Sydney (Sid) HELLAM MM

HELLAM, Sydney

Service Numbers: 2836, N67973
Enlisted: 26 June 1915
Last Rank: Private
Last Unit: 2 Garrison Battalion (NSW)
Born: South Shields, England , 31 May 1890
Home Town: Islington, Newcastle, New South Wales
Schooling: Not yet discovered
Occupation: Painter
Died: Islington, New South Wales, Australia, 24 October 1968, aged 78 years, cause of death not yet discovered
Cemetery: Sandgate General Cemetery, Newcastle, NSW
CATHOLIC 2-30A. 134.
Memorials:
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World War 1 Service

26 Jun 1915: Enlisted AIF WW1, Private, 2836, 4th Infantry Battalion
16 Feb 1916: Transferred AIF WW1, Private, 56th Infantry Battalion
14 Dec 1916: Honoured Military Medal, Fromelles (Fleurbaix), 'At PETILLON on the morning of the 21st July, 1916, Private HELLAM by great initiative, personal bravery and devotion to duty succeeded in rescuing several wounded men from "NO MAN'S LAND", whilst under heavy fire. His repeated and fearless journies to "NO MAN'S LAND" to rescue wounded, inspired his comrades and he was thus instrumental in getting more volunteers for the dangerous task of rescuing the wounded.' Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 184
16 Feb 1917: Transferred AIF WW1, Private, 5th Sanitary Section
26 Oct 1918: Transferred AIF WW1, Private, 2nd Sanitary Section
27 Aug 1919: Discharged AIF WW1, Private, 2836, 2nd Sanitary Section, 2nd MD

World War 2 Service

17 Sep 1940: Enlisted Australian Military Forces (Army WW2), Private, N67973, 2 Garrison Battalion (NSW)
15 Feb 1945: Discharged Australian Military Forces (Army WW2), Private, N67973, 2 Garrison Battalion (NSW)

Help us honour Sydney Hellam's service by contributing information, stories, and images so that they can be preserved for future generations.

Biography contributed by Evan Evans

From Gary Mitchell, Sandgate Cemetery
 
A Hero of The Great War resting at Sandgate Cemetery, not forgotten.

54 years ago today, on the 30th October 1968, Private Sydney Hellam, referred to as Sid (2nd Australian Sanitary Section, Army Medical Corps, Nursing Staff, Reg No-2836), painter from 12 Sheddon Street, Islington, New South Wales, was laid to rest at Sandgate Cemetery, age 82. CATHOLIC 2-30A. 134.

Born at Tyne Dock, South Shields, United Kingdom about 1886 to Robert and Sarah Hellam of 1 Burnham Street, Tyne Dock, Durham, England; husband of Dorinda May Hellam nee Marshall (married 1936, Singleton, N.S.W., died 1979, district unknown, N.S.W.), Sid enlisted June 1915 with the 4th Battalion at Liverpool, N.S.W.

Awarded Military Medal 9.8.1916 - report that Sid has been awarded the Military Medal (Battle of Fromelles, 19/20th July 1916).

'At PETILLON on the morning of the 21st July, 1916, Private HELLAM by great initiative, personal bravery and devotion to duty succeeded in rescuing several wounded men from "NO MAN'S LAND", whilst under heavy fire. His repeated and fearless journeys to "NO MAN'S LAND" to rescue wounded, inspired his comrades and he was thus instrumental in getting more volunteers for the dangerous task of rescuing the wounded.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 184, Date: 14 December 1916.

Sid returned home July 1919, being discharged on the 27th August 1919.

Report that Sid best man at the wedding of Sapper Edward Owen Hughes (1st Australian Tunnelling Company, Reg No-5556, from Tighes Hill, N.S.W., died 1961, Islington, N.S.W.) at the Congregational Church, Islington, N.S.W. (no WW1 Roll of Honour unveiled here).

Mr. Hellam’s name has been inscribed on the Newcastle Protestant Alliance, Friendly Society of Australia, Lodge No-7 Roll of Honor Wickham Municipal District Roll of Honour Board (1) and The Capt. Clarence Smith Jeffries (V.C.) and Pte. William Matthew Currey (V.C.) Memorial Wall. Name not inscribed on the Newcastle Operative Painters & Decorators Honour Roll (whereabouts unknown).

I have placed poppies at the gravesite in remembrance of Sid's service and sacrifice for God, King & Country.

Contact with descendants would be greatly appreciated.

For more detail, see “Forever Remembered “
http://www.commemoratingwarheroes.com/cemetery-main-search/

Lest We Forget.

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