Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Son of George and Elizabeth Elliott of Eaglehawk, Victoria.

Next of kin given as his sister Annie Jane Graham of Pegleg Road, Eaglehawk. Later changed to G. J. Elliott of Church Street, Eaglehawk

Medals: 1914-15 Star, British War Medal, Victory Medal

Member of the Eaglehawk Rifle Club

Bendigonian, Thursday 17 June 1915 page 20.

PRIVATE S. H. R. ELLIO'T.

Amongst those who have died for freedom's cause is Private Sidney H. R. Elliott. son of the late Mr. and Mrs. George Elliott, of Pegleg-road, Eaglehawk. When the news of his death was circulated in the borough, profound regret was generally expressed. The flag at the Eaglehawk fire station was hoisted half-mast, and many were the expressions of sympathy with the relatives. Private Elliott, who was a native of Eaglehawk, was educated at the Eaglehawk State School. He was well known and highly respected.

Sid was a prominent member of the Rifle Club, and the experience he had gained with his rifle was soon recognised by the military authorities, for when he reached the Dardanelles, he was one of those chosen to do sniping duty.
He was an active member of the Eaglehawk Fire Brigade, and a member of one of the competing teams which represented Eaglehawk at the Geelong demonstration in 1914. He also figured prominently in several of the indoor competitions held amongst the members of the brigade. He took an active interest in friendly society matters, and was a P.G. of the Loyal Catherine Lodge, M.U. He was also a member of the Odd fellows' Band for several years. Being a member of the Comrades' class connected with the Eaglehawk West Methodist Sunday School, his name was amongst those inscribed on the honor roll, which was unveiled in the West Methodist School Hall on Wednesday evening last. He had been connected with the Methodist Church and Sunday school from infancy, and for a number of years was a member of the church choir. He was also associated with several social organisations, more especially the lawn party and the Swastika Club, and was held in high esteem by the members of the Eaglehawk Mechanics' Institute, of which he was also a member.
 
He was unmarried, and prior to his departure from the borough was employed as a foundryman at the Austral Drill Foundry at Eaglehawk. He had also worked at several of the local mines as a blacksmith. He has one sister, Mrs. W. Graham, of Pegleg road and five brothers -Messrs. George and Abe, bootmakers, of Eaglehawk; Fred., of Vine-street, Bendigo; William, of Farnsworth -street, Eaglehawk, and Stanley, also of Eaglehawk, who is well known in musical circles, and as choirmaster at St. Paul's Church, Bendigo.   

Sydney Harold Richard Elliott, known as ‘Syd’, was born in Eaglehawk, the son of  George & Elizabeth Ann Elliott.   Both parents were deceased and he named his sister, Mrs Annie Jane Graham, of Pegleg-road, Eaglehawk, as his Next-of-Kin.   “Syd’ was employed as a Foundryman at the Austral Drill Foundry, Eaglehawk, and had previously been apprenticed (6 years) as a Blacksmith at the New Prince Wales Mining Company.   He was 25 years & 11 months old and was a member of the Eaglehawk Rifle Club.   He was amongst the early volunteers for the Expeditionary Force, enlisting on 18.8.14.   The following day he left Bendigo for the Broadmeadows Camp.   He was allotted Service no. 782 and appointed to ‘G’ Company, 7th Battalion.   

In September a 7th Battalion Band was formed.    ‘Syd’ had been a member of the Oddfellow’s Band and immediately joined the 7th Battalion Band.    The Band was able to use instruments donated in Melbourne and music donated from Eaglehawk.    The Band played at Broadmeadows, and later on board ship, and while the battalion was in camp in Egypt.   

Prior to embarkation ‘Syd’ Elliott was entertained by friends and presented with a smoker’s outfit.   He was also Presented with a silver-mounted Morocco wallet by the Oddfellows’ Lodge; Presented with a shaving outfit by the Eaglehawk Fire Brigade; Presented with a Gold band ring from the members of the Eaglehawk Lawn Party; Presented with a Gold medal by members of the Eaglehawk Mechanics’ Institute; and was Presented with a memento by the Borough of Eaglehawk (pocket wallet, wristlet watch, or shaving outfit).   

The 7th Battalion left Broadmeadows Camp on 18 October, 1914, and embarked for service overseas on board HMAT ‘Hororata’.   Arriving in Egypt the battalion moved into camp at Mena, at the foot of the pyramids.   (6/12/14)     

In January, 1915, the Australian force was re-organized.   In the 7th Battalion ‘G’ and ‘H’ Companies joined to form the new ‘D’ Company.      This meant that all the men from Northern Victoria were together in one Company.   

On February 27th ‘Syd’ was Selected for Sniping duty.   

The 7th Battalion was part of the force which landed at Anzac Cove on 25th April, 1915.   Sydney Harold Richard Elliott was KIA during the Landing.   He was a member of 14th Platoon ‘D’ Company which was one of the groups which went forward from the main body and were out past Lone Pine.     This  advance line succeeded in keeping the Turks back on Third Ridge until late in the afternoon.   Retreating at last, they were overrun by the Turks.  The platoon sustained a high number of casualties and many of these men were later reported ‘Missing’.   

A Board of Inquiry was held in France on 5/6/16.   This determined: Sydney Harold Richard Elliott  “Previously reported Missing now reported Killed in Action”.   His body was never found and he has no known grave.    His name was recorded on the Lone Pine Memorial   

“Amongst those who have died for f5eedom’s cause is Private Sidney H. R. Elliott, son of the late Mr and Mrs George Elliott, of Pegleg-road, Eaglehawk.   When the news of his death was circulated in the borough, profound regret was generally present.   The flag at the Eaglehawk fire station was hoisted half-mast, and many were the expressions of sympathy with the relatives.”  [Bendigo Advertiser   June 14, 1915]   

In further marks of respect, the honor roll at the Eaglehawk West Methodist Sunday School was draped in black; the members of the Eaglehawk football team wore crepe arm bands in their match at the Upper Reserve; the flag at the Eaglehawk fire station flew at half mast and the bell was tolled for 15 minutes.                                                            

“The First Lot.   7th Battalion.   The first men of the Bendigo district to volunteer for service in the First World War.”: Larna Malone