aboriginalsoldiers

James (Cooterman) Cairncross – 3610 47th Battalion, 10th Reinforcements, then 25th Battalion James Cairncross was aged 40 when he enlisted in Brisbane on May 14, 1917. He had spent his early years on North Stradbroke Island, and listed his next of kin on his enlistment papers as Margaret Rollands (Brown), also known as Granny Mibu. He had worked as a labourer. James was wounded in France, and returned to Australia in January 1919. “Jimmy Cooterman was known by his Aboriginal name of Jungi. Uncle Jungi was born at Myora Mission on North Stradbroke Island [Minjerribah]. When he outgrew the mission school, a doctor named Cairncross took him to live at his home on the mainland. At the outbreak of World War 1, he enlisted under an assumed name of James Cairncross for though his skin was rather fair he was ineligible for military service as a native ward. He served overseas in the 25th Battalion in France. In 1917, the 25th Battalion was part of the 2nd Division’s first wave at the battle of Menin Road in Belgium. Victory here was followed up with the capture of Broodseinde Ridge on 4 October. The 25th reprised its role from Menin Road, in what was its last large-scale offensive action for the year. Uncle Jungi was wounded twice in France during that year of 1917. After the war Uncle Jungi settled at Sandgate and from there operated as a fisherman owning his own boat and gear and also some property. He eventually sold off all his assets and went to live at North Arm near Nambour until he died. He was buried with military honours at Woombye soldier’s cemetery. His descendants are still closely associated with their traditional lands on Minjerribah/North Stradbroke Island and still continue to live on country.” Information supplied by family member, Sandra Delaney James Cairncross is not listed on the Roll of Honour. Source: stradbrokemuseum.com.au/first-world-war/

“X” – The Life and Death of a Courageous Digger 1 JULY, 2016 BY QUEENSLAND STATE ARCHIVES Private William (Billy) Elsdale. Believed to be the first Aboriginal digger to die during action in France, Billy’s sacrifice is acknowledged in this letter from W P Vance to Anthony Ogden: “I read in the papers some queer British names amongst those volunteering from Australia, Ah Chay and Ah Foo. Britishers these, yes, more British in spirit than many who bear old English names and Billy Elsdale, aboriginal half-caste, killed in France, and hundreds of our men with German names, more British than many of our own race.” It is estimated that over 1000 Aboriginal Australians enlisted for the Australian Imperial Force during the First World War, although many were rejected on the grounds of race. Billy Elsdale found himself accepted and he enlisted on 10 September 1915, at the age of 28. A recipient of exemption from the Aboriginals Protection and Restriction of the Sale of Opium Act 1897 since 1910, Billy gained employment in 1913 as a police tracker. Working under the command of Sub Inspector Graham of Charleville, Billy was described by Graham as “25 years old … 10 stone 9 lbs … and a good horsemen and bushman”. However, Billy wanted to enlist, and his AIF enlistment papers offers some insight into the man. The Army Medical Officer wrote the term “Half cast” for Billy’s “complexion” on his certificate of medical examination. At just over 6 feet, Billy was taller than average. He had black hair and brown eyes, and his religious denomination was Roman Catholic. For his next of kin, Billy nominated his friend, Jack Cockrane of Charleville, instead of his parents. Billy pledged with an “X” to truly serve his Sovereign Lord the King, in the Australian Imperial Force, for the duration of the war. Source: blogs.archives.qld.gov.au/2016/07/01/x-the-life-and-death...

State Library of Queensland Regional Coordinator Niles Elvery said a number of stories of past soldiers, including that of those from Stanthorpe, were being showcased. "One story we have come across when researching Indigenous servicemen in World War 1 is Percy Anderson,” he said. "He was only 15 when enlisted, so he was one of the underage soldiers to join up. "It's amazing to think a young fellow that age had that interest and commitment to join the army. "War 100 years ago was very different. I think people kind of understand what these people went through. This gives people the chance to make a connection with the records.” Source: www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/warwick/wwi-artefa...