6602 Driver James Joseph GRAY is as follows: Grandson of Richard and Mary Gray. Son of William and Deborah Gray.

a. Enlisted in the lst Australian Imperial Force at Melbourne, Victoria on 11 August 1915 and allotted Army number 6602. He stated on enlistment that:
(1) he was born in Fitzroy, Victoria,
(2) he was 27 and 4/12 years of age, and
(3) his next of kin was his wife, Caroline Lena Gray of Montague Street, South Melbourne, Victoria.
b. Embarked at Melbourne, Victoria for service overseas with the 4th Australian Field Artillery Brigade per His Majesty's Australian Transport "WILTSHIRE" on 18 November 1915.
C. Served in France with the 4th Australian Field Artillery Brigade.
d. Disembarked in Victoria from France per Hired Transport "CASTALIA" on 30 May 1919.
e. Discharged from the lst Australian Imperial Force in Victoria on 22 July 1919.
f. Decorations, Awards or Medals:
(1) 1914/15 Star
(2) British War Medal
(3) Victory Medal

1784 Private Samuel Thomas Gladson MADDOCK Ellen Gray and Thomas Rentle
a. Enlisted in the lst Australian Imperial Force at Melbourne, Victoria on 17 August 1914. He stated on enlistment that:
(1) he was born in Camberwell, Victoria,
(2) he was 21 and 5/12 years of age, and
(3) his next of kin was his sister, Annie Maddock of Forster Street, Albert Park, Victoria.
b. Served in Australia with the 6th Australian Infantry Battalion.
c. Discharged from the lst Australian Imperial Force in Victoria on 5 September 1914.
d. Re-enlisted in the lst Australian Imperial Force at Melbourne, Victoria on 4 January 1915 and allotted Army number 1784.
e. Embarked at Melbourne, Victoria for service overseas with the 8th Australian Infantry Battalion per His Majesty's Australian Transport "WILTSHIRE" on14 April 1915
f. Served at the Gallipoli Peninsula with the 8th Australian Infantry Battalion.
g. Killed in action at the Gallipoli Peninsula on 6 August 1915.
h. Decorations, Awards or Medals:
(1) 1914/15 Star
(2) British War Medal
(3) Victory Medal
(4) ANZAC Commemorative Medallion


MADDOCK, Samuel Thomas Gladson
Number: 1784
Rank: Private [Pte]
Unit: 8th Bn Australian Inf
Service: Army
Conflict: 1914-1918
Date of Death: 06/08/1915
Place of Death: Cause of Death: Killed in action
Memorial Panel: 53 Cemetery or Memorial Details: GALLIPOLI 31 Shrapnel Valley Cemetery Anzac
Next Of Kin: Place Of Enlistment: South Melbourne, VIC
Native Place: Camberwell VIC
Notes: MADDOCK, Pte. Samuel Thomas Gladson, 1784. 8th Bn. Australian Inf. Killed in action 6th Aug., 1915. Son of John Samuel and Emma Louisa Maddock. Native of Camberwell, Victoria, Australia. II. A. 48. Source: AWM145 Roll of Honour cards, 1914-1918

640 Sgt. Eric St Ledger ATKINS
Born : 06 July 1886
Father : Robert Atkins
Martial status : Single
Service record: Enlisted at Sydney 27/8/1914
Embarked : At Sydney as No 640m 4th battalion 20/10/1914
Appointed: Lance/corporal 10/5/1915
Promoted: Corporal 15/8/1915
Embarked : Per S.S."Nile" for Gallipoli 17/8/1915
Rejoined : Battalion 24/8/1915
Detailed: As temporary instructional staff for no3 section to remain at Anzac 12/9/1915
Rejoined : Battalion 17/9/1915
Addmitted : To hospital Mudros sick 25/9/1915
Addmitted: To 1st field ambluance dysentery, and transferred to 3rd Australian General Hospital 28/9/1915
Addmitted: 28/9/1915 to No2 Australian Stationary Hospital, and discharded to duty 8/10/1915
Rejoined : Unit ex sick 20/10/1915
Transferred: from 4th Infantry battalion. Taken on strength of 56th battalion 13/2/1916
Appointed: Sergeant (temporary) 14/2/1916
Addmitted : To 3rd field ambulance, no teeth and dyspepsia 24/2/1916
Rejoined : Unit from hospital 26/2/1916
Addmitted: To hospital sick 3/3/1916
Addmitted: To 1st Australian General Hospital hemicramia 6/3/1916
Discharged: To Agric Hall Ghezireh, class "A" from British Red Cross Convalescent Cospital, Montazah hemicramia 3/4/1916 Admitted : To No1 Auxiliary Hospital, Cario, shock concussion 13/5/1916
Sailed: From Suez for Australia 23/6/1916
Disembarked: At Melbourne 22/7/1916
Discharged: From Australian Imperial Force, as medically unfit 18/9/1916

Having in last month's "Reveille" paid tribute to Sgt. Colin Lutton, M.M.. as typifying the juveniles of the AIF, I turn now to another Victor Avis, also a member of the 2nd Bnt, who was popularly known an "Sticks."

All 2nd Bnt. Diggers will regret to hear that he is now in Prince of Wales Hospital, Randwick, gravely ill, and all will wish him a speedy return to, health and strength. "Sticks" was known throughout the battalion by virtue of his quiet, pleasant manner; his extraordinary long war service, his strong sense of duty and, despite his -youth and spare frame, his fearlessness when things were happening.

In paying tribute to "Sticks," one must couple his name with another, for who among us could discuss "Sticks". Without flashing our thoughts to his little mate and bosom chum - "Splinter" - who was his counterpart in - way? The wonderful friendship which existed between these two AIF lads has been revealed by the fact that one of the -first to visit the pain-racked "Sticks" at Randwick was his old pal "Splinter."

Victor Avis ("Sticks"), No. 364, enlisted in August, 1914, joined the then forming 2nd Bnt. at Randwick Racecourse, and was "placed on the strength "as bugler. He was then 17 years of age, and only lift. In height.

Walter Gray ("Splinter"), No. 1044, enlisted in September 1914, and was absorbed in the 2nd, - then at the Kensington Racecourse, also as bugler. He was 16 years of age, and his diminutive figure was an inch or so less than the 5 ft. of game little "Sticks." The combined weight of these two lads on enlistment was 13st. 9lb. - Just equal to one brawny Anzac.

Aboard the Suffolk with the 2nd, and accompanying the first 20.000," Sticks" and "Splinter" became extremely popular, and enjoyed the kindly attention of all ranks. In the long treks from Mena Camp over the never-ending sands, in battle and full marching order, these two lads trudged alongside their more hefty companions, and never at any time did either "fall out" on the march.

A bugler's job in the infantry battalion during the Great War was by no means an ornamental one. Back from the forward area he was "on parade" from "Reveille to Lights Out." Certainly he was free from the monotony of drill and fatigue work, but when on duty his senses were ever alert. For he came directly under the watchful eye of the adjutant and R.S.M.

In the line. Too. His position was by no means a sinecure posted at battalion or company headquarters, he became a "runner" and was expected to immediately become acquainted with the positions of all company headquarters, battalion and brigade. Telephone communication was kept up as far as conditions would allow between these Points, but often, despite heroic efforts on the part of battalion signallers to repair breaks, the only means of communication was by runners - the buglers. Then again, at times they would find themselves attached to companies and "hopping over" or taking turns on the line as ordinary infantrymen. At other times they would be earmarked for liaison work guide or escort.

On the Derfflinger, just prior to going ashore on the inexorable April 25, the order given to don equipment (full marching order). These two lads found it impossible to do so without assistance, for pouches now contained 150 rounds, and an extra 100 rounds had also to be carried. Once landed, "Sticks", found himself doing the work of a front line soldier, and for the first four days of that ceaseless and bitter flighting, his rifle - not the bugle or message envelope - provided his constant occupation.

This period of fighting was perhaps the greatest mental and physical strain ever experienced by Aussie troops for any similar period yet "Sticks" had labelled himself a real soldier in the eyes of more mature and bigger comrades, "Splinter" acted as guide and escort to a section of the Sikh Mule Transport, clambering up and down those tortuous gullies with ammunitions and rations to the scattered firing line, running round corners and sections exposed to enemy snipers, and each day made more fearsome by the increasing shellfire which swept these tracks.

Then on the Wednesday following the 25th, when the 2nd, now reduced to one-third of its landing strength, assembled on the beach, every man bordering on a state of complete exhaustion, the overwrought condition of these two lads can be well imagined when, on seeing each other for the first time since leaving the Derfflinger they embraced and wept on each other's shoulders.

"Sticks" slightly wounded on the 29/4/15, soldiered right through the Gallipoli campaign "Splinter" fell a victim to dreaded enteric after the capture of Lone Pine, and rejoined the 2nd at Lemnos after the evacuation.

Then to France these two lads accompanied the 2nd Btn. It was at Fleurbaix that "Sticks" was promoted to lance corporal, and "Splinter" took part in the battalion's first raid on German lines, under the leadership of Lieuts. Trott and De Winton the latter a fine officer being killed in the raid. At Pozieres "Splinter" was again evacuated to hospital, being wounded while gallantly assisting to hold the gap between the 2nd and 4th Bnt

Rejoining his unit early in August, 1917. He, now a lance Cpl.. Soldiered on until August is. when he was gassed at Liboas Ridge. Three" weeks later he returned once more to the 2nd, and in time to fill the position of bugler for a week on General Monash's headquarters guard. On September 18th he left Roisel for Australia on Anzac furlough.

On the 8th anniversary of the day which signified "the beginning of end of the war"- August 8th, 1918 and in which "Splinter" played part, misfortune befell him. While following his occupation as a shunter in a Sydney railway yard, he met with a shocking accident, losing a leg. This disability has not affected his health and usual high spirits. Married and possessing another "splinter" aged 10 he is resident at Manly.

Our "little pal Sticks," whose wonderful Gallipoli service was the envy of his pals who joined the battalion later, a 2nd Battalion fixture, and was familiar with every "stunt" in which the 2nd partook. Usually he was attached to battalion headquarters, and when he was with the HQ Signallers and Runners at "Belgian Barracks," Ypres. Fritz heavily shelled these ruins. Causing numerous casualties and chaos in the pitch darkness. It was "Sticks" who ably took charge pulling all hands together, and it was due to his splendid work chat the wounded were attended to and evacuated to hospital with dispatch. Since his return to Aussie "Sticks" has been employed at the Government Printing Office. He is married and has four children.

"Juveniles of the AIF" here is a pair of them. Service, perhaps unexcelled by any other of their class in the AIF. Here's to the speedy recovery of "Sticks" and in this I know every member of the old battalion NULLI SECUNDUS joins.

IN REPLY QUOTE:
Dear Ms Canty

RE: EX 400960 LEADING AIRCRAFTMAN HAROLD GEORGE BOULTER

The following details of the above named ex-member's service in the Royal Australian Air Force are advised:
Enlisted: 7 December 1940. Melbourne
Mustering: Air Crew 11 (Pilot)
Overseas/ Embarked Melbourne 27 March 1941.
Operational Service: Disembarked South Africa 25 April 1941.
Killed in an aircraft accident 8 miles South West of Gwels, Rhodesia, on 16 August 1941.
Honours and Awards: Defence Medal War Medal 1939-45
Australia Service Medal 1939-45
Date and 14 August 1920
Place of Birth: Ivanhoe, Victoria
Marital Status: Single

Yours faithfully
N.A. MULLIGAN
for Director Personnel Services - Air Force SERVICE AND CASUALTY FORM ARMY NO: VX26705
UNIT 7 DIV SUP COL

RANK: Pte
Christian Names: George William Thomas
Surname: MENZIES
Date Of Enlistment: 14th June 1940
Marital Condition : Married
Place : Caulfield
Next Of Kin : Elsie Menzies
Date and Place Of Birth 24/2/1909 South Melbourne
Address of Next of Kin: 10 Thomson Street
Trade or Occupation: Storeman Clerk South Melbourne Religion : C of E Relationship : Wife
Medical Classification - Class 1 Identification: Colour of Hair Dark Eyes Hazel Distinctive Marks Appendix Scar
REPORT : Record of all casualties regarding Promotions and Transfers ETC Date of Casualty Place of Casualty Authority or Doc other Doc Signature of Officer Certifying Date From whom received 14/6/40 O.C.R.R.D Taken on strength RRD 14/6/40 C'field R.O122/38/40 INITIAL 21/6/40 A.A.S.C Trans to No7 Training Depot 20/6/40 Bendigo W301/6/40 R.O 1/304/40 INITIAL 23/9/40 2/22TB Transferred to 7TH Div Supply Col Seymour 23/9/40 Bendigo W3011-179/40 RO 55/141/40 INITIAL 24/9/40 7Div Sup Col Posted from 2.22 Training Btn 23/9/40 Pucka W301176/40 RO55/141/40 INITIAL EMBARKED 1/1102 DISEMBARKED 18/10/40 22/11/40 SYDNEY KANTARA A206 A206 7/7/41 CAS SECT KILLED IN ACTION 51/2217 1/7/41 TOBRUK W3014 INITIAL 2/7/41 NONEFFSECTO2E Buried Grave No 522 Torbruk War Cemetery 68/2915 2/7/41 TOBRUK W3314 INITIAL (NOTE BORN: 24 FEB 1909 AS GEORGE WILLIAM THOMAS GRAY SON OF GEORGE HAYWARD GRAY

MENZIES, G W T
Number: VX26705
Rank: Private [Pte]
Unit: AASC 7 DIV SUP COL
Service: Army
Conflict: 1939-1945
Date of Death: 01/07/1941
Place of Death: Libya
Cause of Death: Killed In Action
Memorial Panel: 83 Cemetery or Memorial Details:
Next Of Kin:
Notes: Source: AWM147 Roll of Honour cards, 1939-1945 War, 2nd AIF (Australian Imperial Force) and CMF (Commonwealth Military Force) MENZIES Pte. GEORGE WILLIAM THOMAS, VX.26705. A.I.F. 7 Div. Sup. Col., Australian Army Service Corps. Ist July, 1941. Age 32. Adopted Son of Robert Stuart Menzies and Son of Blanche Hannah Menzies, of South Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; husband of Elsie Menzies, of South Melbourne. Buried 4. F. 1 1. TOBRUK, WAR CEMETERY

KIRBY ,Gilbert Thomas
Number: 434682
Rank: Flight Sergeant [Flt Sgt]
Unit: 467 Sqn
Service: RAAF
Conflict: 1939-1945
Date of Death: 12/09/1944
Place of Death: Germany
Cause of Death: Flying Battle
Memorial Panel: 111
Cemetery or Memorial Details:
Next Of Kin
Notes:
Source: AWM148 Roll of Honour cards, 1939-1945 War, Air Force

The Australian Army Uniform
1914 - 1918

The Australian Army equipped the infantryman with the bare minimum for living and fighting in the trenches. But with the Australians being the best paid troops in the war, the men were able to buy or barter for any additional equipment they wanted. They were also renown for souvenir raids, using the captured equipment back at the original owners.

The uniform was made up of a woolen khaki jacket and breeches. The jacket was loose necked and baggy and detailed with dull blackened metal buttons. The boots were made of leather, ankle length, and lace up. They were hobnailed for extra grip in the wet and slippery trenches. Puttes were long strips of woolen material bound around the lower leg from ankle to knee and intended to stop water and mud from entering the boots, causing trench foot. They were cursed by the soldiers as being worse than useless: they cut of circulation when wet, and unwound when loose, hampering movement. Many Australian soldiers deliberately wound them to tight as a way to get out of the trenches for a short period.

While in France, the troops were also issued with the standard wet-weather gas cape as worn by the British. The rabbit fur-lined slouch hat with it's Rising Sun badge became the readily identifiable symbol of the Australian Army. The soldiers were not impressed when they entered the trenches and discovered that the much loved slouch hat was to be replaced with the British issue steel helmet.

All uniforms and equipment was carried in a kit bag; a light canvas dufflebag with the soldiers name and number stencilled on the side. All Australian soldiers carried identification papers as well as wearing two identity disks. The disks showed the soldiers name, serial number, battalion number and religion. These disks were known as "dead meat tickets." When a soldier was killed, one disk was kept with the body for burial while the other was returned to the dead man's family.