SO just who were the local soldiers commemorated by the memorial named 'Diggers' Drive'?
Owen Wildman's book, Queenslanders Who Fought in The Great War, 1914-1918 (Besley & Pike Limited, Alfred Street, Valley, Brisbane) and Australia's Fighting Sons of the Empire: Portraits and Biographies of Australians in the Great War (B. Jackson & Co., 83 Pitt Street, Sydney) - and research in the military personnel files held at the National Archives of Australia - offer some biographical clues about a handful of those who, prior to enlistment, had direct family or residential links to the suburbs of Kalinga, Eagle Junction, Toombul, Wooloowin, Clayfield, Hendra and Nundah.
It was to honour the memory of the 182 local recruits who answered the call to fight for their country that Diggers' Drive was hand-built by some seven dozen former Australian soldiers in the early 1920s.
The Honour Roll below is far from complete...but neither then is the task of placing name plaques on the trees of Diggers' Drive - one for each Kalinga and district son who now rests forever in the company of strangers on some foreign battlefield.
The symbolism of Diggers planting saplings beside the lower reaches of Kedron Brook - the very watercourse that a few kilometres upstream flows through Enoggera, site of the army camp where they, and the bulk of Brisbane's intake of volunteer citizen soldiers, received basic training - cannot be understated.
Now that Airport Link construction crews have clear-felled the last original Digger-planted tallow wood trees, the list below is an attempt to chronicle some biographical details about a cross-section of the men, whose service personnel files indicate, were born in the suburbs of Eagle Junction, Toombul, Nundah, Lutwyche, Wooloowin and Kedron; that is, these individuals - or their next of kin, friends and loved ones - almost certainly would have been directly or indirectly associated with the purpose of Diggers' Drive in Kalinga Park, or been aware of its existence after World War I.
This incomplete list can not, of course, include those whose personnel file merely states the place of birth as being "Brisbane" or "North Brisbane", but we can be satisfied that all of the soldiers listed below had a familial link to the Kalinga Division of the Toombul Shire Council. Arguably, dozens of First AIF personnel - perhaps hundreds - had such a connection, but certainly these men's next of kin and descendants would today number in the thousands...
ALROE, Montague Percival. Sergeant. No. 4354. 11th Reinforcements, 26th Battalion. An ironmonger's warehouseman, Montague Alroe was aged 25 when he enlisted at Brisbane on September 20, 1915. He named his mother, Mrs Elizabeth Alroe, of Richmond, Old Sandgate Road, Eagle Junction, as his next-of-kin. On March 20, 1916, Montague was marched to Hamilton Wharves, Brisbane, where he boarded HMAT A16, Star of Victoria, along with the rest of his unit, bound for England and further basic training. He returned to Australia on April 5, 1918.
BATEMAN, Ebenezer Jubilee.
BEATTIE, William Horsburgh (Horsborough or Horsburg). Sergeant. No. 6470. 21st Reinforcements, 15th Battalion. An Edinburgh-born accountant, Bill Beattie was aged 43 when he left behind his wife, Evelyn Medora Lucy Beattie, and a young family to sign-up on July 3, 1916 in Brisbane. His home was located in the Goeldner Estate, Eagle Junction. After receiving basic traininh at Enoggera, he embarked along with his unit from Hamilton Wharf aboard HMAT A36, Boonah, on October 21, 1916. At the time, he was listed on the Nominal Roll as a Private, but returned to Australia on July 27, 1917 with the rank of Sergeant.
BENBURY, Robert Graham.
Private Donald A. Bond
BOND, Donald Archibald. Private. No. 4736. 15th Reinforcements, 15th Battalion. Born at Dayboro, and educated at Upper North Pine State School. He was the son of a farmer, William Henry Bond of Tring Terrace, Nundah (which in 1967 was largely resumed to construct a carpark for Westfield's Toombul Shoppingtown - now known as Centro Toombul - the remainder being in present-day Masefield Street). Just 22 days short of his 21st birthday, the farmer enlisted in the First AIF at Brisbane on September 29, 1915, and embarked from Brisbane, bound for Egypt with his unit, per HMAT Commonwealth, on March 28, 1916. That September he proceeded to France, and was sent to into action. Barely two months after turning 22, he was killed at the Battle of the Somme on December 18, 1916. He was buried at Bernafay Wood British Cemetery, Montauban, in Plot J72.
Sergeant Frederick A. Bond
BOND, Frederick Arthur. Sergeant. No. 466. 2nd Light Horse Regiment. Born at Terror's Creek, Dayboro, and educated at Upper North Pine State School. Sergeant Bond was a brother of Private Donald A. Bond (see above), Private Richard W. Bond (see below) and Trooper Thomas J. Bond (see below), and a son of William and Annie Bond of Tring Terrace, Nundah. A blacksmith by trade, Frederick Bond, then 23, enlisted on August 25, 1914, and was marched into Bell's Camp, Enoggera. After four weeks of basic training, Frederick Bond shipped out of Brisbane on September 24. After further training at Alexandria, Egypt, he was dispatched to Gallipoli, arriving on October 31, 1915. He served in the capacity of a blacksmith with his regiment during their sojourn on Gallipoli, Egypt and Palestine, and returned to Australia after the Armistice was signed. He was discharged from AIF on February 26, 1919 in Brisbane, having served his country for four years, six months and one day.
Private Richard W. Bond
BOND, Richard Winsley. Private. No. 1872. 3rd Reinforcements, 47th Battalion. Born at Terror's Creek, Dayboro, and educated at Upper North Pine State School. He is the son of William and Annie Bond of Tring Terrace, Nundah. Enlisted on January 3, 1916 in Brisbane, and embarked on May 1 for England after basic training at Bell's Camp, Enoggera. Served with the 47th Battalion in France, and was wounded on November 13, 1916, and was invalided home to Australia. He was discharged on August 25, 1917.
Trooper Thomas J. Bond
BOND, Thomas James. Trooper. No. 3473. 2nd Light Horse Regiment. Born at Terror's Creek, Dayboro, and educated at Upper North Pine. He was a brother of Private Donald A. Bond (see above), Private Richard W. Bond (see above) and Sergeant Frederick A. Bond (see above), and a son of William and Annie Bond of Tring Terrace, Nundah. The 21-year-old was in his fifth year of an joinery apprenticeship at James Campbell & Sons Limited when he enlisted on August 20, 1917. Like his brothers before him, Thomas received basic training at Bell's Camp, Enoggera, and was initially attached to the 30th Reinforcements of the 5th Light Horse Regiment. He sailed for Egypt aboard the Royal Mail Steamer Ormonde from Sydney and arrived at Moascar beside the Suez Canal on April 4, 1918. After further training he marched out with the 2nd Light Horse Regiment into Palestine on July 13. He served up to the time of Armistice, and returned to Australia in 1919. He was discharged on May 14, 1919 after one year, eight months and 24 days in uniform.
BROWN, Sydney.
Private Arthur C. Careless
CARELESS, Arthur Charles. Private. No. 2844. 4th Pioneers Regiment. Born at Brisbane and educated at Ipswich. He was the son of a Ridge Street Northgate mechanic, Edwin John Careless and Charlotte Careless (nee Stokes). At the age of 19 years and five months, he enlisted at Ipswich on May 25, 1916 - 13 months after the ANZAC landings at Gallipoli - leaving behind his coachbuilding apprenticeship at the North Ipswich Railways Workshop. After basic training at Bell's Camp, Enoggera, he embarked from Brisbane aboard the SS Boonah on October 21, 1916. Upon his arrival in England he went to Salisbury Plain for further training in readiness for the trenches of France. He marched with his unit from Havre, France, on September 27, 1917, and saw action at Passchendaele, Zonnebeck, Villers-Brettoneaux and the Hindenburg Line. He returned to Brisbane aboard the heavy transport ship, Swakopmund, on August 2, 1919 and was discharged on September 11 - three years, six months and 16 days after enlisting. He eagerly sought to resume his apprenticeship at the workshops.
CARSELDINE, Edmond Joseph.
Farrier-Sergeant James A. Chambers
CHAMBERS, James Artemas. Farrier-Sergeant. No. 311. B Squadron, D Troop, 2nd Light Horse. A son of Jose and Elizabeth Ann Chambers (nee Richardson), of North Street, Toowoomba, James was born at Toombul on March 4, 1891, and received his education at Toowoomba before finding work as a blacksmith. At the age of 23 years and four months, he enlisted at Brisbane on August 31, 1914. He went into camp at Enoggera, and sailed from Brisbane for Egypt on September 24, 1914 aboard the SS Star of England. He was sent into action at Gallipoli, and upon being wounded in the chin, was sent to hospital in Cairo. On his recovery, he saw action with his unit in Palestine, and took part in the great advance there. He was promoted to the rank of Farrier-Sergeant on December 29, 1915. Sgt Chambers was hospitalised a number of times due to recurring bouts of malaria. He was killed in action on July 16, 1918 and buried at Jerusalem War Cemetery, Israel, in plot H43. He was 27.
CLUTTERBUCK, Thomas Gerald Patrick. Gunner. No. 7664. Battery 15, 5th Field Artillery Brigade. Tom Clutterbuck, a 21-year-old clerk of Thomas Street, Eagle Junction, enlisted at Brisbane on August 2, 1915 and, after training in Sydney, embarked for Europe aboard HMAT A34, Persic, on November 18, 1915. He seen prior military service with the 3rd Battery of the Australian Field Artillery.
CONNOLLY, Edward Patrick.
Lance Corporal Edward A. Cornell
CORNELL, Edward Arnold. Lance-Corporal. No. 1398. 11th Reinforcements, 5th Light Horse Regiment, 2nd Australian Light Horse Brigade. A son of the late Arthur Edward Cornell and Mrs Clarissa Bertha Cornell (nee Southerden), of Gomoran, Queensland, Edward Cornell, a farmer, was born at Indooropilly on September 4, 1892, and educated at Eagle Junction. He enlisted at Chermside on October 16, 1915. He proceeded to Egypt - embarking from Sydney - and upon completing his training as a Hotchkiss machine gunner, saw action in the battles of the Holy Land campaign. He was invalided by malaria and returned to Australia on the Leicestershire. His discharge from the army came on June 14, 1919.
CUMBERLAND, William John.
CURRAN, John Cedric.
CURRAN, Lionel Slade de Vere.
DALY, John.
DALY, Patrick Joseph.
DANIEL, Charles Bernard. Sapper. No. 3346. 1st Field Company Engineers. Enlisting at Brisbane on October 7, 1916, Private Daniel, a 35-year-old machinist, named wife, Mrs Marcella Daniel, of Brighton, Thomas Street, Eagle Junction, as his next-of-kin. The couple's newly-built home was in a fledgling housing development called Robinson's Estate. He embarked with his unit from Sydney aboard the HMAT A72, Beltana, on November 25, 1916. Sapper Daniel returned to Australia on June 6, 1918.
DARBYSHIRE, John. Sapper. No. 187. 2nd Field Company Engineers. Sapper Darbyshire was a 20-year-old surveyor working for the Queensland Railways Department when when he enlisted on August 21, 1914, just weeks after hostilities in Europe commenced and Australia answered the call of Empire. He left the home of his parents - John J. Darbyshire, a civil engineer, and Marcea Katrina Darbyshire - of Kildonian, Robinson Street, Eagle Junction and travelled to Melbourne for basic training with his unit. He departed on October 21, 1914 aboard the HMAT A3, Orvieto. Sapper Darbyshire was reported killed-in-action on September 20, 1917.
DAWSON, Phillip.
DEVLIN, Henry.
DIAMOND, W. V.
DODD, Henry Herbert.
DONOVAN, David. Shoeing Smith. No. 2259. 3rd Field Artillery Brigade, 1st Military District.Following his usual occupation into the armed forces, Gympie-born David Donovan was 24 years and three months old when he took the oath of enlistment at Brisbane on September 2, 1914. He listed his normal address as "care of N. O'Brien, Eagle Junction", and his next-of-kin as "Mrs W. O'Brien" (of the same address). After basic training at Enoggera, he embarked with his unit from Brisbane aboard the HMAT A22, Rangatira, on November 25, 1914, bound for the Middle East. Promoted to Bombardier on March 6, 1916, David Donovan's unit went into action in France. He rose to the rank of Sergeant before being transferred in July 1918 to the Reserve Brigade Australian Artillery.
FRANZ, Cecil Charles Andrew. Private. No. 3031. 42nd Battalion. This Hendra-born grandson of Zion's Hill German missionary, Theodore Franz, was the son of William Frederick Franz and Margaret Jane Franz (nee Bleakley), of Best Street, Hendra. The 22-year-old Upper Caboolture dairyfarmer enlisted at Brisbane on November 3, 1916 and was assigned to the 7th Reinforcements of the 42nd Battalion, based at Enoggera. On February 19, 1917 he embarked for England from Sydney with his unit aboard the Wiltshire, arriving in camp in April. After barely three months of training in France, Private Franz's unit first went into action in the vicinity of Rouelles. On April 26, 1918 he was severely wounded in both legs and the spine and was evacuated to a London hospital a week later. A letter written to Private Franz's widowed mother stated: "I am so sorry to have to write to you concerning your sad bereavement. Your son, 3031, Private Cecil Andrew Charles Franz, 42nd Battalion, was admitted into King George's Hospital, London, on May 3, 1918, suffering gunshot wounds in the spine. He passed away on May 26 1918. I buried him today in the beautiful Brookwood Military Cemetery, and his remains lie in Grave No. 181062 [Section X, Row D, Plot No. 18]...It was a lovely sunny day and the service was attended by over 20 Australian soldiers and the funeral was a military one with the usual military honours. The volleys were fired and The Last Post was played by the bugler. The service was reverent and impressive. We remembered and prayed for the relatives of our late comrade in Australia. May God comfort and sustain you in the loss you have sustained and make you proud of your hero son. {signed} A. T. Holden, Senior Chaplain (Methodist), AIF."
Private John Fraser
FRASER, John. Private. No. 3636. 10th Reinforcements, 49th Battalion, 13th Brigade, 4th Division. Born at Albion, and educated at Yandina State School. The son of John and Janet Fraser, of Cooloolabin, via Yandina. This 23-year-old Sunshine Coast hinterland teamster was familiar with firing a gun when he enlisted at Adelaide Street Recruitment Centre in Brisbane on June 14, 1917 - he stated on his attestation papers that for the previous three years he was a member of his local Cooloolabin Rifle Club at North Arm. After basic training at Bell's Camp, Enoggera, Private Fraser was initially assigned to the 52nd Battalion. On October 17 he sailed with his unit of fresh recruits from Sydney aboard the Euripides, disembarking at Devonport on Boxing Day. Then serving with the 49th Battalion, John Fraser was wounded in by mustard gas on May 14, 1918, and spent more than a month in a field hospital. Upon being returned to his unit, Private Fraser took part in the now legendary attack to dislodge the enemy from Villers-Bretonneux. He was killed in action on August 12, 1918. His was buried in Grave No. D7 at Cote 80 French National Cemetery at Etineham.
GAFFNEY, Edward Appleby.
GAULD, Henry Rutland.
GENTNER, William.
GIBSON, Roderick Glen.
GILBERT, William Ernest.
Private George L. Gollagher
GOLLAGHER, George Leslie. Private. No. 4535. 12th Reinforcements, 31st Battalion (5th Division Train). Born and educated at Nundah. The son of Thomas and Eliza Gollagher, of Toorbul, via Caboolture. The 22-year-old bullock driver enlisted at Brisbane on November 2, 1916, and embarked on the troopship, Demosthenes, on December 23, 1916. Arrived in England in March, and left for France in July, 1917. Was wounded at Polygon Wood in September, and invalided to England. Returned to Australia aboard the SS Argyllshire, on August 1, 1919, arriving in Brisbane on September 24.
Sergeant William Gough, DCM
GOUGH, William, DCM. Sergeant. No. 3344. 6th Field Company Engineers. Born in Brisbane and educated at the Eagle Junction State School. The son of Joseph and Agnes Gough, of Balmain Street, Wooloowin. On the July 5, 1919, he was married to Gladys May, daughter of John and Elizabeth Bennett, of South Brisbane. The 23-year-old ironmoulder and telephone mechanic enlisted on August 17, 1915, and sailed for Egypt on November 23, 1915. Left Egypt for France on the March 19, 1916, and went into the firing line, where he remained until the signing of the Armistice. Returned to Australia on March 28, 1919. Was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal for bravery and attention to duty at Ypres, in September, 1917. The citation for the award stated: "On 17th and 18th September, 1917, Cpl. Gough was assisting large parties of Infantry who were carrying and laying materials for a duckboard track from near Lake Bellewable to about 300 yards north-west of Westhoek. A great deal of this work lay in an enemy barrage zone and the parties, consisting largely of new reinforcements, were on several occasions dispersed and partially disorganised by shelling. On each occasion, however, Cpl. Gough, by great gallantry, rallied the parties, and so inspired then by his bravery and devotion to duty that in two nights over 1,000 yards of extremely important track was constructed. On one occasion, after completing his task, Cpl. Gough went into a heavy barrage to rescue a wounded man, whom he carried over 500 yards to the nearest R.A.P. Cpl. Gough has repeatedly shown the greatest gallantry in action and total disregard of danger ever since the arrival of the division in France, and has constantly inspired his men by his splendid example".
Private Harry J. Graham
GRAHAM, Harry John. Private. No. 154. A Company, 9th Battalion. Born at Clayfield, and educated at Gatton Agricultural College and Barcaldine. He was the son of Thomas Andrew and Rose Marie Graham, of Fir Street, Barcaldine. Enlisted at Barcaldine, August, 1914, and went into Enoggera Camp. Attached to the 9th Battalion. Sailed aboard theSS Omrah on September 24, 1914, for Egypt, and arrived December 6, 1914. Went to Mena Camp for training. Left for Lemnos Island March 1, 1915, and was there until April 24, 1915, and went to Gallipoli on the HMS Queen, and took part as one of the original landing party the next day. He was reported missing on this date, and afterwards killed in action. His name is listed at No. 31 on Gallipoli's Lone Pine Memorial.
GYNTHER, Frederick.
HARDING, A. H.
HENZELL, Walter Carlyle.
HOCKINGS, Stanley Roy.
HODSDON, Charles Harold ("Harry"). Corporal. No. 750. E Company, 15th Battalion, 4th Infantry Brigade. Wooloowin-born tailor, Harry Hodsdon, 21, couldn't wait to sign up in the weeks following the declaration of war against Germany. On September 23, 1914 he left the McLennan Street, Albion residence of his parents, John and Amelia Hodsdon (nee Evans) - and his four brothers and five sisters - and hopped on a train from Wooloowin station bound for the recruitment centre in the city. He was declared fit for service and was immediately posted to the Enoggera Barracks of the 15th Battalion. He went into battle with his unit at the Gallipoli landings on April 25, 1915 and three days later was reported wounded in the right leg and evacuated to Heliopolis for treatment. On July 28 he returned to the Gallipoli Peninsular campaign and just 12 days later was reported missing, presumed dead or captured. Indeed, found badly wounded in no-man's-land near Anafarta, Hodsdon was taken prisoner by the Turks on August 9, 1915. He was evacuated to the Turkish military hospital at Tasch-Kischla, Constantinople. On January 21, 1916 he succumbed to intestinal tuberculosis and was buried at Constantinople's Ferikeuy Protestant Cemetery. At a military board of inquiry held on December 17, 1918, a fellow prisoner-of-war, Sergeant Bailey of the 15th Battalion, claimed Hodsdon had been "badly wounded in the right thigh. His death resulted from his wound, bad treatment and neglect". Corporal Hodsdon's remains - and a number of other 15th Battalion comrades - were eventually reinterred to Haidar Pasha Cemetery, Constantinople. His grave plot is at Section II, Row G, No. 4.
HODSDON, William John. Lieutenant. No. 2925A. 49th Battalion, 7th Reinforcements. The older brother of Charles (see above), William Hodsdon was a 25-year-old mechanic, and a seven-month veteran of the Poona Volunteer Rifles at the time of signing on at Brisbane on May 15, 1916. He had sought special permission to be released from a contract to oversee production at the Western India Turf Club's sizeable factory in Poona, India. After basic training at Bell's Camp, Enoggera, Private Hodsdon left for England aboard the troopship, Marathon, on October 27, 1916, and disembarked at Plymouth on January 9, 1917. After further training at Folkestone, he was selected for officer training and promoted to Acting Sergeant before being posted with his battalion to France on April 13, 1917. Just over a year later he was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant and saw action at Messines, the Hindenburg Line and elsewhere.
JOHNSON, Joseph.
JORDAN, Robert Arthur.
LE BHERZ, Alfred Henry.
MACKAY, Lochlan.
MAZLIN, Frederick Robert. Trooper. No. 624. 5th Light Horse. The son of William and Isabella Mazlin, of Evelyn, Dublin Street, Clayfield. Enlisted November 4, 1914, at Herberton, and went into camp on November 16. Embarked for overseas on December 22, 1914, and arrived in Cairo, Egypt, on February 3, 1915. Left for Gallipoli on June 26, 1915, and returned to Egypt on August 1, 1915, as medically unfit for further service, returned to Australia some time later.
Private Leslie W. Mazlin
MAZLIN, Leslie Wright. Private. No. 167. 15th Battalion. Born and educated at Herberton. The son of William and Isabella Mazlin of Evelyn, Dublin Street, Clayfield. Enlisted at Herberton, and went into camp at Brisbane on October 9, 1914. Left Australia with his brother, Private Norman H. Mazlin (see below), on November 26, 1914, for Egypt. Left for Lemnos, and thence to Gallipoli, on April 25, 1915, and was killed in action on May 1, 1915. He was buried at ANZAC Beach Cemetery in Plot No. I-C-13.
Private Norman H. Mazlin
MAZLIN, Norman Henry. Private. No. 168. 15th Battalion. Born and educated at Herberton. The son of William and Isabella Mazlin, of Evelyn, Dublin Street, Clayfield, and brother of Private Leslie W. Mazlin (see above), Trooper Frederick R. Mazlin (see above) and Private Victor A. Mazlin (see below). Enlisted on August 6, 1914, and left Cairns per Kanowna for New Guinea. Returned and enlisted for service overseas. Left for Egypt on November 26, 1914, and arrived in Cairo on February 3, 1915. He wnet ashore at Gallipoli on April 25, 1915, and was killed in action on August 8, 1915. The 23-year-old's memorial marker - No. C57 - may be found in Turkey's Embarkation Pier Cemetery.
Trooper Victor A. Mazlin
MAZLIN, Victor Alexander. Trooper. No. 22576. The son of William and Isabella Mazlin, of Evelyn, Dublin Street, Clayfield, and brother of Private Leslie W. Mazlin (see above), Trooper Frederick R. Mazlin (see above) and Private Norman H. Mazlin (see above). Enlisted on the December 29, 1917, and went into camp on the February 4, 1918. Discharged on September 12, 1918, owing to a fracture in his skull.
Private George W. McMaster
McMASTER, George W. Private. No. 3455A. 49th Battalion (originally in the 8th Reinforcements, 41st Battalion). Born and educated at Morinish, near Rockhampton. On January 12, 1915, George McMaster/Macmaster wed Winifred Eliza Phillips, daughter of John and the late Sarah Ann Phillips (nee Hirdman) then of Northgate. The-then 42-year-old Winton district grazier enlisted at Townsville on February 9, 1917 and began four weeks of basic training at Bell's Camp, Enoggera, Brisbane, on May 16. He sailed, at the age of 43, aboard His Majesty's Australian Transport Honorata for England on June 14. After further training he landed in France on March 10, 1918 and marched out with the 52nd Battalion. After the battle of Villers-Bretonneux he was transferred to the 49th Battalion. Five days short of his 44th birthday, George McMaster was killed in the fight for the Blangy-Nocholas Switch Trench, between Blangy-Trouville and Villers-Bretonneaux, on May 20, 1918. He was buried in Villers-Bretonneaux Military Cemetery, France, at Section X, Row C, Plot 7. He left behind a widow and three children back at Sandgate to mourn.
Private John T. McMunn
McMUNN, John Thomas. Private. No. 4187. 25th Battalion. Was born at Riverview, and educated at St Joseph's College, Brisbane. Son of Stephen and Honor McMunn, of Bridge Street, Wooloowin. From 1906 to time of enlistment he was employed with the Atlas Assurance Company Limited, Brisbane. Enlisted August, 1915, and left Brisbane with reinforcements of 25th Battalion on March 28, 1916, and went direct to France. Fought at Pozieres, and killed at Fleurs on November 14, 1916, during an unsuccessful raid on a German trench. His name is listed on the Villers-Bretonneaux Memorial in the Villers-Bretonneaux Military Cemetery, France.
MELTON, Charles William.
MOFFATT, Patrick Joseph.
MOULE, Frederick K. Stafford.
O'BRIEN, Edward Vincent.
Captain Richard D. F. O'Bryen
O'BRYEN, Richard de Burgh Falkiner. Captain. Born at Liverpool, New South Wales, in 1894, and educated at West End State School, Townsville, and Toowoomba Grammar School. Son of Richard Joseph Falkiner and Amy Louise O'Bryen, of James Street, Toowoomba. Enlisted in September, 1915, and gazetted as 2nd Lieutenant and attached to the 42nd Battalion. Sailed for Egypt on June 3, went to Lark Hill Camp, and was promoted to Lieutenant in September, 1916. Left for France in November and saw service at Armentieres and Polygon Wood, then Messines in June, 1917. Promoted to Captain in September, 1917, and fought at Ypres in December. Attached to the 11th Brigade Officers' School as Instruction Officer, sent to the Somme, and promoted to Officer-in-Command of D Company in April, 1918, and served with this Company until after the Hindenburg Line offensive. Transferred to 41st Battalion. Returned to Australia, arriving at Brisbane on August 12 and discharged on September 26, 1919. He represented the Diggers commemorated by the formation of Diggers' Drive - as well as those who built it - at the official opening ceremony in Kalinga Park in 1924.
OLESEN, Oscar Bochhiemer.
OUTRIDGE, James Gordon Noble.
PARKER, Matthew. Sergeant. No. 6. 2nd Light Horse Regiment. Signing up on August 21, 1914 - just 17 days after Australia officially entered World War I - 40-year-old carrier, Matthew Parker was the sixth person in the queue at the Brisbane Recruitment Centre to take the Oath of Enlistment, hence his amazing regimental number. Leaving behind his wife, Blanche Parker and young family, at their home, Melrose, in Chalk Street, Wooloowin, Matthew Parker's nine and half years of previous experience and rank as Armorer's Sergeant with the 2nd Light Horse Regiment, saw his overseas service rank being designated Sergeant Cook five days after he re-enlisted. He served at Gallipoli but his five years in uniform were plagued by chronic and debilitating illness, including gout and malaria. He returned to Australia aboard the troopship, Wimaroa, on April 19, 1919. He died on April 24, 1948.
PELL, John Jacob. PERKINS, Leslie George.
PRITCHARD, George Robert. Sergeant. No. 2663. 49th Battalion. Born at Clayfield in 1897 and educated at the Coorparoo State School. Son of Charles Robert and Amy Eliza Pritchard, of Balaclava Street, South Brisbane. Enlisted at Brisbane on May 20, 1915, and sailed for Egypt, arriving at Suez in September, and went to Zeitoun Camp. Left for France in June, 1916, and was wounded in the firing line at Messines on June 7, 1917. Returned to the lines and was gassed at Ypres on October 19, and invalided to England. Returned again to the line and was there until sent to England on the Training Staff at Codford. Left for Australia arriving on August 8, and was discharged on October 19, 1919.
Private James H. Pritchard
PRITCHARD, James Henry. Private. No. 1884. 41st Battalion. Born in Brisbane, and educated at Zillmere. The only son of Richard Pritchard, and the late Christina Pritchard, of Eton Street, Nundah. Enlisted at Mackay in April, 1916, and went into Enoggera Camp. Attached to the 41st Battalion. Sailed for England in August, 1916, and arrived October, 1916, and went to Salisbury Plain for training. Went over to France in December, 1916, and into action at Armentieres, Baupaume, Messines, Bullecourt, and Ypres, until August 3, 1917, when he was killed in action. He was aged 44. His memorial is inscribed on Panel 7-17-23-25-27-29-31 at Ypres (Menin Gate) Cemetery, France. PROCTOR, Arthur Henry.
Staff Sergeant Roy P. Rheuben
RHEUBEN, Roy Philip. Staff Sergeant. No. 21845. Australian Army Dental Corps. Born at Townsville on July 22, 1897, and educated at Townsville Grammar School. The son of the late Albert Maurice and Laura Agnes Rheuben (nee Elliott), of Arcadia, Magnetic Island, Townsville. On September 20, 1919, he married Helen Margaret, daughter of Henry and Emily Mathewson, of Bondi, New South Wales. He was a 21-year-old dental student when he enlisted at the Albert Square Recruitment Depot, Brisbane, on October 12, 1918 and was immediately designated a Staff Sergeant and assigned the role of dental mechanic while stationed at the Rifle Range Camp, Enoggera. He embarked for Europe aboard HMAT Medic on November 2, 1918. He returned from New Zealand on December 26, 1918, owing to the signing of the Armistice on November 11. His troopship was recalled on December 12 and Sergeant Rheuben was demobbed at Brisbane on January 24, 1919. Later that year Roy and Helen Rheuben took up residence at Almara, in Lodge Road, Eagle Junction - just up the road from Diggers' Drive. Roy Rheuben resumed his dental studies and by 1936 he was settled in Rees Street, Clayfield, working at his own dental practice.
Driver Jesse R. Ricketts
RICKETTS, Jesse Rose. Driver. No. 21404. 3rd Divisional Ammunition Column. Born at Albion in 1896, and educated at Bowen Bridge State School. The son of Joseph and Pamela Rose, of Camden Street, Albion. Enlisted at Brisbane on October 7, 1915, and left Australia for England on May 11. The former labourer proceeded to France and the firing line, where he remained until the signing of the Armistice. Left France for Australia on April 26 and was discharged on September 30, 1919, having spent a total of 1,414 days in uniform - 1,187 of which involved overseas active service.
Lance Corporal Thomas A. Soady
SOADY, Thomas Albert. Lance Corporal. No. 5115, 31st Battalion. Born at Brisbane in 1893 and educated at Grantham, Gatton, Eagle Junction State Schools, and Allom's Educational College. Son of Thomas Albert and Maria Elizabeth Soady, of Sherwood Road, Toowong. Married on March 22, 1919, Sylvia Gwendoline, daughter of Alfred Benjamin and Emma Elizabeth White, of Brixton, England. Child: Elizabeth Sylvia Soady. Enlisted on February 24, 1917, sailed for England on June 13, and went to Salisbury Plain. Left for France, and was engaged in battles of Vaire-Sous-Corbie, Sailly Le Sec, Ville-Sur-Ancre, Villiers Brettoneaux, Dernacourt, Harbonieres, Villiers Carbonel, Halle, and the Hindenburg Line. Was with the 31st Battalion until December 21, 1918, when he returned to Australia.
SOMERVILLE, Albert Henry.
SOMERVILLE, George Robert.
Captain Joseph R. W. Street
STREET, Joseph Roy William. Captain. No. 10816. Australian Army Medical Corps, 52nd Dental Corps. Born in Brisbane on August 21, 1891, and educated at Boys' Central State School, Joseph Street was the son of Alexander Smith and Eliza Anne Street (nee Broadley) of Cecilton, Gregory Street, Eagle Junction. He was a 24-year-old dental student when he enlisted at Brisbane on April 29, 1916. Promoted from Private to Staff Sergeant just 11 days later, he embarked for Europe on May 22, 1916 aboard the HMAT Warilda. He arrived in England on July 19, 1916, and was posted to the 11th Field Ambulance, 42nd Battalion, at Larkhill. He left for France and was attached to the 1st Division Field Artillery. Went to Belgium and was there until April 6, 1919. Was promoted to Captain in the field on July 7, 1918. Returned to Australia July 6, 1919, aboard the Port Napier, and was discharged at Brisbane in August 20, 1919. He then resumed practice in his own right.
TRAVES, Arthur Harold.
WAGNER, Andrew Jeffrey. WAGNER, Harry.
WAGNER, John George.
Captain Harry A. Webb
WEBB, Harry Alfred. Captain. 1st Divisional Ammunition Column, 3rd Field Artillery Brigade. Born in Brisbane on August 12, 1879, and educated at the Brisbane Grammar School, thanks to a State School Scholarship earned on January 24, 1893. In April 1898, Harry Webb, the son of the late Lieutenant-Colonel Ernest Hervey Webb and Constance Isabella Webb (nee Bernays), of then of Corrie Street, Clayfield, enlisted in the Queensland colonial government's Field Artillery and served for the next seven years. Made a Lieutenant on January 16, 1906 and received his Captain's pips on January 17, 1910. Captain Webb was a temporary Area Officer on November 1, 1910 and resigned from this post and was transferred to the Unattached List on October 1, 1912. The 35-year-old fruit grower joined the AIF on September 15, 1914 as a Lieutenant. He embarked from Melbourne for the European warzone aboard the HMAT Borda on December 22, 1914. Was promoted to Captain on November 22, 1915, during service in Egypt. Left for France, and arrived there in April, 1916. On January 2, 1917, Captain Webb was mentioned in despatches from General Sir Douglas Haig, Commander-in-Chief of the British Armies in France, to the Secretary of State for War, for "distinguished and gallant services, and devotion to duty". He left for Australia aboard the Kasir-a-Hind, on September 24, 1918 and was demobbed on January 1, 1919.
