Henry George Thomas SAWYER
Personal
Born: January, 1895
Birth registration: 842
Birthplace: Jindera, NSW
Parents: George Thomas Sawyer
Minnie Wilson
Died: 1977
Place of death: Windsor, Victoria
Burial place: Registration No. 5702
Awards and Honours
- British War Medal 1914-20
- Victory Medal
Battalions
119 How Battery; 4th Division Ammunition Column
Events
Enlistment
Regimental Service Number: 29780
Enlistment date: 1 April, 1916 Melbourne
Age at enlistment: 21 years 4 months
Address at enlistment: P.O. Melton, Victoria
Religion: Church of England
Marital Status: Single
Next of kin: Father: George Sawyer, P.O. Jindera, NSW
Physical Description: Height: 5 feet 6 inches
Weight: 131 pounds
Complexion: Fresh
Eyes: Brown
Hair: Dark Brown
Distinctive marks: Scar on right arm and on left knee, 2 moles on left jaw.
Embarkation ship: HMAT A60 Aeneas.
Rank: Gunner
Return Date: 12 May, 1919
Return Vessel: HMAT Port Napier.
Arrival at Australia: 2 July, 1919.
Discharge Date: 10 August, 1919
War Service Summary
15/04/1916 - 20th Depot Battalion, Castlemaine
30/05/1916 - Field Artillery Brigade, Maribyrnong
31/08/1916 - 116 to 120 Howitzer Batteries
02/10/1916 - Embarked for overseas
19/11/1916 - Disembarked Plymouth
02/05/1917 - Proceeded to Etaples, France
24/07/1917 – To proceed to France from training at Folkestone
29/05/1917 - Gunner
02/06/1917 - Appointed as Shoe Smith
29/09/1917 - Wounded in action, Gun Shot Wound to the left hand
21/11/1917 - Rejoined unit
29/01/1918 - Promoted to Temporary Corporal,
28/02/1918 - On leave to UK
11/03/1918 - Admitted to hospital while on leave in the UK
29/06/1918 - Returned to France at Havre
08/04/1919 - Embarked at Havre to the UK
12/05/1919 - Embarked for Australia per Port Napier
02/07/1919 - Arrived in Australia
10/08/1919 - Discharged from the Army
War Service Commemerated
Life After the War
Place/s of residence:
Occupations:
Date of death: 1977 at Windsor, Victoria; Reg. # 5702
Additional Information
Melton Express
Bacchus Marsh Express
Saturday 8 April 1916, P 2
The recruiting meeting held, in the Mechanics' Institute here on Friday evening was well attended by both sexes. The proceedings opened with God save the King. Cr. Robinson (Shire President) presided. On the platform with him were Hon. Frank Clarke, M.L.C., Private A. T. Ozanne, and Sergeant McKenzie (a returned soldier), each of whom addressed the meeting, exhorting those present in every possible manner to enlist, and take up the duties for the protection of their people and country. When a call was made for recruits, the following five young men responded - H. Sawyer, E. Minns, H. Black, and two of Mr. P. Nolan's sons, the latter making four from Mr. Nolan's family, as two others are already at the Front. A vote of thanks was accorded to Mr. and Mrs. Nolan, and acknowledged. The addresses were listened to in the orderly manner due to such occasions. and each speaker was well received, and applauded, for his effort. Mr. Frank Clarke explained why he resigned from the Central Recruiting Committee, and the explanation, was well received. The proceedings were enlivened by patriotic songs from Mrs. Allen, Miss Scotson and Mr. Percy Butler, who enlisted some short time back.
Melton Express
Saturday 27 May 1916 , P 2
A large assemblage took place on Saturday night last, when our volunteers were on a visit home, although the notice was very short. Watches were presented to Privates Harold Black, Edward Carew, Ernest Minns, Percy Stubbs, William Stone (who has been to the Front, and returned ill) Henry Sawyer, George Ware, Private John Farrell (who already had a wristlet watch) was presented with an auto-strop razor and a pipe. Musical items were rendered by Mrs. J. H. Allen, Misses D. Farrell, and A. Riddell, Messrs. H. Cunningham, G. Jongebloed and Murison. Miss Ross (a visitor front Melbourne) supplied the dance music. The Committee intend presenting a wristlet watch (or its equivalent) to every volunteer from the Shire, including those who have gone away. The latter will be handed over to the relatives
Sources
Service Record
Newspaper accounts