Gippslander and Mirboo Times, April 18, 1918

‘Corporal Robert Reginald H Pittendrigh - who is reported to have died of wounds, was the son of Mr G R Pittendrigh, of Garra. He was the first Methodist minister to enlist as a private in this State, and was a man of very fine qualities. For three years he was an evangelist in the Central Methodist Mission, and from the training institute of that mission entered the Methodist ministry 4.5 years ago. When he enlisted, Corporal Pittendrigh was second minister at Lithgow, and had served terms in Wilcannia and Gloucester. Just prior to leaving for the front he was ordained to the full work of the ministry, and married Miss Florence Ensor, who was well known as ‘Sister Florence’ in the Central Mission. Corporal Pittendrigh was one of the stretcher-bearers, and completely won the affection of his comrades. His strong personality marked him as a leader among men and his death is greatly to be lamented. In a letter which appeared in one of the Brisbane newspapers, Sergeant E J Kelleher, of the 13th Battalion, writes from the front - ‘All the parsons are heroes. Corporal Pittendrigh, who eventually joined the band, and became a stretcher-bearer, will get the Distingusihed Conduct Medal. He is a Wesleyan parson, and he went out into the hell which exists between the trenches only 100 yards apart, and amid an inferno of shrapnel and bullets brought in nine wounded men.’ Anyone who knew the deceased soldier intimately would have expected this of him.’ 

The Bathurst Times, December 4, 1915

‘Gloucester - The news of the death of Reverend Pittendrigh; at the Dardanelles, was received here with deep regret. He was the first Methodist minister appointed at Gloucester, and was extremely popular with all sections of the community. A special memorial service will be held in the Methodist Church on Sunday week.’ 

Molong Argus, September 24, 1915

‘Private Reuben Joseph Redman - aged 17 years, of the 18th Battalion Infantry, died at Lewisham Hospital from meningitis, pleurisy and pneumonia. He was a son of Mr J H Redman, of Gloucester, and grandson of Mr and Mrs R M Gibson, of Dungog and nephew of Mrs J Houguot, of Narrabri. Deceased enlisted for active service, and while in camp contracted a cold which necessitated him obtaining leave of absence for three days. On his return to camp at night his blankets were missing and he was compelled to sleep without covering, which occasioned a fresh chill and brought about his death. He was buried from the residence of his uncle, Sergeant Robinson, Dulwich Hill, and was accorded a full military funeral. The remains were interred in the Presbyterian portion of Rookwood Cemetery, the Reverend Mr Jennings, who officiated at the graveside, making feeling reference to the deceased. The military fired a volley, and the buglers sounded the 'Last Post'.’ 

The North Western Courier, July 25, 1915

'Driver Archibald John Mychael - the country’s Roll Of Honour has claimed still another of our district’s soldiers, and the coveted list will be all the brighter for the addition is Driver Archibald J Mychael, who succumbed to wounds received at the Dardanelles on the 21st August, in his 22nd year. A bright and intelligent young bushman, the fallen lad is the youngest son of that fine old patriot, Mr John Mychael, of Moonan Flat, who has four boys in uniform, while two others were rejected owing to slight defects. Of three in the battle line, two, Kenneth and Dennis, have been wounded, and now, covered with glory, Arch has been committed to the soldier’s grave. Of a fighting stock, good old John Mychael has practically given his all to the great cause, and if it were permissible, he would not hesitate in filling the gap occasioned by his son’s honourable death.'

The Scone Advocate, September 17, 1915

‘Lance Corporal William Henry Rudkin - we have just heard that Mr John Rudkin of Berrico Creek has received news from the war office of the death of his son William who died fighting for his country in France. Good old Bill, as his mates used to call him, was a favourite everywhere. He was one of those good lads (whose death is a loss to the district) ever kind and thoughtful for others industrious and sober, a lad without an enemy. Bill was welcome wherever he went, and people liked to see him coming. You never heard the crack of Bill’s tongue, if he could say nothing good of you, he would say nothing at all. A crack shot, he was picked for dangerous posts, and eventually joined the machine gun section. Poor Bill, he died a glorious death, and his memory will remain forever green to his friends and the people of this district. Dear old Bill, his end was great, but we sadly miss him.’ 

The Gloucester Advocate, June 2, 1917

‘Private Oswald Gallagher - nearly six months ago a letter came to the family of Mr J J Gallagher, of Bundook, and formerly of the good old hotel at Krambach, that his son had passed through a fiery furnace at Pozieres. His mate from the Barrington, Private Herbert Everett, reported that young Gallagher, after being in the forefront of the charge for the capture of three trenches, standing on a parapet, called to his mate, ‘Come Herb, or you’ll be late at the finish of the Huns.’ Herb was only 15 yards behind as Gallagher plunged forward and as Herb came to the position just held by his mate he saw him reel and push forward in an aimless way after a shell explosion. Months have gone by, and word has now been sent to Bundook that the brave lad found his way into his shell-hole and paid the soldier’s (??) and great sacrifice after the explosion. Everett went on, and a month later rejoined his mate on the other side.’ 

The Northern Champion, May 12, 1917

‘Lance Corporal Clarence John Wellard - Mrs Wellard of Gloucester, has received word from the military authorities that the Military Medal for bravery in the field has been awarded to the late Lance-Corporal C J Wellard, 20th Battalion, AIF. The late lance-corporal was in charge of a Lewis machine gun in an advanced position, and kept back the enemy the whole of one night without being relieved. His splendid service on this occasion gained him this distinction. A few days later he was cut down by a shell, and refusing succour from the stretcher-bearers, died at his post.’ 

The Maitland Weekly Mercury, December 22, 1917

‘Sergeant Spencer Godfrey Tibbenham - was the recipient of two presentations on Thursday evening at the Gloucester stores on the occasion of his leaving to join the Expeditionary Force. Mr Street, who spoke in eulogistic terms of Mr Tibbenham, asked his acceptance of a shaving outfit, and suited each article for double service if required to overcome the enemy. He intimated that Mr Tibbenham would always be welcomed back in Gloucester. Mr Alf Parish asked Mr Willey to make a presentation to Mr Tibbenham on behalf of the employees who he said were sorry Mr Tibbenham was leaving them. Mr Willey then read the following address: ‘We the undersigned (your fellow employees) ask your kind acceptance of the accompanying bracelet watch as a mark of our esteem, and while sincerely regretting your leaving the firm, yet we admire the patriotic spirit which has prompted you to join the Expeditionary Force and thereby serving the Empire during the present war. We trust that you may keep safe and well and assuring you of all our good wishes. 12 signatures and L E Street, Employer Gloucester Stores September 17th 1914.’ Mr Tibbenham in reply sincerely thanked Mr Street for his kind remarks and gift, and also the employees and said he would be very disappointed if anything happened to prevent him serving the Empire and joining the Expeditionary Force.’ 

The Gloucester Advocate, September 19, 1914

‘Sergeant John Curran - the young Copeland soldier, whose death was reported last issue, had attained the rank of Company Sergeant-Major in March last. From the day he enlisted he kept a most interesting diary. Mr J H Curran, who sends us the few following extracts from it, says he believes his brother was the very first man to enlist from Gloucester district. The diary states: August 8th, 1914 wrote to Colonel Antil and offered my services with the AIF 12th, got answer to report at Victoria Barracks before, 18th August; 20th, sworn in and allotted to D Company 2nd Battalion 1st Brigade; October 18th embarked on Suffolk; December 8th Disembarked in Egypt; training until 30th January 1915 in hospital for six weeks, discharged from hospital on 5th March 1915; April 4th, embarked on the Derflinger: 6th sailed for unknown destination; 25th landed at Gallipoli; 29th slightly wounded in right shoulder, shrapnel; 12th June, Corporal, 6th August; Lone Pine fight, promoted Sergeant; 15th Wounded in leg three places, but fought on till the evacuation; musketry instructor to reinforcements in England till 12-11-16 when crossed to France, 4th March 1917, Company Sergeant Major. Company Sergeant Major Curran was officially reported killed in action on 7th May, aged 20 years. He was reported to have died of wounds in August 1916, but was ill in hospital at the time.’ 

The Gloucester Advocate, June 2, 1917

‘Private Arthur Lorn Wyborn - was found to be missing between July 22 and 27. Private Wyborn was approaching his 19th year, and at the time of enlistment was in charge of the boot department of Mr R H Harris’ general store at Gloucester. He was a lieutenant in the senior cadets, and after he enlisted was acting sergeant in the Expeditionary Forces at Holdsworthy and Newcastle, where he proved himself capable and efficient in the discharge of the duties of a non-commissioned officer.’ 

The Maitland Daily Mercury, September 5, 1916

‘Mr F Wyborn, of Lorn, whose son Arthur was recently reported missing is in receipt of a letter from Private J D Morrison, of D Company, 3rd Battalion, in which he refers to the loss of the gallant soldier. ‘I cannot express to you how sorry I am, especially as I owe my life to his bravery. As you no doubt know now, he was reported missing on July 25, and I am sorry I cannot hold out any hope for him, as I am afraid he met the same fate as hundreds of others and was buried by a shell from which it was impossible to extricate them. I would have written to you before this, only I have just recovered from my wounds. I, too, was wounded and buried the night before Arthur, and if it had not been for his bravery, and untiring efforts under awful shell fire, I too would have been reported missing, but he did not stop until he had dug me out although he had been working and fighting without sleep for four days and nights. I was more dead than alive when he got me out but if it had not been for him I would certainly have died, so you can appreciate how keenly I feel his death’.’  

The Maitland Daily Mercury, November 2, 1916

‘Lieutenant Bruce Gray McKenzie - left Australia with the 25th Battalion as a private but shortly after arrival in England attended officer’s training school at Oxford. He passed well, received his commission and was assigned to the 34th Battalion as a Lieutenant. He was wounded in the thigh during heavy fighting in June but after a week recuperating returned to the firing line.’ 

The Maitland Daily Mercury, November 1, 1917

‘Lieutenant Thomas Alexander McIntyre - the latest casualty list contains the name of Sergeant T A Mclntyre of Gloucester who is returning to duty after illness.’ 

Gloucester Advocate, August 2, 1916