Anzac Day 2019 - 100 years since the end of The First World War


Listening to the ABC News last night and I was back with the Killion's.  The 1919 Anzac Day March was called off in Sydney because of the Spanish Flu Pandemic!  The first commemoration of Anzac Day in Sydney was in 1916.  Four thousand returned service men took part.  It was followed by lunch and entertainment at the Sydney Town Hall.

 You can read more here.

 NRS 12060 [9/4857] B20/2475, State Archives and Records NSW
Today, I'm wondering if Great Uncle Frank (Francis Joseph Macleay Gersbach) and his cousin, Harry (Henry Joseph Porter) were part of an Anzac Day March in Sydney.  Their only opportunity would have been 1918.......and I think not!

 Frank saw very little active service but was injured three times - the first in the second landing at Gallipoli and twice in France.  He returned to Australia on 7 March 1918.  He was found medically unfit and discharged from the AIF on 10 July 1918.  Frank died a week before Anzac Day 1919.  You can read the earlier blog here.

Great Uncle Frank
Harry served as a stretcher bearer in France and was awarded a distinguished conduct medal for his service.  He returned to Australia on 3 January 1918.  He was found medically unfit and discharged from the AIF on 20 February 1918.

 Harry died on 5 November 1919 at Sydney Hospital following an "unprovoked one punch attack" in George Street.

"(L)ate in the afternoon of November 3 Porter was outside the Star Hotel at the corner of George and Dalley streets talking to some friends. Accused was near the group. During the discussion about the military ribbons Porter was wearing, including the D-C.M. decoration, accused, it was alleged, struck a violent blow. Porter fell and struck his head against an electric light post.  Accused then went Into the hotel, and when questioned denied that he hit Porter on the jaw. Taken to Sydney Hospital with a fractured jaw, Porter died two days later."

 We don't have a photograph of Harry but here are his medals.  You can read the earlier blog here.


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