PIKE Arthur William. Private 1334, 16th Australian Infantry. Died 31st July 1915 aged31 Malta. Son of James and Sarah Ann Pike. Born in London, England.
Some notes from his army records.
He joined up on the 27th November 1914 aged 30years and 6 months, occupation, labourer. His birth was registered at Poplar, Kent. His next of kin was his brother, Alfred , who lived at 24 Dale Road, Canning Town, London. On the 6th May 1915 he joined the 16th Battalion at the Gallipoli Peninsular. Wounded at Gallipoli on the 17th May 1915, transferred to Malta in Hospital Ship, Albania and was admitted into Military Hospital Floriana with bomb shrapnel wounds to his back. He died of meningitis, shrapnel to back, septic spinal. His records show that he died in hospital on the 2nd August 1915.
ROBSON Edward, served as David HARDIE , Private 1562, 8th Australian Infantry. Died of wounds 31st July 1915 at Cottonera Hospital, Malta. In 1891 he was boarding at the home of Edward and Jane Finlay of 184 Chichester Road, Westoe, South Shields. Mr Finlay was a plumber and he was his apprentice aged 15. In 1901 married and living with his wife Margaret aged 22 at his mother in law, Mrs Mary Ann Mingay at 29, Campbell Street, South Shields, occupation, plumber. He may have left for Australia from London on the 20th May 1904 to Melbourne, Victoria.
Some notes from his army records.
He was born at Westoe, South Shields, aged 30, occupation ships fireman. Previously served with the 3rd Durham Artillery for 4 years. He joined up with the name of David Hardie, on the 24th November 1914. His next of kin was his friend, Mr J Duncan of Box Hill, Victoria, Australia. At some stage his next of kin was changed to another friend Isabella Kelly of 126 Racecourse Road, Newmarket, Victoria. His Will dated 8th March 1915, read. "In the event of my death I leave the whole of my property and effects to my friend Isabella Kelly of 126 Racecourse Road, Newmarket. Signed David Hardie, 1562, 3rd Reinforcements. " He embarked Melbourne on the 12th February 1915 on H.M.A.T. A54 Runis. On the 30th June 1915 at Gallipoli Peninsula, known as Anzac he was taken ill with dysentery. He was returned to his line fit for duty on the 19th July 1915. On the 21st July 1915 at Anzac he was wounded by bomb shrapnel all over his body. He was transferred to Malta on the 28th July 1915 on Hospital Ship, Sicily and admitted into Military Hospital, Cottonera. He was reported dangerously ill on the 31st July 1915, he died later that day. The cause of his death as recorded was a gunshot wound to his head.
Letter dated 5th May 1920 from the Army Records Office, Victoria Barracks, Melbourne, Australia to the A.A.G, (Assistant Adjutant General, 3rd Military District -
The late 1562 Private D Hardie, 8th Battalion recorded as next of kin Mr J Duncan, friend, c/o J Porter. Belmore Road, Balwyn, Victoria.
They had received a communication from the Reverend E Halford Hennell, of The Vicarage, 24 Kangerong Road, Box Hill, Victoria, Australia that the deceased left a widow in England. An investigation was requested with the view of confirming the statement in order that his personal property, and medals be properly disposed.
A Minute Paper from the A Provost Marshal 3rd Military District to A.A.G., 3rd Military District -
Re, late No 1562 Private David Hardie, 8th Battalion. The correct name of this man is ROBSON. He deserted his wife in South Shields and assumed the name of David Hardie. Signed, Provost Marshall dated 27th May 1920
Letter dated 9th June 1920. to the Commandant, A.I.F. Headquarters, 130 Horseferry Road, Westminster, London. re the late D HARDIE - Information of Mrs Robson and her children may be obtained from Miss S J Duncan, c/o Mrs Berhk, 29 Corstorphine Town, South Shields or Mrs Berhk of the above address. Duncan, shown as next of kin has deserted his wife and is now at the following address, c/o Eastmans Ltd, Butchers, South Shields. An investigation was made under the Deceased Soldiers Estates Act of 1918 with a view of properly disposing of his medal etc. It was found that the correct name was ROBSON. He deserted his wife in South Shield, England and assumed the name of David Hardie. The report was made by the Acting Provost Marshal, 3rd Military District.
Letter dated 30th April 1921 to Headquarters 3rd M.D. Re, late No 1562 Private David Hardie, 8th Battalion -
The London authorities have forwarded documentary evidence to this office showing an assumed name, - his correct name being ROBSON, Edward and that his next of kin is his wife, Mrs Margaret Robson of 10 Erskine Road, South Shields, England. The records have been amended to read. Stated to be ROBSON, Edward, kindly inform the D.F.O.
He was married on the 16th February 1901 at St Mark's Parish Church, South Shields to Miss Margaret Mingay aged 22, of 15 Boroman Street, South Shields. Her father William Mingay was a master mariner and deceased at the time of the marriage. Edward Robson, was aged 25, occupation, plumber and lived at 16 Boroman Street, South Shields. His father John Paul Robson, shipwright was deceased at the time of the marriage.
HUGHES Frank. Private 118, 10th Australian Infantry. Died on the 3rd August 1915.
Some notes from his army records.
He was native of Bow, London, joined up on the 19th August 1914 aged 31 years. He previously served with the 1st Oxfordshire Light Infantry, was discharged on the termination of his engagement with the colours on the 6th September 1912. His next of kin was his brother, Henry of 11 Jefferies Street, Camden Town, London. After he had completed his training he embarked from Adelaide on H.M.A.T, A11 Ascanius on the 20th October 1914. While he was on board H.M.T.S. Ionian docked at Mudros he committed several offences. On the 11th February 1915 he left the ship without leave and was absent. He was sentenced to 10 days no 1 Field Punishment and 10 days loss of pay, awarded by Colonel Weir. On the 23rd March 1915 for which he was arrested. Charged with stealing beer from the beer canteen, resisting an escort (taken into custody) and conduct to the prejudice of good order and military discipline. He was tried at Mudros on the 25th March 1915 by a Field General Court Martial. He was found guilty on all chargea and was sentenced to two years imprisonment with hard labour and to be discharged with ignominy (dishonour). The sentenced was confirmed and six months remitted by the G.O.C., Anzac on the 4th April 1915. He was released from custody on the 12th June 1915 at Alexandria by G.O.C., in command and to re-join his unit. While at the front he was wounded on the 26th July 1915 on the Gallipoli Peninsular and was admitted to 1st Australian Casualty Clearing Station and then onto Fleet Sweeper same day with gunshot wounds. (they were used to evacuate wounded from Anzac Cove/ North Beach, out to the Hospital ships). He was then taken to Malta on Hospital Ship, Somali and admitted into Military Hospital, Floriana. He died on the 3rd August 1915 from compound fracture to his left leg and secondary haemorrhage. He was laid to rest the next morning.
All at rest in Pieta Military Cemetery, Malta Plot B Row IV Grave 4
