This is one of a series of posts to mark the international Rugby players who served in, and survived, The Great War. If anyone has further information on the men concerned, I’d be most grateful if it could be added to the thread. Gareth Elliott, Alma Raymond played for New South Wales and Australia Players shown as representing New South Wales and Australia are those who played in the period 1919-1929, when the New South Wales Rugby Union was the only operating Union in Australia. These players were retrospectively awarded caps by the Australian Rugby Football Union in 1994. Internationals: 10 : 1921 NZ – NZ+ ; 1922 NZM- NZM+ NZ- ® NZ- NZ- ; 1923 NZM+ NZM+ NZM+ (NZM = New Zealand Maoris) Raymond Elliott was born in Sydney in 1895. Played as a Forward for Southern Districts, Glebe-Balmain, NSW Profession: Carpenter War service: 4380, Private, 5th Field Ambulance, AIF. He enlisted on 15 April 1915, and departed Australia RMS Mooltan on 15 May that year. He returned on HMAT Orontes on 15 May 1919. Remarks: He played 25 times for NSW from 1919 to 1923. After playing he coached Drummoyne RFC (Glebe-Balmain changed its name) including the 1936 Premiership. He died on ?
He obviously didn't use the name "Alma" .... the only reference to it ... is his fathers consent to join the military !! he used RE Elliott or just plain R Elliott !! http://www.awm.gov.au/research/people/nominal_rolls/first_world_war/page.asp?p=1650465 He was 18 1/2 when he enlisted in Liverpool NSW 1915 NSW WARATAHS (Includes players from Balmain, Glebe, Glebe - Balmain & Drummoyne FC's) Source: "The Guardians of the Game - The History of NSW Rugby (2004) by JG Mulford. RE (Ray) Elliott 1920 -1923 25 Glebe-Balmain http://www.drummoynerugby.com.au/SNR/Honourboard/NSWRepresentatives.asp http://www.nswrugby.com.au/HSBCWara...ers-All-TimeList/NSWPlayers-All-TimeList.aspx He played with VA Dunn !! http://www.drummoynerugby.com.au/SNR/NewsEvents/documents/drumm_rugby_new_NOV97.pdf
I'm not surprised that he didn't use Alma. Perhaps he was descended from someone who fought in the Crimean War battle, and his name commemorated that action. Gareth
