ghosken
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The War Babies Unit
The following notice appeared in the Daily Telegraph's In Search column today. Perhaps someone may be able to help this person.
"Seeking information on the above (War Babies Unit). I have a boomerang with a shield inscribed 'Presented to THE WAR BABIES UNIT Lieu. T Burns Commanding by Mr E Thompson of Hornsby 25-5-18'. Lieutenant T Burns was my grandfather. The NAA and AWM have been unable to help me. Contact (02) 9602 3067 or [email protected]"
I have no idea. The date doesn't seem to gel with a boatlaod of war brides coming to Australia, complete with babies. And I can't figure how it could refer to a group of underage soldiers. Any thoughts?
Graeme
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6/12/2003, 11:43 pm
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Madras19
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Re: The War Babies Unit
I have "War Babies" defined as follows:
According to the 1933 Census, Returned Australian Sailors included 13 between the ages of 25 and 29.
At enlistment their ages must have ranged from 8 to 12-
"War Babies" or "Tar Babies", if you like.
(from RSL Records 1938)
Could the gentlemen be one of a "group" or "unit" of "under age" volunteers presented with a unique gift at the end of his military service? That would be my best guess- I doubt it is military, more likely some Ex-Soldiers & Sailors association of very young volunteers?
OK I am guessing- can you tell?
Maybe you were correct Graeme with the War brides & babies idea!
Cheers
Geoff S
Last edited by Madras19, 6/13/2003, 1:07 am
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6/13/2003, 12:44 am
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ghosken
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Re: The War Babies Unit
Good research, Geoff! I am hoping that the grandson of Lieu Burns will contact me with details of Burns' service (if he has an NAA file). Knowing his age in 1918 may enable you to test your theory.
Cheers, Graeme
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6/13/2003, 10:46 pm
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Madras19
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Re: The War Babies Unit
Graeme,
Yes I think the key could be Lieu Burns age in 1918 or he maybe? he "fathered" a child during the war?
Cheers
Geoff S
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6/13/2003, 11:39 pm
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ghosken
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Re: The War Babies Unit
Geoff, Neil Burns has supplied the follwoing info on his grandfather:
"I have his service record from 2-5-1915, though I have information that he was a Corporal in 1912 (CMF?).
From the Army lists he became a 2nd Lieut. in 1913, Lieut. at Gallipoli 1-07-1915, two GS wounds 6-08-1915, I assume at the battle for Lone Pine. He was discharged 8-05-1916 medically unfit, recommissioned 1-10-1918, became a Captain 18-04-1919, and Reserve of Officers 7-02-1928. He died in 1928.I have requested information from the NAA prior and post WW1, but have received nothing. I will have to write again. I think he may have been involved at the Belmore Depot but that is long gone. He lived around Hurlstone Park.
He does not have a No. listed in the Nominal Roll, I assume because he was in the CMF. I imagine he did not have service OS after discharge, so the War Babies Unit must have been a training unit."
Maybe he had something to do with a cadets type unit? - Graeme
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6/14/2003, 10:16 pm
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china
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Re: The War Babies Unit
Graeme,
Some further information which does not line up with the suggestions submitted. He was born in 1881 so would have been 37 in 1918. His only two sons were born in 1906 and 1908.
Regards, Neil
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6/18/2003, 9:04 pm
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ghosken
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Re: The War Babies Unit
Quite a mystery, Neil. Have you come in from the other side and tried to find out anything about the presenter of the Boomerang? Did Hornsby have a local paper in those days? Might be on microfiche.
Local historical society may be able to help.
Graeme
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6/18/2003, 10:54 pm
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china
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Re: The War Babies Unit
Graeme,
Further information on Thomas Burns, he became a Lieut. 1/7/1915 in the 39th Inf., and again 1/10/18 in the 2/45th Inf. This was shortly after the date on the shield.
Is it possible to attach a JPEG file ? I could attach a scan of the shield.
I will see if there is anything about a local newspaper in Hornsby in 1918.
Regards, Neil.
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6/19/2003, 11:04 pm
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Madras19
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Re: The War Babies Unit
Sorry it was only a guess!
Geoff S
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6/20/2003, 12:09 am
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Ted Harris
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Re: The War Babies Unit
With reference to lack of Regimental Number for this soldier.
In WW1 Officers were not issued with a Regimental or Army Number.
Terribly poor form to brand a gentleman with a number like a common soldier, what!
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6/20/2003, 9:26 am
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