Ingham and beyond

Ingham Library
Source: State Library of Queensland

Last week the Q ANZAC 100 team headed off to North Queensland to present First World War treasures White Gloves Experiences in Ingham. We held a Q ANZAC 100 information session at the Hinchinbrook Shire Library demonstrating the Q ANZAC 100 website, where to find information on First World War collections at State Library of Queensland, Historypin and this blog. During the session we were surprised to be joined by a gentleman in First World War German Soldier uniform, replete with gas mask, bayonet, shovel, binoculars and badges etc, from his personal collection. Garry gave an impromptu explanation of the soldier's attire. Thanks Garry.

Garry in German soldier's uniform
Image source: State Library of Queensland

The library also hosted our First World War Treasures White Gloves Experience with the community.

White Gloves Experience at Ingham Library
Source: State Library of Queensland

Next morning we presented three sessions with the year 9 classes at the Ingham State School. Great opportunity and experience for the students to handle 100 year old documents and learn a little more about primary source materials from 100 years ago.

First World War Treasures White Gloves Experience at Ingham State School
Image Source: State Library of Queensland

In the background, James Leech is videoing the proceedings, as he did at the library the previous day on behalf of State Library,  making a digital story of the White Gloves events. It will be added to the Q ANZAC 100 website when complete.

The Hinchinbrook Shire Library has a First World War display highlighting individual soldier stories from the 31st Regiment. The library is home to the Kennedy Regiment Collection which was bequeathed to the Hinchinbrook Shire Library by the voluntary historian for the 31st Battalion Infantry Association and is a major custodian of the documentary heritage of the 31st Battalion.

Kennedy Regiment Museum at Ingham Library
Image Source: State Library of Queensland

We made a quick visit to see All Souls Anglican Church built in 1922 is a memorial to the eleven residents of the Victoria Mill estate who fell during the war. Their names are: Leslie Henrik Alm, Rowland Evelyn Alston, Frederick John Barnes,  John Ellendoff Beatts, Arthur Reginald Cummins, Henry Edward Hembrow, Walter Edward Kelley, William Markey, William Edward Dunhill Rankin, William Percy Ross, George Roderick Skinner.

All Souls Anglican Church Ingham
Image Source: State Library of Queensland

Our next visit was to the Cardwell and District Historical Society in their heritage listed museum building which houses the impressive marble honour roll to the men and women from the district who served in the Great War.

Marble honour roll where it was erected in 1922 (now the Cardwell Museum)
Image source: State Library of Queensland

Next door is the Bush Telegraph Office providing a look at the workings of a telegraph station where we saw a small display relating to communications during the First World War. There is a story of the Shire Clerk's wife delivering news to the family when of H.R.Butler (below) was killed in the war.

Image Source: Cardwell Bush Telegraph and State Library of Queensland

Hugh (Rowdy) Butler turned up again in display of Butler family material in the local history room at the Tully Library . Hugh was killed in action at the Battle of the Somme in November 1916 while attempting to rescue a fallen comrade. Incidentally the main street of Tully is named in honour of Hugh Butler after the Cardwell Shire Council decided to name the streets of the new town of Tully after servicemen and women from the shire who served in the war.

Our last stop was at the  El Arish History Station in the township of El Arish previously known Maria Creek Soldier Settlement. You might recall reading earlier blog about this by Marie Carman who is the granddaughter of one of the original soldier settlers.

Marie Carman, Marg Powell and Anna Thurgood at the El Arish History Station (R to L).
Image source: State Library of Queensland

On the wall we could not help notice a tribute to H.S. (Henry) Pedley, Corporal 3/9th Battalion who won soldier settlement block #147 in the ballot for land at Maria Creek. Henry has a family connection to Rowdy Butler who we came across in Cardwell and Tully. The family had connections around the region.

Our visit to these locations in north Queensland brings to light some of the First World War collections throughout this region. Thanks to everyone who openly shared their stories with us.

Niles Elvery, Regional Coordinator, Q ANZAC 100, State Library of Queensland