.
Harry Victor BAILEY (SN 4071) and William BAILEY (SN 3008) are assumed to be brothers, sons of William Valentine Bailey of Malvern. Their father, a former Lord Mayor of Malvern was owner of the Bailey Estate which covered the area west of the railway line to Clyde Five Ways Road and from south of Ballarto Road to Moores Road.
BAILEY, Harry Victor (SN 4071) Western Front
Clyde Resident but settled elsewhere after war
Harry Bailey lived at 30 Beeches Road
Enlisted when he was 30 years of age in 1915 he was married and had two children one of whom was later enrolled in Clyde 3664. He travelled overseas with four other Clyde men, Athol Croskell, Herbert Owen, Fred Bridgewater, and Tom Ridgway leaving Melbourne on the Wiltshire 7 March 1916. Each of them fought on the Western Front (France and or Belgium)
Harry Bailey endured trench fever a "five-day fever", a moderately serious disease transmitted by body lice. It infected armies in WW1. Harry Bailey returned to Australia in March 1919 and continued his life as a builder/draftsman in Malvern. He was 68 when he died in 1953.
Memorial and Awards:
1. Honor Roll,, Clyde North State School No 118 and District; now in Clyde Primary School, Oroya Grove Clyde Vic 3978
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BAILEY, William Valentine (SN 3008), Middle East and Western Front.
The Cranbourne RSL Files have “NO RECORD FOUND” written against this person’s name.
Research into various sources uncovered the most likely person to fit this description.
William Bailey, a carpenter who probably lived with his younger brother, Harry, at 30 Beechers Road
Enlisted in 1915 and embarked for overseas at 34 years of age. He returned to Australia in 1918.
He died in Heidelberg, aged 69, 1950
Memorial and Awards:
1. Honor Roll, Clyde North State School No 118 and District; now in Clyde Primary School, Oroya Grove Clyde Vic 3978
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BELL, Thomas Stanley (SN 3773) , Western Front
Thomas enlisted on August 12, 1915 aged 23 and embarked for France six months later. Son of William Bell, Thomas was one of 5 boys one of whom resided in Clyde. His next of kin was his mother, Mary Ann Bell of St Germains, Clyde. Thomas returned to Australia October 18, 1917 and was discharged on medical grounds on January 21, 1918. In June 1917 he had been wounded - 'Gunshot wound to the thorax, chest penetrating' was the description of the wound.
As St Germains is on the boarder of Clyde it was not uncommon for folk in that area to relate socially to the Cardinia community. This could be the reason for Thomas Bell’s name being inscribed on the Cardinia Roll of Honor.
Memorial and Awards:
1. Honor Roll,, Clyde North State School No 118 and District; now in Clyde Primary School, Oroya Grove Clyde Vic 3978
2. Roll of Honor: Scholars of Cardinia SS & Residents who enlisted from District.
3. Cranbourne Scots Presbyterian Church Roll of Honor
4. Gold Medal Presented on Friday 10 October 1919 from Cranbourne Patriotic Association
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BELLEVILLE, Joseph Peter (SN 3754) Western Front
Killed in Action
The Cranbourne RSL Files have “NO RECORD FOUND” written against this person’s name.
Researching local newspapers of the time ,reviewing military websites, and examining online genealogy sites I uncovered the following information
The Bellville family once lived in Clyde and socially related to Cardinia community before their sons enlisted in WW1. Two of their younger children attended the Cardinia Primary School. |
The Bellevilles owned land on south side of Ballarto Road, between Muddy Gates Lane and Tooradin Station Road. Numbers 2020-2160 Ballarto Road, as well as the blocks of land adjoining the southern boundary of that property.According to South Bourke and Mornington Journal, June 3, 1915 the Belleville family were farewelled by the Cardinia Community to their new place of residence in Geelong. Mary Anne Belleville, his mother lived in the Orient Hotel, Mallop Street, Geelong.
Joseph, 22, enlisted for military service from Geelong in 1916, a year or so following his time in Clyde.
Just over a year from leaving Australia he was killed in Polygon Wood, Ypres, Belgium aged 23. The Donald Times newspaper (4/12/17) printed touching letters sent to his parents from soldier and chaplain who knew him.
Memorial and Awards:
1. Honor Roll, Clyde North State School No 118 and District; now in Clyde Primary School, Oroya Grove Clyde Vic 3978
2. Donald Shire Office Roll of Honour
3. Warracknabeal War Memorial
4. Australian War Memorial. Panel Number, Roll of Honor No 115
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Harry Brunet 1951 |
BRUNET, Harry (SN 52808), Middle East
(Brunet is pronounced Brew – NAY)
Harry tried to avoid enlisting: The South Bourke and Mornington Journal has a report of the Dandenong Exemption Court hearings from October 16 & 17, 1916. Harry Brunet of Hallam, applied for an exemption and the paper noted that he was an engine driver and mechanic and could plough 12 acres per day where man and three horses could only plough three and thus could take the place of at least four men in the harvest field.
The Court refused to exempt Harry and he enlisted at the age of 23 on December 18, 1917 and embarked for the Middle East. He returned to Australia on July 26, 1919. His next of kin was his father, Antonio Brunet, of Clyde. The family are listed in the 1917 Electoral Roll at Hallam Road, Hallam and obviously moved to Clyde that year and are in the 1918 Roll at Clyde. |
In 1924 he married local lass, Myrtle May Richards, daughter of Thomas William Richards (a talented musical family) also of Clyde. Her brothers, Hamilton and Henry Harold Richards volunteered for overseas military service.
Harry Brunet, subsequent to the war set up a battery factory and repair shop for farm and plumbing machinery. His factory was on the north east corner of Hardys and Cranbourne Berwick Road.
The Hunter family reported that they took their batteries for recharging to Harry Brunet’s place.
Harry died in Paynesville, 1974, aged 79.
Memorial and Awards:
1. Honor Roll,, Clyde North State School No 118 and District; now in Clyde Primary School, Oroya Grove Clyde Vic 3978
2. Awarded Cranbourne Patriotic Association Certificate, Fri Nov 29, 1918.
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CAREW, Albert Lynn (SN 11675), Western Front
In 1916 twenty-nine year old Albert Carew embarked for the Western Front and was discharged in England almost 4 years later. In 1915 he lived on the property was known as “Canowindra” Block 37, now Belmond on Clyde Estate. This was before the Croskell family purchased that land.
At 172.7cm, Albert was slightly taller than the average Clyde man and like most of the others he was a farmer. Along with two other Clyde men he embarked for overseas with Roy Hodgkinson and William Mitchell aboard the Afric June 5th 1916
Albert married an English girl (1920), stayed on in the UK, until about 1930 when he came back to Australia. He died in 1931, South Melbourne age 44.
Memorial and Awards:
1. Honor Roll, Clyde North State School No 118 and District; now in Clyde Primary School, Oroya Grove Clyde Vic 3978
2. Awarded Cranbourne Patriotic Association Certificate, Fri Nov 29, 1918.9 (May have been in UK when these were given.)
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CROSKELL, Athol Percival (SN 4762) Western Front
Athol began life in Frankston, 1884, in a community minded family. Athol himself took part in local sporting activities before he enlisted on 4 October 1915. Athol, a single man of 30 when he enlisted, was living with his brother Cyril Croskell, and together they managed a farm The Croskells bought out the property once owned by the Carew family, near the railway line now known as Belmond on Clyde.
On March 7, 1916 Athol, in the 8th Battalion, embarked on board the Wiltshire with three other Clyde men; Harry BAILEY, Fred BRIDGEWATER, Herbert OWEN, and Tom RIDGWAY Standing taller than most men, at 5ft 10 in (177.7cm) he also stood tall in courage, initiative, bravery under fire. As a Sergeant he earned a Military Medal and a Bar to Military Medal while in France with the 8th Battalion.
Military Medal
'During the operations east of YPRES on 20th September 1917, Sergeant. CROSKELL was in charge of a carrying party of twenty attached to the 2nd A.L.T.M. Bty., and whose duty it was to carry forward Stokes shells and charges. He arrived with his first party at the same time as the guns and immediately reorganised his party which had suffered casualties, and returned to CLAPHAN JUNCTION for a further supply of ammunition, continuing his trips to the dump until his party had been reduced to a strength of three.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 31 Date: 7 March 1918
Bar to Military Medal
'During the attack on ST. MARTIN'S WOOD near FOUCAUCOURT on the morning of the 23rd August, 1918, Sergeant CROSKELL showed great initiative and bravery in gathering small parties of men and clearing enemy posts and dug-outs. When the C.S.M. was wounded Sergeant CROSKELL took over the duties and proved of utmost assistance to his Company Commander in re-organising and consolidating. During the exceptionally heavy gas attack lasting five hours he repeatedly moved up and down the line encouraging the men by his coolness and through his efforts not one man was evacuated suffering with gas.
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 109 Date: 15 September 1919
Athol showed a strong interest in community activities. He died in Frankston, aged 65 in 1949
Memorial and Awards:
1. Honor Roll, Clyde North State School No 118 and District; now in Clyde Primary School, Oroya Grove Clyde Vic 3978
2. Awarded Cranbourne Patriotic Association Certificate, Fri Nov 29, 1918.
3. Frankston Shire Honor Roll, Frankston City, Vic 3199
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Brothers George Alexander DEANSHAW (SN 64189) and William Archibald DEANSHAW (SN V80288) moved from Zeehan, Tasmania in mid-1915 to Block 26 Fisheries Road. ( No 220 Clyde Five Ways Road) Three of the children enrolled in Clyde School No 3664.One year after Mrs Catherine Deanshaw (45) unexpectedly died leaving a large family. This tragedy may explain why both William and George were later than most men to enlist.
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DEANSHAW, George Alexander (SN 64189) Middle East
George DEANSHAW, 23 year old farm hand enlisted on 11 May 1918. George travelled with another Clyde man, Perce Hardy on Sept 14, 1918 aboard the Port Darwin. After embarkation and arrival in Egypt where he underwent additional training, he was allotted to the 3rd Light Horse Machine Gun Squadron; Middle East and at the conclusion of the war Returned to Australia 10 July 1919.
After the war he moved out from Clyde and became a share farmer at Nhill.
He enlisted for service for WW2
George aged 73, died in 1967 in Heidelberg
Memorial and Awards:
1. Honor Roll, Clyde North State School No 118 and District; now in Clyde Primary School, Oroya Grove Clyde Vic 3978
2. Awarded Cranbourne Patriotic Association Certificate, Fri Nov 29, 1918.
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DEANSHAW, William Archibald (SN V80288)
The youngest and last Clyde resident to enlist.
On 20 Sept 1918, at 18 years 3 months William Archibald Deanshaw enlisted for overseas military service. However he never got to see overseas action because he was discharged due to demobilization in December 1918.
William Archibald Deanshaw also served in WW2
He died in Heidelberg 1961, aged 60
Memorial and Awards:
1. Honor Roll, Clyde North State School No 118 and District; now in Clyde Primary School, Oroya Grove Clyde Vic 3978
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FLETCHER, Frank (SN 1133), Middle East
Died overseas
Where did Frank Fletcher live and work in Clyde? The electoral roll reveals that a person of that same name in 1914 worked as a labourer in Clyde, in the subdivision of Lang Lang. This clue informs us that he lived on the south side of Ballarto Road, Clyde. He enlisted from Mildura which suggests that he was only in Clyde for a short time but had not been forgotten by the Clyde community. It is possible that he had maintained some link with Clyde after he had moved to another district.
Born in Peek Forest, England, 1886, 28 year old Frank enlisted for overseas in March 1915 and in May he embarked for the Middle East. Five weeks later he died of meningitis and was buried in Egypt.
Memorial and Awards:
1. Honor Roll, Clyde North State School No 118 and District; now in Clyde Primary School, Oroya Grove Clyde Vic 3978
2. A Memorial Plaque and Scroll were sent to his parents in England.
3. Post humously awarded Cranbourne Patriotic Association Certificate, Fri Nov 29, 1918.
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FRANCIS, James Thomas (SN 1314), Middle East
Resident of Clyde assumed to be living with the Lyneham’s, relatives of the Dorling family.
Twenty-three year old James enlisted for military service in 1915. His father had died of tuberculosis 1899 when Jim was 7, and his Uncle George Dorling, of Korrumburra, was nominated as being his nearest of kin. His mother Mrs C Francis lived at Mornington.
His father’s sister was married to George Dorling who was related to the Lineham family. It is possible that he was working as a farm labourer on one of the Lineham farms. At 5ft 8 in (172.7 cm) slightly above the average height for Clyde men, Jim Francis was one of 500 men picked for special duty in Egypt as a part of the 4th Light Horse Regiment.
Jim Francis, a member of the 4th Light Horse Regiment, is believed to have taken part in the famous assault on Beersheba in October 1917. Was this the time while on service, his horse was shot from under him, and he was pinned to the desert for several hours before he was discovered by the ambulance party?
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The assault and overthrow of Beersheba began a series of defeats for the Ottoman Empire which was in league with Germany against Britain. A former Clyde man, Jim Francis is believed to be a part of this unit that stormed Beersheba.
While suffering with pneumonia he returned to Australia disembarking at Melbourne on 26 August 1919
The following year aged 28 17 June 1920 he died of tuberculosis followed by heart failure, 11 Australian General Hospital, Caulfield. He is buried in the Mornington Cemetery.
Memorial and Awards:
1. Honor Roll,, Clyde North State School No 118 and District; now in Clyde Primary School, Oroya Grove Clyde Vic 3978
2. Post humously awarded Cranbourne Patriotic Association Certificate, Fri Nov 29, 1918.
3. Memorial Plaque and Scroll given to his mother.
4. A military grave stone in Mornington Cemetery
Local significance of 4th Light Horse Brigade.
The colors of this regiment has significance for the + 80 students from Clyde who attended Dandenong High School. Percy Langford also a member of the 4th Light Horse brigade became the first principal of the newly formed Dandenong High School in 1919. The school colors, uniform, badges were taken from those of the 4th Light Horse, Dark Blue, Light Blue and Red. Inspiration from this battle was used in a school song to challenge pupils to overcome difficulties.
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HODGKINSON, Roy Leigh (SN 11781) Western Front
Born in St Kilda, 1893, son of Walter and Genevieve, a farm hand who enlisted for service in 1915 aged 22. The 1918 electoral roll lists him as living at Cambarona (which also could be a typing mistake for Cumberoona in Clyde). No other person with that surname is mentioned on the electoral roll for Clyde. Cumberoona was a property name situated on the north east corner of Manks Road and Clyde Five Ways Road.
Roy embarked for overseas along with two other Clyde men, Albert Carew, William Mitchell on the Afric, 5th June 1916. During that time he suffered a strained chest muscle and begun treatment in the No 2 Australian General Hospital at Wimeraux, France, where Clyde nurse, Sister Norah Lehman worked. He returned to Australia in July 1919, after an absence of three years during which his mother died.
He died on 4 May 1979 in Normanhurst, New South Wales, at the age of 85.
Memorial and Awards:
1 . Honor Roll, Clyde North State School No 118 and District; now in Clyde Primary School, Oroya Grove Clyde Vic 3978
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HUNTER, William Harold (SN 72551)
The Cranbourne RSL Files have “NO RECORD FOUND” written against this person’s name.
Researching newspapers, military records, known Hunter family history I was able to find out the following.
Eldest child of Thomas and Mary Hunter (nee Funston) he came to Clyde as a 19 year old in 1908. The Hunters lived on Block 34,(335 Cranbourne Berwick Road, Clyde North) the original property of Anthony Ridgway. Better known as Harold, he took active part in local sport, cricket and tennis. In 1916 probably because Harold was a farmer he was granted exemption from military service and was the 2nd last Clyde man to sign up. His enlistment on 18 May 1918 was followed by a community farewell to both him and George Deanshaw in September 1918 at which Harold was given a safety razor and a wristlet watch. During his training at 29 years of age he was assessed as “Shows promise and will make a good soldier, very good man”Some time after beinning camp training Armistice Day was declared, Harold was demobilized and formally discharged the day before Christmas Day in 1918. |
Harold Hunter continued on with his involvement with the Berwick Church of Christ, sporting activities, married in 1933 and continued to live in Clyde, a total of 46 years, until 1954. Following his marriage he lived over the road from his parent's property now known as Shopping on Clyde. His daughters, as children, attended the Clyde North school.
Harold passed away 1972, aged about 83 and is buried in the Berwick cemetery.
Memorial and Awards:
1. Honor Roll, Clyde North State School No 118 and District; now in Clyde Primary School, Oroya Grove Clyde Vic 3978
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KENNEDY, Alexander Stewart (SN 2132) Western Front
Alex, farrier and general smith, enlisted at the age of 31 years and 8 months on March 2, 1916. He lived and worked on the corner of Ballarto and Twyford Roads opposite the railway bridge (Probably 1585 Ballarto Rd). Married to Helen Quinn Kennedy (Thorpe) of Cranbourne, they had twins, Alex and Jessie born in 1914. Before embarking for overseas the family moved to Cranbourne nearer to Helen Kennedy's family.
His enlistment papers describe him as being 5ft 5 in tall (165cm), with brown hair and 129 lbs (58.5) kg in weight. He had spent 5 years with the Tooradin Rifle Club
Sailing with Clyde man Henry Kennett (40), on the Wandilla on June 6th 1916 Alex embarked on a 2 year 9 months war time experience. Enduring a painful gunshot injury to his right shoulder, Alex received a medical discharged and returned to Australia January 24, 1919.
During and after the war tragedy and sorrow followed this man. It seems that his wife, Helen, better known as Nellie, in his absence, was overcome by stress needing mental health care while the two children lived with their grandmother, aunts and uncle in High Street Cranbourne.. Following his home coming Alex took up a job with the Cranbourne Shire Council as Ranger. His daughter Jessie died in 1919 followed by the death of Mrs Thorpe, the children's grandmother. Alexander Snr was accidentally killed in April 1922, when thrown from his pony, leaving his son Alex junior in the care of his wife's family, Miss Sarah Thorpe and Jack Thorpe. Following the death of Alexander Senior, Sarah Thorpe took up the challenge to obtain the war medals for her nephew Alexander Kennedy junior.
Memorial and Awards:
1. Honor Roll, Clyde North State School No 118 and District; now in Clyde Primary School, Oroya Grove Clyde Vic 3978
2. Cranbourne Presbyterian Church Roll of Honor
3. Awarded Cranbourne Patriotic Association Certificate, Fri Nov 29, 1918.
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KENNETT, Henry (SN 236) Western Front
Married with two children Henry Kennett owned land on Manks Road, He identified with being a Clyde resident, although his home’s location was nearer to Tooradin. His children, Rose and Eddie, attended the Clyde SS No 3664.
Henry embarked for overseas aboard the Wandilla, on June 6th, 1916, a journey he shared with Clyde’s blacksmith, Alex Kennedy, someone he most certainly knew.
The reference supporting his application bid for more land under the solder settler’s scheme described him as being a solid person with high standards. His son, Ed, eventually took over the family property after Henry’s death.
Memorial and Awards:
1. Honor Roll,, Clyde North State School No 118 and District; now in Clyde Primary School, Oroya Grove Clyde Vic 3978
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LEE, William (SN 7527) Western Front
William Lee, known as ‘Cocky’ Lee, had a sheep property on the south west corner of Ballarto Road and Muddy Gates Lane. (# 1980 Ballarto Road) . At the time of enlistment, 29 May 1917, he was still a single man, 33 years and 10 months of age standing at about the average height for Clyde men, 5 ft., 7 ½ in (170.8 cm). Four months later he embarked for France aboard the Nestor . Returning to Australia in September 1918 Cocky Lee continued to live in Clyde. He married Esther Jackie Rollo in 1926, stayed in Clyde and saw his children attend Cardinia primary school. Cocky Lee took an interest in the local community. He passed away in 1949 about 68 years of age. His son Ted continued to live on the property with his children attending Clyde Primary School #3664.
Memorial and Awards:
1. Honor Roll, Clyde North State School No 118 and District; now in Clyde Primary School, Oroya Grove Clyde Vic 39782. Tree planted on Arbor Day, Cardinia, 6th July 1917
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LIGHTON, Harold Thomas (SN 281944), Western Front.
Clyde’s first pilot.
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Short in stature, 5ft 4 ¼in Harry Lighton has the distinction of being the first pilot ever to come from Clyde. Born in Devenish Victoria, 23 March 1896, Harold Lighton moved with his parents to “Wiltara” (# 1760) Ballarto Road, Clyde in 1912. He was about 16 at the time and had finished his primary school education and could not have imagined that one day he would fly planes as well as becoming a pilot training instructor They lived in Clyde for about 4 years until Harry’s father unexpectedly died young. Mrs Lighton returned her family to Devenish and it was from there that Harry signed up for overseas service.
Enlisted at 20 years of age on 9 October 1960 he soon embarked for Europe aboard the Ulysses on 25 October with the 13th Light Horse.
An amazing coincidence, of which he may not have been aware, was that on board that ship was another young man who had lived in the same Ballarto Road Wiltara property and was a member of the Australian Flying Corps. Alex Wilkie a former Clyde North Student was destined to travel on that same journey.
Given pilot training in England, Harold Thomas Lighton was transferred to the Australian Flying Corps and promoted to Lieutenant in 1918. In his assessment for the Airforce for Leadership Aptitude he scored 90%, Character 90%, Keeness 95%. Harry Lighton returned to Australia in May 1919. After spending some time in Victoria he moved to Adelaide During the Second World War (SN 281944) as RAAF Officer he trained pilots at the Edinburg base 28 km north of from Adelaide
Memorial and Awards:
1. Honor Roll,, Clyde North State School No 118 and District; now in Clyde Primary School, Oroya Grove Clyde Vic 3978
2. Devenish and District Honour Roll Devenish Hall, Devenish, Victoria.
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MITCHELL, William Matthews (SN 11832) Western Front
His four school aged children enrolled at Clyde North School No 118 in June 1915 having moved from the Geelong area to Clyde about the week before. William Mitchell, as it appears was renting from Mr Sands’ Yanna Yanna, property on the northern corner of Tuckers and Pattersons Road. (Blocks 51 and 56)
The following year William Mitchell, aged 36, left behind his wife and 5 children (one of whom was invalided) and headed off for France aboard the Afric on June 5, 1916. Two other Clyde chaps shared the journey with him, Albert Carew and Roy Hodgkinson.
In France William Mitchell probably had a non-combat role as a driver from the Supply Column, Army Service Corps 26. He returned home to his family 2 years 10 months later.
The Mitchell family’s next move was to Dandenong where William worked as a cycle mechanic.
He died in 1948 aged 70. A plaque in Horsham stands in remembrance of him.
Memorial and Awards:
1. Honor Roll,, Clyde North State School No 118 and District; now in Clyde Primary School, Oroya Grove Clyde Vic 3978
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Brothers Herbert OWEN (SN 4318) and John Stanley OWEN (SN 6547) , sons of William and Mary Owen (nee Bacon) lived at Lot 36 of the Bailey’s Estate now 150 Yallambee Road, Clyde. The family came to Australia from England, both boys having been born in Manchester, Lancashire, Kurtis 30 acre block was next door to the Cromb family. Both sons enlisted in 1915 and were shipped overseas in March 1916. After the war the sons were reunited with their mother, Mary Owen, in Bena, Gippsland. In 1917 Mary Owen’s name is recorded as being in Bena. Their father, William Owen (65) died on 1 September 1916 while his sons were is service overseas. |
OWEN, Herbert (SN 4318) Western Front
Herbert Owen, the first to enlist, the younger of the two brothers was also shorter, 5ft 4 ½in signed up for service on 2 July 1915 at 19 years 9 months of age. Bert Owen embarked for the Western Front a
aboard the Wiltshire, 7th March 1916 along with other Clyde men Athol CROSKELL, Harry BAILEY, Fred BRIDGEWATER and Tom RIDGWAY. This young plumber returned to Australia, June 1919, three years three months later.
Memorial and Awards:
1. Honor Roll,, Clyde North State School No 118 and District; now in Clyde Primary School, Oroya Grove Clyde Vic 3978
2. Awarded Cranbourne Patriotic Association Certificate, Fri Nov 29, 1918.
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OWEN, John Stanley (SN 6547) Western Front
Born in England,1888, and trained as a coach painter, John Stanley Owen enlisted for service at 27 years of age in September 1915. Taller than his brother (5ft 9in / 175.2cm) he was heavier than most other Clyde men. His unit began its journey on the Orsova on 11 March 1916. So he most likely embarked at Melbourne during the same month. After 3 years of active service, John Stanley Owen was discharged in Australia of 7 August 1919. He married Lily Shrader in 1937.
He took advantage of the Soldier Settlement scheme on a farm in the Bena area. John Stanley Owen also enlisted for service in WW2.
Died in Bairnsdale in 1959 aged 71
Memorial and Awards:
1. Honor Roll, Clyde North State School No 118 and District; now in Clyde Primary School, Oroya Grove Clyde Vic 3978
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PIERSON, Stewart John (SN 6848)
Born in Toowoomba, Queensland in 1875, Stewart moved to Victoria and lived in Tooradin on the property belonging to his brother in law William Oliver Kerr or the Kerr family. He was 37 when he enlisted in 1915, worked as a rabbit trapper. In 1914 even though his address was Tooradin, the electoral roll links him with the Clyde Railway station community.
It seems from his war service record that Stewart John Pierson was initially discharged for health reasons and when he regained his health he reinlisted. On the 1916 Roll he is listed as living in Tooradin, a soldier, Expeditionary forces. At another time he is enrolled as living at Clyde Railway Town.
An Oakleigh newspaper reported the following: 3 Feb 1917 S. J. Pierson, a returned soldier, of Downing street, Oakleigh, has re-enlisted and gone into camp
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When he first enlisted he was 5ft 7 ¾in tall (172 cm) and weighed 10st 6lbs (66.2 kg), slightly heavier than most Clyde men. On his second tour of duty he endured pneumonia, pleurisy, tuberculosis overseas and was discharged on medical grounds.
His war record makes interesting reading
Memorial and Awards:
1. Honor Roll,, Clyde North State School No 118 and District; now in Clyde Primary School, Oroya (Grove Clyde Vic 3978
2. Possibly Oakleigh RSL (pending confirmation)
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PITCHER, Claude William Leonard (SN 2552) Western Front
Claude Pitcher, 21, born at Mannerin, Bellarine Peninsular, the eldest of six children enlisted 1916 in the Australian Army along with recruits from Clyde and Clyde North. His three younger siblings, Myrtle, Stanley and Alva were still primary school students at Clyde 3664 in 1916.
Three months after enlisting Claude was on his way to France with the 58th Battalion aboard the Shropshire with other Clyde men, Guy Hobart and Arthur Ryland. A farmer ‘boy’ who worked for friends on their Lyndhurst farm now faced life threatening challenges
Dark haired with blue-grey eyes, a slightly built man just over 60 kg, Claude showed leadership abilities in being appointed as a corporal. During his time in France he suffered trench fever and a shrapnel wound to his shoulder. It was his next injury that would affect him for the rest of his life. |
Claude was shipped to England, admitted to Norwich Hospital, north east from London on the coast, to have his hand operated on after it was mutilated by gunshot at Villers Bretonneux France. The doctor intended to amputate all of his fingers and only leave Claude with his right hand thumb. A nurse pleaded with the doctor to try and save his index finger so he would at least have some use of his hand. Thanks to that unknown English nurse, Claude was able to use his thumb and index finger as anyone else would use a hand. A young nurse, who challenged her superior, rescued Claude from a permanent life long handicap.
Claude returned to Clyde in 1918 and was welcomed home by his many friends.
“ He lived to 93, which is pretty fantastic. As I got older, I always wondered how he managed during the war as he was a very gentle and sincere Christian.” (Granddaughter’s comments)
Memorial and Awards:
1. Honor Roll,, Clyde North State School No 118 and District; now in Clyde Primary School, Oroya Grove Clyde Vic 3978
2. Cranbourne Presbyterian Church Roll of Honor
3. Mannerim Memorial
4. Drysdale Bellarine Honour Roll.
5. Possible Drysdale Bellarine Shire Honor Roll WW1
6. Awarded Cranbourne Patriotic Association Certificate, Fri Nov 29, 1918.
7. Gold Medal Presented on Friday 10 October 1919 from Cranbourne Patriotic Association
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PLOWMAN, Henry Francis (SN 5197) Western Front
Son of Henry Francis Plowman, (Senior) and Theresa Bertha Florence (Bertha) McDonough in 1896 he was born in Carlton, Melbourne. He left Australia on April Fools’ Day, 1916 at 18 years of age. Standing at 5 ft 8 ¾ in (174.6 cm) he was taller than the average Clyde recruit. After landing in France he gained training in grenades and was also promoted to position of Lance Corporal. He returned to Australia 3 years after his initial embarkment. Henry Plowman’s link with Clyde is unclear unless he was distantly related to the Lineham family through his mother Bertha McDonough. District newspaper accounts indicate that he played cricket with the Clyde team.
In 1921 he married Vera Jane Boswell and for the rest of his life worked at various occupations including storeman and tram driver. Henry died in Melbourne, 1967 aged 71
Memorial and Awards:
1. Honor Roll, Clyde North State School No 118 and District; now in Clyde Primary School, Oroya Grove Clyde Vic 3978
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REEVES, Albert Reginald (SN 629) Western Front
Albert was farm labourer, so could have worked on a local farm but we do not know with whom.. . He was born in Essex in England and his next of kin was his father, who also lived in Essex. Albert enlisted on July 20, 1915 at the age of one month off 23 years of age.
Where did he live in Clyde? His name is also on the Cardinia School honor board which suggests that he lived near to the border of Clyde and Cardinia.
The Clyde Hook family, descendents of Isaac Hook have family members by the name of Reeves. George Hook, married Ethel May Reeves and so I wonder if an adventurous British cousin came to live with his Australian relatives and that is why he was in Clyde? According to the South Bourke & Mornington Paper, on July 18, 1918 illustrated certificates were given to the relatives of soldiers who were absent at this ceremony. R Reeves was mentioned in this list. It is to be concluded that he had relatives living locally.
During the war in France he suffered gun shot wound to the neck. Albert returned to Australia on April 19, 1919.
Following returning to Australia, marrying Maud May Jones in 1921, Albert is known to have worked for the railways for the remainder of his life, living most of that time in Coburg.
Albert died in 1964
Memorial and Awards:
1. Honor Roll, Clyde North State School No 118 and District; now in Clyde Primary School, Oroya Grove Clyde Vic 3978
2. Cranbourne Presbyterian Church Roll of Honor
3. Cardinia School Honor Board
4. A tree was planted in his honor in Cardinia ion Arbor Day July 1917
5. Awarded Cranbourne Patriotic Association Certificate, Thursday July 18, 1918
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ROBERTSON, Alfred Henry (SN 1611) Middle East
Killed in Action
The Cranbourne RSL Files have “NO RECORD FOUND” written against this person’s name
Alfred Robertson, known as ‘Nip’ by his family and friends was 24 years and 5 months old when he enlisted for overseas military service. Being 5ft 5 ¼ in tall (163 cm) and weighed 68 kg he was slightly below the average height for the Clyde men. Alfred “Nip’ Robertson was the eldest son of Donald and Elisabeth Robertson (nee Robinson), and one of six siblings and lived in Clyde from 1905-1908.
Donald “Dan’ Robertson bought ‘May Villa’ from the Ridgway family, Block 34 or better known as 335 Cranbourne-Berwick Road, Clyde North, directly opposite the now Pasadena Estate. Nip Robertson began life in Acheron 1891 and came to Clyde when he was about 17.
He served with the 8th Light Horse, Gaza, Palestine a part of the allied forces who aimed to weaken the Ottoman Empire, which had collaborated with Germany. By attacking in the south, via the desert and Israel it became the beginning of the collapse of Turkish led Ottoman Islamic Empire.
Wounded on 23 December, Nip died on Christmas Day 1916.
His cousin, Harold Robinson said of him, He was a brave lad. He had taken on stretcher bearing, a very dangerous job, as they have to go out under all sort of fire and attend the wounded. He had just run out to relieve a wounded officer. While kneeling down beside him he got a bullet in the left of the stomach. He was as game as the best of them.
Memorial and Awards:
1. Honor Roll, Clyde North State School No 118 and District; now in Clyde Primary School, Oroya Grove Clyde Vic 3978
2. Australian War Memorial, Panel Number 6, Roll Of Honour
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ROLFE, Alfred John Everard (SN 6458) Western Front
English born Alfred Rolfe, the tallest of the Clyde men ( 6ft 2in /187.9 cm) and a kilo heavier in weight than the average Clyde man (74.3kg) enlisted when he was 26 years 1 month of age in 1916. Prior to WW1 he had been a part of the Light Horse regiment for 2 years. He had been a farmer in Bunyip with what we believe were his brothers but have not idea with whom he worked in Clyde. Embarked on board the Hororatio on 23 November 1916, he shared the journey with two other former Clyde men, brothers Thomas and Ernest Bullock. While on the Western Front overseas he was gassed. Alfred reached the rank of Lance Corporal and returned to Australia in 1919. Two years later married Nina L Hooke. |
In 1935 he lived in High St Fawkner as a salesman.
Alfred Rolfe died 1970 and was buried in Lilydale aged about 92.
Memorial and Awards:
1. Honor Roll Clyde North State School No 118 and District; now in Clyde Primary School, Oroya Grove Clyde Vic 3978
2. Possibly Box Hill Honour Roll (Nunawading Shire) (First World War)
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RYLAND, Arthur Anderson (SN 2553) Western Front
Arthur, a farmer, enlisted at the age of 21 on March 23, 1916. His next of kin was his mother, Amelia Ryland of Clyde; his father Alfred having already died. Standing at 5ft 6¼in and weighing 55.8 kg he was slight of build. Embarking for France, 25 Sept 1916, he shared the journey with other Clyde men, Claude Pitcher and Guy Hobart aboard the Shropshire.
He stayed in France after the War ended and was attached to the Australian Base Depot and on September 29, 1919 he married Marie Jeanne Hureaux at the Town Hall in Argenteuil, in France. He returned to Australia on February 2, 1920, but no further mention of Marie. He moved to Cranbourne and lived an interesting life being involved in community activities. Some of these included, picture showman, singing in public concerts, buying a Morris car (1927), president of football club, Cranbourne Band Committee, Recreation Reserve Committee and owning a garage.
Later he married Lillian May Greaves (nee Cowe) a widow with 4 boys and he continued to live in Cranbourne until his death in May 1990 aged about 96.
Memorials and Awards
1. Honor Roll, Clyde North State School No 118 and District; now in Clyde Primary School, Oroya Grove Clyde Vic 3978
2. Honor Roll, Cranbourne Presbyterian Church Honor Roll Board
3. Awarded Cranbourne Patriotic Association Certificate, Fri Nov 29, 1918.4. Gold Medal Presented on Friday 10 October 1919 from Cranbourne Patriotic Association
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THOMAS, Hedley Howard (SN 4611) Western Front
Killed in Action
After serving in France as a' bomb thrower’ Hedley Howard Thomas answered the call for stretcher bearers and was accepted. In October, 1917, whilst doing his duty, he was wounded and sent to England. On his return to France, he again volunteered as stretcher bearer. Being of a sensitive and sympathetic nature, his experiences in attending to the injuries of his broken and shattered companions, imposed a great strain upon him. While binding the wounds of a comrade he was shot by a sniper and died.
He demonstrated loyalty, integrity of character, determination to do the right thing with or without the approval of others. He won the respect of fellow soldiers who had many opportunities of testing his worth. |
They said of him' ‘Everyone that knew himrespected him. He played his part as one of the best of soldiers and a man’. 'We and many more have reason to be gratefulIn 1906 Hedley Howard Thomas, one of seven children, moved with his family from Oakleigh to the south eastern corner of Tuckers and Pattersons Roads.
At 19 Hedley decided in his heart to obey God in all of his life. While this was a public declaration among the Methodist church folk, Hedley expressed this decision better through his life’s actions rather talking about it. Hedley enlisted in September 1915. At 5ft 8in (172.7cm) he was slightly taller than the average Clyde man, also the heaviest weighing 12 stone (76.2kg).
The local newspaper of 22 Aug 1918, reported “The seating accommodation at the Methodist Church was taxed, on Sunday evening, when a large gathering met to do honor to the memory of the late Private Hedley Thomas aged 26“.
Clyde Methodists relied on visiting preachers for their afternoon services but also attended morning worship in Cranbourne. Hedley’s name is also recorded on the Cranbourne Presbyterian’s Honor Board.
Memorials and Awards
1. Honor Roll, Clyde North State School No 118 and District; now in Clyde Primary School, Oroya Grove Clyde Vic 3978
2. Cranbourne Presbyterian Church Roll of Honor
3. Awarded post humously Cranbourne Patriotic Association Certificate, Fri Nov 29, 1918.
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