Volunteers of Essendon and Flemington, 1914-1918
The original graves of two members of the 12th Field Ambulance, at
Allonville Communal Cemetery, France. From left to right: 3383 Private
Frederick Reeve Chamberlain, and 14016 Corporal Clyde Raymond
Stevenson, MM. AWM Collection PO3483.040.
Chamberlain F R Pte 3383 Frederick Reeve 6 Field Amb 21 Clerk Single C of E
Address: Moonee Ponds, Addison St, 13, "Reevesdale"
Next of Kin: Chamberlain, Hester, Mrs, mother, "Reevesdale", 15 Addison St, Moonee Ponds
Enlisted: 8 Mar 1915
Embarked: A31 Ajana 4 Jun 1915
Awards: Military Medal
Date of death: 10/07/1918
CWGC: "Born at Port Melbourne. Son of Frederick and Hester Chamberlain, of
13, Middle St, Ascot Vale, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia".
ALLONVILLE COMMUNAL CEMETERY
Relatives:
Chamberlain L J Pte 3048 brother
Coles S W Pte 1896 Engaged to his sister Nellie Louisa Coles
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Military Medal recommendation
"At about 3.30 am on 4th July 1918, near Hamel East of Corbie, Pte Chamberlain showed marked fearlessness and devotion to duty whilst stretcher-bearing. He went forward with the Battalion in the attack. He had to carry through the barrage at first which he did with the utmost courage and contempt of personal danger. He continued to carry until exhausted and set a conspicuous example of devotion to duty to his comrades.
Signed by Colonel Kenneth Smith ADMS 4th Australian Division
And C H Brand, Brigadier-General Commanding 4th Australian Division 15 July 1918".
http://www.awm.gov.au/cms_images/AWM28/1/236/0180.pdf |
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Extracts from the Australian Red Cross Wounded and Missing Enquiry Bureau Correspondence
Australian M C, 12th Field Amb. Chamberlain F R 3383
K 19th July 1918.
He was killed at Hamel at the same time as Stevenson. They were wheeling a stretcher from the RAS to the D/Station, then I saw a shot explode killing both of them and wounding the Patient. Chamberlain was a pal of mine. I had met his people, and he came away with me from Australia on the ss Aegina (with the 6th Field Ambulance.) He was short, with black hair, clean shaven. His christian names were Frederick Reeve and his address 'Reevesdale', Addison Street, Moonie Ponds, Victoria. He is buried at Allanville by the side of Stevenson. I helped to lower him into the grave, and to put up the cross myself. There is a barrier around his grave (6 posts and chain). He was awarded the MM after his death, and this is indicated on the cross.
Inf QMS RH Malcolm No 3352
Aust Field Amb 12
Havre Hospital.
---
Chamberlain and a man named Stevenson, both belonging to B Sect, were out at night with a wheeled ambulance collecting the wounded at a spot near Villers Bretonneux. A shell (one of a salvo) came over and killed Chamberlain practically instantaneously, but Stevenson appeared to have lingered some little time. It was unfortunately some little while afterwards that new came through, and when the search party found them they were both dead. I was one of the search party. They were probably buried at Allonville, in the district but not quite near. I know personally that the Sergt of the Sect had written to Chamberlain's Mother. Chamberlain had an excellent reputation in the Sect and was well liked. I think he came from the 6th Sect
Reference: Sergt A H Clerke 5368, 12 Aust FA
No I Aust General, Rouen, 20.9.18
I knew casualty. He was a man of medium build, about 5ft 6 ins in height, dark complexion, about 21 years of age. Casualty was a stretcher bearer during the advance at Hamell. He was carrying a wounded man back on a stretcher to Field Ambulance then an H E shell exploded alongside killing him instantly and Stevenson who was carrying with him. I saw their bodies when they were brought back to Field Ambulance and buried at Allonsville Cemetery where a cross was erected with his name, number and unit on it.
Informant Pte J W Bamford No 2015 12th F Amb.
Private Address
392 Mt Alexander Rd,
Ascot Vale.
http://static.awm.gov.au/images/collection/pdf/RCDIG1040779--1-.PDF
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Mentioned in this publication:
Presentation from the Essendon Citizen's Military Association in May at Broadmeadows Camp, May 1915.
War Service Commemorated
Essendon Town Hall A-F
Flemington Branch Australian Natives Association (ANA) *
St-George's-Church-of-England
Essendon Gazette Roll of Honour With the Colours
On Active Service
CHAMBERLAIN.-Killed in action in
France, 1st July, Private F. B. Chamber-
lain, dearly beloved son of Mr. and Mrs.
Chamberlain, and brother of L. J. Cham-
berlain (also on active service), and Gladys,
32 Shield st., Flemington, after three years'
active service, aged 24 years.
Family Notices. (1918, July 25). The Essendon Gazette and
Keilor, Bulla and Broadmeadows Reporter (Moonee Ponds,
Vic. : 1914 - 1918), p. 2 Edition: Morning. Retrieved August 9,
2012, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article74606662
In Memoriam
CHAMBERLAIN -In loving memory of our dear
son and brother, Frederick (Reeve), Military Medal,
12th F Amb, killed in action, after 3½ years' active service
Far, far from the home of his childhood,
Away over the ocean so deep, In a foreign land our loved one
Is sleeping his last, long sleep
You are always in our thoughts, dear Reeve,
'Tis sweet to speak your name, In life we loved you dearly
ln death we do the same
-(Inserted by his loving mother and father,
brother Les (late 12th F A ), and sister Gladys )
CHAMBERLAIN -In loving memory of Pte F R.
(Reeve) Chamberlain, MM, stretcher bearer,
12th Field Ambulance, killed in action 10th July,
1918
Loved and remembered
-(Inserted by his loving uncle and aunt, A and L Taylor,
and cousins Doris and Ivy, Middle Park )
CHAMBERLAIN -In loving remembrance of F R
Chamberlain, M M , 12th Field Ambulance, killed
in action, France July 10, 1918
Though lost to sight, to memory ever dear -
(Inserted his lov ing fiancee, Nell Coles )
CHAMBERLAIN -In loving memory of our dearest
friend, F R Chamberlain, M M , killed in action, France,
July 10, 1918
One of the best
-(Inserted by Mr and Mrs Coles and Stan )
NOTE: The Coles family lived at 7 Wolseley Pde, Kensington
CHAMBERLAIN-In fond and loving memory of
our dear brother, Pte F R Chamberlain, No 3383,
12th Field Ambulance, killed in action July 10,1918
Our Reeve.
Sleep on, dear brother.
On thy Saviour's breast; We loved you dearly,
But Jesus loved you best
-(Les, returned, AlF, and Dell )
CHAMBERLAIN -In memory of a dear pal, 3383,
Pte. F. R. Chamberlain, M. M., 12th Field Ambu
lance, killed in action whilst stretcher bearing,
July 10, 1918.
There is no death; what seems so is transition,
This life of mortal breath
Is but a suburb of the life Elysian,
Whose portal we call death
Though some may sneer, and churches may con
demn,
The dead dwell near-we may commune with
them.
-(Inseted by L. Tucker, Tallangatta )
CHAMBERLAIN -In loving memory of our dear
nephew, Pte. F R Chamberlain, 12th Field
Ambulance, killed in action, in France, on 10th
July. 1918
Peaceful be thy rest, dear Reeve
'Tis sweet to breathe thy name.
In life we loved you dearly,
In death we do the same.
-(Inserted by J M Mearns and little Jimmie )
CHAMBERLAIN-In loving memory of Pte. F R
(Reeve) Chamberlain, MM. 12th Field Ambu
lance, killed in action 10th July 1918; loved nephew
of W and L Decis, Port Melbourne
Dearly loved, deeply mourned.
STEVENSON-CHAMBERLAIN-In loving memory
of our dear son and brother Clyde Raymond killed in
action 10th July 1918; also his much loved comrade
Fred Chamberlain, stretcher bearers of 12th Field
Ambulance killed with the same shell whilst carrying
in a wounded Australian.
At rest in Allonville France
Oh for the touch of a vanished hand
And the sound of a voice that is still
-(Inserted by his parents, brothers, and sister)
14016 Pte Clyde Raymond Stevenson KIA 10 Jul 1918, 12th Field Ambulance. Buried at Allonville Cemetery.
CWGC: "Son of Thomas Mitchell Stevenson and Christina Stevenson, of 6, Invermay Grove, Auburn, Melbourne. Victoria. Australia". Stevenson received a Military Medal for conspicuous bravery during an action at Millencourt on 5 Apr 1918.
The Argus 10 July 1919
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article4717773
CHAMBERLAIN.-In loving memory of our dearly
beloved eldestl son and brother, Private F. R,
Chamberlain, M.M. (late 12th Field Ambulance),
killed in action, France, July 10, 1918.
Although two years have passed away
Since our great sorrow fell,
Yet in our hearts we mourn the loss of him
we loved so Well
You are not forgotten, dear Reeve,
Nor ever will you be;
As long as life and memory Lasts
We will always remember thee.
CHAMBERLAIN.-In loving memory of our dearly
beloved brother, Reeve, M.M., late 12th Field
Ambulance, killed in action July 10, 1918, France.
To a beautiful life comes a peaceful end.
He died as he lived, with God his friend;
None in this world can fill his place,
Deep in our hearts his memory's encased
Dearly loved, sadly missed.
-(Inserted by his loving sister and brother-in law,
Glad and Bert Earl.)
CHAMBERLAIN.-In loving memory of our dear
brother, Pte. F. R. Chamberlain, late 12th Field Amb.,
M.M., killed in action at Hamel, July 10,
1918.
This day recalls sad memories -
Of a loved one gone to rest,
And those who think of him to-day
Are those who loved him best.
-(Inserted by his loving brother and sister-in law, Les and Dell.)
CHAMBERLAIN - In loving memory of Private
F. R. (Reeve) Chamberlain (M.M.), 12th Field
Ambulance, killed in action, July 10, 1918,
loved nephew of W. and L Decis, Port Melbourne,
"All honour give
To those who, nobly striving, nobly fell,
That we might live!."
CHAMBERLAIN -In loving remembrance of our
friend, Private K. R. Chamberlain, M.M.
killed in action at Hamel, France, on the 10th July,
1918.
Ever remembered,
-(Inserted by Mr. and Mrs. Coles and Stan.)
CHAMBERLAIN.-In loving memory of my dear
friend, Private F. R. Chamberlain, M.M., killed
in action on the 10th July, 1918.
Love and remembrance last for ever.
-(Inserted by Nell Coles.)
The Argus 10 July 1920
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article4596966
CHAMBERLAIN. -In loving memory of Private
F R Chamberlain MM., 12th Field Ambulance,
killed in action at Hamel, France, on July 10 1918.
A kind and loving son at rest
So dearly loved and sadly missed
-(Inserted by his mother, father, and grand-
mother )
CHAMBERLAIN-In loving memory of our dear
brother, Pte T R Chamberlain, M M, killed in
action at Hamel, July 10, 1918
We have lost, but heaven has gained
One of the best the world contained
-(Inserted by his loving brother and sister in
law, Les and Dell.)
CHAMBERLAIN -In loving memory of Pte F R
Chamberlain (M M.) 12th Field Amb, killed in
action at Hamel France on July 10, 1918
A beautiful memory left behind
Of a loving brother, so good and kind
-(Inserted by his loving sister, Gladys, and brother
in law, Bert )
CHAMBERLAIN -In loving memory of Private
F R (Reeve) Chamberlain, M M , 12th Field
Ambulance, killed July 10, 1918, loved nephew
of W and L Decís, Belgrave
Loved, honoured, remembered.
CHAMBERLAIN -In loving memory of our dear
friend, Pte F R Chamberlain (M M ), 12th Field Amb,
killed in action at Hamel, 10th July, 1918.
Ever remembered
-(Inserted by Mr and Mrs Coles, Nell, and Stan.)
The Argus 9 July 1921
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article4695621
CHAMBERLAIN - In loving remembrance of
Pte F R Chamberlain (MM) killed in action in
France 10th July, 1918.
Sleep on, dear son,
And take thy rest
We miss you most
Who loved you best.
(lnserted by his loving father, mother, and
grandma.)
CHAMBERLAIN In loving memory of Pte
Chamberlaln (MM), killed in action in France,
10th July 1918.
Too dearly loved to ever be forgotten
(Inserted by his loving sister and brother-in-
law, Mr and Mrs H Earl.)
CHAMBERLAIN. In loving memory of Private
F R (Reeve) , MM. 12th Field Ambulance,
killed 10th July, 1918, loved nephew
of W and L Decis, Belgrave.
Loved, honoured, and remembered.
The Argus 10 July 1922
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article183304
CHAMBERLAIN. - In sad and loving memory of
our dearly beloved son Private F R Chamberlain
(Reeve) killed in action Hamel France on the
10th July 1918
Somewhere in France he is sleeping
He answered duty's call
He died an Australian hero.
'Tis the bravest death of all
(Inserted by his loving mother and father )
CHAMBERLAIN. - In sad and loving memory of
my dear brother Private F R Chamberlain (Reeve)
killed In action Hamel France on the 10th July 1918
Cherished! memories of you, so dear,
Often bring a silent tear
-(Inserted by his loving sister and brother in law
G and B Earl.)
CHAMBERLAIN. - In loving memory of our dear
brother (Reeve) Prívate F R Chamberlain
No 3383 killed in action at Hamel on the 10th July 1918
One little word is all this will say
And be you near or far away
'Tis whispered by our hearts to-day
Remembered
-(Inserted by his loving brother and sister-in
law Les and Dell )
CHAMBERLAIN. - In loving memory of Private
F R Chamberlain MM of 12th Field Ambulance
killed in action 10th July 1918
Ever Remembered
-(inserted by Mr and Mrs Coles and family)
The Argus 10 July 1923
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article2004071
CHAMBERLAIN.-ln loving memory of our dear
son and brother, Pte. F. R. (Reeve) Chamberlain,
MM. 12th Field Ambulance, killed in action,
Hamel France, July 10, 1918.
As we loved him, so we miss him,
(Inserted by his loving mother, father, sister and brother.)
(CHAMBERLAIN In loving memory of our dear
brother and uncle. Pte. F. R. (Reeve) Chamber
lain, M.M.. killed in action. 10th July, 1918, at Hamel,
Some day, some time, our eyes shall see
The dear face held in memory
And God shall link the broken chain
Still closer when we meet again.
--(Inserted by his loving brother and sister-in- law.
and little nephew, Les, and Dell and little
Reeve.)
CHAMBERLAIN.-ln loving memory of Pte, F. R.
Chamberlain. MM., killed in action in France on
July 10, 1918.
Remembrance
(Inserted by Mr. and Mrs. Coles and Nell.)
The Argus 10 July 1924
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article4281881
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