The following poem is written by an anonymous soldier from Olinda who went under the pen name ‘Aussie’ and sent to The Lilydale Express to be published – HOME THOUGHTS When Fritz his hate was raining down, And poison filled the air; I thought of a mount near Melbourne town, And wish’d that I was there. When in this muddy trench I sit, And more whizz bangs come along, I

Pte James Varty (Mt Evelyn), 8th Battalion: Is evacuated from the field to hospital in England suffering from influenza. Cpl Albert Atkinson (Lilydale), Australian Army Medical Corps: Is transferred to serve with the 5th Australian Broad Gauge Railway Operating Company in France.

Pte George Evans (Mt Evelyn), 22nd Battalion: Arrives back in Australia on the HT Corinthia to be discharged as medically unfit as a result of wounds he received the year before. Pte Cyril Dennis (Lilydale), 5th Battalion: Arrives back in Australia on the HT Corinthia to be discharged as medically unfit as a result of wounds he received the year before. Pte Albert Hawkey (Lilydale), 3rd Pioneer Battalion: Arrives back

Pte Arthur Overton (Wandin), 23rd Battalion: Arrives back in Australia on the HT Port Darwin to be discharged as medically unfit as a result of wounds he received in 1916.

Pte Joseph Speakman (Coldstream): While stationed at Broadmeadows he is transferred to the Australian Flying Corps at Laverton.

Pte David Davies (Wandin), 21st Machine Gun Company: Is wounded in action, gas poisoning, and is evacuated to hospital in England. Trp Bert Hutchinson (Lilydale), 4th Light Horse Regiment: In camp in Palestine. In a letter to his future wife, Jessie Mackenzie of Yalca, Vic – ‘Did I mention that I visited the Armenian Camp while I was on holiday. Well I was rather disappointed with the refugee camp as

Pte Ernest Le Page (Seville), 58th Battalion: Is evacuated from the field to hospital in France suffering from influenza.

Pte Thomas Holter (Lilydale), 21st Battalion: Arrives in Australia from Europe on the HT Dunluce Castle. He is to be discharged as medically unfit as a result of wounds he’d received the year before.

Sgt William Marshall (Wandin), 57th Battalion: Is wounded in action, gunshot wound to the arm and leg, and is evacuated to hospital in England. Pte Howard Vernon (Lilydale), 5th Battalion: While AWL he marries an English girl at Deptford, England, despite the fact he was already married in Australia.

Pte George Joy (Mt Evelyn), 24th Battalion: Is wounded in action, concussion from a shell blast, and is evacuated to hospital in England. Cpl Patrick Pender (Lilydale), 2nd Pioneer Battalion: Is wounded in action, shrapnel wound to the right heel, and is evacuated to hospital in England.

Dvr Ernest Dutton (Wandin), 1st Divisional Ammunition Column: Arrives in Australia from Europe on the HT Dunvegan Castle. He is to be discharged as medically unfit as a result of the wound he’d received the year before.

Dvr Thomas Priest (Seville), 1st Australian Tunnelling Company: Is wounded in action, gas poisoning, is evacuated to hospital in England.

Sgt Ralph Goode (Lilydale), 2nd Field Ambulance: In the field in France. In his diary – ‘Fritz shelled Bailleul today, struck the civilian hospital and smashed various other buildings. We had to move out again, moved back to Magallin Camp’.

Sgt George Milne (Lilydale), 6th Battalion: In the field in France. In a letter to his wife – ‘Arrived back from Paris last night after seven days there. To tell you all I saw and my impressions would occupy much space. Arrangements by Army and Navy Leave Club and YMCAs are most perfect and the former occupy a portion of Hotel Moderne, a large hotel situated Rue De La Republique.

Shoeing-Smith Walter Thompson (Wandin) 2nd Field Company Engineers: With his son William having been killed in action the year before, he makes a special application to return home stating: ‘Upon the loss of my son, the sole support of my wife and five children has fallen upon my shoulders. My wife at present is greatly worried owing to the loss of our son and financial difficulties and my absence’. He

Pte Wilfred Palliser (Lilydale), 7th Battalion: Marries an English girl in Northumberland, England. She later comes out to Australia as a war bride. THE GERMAN SPRING OFFENSIVE With the Russian revolution having happened back in October 1917 and the withdrawal of the Russian forces from the Eastern Front, the German High Command decided to move their troops to the Western Front and do an all-out attack before the American troops

Pte William Davies (Wandin), 21st Machine Gun Company: Is wounded in action, gas poisoning, and is evacuated from the field and sent to hospital in France. Gnr Percy Hyne (Lilydale), 8th Field Artillery Battery: In a letter to his Mother – ‘Then we got an order to hurry down to the Somme as Fritz had broken through. Things were a bit mixed there’. Gnr Louis Sage (Lilydale), 102nd Howitzer Battery: Arrives in

Pte Thomas Hogg (Wandin), 24th Battalion: Is wounded in action, gas poisoning, and is evacuated from the field and sent to hospital in France. Sgt Charles Cooper MM (Wandin), 24th Battalion: Is wounded in action, gas poisoning, and is evacuated from the field and sent to hospital in France. Sgt Bruce Timms (Yering), 14th Battalion: Is awarded the Meritorious Service Medal. His recommendation states: ‘For conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty

Sgt Ralph Goode (Lilydale), 2nd Field Ambulance: In hospital in France. In his diary – ‘Fritz has deliberately shelled Bailleul to pieces, why no one knows. It is twelve miles behind the line and as far as military importance is concerned it’s practically nil, today he finished the Town Hall. Dozens of civilian women and children have been killed and wounded, all civilians have left the town now, it nearly

Pte James Wallace (Seville), 2nd Machine Gun Company: Is wounded in action, gas poisoning, and is evacuated from the field to hospital in France.

L/Cpl Leonard Bunt (Wandin), 2nd Light Trench Mortar Battery: Is wounded in action, gunshot wound to right arm, and is evacuated from the field to hospital in England. Thomas Parker (Lilydale): Leaves his job as a jeweller and enlists in the AIF, he is 20 years old.

Pte Michael Griffin (Lilydale), 17th Battalion: Is evacuated from the field to hospital in England suffering from trench fever.

Trp Bert Hutchinson (Lilydale), 4th Light Horse Regiment: In camp in Palestine. In a letter to his future wife, Jessie Mackenzie of Yalca, Vic – ‘Around Bela and Gaza the crops are doing well. I was surprised to see so many wild flowers around this place; Red Poppies and daisies are very common and sweet peas (three colours) flags, lilies etc. The grass is very plentiful and all our horses

Pte William Goodall x (Lilydale), 24th Battalion: Arrives back in Australia from Europe on board the HT Kenilworth Castle to be discharged as medically unfit as a result of wounds received in action the year before. John Cathcart (Lilydale): Leaves his grocery and bakery business in Lilydale to enlist in the AIF, he is 28 years old and married. The tactics the German used for the Spring offensive were highly

Capt James Rowan (Olinda), Australian Army Medical Corps: Arrives back in Australia from Europe on board the HT Ilanstephan Castle to be discharged as medically unfit as a result of defective eyesight.

Pte Dominico Correicllo (Lilydale), 4th Pioneer Battalion: Marries a Scottish girl in Scotland. She would later travel to Australia as a war bride. Pte Alfred Larking (Lilydale), 2nd Pioneer Battalion: Arrives back in Australia from Europe on board the HT Dunluce Castle to be discharged as medically unfit as a result of the effects of gas poisoning.

Gnr Ray Tregear (Mt Evelyn), 2nd Battery, 2nd Brigade, New Zealand Artillery: Is stationed with four other men in a gunpit on Hill 63 facing Messines. On this day the Germans decided to attack Messines as part of their Spring 1918 offensive in what it usually referred to as the Battle of Lys. Very early in the morning, as the men slept in the gunpit, a shell landed right upon

Pte Alexander Blair (Olinda), 22nd Battalion: Is wounded in action, gunshot wound to the chest, and is evacuated to hospital in England. This is the third time he has been wounded in action. Trp Kavan Lawlor (Coldstream), 3rd Light Horse Regiment: Is wounded in action during the attack on Amman, gunshot wound to ankle, and is evacuated to hospital in Egypt.

Sgt Ralph Goode (Lilydale), 2nd Field Ambulance: In the field in France. In his diary – ‘Marched out of Benthencourt at 5am, arrived Amiens 10.30am, entrained for up north again where Fritz has busted through. At St Pol, while our train was standing in the station yard, Fritz bombed us heavily, seven of our men wounded’. Ordinary Seaman Thomas Preece (Wandin), HMAS Melbourne: After finishing his training at HMAS Cerberus

Pte Arthur Thomas (Lilydale), 1st Machine Gun Battalion: Is wounded in action, gunshot wound to the thigh, and is evacuated to hospital in England. 2nd Lieut Harold Manders (Wandin), 2nd Pioneer Battalion: Arrives back in Australian from Europe on the HT Osterley. He is to be discharged as medically unfit as a result of contracting neurasthenia. Pte Henry Stewart (Kilsyth), 8th Battalion: Arrives back in Australia from Europe on the HT

Pte Frederick Davies x (Kilsyth), 8th Battalion: Is killed in action during the German push on the allies’ lines at Le Nieppe Forest. He is 26 years old and is buried at the Nieppe-Bois British Cemetery in France. His brother Isaac had been killed in action two years earlier in 1916. Pte Michael White (Lilydale), 2nd Pioneer Battalion: He was with a platoon digging trenches between Walrly and Albert near

Cpl Harry Black (Coldstream), 23rd Australian Machine Gun Battalion: Is accidentally injured and is evacuated to hospital with injuries to his hip and back.

L/Cpl Herbert Meade (Mooroolbark), 8th Battalion: Is wounded in action, shrapnel wound to the right leg, and is evacuated to hospital in England. Pte Alfred Parish (Lilydale), 13th Battalion: Marries an Australian girl at Croydon, England. Archibald McLarty (Olinda): Leaves his farm at Olinda and enlists in the AIF, he is 37 years old and married with six children.

Pte Jack Lester (Yering), 8th Battalion: Is wounded in action, suffering gas poisoning and shell shock, and is evacuated to hospital in England. Sgt Ralph Goode (Lilydale), 2nd Field Ambulance: In the field in France. In his diary – ‘At 10am this morning Fritz shelled us very heavy, getting a direct hit on our station and two more within a few yards demolishing the farm. Our casualties: four killed, six

Gnr Percy Hyne (Lilydale), 8th Field Artillery Battery: In a letter to his Mother – ‘Two divisions of Australians were the only ones going to stop Fritz’s advance, and we did it too. I can tell you that is about the rottenest thing that has happened in the war, as far as I know’.

Pte William Hayes (Mt Evelyn), 5th Battalion: Is wounded in action, gunshot wound to left leg, and is evacuated to hospital in England. Gnr David England (Silvan), 2nd Field Artillery Brigade: Is evacuated from the field to hospital in France suffering from measles.

Trp Bert Hutchinson (Lilydale), 4th Light Horse Regiment: In camp in Palestine. In a letter to his future wife, Jessie Mackenzie of Yalca, Vic – ‘I have not visited Jerusalem yet but I expect to do so before very long. I went through Jaffa a few days ago but this city is not worth visiting. The town is half deserted and is very dusty. We saw some nice buildings but

Shoeing-Smith Walter Thompson (Wandin) 2nd Field Company Engineers: Arrives in Australia from Europe.

Pte Edwin Meade (Mooroolbark), 8th Battalion: Is wounded in action, shrapnel wound to the back, and is evacuated to hospital in England. Pte William Russell (Seville), 6th Battalion: Is evacuated from the field to hospital in France suffering from diarrhoea and trench fever.

Sgt Ralph Goode (Lilydale), 2nd Field Ambulance: In the field in France. In his diary – ‘Fritz has got the draw on us, he shelled us this afternoon and got a direct hit, killed my mate Mac Stewart. I had just walked away from him, not got more than twenty yards off, when crash and he was dead. Hundreds of shells have fallen round us this last few days and

Pte Leslie Farndon MM (Mt Dandenong), 23rd Battalion: Is wounded in action, gunshot wound to the back, and is evacuated to hospital in England. Pte Irwin Campbell (Mt Dandenong), 57th Battalion: Is wounded in action, severe gunshot wound to the thigh, and is evacuated to hospital in France. Pte George Hannah (Mt Evelyn), 59th Battalion: Is wounded in action, gunshot wound to legs, and is evacuated to hospital in England.

L/Cpl Robert Black (Montrose), 7th Battalion: Is wounded in action, shrapnel wound to face and arms, and is evacuated to hospital in France. Trp Arthur Rouget (Wandin), 13th Light Horse Regiment: Is evacuated from the field to hospital in France suffering from laryngitis. Tpr Arthur Campbell (Mt Dandenong), 8th Light Horse Regiment: Is evacuated from the field to hospital in Egypt suffering from dysentery. Dvr Donald Lord (Mt Evelyn), Australian

Pte George Conner (Lilydale), 39th Battalion: Is killed in action by shell blast at Morret Wood while on a ration party to bring rations to the front line. His brother Archibald was nearby and carried his body to Mericourt and was the one who buried him. He is 29 years old and is buried at Mericourt L’Abbe Cemetery, France. Lt Francis Johnson (Seville), 58th Battalion: Is wounded in action, gunshot

Pte Frank Rance (Wandin), 5th Battalion: Is wounded in action, gas poisoning, and is evacuated to hospital in France. Pte Stan Goode (Lilydale), 3rd Pioneer Battalion: Is wounded in action, gas poisoning, and is evacuated to hospital in France.

Sgt George Milne (Lilydale), 6th Battalion: Is wounded in action not far from Hazelbrouck, severe gunshot wounds to the legs, and is evacuated to hospital in France. A Captain in his company later wrote to his mother saying: ‘he was alongside me at the time and we got him away at once. The stretcher bearers are simply wonderful fellows and at the dressing stations a motor that was waiting took

Tpr George Cassidy (Seville), 4th Light Horse Regiment: In the field in Palestine. The following is a letter to his mother – ‘I will give you a brief description of the second Amman ‘stunt’ in which I took part as a signaller. I was attached to the 4th Light Horse Regiment and on April 29th, 1918, we were warned to get ready to move immediately after dark and to leave

Sgt George Milne (Lilydale), 6th Battalion: While at the 15th Casualty Clearing Station north of Bailleul, he dies of wounds he’d received in action a few days before. He is 39 years old and is buried at the Ebblinghem Military Cemetery in France. Writing to his mother, a Captain from his battalion wrote: ‘a wave of deep feeling passed through the company a fortnight ago when we heard that your

Pte Felix Hargrave (Lilydale), 7th Battalion: Is evacuated from the field to hospital in France suffering from cellulitis.

Sgt James Rushton (Lilydale), 3rd Light Horse Regiment: Is killed in action during a Turkish attack at Kefr Hudr near Es Salt. He is 24 years old and is buried at the Damascus Commonwealth War Cemetery, Syria. Hugh Burns (Lilydale): Leaves his studies as a medical student to enlist in the AIF, he is 19 years old. His older brother James had been killed in action in 1915 at Gallipoli.

The following poem is written by an anonymous soldier from Olinda who went under the pen name ‘Aussie’, it was sent to The Lilydale Express to be published – A NAMELESS GRAVE Upon the march, ‘neath skies of gray, In France a grave once met my eyes, With wooden cross and words to say, ‘Here an unknown Australian lies’. A battlefield there was hard by, That name had bruited everywhere,

Sister Dorothy Moroney (Lilydale), Australian Army Nursing Service: While serving in Salonika, Greece, she is transferred to the 52nd General Hospital to work.

Trp Bert Hutchinson (Lilydale), 4th Light Horse Regiment: In camp in Palestine. In a letter to his future wife, Jessie Mackenzie of Yalca, Vic – ‘I have been in Jericho and this is a very small place and very dirty. This is a new village as far as this land goes. Ancient Jericho was about one mile away from the present town. We had a scrap a few days ago

Frederick Tooley (Lilydale): Leaves his job as a labourer and enlists in the AIF, he is 33 years old and married with four children.

Sgt Richard Goodall (Gruyere), 46th Battalion: Is evacuated to hospital in France suffering from trench fever. Victor Campbell (Silvan): Leaves his job working as a farmer for his guardian, Mrs Agnes Benham, at Silvan and enlists in the AIF, he is 19 years old.

The following letter was published in The Lilydale Express. It doesn’t name the local soldier or his father, it just states they were from Lilydale – ‘I have been seriously thinking of enlisting for some time past. You might think I am only a bit of a kid yet, and don’t realise the hardships of life yet, but I can assure you it is the very reverse with me. On

Drv Alvin Closs (Olinda), Australian Army Service Corps: Leaves Australia bound for Europe on board the HMAT Ascanius.

Pte Edwin Hill (Gruyere), 7th Battalion: After being admitted to hospital in France a few weeks earlier suffering from measles, his condition develops into broncho pneumonia and he passes away. He is 19 years old and is buried at the Longuenesse Souvenir Cemetery, France.

Pte Henry Lalor (Montrose), 7th Battalion: Is evacuated to hospital in France suffering from scabies. Thomas Geddes (Wandin): Enlists for a third time, this time in the Naval and Military Expeditionary Force. He was discharged twice as being medically unfit after twelve months’ service in the AIF. He is 41 years old and married with five children. Pte Patrick Duffy (Lilydale), 6th Tunnelling Company: Arrives back in Australia from Europe

Pte Harry Dawson (Lilydale), 21st Battalion: Is wounded in action, gunshot wound to left hand, and is evacuated to hospital in France.

Thomas Rose (Seville): Leaves his family’s orchard ‘Eastvale’ in Beenak Rd, Seville and enlists in the Australian Light Horse, he is 19 years old. Trp Wallace Coutts (Wandin), 8th Light Horse Regiment: Is admitted to hospital in Egypt suffering from diarrhoea.

Pte Ern Mason (Lilydale), 21st Battalion: Is wounded in action, bullet wound to right leg, and is evacuated to hospital in England. Pte Arthur Shore (Lilydale), 57th Battalion: Is wounded in action, shrapnel wound to the abdomen, and is evacuated to the 14th Field Ambulance. Later that day he dies of his wounds. He is 19 years old and is buried at the Aubigny British Cemetery in Picardie, France. Trp

Lt Thomas Eales (Lilydale), 21st Battalion: Early in the morning, during the battle of Ville Sur Ancre, they had taken the town and were starting to move out. One witness to what happened next later stated: ‘After Ville Sur Ancre had been taken and things had quietened down a bit, a party went into the place to ‘clear up’. Eales was leading his platoon in the advance near the right

Able Seaman Robert McComas (Montrose) and Stoker Albert Clegg (Wandin), HMAS Coogee: Both are transferred to HMAS Coogee, an armed patrol vessel & minesweeper, and spend the next seven months patrolling Bass Strait before the ship is returned to its owners in 1919.

Trp Alexander Mathews (Seville), 8th Light Horse Regiment: Is evacuated from the field suffering from gastritis and sent to hospital in Kantara, Egypt. Lt Lyndon Watt (Lilydale), 6th Battalion: Arrives in Australia from Europe on the HT Wandilla to be discharged as medically unfit as a result of wounds he’d received in action the year before.

Pte Leopold Navas (Lilydale), 3rd Pioneer Battalion: Is wounded in action, gas poisoning, and is evacuated to hospital in England. Pte Sydney Leake (Olinda), 22nd Battalion: Arrives in Australia from Europe on the HT Karoola to be discharged as medically unfit as a result of contracting severe trench fever.

Pte Edward Read (Seville), 58th Battalion: Arrives in Australia from Europe on the HT Borda to be discharged as medically unfit as a result of wounds he received in action to his thigh, hand and neck. Pte James Jordon (Kilsyth), 59th Battalion: Arrives in Australia from Europe on the HT Borda to be discharged as medically unfit as a result of wounds he received in action the year before.

Sgt George Hastie (Seville), 58th Battalion: Is evacuated from the field to hospital in France suffering from cellulitis to the hand.

Trp Walter Boys (Seville), 8th Light Horse Regiment: Is evacuated to hospital in Kantara, Egypt suffering from Rheumatism. They must have looked after him well here because he later called his property in Girgarre ‘Kantara’. Trp Bert Hutchinson (Lilydale), 4th Light Horse Regiment: In camp in Palestine. In a letter to his future wife, Jessie Mackenzie of Yalca, Vic – ‘The mate I lost was killed in action and his

Pte Leonard Giddins (Olinda), 7th Battalion: Is charged with desertion from the AIF for the period 13/3/18 to 16/5/18. A Court of Enquiry eventually sentences him to ten years prison and he is sent to the 3rd Military Prison in France.

Sgt Charles White (Lilydale), 7th Battalion: Is wounded in action, gunshot wound to right arm and leg, and is evacuated to hospital in England.

Gnr William Rothque (Lilydale), Field Artillery Brigade: On the ship home to Australia he injures himself, injuring his spinal column.

Tpr George Cassidy (Seville), 4th Light Horse Regiment: The following is a letter to his mother that was published in The Lilydale Express – ‘You will know by this note that I am not yet numbered among the slain; although we’ve had a fairly rough time with ‘Jacko’. You ask me to give you a description of the country, which I will endeavor to do, but remember that I am

George Barnes (Seville): Leaves his family’s orchard in Seville and enlists in the AIF, he is 32 years old.

Pte Victor Ellis (Wandin), 13th Battalion: Leaves Australia for Europe on board the SS Feldmarchall.

Leo Maxwell (Wandin): Re-enlists in the AIF. He had previously enlisted in 1914 and had travelled to Egypt on the first convoy with the 1st Field Artillery Brigade. In June 1915 he was admitted to hospital in Egypt suffering from gastritis and was then sent for further treatment to England. In September 1915, while in England, he successfully applied to be transferred to the Royal Field Artillery with a commission

Pte Fred Whiteside (Lilydale), 14th Battalion: Is wounded in action, shrapnel wounds to arm, neck and chest, and is evacuated from the field to hospital in England.

Pte Benjamin Gibson (Kilsyth), 23rd Battalion: Arrives back in Australia from Europe on board the HT Marathon, he is to be discharged as medically unfit as a result of wounds that left him blind in both eyes. Athol McLachlan (Lilydale): Leaves his job as a postal employee and enlists in the AIF, he is 18 years old.

Pte Thomas Geddes (Wandin) Naval & Military Expeditionary Force: Leaves Australia bound for Rabaul on the SS Melusia. Pte Frederick Tooley (Lilydale) Naval & Military Expeditionary Force: Leaves Australia bound for Rabaul on the SS Melusia.

Air Mechanic Percy Clements (Lilydale), No 1 Squadron, Australian Flying Corps: In the field in Palestine. In a letter to his father – ‘About 28 of us and an officer left camp at 5 o’clock in the morning per one of our uncovered motor lorries. After we had travelled some 25 or 30 miles over a very dusty and hilly road we arrived in Jerusalem about eight. We then had

Pte Alex Martin (Lilydale), 14th Battalion: Is wounded in action, gunshot wound to shoulder and right knee, and is evacuated to hospital in England.

Sgt Mechanic Walter Bridgland (Olinda), Australian Flying Corps: Joins No 2 Squadron, Australian Flying Corps, on active service in France. Gnr William Rothque (Lilydale), Field Artillery Brigade: Arrives back in Australia from Europe on board the HT Suevic, he is to be discharged as a result of injuries he sustained to his back on the ship home. Pte Joseph Goodall (Lilydale), 10th Battalion: Arrives back in Australia from Europe on board

Gnr Ove Ovesen (Seville), 11th Field Artillery Brigade: Is evacuated from the field to hospital in France suffering from influenza. Bernard Johnson (Gruyere): Leaves his job as a horse trainer and enlists in the AIF, he is 23 years old. Alfred Rothque (Lilydale): Leaves his job as a cab proprietor and enlists in the AIF, he is 19 years old.

Sr Isabel McAlpine (Wandin), Australian Army Nursing Service: Arrives at Salonika, Greece and reports for duty at the 50th General Hospital.

Pte Ralph Garth (Wandin), 8th Battalion: Is evacuated from the field to hospital in France suffering from influenza. Pte Archie ‘Smiler’ Williams (Lilydale), 8th Battalion: Is evacuated from the field to hospital in France suffering from influenza. Pte David Strachan (Lilydale), 22nd Battalion: Is evacuated from the field to hospital in England after suffering a cerebral concussion to the head during an accident. Pte Sam Tucknott (Mt Evelyn), 22nd Battalion:

Sgt George Ingram (Seville), 24th Battalion: Is evacuated from the field to hospital in France suffering from a re-occurrence of malaria, a disease he originally contracted while in Rabaul. Pte William Parr (Lilydale), 3rd Supply Column: While on leave in England he is admitted to hospital suffering from influenza. Douglas Black (Mooroolbark): Leaves his orchard and enlists in the AIF, he is 28 years old. Three of his brothers had

Cpl Vincent Lawlor (Gruyere), Australian Camel Corps: Is admitted to hospital in Egypt suffering from otitis media.

Gnr Arthur Jeeves (Mt Dandenong), 12th Field Artillery Brigade: Arrives back in Australia on the HT Kanowna to be discharged as medically unfit after having a leg amputated.

Pte Howard Vernon (Lilydale), 5th Battalion: Is sentenced to four months imprisonment by a civil power in England for stealing a bicycle. Edmond Bamber (Gruyere): Leaves his family’s property at Gruyere where he works and enlists in the AIF, he is 20 years old.

Lt Wilfred Tucker DCM (Mt Dandenong), 7th Battalion: Is wounded in action, gunshot wound to the thigh, and is evacuated to hospital in France. THE BATTLE OF HAMEL, FRANCE

Pte George Rouget (Wandin), 59th Battalion: Is wounded in action, gunshot wound to left hip and ankle, and is evacuated to hospital in England. Gnr Bertie Blashki (Lilydale), 12th Field Artillery Brigade: Is wounded in action, gunshot wound to the face, and is evacuated to hospital in England. Capt Roland Wild (Kilsyth), 2nd Pioneer Battalion: Is awarded the Military Cross for his actions on this day. His recommendation states: ‘This

Pte Frank Rae (Mooroolbark), Australian Motor Transport Corps: Arrives in Australia from Europe on the HT Gaika to be discharged as medically unfit as a result of contracting chronic bronchitis. Dvr Donald Lord (Mt Evelyn), Tank Corps: Arrives in Australia from Europe on the HT Ruahine. Sr Alicia Kelly MM (Mt Dandenong), Australian Army Nursing Service: Arrives in Australia from Europe on the HT Ruahine. She has spent the trip

Pte William Guillerme (Lilydale), 21st Battalion: Is wounded in action, gunshot wound to right hand, and is evacuated to hospital in France. Pte Frank Turner (Mt Dandenong), 7th Battalion: Is admitted to hospital in France suffering from influenza.

Pte George Hamilton (Lilydale), 1st Pioneer Battalion: Arrives in Australia from Europe on the HT Suevic to be discharged as medically unfit as a result of developing premature senility.

Trp Bert Hutchinson (Lilydale), 4th Light Horse Regiment: In camp in Palestine. In a letter to his future wife, Jessie Mackenzie of Yalca, Vic – ‘Recently I had the pleasure of visiting Bethlehem and seeing the Church of Nativity. There is a large Church and Monastery with a small church inside. The other buildings are used for schools and accommodation for (visitors) pilgrims. The church is divided between the Greeks,

Pte William Hunter (Wandin), 2nd Pioneer Battalion: Is wounded in action, gas poisoning, and is evacuated from the field to hospital in France. Pte Frederick Brierty (Lilydale), Army Veterinary Corps: Leaves Australia bound for Europe on the HMAT Borda.

Pte Alfred Parish (Lilydale), 13th Battalion: While in England he is discharged from the AIF as a result of being medically unfit, he had been having epileptic fits, and takes up a job as an Australian War Worker and works in munitions.

Trp Walter Morrison (Lilydale), 4th Light Horse Regiment: Is admitted from the field in the Jordon Valley to hospital in Palestine suffering from malaria.

Tpr George Cassidy (Seville), 4th Light Horse Regiment: Is admitted from the field in the Jordon Valley to hospital in Palestine suffering from dysentery. The following is a letter to his mother that was published in The Lilydale Express – ‘I have very nearly forgotten my stay in Hospital by now. Ah! that is a sweet memory. When I was convalescent I used to sit on the banks of the

Pte James McNeill x (Lilydale), 3rd Divisional Ammunition Column: Arrives back in Australia from Europe to be discharged as medically unfit.

Pte Florian Deschamp (Lilydale), 22nd Battalion: Is wounded in action, gas poisoning, and is evacuated from the field and invalided to hospital in France. Pte Duncan Eales (Lilydale), 7th General Reinforcements: Leaves Australia bound for Europe on the HMAT Marathon. Pte Arthur Geuer (Lilydale), 7th General Reinforcements: Leaves Australia bound for Europe on the HMAT Marathon.

L/Cpl Frank Tait (Mt Dandenong), 57th Battalion: Is wounded in action, shrapnel wound to the head, and is evacuated to hospital in France. Pte Alexander Tonkin (Wandin), 36th Battalion: Is wounded in action, gas poisoning, and is evacuated to hospital in France.

Lt Wilfred Tucker DCM (Mt Dandenong), 7th Battalion: Dies in a hospital in France from wounds he’d received in action a few weeks before. He is 27 years old and is buried at the Terlincthun British Cemetery in France.

Alfred Currell (Coldstream): Leaves his job as a groom for Madame Melba at Coombe Cottage and enlists in the AIF, he is 18 years old.

Spr Joseph Sies x (Wandin), 4th Division Motor Transport Company: Arrives in Australia from Europe on the HT Port Hacking. George Cummings (Kilsyth): Enlists in the Royal Australian Navy for a period of seven years, he is 19 years old.

Pte William Buckley (Kilsyth), 6th Battalion: Is wounded in action, gunshot wound to right leg and heel, and is evacuated to hospital in England.

Pte James Tanner (Yering), 29th Battalion: Is wounded in action, gunshot wound to right thigh, and is evacuated to hospital in France.

L/Cpl Frank Tait (Mt Dandenong), 57th Battalion: Dies in hospital from the shrapnel wound to his head that he’d received a few days before in action. He is 30 years old and is buried at the Crouy British Cemetery, France. Pte William Gilson (Lilydale), 22nd Battalion: Arrives in Australia from Europe on the HT Barambah to be discharged as medically unfit as a result of defective eyesight. Pte Mort Tait

Pte Frederick Jeeves (Montrose), 6th Field Company Engineers: Is killed in action during an artillery barrage, he is 30 years old and is buried at the Villers-Bretonneaux Military Cemetery in France. As a tribute, his wife and daughters placed the following few lines in the newspaper: ‘The German shrapnel did but kill, The body, not thy spirit fine, That liveth still to work its will, Within thy country’s heart and

Antonio Sassella (Lilydale): Of Italian heritage, he leaves his job as a butcher and enlists in the AIF, he is 29 years old.

Gnr Percy Hyne (Lilydale), 8th Field Artillery Battery: In a letter to his Mother – ‘You will see by the above address that I am on my leave in Edinburgh. I left the Somme last Thursday and reached London on Saturday and got aboard the ‘Flying Dutchman’ and arrived in Edinburgh on Sunday morning. I am going on to Aberdeen tomorrow’.

Pte Joseph Bell (Lilydale), No 4 Section Sea Transport: Having accompanied the HMAT Wiltshire twice to Europe and back he is discharged from the AIF in Melbourne as being medically unfit, as a result of his history of having jaundice before and during the war.

Pte Ernest Clow (Lilydale), 8th Battalion: Is wounded in action, gunshot wound to face and left arm, and is evacuated to hospital in England. THE BATTLE OF AMIENS, FRANCE The five Australian Divisions moved forward across a twenty kilometre front between Albert and Villers-Bretonneux, a front that had been designed to protect the strategically important city of Amiens. The Germans were soon pushed back and were on the run leading

Trp Arthur Rouget (Wandin), 13th Light Horse Regiment: From his diary (France) – ‘On the 8th of August a lot of our men were sent to the Battalion HQ to carry despatches to the companies in the line, the first time to my knowledge horses going to the front line while the infantry were attacking’. Sgt Tom Lydster MM & Bar (Wandin) 4th Machine Gun Company: Is wounded in action,

Pte Bernard Johnson (Gruyere), 7th Battalion: Is killed in action near Lihons. He is 24 years old and is buried in the Heath Cemetery, Harbonnieres, France. Pte Charles Mooney (Gruyere), 7th Battalion: Is killed in action near Lihons. He is 19 years old and is buried in the Rosieres Communal Cemetery, France. L/Cpl Robert Black (Montrose), 7th Battalion: Is killed in action near Lihons, shrapnel wound to the chest. He

Dvr Andrew Blythe (Mt Dandenong), 14th Field Artillery Brigade: Is wounded in action, shrapnel wounds to hand, and is evacuated to hospital in France. Pte Norman Mounsey (Seville), 3rd Field Ambulance: Is awarded the Military Medal for his actions on this day. His recommendation states: ‘During the First Australian Divisional offensive on 10th August 1918 No 2689 Private Norman John Edwin Mounsey in company with No 2621 Lance Corporal H.N.

Pte Geoffrey Berry (Seville), 38th Battalion: Is severely wounded in action at Proyart, France, receiving machine gun wounds to his chest and right leg, he is evacuated from the line but dies soon after. He is 19 years old and is buried at the Adelaide Cemetery, Villers-Bretonneux, France. His older brother Guy had also died of wounds the year before at Passchendaele. Interestingly, he had enlisted on this date exactly

Pte Frank Rance (Wandin), 5th Battalion: Is wounded in action, gunshot wound left arm, and is evacuated to hospital in England. Pte Clarence Jack (Wandin), 5th Battalion: Is wounded in action, bullet wound to the head, and is evacuated to hospital in England.

WOI Leonard Walters (Wandin), 6th Battalion: Is brought to the notice of the Secretary of State for War for valuable services rendered in connection with the war. He is then recommended for the Meritorious Service Medal.

Sgt Ralph Goode (Lilydale), 2nd Field Ambulance: In the field in France. In his diary – ‘By gum we’ve had a lively time, at night Fritz has bombed us from his planes, hundred every night. Our unit got a travelling dispensary which we have sent to London for the Australian Museum’.

Pte Leopold Navas (Lilydale), 3rd Pioneer Battalion: Just before returning to Australia he marries a Welsh girl in Monmouth, Wales. She later comes out to Australia as a war bride.

Bombardier Albert Street (Gruyere), 2nd Field Artillery Brigade: Dies at a casualty clearing station in France of wounds he’d received a few days earlier. He is 24 years old and is buried at the Vignacourt British Cemetery, France. Pte Alex Pope (Lilydale), 6th Battalion: Arrives back in Australia from Europe on the Dunluce Castle to be discharged as medically unfit as a result of the effects of trench fever. THE

Gnr Finlay McCay (Silvan), 12th Field Artillery Brigade: Is wounded in action, gas poisoning, and is evacuated to hospital in England. Spr Reginald Lyons (Olinda), 3rd Divisional Signal Company: Is awarded the Military Medal for his actions on this day. His recommendation states: ‘Near Chuignolles on 22nd/23rd August, 1918, Sapper Lyons, as a linesman at the Divisional report centre, was responsible for maintaining the line to the left Division which

Gnr David England (Silvan), 2nd Field Artillery Brigade: Is wounded in action, gunshot wound to the face, and is evacuated to hospital in England. Pte Henry Lalor (Montrose), 7th Battalion: Is wounded in action, gunshot wound to right hand, and is evacuated to hospital in England. Sgt John Hogg (Wandin), 7th Battalion: Is wounded in action, shrapnel wound to right thigh and femur, and is evacuated to hospital in England.

Pte Albert Anderson (Olinda), 37th Battalion: Is killed in action in the attack on Bray. He is 21 years old and as he has no known grave he is remembered on the memorial at Villers-Bretonneux. Pte John Payne (Seville), 5th Battalion: Was with the 5th Battalion as they advanced on the village of St Martins Wood. One local story has it, was that John was sent with a raiding party

Pte Oliver Hargrave (Lilydale), 46th Battalion: Is wounded in action, gas poisoning, and is evacuated to hospital in England. Sgt George Deacon (Lilydale), 7th Battalion: Is wounded in action, gas poisoning, and is evacuated to hospital in England. THE BATTLE OF MONT ST QUENTIN, FRANCE

Pte James Wallace (Seville), 1st Machine Gun Battalion: While moving into place around Mont St Quentin, in preparation for the attack on this position in a few days’ time, he was wounded in the neck by shotgun fire and was evacuated to the 1st South African General Hospital at Abbeville. He died of his wounds here and was later buried at the Abbeville Communal Cemetery in France. He was 27

Pte Alfred Blanksby (Wandin), 8th Battalion: Is wounded in action, gas poisoning, and evacuated to hospital in England. Sgt Charles Cooper MM (Wandin), 24th Battalion: Is killed in action when he was hit by a shell that landed almost on top of him. At the time he was advancing towards Mont St Quentin through Truex, France. His men tried to get him to medical assistance but he died of his

Pte William Parker (Silvan), 38th Battalion: Is wounded in action, mustard gas poisoning, and evacuated to hospital in England.

Pte Herbert Beswick (Mt Dandenong), 58th Battalion: Is wounded in action, shrapnel wound to the chest, and evacuated to hospital in England. Trp Allen Mounsey (Seville), 9th Light Horse Regiment: Is evacuated to hospital in Palestine suffering from malaria. Pte Henry Simpson x (Wandin): Is discharged from the AIF as medically unfit at Melbourne. After enlisting in December the previous year, he injured himself during training at Broadmeadows and then

Pte John Payne (Seville), 5th Battalion: Died in the 8th General Hospital in Rouen of wounds he’d received a few days earlier at St Martin’s Wood. He was 26 years old and is buried at the cemetery at Boisguillaume, France. Pte Edwin Meade (Mooroolbark), 8th Battalion: Is wounded in action, shrapnel wound to chest, shoulder and left hand, and is evacuated to hospital in England. This is the third time

Lt Reginald Farndon (Mt Dandenong), 24th Battalion: Is awarded the Military Cross for his actions on this day. His recommendation states: ‘For conspicuous gallantry and devotion during the attack on Mont St. Quentin, north of Peronne, on 1st September 1918, when he acted not only as intelligence officer, but took charge of the dispatch of rations and ammunitions and supervised the carrying parties under heavy fire, and also, on several occasions,

Lt Howard Morey (Lilydale), 58th Battalion: The 58th Battalion were preparing to attack the village of Peronne and had moved into the village of Flamicourt opposite Peronne. At 2.30pm Lieutenant Morey was leading a patrol which was feeling for an opening into Flamicourt and was working a little ahead of his company. As they moved past the railway station they came under artillery fire and during this time a piece

Pte Cliff Wardell (Lilydale), 31st Battalion: Is wounded in action, gunshot wound to chest and leg, and is evacuated to hospital in England. His left leg is later amputated.

Pte Francis Lyall (Mt Evelyn), 57th Battalion: Is wounded in action, injured shoulder, and is evacuated to hospital in France.

Pte Joseph Keeley Jnr (Mooroolbark), 3rd Pioneer Battalion: For his actions on this day he is awarded the Military Medal. His recommendation states: ‘On the morning of the 6th September, 1918, to the South of Tincourt, No. 2584 Private Joseph Henry Keeley was engaged on a patrol keeping touch with the Platoon on the northern side of the river. This portion was exceedingly difficult, owing to the wooded and marshy

William Guiney (Yering): Leaves his parent’s property at Yering and enlists in the AIF, he is 19 years old. Ernest Park (Coldstream): Leaves his job as a clerk and enlists in the AIF, he is 18 years old.

David Laidlaw (Lilydale): Leaves his job as a draughtsman and enlists in the AIF, he is 28 years old.

Pte Wilfred Palliser (Lilydale), 7th Battalion: Is accidentally injured in the field, sprained spine, and is evacuated from the field to hospital in France. Robert Badger (Mooroolbark): Leaves his orchard at Mooroolbark and enlists in the AIF, he is 28 years old. This is his third attempt, in 1914 he was rejected for having a hammer toe and in 1915 he was rejected as a result of the condition of

Dvr Gus Gilbert (Yering), 8th Field Artillery Brigade: While stationed in London he is discharged from the AIF as medically unfit. He then takes up employment as a munitions worker in England.

Stoker Charles Ebeling (Wandin), HMAS Swan: After a number of years serving on HMAS Encounter he is transferred to the crew of HMAS Swan, a torpedo boat destroyer then on anti-submarine service in the Adriatic and the Mediterranean. It also took part in the bombarding of the Albanian coast in October and in December they were chosen to carry out a mission of inquiry at the Cossack (anti-Bolshevik) headquarters at Novocherkassk

Sgt Ralph Goode (Lilydale), 2nd Field Ambulance: In the field in France. In his diary – ‘Not got away yet, waiting orders from Headquarters. Fritz has started shelling us again. Order in 11am, I’ve got to collect two men from the front line, what joy. 12.30pm – at last I’m out, marched into reinforcement camp Peronne. Left 1.30pm on motor buses, arrived Bray’. Pte Thomas Rose (Seville), 4th Light Horse

Staff Sgt Frederick Bartholomew (Kilsyth), 4th Field Artillery Brigade: Is later awarded the Meritorious Service Medal for his actions during this period. His recommendation states: ‘During the period 25th February, 1918 to night 16th/17th September 1918, Corporal Bartholomew has occupied the position of Draughtsman on this Divisional Artillery Headquarters. His work has always been of a high standard, and he is possessed of marked energy and ability. During the recent

Gnr Theodore Lowe (Gruyere), 4th Field Artillery Brigade: Is killed in action while in a gun pit between Roisel and Le Templeux during an artillery attack. He is 27 years old and is buried at the Roisel Communal Cemetery in France. Capt Joseph Anderson (Lilydale), Australian Army Medical Corps: Is awarded the Military Cross for his actions on this day. His recommendation states: ‘For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty

Pte James Wheeler (Yering), 4th Machine Gun Battalion: Is wounded in action, concussion resulting from a shell blast, and is evacuated to hospital in England.

Spr Henry Woodruff (Seville), 2nd Field Company Engineers: Is wounded in action, shrapnel wounds to the left arm, back and buttocks, and is evacuated to hospital in France. Pte George Shell (Lilydale), 8th Battalion: Is wounded in action, gas poisoning, and is evacuated to hospital in France. Dvr Arthur Street (Gruyere), 4th Field Artillery Brigade: Is admitted to hospital in England suffering from deafness.

Pte David Briers (Lilydale), 37th Battalion: During September 1918 several battalions were ordered to disband to provide reinforcements for others. The 37th Battalion was one such battalion. Its CO, Lieutenant Colonel Charles Story, was dismissed for questioning the order and as such, the men of the battalion, including David Briers, subsequently mutinied. As a result, on this day the order to disband was temporarily suspended. Trp Leslie Howard (Olinda), Imperial

Sgt Henry Hunt (Lilydale), 6th Battalion: Arrives back in Australia from Europe on the HT Kaiser-I-Hind.

Pte Frederick Tooley (Lilydale)Naval & Military Expeditionary Force: Arrives back in Australia from Rabaul on the HT Melusia to be discharged as medically unfit for contracting lumbago. THE BATTLE OF BELLICOURT, FRANCE

Pte Andrew Noden (Lilydale), 12th Field Artillery Brigade: Is wounded in action, gunshot wound to right leg and fracture of tibia, and is evacuated to hospital in England. Pte Archibald Conner (Lilydale), 39th Battalion: Is recommended for the Military Medal for his actions on this day. His recommendation states: ‘For gallant conduct and devotion to duty. On September 29th, the 39th Battalion took up a position in Dog Trench in

Lt Francis Johnson (Seville), 58th Battalion: Is killed in action, hit by shrapnel in the right thigh from a shell blast and died five minutes later. He is 36 years old and is buried at the Bellicourt British Cemetery, France. Sgt William Marshall (Wandin), 57th Battalion: Is awarded the Medaillemilitaire (France) for actions on this day. His recommendation states: ‘At Bellicourt practically the whole of his platoon were casualties and

Pte William Boyden (Wandin), 2nd Pioneer Battalion: Is evacuated from the field to hospital in France suffering from trench fever. THE LIGHT HORSE ENTER DAMASCUS, SYRIA

Sig Gordon Ewart (Montrose), 58th Battalion: On this night he and another soldier were ordered by Battalion Headquarters to move forward to the front line trench, known as the Le Catelet Line, to repair a phone wire that had been broken by shell fire. They arrived there and were able to complete the job, even though they were under heavy fire, and then once they finished they headed off towards headquarters.

Trp Leslie Howard (Olinda), Imperial Camel Corps: Dies from complications of pneumonia while hospitalised at the No 26 Casualty Clearing Station at Ludd, Syria. He is 19 years old and is buried at the Ramleh Cemetery, Palestine. Pte Benjamin Sessions (Silvan), 1st Anzac Cycle Corps: Is evacuated from the field to hospital in France suffering from influenza.

Pte Albert Walker (Montrose), Australian Flying Corps: Is evacuated from the field to hospital in France suffering from pleurodynia. Dvr Thomas Priest (Seville), 1st Australian Tunnelling Company: Arrives back in Australia on the HMAT Carpentaria to be discharged as medically unfit as a result of gas poisoning. Soon after he would meet his son, born the year before, for the first time.

THE BATTLE OF MONTBREHAIN, FRANCE Lt Reginald Farndon MC (Mt Dandenong), 24th Battalion: Is awarded the Military Cross for a second time for his actions on this day. His recommendation states: ‘During the attack on Montbrehain, east of Peronne, on 5th October 1918, he, as signalling officer, established communication forward to the jumping off tape at zero hour. Shortly afterwards, he personally reconnoitred a route under heavy fire and laid wires

Pte Thomas Mackay (Lilydale), Anzac Provost Corps: Dies while at the No 2 General Hospital at Maitland, Cape Town, South Africa after contracting influenza. The head of the Red Cross later wrote to his mother saying: ‘you may rest assured your son was tenderly nursed, that everything possible was done to save his life’. He is 30 years old and he is buried at the Woltemade Cemetery in Cape Town,

Pte Sidney Ingram (Silvan), 2nd Pioneer Battalion: Is evacuated from the field to hospital in France suffering from bronchitis. WOII James Whyte (Olinda), 10th Australian Army Service Corps: Arrives back in Australia on board the HT Port Sydney.

Spr William King (Lilydale), Tunnelling Company: Is evacuated from the field to hospital in England after his left thumb was crushed in an accident. Dvr Frederick Hopkins (Lilydale), 1st Divisional Motor Transport Company: Is travelling from Ireland, after having visiting there while on leave, on the RMS Leinster, when the ship is suddenly torpedoed by a German submarine. It sank quickly killing 501 people on board but Frederick was one

Pte Leopold Navas (Lilydale), 3rd Pioneer Battalion: Arrives in Australia from Europe on the HT Medic to be discharged as medically unfit.

Maud Hamilton (Mt Evelyn): Leaves her job as a nurse and enlists in the Australian Army Nursing Service, she is 27 years old.

Sgt David Ogilvy (Seville), 60th Battalion: Is evacuated from the field to hospital in France suffering from influenza.

Sr Maud Hamilton (Mt Evelyn), Australian Army Nursing Service: Leaves Sydney on the SS Wyreema bound for Fremantle where she will report for duty at the hospital set up at the Quarantine Station.

Pte Albert Walker (Montrose), Australian Flying Corps: Dies while in hospital in Camiers, France from complications of broncho pneumonia. He is 23 years old and is buried at the Etaples Military Cemetery in France. Pte Douglas Black (Mooroolbark), General Service Reinforcements: Leaves Australia bound for Egypt on the SS Malta. On the trip over he contracts influenza and ends up in the ship’s sick berth.

L/Cpl Frederick Bunt (Wandin), 2nd Light Trench Mortar Battery: Is admitted to hospital in France suffering from a nasal defect.

Pte Francis O’Hara (Olinda), 58th Battalion: Is admitted to hospital in France suffering from influenza.

Sr Edith Yeaman (Montrose), Australian Army Nursing Service: Is removed from active service and sent to hospital in England suffering from influenza.

Pte William Johnson (Mt Evelyn), 14th Field Ambulance: Is admitted to hospital in France suffering from influenza.

Pte Adolphus Black (Lilydale), Australian Railways Corps: Leaves Melbourne bound for Europe on the SS Boonah.

Pte Francis O’Hara (Olinda), 58th Battalion: Dies of broncho pneumonia at the 3rd Australian General Hospital at Abbeville, France. He is 20 years old and is buried at the Abbeville Communal Cemetery in France.

Air Mechanic Percy Clements (Lilydale), No 1 Squadron, Australian Flying Corps: Is admitted to hospital in Egypt suffering from malaria. John Rouget (Wandin): Leaves his job as a farmer and enlists in the AIF, he is 40 years old and married with three children.

L/Cpl Harold Wilkin (Wandin), 39th Battalion: Is evacuated from the field to hospital in France suffering from influenza.

ARMISTICE IS SIGNED IN MIDDLE EAST

Sgt Walter Bridgland (Olinda), No 2 Squadron, AFC: Is admitted to hospital in France suffering from influenza.

Cpl Frederick Bartholomew (Kilsyth), 4th Field Artillery Brigade: Is admitted to hospital in France suffering from influenza.

Pte Alex Duncan (Lilydale), 14th Battalion: Is admitted to hospital in France suffering from influenza.

Shoeing Smith Henry Bamber (Coldstream), 13th Light Horse Regiment: Is admitted to hospital in England suffering from influenza.

Pte Frederick Miller (Coldstream), Army Medical Corps: Is admitted to the 1st United States of America General Hospital suffering from pleurisy. Frederick Stewart (Lilydale): Leaves his job as a labourer and enlists in the AIF, he is 18 years old. Pte Frederick Miller (Coldstream), Army Medical Corps: Is admitted to the 1st United States of America General Hospital suffering from pleurisy. Frederick Stewart (Lilydale): Leaves his job as a labourer

ARMISTICE IS SIGNED IN EUROPE Trp Arthur Rouget (Wandin), 13th Light Horse Regiment: From his diary (France): ‘While riding one morning, cold and wet, we were told by two staff officers that the armistice had been signed’.

Lt Alfred Eades (Montrose), 12th Field Artillery Brigade: While on leave in England he is struck down with influenza and admitted to hospital. He dies here, just a day after the Armistice was signed, he is 22 years old and is buried at the Brookwood Cemetery in England.

Pte Louis Cazaly (Montrose), 57th Battalion: Is admitted to hospital in France with a septic leg from a wound he’d received in action the year before.

Spr Ernest Rae (Mooroolbark), 1st Divisional Signal Company: Arrives in Australia from Europe on board the HT Arawa, to be discharged as medically unfit as a result of developing sciatica while exposed to the wet and cold. Pte Sam Tucknott (Mt Evelyn), 22nd Battalion: Arrives in Australia from Europe on board the HT Arawa, to be discharged as medically unfit as a result of developing chronic bronchitis. Gnr Arthur Fenton

Pte Reg Charteris (Wandin), 23rd Battalion: Is admitted to hospital in France suffering from influenza.

Trp Bert Hutchinson (Lilydale), 4th Light Horse Regiment: In camp in Tripoli. In a letter to his future wife, Jessie Mackenzie of Yalca, Vic – ‘Our present home is a few miles out of Tripoli on the side of a high hill and we get a splendid view of the surrounding country. In the valley there is a pretty village amongst the olive groves. Beyond the village there are large

Pte William Boyden (Wandin), 2nd Pioneer Battalion: Arrives in Australia from Europe on board the HT Suevic.

Pte William Walker (Montrose), 24th Battalion: Marries English girl Lora Hinds in Bath, England. She later returns to Australia as a war bride. The following local soldiers arrive in Australia from Europe on board the HT Devon: Sgt Ralph Goode (Lilydale), 2nd Field Ambulance: Dvr Richard Pendlebury (Seville), 2nd Field Artillery Brigade Dvr Percy Whyte (Olinda), 10th Australian Army Service Corps Dvr Albert Bedbrook (Lilydale), Australian Army Service Corps

Pte David Briers (Lilydale), 38th Battalion: Dies while a patient at the 3rd Australia General Hospital in France of influenza. He is 28 years old and is buried at the Abbeville Communal Cemetery in France. Sadly, he never got to see his son Stanley who had been born the year before. Stoker George Cummings (Kilsyth), HMAS Encounter: Is part of the crew when the ship is despatched to Fiji and

Pte John Wilken (Kilsyth), 14th Battalion: Arrives in England after being repatriated from a German prisoner of war camp. He had been captured in 1917 during the Battle of Bapaume.

Gnr Howard Guttmann (Olinda), 2nd Field Artillery Brigade: Marries an English girl in Surrey, England. She later comes out to Australia as a war bride. Sgt John Lucke (Montrose), 12th Field Artillery Brigade: Arrives in Australia from Europe on board the HT Runic. L/Cpl Herbert Meade x (Mooroolbark), 8th Battalion: Arrives in Australia from Europe on board the HT Runic for further treatment to wounds he’d received in action.

Sub Lieutenant Frank Larkins (Mt Evelyn): Is transferred to HMS Vampire, a V Class destroyer that was assigned to the 4th Destroyer Flotilla, and would be part of the crew on operations in the North Sea until March 1919.

Pte David Mitchell (Lilydale), 14th Battalion: Arrives in England after being repatriated from a German prisoner of war camp. He had been captured in 1917 during the Battle of Bullecourt. Pte Archibald Conner (Lilydale), 39th Battalion: Is admitted to hospital in France suffering from influenza.

Pte Robert Jenkins (Gruyere), 24th Battalion: Dies of bronchi pneumonia while in hospital in France. He is 29 years old and buried at the Abbeville Communal Cemetery, France.

Pte Reuben Parry (Wandin), 29th Battalion: Arrives in England after being repatriated from a German prisoner of war camp. He had been captured in 1916 during the Battle of Fromelles. Pte Howard Vernon (Lilydale), 5th Battalion: Is sentenced to six months imprisonment by a civil court in England for obtaining two horses under false pretences. In May 1919 he is released from prison put straight on a boat to Australia

Pte Alfred Rothque (Lilydale), 58th Battalion: Is evacuated from the field to hospital in England suffering from bronchitis.

Gnr Archibald Arnott (Lilydale), 4th Battalion: Is admitted to hospital in France suffering from rheumatism and myalgia. Cpl Edward Hitchings (Lilydale), 22nd Battalion: Arrives back in Australia from Europe on board the HT Somali to be discharged as medically unfit as a result of wounds he’d received in action a few months before.

Tpr George Cassidy (Seville), 4th Light Horse Regiment: The following is a letter to his mother –‘Just a few more lines to let you know that everything is ‘quis-cateer’; in other words, ‘good-o’. The much longed for parcel, which you said you were sending, has not yet arrived, although some of the Christmas mail has already been received. And being pretty downhearted, I thought I would write a few lines

Pte Adolphus Black (Lilydale), Australian Railways Corps: While on the ship SS Boonah on his way to Europe he contracts influenza and is disembarked and sent to hospital at the Fremantle Quarantine Station at Woodmans Point. Sgt Richard Goodall x (Gruyere), 46th Battalion: Arrives in Australia from Europe on board the HT Saxon. He is to be discharged as medically unfit as a result of developing ‘effort syndrome’.

Pte Douglas Black (Mooroolbark), General Service Reinforcements: Dies from cerebra spinal fever in the 31st General Hospital in Abbassia in Egypt. This had developed as a result of the influenza he contracted on the ship over. He is 20 years old and is buried at the Cairo War Cemetery, Egypt. His older brother, Robert, had been killed in action in France in August. Harold Smith (Silvan): Leaves England to be

Trp George Gilbert (Yering), 9th Light Horse Regiment: Arrives at Port Said, Egypt, after being repatriated from a Turkish prisoner of war camp. Pte Edwin Meade (Mooroolbark), 8th Battalion: Arrives in Australia from Europe on the HT Borda for further treatment for wounds he’d received in action. Pte Charles Willimott (Lilydale), Mechanical Transport Division: Arrives in Australia from Europe on the HT Borda.

Pte Albert Parkes (Coldstream), 59th Battalion: Arrives in England after being repatriated from a German prisoner of war camp. He had been captured in 1917 during the Battle of Polygon Wood.

Pte Adolphus Black (Lilydale), Australian Railways Corps: Dies of influenza while at the hospital at the Fremantle Quarantine Station at Woodmans Point. He is 21 years old and is buried at the Perth War Cemetery in Western Australia. Dvr James Currie (Seville), Divisional Supply Column: Is discharged in London from the AIF for being medically unfit as a result of an injury to his foot in 1916. Pte David Laidlaw