Did you know that the first airman killed in military flying training in Australia (1917) aged 22 is not commemorated on the CWGC database however he is remembered on the Roll of Honour. He was flying one of the first "Maurice Farman Shorthorns" introduced into service with the Australian Flying Corps (AFC) at Point Cook in 1916. My research uncovered this error and I have taken steps with the CWGC representative in the United Kingdom to ensure that his commemoration is added, even though 91 years have now past. (19/11/1917) He was killed at Werribee near Point Cook Air Base in Victoria . His body was returned home from Melbourne to Sydney for burial. I applied for his death certificate which showed his final resting place. I thought I would send an email to the cemetery with an explanation and ask if there were any details they could supply me about where exactly he is buried so I could get my nephew to take a photo. The reply was a list of charges for disclosing that type of information! Sounded like "Tell someone who cares"!
I realise that they may get quite a few queries .... but I get so frustrated when people are just so "flip" and uncaring .... :noidea: I hope you find the grave Spidge ... anything we can help you with ?? Annie
My letter was "tug at the heart strings" stuff because people usually have a will to help. This not being so in this instance, I will revert with a phone call to the manager and try to find his/her better side. Next is to attempt to find a relation. There was another soldier with the same name and place of birth so I will do some phone calls to Sydney and try to track one down.
C.w.g.c. Always found them extremely helpful and considerate group of people when spoken to. The Staff in the enquiries Section have helped me solve problems over the telephone on several occasions. I think everyone responds better to a voice Geoff.
Hi Adrian, Reginald Kaye Duckworth I placed the query through the Great War Forum in the Non Commemoration thread. Hopefully I will hear soon that he has been added to the list. Cheers Geoff
Geoff I have a copy of the AFC Roll of Honour that "Dolphin"/ Gareth Morgan of the Great War Forum has compiled, but there is no Duckworth in there. Was he definitely AFC? Many AFC fatalities occurred during training (as with all the other nationalities), but all the rest were with the Training squadrons in the UK or Egypt when they were killed. Could he still have been a civilian at the time, learning to fly at his own expense in the hope of getting a commission with the AFC or RFC (many pilots took that route)? I can ask Gareth if he has heard of Duckworth but he is away at the moment. Why not post on the War in the Air Section of the GWF - I imagine more read it than the Memorials thread? Starlight might know Adrian
I am actually awaiting Hobson's Airmen Died in the Great War 1914-1918 (should be here anyday). I will look in there when it arrives
Hi Adrian, I did run the query initially in another thread and put it in the Non Commemoration thread where it was picked up by Terry Denham. GWF thread here: Cadet Reginald Kaye Duckworth - Great War Forum From the AFC website: Duckworth, Reginald Kaye - LtPlt - CFS - KIAA 16 Nov 17 - Not in CWGC register From the RAAF Archives at Point Cook Victoria Australia: http://www.airforce.gov.au/raafmuseum/exhi...g/shorthorn.htm From the Australian War Memorial - Roll of Honour Reginald Kaye Duckworth Rank - Lieutenant [Lt] Unit - 6th AGA (Home Service) and Trainee of AFC Service - Army Conflict - 1914-1918 Date of Death - 16 November 1917 Place of Death - Laverton VIC Source - AWM145 Roll of Honour cards, 1914-1918 War, Army He is also listed as Lieutenant on his death certificate which I secured a couple of weeks ago.
Hi Owen, Waverley Cemetery at Bronte in Sydney. I tried to find out his burial details (plot etc) and was amazed by their attitude. Send us the money or no information. Decided to phone them instead and they were just as ruthless for the dollar. I will have to get someone to have a walk around and see if they can find it. Cheers Geoff
It looks big through the gates Geoff ... but I can only find 38 names and your man isn't included there ! Find A Grave: Waverley Cemetery
Hi again Geoff, I don't get over there much these days. Victor Trumper was buried at Waverley in 1913, so that may be a guide to the area. Regards, Owen
If I go there myself I reckon I would find it. They purposely do not have registers or computer layouts as being self funded they charge for everything. I feel they are certainly making it pay. I have 817 at the Sydney Memorial and Sydney War Cemetery so it may be worth a trip in the near future however time and funds are short at present. I have been to most of the country towns on the list over the past thirty years however my project only commenced July 2007. You never know what tomorrow may bring. This is the list of notables buried at Waverley. Even the caretakers family who buried young Lt Duckworth (Kinsela's) are all buried there.
Great post Geoff! It would be an interesting walk around Waverley. If by some chance I get there, I'll let you know. Cheers Owen
This is on the Waverley CD Geoff ! ... The details on the disc are of the Grave in General Section , Grave S:21 R45 G345, 346 DUCKWORTH Reginald Kaye Died 16 Nov 1917 age 23 Here lies of Woollahra. killed whilst flying at Laverton, Vict. DUCKWORTH, Matilda 12 Nov 1933 Devoted wife and mother DUCKWORTH Arthur 22 Sept 1943 Here also lies
My friend suggested that you could also try here Geoff ! Random Acts of Genealogical Kindness -- New South Wales There are a couple of volunteers in Sydney who offer to photograph headstones.
