Cpl Andrew Ragartz (Seville), 59th Battalion: Arrives back in Australia from Europe on board the HT Mamari to be discharged as medically unfit due to a wound to his left leg. Sr Maud Hamilton (Mt Evelyn), Australian Army Nursing Service: Arrives back in Melbourne on the SS Wyreema after serving at the hospital set up at the Quarantine Station, Fremantle for a number of months.

Sister Dorothy Moroney (Lilydale), Australian Army Nursing Service: Arrives back in Australia from Europe on board the HT Leicestershire.

Private Arthur Newman (Yering), 5th Battalion: Arrives back in Australia from Europe on board the HT Durham.

The following local soldiers arrive back in Australia from the Middle East on board the HT Port Darwin: Sgt Herbert Mackin (Lilydale), Australian Light Horse L/Cpl John Taggart MM (Wandin), 4th Light Horse Regiment Pte Walter Hoffman (Montrose), 5th Machine Gun Battalion The following local men stationed at Broadmeadows are discharged as a result of the demobilisation of the AIF. Pte Robert Badger (Mooroolbark) Pte Edmond Bamber (Gruyere) Pte George

Pte Adrian Camp (Wandin), 8th Battalion: Arrives back in Australia from Europe on the HT Port Lyttleton.

Spr Robert Fairnie (Lilydale), Australian Army Pay Corps: Is admitted to hospital in England suffering from scarlet fever. Pte Charles Osborne x (Lilydale), 8th Battalion: Arrives back in Australia from Europe on the HT Sardinia to be discharged as medically unfit. Pte David Strachan (Lilydale), 60th Battalion: Arrives back in Australia from Europe on the HT Sardinia to be discharged as medically unfit.

Lt Walter Summers MC (Seville), 23rd Battalion: Is accidentally killed while stationed at Charleroi, Belgium. A Court of Inquiry later stated: ‘Whilst working in a workshop of a Belgium civilian, de-detonating German nose caps, and after successfully completing one, he was carrying on with the second when suddenly it exploded. Killing him outright and wounding Private Miller and a Belgium civilian. He had severe laceration of left hand, left thigh

Pte James Varty (Mt Evelyn), 8th Battalion: Arrives back in Australia from Europe on the HT Gaika to be discharged as medically unfit as a result of wounds he’d received in action. Pte Michael Griffin (Lilydale), 17th Battalion: Arrives back in Australia from Europe on the HT Gaika to be discharged as medically unfit as a result of contracting chronic rheumatism.

After a brief sojourn in Flanders, the AIF had returned to the Somme Valley to man the frontline trenches at places like Armentieres, Delville Wood and Gueudecourt. They would remain here during the terrible winter of 1916 – 1917, one of the worst on record, where they had to experience the rain, mud, slush, snow and freezing temperatures that descended upon them. Out in the open, in trenches full of

Cpl Ernest Kerslake (Lilydale), 26th Battalion: Is evacuated from the field to hospital in France suffering from chilblains. Shoeing Smith Hugh Wilson (Coldstream), 2nd Field Artillery Brigade: Is evacuated from the field to hospital in France suffering from scabies. Pte James McNeill (Lilydale), 3rd Divisional Ammunition Column: Is evacuated from the field to hospital in France suffering from bronchitis and influenza.

Trp Stanley Mounsey (Seville), 9th Light Horse Regiment: Arrives back in Australia from Egypt on board the HT Argyllshire. He is to be discharged as medically unfit as a result of wounds he’d received the year before.

Pte Alex Ingram (Seville), 3rd Pioneer Battalion: While taking a wagon into the Houplines area he came under fire from a German artillery barrage that included gas. One shell hit his wagon killing him and his two horses. He is 25 years old and was later buried at Cite Bon Jean Cemetery, Armentieres, France. Sadly, his young wife never remarried and remained his widow for the rest of her life.

Pte Roy Cahill (Gruyere), 10th Field Ambulance: Is evacuated from the field to hospital in France suffering from colitis. Pte William Barker (Olinda), 22nd Battalion: Is evacuated from the field to hospital in France suffering from mumps. Dvr Gus Gilbert (Yering), 8th Field Artillery Brigade: While stationed at Steenverch, France, he is admitted to hospital injured, with fractured fibula, after an accident while he was attending the horses.

Pte Allan Hooke (Kilsyth), 3rd Field Bakery: Is evacuated from the field to hospital in France suffering from mumps.

Pte William Buckley (Kilsyth), 6th Battalion: Is evacuated from the field to hospital in France suffering from bronchitis.

Pte Harry Wilkin (Wandin), 37th Battalion: Is wounded in action, fractured base of skull and right arm, after being buried during an artillery barrage. He is evacuated to a hospital in England. Pte David Snell (Wandin): While still at Royal Park, Melbourne he is discharged from the AIF as being medically unfit when he loses the index section of the middle finger of his left hand in an accident. William

Pte Thomas Amor (Mt Evelyn), 60th Battalion: Is evacuated from the field to hospital in England suffering from myalgia.

Trp George Gilbert (Yering), 9th Light Horse Regiment: Fails to return from a patrol near Rafa. Is reported missing, believed to be a prisoner of war. In a letter to George’s father in Yering from Trp William Cole (9th Light Horse Regiment) –‘A party of us were sent out on patrol and we met a party from another troop of our squadron making a party of ten men altogether. Our

Pte Wilfred Palliser (Lilydale), 7th Battalion: Is evacuated from the field to hospital in France suffering from an ulcer on his left leg.

Pte Frederick Jeeves (Montrose), 22nd Battalion: While at the front line he is accidentally wounded in the chest when a bomb from a rifle grenade explodes. He is evacuated to the Beaufort War Hospital in Bristol, England. In a letter to the Lilydale MUIOOF – ‘The fact was that up till a few weeks ago I have been leading the strenuous life and hardly had time or opportunity to even

Lt William Thompson (Wandin), 38th Battalion: He was on duty in the front line trenches in France when he was suddenly shot and killed by enemy machine gun fire. He is 20 years old and had only been in action a few weeks. He is buried at Cite Bon Jean Cemetery, Armentieres, France. His brother, Henry Thompson, would later die in World War Two as a prisoner of war of

Pte Thomas Kerr (Yering), 3rd Pioneer Battalion: Is mentioned in despatches for work undertaken at the frontline on this day. Gnr Percy Hyne(Lilydale), 8th Field Artillery Battery: In a letter to his Mother – ‘We left Lark Hill on 20th December, 1916 and arrived at Le Havre on December 31st, 1916. After that we entrained for Bailleul on January 1st, 1917 where we arrived the next day, after travelling 24 hours

Stoker James McClure (Yering), HMAS Yarra: Is transferred from HMAS Pioneer to HMAS Yarra and would spend the next year or so with an Australia flotilla on anti-submarine patrols in the Adriatic.

Pte Percy Haddon (Seville), 46th Battalion: While making tea in Bull Trench near Guedencourt, he was killed instantly during an artillery barrage by shell fire. One witness said he was ‘blown to pieces and was past recognition’. He is 24 years old and as he has no known grave he is remembered on the memorial at Villers-Bretonneux.

Clarence Jack (Wandin): Born in Wandin but then living at Woori Yallock, enlists in AIF, he is 18 years old.

Cpl Clarence Windsor (Lilydale), 58th Battalion: Is wounded in action, gunshot wound to left buttock, and is evacuated to hospital in France. Thomas Preece (Wandin): Enlists in the Royal Australian Navy for a period of seven years, he is 16 years old.

Pte John Payne (Seville), 5th Battalion: Is evacuated from the field to hospital in France suffering from tonsillitis. Pte Alfred Fellows (Lilydale), 2nd Pioneer Battalion: Is evacuated from the field to hospital in France suffering from influenza. William Rothque (Lilydale): Leaves his livery stable business in the hands of his wife and enlists in the AIF, he is 44 years old and married.

Pte Ralph Goode (Lilydale), 2nd Field Ambulance: In the field in France. In his diary – ‘Today is the ninth day of frost, everything has been frozen, the highest the temperature has been sixteen degrees below freezing point, some cold’. Pte Frank Duffy (Lilydale), 51st Battalion: Leaves Australia bound for Europe on the HT Miltiades. Clarence Rouget (Wandin): Leaves his parent’s property in Wandin and enlists in the AIF, he

Pte William Thurrowgood (Lilydale), 29th Battalion: Is wounded in action, severe gunshot wounds to the face, and is evacuated from the field to hospital in England.

Trp Wallace Coutts (Wandin), 8th Light Horse Regiment: Leaves Australia bound for Egypt on the HMAT Anglo-Egyptian.

Pte George Lawson (Olinda), 2nd Pioneer Battalion: Is evacuated from the field to hospital in France suffering from a septic foot.

Dvr Cyril Kuster (Lilydale), 37th Battalion: Is evacuated from the field to hospital in France suffering from laryngitis. Gnr Percy Hyne (Lilydale), 8th Field Artillery Battery: In a letter to his Mother – ‘We went into action at Chapelle Armentieres for two weeks, then back into action at the Asylum in Armentieres for a stunt of four days; then back into the town of Armentieres for a fortnight. The Asylum in

Sgt Noel Syme (Gruyere), 2nd Field Ambulance: Is evacuated from the field to hospital in England suffering from influenza. William Sturges (Lilydale): Leaves his job as a farmer and enlists in the AIF, he is 18 years old.

Pte Charles Harrison (Wandin), 58th Battalion: Is killed in action. He is 21 years old and is buried at the Bancourt British Cemetery. Pte Andrew Noden (Lilydale), 12th Field Artillery Brigade: Is evacuated from the field to hospital in France suffering from scabies.

Pte Oliver Matthews (Yering): While still in Australia he is discharged from the AIF as medically unfit as a result of having emphysema.

Pte Richard Grossman (Mt Dandenong), 7th Battalion: Is evacuated from the field to hospital in France suffering from bronchitis. Sgt Arthur Stallworthy (Lilydale), 1st Remount Unit: In camp in Egypt. In a postcard to Kath Phillips, Lilydale – ‘I saw Vic Black on his arrival at Suez, he was looking very well and happy. I go to Suez and disembark all reinforcements for Light Horse etc, that come this way.

Pte Thomas Payne (Seville), 5th Battalion: Is wounded in action, gunshot wounds to the face, eye and neck, and is evacuated to hospital in England. He wouldn’t return to his unit again and would be later sent home to be discharged as medically unfit. Pte William Walker (Montrose), 24th Battalion: Is evacuated from the field to hospital in France suffering from a septic ulcer to his hand.

Stoker Albert Clegg (Wandin), HMAS Psyche: The ship had spent the last few months patrolling off the coast of Burma and Malaya. On this day, while visiting Port Swettenham in Kelang, tensions aboard the ship finally came to a head and seven stokers refused duty, an action that eventually led to their respective court martials. Albert was not one of them.

Lt Clive Rowan (Olinda), 2nd Field Artillery Brigade: Leaves Australia bound for Europe on the RMS Osterley. Dvr Alfred Ackerman (Lilydale): While at Royal Park he is discharged from the AIF for family reasons. His wife has become seriously ill and he has two young children he has to look after. The army then allows him to serve with the army on home service and within a few days he

Pte Joseph Kay (Lilydale), 5th Battalion: Is wounded in action, gunshot wound to the chest and is evacuated to hospital in England. From mid-1916, Australians sent over to Europe to serve on the Western Front were disembarking in England. Most of these were sent to training camps around Salisbury to learn more about the type of trench warfare taking place in France and Belgium before being sent across the Channel.

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 – A DAY OFF IN ENGLAND  When I was free of the camp, It was my joy for a day Along the hedge-lined road to tramp, And mark beside the way, Age old houses set in trees Almost as old as they.  To

Dvr Cyril Kuster (Lilydale), 37th Battalion: Is wounded in action, gunshot wound to the face and fractured lower jaw, and is evacuated to hospital in England.

Trp Bert Hutchinson (Lilydale), 4th Light Horse Regiment: In camp in Egypt. In a letter to his future wife, Jessie Mackenzie of Yalca, Vic – ‘This evening one of our aeroplanes got out of control and fell. As soon as it reached the earth the benzine caught fire and the plane was one mass of flame. The occupants of the aeroplane were both badly burnt. One died in a few

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

Trp Bert Hutchinson (Lilydale), 4th Light Horse Regiment: In camp in Egypt. In a letter to his future wife, Jessie Mackenzie of Yalca, Vic – ‘Thank you very much for the parcel and papers. The cigarettes were highly appreciated by all of us. I do not smoke very often but all the others are heavy smokers. (Eight of us live in one tent.) The handkerchiefs came in the nick of

Cpl Archie Kilfoyle (Mooroolbark), 31st Battalion: Is evacuated from the field to hospital in England suffering from trench feet. THE GERMAN RETREAT TO THE HINDENBURG LINE, FRANCE (February – March) After surviving in the front line trenches during the terrible winter of 1916 – 1917, the AIF went on the attack as the German forces began withdrawing towards a defensive position known as the Hindenburg Line. However, it wasn’t so

Sgt Clyde Hoffman (Montrose), 59th Battalion: Is wounded in action, gunshot wound to the hand, and is evacuated to hospital in England.

Pte Harry Boxall (Silvan), Australian Camel Corps: Is evacuated from the field to hospital in Egypt suffering from pleurisy.

Pte Charles Mortomore MM (Lilydale) & Pte John Warren (Lilydale), both 37th Battalion: In February 1917 four hundred soldiers from the 38th Battalion and four hundred soldiers from the 37th Battalion, including John Warren and Charles Mortomore, formed a special ‘battalion’ to undertake a large scale raid on the German trenches at Houplines. After several weeks training this force staged a thirty-five minute raid on this night. At 11.30pm the

Cpl Ralph Goode (Lilydale), 2nd Field Ambulance: In the field in France. In his diary – ‘Our boys are doing well, Fritz is going back, we’ve gained two miles in a week, casualties light’.

Francis Goodall (Lilydale): Leaves his job as a farm labourer and enlists in the AIF. He tells authorities he is 18 years old but he is actually 15 years of age and he enlists under the name of George Goodall.

Sgt Harold Clark (Gruyere), 27th Battalion: Is killed in action during an attack on the German lines north of Warlencourt, he is 33 years old and is buried at Warlencourt Cemetery, France. Pte Howard Morey (Lilydale), 58th Battalion: Is wounded in action at Laigincourt, gunshot wound to the leg, and is evacuated to hospital in England. Martin Hatfield (Lilydale): Enlists in the Australian Light Horse for a second time, he

Pte Benjamin Gibson (Kilsyth), 23rd Battalion: Is wounded in action, gunshot wound to the face and arm, and is evacuated to hospital in England. He would end up losing sight in both eyes as a result of this wound.

Sgt Ernest Kerslake (Lilydale), 26th Battalion: The 26th Battalion were ordered to attack the German troops moving out of the village of Warlencourt. During this advance he was killed in action. He is 26 years of age and his name is listed on the memorial to the missing at Villers-Bretonneux.

Pte Henry Millward (Olinda), 39th Battalion: Marries an English girl in Warwick, England. She later comes to Australia as a war bride.

Pte James Wallace (Seville), 1st Machine Gun Company: Is evacuated from the field to hospital in England suffering from a carbuncle to the shoulder. He wouldn’t re-join his unit until October.

Albert Lalor (Montrose): Leaves his job as a brass finisher and enlists in the AIF, he is 19 years old. Walter Bridgland (Olinda): Leaves his job as a toolmaker and enlists in the Australian Flying Corps, he is 28 years old.

Pte Ebenezer Gray (Seville), 24th Battalion: Is evacuated from the field to hospital in England suffering from pleurisy.

Gnr Richard Sharp (Yering), 4th Field Artillery Brigade: Is evacuated from the field to hospital in France suffering from neuralgia.

Pte Charles Asling (Mt Evelyn), 23rd Battalion: Is evacuated from the field to hospital in France suffering from acute bronchitis. George Cassidy (Seville): Leaves his family property ‘Sandhurst’ in Seville and his job as a porter and telegraph operator at the Lilydale Railway Station and enlists in the Australian Light Horse. Although he claims he is 18 years old at the time he is in fact only 16 years old.

Oliver Hargrave (Lilydale): Leaves his job as a labourer and enlists in the AIF under the name of Alfred Murphy, he is 28 years old. This is the second time he has tried to enlist. Clement Morey (Lilydale): Leaves his job as a draftsman and enlists in the AIF, he is 18 years old. His older brother Howard had already enlisted in 1915.

Pte Barney Gilson (Lilydale), 24th Battalion: Is wounded in action, gunshot wound to left thigh, and is evacuated to hospital in England. Francis Webster (Lilydale): Leaves his job as a labourer and enlists in the AIF, he is 21 years old.

Cpl Archie Kilfoyle (Mooroolbark), 31st Battalion: Was with his platoon at what was known as Till Trench. Eye witness accounts state that they were preparing to make a raid on the German line that night when an artillery barrage came down on them. A dugout just near Archie contained fifty boxes of Mills grenades and during the shelling a ‘pigeon bomb’ exploded under the parapet and the whole lot went

Raymond Johnson (Wandin): Leaves his job as the assistant station master at Lilydale and enlists in the AIF, he is 24 years old.

Trp Arthur Rouget (Wandin), 13th Light Horse Regiment: From his diary (France): ‘We stayed at this place until they had an idea that the Germans were going to retreat. We were all called in and stood by ready to move out very quick, which eventually came on the 17th of March. We got to the front line but it was too hot to send mounted troops over so we retired

Pte Malcolm Rankin (Lilydale), 21st Battalion: Following the Germans as they withdraw from Bapaume, he is killed in action near Fremincourt. One fellow soldier, Private W Byrne of the 21st Battalion, was a witness to what happened to him – ‘About two o’clock on the morning of March 20th, we were formed up and went marching away for more fighting, and by jingo we got it. We went past Fremincourt about

L/Cpl George Ingram (Seville), 24th Battalion: Is evacuated from the field to hospital in France suffering from cellulitis to the face. Frank Rance (Wandin): Leaves his job as a clerk and enlists in the AIF, he is 21 years old.

Trp George Gilbert (Yering), 9th Light Horse Regiment: A Board of Enquiry is held to assess evidence of what has happened to George Gilbert. It is believed from reports that he is being held as a prisoner of war at Bore, near Nigde, Turkey. From a note written by George to his sister in Yering –‘Just a line to let you know I am alright, hoping you are well at

Austin Kennan (Mt Evelyn): Is rejected as a result of his defective vision. This is the sixteenth time he has tried to enlist in the AIF since recruiting first opened, each time he is rejected on account of his poor eyesight.

Spr Samuel Fennell x (Lilydale), 4th Field Company Engineers: While stationed at the Military Base at Etaples, France, he and a number of other soldiers were standing waiting to enter the mess room when all of a sudden the sandy earth below them opened up, as result of a tunnel collapse underneath them. Samuel sunk beneath the sand and was killed. He is 33 years old and is buried at

Cpl Thomas Eales (Lilydale), 21st Battalion: Is awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal for his actions on this day. His recommendation states –‘his daring and valuable reconnaissance work near Ecoust when he volunteered to go forward alone and locate an enemy machine gun which was then silenced by rifle fire with several casualties. He then led the advance and was the last man to leave the forward position when the action

Pte John Thomson (Mt Evelyn), 58th Battalion: Is wounded in action, gunshot wound to the right leg, and is evacuated to hospital in England.

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 – A ROSE OF FRANCE It was the village of Bapaume, A weeping maid I found; All that was left of her old home – A plot of garden ground.  I spoke what French I could repeat, From out my shoolboy’s store; ‘Ma

Gordon Howell (Wandin): Has spent the last 76 days doing home service with the military in Melbourne. On this day he is discharged from home service and enlists in the AIF. He had previously tried to join the AIF but had been rejected on account of an injury to his hand.

Pte Ernest Commerford (Lilydale), 2nd Machine Gun Battalion: Is evacuated from the field to hospital in France suffering from scabies. Albert Ostrom (Gruyere): Leaves his job as a boot maker and enlists in the AIF, he is 38 years old and the son of Swedish immigrants.

Percy Williams (Lilydale): Leaves his job as a wicker work maker and enlists in the AIF, he is 26 years old and married. A few weeks later he is discharged at his own request.

Cpl Ralph Goode (Lilydale), 2nd Field Ambulance: In the field in France. In his diary – ‘Most awful weather. Rain, hail, wind & snow, real blizzards, days of it, but we’re sticking it’.

Pte Paul Clegg (Wandin), 5th Battalion: Is evacuated from the field to hospital in France suffering from scabies. Pte Henry Warwick (Lilydale), 8th Battalion: Arrives in Australia from Europe on the HT Karoola to be discharged as medically unfit as a result of wounds he’d received in action the year before.

Cpl Ralph Goode (Lilydale), 2nd Field Ambulance: In the field in France. In his diary – ‘Marched from Bazertins, passed through Bapaume, camped two miles further on at Freincourt. Fritz has only been out of this village six days, the damage and destruction is cruel, not a building left standing. But what a treat it is after five months in shell torn country, we are now in lovely green fields,

Pte Frank Muirson (Lilydale), 50th Battalion: Is wounded in action, shrapnel wound to the arm, and is evacuated to hospital in England. Pte Albert Rouget (Seville), AIF Headquarters: Is transferred to the Australian Comforts Fund and would work with this unit in England, France and Egypt for the rest of the war.

Pte John Marsh (Wandin), 5th Battalion: Is evacuated from the field to hospital in England suffering from influenza. While in hospital he also contracts the mumps.

Pte William Duffy (Lilydale), 11th Battalion: Is killed in action. He is 34 years old and as he has no known grave, he is remembered on the memorial at Villers-Bretonneux.

Cpl Ralph Goode (Lilydale), 2nd Field Ambulance: In the field in France. In his diary – ‘On again, moved to Lebucquiere. All these villages, Fritz has just vacated and every village is razed to the ground, all trees are cut down, the destruction is awful. Chasing Fritz up is a bit different to trench warfare’. Pte William Clarke (Lilydale), 5th Battalion: Arrives back in Australia from Europe on the HT

Pte Norman Pontin (Lilydale) 14th Battalion: Is killed in action. One witness reports he was ‘Last seen badly wounded in upper arm and lying in a shell hole, half under the German wire’. He is 31 years old and as he has no known grave, is remembered on the memorial at Villers-Bretonneux. He first came to Lilydale in February 1914 as part of the militia involved in Colonel Monash’s Camp

Arthur Watson (Lilydale): Successfully re-enlists in the AIF, he is 42 years old and married. He had been discharged as medically unfit the year before as a result of a long standing injury to his knee.

Sig Gordon Ewart (Montrose), 58th Battalion: Is evacuated from the field to hospital in France suffering from trench fever.

Cpl Ralph Goode (Lilydale), 2nd Field Ambulance: In the field in France. In his diary – ‘Fritz gave us some hurry-up this morning. Started at 3am with his bombardment then launched his infantry, had us rattled for a while. Took Lagnicourt from us, one hour later we counter attacked and got it back, very heavy fighting all day’.

Cpl Ralph Goode (Lilydale), 2nd Field Ambulance: In the field in France. In his diary –‘Just beginning to get the hang of yesterday morning’s affair, it was about the nearest I’ve ever been to getting captured. Fritz nearly on us, and we didn’t know till today how close, he got six of our field guns (2nd Brigade) but we got them all back’.

Cpl Ralph Goode (Lilydale), 2nd Field Ambulance: In the field in France. In his diary – ‘Living in these villages is not much chop, it sort of gets on your nerves, one never knows the minute one will go up in the air. Everything you touch you wonder if there is a mine attached to it, when you’re walking about you wonder if you will step on some hidden mine

Noel Cox-Taylor (Silvan): Leaves his family’s orchard in Silvan and enlists in the AIF, he is 18 years old. His father is Lieutenant Colonel Herbert James Cox-Taylor.

Pte George Lawson (Olinda), 2nd Pioneer Battalion: Is evacuated from the field to hospital in France suffering from trench fever.

Pte Michael Griffin (Lilydale), 17th Battalion: Is evacuated from the field to hospital in England suffering from a sprained knee. 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 travelled across the desert. We had a good trip and were fortunate in being able to get bread instead of biscuits most of

Pte Ralph Garth (Wandin), 8th Battalion: Is wounded in action, gunshot wound to his right foot, and is evacuated to hospital in England. Pte Thomas Gaudion (Wandin), 5th Battalion: Is wounded in action, gunshot wound to left arm and leg, and is evacuated to hospital in England.

Albert Anderson (Olinda): Leaves his job as a driver around the district and enlists in the AIF, he is 20 years old. Joseph Speakman (Coldstream): Enlists in the AIF for a second time, the first time he was discharged as medically unfit.

Pte James Clarke (Mt Dandenong), 38th Battalion, Ptes Archibald Conner (Lilydale), 39th Battalion & George Conner (Lilydale), 39th Battalionas well as Pte Thomas McGuire (Mt Evelyn), 39th Battalion: Are on the HMAT Ballarat and approaching the English Channel when a German submarine torpedoed the ship. Efforts are made to tow the ship to shallow water but this fails and she soon sinks. All the troops on board were safely evacuated and there

Pte Harry Black (Coldstream), 23rd Australian Machine Gun Company: Is evacuated from the field to hospital in France suffering from scabies.

Pte George Allen (Lilydale), 8th Battalion: Is wounded in action, gunshot wound to left arm, and is evacuated to hospital in England. Pte Charles Osborne (Lilydale), 8th Battalion: Is evacuated from the field to hospital in France suffering from scabies. Gnr William Atkinson (Lilydale), 116th Howitzer Battalion: In France. In a letter to his wife – ‘Yesterday, a bundle of sixteen letters reached me. That is the first lot since

Pte John Wilken (Kilsyth), 14th Battalion: A prisoner of war in Gefangenenlager, Dulmen, Germany. In a letter to his parents – ‘I suppose you will have heard before you receive this letter that I was taken prisoner. I wrote to England yesterday. That was the first opportunity I have had of penning a line since my capture. I related my misfortune and requested that they might advise you in case the

Roy Langley (Montrose): Leaves his father’s farm at Montrose and enlists in the Australian Light Horse, he is 18 years old. Joseph Anderson (Lilydale): Having grown up in Lilydale, where his father was the local Presbyterian Minister, he leaves his medical practise in Kew to enlist in the Australian Army Medical Corps, he is 22 years old.

Pte William Clarke (Lilydale): Having been discharged from the AIF the month before for being medically unfit, he enlists again for home service and serves at the Ascot Vale Camp and the Langwarrin Camp as a Bugler.

THE SECOND ATTACK ON BULLECOURT Cpl William Barker (Olinda), 22nd Battalion: Is killed in action. He is 19 years old and as he has no known grave, he is remembered on the memorial at Villers-Bretonneux. Pte Henry Petersen (Olinda), 22nd Battalion: Is killed in action. He is 23 years old and as he has no known grave, he is remembered on the memorial at Villers-Bretonneux. Pte James Wyles (Olinda), 23rd

Pte Richard Poole (Lilydale), 8th Battalion: Arrives in Australia from Europe on the HT Runic to be discharged for home service as a result of an injury to his hand. Able Seaman Robert Croydon McComas (Montrose): Is part of the crew of the HMAS Sydney when they engage in a running battle with a German Zeppelin off the coast of England.

Gnr Percy Hyne (Lilydale), 8th Field Artillery Battery: In a letter to his Mother – ‘The next place we went into action was in Belgium, at Ploegsteert (called Plugstreet). We took over from the other battery at half-past ten on Saturday night, registered our line on Sunday morning, got an SOS call on Sunday night. We were covering Tommies (who, when they see a couple of Verey lights, call on the

Cpl Ralph Goode (Lilydale), 2nd Field Ambulance: In the field in France. In his diary – ‘Terrific fighting around Bullecourt, we’re right on the Hindenburg Line and Fritz is putting up a great defence. He has counter attacked time after time but has not got through yet, his casualties are enormous don’t know how he stands it. Our casualties are heavy, our unit has got it stiff, four killed, twenty-five

Pte Alfred Fellows (Lilydale), 2nd Pioneer Battalion: Is wounded in action, gunshot wound to the left leg, and is evacuated to hospital in England. Pte Arthur Lowe (Yering), 24th Battalion: Is wounded in action, gunshot wound to the left thigh and right arm, and is evacuated to hospital in France. Sgt John Lucke (Montrose), 12th Field Artillery Brigade: Is wounded in action, shrapnel wound to the head, and is evacuated

Pte Thomas Butcher (Yering), 5th Battalion: Is wounded in action, shrapnel wound to the left hand, and is evacuated to hospital in England. Pte Henry Stewart (Kilsyth), 8th Battalion: Is wounded in action, shrapnel wound to the foot, and is evacuated to hospital in England. Pte David Mitchell (Lilydale), 14th Battalion: Is reported to be a prisoner of war, interned at Gefangenenlager, Dulmen in Germany.

Pte George Shell (Lilydale), 8th Battalion: Is wounded in action, shrapnel wound to the leg, and is evacuated to hospital in France. Capt Joseph Anderson (Lilydale), Australian Army Medical Corps: Leaves Australia bound for Europe on board the HMAT Ulysses.

Sgt Noel Syme (Gruyere), 2nd Field Ambulance: While on duty at a dressing station he comes under fire from an artillery barrage and receives a shrapnel wound to the head. His wound is dressed and he is evacuated to a casualty clearing station but dies here an hour later. He is 23 years old and is buried at Grevillers British Cemetery, France. Cpl Ralph Goode (Lilydale), 2nd Field Ambulance: In

Pte John Payne (Seville), 5th Battalion: Is wounded in action, gunshot wound to the right shoulder, and is evacuated to hospital in England. The following local soldiers leave Australia bound for Europe on the HMAT Shropshire: Pte William Boyden (Wandin), 2nd Pioneer Battalion Pte Michael White (Lilydale), 2nd Pioneer Battalion Dvr Thomas Hennessy (Lilydale), 12th Field Artillery Brigade Gnr Bertie Blashki (Lilydale), 12th Field Artillery Brigade The following local soldiers

Pte George Hannah (Mt Evelyn), 59th Battalion: Is wounded in action, shell shock and concussion, and is evacuated to hospital in England.

Alex Martin (Lilydale): Leaves his job as an employee with the Colonial Bank in Lilydale and enlists in the AIF, he is 20 years old.

Pte Robert Jeeves (Montrose), 58th Battalion: Is wounded in action, shrapnel wound to the hand, and is evacuated to hospital in France. Pte Lindsay Yeaman (Montrose), 20th Battalion: Is wounded in action, gas poisoning, and is evacuated to hospital in France.

William Lucas (Silvan): Enlists in the Australian Light Horse for a second time. On the first occasion he was discharged and sent home when his unit was disbanded. This time he states he is 53 years old. Frank Turner (Mt Dandenong): Leaves his job as a warehouse man and enlists in the AIF, he is 39 years old and married.

Trp Bert Hutchinson (Lilydale), 4th Light Horse Regiment: In camp in Palestine. In a letter to his future wife, Jessie Mackenzie of Yalca, Vic – ‘My present home is by the sea in the fair land of Palestine and we spend most of our spare time bathing in the Mediterranean Sea. A few days before we came to this camp we were issued with ‘shorts’ and puttees and as the

Cpl Frank Maher (Lilydale), 2nd Machine Gun Company: Is awarded the Military Medal for his actions on this day for ‘conspicuous service rendered and bravery in the field’. Pte Ronald Ingram (Seville), 1st Battalion, Otago Regiment, NZEF: Is evacuated from the field to hospital in France suffering from trench fever.

Herbert Beswick (Mt Dandenong): Leaves his job as a pottery worker and enlists in the AIF, he is 18 years old.

Pte Hewitt Hussey (Lilydale), 59th Battalion: Arrives in Australia from Europe on the HT Ayrshire to be discharged as medically unfit as a result of wounds he’d received the year before in action. Dr Leonard Cox (Olinda): Leaves his medical practice and enlists in the AIF as a medical officer, he is 22 years old.

Pte Gilbert Hogg (Wandin), 37th Battalion: The 37th Battalion were moved to Ploegsteert Wood in Flanders, Belgium in preparation for the attack on Messines that was due to take place early the next month. While here they often sent out parties of men to raid the enemy’s positions and to capture enemy troops to extract vital information from them. On this day he was with one of these parties when

Gnr Theodore Hand (Mt Dandenong), 12th Field Artillery Brigade: Is wounded in action at Armentieres, shrapnel wound to right knee and back, and is evacuated to hospital in England.

Edwin Hill (Gruyere): Leaves his job as a farmer and enlists in the AIF, he is 18 years old.

Pte Gilbert Hogg (Wandin), 37th Battalion: Died of wounds he’d received a few days ago. He was 22 years old and is buried at the Trois Arberes Cemetery in France.

Pte Alvoria Williams (Lilydale), 44th Battalion: Is evacuated to hospital in England after accidentally spraining his ankle whilst wrestling with another soldier while at Port de Nieppe, France. Pte Eric Beggs (Lilydale), No 1 Squadron, Australian Flying Corps: Is attached to 67th Squadron, what No 1 Squadron is now referred to as, in Deir-el-Belah, Palestine, as an air mechanic. Isabel McAlpine (Wandin): Leaves her job as a nurse at the

Pte John Wilken (Kilsyth), 14th Battalion: Is reported to be a prisoner of war and imprisoned in Gefangenenlager, Dulmen, Germany. Gnr Percy Hyne(Lilydale), 8th Field Artillery Battery: In a letter to his Mother – ‘After about five weeks in Ploegsteert we went into action behind Hill 63 and prepared for the Messines box-on. This was the first place we had open gun pits. At other places we had reinforced gun pits

Pte Malcolm Bethune (Seville), 3rd Pioneer Battalion: Is wounded in action, gunshot wound to the ankle, and is evacuated to hospital in England.

Pte Stan Goode (Lilydale), 3rd Pioneer Battalion: Is wounded in action, shrapnel wound to the face and wrist as well as shellshock, and is evacuated to hospital in France. Pte Walter Deppeler (Gruyere), 37th Battalion: Is wounded in action, severe gunshot wound to knee, and is evacuated to hospital in England. He would not return to his unit.

Pte Andrew Noden (Lilydale), 12th Field Artillery Brigade: Is evacuated from the field to hospital in England suffering from trench fever. Charles Mooney (Gruyere): After being rejected a month earlier for not having parent’s consent, he enlists again in the AIF, this time claiming he is 19 years old. He ends up in the Sportsmen’s 1000 unit.

Pte Louis Herry (Lilydale), No 14 Australian General Hospital: Is admitted to hospital in Egypt suffering from deafness. Pte John Wilken (Kilsyth), 14th Battalion: A prisoner of war in Gefangenenlager, Dulmen, Germany. In a postcard to his Aunt in Kilsyth – ‘Just to let you know I am getting on A1 and quite recovered from my wound. We have been in this camp two weeks now so are anxiously awaiting

Spr Robert Fairnie (Lilydale), Australian Army Pay Corps: Is admitted to hospital in England suffering from influenza. Albert Round (Kilsyth): Leaves his job as a farm hand in the district and enlists in the AIF, he is 18 years old. His sister Doris Baldwin (nee Round) of Kilsyth, in an interview in 1994 – ‘A cousin of mine was working on my brother about going and joining up. Well in

2nd Air Mechanic Walter Bridgland (Olinda), Australian Flying Corps: Leaves Australia bound for Europe on the HMAT Beltana. William Gilson (Lilydale): Leaves his job as a labourer and enlists in the AIF, he is 37 years old.

Pte Leopold Navas (Lilydale), 3rd Pioneer Battalion: Is wounded in action, gas poisoning, but remains on duty rather than go to hospital.

Frederick Miller (Coldstream): Leaves his job as a clerk and enlists in the AIF, he is 20 years old.

Albert Hawkey (Lilydale): Leaves his job as a labourer and enlists in the AIF, he is 21 years old. His brother William had been killed in action the year before.

The following locals leave Australia bound for Europe on the HMAT Suevic: Pte Clarence Cutting (Lilydale), 57th Battalion Pte Arthur Shore (Lilydale), 57th Battalion Capt Leonard Cox (Olinda), Australian Army Medical Corps

Dvr Thomas Hennessy (Lilydale), 12th Field Artillery Brigade: On the journey over to England he develops influenza and has to be transferred at sea from the HMAT Shropshire to HMAT Port MacQuarrie.

Cpl Michael McCristal (Lilydale), Anzac Signal Section: While in Palestine he transfers to the Australian Pack Wireless Section attached to the Desert Mounted Corps.

Allan Dodd (Olinda): Leaves his job as a storekeeper and enlists in the AIF, he is 19 years old.

Pte Ernest Smith (Yering), 3rd Pioneer Battalion: Is wounded in action, gunshot wound to the chest and neck, and is evacuated to hospital in England. Bernard Johnson (Gruyere): Leaves his job as a horse trainer and enlists in the AIF, he is 23 years old. He enlists on a special ‘Sport Man’s Recruiting Day’ designed to encourage sport’s people to enlist together. He ends up in the Sportsmen’s 1000 unit.

Pte Harry Boxall (Silvan), Australian Camel Corps: In the field in Egypt. In a letter to the students at the Mt Evelyn State School – ‘Many, many thanks for the kind gift of tobacco. The weed and the knowledge that so many kind hearts are thinking of our welfare and comfort help us to pass the long winter nights away. We are on a tough job and are determined to

Pte James Clegg (Wandin), 46th Battalion: He was attached to a group of the Battalion’s Lewis gunners stationed on Hill 63, near Ploegsteert Wood, in front of the village of Messines, when they came under artillery attack. Sadly, he was killed in action here. He was just 24 years old and was later buried at the Underhill Farm Cemetery in Belgium. Just before he was killed he wrote a letter

Pte Charles Asling (Mt Evelyn), 23rd Battalion: Is wounded in action, shrapnel wound to thigh, and is evacuated to hospital in England. Sgt Charles Stanbury (Lilydale), 8th Light Horse Regiment: Is awarded the Military Medal for his actions on this day. His recommendation states: ‘In the reconnaissance on July 4th towards Beersheba, I ordered B Squadron to cover the retirement of C Squadron. C Squadron were out of touch with

Pte Robert Mitchell (Seville), 5th Battalion: Is evacuated from the field to hospital in France suffering from scabies. Cpl Leslie Jerrams (Lilydale), 1st Australian Wireless Squadron: Having contracted malaria in October 1916 while serving in the Mesopotamia campaign, he is sent from hospital in Baghdad to hospital in Poona, India for further treatment. Trp Leonard Watt (Lilydale): While still at Broadmeadows he is discharged as being medically unfit for having

Gnr James Strachan (Lilydale), 2nd Field Artillery Brigade: Is evacuated from the field to hospital in England suffering from trench fever.

Pte Walter Horne (Wandin), 8th Light Horse Regiment: Is wounded in action, shrapnel wound to right hand and arm, and is evacuated to hospital in Egypt. Pte Charles Pazzi (Lilydale), 29th Battalion: Is evacuated from the field to hospital in France suffering from scabies. Dvr Andrew Blythe (Mt Dandenong), 14th Field Artillery Brigade: Leaves Australia bound for Europe on the HMAT Shropshire. Alwyn McConachy (Montrose): Leaves his job in the

Pte Fred Town (Lilydale), 2nd Division Ammunition Column: Is evacuated from the field to hospital in France suffering from jaundice.

Pte Albert Woolrich (Olinda), 14th Battalion: Is wounded in action, shell shock, and evacuated to hospital in England.

Sister Dorothy Moroney (Lilydale), Australian Army Nursing Service: Leaves India bound for Egypt on the RMS Malwa.

Sgt William Marshall (Wandin), 57th Battalion: Is wounded in action and evacuated to hospital in France.

Pte Ormond Footit (Lilydale), 2nd ANZAC Light Horse Regiment: Is wounded in action, gunshot wound to the head resulting in compound skull fracture, and evacuated to hospital in England.

Sister Dorothy Moroney (Lilydale), Australian Army Nursing Service: In a letter to her sister while on board the RMS Malwa travelling from India to Egypt:‘But I must begin with our visit to Aden which appears to be nothing but an impregnable rock, most uninviting, with no growth, not even a blade of grass. Well, we took gharris, the most dilapidated conveyances I have ever beheld, and when we got in

Dvr Percy Hyne (Lilydale), 8th Field Artillery Brigade: Is evacuated from the field to hospital in France suffering from mumps. Pte Albert Ostrom (Gruyere), 10th Battalion: Leaves Australia bound for Europe on the HMAT Port Melbourne. Pte Herbert Beswick (Mt Dandenong), 58th Battalion: Leaves Australia bound for Europe on the HMAT Port Melbourne.

Trp Bert Hutchinson (Lilydale), 4th Light Horse Regiment: In camp in Palestine. In a letter to his future wife, Jessie Mackenzie of Yalca, Vic – ‘We have not arrived at the beach yet but we have shifted our camp in that direction and I suppose we shall get there when we shift next time. One morning when we were drilling we found a water melon plot and so we visit

Pte Alexander Tonkin (Wandin), 36th Battalion: Is wounded in action, gunshot wound to the chin, and is evacuated to hospital in England.

Sr Alicia Kelly (Mt Dandenong), Australian Army Nursing Service: Is awarded the Military Medal for her actions on this day at the 3rd Australian Casualty Clearing Station. She is one of only seven Nurses to be awarded the Military Medal during the war. From the Australian Dictionary of Biography: ‘Sister Kelly was on duty at the 3rd A.C.C.S. during an air raid. Orders sent the rest of the medical staff

Sr Matilda McNeill (Lilydale), Australian Army Nursing Service: Arrives in Australia from Europe on the HT Nestor, she had served as the nursing sister on the voyage. She would return to Europe again in December. Pte Francis Hughes (Lilydale), 8th Battalion: Arrives in Australia from Europe on the HT Nestor to be discharged as medically unfit as a result of wounds he’d received in action. Pte Joseph Kay (Lilydale), 5th

Pte James Varty (Mt Evelyn), 8th Battalion: Is evacuated from the field to hospital in England suffering from trench fever.

Gnr Percy Hyne (Lilydale), 8th Field Artillery Battery: In a letter to his Mother – ‘After leaving Tokaybure we went into action in Mud Lane. We stayed there about ten days and then went to Messines Ridge. It was here we started to lose men fast, for on that ridge we lost 24 men killed and wounded out of 36. I was not sorry to leave it. But bad as it

Joseph Goodall (Lilydale): Leaves his job as a farm labourer and enlists in the AIF. He enlists under the name Cyril Fish as he is underage, he tells the authorities he is 21 years old when in fact he was just 17.

L/Cpl Walter Summers (Seville), 23rd Battalion: Is wounded in action, shrapnel wound to the throat, and is evacuated to hospital in England. Capt James Rowan (Olinda), Australian Army Medical Corps: Is appointed to the 2nd Australian Casualty Clearing Station in France and would serve here for the rest of the year.

Pte Arthur Shore (Lilydale), 57th Battalion: While on board the HMAT Suevic on his way to Europe, he is injured and received a concussion to the brain. Pte William Verdon (Lilydale), 4th Field Artillery Brigade: Leaves Australia bound for Europe on the HMAT Orsova.

Pte Roy Davies (Wandin), 14th Battalion: Is evacuated from the field to hospital in Belgium suffering from rheumatism. The following local soldiers leave Australia bound for Europe on the HMAT Themistocles: Pte Albert Hawkey (Lilydale), 3rd Pioneer Battalion Pte Frank Rance (Wandin), 5th Battalion Pte Edwin Hill (Gruyere), 7th Battalion Pte Bernard Johnson (Gruyere), 7th Battalion Pte Charles Mooney (Gruyere), 7th Battalion Pte Frank Turner (Mt Dandenong), 7th Battalion Sgt

Cpl Arthur Chapman (Wandin), 13th Field Artillery Brigade: Is wounded in action, gunshot wound to abdomen, and is evacuated to a casualty clearing station in France.

Lt Thomas Rowan (Olinda), 4th Field Artillery Brigade: Is wounded in action, gunshot wound to the head, and is evacuated to hospital in France.

Cpl Arthur Chapman (Wandin), 13th Field Artillery Brigade: While at the 22nd Casualty Clearing Station in Belgium he dies of wounds he’d received days before. He is 26 years old and is buried at the Brandhoek New Military Cemetery in Belgium. Gnr William Atkinson (Lilydale), 116th Howitzer Battalion: Is wounded in action, gunshot wound to both thighs and jaw, and is evacuated to hospital in England. Pte Henry Maidment (Lilydale),

Sister Dorothy Moroney (Lilydale), Australian Army Nursing Service: In a letter to her sister: ‘Now, here I am in Cairo, where we were instructed to proceed to a nurses’ club, but having had some at Alexandria, we decided to put up at the Grand Continental, which, though it is not Shepherd’s is quite good enough for me. The best hotels suit me down to the ground, but one thing we

Gnr Theodore Lowe (Gruyere), 11th Field Artillery Brigade: Is wounded in action, gunshot wound to right hand and thumb, and is evacuated to hospital in Belgium. 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 very fortunate and have not been sick since I arrived in this land, also I have

Pte Charles Dorrington (Montrose), 3rd Pioneer Battalion: Is evacuated for a second time from the field to hospital in France suffering from scabies and dermatitis. Dvr Thomas Smith (Lilydale), 13th Field Artillery Brigade: While in camp in England, is accidently shot in the thigh by another soldier who was cleaning their gun. Geoffrey Berry (Seville): Leaves his family’s orchard at Seville and enlists in the AIF, he is 18 years

Dvr Albert Bedbrook (Lilydale), Australian Army Service Corps: Marries an English girl at Portsmouth, England. She later travels to Australia as a war bride.

Gnr Percy Hyne (Lilydale), 8th Field Artillery Battery: In a letter to his Mother – ‘The next place we went to was Wytschaete. It was quieter here than Messines Ridge. We did not stay long as we were not in the line for a spell. We no sooner got out than we were ordered back to Ypres to cover our infantry’.

Dvr Thomas Hennessy (Lilydale), 12th Field Artillery Brigade: Is evacuated from the ship HMAT Port MacQuarrie to hospital in England suffering from influenza and chronic bronchitis.

Pte Roy Cahill (Gruyere), 10th Field Ambulance: Is evacuated for a second time from the field to hospital in England suffering from colitis. Pte Harry Boxall (Silvan), Australian Camel Corps: Is evacuated from the field to hospital in Egypt suffering from malaria. Dvr Hubert Guiney (Yering), 8th Field Artillery Brigade: While in England recovering from a bout of tonsillitis, he decides to desert from the AIF and makes his way

Lt Thomas Rowan (Olinda), 2nd Field Artillery Brigade: Is believed to have been killed in action on this day at Franvillers near Peronne. On that morning he was working as a forward observer and told his men he was going forward to make a reconnaissance but was never seen again. A search was later made but no body was found. He is 34 years old and as he has no

Dvr Edmund Boulter (Olinda), 5th Field Artillery Brigade: Is wounded in action, shrapnel wound to the head, and is evacuated to hospital in England. Sister Dorothy Moroney (Lilydale), Australian Army Nursing Service: Arrives in Salonika, Greece, and is seconded to the 66th General Hospital to work.

Pte Thomas Mackay (Lilydale), Anzac Provost Corps: Arrives in Cape Town, South Africa to serve with the Provost Corps there. The Provos are needed here as numbers of Australian troops visit Cape Town on their journey to and from Europe. Pte Harry Black (Coldstream), 23rd Australian Machine Gun Company: In France. In a postcard to Kath Phillips, Lilydale – ‘I’ve just had seven days in Paris and it’s a great

Dvr Harry Dinsdale (Olinda), 5th Field Artillery Brigade: Is evacuated to hospital in England with a severely fractured right leg. Trp Bert Hutchinson (Lilydale), 4th Light Horse Regiment: In camp in Palestine. In a letter to his future wife, Jessie Mackenzie of Yalca, Vic – ‘We have shifted away from the beach and will be doing a little more drill ‘just to keep us fit’. I expect we will do

Pte Francis McLass (Lilydale), 59th Battalion: Is evacuated to hospital in England suffering from myalgia, trench fever and poor vision. Sr Alicia Kelly (Mt Dandenong), Australian Army Nursing Service: A letter written by Chaplain G C Munschamp, attached to her unit, to Alicia’s mother – ‘I am chaplain of the unit which your daughter, Miss A. M. Kelly (But whom we all call Rachel) has been a Sister. I think

Sr Isabel McAlpine (Wandin), Australian Army Nursing Service: Leaves Australia bound for Europe on the HMAT Wiltshire.

The following local soldiers leave Australia bound for Egypt on the HMAT Kyarra: Tpr George Cassidy (Seville), 4th Light Horse Regiment Tpr Arthur Campbell (Mt Dandenong), 8th Light Horse Regiment Spr Ernest Cassell (Lilydale), Special draft, Signal Section William Hayes (Mt Dandenong): Leaves his father’s orchard at Mt Dandenong and enlists in the Australian Light Horse, he is 19 years old.

Spr Patrick Duffy (Lilydale), 6th Tunnelling Company: Is wounded in action, gas poisoning, and is evacuated to hospital in England.

Pte James Donleavey (Gruyere), 5th Division Sanitation Section: Is admitted to hospital in France suffering from incontinence.

Pte Arthur Leckie (Lilydale), 59th Battalion: Is wounded in action, shrapnel wounds to legs and arm, and is evacuated to hospital in England.

Pte Thomas Gaudion (Wandin), 5th Battalion: Arrives in Australia from Europe on the HT Ulysses to be discharged as medically as a result of wounds he had received in action.

Pte Alfred Blanksby (Wandin), 8th Battalion: Is evacuated from the field to hospital in France suffering from bronchitis.

Lt Harold Bartram (Olinda), 5th Battalion: Is transferred to the AIF Records Section for duty after being declared unfit for general service.

Pte Felix Hargrave (Lilydale), 7th Battalion: Is wounded in action, bayonet wound to arm, and is evacuated to hospital in England.

Gnr Percy Hyne (Lilydale), 8th Field Artillery Battery: Is wounded in action, crushed finger and right hand, and is evacuated to hospital in England. Pte Thomas Amor (Mt Evelyn), 60th Battalion: Arrives back in Australia on board the HMAT Euripides to be discharged as medically unfit as a result of developing myalgia.

Pte Philip Kidgell (Lilydale), 15th Machine Gun Company: Is awarded the Military Medal for his actions on this evening. His recommendation states: ‘On the night of the 19th and morning of the 20th September, 1917 at Westhoek Ridge near Ypres Signaller Kidgell went several times through the enemy barrage and successfully repaired telephone lines to forward guns. On the morning of the 20th September he also did the work of

BATTLE OF MENIN ROAD RIDGE, BELGIUM Cpl Ralph Goode (Lilydale), 2nd Field Ambulance: In the field in France. In his diary –‘The old 1st Division again over the top this morning, gained all objectives’ Pte Rupert Langley (Kilsyth), 5th Battalion: Is reported missing in action during the fighting here. Later investigations by the Red Cross report eye witness accounts that state he was with a number of men in a

Pte Cyril Dennis (Lilydale), 5th Battalion: Is wounded in action, gunshot wound to the right thigh and arm, and is evacuated to hospital in England.

Sgt George Ingram (Seville), 24th Battalion: Is wounded in action near Bellewarde Ridge, dislocated his knee after a shell blast blew him backwards into a trench, and is evacuated from the field to hospital in France. Pte Henry Lord (Wandin), 8th Battalion: Is later awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal for his action between this date and November 5th 1917. His recommendation states: ‘For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty during

Gnr Percy Hyne(Lilydale), 8th Field Artillery Battery: In a letter to his Mother – ‘The first place there that we went into action was Zonnebeke, where we stayed over a week’. Cpl Ralph Goode (Lilydale), 2nd Field Ambulance: In the field in France. In his diary – ‘All out again, short and sweet but we’ve done great, gave old Fritz another taste of Australia’. Cpl Rupert Bloom (Lilydale), 21st Battalion: Is

Pte Edward Read (Seville), 58th Battalion: Is wounded in action, wounds to his left thigh, right hand and neck, and is evacuated from the field to hospital in England. Pte Ernest Le Page (Seville), 58th Battalion: While in his trench a shell bursts, burying him. He is dug out but receives severe shell shock and is evacuated to hospital in England. Pte Joseph Keeley Snr (Mooroolbark), 67th Battalion: Arrives in

THE BATTLE OF POLYGON WOOD, BELGIUM Pte Louis Cazaly (Montrose), 57th Battalion: Is wounded in action, gunshot wound to left thigh, and is evacuated to hospital in England. Pte Francis Lyall (Mt Evelyn), 57th Battalion: Is wounded in action, gunshot wound to left arm and knee, and is evacuated to hospital in England. Pte James Jordon (Kilsyth), 59th Battalion: Is wounded in action, gunshot wound to left arm and neck,

Pte Leslie Tegart (Montrose), 31st Battalion: Is killed in action. One witness, L/Cpl Keogh, later stated: ‘I was with Leslie Tegart all the morning of the 26th September 1917 and while he was with me, he fought quite calm and very coolly and he also showed his heroism by hunting Germans out of their dugouts. I can tell you he died a brave hero and a son a mother should

Pte John Evans (Silvan), 60th Battalion: Is killed in action when he is shot by a sniper while sheltering in a shell hole in No Man’s Land at Polygon Wood. He was dressing a wounded man at the time. He is 21 years old and is remembered on the memorial at Menin Gate, Ypres, Belgium. Pte Frank Rae (Mooroolbark), 57th Battalion: Is wounded in action during an artillery attack, shrapnel

Lt William Eales (Lilydale), 3rd Division Ammunition Column: Is wounded in action, severe gunshot wound to back, 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 – ‘We were camped in the waadi away from the regiment for a week and it was lovely to have plenty of

Cpl Ralph Goode (Lilydale), 2nd Field Ambulance: In the field in France. In his diary – ‘All out again, gave a bit of a concert tonight but in the middle of it had to scatter, Fritz bombed us – one of the biggest raids I’ve seen’.

Pte William Thurrowgood (Lilydale), 29th Battalion: Dies while in hospital in Cape Town, South Africa of meningitis. He is 25 years old and is buried at the Woltemade Cemetery in Cape Town. Sadly, his brother-in-law, William Shell, would be killed in action in Belgium the following day. Dvr Ernest Dutton (Wandin), 1st Divisional Ammunition Column: Is wounded in action, severe shrapnel wound to his right thigh, left arm and head,

Pte William Shell (Lilydale), 8th Battalion: While preparing for the attack on Broodseinde he comes under an artillery barrage and is killed in action. He is 25 years old and is remembered on the memorial at Menin Gate, Ypres, Belgium. His brother in law, Bert Thurrowgood, died while on active service the day before. Gnr Arthur Jeeves (Mt Dandenong), 12th Field Artillery Brigade: Is wounded in action, gunshot wound to

Pte Henry Lord (Wandin), 8th Battalion: Is wounded in action, gas poisoning, and is evacuated from the field to hospital. Pte Harry Black (Coldstream), 23rd Australian Machine Gun Company: In a letter to the President of the Shire of Lillydale– ‘I arrived back on Monday last and joined up with my unit, after spending a most enjoyable twelve days in England and Ireland. I have not been to the trenches

Pte John Payne (Seville), 5th Battalion: Is evacuated from the field to hospital in England suffering from tonsillitis. Pte Alexander Blair (Olinda), 22nd Battalion: Is wounded in action, gunshot wound to the hand, and is evacuated to hospital in France. This is the second time he has been wounded in action. Sig Guy Berry (Seville), 2nd Divisional Signal Company: Is wounded in action, gunshot wounds to the right knee and