HMAS Kuttabul & The Midget Submarine Attack – Searching For Relatives Of Our Sailors

Posted on 21 October, 2010 by gary

Contact from an Australian Militaria Collector to Medals Gone Missing has indicated that a set of war service medals, belonging to a sailor from the ‘wartime’  H.M.A.S Kuttabul have recently been sold on ebay.  Whilst at this time, the naming of the medals is only known as “SMITH”, it is evident that two sailors from the Royal Australian Navy were on board this vessel at the time of her sinking on the early hours of the 1st of June, 1942.  These men were Arthur James SMITH from Perth in Western Australia and Herbert Arthur SMITH, from Taree in New South Wales.

On the 31st of May, 1942 – the Japanese launched an attack upon Sydney Harbour, which would shake the Australian population to the core.  Of course, Darwin had already been attacked by Japanese aircraft over three months before (on the 19th of February, 1942) however scant details were known at this time by other Australians, far from the danger of the far north.

However this attack, launched by three midget submarines (each with a two man crew) was so audacious in it’s planning and execution – that if Australians had any complacency left after the fall of Singapore and the subsequent bombing of our northern shores; then this surely was the wakeup call that which would shake the nation from it’s slumber.  Much has been written of this attack, upon the very heart of Australia’s population.  For a detailed account of this incident, please visit the Department of Veterans’ Affairs Website titled “Australia’s War 1939-1945″ by Clicking Here.

IMAGE RIGHT:  H.M.A.S KUTTABUL circa 1st June, 1942 in Sydney Harbour after the Japanese midget submarine attack.

It is a well known fact that the 21 Naval Ratings whom lost their lives aboard the ill-fated H.M.A.S. KUTTABUL were unwitting victims aboard a target, not of the Japanese choosing.  The intended target of Midget Submarine M24 during this Japanese raid was fhe American Heavy Cruiser; the U.S.S. Chicago which had been spotted by a Japanese observation plane launched by the ‘mother’ submarine I-24 the previous day.  Of course, any other large allied vessel would also be fair game – however a former harbour ferry, converted into a Naval Depot ship would not be worth “wasting” a torpedo on (especially when each midget sub only carried two torpedoes each).

Whilst the date ’31st of May, 1942′ will go down in the history books as the day that Sydney Harbour became a battlefield …… I was a touch surprised to discover that the 21 men who lost their lives on the KUTTABUL, actually have their date of death recorded as the 1st of June, 1942.  When speaking of this incident over the years during numerous speeches and presentations; it simply had not occurred to me that H.M.A.S. KUTTABUL had been hit – after the stroke of midnight.  It was just a common assumption that these men perished on the 31st of May; the date which history records as that of the actual attack.  The 1st of June, 1942 is confirmed by both the World War Two Nominal Roll and the Commonwealth War Graves Commission records; as well as the inscription on the H.M.A.S KUTTABUL memorial, Garden Island. 

IMAGE LEFT: The memorial to H.M.A.S. KUTTABUL on the shore of Garden Island.  Photo image courtesy of David Stockman, Garden Island Heritage c/o Building 2 L2, Garden Island.

In accordance with this very important moment in time for us as Australians, memorials have been built and commemorations have been held in the past.  But with the approach of the 70th Anniversary in 2012 of the sinking of H.M.A.S. KUTTABUL; it is fitting that these men are once again – commemorated by a grateful nation and their names remembered.

As such, Medals Gone Missing is seeking to make contact with the relatives of the 19 Australian Naval Ratings and the 2 sailors of the Royal Navy who tragically lost their lives aboard H.M.A.S KUTTABUL on the 1st of June, 1942.  Servicemen of the Royal Australian Navy.  Their names, in alphabetical order are:-

1.  John Samuel ASHER (Service Number PA1913) Stoker II Class, born in North Adelaide on the 18th of May, 1922.  Next of kin recorded as Rudolph ASHER.

2.  Leslie William BLAND (Service Number S/4023) Able Seaman, born in Paddington, NSW on the 18th of December, 1921.  Next of kin recorded as Rose SHAW.

3.  William Richard BOUNDY (Service Number 23893) Stoker, born in Hallaroo – South Australia on the 12th of July, 1921.  Next of kin recorded as Ethel (last name unknown)

4.  Sydney William BUTCHER (Service Number 23734) Leading Stoker, born in Kurri Kurri – NSW on the 11th of December, 1920.  Next of kin recorded as Violet BUTCHER.

5.  Leslie Joseph DENNISON (Service Number W2277) Stoker, born in Kensington – Victoria on the 29th of August, 1917.  Next of kin recorded as Thomas DENNISON.

6.  Arthur William FRANCIS (Service Number 16076) Stoker, born in Wighton – England on the 22nd of December, 1900.  Next of kin recorded as Sarah FRANCIS.

7.  John Edward GANNON (Service Number S5161) Stoker, born in Liverpool – England on the 31st of December, 1906.  Next of kin recorded as Edna GANNON.

8.  Jack Albert GARDNER (Service Number W/1418) Stoker, born in Caulfield – Victoria on the 23rd of September, 1918.  Next of kin recorded as Veronica GARDNER.

9.  Frederick Arthur GLANFORD (Service Number B3414) Stoker II Class, born in Brisbane – Queensland on the 24th of September, 1920.  Next of kin recorded as Rebecca GLANFORD.

10.  Walter George GORDON (Service Number PM3354) Engine Room Artificer 4th Class, born in South Melbourne – Victoria on the 26th of July, 1912.  Next of kin recorded as F. GORDON.

11.  Leonard Walter HOWROYD (Service Number 19667) Petty Officer, born in Richmond – Victoria on the 25th of August, 1915.  Next of kin recorded as Joyce HOWROYD.

12.  Lester Richard JAMIESON (Service Number W2244) Stoker II Class, born in Ararat – Victoria on the 27th of June, 1921.  Next of kin recorded as Thomas JAMIESON.

13.  Kenneth Francis KILLEEN (Service Number 25753) Stoker II Class, born in Sale – Victoria on the 4th of October, 1921.  Next of kin recorded as Francis KILLEEN.

14.  Jack Edmund NUMAN (Service Number 23807) Stoker, born in Brisbane – Queensland.  Next of kin recorded as Sarah JEFFS.

15.  Norman Leslie ROBSON (Service Number S/5654) Stoker II Class, born in Leichhardt – NSW on the 10th of June, 1922.  Next of kin recorded as Ena ROBSON.

16.  Arthur James SMITH (Service Number F3222) Able Seaman, born in Perth – Western Australia on the 2nd of May, 1919.  Next of kin recorded as Hilda SMITH.

17.  Herbert Arthur SMITH (Service Number S6131) Stoker II Class, born in Taree – NSW on the 20th of January, 1924.  Next of kin recorded as Arthur SMITH.

18.  Raymond Owen VENNING (Service Number S6116) Ordinary Seaman, born in Pinnaroo – South Australia on the 4th of June, 1923.  Next of kin recorded as Annetta VENNING.

19.  Thomas Joseph WATSON (Service Number S/5511) Stoker II Class, born in Cootamundra – NSW on the 15th of November, 1917.  Next of kin recorded as Florence WATSON.

ROYAL NAVY PERSONNEL LOST ON H.M.A.S. KUTTABUL

1.  Frank KIRBY (Service Number D/JX238696) Able Seaman, born in the United Kingdom and died – aged 26 years.

2.  David Black TRIST (Service Number C/JX170204) Ordinary Seaman, he was the son of David B. TRIST & Jean TRIST of Newtowngrange, Midlothian – Scotland.  He died, aged only 18 years.

IMAGE RIGHT:  Honour board at the Australian Naval Base which bears her name; H.M.A.S. KUTTABUL – commemorating the 21 men who lost their lives on the wartime KUTTABUL in 1942.  Photo image courtesy of David Stockman, Garden Island Heritage c/o Building 2 L2, Garden Island.

The collectability of War Service Medals has increased in recent years and online auction sites (such as ebay) have “created a monster” in regards to the accessibility that overseas buyers now have on war medals sold, in any particular country.  For example, medals previously advertised and sold by a British – would likely to have been noticed and purchased only by a British resident.  Nowadays, ebay has made it possible for a buyer in Canada or Australia for example – to view a medal advert “online”  and then make the purchase.  Subsequently these medals are sold to an overseas buyer and leave their ‘native’  country ….. possibly never to return.  With technical monsters such as this, what chance has a family member of recovering the war medals of their ancestor which are now in the hands of an overseas or local collector.

The fact that only 21 young men (Allied) lost their lives in this particular action, makes these war medals very valuable and sought after to a collector of Australian Militaria.  However, I would suggest that war medals of the Kuttabul crew are more valuable to the descendants of such servicemen.  People who hold the memory of their loved ones dear to them, especially on days of commemoration – such as Remembrance Day and Anzac Day.  It saddens me to think that any war medals are traded on the open market, like a commodity.  The only good thing to come from such things is perhaps, the medals go to a “good home”  of a collector who is going to value such war medals and the meaning behind them.

However, I still cannot help but think that any war medals of a Kuttabul crewman (if not still in the hands of a family member) would be better served – on display at one of the Australian Maritime Museums (such as Garden Island or the National Maritime Musuem in Darling Harbour).  It may even be the case that such medals would be proudly displayed at the current naval base which bears this name, H.M.A.S. Kuttabul in Sydney (where the honour boards, pictured above are displayed).

If you are a relative or descendant of any sailors who lost their lives aboard H.M.A.S. KUTTABUL on the 1st of June, 1942 – please contact the Medals Gone Missing Administrator.  Especially if the war medals of your ancestor are missing.

Alternatively, if you are a medal or militaria collector who happens to have any war service medals of the above mentioned men; please contact us as we would like to hear from you.

The Medals Gone Missing Administrator can be contacted through the “Contact Us” facility of this website or on telephone 044 969 2401 (in Australia) and +61 44 9692401 if outside Australia.

LEST WE FORGET

To find out more about Australian Naval History, please visit the Naval Historical Society Website by Clicking Here or contact them on telephone number 9359 2243

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Too Big a Price To Pay! – the Creswick boys (Norman & Thomas) Killed In Action

Posted on 14 October, 2010 by gary

The following account was written by Geoff CRAWFORD of Bowral in New South Wales Australia. These men were his ‘Great Uncles’ and their Memorial Plaques (also known as ‘Death Plaques’ and ‘Dead Man’s Penny’ are missing. Do you know where they are? Or can you help in any way? If so, please contact the Medals Gone Missing Administrator.

NORMAN LACHLAN CRESWICK:

Norman was born in 1896 at Lake Cargelligo, NSW. He grew up on the family’s rural property, Goolring Station, near Bourke, though he was sent to Albury, on the NSW/Victoria border, for his basic education.

At the time of the outbreak of the First World War, Norman was the station overseer at Goolring. He enlisted on the 19th January 1916 (Service Number 399), and departed Sydney on active service as a Private in B Company, 36th Battalion, on the 13th May 1916 on board the HMAT A72 Beltana.

The 36th Battalion became part of the 9th Brigade of the 3rd Australian Division. The troop ship bearing Norman CRESWICK and his fellow soldiers arrived at Devonport, UK on the 9th July 1916. After four months’ training, they were transferred to France on the 22nd November 1916, and subsequently moved into the trenches on the Western Front in Belgium for the first time – just in time for the onset of the terrible winter of 1916-17.

The 36th Infantry Battalion though, had to wait until the emphasis of Allied operations switched to the Ypres Sector of Belgium in June 1917 to take part in it’s first major battle. This was the battle of Messines, launched on the 7th June 1917.

It was in this battle that, on the 11th June, that Norman CRESWICK lost his life. He was just 21 years old. Even more sadly for his family, 399 Private Norman Lachlan CRESWICK has no known grave, such was the carnage and mayhem on the Messines battlefield. His name however, is recorded on the Menin Gate at Ypres.

IMAGE RIGHT: The Menin Gate, situated at the entrance to the city of Ypres in Belgium as depicted in the artwork titled “Menin Gate At Midnight”.  Painted by reknown artist – Will Longstaff in 1927, this evocative painting depicts the ‘ghost’s of the Allied dead, rising up from the surrounding field for their final parade.

THOMAS SEFTON CRESWICK

Thomas CRESWICK was a younger brother of Corporal Norman Lachlan CRESWICK (see above – Service Number 399, 36th Battalion), having been born in 1898. During 1916, his parents had moved from Goolring to Arthursleigh Station, near Marulan, NSW. After a period of schooling in Victoria, Thomas returned to Arthursleigh, to become station overseer.

With the war in full swing and recruitment requirements seemingly insatiable, Thomas enlisted on the 21st September 1916 (Service Number 2536), and departed Sydney on active service as a Private in B Company, 37th Battalion, on the 9th November 1916, on board the HMAT A24 Benalla.

These troops (the 5th such reinforcement contingent) were disembarked from the vessel on 9th/10th January 1917 at Devonport, UK, and shortly afterwards commenced training. May of 1917 saw the unit joining the rest of the 37th Battalion on the Western Front, as part of the 10th Brigade of the 3rd Australian Division.

The 37th Battalion fought in its first major battle at Messines, Belgium, which began on the 7th June 1917. It was in this fight that Thomas CRESWICK (some time between the 7th and 9th) lost his life, at the young age of 19. It is not known if the brothers met up before the battle began, but – given the different sectors of the front line where they were deployed…. it seems perhaps unlikely. Thomas was killed just a few days before his brother Norman. Like his brother, Thomas CRESWICK has no known grave, and is commemorated on the Menin Gate, at Ypres.

IMAGE LEFT: The Will Longstaff painting titled “Immortal Shrine” which was a follow up to his successful “Menin Gate At Midnight”.  This depiction of ghostly soldiers marching past the Cenotaph in London on Remembrance Day, 1928 is a haunting reminder of the countless lives, cut short in their prime – during the Great War.

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A Daughter’s Tribute to Verdun John Stanley BOORER – 2/33rd Battalion AIF

Posted on 4 September, 2010 by gary

 My father was born at Stroud, NSW and at the time he enlisted was the eldest of nine children. He left school at the age of thirteen from Coolongolook Primary, to help support the family. The family had a dairy farm and dad worked on the farm but also cutting logs in the timber industry. They were often not paid for their work and they bartered for food or favour within the community of Coolongolook.  

A few of the local boys enlisted on 28.8.40 the day after dad’s 24th birthday. He wrote to his girlfriend Mable every day while in Australia and her name appears on his pay sheet as a benefactor. 

IMAGE RIGHT: NX47329 Private Verdun John Stanley BOORER, 2/33rd Infantry Battalion AIF.

After training in Australia the group was split and his good mate “Jack” became a POW in Changi.  He is alive as I type.  Dad was in the 2/33 AIF which was part of the 7th Division called ‘Silent Seven” who fought in the Middle East.  His campaigns were Suez Canal and Syria.  I have his records from the Australian National Archives and War history.  W. Crooks have written a book on the 2/33rd that makes me wonder if Changi was better or worse place to be?  I hope I never answer this question.

Dad’s first gunshot wound was on the 10.11.42  (in his left hand; two weeks recovery; back fighting)  near Gona, Owen Stanley Ranges/Kokoda.  As is normal the hero’s of wars do not talk of the atrocities and he didn’t.  The second gunshot wound he received was into his left femur and the bullet lodged in the right thigh.  The date of this injury has never been confirmed however family members have said he had to drag his body through the jungle for days before finding medical support.  He would have had full knowledge that the Japanese took no prisoners and that the Aussie’s were told to leave their injured.  His fellow soldiers told him later that they had put up a cross with his name on it. They thought he was agonna!

In his post war records, I have read where he was ordered to kill two prisoners of war.  Along with the nightmare that war leaves you with, he had this guilt; shame; who knows what he had to live with.

He was named after an uncle that fought at the Battle of Verdun in WW1 and the uncle’s name was John so he got that name also.  A cousin of dad’s was in the “light horse in WW1″. I guess in that era it was a proud tradition or maybe “son’s of adventure”.

After the war he had many months in hospital with callipers to support the left leg which was 3″ shorter. There were many more operations and prosthesis to assist him walking.  He never was without pain.

He married my mother and lived with my grandmother.  This situation was not ideal for a newly married couple.  Finding work was hard and he could not work in the timber industry or on the land that he loved.  He worked in many jobs and finally had long employment at the Artificial Limb Company in Sydney.  My parents bought a house with a war service loan in Sydney’s west.

Dad found comfort when drinking with mates on Anzac day, at the races, after work and on the weekend.  The drink was his sanity. The family could not take away the pain like the grog did. Mum did not understand who could?  They divorced after 10 years of marriage and two daughters later.  Veteran affairs cut dads pension and said “he had no effect of his war service”.  This was sad for him for so many reasons.

Recently I made a request for his name appeared on the Nabiac Cenotaph as he had been left off by mistake.  As I see his name honoured at Nabiac with his childhood mates, I can’t help but wonder what all of our lives would be without the war.

Lest we forget my dad, Verdun John Stanley BOORER aka BON BOORER – Your daughter Janette Jones 

IMAGE RIGHT: The medal set awarded to Private Verdun John Stanley BOORER comprising of:- the 1939-1945 Star, Africa Star, Pacific Star, Defence Medal, 1939-1945 War Medal and the 1939-1945 Australia Service Medal.

 

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Missing Militaria – Now Found – World War Two Australian Boots on the Kokoda Track

Posted on 2 September, 2010 by gary

Whilst walking the Kokoda Track in 2008;  a comment made by one of my associates has prompted me to elaborate on an issue that is rarely even considered – let alone written about.  

            It concerns footwear – or more specifically; boots worn by Australian troops over the Kokoda Track and later “jungle” campaigns.  Whilst, at face value – it may not seem an interesting prospect to discuss footwear; it is probably one of the most prominent items that any modern day ‘Kokoda Trekker’ will ponder over.  The questions that niggle in the back of one’s mind prior to departure.  Such as “Have I chosen the right boots?”……”Have they been broken in sufficiently” and the big question….”Will they give me blisters??” may come back to haunt you as the trekker begins that climb up Imita Ridge or up to Isurava from Kokoda.  Well, in 1942…….there was no such luxury as ‘choice’ and any questions posed to the quartermaster regarding his boots at the clothing store – no doubt resulted in a colourful “soldier’s” response.

IMAGE LEFT:  The  heel plate from an Australian boot, which for all intents and purposes – looked like a miniature “horse shoe”.

            In July, 2008 we were at the Jap Ladder Campsite (between Ofi Creek and Nauro), looking at a piece of rusty metal with protruding nails.  For all intents and purposes – it looked like a “horse shoe”.  However judging by the size of this item, my trekker came to the conclusion that the ‘horse’ must have had an extremely small hoof to fit a shoe – of this size.  Just short of a Shetland pony, what animal would fit a ‘horse shoe’ this small ???

The item of course was NOT a horse shoe !!!  Rather it was the heel plate from an Australian issue service boot.  Being an avid preserver of Australian Militaria, I had seen countless of these items over the years…..the only difference being – mine were all still attached to their boot.  Indeed in 1942, I dare say that the soldier who was wearing these boots at the time – did not even realise that the plate had come off his heel.  Add exhaustion, injury or sickness and I would say that his care factor was minimised even further.

IMAGE RIGHT:  A pair of Second World War Australian Army boots, made by W.PEATT in 1940.  Without any doubt, it was this style of boot which was issued to Australian troops deployed in the initial stages of the Kokoda Track campaign (39th Infantry Battalion, 53rd Infantry Battalion AMF and the men of the 21st Brigade AIF which comprised of the 2/14th, 2/16th and 2/27th Infantry Battalions)

            When a country mobilises for war, the whole industrial might of that nation goes into full swing.  Production at all levels is doubled and sometimes even tripled – when compared to peacetime output.  You only have to consider how many people enlisted to form the 5 Australian Divisions during the First War (the AIF) – and 4 Divisions during the Second War (Second AIF).  Plus, during World War Two – we had the unique situation of placing a “Militia” army also into the field.  Each and every one of these men needed to be ‘kitted out’ and this meant boots.  Hundreds of thousands of them.

            It always frustrates me – when other collectors or backyard historians claim that leather goods made for the Army all had to be “this colour” or argue blind that “this or that is wrong”.  The fact of the matter is; one single Government factory simply cannot produce sufficient goods on its own – to equip an entire army in a specified period of time.  Especially when a pledge is made – to supply a certain number of troops, to support the Mother Country at the soonest opportunity.  It is quite correct to say that the Government had a certain “standard” or “pattern” so as to make their items of kit conform to a standard uniform.  However, to accommodate such large orders, the Government simply out sourced its demand for items to civilian manufacturers – so long as their product COMPLIED with the standard and passed an inspector’s examination.  Henceforth, boots for Military service had a certain appearance but may have varied slightly from one manufacturer to another.  Civilian companies commissioned to produce Military footwear included Blundstone, W.Peatt, J.J. Whyte, Rossiters Ltd and Slatters; just to name a few.

IMAGE LEFT:  A comparison between the Australian Army boots of the First World War; and those issued to the men of the 2nd AIF during the early stages of World War Two.  As can be clearly seen, the design hardly changed at all.  The boots on the left were manufactured in 1919.  The boots on the right were manufactured in 1941.

In the First World War, historian Charles Bean described the footwear of the First AIF, simply as being like a “workman’s boot”.  Volume 1 of the Official History of World War 1 (Page 63), states that the boots were as pliable as civilian boots and far stouter.  It was also said that in France, countless favours were obtained in exchange for Australian boots, such were their popularity amongst English troops.   This basic design with only minor modifications (i.e. number of eyelets etc) was in military service prior to 1914 and remained so, up until 1941.   The boot upper merely consisted of two (2) pieces of leather stitched together (a toe section and the main ‘body’ of the boot) with  a third piece stitched over the heel – as reinforcing to the back of the boot.  There was no toe cap, subsequently the boot had a ‘soft toe’ appearance.  All of this, stitched onto a full leather sole may – or may not – have been completed with a metal heel plate.  This is clearly illustrated by these two boots produced by different manufacturers.  Those made by ‘W.Peatt’ in 1940 have the metal ‘horse shoe’ and nailed sole whilst the other pair; made by ‘J.J. Whyte’ in 1941 have a clean sole, completely devoid of metalwork. 

IMAGE RIGHT:  The underside of the boots made by W.PEATT in 1940, showing the metal heel plate in situ …. with a relic heel place recovered from Imita Ridge in 2007.

 

 

 

 IMAGE LEFT:  The underside of the boots made by J.J. WHYTE which were manufactured in 1941.  Note that they are completely devoid of any metalwork at all – when compared to the boots made by W.PEATT.  This clearly demonstrates the difference manufacturing processes employed by varying manufacturers.

The pattern for Australian military boots was altered after 1941.  The main difference being a “toe cap” which was incorporated into the manufacturing process.  This resulted in a line of double stitching being evident on the ‘upper toe’ of the boot and it is easy to discern the difference between the two designs.  Again, variations between manufacturers could result in some items displaying metal heel or toe plates and others having just a plain, leather sole.  Certainly, there are some variations in the colour – from light tan (London Tan) to brown.  Some manufacturers altered the design of the heel plate, so that the plate was complete around its perimeter or circumference – and not open at one end, like a ‘horse shoe’.  A major variation however was the addition of brass “Jungle Cleats” which were added to improve grip in muddy conditions.  A lesson no doubt learnt from experience gained on the Kokoda Track.

IMAGE RIGHT:  The Pattern 10085 Australian Army boot with ‘jungle cleats’.  Note the stitching across the toe cap which was different from the previous pattern of boot.

In the harsh jungle climate, leather boots and shoelaces rotted.  Socks simply disintegrated (it was not uncommon for diggers to cut the sleeves of their woollen jumpers to use as substitute socks) and footwear could remain on one’s feet for up to two weeks at a time.  Laurie Howson of the 39th Battalion once commented “The days go on.  You are trying to survive, shirt torn, arse out of your pants.  Some days you carry your boots because there’s no skin on your feet.”

 

 IMAGE LEFT (PLEASE CLICK TO ENLARGE):  A comparison of the early pattern Australian Army boot (on the right) to the latter pattern (Pattern 10085) on the left.  As can be seen, the later pattern differs – in that they are manufactured with a toe cap as indicated by the row of double stitching across the toe.  They also have a slightly different “feel” to them …. the Pattern 10085 appear to be more stout and robust in their construction.

 

 IMAGE RIGHT:  A Pattern 10085 Australian Army boot located at Eora Creek (Japanes Mountain Gun position) in April, 2009.  The leather, though thoroughly soaked from the rain – was soft and pliable.  As can be seen, the mud has perfectly preserved the leather which in places, even retains its original ‘light tan’ colour.  Whilst the boot was seperated in two (see below photo) it was placed “together” to ascertain the size of the boot which was estimated as being a size 10.  The fate of the wearer is unknown.

During the Australian withdrawal, the 2/14th reached the supply base at Myola late on the night of the 3rd and early hours of the 4th September, 1942.  Exhaustion had set in and most simply dropped straight off to sleep in their cold, sodden clothes.  In Peter Brune’s “Those Ragged Bloody Heroes” he details how they woke into a ‘Promised Land’ with all of the luxuries that they had not seen for some time.  The torn and mud stained clothes were removed in favour of fresh, clean uniforms.  Boots and socks were cut away and in many cases the rotten skin simply came off with them.  The men’s feet were exposed to the fresh air and the unit chiropodist (Corporal Clark), set about the task of paring away the rotten tissue and smoothing out the wrinkles.   Few passed up the opportunity to replace their boots at Myola, prior to destroying the remaining stores when the area was evacuated.

IMAGE RIGHT:  The toe cap of the same boot at Eora Creek.  As can be seen, the leather is surprisingly in very good condition.

Lieutenant Hugh Dalby, M.C. (previously from the 2/27th and transferred to the 39th) stated “My condition, feet wise had deteriorated because by boots had worn out.  I had pulpy feet: like crevices; ridges a quarter of an inch thick.  You were soaking wet all the time.  White puffy skin just started to peel off.”

For those of you who have walked the Kokoda Track and then continued on to the beach heads of Buna, Gona and Sanananda – perhaps you share my amazement at the sheer distance involved.  When you consider that ‘B’ Company of the 39th Battalion, AMF with Captain Sam Templeton in the lead; walked from McDonald’s Corner all the way to Buna.  Then, after fighting numerous battles, had to walk all the way back again!   An outstanding effort, on hard soled leather boots! 

IMAGE LEFT :  The underside of a Pattern 10085 boot and the underside of the Australian Army boot located at Eora Creek, that is featured in the previous two photographs.  Note the metal toe plate which is evident on both boots.  These metal plates were incorporated into the sole, so as to reduce “wear” whilst walking on paved services.   Wish to know more about the implementation of metal sole plates on Australian boots?  Please Click Here.

So – how does all of this relate to me as a trekker on the Kokoda Track?  Well one merely has to compare our modern apparel with that of a soldier in 1942.  Consider the condition of the track on the ‘Golden Staircase’ of Imita Ridge- or the 3500 odd timber steps cut into the ‘ascent’ towards Ioribaiwa by Australian Engineers.  If you can imagine, wearing boots with a flat leather sole.  Make those boots soaking wet and then negotiate uneven steps.  Add 20 to 30 kilos worth of kit, a reduction in concentration levels due to a poor diet and exhaustion and then place your leather sole on the slimey timber.  One can only imagine how many ‘bloodied shins’ were the result.  Or clamber down the muddy slopes towards Menari, with a Battalion of men in front of you – and see just how much grip our 1941 boots gave us in the tortuous conditions.  In modern times, we can certainly ‘experience’ the rigorous terrain of the Kokoda Track. 

IMAGE RIGHT (PLEASE CLICK TO ENLARGE):  Despite the improvement in footwear since 1942, certain hardships can still strike down the unwary trekker on the Kokoda Track.  These blisters are testimony to the fact that a good pair of trekking boots (well  broken in) are a must – but despite our best efforts …. problems still occur.

However, we can never fully appreciate just what it was like for a digger in 1942 – no matter how hard we try.   There is an old saying – that you should never judge a person until you have walked a mile in their shoes.   Well, the more I learn about the men of this era….and the type of equipment made available to do what was expected of them (which was built for war use – not for the comfort of the wearer)   I judge their efforts to be nothing short of ‘extraordinary’.   When we think of the words inscribed on the Isurava Memorial – then without a single doubt in the world, these men definitely put the “E” back into the word “Endurance”.

IMAGE LEFT:  An Australian Pattern 10085 Army boot which is on display at the Alola Museum.  This museum houses a number of very interesting artefacts and is one of the better museums on the track.  Please Click Here to see a very rare object in the form of a Type 92 Machinegun (Japanese Lewis Gun) which is on display at the Alola Museum.

 

 

 

 IMAGE RIGHT:  Another Heel Plate, this one located on the “Bert Kienzle track” which was cut by this Kokoda stalwart to join Myola 2 with Templeton’s Crossing.

 

    IMAGE LEFT:  The Pattern 10085 boots as they looked when issued in late 1942.

  

 

 

 

IMAGE RIGHT:  A Pattern 10085  Australian Army boot after 60 years in the jungle.  This particular relic is on display at the Sanananda Museum which is run by Ananius Mongagi on the south side of the inlet, Sanananda – Papua New Guinea.  Note the dried out condition of the leather, when compared to the “moist” leather of the boot found at Eora Creek where the rainfall is much higher.

 

  

  IMAGE LEFT:  Not a pretty sight!  The waterlogged feet of Medals Gone Missing Administrator (Gary Traynor) after trekking from ”Dump 1″ to Alola in 2008   As recorded in the narrative above, the 2/14th Battalion chiropodist (Corporal Clark)  “set about the task of paring away the rotten tissue and smoothing out the wrinkles”. I had the luxury of taking my shoes off  every evening before this photograph was taken.  Many soldiers on the Kokoda Track during 1942 had NOT taken their shoes off for over a week, whilst in action.   Something for the modern day trekkers to ponder over; if ever they experience wet and sore feet. 

  

WISH TO SEE A COMPLETE INVENTORY OF UNIFORM & KIT ISSUED TO AUSTRALIAN TROOPS DURING WORLD WAR TWO?  Please Click Here to view more pictures of Australian Army boots and related paraphernalia.

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Posted in Honour Roll - Australian Stories, Military Memorabilia, Missing Militaria - Now Found! | Leave a comment

No Picklehaube For Me! – Germans in Slouch Hats with the AIF, during World War 1

Posted on 22 August, 2010 by gary

 Germans in the AIF (or should we say, men of German descent)  numbered in their thousands.  You need only peruse the First World War Embarkation Roll to see exactly how many men with Germanic names, actually served under the fur felt hat – of the  Australian Imperial Force.   It is interesting to note, that many of these Germans were second and even third generation Australians….. their ancestors having migrated to this far flung outpost of the British Empire in the mid 1800′s.  A large number settled in the Barossa Valley of South Australia and the farmlands of southern Victoria.

It is also highly likely, that many others ‘Anglacised’ their names or enlisted under a pseudonym – in order to hide their Germanic ancestry.  Whether this was to save themselves from ostracism or merely so others would not cast dispersions as to their loyalty, can only be speculated.   Regardless of their family background, the vast majority of these men considered themselves just as “Australian” as the next man.  And this did not stop many of them from doing, what they considered to be their duty.  Certainly, if their mates enlisted ….. then many of these men would have followed suit.  But perhaps in some cases, we can exclude their motivation to enlist as being a “desire to serve the King” part of the equation in  ‘God, King & Country’ !

IMAGE RIGHT:   A Norman Lindsay recruitment poster – appealing for Australians to enlist “Quick”.  It depicts two diggers who are outnumbered and with their backs to the wall.  With one man wounded and laying helplessly on the ground -  he appeals for his fellow Australians to join them in the struggle whilst his mate, fights for his life.  Dispite the fact that this poster was printed in the latter part of the war (actually printed in 1918) it still depicts ‘the Hun’ wearing their Picklehaube helmets; despite the fact these obsolescent helmets were no longer being worn in front line service.

However, as many readers would know – German ancestry was in the blood of Briton’s Royal Family itself.  The ‘Windsor’ family name only came about, when they legally changed their name during 1917 from the German surname ‘Saxe-Coburg-Gotha’.  All efforts were made by the Royals to distance themselves from their Germanic past and prove to the English populance – where their loyalties lay.  Indeed, Lord Louis Mountbatten (who served in the Royal Navy during World War 1 and distinguished himself as 1st Earl Mountbatten of Burma during WW2) was the youngest son of Prince Louis of Battenberg.   Who was to guess that just twently one years later, history would repeat itself and the two countries would be at war for a second time.  However in this latter war, the Royal family would be thrust into the front line when Buckingham Palace was struck by Germans Bombs during the Blitz.  An incident which was welcomed by the Royals with relief – at least  now they could show the East Enders of London that nobody – rich or poor- was immune to the devastation.

IMAGE LEFT: Another Norman Lindsay painting, depicting the beastlike “Evil Hun” who’s blood drenched hands are staining the free world with the German attempt at domination.  Note again, the Picklehaube depicted on the German’s head, which had become synonymous with the public’s mental picture of German troops.

However, the subject of this article is to detail those Australians who retained their German surnames and served amongst the ranks of the A.I.F.  Whilst their distant cousins would be donning their Picklehaubes (iconic leather helmets or ‘hard hats’ which usually sported a spike on top – or similar brass protrusion and a helmet plate)  these men adorned themselves with the ‘brown slouch hat with the side turned up’ which would become a popular song later, during World War 2.

Two such Germanic-Australian families who had sons which enlisted as volunteers into the Australian Imperial Force, were the LUHRS family from South Australia and the SCHULTZ family from Victoria.

 Brothers, Berthold Heinrich (Henry) LUHRS and Herbert Norman LUHRS signed up seperately.  Berthold, a 26 year old Labourer from Milbrulong in New South Wales (though he was born near Bagot Well in S.A.)  had an interesting military career.  He enlisted on the 17th of February, 1916 ….. only to be discharged …. surprisingly …. at his wife’s request; just over one month later (on the 26th of March).  See attached link to page 4 of his personal record with the Australian Archives  http://naa12.naa.gov.au/Scripts/Imagine.asp .  However Berthold seemed to wear the pants in this relationship, as he rejoined again on the 28th of July, 1916 and entered service as a reinforcement to number 22nd Infantry Battalion with the service number 6115.  Berthold would have a few brushes with the miliatry law, before the war was out.  His first offence occurred on the 30th of December, 1916 whilst on board the troopship HMAT Argyllshire; where his crime entailed ‘Using Threatening Language to an N.C.O’ .  For this, Berthold was awarded a punishment of “4 days confined to ship and forfeit 4 days pay”.

IMAGE RIGHT:  An example of a  German Picklehaube, as worn by front line troops in the early stages of the First World War.  These helmets would eventually be replaced by the steel helmet but until then, they were a prized ‘souvenier’ for any British Commonwealth soldier and many were sent home as such.  Whilst this image shows clearly, the helmet plate and the brass ‘spike’, it was common practice to wear a cotton cover made from field grey cloth over the Picklehaube; to camoflage it’s shiney surfaces.

On the 15th of March, 1917 he left England for France and he was taken on strength of the 22nd Infantry Battalion on the 31st of March, 1917.    This breach of military discipline blew out to his first period of being AWOL (Absent Without Leave) from 9.15am Parade and 2.00pm Parade on the 17/08/1917 and for this indiscretion, he earnt himself 48 hours Field Punishment and a forfeit of 2 days pay; by order of the C.O. 22nd Battalion AIF.  A letter written by his sister (Miss R. LUHRS) and dated the 15th of June, 1917 indicated that she had written to Berthold but that he had not received his letters and papers.   Perhaps it was this lack of receiving correspondence, which contributed to his poor morale and resulted in him abandoning his duties?  On the 28th of September, 1917 – he was sentenced to two years imprisonment with ‘hard labour’ for being AWOL  from 4pm on the 19/09/1917 till 8.30pm on the 22/09/1917 (about 1 month after his first period of AWOL).  He spent this period of incarceration at the No. 1 Military Prison in Rouen, France.  However, he would only serve out a little over 12 months of that sentence, being released and returned to his unit on the 18th of October, 1918 (the remainder of his sentence being suspended).  On the 9th of May, 1918 – his sister wrote to the Base Records Office again, regarding the whereabouts of Berthold and questioning the reason for him not receiving her mail.  She had not heard from him for over 12 months.  Unbeknown to her at this time, was that he was a guest of His Majesty’s Military Prison and serving out a sentence.  Apparantly, he had been a regular letter writer, up until then.  However Base Records returned her letter on the 16th of May, 1918 indicating that they had not received any recent report and they assumed that he must still be with his unit.  It would appear as if they also had no idea that he was serving a custodial sentence !

IMAGE LEFT:The younger brother of Berthold Heinrich LUHRS -  Private Herbert Norman LUHRS (Service Number 56104).  Incidently, this photo was returned to his descendants by Medals Gone Missing in 2008.  It had been located for sale on ebay and the family did not even know that the photo existed!

Herbert Norman LUHRS was too young to join up when the war broke out during 1914.  Born in 1899, he was not old enough to enlist until the last year of the war – this being 1918 (a man had to be 21 years of age before he could enlist into the AIF).   However, one could enlist at the age of 18 with the consent of a parent.  So after his 18th birthday, Herbert signed up to serve overseas in the Australian Imperial Force.  Embarking on the 23rd of July, 1918 – he did not arrive in France until the 31st of January, 1919.  His family would no doubt consider it fortunate that he was too late to see active service. He was subsequently mustered as a Driver with the 4th Australian Motor Transport Company and after a brief military service during the “clean up” of Europe; he returned to Australia on the 2nd of February, 1920.

IMAGE RIGHT:Herbert Norman LUHRS (child on the left) aged approximately 4 years old with his mother and cousin.  His Germanic heritage is evident here in the manner in which they have dressed him.

 Another man who thought it prudent to change his name upon enlistment was a soldier from the Illawarra whose birth name owas James TEICHMANN.  Strange as it may seem, he chose a ‘French’ name for his alias; that of Claude LIMONAIRE and entered the AIF with the service number of 3182 on the 6th of November, 1916.  (NOTE:  His first name is misspelt on the First World War Embarkation Roll, in that Claud is spelt without the letter ‘e’ at the end).   At the time of his enlistment at Wollongong, he indicated that his next of kin was Margaret LIMONAIRE of Bathurst – so if this alias was a ruse to hide his German ancestry, then his story was very well weaved indeed.   He claimed on this enlistment that he had been born in ‘Geraldton, Western Australia’.  He left Australia as part of the 45th Infantry Battalion aboard HMAT Beltana and served in France during 1917.  A medical case sheet held within his file (National Archives of Australia) indicate that he served in “the band” of the 45th Battalion after being ‘knocked over by concussion’ during a period of shelling, requiring him to be carried out.  The case sheet goes on to state that in October 1917, he was ‘blown up’ and had to go on sick report – due to him falling out of band continually.  He was subsequently admitted to hospital in April of 1918 and this eventually led to him being discharged as ‘medically unfit’.

IMAGE LEFT: James Samuel TEICHMANN a man of German descent, who enlisted under a ‘French’ name as 3182 Private Claude LIMONAIRE at the old Post Office, the bottom of Market Street in Wollongong, NSW in late 1916.

 If his game had been ‘up’, it could have occurred when a letter dated 25th November, 1917 was written by his father – clearly indicating that his true name was James Samuel TEICHMANN and not “C. LIMONAIRE” as per his enlistment.   Claude…..or should we say “James Samuel TEICHMANN” survived the war and returned to Australia.  He was discharged from the AIF on the 2nd of September, 1918.  Not happy with this result, he tried to re-enlist in October of 1918 …. this time, stating that he was a single man and born in Paris, France.  This enlistment, however was cancelled and he remained in Australia.

IMAGE RIGHT:The letter from the father of James TEICHMANN, clearly indicating that his son had enlisted under the false name of Claude LIMONAIRE.  (Please click on the image to enlarge)

 And without any doubt, many soldiers of these AIF soldiers were manning trenches – opposite their very own German cousins or other distant relatives.

Indeed, there was to be “No Picklehaubs” for these diggers.  They wore the fur felt ‘Slouch Hat’ with pride and earned their right to call themselves ‘Australian’ !!

DO YOU HAVE ANY AUSTRALIAN MEDALS IN YOUR COLLECTION WHICH BEAR GERMAN NAMES?  IF SO, WE WOULD LIKE TO HEAR FROM YOU.

ALTERNATIVELY, IF YOU HAVE A RELATIVE WHO WAS OF GERMAN DESCENT BUT SERVED IN THE AIF, THEN PLEASE ADD HIS NAME TO THIS STORY.  Contact the Medals Gone Missing Administrator to include his name and battalion number on our list.

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