Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Edward Mayman

Edward Mayman was born in Mayborough, Victoria. He lived with his mother, Emma Mayman on 31 Margaret Street, South Yarra, Victoria. He was employed as a Motor Driver. On February 11, 1916 Edward, like many of his fellow Australians, signed up to join the Australian Imperial Force to serve in World War One. He was 30 years and 5 months old. His height was 5 foot 3, weighed 105lbs (47kg) and had blue eyes with light brown hair. 

On the 16th of March, Edward embarked on the boat HMAT A67 Orsova to go to Egypt where he trained with the Australian Flying Corps, No 1 Squadron. He spent just over one year in the training camp. Edwards’s role was 1st Class Air Mechanic with the 68th Squad AFC. 

In the time of World War 1 some soldiers had to abandon the war because of illnesses such as influenza, trench foot (exposure to wet conditions), trench fever and malaria. Most of these diseases and illnesses were caused by being exposed to damp conditions for a long period of time. More than two million solders lost their life to some of these illnesses (January 14, 2014).

In 1919 Edward was struck down by influenza and had to be treated for his condition back in England. A soldier’s rank varied from private all the way to sergeant major. Often solders were promoted by the death of someone of a higher rank or as a reward of doing well or simply by showing leadership. When Edward first joined the army his rank was a Lance Corporal. However, after 14 months of serving for the Australian Flying Corps he was promoted to Corporal.

We know from his war records that Edward was penalised for altering the dates on his leave pass by 24 hours. As a result, he forfeited 15 day’s pay. On the 31st of July, 1919 he was discharged from the military and returned home.

Edward Mayman was typical of many young Australians who left home to serve in the Great War. However, unlike many others he was fortunate that he survived. In 1922, he was awarded with the British Military and Victory Medals for his services. These were collected on his behalf by his mother from the Victoria Barracks. He applied for repatriation (pension) from the Commonwealth Government in 1961.

Bibliography

https://rslvirtualwarmemorial.org.au/explore/people/241296

https://rslvirtualwarmemorial.org.au/explore/units/301

Service Record: Edward Mayman

Ephraim (aka Edward) was the fifth of ten children of Ephraim Mayman (b1845 in Lancashire, England) and Emma Phyllis Russel (b1855 at Adara, Victoria). Ephraim was eleven years of age in 1857 when he arrived in Melbourne with his parents and siblings on board the Herald of the Morning. The family settled in Maryborough, Victoria where Ephraim's father David established Mayfield Farm. Ephraim Snr was a Farmer in 1878 when he and Emma married at Maryborough, where they raised their family before relocating to Melbourne in the late 1890s. Ephraim died in 1913 and Emma continued to live in Melbourne and raise their children.

Edward was a Motor Driver in Melbourne when he enlisted in the AIF in February 1916. Edward served with the Australian Flying Corps (Driver, Private; Service No:227) and was Discharged in May 1919. Younger brother Joseph (Private; Service No:2524) also served in the Flying Corps, and James Russel (Driver; Service No:31) was serving with 6th Motor Transport Coy when he was KiA in 1918 in France. Brother-in-Law Herbert George Reilly (Lieutenant; Service No:V143756) served in WWII.

Returning to Melbourne following his Discharge, Edward worked as a Labourer and Driver and lived in Melbourne with his mother Emma until her death in 1944. He remained in Melbourne, where he worked as a Taxi Driver.  Edward died in 1977.