Saturday,11th Sept 2009, marked the 95th anniversary of Australia's first battle in World War 1, and also marks that event as being Australia's first ever battle as a sovereign nation. (All earlier conflicts were fought by the various colonies sending colonial forces, eg, to Sudan, the Boxer Rebellion and the Boer War).
Birth of the AE1 This is the story of Australia's first submarine. She was the AE1. A - for Australia; E for 'E' Class submarine, and the number 1, as in the first
submarine for the Royal Australian Navy. The submarine was built by Vickers Son & Maxim at the Naval Construction Works, Barrow-in-Furness, County Lancashire, England. Her keel was laid down on the 14th November 1911. The British Admiralty had gained much experience with the 'D' class submarines and made a further step forward in the design of the 'E' class; of which two would go to Australia under prior agreement1 and be given the classification numbers AE1 and AE2, meaning Australia 'E'
Class submarines, numbers one and two.
Type: E Class Submarine Displacement: 660 tons (surfaced), 800 tons (submerged) Length: 181 feet Beam: 22 feet 6 inches Draught: 12 feet 6 inches Builder: Vickers Ltd, Barrow-in-Furness, England Laid Down: 14 November 1911 Launched: 22 May 1913 Machinery: 2 sets of 8 cylinder diesel engines, battery driven electric motors Horsepower: 1,750 (surfaced), 550 (submerged) Speed: 15 knots (surfaced), 10 knots (submerged) Armament: 4 x 18-inch torpedo tubes Complement: 35
These submarines were further sub-classified into type 'E1' – this meant that
the Australian submarines were part of the initial batch of ‘E’ boats to be built, (there were five being built when Henry Stoker saw AE2 at the docks in December 1913). This sub-classification also included the English submarines E1 to E8. These boats had different dimensions,
displacement and stability from the later built boats. The 'E' class boats were part of the Admiralty’s 1910 – 1911 building program.
One of their features lay in the provision of broadside torpedo tubes, one on the port side and the other to starboard. This allowed the submarines to fire at right angles to their bow headings, giving them
greater fighting options. So, “This introduction involved a
considerable increase in the dimensions as compared with earlier classes, but with the increase of size came also increased endurance, habitability, speed and power.” Of course this does not mean that the AE1 had any great luxuries or was without problems. She and the AE2 were stuck with whatever faults had been built into them, and only some were repaired during the course of their service. The other 'E' class boats of this batch had the great fortune to be near home base, so they had the advantage of seeing their problems ironed out over a period of time. A good example of this was the retro fitting - in Malta - of a 12 pounder deck gun on a retractable pneumatic /hydraulic mounting, to the English /Atlantic based E1 type submarines, but which the Australian boats had to do without.
In fact -
Lieutenant-Commander Henry H. G. Stoker, Captain of the AE2 from her commissioning, and until fourteen months later, had this to say in his book "Straws in the Wind"; "AE2 carried no gun - at that date no British submarine was fitted with a gun."and also "We longed for a gun
to enable us to remain on the surface and give them [the Turks] fight."It would do well for us to remember this salient fact when we get to the Rabaul disappearance of AE1.
The ‘E’ class submarine hull was well sub-divided by transverse bulkheads which helped to strengthen these boats even more than the previous classes
and enabled them to withstand greater ambient pressures. The 'E' class boats were then able “...to dive to much greater depths than had been considered safe or desirable.” The maximum pressure that these boats could tolerate is difficult to ascertain. However, some 'E' boats
accidentally went deep enough to allow the ingress of water through their riveted plates. This depth would have been around 150 fsw (feet of seawater), which the AE2 experienced purely by accident after she lost her trim while on a sortie, in April 1915, in the Sea of Mamora,
(Marmara) Turkey.
"Closing off the forward tank, and stopping the movement of water ballast from aft to forward, we endeavoured to catch her at 50 feet, but now again the diving rudders seemed powerless to right her, and with an ever-increasing inclination down by the bows
she went to 60 and then 70 feet, and was obviously quite out of control. Water ballast was expelled as quickly as possible, yet down and down she went - 80, 90 and 100 feet. Here was the limit of our gauges; when that depth was passed she was still sinking rapidly. We
could not tell to what depths she was reaching."
It is interesting to note though, that the depth gauges inside these submarines were only capable of recording a maximum depth of 100 fsw. This would have been somewhere between half and two thirds of its designed maximum depth.
These boats had good seaworthiness and
the AE1 and AE2 proved this fact by using their own motive power for approximately half the voyage from Portsmouth to Sydney - a little over 7,700 miles, with the other 4,700 odd miles being under tow.
The 'E' class boats had an extensive superstructure, and the provision of a
navigating bridge which was placed well over the conning tower made this type of submarine comparatively easy to navigate in the roughest weather. With the development of wireless transmission equipment, "the 'E' class received a good installation, the aerial being carried on [wooden] masts which folded to the deck when submerged." 9 This was the first time that wireless telegraph had been installed in an allied submarine.
One of their two periscopes was designed for varying magnification and was able to search the sky for aircraft. The other periscope was the standard single power type instrument used for lining up an intended target. These additions helped to make these
boats effective scouting craft and very useful for all kinds of patrol work. It was in this patrolling role that both AE1 and AE2 became infamous.
First Squadron of the Australian Naval and Military Expeditionary Force (AN&MEF). 14th
September 1914 - Rear-Admiral Commanding telegraphed direct to Admiralty that noon position on the 14th at Simpsonhafen was:- 1. HMAS Australia - Battle Cruiser 2. HMAS Encounter - Light Cruiser 3. HMAS Melbourne - Light Cruiser 4. HMAS Sydney - Light Cruiser 5. HMAS Warrego 6. HMAS Parramatta 7. HMAS Yarra 8. Torpedo Boat Destroyers 9. HMAS Protector - Submarine Parent Ship 10. AE1 - Submarine 11. AE2 - Submarine 12. 'Murex' 13. 'Whangape' (Oil & Fuel Ships) 15. 'Grantala' - Hospital Ship, arrived noon on the 13th and three colliers
Yet this battle is almost totally unknown in the light of the Gallipoli Campaign some seven months later and which Australians seem to think
was our first battle in World War 1. And certainly the horrors of Gallipoli surpassed those of our first battle.
AUSTRALIA's FIRST BATTLE - WORLD WAR 1.
On August 5th 1914, England in a telegram to the Prime Minister sought Australia's help in mobilising a force to proceed to German New Guinea to capture a wireless station, thought to be of great use to the German
fleet then active in the Pacific area.
In a remarkable feat and with considerable speed and enthusiasm, a force of 1,500 (about 1,000 were military infantrymen and 500 naval reserve volunteers) were enlisted, uniformed, equipped and set sail a bare two weeks later on the HMAT Berrima on August 19.
A strong supporting fleet of Royal Australian Navy provided escort and an attack force. This force was known as the Australian Naval and Military Expeditionary Force. After the capture from the Germans, Australian troops remained in German New Guinea until May 1921, when it became a League of Nations
Mandated Territory, the mandate of which was given to Australia.
En route to German New Guinea, the troops received training at Palm Island (off North Queensland coast) and two more weeks training at Port
Moresby, before setting sail for the objective.
At 0345 hours, Colonel Watson requests 'Encounter' shell positions in the Gire Gire Plantation area. Enemy also along Vunatora - Matamatar Road. The 'Encounter' shelled the area mentioned at 0600 using 6 inch naval guns. The
British Flag was hoisted in 'Proclamation Square' Rabaul, at 1500 hours, 13th September 1914. All present saluted the Flag and the Proclamation concerning Occupation read.
The capture of Niu Pommern, New Britain by the combined forces, Naval and Infantry, was effectively completed shortly after 1800 hours, Saturday, 12th
September 1914.
The German Garrison was non-existent and the Australians occupied the settlement without opposition. Enemy flags were de-masted and flags in the government offices were handed down.
On
11th September the Australian fleet entered the magnificent harbour of Rabaul, whilst troops had disembarked some few miles away at Kokopo and Kabakaul, and near where they met resistance from German forces consisting of a few regular army officers, militia and native troops.
Little
was known about the actual location of the wireless station thought to be some miles south of Kabakaul, but information was provided and the troops proceeded along a jungle track.
On the way they encountered mines laid across the track, and trenches from which they were fired on.
The first to be mortally wounded was Able Seaman William George Vincent WILLIAMS (of Northcote, Victoria). An Australian Army Medical Corps doctor, Captain Brian Colden Antill POCKLEY, to facilitate the removal of WILLIAMS for medical treatment,gave his Red Cross arm band (which signified that he was a non-combatant) to the stretcher party conveying WILLIAMS.
A short while later POCKLEY was himself mortally wounded by rifle fire. This brave deed was never recognised.
As
the troops advanced along the thick jungle track towards the wireless station some five miles inland from the stone wharf, a further four Australians were shot dead. German dead were estimated to be one officer and 30 native troops.
Three days later, Australia's first submarine, AE1, disappeared near the adjacent Duke of York Islands, with the loss of a crew of 35, and has never been sighted since.
Although this battle was with few casualties compared with later events it, none the less, marks Australia's first battle as a sovereign nation. And how has Australia marked this event??
It seems that it prefers that this first battle should be forgotten. The departure of the troops from Sydney's "Man'O'War" steps near Circular
Quay was noted by the City of Sydney erecting a small obscure bronze plaque, high on the Tarpeian Wall near the Opera House, on the 50th anniversary of the troops sailing.
Northcote RSL however took more interest in commemorating this obscure battle as one of it's citizens was the first mortally wounded.
With funds raised
locally, and a grant from the Department of Veterans' Affairs, a large bronze pictorial plaque was commissioned at the front of this RSL on 16th Dec 2001.
These two memorials constitute Australia's remembrance of our first battle.
Perhaps the 95th anniversary (2009) can create a little more interest.
Maxwell R. HAYES, Royal Australian Air Force 1950-1957, Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary 1959-1974, Papua New Guinea Volunteer Rifles 1960-1962, International Police Association 1965- current.
NOTE - (Will 2009 go with no mention of this occurrence?)
Perhaps something can be done on the Centenary of this battle (2014).
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Honour Roll for the Australian Naval and Expeditionary Force to New Guinea - 1914.
Last Contact with AE1
As dawn brightened and backlit the Tombara mountains of New Ireland on Monday, 14th September 1914, two vessels were preparing to leave their
respective night locations for patrol duty.
AE1 was at anchor in Simpson Harbour and HMAS Parramatta, on war routine, patrolled east of Simpson Harbour between Praed Point and Raluana Point. Both crews heard HMAS Encounter bombard German positions near Herbertshöhe at 0630
hours. These enemy positions were the temporary HQ on Toma mountain, 14km inland. No doubt both crews were feeling puffed up by the activity of the big naval guns on 'Encounter' the day before and looking
forward to the day's patrolling.
Even though AE1 had a duff starboard engine, and this problem had been mentioned to Rear Admiral Patey by Lieutenant-Commander Besant, they both must have felt confident enough that AE1 was capable of continuing her patrolling duties. Repairs to the starboard engine were scheduled to take place within a few days. We don't know at this stage what mechanical repairs were required however, on past performance it is likely the clutch needed attention once again. This seemed a regular feature of the 'E' class boat maintenance.
At 0650 hours, Lieutenant W H F WARREN, RAN, Captain of the 'Parramatta', sent a signal to Lieutenant-Commander BESANT stating, "My orders are to search south
with submarines. What time are you coming out?" To my knowledge BESANT never sent a reply. He weighed anchor at 0700 hours and by 0800 was proceeding east with 'Parramatta' toward Cape Gazelle. (see map of the day's activities). The two vessels arrived in the vicinity of Cape
Gazelle at 0900 and 'Parramatta' signaled to AE1, "Propose steaming to south'ard ahead of you keeping in touch. Do you concur? What speed do you wish to go?" Again BESANT made no direct reply, but did signal, "What orders have you got?" 'Parramatta' replied "My only orders were to search to south'ard with submarine and anchor off Herbertshöhe at
5.30pm."
BESANT made the decision to go north-east from Cape Gazelle toward the Duke of York Islands. He did not however signal his intentions to 'Parramatta", Much to their chagrin.5. Even Vice-Admiral PATEY made comment on this course of action by BESANT. We must ask ourselves whether rumour among senior officers gave indication that an
enemy vessel was lying near the Duke of York Islands Group, and therefore there is the possibility that BESANT went glory hunting!!
Both Aubrey HODGSON, and Alec B. DOYLE, suggest a strong possibility that enemy craft were in the area. As Alec DOYLE said, "... we have strong
reason to suppose a small gun boat to have been lying in Duke of York Island observing all our frantic dashing to and fro ..."
Did BESANT head off to the Duke of York Islands hoping for an engagement?? We can only assume his courses steered that day. After leaving 'Parramatta' at 0900 he neither signaled to 'Parramatta' or was sighted until 1420 hours in the afternoon, east of Berard Point on the main Duke of York Island.
It would be safe to say that his patrol took him initially west of the Group, proceeding north rounding the top of the main Island and then steering southward on the eastern side, ending up in the vicinity of Berard Point when finally making
visual contact with 'Parramatta'. AE1 asked 'Parramatta', "What is the visibility." 'Parramatta' replied "One to five miles".
'Parramatta'
then headed east into Saint George's Channel and lost sight of AE1 at approximately 1530 hours. 'Parramatta's' Log states she 'stopped' at 1535 hour and then 'proceeded' at 1625 hours. This to me remains very suspicious. No explanation can be found for this action. In his report,
Warren never mentioned he had stopped his ship for any reason. I can only that stopped means that the 'Parramatta' was hove to for that period of time. During this time AE1 was proceeding south-westerly along the east coast of Duke of York Island and approaching Mioko Harbour entrance. 'Parramatta' steamed west back to Berard Point but never saw, or tried to raise via telegraph, the AE1. Assuming that the submarine was on her way back to Herbertshöhe, Lieutenant WARREN steered north, went around the top of the main island, then south to Herbertshöhe and brought his ship to single anchor in three shackles of water at 1900 hours.
The AE1 went down in Rabaul Harbour on the 14 Sep 1914.
Below is the HONOUR ROLL of those who lost their lives on AE1
Lieutenant
Commander BESANT, Thomas Fleming - Date of Birth - 22 Dec 1883, Liverpool, England, UK; Son of E. BESANT of No 2 St John's Gardens,Ladbroke Grove, London, England. Enlisted in Royal Navy on 31 Dec 1905 and transferred to RAN on 14 Oct 1913; Took part in the capture of German New Guinea - Sep 1914; Recorded as lost on H.M.A.Submarine AE1
on 17 Sep 1914.
Lieut MOORE, Charles Lewis - Aged 26; Date of
Birth 23 Aug 1888; Dublin, Ireland; Son of Colonel Henry and Annie Sophie Ruthven MOORE of Higher Woodcombe, Mineshead, Somerset, England.Enlisted in Royal Navy on 1 Apr 1913 and transferred to RAN on 14 Oct 1913. Took part in the capture of German New Guinea - Sep 1914; Reported as lost on H.M.A.Submarine AE1 on 14 Sep 1914.
Lieut SCARLETT, The Honourable Leopold Florence - Aged 25; Born on 17 Mar 1889. Son of the Late Lt Col Leopold James Yorke Campbell (Scots Guards) and Bessie Florence SCARLETT (nee GIBSON) of Maidstone, Kent, England. Took part in the capture of German New Guinea - Sep 1914; Reported lost on
H.M.A.submarine AE1 in the 14 Sep 1914.
1268 Telegraphist BAKER, Cyril Lefroy - Date of Birth: 29 Nov 1892 in Lefroy, Tasmania. Son of John BAKER of 110 Elizabeth Street, Launceston, Tasmania, Australia; Enlisted - 19 Oct 1911;
7876 Stoker BLAKE, Ernest Fleming - Date of Birth - 5 Mar 1892 at Norman Park, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia; Son of Edward BLAKE c/- Mrs Uhlmann,
"Minniegne", Brighton Terrace, Sandgate, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. Enlisted - 22 Feb 1913; Took part in capture of German New Guinea - 14 Sep 1914; Reported lost on H.M.A.Submarine AEI on 14 Sep 1914. 1604 Stoker BRAY, John James - Aged 22; Date of Birth 5 May 1991 at Eaglehawk, Victoria, Australia; Son of John Bellew
and Alice BRAY of Pegleg Road, Eaglehawk, Victoria, Australia. Enlisted - 7 May 1912; Took part in capture of German New Guinea - 14 Sep 1914; Reported lost on H.M.A.Submarine AE1 on 14 Sep 1914.
7290 ERA3 FETTES, James Alexander - Aged 29, Date of Birth 30 Sep 1884 at Sydney, New South Wales, Australia; Son of William and Margaret FETTES of Wisbeach Street, Rozelle, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. Took part in capture of German New Guinea on 14 Sep 1914. Reported lost on H.M.A.Submarine AE1 on 14 Sep 1914.
8263 (Ex Royal Navy 271421) Acting Chief ERA2 LOWE, Thomas Fredrick - Aged 38; Date of Birth 3 Dec 1875; Leicester, England; Son of John Thomas and Mary Elizabeth LOWE of Leicester, England, UK and Wife of Mary Priscilla LOWE of Punchbowl, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. Took part in capture of German New Guinea; Reported lost on H.M.A.Submarine AE1 on 14 Sep 1914.
7297 Leading Seaman CORBOULD, Gordon Clarence - Aged 25; Date of Birth 10 Apr 1887; Strawberry Hills, New South Wales,
Australia; Son of Ernest and Alice CORBOULD of "Asheldone", Essex Street, Epping, New South Wales, Australia. Enlisted -17 Dec 1912. Took part in the capture of German New Guinea; Reported lost on H.M.A.Submarine AE1 on 14 Sep 1914.
8191 Able Seaman FISHER, Arthur Henry - Date of Birth 31 May 1883; Stroud, Gloucestershire, England; Husband of Lily Victoria FISHER of 24 Cobourg Street, Landsport, Portsmouth, England. Took part in the capture of German New
Guinea on 14 Sep 1914; Reported lost on H.M.A.Submarine AE1 on 14 Sep 1914. 1138 Able Seaman JARMAN, Jack - Aged 21, Date of Birth 11 Jun 1893; Dookie, Victoria, Australia; Son of the Late William JARMAN and Elizabeth Lucy McGRATH (nee BENNETT) of 156 Carlisle Street, Balaclava, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
7291 ERA3 MESSENGER, John - Aged 27; Date of Birth 31 July 1887; Ballarat, Victoria, Australia; Son of John C. and Isabella E. MESSENGER c/- Miller and Company, 27 Bridge Road, South Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
7299; Stoker Petty Officer MOLONEY,
John Joseph - Aged 25; Date of Birth 25 Jan 1889, Capalaba, Queensland, Australia; Son of Joseph and Alice MOLONEY and Wife of Beatrice May REYNOLDS (remarried) of Grafton, New South Wales, and late of 45 John Street, Waterloo, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
7474 Able Seaman REARDON, John - Date of Birth 9 Feb 1891; Kaikowra, New Zealand, Son of Catherine REARDON of Kaikowra, Marlborough Province, South Island, New Zealand.
1068 Petty Officer SMAIL, Robert - Aged 26; Date of Birth 26 Jan 1888; Selkirkshire, Scotland; Son of Robert and Elizabeth Sheriff SMAIL of 14 Danks Street, Albert Park, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
8111 Able Seaman THOMAS, James Benjamin - Aged 29; Date of Birth 16
May 1883; St Helen's Worcester, England UK; Son of James Benjamin THOMAS of Worcester UK and Wife of Emma Elizabeth THOMAS of 132 Petersham Road, Marrickville, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
7300 Stoker Petty Officer WADDILOVE, William Alfred - Date of Birth 16 Apr 1885, West Melbourne, Victoria, Son of H. WADDILOVE of 159 Brighton Street, Richmond, Victoria, Australia.
7182 Stoker WILSON, Percy Lawrence - Date of Birth 9 Aug 1889, Byron
Creek, New South Wales, Australia, Husband of May WILSON of "Tabeal" Minnesota Avenue, Five Dock, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
8266 Stoker HOLT, Richard Baines - Aged 34; Date of Birth 14 Nov 1881; Middlesex, England, UK; Son of Emma HOLT of 19 Home Road, Battersea Park Road, London, England, UK.
8260 (Ex Royal Navy 196497) Petty Officer HODGE, Henry - Aged 34; Date of Birth
28 Apr 1881; Lancashire, England, UK; Husband of Ida Louisa HODGE of 24 Prince Street, Landport, Portsmouth, England, UK.
8279 (Ex Royal Navy 208663) Petty Officer GUILBERT,Thomas Martin - Aged 32, Date of Birth 25 Nov 1883; Port Guernsey; Husband of Violet Victoria HALL (remarried) of 31 Liverpool Road, Fratton, Portsmouth,
England, UK.
7597 (Ex Royal Navy 208916) Able
Seaman WOODLAND, Frederick William - Aged 32; Date of Birth 20 Sep 1882; Sussex, England, UK; Son of Alfred and Ellen WOODLAND of 8 Council Cottages, Sheepwash Lane, Newtown, Bognor, Sussex and Husband of Helen E. WOODLAND of British Columbia, CANADA.
8262 (Ex Royal Navy 230063) Sig DANCE, George - Aged 27; Date of Birth
5 Nov 1887; Wargrave, Berkshire, England, UK; Son of Police Inspector DANCE of OXON, UK, and Husband of Annie Elizabeth HINSTUDGE (remarried)of Hampshire,UK. and late of 39 West Street, Southsea, Portsmouth,England, UK.
8283 (Ex Royal Navy 226508) Able
Seaman HODGKIN, George - Aged 27; Date of Birth 16 Apr 1887; Son of George HODGKIN of Platts Heath, Sandway near Maidstone, Kent, England, UK.
8281 (Ex Royal Navy 220438) Able Seaman DENNIS, Frederick George - Aged 28; Date of Birth 11 Feb 1885; Husband
of Florence Lilian DENNIS of Millhead, Kingsteinhead near Newtown Abbot,Devon, England, UK.
8287 (Ex Royal Navy 302880)Stoker GUILD, James - Aged 30; Date of Birth 17 Sep 1883; Son of
William GUILD of 3 Abbott Street, Craigie, Perth, Scotland.
7395 Stoker Petty Officer WRIGHT, Charles Frederick - Aged 25; Date of Birth - 18 Jan 1889; Son of Charles and Jane WRIGHT of 19 Chester Road West Kensington, London, UK.
8265 (Ex Royal Navy
278358) Chief Stoker STRETCH, Harry - Aged 37; Date of Birth 7 Nov 1875; (AWARDED China Medal 1900 and Long Service and Good Conduct Medal) Son of Samuel and Ann STRETCH and Brother of Mrs Emma Usher, 4 Upperington Road, Guildford, Surrey, England, UK.
8292 (Ex Royal Navy 204767) Stoker GOUGH, Henry - Date of Birth 8 Jun
1883; Husband of Dorothy Ada GOUGH of 30 St Leonard's Square, Kentish
Town, London, England, UK.
No: 8291 (Ex Royal Navy
290601) Leading Stoker GUY, William Elliot - Date of Birth 9 Jun 1880;
Husband of Ada Lydia GUY of 4 Cross Street, Southsea, Portsmouth,
England, UK.
8288 (Ex Royal Navy 309518) Leading
Stoker BARTON, Sydney Charles - Aged 29; Date of Birth 20 Apr 1885; Son
of George and Agnes BARTON of Middlesex, England, UK; and Husband of
Emily Elizabeth FULLICKS (remarried) of 140 Colne Road, Twickenham,
Middlesex, England, UK.
8290 (Ex Royal Navy
218676) Leading Stoker MEEK, John William - Aged 27; Date of Birth 12
Nov 1886; Husband of Maud Lillian HALSEY (remarried) of Bow, London,
and late of 7 Newbury Terrace, Ley Street, Ilford, England, UK.
8374 (Ex Royal Navy 270573) CERA2 MARSLAND, John Albert - Aged 33;
Date of Birth 9 Oct 1889; Son of John and Annie MARSLAND of Leeds,
England, UK; and Husband of Nellie Louise Griffiths MARSLAND of
"Waterloo House" Clifford Street, Southampton, England UK
8284 (Ex Royal Navy 270296) CERA2 WILSON, Joseph William - Aged 34;
Date of Birth 11 Oct 1879; Son of J.H and E.WILSON of Portsmouth,
England, UK and Husband of Elizabeth Jane Cecilia WILSON of 125
Melville Road, Hardway, Gosport, England, UK.
8261
(Ex Royal Navy 191329) Petty Officer TRIBE, William - Aged 33; Date of
Birth 18 Dec 1880; Midhurst, Sussex, England, UK; Son of Ellen SPIERS
of Sussex, UK, and Husband of Kate TRIBE of 158 Stamshaw Road,
Portsmouth, England, UK.
The above was extracted from Australian Commonwealth Government Gazette No 17 of 6 March 1915; Page 339-340;
LEST WE FORGET.
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The following is the Crew from HM Australian Submarine AE2 which was scuttled in the Dardenelles in 1915.
Having
been the first allied Submarine to make the passage of the Dardanelles
on 25th April 1915 and enter the Sea of Marmora Submarine AE2 was
scuttled five days later by her Commanding Officer. This was after the
Submarine became unmanageable and had surfaced close by a Turkish
Gunboat, which then damaged the hull of AE2 by shellfire preventing her
from diving to safety. All of the crew were rescued and made Prisoners
of War although four later died whilst in captivity in Turkey. Those
who died are identified with an asterisk below. They are all entitled
to receive the ANZAC (Gallipoli) Medallion awarded by the Australian
Government in 1967 to all Australian and New Zealand Service men and
women who served in the Gallipoli Campaign, all RAN who served off the
coast of ANZAC Cove and those who served on the island of Lemnos. The
crew included the following Officers and Ratings:
Officers: 1. Lieutenant Commander STOKER, Henry Hugh Gordon Dacre, Royal Navy - Henry
STOKER was born on 2nd Feb 1885 at York Street, Dublin, Ireland and
joined the Royal Navy as a Cadet on 15th Jan 1900. He was promoted to
Midshipman on 30th May 1901 and to Sub Lieutenant on 30th Jul 1904.
Stoker joined Submarines in 1906 when, on 15th Oct 1906, he was
appointed to HMS THAMES at Portsmouth for Training in Submarines. He
was promoted to Lieutenant on 31st Dec 1906. After Submarine Training
he was appointed, in October 1907, to HMS FORTH at Devonport for
Submarines. The Devonport Flotilla at that time consisted of ‘B’ Class
Submarines. On 16th Jan 1909 STOKER was appointed to HMS ONYX at
Devonport ‘for Command of Submarines’. In fact he was given command of
the ‘A’ Class Submarine ‘A10’. A year later, on 1st Jan 1910, he was
re-appointed to the command of the ‘B’ Class Submarine ‘B8’ which, on
4th Aug 1911 became one of the three ’B’ Class submarines which formed
the Overseas Flotilla at Gibraltar. His appointment to command of the
Australian ’E’ Class Submarine AE2 followed in October 1913. STOKER
took the Submarine AE2 to Australia in early 1914 and took part in some
operations in the Pacific in late 1914 before returning to the
Mediterranean in early 1915. He had been promoted to Lieutenant
Commander on 31st Dec 1914. Submarine AE2 was the first Submarine to
successfully make the passage through the Dardanelles and into the Sea
of Marmora. AE2 was sunk in the Marmora on 30th Apr 1916. All of the
crew survived but were taken Prisoner of War. After the sinking of
AE2 and his capture Lieutenant Commander Stoker survived the war as a
Prisoner of War in Turkey. After release he was appointed to HMS
ITHURIEL for Submarine K9 in Command to date 10th Feb 1919 - which he
relinquished after a short period. He was awarded the Distinguished
Service Order as detailed in the London Gazette of 22nd Apr 1919. He
reverted to Royal Navy on 9 Feb 1919 and was promoted to Commander on
31st Dec 1919. After being offered (and refusing) the command of HMS
ROYAL ARTHUR (the seagoing Depot Ship of the Atlantic Submarine
Flotilla) Stoker left the Navy on 2nd Oct 1920 at the age of 35 and
took up a career in acting and was also a playwright. He returned to
Naval Duties in World War Two at the age of fifty-four. He saw service
(as an Acting Captain) as Chief of Staff to the Flag Officer in Command
Belfast, Northern Ireland, as Commanding Officer of HMS MINOS (the
Naval Base at Lowestoft), as a Public Relations Officer for the Navy
and then with the team preparing the invasion plans for the ‘D’ Day
landing before returning to his public relations duties. He returned to
the theatre, films broadcasting and television after the war. Henry
Stoker died on 2nd February 1966 - on his 81st birthday. Henry
Stoker was the son of Doctor and Mrs Stoker of Dublin where he was born
on 2nd February 1885. He was married (pre-war) to Olive whom he
divorced shortly after his released from captivity. He married again in
1925 (after leaving the Navy). His second wife was Dorothie PIDCOCK and
was the daughter of a clergyman and was herself, an actress.
2. Lieutenant HAGGARD, Geoffrey Arthur Gordon, Royal Navy; Second Captain Born
in London on 4th May 1888 Geoffrey Haggard joined the Royal Navy as a
Cadet at Osborne College at the age of thirteen. He trained on HMS
BRITANNIA in 1903 and then served in the Light Cruiser HMS ISIS (5,600
tons) before being appointed to the 15,000 ton Battleship HMS
IMPLACABLE in 1905. He was next appointed to the 11,800 ton Battleship
HMS SWIFTSURE before being appointed to HMS EXCELLENT in 1908. His next
appointment was to HMS FOAM before being appointed to HMS MERCURY for
submarine Training. On 8th August 1910 Sub Lieutenant Haggard was
appointed to HMS FORTH at Devonport – the Depot Ship of Submarine
Section 1. This Section was commanded by Commander Algernon H C Candy,
Royal Navy and consisted of seven ‘B’ Class submarines. Haggard appears
to have been appointed to B2 as the Second Captain to Lieutenant Thomas
F P Calvert. He was next appointed to HMS EGMONT for submarines on 14th
August 1911, for one of the three ‘B’ Class submarines which formed the
Malta Flotilla at that time. His next appointment to AE2 followed on
1st December 1913. Lieutenant Haggard survived his time as a Prisoner
of War in Turkey and was released in 1919. On time served he was
promoted to Lieutenant Commander on 31st December 1918. He left the
Navy after the War (on 27th November 1920) and the July 1931 Navy List
shows him having been promoted to Commander on the Retired List on 4th
May 1928. The 1919 Navy List indicates that he was awarded the
Distinguished Service Cross on 22nd April 1919. Geoffrey
Haggard (was a nephew of the noted author Sir Henry Rider Haggard)
moved to Australia to be Aide de Camp to the Governor of Victoria after
he retired from the Navy. He continued to live in Australia and became
a farmer. He was killed in an accident in 1939 when a stone thrown up
by a train hit him on the head. This occurred just after he had been
advised that he had been accepted for further service in the Royal
Navy. Geoffrey Haggard was the son of Major Edward Arthur Haggard and
Emily Haggard (nee Calvert). He was married to Marjorie Haggard (nee
Syme) of Woori Yallock, Yarra Valley, Victoria, Australia.
3. Lieutenant CARY, John Pitt, Royal Navy, Third Hand John
Pitt Cary joined the Royal Navy at 14. As a Midshipman he served in the
14,000 ton Battleship HMS ALBEMARLE followed by appointments HMS LONDON
(a 15,000 ton Battleship), HMS VENUS (a 5,600 ton Light Cruiser), HMS
AGAMEMNON (a 16,500 ton Battleship), and HMS ENDEAVOUR (a Surveying
Vessel of 1,280 tons). After promotion to Sub Lieutenant he served in
HMS THUNDERER (a 22,500 ton Battleship) and HMS DAISY (believed to have
been a 500 ton Survey Vessel). John Pitt Cary was appointed to the
sloop HMS FANTOME on 7th November 1913. This was another Survey Vessel
based in Australian waters. He was promoted Lieutenant on 15th
September 1914. John Pitt Cary was due to return home to the United
Kingdom from Sydney on 24th October 1914. Although he was not a
Submariner by training he was held back in Australia to join Submarine
AE2 in December 1914. NOTE: According to Brian D. Head the Navy Lists
indicate a date of Appointment to Submarine AE2 of 2nd February 1915
After the sinking of AE2, and his capture, Lieutenant John Pitt Cary
survived his time as a Prisoner of War. He received a ‘Mention in
Dispatches’ on 22nd April 1919 – after his release. He reverted to the
Royal Navy on 12th Feb 1919. His next appointment was to HMS MERLIN (a
1,070 ton survey vessel) on the Australian Station. He was promoted
Lieutenant Commander on 15th September 1922 and later transferred to
the Hydrographic Department. He commanded HMS KELLETT (an 800 ton
Surveying Vessel), as a Lieutenant Commander, from 1st October 1925
until June 1927. He was a Naval Assistant in the Hydrographic
Department from 1st April 1931. He was still serving in the Royal Navy
in January 1935 but no appointment was listed. He retired in 1935 and
went to live in Somerset. He was recalled for further service in the
Royal Navy from 1939 to 1945 before retiring again. He died in 1953. John
Pitt Cary was the son of Arthur Cary of 42 Grosvenor Road, Queensferry,
London and was born on 28 Jan 1892 in London, England.
Ratings:
4. 8268 (RN 160597) Chief Petty Officer ABBOTT, Harry. Harry
Abbott was born on 18th April 1876 in West Teignmouth, Devon, England.
He joined the Royal Navy in 1894 and enlisted in RAN on 1 Dec 1913 as a
Chief Petty Officer Coxswain. After being released from captivity he
returned to England via Alexandria and re-enlisted in the RAN. He was
awarded the Distinguished Service Medal in 1919 and also the Long
Service and Good Conduct Medal for his service to the Royal Australian
Navy. He emigrated to Australia with his wife and son in April 1919 and
lived at Neutral Bay in Sydney. He served in HMAS PLATYPUS, HMAS
CERBERUS and in HMAS PENGUIN until 5 Apr 1923.
5. 8259 (RN Pensioner 1506) Chief Petty Officer VAUGHAN, Charlie. Born
in Worle, England on 21 Nov 1873. Having served as a submariner in the
Royal Navy Charlie Vaughan signed on with the RAN on 4th December 1913
for a five-year period. He survived the years of captivity being
released in late 1918 arriving back in England on 18th December 1918.
He was demobilised in March 1919 and was awarded a Mention in
Dispatches on 22nd April 1919.
6. 7296 Petty Officer BRAY, Cecil Arthur. An
Australian by birth, Bray was born at Bourke, New South Wales on 3rd
April 1889. He was brought up as a foundling after being abandoned. He
joined the Australian Navy at the age of 18 and was selected as a
submariner. Bray survived his time as a Prisoner of War and returned to
Australia in 1919 and re-enlisted in the Navy. He returned to
submarines in 1925 when he returned to England for further training for
service in HMAS OXLEY at the Leading Torpedo Operator (LTO). He retired
from the RAN at the age of 40 and then joined the Dockyard Police. He
saw further service in the RAN during the Second World War as a Naval
Regulator (O/N 428) and was Discharged on 21 Jan 1946.
7. 8053 Petty Officer GILBERT, Stephen John. John
Gilbert was born at Broadwater, Sussex on 13th May 1878 and joined the
Royal Navy in 1895. He trained as a Torpedoman and was an LTO by 1903.
He transferred to the RAN on 15th April 1913 for a five-year term. John
Gilbert died of typhoid in a Prisoner of War Camp on 9th October 1916.
His next of Kin was his wife – Beatrice Alice Gilbert of 20 Weatherall
Street, Croydon, Sydney, New South Wales. He is buried in the Baghdad
North Gate War Cemetery (Plot 21 Row O, Grave No 5). NOTE: There is a
grandson still living in Australia (address not known) who has a
biography, diary and photographs.
8. 8270 (RN 177883) Leading Seaman HOLDERNESS, Charles. Charles
Holderness was born in Folkstone, Kent on 22nd July 1878 and was one of
the submariners loaned to the RAN by the Royal Navy. He was released
from Prisoner of War camp at Belemedik at the end of the War and
returned home by Christmas 1918. He appears to have suffered recurrent
bouts of illness during his captivity. There was a notation of DEE
(Date of Expiry of Engagement?) 14th March 1919 on his Service Record -
which is the date that he was released from Naval Service at the age of
41.
9. 8056 (RFR/B/4874) Leading Seaman NASH, George Henry. George
Nash was born in Bristol, England on 31 March 1882 of Scottish parents.
He was loaned to the RAN in 1913 for five-year period. He was
imprisoned in the Belemedik Prisoner of War Camp. George Nash survived
his imprisonment and returned home at the end of 1918 and was
demobilised on 25 March 1919 at his own request.
10. 7999 Able Seaman CHEATER, William Thomas. William
Cheater was a native of Ringwood, Hampshire, England and was born on
20th March 1883. He joined the Royal Navy in 1898 and became a
submariner in 1904 serving in both Holland and ‘A’ Class submarines. He
volunteered for the Australian submarines and was loaned for a five
year engagement in April 1913. He acted as the batman for the
Commanding Officer, Henry Stoker, both on the submarine and in the
Prisoner of War Camps and assisted in the escape plans for Henry
Stoker, Archibald Cochrane and Edward Price. He was punished by his
Turkish captors for these escape efforts. After release in 1918 he
engaged again in the RAN and moved to Australia with his family. He was
promoted to Petty Officer before the completion of his service in 1924.
William Cheater volunteered again in 1939 and served as a Naval
Dockyard Police (O/N 608) and was discharged from RAN on 12 Aug 1940.
He died in August 1972 at the age of 89.
11. 7920 Able Seaman CHURCHER, Lionel Stanley. Lionel
Churcher was born in Bermondsey, England on 11th March 1883. After
joining the Royal Navy he served in various surface ships before
becoming a submarine. On AE2 he was the Cook. He was imprisoned at the
Belemedik Camp where, by all accounts he was an awkward Prisoner. Later
he was transferred to Afion Kara Hissar before being transferred again
to the San Stefano Camp near Constantinople (Istanbul). Lionel Churcher
survived the War and returned to England where he re-enlisted in the
Royal Navy as an Able Seaman.
12. 7893 (RFR 63895) Able Seaman KNAGGS, Albert Edward. Albert
Knaggs was born in Bristol, Gloucestershire on 12th August 1881. Having
joined the Royal Navy he served in a number of ships before becoming a
submariner in 1912 and then volunteered for RAN Service. After capture
Knaggs was imprisoned in a number of different Prisoner of War Camps
including forced labour camps. He and various other Junior Rating
Prisoners were harshly treated. He was the son of Henry Stephen and
Louisa Knaggs and husband of Sarah Annie of 11 Canton Street, St Pauls,
Bristol, England. He died in hospital of malaria at the Belemedik Camp
on 22nd October 1916 and was buried at the Christian Armenian Cemetery.
His grave was later relocated to the Baghdad North Gate Cemetery, Grave
No: 21.L.1. During his imprisonment Albert Knaggs kept a diary of
events. The entries ended on 18th July 1916. His diary was returned to
Australia after the War by his fellow Prisoners.
13. 7298 Able Seaman NICHOLS, Alexander Charles. Alexander
Nichols was born at Petries Creek, Queensland on 1 Jun 1893 and joined
the RAN in 1912. He was selected for service in AE2. After capture he
was imprisoned in a number of different Camps. He was one of the few
Rating Prisoners to attempt an escape. Together with Able Seaman Henry
Wheat they made their bid on 12th August 1916 and remained at large for
a week before they gave themselves up. After a bout of illness Nichols
was transferred to the San Stefano Prison near Constantinople where the
prisoners were required to work for the Germans. After release at the
end of 1918 he made his way back to England via Malta, Taranto, and
Paris to London. After recuperation he returned to Australia before
leaving the RAN in 1920. He saw further service as a Petty Officer
RANVR during the Second World War and was discharged on 21st Aug 1945.
He died in 1971 at Woody Point, Queensland, Australia.
14. 8221 (RN 205147) Able Seaman TALBOT, Benjamin. Benjamin
Talbot was born in Middlesex, England on 31st May 1883. After service
in the Royal Navy he was loaned to the RAN for submarines in 1913.
Benjamin Talbot was, apparently, an awkward Prisoner of War but seems
to have got away with most of his misdemeanors. After release he made
his way back to England and was re-united with his wife and family. He
re-enlisted in the RAN and emigrated to Australia with his family. He
was advanced to the rating of Chief Petty Officer by 1928. Benjamin
Talbot died on 7th August 1952.
15. 7861 Able Seaman WHEAT, John Harrison. John
Wheat was born at Sale in Victoria on 3rd August 1893. He joined the
Australian Navy at the age of 18 in 1911 and volunteered for submarines
on 22nd February 1913. Wheat made an escape attempt with Alexander
Nichols (see above). They escaped in August 1916 from a small camp at
Hacikiri, which was about 12 miles from the main camp at Belemedik.
This was about 45 miles from the coast, which was on the other side of
some mountains. They managed to reach the sea but the raft that they
built would not take their weight. The pair had to give themselves up
after 19 days. Both were punished by the Turks for their escape
attempt. After spending time at Belemedik, Afion Kara Hissar and
another camp at Bor Wheat was transferred to a railway work shop.
Another escape attempt was planned with Stoker James Cullen and a
Private Samson. The escape was seven months in the planning and between
them they built a collapsible boat. The escape was made on 29th April
1918. The weather was not good and after Cullen had an attack of
malaria they left the boat and returned to Camp. Wheat and Samson were
again severely punished. Being very unfit as a result of his treatment
Wheat was returned to Afion Kara Hissar in May 1918 before being
selected for a Prisoner exchange in October 1918. At Smyrna he boarded
the Australian Hospital Ship KANOWNA which was routed via Alexandria to
London before returning to Australia. He stayed with the RAN until
February 1920 and then joined the British India Steam Navigation
Company at Singapore. He married in 1923 and later returned to
Australia living at various places in New South Wales. He died in the
1950s and his wife returned to Derbyshire.
16. 8221 (RN 233385) Leading Signalman THOMSON, Albert Charles Norman. Albert
Thomson was born in Australia at Albury, New South Wales on 24th May
1888. His mother died at his birth and his father took him back to
Scotland in the 1890s. He joined the Royal Navy on 24 May 1906 and
qualified as a Signalman. He took part in operations in German New
Guinea Sept 1914. He volunteered for the Australian submarines in 1913
and was loaned by the Royal Navy for three years. He made two escape
attempts during his imprisonment. In 1917 he escaped with Stoker
Michael Williams from a railway camp but Williams lost heart and they
both returned. He made a second attempt in July 1917 with Able Seaman
Gwynne – formerly of AE2 but captured from E7. They were at large for
some time before being recaptured. After this second attempt he was
returned to Belemedik where he remained until the end of the War.
Thomson returned to London by Christmas Eve 1918. He re-enlisted in the
RAN on 23rd May 1918 for a further three years service. He served in
HMAS PLATYPUS, HMAS CERBERUS. His wife and family emigrated on SS
ZEALANDIA on 27 Mar 1926. He died on 29th May 1922 when the bus he was
driving overturned.
17. 1936 Telegraphist FALCONER, William Wolseley. William
Falconer was born on 14th October 1892 at Richmond, Victoria. He joined
the RAN on 16 Jul 1912 when he was 18 signing on for seven years
service. He served his time as a Prisoner of War at Afion Kara Hissar
and at Belemedik. He survived the years as a Prisoner and returned to
Australia in April 1919. He left the RAN at his own request being
discharged on 1 Aug 1919.
18. 8278 (RN 268514) CERA Class 2 BROOMHEAD, Harry Burton. Harry
Broomhead was born in Sheffield,Yorkshire, England on 25th May 1876. He
enlisted in the Royal Navy on 1 Dec 1913. He was loaned to the RAN for
submarines in 1913. He survived the War but it was a close call as in
1918 his weight was reduced to less than five stones. He returned to
his family in Southsea where he took some time to recover. He was
awarded the Distinguished Service Medal. He returned to Australia
although still a member of the Royal Navy. Whilst on loan he
re-enlisted in the RAN and by 1924 he was a Commissioned Engineer
(Seniority 31st December 1924). He was transferred to Royal Navy
retired list on 11 Aug 1924. According to Fred and Elizabeth Brenchley
he continued to serve (on Temporary Appointments) until 1936 when is
reported to have retired on 25th May 1936 at the age of 60 however he
is not listed the January 1935 Navy List. He was transferred to the
Emergency List on 13 Aug 1930. He was married to Florence Wooten
Broomhead and resided at 5 Clyde Street Glen Iris, Victoria. Harry
Broomhead is reported to have died in 1946.
19. 8285 (RN 268592) ERA 1st Class FAWNS, Peter. Peter
Fawns was born in Dundee, Scotland on 3rd August 1874. He applied to
join the Australian Submarines in 1913. He was first held as a Prisoner
of War at Afion Kara Hissar and then at Cankiri before being
transferred to Belemedik. In March 1916 he was sent to Pozanti before
moving to a camp near Angora in January 1917. Peter Fawns survived his
time as a Prisoner of War in Turkey and arrived back in London on
Christmas Eve 1918 having been routed via Salonika. He left the Navy on
27th March 1919 shortly after his return to Scotland. His Next of Kin
was his wife, Jeannie Fawns, of 43 Peddie Street, Dundee, Scotland. He
returned to his home in Dundee and took up employment as a Coppersmith.
He was living with his wife at 63 Crescent Street, Dundee, Scotland in
1949 but there is no record beyond that time.
20. 8273 (RN 270377) ERA 1st Class GIBSON, James Henry. Born
on 8 Mar 1874 in Manchester, England. Although listed in records from
the Royal Navy Submarine Museum James Gibson is not listed by the
Brenchleys! More research needed! his Next of Kin was his wife, Annie
Gibson of Plymouth, Devon. Also see Michael W D White ‘Australian
Submarines’.
21. 8272 (RN 270776) ERA 2nd Class BELL, Stephen Thomas. Stephen
Bell was born in Bermondsey, London, England on 16th February 1880. He
enlisted on 1st Dec 1913. He was loaned to the RAN in 1913. After his
capture he was held at Belemedik and suffered from poor health as well
as being injured in a railway accident. He also contracted malaria
whilst in POW Camps. He returned home via Malta at the end of 1918 and
reverted to the Royal Navy on 2nd Mar 1919. He was married to Alice
Emily Bell of St James Road, Bermondsey, London, England.
22. 8275 (RN 289543) Chief Stoker VARCOE, Charlie. Charlie
Varcoe was loaned to the RAN in 1913. He was imprisoned at Belemedik
and on 18th September 1916 he died in the Prison Hospital of
meningitis. Charlie Varcoe was born at St Stephens, Cornwall on 4th
August 1879 and he was a native of Nanpean, Cornwall. He was the son of
James and Mary Varcoe and the husband of Mabel Varcoe of 9 Glenmore
Avenue, Stoke, Devonport, England. He was buried in the Armenian
Christian Cemetery but was later reburied at the Baghdad North Gate
Cemetery in Lot 21, Row S, Grave No 5. O/N 8096 Stoker Petty Officer
BROWN, Herbert Alexander. Herbert Brown was born at Higham, Kent
on 19th August 1882. He was loaned to the RAN in 1913. He was
imprisoned firstly at Cankiri and later at Belemedik. He survived the
war arriving in London via Alexandria in late December 1918. He
enlisted in the RAN and emigrated with his three children. He completed
his service in 1923 and latter re-married. He and his wife managed an
orange orchard near Gosford, New South Wales.
23. 7244 Stoker Petty Officer KINDER, Henry James Elly. Henry
Kinder was born at Kogarah, Sydney, New South Wales on 17th January
1891. He enlisted in the RAN on on 14th Oct 1912. He took part in
operations in German New Guinea in Sept 1914. He was badly treated in
captivity and suffered kidney damage and contracted malaria. Owing to
his poor medical condition he was sent directly back to Australia after
his release. He left the RAN on the expiry of his service on 21 July
1919. He was a farmer and a telegraph linesman after leaving the Navy
and he settled in New South Wales with his wife and family. He died on
25th April 1964 in New South Wales.
24. 7391 Leading Stoker KERIN, John. John
Kerin was born at Currawarna near Wagga Wagga, New South Wales on 5th
November 1885. He was selected for submarine service and enlisted in
December 1912 for a five-year engagement. As well as completing
submarine training Kerin also qualified as a Diver. He was imprisoned
at Belemedik. He survived his time as a prisoner but was ill with
influenza when he arrived back in London in December 1918. He took a
month to recover. He returned to Australia but left the RAN on 30th
June 1919. He was later employed as a boilermaker. He died in May 1947
and is buried at Rookwood Cemetery in Sydney.
25. 2826 Stoker 1st Class CULLEN, James. James
Cullen was born at Lang Lang, Victoria on 24th May 1894. He joined AE2
in Sydney in 1914. He was held at Belemedik Camp. As with several
others, Cullen contracted malaria whilst a prisoner. He was later
transferred to Kelebec where he met up with John Wheat and Private
Samson with whom he made an escape on 29th April 1918. The escape
attempt failed as described above. After his release in late 1918 he
was returned to England but was in hospital for several months. On his
return to Australia he re-enlisted for a further five years service. He
emigrated to New Zealand in the 1930s and was reported as killed in an
earthquake in 1945.
26. 7216 Stoker 1st Class HARDING, Horace James. Horace
Harding was born in 1890 in South Melbourne, Victoria. He signed on in
the RAN on 14 Oct 1912 and was selected for submarine service in 1913.
Took part in capture of German New Guinea in Sept 1914. In captivity he
was held at Belemedik, was transferred to Afion Kara Hissar and moved
on to San Stefano in 1917. After he was released he made his way to
London via Malta reaching London in 1919. He re-enlisted in the RAN for
further service and was returned to Australia with his wife, Blanche
Catherine Harding. The family settled at Surrey Hills, Melbourne.
Harding saw service in HMAS CERBERUS, HMAS MELBOURNE and HMAS SYDNEY.
He left the RAN on 19 Oct 1926.
27. 2080 Stoker 1st Class JENKINS, William Brown. William
Jenkins was born in Hull, England on 5 Oct 1889 and apparently
emigrated to Australia on 26th August 1912. He enlisted in the RAN and
was selected for submarine service and joined AE2 at Portsmouth. As a
prisoner Jenkins was held at both Afion Kara Hissar and Belemedik. He
was released in late 1918 and returned to London in December 1918 via
Alexandria. After serving briefly at HMS DOLPHIN and in HMS BONAVENTURE
he returned to Australia in HMAS PLATYPUS. He left the RAN on 20th
October 1919 and settled in Malvern East, Victoria.
28. 2148 Stoker 1st Class SUCKLING, Charles George. Charles
Suckling was born in Perth, Western Australia on 8th June 1893. He
joined the RAN for a five-year engagement on 3rd September 1912. During
his captivity Suckling was held at Afion Kara Hissar and later taken by
train to Angora where he was then marched to Cankiri. After a few
months they were taken via Angora to Belemedik. He made an escape
attempt with two others and stayed away for four days before returning
undetected. After a bout of sickness (possibly malaria) he was returned
to Afion Kara Hissar. On release he went by train to Izmir and was
shipped back to England via Alexandria and Port Said. He was returned
to Fremantle in Western Australia on 19th February 1919. He and his
wife ran a butchers and delicatessen until his eyesight failed as a
result of injuries received in prison camps. He died in 1983 at the age
of 92.
29. 8289 Stoker 1st Class WALKER, Thomas Henry. Thomas
Walker was born at Radford, Nottingham, England on 10th April 1885 and
served in the Royal Navy from 2nd January 1908. He probably completed
submarine training in HMS DOLPHIN before being drafted to HMS
BONAVENTURE and later to HMS MAIDSTONE for submarines. After joining
AE2 he was taken prisoner and was held at Afion Kara Hissar and
Belemedik. It is understood that he planned an escape with one other
but that this was foiled - possibly by illness. He returned to London,
via Smyrna and Beirut on 18th December 1918. He rejoined the RAN and
served in HMS PLATYPUS before being invalided out on 25th August 1919.
30. 2305 Stoker 1st Class WILLIAMS, Michael. Michael
Williams was born at Dunkeld near Hamilton, Victoria on 1st September
1884. He joined the RAN on 7th October 1912 having signed on for seven
years. He was first at Afion Kara Hissar and was later sent to
Belemedik. He did attempt an escape with Signalman Thomson but returned
after a few days. He was seriously injured in a rock fall whilst
working at a railway camp. He died in somewhat mysterious circumstances
on 29th September 1916 possibly of malaria or dysentery but no trace of
his body was ever found. He is commemorated on the Bozanti Memorial of
the Baghdad North Gate War Cemetery and is listed as No.195 on the
Memorial.
31. 8277 (RN 302612) Stoker 1st Class WISHART, Thomas. Thomas
Wishart was born in Partick, Glasgow, Scotland on 29th October 1882. He
joined the Royal Navy in January 1903. He qualified as a submariner and
served in ‘A’ Class submarines. In 1913 he volunteered to be loaned to
the RAN for a period of three years. After his capture he was taken to
Afion Kara Hissar but at the end of 1915 he was transferred to
Belemedik. Here he was injured in an accident by a falling log. Thomas
Wishart was apparently an awkward prisoner and on at least two
occasions he fought with the Turkish guards. He was beaten and placed
in solitary confinement for the second offence. He was transferred back
to Afion Kara Hissar later and then further transferred to the San
Stephano Camp. He returned to London via Alexandria by the end of 1918.
He continued serving in the Royal Navy until 1926 when he became a
merchant seaman. In 1935 Thomas Wishart found a job with the Belfast
City Corporation dealing with local shipping. In 1939 he returned to
Naval service in HMS CAROLINE at Belfast. In this post he met with and
worked with his former Commanding Officer Henry Stoker who was then
Chief of Staff to the Admiral at Belfast. Thomas Wishart died on 20th
February 1952 in Belfast, Northern Ireland.
I wish to thank Mr Barrie Downer of 37 James Watt Terrace, Barrow in Furness, Cumbria, UK. *Email - barrie@downer55.freeserve.co.uk Phone - 01229 820963 for the information about the crew of AE2.
----0000----
List
of Army Casualties - New Guinea and Mediterranean Expeditionary Force -
World War 1 and those who Died prior to landing in Middle East.
Capt
POCKLEY, Brian Colden Antill - Australian Army Medical Corps; KILLED in
ACTION - New Guinea, 12 Sep 1914; Son of Dr F.A. POCKLEY, "Graystains"
Wahroonga, NSW.
Lieutenant Commander ELWELL, Charles Bingham -
Naval Expeditionary Force, New Guinea; HMAS Australia; KILLED in ACTION
- 11 Sep 1914; Date of Birth - 13 Sep 1882 at St Cuthbert's, Abrighton,
Shropshire; Brother of ELWELL, Paul Leonard c/- Carpentaria Downs
Station, Queensland.
121 Able Seaman MOFFATT,
Robert David - Naval Expeditionary Force, New Guinea; HMAS AUSTRALIA;
Killed in ACTION - 11 Sep 1914; Aged 20; Son of Mrs Eva MOFFATT;
"Melrose", Kensington Road, Kensington, NSW.
419
Able Seaman STREET, Harry William - Naval Expeditionary Force, New
Guinea; HMAS AUSTRALIA; KILLED in ACTION - 11 Sep 1914; Aged 32; son of
Mrs Alice STREET; Harvest Road, Englefield Green, Egham, Surrey,
England, UK.
45 Able Seaman WALKER, John Edward;
(ALIAS - COURTNEY, John) - Naval Expeditionary Force, New Guinea; HMAS
AUSTRALIA; KILLED in ACTION - 11 Sep 1914; Aged 30; husband of Mary
WALKER, 54 Banks Street, North Sydney, NSW.
294
Able Seaman WILLIAMS, William George Vincent - Naval Expeditionary
Force, New Guinea; HMAS AUSTRALIA; KILLED in ACTION - 11 Sept 1914; Aged
28; Son of Mrs B ROBINSON, 48 Beaver Road, Northcote, Melbourne,
Victoria.
2127 Ordinary Seaman BUCK, William
Kenneth; HMAS Australia; Date of Birth - 28 Apr 1897, Devonport West,
Tasmania; DIED of PNEUMONIA - 11 Mar 1915; Father - BUCK, William;
Dupton, Latrobe, Tasmania. 2955 STRETTON, Conrad
de Courey; HMAS AUSTRALIA; Date of Birth - 15 May 1889, Gosport, Hants.
England, UK. DIED of LUNG CONGESTION - 10 Mar 1915; Father - STRETTON,
William, "The Nest" Salcombe, South Devon, England, UK.
2250 Ordinary Seaman NIXON, Oscar; HMAS AUSTRALIA; DIED of
PNEUMONIA, 25 Mar 1915; Date of Birth - 19 Dec 1897, Warialda, NSW;
Father - NIXON, Richard; Public School, Tipperary, Young, NSW.
3472 Stocker ISON, Albert Victor; HMAS AUSTRALIA; DIED of STATUS
EPILECTICUS, 16 Mar 1915; Date of Birth - 7 Mar 1894, Bristol, England,
UK.; Mother - ISON, Ada, c/- ISON Brothers, Bristol, England, UK.
Payer's
Clerk EMBELTON, Norman John; HMAS CEREBUS; DIED of CONCUSSION and
WOUNDS to head sustained by fall from horse Epping Road, Preston,
Victoria 30 Mar 1915; Died in Melbourne Hospital, Victoria; Date of
Birth - 1 Jun 1894, Lake Charm, Victoria; Father - Dr D.M. EMBELTON;
"Eldner" Westgarth Street, Northcote, Victoria.
Captain
ELLIOTT, Charles Sinclair, Naval Staff Office, Largs Bay, South
Australia; DIED of SYNCOPE, 30 Mar 1915; Date of Birth - 26 Sep 1853,
India; Wife - ELLIOTT, Florence Louisa; "Braemar" Eastwood, NSW.
2673 Arm Crew GARDNER, Charles Henry Foster; New Guinea
Expeditionary Force, HMAS ENCOUNTER; Date of Birth - 20 Oct 1892,
Kensington, Victoria; DIED of MENINGITIS following acute Malaria at
Namanula Hospital, Rabaul 22 Dec 1914; Mother - ROSS, Ann Jane;
"Eurella, Mont Albert Road, Balwyn, Victoria.
369
Able Seaman WILLANS, Herbert Charles; HMAS Una; New Guinea
Expeditionary Force; Aged 26; DIED of Malignant MALARIA with
Complications; Herbertshoke, New Britain; New Guinea - 24 Dec 1914;
Mother - WILLANS, Elizabeth, 21 Langley Lane, South Lambeth Road,
Vauxhall, London, England, UK.
1303 Able Seaman
BENT, Thomas Hurbert; HMAS Sydney; DIED of CONSUMPTION (Tuberculosis)at
Cheltenham Sanatorium, Victoria; 13 Feb 1915; Date of Birth - 13 Oct
1896, Sale, Victoria; Mother - Mrs P.C BENT, "Preston" 57 Spencer
Street, St Kilda, Victoria.
7963 ERA 1st Class
BANKS, Robert; HMAS Encounter; DIED of HEART DISEASE, 27 Feb 1915; Date
of Birth - 28 Dec 1872, Hull, Yorkshire, England, UK; Husband of Sarah
BANKS, 60 Kitchener Raos, Strood, Kent, UK.
5202
Master-at-Arms CHALMERS, William; HMAS Encounter; DIED by SUICIDE while
temporarily Insane, Garden Island, Sydney, NSW, 15 Jan 1915; Date of
Birth - 22 Aug 1879, Stewarton, Ayr, Scotland; Son of Jessie, CHALMERS;
"Sitwood House" Haggs Road, Glasgow, Scotland.
Regt No: 433
Private WATES, Albert Martin; New Guinea Expeditionary Force;
Accidentally SHOT HIMSELF, 17 Oct 1914, Aged 27; Place of Birth -
Ballarat, Victoria; Son of Mrs O JAMES, 304 Codben Street, Redan,
Ballarat, Victoria.
Regt No: 638 Sergeant O'MEARA, John
Anthony; C Company, 7 Infantry Battalion AIF; DIED at Sea (Reported
Missing) off Albany, West Australia, 26 Oct 1914, Aged 22; Place of
Birth - Rochford, Victoria; Son of O'MEARA, Annie Maria (mother) of
Rochford, Victoria.
Regt No: 147 Private KENDAL, Varley
Haddon; A Company, 3 Infantry Battalion AIF; DIED of PNEUMONIA at Sea
(HMT Euripides) en route to Colombo, Ceylon (Sri Lanka) 8 Nov 1914,
Aged 21; Place of Birth - Narrandera, NSW; Occupation - Police
Constable; Husband of Mrs Ethel Mona KENDAL, 44 O'Connor Street,
Sydney, NSW.
Regt No: 295 Private LOWE, John Selby; B Company,
3 Infantry Battalion; DIED of PNEUMONIA at Sea (HMT Euripides) en route
to Colombo, Ceylon (Sri Lanka) 9 Nov 1914, Aged 21; Place of Birth -
Notting Hill, London, England, UK; son of Mr John LOWE, 6 Garden Rowe,
Cleveland Gardens, Barnes, England.
Regt No: 21 Private
COURTNEY, Frederick; A Company, 11 Infantry Battalion; DIED of
PNEUMONIA, 10 Nov 1914, Aged 21; Place of Birth - Bridgetown, Barbados,
West Indies, 8 Jan 1893; Son of Mr H.E. COURTNEY, (father) State
School, No1 State Mill, Manjimup, Western Australia.
Regt No:
821 Private POWER, Charles William; G Company, 11 Infantry Battalion;
DIED of PNEUMONIA at Sea (HMT Euripides) en route to Colombo, Ceylon
(Sri Lanka) 11 Nov 1914, Aged 19; Place of Birth - Birchip, Victoria;
Son of Mr Alfred POWER, (father) of Birchip, Victoria.
Regt
No: 135 Private WHITE, Leslie Gaveston; A Squadron, 1st Light Horse
Regiment; DIED of TYPHOID and MENINGITIS, Albany, Western Australia, 12
Nov 1914, Aged 19; Place of Birth - Inverell, NSW; Son of Mr S.G.
WHITE, (father) of Byron Street, Inverell, NSW.
Regt No: 2421
Acting Bombardier GARDNER, Gilbert Mark James; HQ Divisional Ammunition
Column; DIED of PNEUMONIA at Sea (HMT SHROPSHIRE) en route to EGYPT -
26 Aug 1914, Aged 23; Place of Birth - Windsor, Victoria; Son of Mr J.
GARDNER, Father, of Oatlands, Nilma North, Victoria.
Regt No:
413 Private BOOTHMAN, Cecil Frederick; C Company, 1st Infantry
Battalion AIF; DIED of PNEUMONIA at Sea en route to EGYPT, 5 Dec 1914,
Aged 36; Place of Birth - Launceston, Tasmania; Son of Mrs L.A.
BOOTHMAN, (Mother) of "Eurabah", Ocean Street, Woollahra, NSW.
Regt
No: 164 Private COX, Edward King Standish; E Company, 4th Infantry
Battalion, AIF; DIED of PNEUMONIA, ALEXANDRIA, EGYPT, 13 Dec 1914; Aged
29; Place of Birth - Rylstone, NSW; Place of Birth - Rylstone, NSW; son
of Mr E.S. COX, (father) of WOY WOY, NSW; (ALSO Brother of 165 Pte
Myles Standish COX and Great Great Grandson of Lieut William COX;
Superintendent of Road making over Blue Mountains, NSW)
Regt
No: 165 Private COX, Myles Standish; E Coy, 4th Infantry Battalion;
DIED of PNEOMONIA, Mena Camp, CAIRO, EGYPT, 16 Dec 1914; Aged 23; Place
of Birth - Rylstone, NSW; Son of Mr E.S. COX (father) of WOY WOY,
NSW.(ALSO Brother of Regt No: 164 Private COX, Edward King Standish)
Regt
No: 1126 Private CULPAN, Roy Gartside; E Company, 1st Infantry
Battalion, AIF; DIED of PERNICIOUS ANAEMIA, Mena House Hospital, CAIRO,
EGYPT, 16 Dec 1914; Aged 31; son of Thomas and Alice Laura Marion
CULPAN and husband of Eva CULPIN, "Malole" Mercer Road, Ponsonby,
Auckland, New Zealand.
Regt No: 672 Driver HOBILL, Charles
Robert, 3 Company, Division Train; DIED of MEMINGITIS, Mena House
Hospital, CAIRO, EGYPT, 20 Dec 1914; Aged 21; Place of Birth -
Allendale, Ballarat, Victoria; son of Edward James HOBILL, (father) 12
Nelson Road, Newport, Victoria.
Extracted from Australian Government Gazette No 36 of 8 May 1915, Page 805.
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