Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Joseph Paterson’s older brother, Lance Corporal William Paterson was reported missing later confirmed killed in action during the Battle of Menin Road in Belgium, September 1917, aged 27.

At the time of William’s death, both his brothers were serving in France. Before William’s death was confirmed, as he was still listed as missing, his father Joseph Paterson wrote a letter addressed to Major Lean, dated 4 March 1918, "Dear sir, would you kindly let one know if there is any chance of having one of my sons sent home. I still have two over there and they have just come out of hospital, one was gassed and the other had trench fever, one of them has been two and a half years fighting, and the other one is going on two years, the youngest one is only 20 years of age last October, and as one is missing, I think we are entitled to one, as I think they have done their share. I would be very thankful if you would let one know if there is a chance for one of them to come back. I remain yours sincerely, J. Paterson, Dalby Qld."

To Major Lean’s great credit, considering the massive amount of correspondence he was dealing with, he replied to Mr. Paterson within 4 days, stating “……with reference to your other two sons it is suggested you communicate direct with the Military Commandant, Victoria Barracks, Brisbane, setting forth the facts of the case and acquainting him with each of your sons full regimental description.”

On 12 March 1918, the mother, Mrs. Fanny Paterson followed these instructions “Dear Sir, I write you these few lines in reference to my sons at the front: the oldest one L-Cpl. William Paterson No 2818 9th Bn has been missing since the 20th of last September, the second one Pte. Joseph Patterson, No. 1725, 25th Bn has been in hospital gassed, and the third one Gnr. James Paterson has been in hospital with Trench Fever, he is only twenty years of age and enlisted before he was eighteen, the other two boys have been two and a half years in service. Don’t you think they deserve a rest. I would like one of them to return, or both, if possible, if only for a time. I hope you will give it your earnest consideration and do your best for me in the matter, as it the only sons I have.”

Tragically, 1725 Pte Joseph Paterson 25th Bn AIF was killed in action at Villers Bretonneux on the 24 April 1918, before any action was taken.

Mrs. Paterson wrote again to the Military Commandant in Brisbane, on 13 May 1918, “…adverting to your letter dated 30th March replying to my application for my sons to be released from Military service and allowed to come home. I regret to note that you cannot see your way clear to do so. Since your reply has been received, I have had official notice that two of my sons have been killed in action, and Signaller James Paterson, No. 20994, 108 Howitzer Battery, 8th FAB, is the only one left. He has not yet attained the age of 21 years and is now my only son living. I trust that bearing in view these later developments you will reconsider the matter and allow his return home. May God grant that you will listen to the pleading of a heart broken mother, I remain yours sincerely, Fanny Paterson.”

By late May the Military Commandant of Brisbane had recommended to the Minister of Defence in favour of James’ return, and by mid-June the Department of Defence had cabled the Commandant, AIF HQ London with the message “Please return 20994 Signaller James Paterson, 108 Howitzer Battery, 8th Field Artillery Brigade, for discharge, family reasons.”