2003
1
Block 156 Sidney Albion Wells
No. 5519. 6th Bn. 17th Reinf.
Born in Carron,Vic., Sidney enlisted on 31st March, 1916 at Mildura aged 18 years. He was single, a labourer, standing 5 ft 4ins tall. and weighing 103 lbs. Disembarked at Plymouth 12th June, 1916, proceeded to France on 29th August, 1916 and joined unit in field mid September. Admitted to hospital with Trench fever in June 1917 and was wounded in action – wound to back – in late September.
Admitted to hospital late October due to being wounded in action once again – severe Gun Shot Wound to left thigh. Transferred to England on 15th November, 1917 and returned to Australia 16th December, 1917 on H.S. “No. 2”. Discharged 11th April, 1918.
References presented with his application for a Q.C. in April 1918, were from his father William C. Wells, Patterson & Shaw, A.S. Lochead, and John Griffiths, Merbein. Block 156 of 17ac.1r.27p. was allocated that same month.
The land was declared abandoned, and the lease cancelled in August 1925. There were many offers from neighbours and others to take over the property. In January 1927, Conrad Felix Doecke was given permission to occupy. In July 1928, Doecke sought to forfeit. An application from A. L. Forsyth, stating that he now had four children, the house on his property, 150, was infested with white ants, the house on Block 156 would be suitable. Approval given in July 1929. In July 1940, a Mortgage of both properties to the Farmers Debts Adjustment Board, to secure repayments to a long list of debtors.
As recorded under Block 150, both properties were transferred first to Arthur Leslie Tarr in 1947, then to his mother, Ethel May Tarr, in 1952. Freehold was granted in August 1965.
Subsequent owners include: S, G. & J. Leitch, J. R. & D. R. Edwards, J. L. & L. M and H. McLure.
2
Block 41 Harry Ford
No. 1944. 39th Btn.
Harry was born in Melbourne and enlisted Ballarat 10th May, 1916 age 30 years.
His occupation was that of labourer and he was single at the time.
His height was 5ft 8ins and weight 147 lbs.
Religion Church of England.
He embarked from Port Melbourne 16th August, 1916 on the “Orontes” for arrival in Plymouth 2nd October 1916.
He was in hospital in England until he returned to Australia on the “Euripides” on the 18th September, 1917. He was then discharged due to chronic bronchitis and miners phlthises on the 19th October, 1917.
He was discharged medically unfit with a chest complaint, refused a pension, the medical report said “He has a cough of a morning, breathing a bit broken, but the climate suits him”. He had previously had dry farming and mining experience around Avoca. He had been working in the district, and had references from Captain Halhead, J. A. Williams and Messrs. Gaggin and Hyndman all of Merbein. After being allocated Block 41 of 14ac. 3r. 32p. in July, 1919, his health did not allow him to see it come into production, he died in October, 1921.The medical certificate from Dr. Neil Henderson of Mildura stated Ford was suffering from Bronchiectasis, but died from a secondary condition of Myocarditis and Cardiac Dilatation, due to toxaemia of the Broncho. The original condition was caused by his pre-war occupation as a miner, the condition had improved enough to be accepted into the Army. War service had caused a recrudescence and aggravation of his trouble.
His widow Margaret Louisa applied for a Q.C. in August 1922, to be able to use the Government Grant, and to transfer the property. Letters of support were submitted from Major F. T. H. Goucher, President Merbein R.S.L. and neighbours, W. J. Sibley, R. A. Fechner, H. Heaysman, and P. L. Price, Manager Old Mildura Estate. The Q.C. was granted in March 1923, and the lease transferred in February, 1924. Freehold was granted in 1957.
Subsequent owners include: F. R. Bosenberg, N. M. & J. E. McMahon, R. & T. Hura and R. & N. Mazza.
From Battlefield to Block, The Sunnyland Press, Red Cliffs, Victoria, 2003