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John Eric Dwyer

Marrying, in 1887,[1] his parents, Maitland, New South Wales, born Catherine Winifred Stapleton and Victoria Police Mounted Constable Michael John Dwyer, celebrated the birth of first child, Alice Mary [1887-1917][2], in the same year, at Mitchelton, beside the Goulburn River, north-east Victoria. The year following, witnessed the Victoria Police family residing at Tower Hill, on the south-west Victoria coast between Warrnambool and Port Fairy, together with the birth of their first son, John Eric Dwyer [1888-1958].[3]

Transferring to officer in charge at Natimuk, in the Wimmera district, in 1889, Mounted Constable Michael Dwyer, sustained a concussion of the brain, upon being dislodged, whilst riding into Horsham. However, upon regaining his health, resumed his Natimuk duties, being in November 1890, elected foundation treasurer of Natimuk Volunteer Fire Brigade, whilst in the same year, second son, Ernest Stapleton Dwyer [1890-1955],[4] increased the family to five.

Sustaining, in July 1891, serious injury, whilst performing mounted duty at Lake Natimuk, due to the horse upon which he was mounted stumbling before falling upon him, Michael Dwyer, following a period of unconsciousness, sustained paralysis of the bladder.

A deservedly popular member of the force, and most efficient in the discharge of his duties,[5] Michael Dwyer was compelled, in March 1892, to retire from the Victoria Police Force due to the accident.[6] However, regaining his fitness, Michael Dwyer secured the position of Officer in Charge of Winchelsea, in the western district of Victoria, between Geelong and Colac.

In 1893, third son, Thomas Leo [1893-1917],[7] arrived at Winchelsea, followed by Gerald Francis [1895-1971],[8] Kathleen Margaret [1898-1983],[9] with the final child, fifth son, Michael John [1901-1983].[10]

Perhaps rather than sit idle, Michael Dwyer set about establishing ‘Vaughan Kennels’, Winchelsea, a greyhound breeding and racing entity. Successfully entering the sport of coursing – field hunting by sight, as well as scent by dogs, usually greyhounds – the forerunner to greyhound racing – however, at times also fox terriers. A great enthusiast in the sport, he was known on nearly every coursing field in Victoria. As popular as he was genial, he encouraged his sons’ involvement in his chosen sporting interest.[11] His first-born son, John Eric ‘Eric’ Dwyer, equalling his father’s interest and popularity in the sport.

Overnighting at Lorne, on 13 February 1910, Winchelsea Mounted Constable Michael John Dwyer, accepted the invitation of two friends to enjoy a morning swim. Venturing beyond the breaking surf, the 46 years of age, Michael Dwyer, drowned, unable to escape the treacherous undertow.[12]

Raising, by public subscription, £77/7/6 enabled the Winchelsea population to purchase, as well as erect a headstone in the local cemetery to commemorate the final resting place of their peacekeeper. The £26/10/- balance being handed to Mrs. Catherine Winifred Dwyer, a widow with seven children, aged from 23 to 9 years.[13]

The large attendance at the funeral of the late Mounted Constable Dwyer, of Winchelsea, on Monday, indicated both sympathy for the widow and family in their loss, and respect for an honourable officer and citizen. The funeral cortege was upwards of 60 vehicles, with the various organisations associated with the district represented at the obsequies, including the A.N.A., of which the late gentleman had been secretary since its inception; district coursing clubs, cricket club, shire council, etc. The funeral was one of the largest witnessed in the district for many years. [14]

Victoria Police Veteran, Mounted Constable Michael John Dwyer 3877 rests in eternal peace in the Winchelsea Cemetery, Winchelsea, Victoria, plot WIN-SECT-001-807-17

Passing the Geelong N.C. School with a good certificate [being the best obtainable], John Eric Dwyer, known as Eric, followed his father’s interest in coursing, featuring prominently in press articles covering the sport.

Twenty-three years-of-age, Eric Dwyer, in 1912, married Melbourne, Victoria born, Lillian Margaret Johnstone [1890-1950],[15] daughter of Margaret Walsh and Thomas Johnstone.

Arriving, in 1912, at Flemington, Victoria, Mary Margaret[16] became the first child of Eric and Lillian Dwyer. Two years hence, the trio welcomed Catherine Winifred [1914-1988] at Swan Hill, Victoria,[17] followed by third daughter, Eileen [1915-1992], who became known as Alice.[18]

Residing at Tyntynder, Eric was secretary of the Tyntynder Central State school committee, captain of the cricket team, as well as taking a keen interest in coursing – the pursuit of game or other animals by dogs – chiefly greyhounds as well as other sighthounds – catching their prey by speed, running by sight, but not by scent. Considered a very competent judge, in this capacity, his services were in demand all over Victoria.[19]

Enlisting, at Swan Hill, on 15 March 1916, in the AIF, 27 years of age, secretary and grain buyer, Eric Dwyer became a private assigned to the 5th Battalion 23 Reinforcement,

Returning his family to Melbourne, to dwell at 46 Millswyn Street, South Yarra, with widowed matriarch, Catherine Dwyer, Eric Dwyer achieved promotion to corporal, as well as attending officers' training school at Duntroon.

Embarking, on 23 November 1916, from Melbourne aboard HMAT A20 Hororata, Eric Dwyer occupied his service at Camp Larkhill on the Salisbury Plain in Wiltshire, England, obviously possessed of good penmanship, combined with organising ability.

Writing a letter, dated 15 March 1917, Sergeant J. Eric Dwyer from Salisbury Plains  — 'Just a few lines which might interest your readers. We are now having what my friends, the lovers, of the leash, call 'coursing weather.' Although the climatic conditions are favorable for the popular winter pastime, the sport is, as far as I can learn, dead in England for several reasons, though mainly owing to the serious shortage of rations and the calling up of men of practically every class. Here the people realise that there is a war on, and they have very little inclination for sport. We were greatly interested, on reading 'The Winner,' to learn that Mr John Wren is (or was) seriously considering the advisability of becoming a promoter of coursing events on his excellently situated Ascot racecourse. As an investment the speculation should pay good interest on the labor and capital which would have to be expended. It would certainly popularise the sport under the guidance of such a capable man as Mr Wren, and cause a boom in a healthy and clean sport. Corporal Alex. Eason (the Geelong footballer) is with this battalion (5th). I have met over here several old 'peds,' whom I used to bump on the cinder tracks. On entering the regimental bootmaker's shop a few days ago, I was surprised to see football covers being made by Corporal C. McMullen, and on inspecting the ball, which is known as the A.I.F., I found it to be a really first-class article. Kind regards and best, wishes to all sporting friends.'[20]

Returning to Australia, on 8 April 1917, due to rupturing the left thigh quadriceps, to resume residing at 382A Punt Road, South Yarra, Eric and Lillian Dwyer increased their family with the arrival of first son, Thomas Leo [1917-1917], perhaps named for his deceased uncle killed in action at Gallipoli. However, tragically the babe passed away in the same year.

Twenty-nine years-of-age, clerk, Eric Dwyer successfully secured, under the Returned Soldiers’ Repatriation Scheme, 95 acres of land, valued at £95, at Purrumbete South, in 1918.[21]

Arriving at Camperdown, children Michael [1919-1994], Eric Francis [1920-1981], Norienne [1921-1975], as well as Gerald Patrick [1923-2015] increased the family.

All three sons served during the Second World War – Michael John Dwyer [1919-1994] 6th Infantry Battalion; Eric Francis ‘Frank’ Dwyer [1920-1981], Special Intelligence Central  Bureau; Gerald Patrick Dwyer [1923-2015] VX75829, enlisted, at Caulfield, Victoria.[22]

Continuing his successful coursing interests, however, his hopes of operating a dairy farm proving unsuccessful, Eric moved his family to Echuca, being employed, for 11 years, as a stock inspector.

Reporting, in the Riverine Herald, 8 December 1937, “Mr J. Eric Dwyer, of the staff of the Victorian Department of Agriculture, who has been stationed at Echuca for the past 11 years, has been notified of his transfer to Melbourne. He will take over his duties early in the New Year.

“The change has been made on account of certain border stock restrictions being lifted. It has been felt by the departmental heads that Mr Dwyer's services can be better employed from headquarters.

“During his sojourn in Echuca Mr Dwyer has identified himself with many of the town's activities, notably the Athletic Association, Agricultural Society, the Cycling Club and the Coursing Club, and has given the best evidence of good citizenship. His departure will be regretted by a wide circle of friends and acquaintances.”

On 13 September 1942, at the Mercy Hospital, Melbourne, 83 years-of-age, Catherine Winifred Dwyer, of Sunshine, widow of the late Victoria Police Mounted Constable Michael John Dwyer, of Winchelsea, and loved mother of Tot [Mrs. Alice Mary Shelley, Ballarat, deceased], Eric [Middle Park], Ern [Glen Iris], Leo [K.I.A. First A.I.F., deceased], Gerald [South Melbourne], Peg [Mrs. Howard, Sunshine] and Warrant-Officer Jack Dwyer [Second A.I.F.], passed into eternal peace.[23]

Passing away, on 4 May 1950,[24] at her daughter's residence, 53 Bishop  Street, Yarraville, 60 years-of-age, Lillian Margaret, beloved wife of John Eric Dwyer, of 105 Queen Street, Colac, and loving mother of Margaret [Mrs A. W. Doherty], Katherine [Mrs W. L. Quirk], Alice [Mrs F. H. Silvey] [1915-1992], Thomas Leo [Leo] [1917-1917], Michael [1918-], Eric Francis [Frank] [1920-1981], Norienne [Mrs J. P. Peterson] [1921-], and Gerald, passed into eternal peace.[25]

Resting in eternal peace, at Springvale Botanical Cemetery, Springvale, Victoria, together with his wife, Lillian Margaret [1912-1950], J Eric Dwyer occupies Roman Catholic Compartment K, Section 11, Grave 13.

Two brothers of Private John Eric Dwyer [1888-1958]; served during World War I, Driver Gerald Francis Dwyer [1895-1971] 4703; Trooper Thomas Leo Dwyer [1893-1917] 692 being K.I.A. Gallipoli;

Third brother, Private Michael John Dwyer [1901-1983] VX84725, together with four of the children of Private John Eric Dwyer, daughter, Sergeant Eileen Alice Silvey née Dwyer [1915-1992] V397162; sons, Major Michael John Dwyer [1919-1994] 309504 VX8786; Sergeant Eric Francis ‘Frank’ Dwyer [1920-1981] VX15917, as well as Signalman Gerald Patrick Dwyer [1923-2015] VX75829, served during World War 2

[1] Births Deaths Marriages Victoria Event Registration Number 703/1887
[2] BDM Victoria Events Reg. Nos. 30414/1887 and 11036/1917
[3] BDM Victoria Events Reg. Nos. 8160/1889 and 6126/1958
[4] BDM Victoria Events Reg. Nos. 25874/1890 and 8968/1955
[5] 21 Jul 1891 - The Horsham Times - Trove (nla.gov.au)
[6] 04 Mar 1892 - NATIMUK - Trove (nla.gov.au)
[7] Births Deaths Marriages Victoria Event Registration Number 8621/1893
[8] BDM Victoria Event Reg. No. 8160/1895 and Melbourne Cemetery Records
[9] BDM Victoria Events Reg. Nos. 15215/1898 and 29137/1983
[10] BDM Victoria Events Reg. Nos. 15431/1901 and 2952/1983
[11] COURSING. (1910, February 17). Punch (Melbourne, Vic. : 1900 - 1918; 1925), p. 37. Retrieved February 7, 2024, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article176544397
[12] 19 Feb 1910 - Family Notices - Trove [nla.gov.au]
[13] 30 Dec 1910 - WINCHELSEA - Trove (nla.gov.au)
[14] 23 Feb 1910 - OBITUARY - Trove (nla.gov.au)
[15] Births Deaths Marriages Victoria Event Registration Number 1284/1912
[16] Births Deaths Marriages Victoria Event Registration Number 29837/1912
[17] Births Deaths Marriages Victoria Event Registration Number 8192/1914
[18] Births Deaths Marriages Victoria Event Registration Number 25916/1915
[19] CORPORAL E. J. O'DWYER. (1916, November 23). Bendigonian (Bendigo, Vic. : 1914 - 1918), p. 20. Retrieved February 7, 2024, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article91384531
[20] COURSING JUDGE SERVES (1917, June 27). Winner (Melbourne, Vic. : 1914 - 1917), p. 8. Retrieved February 7, 2024, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article154546752
[21] Public Records Office, Victoria 5240/86
[22] National Archives Australia
[23] 14 Sep 1942 - Family Notices - Trove (nla.gov.au)
[24] Births Deaths Marriages Victoria Event Registration Number 4479/1950
[25] 08 May 1950 - Family Notices - Trove (nla.gov.au)