This is a Saturday’s addition of the
“Molong” express, one day of the Great War,
here are the stories directly connect to the war, the war efforts, the
emotions of loss, sadness, breaking hearts, the anticipations of reading the
news, seeing what’s going on, their fathers brothers sisters away, far away
from Molong NSW.
I hope many of you find lost memory's that you can include in your family history, to bring your past history alive, and install feelings of pride and knowledge of who you are, whom you come from.
26 October 1918
Molong Express and Western District
Advertiser
WW1.
STILL THE WAR WAG'ES.
The clouds
of war still hover over Europe, and the dove of peace is unable to settle down comfortably
for fear of making contact with a shell.
Yet the time appears to be rapidly approaching when the Germans will realise that “the
game is up, and sue for peace on any conditions.
At the time
of writing they are showing the world that they are as expert at hedging and duplicity
as they are at sinking hospital ships and slaughtering babies.
Their
gradual transition from the pose of lofty dictators who would consent to
consider peace proposals if the inducement was tantamount to a Straight-out
victory, to the pose of the beaten bully who, while eager for peace, hopes by a
blustering demeanor to bluff his victors in to conceding some of his demands,
is very amusing.
If the Allies maintain a stern attitude, refusing
to harbor in their minds any weak leniency, the time will soon come when the
arrogant animals of Potsdam will be seen in the unique role of supplicants,
making entreaties for mercy and, like naughty boys, promising not to do it
again.
While "
the quality of mercy is not strained it is to be hoped that the Allies actions
will be dictated principally by justice, and that they will demand full
compensation for, The wrongs inflicted on an inoffensive world by a scientific
super-brute.
The chief
culprit, of course, is His Hellish Highness, the Kaiser.
He will have
to answer many charges, and will and it difficult to- support a plea of not
guilty.
‘Unfortunately,
he can be killed only once’
The exact
date of the cessation of hostilities is as yet merely a matter for conjecture.
The end of the struggle may come very soon, as suddenly as its Commencement.
The present
indications are that peace will soon become an accomplished, gladsome fact; but
in the words of the man in the street, you never know.
The European
winter is close at hand, and the enemy may clutch at the opportunity thus
provided, of delaying the final settlement in the hope of securing good terms
of peace before General Frost disappears, permitting resumption of effective
fighting.
Meanwhile,
the Minister for Recruiting still appeal for men to undergo training to
administer a few more kicks to Fritz and Hans until “the German flag is hauled
down”.
Soldiers as Chastisers
In the
debate on the Sedition Bill in the Assembly, Mr. J. C. L. 'Fitzpatrick,
alluding to a notorious member of the Opposition, said:-
The soldiers
may be left to 'deal with my hon. friend opposite when they have done.
They
will ask how it was that the statement in a public place that they were only
"six-bob-a-day murderers" was tolerated. They will ask if there was
no law to bring to book a scoundrel who would make such a statement, and why there
were not sufficient men with good red blood in their veins to take the
slanderer by the scruff of the neck and deal with him without a judge or jury.
At another
stage Mr. Dooley said:-I believe that the proper thing to do during the
currency of the war is to intern enemy subjects, and to dismiss them from .the
public service.
Mr. J. C. L.
Fitzpatrick-And we should intern a number of others who are not enemy subjects,
but who are friends of the hon. member!
Manildra War Chest Donations
Thursday, October 10th
On Thursday,
October 31st, Mrs Bear and Miss Petersen will be in charge, and on Saturday,
Nov 12, the returned soldiers of the district will conduct the tea rooms for
"Jack's Day." Please keep this in mind, and send along special
donations. "Jack" defends our shores; so help our returned soldiers
to give him a good time. The depot will be open for both afternoon tea and meat
tea.
Writing from Palestine:-
Sapper 0. F. Fitzpatrick, nephew of the State
Member, says:-
The weather
at present is awful-that hot it is almost unbearable to wear clothes.
Drink-one could almost drink a well dry,
Water's pretty scarce at times, too, It's about 120 in the shade just now, and
scorpions, snakes, flies and spiders are here in plenty.
Nothing strange
to find a snake poking round in the tent in the day time.
We made a
successful attack last night, and captured 400 German prisoners and about
100
Turks. Amongst them were about 20 German officers.
They looked very smart chaps, but the Turks were
a poor lot. They were half clothed, and appeared to be just about played out.
Most of the boys scored souvenirs from some of the prisoners.
PRISON LIFE IN GERMANY.
Police-Sergt.
McCurley, late of Molong and now of Forbes, has received a letter from his son,
Sergt. Roy McCurley, who is now in Holland after spending some time as a
prisoner of war in Germany. The letter states:-"
At present
we are on 10s a week. When one buys a few wads’ for tea and a packet of fags is
10s is about gone, but with these draw backs it is heaven to Germany.
I'll never
forget the sights I have seen there through starvation; you know the Russians
are very poorly educated and are more like a flock of sheep.
They would crawl into our barracks and stare at
us when we were having our meals. God! it was awful. Fancy a day's meal-three
drinks of coffee.
10,000
Italians came to Minden, were battered, bayoneted and slogged most cruelly, and
between, this and starvation they soon looked more like ghosts than human
beings.
One day a
South African and I gave eight of them I some bread; as soon as they saw what
we were about they started to cry, grabbed our hands and kissed them; it was too
much for me-I hopped it.
I went to
give about twenty some biscuits, and as soon as they saw the grub they rushed
at it like wolves; what a ' fight and scramble it was. I had ' to leave them to
it there also."
Sergt. McCurley was chiefly sustained by the provisions
supplied by the Red Cross.
26 October 1918
DEATH OF PTE. J. BURRELL.
The death
occurred in a Melbourne hospital on Monday last of Pte. John Burrell, of
Eurimbla, at the age of 43 years.
Two years
and three months ago he enlisted in the infantry, in which capacity he sailed
for the front. But he broke down in the trenches owing to rheumatism, and,
after undergoing treatment in hospital, was transferred to a veterinary corps.
His new
duties comprised the taking of horses to the front-line trenches, and remaining
there for several days at a time, and on one of these trips, at Hamel Hill, he
was gassed servery, and invalided home.
Upon arrival
at Melbourne his condition was so bad that he was removed to a hospital to
undergo special treatment. But pneumonia set in and his heart failed, and he
died peacefully in the presence of his wife and Mr. R. Munro (brother-in-law),
who had left Molong on the previous Friday.
The Rev.
Smith received a telegram on Monday, conveying the sad news. The deceased was
born at Spring Hill, and was a son of Mr. W. Burrell, now of Curra Greek, In
addition to his widow he leaves two children.
To the
bereaved relatives we tender our sincere sympathy in the loss of a good husband
and father, who gave his life in the glorious cause of freedom, and whose name
therefore will forever be honoured.
Writing from
Egypt on August 19 to Mr. S. Woolbank, Sergt. A. Woolbank says:-
I came out
of hospital a few days ago. I had a pretty bad dose of Malaria, and come down
from the Jordan Valley to Cairo, and had about a month in hospital. I feel
pretty good again now.
I am going on nine days' leave to Cairo to-morrow, and
then back to face it again, I suppose. The valley of Jordan is a particularly
rotten place, being several hundred feet below sea level.
The heat is
almost unbearable in midsummer and the flies and mosquitoes are particularly
bad. The ancient city of Jericho was situated in the valley, close to the head
off the Dead Sea; but it is merely a village now.
I found
Jerusalem very interesting the two or three times I was there. I had a look at
all the ancient scriptural spots. Jerusalem has a very good climate; it is
situated right up amongst the hills, and the surroundings are very picturesque.
Jack Lauer
was also in hospital for about a month, but is alright again now, and has gone
back to Palestine to the regiment again.
Goff Burgess
also is in hospital, I believe; but both he and Ted Dengate were with the
regiment when I came away, and doing well.
The
square-heads and Jacko the Turk are beginning to feel very uncomfortable now, I
think, and possibly it will be all over before many more months.
I sincerely
hope so anyway.
Mr. Jos. Kerr.
Late
wardsman at the Molong hospital, writes from
Tasmania to say that he had volunteered
for the A.I.F., and was regarded as
the most physically fit recruit at Claremont Camp; but he was rejected owing to defective eyesight.
Prior to coming to Australia he served in the British Royal Artillery for twelve
years
HERE AND THERE.
"Jack's Day"
In Molong
this Saturday. Everybody is sure to support this effort, for if it had not been
for "Jack" there would probably be a German Molong now.
"JACK'S DAY IN MOLONG.”
What "
Jack" Has Done "We all love Jack," commences the chorus of an
old song "Jack" has always held a prominent place in the affections
of the people ; but at no time has he deserved his popularity more than now.
Had it not
been for him it is certain that the German Fleet would have cut loose, and
played havoc on the high seas, culminating in all probability with a visit to
Australia-with disastrous results.
The prevention of that undesirable state of
affairs is not the greatest of the many benefits which “Jack" has
conferred on Australia. It is safe to assume that if “Jack" had not been
at hand the war would have been won long ago-by the Germans.
Without the
British Navy the transport of the First British Army, and of every contingent, up
to the last Australian Army, would have' been impossible, and the British
people would have perished of starvation long since.
And
"Jack" has not asked for thanks, has not expected any. The
satisfaction derived from carrying on in the spirit of Nelson’s famous signal,
"England expects that every man will do his duty, "is its own reward.
But “Jack"
deserves more than a pat on the back. There have been appeals for the Allies
and for every branch of patriotic endeavour; but- none for 4'Jack,"and is
there a cause more worthy of support than Jack's Day? If only out of common
gratitude, let us support the effort to be made on behalf of Jack at Molong,
this Saturday. No sacrifice for " Jack” can be too great; no amount too large
wherewith to provide him with a few comforts to hearten him while on his noble
task of maintaining the freedom of the seas.
Let us show
him how we appreciate the fact that "Britannia rules the waves.”
The Red Cross ladies are making effective
preparations to bombard the people on behalf of Jack on Saturday.
A number of stalls, stocked with edible and
other useful articles, will ply for custom, special buttons will be on sale, and
at the Depot a tasty cold luncheon, to cost 1s, will be served at one o'clock,
and light refreshments, costing 6d, during, the afternoon.
Misses
Bowler and Manton will be in charge of the Depot during the day; Donations of
cash, saleable articles for the stalls, or provisions for the Depot, will be
gladly received by any of the ladies concerned.
A returned soldier named Geo. Gorman.
in the employ of Mr. H. G. Atkinson, of Meranburn, was riding home from Manildra one evening last week when his horse, frightened by a rabbit, bucked and threw him off. He sustained serious injuries, and was removed to the Molong hospital.
Speaking at a Repatriation
Meeting at
Molong last week, Mr.J. Fletcher (who had recently interviewed the State
Repatriation Administration, representing this district committee) said that he
had learned that within nine months of the end of the war all the Australian
soldiers would be returned home and demobilised.
With reference to
the
reception ,and entertainment of the Anzacs who are shortly arriving, and of whom
it is estimated there are ; 3000, it is anticipated that they , will arrive in
batches of about 500.' The first quota is expected early in November.
“I have often heard it said
That the
discipline of the Australian soldier is rotten.
That is not
so. He doesn't hunt round for opportunities to salute officers. I admit he is a
good forager -if he sees anything that is not being used for the moment he'll
have it but for independence, initiative, individuality, and resourcefulness,
he's the dinkum
soldier."-
Chaplain-Major M'Kenzie (" Fighting Mac.")
Lance-Corporal H. P. Gavin.
On Friday of
last week Mr and Mrs. Percy Gavin, late of Cudal and now of Orange, received
word that their son, Lce-Cpl. H. P. (Boyd) Gavin, had been killed in action in
France on October 3.
Deceased was
born in Cudal 21 years ago.
He had been
over two years at the front and was attached to a signalling corps of the 17th
Battalion. He saw much fighting and had been twice wounded. Prior to enlistment
he was employed as a carpenter by the late Mr. James Douglas, of Orange.
We extend
our sincere sympathy to the bereaved parents, whose grief will be tempered by the
reflection that their son gave his life in a noble cause, and died a hero.
PERSONALITIES
Pte. Leo. J. Giffin, of Manildra, is reported gassed.
Mr. G. H. Hebden, erstwhile of
“Erambie," has donated £300 to "Jack's Day" Fund.
Returned-soldier L. Ryan.
Late of Molong and now of Collie, contracted
influenza while on a visit here recently and was admitted to the Molong
hospital.
Pte. Stanley Neville
Son of
Mr.and Mrs. Thos. Neville, of " Wilberdale," Curra Creek, has been wounded,
sustaining injuries to the stomach and thigh.
ROLL OF HONOR.
THORNBERRY.-In loving memory of our dear brother,
Driver J. A. Thorberry, died of wounds in France, 21st October, 1917, after
three years active service. Aged 25 years and four months,
And when the
war is over,
And the boys
come marching home,
'Tis then
we'll miss you, dearest Jack.
Inserted by
his loving sister and brother-in-law, M. and F. C. Rothery.
ROLL OF HONOR.
TILLING.-
In loving memory of our beloved son
and brother, Corporal S.C. Tilling, died of wounds in France,
27th
October, 1916.
Just two
years now have passed,
Since that
great sorrow fell;
Yet in our hearts
we mourn the loss,
Of him we
loved so well.
Inserted by
his loving father, mother, sisters, and brothers.
ROLL OF HONOR.
PARKER.
In loving memory of our dear
friend, Corporal Christopher Parker killed in action in Palestine on the 9th
November, 1917. Aged 30 years.
Dearest
Christy, how we miss you,
From our
little cottage door.
But you
sleep beside your comrades
Upon a
foreign shore.
But your
name is written in letters of love
In the
hearts of those at home.
May the
heavenly winds blow softly,
O'er that
sweet and hallowed spot,
Though the
sea divides his grave from us,
He will
never be forgot.
Inserted by
his ever loving friends, Mrs. J. Laws and family, "Lucyville,"Ready
Creek, Murga.
“MISSED"
The appended
Verses were written by Miss Connie Pocknall, of "Summerleigh,"
Manildra, and are dedicated to Pte. G.T. Goodman. Miss Pocknall, whose age is
only 17 years, shows the possession of a promising poetical talent.
We have
missed the swallow singing,
We have
missed its liquid note,
Since the
winter drear came bringing,
Keen winds
which sadly float,
For when the
leaves were falling,
And colder
grew the day,
It spread
its soft brown pinions,
For a
country far away.
But we must
wait till the Spring-time
Comes forth
with her golden day.
When the
bright eyed daisies open,
And the
whattle-bloom holds sway,
Then we'll
look and long for its coming,
And hope for
the morning bright,
When its
throat will swell with music,
And our
hearts thrill with delight.
We have
missed the bright red rose-bud,
Caressed by the
summer sun.
Her perfume
still with us lingers,
For our true
love she hath won ;
But all our
dear days have an ending,
And likewise
the life of a rose,
Though
kissed by the rain and sunshine,
Will soon on
the earth repose.
But we'll
long for the brightsome roses,
That bloom
in the summer shine,
And sigh for
them soon to gladden.
Our lives
with their sweet ensign.
Joy moments
aren’t always present,
There's a
winter, you know, to go through,
And skies
that now may be hidden,
Will again
be sunny and blue.
By the
fireside's glow alluring.
There's a
face we sorely miss,
In our
hearts there's a lonely crying,
For a smile
and a welcoming kiss,
For when the
nations echoed,
The
war-gods' cruel cry,
He left the
home fires burning,
For France,
with a brave "Good-bye."
So we'll
search for the silver lining,
Hidden deep
in the cloud so dark,
We'll find
it in all its glory,
When our
lads for home embark,
There's a
spring time for us coming,
Worth more
than swallow or bloom,
'Tis when
God gives back our soldiers,
To brighten
up the gloom.
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