Penguin and South Riana Cemeteries - Stories From The Graves

Penguin and South Riana Cemeteries - Stories From The Graves Stories of people buried in the Penguin General and South Riana Cemeteries.

Warning - this story contains newspaper articles of a su***de.Story (72)William Michael Henry Dobson 1878-1913.Mabel Aug...
24/05/2026

Warning - this story contains newspaper articles of a su***de.

Story (72)

William Michael Henry Dobson 1878-1913.
Mabel Augusta Beatrice Ella Lillian Radford (formerly Dobson) (nee Ling 1882-1938.

Penguin Cemetery.

No Headstone.

Grave 383.

William Michael Henry Dobson was born on the 12th of April 1878 at Glenore near Hagley, a son of Henry (1841-1920) and Sarah Ann (1852-1926). See story (25). William was named after his grandfather William Dobson (1817-1885), grandfather Michael Walker (1813-1900) and father Henry Dobson (1841-1920).
The Dobson family lived and worked on the Glenore property before moving to Rubicon Side and Tatlow’s Plains (now Moltema) (formerly Whitefoord Hills) in circa 1888 where Henry worked on various farms. The family moved to Pine Road, Penguin in circa 1894 where Henry leased a 318 and 291 acre farm called “Coburg” from William Frederick Lewis vonBibra.
William spent is late teens on the Pine Road farm before joining the 2nd Tasmanian Imperial Bushmen of the Fourth Contingent for service in the Boer War on the 31st of January 1901. The contingent embarked from Hobart on the ship “Chicago” the 27th of March 1901 comprising of 12 officer’s, 241 men with 289 horses. They landed at Port Elizabeth, South Africa on the 24th of April 1901. Their service was in Cape Colony, under General French ; and may be summarised as follows :- 8-10th May - Ganna Hoek, driving Scheeper’s Commando out of Craddock District ; joined General Scobell’s Column, operating still about Craddock ; joined Colonel Gorring’s “Flying Column”. 1st June - Fight at Aliman’s Fontein. 8th June - Fight at Rietfontein, Malan’s Commando. 3rd July - Fight near Zuurberg. 29th July - Fighting near Schilder Kranz. 1st August - Chased enemy into Munro’s Column. 13th August - Fight at Roodepoort, captured Commandant Erasmus, Cachet, and other’s of Kruitzinger’s Commando. 14th August - Fight with Kruitzinger at Lamenkronst. 16th August - Chased Kruitzinger across Orange River. 16th September - Surprised Commando at Wildeschutt’s Berg, capturing some prisoners ; operations against Smut’s Commando in Drakensberg district. 21st October - Fight with Van Reenan’s Commando. 23rd November - Captured Commandant Besters and ten others. February, 1902 - Operations with 17th Lancers in Bamboo Mountain. On the 18th - Captured and shot Commandant Judge Hugo at Grootfontein. 10th March - Captured Commandant Rhudolph at Klein Taffelberg.
On the 22nd May, 1902, the Contingent embarked on the transport “Manila” at Durban and arrived in Tasmania on the 25th June, having called at Albany, Adelaide and Melbourne en route. Disbanded on 30th June. (The Australian Boer War Memorial - the work of Lieutenant Colonel PL Murray).
William returned back to the Pine Road farm where he married Mabel Augusta Beatrice Ella Lillian Ling on the 2nd of July 1902 at the home of his parent’s.
Mabel Augusta Beatrice Ella Lillian Ling was born on the 21st of January 1882 at Waratah, a daughter of John (1855-1922) and Alice Jane (1855-1890) Ling (nee Alexander).
John Ling was a carpenter at Penguin but he also tried his hand at mining in Waratah and a storekeeper in Burnie for a short time.
Mabel grew up in the Penguin district and in 1901 gave birth to a son Cyril Harry Bertram Ling at Pine Road ; the father not being listed.
After William’s return from the Boer War he married Mabel Ling at Penguin on the 2nd of July 1902 and they lived on the Dobson farm on the Pine Road. Five children where born to the couple - Ruby Alice at Pine Road in 1903, Clarence John at Penguin in 1904, William Henry at Pine Road in 1906, Noreen Pearl at Penguin in 1908 and Sarah Jean at Waratah in 1911. Mabel’s first child Cyril was raised with the surname Dobson and may certainly have been William’s child as he left for war service in January 1901, Cyril being born in September 1901.
The Dobson family lived and worked on the farm at Pine Road, before moving to Waratah for a short period, then moved to Ellenton (now Cuprona) in circa 1912.
Tragically in 1913 William had set off to find work and stayed at the Blythe Hotel overnight (now where the Heybridge Recreation Ground is located) where he took his own life on the 8th of July.

The North West Post - Saturday 12th July 1913, page 5
A BLYTHE SU***DE.
FARMER CUTS HIS THROAT.
It was briefly reported in yesterday’s “Post” that a man named William Dobson had been found on the race-course at Blythe with his throat cut. It has been ascertained that Dobson had stayed at the Blythe Hotel from Monday night to Tuesday morning, when he appeared to be in his usual good spirits. He, however had nothing to eat, although he had a couple of drinks. On Tuesday he went into the bush on the racecourse, which is just opposite the hotel and committed su***de by cutting his throat with a razor. An ugly wound was inflicted and the jugular vein was completely severed. The decades had evidently lived for a few minutes after committing the deed, as the razor was folded up again and replaced in his pocket. His remains were discovered by his brother, Walter Dobson.
Dobson who carried on farming pursuits, near Blythe, was about 35 years of age, and read well known in the district. He leaves a wife and six children. He served in the Boer War. No reason can be advanced why he committed the deed, and an inquest will be held at Penguin to-day.

The Blythe Hotel, originally the Middleton Hotel was established in 1899 by Robert Harrington who applied for a license on the 3rd of May to convert his house into a hotel. In 1902 the hotel was sold to Bernard (Ben) McKenna who operated the business until it tragically burnt down on the 24th of May 1910. Bernard rebuilt the hotel and it was operating by December of 1910. In 1913 Frederick Butler bought the hotel, followed by William Kelly, E. Alexander and finally by Owen Jones in 1915. The hotel finally closed in December 1919. The hotel was on land originally granted to Isaiah Morris who purchased the block on the 7th of September 1863 and is now where 80 River Avenue is. The street behind the hotel was called Mary Street and Main Street ran alongside the front of the hotel.

Examiner - Wednesday 8th July 1914, page 1

IN MEMORIAM

DOBSON - In sad and loving remembrance of our brother, William Dobson, who died July 8th, 1913.
Today as we gazed on your picture,
In likeness so faithful and true,
Did you know how our poor hearts were weeping,
And how they were calling for you ?

He bade no one his last good-bye,
He waved his hand to none :
His spirit fled before we knew,
That from us he had gone.

Not now, but in the after years,
It may be in the better land,
We will know the meaning of our tears,
And some time perhaps will understand.

Inserted by his sorrowing brother and sister-in-law, Alick and Leila.

DOBSON - In fond and loving memory of our dear son and brother, William Dobson, who died July 8, 1913.

The past has its memories,
Full of sorrow and pain ;
But we hope in God’s mercy,
To meet him again.

Sad thoughts they linger round our hearts,
While tears they often flow ;
And to your sad and lonely grave,
Our thoughts they often go.

Inserted by father, mother and family.

After Mabel tragically lost her husband she re-married on the 26th of July 1916 to Thomas Radford at Cuprona. Mabel gave birth to another two children - Mabel Elizabeth 1916 at Cuprona and Thora May in 1918 at Mrs Treweeks” in Mount Street, Burnie.

Mabel died at Cuprona on the 11th of February 1938.

Advocate - Tuesday 15 February 1938, page 2.
OBITUARY - Mrs. Thomas Radford, Cuprona.
The death occurred suddenly on Friday evening last of Mrs. Thomas Radford, at her home, Cuprona. Whilst engaged in household duties, she was taken with a sudden seizure, which rendered her unconscious. Hey husband quickly conveyed her to the doctor, but on arrival there life was extinct. The late Mrs. Radford was well known and respected by a large circle of friends, and her demise is much regretted. She was twice married, and leaves a husband (Mr. T. Radford) and family of seven to mourn their loss. The family comprises three sons, Messers. Cyril (Melbourne), Jack and William Dobson, and four daughters, Mesdames Bruikna (Melbourne), Huston (New South Wales), M. Kingston (Cuprona), and A. Grealey (Burnie). One daughter predeceased her some years ago.
Sadly Mabel and William’s daughter Noreen Pearl Weeks (nee Dobson) took her own life in 1929 of strychnine poisoning at Burnie and is buried in the Wivenhoe Cemetery.

William Michael Henry Dobson died on the 8th of July 1913, near the Blythe Hotel, Heybridge and was buried in the Penguin Cemetery on the 12th of July.
Mabel Augusta Beatrice Ella Lillian Radford (formerly Dobson) (nee Ling) died at Cuprona on the 11th of February 1938 and was buried in the Wivenhoe Cemetery on the 14th of February.

Remembering all the mother’s resting eternally in our cemeteries.
09/05/2026

Remembering all the mother’s resting eternally in our cemeteries.

Story (71)The Evans Family.Barbara Evans (formerly Reeves) (nee Simspon) 1830-1899.Grave - 241.George Evans 1814-1899.Gr...
02/05/2026

Story (71)

The Evans Family.

Barbara Evans (formerly Reeves) (nee Simspon) 1830-1899.
Grave - 241.
George Evans 1814-1899.
Grave - ?????? - Not listed as being buried.
Elizabeth “Lizzie” Evans 1872-1900.
Grave - 243.
Henry “Harry” Evans 1866-1900.
Grave - 242.
James Evans 1871-1901.
Grave - 240.
Mrs James Evans ?????????
Grave 240.

Penguin Cemetery.

Graves - 240, 241, 242, 243.

Barbara Evans (nee Simpson) was possibly born in Bothkennar, Strilingshire, Scotland in circa 1830 to James and Alison Simpson (nee Thomson). Barbara’s early history is far from certain, other than she arrived with her sister Elizabeth to Van Diemen’s Land in 1855. Barbara aged 25 and her sister Elizabeth aged 19 arrived into Launceston on the ship “Storm Cloud” on the 29th of August 1855. They could both read and write, were Presbyterian’s, were Dairymaid’s and sponsored out by Alexander Learmonth, secretary of St Andrew’s Immigration Society. The Society brought out Scottish immigrants to Tasmania under a bounty scheme between the years 1854 until 1862.
Barbara married William Reeves at St John’s church Launceston on the 31st of March 1856 and four children were born to the couple - Ann 1856, Thomas 1858, Margaret Jessie 1860 and William 1863. It is far from certain what happened in the relationship with William Reeves, but at some stage Barbara is having children with George Evans. William Reeves ends up in Queensland where he marries Catherine L’estrange and dies at Winton on the 29th of July 1886.
There appears to be no marriage record for Barbara and George Evans and only one birth record for their children. Henry Evans is born in circa 1866, James Evans in circa 1871 and Elizabeth Evans in circa 1872, the years of their births have been worked out from death notices. Robert George Evans was born at the Blythe on the 18th of July 1874. It appears from later newspaper reports that the Reeve children were raised by George and Barbara and that their own children considered them as brothers and sisters. William Reeves was living with his sister Margaret Jessie Saunderson (nee Reeves) at “Rill Cottage” on the Ironcliff Road (now 30) at Penguin when he died in 1939.
George Evans was born in circa 1814, possibly in Suffolk according to his death record entry from 1899: the informant being Thomas Reeves, stepson of Stowport.
There are very few records for the family and my hunch is that George Evans was possibly a convict, which families from that era kept a closely guarded secret. There is only one possible convict record that may match George who arrived in Van Diemen’s Land from Norfolk Island in 1846. He was tried at the Hereford Assizes on the 21st of March 1844 of burglary, a widower aged 28 years of age. He was conditionally pardoned on the 21st of June 1853. I am far from certain if George was in-fact a convict, their are simply no records to know anything about him.
George first appears in the valuations rolls in 1874 for the district of Stowport, where he is leasing a 50 acre farm at the Blythe from William Littlejohn of the Don River, 50 acres of a Hut and Land at the Blythe from Charles Connors of Westbury and 20 acres of Allotments at Heybridge from William Henry Oldaker of Quamby. Over the intervening years George continues to lease various properties in the Blythe/Ellenton(now Cuprona)/Heybridge district’s before he finally purchases a 51 acre property from the crown at Ellenton(now Cuprona) in 1897. George and his sons appear to have been in the timber industry and in 1881 George was embroiled in a court case with John Berry over the trespassing of land and the taking of logs.
Devon Herald - Saturday 5 February 1881, page 3.
NOTICE - I HEREBY CAUTION all parties not to purchase any Blackwood logs from George Evans at the Blyth, branded JB (conjoined), as they are my property.
JOHN BERRY, RIVER FORTH - Jan 27th 1881.
The Tasmanian - Saturday 5 February 1881, page 135.
CAUTION - I-hereby give notice that I will prosecute any person removing Blackwood logs bearing my brand GE and a number in white paint, from the vicinity of the River Blythe. I have a number of logs so branded in various places, some of which have lately been tampered with by some person whom I wish to caution against further interference.
GEORGE EVANS, RIVER BLYTHE. February 1, 1881.
Launceston Examiner - Monday 7 March 1881, page 3
COURT OF REQUESTS, DELORAINE.
FRIDAY, MARCH 4.
Berry v. Evans - This was a case in which Mr John Berry, of the River Forth, sued Mr George Evans for trespass on the purchased land of the plaintiff at Stockport (Stowport), for which he claimed 10 pounds ; also for removing therefrom a quantity of cut logs of Blackwood timber,………..
John Berry deposed that he resided at the Forth and purchased the 114 acres of land which formed the subject action, under the 24th section of the Waste Lands Act ; he paid his deposit on 23rd December last, and was authorised to take possession some months previously ; there was a quantity of Blackwood timber on the land, some of it growing and part of it uprooted and fallen ; defendant asked permission to have a road through the land to Crown lands adjoining, and witness told him he could have one subject to his approval as to fallen timber, and offered 9 pence a hundred as the price ; he afterwards said he only wanted a road through the land, and would not pay for the timber ; witness forbade him going on the land ; this was on the 17th December ; the defendant removed timber from the 22nd December to the 18th January ; witness warned him on the 30th December, and laid an information against him for stealing timber, which was dismissed ; the logs removed were branded ; witness was away in the month of August that defendant had a splitter’s license ; plaintiff did not show him any license to remove the timber ; there was no Blackwood fallen when witness applied for the land.
John Angus Kemble gave evidence as to the value of the timber.
William Woodcock, a labourer in the plaintiff’s employ, corroborated plaintiff’s evidence with reference to the defendant’s applications for a road, and deposed to hearing him say subsequently that he would take the timber and not pay for it.
This closed the plaintiff’s case, and for the defence it was submitted that the land was not belonging to the plaintiff ; that at the time of the trespass the defendant had a license from the crown to enter upon the land for the purpose of removing timber wherein cut by him under such license, and that the timber belonged to the defendant and not to the plaintiff.
Richard Driscoll, Crown Land’s Bailiff, deposed that he issued a license for cutting and removing timber to the defendant for one week ending 31st July last ; slid licenses to Evans, to Reeve for the week ending 31st July, and one for the week ending 26th July, and one to Dulkens ; he also issued five licenses to them ending 6th January, 1881 ; these were for cutting Blackwood, and he issued a license on 17th January, 1881, one to Dickens, one to Reeve, and integer for one week from that date ; all these authorities were signed by Mr Hull, Deputy Commissioner of Crown Lands.
George Evans stated that in June last he held licenses for himself and his men ; they cut about 80,000ft of Blackwood ; in July Berry told witness he was going to select some land on the hill ; from that time until December he got no intimation that Berry claimed the land ; they could not remove the timber sooner ; on December 17th told plaintiff that he (witness) would remove the timber on Government authority ; the timber was not worth more than ninepence a hundred where it lay.
Robert Dickens gave corroborative evidence, and Mr E. B. E. Walker was examined as to the damage done to the land.
At the close of the evidence the counsel severally addressed the Court with a good deal of spirit.
The Commissioner, in committing the case to the consideration of they jury, remarked that it was a suit presenting features new in our courts and of some public interest. He pointed to the defence as certainly the pith of the contention between the parties, as it admitted the entry upon the land, and the tribunal if the timber under an alleged license from the Crown to do so, and put it to the jury whether the defendant had shown that he had any such license as he averred, and impressing upon them that by such a license, in order to be available to the defendant, the jury must understand not the ordinary license to split timber on the land prior to the ground becoming the plaintiff’s property, but a license extending beyond the time of the plaintiff coming into possession of the land. That the burthen rested upon the defendant to prove that he had such right (that is), a right to go upon the land and remove the timber between 20th December (when plaintiff was put in possession) and the 18th January, when the removal of the timber ceased. As a proof of law he ruled, that in buying the land from the Crown, the plaintiff bought the timber upon it, and unless there was an express reserve of the timber previously cut under the ordinary license issued for that purpose, that timber would pass to the purchaser with the land from the time of the plaintiff being put into possession.
His Honour pointed out to the jury that the defendant had produced certain licenses to remove timber issued by Mr Driscoll, but that these licenses were in general terms, authorising the removal of timber from “unappropriated Crown lands” which could not be held to include the plaintiff’s land, which had been legally appropriated to him since 22 December. He pointed out to jurors the bearing of the measure of damages in the event of their finding for the defendant.
The jury, after a few minutes retirement, returned a verdict for the plaintiff with 20 pound damages.
It is far from clear where the Evan’s family was living at the Blythe, I can only assume that they were living on the 51 acre farm that George purchased in 1897 and leased in earlier years, or on the Heybridge allotments that the family continued to lease until the early 1900’s.
The North Western Advocate and the Emu Bay Times - Monday 10 April 1899, page 2.
Accident - An accident occurred at Blyth on Friday morning, by which the Rev W. Earle’s trap was considerably damaged. He had driven from Penguin to visit Mrs Evans, of Blyth, who is very ill, and after he had lighted from the trap the horse bolted, with the result that the vehicle was muched knocked about.
Launceston Examiner - Friday 14 April 1899, page 7.
PENGUIN, Thursday.
Another old Coast resident has passed away, in the person of Mrs. George Evans, of the Blythe, aged 66 years. The sad event occurred on the 10 inst., and the remains were interred at the cemetery yesterday, being followed by a large concourse of all classes, showing the great respect in which the family is held. Had the notice not been so short there would have been hundreds present. The burial service was conducted by the Rev. W. Earle, of the Anglican Church, after which Mr. Walton’s, of the Primitive Methodist, gave a most feeling address. The coffin was loaded with wreaths and devices of flowers, to which were attached many appropriate verses. Great sympathy was expressed for the bereaved family.
The North Western Advocate and the Emu Bay Times - Friday 14 April 1899, page 2.
Sad Deaths at Blyth. - Our Blyth correspondent reports the death of Mrs Evans (wife of Mr George Evans), whose serious illness referred to in a recent issue of the “Advocate”. Mrs Evans had been ailing some time, and her death was not unexpected. The body was interred in the Penguin Cemetery on Wednesday afternoon. Mr Evans, whose serious illness also had been ill for some considerable time, was so affected by the death of his wife that he died on the evening of Wednesday, the day of his wife’s funeral. He had attained the ripe old age of 85 years. The funeral will take place to-day.
The North Western Advocate Post - Saturday 15 April 1899, page 2.
An old resident of Blythe, in the person of Mrs Evans (whose demise we chronicled in Thursday’s issue), was buried on Wednesday, at the Penguin Cemetery, the Rev W. Earle officiating. Mr Evans did not long survive the partner of his joys and sorrows, as he died on Wednesday. Having attained the ripe age of 84 years. The old gentleman (writes our Penguin correspondent) was well known and respected along the Coast, being one of the early settlers in these parts.
Launceston Examiner - Tuesday 18 April 1899, page 3.
PENGUIN, Monday
Another funeral took place here on Sunday afternoon, when a large number of people followed the remains of Robert Alder, who died suddenly on Friday. Much sympathy is felt for the bereaved parents.
On Friday there were also two funerals. The first was that of Mr George Evans, 84 years of age, of the Blyth River. Only two days previously his wife had been buried. There was a very large following, nearly all the leading farmers of the district attending the funeral, deceased having been highly respected by all who knew or had any dealings with him. He was considered an honest and hospitable man, and much sympathy is felt for the family, some members of which have had a lot of sickness lately to contend against.
The North Western Advocate and the Emu Bay Times - Wednesday 5 September 1900, page 2.
Deaths - EVANS - On September 4, 1900, at her brother’s residence, Blythe Road, Elizabeth Evans ; aged 28 years.
Funeral Notice - The funeral of the late Elizabeth Evans will leave her late residence, Blythe Road, on Thursday, Sept. 6, at 12 o’clock, for the Penguin Cemetery.
The North West Post - Saturday 8 September 1900, page 2.
Still another death has occurred in the Blythe district (writes our correspondent), Miss Lizzie Evans having succumbed to a severe attack of inflammation on the lungs on Tuesday. Miss Evans had been laid up only a short time, and contracted the disease whilst sitting up and nursing young Albert Smith, whose death took place last week. The sad event came as a servers shock to the community, all of whom highly esteemed the deceased, and this was manifested by the largely attended funeral, which took place on Thursday. The Rev W. Earle read the burial service, and the Rev W. H. Walton gave an impressive address at the grave side.

The North Western Advocate and the Emu Bay Times - Thursday 11 October 1900, page 3.
Another resident of the district, Mr H. Evans of Blythe, and brother of the late Miss E. Evans, is very ill with pneumonia and grave doubts are entertained as to his recovery.
The North Western Advocate Post - Thursday 11 October 1900, page 2.
The many friends of Mr Harry Evans (writes our Blythe correspondent) are much concerned at his critical condition, caused by a severe attack of inflammation of the lungs, from which he is now suffering.
The North Western Advocate and the Emu Bay Times - Friday 12 October 1900, page 2.
BLYTHE - Mr H. Evans, a very highly respected resident, passed away at his residence at about 1 o’clock yesterday morning after a severe and painful illness through an attack of pneumonia, at the early age of 34 years. Great sympathy is expressed for the brothers and sisters of deceased, as this is the second death in the family in only a few weeks.
The North Western Advocate and the Emu Bay Times - Saturday 12 October 1900, page 2.
FUNERAL NOTICES - The Funeral of the late Mr Henry Evans will take place at the Penguin Cemetery, at 3:30 o’clock on Saturday, October 13, leaving his late residence, Blythe, at 12 o’clock. All friends invited.
Daily Telegraph - Tuesday 16 October 1900, page 3.
PENGUIN - Much regret has been felt at the death of Mr Harry Evans, of the Blythe, after a short attack of inflammation of the lungs. It is only a few short weeks ago since a sister, Miss Lizzie Evans was laid in the cemetery, her death being caused by the same complaint.
The North Western Advocate and the Emu Bay Times - Tuesday 29 Jan 1901, page 2.
Deaths - Evans - On January 27, 1901, at the Devon Cottage Hospital, Latrobe, James Evans, aged 30 years.
FUNERAL NOTICES - The funeral of the late James Evans will leave Penguin, at 2pm - This Day (Tuesday : January 29), for the Penguin Cemetery.
The North West Post - Thursday 31 January 1901, page 2.
Death (writes our Penguin correspondent) has once more visited the district, claiming as its victim a highly respected young man, in the person of Mr J. Evans, of the Blythe, who passed away on Sunday in the Latrobe hospital, where he had been taken a few days previous. Widespread sympathy is felt for the bereaved relatives, who have had many similar troubles of late. It is only some two years since Mr and Mrs Evans, sen, passed away within about a week, and during the past twelve months death has claimed their youngest daughter, two of their sons, and a son-in-law. The co**se was brought to Penguin for internment on Tuesday afternoon, when the Rev W. Earle conducted the last sad rites.

Barbara Evans (formerly Reeves, nee Simpson) died at the Blythe on the 10th of April 1899 and was buried in the Penguin Cemetery on the 12th of April.

George Evans died at the Blythe on the 12th of April 1899 and was buried in the Penguin Cemetery on the 14th of April. (There is no record for George being buried at the Penguin Cemetery other than the newspaper reports.)

Elizabeth “Lizzie” Evans died at the Blythe on the 4th of September 1900 and was buried in the Penguin Cemetery on the 6th of September.

Henry “Harry” Evans died at the Blythe on the 10th of October 1900 and was buried in the Penguin Cemetery on the 13th of October.

James Evans died at the Devon Hospital, Latrobe on the 17th of January 1901 and was buried in the Penguin Cemetery on the 29th of January. (There is also listed in this grave a Mrs James Evans, but at this time I can find no trace of such a person!!!!!?).

A LITTLE SPRIG OF WATTLEMy mother’s letter came to-day,Any now my thoughts are far away, For in between it’s pages layA ...
24/04/2026

A LITTLE SPRIG OF WATTLE

My mother’s letter came to-day,
Any now my thoughts are far away, For in between it’s pages lay
A little sprig of wattle.

“The old home now looks at it’s best,”
The message ran ; “the country’s dressed
In spring’s gay cloak, and I have pressed
A little sprig of wattle.”

I almost see that glimpse of spring :
The very air here seems to ring
With joyful notes of birds that sing
Among the sprigs of wattle.

The old home snug amidst the pines,
The trickling creek that twists and twines
Round tall gum roots and undermines,
Is all ablaze with wattle.

A. H. Scott
4th Battery, A.F.A.

From the “Anzac Book”, written by the men of Anzac, published in 1916.

Photos from before and after today’s Dawn Service in Penguin.

LEST WE FORGET.

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old: Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going dow...
24/04/2026

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old:
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them.

Morton Linthorne Butler (my great grandfather) served in the Great War with his two brother’s and enlisted from Gawler where their parents had been living since the early 1890’s. They served with the 52nd Battalion, D Company and were all on the Western Front at the first Battle of the Somme. Tragically Mort’s two brother’s (Charles Henry”Chummy” and Herbert) were killed on the 4th of September 1916, at Mouquet Farm, the brother’s all fighting alongside each other. Charles was buried next to Captain Littler(from Devonport) but during later fighting the graves were lost and he is now Commemorated at the Villers-Bretonneux Memorial. Herbert is buried in the Serre Road No. 1 Cemetery.
Morton never fully recovered from losing his brother’s that tragic day in France and was invalided home to Tasmania in late 1917 after spending several stays at Military hospital’s in England.
Mort married Ruby Dunham at St Alban’s, Anglican Church, Preston on the 19th of December 1917 and the newlywed’s moved to Penguin shortly afterwards. Mort died at Penguin on the 29th of September 1940 and was buried in the Penguin Cemetery on the 30th of September. (See story 7)

The North Western Advocate, Wednesday, 18 August 1915
An Ulverstone Farewell –Yesterday Messer’s J.A. M’Laren and L.J. Applebee left Ulverstone by the afternoon train for Claremont camp, having accepted for active service. Mr Herbert Butler, Gawler, has also taken his departure for the camp and there are a large number in the Leven district making final arrangements prior to going forward to help their comrades.
The North Western Advocate, Saturday, 7 October 1916
Tasmanian Casualties – Mr and Mrs J.T. Butler, Gawler, have received advice from the Defence Department that their two sons, Corporal Charles H. Butler and Corporal Herbert (Bert) Butler, have been missing since September 4. Mr and Mrs Butler have still another son on active service at the front. Both these soldiers have seen a good deal of active service at Gallipoli and later on in France. Prior to enlisting they were enthusiastic members of the local Defence Force.
The North Western Advocate, Wednesday, 18 October 1916
Thanks – Mr and Mrs J.T. Butler of Gawler, RETURN SINCERE THANKS to the Hon H.J. Payne and other sincere friends for letters of condolence and sympathy which they received, when they were informed that their two sons, CORPLs, CHARLES and BERT BUTLER, had been posted as missing somewhere in France on September 4, 1916.
The North Western Advocate, Friday, 17 November 1916
Missing Soldiers – The following is an extract from a letter received by Mr and Mrs J.T. Butler, Gawler, from their son Corporal M.L. Butler, in which he refers to the loss of his two brothers:- Just a few lines , hoping you are keeping well I am in the best of health myself at present, but I have some terrible news for you this time, but you must both be brave to hear it. I have lost poor old “Chummy” (Charlie) and Bert. They are both missing. It is just a week since it happened. The battle was a terrible one and lasted three days. The roar and the flash of the big guns was terrible, but in the excitement one forgets, everything but the enemy in front and is only anxious to be up and doing. I have not seen Bert or Charlie since we went into action. I have waited a week to try and find them, but so far have not heard one word. I am afraid they are both gone. I know it will be a terrible shock to you, but you must bear up and not grieve too much. They have both played their part in this Great War. They were brave and went into that battle light hearted and singing. I cannot say any more about it. God knows best. He will make things right. Goodbye in the meantime and God be with you till we meet again. Sad, but not yet down hearted.
The North Western Advocate, Wednesday, 29 November 1916
The Toll of War – Some weeks ago it was stated that two sons of Mr and Mrs Butler, of Gawler, were reported missing and had been since September 4. Later on a letter was received from another brother, who was in the same engagement, conveying the sad news of his brother’s absence from the roll call. It was a blow to the parents to lose two promising boys so suddenly, but they bore the sore trial with fortitude. Yesterday the Rev R.H. Roberts received a cable from the Defence Department stating that Cpl C.H. Butler, 52nd Battalion, previously reported missing had been officially reported killed on September 4. Mr Roberts at once conveyed the sad information to Mr and Mrs Butler. The fate of one of the brothers is thus known and it is very probable that the second one also met a similar end in the great struggle which took place on that date, when the Australians were forcing the Germans from their deep caverns.
The North Western Advocate, Saturday, 3 February 1917
AT MOUQUET FARM – ULVERSTONE LAD’S EXPERIENCE – Corporal C. Henderson, who was wounded in action in France on September 3 and has just returned home to Ulverstone, invalided enlisted on August 4, 1915 and left Tasmania in January, 1916. Landing at Port Said he entered camp Heliopolis, being placed in charge of marksmen on Abyssinian range. They were sent on to France after a short stay in Egypt, during part of which time they were in the front trenches, guarding the Suez Canal. After being here about four weeks, states Corporal Henderson, we returned to Alexandria and boarded a troopship for Marseilles. On arriving we had a train journey of four days, during which time we passed through some lovely country, every yard of which appeared to be devoted to the cultivation of grain, potatoes and fruits of all kinds. This is the place to see intense cultivation and it should provide object lessons to our own lads who follow farm life. One thing is very noticeable; there are no young men to be seen except in uniform; all civilian work is being done by old men, women and girls. After a spell of three days, we went into the trenches, doing nine days in support. This was our baptism in trench warfare in France and our lads took it on well. We now formed part of the 52nd Battalion; it was composite in character, but ‘A’ Company, commanded by the late Captain Littler (Devonport), was comprised principally of Tasmanians, with a sprinkling of West Australians, South Australians and a few Queenslanders. ‘D’ Company was commanded by Capt. Hunt, of Launceston; he went through the South African war and was badly wounded on the Somme. After a spell of three days we were transferred to another part of the front. Here Capt. Hunt was badly hit, but I saw him a couple of days before I left London and he was then doing very well. Capt. Massey (Launceston) took charge and later was killed. Here we acted as a fatigue battalion, being occupied as general carriers of supplies to the front line. In this work we suffered many casualties, being continuously under shell fire. We had a spell of four weeks and then went to support another part of the line where there was something doing, it was said. The information was pretty accurate, as the second time we were told we were to ‘go over’ (charge) the German trenches at Mouquet Farm. The whole brigade, consisting of the 49th, 51st and 52nd Battalions, went into the trenches, the 50th being held in reserve; the 52nd Battalion in the centre, the 51st on the left flank and the 49th on our right. The 51st was to take the farm itself and the other two battalions were ordered to take the German trenches on our immediate front. Our artillery barrage was to start at 4:30 am on Sunday. ‘D’ Company was ordered to lead the platoons of the company, forming the first wave. We all got into our trenches before daylight and our barrage started punctually. We got out and started for the German trenches. German guns of all calibre let go; it was a perilous trip, the ground consisted of a churned up waste, shell holes, craters, barb wire entanglements, etc. and we faced a living wall of live shells, high explosive and shrapnel. It was here that the British gunnery showed its wonderful accuracy, keeping the range about 50ft in front of the men and moving steadily ahead. The gunners appeared to be able to gauge the distance to an inch, for when it reached the German trenches it paused a little to give them an extra dose and then moved forward, leaving the men to deal with the occupants. In the charge nearly all the officers and company leaders went down before they reached the trench; the only one I saw in the German trench was Lieut. Maxwell (Hobart); he went right through and was never touched. Just before reaching the trench I was hit in the right hip and ribs; a second later I got a couple in my left hip. I had just arrived at the top of the German trench when I got shrapnel in the head and right arm, which tumbled me right into it; but our boys came in like tradesmen and took the trench and our section alone took about 70 of the Prussian Guard prisoners. After this we ‘cleaned up’ by bombing the dugouts which contained any of the enemy and the position was consolidated. The Germans tried to bomb us out and for an hour things were shaky; but the boys stuck it – Lieut. Maxwell doing gallant work – until reinforced by two companies of Canadian Highlanders. About 5pm I got to Albert and received treatment. On September 6 – three days later – I was comfortably installed in Ontario Military Hospital, Orpington, Kent and later on went into the Auxiliary Hospital, Harefield, where I remained until passed by the Medical Board for transmission to the Tasmanian Hospital. Corporal Henderson speaks in the highest terms of the work performed by the battalion stretcher bearers. They are splendid he says each man doing work in action worth the V.C. They carry out the wounded under shell and fire until they get them to the first dressing station. Corporal Henderson considers that the morale of the Allies is superior to that of the Germans and the artillery work is also better; for every shell sent over by the Germans the Allies fire three or four. He is of opinion the casualties sustained by the Germans are much in excess of the Allies losses.
The North Western Advocate, Saturday, 10 February 1917
KILLED IN ACTION – In reference to the report received by Mr J.T. Butler, Gawler, in reference to his sons Corporal C.H. Butler and Pte. H. Butler, who were reported missing after the battle of Mouquet farm, the parents appealed to the Australian Red Cross Society’s Information Bureau and the result is seen in two letters attached: Butler, C.H. – Pte. H.S. Harvey, 52nd Australians, H.S. Formosa: I Know Butler personally. He came from Tasmania. I saw him last lying dead near Mouquet Farm on September 3 1916, in ‘No Man’s Land’ I don’t know if his body was recovered. He was a tall dark man about 28 years of age. In respect to the other son, the report reads: Pte. H. Butler – Informant was a brother of H. Butler and in the same company. The company went over near Mouquet Farm early in the morning of Sept. 3, H. Butler being with them. Informant was told by Corpl. (now 2nd Lieut.) Dinney, A. Co.4PL that he saw H. Butler in a shell hole badly wounded. There was a heavy bombardment going on and Dinney could not do anything for him. We held the ground.
The North Western Advocate, Saturday, 7 April 1917
ULVERSTONE – On Thursday Rev. H.C. Trebilco conveyed to Mr and Mrs J. Butler of Gawler, the sad intelligence that their son, Corporal H. Butler, had been killed in action on September 4, 1916. Since the date mentioned he has been reported missing, but has now been officially reported as killed, on the same day as his brother. The sympathy of the people is with the bereaved parents.
The North Western Advocate, Friday, 8 June 1917
ULVERSTONE – Mr and Mrs J.T. Butler, of Gawler are in receipt of a cable message from the Base Records Office to the effect that their son, Corporal Morton Butler is on his way home from France on six months furlough. Corporal Butler enlisted in Tasmania with his two brothers over two years ago; his two brothers have since made the supreme sacrifice. Corporal Butler was not in the Gallipoli fighting, being under orders for the Peninsula, when the evacuation was ordered; but he was among the first to go when the Australian troops were ordered to France. Corporal Butler fought at Mouquet Farm, where his two brothers were killed. About Christmas he was sent to hospital in England ill and the doctors thought it advisable to send him home for a spell. His account of the French campaign should make interesting reading.
The North Western Advocate, Monday, 9 July 1917
ULVERSTONE – Corporal Morton Butler, son of Mr and Mrs J. T. Butler, Gawler who left Tasmania two years ago for ? of war, reached Ulverstone on ? having been invalided home ?????.
The North Western Advocate, Tuesday, 24 July 1917
A GAWLER WELCOME HOME – PRESENTATION TO CORPORAL M. BUTLER – At Gawler on Tuesday evening a social was held to welcome back Corporal Morton Butler, who is home on sick furlough from France. The church was filled to overflowing, thus marking the esteem in which the guest is held. As Corporal Butler entered, accompanied by his father and mother, the audience rose and sang “God Save the King” and “ God Save Our Splendid Men”. Proceedings were opened by the Rev H.C. Trebilco, who asked Warden C.A. Dunning to take the chair. Warden Dunning said that he was pleased to take the chair, not because he was warden, but because he had sincere regard for the Butler family; he had had all the Butler boys working for him at one time or another and if they served their King as well as they served him, they had done well indeed. He had not the least doubt about them doing their best. The programme was as follows:- Solo, Miss Maynard; solo, Miss Thorne; flute solo, Master Cliff Tyson; duet, Miss Thorne and Maynard; recitation, Mrs E. Howard; solo, Miss James; violin solo, Mr N. Rockcliff; solo, Miss Rockcliff; flute solo, Master Cliff Tyson; solo, Miss N. Rogers. Warden Dunning at the conclusion of the programme said he had very much pleasure in asking the Rev Trebilco to present Corporal Butler with a gold medal, subscribed for by his many Gawler friends. The Rev Trebilco read the inscription on the medal as follows:- Presented to Corporal Morton L. Butler, 52nd Battalion, France, as a token of esteem. On the reverse side were the initials M.L.B. He had very great pleasure in asking Corporal Butler’s mother to pin it on his breast; for who so worthy as his mother, who had lost two brave sons in France; had sent three and received one back. Corporal Butler, on rising to respond, was received with loud and prolonged cheering. Speaking, he said, was not much in his line; it was easier to face the Germans; but from the bottom of his heart he thanked the many friends who had contributed to the present and he would always value it as a memento of his Gawler friends. Corporal Butler spoke in appreciation of the good work done by the Red Cross and the Y.M.C.A. He could assure them personally that that work was much appreciated by the soldiers in the trenches and exhorted them to keep it going. The Rev Trebilco moved a vote of thanks to the chairman and to the performers who had contributed to the programme and also to the ladies who had provided the supper. The chairman asked for a similar compliment for the Rev Trebilco, which was given. Supper was then handed round, thus bringing to a close one of the most pleasant evenings spent at Gawler.

The North Western Advocate, Saturday, 11 August 1917
FIGHTING IN FRANCE – A CHAT WITH RETURNED SOLDIER – MORE MEN WANTED – Corporal Butler, of Ulverstone, who returned home from the front invalided, says that after leaving Egypt their port of call was Marseilles and of the three days journey overland from there he speaks in terms of unqualified praise. The country is magnificent, he said and the people treated us with every good thing right up to the firing line. On arrival we went into training to learn the different methods of trench warfare, as there is a vast difference from the system adopted in Egypt. We were drafted into the firing line in Flanders, as it was much quieter there than where we were stationed later. While in that section I lost two of my special chums – Pte. Archie Eagling, from Beulah and Will Stuart from Flowerdale. Both of them were killed at the same time. They were the best of men; Stuart was famous as a champion bomb thrower. From Flanders we were drafted to the Somme, which at first was a living hell. From the Somme, where the Australians really started their fighting career in France, it was one continuous struggle, from Pozieres to Mouquet Farm. Corporal Butler speaks in high terms of the fight put up by the Australians in that region. The struggle in these two places lasted about three months without any intermission. Mouquet Farm was considered to be the key to Theipval, which the Allies had been trying to capture for a considerable time. It was at Mouquet Farm that Corporal Butler had the misfortune to lose his two brothers – Corporals Charlie and Bert. Charlie was shot dead and Bert died of wounds the day after. After Mouquet Farm his division was relieved by the Canadians, who carried on the great work of pushing “Fritz” back as well as had been done by the Australians. After a short spell Corporal Butler’s unit was drafted into Belgium to take the place of some Canadians. The fighting was not nearly so severe there, as they were merely holding a line and not advancing. They were afterwards in the vicinity of Hill 60, where there had been so much heavy fighting lately. Corporal Butler says it was a matter of taking one village after another, each one being better entrenched than the last. When the British captured a village, the Germans counter attacked and it would be no exaggeration to say that there were no two bricks left standing together. The village would be wiped out and left a total ruin. Of the actual fighting Corporal Butler does not speak much; he says it is simply “indescribable”. He pays respect and appreciation to the memories of Captain Littler and Captain Macnamara, who were both killed. Lieutenant Maxwell who took charge after the above officers were killed, has since won the Military Cross. Before Lieutenant Maxwell enlisted he was in a bank at Ulverstone. Referring to the work carried on by the Red Cross Society and the Y.M.C.A., Corporal Butler speaks in the highest terms of their achievements. The Red Cross Society, he says, has canteens where soldiers can buy everything very cheaply. This is not in any way connected with the distribution of gifts. A rumour that the Red Cross Society was selling the goods given to it for distribution he gave an emphatic denial. These two societies vied with each other in looking after the soldiers. They were as close up to the firing line as it was possible to get and soldiers on their way to and from the firing line were supplied free with hot tea or coffee and clothing, which was much appreciated by the men. I was surprised, he added, after arriving home to see so many young men about the streets. If they only knew how much they are needed, they would surely go to the front and help the men there.
The North Western Advocate, Thursday, 13 September 1917
GAWLER – HONORING THE BRAVE – On Monday afternoon, Gawler State School was the scene of a pleasing ceremony, when two trees were planted in memory of the two lads – Charles and Bert Butler, who just one year ago gave their lives for King and Country. There was a large and representative gathering including the Warden (Cr. C.A. Dunning) and Crs. Tongs and Johnson. Rev Trebilco and Roberts and Mr Henslowe. The Warden explained what they were gathered for and called upon the Rev Roberts to speak. The Rev Trebilco and Mr Henslowe also spoke in feeling terms of the lads who had laid down their lives for us all. The Warden then handed two cypress trees to Mr and Mrs Butler and asked them to plant one each in memory of their two sons, Bert and Charles. “God Save the King” and “God Bless our Splendid Men” were sung, after which everyone was invited to adjourn to the schoolroom, where a bountiful afternoon tea was provided by the ladies of the district, for which a vote of thanks was recorded by Cr. Tongs. Messer’s A. Hingston and Murfet made and placed round the trees very substantial guards, for which the thanks of the committee are due; also to any others who assisted in any way to make the function so successful.

LEST WE FORGET.

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