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War Efforts
(Last changed Saturday September 03, 2022)

The ANZACs        

The Men from Snowy River 
Cooma 1916

The Monaro District recalls with pride the patriotism, loyalty and courage displayed by its young men when the call went forth from the Empire for assistance in the struggle for Truth, Honour, Justice and Freedom. Enlistments were numerous, even in the early days of the fight before the need for men became urgent. From the most distant corner of the Southern Monaro the Snowy River route march started on, gathering men to the Flag as it passed. From the beginning, through all the bitter days until the final year of triumph, the womenfolk, and those who could not go beyond seas banded themselves together as local branches or committees of the various associations that sprang into existence to provide means for sending comforts to those who had gone to help in the writing of a page, which for all time emblazoned the name of Australia in letters of gold across the world's history. In commodious quarters lent by Mr. R. L. Sands throughout the term of the War, a representative "Red Cross" Committee, splendidly organised, raised funds by the establishment of tea rooms, to which everything was donated. The War Chest, with its local branch, was responsible for many methods whereby money was raised. To all the various patriotic "Days" and "Movements" large amounts were contributed, and an immense number of boxes of physical comforts were regularly and systematically sent abroad.

The following newspaper article was supplied by Judy Richards [Judy.Richards-at-westnet.com.au]

Queanbeyan Age and Queanbeyan Observer

Tuesday 21 December 1915

Snowy River March.

On the 6th January there will start out on its pilgrimage to the metropolis, from Delegate the route match known as The Men from Snowy River Route March. This is a march distinct from any other route march owing to the environment of the people through which it passes. The famous Manaro brumby is noted for its staying qualities, whilst the man from Snowy River for his fine physique and stamina. The eyes of Australia will be on this march and it behoves for the Manaro district to respond-to the call, and maintain the high standard that she has in the past maintained. Military discipline will be the base on which the march will be organised. Discipline produces the highest type of manhood, good conduct, and comradeship that engendered on the march and later on the field of battle will set its mark on Manaro for all time. Abuse of alcholic liquors will be tabooed-and those offending will meet with a short shrift. The people of Manaro and the districts that the march passes through will for the honor of the district and for the sakes of the men refrain from offering spirits and cigarettes to the men as gifts or a token of good fellowship, they are the ruination of men physically and morally on long marches. When the stage is reached that leads to the Goulburn Depot Camp we want the men to march in fit and in good heart, a credit to their district and themselves,-and we, are going to accomplish it on the lines laid down without fear or favour. A recruit should have with him a pair of boots easy fitting with a good wide welt, change of underclothing, handkerchiefs, shaving outfit, towels, soap, toothbrush, a change of clothing, and these will be carried in a kit bag on the transport. He will have issued to him by the department, a pair of boots, a dungaree jacket and trousers, a hat and an overcoat, and a kit bag. He requires two pairs of woollen socks, and as cleanliness is most essential for bodily health in hot weather on the march washing parades will be of daily occurrence. On being passed as fit by the medical officer on the march his pay of 5/- per day will at once start; this examination will be final. What is also required is transport, and any generous resident prepared to lend a four wheeler and a pair of horses should notify or get into communication with Mr. Redmond, the secretary at Delegate. We also ask some of our local poets to write songs racy of the soil set to tunes such as “Marching Through Georgia” or "Good Old Jeff," etc., so that the lads can sing these songs along the route for their own and other people's enjoyment, we could get these words printed on a pamphlet and all would be merry and bright, send the words along to me. A lot of hard work has been done by the organising recruiting committees for this march and we ask for the sympathy and support of the Manaro people in this movement. A great number of entertainments for the enjoyment of the soldier lads on the march have-been arranged, and we wish to show the people at the various places that we appreciate their kindness. We all start out on one footing with one ideal, fighting for the country we are proud to call home. Returned soldiers and speakers will be in all corners within the next few days, each doing their bit: help all you can and make the Men From Snowy River Route March a record for recruits and comradeship.

F. R. WEDD, Captain.

Corporal E. Corey
Military Medal and Three Bars

Of those who enlisted from Monaro many gained distinctions, but mention is here made of one only, Corporal Ernest Corey, by reason of the fact that he is the only man in the British Army who has the Military Medal with three bars attached.

The names of those who volunteered and offered ,their lives for King, Country, and Humanity, have, so far as possible, been recorded by those citizens in each district centre who have charged themselves with the erection of an enduring memorial to those who ranged themselves beneath the Empire's Flag. The movement has been consummated in Cooma, Nimmitabel, Adaminaby, and Berridale, and in each of these places may be seen memorials designed to tell the future generations of the loyalty of its young men.

Major General, Sir Granville Ryrie

LOCAL REPATRIATION COMMITTEE.

As a result of a public meeting held at Cooma in 1918, a Local Repatriation Committee for the Shires of Manaro and Dalgety, and the Municipality of Cooma, was established under the Commonwealth Scheme of Repatriation. Mr. F. F. Mitchell was elected President, and has occupied the office throughout the existence of the Committee. The Committee has a lengthy record of work. It has dealt with almost every aspect of repatriation, from welcoming returned men, providing for their sustenance, making them advances, arranging for their receipt of tools of trade, procuring vocational training, supplying them with furniture, caring for their health, finding them work, getting land set apart for them, reporting on land applied for, advising as to development, and selecting stock, to financing them in business and finding them homes. It has worked in harmony throughout with the Manaro sub-branch of the Returned Soldiers and Sailors' Imperial League of Australia, and boasts that it has the entire confidence of the Diggers of the district.

RETURNED SOLDIERS' AND SAILORS' IMPERIAL LEAGUE OF AUSTRALIA.

The spirit of camaraderie and brotherhood, which in intangible though unbreakable bonds, bound together those from Australia who stood shoulder to shoulder fronting the Horrors and sufferings of the most awful war in the world's history, found articulate expression in the birth of the Returned Soldiers and Sailors' Imperial League of Australia. Given life as one of the immediate aftermaths of the war, its activities quickly spread to Cooma, where a sub-branch embracing the Diggers of the District was formed. The branch is and has been all through its existence a body of wondrous energy. It has been more than fortunate in its executive, the present head of which is Captain R. A. McKillop, M.C. It is a flourishing body, and possesses one of the best appointed and luxuriously furnished of country club rooms. Its Anzac Day gathering - a meeting of the Diggers and those whose past efforts on their behalf they are desirous of remembering - is a function to be looked forward to and remembered.

Miss Jessie Snodgrass
Cooma's Little Digger

A unique token of appreciation of the untiring war efforts and devotion of Miss Jessie Snodgrass to the soldiers interests and comforts, is evidenced by that lady, who is affectionately known as "Cooma's Little Digger," having been from its inception elected a patron of the Manaro sub-branch of the League, of which she is now a life patron. This lady's interest in and activities an behalf of the Diggers never ceased during the war, or that period when the men were being absorbed into civil life. She offered her services for over-seas but was refused. She then formed first aid and home nursing classes, and later was Commandant of the Cooma Voluntary Aid Detachment. Under the auspices of the Red Cross she worked at the Prince Alfred Hospital, "The Mill," "Rose Hall," and "Mona Vale" Convalescent Homes. At her own expense, from 1915 on, she posted over 30,000 newspapers to various hospitals, and in addition collected books and magazines for Sydney depots. For four years she arranged receptions for returning Diggers, those who were passing through Cooma being met at the railway station and supplied at her cost with tea, etc.

SCOUT MOVEMENT.

A branch of the Scout movement was founded in Cooma following shortly after the assumption of duty in the town by Canon Hirst, the Anglican Rector, who had been a Scout Master at Tumut.

Two troops were formed, "The Manaro" and "The Cooma," Canon Hirst being Scoutmaster to the former, "The Cooma" having 'Mr. Saunders, teacher at the Cooma Public School, acting in like capacity. A little later the Girl Guides, with Miss Shield, B.A., as Scout Mistress, and The Brownies, with Miss Boag, B.Sc., in charge, were established. Meetings were held in the School Hall attached to the Anglican Church, as also at the Public School. The value of the principles underlying the movement were impressed upon the members of the troops, who were taught the sanctity of the Scout's promise: "I promise on my honour that I will do my best to do my duty to God and the King, to help other people at all times, to obey the Scout Law." When Mr. Saunders left the district his position was taken by Mr. D. Hawkins, under whom the two troops are now amalgamated.

"BACK TO COOMA" Celebrations, Felix Mitchell 1926,  Page 111 - Transcribed by Pattrick Mould, June 2003

The following information and photo was supplied by Judy Richards [Judy.Richards-at-westnet.com.au]

Group portrait of members of the 55th Battalion who enlisted in 'The Men from Snowy River' recruitment march in the Monaro region of NSW in January 1916.

 

 

Group portrait of members of the 55th Battalion who enlisted in 'The Men from Snowy River' recruitment march in the Monaro region of NSW in January 1916. Back row, from left to right: 2139 Private (Pte) Walter Gerald Collins of Numeralla; 2252 Pte Arthur Winner of Bombala; A. Ferrier (identification not confirmed); 2121 Pte Haloran (Hal) Archer of Tarcutta; 2166 Pte Francis (Frank) Hayes of Bredbo; 2225 Pte Ronald Randall of Wolumla; 2214 Pte Ernest Pegram (served under the alias Arthur Joseph Pegram); 2148 Pte Edwin Freebody of Nimmitabel; 2280 Pte Hubert (Bert) McDonald of Myalla; 2168 Pte William James of Nimmitabel. Middle row: 2149 Pte Clarence Foster of Ardlethan; 2258 Pte Stanley Yelds of Sydney; 2246 Pte Simon Turner of Adaminaby; 2200 Pte Leslie McDonald of Myalla; 2281 Henry Pegram of Bredbo. Front row: 2133 Pte John Buckley of Myalla; 2196 Pte Timmothy McMahon of Michelago; 2173 Pte Andrew Levi of Port Adelaide, South Australia; 2199 Pte Roderick McDonald of Nimmitabel; 2283 Pte Francis Rees. Of the twenty men depicted in the group, eight died on active service. Pte Walter Collins died of wounds sustained during the fighting at Peronne on 2 September 1918; Pte, later Corporal Arthur Winner died of broncho-pneumonia in France on 2 January 1919; Pte Ronald Randall died of wounds sustained during the fighting at Peronne on 3 September 1918; Pte Ernest Pegram was killed in action during the fighting at Doignies on 2 April 1917; Pte Edwin Freebody was killed in action during the Battle of Polygon Wood on 23 September 1917; Pte Simon Turner was killed in action during the fighting at Doignies on 2 April 1917; Pte Leslie McDonald died of wounds sustained at Peronne on 1 October 1918; Pte John Buckley was awarded the Military Medal (MM) for actions during the Second Battle of Bullecourt in May 1917, and died of wounds sustained during the fighting at Peronne on 3 September 1918. Most of the men formed part of the 4th Reinforcements of the 55th Battalion, the photograph being taken on the Salisbury Plains several weeks before they were sent to France.  

Subject 55 Battalion   Subject First World War, 1914-1918
Image number P06340.002
Managed by Item held by the Australian War Memorial
Date or place United Kingdom: England, Wiltshire, Fovant
Date or place United Kingdom: England, Wiltshire, Salisbury Plain
Rights You do not have to seek permission to use the Memorial's images for your personal, non-commercial use or use within your organisation. You must seek permission to use the Memorial's images for commercial publication

The following information and images has been reproduced here with the kind permission of Angela George [teaghan11@yahoo.com.au]  (http://aussiebottleblog.blogspot.com/)

Monday, April 12, 2010
 

Lest we forget – the ANZACS of the south east corner …

World War I & the Anzacs of the south east corner:

When fighting began in August 1914, Australia, as a member of the British Empire, automatically followed the “Mother Country”. The Australian Imperial Force (A.I.F.), raised by Bridges, was Australia’s main expeditionary force during the war, although an Australian Naval & Military Expeditionary Force, Royal Australian Navy & the Australian Flying Corps also took part.


1709 Private Ernest Wilford Targett, 26th Battalion, AIF, of Pambula. Enlisting on 24 May, 1915 & embarking on board A9 HMAT Shropshire on 17 August 1915 Pte Targett served at Gallipoli where he was wounded on 21 November, 1915. Two weeks later, he died at the No. 15 General Hospital, Alexandria, aged 24. Pte Targett was buried Alexandria (Chatby) Military & War Memorial Cemetery, Egypt.

During WWI, the main areas in which the ANZACS fought were the Dardanelles, during the Gallipoli campaign; the Middle East in Egypt & Palestine, where the Light Horse played a notable role; & on the Western Front in France & Belgium, where Australian soldiers were particularly prominent in the attacks at Pozieres (July–September 1916); Bullecourt (April–May 1917); Third Ypres (September–November 1917); the counter attack at Villers-Bretonneux (April 1918); & at Amiens (August 1918). Australian troops were also involved elsewhere.


2113 Private John Hampden Beasley, 20th Battalion, AIF, of Towamba. After enlisting on 21 June, 1915, he landed on Gallipoli, where he remained until the evacuation, apparently being one of the last to leave the peninsula. Pte Beasley then fought on the Western Front where he was shot during the Battle of Pozieres Ridge on 26 July, 1916. Returning to Australia on board H. T. Wiltshire, he was discharged as medically unfit.


6602 Private Lindon George Albon (“Lin”) Peisley, 19th Battalion, A.I.F., of Pambula. Enlisting in July 1916 Pte Peisley served on the Western Front, where he was taken Prisoner of War (POW) at Mont St. Quentin, near Peronne in September 1918. Just a month later he died while still a POW & was buried at Le Chateaux Military Cemetery, France.


The Australian forces suffered extremely high casualty rates. During WWI, Australian troops raised (excluding naval forces) numbered 416,809; of these 331,789 took the field. Casualties numbered 215,045; of which 59,342 were killed. Compare this with the nation’s population in 1916 - 4,875,325.


2175 Lance Corporal Vincent James Martin Longhurst, 55th Battalion, of Pambula. Enlisting in January 1915, L Cpl Longhurst embarked with the 4th reinforcements on A15 HMAT Port Sydney. Wounded in the First Battle of Bullecourt on the Western Front, he died in May 1917, aged 22. He was buried in the Grevillers British Cemetery, France. (Image from the Australian War Memorial collection.)


3219 Private Raymond Edward Stevens, 54th Battalion of Bega. Enlisting on 2 August 1915 & embarking on 20 November 1915 aboard HMAT Suevic Pte Stevens served on the Western Front. During the Battle of Fromelles, he was captured at Fleurbaix on 20 July 1916 & was held as a POW until being repatriated to England on 14 February 1918. He arrived back in Australia on 4 March 1919. (Image from the Australian War Memorial collection.)


1090 Sergeant James Gordon, 3rd Battalion, AIF, of Wolumla. Enlisting on 21 August, 1914, & embarking aboard A14 HMAT Euripides on 20 October 1914, Sgt Gordon was wounded three times at Gallipoli. Later, on the Western Front, he was killed in action some time between 22 & 27 July, 1916 during the Battle of Pozieres Ridge, aged 21 years. Sgt Gordon has no known grave but is remembered on the Villers-Bretonneux Memorial, France. (Image from the Australian War Memorial collection.)

84 Sergeant Francis Henry Robinson, 1st Light Horse Regiment, of Eden. Enlisting on 22 August, 1914, Sgt Robinson landed on Gallipoli on 25 April, 1915. After suffering a gun shot wound on 7 August, 1915, he embarked on 25 June 1916 on board “Euripides” from England for Australia where he was discharged as medically unfit.


2219 Private Roy Davidson, 1st Battalion, AIF, of Eden. Enlisting in June 1915, he served at Gallipoli & then the Western Front. Reported missing during the Battle of Pozieres Ridge some time between the 22 & 25 July, 1916, Pte Davidson’s remains were never found. He was aged 21. He has no known grave, but is remembered on the Villers-Bretonneux Memorial, France. (Image from the Australian War Memorial collection.)


1360 Corporal George Silvester Goward, 1st Infantry Brigade, of Kiah. Enlisting on 20 November, 1914, he embarked on A48 HMAT Seang Bee on 11 February, 1915. After serving at Gallipoli from 25 April, 1915 until the December evacuation, he went on to the Western Front. Cpl Goward was killed in action on the Menin Road during the Third Battle of Ypres on 8 September, 1917, aged 24. He was buried in the Menin Road South Military Cemetery, Belgium. (Image from the Australian War Memorial collection.)


3134A Private Ronald G. (“Ron) Dowling, 55th Battalion, A.I.F., of Pambula. Enlisting in 1916 & serving on the Western Front in France, Pte Dowling was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal (DCM) for “conspicuous gallantry & devotion to duty” during the Polygon Wood battle in 1917. He returned to Australia in June 1919.


52681 Corporal Eric Napier Munn, 2nd Field Squadron, Anzac Mounted Division, of Merimbula. Formerly a member of the Bega Lighthorse squadron, Cpl Munn enlisted on 8 November, 1917, & embarked from Sydney on board HMAT Wiltshire on 10 June, 1918. After serving on the Western Front, he returned to Australian on 26 July, 1919. (Image from the Australian War Memorial collection.)


3948 Private Leopold Arthur Alfred Strickland, 18th Battalion, of Eden. Enlisting in October 1915, Pte Strickland embarked on board A54 HMAT Runic on 20 January 1916. served on the Western Front. While serving on the Western Front, he was killed in action at Pozieres during the Somme offensive, on 4 August 1916. Pte Strickland was 19 years of age. He has no known grave, but is remembered on the Villers-Bretonneux Memorial, France. (Image from the Australian War Memorial collection.)


4571 Corporal W. H. (“Bill”) Denny, 4th Battalion, A.I.F. Born at Rocky Hall in 1880, Bill Denny was wounded on three occasions while fighting in France. A serious head wound at Pozieres saw him declared dead & he was put with others killed in action. Three days later, after he was heard to moan, he was rescued to survive the war.


4359 Private Walter Francis Reid, 29th Battalion, of Wyndham. Embarking with the 11th Reinforcements on HMAT Afric on 3 November 1916, Pte Reid served on the Western Front, where he was killed in action at Messine, Belgium, on 16 December 1917. He was 24 years of age. Pte Reid has no known grave, but is remembered on the Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial, Belgium. (Image from the Australian War Memorial collection.)

Gallipoli:


2149 Lance Sergeant Henry Thomas John McGrath, 3rd Battalion, AIF. Born near Bega, Lce Sgt McGrath enlisted on 5 October 1914 & embarked on board Derflinger on 5 April 1915. Twice wounded on Gallipoli, he then served on the Western Front. He was killed in action during the Second Battle of Bullecourt on 5 May, 1917, aged 21. Buried during battle near the Hindenburg Line, L Sgt McGrath has no known grave, but is remembered on the Villers-Bretonneux Memorial, France. (Image from the Australian War Memorial collection.)

25 April 1915 is a date etched in Australia’s history. Aiming to force Turkey out of the war & open a safe sea route to Russia, the ANZAC troops landed on the shores of the Gallipoli peninsula at the place that became known as Anzac Cove. Although Turkish resistance was strong, further landings were made, but fighting reached a stalemate. The Allied troops were withdrawn in December 1915 & January 1916. Australian casualties on Gallipoli numbered 9,587 killed & 19,367 wounded.


312 Company Quartermaster Sergeant Lancelot Gordon Meek, 2nd Battalion, of Eden. Enlisting on17 August 1914 & embarking on A23 HMAT Suffolk on 18 October, 1914, CQMS Meek was twice wounded after landing at Gallipoli on 25 April 1915. After also serving in the Middle East, he was killed in action on 6 November, 1917 at Passchendaele during the Third Battle of Ypres, aged 22. CQMS Meek was buried at Tyne Cot Cemetery, Belgium.

The anniversary of the Gallipoli landing is commemorated across the country each year as ANZAC Day. 2010 marks the 95th anniversary of this event, which, for many, is regarded as Australia’s most important national day, some seeing it as Australia’s “baptism of fire” and our “birth of nationhood”.


2731 Private Ronald Thompson Munn, 1st Battalion, AIF, of Merimbula. Enlisting on 27 April 1915, Pte Munn served at Gallipoli where he was killed in action on 24 November 1915, aged 31 years. He was buried in the Shell Green Cemetery, Gallipoli, Turkey. (Image from the Australian War Memorial collection.)

“The Great War profoundly affected even those nations which were farthest from the chief theatre, not only because of the range of its political & economic effects, but because it partook of the nature of a crusade.”

C. E. W. Bean.


2390 Private Charles Edward Walsh, 16th Reinforcements, 4th Light Horse Regiment, of Wolumla. Enlisting on 12 January 1916 & embarking aboard HMAT Itria on 18 April 1916, Pte Walsh served in the Middle East before returning to Australia on 15 June 1919. (Image from the Australian War Memorial collection.)

The reaction of the people of the far south coast to the declaration of war in 4th August 1914 can be gauged from the reports in local newspapers.


3735 Private Harold Ambrose Grant, 1st Battalion, A.I.F., of Wyndham. Enlisting on 23 August 1915, Pte Grant embarked with the 12th Reinforcements on RMS Mooltan on 11 December 1915. While serving on the Western Front, he was killed in action on 6 May 1917 during the Second Battle of Bullecourt, aged 28. Pte Grant is buried in the Cabaret-Rouge British Cemetery, Souchez, France. (Image from the Australian War Memorial collection.)


4128 Gunner James Augustine Hanscombe, 5th Australian Divisional Ammunition Column, of Bega. Gnr Hanscombe enlisted in October 1915 & while serving on the Western Front, was awarded the Military Medal (MM) for his actions on the 6/7th October 1917 during the Battle of the Menin Road, Belgium. He returned to Australia on 2 June 1919. (Image from the Australian War Memorial collection.)


4128 Gunner James Augustine Hanscombe (left) & his best mate, 4068 Private Joseph Britten, 17th Battalion, both of Bega. Embarking with the 10th Reinforcements on 8 March 1916, they transferred to the 5th Divisional Ammunition Column. During the Battle of the Menin Road, Belgium, on 6 October 1917, Gnr Hanscombe was awarded the Military Medal (MM) for “bravery & devotion to duty”, attempting to rescue Pte Britten, who was killed during the battle, aged 25 years. Pte Britten is buried at the Birr Cross Roads Cemetery at Zillebeke, Belgium. Gnr Hanscombe returned to Australia on 2 June 1919. (Image from the Australian War Memorial collection.)

In a small community, every enlistment aroused personal interest & the details were given in the local newspapers.


The first local recruits are farewelled by family & friends at Tathra wharf during 1914.


Some of the first local volunteers waiting on Tathra wharf to embark on the SS Merimbula, 1914.

Recruitment marches:

One of the after affects of the disastrous Gallipoli campaign was the reduction in numbers of Australian men enlisting in the services.

In October 1915 a group of 35 men from the Gilgandra district set out on a march to Sydney, recruiting men along the way, calling out “COOEE” as they walked. They arrived in Sydney in December with 277 men. This march was replicated over the country, using different names – Dungaree, Cockatoo, Kookaburra – from Queensland, the Riverina, Maitland & Parkes, the Snowy River & the South Coast.


“The Men from Snowy River” recruitment march of 1916 travelled through the Monaro from Delegate to Goulburn, but also included men from Pambula, Eden & Bega, who joined en route.

Australian War Memorial: MSS0821 – “The Snowy River Marchers, their war effort and afterwards” by W C Stegemann.
Permission to use this marvellous account of the march and its participants has been granted by Luke Stegemann <luke@melbournereview.com.au>


Group portrait of members of 55th Battalion who enlisted in “The Men from Snowy River” recruitment march through the Monaro in January 1916. Of the twenty men shown in the group, eight died on active service. (Image from the Australian War Memorial collection.)


Some of “The Men from Snowy River” volunteers in camp at Goulburn. (Image from the Australian War Memorial collection.)

One Pambula resident can remember when she was a child, travelling on a train & seeing from the window a group of men marching in the Cooma area.

Queanbeyan Age and Queanbeyan Observer (NSW : 1915 - 1927) Friday 3 December 1915

Supplied by Sandra Young

Recruits from Delegate carrying the banner of 'The Men from Snowy River' as they march through a town enroute to Goulburn.

Men who have joined the Snowy River recruiting march, crossing the Queen's bridge led by a piper and drummer in front of the banner reading "THE MEN FROM SNOWY RIVER."

1st Snowy River March - Delegate 2nd Snowy River March - Delegate

Photos provided by Patricia McGufficke

March to Freedom:

In 30th July 1918, the March to Freedom passed through Pambula & the Voice reported on 2nd August: “The long expected South Coast “March to Freedom” contingent of the A.I.F. have arrived, done their bit, & passed to the next town. The contingent of about 40, including 15 of a militia band, under the charge of Lieutenant Healey, arrived at 12.30 pm from Eden…when they were followed by the local school children & marched through the town to the School of Arts…the soldiers were equally divided between the two hotels…In the evening there was a concert in the packed hall… The soldiers asked if anyone would give them an Australian flag to take to France, plant it in Berlin, & bring it back again; Mr. Wilkins came forward with his fine flag, followed by Mrs. Baddeley giving a similar one; Messrs English & Stewart donated a French & Belgian flag respectively…The contingent left on Wednesday morning for Wolumla…”


The “March to Freedom” recruitment drive in Quondola Street, Pambula, on July 30, 1918.


“March to Freedom” volunteers in camp at Goulburn.


 The ‘Southern Cross’ tank promoting war bonds outside the Towamba Wine Saloon.

During the war years, social events were held to raise money for various causes. The Pambula Voice newspaper reported:
“The monthly social with euchre party & dance will be held at the Roan Horse on Wednesday next in aid of the War Chest Fund.”
“April 26 next has been set down for a special Red Cross appeal to provide to our soldier prisoners with food & necessaries, etc.”
“The [Nethercote] school girls are busy knitting. They hope to be able to send away 1 ½ dozen pairs of socks to the Eden War Chest shortly.”


Allies Day in Carp Street, Bega, C.1916

Casualties were reported through the media with sorrow & returning soldiers greeted in style.
“A welcome home will be tendered Corporal “Wally” Falkner in the Pambula School of Arts on Monday evening, & everyone is invited to attend & assist to make the event a worthy memoir of Pambula’s born [sic] first returning soldier, who has been through Gallipoli & France & now comes home a wounded defender of his country. Come along boys & girls, bring refreshments with you, & assist in honouring a man to whom honour is due. During the evening songs, recitations, speeches, etc will be rendered. Attend & help make a record reception & pleasant evening. Good music, your own refreshments & a good time.” (Pambula Voice, 10 August, 1917.)

Light Horsemen & foot soldiers are welcomed home at a parade in Auckland Street, Bega.

The following supplied by Michelle Ambrosini [mambro-at-iprimus.com.au] 24.08.10

Queanbeyan Age and Queanbeyan Observer (NSW : 1915-1927), Tuesday 31 October 1916, page 2

National Library of Australia http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article31672753

SNOWY RIVER SOLDIERS.

MESSAGE BY BOTTLE POST.

The 'following letter, written by a number of "The Men from Snowy River," was picked up in a bottle on the beach near Cape Schanks, by Misses R. Russell and E. Cairns. It was addressed to the editor of the "Adaminaby Advocate":- “Going through Melbourne Heads.
"We are just writing you a note, if ever you get it, to say we had a good time all the way from Sydney. All on board being fairly well to-day, but some of the Snowies are a bit sea-sick, as it was a bit rough. We had a few hours' leave in Melbourne, and had a good look around.  The following send their name; and wish to be remembered to friends in their town of Adaminaby: S. H. Turner, E. Power, F. J. Ree, Alf. Tozer, G. Mansfield. J. Turner, A. Goodman, J. J. O'Neill. E. C. W. Venables, L. Freebody."

The following photo supplied by Lyn Byrne [lwbyrne-at-bigpond.com] 8.02.11

Dennis James Noonan
 Dennis was born 20/4/1896 at Pambula, NSW.  His service number is 50377. He was in the Australian Light Horse. 1st G.S. Rfts N Egypt ( General Service Reinforcements in North Egypt) and later assigned to 4th AMGS (4th Australian Machine Gun Squadron).

The following photo was supplied by Meryl Naismith [meryl_n-at-ozemail.com.au] 28.04.11

Albert Charles "Charles" McFarlane
Charles was born January 15, 1874 in Cooma, NSW. He served in the Army as a Lance Corporal, number 605A, 1st Field Ambulance from October 26, 1914 to October 8, 1919 in WW1. His unit embarked from Melbourne, Victoria, on board HMAT A35 Berrima on 22 December 1914.

 

The following photo was supplied by Julie Hopper [hopper.n-at-bigpond.com]

Death: 11 May 1918 in England - Died as a result of accident

The following photos were supplied by Peter Toms <ptoms-at-diamondwines.com>
 

Ernest James Toms 1914

Ernest James Toms 1915

The Following Photo supplied by Geoff Todd [todd52-at-bigpond.com] 4.05.12
 

John Thomas Rollason (1893-1915)

  

 
      Lieutenant Colonel Thomas Joseph Lynch

Thomas Joseph Lynch was a professional soldier who retired with the rank of Honorary Lieutenant - Colonel (having served some 35 years with the R.A. Garrison Artillery and as a staff officer with the Australian Military Forces).  After attending St Patrick's College Goulburn he enlisted in the NSW Artillery on 18 January 1879. By 1885 he had been promoted sergeant and had served with the NSW contingent during the Sudan War. At the outbreak of the Boer War he was commissioned as Second Lieutenant in the NSW Citizen's Bushmans Brigade and on 1 April 1900 was promoted Lieutenant. He served with distinction throughout the Boer War and was promoted Captain and appointed transport officer of Colonel St George Henry's Column. At the outbreak of World War1 he was granted a Commission as a full Major and appointed Brigade Major of the 2nd Light Horse Brigade in the Australian Expeditionary Forces for service overseas in WW1 on 17 September 1914 for the duration of the war plus one month. He was initially posted to the Head Quarters of the 2nd Light Horse Brigade and then shipped overseas on 16 May 1915 to Anzac Cove. While serving in the front lines at Gallipolli he contracted severe conjunctivitis in both eyes as a result of exposure and strain in the firing lines. He was repatriated from front line duties by order of the Surgeon General in Cairo, Egypt. He subsequently embarked on the Hospital Transport "Argylshire" for return to Australia from Suez on 3 March 1916 following a Medical Board of Enquiry which, because of his defective eyesight, found him unfit for service in the field or at the front. He died on 30 November, 1921 and was buried in the Catholic Section of Randwick Cemetery. He is best remembered for his leadership, training and administrative qualities both in war and peace and for active service spanning Australia's involvement in three wars. (Information copied from his Biographical Entry in the Australian Dictionary of Biography - Online Edition and details included in documents from his military service records held in the National Archives in Canberra).

Photo and information supplied by Des Smith [des_pam-at-people.net.au]

Letter to the Adaminaby Advocate 1916

Supplied by Rosemary Stewart-Beardsley

 

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