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James William Waldon Service Number : 5932, was born in Dalby Queensland. His date of birth is recorded as 28th November 1884 on his war service record, although his age at death 34 appear inconsistent with attestation records recording him as 26 & 27 in 1915/1916.


JAMES WILLIAM's FAMILY

He was born to Phoebe Elizabeth Waldon and James Wilkinson. The Waldon family emigrated from Suffolk, England after their marriage in 1850. They worked on the big stations Tabinga and Jimbour; before they were broken up by the government. The Waldon's being one of the oldest families in the district, settling within a decade of the town's first settlement in 1841. Many descendants of the family still live in the area (Edwards & McPhee families of the Bell district). James mother died when in Dalby 13/11/1894 leaving him orphaned before maturity. But with a large family around him-many of them buried in the Dalby Monumental Cemetery.

He married Mary Nellie HUSSEY and was the father of 6 children of which my Grandmother Emmie Evelyn Sarah was the second eldest.

PRE WAR SERVICE

In 1900 in the last year of British Colony of Queensland, as the final bands of the new nation Australia were being signed in Melbourne and London. Her Majesty's Darling Downs Mounted Infantry became the 2nd Battalion of Queensland Mounted Infantry (QMI).
James joined D Company on the 02/02/1901 just 10 days after the death of Australia's first sovereign Queen Victoria and the accession of her son King Edward VII (21 days after the birth of our nation).

Trooper Waldon #773 remained with the 14th Squadron of the Australian Light Horse Regiment (ALH) until his discharge on the 19th of September 1904. Now the 2nd/14th Light Horse Regiment (Queensland Mounted Infantry) part of the Royal Australian Armoured Corps. By this time James had married and become a father of two.
James and Mary's family grew with another four children up to the proclamation of war in 1914. Another Waldon member William (#468); a 'Carter' had joined on the 02/11/1914 and left with the 5th Light Horse in December with other men of the Dalby district and towns further west.. He saw action at Gallipoli and Egypt returning to live a long life.

FIRST ATTEMPT TO SIGN UP

James' war service record file held at the Australian Archives (NAA B2455) commences with one of only two pieces of correspondence from Mary his wife. It is a brief letter of a few lines (01/06/1915) indicating that she gave her permission for James to join the 'expeditionary forces'- it is bereft. As he was of age, but married with six children. It was common, if not required for spouses to provide such permission. This ensured that men did not desert their wives and families, although this did occur.

It can only be assumed that despite James' previous military training, he was part of the subsequent waves of older men who were cautioned about leaving families, with younger single men (and boys) having already enlisted and lost their lives in 1914 and early 1915 including the famous battle of Gallipoli which we celebrate on 25th April each year. The war was initially and wrongly believed it... 'was going to over by Christmas'.

Attestation 1

A second letter (01/06/1915) from local Dalby Doctor. Dr. Stewart note prefaces James' attestation papers taken in Dalby (02/06/1915) it indicates 'he is physically fit' -nothing more. As the first and second letters are within in a day of each other, it can only be presumed that James may have been swept up in the recruitment rallies that were travelling Australia. His name was reported in the Brisbane Courier Wednesday 9th June 1915 having left from Dalby on the previous nights mail train, part of 180 men heading for Enoggerra Barracks. Men who already had firearms experience and were good horsemen keenly sought. We do know that James was a horse breaker and labourer, he would have been identified as a good recruit coming from the Light Horse too.
James is identified as being 26 years and 6 months when at the 3rd Darling Downs Light Horse Regiment was drafted to the 5th Reinforcements of the 25th Battalion. He was to report further to Victoria Barracks, Paddington in Brisbane by 12 pm two days later on the 4th of June.

A week later (11/06/1915) his papers show that 3 shillings per day would be paid to Mary. The first signs of illness appears during James training. A Medical Report A of an Invalid (07/08/1915) indicates "complaints of sickness and ill health". A second report B (17/08/1915) describes "general debility, since 14 years old" the outcome:- the correspondence around this report recommends 'Discharge as Unfit'.

A photograph of James and other recent recruits appears in the Brisbane Courier

Like many young men from country Queensland in the bright lights of the states capital; it would have been very alluring. James went 'absent without leave' AWOL(19/08/1915), traditionally the commencement of the Ekka each year. Perhaps now Private Waldon, was catching up with mates from Dalby and considered his time was better spent there than returning on the steam train to Dalby disappointed by his rejection from the army after two months?

it is with interest that James' photo appears in the Brisbane Courier listed with the many other reinforcements for the 25th Battalion. These photos were taken at Enoggera Barracks by the Talama Photographic Company. This pictorial article appeared from 1914-1919.
http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/page/2526265?zoomLevel=1

This public exposure would have caused him some discomfort after this article as he was aware that he was going to discharged unfit to serve.


James file shows he was fined for gambling indicated on a crime report (22/02/1915). James remained in Brisbane. His file shows correspondence (06/09/1915 to 11/09/1915) discussing his discharge, he was transferred to 'A Group' 1st Depot Battalion (18/09/1915) with his formal discharge Form 9 being actioned and signed on 20 & 21 September.

SECOND SIGN UP

Twelve months later on the 12th June 1916 James attestation form provides that he is joining up again, in Toowoomba. Interestingly, his previous military service describes 8 years in the L.A.H/A.L.M Militia?
His occupation is now Cook, he states his age as 27 years and 6 months. He is taken into the 16th Reinforcements of the 25th Battalion he is stationed at the 11th Depot Battalion according to his file he remained there until 03 August. He is formally appointed to 16th/25th (12/09/1916).

With casualties and deaths of men now depleting the ranks of the armed forces, men and women are now being recruited in earnest. James previous 'debility' evidently posed less of a barrier to his enlistment, although it loomed large in the training he had already undergone and was about to commence.

LEAVING AUSTRALIA

James Statement of Service 21/10/1916 to 10/01/1917 shows he left on His Majesty's Troop Ship (HMAT) Boonah. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boonah_crisis

Whilst en route to Plymouth in the United Kingdom James was engaged in reportable conduct, although he was not alone. One of his cousins John William McPhee(#766 & 2367) from Bell was charged with the same offences.
Discipline Report by Petty Officer (22/12/1916)
1. " '1 of 36' disobeying in such a manner as to show a wilful defiance of authority and lawful commandment-given personally by his superior officer".
2. Breaking out of Ship (?) forfeiture 16 days pay. There is no mention on a transit through any port, but this was possibly Columbo or through the Suez Canal?

Upon disembarkation James was stationed at the 7th Training Battalion Rollestone (10/01/1917), his training evidently continued until he was taken to 1st Australian Auxiliary Hospital Park House (Harefield House). He was admitted 30 January for a period of 77 days, until 16th April 1917 with Venereal Disease. Large numbers of men were treated for V.D.S (often repeatedly) contracting it in the brothels during shore leaving enroute via Colombo, Ceylon or Port Said or Alexandria in Egypt. It is not known if this is the case for James, it is possible his period of AWOL in Brisbane was the origin of the his reason for hospitalisation?

AWOL AGAIN!
James file (07/05/1915) shows he was AWOL from 0900hrs to 1830hrs. He failed to obey orders and travelled on a train to Westbury, without a ticket. His pay was again docked for 5 days (19/05/1917).

THE WESTERN FRONT

James left Southampton for France on the 14th June arriving at the Australian Base Depot- Le Havre, but was sent straight to the hospital again with illness(15/06/1917). A2GH Australian General Hospital was located there.

James was 'taken on strength' for active duty (02/07/1917) after 5 days travel and was stationed with 200- 250 men in A Company as part of 7th Brigade. His location on a road near Haut Schoubrouck in a hedge lined Paddock which can be found on Trench Map World War 1914-1918; Arques, France1: 20,000 Sheet 27 SW N27.d 5.7(Mcmaster University) this near the small French village of Zeggars-Cappel.

Zeggars-Cappel is a commune in the Nord- Pas-de Calais, close to Dunkirk. The northwestern coastal region of France, near the Belgian border. "The 25th Battalion took part in two attacks to east of Flers, both of which floundered in the mud. Although it acted in a supporting role at the second battle of Bullencourt..." Taken from official history of the 25th Battalion.

Comments from his file reveal that arriving in France, James was 'exhausted'. Evidently, after he joined his company for the 5 weeks he 'can not carry on like this',unable to march,'falling out'. A further comment in text reveals that; he 'hadn't fired a shot'. Could not drill, 'excused from duty in England', with the comment 'No Board'. This comment may indicate that Lt.Col. M Norrie was troubled that he had been allowed to proceed to France when it was evident he was not fit for duty?
The 'Urgent and Confidential Report':outlines James was admitted to the 7th Canadian Stationary Hospital (16/08/1917)at Arques (St. Omer) again for 5 days for what is noted as Disordered Action of the Heart.(D.A.H), with possible 'organic trouble'. He is then transferred to Number 4 Stationary Hospital at St. Omer.(21/08/1917) His case was specifically recommended for the A.I.F Board by Maj. D.W Carmolt Jones No4 Stationary Hospital (01/09/1917)


His report notes James is experiencing 'palpitations' and is described as 'weak' and is to be specifically recommended for the Medical Board with a provisional diagnosis of 'Morbis Cordis'. He is recommended for transfer to England.

D.A.H wa also known as Soldier's Heart or Effort Syndrome and was thought to result from a combination of over exertion, mental stress and fatigue. The likely differential diagnosis was Valvular Disease of the Heart which suggests a physical abnormality of the heart- perhaps due to among other things rheumatic fever in childhood. Both commonly detected during the war.

Sir Arthur Hurst writes in Medical Diseases of The War (Butler and Tanner 1918) '7.4 per cent of the soldiers and sailors invalided from the service from the beginning of the war up to may 31st 1916, were discharged on account of 'heart disease,'. The War Office and Medical research Council recognised the significance of the problem. Cases were being recognised in France and cases were returned to England with erroneous diagnosis. However, 50 per cent of cases were detained for duty in France.


On the 8th of September 1917 James' war is over. He is transferred via St. Denis on a hospital ship for England.


CONVALESCENT IN ENGLAND

The following day he is admitted to Bethanal Green East End, London noted to have again, D.A.H until he is transferred to the 3AAH Number 3 Australian Auxiliary Hospital Dartford, England(19/09/1917). This facility specialises in war-related nerves and neurosis-although his admitted with Cardiac Symptoms.

Medical Report A (01/10/1917) whilst in Dartford, England. James record describes him as being a 'Horse Breaker" having had "Rheumatic Carditis- Mother Cardiac" having spent' 3/12 months in hospital and requiring a change of occupation at age 27. His notes indicate 'slight cardiac symptoms at Salisbury Plains Training Camp- exempted from marches. On one copy the causation is Active Service, but is struck through 'pre-existing condition'-prevails on both copies.
James is found to be permanently medically unfit (04/10/1917) according to a notation. He is granted leave from 08 to 22 of October, when he is to report to Australian Command Depot (22/10/1917).
Diagnosis: D.A.H, Neurosis- Not Injured by service (26/10/1917) This file note is the only clue that there was perhaps some change in the mind of James as a result of his time close to the front line. The seemingly high spirited soldier going AWOL on the train 4 months earlier, now presents to this medical officer who leaves this comment.

CONCERN AT HOME

A letter from home is a rare note in his file. One letter(14/10/1917) authored by a Miss F Kaye (?) who resides at the Royal Brisbane Hospital inquires on behalf of his family as to his condition and whereabouts, as they have had no word of him for 3 months.
This is followed by the second letter by Mary (18/10/1917), whose words give us the only insight as to her state of mind about his deployment to the Great War. She conveys that he may not have received any letters and she did not want him to think 'that they had forgotten him' adding they wished to send him small 'parcels'. It is the only insight to the relationship between James and Mary.

Also her letter provides that she has left their home at 'Norfolk Cottage'(formerly the home of her parents too), Arthur Street for an old Dalby property 'Woodstock', New Bon Accord which is on the north western road out of Dalby heading towards Rangers Bridge-it is still there today. The confirmation of this change of address is also noted in his file(18/11/!917). The circumstances of the necessity to move to this property are not clear. It appears that Mary ran a herd of dairy cows there during and long after the war. Their former home of approximately of 5 acres, was not sold for some years to come (1940's). My grandmother recalls the 'many men of the road' or swaggies, who could be seen from the house walking the road from Dalby to the shearing sheds and cattle stations in far western Queensland in search of work, after the end of the war. She recalled; 'often men would call to ask for employment, although they left disappointed- they always left after a meal'.

Departmental responses give very little insight for Mary or Miss Kaye about what will happen to James, relying on the standard :-overseas authorities will advise of his condition and whether he will return to Australia.

HOMEWARD

James embarked the S.S Persic from Devonport, England (14/10/1917) his file describes his condition as ''still very weak" when he left invalided from Weymouth after 52 days of hospital care.
James arrived home, but was admitted to the 5th Australian General Hospital where he remained undergoing care for assessment. He was put before the Medical Board his report indicates a "reduplication 1st symptoms Pulse irregular looks anaemic, dysponea on exertion Recommend: Discharge.
Form B179 Disability: Rheumatic Carditis Disposed: Disability Medical Pension Discharged 28 February 1st mention, 17 March 2nd mention- Australian Imperial Expeditionary Force Final Certificate E658 (This low certificate number may give some insight perhaps as to the small numbers of men or women who returned to Australia overall by what was in the last year of the war?)


HOME

James was granted a pension on 25 March 1918 just 12 weeks later he died in Dalby General Hospital - he was buried two days latter.

Very little of James is known of his brief time in Dalby on his return.
My Grandmother evidently had painful memories however, she remarked 'he had taken to the drink' on his return. A celebration wouldn't have been out of the question though?

It is not known what his mental state was on discharge- his file makes no further reference to that or anything else beyond leaving hospital in Brisbane. The transition from the battlefields of the Western Front, where poisonous gas attacks were everyday occurrences and the landscapes were unrecognisable with the corpses of men and horses. Or the sights and smells of the many days and nights spent in hospitals, with wounded and dying men- played its own part on his thinking?
What surely would have faced him at home in Dalby would have been an avalanche of interest from well meaning families wanting news of his war and some hope of him bringing news about their own loved ones?

The day James was discharged in Brisbane, Dalby conducted its first funeral for Sgt. N Howarth, (it would be followed 19 days later by Pte. R.E Hulbert) by his return after nearly 4 years of war- emotion would have been running high in town. James' return and presence would have been a difficulty in the eyes many grieving families-and beyond him in many ways too.

Today we have words like 'survivor guilt' and understand how post traumatic stress disorder affects men and women in conflict. For the men and women who came home, there was no RSL, Legacy, Mates for Mates. James and his family had only themselves to come to understand how to move forward. Dalby would bury one more of its sons as result of this war, Cpl W.J Goodspeed 31/05/1919. These 4 men have rested in the soil of their home town for nearly 100 years,'their names liveth forevermore'.

The Great War 1914-1919 and hostilities was drawn to an eventual armistice 11/11/1918.

James' service to King and country was 1 year 279 days of which 1 year and 118 days was spent overseas on active duty. Although he was awarded the British War and Victory Medals, sadly he died before they were issued-records indicate.

LEGACY

James' war was short, but his desire to serve his country was strong. His two attempts demonstrated, courage and like many of his peers, most likely a desire for adventure and to see the world. Although this spirit for adventure and having a good time found him the chagrin of his superiors, it was his existing exposure to Rheumatic Fever as a teenager that affected him in his working life and ultimately brought his war service to an end.

James' nature epitomises the laconic aussie larrikin who is widely captured in the stories, legends and portrayals in film of ANZAC soldiers. His story may not remarkable in the annals of war history, but his ordinariness is inspirational.

His name along with the other men of the district is on the Honour Roll at both the RSL and St. John's Church, recognising their contribution-along with the 420,000 other Australians.
http://www.qldwarmemorials.com.au/memorial/?id=475

His name will be projected on the Hall of Memory and his name can be found in the Honour Roll in the Commemorative Area (Panel 106 23/42/4) at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra. His name will be projected Sunday 26 April 04:02, Tuesday 9 June 05:34, Tuesday 21 July 06:37 Saturday September 01:40 and Friday 30 October 01:33. https://www.awm.gov.au/people/rolls/R1669445/
But his soul rests in the deep rich black soil of his home at the Dalby Monumental Cemetery (plot 2016) http://www.cwgc.org/find-war-dead.aspx



Queensland Governor His Excellency, Sir Matthew Nathan on Wednesday 26th July 1922 unveiled a life sized bronze soldier on a stone pedestal as a memorial to the 1563 men had enlisted from the Dalby Electorate. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article20561311

An article printed Saturday 23rd September 1922 in the Daily Mercury Mackay, Queensland yields interest from Victoria Barracks wanting to know the whereabouts of the graves of men listed- James' name appears in the list. Interest is sort for the erection of headstones. Although the Commonwealth Graves Commission commenced by royal charter in 1917, it appears that the reality of its work identifying the locations of war graves was only gaining momentum at this time. http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/168986233

We have his wife Mary to thank for submitting his name to the National Roll of Honour. Comments on her submission reveal, interestly she is 'unsure' of his age at death, nominating him to be 38 years? It is 19 June 1940 she is living back in her home in Arthur Street and provides that James has an aunt in Wood Street Dalby-Mrs Hourigan?.. who may also be able to verify his details.

His contribution was honoured by 3 of his children Thomas James and Lancelot Moreton who went on to serve in the Army and Dolores Elizabeth who served in Navy during World War II.



CENTENARY OF ANZAC 2015

As James is one of only four men who returned to be buried in Dalby before the end of the Great War. His memory has been long forgotten by many of his family who have passed away and others who have left the district. But with the Centenary of ANZAC over the next four years, the people of Dalby have the opportunity to honour his memory and remember him and his mates this ANZAC Day by attending service or visiting their graves.


Written by and for the descendant family members of Private JAMES WILLIAM WALDON.



View James World War I service record at mappingouranzacs.naa.gov.au
NAA: B2455 WALDON JAMES WILLIAM