Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Sidney Henderson Treyvaud was born in Geelong, Victoria, on the 24 January, 1893. His father, Hector Henderson Treyvaud (1867 to 1920), was 26 at the time of his birth while and his mother, Matilda, nee Rollins (1866 to 1928), was 27. He had three brothers and one sister; Gertrude Irene Robinson (1887 to 1951), Victor Clarence (1896 to 1972), Alan Hector (1899 to 1988), and George Henry Lyle (1907 to ?).

On the 27 October, 1915, Sidney enlisted in the 1st Signal Troop of the 1st Light Horse Regiment at Melbourne, Victoria. At the time, Sidney was a 22-year-old clerk, 5 foot 3 inches (160 cm) tall and weighed 10 stone 7 lbs (67 kg). He had blue eyes, light brown hair and a fresh complexion. He nominated Methodist as his religious denomination. Sidney had nominated his father as his next of kin who lived at 4 Grice Street in Essendon, Victoria.

On the 27 October, 1915, Sapper Treyvaud embarked on the HMAT A38 Ulysses bound for Egypt. The Ulysses weighed 14,499 tons and had an average cruising speed of 14 knots or 25.92 kmph. It was owned by the China Mutual SN Co, London, and leased by the Commonwealth until 15 August, 1917.

On the 1 April, 1917, Sidney was promoted to temporary Corporal whilst performing motorcycle duties for the Australian Mounted Division. On the 14 June, 1918, while performing these duties, he was mentioned in dispatches by General Sir E. H. H. Allenby for distinguished and gallant services and devotion to duty. Two years later, in 1920, he was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal. His citation read;

For gallantry and devotion to duty during the operations in the Jordan Valley and Amman area from July to October, 1918, when, as a despatch rider, he showed great tenacity of purpose and set a magnificent example of coolness under fire.”

He returned to Australia on the HMAT Malta disembarking at the Port of Melbourne on the 7 September, 1919. He was finally discharged on 5 October, 1919.

Other than the Distinguished Conduct Medal and being Mentioned in Despatches, Sidney was also awarded the 1914-15 Star, British War Medal and Victory Medal for his service during the war.

On the 11 September, 1920, Sidney married Dorothy Eileen Brown (1900 to 1976), in Sydney, New South Wales. Records indicate that they had two children during their marriage, one boy, Russell Hector Henderson (1925 to 1992) and one girl. Electoral rolls also provide us with the information that between 1925 to approximately 1953, Sidney resided in Brighton, Victoria and between 1963 and 1971 he lived in Caulfield East, Victoria.

Sidney passed away at the age of 78 on the 14 February, 1971, at Heidelberg, Victoria and was buried in the Springvale Cemetery.

Extract from "Light Horsemen of the Upper Murray", Year 5 and 6 Project, Corryong College.