Sunday 25 June 2017

LOUISA - Chapters Seventeen and Eighteen



CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

CHRISTMAS ©


Christmas Day dawned with eery quiet at Sugarloaf Inn. The children had been so busy with preparations for the day and their holiday activities that sleep found them all exhausted each night. Louisa had insisted that as it was a holiday, they didn’t have to get out of bed until they were ready.

The novelty of lie-ins wore off after the first two days however and they were all soon back to eating breakfast together, although it was a little later than normal.

They dressed for church after breakfast and made the trip into town. Rev and Mrs Duncan greeted them with warm smiles and wishes at the entrance.

It was a merry trip home with the traditional Jingle Bells and God Rest Ye Merry Gentleman. Although John could not quite work out if you were so merry, why you would want to go to bed and rest!

On entering the Inn the children were all eager to take Louisa into the bar to show her the tree. Having no living room other than the kitchen, she had decided that the bar would suffice for their festivities. She would not go in there until invited by the children, it could be their domain until after Christmas. They had spent the last two days in there decorating the tree.

“You all go in, while I just nip upstairs for something,” hurrying she made her way to her bedroom for the presents she had lovingly wrapped for them all.

On opening the bar door she was greeted with another chorus of Jingle Bells and much squealing from Willy and Ethel, who were besides themselves with excitement.

The tree took her breath away. It was a large branch from a silver dollar gum. It was festooned with daisies, (that were looking the worst for wear) coloured paper chains and red berries made into garlands strung throughout the branches.

“Oh my, what a gorgeous Christmas tree, you all have done a wonderful job. Do you know the best part though? she asked.

“What Mumma?” they all chimed in together.

“The seven little elves standing around it,” she cried, gathering them all into a hug resulting in them all ending up on the floor.

“What do you have there, Mumma,” asked Peter, peering around her at the bag she had dropped on entering.

“Well let’s all get comfortable and we’ll see,” she said as she handed out each child’s gift. She thought of her shopping trip and the quarrel she had with herself on appropriate gifts for the children. Yes, she could have bought them sensible clothes or shoes, but she had finally won the argument with herself and opted for something frivolous or just plain fun. Watching their faces as they opened their present, she was delighted with her choices.

Leaving them to play while she headed to the kitchen to cook dinner, she thanked Alfred once again for providing for them all so well. Yes life without him was still a terrible ache in her heart, but she still had her children and his legacy.



CHAPTER EIGHTEEN 
LICENCEE AND SHEPHERDS! ©

The year finished without event. Louisa reflected on the past year with sorrow and hope that the following year would improve.

Early in the new year the Magistrate called, to give her the form to complete, to obtain her Publican’s Licence. Until the end of June he had no problems with her continuing under her deceased husband’s licence.

She thought of her young family with pride.

It was hard not to be proud of them. They were all growing so quickly. Alfred was a serious minded young man. His thoughts were turning towards farming and as there was plenty of land attached to the Inn, Louisa encouraged him in this pursuit. She bought sheep and he ran them in the back paddock. She was very proud of his efforts as he turned fourteen, he had a hundred head of sheep.

Magnus was happy to follow along with any plans of Alfred’s. He only seemed happy when reading about adventures on the sea and boating books.

Peter was the thinker of the family. He revelled in helping her around the bar. At nearly ten years of age, she wondered where his childhood had gone. He would spend his nights doing the ordering and stockkeeping of the cellar for her. All she usually had to do was run a quick eye over his lists and give her approval. But she worried about Peter, he was a very serious lad, with a keen sense of justice. She hoped that it would not lead him into danger one day.

John was still a lost soul. He idolised little Ethel and she followed him around like a puppy. He was nearing his tenth birthday and wanted to get work in town. Louisa felt he would be better employed at home and she could use his help around the Inn. In a few more years, she supposed she would have to let him have his way.

George, William and Ethel, were the only ones who seemed unaffected by the turn of events in the past year. They all loved the outdoors and spent most of their time there. Their childhood still seemed intact as they played together and they were very close.

“Mam, some of my sheep have got through the fence and are heading down the road. Magnus has gone after them on foot. I am going on Jasper, if you see Peter can you send him down to help us? Why is Peter never around when you want him?” Alfred, sounding like his father, yelled as he slammed his hat on his head and rushed back out the door.

Oh Alfred dear, she thought, was I right to buy him sheep? I am not sure our son is shepherd material after all. This is just what we need, she thought, roaming sheep!




Sunday 18 June 2017

LOUISA - Chapters Fifteen and Sixteen



CHAPTER FIFTEEN

CHRISTMAS PLANS ©


On the drive home from church Louisa’s thoughts turned to Christmas. It was fast approaching with its usual Australian summer heat. She thought of the Christmas’ of England, not that she could really remember them, but she always dreamed of a Christmas with open fires and snow.

It was then that she decided they all needed a holiday. The last six months had been long and sad for all of them. “Let’s have a holiday this Christmas. It is on a Tuesday, so I think we should close the Inn on Monday. That would give us three days holiday before Christmas and Boxing Day. So that would mean a whole five days without having to work. We wouldn’t be able to go anywhere, but we could still have a fun holiday here at home.”

Her suggestion was greeted with many excited voices of confirmation. The little ones did’t even know what a holiday meant, but they joined in on the excitement just the same.

“When we get home, let’s all write down or draw one thing each we would like to do, this holiday” she suggested, thinking of all the ways this could be incorporated into valuable lessons for today.

Soon planning for their first holiday was set in motion. She drove the wagon around the side of the Inn to the barn. Alfred jumped down and started unhitching Jasper, while Magnus and Peter helped the other little ones down. As they all scampered to different areas to find pencils and paper, she settled down, with a hot cup of tea, to write a note for the paper saying that the Sugarloaf Inn would close Friday21st December and reopen Thursday 27th December. Alfred could take it to town tomorrow, and get some supplies at the same time.

But for now they were all going to get excited about Christmas, she thought, starting with some Christmas carols. She could remember a few from her childhood and maybe she could teach the children. She set them various tasks of making decorations, while she sang. Alfred and Magnus were given the task of finding a tree.

The next morning, she woke to the strains of “Jingle Bells, Alfred smells...” she made a mental note to correct this hilarity before it was sung to anyone else.

Hurrying with her dressing, she made her way downstairs. The children were all in the kitchen, how had she slept longer than them?

“Good morning darlings, how long have you all been awake?”

“Good morning, Mumma, can we sing some more Jingles today,” asked Willy?

“We’ll see, but first we have to get ready for today’s work, we still have to open the bar and do all our chores, Christmas isn’t for another week yet?”


CHAPTER SIXTEEN

ANOTHER LETTER ©

Checking for Alfred out the window again, she wonder what could be taking the boy so long. He had gone to town for final supplies for their Christmas feast and holiday. He was to get the mail before returning as well.

Relief washed over her when she heard the familiar whiney of Jasper as he got closer to home.

“Mam, I’m home. Boy can that Mrs Macey at the Post Office sure talk. She wanted to know everything, but I just pretended that I didn’t understand her and waited for her to give me the mail.”

How could she be angry with him when he took after her own heart, wanting privacy and minding his own business.

“Never mind Alfred, did you manage to get all that was on the list?” she asked while rummaging through the box of goodies he had placed on the bar. It had been a long time since she had prepared a Christmas dinner, usually they just celebrated quietly, it being their only day off.

“Mam, there was this letter for you,” Alfred said as he handed her a large official looking letter. She noticed that the inscription on the back was from Mr Treacher again.

She had inquired from the Magistrate after the last letter about Alfred’s estate, what it all meant and he had informed her that it would take awhile for it all to be sorted out.

Opening the letter she skimmed through the body of it until reaching the end, where it stated that Alfred’s estate, which was waiting for her at the bank was worth £523! Good Lord! She read it again.

Yes it definitely said £523. She never knew how much money Alfred had in the bank.

Thank you Alfred, she thought. We will be fine. If I am allowed to become Publican I will still run this establishment and I will make a good life for our children.

But tomorrow I am going shopping in town. I will close the bar for the day. I will call on Mrs Duncan for morning tea and ask if the children can visit, while I go shopping.

Thinking of all the wonderful things she could now buy, she decided on presents for the children and some fabric for a new dress for herself. Christmas was going to be different this year. But she would give it all back in a heartbeat to have Alfred back in their lives.

Thursday 15 June 2017

LOUISA - Chapters Thirteen and Fourteen



CHAPTER THIRTEEN

ROUTINES CONTINUE ©

“Mu, mum mumma.”


She roused herself from her daydream as Ethel tottered into the room, rubbing her eyes. It was thirty minutes past ten. She realised that she had a few minutes to get her down for a nap before she opened the bar. Scooping the toddler up, she bounced her in her arms as she ran up the stairs. This was one of Ethel’s most loved pastimes and was a ritual at nap and bed time, as she sang a little nonsense rhyme.

Coming downstairs later with a few minutes to spare, she opened the doors of the Inn. Old man Murphy was on the doorstep waiting for his first ale of the day, before he went into town with a list of supplies for his wife.

Being Monday she expected the usuals for liquid refreshments and a few for lunch. She only provided a platter of creamy cheese, sourdough, pickles and onions. But it was all homemade and grown and always well liked by the patrons. Now that she wasn’t taking in travellers at night she had been able to cut down on cooking and a little work. There was only the children’s evening meal to prepare and they were usually happy with her homemade jam or the endless supply of cheese that she was thankful that Alfred had always insisted that she make. Their main meal was still during the day and Louisa always tried to have it ready on the range before the Inn was open, for Alfred and Magnus to serve if she was busy.

She thanked Alfred silently for all his hard work in setting up the business, but also for teaching her how to run it. Although she was eighteen years his junior, he had always treated her as an equal partner in their relationship. Except where child rearing was concerned she thought wryly, then she was on her own.

She didn’t know how long it would take the Magistrate to let her know whether she could apply for the Publican’s License, but he had indicated that she could carry on as she was doing.

So her days were full of the usual, except now she had an ache in her heart, the place she now knew where Alfred resided. She just wished she could feel his arms around her and his quick kisses stolen in the most unlikely of places. With seven children they had learnt quickly that love was always around if you nurtured it. She just wished she could touch him one more time.

CHAPTER FOURTEEN
THE LETTER ©


The weeks turned into months and Spring arrived with no word from the Magistrate. The Inn was prospering and she and the children were settling into a routine.

Ethel had weaned herself and Louisa felt another part of her life slipping away. Although she no longer needed to have Ethel in her room of a night she decided to keep her there. She didn’t think she would sleep without some noise in her room. Besides the boys already had two to a bed and six in their room.

No one had questioned the details she put on the death certificate and she felt relief that the falsehood would never be found.

The bar had been slow today and while there was no-one to be served Louisa took the opportunity to spend time in the sun in the veggie patch with George. The other children were either doing chores or playing out the front with Ethel. Alfred had gone into town on Jasper, for the mail and some supplies. He had grown up so much in the last couple of months, before his time really. But what choice did they have in the matter?

“Mam, you out there, someone’s come into the bar,” yelled Alfred as he came around the side of the Inn on Jasper.

“Just put the mail on the kitchen table and I will tend to it later,” she smiled at him as he led Jasper into the barn. Brushing the dirt from her hands she felt the warm sun on her neck, as she made her way back to the bar.

The next thing she knew she was calling closing time and ushering the men out the door. That was the main difference between her and Alfred. She always closed on time, no last drinks with drunken patrons for her.

She looked forward to this time everyday, when she could close the doors. A cup of tea would be waiting for her in the kitchen along with her children. They would chat and laugh over dinner, before they headed to bed.

Then the last part of her day would swing into action. She would prepare for the coming day, in the hope, that she would exhaust herself enough to sleep for a few hours at least.

Remembering the mail that Alfred had brought home, she glanced around the room. Where had it been put, she wondered? Getting up, she wandered around the kitchen tidying up the remains of the children’s effort at helping her get dinner. Then she spotted it, on the wood pile. Who had put it there? Lucky the fire hadn’t needed restoking tonight!

Opening the unusual envelope she unfolded the single sheet of paper. It was from a John A Treacher from the Supreme Court Office, letting her know that as Alfred’s widow, she was the beneficiary of all his property.1 What did this mean and how would it affect them?

So much for being exhausted and getting sleep. Her thoughts would not prove for a restful night’s sleep.

1 ECCLESIASTICAL JURISDICTION. (1883, September 11). New South Wales Government Gazette (Sydney, NSW : 1832 - 1900), p. 4961. Accessed 25 March 2017, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article223679543




Friday 9 June 2017

Families at War Assignment



I am posting another Essay from my Diploma in Family History. It is not in order of Units done. This essay was for my most recent Unit - Families at War, which I completed last month.

It is about my Great Uncle for fought in World War 1. Tomorrow the 10th June 2017 is the 100th Anniversary of his death..."Killed In Action."

I thought it was fitting that I paid tribute to him, here. I am not expecting anyone to read this or remember him. I never met him or any of the Ancestors in this Essay.

But..." I will remember him. Lest We Forget."

RIP....Peter.



 'Biography of Private Peter Brandt'  ©
                                                 May 2017

How does one depict war time experiences and consider some of the uncertainties many faced, within the boundaries of limited records? Unfortunately Private Peter Brandt's, Regimental Number 18911, WW1 Service Records indicate that: he kept mainly to himself; didn't keep a diary; so consequently deductions have been based on readings, military and service records.

Peter was the son of Louisa and Alfred Brandt.2 In 1916 he was a 42 year old single, labourer from Woolgar, in Western Australia (WA).3 He was from a large family in Gunnedah, with seven adult siblings;4 his parents were deceased.5

Research reveals limited information regarding Peter. Records do indicate that Peter enlisted at Kalgoorlie on 7 February 1916 in the51st Battalion 3rd Reinforcements, as a Private.6

Historians paint vivid pictures of reasons for enlistment. Newspapers urged men to enlist in support of those already fighting.7 Posters in towns were emotive and pulled at men’s heartstrings and feelings of guilt.8

It is unlikely that research will ever reveal why Peter enlisted. Was it guilt, patriotism, duty, adventure or did he receive a White Feather? Historians have reported that the White Feather Campaign, originated in England, then made its way to Australia. Australian newspapers of the time, indicate incidents of White Feathers being posted or given to men.9 The purpose of this practice was to publicly belittle and humiliate non-enlisted men. Though it is reported as backfiring on occasions as feathers were often given to soldiers in “civies,” home on leave or men having exemptions for other reasons.10

Peter may have been challenged or ridiculed in this way, leading to his decision to enlist. He had no dependants, so why was he still not enlisted? Although from a large family it appears that he wasn’t close to them. This is indicated on his Enlistment papers, where he listed his next-of-kin as his brother, with only the town and state as the address.This indicates that he may not have known his brother’s address, leading to his next-of-kin not being found in later years.11 Enlistments for 1916 numbered 124,352, the second highest number in wartime.12 The Recruitment Committees were diligent in their efforts with volunteers. Hence increasing the pressure on individuals like Peter to enlist.13

After enlistment Peter was sent to Blackboy Hill Training Camp,14 where over 32,000 volunteers were trained.15 His days consisted of the routine of rigorous marching, rifle drills, bayonets, learning to use muskets and other basic military tasks.16 

After four and half months, Peter embarked on the Seang Bee on 18 July, sailing to Plymouth, disembarking on 9 September 1916.17 He spent two months at the Salisbury Plains Training Camp, building on his training with advanced infantry tactics.18

Peter’s Battalion sailed to France on the Princess Henrietta spending two weeks at Etaples before proceeding to bring the 51st Battalion up to strength after the heavy losses and casualties at the battle of the Somme.19 By this time Peter had spent nine months training.20

What part Peter played in battles in the next six months, is unclear. Unit Diaries indicate his first battle was on 2 April 1917.21 His Battalion was very active in the taking of the village of Noreuil, where they received heavy losses.22 Research shows men coped with the atrocities of war however they could and new recruits learned on the job, their training not preparing them for the horrors to be endured.23

Peter’s Battalion spent the winter in the trenches. The troops suffered the bitter cold, wet, trench feet and unimaginable conditions. History books are littered with accounts of these conditions and soldiers’ attitude in regard to their duties, but the spirit of camaraderie, is evident throughout my readings. Historians have written about the deplorable conditions in the trenches, tunnelling, explosions, No-Mans-Land, Messines, artillery fire, shells, poison gas, to name a few.24 It is impossible to know what Peter’s feelings and expectations would have been. However, Martin Shaw, indicates that feelings changed as the war progressed, soldiers coped with long stretches of waiting and boredom, feelings of intense terror and revenge for those lost in battle with many fighting for their mates as well as King and Country.25 

The Battle of Messines is documented as a major victory for the Allies.26 The 51st Battalion is reported in the Unit Diary as acting as reserve.27 However, this is contradicted by an additional note in the diary, that states:

Although the Battalion, as a complete Unit, did not take any part in the fighting yet [initially] at one time practically the whole of the Brigade Front was held by the four Companies of the Unit Battalion...28

Research indicates that Peter fought in conflicts to reinforce outposts, when his battalion came under high explosive artillery rounds.29

Private Peter Brandt, was killed in action on the field near Fanny Farm on 10 June 1917.30

On the Commonwealth War Graves Commission website the Burial Return lists 26 names and:

In memory of officers, N.C.O’s and men of the 51st Battalion A.I.F. who fell at Messines 7th-13th June 1917. R.I.P.31 

This form records “no remains.”32 

Of this list of twenty six names, twenty were from WA and three of them had been on the Seang Bee with Peter.33  It is reassuring to think that the bonds forged through mateship and combined endurance would have been strong.

Records indicate that Peter was awarded two medals; the British War Medal and the Victory Medal, however the Memorial Scroll indicates that they were untraceable.34 These medals were never claimed by his relatives.35 His Service Record also indicates he chose not to leave a Will.36 

It is comforting to know that there were some enquiries about Peter. Research shows that three letters received by Base Records between July and December 1917, show two from a Mrs Ethel Jones in WA requesting Peter’s next of kin and if he left a Will.37 The Base Records, Officer in Charge(O/C) replied to these letters stating that they were only allowed to give this information to the next of kin.38

Research doesn’t show evidence that this writer was related to Peter. Peter lived in WA at the time of enlistment, maybe the writer was his Landlady or a girlfriend.

A further letter received from a Mrs P. Brandt, 28 Gulliver Street, Hamilton, Newcastle, though signed E. Brandt, enquired about Peter’s next of kin and his nationality, stating that Peter was thought to be her husband’s brother.39

Peter’s next of kin was listed as brother, Alfred Brandt, Newcastle.40 Alfred married an Eleanor Smith, so this may be a legitimate request for information.41 This letter was replied to by the Base Records O/C in September 1917.42 Dates on letters in Peter’s Service records do not marry up with each other, making research in regard to them difficult. All correspondence to the next of kin were eventually returned marked “unclaimed.”43

The District Pay Office wrote to the O/C Base Records in 1922, advising that all efforts to trace Alfred Brandt were unsuccessful and the Military Estate of Peter remained un-administered and no claims had been received for the War Gratuity.44 These letters and responses seem to indicate that Peter did not have a specific loved one. It raises questions as to the location and fate of his siblings.

Private Peter Brandt is remembered on the Menin Gate Memorial, along with 54,000 others with no known grave.45 Somewhere on the fields in Belgium, Peter and his fellow soldiers are together, as they fought!

Menin Gate -Photo courtesy of Aaron Pegram, taken May 2017
 One hundred years later a lineage relative is learning about him and others who gave their lives in a futile war. It saddens me that he appears to be such a solitary member of such a large family.

Photo courtesy of Aaron Pegram taken May 2017




















“They're not heroes. They do not intend to be thought or spoken of as heroes. They're just ordinary Australians, doing their particular work as their country would wish them to do it...”46


Service Record of Peter Brandt, B2455, National Archives of Australia
Marcia Moon Introduction to Family History, Assessment Task 4-Research Plan, p. 2, original held in author’s possession.
Ancestry, Australia, Birth Index, 1788-1922 Index Reg #14877 Peter Brandt; http:// www.ancestry.com.au, Accessed 12 August 2015.

Service Record of Peter Brandt, p.1.
Marcia Moon Introduction to Family History, Assessment Task 4-Research Plan, p. 2, original held in author’s possession. Ancestry, Australia, Birth Index, 1788-1922 , Index Reg # 44 Alfred Brandt,Index Reg #135592 Magnus Brandt; Index Reg #15707 John Brandt; Index Reg #22850 George Brandt; Index Reg #25169 William Brandt; Index Reg #17610 Ethel Brandt; Index Reg #22638 Frances Engstrom; Accessed 12 August 2015
Death Certificate Transcription of Alfred Ludwig Brandt, died 28 July 1883, NSW Death Registration Transcription, 1883/8157.
Death Certificate Transcription of Louisa Engstrom, died 4 December 1915, NSW Death Registration Transcription, 1915/15291.

Service Record of Peter Brandt, p.1.
Advertisement, Australian Imperial Expeditionary Forces, Kalgoorlie Miner (WA: 2895-1950, 2 February 1916, p. 1, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article87270620, Accessed 28 April 2017.
Poster -Vaughan, A. (Alfred) & South Australia (1915). "You're proud of your pals in the Army of course! But what will your pals think of you?" Think it over!. A. Vaughan Government Photolithographer, Adelaide,http://trove.nla.gov.au/version/47502410, Accessed 18 April 2017
HAA 107- Families of War (Hobart:University of Tasmania, 2017, Course Content, What’s the Advertising Strategy, Chapter 2.
‘The Order of the White Feather’, Brisbane Courier (Qld.:1864-1933) 2 November 1914, p. 8, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-page1584066, Accessed 29 April 2017.
10 “An Explanation”, The Southern Cross Times (WA: 1900-1920) 5 February 1916, p. 2, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-page22616320 Accessed 29 April 2017
11 Service Record of Peter Brandt, p.1.
12 Australian War Memorial, Enlistment statistic for First World War, https:// www.awm.gov.au/encyclopedia/enlistment/ww1/ accessed 27 April.
13 ‘War Council of WA - Recruiting’ Southern Times (Bunbury, WA : 1888-1916) a January
1916, p. 4, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-page18686570, Accessed 18 April 2017.
14 Service Record of Peter Brandt, p.3.
15 Monument Australia, Blackboy Commemorative Site, http://monumentaustralia.org.au, Accessed 19 April 2017
16 The Road to War and Back, “Blackboy Hill is Calling’ Blog- Claire Greer, http:// roadtowarandback.blogspot.com.au, Accessed 19 April 2017.
17 Service Record of Peter Brandt, p.7.
18 Service Record of Peter Brandt, p. 11.
Aaron Pegram, Senior Historian/Military History Section, AWM to Marcia Moon, email, 1 
May 2017.
19 Aaron Pegram, Senior Historian/Military History Section, AWM to Marcia Moon, email, 7 April 2017.
20 Service Record of Peter Brandt, p.11.
21 13th Infantry Brigade Unit Diary, AWM 23/13/15, April 1917, pp. 4,5.
22 Pegram to Moon, email 7 April 2017.
23 Australian Government, ‘Australians on the Western Front’. http:// www.australia.gov.au/about-australia/australian-story/australians-on-the-western-front, Accessed 4 May 2017.
24 Army- Australian Army History Unit, ‘Battle of Messiness 1917’. http://https:// www.army.gov.au/our-history/history-in-focus/the-battle-of-messines-1917 Accessed 4 May 2017.
Army- Australian Army History Unit, ‘Battle of Messiness 1917 Part Two’, http://https:// www.army.gov.au/our-history/history-in-focus/the-battle-of-messines-1917 Accessed 4 May 2017.

Horne, C. F. 1870-1942. Source records of the great war, Chapter XIII, pp207-215, [New York]: National Alumni,1923.
25 Matthew Shaw, World War One, ‘How soldiers cope with war’, https://www.bl.uk/world-war-one/articles/how-did-soldiers-cope-with-war, Accessed 6 May 2017.
26 Army- Australian Army History Unit, ‘Battle of Messines 1917’. www.army.gov.au/our- history/history-in-focus/the-battle-of-messines-1917 Accessed 4 May 2017.
Army- Australian Army History Unit, ‘Battle of Messines 1917 Part Two’, http://https://
www.army.gov.au/our-history/history-in-focus/the-battle-of-messines-1917 Accessed 4 May 2017.
AWM Battle of Messines
27 51st Infantry Battalion Unit Diary, AWM 23/68/15, June 1917, p. 7.
28 51st Infantry Battalion Unit Diary, p. 7.
29 Pegram to Moon, email 7 April 2017.
51st Infantry Battalion Unit Diary, p.8.
30 Service Record of Peter Brandt, p. 12.
31 Commonwealth War Graves Commission, Find War Dead -Casualty Details
http://www.cwgc.org/find-war-dead/casualty, Accessed 20 March 2017
32 Commonwealth War Graves Commission, Find War Dead -Casualty Details, http:// www.cwgc.org/find-war-dead/casualty, Accessed 20 March 2017
33 Commonwealth War Graves Commission, Find War Dead -Casualty Details
http://www.cwgc.org/find-war-dead/casualty, Accessed 20 March 2017.
Australian War Memorial, Advanced Search - Roll of Honour, 51st Battalion, 10 June 1917, for cross referencing soldiers KIA, https://www.awm.gov.au/people/roll-search roll_of_honour/preferred_name=&name_aliases=1&service_number=&unit=51&fate_date%5Bday %5D=10&fate_date%5Bmonth%5D=6&fate_date%5Byear%5D=1917&conflict=First +World+War%2C+1914-1918&Search_Mode=advanced&op=Search, Accessed 20 April 2017.
The AIF Project, AWM Roll number: 23/68/3, Embarkations from Fremantle, Western Australia on board HMAT A 48 Seang Bee on 18 July 1916, https://aif.adfa.edu.au/showUnit?unitCode=INF51REIN3, Accessed 20 April 2017. 
34 Service Record of Peter Brandt, p. 47.
35 Service Record of Peter Brandt, p. 32.
36 Service Record of Peter Brandt, p. 23.
37 Service Record of Peter Brandt, pp. 14, 26. 
38 Service Record of Peter Brandt, p. 15.
39 Service Record of Peter Brandt, p. 17.
40 Service Record of Peter Brandt, p. 1.
41 Ancestry, Australia, Marriage Index, 1788-1950 Index Reg #8039, http:// www.ancestry.com.au, Accessed 20 August 2015.
42 Service Record of Peter Brandt, p. 16.
43 Service Record of Peter Brandt, p. 38.
44 Service Record of Peter Brandt, p. 32.
45 Commonwealth War Graves Commission, Cemetery Details-Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial ,
http://www.cwgc.org/find-a-cemetery/cemetery Accessed 20 March 2017
46 Australian Government, Quote from C. E. W. Bean, journalist, war correspondent, historian and author of the Official History of Australia in the War of 1914-1918 . http://www.australia.gov.au/about-australia/australian-story/australians-on-the-western- front, Accessed 20 April 2017. 


BIBLIOGRAPHY

Army, Australian Army History Unit, ‘Battle of Messiness”, Accessed 4 May 2017.


A.I.F. Project, ‘Embarkations from Fremantle’, Accessed 20 
April 2017.


‘Australian, Birth Index’, Ancestry, Accessed12 August 2015. ‘Australian, Marriage Index’ Ancestry, Accessed 20 August 
2015. 


Australian Government, ‘Australians on the Western Front’
www.australia.gov.au/about-australia/australian-story/ australians-on-the-western-front, Accessed 4 May 2017.

Australian War Memorial.
Bean C.E.W., Offical History of Australia in the War 
1914-1918.


Commonwealth War Graves Commission, ‘Find War Dead’, 
Accessed 20 March 2017.


Greer, Claire,'The Road to War and Back' http://roadtowarandback.blogspot.com.au. Accessed 19 Aril 2017

Horne, C.F, Source records of the Great War, [New York] National Alumni, 1923.

Kalgoorlie Miner.

Monument Australia, Blackboy Commemorative Site, http:// monumentaustralia.org.au, Accessed 19 April 2017.

‘New South Wales Family History Transcription Pty. Ltd. 

National Archives of Australia, Trove.

Service Records, B2455, National Archives of Australia. 


Shaw, Matthew, British Library, ‘How soldiers cope with war’, Accessed 6 May 2017.

Unit Diary 13th Infantry Brigade, 23/13/15, April 1917.

Unit Diary 51
st Battalion, 23/68/15, June 1917.


University of Tasmania, HAA 107-Families at War, Course 
Content.









Friday 2 June 2017

LOUISA - Chapters Eleven and Twelve



CHAPTER ELEVEN

"PUBLICAN?" ©


Mrs Brandt, it has come to my attention, that you are still running this establishment on your own. Owing to the circumstance of your husband’s sudden death, I have been lenient with pursuing this matter up until now. But as his name is on the Publican’s Licence, I can’t ignore it any further.”

Louisa sat breathing in the early Spring breeze that was wafting through the window. The scent of Eucalyptus cleared her head and she thought of how her sheets on the line would have this lovely fragrance clinging to them when dry.

Would this man be agreeable to what she was about to propose, she wondered?

“Mr Lawson, I have been giving this situation a lot of thought. You may not be aware, that Alfred and I ran this establishment together. Since his accident I have run it by myself, while bringing up my young family. My two eldest boys are at an age where they can help me around the house. The takings on the bar have been enough to keep us all fed and clothed and I am able to pay all my bills. If you would care to take a look of the books, I can show you that we are still making a profit, even though I am not taking lodgers for the time being. I would like you to consider my application to become the Licensee of The Sugarloaf Inn, when the current licence expires next year?”

She held her breath, with her heart beating rapidly. She had considered all of her options and knew she needed to work to provide for her family. She knew this business and was good at it. Why shouldn’t a woman be the Publican?

“Mrs Brandt, this is a very unusual request. There are women in this profession, but not many and only one other in Gunnedah.”

“Well I would like to join their ranks,” she replied, “ I need to provide for my family, this is my home and what I know. I can do it as good as Alfred.”

“I will have to consult the Publican’s Licensee Board and get back to you. So I will leave things as they are for the moment and let you know.” With that he took his leave.

Louisa didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. She had a chance. He hadn’t said a straight out No. Maybe, just maybe, this would work.

Louisa Brandt - Publican of Sugarloaf Inn, she thought with a smile.

Turning her wedding band on her finger, her thoughts turned to when Alfred had put it on her finger officially. It was only such a short time ago, after all...

CHAPTER TWELVE

MRS BRANDT ©

It had been six months since Ethel was born.10 Everyone in Gunnedah thought they had been married for over thirteen years.

Alfred wanted to take her back to Tasmania. He explained that he had some money to collect from the Mines he had worked at, in their time there. They could close the Inn and have a little holiday.

Louisa had organised for the children to go to Reverend and Mrs Duncan’s and have a little holiday, as well. Mrs Duncan loved the children and had been offering to have them for sometime. As she had been slow in getting back her strength after Ethel’s birth she decided a little break would be just what she needed. Mrs Duncan was disappointed when she told her, that she was taking Ethel. She couldn’t leave her baby with anyone else and she was still nursing her and if the boys were any judge she wouldn’t be giving up anytime soon!

It had been a lovely time. Travelling back through Gulgong where Magnus, Peter and John had been born. The town didn’t look much different from their time there, a few more buildings now lined the streets, where once tents were scattered throughout. It had been hard times in their tent, with the taste of dust in summer and the feel of mud seeping through the holes in her shoes in winter. Nights in the tent were the worst. Magnus had been born in the field behind their tent. It had been so quick that Louisa didn’t even have time to call out to Alfred. Within another four years, Peter and John joined their family. Alfred had made them a bed, which they all slept in to ward off the bitter cold. But the gold was worth the hardships and it had set them up for their move to Gunnedah.

They had stayed at Gulgong a night, then journeyed to Sydney where they boarded a boat to take them to Tasmania. Louisa regained a pink tinge in her cheeks and she felt her energy returning. Ethel, revelled in being the only contender for her mother’s attention. The journey only required her looking after Ethel and sitting with Alfred in the wagon under the hot January sun. The boat journey was calm and Alfred had booked a cabin, so it was the height of luxury, no meals to prepare, just days of contentment and gentle activity. Although she did miss her boys.

The Port of Devonport appeared in the distance from the deck. The wind blew in icy gusts, another bleak January summer’s day. Louisa remembered summer days of the past and wasn’t surprised. But it was a far cry from the heat of northern New South Wales. Alfred had obtained lodgings for the night at a nearby boarding house. The next morning saw them all on the Mail coach to Laucestion.

They had arrived late the next afternoon tired and travel sore from all the bumping and rocking of the coach. Another room had been reserved for them in advance. She wondered when Alfred had made all these arrangements. It was here that Alfred asked if he could have the ring that he had given her when they had left Tasmania twelve years ago in 1870. Confusion gripped her heart, what did he want with the silver band. It was her only tie to respectability. She loved Alfred and had never questioned their relationship, but she did feel a little sad that her marriage was a farce and only for show.

The next morning Alfred rose early and went out before she and Ethel woke. On returning, he greeted her with a bunch of daisies and told her to put on her best dress as they were going out.

They had a lovely walk through streets filled with tall gum trees. Alfred insisted that she carry the daisies why he carried Ethel. Turning the corner they came across the Free Church of Scotland, where Alfred suggested they explore, as it would be cool inside as the day was heating up.

On entering they were greeted by the Minister and his wife. He introduced himself as Reverend and Mrs Lindsay and explained that he was all ready for the service and he led them next door to the manse.

Mrs Lindsay asked if she could hold Ethel. Alfred reached for her hand and gave her a wink. With butterflies circling her tummy, she realised he had arranged for their wedding, back where it had all begun, with the birth of Alfred Jr. As tears filled her eyes she found it difficult to see and a large lump formed in her throat as the Minister read their vows. It was all over in a flash with the Reverend and his wife witnessing the ceremony, as well as their little Ethel of course. The10th January1883, she was now officially Mrs Brandt.11 A name she had used for thirteen years, but it had never sounded as sweet as it did now.

They spent another night in Launceston before embarking on the boat for the return journey home.

10 Australia, Birth Index, 1788-1922 Index Reg #17610 Ethel BRANDT; [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2010, http://www.ancestry.com.au

Thursday 1 June 2017

LOUISA - Chapters Nine and Ten



CHAPTER NINE

ASHES TO ASHES ©


The morning dawned with a golden hue over the distant Sugarloaf Mountain.

Louisa sat at the kitchen table with a cup of tea. She had been awake for awhile, with dread in her heart of the day to come.

The children had taken in all she had told them about the funeral last night. After their many questions she was exhausted. Sleep had come to her easily but not for long.

She knew it was useless trying to get back to sleep when she woke earlier, so she rose and did the chores for the day. Once she had finished, she washed and found Alfred’s favourite dress. She would dress for him today no matter what was said. Besides she didn’t have money to waste on mourning clothes, she thought.

The Undertaker was meeting them at the Church. The Reverend Duncan had called in yesterday afternoon to make arrangements for the service.9

It was going to be a long day. The Service was scheduled for one o’clock. She would have preferred the morning when the children were fresh and less fussy with tiredness. They would have to have their meal early so there was no rumbling of tummies.

Her thoughts were interrupted by the sound of little feet and many voices.

After breakfast she needed to get them all outside for some play and hopefully Ethel down for a quick nap.

Everything seemed to go as planned and midday saw them all bundled back into the wagon and heading into town.

As she pulled up outside the Church of England, she noticed with pride that many of the regulars from the Sugarloaf Inn and neighbouring farms, had come to pay their respects.

She sat in a daze of disbelief inside the Church with the children. They were all very quiet and subdued. The shock of it all was slowly starting to show in their faces. Their Pa had not come home and they were finally accepting that he was never going to do so.

Louisa bundled the children into the wagon again after the service for the short trip to the burial ground. 


“Ashes to ashes...” she heard through her grief, then the Undertaker was bringing her a bucket. What am I supposed to do with this, she thought. Then seeing the contents of the bucket she remembered and gathered the children around her and gave each of them a clump of dirt. It was all she could do to stop Ethel from eating it. One by one her six little men dropped the dirt on top of the coffin and then she and Ethel followed and did the same.

It was bitterly cold, a typical end of July day. She would need to get the children home quickly as dark would descend on them very soon at this time of year. Hopefully few would want to linger at the graveside afterwards in this wind, she thought.

Everyone was tired, hungry and just a little grumpy on the trip home. There was none of the usual singing, they all pulled their scarves up over their mouths to keep out the icy wind.

Later that night she again wandered around the bedroom, seeking sleep and missing Alfred’s snoring.

“Oh how had I ever thought this room small,” she whispered as she glanced out the window at the stars.

CHAPTER TEN

SO MANY QUESTIONS ©

Sleep finally came to her with troubled dreams. She woke in a cold sweat and made her way to the window again.

She found herself talking to a star again, could Alfred really be looking down on her? “I don’t know what to do Alfred. The Undertaker wants me to fill in your details on this form, so your death can be registered. There are so many things that I still don’t know. It never seemed important when you were with me. I always thought I had time to ask you later.” She sighed as the star seem to flicker with her words.

“ I don’t know your Mother’s name, why is that? I remember you saying you were born in Waber, Sweden, but how is it spelt, you always said it real funny.”

She filled in the form as best she could. But there was one thing really troubling her.

“ They want to know your age when we married. How can I put 52, the same age as when you died. Everyone would know that we hadn’t been married until this year. I don’t think I could stand the shame. How would the children feel? Why do they need to know this and what business is it of their’s anyway? I think I will put 39, the age you were when we had Alfred Jr.” She placed the form on the dresser, the Undertaker would collect it in the morning.

The following days seemed to run into each other. Each day she got up, fed the children, did their lessons and then sent them out to play. The older boys helped where they could, but they couldn’t by law help in the bar. So they took over some of Alfred’s chores where they were able and looked after the little ones, when Louisa had to be somewhere else.

And somewhere else she had to be most of the day. The bar was open from ten in the morning until six in the evening. She served behind the bar and cleared the tables and mantles, taking the glasses out to the kitchen for Alfred, Magnus and Peter to wash and return to her. Ethel was growing fast, but for the time being, thank heavens, she was content to play with her blocks and dolly on the floor behind the bar. Louisa became very adept at serving, stepping over her daughter at her feet. The boys took her outside at different times, but Louisa was happier when she was with her.

Louisa decided that at least until summer she would open the bar an hour later each day. This would give her precious time with the children and let them be just children for a small part of the day. She so looked forward to the weekends. The time was spent catching up on household chores and cooking for the following week. She had decided after Alfred’s death that for the time being she would close the lodging part of the Inn. She didn’t feel comfortable having guests stay when it was just her and the children on her own. The money from the bar was steady and kept them all well fed and clothed.

Soon came the day that she had been dreading. She was out the back hanging washing early one Monday morning. The copper bubbled with boiling water in the shed behind her. She thought with pride how good Alfred was now at lighting the fire and having the copper ready for her to start the washing promptly, early each Monday morning.

Bang bang bang, she realised that someone was knocking with some force on the front door of the Inn. Wiping her cold and roughened hands quickly on her apron, she hurried to get to the door before the children.

Opening the door, she was greeted by the Magistrate, Mr Lawson, “Good morning Mrs Brandt, may I have a word?”

“Come in, out of the cold, Mr Lawson, the weather is finally turning but the mornings are still brisk aren’t they?”

Leading him into the bar area, as the children were in the kitchen, she wondered if the day had finally come.



9 Australia, Death Index, 1787-1985, Index Reg#8157 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2010, Name of Minister, accessed 18 August 2015 ,http://www.ancestry.com.au

#52 Ancestors in 52 Weeks 2024 - Week 9 - Changing Names

  I have quite a few “changing names” candidates for this prompt. It never ceases to amaze me how some names through no fault of their own c...