Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Thomas Leo Dwyer
His parents, marrying in 1887, being, Maitland, New South Wales, born Catherine Winifred Stapleton and Michael John Dwyer celebrated the birth of first child, Alice Mary [1887-1917], in the same year, at Mitchelton, beside the Goulburn River, north-east Victoria. The year following, witnessed the Mounted Victoria Policeman residing at Tower Hill, on the south-west Victoria coast between Warrnambool and Port Fairy, together with the birth of their first son, John Eric Dwyer [1888-1958].
Transferring to officer in charge at Natimuk, in the Wimmera district, in 1889, Mounted Constable Michael Dwyer, sustained a concussion of the brain, upon being dislodged, whilst riding into Horsham. However, upon regaining his health, resumed his Natimuk duties, being in November 1890, elected foundation treasurer of Natimuk Volunteer Fire Brigade, whilst in the same year, second son, Ernest Stapleton Dwyer [1890-1955], increased the family to five.
Sustaining, in July 1891, serious injury, due to the horse upon which he was mounted stumbling before falling upon him, Michael Dwyer, following a period of unconsciousness, sustained paralysis of the bladder. A deservedly popular member of the force, and most efficient in the discharge of his duties, Michael Dwyer was compelled, in March 1892, to retire from the Victoria Police Force due to the accident.
Upon regaining his fitness, Michael Dwyer secured the position of Officer in Charge of Winchelsea, in the western district of Victoria, between Geelong and Colac.
In 1893, third son, Thomas Leo [1893-1917], arrived at Winchelsea, followed by Gerald Francis [1895-1971], Kathleen Margaret [1898-1983], with the final child, fifth son, Michael John [1901-1983].
Establishing ‘Vaughan Kennels’, Winchelsea, a greyhound breeding and racing entity. Successfully entering the sport of coursing – field hunting by sight, as well as scent by dogs, usually greyhounds – the forerunner to greyhound racing. A great enthusiast in the sport, he was known on nearly every coursing field in Victoria. As popular as he was genial, he encouraged his sons’ involvement in his chosen sporting interest. His first-born son, John Eric ‘Eric’ Dwyer, equalling his father’s interest and popularity in the sport.
Overnighting at Lorne, on 13 February 1910, Winchelsea Mounted Constable Michael John Dwyer, accepted the invitation of two friends to enjoy a morning swim. Venturing beyond the breaking surf, the 46 years of age, Michael Dwyer, drowned, unable to escape the treacherous undertow.
Raising, by public subscription, £77/7/6 enabled the Winchelsea population to purchase, as well as erect a headstone in the local cemetery to commemorate the final resting place of their peacekeeper. The £26/10/- balance being handed to Mrs. Catherine Winifred Dwyer, a widow with seven children, aged from 23 to 9 years.
The large attendance at his funeral indicated both sympathy for the widow and family in their loss, as well as respect for an honourable officer and citizen. The funeral cortege was upwards of 60 vehicles, with the various organisations associated with the district represented at the obsequies, including the A.N.A., of which the mounted constable had been secretary since its inception: district coursing clubs, cricket club, shire council, etc.
Victoria Police Veteran, Mounted Constable Michael John Dwyer 3877 rests in eternal peace in the Winchelsea Cemetery, Winchelsea, Victoria, plot WIN-SECT-001-807-17
On 13 September 1942, at the Mercy Hospital, Melbourne, 83 years-of-age, Catherine Winifred Dwyer, of Sunshine, widow of the late Victoria Police Mounted Constable Michael John Dwyer, of Winchelsea, and loved mother of Tot [Mrs. Alice Mary Shelley, Ballarat, deceased], Eric, [Middle Park], Ern, [Glen Iris], Leo [K.I.A. First A.I.F., deceased], Gerald, [South Melbourne], Peg [Mrs. Howard, Sunshine] and Warrant-Officer Jack Dwyer [Second A.I.F.], passed into eternal peace.
Amongst the number of the gallant 8th Light Horse which met a tragic fate was Trooper Thomas Leo Dwyer [1893-1917] of the 8th Light Horse [1914-1917] Regimental Number 692, killed in action at the Dardenelles, Gallipoli Peninsula, Turkey on 7 August 1917. Well-known, as well as esteemed throughout the Western District, being a keen footballer and cricketer, being very popular with all his associates by reason of his cheery ways and many sterling qualities. His bright, interesting letters were eagerly looked forward to since he left Australia. Amongst the first to enlist at the outbreak of the war, with his example followed by brothers, Driver Gerald Francis Dwyer [1895-1971], Regimental Number 4703, 3rd Field Artillery Brigade [1915-1918], and Private John Eric Dwyer [1888-1958], Regimental Number 6995, 5th Battalion [1916-1917]
Third brother, Private Michael John Dwyer [1901-1983] VX84725, together with some of the children of Private John Eric Dwyer [1888-1958], daughter, Sergeant Eileen Alice Silvey née Dwyer [1915-1992] V397162; sons, Major Michael John Dwyer [1919-1994] 3109504 VX8786; Sergeant Eric Francis ‘Frank’ Dwyer [1920-1981] VX15917, as well as Signalman Gerald Patrick Dwyer [1923-2015] VX75829, served during World War 2
Trooper Thomas Leo ‘Leo’ Dwyer [1893-1917] of the 8th Light Horse [1914-1917] Regimental Number 692, rests in eternal peace in Point Cemetery, Ari Burnu, Gallipoli Peninsula, Row A Grave 15