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Australia

Born at Swan Hill in north-west Victoria.

Pen was the only son of the late Reverend James Patterson and Annie Westland H Patterson. He spent most of his childhood in Bendigo, where his father was the Minister at the local Presbyterian church.  Later the church sent the Patterson family to Port Pirie, South Australia, where Pen went to high school and was a member of the Port Pirie Public School Cadets, where he excelled.

His aptitude for military work saw Patterson go to study at the Royal Military College, Duntroon. He was just completing his final year at Duntroon, when war broke out.

On enlisting he lived with his parents at 608 Ligar Street, Ballarat, Victoria.

Previous service:
4 years Cadets
4 years in Royal Military College, Duntroon

Described on enlisting as 20 years 1 month old; single; 5' 10" tall; 9 stone 12 lbs; Church of England.

14/8/1914      Enlisted in Tasmania

20/10/1914     Embarked from Hobart, Tasmania, on board HMAT Geelong A2
                      as a Lieutenant in C Company, 12th Infantry Battalion

4/3 - 12/4/1915  Whilst the 3rd Brigade were waiting at Lemnos Island, Patterson's time
                          was specially devoted to "scout" training.

2/3/1915        Embarked to join Mediterranean Expeditionary Forces, ex Alexandria,
                     on board HMAT Devanha, to GALLIPOLI

He and his battalion transferred to TB Destroyer "Ribble" to land on Anzac.

During the voyage to the Dardanelles, Gallipoli, he was appointed Commander of No. 1
Platoon of the 12th Battalion.

25/4/1915    He landed with his battalion at a point north of Anzac Cove, opposite walker's Ridge, moving at once to the top of Walker's Ridge, units on the left flank attempted to reorganise and also dug in to strengthen their position.

25/4/1915      Recommended for Mention In Despatches
                     "Led his platoon to a forward position which required reinforcement on Sunday 25th April, while under heavy fire."

While the Australians were digging in on the ridge Turkish counter-attacks endangered the position.
The Australians advanced against the Turkish troops.

It was during this advance that Lieutenant Patterson was killed while leading his platoon.

His loss to the Battalion was a severe one, he was beloved by all ranks and all felt that they
had lost a personal friend.

28/5/1915      Killed in action - Dardanelles, GALLIPOLI, NO KNOWN GRAVE

In the turmoil of the following days and months, his grave was lost.

Pen Patterson was mourned not only by his widowed mother and three sisters but also by a wide
circle of friends and the church where his late father had worked for 11 years.

Learning of his death, a friend of the family remarked:

"Little did we think that when Pen Patterson was running about in Swan Hill as a happy boy that in a few years he would lose his life fighting for his country in a foreign land."

He was the first Duntroon graduate to die in the war.

His name is commemorated at the Lone Pine Memorial, Gallipoli Peninsula, Canakkale Province, Turkey.

30/6/1915       Special Mention
                      "Acts of Conspicious Gallantry or Valuable Service during period 25 April to 5th may 1915."

5/11/1915      Awarded MENTION IN DESPATCHES - in London Gazette

His name is located at panel 67 in the Commemorative Area at the Australian War Memorial, Canberra, ACT.

Medals:
1914/15 Star (5450); British War medal (4459); Victory medal (4458);
Memorial Plaque and Memorial Scroll (356346).

1926  AIF confirmed name is commemorated at Lone Pine Memorial.

Sourced and submitted by Julianne T Ryan.  18/4/2015.  Lest we forget.

From Ballarat & District in the Great War

Lt Penistan (Pen) James PATTERSON, 
12th Infantry Battalion
 
Pen Patterson was a lovely young man. I can say that with absolute confidence because everyone said so. Everyone. Of course, when someone died young the obituaries were usually glowing – phrases that I have commonly encountered referred to them as “a fine stamp of manhood” and “loved by all who knew him.” However, the outpouring of grief for this particular 20-year-old was expressed across three States and the Australian Capital Territory.

Born at Swan Hill on 7 August 1894, Penistan James Patterson was the only son of the Reverend James Patterson and Annie Westland Hardman Penistan. He was the couple’s second child, with Myra (1893), Doris (1896) and finally Constance (1899) all born during Thomas Patterson’s tenure at the Swan Hill Presbyterian Church.

Pen’s ancestral footprint was particularly interesting. Whilst his father was born at Canning Creek Station in Queensland, his grandparents had come from County Armagh in Northern Ireland. William Patterson, who was a native of the village of Markethill, came to Australia as a labourer in 1858 and worked on the Bodumba Station owned by the Honourable St George Gore. After 20-years in the colony, William found himself on the verge of a very definite career change – on 21 November 1878 at the Divinity Hall in Brisbane, he was ordained a minister in the Presbyterian Church. James, his fifth child, followed his example and was ordained into the Presbyterian Church at Wangaratta on 7 February 1888. His first parish was at Carisbrook.
At the Penistan family home in Pyke Street, Quarry Hill, Sandhurst, on 11 March 1891, James Patterson married Annie Penistan. It was ‘a fashionable wedding’ and Annie looked ‘charming’ dressed in cream cashmere and lace, with sprays of orange blossom and a silk veil covering her stunning long hair. Her father, James Penistan, gave her away.

Given that the name would figure so prominently in the life of this particular soldier, it is important to investigate the Penistan family in some detail. As a surname, Penistan had habitual connections to the market town of Penistone near Sheffield in South Yorkshire, which dates back to the Domesday Book. The earliest variation appears to have been Thomas de Penyston, who was in Cornwall during the reign of William the Conqueror. In breaking down the surname, Penistan is a contraction of the Celtic word “penn” and the Old English “tun.” It is entirely appropriate (which will become apparent later in the story) that “penn” means hill.

Pen’s maternal grandfather, James Penistan, had initially joined his own father in the drapery business known as The Beehive in London. He arrived in Victoria in the early 1850’s and was present during the Eureka riots at Ballarat, although he did not take part in the historic incident. From there he ventured to Bendigo, where he graduated from mining to become one of the city’s earliest sharebrokers, eventually being known as the “father of the Bendigo Stock Exchange” – (coincidentally) the famous Beehive! As a broker and agent, James Penistan was held in the highest regard for his integrity and business capacity. Indeed, the Penistan name was synonymous in Bendigo with education and advancement – two of Pen’s aunts held professional positions, Mary as a nurse and Emily, who was a teacher at her own private school prior to marrying in 1902.

Although there were several male children in the Patterson family, the surfeit of daughters in the Penistan clan meant the arrival of Pen Patterson was a cause for a mild celebration. He quickly proved to be worthy of any favouritism that came his way. Charming, intelligent, likeable, Pen was almost the perfect son.

Beginning his education during the Swan Hill years, Pen showed early academic aptitude. He was also something of a performer, taking part in the children’s entertainment in aid of the Swan Hill Mechanics’ Institute and Free Library was held at the Shire Hall on 27 November 1901. Pen performed the song, “The Little Dog on Wheels.”

In late July 1906, after 12-years ministering at Swan Hill, the Patterson family left for Port Pirie in South Australia. Reverend Patterson was presented with a purse containing 55 sovereigns on behalf of the people of Swan Hill and district. Pen was duly enrolled at the Solomontown State School, which was then under the headship of Mr. W. E. Gallagher.

In November 1907, Pen took part in the Northern Public Schools Exhibition at Port Pirie. The children from Solomontown performed Sleeping Beauty as a tableau – Pen ‘made a gallant and picturesque Prince’ waking the Sleeping Beauty (Violet Heaney) ‘in the time honoured way.’

Pen also joined in the annual Port Pirie Horticultural, Art, and Industrial Society Show, winning prizes for netting (part of the rope making section) in 1907 and 1908. He was also a very active member of his father’s congregation, particularly enjoying his participation with the church choir.

But it was his performance as a military cadet that was to earn him the greatest accolades. After transferring to the Port Pirie Public School to complete his primary education, Pen performed particularly well in the cadet programme. During 1909, the cadets took part in two shooting competitions – holding the rank of sergeant, Pen shot particularly well, securing a gold medal in the matches. The Port Pirie cadets took out three of the ten gold medals allotted to the district.

An incident on Saturday 17 December 1909, gave real insight into the man Pen Patterson would become. He was helping with the clean-up of the military hall after the cadet social the previous evening, when a ladder fell on him, dislocating his arm and causing minor bruises. Not even a painful injury could prevent him from attending school the following Wednesday to receive his primary school certificate. Described as ‘exceptionally clever,’ Pen was a very popular student, both with his peers and teachers, who predicted a very promising future.

Indeed, the following year Pen, studying at the Port Pirie School of Mines (under the auspices of the University of Adelaide) gained first place in the typing examination and was awarded one of four entrance scholarships. He also gained a pass in the senior division of the Presbyterian Welfare of Youth examinations.

In March 1911, it was announced that Pen Patterson had successfully passed the examinations for a prized cadetship to the newly opened Royal Military College Duntroon under Major-General William Throsby Bridges. His ‘highly credible career’ as a scholar was now being translated into what guaranteed a promising future as a professional soldier. He was one of just six South Australian candidates to sit the examinations. During a meeting of the Port Pirie Town Council in late March, the Mayor referred to the success of Pen Patterson. He stated that Pen had shown ‘splendid grit and courage,’ and deserved his achievement.

On 19 April, the first distribution of prizes and certificates from the University of Adelaide was held at the Port Pirie High School. Special mention was made of Pen Patterson’s successful application to Duntroon, although he was a full year younger than the average candidate. He also gained a medal for shooting, a special scholarship to the military college and passed his junior certificate with two credits.

‘…From the time they enter the College during the second week in May, and during the four years of their course they will receive an allowance of 5/- per day to provide them with pocket money, and to meet their messing accounts. During this period it is specified that none of the students is to receive any financial assistance from outside, so that all of the boys will be on an equal footing. On the completion of their probationary period, during which time they will be under the instruction of a specially selected staff of experts, they will start their duties on a salary of £250 per annum…’

As Pen’s career began to blossom, his father’s declining health caused major concern. Suffering from the debilitating condition locomotor ataxia, James Patterson had been unwell for some years. However, a complete nervous breakdown resulted in the family relocating to Ballarat, taking residence at 617 Doveton Street north. As a result of the move, before undertaking his course at Duntroon, Pen attended classes at the Ballarat High School.

During his previous connection to the city, Reverend Patterson had been involved with the committee responsible for the erection of the Robert Burns statue in Sturt Street. His return was under less happy circumstances. It was clear that his mental health was diminishing and his usually cheerful disposition gave way to bouts of severe depression. On 9 January 1913, he took a breech-loading gun, went into the rear yard of their home, where he put the barrel to his head and pulled the trigger. He died instantly. Annie’s screams could be heard around the neighbourhood.
The devastating death prompted an outpouring of disbelief and the details were splashed across the newspapers. It was to be the highly structured and disciplined school environment at Duntroon that supported young Pen Patterson as he began to deal with his grief.

When Pen had first arrived at Duntroon, the now famous institution was far more spartan. But results were quickly forthcoming. It was soon noticed that the ‘sun-tanned and vigorous cadets’ were a picture of health and a great advertisement for the ‘open-air Australian life.’

For Pen and his fellow cadets, the day was strictly regimented. Reveille sounded at 6:15am (each young man learned quickly that there was no ‘dozing’ and they were taught that ‘Wellington never turned over on his side after he had been awakened.’) Parade on the veranda followed, with cadets then required to tidy their rooms. At 7:15am they assembled for breakfast. The first drill of the day commenced at 8:15, finishing an hour later. From 9:30 to 1pm the lads concentrated on academic study. An hour’s break for lunch was followed by further study through to 4pm. They were then allowed an extended period for recreation before tea at 6:30pm. Two hours of private study was undertaken before “lights-out” at 10:15pm.

There were days set aside for work in the field with bridge-building and route marching – 12-miles with 12-pounds of pack. Sections of the cadets were involved with the artillery and Light Horse, which was the most popular corps at the college. Cadets were taught to ride to a very high standard, learning to jump their horses without stirrups or reins. Of course, there were the occasional ‘busters,’ but apparently no-one was seriously hurt.

The first year of the course was largely devoted to the classroom, with more military training concentrated in the second year. This was increased in the third year, with the final year being entirely devoted to military study.

The Duntroon cadets were very aware of the rather rarified atmosphere they had entered. Whilst a senior cadet in the Citizen Forces spent only a few hours training each month, the Duntroon cadet gave ‘his whole life to it.’ They were made immediately aware of the honour bestowed on them by being a staff cadet.
Of course, there was the ubiquitous hazing – ‘senseless barbarities’ – inflicted on each new intake of cadets.
‘…When we new chums got there," he said, "the other fellows paraded us on the blocks in four squads and we were marched into the bathrooms. We were prepared for something of this kind, but we did not 'tumble' until the doors were slammed and bolted and then we knew we were in for it. First we were ordered to strip and some of the new arrivals then suggested resistance, but we thought it best to take our gruel quietly or we would only receive worse treatment. After we had stripped we were taken out one at a time, and made to run along the platform on our hands and knees. We were then taken over ground which had been soaked with the fire hose till it was muddy and made to sit on a block of ice, after which we had to climb a greasy rope. To finish up with we were dipped into a bath of red ochre, which tasted very nasty. Complain? Not a bit of it; not one of us complained; we all treated it as a great joke—victims and tormentors alike. The fellows in one bathroom made some resistance, and as a punishment they were tossed in a blanket, while those who would not come out had the fire hose turned on them, but no one was one whit the worse for the experience, and there was not the slightest ill-feeling over it…’

The boys received 5-shillings a week for pocket money, which was spent mostly on chocolate and tobacco – they cadets were not allowed to smoke cigarettes and ‘intoxicating liquor’ was strictly forbidden. They played cricket, football (both rugby and Australian Rules) and tennis, performed in their own comic opera company with concerts held in the mess room. The college also had a billiard room and weekends were spent swimming and fishing in the nearby Cotter and Murrumbidgee Rivers or climbing the mountains around Canberra.

The objective of the course at Duntroon was to produce professional soldiers who could then be employed as Area Officers in the Universal Training Scheme around Australia. However, war was to completely change the career paths of that first intake of cadets. The declaration of war against Germany hastened the graduation of the first cadets in order to make them available for immediate active duty. The appointments were approved by the Governor-General Sir Ronald Munro Ferguson, and Pen Patterson was commissioned as lieutenant on 14 August 1914. Pen received his first appointment soon after and immediately joined the 12th Battalion at Pontville Camp, a half an hour north of Hobart as an assistant instructor.

On 26 August, Pen completed his formal application for a commission in the AIF. The paperwork included the only precise details regarding the young officer’s build – he was 5-feet 10-inches tall, but weighed just 9-stone 12-pounds. However, his chest measurement (35 to 39-inches) was indicative of considerable physical strength. He also had good eyesight. His mother, who was then living at 607 Ligar Street in Ballarat North, was named as his next-of-kin.

Embarkation of the First Contingent was organised quickly and sailed from various capital cities on 19-20 October. The 12th Battalion embarked from Hobart onboard the troopship Geelong; Pen Patterson was second in command of C Company.

The convoy assembled in King George Sound off Albany before beginning the voyage across the Indian Ocean. Pen performed the duties of adjutant to the 12th Battalion and Ship’s Adjutant during the trip. They had just left Aden when a wireless message was received on 28 November. “All Australian troops to complete training at Cairo and proceed from there to the Front.”

Little did Pen Patterson realise, but he was now on a collision course with history.

Pen sent a postcard to the Reverend A. H. Moore of Scot’s Presbyterian Church, Ballarat: ‘Dear old Bishop, The New Year promises a lot for me if one is spared to see it…’

The first few months of that New Year, after the initial novelty had worn off, proved to be quite tedious for all involved. Nevertheless, Pen was kept particularly busy. On the re-organisation of the battalion, (when the double Companies were formed) C Company was merged into A Company, and Pen was appointed Platoon Commander of No1 Platoon. He was also responsible for training the battalion scouts, and it was noted that they attained a high standard of efficiency under his control. Despite his youth, Pen had a strong personality, and his presence in the battalion had a good influence on the junior officers.

‘…His tact and unfailing courtesy to all made an example for all officers; his general knowledge of “just what to do” at the right time and place must have, unwittingly perhaps, had its effect on all with whom he served. The knowledge that he was a graduate from Duntroon naturally made an Officer, in need of information, ask his advice on many matters, and it was always given in a manner entirely free from arrogance or “superior knowledge” style…’

As it turned out, the 12th Battalion was amongst the first Australian units to leave Egypt. They sailed from Alexandria on 1 March 1915, making the voyage to Lemnos onboard the transport Devanha. At that point, however, their ultimate destination remained unknown. After three days at sea, the Devanha reached Port Mudros at 7am on 4 March. In the coming days, the battalion continued training, incorporating landing operations into their schedule. The unit’s horses and transport details were taken ashore on 10 March. For Pen Patterson those weeks at Lemnos were busy, interesting and filled with the anticipation of what was to come. His time was specially devoted to further scout training.

On 21 April, orders were received from 3rd Brigade Headquarters covering the planned landing at Gallipoli. After being reloaded onboard the Devanha, the 12th Battalion sailed quietly out of Mudros Harbour at 2pm on 24 April, set to rendezvous off the Gallipoli Peninsula eight-hours later.

Pen Patterson and his men landed at ANZAC Cove at 4:10am on 25 April 1915. Pen went ashore in the first tow from the destroyer HMS Ribble (to which Headquarters and A Company had been transferred from the Devanha). During the move from the destroyers to the landing boats and on their way to shore, the troops came under heavy fire from Gaba Tepe and they suffered heavy casualties.

‘…Pen Patterson and John Northcott (q.v.) (later Governor of New South Wales) were in the ‘boats constituting the first tow to shore, and numbers of men were picked off before the men tumbled overboard and scrambled upon the beach…’

On reaching the beach, the rifle and machine-gun fire became even more intense from the direction of Fisherman’s Hut. Except for a handful of Boer War veterans, no-one who landed at Gallipoli on that fateful morning had ever experienced such a concentrated attack.

The boats from that first tow had actually beached at a point north of ANZAC Cove, opposite Walker’s Ridge. A portion of A Company, including Pen Patterson’s No1 Platoon, moved at once to the top of Walker’s Ridge in the direction of Sari Bair.
‘…They had been subjected to rifle, machine gun and shrapnel fire between the troopship and the shore and when landing. During the temporary halt on Walker’s Ridge and the Units on the left flank attempted to re-organise and also dug in to strengthen their position. Attacks were made on this flank by the Turkish Forces and in order to assist the extreme left flank troops, the reorganised portions of 12th Battalion (portions of A and D Coy were here) moved forward again during the early afternoon…’

In the Official History, C. E. W. Bean wrote of the Landing at Gaba Tepe – ‘…Margetts and Patterson were young and active men – Margetts a schoolmaster, Patterson a Duntroon cadet. Despite their youth and strength, it was all they could do to reach the top, hauling themselves up on hands and knees along a slant south of the Sphinx. Odd parties of the 11th and 12th Battalions were scrambling up these gravely and almost perpendicular crags by any foothold that offered. Captain Peck had already gone that way with Captain Everett, Lieutenant Rockliff, Lieutenant Jackson, and some of their men, but in the wild country near the Sphinx they became separated. One of this party, Corporal E. W. D. Laing, of the 12th Battalion, clambering breathless up the height, came upon an officer almost exhausted half-way up. It was the old Colonel – Clarke – of the 12th Battalion. he was carrying his heavy pack, and could scarcely go further. Laing advised him to throw the pack away, but Clarke was unwilling to lose it, and Laing thereupon carried it himself. The two climbed on together, and Margetts and Patterson, reaching the top, found to their astonishment the Colonel already there… Colonel Clarke and his men made a move towards The Nek, travelling along a small track. Margetts controlled the left flank and Patterson the right. The Turks were concealed in the scrub and firing on them from only 350 yards away. Colonel Clarke was shot dead while attempting to write a message to be sent back to the covering force. The chain of command was decimated as Officers continued to fall. Margetts and Patterson, with a force of only 50 men, made the decision not to attempt to advance from their position. A lull in the fighting allowed the men to reorganise and dig in. It was still only 7 o’clock…’

Bean continued with his narrative on Baby 700 and the loss of the position – ‘…The strain on the men lying out upon the forward slope was becoming almost unbearable. Some of the original line which had charged so gaily with Margetts and Patterson and old Clarke in the morning, and had gone up the hill so gaily when the day was young, were still there. “Close shaves” were so numerous that men ceased to reckon them…’ The morning was beautiful and the air sharp and clear, filled with the redolent smell of crushed thyme, but the men were surrounded with the ‘evil treachery of a beautiful mirage.’ Both flanks were exposed and the Turkish troops accumulated on either side of Baby 700 as the Australians desperately awaited reinforcements…

‘…At The Nek [Margetts came across] a platoon. They were in the little horseshoe system of coffin-shaped riflepits which [Captain] Lalor’s men had begun to dig after the dawn. With them was Lieutenant Patterson…the Turks had just opened with their battery from the hills ahead, and were feeling for the range of The Nek. Patterson, being a Duntroon boy, was greatly interested in their practice…The position on Baby 700 was obviously critical. Margetts had told Patterson that he was nearly “done up.” Patterson therefore went off with about thirty of his own men to reinforce the 2nd Battalion there. He made for a point on the seaward side to the left of where Margetts had been. Margetts watched him cross the head of Malone’s Gully with his men. Patterson was never seen again…’

In writing to his father, Ivor Margetts added further detail to Bean’s version:
‘…It was just breaking dawn and as we looked towards the sound of the firing we were faced by almost perpendicular cliffs about 200 feet above sea level, and, as we were of opinion that most of the fire was coming from this quarter, it was evident this was the direction of our attack. Soon I came upon Colonel Clarke and Lt Patterson, and together, on our hands and knees, we climbed to the top of the first ridge. Up to this time I had not seen a sign of a Turk, but as we moved a little to our left we discovered a trench overlooking the beach, and, fixing bayonets, we received the order to go for it, but unfortunately the Turks had no desire to wait for us; when they saw the bayonet they cleared out in great disorder, leaving much ammunition and some equipment. They retired to the forward slope of a rise, about 1000 yards to the rear and to the left, and here took up a position in the scrub. We pursued them and opened fire at about 350 yards. Colonel Clarke, who was about 20 yards to my right, called for a signaller, and commenced to write a report for British Headquarters, but was shot through the heart and died at once. Major Elliott, going to the rescue of the Colonel, was shot through the shoulder and the elbow, fracturing the arm. Lt Patterson now took charge of the party, and gave orders to hold on until more men came to hand…

The Second Battalion on our left were having rather a bad time, and Lt Patterson took part of his men to reinforce them. I believe he lost his life on the ridge, as the last I saw of him he was leading and encouraging his men on to reinforce the Second Battalion…’

‘Although wounded, [Pen] valiantly led his men against a murderous fire and carried on until 4pm when he was killed.’

(Tragically, Margetts, a junior schoolmaster from Tasmania, was killed in action during the Battle of Pozieres. The popular young officer was struck in the chest by shrapnel on the evening of 24th July 1916 and was buried in a shell hole near where he fell. In his evidence a Private G. A. McKenzie said, ‘He was the best man going. The men loved him. I cried like a kid when I found he was dead. I think he went because he was too good for the beastliness of war…’)
The death of Lieutenant Pen Patterson had a profound effect on the 12th Battalion. It was noted that, ‘his action throughout has been marked by the same coolness and courage which had been a feature of his whole career in the 12th Battalion. His loss to the battalion was a severe one; he was beloved by all ranks and all felt that they had lost a personal friend…’
From the clinical descriptions to the personal witness statements, the events of that morning are now engraved on our national psyche. But, for me, I found myself emersed in the hours experienced by 20-year-old Pen Patterson – I could smell the thyme as it was crushed under his boots, the cordite that filled the air around him; I could hear the rattle of machinegun fire, and the sound of his voice as he rallied his men, scrambling over open ground, with the enemy always having the advantage of height, forward across the hill – the penn – that was to become his grave. His body was never recovered.

Word of his death reached his mother and sisters in Ballarat on 4 May and the reaction by all who had known the young officer was immediate. Annie Patterson received numerous letters of condolence from her son’s comrades.

‘…Anzac Cove, Gallipoli Peninsula, 20/5/15. Dear Mrs. Patterson,—I wish to offer you my deepest sympathy in the sad loss you have sustained by the death of our gallant comrade, your son. He was a personal friend of mine; and his thoughts were always of you. He has spoken many times to me of you. He died fighting nobly and bravely for his country. We mourn our loss. A universal favorite with officers and men, a soldier whose lovable disposition earned for him the friendship of all such are my thoughts as I write this letter. Our Brigade, it is said, has done well, but at an awful sacrifice. All our effects carried with us were lost on landing, but later on I hope to be able, if I am spared, to send you the belongings of your son, that were left at the base. I feel unable to express myself at this time, writing under difficulties in the clamor of war, but perhaps later I will have more information, which I will forward you. Again offering you my deepest sympathy.
—Believe me, yours very sincerely, E. Hilmer Smith, Lieut. Colonel, O.C. 12th Battalion…’

‘…The Trenches, Gallipoli Peninsula, May 19, 1915. Dear Mrs. Patterson,
—I have hesitated to write to you, because I have been hoping and praying that the sad news of the death of your dear boy was not true. There is, alas, no doubt about the truth. Your dear lad died fighting courageously and bravely, leading on his men courageously. "Pat" has been a dear friend of mine for the last nine months. His every action and word during that time was characteristic of the true gentleman. He did his duty fearlessly and faithfully, and though slightly wounded, still led on his men. It is indeed distressingly sad that one so full of promise should have been called away at the outset of his career. With the tens of thousands of mothers of the Empire you are called to bear your heavy cross. May He who fell under the weight of His Cross be your strength and stay in bearing yours. My heartfelt sympathy goes out to you at this time. I, too, have a son who was wounded in the same battle, and another, son who is on his way. Words are inadequate to express what I and all the officers and men of the 12th feel.
—I remain, dear Mrs. Patterson, yours very sincerely, Robert H. Richard, Archdeacon and Chaplain, 3rd Brigade…’

The following letter from Colonel E. G. Sinclair MacLagan, D.S.O., commanding 3rd Infantry Brigade, A.I.F., was received by the Commandant of RMC Duntroon on 23 July; it was forwarded on to the young officer’s grieving mother:—

‘…Headquarters 3rd Infy. Brg., Gallipoli Peninsula, May 14,1915. — I beg to forward the following information as regards the officers, (late staff cadets)—the Brigade under my command. I feel sure these few lines will be read by all at the college with great pride. "Lieut. P. J. Patterson, killed in action on Sunday, April 25, about 4 p.m. The enemy were working round to our left flank, and Lt. Patterson called for volunteers to advance on to a hill a about 200 yards to our left front. The fire at this time was very heavy. Having got his party together, he led his men on to the hill. He reached the position and opened fire on the enemy. The party, however, had heavy losses and were driven back. While endeavoring to steady his men and hold the position Lt. Patterson was killed. I regret the loss
of these young officers most keenly. They were invaluable, both from their general behavior and technical knowledge. Patterson was a fine scout officer, and all these officers, materially assisted in the organisation and training of their battalions. In losing such officers the Commonwealth has suffered a loss which she can ill afford. (Signed) E. G. Sinclair MacLagan, commanding 3rd Infantry Brigade, Australian Division…’

Tributes to Pen Patterson flowed across multiple States; no-one who had met the young man remained untouched by his untimely death. At Scot’s Church in Lydiard Street, Ballarat, the Reverend A. H. Moore led a poignant In Memoriam service for Pen Patterson and fellow officer, Maurice Leslie McLeod (q.v.) on 9 May.

‘…It was not his custom, he said, to preach in memoriam sermons, but there were two reasons for his doing it now. First, there were probably a number of people there who did not usually come to that church, but who wished to give expression to their regret and their deep sympathy as did the regular members of the congregation. Secondly, for whom did these lads died? For them. Most deaths that took place in the community were in the ordinary course of things, but these two had given their lives for the rest of them. They thanked God for the lives they led, and for the heroic death they died. They were great lads, both of them, splendid men in every way. He counted it an honour to know them both, and felt proud that he was for any space of time in their midst. They helped him far more than he could ever help them.

There were natures in their characters common to both. He was sure their religion did not make them miserable, and they were religious lads. They believed that this world was not the devil’s world, but God’s world, and they lived in it frankly as those who accepted the good God sends. They were boys who loved their homes. They were soldiers. He did not mean merely during the last few months, but they had the soldier spirit in them. He noticed that, and it had come to the front as it had come to many another one at the Empire’s crisis. God wanted them all to have that spirit, to feel there was something they had to fight against in moral things, sometimes in material things difficulties to be overcome, temptations to be withstood, empires to be won for Christ. So soon as the Empire took arms to answer to oppression they felt that the training they had had they must use. He knew it was the chivalrous thought of the helpless in such a country as Belgium, trodden down by the tyrant, which influenced them. It was a joy to watch the development of Maurie McLeod. From the start of his decision for Christ he wanted to bring others to Him. They knew how he stood for what he though right. He had heard that in the camp he nailed his colours to the mast, and said he was a Christian, and urged others to do the same. He had a sort of informal Bible reading, worth all the preaching ministers could do. They did not all know Pen Patterson, but he knew him intimately during the three years of their acquaintance. He was another of God’s men, another rejoicing in life’s good and in the ideal set before him of what Christ wanted him to be. Foremost in every feat of strength and skill, athletic, without fear, but at the same time humble before his Master, Jesus Christ….

Yes, it had fulfilled its promise, and given him eternal life. These two were men to whom they could look up, of whom Australia and Christ’s church in Australia might well be proud. Thank God Australia had been given a share in the great work of expelling the Turk from Europe, undoing the crimes of centuries, bringing freedom to the oppressed. We had to fill up the ranks; we had to fill up the Empire’s ranks. The only awful thing was that any of us were not fit to go. He knew plenty of the men of Australia were thinking like that. Those who had fallen were calling to others to carry on the work until the fight was won and liberty reigned. He could hear them saying there were gaps in Christ’s kingdom in Australia, and they wanted those filled. If he could get a word from them he was sure it would be, “Tell them to follow Christ.” Religion did not spoil their lives, it made the best of them. He felt it the duty of every Christian minister in Australia to call on all who were able to enlist in the army of King George, and he wanted to press home this also; and in the name of his Master, in the name of their two dear lads, he wanted them to enlist in the army of the King of Kings…’

A similar memorial service was held at St Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, Port Pirie, on the same day. In the course of his sermon, the Reverend Hugh Morris spoke of a letter he had read, that Annie Patterson had written to a friend in Port Pirie. ‘…Like a true mother she spoke of how keenly she felt his going away, at the same time acknowledging that it was a time of need, and she could not seek to keep him back!’

During the celebration of Empire Day (May 1915) at the Solomontown School the young students were very aware of the loss of one of their former scholars and the effect it would be having on his mother. At the request of the chairman of the Board of Advice, Mr. J. G. White, the children and others present held up their right hand in honour of the brave lieutenant. The Headmaster, Mr Charles Hammence, promised to write to Mrs Patterson conveying their sympathy.

Residents of Swan Hill and Port Pirie recalled with fondness a ‘lovable young fellow,’ and quickly looked to memorialise Pen Patterson. On Sunday 25 June 1915, a portrait of Pen was unveiled at the Presbyterian Church in Swan Hill. It bore the inscription, “Lieutenant Penistan Patterson, Graduate Royal Military College, Duntroon. Born at Swan Hill, 1894. Killed in action at Gallipoli, 25th April, 1915.” The portrait was presented by his mother. Reverend F. C. Vickerman conducted the solemn service. A local resident, Mr W. Bell, who had known Pen since infancy, spoke with feeling of the boy who had attended both the local State and Sunday Schools, ‘being a general favourite with all his schoolmates and friends. His Duty Nobly Done…’

A similar ceremony occurred at the Presbyterian Church in Florence Street, Port Pirie on 2 July 1915. The portrait, shrouded by a Union Jack, was unveiled in the church hall by the Mayor of Port Pirie, Mr C. A. Dengenhardt, with a short service in the church conducted by the Reverend Hugh Morris.

‘…Mr Degenhardt said he had known Pen Patterson as a bright, honest, vivacious boy. At the High School at Port Pirie he made his mark, winning Bursaries, and giving clearest evidence of a wonderful aptitude for learning. Had he preferred to go on with his studies, he would no doubt have distinguished himself, but the ambition of his youthful breast was to be a soldier. His parents allowed him to follow the bent of his inclinations, and at the Military School be displayed qualities which made him conspicuous and foretold the fact that he had not followed the wrong calling. It was evident that there was in him material to make a soldier, but his career, which seemed so full of promise to all had been cut short, and they thought of his widowed mother and three sisters left to mourn his loss. His father, the late Rev. James Patterson, was Minister of this Church, and he was a man greatly be loved by all. He had been spared the grief that Mrs Patterson and her daughters have now to bear. Their sympathies go out to them. May the young men of Port Pirie and every other place throughout Australia arise and willingly offer their services for the defence of their Country and Empire…’

Time did little to stem the flow of memorials.

In August 1915, a plan was also floated by the people of Swan Hill to establish a bed and tablet in memory of Pen Patterson at the Base Hospital in Melbourne as a lasting tribute. On 26 November 1915, a further portrait, a gift of the students, was unveiled at the Port Pirie High School. During the second stage of planting of the Ballarat Avenue of Honour, tree number 520, originally a mountain ash, was planted by Lucas girl, Miss Frances Barrell.

Much later, in acknowledging that Pen Patterson was the first Duntrooner to die on the battlefield, the Headquarters of the Royal Military College, which was opened on 5 December 1995, was named Patterson Hall in his honour.

In order to have a place to grieve personally for her son, Annie Patterson added a memorial family grave in the Ballarat New Cemetery. She also supplied a bereavement card that was presented to General William Birdwood at the official opening of the Avenue of Honour. It read, “Mrs Patterson, mother, Lieut Penistan Patterson, graduate Duntroon RMC 12th Battalion 3rd Brigade (only son).”

Initially, Annie Patterson was granted a pension of £52 a year. The was increased to £3/10/ per fortnight from 29 June 1915. She eventually received Pen’s meagre few possessions; the parcel contained mostly clothing, but also included his wallet and a packet of films. His sword was returned on 23 June 1916.

For his actions on that first day of the Gallipoli Campaign, Pen Patterson received a special mention ‘for conspicuous gallantry’ in the despatches of Sir Ian Hamilton and was recommended for the Distinguished Conduct Medal by Colonel E. G. Sinclair MacLagan. Despite rumours to the contrary, he was not awarded a posthumous Military Cross, although it was clearly well deserved.

The official communication to Annie Patterson read:
'…Dear Madam,
I have it in command from His Majesty the King to inform you, as next-of-kin of the late Lieutenant Penistan Jas Patterson, of the 12th Battalion, Australian Infantry, that this officer was mentioned in a despatch from Gen Sir Ian Hamilton, dated 22nd September, 1915, published in the supplement to the 'London Gazette' dated 5th November 1915, for gallant and distinguished service in the field. I am to express to you the King's high appreciation of these services and to add that His Majesty trusts that their public acknowledgment may be of some consolation in your bereavement.

I have the honour to be your obedient servant.
(Signed) J. Graham, Lt-Col assistant military secretary…'

Stoically, Annie Patterson braved the loss of her only son. She continued to live in Ballarat for the remainder of her life, watched her three daughters marry and enjoyed the subsequent arrival of several grandchildren. But there were no sons. Pen remained the only one…

‘…Right in the van he fell,
Forward, as fits a man;
But his high soul lives on…’