If your ancestor served during the First World War and his war service medals are missing, it would be reasonable to assume the missing medals are out there “somewhere”. But if you are very lucky, it is also possible that a small memento or piece of personal kit pertaining to your ancestor may have survived and is simply laying around – waiting to be discovered. If your family is luckier still, that piece of memorabilia will fall into the hands of a decent person who is willing to forgo the chance of making a quick buck on ebay.
IMAGE RIGHT: The ‘private purchase’ shaving kit awarded to William Richmond JUNOR who was born in Casino, New South Wales and joined the AIF in 1918. Is he an ancestor of yours?
For the family of William Richmond JUNOR, one very decent chap is wishing to make your “Centenary of ANZAC” a memorable one. A metal shaving kit attributable to Private William Richmond JUNOR has surfaced and Rodger (from the Illawarra) would like to have it returned to his descendants.
William Richmond JUNOR was a dairy farmer by trade before the First World War. He was born in Casino – New South Wales on 11 August, 1879 which made him 38 years of age when he enlisted into the Australian Imperial Force. An “old man” by recruitment standards. His father was William W. JUNOR, also from Casino.
IMAGE LEFT: The metal shaving kit of William Richmond JUNOR.
According to the First World War Embarkation Roll, William Richmond JUNOR boarded RMS Osterley at Port Sydney and departed Australia on 08 May, 1918 as part of 1 to 8 (Queensland) Reinforcements (May-November 1918). He was allocated for a short time to the 9th Infantry Battalion, before being transferred to the 12th Battery of the 4 Field Artillery Brigade AIF as a driver.
William’s military career was short lived, due to peace being declared on 11 November, 1918. Whilst a great relief to the free world, one can only ponder if William wished for a bit of adventure before the war’s end. Being a very late enlistee, perhaps any previous attempts to enlist were thwarted by his trade within an essential service?
IMAGE RIGHT: A close up of the engraving on the front of the shaving kit, showing the box was presented by F.R.W. Cam from Yorklea in April 1918.
The shaving kit bears the inscription “Presented to Pte W.R. JUNOR from Yorklea. F.R.W. Cam 25.4.18” That the item was presented on Anzac Day is of some significance.
To Rodger (and all of you people who so generously wish to return such items to their rightful family) I am sure that the descendant’s of William Richmond JUNOR will be very pleased to learn that this relic even exists! Let alone, that you are wishing to have it restored to their family. Well done to you!
This item of militaria is not for general sale and will only be returned to the direct descendants of William Richmond JUNOR upon strict proof of relationship.
