Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Death Of District's
Most Decorated Soldier
One of this district's most beloved personalities and its most distinguished soldier - Colonel Colin Dunmore Fuller - died after a long illness at Beverley Hills on Saturday morning. His death severs a link with an era of gallantry in the field of battle - he was a much-decorated officer - and kindliness to all in his native district who needed a helping hand.
"WONDERFUL AND BRAVE LEADER"
For many weeks past almost the whole of this district had been aware that he was gradually sinking and that the end would not be long. Letters were written to him by local individuals and organisations but these had no hint of his impending death since it was understood that he had not been told that there was no hope of recovery.
He was born at Dunmore House into a family that was destined to earn distinction.
He was the son of the late Mr. and Mrs. George L. Fuller and brother of Sir George Fuller who was to become the Premier of New South Wales. Another brother, Bryan, became a famous barrister.
WENT OVERSEAS
Before the First World War, Col. Fuller was a member of the local Light Horse Regiment and when war broke out enlisted with the A.I.F. in the 6th Light Horse and went overseas to Egypt. It was in the conflict with the Turks that Col Fuller reached the peak of his distinguished career - he took part in the famous battle of Beersheba and went through to Damascus, leading local men among his command. One of the men who served with him in Gallipoli and in Palestine said he was a fine commander in the former campaign, where he led foot troops, but really came into his own element when he commanded mounted troops in the latter campaign. For his outstanding ability he was awarded the D.S.O. and Bar and was one of eight men from the State who held the decoration from the Egyptian Royal House of the Order of the Nile.
WORK IN DISTRICT
Col. Fuller came back to the district and for years afterwards took the cause of the returned soldier to his heart. He became President of the Kiama R.S.L. and was a great and respected leader. In those years he was also a tower of strength to the Agricultural and Horticultural Society and made him self one of its outstanding Presidents. He also took a great interest in the Hospital and worked ceaselessly for its advancement in the knowledge that it was one of his mother's loves - she had donated one of the private wards which was named after her.
TRIBUTE TO WIFE
But in all his local activities he was dependant upon the close support of his wife, the former Amy Rae, who survives him. Both of them were garden lovers and cultivated some beautiful flowers, yet found time to devote themselves to local causes.

Shortly before he left the district five years ago to live at Beverley Hills, Col. Fuller told a close friend how much he had been helped by his wife's great devotion and how he could never have accomplished what he had without her help. In a tribute to his memory this friend said - "He was a brave and wonderful soldier--he was loved and respected by his men because he never asked them to face a danger that he would not face himself and he always led them into the fight."

TENANTS' RESPECT
Perhaps one of the best indica tions of his quality was the respect he won from the tenant farmers of his estate - and it has been reported that they were present at his funeral to a man. The funeral was on Monday from Hurstville to the Woronora Crematorium.
Col. Fuller is survived by his widow, his sisters Florence (Mrs. Palmer), Edith, his brothers Alfred and Bryan, his children, Hope (Mrs. Rutledge), Betty (Mrs. Palmer), and grandchildren Grahame, Ian and Michael.

Son of George L FULLER, Dunmore, Illawarra Line, NSW

From Gallipoli, 1915

Major Colin Dunmore Fuller, 6th Australian Light Horse Regiment, recorded his impressions of the truce at Anzac on 24th May 1915. But he devoted most of his letter home to the food and drink they were living on.

“It was on Monday, the 24th, that the armistice was given to the Turks to bury the dead. I was one of the party sent out half way to flag the line, and the dead bodies were just appalling. Of course the majority were buried just where they were lying, for when they started to remove the bodies the stench got worse. The food we get is excellent bully beef, biscuits, cheese and jam, tea and sugar, and during the last 10 days we've had fresh beef three times, and so are all putting on condition. The great drawback is the scarcity of water and fuel. If we are held up here long, and have to burn this green scrub, we will have to do without fuel. The drinking water comes by ship from Alexandria, and each man is allowed a quart a day. The water for the tea is taken out of wells we've sunk, they say it is alright boiled, but there's no Board of Health here, or I am sure it would be condemned. All our provisions, also all the ammunition, is brought by boat, and brought from the beach by mules on packsaddles, teams of three tied together under an Indian; they are wonderful animals, and it is surprising how they climb about considering it is all done at night.” [1]

[1] 'The Sun' (Sydney, New South Wales), 27th July 1915.

Image: Kiama Library.

Lieutenant Colonel of the 6th Australian Light Horse Regiment
Colin as born in 1882 at "Dunmore House" to parents George Lawrence Fuller originally of Galway Ireland, and Sarah Cunningham Miller of Gerringong.

In 1905, Colin enlisted as second lieutenant in the 1st Australian Light Horse. Colin rose rapidly through the ranks in the Lancers being promoted to captain in 1908.

In 1912, the 28th (Illawarra) Light Horse was formed, with its first commanding officer being Captain Colin Fuller. When war broke out in 1914, Colin applied for a commission in the 6th Light Horse, being appointed to the rank of Major.

Colin saw action at Gallipoli where it is rumoured he "had words" with an English Officer who had ordered his men to attack heavily defended Turkish positions at Helles. Colin refused to allow his men to go "over the top" as two earlier waves were cut to pieces.

Colin was one of the last to leave Gallipoli. Following his fine work at ANZAC, he was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel, and was given full command of the 6th Light Horse Regiment until December 1918.

Colin married Amy Elsie Blanche Rea in 1920, having two daughters, Hope and Betty.

Colin became one of the leading figures in the Kiama district, being known as the "Old Colonel". He was President of the Kiama R.S.L. and Agricultural Society in addition to being involved in the local Presbyterian church. Colin opened the Kiama Hospital in July 1930.

In September 1953, Colin passed away in Sydney after a long illness. He is honoured on the Kiama Memorial Arch.
Source: Kiama Library