert Darcy (1930-2009).

By 1931, Darcy was a company secretary and attorney, living in Dalkeith in 1943, and was a nominated tax agent with the Skipper Bailey Motor Company in 1952.

Darcy enlisted in WW2, W66730, serving with the 1st WA Battalion Volunteer Defence Corps. Darcy’s extended family details can be found above in brother Leonard’s profile. Darcy died on 5th June 1963, and was cremated at Karrakatta Cemetery.

Private William Henry Spencer was the youngest of seven children of parents Thomas Henry Spencer (1830-1886), chiropodist, and Sarah Pratt (1839-1887). He was born in Islington, Middlesex, England on 14th February, 1880. In the 1891 Census, William was recorded as living in The Boys Home, a workhouse in St Pancras. Both parents were deceased. Ten years later in the 1901 Census, William was boarding in Islington and working as a brush maker. On the 10th April, 1903, William departed England on board the SS Omrah, bound for Fremantle. Older brother Walter Spencer (1863-1955) was living at 34 Grosvenor Road.

William was working as a farmer at Bullading Siding, near Collie, at the time of enlistment in the 18th Reinforcements of 28th Battalion on 12th May, 1916. He was 35 years old. William was training at Blackboy Hill until his embarkation on HMAT Persic on 29th December, 1916. He joined the 7th Training Battalion at Rollestone, England. William was hospitalised at Fargo Military Hospital with scabies in March, 1917. In May he was hospitalised in Fargo Military Hospital with defective vision/conjunctivitis. By October, 1917, William was suffering with chronic rheumatism and he returned to Australia on the Beltana and was discharged on the 28th December 1917. Several rheumatic diseases with ocular manifestations that could have caused William’s illness.

William married Mary Millicent Lottie Pyle nee Stanborough (1885-1955) in Victoria in 1928. In 1931, William and Lottie were living in Slater Street, Northcote, Victoria, and William was working as an iron worker. The couple were living in Winifred Street, Northcote, according to electoral rolls, from 1938-1949 with William still listed as an iron worker. Lottie died in 1955. William died in Nedlands on 10th July, 1957 and was buried at Karrakatta Cemetery.

Photo shows HMAT Persic six days prior to Williams embarkation in 1916.

Corporal Joseph Acton Tipping was the youngest of four children of parents William Tipping (1843-1891) and Ernestine Acton (1850-1916). He was born on 8th November, 1882 in Salford, Lancashire England. The 1891 Census saw the Tipping family boarding in Wales with the Beswick family. By the 1901 Census, Ernestine was widowed and the family were back in Salford. Joseph’s older brother William was a 24 year old cotton machinery worker and Joseph was an apprentice engine fitter at the Princes Bridge Ironworks. Joseph served one year with the Cape Garrison Artillery and five years with the Manchester Artillery.

Joseph married Edith Jones (1884-1916) at Clayton St Cross, Lancashire, on 28th December, 1909. Son Kenneth Jones Tipping was born in 1912. The family sailed to Fremantle aboard the Orient Line’s RMS Orsova in 1914. Joseph joined the Western Australian Government Railways on 6th November 1914 and worked at the Midland Workshops. The family lived in Parker Street, West Guildford. Edith died in 1916 and was buried at Karrakatta Cemetery.

Joseph was noted to be a widower on his enlistment at 36 years of age on 30th April, 1917. Son Kenneth went to live with Mrs Margaret Ann Jervis at 43 Grosvenor Road. Her husband, Sergeant Josiah Jervis, a tailor’s cutter, SN 2342, served in 43rd Battalion WW1 and 17319, RAAF, WW2. Joseph embarked on the SS Indarra from Melbourne on 26th November, 1917. He disembarked in Suez and was hospitalised. He left Alexandria in January 1918 for England. Joseph joined his unit, 13th Field Artillery Battery, in September, 1918.

Following armistice, Joseph returned to England and was granted leave to attend Ayrton and Co Gorebrook Iron Works in Manchester. He returned to Australia on the SS Port Sydney in September, 1919, and resumed work at Midland Workshops. Joseph married Dorothy Louise Barron (1888-1954) in Northam in 1920. They lived at 13 Holmesdale Road, Guildford.

On 27th June, 1940, and at age 59, Joseph enlisted in the RSL Volunteer Defence Corps. He trained for demolition parties, manufacturing bombs-water pipe bombs, using hand grenades and doing barge work on the Swan River. The army took over this unit in 1942, W69441. He was entrusted with duties such as bridge guarding, wiring beaches, coastal defence works and manning the Battery at Buckland Hill.

Joseph retired from the WAGR in 1945 after a 31 year career. He died on 18th October, 1958, and was cremated at Karrakatta Cemetery.

Image courtesy of Ancestry.

Sergeant George Alfred Dunham was the 4th of six children of parents Lewis James Dunham (1857-1914) and Louisa Jane Young (1859-1944). The family lived at the Brockelsby property and farm on the York Road. He was born in York Western Australia on 27th May 1890. On 1st October,1906, George was a cadet in the Western Australian Government Railways. He was living with his telephone linesman older brother William Thomas in Museum Street, North Perth, from 1913-1915. George was a beneficiary of his father’s will in 1914. George was working a a booking clerk in the Central Railway Office when he married Agnus May Brittain (1889-1971) at the Wesley Church, Perth, on 25th March, 1916. The couple honeymooned at Kalamunda.

George enlisted on 2nd October, 1916, in the 8th Reinforcements, 46th Battalion. He embarked on the HMAT Persic on 29th December, 1916. During his journey he was awarded seven days’ ships fatigue for gambling. He disembarked in Devonport in March, 1917 and joined the 12th Training Battalion in Gosford. George joined his battalion in August 1917 and was hospitalised with Trench Fever in September. He rejoined his unit in November 1917 as the unit was ending its involvement in the Battle of Passchendaele. The battalion was transferred to the south of France for a defensive role during the ‘German Spring Offensive’ seeing action around Dernancourt in April 1918. It took part in the final Allied Offensive that began around Amiens in August 1918. Its final attack was in mid September against outposts of the Hindenburg line. George returned to England and was promoted through the ranks to Sergeant. He retuned to Australia on the SS Wahehe in March, 1920, and resumed work in the WAGR. During George’s service, Agnus had moved to Goodwood Park, South Australia and then to East Melbourne.

George and Agnus lived at various addresses in West Perth and Wembley, and were living at 112 First Avenue, Mt Lawley in 1963, after George had retired. In 1928, George was a passenger in a vehicle involved in a traffic accident on the York Road that resulted in a fatality. He had to present as a witness at the inquest. George and Agnus did not have any children. He died at Mt Lawley on 12th February, 1967 and was cremated at Karrakatta Cemetery.

George had extended family that served in both World Wars. Older brother Walter Lewis Dunham (1883-1953) had three children, all serving in the RAAF: Flying Officer Lewis Melvin Dunham (1910-1943), 40667, a navigator, killed in a Catalina Flying boat in 1943 with the wreckage only being found south of Cairns in 2015; Flying Officer Donald William Dunham (1915-1944), 406522, killed in a Lancaster bomber over Germany in 1944; and Aircraftwoman Jean Andrew nee Dunham (1919-1980) 94409, serving with the WAAF. Older brother Private William Thomas Dunham (Billy) (1888-1945) 2319, served in 43rd Battalion and was wounded in a gas attack in France. Younger sister Annie Amelia’s (Dot) son, Lieutenant William Dunham Cruikshank, WX307, served in 2/11th Battalion.

Image courtesy of Ancestry.

Private Clarence Patrick ‘Pat’ Dunn was the 14th child of parents Francis Dunn (1850-1920) and Jane Gaunt (1849-1924). Only 10 of their children reached adulthood. Pat was born in Albany in 1892, where Francis was a policeman. The family moved to Grosvenor Road in 1910.

Pat was a fireman with the WAGR at the time of his enlistment 29th Jul 1915 in 28th Battalion. He embarked on HMAT Hororata 1st October 1915,and was allotted to 51st Battalion in March 1916. This Battalion was raised in Egypt in 1916 and was created from the 11th Battalion. Despite Pat’s record stating he had defective toes and was struck off as medically unfit, he was posted to 7th Training Battalion, Tel-el-Kebir, and joined his unit in France, 21st August 1916. The Battalion’s first major engagement occurred at the ruins of Pozieres and Mouquet Farm during August to September. On the 3rd September, 1916 Pat was reported missing in action. A court of enquiry subsequently found Pat had been killed in action at Mouquet Farm. Older brother, Private Wallace Bickley Dunn, SN 1080, 28th Battalion, wrote a letter to their parents stating that both brother Pat and first cousin Lance Corporal Ernest Septimus Dunn, SN 2570, who were serving in the same company in 51st Battalion, went missing in the same action. Cousin Ernie was also later designated killed in action at a court of enquiry. Pat is buried is Serre Road Cemetery Number 1. Jane received Pat’s memorial plaque and scroll.

Francis and Jane’s other children also made valuable military contributions. Daughter Amy Dunn (1869-1901) son Private Edward Francis Kendrick, SN 798, 11th Battalion, was killed at Lone Pine, Gallipoli, son Warrant Officer Class 1 Walter Thomas Kendrick served in both wars, SN 6703, 11th Battalion, WW1 and W29038, Australian Trades Depot, WW2 and Walter’s son Major Walter Joseph Kendrick, WX 32878, served in 2/11th Battalion, WW2. Amy’s grandson, Flight Sergeant Kenneth Thomas Frankish, 427818, served with Bomber Command and was killed in Norfolk in 1942. Leading Aircraftman Francis George Dunn, son of Francis George Dunn Snr (1874-1948), 153565, Served in the RAAF. Flying Officer Francis Gregory ‘Paddy’ English, son of Alice Maud Dunn (1879-1968), 415243, RAAF, was killed in a training accident at Cunderdin airfield in 1943. The three airmen killed that day were the only Tiger Moth fatalities at Cunderdin in the five years of WW2. Private Reginald Kirby Chapman, son of Grace May Dunn (1882-1947), W41463, served with the 10th Garrison Battalion. Captain Henry James Ashley Ford, son of Blanche Dunn (1884-1966), WX40416, served with 9th Antitank Regiment.

Image courtesy VWMA.

Sapper Wallace Bickley Dunn was the 12th of 14 children of parents Francis Dunn (1850-1920) and Jane Gaunt (1849-1924), and older brother of Clarence Patrick ‘Pat’ Dunn who also lived at 73 Grosvenor Road (Pat’s history listed separately).

Wallace was a farm hand when he enlisted at Northam in the 28th Battalion, 6th May 1915. He embarked on 29th June, 1915, on HMAT Ascanius, disembarking in Alexandria. 28th Battalion had arrived in July, assigned to the newly formed 2nd Division, and spent two months training. Some elements of 2nd Division, including Wallace, were transferred to Gallipoli in September on RMS Ivernia as reinforcements. They manned trenches and defended the beachhead in preparation for the December evacuation. During this time he was treated for jaundice. Wallace was transferred to the 2nd Division Signal Company in December. He required hospitalisation for treatment of trench feet.

The 2nd Division left for France via Alexandria in March 1916, with the signallers playing a vital role. The Division’s first engagement was at Pozieres in July, 1916. After sustaining heavy casualties and enjoying a brief rest, the next engagement was at Mouquet Farm in September. Wallace lost his brother Pat and first cousin Ernest, both serving in the same company in 51st Battalion in this action. He wrote a letter to his parents after trying to ascertain what happened to his relatives. They were subsequently found to have been killed in action. Wallace kept on with his role as a signaller. He required treatment for septic sores and blistered heals in January, 1917. Wallace was granted leave in England in August, 1917. He required hospitalisation for infective dermatitis. Wallace attended a wireless operator course in October and rejoined his unit in December. Following leave in Paris in March, 1918, Wallace spent time with the in the 9th corps wireless section and 1st Division Signal Company. He was granted leave in October, 1918, rejoining his unit in November, only to be hospitalised with myalgia. After discharge, he spent time in 6 Construction Depot and the 3rd Engineers Base Depot. In early 1919, Wallace attended the British School of Telegraphy in Clapham. During this time he married Ivy Agnes Tucker (1897-1986) on 21st June 1919 in St George’s church Wolverton, Buckinghamshire, and then lived at 108 Victoria Street, Wolverton. They were placed on a roll for a return to Australia and embarked in HMAT Ceramic 9th August 1919, disembarking in Fremantle on 20th September 1919. During his early overseas service, Wallace was charged with AWL offences on six occasions.

Wallace and Ivy had two children, Gunner Wallace George Dunn (1920-2008), WX34853, Fremantle Coastal Artillery and later 3 Brigade serving in New Guinea, and Ivy Kathleen Dunn (1921-1986). According to Ivy Dunn in her 1930 divorce petition, they lived together on a farm for 18 months during which he was drunk all the time and knocked her about. He once chased her with a carving knife. The farm failed and the family lived in several bush camps until Wallace’s mother died in 1924 and Wallace took over his mother’s Maylands shop. His behaviour did not change. Ivy moved to Waroona with their youngest child and worked. She returned to Perth and was assaulted by Wallace. He assaulted two other women, one requiring hospitalisation. Ivy was granted a divorce on the grounds of constructive desertion. Ivy later married Robert Andrew Pinkerton in 1934.

Wallace was working as a sleeper cutter in Cowaramup in the late 1930s. He sought his British telegraphy paperwork in 1939 with the hope of being employed in the airforce or at a wireless station. Wallace was charged with vagrancy in January 1940 and was sent to prison for one month. He was imprisoned again for one month in March 1940 for stealing an overcoat he later pawned. Wallace had his address listed as 83 Francis Street, Perth, in 1958. This is the address of Swan Barracks. Wallace died on 30th January, 1967, in Tuart Hill, and is buried at Karrakatta Cemetery.

Image courtesy of VWMA.

Private William Thomas Travers was the third of four children of Charles Travers (1835-) and Jane Elizabeth Evans (1849-1938). He was born in Gippsland, Victoria, on 12th July, 1882. Older brother Charles was run over by a train at Perth Station in 1897. Older sister Hannah died in Walhalla, Victoria, 1879. Younger sister Rose died of diabetes in 1900. William worked as a cycle mechanic. He married Rosa Ann Day (1889-1967) in 1910 and they lived at 206 Aberdeen Street. William and Rosa had two children; Corporal William (Willie) Joseph Travers (1911-1977), NX72128, and Captain John (Jack) Edward Travers MC (1913-1979) NX57155. The couple separated in 1912, Willie living with William’s sister, Mrs Jane Elizabeth (Jean) Teague (1876-1969), and Jack staying with his mother. The couple applied for a divorce in 1915. Rosa subsequently moved to Sydney and opened a boarding house to support herself and her sons.

William enlisted in the 12th Reinforcements, 11th Battalion on 13th July,1915. He embarked on HMAT Mongolia on 22nd November, 1915. The Battalion was billeted around Fletre when in April 1916 William was admitted to hospital suffering synovitis. He was discharged to Number 1 Convalescence Depot and rejoined the Battalion in July. At this time his Battalion was situated in the Fleurbaix sector. The Battalion moved on to Pozieres in July and then Albert. William was injured at Mouquet Farm in September and was initially listed as missing in action. He sustained a hallux valgus injury, head contusion, shock and bruising and was admitted to 3 London General Hospital. William was granted furlough in November, 1916. He returned to France in December. William was hospitalised again in January and March, 1917. It was noted that many soldiers in the Battalion were sick due to the poor weather conditions. William rejoined his unit in May. He forfeited 14 days pay for being out of bounds and being in possession of spirits. The Battalion was involved in the 2nd Battle of Bullecourt and 3rd Battle of Ypres. In March, 1918, William was wounded in action. The Battalion had moved to the Hollebeke sector and had been subjected to gas attacks. William rejoined his unit and was involved in the Battalion’s actions around Hamel during the Hundred Days Offensive. The Battalion had suffered heavy casualties and its companies were severely undermanned. Prime Minister Billy Hughes insisted the Battalion be withdrawn for rest in October, 1918.

William returned to Australia on the HMAT Anchises in February 1919. He resumed his cycle mechanic work and in 1921 he was living in Shenton Street, West Perth. William was living with his mother at 108 Vincent Street, North Perth in 1925. William was killed in a charabanc accident in Paddington, Sydney while enjoying an interstate holiday on 14th January 1926. His remains were transported back to Perth and he was buried at Karrakatta Cemetery on the 29th February.

11th Battalion colour patch image courtesy of AWM.