Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Healesville and Yarra Glen Guardian (Vic. : 1900 - 1942), Saturday 21 August 1915, page 3

OUR HEROES DEATH OF PRIVATE CHARlLES NOItMAN HUSSEY. " He gave his life for his fellow men." No fitter or more glorious words could describe the death of Private Charles Norman Hussey (aged 23), which took place on Friday last at the Alfred Hospital, the cause being the much-dreaded and prevalent disease of cerebro-spinal meningitis. It is only some few weeks ago since Private Hussey joined the Australian Expeditionary Forces, along with many other young felkows -of his own township. He was encamped at Seymour, and, contracting a cold, was given four days' leave in which to recuperate. He returned to his home, and at the expiration of that time, although being medically advised to remain for a further term until he was quite convalescent; he reported himself to the military authorities at Seymour. There he remained for only a short time, when he was seized with a serious illhess, and was conveyed to the Alfred Hospital in Melbourne, where he died shortly after admission. . Indifferent treatment was accorded the parents of the young- soldier. " A pre-paid wire failed to elicit any information at to his conaition, and it was only by sending his younger brother to Melbourne that the news of his death was learned. Private Hussey was popularly known locally as a lad of a most charit 'able disp4sitien, and he was a general favorite with all classes of the community. Before enlisting he was employed by Messrs Mitchell and Hurlstone, whichfirmspeaks most highly of his straightforward and conscientious character. Hie was associated with all the local sporting institutions, and his goodheartedneds and enthusiasm in this connection was a notable feature of his career. Charlie was liked and esteemed by everyone who knew him, and that such a fine young fellow, with all the prospects of manhood before him, should be so suddenly cut down is indeed lamentable. Heeding his country's call, he unhesitatingly, and without any display whatever. voluntdeered his services, and was full ofenthusiasin when he returned to his fellow comrades with the intimation that he had been successful in pas-invt the medical test. He did not, unfortunately, live to seeactive service, but he will, nevertheless, be indelibly stamped as one who made the sacrifice and gave his life for his country and fellowmen-a grander and nobler act it would be impossible to achieve. The remains were 'conveyed to Healesville by motor car, on Monday afternoon, and on arrival at. his l?te home were met by a large and sorrowing concourse of friends. The cotffin, wrapped in the Union Jack, was placed ori the fire brigade's reelCharlie beingý'a prominent firemanand the cortege, headed by forty menmbers of the local Oddfellows lodge, of which the deceased was a member, moved. 'slowly off to the cemetery. The funeral was the largest known .in Healesville for some considerable time, all classes being represented. As thesorrowful procession passed through the main street, the fire bell was solemnly tolled, which added considerably to the mournfulness of the proceedings. At the cemetery the cortege was joined byan additional large number of sympathising friends, and the assemblage- at the" graveside was estimated by one of Ilealesville's oldest residents as the largest congregation of people ever in the cemetery. The Rev R. 31. Brett conducte'd the burial service, which was of a most pathetic-nature. 'With bared heads, the mourners, palpably affected, paid their respects to one whom they recognised as a hero, prepared to, die for his friends, and throughout the service few dry eyes were noticeable. The rev. gentlemain 'efer ed in feeling tenrmso the. departed. young. fellow, and said hbo was one whl had nolly sacrificed hid life for the just and righteous cause of- his country. It was a big loss to his parents that this young life should be so suddenly taken, and he prayed that 6'od would deal graciously with him. IIe had lived his life trying to do good to all, and had given it for his couintry and fellowmen -' the most noble of all things. Hie (the speaker) had visited his sorrowing people with the sad news of their son'S death, and "it \tas " fine thing to hear the mother 'say--" Oh, he was a'good sori to me, and how I shall miss hini " The burial rites of tile Order of Oddfellows and Fit;men.ereeresd by B]ro. Collins (District Secretary) and Fireman Hetherton -(secretary of -the I brigade). M- any beaiitiful floral tributes were received from friends amnd other sources, all paying tribute to one whose presentce from their niidst?will be greatly I deplored . . -'To the sorrowing motiher, father and irelatives is extendtxI the heartfelt sympathy of 'their numerous friends of Healesville, the greatest consolation beilg that the life so suddenly taken was freely givern for the horior and glory of his King and Country.