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Growing up in Penrith

Garnett was born on the 20th June 1895 in Penrith N.S.W. He was the 8th of 12 children born to Christopher and Maria Hollier (nee Doran).   A most urgent question; is it Garnet or Garnett?  

Garnet appears on the birth certificate, but Garnett is used on the death certificate.   Official papers such as army records use both. Since Garnett is used on his death certificate, I will assume that this is the name he used most throughout his life.  That practice will be honoured in this piece.

Garnett grew up in Penrith, and during his teenage years was a member of the Colonial Forces at Penrith in the 41st Infantry in G Company for four years. The Colonial Forces were an early version of the Army Reserve.  Just an excuse really for the boys to get together to camp and have fun in the bush.  

Garnett was apprenticed for four years with the Australian Building Company. When Garnett left for the War he was presented with a wristwatch by Mr Hedges the Managing Director. Garnett was a talented carpenter, and was particularly known for his fancy staircases and trim.  One such staircase still stands in the Three Springs hotel in Western Australia.  Garnett made all the furniture for the home he would eventually share with his family in Perth.  The heavy jarrah furniture was very beautiful, but now sadly lost.

Garnett grew up in a family that was very religious, no drinking, swearing or cards.  His teenage social life was filled with church picnics, Temperance meetings and the Colonial Forces.  Garnett was an active member of the Good Templar Lodge.  The Temperance Society believed in the abolition of alcohol.  Garnett spent his years before the War as a tee-totaller! 

The excerpt from the Nepean Times belows shows Garnett’s dominance in the egg and spoon race at a church picnic.  He was 18 years old at the time.  Clearly times were much tamer back then!

PROTESTANT SPORTS

A first class programme of sport was run off on the Penrith Park on Anniversary Day.  Soft drinks were obtainable at the main pavilion, in charge of Messrs W Werner and C Tipping.  The committee were – Messrs Elwin Hollier, H Tipping, F Dukes, J Clarke, W Proctor, jun., J Jenkins.  The two latter acted as handicappers and starters.  The Mayor (Ald T Jones) and Mr H Field carried out the duties as judges.

Following are the results of the various events:-

Egg-and-Spoon  Race (over 16 years). – First heat,  Wilfred Hollier 1. Second heat, Garnett Hollier 1, O Potter 2.  Third heat, Frank Emery 1. 

Final, Garnett Hollier 1, Frank Emery 2.

Adapted from the Nepean Times Saturday 31st January 1914 page 4

Church picnics were a popular place to pick up girls.  Not only did Garnett excel at the egg and spoon, he also met his future wife, Marie at a church picnic.  Marie Louise was born in Melbourne on the 9th July 1897.  Marie was the second oldest in her family with a sister and five brothers. Her parents; Robert Friezer and Marie Louise Pfeffer met and married in Melbourne.  Robert was a jeweller, and had both prestige and a profession.  He left all his tools to his sons Fred and Les, who carried on the business to maintain an income for the family.  Sadly both parents died while the children were quite young, which left Marie Louise to bring up her younger siblings.  Marie was 12 (1909) when she had to leave school to take care of her mother for 4 years while she was dying of breast cancer.  At 18 years of age (1915), her father died, and it became her responsibility to look after her siblings.  When Garnett went away to War, he was so smitten he took a photo of Marie with him.  

In 1914, war broke out in Europe.  The newly federated Australian Government were keen to show their support for Britain.  Parliamentarians visited country towns hosting meetings to boost enlistment.  Below is an article from the Nepean Times.  It describes the meeting Garnett attended when he signed up for the War.  It is so interesting to read the propaganda from the times.  It seems they needed to create a monster out of Germany.  This must have been very uncomfortable for Marie (Garnett’s sweetheart) and her family.  Her mother (Marie Louise Friezer nee Pfeffer) was born in 1859 in Hamburg Germany and was very connected to her German roots.   It must have been heartbreaking to see Germany described in such a light.  It is also interesting to see the story of Gallipoli being shaped as early as August 1915.  Not many countries celebrate a defeat in such enthusiastic fashion!

RECRUITING MEETING

The Recruiting Meeting, which as announced in last week’s issue of the “Nepean Times,” would be held at the Temperance Hall on Wednesday evening last, duly eventuated on that date; but owing probably, to insufficient notification, plus the unsettled state of the weather, was but moderately attended, there scarcely being more than 100 persons present, including a sprinkling of ladies.

The Mayor presided, and on the platform were Messrs Geo Cann and Brinsley Hall, M’s .L.A. who were delegated by the State Parliamentary Recruiting Campaign Committee to address the meeting: Revs MG Hinsby, J Tarn and J McKee and Mr D McDonald.

The Mayor, in opening the meeting, commented on the regretted negligence of the authorities in not having clearly notified the civic and other local bodies of the intention to definitely hold a meeting on that evening.   It was only about 4 o’clock that afternoon that he was really assured that the Parliamentary Representatives would attend, having rung up to inquire of Mr Hall MLA, if the arrangement held good, when he was informed that Mr Hall had earlier left home for Penrith.  The arrangements were therefore somewhat haphazard, but they were very pleased to have the politicians with them, and hoped there would be a worthy response to the recruiting appeal.  

His Worship then introduced Mr C Cann, MLA.

Mr Cann, in his opening remarks briefly but interestingly sketched the situation caused by the overwhelming ambition of the Kaiser and his coterie of Prussian Junkers to dominate Europe by the sword.  The terrific combination of circumstances rendered it absolutely incumbent on Australians to take up arms and enlist in the ranks of those who were fighting so valiantly for the maintenance of the world’s liberties.  The German aim was in part the suppression of small nations; to trample under the heel of German dominance all national aspirations in the way of the hideous ultimate of the Menace: Germany, like France in the war of 1870 had acknowledged the neutrality of Belgium; and then understood it was a sacred thing; and France had so far and so freely admitted the compact that on being compelled to cross into Belgium territory in the course of the war (1870; 100,000 French soldiers had surrendered to the Belgian authorities rather than infringe that neutrality). Now they had seen that the enemy had no respect for treaties, compact or human rights, and it was an Enemy which threatened the existence of the British Empire, and of Australian liberty, and it was in this regard that knowing the extremity of the crisis before them, he and Mr Hall had come to Penrith to plead for the enlistment of men of military age who would assist their gallant compatriots and Allies at Gallipoli and elsewhere in helping to stay the march of their arch-enemy (Cheers).  Much criticism was being leveled at politicians and it was frequently asked at meetings how was it that such and such a politician was not enlisting.  Well, personally he is ready to enlist on the moment, if the authorities would overlook his want of teeth. (Laughter and cheers).  He did not desire to escape his patriotic responsibility and he thought the same could be said of most politicians.  He did not desire the country to adopt conscription if it could be avoided and thought a great number of men would be found who would willingly enlist voluntarily.  He asked the young men to enlist now and obviate any such mandatory actions.  The peril was great and immediate, and none knew better than their heroic lads who had fought and were so bravely fighting now in Gallipoli.  They had achieved a task in their heroic landing operations, and later, which was admitted could scarcely been carried out by any other troops in the world. (Cheers).  Their heroes, however, need reinforcements of the same stock.  They were constantly appealing from the firing line, and it was an appeal that could not be denied. (Cheers).  They needed thousands more Australian fighters for the front, and an immense stock of munitions.  He did not agree with the opinions sometimes expressed that the war had shown that Christianity was a failure, since so many millions of professing Christians were warring with each other.  But he thought Germany had practically discarded Christianity: had become lost in an atmosphere of gross materialism,and had deviated from true  religious principles, and had thus imperiled the liberties and happiness of the nations, having no regard for the holy ideals that the true ethics of Christianity conceived and elucidated.(Cheers).  It was no use mincing matters.  They needed every man, physically able, and capable of handling a rifle for the mighty task of combating the enemy, for if Germany got the upper hand it was farewell to their liberty.  He travelled over practically the whole civilized world in his time, and could say that their British governing institutions, the liberties they enjoyed, were second to none.  Were they to lag behind- they, Australians- whose compatriots had done such thrilling deeds, and not strive to the death to maintain their possessions and liberties.  He concluded with a strong earnest appeal to the young fellow of Penrith to enlist for the honour of their country. (Cheers).

Mr B Hall, MLA, the next speaker, said they could not think otherwise than that the situation was a terribly serious one.  We, so far from the seat of war, could perhaps, scarcely realize the perils that our compatriots and their allies were confronting, nor could we properly understand the loss of liberty the violent suppression of our cherished rights that would follow if the Germans got the upper hand.  The cry from the Dardanelles for more men, and bolts of war, was ever more insistent.  The lads on Gallipoli were doing their best to get to Constantinople, and in the process assist the Russian forces which were being so hardly pressed on the eastern front.  The Russians had myriads of men, no doubt, but were short of the necessary munitions; they had plenty of cereals, but their products and efforts were “tied up” for want of an outlet, and to assist in gaining this outlet was a task and objective of our heroes fighting in the Dardanelles.  No doubt our fellows at Gallipoli had paid a great price; but who was there worthy of the name of Australian who would not enlist and valiantly do their part? They were all the same stock.  The war was yet a terribly vital business.  To-day, after twelve months duration the end seemed as far off as it was in the first week of the war.  It was no doubt a serious thing to tell the people capable of doing so that their duty was to shoulder arms and hurry to the front, but it was undeniable that the obligation was on them all, politicians and everybody else (cheers).  What sort of conception of freedom or kindliness had that monster, the Kaiser and his advisors.  Think of the infants that had been massacred, the fiendish horrors perpetuated in Belgium and France, the sinking of innocent victims on the ocean, and they would have a far idea of what Prussian dominance meant.  If the young men could only realize what the victory of the German Objective meant they would not need recruitment evenings to stimulate them to enlist. Think of the days to come when the war was over, what a proud thing it would be for them (young fellows) to say to their posterity – “I was there, and took part in the great war and helped to defeat the German Menace, and preserve the world’s liberties”.

The Mayor, at conclusion of the foregoing speeches, made an earnest appeal to the men of military age to offer themselves to the recruiting authorities with a view to enlisting, but there was no immediate response.  A number of persons, the majority apparently of “fighting age” had congregated about the front door of the hall, and perhaps, some of those had already enlisted.  Five young fellows had enrolled that day, as we learned per courtesy of Sergt Thorncroft, viz, Messrs Walter Morehead, Chas White, Frederick Eaton, J Bennett and Garnett Hollier (Penrith).  All honour to the gallant patriots, who will, undoubtedly, give the very best account of themselves as true Australians at the front.

The singing of the National Anthem concluded the proceedings.

Nepean Times Saturday 7th August 1915 page 3

The article from the Nepean Times below describes the fervour for war at the time.   It seems there was a desperate drive to recruit. Fighting was portrayed as something brave, patriotic and honourable.   It appears that recruitment drives such as these worked.  Unlike the other countries engaged in World War I, conscription was not introduced in Australia. All the Australians who fought in World War I were volunteers. Prime Minister Billy Hughes made two attempts to introduce conscription: two conscription referenda were held in 1916 and 1917. Both lost to the 'no' vote.  The article below celebrates the Penrith boys (including Garnett) enlisting to fight the War.

BOUND FOR THE WAR.

It is, of course, only in the nature of things national and martial, that while the bugles on sounding the Call to Arms, in the Empire's hour of need our brave young Australian 'Boys of the Bulldog Breed' should heed the summons and volunteer for the front. From Penrith and the Nepean District generally a typical body of our sturdy young local compatriots have enlisted, and the under mentioned will be, we understand, included in the first contingent from our shores, viz: Messrs Alan Willis, Darcy Evans, Harold Pye, G Hollier, A V Steel, A A Cunanghame, Cecil Dukes, F Messer, J Syme, P Seach and W Robinson. We understand that others are to follow. While hoping that they will, one and all, distinguish themselves in the lurid forefront of battle, or in any phase to which their services may be allotted, we hope they will escape the casualty list, and return to their Native Land with the honours of war.

In reference to military matters we are in receipt of an intimation from Major  Bennett, Commandant, 3rd Infantry Battalion, State Corps, to the effect that a Country Infantry Battalion is being organised, and that all approved volunteers, medically fit, are requested to report themselves to Major Bennett at Kensington Camp. If a sufficient number volunteer from the Nepean District arrangements will be made to keep them together as a Territorial Unit, and a similar course will apply to other district units.

22nd August 1914 Nepean Times

Garnett was part of the Temperance movement in Penrith, and a member of the Order of Good Templars.  Founded in the 19th century and with a structure modeled on Freemasonry, it used similar ritual and regalia, although it admitted men and women equally.  The organisation campaigned for prohibition and promoted tee-totalism  Garnett attended weekly meetings at the Good Templar Lodge every Friday night.  The Lodge offered evenings featuring musical performances, poetry readings or debates and they always served non-alcoholic beverages.

The Order of Good Templars in Penrith supported the War effort and celebrated their brothers going off to the War.    Below are two articles in the Nepean Times describing a far-off mystery pound night and a send-off for the boys!

GOOD TEMPLARY.

The weekly meeting of the Good Templar Lodge was held as usual on Friday night of last week. Two new members were initiated. The proceedings were enlivened by the sale of mystery parcels, as per Dutch auction, by Bro F Dukes V.T.  It was decided to accept the invitation of St Marys Lodge to attend  a social in honor of Bro Desborough, who is going to the front. A good programme of musical items were Secured for this Friday night. Bros. W J Starling, P Baker and G Hollier have volunteered, and a pound night and send off will be arranged for.

The Nepean Times 4th September 1915

GOOD TEMPLARY

The meeting of the International Order of Good Templars on Friday night of last week decided upon entering into direct crusade work. It is expected that a pound night will be held on Saturday night, September 18th, in honor of three brothers who have enlisted for the war— Brothers Garnett Hollier,                                             Percy Baker and W J Starling. A debate tonight (Friday) will take place, the topic being, 'Six o'clock or Prohibition—which is best?' Bros Fragar and Dukes will act as champions of these two issues.

The Nepean Times 11th September 1915

Here is a detailed review of the mysterious pound night of the Order of Good Templars!  It is an interesting window into the social life of young people just before the War.  Evenings were spent singing hymns, playing parlour games, listening to musical performances, poetry recitals and speeches.  It is most enjoyable to read the article below and witness a community steeped in love and support for one another.  Another interesting aspect of the article is the justification of the War - the boys were fighting for truth and justice.

SOLDIERS' SEND-OFF AND PRESENTATIONS

There was a large gathering at the Foresters' Hall on Saturday night last when three members of the Raymond Preston Lodge of Good Templars -- Privates Percy Baker, W J Starling, and Garnett Hollier — who have enlisted, and are now in camp at Liverpool, were given a send-off. Privates Ben Hollier and Bert Field were also present as guests. Members of the St Marys Branch of the Good Templars came up by invitation. The superintendent and teachers of the Penrith Methodist Sunday School, and members of the Bible Class, also attended.

The whole proceedings were most enthusiastic, and a very pleasant time was spent. The Rev J Tarn (Chief Templar) occupied the chair, and the proceedings opened with a hymn and the singing of ''God Save the King.'' Miss Byrnes recited ''The Heroes of the Dardanelles,'' and received hearty applause for her effort. Parlor games followed (in which old and young joined), after which Mrs Bishop gave a very pleasant rendering of the solo, ''The Last Mile-stone.'' Miss Vida Bishop followed with the solo, ''Sunshine and Rain''— a pretty solo, and much appreciated. Miss Ruth Neville was accorded hearty applause for her recitation, ''How Belgium Played the Game.''

The chairman then said he felt proud to say, as minister of the Methodist Church, that so many of their young men had heard and responded to the call of King and Country. There never was a war in which such a large number of Christian men were fighting for truth and justice — never a war which appealed to the highest instincts and noblest feelings of men of our Empire as now. He knew the young men from their lodge (Good Templars) would do honor to the colors they bear. He trusted their example in teetotalism would be a great benefit to others, and that they would come through the war with honors. They were young men whom they admired for their Christian character — may God bring them back safely.

The chairman then (on behalf of the Good Templars) presented a sheepskin vest and military knife to Privates G Hollier (P.V.T.), P Baker (P.V.T.), and W J Starling (late F.S.), making appropriate remarks in handing the articles over. Private B Field also received a wristlet watch, in place of one previously given.

Mr C Johnson (teacher of the Methodist Bible Class), in the course of a few remarks, expressed his pleasure at being present, and to see such a large gathering to do honor to good and brave young men, and presented Private G Hollier with a pocket wallet on behalf of the Bible Class.

Mr J W Rawson (superintendent of Methodist Sunday School) said he had one of his sons going away. When he had enlisted he (Mr Rawson) was very down-hearted, but since he had learnt to feel proud that his son had been ready to respond to the call of his country. He was glad to have the opportunity of wishing their guests God-speed, and hoped they would come back safely, covered with glory and honor. On behalf of the Sunday School, the speaker presented Privates P Baker and W J Starling with a pocket Testament each.

The recipients responded, and thanked all for the presents and good wishes.

Bro A Hope (C.T. of St. Marys, Good Templars), in a few remarks, said their soldier guests had proved themselves to be men. He felt proud that they had such brothers, and wished them God-speed on behalf of St. Marys Lodge of Good Templary —trusting they would be with them again soon.

Refreshments were then handed round.

Bro F Dukes sang ''My Mother,'' with pleasing effect; and the company sang ''God be with you till we meet again.'' .

Bro A Hope thanked Penrith Lodge for the invitation to St. Marys Lodge members to attend that night — they had had a good time; and issued an invitation to Penrith Templars to a send-off on 2nd October to Bro Desborough, who was off to the front.

Mr W B R Starling responded on behalf of the parents of the soldier brothers for the invitation to the farewell function.

After a few remarks from Mr Harold Price, and a recitation (''Our Heroes'') by Miss Elma Starling, the singing of "Auld Lang Syne'' concluded the proceedings. Mrs Bishop and Miss Hand were accompanists.

Nepean Times 25th September 1915

Every week, the local newspaper The Nepean Times, published a column each week titled Our Soldiers.  It related important updates to the tight knit Penrith community. Below is an article on yet another send-off for Garnett.  This one is very touching… 

OUR SOLDIERS

Prior to going into camp at Warwick Farm, Garnett Hollier (third son of Mr and Mrs Chris Hollier) was presented with a wrist watch by Mr F O Hedges, Managing Director of the Australian Building Co, Ltd., to which firm he had been apprenticed for upwards of four years.

Adapted from the Nepean Times Saturday 11th September 1915 page 3

The War Years

Garnett Hollier enlisted to fight in the Great War on the 6th August 1915. He was not part of the initial recruitment drive, perhaps he needed to complete his apprenticeship first.  The delay was extremely fortunate as he missed the campaign in Gallipoli.  Garnett started his training while camped at Warwick Farm in Liverpool, NSW.   Warwick Farm, wasn’t a farm, but the name of the suburb.  It had a wonderfully large race track, the perfect size for an army camp. 

The boys trained during the week, and if they were lucky they could get leave to go home for the weekend.  The boys practised drills during the day, and completed other duties such as sentry duties in the evening.  Guard & Pickets were posted all round the grounds, two hours on, 4 hours off.

The camp provided basic training and acted as a holding pattern for new recruits with new recruits arriving every day.  In August/ September 1915, the camp was a happy place.  There was always plenty of singing, music, mouth organs, concertinas, and even a cornet.  In their spare time, the boys played soccer or rugby or enjoyed swimming in the local river.  

Every fortnight the boys would line up outside the Pay Corporals Tent for their wages. The young recruits earned £4.0.0 each fortnight.  A most generous salary.  

On November 2nd 1915, Private Hollier embarked from Sydney NSW, on board the HMAT Euripides. There was a stop-over at Port Melbourne before crossing the notorious "Bight" to reach Albany WA.  For this convoy, Fremantle was the last Australian port of call before crossing the Indian Ocean.   The HMAT Euripides sailed past the lighthouse at Rottnest, and into Fremantle Harbour.  This would be the first time Garnett would see Western Australia.  Did his experience during this stopover influence his decision to settle in Perth in later years?  Many of the boys did not waste much time making themselves at home, especially in the pubs.  But we know Garnett was not one of them, as he was a committed member of the Temperance movement.  The Post Office was also a popular destination.  The boys would’ve found the streets of Fremantle very narrow in comparison to Pitt St. in Sydney. The boys were entranced by the electric cars covered with Beer, Whisky & Medicine advertisements. Many of the troops were desperate for fresh food, and fruit was a very popular purchase.  However, the boys report that the fruit was inferior and very expensive. Apples, peaches, apricots at 8d. lb, cherries 1/- & bananas 1/- doz.  Thankfully this was not enough to put Garnett off Fremantle permanently!  The final departure for the troops was similar to that of other Australian ports.  Many women (as reported by the troops, but one wonders if men were there as well, but they did not notice!) come to the wharf with streamers and flags to bid the boys goodbye to Australia.  

Training in Egypt

On the 30th November, Garnett disembarked in Egypt. Contrary to expectations, the new reinforcements did not go straight to Europe, but disembarked from the ship at Suez in Egypt and went by train to Zeitoun, near Cairo.

SOLDIER’S LETTER

Mr and Mrs Chris Hollier, of Hornseywood, are in receipt of the first letter from their son, Private Garnett Hollier, written from Egypt.  He states they are camped at Heliopolis, having disembarked on the 30th November.  Garnett met several Penrith boys – Bert Field, C Newman Bailey and CharlieWerner. The writer is very anxious to get to the firing line.  Never felt better in his life.

Nepean Times Saturday 15th  January 1916 page 6

In December 1915, Garnett spent his first Christmas at War.  He was camped in Heliopolis with his fellow comrades.  It must have felt strange to have Christmas so far from family.  To support the boys, Australia sent each young man a Christmas billy.  Christmas billies contained items that the Anzacs considered luxuries: tobacco/cigarettes, matches, razor blades, knitted socks, a pencil, writing paper, cake, sauces, pickles, tinned fruit, cocoa, coffee and, of course, Anzac biscuits! They were described as a “fragrant message from home” and according to the Australian press at the time were rapturously received.  In truth, Anzac biscuits were hard and dry.  They were specifically designed to withstand months of travel and arrive at their destination edible.  The lashings of golden syrup preserved the biscuit so it was impossible to tell if it was old or stale.  Australia’s finest contribution to world cuisine and its main redeeming feature is that it is robust enough to survive 6 months in the post.

OUR SOLDIERS

Private Garnett Hollier, writing from Egypt, states that, having met so many Penrithites in arms, he thinks that all Penrith will be over there shortly.  He has been having a good time amongst the boys in having trips on camels, and seeing the pyramids, etc.  His Christmas billy-can came from a Miss Ada Lawn, of Western Australia.

Adapted from the Nepean Times Saturday 19th February 1916 page 2

Cairo proved to be a lively place for an army camp.  The soldiers were given leave on occasion, and the boys would visit the sights in Cairo.  They explored the museums, pyramids, as well as areas of disrepute.  Garnett’s records show that, unlike many of the other Australian troops, he did not go AWOL nor was he charged at any time with drunken and/or disorderly behaviours.  This was extremely unusual.  The Australian soldiers were not only renowned for their distinctive slouch hats and pea-soup coloured uniforms but more so for their raucous behaviour.  Below is a description from a young digger from Penrith describing the Red Light district called the Wassa in a letter home to family.

In a few minutes I opened my eyes to sights I never dreamed existed in this awful World. My God! How can I describe it to you, who are innocent as I was. If you can fancy streets (by name only) that are just wide enough to let a donkey cart & a person, pass abreast of one another, surrounded on the sides by filthy, evil-smelling, caked-mud, 3 & 4 story (?) houses, no furniture or blinds, inhabited by thousands of the scum of Egypt & other nations, who know no sanitary law, (everything is done without shame in the centre of the lanes, which after thousands of years being trodden in, baffle describing for stench) Every house is one of ill fame, the women here being I suppose, the most immoral in the whole world. For a piastre they’ll do anything whatever- I’d better not say any more about them- they are only treated as play things by every body. This is the temptation we Australians & others have to resist & I tell you candidly that it is a greater trial than anything I’ve ever thought of. The Hotels all have their ballet girls, (mere youngsters some of them) mostly French & Italian, who mix up with the soldiers at the little tables & drink with them in their short dresses. You need not buy anything- it’s all free & there are hundreds of these places about the city. Everyone is out for money, & they don't care how it’s made up. If you hear anyone mention the "Wassa Streets, Cairo, think of what I’ve said above. Perhaps when I get back I’ll tell you more fully of the place. 

Cairo must have been quite a shock for Garnett who had grown up sheltered in Penrith with a religious family in a Temperance community.  This must have seemed very alien indeed.  He must have been quite relieved to move to the next training camp.

On the 16th February 1916, Garnett was assigned to the newly created 54th Battalion and moved to the training camp at Tel el Kebir. The camp was far away from the temptations of Cairo.  The Battalion was made up of experienced soldiers from the Gallipoli campaign and recently recruited personnel, like Garnett, who had been dispatched as reinforcements from Australia. The 54th Battalion became part of the 14th Brigade attached to the 5th Australian Division.  Along with around 40,000 other Australian troops, Garnett settled down to life in the tent city at Tel el Kebir while preparations and training were undertaken prior to the Australians joining the main theatre of war on the Western Front.

The days at camp started with ‘physical jerks’ followed by inspection. Rifle exercises, bayonet practice and drilling in the heat of the desert sun were part of the intense training. The extent of the drilling did cause some problems as the men had been issued with khaki drill uniforms and the trousers were as hard as boards. Even routine marches caused chafing and many of the men returned saturated with perspiration and with bleeding thighs from the rough cotton material.

But Garnett was not forgotten in Penrith.  In March 1916, many months after Garnett had left, the send offs continued.  The Protestant Alliance Friendly Society presented gold medals to Penrith recruits.  Even though Garnett had left, a medal was presented on his behalf to his mother.  The article provides a wonderful insight into life in Penrith.  A 5 year old singing angel, a slice of cake, and the appreciation of a kind and thoughtful community.  

SOLDIERS' SEND-OFF

At the last meeting of the Protestant Alliance Friendly Society, after the installation of officers for the ensuing year, opportunity was taken to give a social evening to six members of the lodge who have enlisted. About 60 persons were present, including the parents of the lads and also Captain McDonald, Lieut Price and Sergeant Thorncroft. Light refreshments were partaken of and then Bro Clay, War District Master, on behalf of the lodge, presented each of the lads with gold medals bearing the lodge emblem on one side and a suit inscription on the other. The recipients were — Corporals Fred Wrench and Walter Hollier and Privates P A Dukes and E Bunyan, who will be leaving shortly for the front, and Privates G Hollier and C Dukes, who have already sailed, the medals in the two latter cases being handed to the parents for the boys. Bro Clay addressed a few remarks to each lad personally, and Captain McDonald, Lieut Price and Sergeant Thorncroft gave them a few words of advice, all wishing them a safe and speedy return. Each of the lads present said a few words in reply, and Mr W Dukes and Mrs Hollier responded on behalf of their sons, each thanking the lodge for the handsome present. Bro C Spence occupied the chair, and during the evening several songs and recitations were rendered by various members of the company, including Master Charlie Wrench, a little boy of five years, who quite surprised and pleased the company by the excellent manner in which he sang the ''War Alphabet,'' "Faithful to the Motherland,'' and ''Just a Bunch of Irish Shamrocks'' for which he was heartily applauded. Corporal Fred Wrench then cut a very nice cake presented to him by Mr A Laing, handing a piece round to all present. The singing of the National Anthem brought a most enjoyable evening to a close.

Miss Wrench acted as accompanist throughout the evening. Bro Cecil Horstmann gave the use of the Temperance Hall free, and also had it nicely decorated for the occasion. A small piece of camphor put in the reservoir of a lamp will improve the light.

4th March 1916 Nepean Times

On the 10th of March 1916 Garnett was transferred to the 14th Australian Machine Gun Company, 14th Infantry Brigade.  Machine Gunners were a very important part of the brigade.  The machine gun allowed soldiers to rapid fire bullets at the enemy at a rate of 400 to 600 rounds per minute.  This allowed defenders the ability to dominate the battlefield and cause the death of advancing enemy soldiers.  Early forms of the machine gun were heavy and required small teams of soldiers (3-5) in order to fully operate, making them ideal for defensive positions on the battlefield.  However, the gun would easily overheat or jam with continuous use in the heat of battle and result in the weapon not operating at all.  As the war progressed, models with water and oil cooling mechanisms were produced but they could still overheat relatively quickly with repeated use.  To combat this effect soldiers would group machine  guns together on the battlefield to try to ensure continuous firing even if one or two of the guns jammed.  As well, soldiers, in desperation, would sometimes use their urine to try to cool the gun when the water or oil cooling systems failed.

When the time came for the men of the 54th Battalion to be moved to Ferry Point in readiness for embarkation to France a decision was made to have the brigades undertake a three day March under service conditions, meaning they had to march with full packs and water bottles, and (in the case of the infantry) with 120 rounds of ammunition. The whole force was just recovering from the passing sickness caused by anti-typhoid inoculation a few days before. Although doubts were raised as to its feasibility, trains were not available and the orders were carried out regardless of objections.

The troops left at 6am on the 27th March for the first stage of the journey, bivouacking for one night at the oasis of Mahsama, where  arrangements had been made for water and food to be deposited. The day started with heavy fog but as the sun broke through, the scorching heat of the day made itself felt. The weight of their packs meant the men sank deep into the sand with every step and they perspired profusely leaving white stains on their uniforms as the sweat dried.

The men marched for 50 minutes at a time with an 8 minute break and 2 minutes to fall in. The men were only permitted to drink during this break. Few could resist emptying their water bottles early in the day and with no additional water available it is not surprising that a number of men fell out on the first day. The Brigades reached their respective places of bivouac in good time covering 14 miles on the first day. Their evening meal was bully beef, hard biscuits and sweet tea.

The next day was hotter, with no breeze. The second day’s march meant that the 14th Brigade had to traverse the most difficult stretch between Mahsania and Moascar. The dust rose in fine white clouds covering them like flour, choking them and making breathing difficult. About 11 a.m., when the midday halt was called, some of the men began to wander in search of the undrinkable water which was all that lay within reach, and, possibly for this reason, the march commenced shortly after midday, the hottest time of the day.

At this point there lay ahead some difficult sandhills, and, to avoid them, the brigade detoured towards a desert ridge which would afford a firmer surface. After an hour’s advance up the steep hill in the intense heat of midday the brigade began to reach this ridge in a state of utter exhaustion. Pushed beyond their limits, troops and officers alike began to drop, collapsing from dehydration, exhaustion, and sunstroke, delirious or unconscious. When those troops that had managed to complete the march reached Moascar the men from the New Zealand camp hurried out with water, stretchers and ambulances to rescue those that had collapsed. There is no record of Garnett being hospitalised or receiving treatment following the march but even for those that managed to complete the march it was not a fun experience.

The last day was an easier march of 6 miles through the tree lined streets of Ismalia and across the Suez Canal. and the brigade was reviewed by the Prince of Wales as it passed along the road to Ferry Point. They reached their final camp about noon but it was not to end there. Apparently  after the march the battalion was reprimanded for their lack of discipline and for punishment were made to march in circles under full pack, for two hours.

Between 1st April to the 23rd of April, Garnett was at the School of Instruction, Zeitoun, Egypt as a machine gunner.   He rejoined his Unit from the School of Instruction on the 23rd (or 28th) April 1916. On 5 May 1916, at Tel-el-Kebir, Garnett was taken on strength of the 14th Machine Gun Coy. 

On 19 June 1916, Garnett, along with other members of the Brigade, boarded a train with long open shallow trucks to travel from the camp at Port Ferry to Alexandria. He then embarked on the HMT Canada for France. This was a dangerous journey as enemy submarines were active in the Mediterranean during the passage of the Anzac Corps from Alexandria to Marseilles.

The transports, most of which now carried a gun on the poop, were escorted part of the way by destroyers. Guards of soldiers, stationed on the upper decks, kept watch for any sign of a periscope. The troops observed the then universal precautions: in the day-time they wore their life-belts, and at night used them as pillows. During the night, the ships moved without any light visible from outside, all dead- lights being shut. The ship made it safely and on 25th June 1916 Garnett disembarked in Marseilles to join the Western Front.

On the 10th of July,, the Company moved to Sailly, France to complete a change over with the 17th Machine Gun Coy. On 16th July 1916 the Unit was billeted at Bac St. Maur, France ready for their first engagement.  It arrived quickly.

The 54th Battalion fought its first major battle at Fromelles, on the 19 July 1916. 

It was a disaster.

To relieve pressure on the Somme, the 5th Division made the AIF's debut in Europe,launching a diversionary attack at Fromelles. The attack was disastrous for the Australians, and it was later described as "the worst 24 hours in Australia's entire history".  The divisions chosen for this battle were both new to the sector and lacked local battle experience. The men had to assault over open fields criss- crossed with drainage ditches and in the face of heavy machine-gun

and artillery fire. Many fell, while others were overwhelmed by German counter-attacks.

The 14th Infantry Brigade included;

53rd Infantry Battalion

54th Infantry Battalion

55th Infantry Battalion

56th Infantry Battalion

14th Machine Gun Company

14th Light Trench Mortar Battery 

The 14th Infantry Brigade was assigned to 5th Division.

The whole countryside was torn and shattered with shellfire. Australian infantrymen who had been taught that “the bullet and bayonet were the deciding factors in fighting” saw the destructive power of artillery that now dominated the battlefield. Shrapnel tore men to pieces, high explosives blew them to bits and destroyed trenches, smoke covered the churned and foul smelling ground.

Preparations for the attack were rushed, the troops lacked experience in trench warfare and the power of the German defence was significantly underestimated, the attackers being outnumbered 2:1. The 5th Australian Division had arrived in France only days before the attack. Being the first wave of the assault, the 54th Battalion suffered heavily, losing 65 percent of its strength, equating to 20 officers and 518 other ranks. Monro ordered the 14th Brigade to withdraw and at 5:40 a.m. a box-barrage around the 14th Brigade began. Barrage fire was a method were machine gunners like Garnett would  fire over the heads of their own soldiers. This opened up the way for infantry to return to safety.   At 7:50 a.m. the order to retire arrived, German troops had got well behind the right flank and fired at every sign of movement, forcing the Australians to withdraw along the communication trench dug overnight. By 9:00 a.m. the remnants of the 54th Battalion had returned; many wounded were rescued but only four of the machine-guns were recovered. Artillery-fire from both sides diminished and work began on either side of no man's land to repair defences; a short truce was arranged by the Germans and Australians to recover their wounded. Reinforced, they remained at the front until September 1916.Garnett said often the first thing a fresh recruit would do is stick his head up over the trench for a look...it always ended with a bullet between the eyes

After a month of rest, the battalion returned to the Somme in October 1916.  Enduring the coldest winter in 40 years, the 54th joined the Allied pursuit of the Germans as they withdrew to the Hindenburg Line.  

Garnett enjoyed leave from the 26th April to the 9th May 1917.  With money in their pockets and a reputation for hard drinking, the bars in the lines behind Ypres were overflowing with drunken, brawling Australians.  The Australians’ over-generous pay rate (six times that of British soldiers), although a great incentive for enlistment, fuelled much mischief during leaves. But the prospect of death in battle made many only more determined to enjoy life while it lasted. It seems Garnett certainly enjoyed his leave as we will find out later.

On the 9th May, Garnett returned to his unit.  Only days later on the 12th May 1917, the Australians joined the Second Battle of Bullecourt by supporting the British 7th Division; capturing, or destroying, several troublesome machine gun positions.  They joined up with the Brits in Bullecourt village, most of which was now in British hands.  From the 12th to the 17th of May the 54th battalion installed themselves in the former German positions. Gas shells were used by the enemy, and was a particularly destructive weapon.  By the end only a small corner in the southwest of the village was left in German hands. At 0200 hours, on 17th May, the British finally dislodged the Germans from their final stronghold in the village, the two month campaign for Bullecourt was over.  It was also over for Garnett.

Garnett was hospitalised for 56 days. He was admitted to the 14th Australian Field Ambulance Hospital,  spending some time there before being transferred to the 39th General Hospital, LeHavre, France. Garnett was diagnosed with VD - it turns out, he had a very good time on leave!  Garnett was discharged from the 39th General Hospital on 12 July 1917 and was marched into the Machine Gun Base Depot from hospital on the 17th July 1917. On the 14th August 1917, he rejoined his unit.

The Second Battle of Bullecourt was very controversial.  The Australian troops may have felt the British officers were more of an enemy than the Germans.  After the Second Battle of Bullecourt, which cost the Australians a further 7,500 casualties, the Australians had developed a deep distrust of the competence of the British Commanders. It was much influenced by the dogged persistence of these commanders in the use of some of the methods in the Second Battle of Bullecourt that had so clearly failed in the First. The Australians' wish to have their own Commander-in-Chief  became more pressing from both a political and a military viewpoint. But this was not to be realised until the appointment of General John Monash as General Officer Commanding the Australian Corps in July 1918.

By the 14th August 1917, Garnett had recovered fully and returned to his unit in France.  On the 12th September, Garnett was promoted to Lance Corporal.  Incredibly only 4 days later, Garnett had managed to get himself embroiled in a debacle worthy of a court martial.  According to the records, Garnett was transferred to England from a gunshot wound to the left leg.  The story behind this wound is not exactly heroic.  Apparently, he was playing cowboys with his mate, and they took turns practicing quick draw with Garnett's service revolver.  It turned out that his mate won this competition, and shot Garnett in the leg.  Trying to escape the front with a self imposed injury was a serious offence!

On the 16th September Garnett was repatriated to Britain on the HS Newhaven to the Beaufort Hospital in Bristol. Interestingly, this hospital treated soldiers with "shell shock" war-related neuroses.  Was it thought that a self-inflicted gun wound was symptomatic of a war neurosis?  Six days later Garnett was moved to an Australian Auxiliary Hospital in Dartford.   His short stay at the Beaufort Hospital Indicates that the "cowboys" explanation was most likely.

Garnett’s parents must have received a frightening letter

LOCAL AND GENERAL

Machine-Gunner  Garnett Hollier, son of Mr Chris Hollier, of Penrith, is also among the wounded, his parents having been informed that he was admitted to the Beaufort War Hospital, Bristol, England on the 26th of last month suffering from gunshot wound in left leg.

Adapted from the Nepean Times Saturday 20th October 1917 page 4

Before the invention of antibiotics, gun shots wounds often led to amputation.  This was a serious injury.

Garnett recuperated quickly in Dartford, and on the 8th of October 1917, he was discharged, and moved to Command Depot no 2 in Weymouth.  The Command Depots were designed to rehabilitate and train recovering soldiers too fit for convalescent camp,but not yet fit enough to be returned to the front. On the 11th of November 1917, Garnett resumed light duties as a guard for Command Depot no 1 in Sutton Veny.

It appears that Garnett recovered quickly, and on the 17th of November 1917, he transferred to the Overseas Training Brigade at Sandhill camp in Longbridge Deverill, England.  Reinforcements in Australia were only given basic training in Australia, and their training was completed in the Overseas Training Brigades in England.    

It must have been challenging for a battle hardened soldier like Garnett to join the camp under the leadership of British officers.

British officers perceived the Australian soldiers as dismissive of traditional military custom, proudly egalitarian and hostile to displays of authority.  Australians chafed at the restrictions of military life. Many of the rank-and-file regarded saluting as a courtesy to be extended only to officers they admired and commonly addressed their commissioned superiors by first name. Soldiers saw army service as a natural extension of the workplace and would on occasion go on strike in response to grievances. 

British General William Birdwood said of the Australians,  “[These are] men, who a few weeks before had looked upon it as an absolute degradation to humanity that they should salute any other man or call any man ‘sir.’”

Birdwood wrongly believed the problem was with the Australian officers.  “The vast majority of officers come from exactly the same class as the men,” according to aristocratic Birdwood.

British officers were a special target for insubordination and flagrant disobedience.

One favourite show of disrespect was the counting out of unpopular officers.  A  thoroughly intimidating form of mass insubordination that left its unfortunate victim powerless and humiliated. If they were unhappy with an officer’s manner or, in the case of the Prince of Wales, one who failed to acknowledge them as he rode past, someone in the crowd would shout “ONE!” in the manner of a referee counting over the body of an unconscious boxer. Others would shout “TWO!” Then the crowd would join in, steadily roaring out the count up to ten. This would usually be followed by a final bellowed insult like: “Out, you Tommy Woodbine bastard!”

To make matters worse for the British, the Australian government supported its troops.  The Australian government refused to allow military courts to impose the death penalty, even for serious infractions – a standard in all other British and Commonwealth forces.  British officers felt the Australians were a mob in uniform.  But they could not deny the commitment and discipline of the Australians in combat.

On the 7th of March 1918, Garnett proved himself to be a true Australian digger.  While at the Sandhill camp Lance Corporal Hollier disobeyed an order and was admonished by an English officer.  The infraction was serious enough to be recorded on his army record.  But Lance Corporal Hollier's behaviour only proceeded to get worse. By the 4th of April 1918, Garnett was in training at the Machine Gun Depot in Grantham.  On the 21st May 1918, Lance Corporal Hollier was reprimanded for irregular conduct.  He was in bed at 6:35am, and thus 5 minutes late for roll call.  He was reprimanded by the CO on the 4th of June 1918.  His insubordination continued.  Later, Garnett "failed to answer his name when induced to do so by his CO".  Clearly, the British Command had had enough and on the 9th of July 1918, Garnett was demoted from Lance Corporal to Private.

The demotion did not last long.  Before returning to his unit at the front his rank was reverted back to Lance Corporal on the 1st October 1918.  

During his absence, significant changes in command were made at the Front.  The Australians formed their own army corps and under the command of General John Monash, who proved to be one of the most effective and skilled commanders of the war.  The Australian divisions led major attacks during the climactic Hundred Days Offensive (8 August to 11 November 1918), which sent the German army reeling. The casualty rates of those divisions were appalling – proof, if any more was needed, that the Australian esprit de corps was superb, but evidence also that such losses could not be sustained indefinitely.

Faced with dwindling numbers, Monash was forced to disband numerically weaker battalions to reinforce the others. Having given their all in the crucial and costly victories of August and September, some battalions were down to less than a third of their strength.

Diminished though they were, the Australians had one more kick to deliver to the high command. The battalions slated for disbandment simply refused to stand down, saying that they would continue to fight and obey every order except any that broke them up. The boys insisted they be allowed to fight together under their colours in the upcoming battle for St. Quentin Canal. They argued that either they would be victorious in the battle or there would be no battalion left to disband at its end. Despite such open insubordination, it was hard for Monash to condemn the mutineers.

The 54th battalion fought its last major battle of the war, St Quentin Canal, between 29 September and 2 October 1918. The battalion suffered heavy casualties during 1918 which they were unable to replace. On the 5th October 1918, Garnett returned to his unit in France and was part of the reinforcement.  But this was not enough.  The 54th Battalion was the most depleted battalion in the 14th Brigade, was chosen for amalgamation and was merged with the 56th Battalion on the 11th October forming the"54th/56th Battalion". In response, the battalion's enlisted soldiers briefly went on strike in an effort to maintain their battalion identity, before finally complying with the order.  

Although the armistice was signed in Nov 1918, Garnett's unit stayed in Europe to ensure German forces withdrew peacefully.  On the 8th April 1919, Garnett Hollier boarded the Trasos Montes to return home to Australia.  Marie would say that Garnett returned from the war an old man. 

 Some happier articles in the Nepean Times. 

Lance-Corporal Garnett Hollier, son of Mr and Mrs Cris Hollier, of Penrith; is expected to arrive in Melbourne on Sunday by the transport Trasos-Montes. He left Australia on 2nd November, 1915, and saw service in Egypt and France.

17th May 1919 Nepean Times

Lance-Corporal Garnett Hollier, son of Mr and Mrs Cris. Hollier, of Castlereagh- street, arrived home on Sunday.

31st May 1919 Nepean Times

The Penrith community were eager to celebrate the return of their sons.  Read below an article regarding a Birthday and Welcome Home party.  It seems life in Penrith did not change in their absence.

''Birthday Party.'' AND WELCOME HOME.

A very pleasant function took place at the Penrith Methodist Church on Wednesday evening, comprising a ''birthday party'' and a welcome home to returned soldier members of the church. The idea of the former was embodied in the bringing by each visitor of a bag containing a copper coin for each year of the visitor's age.

The proceeds, so far, have reached £13.

The church was nicely decorated for the occasion. A three-tier birthday cake made by Mrs Louis Judges and iced by Mrs Syd. Judges was provided. The soldiers welcomed home were : Messrs Honey, Donald, Payne, Hollier, Cecil Dukes, F. Newman, C. Newman, and J. Newman.

Rev. J. B. Penman extended a welcome home to the boys, and was supported in his remarks by Messrs Parker, Judges, and Stanton. Warrant-officer Honey replied on behalf of the returned men.

A very enjoyable concert programme was rendered, and refreshments were served.

27 September 1919 Nepean Times

Garnett left for WW1 as a deeply religious non drinker who would not even play cards.  He returned from the War, with a whole new set of vices.  He was a drinker, smoker and keen card player.  

Garnett was to live with the effects of the war for the rest of his life.  During the Battle of Bullecourt gas shells were used. Gas was a torturous weapon that blistered the skin, eyes, and lungs, and killed thousands. A poem by Wilfred Owen best describes the devastating effects of the gas.

Dulce et Decorum Est 

BY WILFRED OWEN

Bent double, like old beggars under sacks,

Knock-kneed, coughing like hags, we cursed through sludge,

Till on the haunting flares we turned our backs,

And towards our distant rest began to trudge.

Men marched asleep. Many had lost their boots,

But limped on, blood-shod. All went lame; all blind;

Drunk with fatigue; deaf even to the hoots

Of gas-shells dropping softly behind.

Gas! GAS! Quick, boys!—An ecstasy of fumbling

Fitting the clumsy helmets just in time,

But someone still was yelling out and stumbling

And flound’ring like a man in fire or lime.—

Dim through the misty panes and thick green light,

As under a green sea, I saw him drowning.

In all my dreams before my helpless sight,

He plunges at me, guttering, choking, drowning.

If in some smothering dreams, you too could pace

Behind the wagon that we flung him in,

And watch the white eyes writhing in his face,

His hanging face, like a devil’s sick of sin;

If you could hear, at every jolt, the blood

Come gargling from the froth-corrupted lungs,

Obscene as cancer, bitter as the cud

Of vile, incurable sores on innocent tongues,—

My friend, you would not tell with such high zest

To children ardent for some desperate glory,

The old Lie: Dulce et decorum est

Pro patria mori.

Notes:

Latin phrase is from the Roman poet Horace: “It is sweet and fitting to die for one’s country.”

Garnett returned from the war with lungs damaged by gas.  He spent the rest of his life with decreased lung capacity and a dreadful cough. Over time, his illness would worsen until he could no longer walk to the letter box from the front door.

When Garnett first returned from the War,  he lived with his sister and brother-in-law; Linda and Willian Seach in Belfield. He must have been a most favoured guest as he built the back verandah, as well as installed 12 sash windows. 

He went back to work as a carpenter and volunteered his time to do most of the carpentry work on the local Methodist church.  Garnett was also busy chasing his Marie.  Unbeknownst to him, Marie was in fact romancing two young men during the War. She was an eager letter writer to both young men. After the War, Garnett was visiting her home one day when there was a knock at the door.  Another gentleman had come to call.  Marie answered the door, and said to Garnett's competitor "I think you'd better go."  That was the last time she saw him.   

Garnett married Marie Louise Friezer on the 16th February 1924. Garnett had been away at war for 5 years, and it was another 5 years before they got married.  It was a long courtship!  Shortly after the wedding, Garnett took her off to Perth to "get away from the family".  Unfortunately,  Garnett’s plan was thwarted.  Marie's youngest brother moved over from NSW to board with them for many years.  Marie loved to play the piano, and one of her proudest possessions was a beautiful stand up piano - scratched by the cat within a week of purchase.  The piano still bears the scratch to this day.

In Perth, Garnett worked as a carpenter building houses.  He built many houses in a new and growing area in South Perth, considered out in the bush.  At the eve of the Great Depression, Garnett had just finished a house and was ready to sell it.  As the Depression worsened, the housing market became more depressed.  Desperately Garnett "sold" the home to a local butcher in exchange for a weekly supply of meat.  Unfortunately, as the Depression worsened the butcher went bankrupt.  The family, like many others faced difficult times during the Great Depression.

Garnett was known as a "soldier's soldier", serving in the Colonial Forces, WW1 (1915-1919) as well as WW2 (1940-1943).   As soon as Australia joined WW2, Garnett "dropped his tools" to enlist. On the 8th July 1940, (Service No.6239) enlisted at Guildford WA for service in WW2. He was given the rank of Training Sergeant at Northam Training Unit in WA. For service to his country during WW2, he received the Australian Service Medal, War Medal and the General Service Badge which was given to those who served at home. 

Garnett never attended any army reunions.  He felt that many of the men attending such reunions and spoke proudly of their exploits never went to war.  He talked of the war in terms of comradeship, mateship and loyalty.  The stories he shared were funny and warm.  He never spoke of death, sacrifice or heroism.

After WW2, Garnett became very sick with emphysema.   No longer able to work as a carpenter, he became a building inspector. During WW1, he suffered from the gas attacks in the trenches.  40 years after the war, it managed to catch up with him.  Garnett died at home in 1956.