Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

MR M. M. ELPHINSTONE
Veteran of the First World War The Scottsdale district has lost one of its most popular and esteemed citizens, in the death of Mr Mervyn Milton (Mick) Elphinstonee, which took place suddenly at Bridport on Tuesday at the age of 61 years. Mr Elphinstone, although always outwardly bright and cheerful, had been in indifferent health for some time and had been advised of the position by his doctor. Despite this he maintained an irrepressible cheerfulness to all and sundry and kept his state of health to himself.
Mr Elphinstone served through the 1914—18 war, as an original member of the 17th Battery, 6th Field Artillery Brigade (a Tasmanian unit) and fought with it till the end of hostilities. Originally hailing from the North East, after his return from the war, he settled in the Sorrell district, returning to Bridport five years ago in semi-retirement.
Funeral Laregly Attended
The esteem entertained for the deceased and his relatives, all of whom have been closely associated with the North East. was manifested by the large attendance at the funeral on Wednesday afternoon, the cortege comprising approximately 70 cars. A service was conducted by Mr Howard in the Presbyterian Church, the building being unable to accommodate the congregation. Miss Graham presided at the organ. The coffin was covered with the Australian flag, and was surrounded by floral tributes. Among the chief mourners were the widow and four sons: George (Stowpprt), Alex (Cuprona), Walter (Victoria), Dave (Scottsdale); two sisters: Mrs M. Ling and Mrs Richardson; Sisters-in-law: Mrs D. Murphy and Mrs I. Heazlewood, several neices and nephews and other relatives. Mr W. C. Learoyd represented the Tasmanian Turf Club, Mr Lance Sutton and Mr Scott Mills represented the 17th Battery.
After the hymn 'Abide With Me,' the minister offered a prayer for the departed and expressed sympathy for those who mourned, remarking that judging by the large attendance the relatives could take comfort in the knowledge that he had left behind a good name. On arrival at the cemetery returned soldiers preceded the hearse, and the draped coffin was carried between line of returned men to the graveside. The carriers were Messrs Scott Mills, J. Davis, N. T. Luck, and C. Glennon. Pall bearers were Messrs S. McDougall, V.C., Ken Williams, H. Parker and J. O'Keefe, and they held the flag over the coffin prior to it being lowered into the grave. The soldier's service was read by Mr L. A. Hope, president of the Scottsdale sub-branch, concluding with a reference to the 'Poppy of Remembrance' and the words 'Lest We Forget.' Soldiers then filed past the grave and dropped poppies in remembrance of an esteemed comrade.
An unusually large number of returned soldiers attended, including several from the Launceston sub-branch. and members of the 17th Battery 6th Field Artillery Brigade.  Among the large number of floral tributes were the following from public bodies: R.S.L.,  Scottsdale; R.S.L., Bridport, Ex-services, Scottsdale branch; 17th Battery, A.I.F. ; Herd & Co.; A. T. Webster & Son.