SAPPER WILLIAM GEORGE BYRNE
5500 – Aust Electrical & Mechanical Mining & Boring Company
Nebo, Ravenswood, Queensland was the birthplace of William George (Talty) Byrne on October 7, 1891 the son of Andrew and Elizabeth Ann (McGowan). In 1913 he worked as a timber-getter at Howard, Queensland. The following proceedings in the Licensing Court were reported in the:
The Public Police Notice appeared in the:
At the recruiting office in Maryborough, Qld on March 21, 1916 the twenty-five year old applied to enlist for active service abroad. Passing the preliminary medical examination personal particulars taken show he was a miner from Howard and stood 168cms (5ft 6ins) tall with a chest expansion 84-92cms (33-36ins).
Declared fit for service and was accepted on April 4, 1916. Forms of Attestation were completed adding further information that weight was 65kgs (143lbs) with a sallow complexion with brown eyes testing to good vision and had brown hair. Distinctive marks were scars on his chin, over left eye and right side of head. Religious faith was Roman Catholic. He had twice been convicted for minor offences. Next-of-kin was initially his friend Mr Henry Plastow of Howard but later changed to his sister Elizabeth St John Austin of Michenbah, Qld. He was sworn in the same day.
At Enoggera camp, Brisbane George commenced basic training with the 11th Depot Battalion from April 18 until May 19, 1916 then transferred to the Mining Corps Depot (1st M.D.) On June 25, 1916 he was sent to the Miners’ Training camp at Seymour, Vic and placed with the October, 1916 Reinforcements to the Tunnelling Companies. His rank was Sapper with the regimental number 5500.
The 516 Reinforcements departed Melbourne, Victoria on October 25, 1916 at 1.30pm aboard the transport HMAT A38 Ulysses. The Australian coastline disappeared from view on October 30, 1916 with the port of Durban reached at 11.30am on November 13, 1916.
Windy weather was experienced going around the Cape and arrived at Cape Town at 7am on November 19. Sierra Leone was the next port of call but their departure was delayed until December 14, 1916 as it was not safe to proceed further.
Arrived at Plymouth, England on December 28, 1916 after 65 days at sea, with the troops disembarking at 1.30pm and detrained to the station at Tidworth and marched into the Aust Details Camp at Perham Down’s camp.
The Reinforcements proceeded to France on January 29, 1917 via Folkstone and arrived at the Aust General Base Depot a day later.
On February 24 Sapper Byrne was attached on Supernumeracy to the Aust Electrical & Mechanical Mining & Boring Company being taken on strength the same day.
Disciplinary action was administered on August 5, 1917 for the following:
A.W.L. from duty without leave, found in Estaminet at prohibited
hours 2/8/17
Award: 7 days F.P. No. 2 [Field Punishment]
He was awarded Blue Chevrons to wear on his uniform for twelve months service.
Leave was granted from February 3, 1918 and rejoined on February 17.
He was taken on strength with the company on August 1, 1918.
Service continued until Peace was declared and they remained on the front continuing to generate electricity and provide and service pumps and small equipment as rehabilitation of their area took place.
Leave was granted by the furlough department and commenced from December 31, 1918 until he returned January 13, 1919.
On February 24, 1919 further punishment was allotted:
Crime: W.O.A.S. [While on Active Service] AWL from 10 a.m. 14/2/19 until
Reporting 4 p.m. 20/2/19. Absent 150hrs.
Award: 14 days F.P. No. 2 by C.O. ABMMBC
Total forfeiture: 21 day’s pay
They were ordered to return to the Aust Base Depot on February 28 to prepare for demobilisation. After crossing the English Channel the next day marched into the Reserve Brigade Aust Artillery camp at Heytesbury to await his ship home.
The transport H.T. Ormonde embarked on June 16, 1919 for Australia with Sapper Byrne on board for the voyage home. Next-of-kin were advised by Base Records on July 14, 1919 of his impending return.
Names of the returning soldiers were published in:
The ship docked in Sydney, NSW (2nd M.D.) on August 4, 1919. News of the arrival was printed in the:
Military Discharge was issued in Brisbane (1st M.D.) on September 12, 1919 on termination of his period of enlistment. He returned to Howard to continue working as a timber-getter.
For serving his country Sapper 5500 William George Byrne, Aust Electrical & Mechanical Mining & Boring Company was issued with the British War Medal (24481) and the Victory Medal (23655).
In 1925 he was a miner working in Howard, Qld.
William George Byrne died on July 9, 1934 aged 43 years. Family arrangements were published in the:
An Obituary was also published which shows the events of his sad demise.
Burial took place in the Howard Cemetery, Qld.
A Statement of Service was sent from Base Records to the Brisbane branch of the Repatriation Department on May 10, 1938.
Photo of grave sourced from www.chapelhill.homeip.net
His brother also served.
PRIVATE JOHN HENRY BYRNE
1317 – 9th Battalion
James Henry Byrne was born on 4 January, 1894 in Ravenswood, Qld the son of Andrew and Elizabeth Ann (nee Mcgowan) Byrne. His mother died on 6 September, 1896 in Ravenswood and his father passed away in Howard on 17 August, 1910. He had two sisters and one brother.
Military experience was gained from the senior cadets and 12 years with the 4th Infantry.
At the recruiting depot in Mackay, Qld the single twenty-one year old labourer enlisted on 23 December, 1914 and passed the medical examination. Particulars under the name John Henry Byrne show he was 163cms (5ft 4ins) tall, weighed 61.8kgs (136lbs) with a chest expansion of 84-89cms (33-35ins). Complexion was dark with grey eyes and brown hair. Distinctive mark was a scar on the back of his right hip. Religion was Roman Catholic. Next-of-kin nominated was his sister, Mrs Mary Howard of Howard, Qld.
Basic training was at Enoggera Barracks, Brisbane and allotted to the 2nd Reinforcement to the 9th Battalion. His regimental number was 1317. The Reinforcement embarked from Brisbane on board H.M.A.T. A46 Seang Bee on 13 February, 1915 and docked at the Suez. He was posted on 7 May 1915 to “D” Company.
Private John Henry Byrne was killed in action on 20 May, 1915 at Gaba Tepe, Gallipoli.
Burial took place in Shell Green Cemetery in plot 1 row C in grave no. 9.
The cemetery was located about 1150 yards south of Anzac Cove and the Army Padre was present at the burial.
Major Pendlebury of Brisbane informed his sister of his death on 19th June, 1915.
News of his demise was announced in the:
For his supreme sacrifice Private 1317 John Henry Byrne, 9th Battalion, was issued with the 1914-15 Star, the British War Medal and the Victory Medal. The memorial scroll and memorial plaque were also issued in 1922.
LEST WE FORGET
© Donna Baldey 2012/2018
www.tunnellers.net
photo of headstone by kind permission of The War Graves Photographic Project - www.twgpp.org