SAPPER JOHN GILLON PARKER MSM 229 – AUST ELECTRICAL

OATES BROTHERS – JOSIAH & WILLIAM SAPPER JOSIAH CHARLES
SAPPER PRIVATE JAMES BAXTER 919 – MINING CORPS
SAPPER ARTHUR ALBERT CLARKE 952 – 3RD TUNNELLING COMPANY

SAPPER DENNIS DARCY 5972 – 3RD TUNNELLING COMPANY
SAPPER EBENEZER THOMAS 4484 – AUSTRALIAN ELECTRICAL & MECHANICAL
SAPPER EDMUND MORTIMER 8124 – 1ST TUNNELLING COMPANY THE

SAPPER JOHN GILLON PARKER M

SAPPER JOHN GILLON PARKER M.S.M.

229 – Aust Electrical & Mechanical Mining & Boring Company


Beath, Fifeshire, Scotland was the birthplace of John Gillon Parker about 1880 the son of John and Agnes (nee Gillon) Parker. In the 1881 Census of Scotland the family were living at 25 Fairfield Rows, Beath and consisted of John (33) coal miner, Agnes (27), Joseph (9), Mary (7), Isabella (5), Agnes (3) and John G. (10mths).


Ten years later in 1891 their residence was at 43 Fairfield Rows, Beath and made up of John (43) coal miner), Agnes (37), Joseph (19) coal miner, Isabella (15) apprentice miller, Agnes (13), John (10) scholar, Hugh (8), Thomas (7), Francis (4), Lizzie (2) and mother-in-law Mary Gillon (76).


In the 1901 census at the Cardenden Colliery, Auchterderran District of Scotland, John was living with his brother Joseph (29) colliery manager, and his 27 year old wife, with Agnes Gillon (2) and William (9mths). Besides John (20) a Joiner D Winding Engineman there was his brother Hugh (18) coal miner drawer and boarding there, and servant Agnes Arnott (16). Later John came to Australia.


John G. Parker married in 1915 to Marion Campbell with their marriage registered in Wollongong, NSW.


At the recruiting office in Sydney, NSW on October 23, 1915 the thirty-five year old miner applied to enlist for active service abroad. Passing the medical examination as fit Attestation forms were completed at Holdsworthy camp and describe him as 165cms (5ft 5ins) tall, weighing 60kgs (132lbs) with a chest measurement of 97cms (38ins). Complexion was sallow with brown hair and his grey eyes tested to good vision. Church of England was his religion. Next of kin nominated was his wife Marion Parker of Farrell Street, Balgownie, NSW and nominated to her three-fifths of his pay in support. He signed and took the ‘Enlistment Oath’ two days later at Holdsworthy camp.


He commenced basic training on October 29, 1915 as a Sapper with the No.1 Company of the Mining Corps which was in the process of establishment at Casula camp near Liverpool. His regimental number was 229.


At a civic parade in the Domain, Sydney on Saturday February 19, 1916, a large crowd of relations and friends of the departing Miners lined the four sides of the parade ground. Sixty police and 100 Garrison Military Police were on hand to keep the crowds within bounds. The scene was an inspiriting one. On the extreme right flank, facing the saluting base, were companies of the Rifle Club School; next came a detachment of the 4th King’s Shropshire Light Infantry, then the bands of the Light Horse, Liverpool Depot, and the Miners’ on the left, rank upon rank, the Miners’ Battalion.


The Corps boarded HMAT A38 Ulysses in Sydney, NSW on February 20 and sailed for the European theatre. Arriving in Melbourne, Victoria on February 22 the Miners camped at Broadmeadows for a stay of 7 days while further cargo was loaded.


Another parade was held at the Broadmeadows camp on March 1, the Miners’ Corps being inspected by the Governor-General, as Commander-in-Chief of the Commonwealth military forces.


Leaving Melbourne on March 1, Ulysses arrived at Fremantle, Western Australia on March 7 where a further 53 members were taken on board.


On Wednesday March 8, 1916 the whole force, with their band and equipment, paraded at Fremantle prior to leaving Victoria Quay at 9.30 o’clock.


The ship hit a reef when leaving Fremantle harbour, stripping the plates for 40 feet and, although there was a gap in the outside plate, the inner bilge plates were not punctured. The men on board nicknamed her ‘Useless’. The Miners were off-loaded and sent to the Blackboy Hill Camp where further training was conducted.


The Mining Corps comprised 1303 members at the time they embarked with a Headquarters of 40; No.1 Company – 390; No.2 Company – 380; No.3 Company – 392, and 101 members of the 1st Reinforcements.


Finally departing Fremantle on April 1, Ulysses voyaged via Suez, Port Said and Alexandria in Egypt. The Captain of the ship was reluctant to take Ulysses out of the Suez Canal because he felt the weight of the ship made it impossible to manoeuvre in the situation of a submarine attack. The troops were transhipped to HM Transport B.1 Ansonia, then on to Valetta, Malta before disembarking at Marseilles, France on May 5, 1916. As a unit they entrained at Marseilles on May 7 and detrained on May 11 at Hazebrouck.


A ‘Mining Corps’ did not fit in the British Expeditionary Force, and the Corps was disbanded and three Australian Tunnelling Companies were formed. The Technical Staff of the Corps Headquarters, plus some technically qualified men from the individual companies, was formed into the entirely new Australian Electrical and Mechanical Mining and Boring Company (AEMMBC), better known as the ‘Alphabetical Company’.


The No. 1 Company became the 1st Tunnelling Company in the field.


With civil qualifications in coal mining his service was more beneficial to the work of the Aust Electrical & Mechanical Mining & Boring Company therefore was transferred and taken on strength with this company on September 30, 1916.


While in the field with the Royal Engineers the following was dealt with on March 17, 1917:

Crime: W.O.A.S. [while on active service] (1) Drunk, (2) Creating a disturbance

(3) Resisting escort 15/3/17

Award: Forfeits 6 day’s pay by C.O. 17/3/17

Close arrest 15/3/17 to 17/3/17


Service continued without further incident until he was issued with Blue Chevrons to wear on his uniform for serving twelve months abroad.


He was recommended by the Commanding Officer of the Company for the Military Medal in recognition of his service and his citation reads:


23-8-17 Recommended Military Medal

Sap. Parker, J.G. (John Gillon)


For great gallantry and devotion to duty. He has been electrician of the Elec. Power Station at Givenchy since May, 1916. Very excessive important pumping being in operation. He has been largely responsible for the successful up keep electricity, very heavy shell fire of over 2 miles of Elect. Cables between Power House and Pumps. He has shown untiring energy remaining long periods in the line without relief when shelling has caused extensive line troubles.

R.V. Morse Major


Sergeant E.G. ‘Hughie’ Dodd was also a member of the company and kept a diary of his work and mentions fellow company members in the course of his writing. The following is the entry where he mentions Sapper Parker.


1918

January 13

Up all last night. Had another fall last night near Robinsons. Broke the mains in two places. Could do no good, got back at 9 o'clock this morning so hopped in to bed. At half past 11, Charlie Walker came over with Jack Nancarrow and Scotty Parker. Don't know what he wanted. He told me that a chap called Doyle was coming to take Hollingsworth's place, who is being absorbed by 170 Coy. This Doyle has only just come back from doing 56 days' FP in Wandsworth I have heard of him and he is believed to be one of the worst characters in the Coy. This was Walker's first trip to see me since he got his rise (Staff Sergeant). Managed to get Givenchy on at 7.30 pm tonight. The lights are showing up pretty bright. Marriott reckons he can't sing. The motor lorry which came out to take engines away has been held up on account of roads thawing. The 170 Coy have been getting strafed to some order in Noeux. Their camp has come under some artillery fire at different times, but the climax was reached yesterday when he put seven huts out of existence and catching the rest of it on fire. They are moving No.3 Section to Bethune and the rest are moving somewhere else, excepting HQ and No.2 Section who are staying in the camp. This is like the heads with Red Tape, the camp should have been moved months ago!


Further recognition of his outstanding service was put forward by the C.O. of the Company on March 18, 1918 with the citation stating:


18-3-18 Recommended Meritorious Service Medal

229 Spr Parker, John Gillon

For great gallantry and devotion to duty in that owing to the breakdown of the Gen Eng he remained continuously on the work. Assisted to install new plant under shell fire and kept the mile of cable serving the Givenchy Mines, repaired though frequently been broken by shell fire thereby preventing the water in the mine system from rising 2’0”. During 21 months at this place he has shown untiring energy remaining long periods in the line without relief when shelling has been excessive cables ? has shown no hesitation in needing repairs under enemy shelling.

R.V. Morse Major


On March 31, 1918 Sapper was wounded in the field and taken to the 2/1 Wessex Field Ambulance for treatment of a bullet wound to his right thigh and was transferred to the 1st Casualty Clearing Station. On April 2 was transported on A.T.10 to the 7th Canadian Stationary Hospital and on April 14 sent to the 83rd General Hospital in Boulogne.


Base Records regretfully notified Mrs M. Parker on April 10, 1918 that her husband had been gassed – classed as wounded and the address for correspondence.


He was invalided to England on April 16 on the hospital ship Cambria and admitted a day later to the Frensham Military Hospital in Frensham for a gunshot wound to the right thigh.


H

Sydney Morning Herald Tuesday April 23, 1918:

392nd CASUALTY LIST

WOUNDED

Spr JOHN GILLON PARKER Balgownie (gas)

Article abridged


is name appeared as being gassed in the Casualty List printed in the:


A transfer to the 3rd Aust Auxiliary Hospital at Dartford followed on May 1, 1918 and was discharged on May 8 to the No. 3 Command Depot, Hurdcott.


Base Records advised his wife on May 3, 1918 that her husband had been admitted on 17/4/18 to Frensham Military Hospital suffering gunshot wound to his right thigh.


News that he had been awarded the Meritorious Service Medal was recorded on June 18, 1918.


On July 6, 1918 he marched out to the Overseas Training Brigade at Deverill and when fit to return to France proceeded from Southampton on July 25 arriving the next day at the Aust General Base Depot in Rouelles. He returned to his unit on July 30.


Sapper was with his company when Peace was declared and they remained on the front continuing to generate electricity and supply and service small engines and pumps for water supplies for those rehabilitating their districts.


His wife was notified on November 27, 1918 of the extract from the London Gazette dated June 17, 1918 relating to conspicuous services rendered:


AWARDED THE MERITORIOUS SERVICE MEDAL

“HIS MAJESTY THE KING has been graciously pleased to approve of the award of the Meritorious Service Medal to the undermentioned, in recognition of valuable services rendered with the Forces in France during the present war:

No. 229 Sapper J.G. Parker


They also advised that the above had been promulgated in the Commonwealth of Australia Gazette No. 173 dated 7th November, 1918.


The Furlough Department granted him leave from December 19 until January 2, 1919.


Orders were received to return to prepare for demobilisation on February 6, 1919 and the left the A.G.B.D. in Havre five days later entering the next day at the 1st Training and Convalescent Depot and later changed to 2 Group camp at Sutton Veny.


Base Records informed his wife on July 10, 1919 that they had been instructed by her husband to transmit his Meritorious Service Medal to her and to complete and return the delivery receipt when it arrives. This was received and completed on July 16, 1919.


S

Sydney Morning Herald Tuesday September 9, 1919:

THE INDARRA’S PASSENGERS

The reception which is being accorded the overseas brides is now of the most cordial nature where hitherto it was not. The new arrivals have shown themselves to be of a very acceptable type, and compliments are usually free among spectators concerning the good judgement which the Diggers have exercised in their selection of wives abroad. The women and children who landed yesterday afternoon from the Indarra were cheerful, well dressed and healthy, and they had cordial reception.

The Indarra left Tilbury on July 12, with 1057 passengers, of whom 520 were soldier’s wives and children. At Fremantle port 59 men, women and children were landed, at Adelaide 115, Melbourne 322 (including Tasmanians) and at Sydney 558 (including Queenslanders) and their wives and children. Major Wilkinson was the officer commanding the troops on board, and the adjutant was Lieut A.G. Munro, of the Australian Flying Corps, (W.A.). The passengers had a splendid voyage, and there were no complaints.


apper Parker, accompanied by his son, embarked for Australia on the H.T. Indarra on July 12, 1919. Next-of-kin was advised by Base Records on July 4 that he was returning home. The ship docked in Sydney (2nd M.D.) on September 9, 1919.


At the Domain Anzac Buffet on September 15, 1919 he was assessed by the Disembarkation Medical Board and the following was signed and declared:

“I am not suffering from any disability due to or aggravated by war service, and feel fit and well.

Sgd J. Parker”


Discharge was recommended by the Board.


Military Discharge was issued in Sydney (2nd M.D.) on November 1, 1919 on termination of his period of enlistment.


For serving his country Sapper 229 John Gillon Parker, Aust Electrical & Mechanical Mining & Boring Company was issued with the British War Medal (34035) and the Victory Medal (33601) to wear with his Meritorious Service Medal.

In 1930 he was a mine deputy and their residence was Ryan Street, Balgownie, NSW.


His wife Marion died on November 9, 1946 and the family announcements appeared in the:

Sydney Morning Herald Monday November 11, 1946:

DEATHS

PARKER—November 9, 1946, at Royal North Shore hospital, Marion, beloved wife of John G. Parker, of Ryan Street, Balgownie and their dear mother of Jack, Bessie, Agnes (Mrs H.W. Phillips), Marion (Mrs R.B. Murray), William, Mary and Joseph. Aged 55 years.

FUNERALS

PARKER—The Relatives and Friends of Mr John Parker and Family of Ryan Street, Balgownie are invited to attend the Funeral of his late beloved wife and their mother, Marion; to leave Parsons’ Funeral Parlour, THIS MONDAY at 4.30 p.m. for the Presbyterian cemetery, Wollongong.

Busses for the Funeral will leave Balgownie at 4.15 p.m.

H. PARSONS – FUNERAL DIRECTOR




His occupation continued as mine deputy and he remained at 19 Ryan Street, Balgownie.


John Gillon Parker died in 1975 aged 95 years.


REUNIONS

Former members of the (Alphabet Company) Aust Electrical & Mechanical Mining & Boring Company and Tunnellers’ in Sydney would meet to march in the Anzac Day parade then attend their annual luncheon. Roll Registers for newsletters of this annual event were kept and his name appears as follows:


1928 J.G. PARKER Ryan Street, Balgownie, NSW

1934 J.G. PARKER Ryan Street, Balgownie, NSW

1960-68 PARKER, J.G. 19 Ryan Street, Balgownie, South Coast

1970-71 PARKER, J.G. 19 Ryan Street, Balgownie, South Coast




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