Australian Chaplains who died in WW1 and WW2
The Fallen from WW1
Albert Edward BATES
Chaplain 4th Class, Australian Army Chaplains Department attached to 3rd Australian Auxiliary Hospital.
He died on active service on 9 February 1919. He was 34
He was the son of William Henry and Christina Bates and the husband of Coralie Mary Elizabeth Bates, Woodland Avenue, Pymble, near Sydney.
He is buried in grave IV K 8 Brookwood Military Cemetery
Additional Information
He was a native of Burwood, Sydney and had studied at Sydney University and St Andrew's Presbyterian College and served 4 years with the 4th Infantry Regiment in Newcastle, NSW. He enlisted in the Chaplain's Corps on 30 September 1918 and embarked from Melbourne on board SS Zealandia on 5 October 1918. He disembarked in London on 5 December 1918 and on 4 February 1919 was admitted to the 3rd Australian Auxiliary Hospital in Dartford with pneumonia.
You can see a photo at: http://www.awm.gov.au/collection/P08549.006
Michael BERGIN MC
Chaplain 3rd Class, Australian Army Chaplains Department attached to the 5th Light Horse Regiment
He died from a shrapnel wound to his shoulder at 3rd Field Ambulance Station on 12 October 1917. He was 38
He was the brother of John Bergin, Fancroft, Roscrea, Ireland
He is buried in grave 1 of the Churchyard Extension, Reninghelst near Ypres
Additional Information
He was a Jesuit. He states that his occupation when he enisted was Professor
He had served in Egypt, Gallipoli and on the Western Front. A soldier said at Pozières, “If ever an angel walked among men, it was he.”’
John Kemp BRUCE
Chaplain 4th Class, Australian Army Chaplains Department attached to 3rd Australian Hospital
He died from influenza at sea on a Transport Ship returning to Australia on 9 February 1918. He was 63
He was the husband of Margaret Bruce, The Manse, Wahroonga, New South Wales
He is remembered on Hollybrook Memorial, Southampton
Additional Information
He was for 20 years Presbyterian minister at Wahroonga and a moderator of the Presbyterian Church of New South Wales
John DEMPSEY
Chaplain, Australian Army Chaplains Department
He died from pneumonia whilst on active service on 13 June 1917. He was 36
He was the son of Patrick and Martha Dempsey and the husband of Lily E Dempsey, Ethel Street, Burwood, New South Wales.
He is buried in grave F 262 War Memorial Cemetery, Cairo
Additional Information
He was born in Belfast, Ireland.
William James DUNBAR
Chaplain 4th Class, Australian Army Chaplains Department attached to 11th Australian Light Horse
He was killed on active service on 7 November 1917 during the Battle of Sheria. He was 37.
He was the son of William and Victoria Matilda Dunbar, 88 Lord Street, Orange, New South Wales
He is buried in grave XII E 3 Gaza War Cemetery
Additional Information
See: http://alh-research.tripod.com/Light_Horse/index.blog?topic_id=1122362 from which I have abstracted the following:
During the afternoon a call was made for stretcher-bearers at the 11th Regiment's headquarters just south of the wadi. Chaplain W J Dunbar, the regimental Padre, an Australian Methodist clergyman who had joined the light horse as a trooper and had been promoted in the field, was among those who at once volunteered. Crossing the wadi on his horse Dunbar rode forward under heavy fire, the one horseman on the landscape, to some little straw-stacks, where he engaged in dressing a number of wounded men. While he was there Trooper W P Forster who had been with Brierty and had been only slightly wounded, rose from amidst the mass of dead horses, and, avoiding the Turks, ran towards the wadi. Dunbar, despite the protests of a few men at the straw-stacks, at once dashed out to meet him. As Forster ran, the German machine-gunners opened fire. For some time the bullets cut up the dust close behind him; and, as he went on unhit, and the chaplain ran to join him, every Londoner and Australian lying on the exposed slope and breathlessly watching the two men, prayed for their escape.
Forster was hit and fell but he rose at once and, staggering on, met Dunbar; then both men, coming under a stream of bullets, were killed.
Andrew GILLISON MiD
Chaplain 4th Class, Australian Army Chaplains Department attached to 14 Battalion, 4th Infantry Brigade
He was killed on active service on 22 August 1915 at 16th Casualty Clearing Station, Hill 60 in Gallipoli. He was 47
He was the son of John and Jane B Gillison and the husband of Isobel Gillison, St Andrew's, Burke Road, Upper Hawthorn, Victoria.
He is buried in grave Sp Mem B 62 Embarkation Pier Cemetery, Anzac, Gallipoli
Additional Information
For more information see: http://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/gillison-andrew-6389 from which this is an extract:
Andrew Gillison had a good view of the Anzac landing from his destroyer; he wrote that the Australians showed 'a dash - characteristic of the finest British traditions'. He landed on 26 April at about 23.00 hours but the message ordering him ashore was a mistake and he returned to his ship where he cared for the wounded and buried eight men at sea. He landed on the third morning, the second chaplain ashore he believed, and took up duty at a dressing station. He consoled the wounded and buried the dead, praying over men of all denominations and sharing the work with all chaplains. Andrew Gillison found the burial of the dead, on the day of the truce arranged for that purpose, a gruesome task. 'I never beheld such a sickening sight in my life and hope it may not be my lot again'. His diary ends on that sad note.
The official historian, Charles Bean, records that while he was waiting to read the burial service for men who had fallen in this action he heard someone groaning in the scrub nearby. He had been warned against moving onto the ridge in daylight but he went forward far enough to see that a wounded man was being troubled by ants, and called on two men to help drag the wounded soldier out. A Turkish sniper opened fire and Andrew Gillison was severely wounded and died later that day. He was mentioned in dispatches and tributes to his work showed what a popular and respected chaplain he had been.
Alfred Ernest GOLLER
Chaplain 4th Class, Australian Army Chaplains Department 37 Battalion, 10th Brigade
He was killed on active service on 29 September 1918. He was 35
He was the son of John G M and Matilda Goller and the husband of Hilda Goller, 81 South Road, Brighton Beach, Victoria.
He is buried in grave II F 29 Templeux-Le-Guerard British Cemetery, the Somme
Additional Information
The shrill blast of the whistle broke the silence and the men surged forward, their mission to breech the reportedly impregnable Hindenburg Line. As the battalion reached the belts of black barbed wire entanglements, the German machine-guns opened fire. The deadly salvos destroyed the front ranks of the 37th. The remainder of the battalion consolidated in a hollow and readied themselves for the next push. To the front, the wounded could be heard moaning. Without hesitation, Padre Goller crawled forward and dragged the injured men back to the safety of the depression. When the battalion again sortied forward, the padre stumbled across the bodies of three ‘A’ Company men. As he collected their personal belongings, he paused and offered a silent prayer over each of the bodies. Suddenly, a single shot rang out and the Padre fell dead.
The men of the battalion were deeply traumatised. Not only had they lost their padre, but a mate as well. They reflected on the man who had been Alfred Goller. His Christianity was exemplified by his life. Chaplain Alfred Goller was no ‘fire and brimstone’ preacher, but one who earnestly lived to serve his fellow man and selflessly chose to share the risks taken by the brave Diggers to whom he had ministered.
David De Venny HUNTER
Chaplain 4th Class, Australian Army Chaplains Department attached to 55 Battalion, Australian Infantry.
He was killed on active service on 28 September 1917. He was 41
He was the son of George and Jane Hunter and the husband of Marion Hunter, Girrawheen, Pyrmont Street, Ashfield, NSW.
He is buried in grave II F 16 Hooge Crater Cemetery
Additional Information
Born in Ireland.
He also appears on the WW1 Memorial at Balcombe Heights Estate which is a memorial for the Masons of NSW
Spencer Edward MAXTED
Chaplain 4th Class, Australian Army Chaplains Department attached to 54 Battalion, Australian Infantry.
He was killed on active service between 19 and 20 July 1916 in the Battle of Fleurbaix. He was 34
He was the son of the late Henry E and Alice R M Maxted and the husband of Gertrude Olive Maxted, Corner Merrivale Road and Nithsdale Street, Pymble, NSW.
He is buried in grave I K 2 rue Pétillon Military Cemetery, Fleurbaix near Armentières
Additional Information
For more information visit http://fffaif.org.au/?p=447 from which I have extracted:
A local newspaper, The Haberfield Harbinger reported details of his death in 24 October 1916 edition.
A CHAPLAIN’S DEATH
A war correspondent writing of the great battle which lasted from 6 am 19 July to 2 pm on the 20 July says: During the fight we unfortunately lost one of our chaplains – Captain Rev S E Maxted, MA, BD. Dog-tired with running for stretcher bearers during a fierce cannonade, he turned aside for refuge and rest into a trench and sitting down in the corner he immediately fell asleep. It was a front-line trench and by and by a high explosive landed on the parapet, a fragment killing him instantly. The loss is much mourned throughout the brigade. Originally he was an A.M.C. corporal, but after Gallipoli he was appointed a chaplain.
The Red Cross Wounded and Missing Enquiry Bureau Files reveal a different story. The following is a transcript of one of eight entries in Reverend Maxted’s Red Cross File.
This report was given by Private Ellis (No. 3041) 54th Battalion from Harefield Hospital in England:
Reverend (Captain) Maxted was blown to bits helping to bandage some of the wounded at Fleurbaix. He might not have been so good in the pulpit but my word, he was the gamest man in the 54th. He just hopped over the trenches with the rest when the charge was on and said “there is going to be a lot of casualties, and I’ll help you all I can.” I told him to look out and be careful, but he said “We will all be wanted today.” “My word”, he said “our boys are brave”. He was very clever bandaging and while he was busy was blown to bits. He was plucky.
Alfred METTERS
Chaplain 1st Class, Australian Army Chaplains Department
He died on active service through illness on 1 March 1918
He was married but I cannot see his widow’s name
He is buried in grave Gen LN 6 14E/5E GRM/5* West Terrace Cemetery, Adelaide
Additional information
He decided to devote his life to being a Chaplain despite years of ill health
The information and a photo can be seen on:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/state_library_south_australia/8165237942/in/set-72157632937420680
The Rev. Alfred Metters, Senior Chaplain in the A.I.F. For more than 10 years he was a military Chaplain, and when war broke out he was appointed Senior Chaplain for five denominations with the troops abroad. According to 'The Register' (2 March 1918), ''He was untiring in his attention to the soldiers, particularly the sick, in the various camps in South Australia. In addition to his gifts as a preacher, he possessed more than ordinary literary skill, and occasionally wrote for various publications." Colonel-Chaplain Metters died on Friday 01 March 1918, and was awarded a military funeral.
William Johnstone STEVENS
Chaplain 3rd Class, Australian Army Chaplains Department attached to 5th Australian Infantry Brigade
He died of his wounds on 15 November 1917. He was 49
He was the son of William John and Susannah Marian Stevens.
He is buried in grave XI B 18 Brookwood Military Cemetery
Additional Information:
He was born in Wycombe, England
Edward John SYDES
Chaplain, Australian Army Chaplains Department attached to 5th Field Ambulance Brigade.
He died from illness whilst on active service 15 November 1918. He was 55.
He was the son of Samuel George and Rosanna Sydes.
He is buried in grave 2 3991 St. Mary's Roman Catholic Cemetery, Kensal Green
Additional Information
He was appointed Chaplain on 13 June 1917 and arrived in France on 19 September 1917. A year later he was admitted to 8th General Hospital, Rouen on 22 October 1918. He was transferred to UK on HMT Grantelly Castle on 30 October 1918 with bronchitis and thrombosis and admitted to the Australian Section, 3rd London General Hospital, Wandsworth on 31 October 1918 where he died two weeks later
Thomas George TRUEMAN
Chaplain, Australian Young Men's Christian Association attached to 5th Battalion Australian Infantry.
He was killed on active service on 22 March 1918. He was 30
He was the son of Clara L and the late Thomas A Trueman, Te Whare, Milton Street, Canterbury, Victoria.
He is buried in grave I K 16 Dranoutre Military Cemetery south of Ypres
The Fallen from WW2
Ronald Sutton BEVINGTON
Chaplain, HMAS Perth, Royal Australian Navy
He was killed on active service in the Sunda Strait, Indonesia on 1 March 1942. He was 30
He was the son of Reginald and Netta Ethel Bevington of Bournemouth.
He is remembered on Panel 72, Column 2 of the Plymouth Naval Memorial
Additional Information
Clerk in Holy Orders, Church of England. M.A. (Cantab.).
For a photo, visit http://www.awm.gov.au/collection/P09368.001
At midnight, with ammunition running low, Captain Hector Waller ordered his ship to try to force a way through but just as HMAS Perth settled on a new heading, four Japanese torpedoes hit the cruiser in the space of a few minutes.The first hit on the starboard side and damaged the forward engine room, the second caused a hull breach near the bridge, the third impacted in the starboard aft area, and the fourth struck on the port side. Waller gave the order to abandon ship after the second torpedo impact. HMAS Perth heeled to port and sank at 00:25 on 1 March 1942 with 353 killed
Of the 328 survivors, four died after reaching shore, while the rest were captured as prisoners of war. 106 died during their internment. The remaining 218 were repatriated after the war.
Hilford Charles EASTON
Chaplain, Royal Australian Air Force No: 423197
He died on active service on 2 September 1944. He was 30
He was the son of George F and Charlotte L Easton and the husband of Mavis S Easton of Henty, NSW.
He is buried in grave D B 11 Adelaide River War Cemetery
Additional Information
He died in an aircraft accident at Peron Island, Northern Territory
Aircraft B-25D Mitchell, A47-6 of 2 Squadron, RAAF, crashed into the sea on 2 September 1944 whilst on a Search and Rescue mission to find Mitchell A47-12 from 2 Squadron that had crashed on the beach on Perron Island. The Rev H Easton and G King were extra passengers in A47-6 who felt that another set of eyes would assist in the search.
The reason for the crash was that the pilot had turned on his search light at low level over the sea, become disoriented and crashed into the sea. The aircraft broke in half on impact and the passengers were killed. They were not strapped in. Their bodies were never recovered. The aircraft was piloted by Flying Officer T Carter.
Cornelius FOLEY
Chaplain, Royal Australian Air Force
He died though illness whilst on active service 14 July 1942 at Coraki, NSW. He was 57
He is buried in grave C of E row B plot 13 Evans Head General Cemetery, NSW
Additional information
Evans Head was a RAAF air field involved with the protection of shipping and a major training centre for Commonwealth Air Force personnel
Andrew Robson McVITTIE
Chaplain, Royal Australian Air Force
He died on 6 November 1947. He was 58
He was the son of John and Elizabeth McVittie and the husband of Elsie M McVittie of Newcastle
He is buried in Presbyterian sec 2NW grave 70 Sandgate General Cemetery, Newcastle
Additional Information
A memorial window, erected by the congregation of St. Philip's, Newcastle, was dedicated on Sunday, 7 November, to the memory of the late Rev. Andrew Robson McVittie, MA. The Church was overflowing, and the service was conducted by the present minister, Rev G A Reid. Mrs McVittie and her family, and the Rev and Mrs T McVittie attended the service, and among the worshippers were the Lord Mayor and Deputy Mayor with five Aldermen, the Superintendent of Police, the Superintendent and staff of the Newcastle General Hospital, representatives of the RAAF and Ex-Servicemen's Associations, the Harbour Master and Assistant Harbour Master, besides a group of five Cyprians. One moving tribute was the presence of Rabbi Morris, a firm friend of Mr McVittie, who has occupied St. Philip's pulpit when Mr McVittie was ill.
The window features the Christ standing knocking at the door with the left hand, a beautiful hem on the flowing robe, and the text, "Behold, I stand at the door and knock." Beneath is a sprig of heather and the inscription: "To the glory of God and in loving memory of Rev A R McVittie, MA, Minister of this Church for 28 years. Erected by the Congregation."
John Charles RUNDLE
Chaplain, Royal Australian Air Force
He died as a result of an accident on 1 November 1944 whilst on active service. He was 47
He was the son of John A and Rhoda J Rundle and the husband of Jessie Margaret Rundle of Lindfield, New South Wales.
He is buried in grave C B 7 Adelaide River War Cemetery
George STUBBS
Chaplain, HMAS Sydney, Royal Australian Navy
He was killed in action in the Indian Ocean on 20 November 194. He was 57
He was the son of John and Georgina Stubbs and the husband of Ethel Maud Stubbs of Turramurra, New South Wales
He is remembered on panel 56, column 2. Plymouth Naval Memorial
Additional Information
LTh (Durham)
George Stubbs was the chaplain on the HMAS Sydney and was onboard when the Sydney went down with all hands on 19 November 1941 having been fatally damaged by shells from the German Cruiser HSK Kormoran.
Basil Arnold TALBOT
Chaplain, 5 Aircraft Depot, Forrest Hill, Royal Australian Air Force
He died of natural causes whilst on active service on 28 June 1943. He was 31
He was the son of Alfred and Agnes Jane Talbot and the husband of Frederica Elisabeth Talbot of Goulburn.
He is buried in C of E plot sec I grave 277 Wagga Wagga General Cemetery, NSW
Vivian Ward THOMPSON
Chaplain, HMAS Penguin, Royal Australian Navy
He died of natural causes on 9 January 1943 in Sydney. He was 57
He was the son of the Revd. Gustavus Thompson and Miriam E Ward Thompson and the husband of Edith P Thompson of Mosman.
He is buried in grave Florentine Wall Niche 46CC Northern Suburbs Crematorium, Chatswood
Additional Information
BA
HMAS Penguin was a land base but he had been serving on HMAS Sydney when she was sunk in November 1941
Gordon Gladstone WOOD
Chaplain, Royal Australian Air Force
He was killed at the Guards Chapel when it was hit by a V1 Flying Bomb on 18 June 1944. He was 42
He was the son of Alfred and Janet Wood and the husband of Gwendoline Enid Wood, Beverley Hills, New South Wales.
He is buried in grave 4 N 16 Brookwood Military Cemetery
Additional Information
A Methodist, he held a licentiate of theology
“This officer showed initiative in making the services as attractive as possible by the use of films and choral presentation. In this way he increased his attendances; he furnished a chapel within the Chaplains’ block and a rest room which was popular among the troops...”
He was attached to RAAF Overseas HQ at Kodak House, Kingsway, London, and conducted the RAAF choir there.
His name is on the Australian War memorial in Canberra, panel 97, a memorial chapel was dedicated to him in the Uniting Church, Arthur Street, Wellington, NSW, where he had been superintendent minister, 1937-1940.
There is a memorial to him at http://www.warmemorialsregister.nsw.gov.au/content/gordon-gladstone-wood-memorial-chapel
And a photo at: http://www.awm.gov.au/collection/P03914.035
Albert Edward BATES
Chaplain 4th Class, Australian Army Chaplains Department attached to 3rd Australian Auxiliary Hospital.
He died on active service on 9 February 1919. He was 34
He was the son of William Henry and Christina Bates and the husband of Coralie Mary Elizabeth Bates, Woodland Avenue, Pymble, near Sydney.
He is buried in grave IV K 8 Brookwood Military Cemetery
Additional Information
He was a native of Burwood, Sydney and had studied at Sydney University and St Andrew's Presbyterian College and served 4 years with the 4th Infantry Regiment in Newcastle, NSW. He enlisted in the Chaplain's Corps on 30 September 1918 and embarked from Melbourne on board SS Zealandia on 5 October 1918. He disembarked in London on 5 December 1918 and on 4 February 1919 was admitted to the 3rd Australian Auxiliary Hospital in Dartford with pneumonia.
You can see a photo at: http://www.awm.gov.au/collection/P08549.006
Michael BERGIN MC
Chaplain 3rd Class, Australian Army Chaplains Department attached to the 5th Light Horse Regiment
He died from a shrapnel wound to his shoulder at 3rd Field Ambulance Station on 12 October 1917. He was 38
He was the brother of John Bergin, Fancroft, Roscrea, Ireland
He is buried in grave 1 of the Churchyard Extension, Reninghelst near Ypres
Additional Information
He was a Jesuit. He states that his occupation when he enisted was Professor
He had served in Egypt, Gallipoli and on the Western Front. A soldier said at Pozières, “If ever an angel walked among men, it was he.”’
John Kemp BRUCE
Chaplain 4th Class, Australian Army Chaplains Department attached to 3rd Australian Hospital
He died from influenza at sea on a Transport Ship returning to Australia on 9 February 1918. He was 63
He was the husband of Margaret Bruce, The Manse, Wahroonga, New South Wales
He is remembered on Hollybrook Memorial, Southampton
Additional Information
He was for 20 years Presbyterian minister at Wahroonga and a moderator of the Presbyterian Church of New South Wales
John DEMPSEY
Chaplain, Australian Army Chaplains Department
He died from pneumonia whilst on active service on 13 June 1917. He was 36
He was the son of Patrick and Martha Dempsey and the husband of Lily E Dempsey, Ethel Street, Burwood, New South Wales.
He is buried in grave F 262 War Memorial Cemetery, Cairo
Additional Information
He was born in Belfast, Ireland.
William James DUNBAR
Chaplain 4th Class, Australian Army Chaplains Department attached to 11th Australian Light Horse
He was killed on active service on 7 November 1917 during the Battle of Sheria. He was 37.
He was the son of William and Victoria Matilda Dunbar, 88 Lord Street, Orange, New South Wales
He is buried in grave XII E 3 Gaza War Cemetery
Additional Information
See: http://alh-research.tripod.com/Light_Horse/index.blog?topic_id=1122362 from which I have abstracted the following:
During the afternoon a call was made for stretcher-bearers at the 11th Regiment's headquarters just south of the wadi. Chaplain W J Dunbar, the regimental Padre, an Australian Methodist clergyman who had joined the light horse as a trooper and had been promoted in the field, was among those who at once volunteered. Crossing the wadi on his horse Dunbar rode forward under heavy fire, the one horseman on the landscape, to some little straw-stacks, where he engaged in dressing a number of wounded men. While he was there Trooper W P Forster who had been with Brierty and had been only slightly wounded, rose from amidst the mass of dead horses, and, avoiding the Turks, ran towards the wadi. Dunbar, despite the protests of a few men at the straw-stacks, at once dashed out to meet him. As Forster ran, the German machine-gunners opened fire. For some time the bullets cut up the dust close behind him; and, as he went on unhit, and the chaplain ran to join him, every Londoner and Australian lying on the exposed slope and breathlessly watching the two men, prayed for their escape.
Forster was hit and fell but he rose at once and, staggering on, met Dunbar; then both men, coming under a stream of bullets, were killed.
Andrew GILLISON MiD
Chaplain 4th Class, Australian Army Chaplains Department attached to 14 Battalion, 4th Infantry Brigade
He was killed on active service on 22 August 1915 at 16th Casualty Clearing Station, Hill 60 in Gallipoli. He was 47
He was the son of John and Jane B Gillison and the husband of Isobel Gillison, St Andrew's, Burke Road, Upper Hawthorn, Victoria.
He is buried in grave Sp Mem B 62 Embarkation Pier Cemetery, Anzac, Gallipoli
Additional Information
For more information see: http://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/gillison-andrew-6389 from which this is an extract:
Andrew Gillison had a good view of the Anzac landing from his destroyer; he wrote that the Australians showed 'a dash - characteristic of the finest British traditions'. He landed on 26 April at about 23.00 hours but the message ordering him ashore was a mistake and he returned to his ship where he cared for the wounded and buried eight men at sea. He landed on the third morning, the second chaplain ashore he believed, and took up duty at a dressing station. He consoled the wounded and buried the dead, praying over men of all denominations and sharing the work with all chaplains. Andrew Gillison found the burial of the dead, on the day of the truce arranged for that purpose, a gruesome task. 'I never beheld such a sickening sight in my life and hope it may not be my lot again'. His diary ends on that sad note.
The official historian, Charles Bean, records that while he was waiting to read the burial service for men who had fallen in this action he heard someone groaning in the scrub nearby. He had been warned against moving onto the ridge in daylight but he went forward far enough to see that a wounded man was being troubled by ants, and called on two men to help drag the wounded soldier out. A Turkish sniper opened fire and Andrew Gillison was severely wounded and died later that day. He was mentioned in dispatches and tributes to his work showed what a popular and respected chaplain he had been.
Alfred Ernest GOLLER
Chaplain 4th Class, Australian Army Chaplains Department 37 Battalion, 10th Brigade
He was killed on active service on 29 September 1918. He was 35
He was the son of John G M and Matilda Goller and the husband of Hilda Goller, 81 South Road, Brighton Beach, Victoria.
He is buried in grave II F 29 Templeux-Le-Guerard British Cemetery, the Somme
Additional Information
The shrill blast of the whistle broke the silence and the men surged forward, their mission to breech the reportedly impregnable Hindenburg Line. As the battalion reached the belts of black barbed wire entanglements, the German machine-guns opened fire. The deadly salvos destroyed the front ranks of the 37th. The remainder of the battalion consolidated in a hollow and readied themselves for the next push. To the front, the wounded could be heard moaning. Without hesitation, Padre Goller crawled forward and dragged the injured men back to the safety of the depression. When the battalion again sortied forward, the padre stumbled across the bodies of three ‘A’ Company men. As he collected their personal belongings, he paused and offered a silent prayer over each of the bodies. Suddenly, a single shot rang out and the Padre fell dead.
The men of the battalion were deeply traumatised. Not only had they lost their padre, but a mate as well. They reflected on the man who had been Alfred Goller. His Christianity was exemplified by his life. Chaplain Alfred Goller was no ‘fire and brimstone’ preacher, but one who earnestly lived to serve his fellow man and selflessly chose to share the risks taken by the brave Diggers to whom he had ministered.
David De Venny HUNTER
Chaplain 4th Class, Australian Army Chaplains Department attached to 55 Battalion, Australian Infantry.
He was killed on active service on 28 September 1917. He was 41
He was the son of George and Jane Hunter and the husband of Marion Hunter, Girrawheen, Pyrmont Street, Ashfield, NSW.
He is buried in grave II F 16 Hooge Crater Cemetery
Additional Information
Born in Ireland.
He also appears on the WW1 Memorial at Balcombe Heights Estate which is a memorial for the Masons of NSW
Spencer Edward MAXTED
Chaplain 4th Class, Australian Army Chaplains Department attached to 54 Battalion, Australian Infantry.
He was killed on active service between 19 and 20 July 1916 in the Battle of Fleurbaix. He was 34
He was the son of the late Henry E and Alice R M Maxted and the husband of Gertrude Olive Maxted, Corner Merrivale Road and Nithsdale Street, Pymble, NSW.
He is buried in grave I K 2 rue Pétillon Military Cemetery, Fleurbaix near Armentières
Additional Information
For more information visit http://fffaif.org.au/?p=447 from which I have extracted:
A local newspaper, The Haberfield Harbinger reported details of his death in 24 October 1916 edition.
A CHAPLAIN’S DEATH
A war correspondent writing of the great battle which lasted from 6 am 19 July to 2 pm on the 20 July says: During the fight we unfortunately lost one of our chaplains – Captain Rev S E Maxted, MA, BD. Dog-tired with running for stretcher bearers during a fierce cannonade, he turned aside for refuge and rest into a trench and sitting down in the corner he immediately fell asleep. It was a front-line trench and by and by a high explosive landed on the parapet, a fragment killing him instantly. The loss is much mourned throughout the brigade. Originally he was an A.M.C. corporal, but after Gallipoli he was appointed a chaplain.
The Red Cross Wounded and Missing Enquiry Bureau Files reveal a different story. The following is a transcript of one of eight entries in Reverend Maxted’s Red Cross File.
This report was given by Private Ellis (No. 3041) 54th Battalion from Harefield Hospital in England:
Reverend (Captain) Maxted was blown to bits helping to bandage some of the wounded at Fleurbaix. He might not have been so good in the pulpit but my word, he was the gamest man in the 54th. He just hopped over the trenches with the rest when the charge was on and said “there is going to be a lot of casualties, and I’ll help you all I can.” I told him to look out and be careful, but he said “We will all be wanted today.” “My word”, he said “our boys are brave”. He was very clever bandaging and while he was busy was blown to bits. He was plucky.
Alfred METTERS
Chaplain 1st Class, Australian Army Chaplains Department
He died on active service through illness on 1 March 1918
He was married but I cannot see his widow’s name
He is buried in grave Gen LN 6 14E/5E GRM/5* West Terrace Cemetery, Adelaide
Additional information
He decided to devote his life to being a Chaplain despite years of ill health
The information and a photo can be seen on:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/state_library_south_australia/8165237942/in/set-72157632937420680
The Rev. Alfred Metters, Senior Chaplain in the A.I.F. For more than 10 years he was a military Chaplain, and when war broke out he was appointed Senior Chaplain for five denominations with the troops abroad. According to 'The Register' (2 March 1918), ''He was untiring in his attention to the soldiers, particularly the sick, in the various camps in South Australia. In addition to his gifts as a preacher, he possessed more than ordinary literary skill, and occasionally wrote for various publications." Colonel-Chaplain Metters died on Friday 01 March 1918, and was awarded a military funeral.
William Johnstone STEVENS
Chaplain 3rd Class, Australian Army Chaplains Department attached to 5th Australian Infantry Brigade
He died of his wounds on 15 November 1917. He was 49
He was the son of William John and Susannah Marian Stevens.
He is buried in grave XI B 18 Brookwood Military Cemetery
Additional Information:
He was born in Wycombe, England
Edward John SYDES
Chaplain, Australian Army Chaplains Department attached to 5th Field Ambulance Brigade.
He died from illness whilst on active service 15 November 1918. He was 55.
He was the son of Samuel George and Rosanna Sydes.
He is buried in grave 2 3991 St. Mary's Roman Catholic Cemetery, Kensal Green
Additional Information
He was appointed Chaplain on 13 June 1917 and arrived in France on 19 September 1917. A year later he was admitted to 8th General Hospital, Rouen on 22 October 1918. He was transferred to UK on HMT Grantelly Castle on 30 October 1918 with bronchitis and thrombosis and admitted to the Australian Section, 3rd London General Hospital, Wandsworth on 31 October 1918 where he died two weeks later
Thomas George TRUEMAN
Chaplain, Australian Young Men's Christian Association attached to 5th Battalion Australian Infantry.
He was killed on active service on 22 March 1918. He was 30
He was the son of Clara L and the late Thomas A Trueman, Te Whare, Milton Street, Canterbury, Victoria.
He is buried in grave I K 16 Dranoutre Military Cemetery south of Ypres
The Fallen from WW2
Ronald Sutton BEVINGTON
Chaplain, HMAS Perth, Royal Australian Navy
He was killed on active service in the Sunda Strait, Indonesia on 1 March 1942. He was 30
He was the son of Reginald and Netta Ethel Bevington of Bournemouth.
He is remembered on Panel 72, Column 2 of the Plymouth Naval Memorial
Additional Information
Clerk in Holy Orders, Church of England. M.A. (Cantab.).
For a photo, visit http://www.awm.gov.au/collection/P09368.001
At midnight, with ammunition running low, Captain Hector Waller ordered his ship to try to force a way through but just as HMAS Perth settled on a new heading, four Japanese torpedoes hit the cruiser in the space of a few minutes.The first hit on the starboard side and damaged the forward engine room, the second caused a hull breach near the bridge, the third impacted in the starboard aft area, and the fourth struck on the port side. Waller gave the order to abandon ship after the second torpedo impact. HMAS Perth heeled to port and sank at 00:25 on 1 March 1942 with 353 killed
Of the 328 survivors, four died after reaching shore, while the rest were captured as prisoners of war. 106 died during their internment. The remaining 218 were repatriated after the war.
Hilford Charles EASTON
Chaplain, Royal Australian Air Force No: 423197
He died on active service on 2 September 1944. He was 30
He was the son of George F and Charlotte L Easton and the husband of Mavis S Easton of Henty, NSW.
He is buried in grave D B 11 Adelaide River War Cemetery
Additional Information
He died in an aircraft accident at Peron Island, Northern Territory
Aircraft B-25D Mitchell, A47-6 of 2 Squadron, RAAF, crashed into the sea on 2 September 1944 whilst on a Search and Rescue mission to find Mitchell A47-12 from 2 Squadron that had crashed on the beach on Perron Island. The Rev H Easton and G King were extra passengers in A47-6 who felt that another set of eyes would assist in the search.
The reason for the crash was that the pilot had turned on his search light at low level over the sea, become disoriented and crashed into the sea. The aircraft broke in half on impact and the passengers were killed. They were not strapped in. Their bodies were never recovered. The aircraft was piloted by Flying Officer T Carter.
Cornelius FOLEY
Chaplain, Royal Australian Air Force
He died though illness whilst on active service 14 July 1942 at Coraki, NSW. He was 57
He is buried in grave C of E row B plot 13 Evans Head General Cemetery, NSW
Additional information
Evans Head was a RAAF air field involved with the protection of shipping and a major training centre for Commonwealth Air Force personnel
Andrew Robson McVITTIE
Chaplain, Royal Australian Air Force
He died on 6 November 1947. He was 58
He was the son of John and Elizabeth McVittie and the husband of Elsie M McVittie of Newcastle
He is buried in Presbyterian sec 2NW grave 70 Sandgate General Cemetery, Newcastle
Additional Information
A memorial window, erected by the congregation of St. Philip's, Newcastle, was dedicated on Sunday, 7 November, to the memory of the late Rev. Andrew Robson McVittie, MA. The Church was overflowing, and the service was conducted by the present minister, Rev G A Reid. Mrs McVittie and her family, and the Rev and Mrs T McVittie attended the service, and among the worshippers were the Lord Mayor and Deputy Mayor with five Aldermen, the Superintendent of Police, the Superintendent and staff of the Newcastle General Hospital, representatives of the RAAF and Ex-Servicemen's Associations, the Harbour Master and Assistant Harbour Master, besides a group of five Cyprians. One moving tribute was the presence of Rabbi Morris, a firm friend of Mr McVittie, who has occupied St. Philip's pulpit when Mr McVittie was ill.
The window features the Christ standing knocking at the door with the left hand, a beautiful hem on the flowing robe, and the text, "Behold, I stand at the door and knock." Beneath is a sprig of heather and the inscription: "To the glory of God and in loving memory of Rev A R McVittie, MA, Minister of this Church for 28 years. Erected by the Congregation."
John Charles RUNDLE
Chaplain, Royal Australian Air Force
He died as a result of an accident on 1 November 1944 whilst on active service. He was 47
He was the son of John A and Rhoda J Rundle and the husband of Jessie Margaret Rundle of Lindfield, New South Wales.
He is buried in grave C B 7 Adelaide River War Cemetery
George STUBBS
Chaplain, HMAS Sydney, Royal Australian Navy
He was killed in action in the Indian Ocean on 20 November 194. He was 57
He was the son of John and Georgina Stubbs and the husband of Ethel Maud Stubbs of Turramurra, New South Wales
He is remembered on panel 56, column 2. Plymouth Naval Memorial
Additional Information
LTh (Durham)
George Stubbs was the chaplain on the HMAS Sydney and was onboard when the Sydney went down with all hands on 19 November 1941 having been fatally damaged by shells from the German Cruiser HSK Kormoran.
Basil Arnold TALBOT
Chaplain, 5 Aircraft Depot, Forrest Hill, Royal Australian Air Force
He died of natural causes whilst on active service on 28 June 1943. He was 31
He was the son of Alfred and Agnes Jane Talbot and the husband of Frederica Elisabeth Talbot of Goulburn.
He is buried in C of E plot sec I grave 277 Wagga Wagga General Cemetery, NSW
Vivian Ward THOMPSON
Chaplain, HMAS Penguin, Royal Australian Navy
He died of natural causes on 9 January 1943 in Sydney. He was 57
He was the son of the Revd. Gustavus Thompson and Miriam E Ward Thompson and the husband of Edith P Thompson of Mosman.
He is buried in grave Florentine Wall Niche 46CC Northern Suburbs Crematorium, Chatswood
Additional Information
BA
HMAS Penguin was a land base but he had been serving on HMAS Sydney when she was sunk in November 1941
Gordon Gladstone WOOD
Chaplain, Royal Australian Air Force
He was killed at the Guards Chapel when it was hit by a V1 Flying Bomb on 18 June 1944. He was 42
He was the son of Alfred and Janet Wood and the husband of Gwendoline Enid Wood, Beverley Hills, New South Wales.
He is buried in grave 4 N 16 Brookwood Military Cemetery
Additional Information
A Methodist, he held a licentiate of theology
“This officer showed initiative in making the services as attractive as possible by the use of films and choral presentation. In this way he increased his attendances; he furnished a chapel within the Chaplains’ block and a rest room which was popular among the troops...”
He was attached to RAAF Overseas HQ at Kodak House, Kingsway, London, and conducted the RAAF choir there.
His name is on the Australian War memorial in Canberra, panel 97, a memorial chapel was dedicated to him in the Uniting Church, Arthur Street, Wellington, NSW, where he had been superintendent minister, 1937-1940.
There is a memorial to him at http://www.warmemorialsregister.nsw.gov.au/content/gordon-gladstone-wood-memorial-chapel
And a photo at: http://www.awm.gov.au/collection/P03914.035
