Essendon Gazette 17 June 1915

Private T F. ("Crescent") Lyons, who is about to leave with the Australian Expeditionary Forces, was on Saturday last entertained by 60 friends at Tweedside House, and presented with a wristlet watch by members of the Dreadnought Club, while his teacher (Mr. James of the North Essendon Methodist Church Young Men's Class) handed him a fountain pen. Private Lyons, who leaves as assistant to Dr. Lee (Medical Corps) is to be tendered other farewells before leaving Victoria.

Essendon Gazette 1 July 1915

A SEND-OFF
Mr. Crescent Lyons, son of Cr. Lyons, and who is going to the front in response to the National call, was given a "send-off" by the Dreadnought club on Saturday, 12th inst. This club consists of the members of the Young Men's class of the Essendon North Methodist Sunday School. Invitations to various young lady friends of the club members were given by Mrs. James (wife of the club president) who acted as hostess, Mr. Nance very kindly giving the use of his house for the occasion. About fifty, including Cr. and Mrs. Lyons, were present. The early part of the evening was devoted to general conversation with music and elocution and when the various elements had shaken together, games were introduced, and the whole company settled down to the enjoyment of a "Salamagunda" evening. The chequered fortunes of the components of sides in the different games caused a general shuffle at intervals of ten minutes (the time allowed for each game), so that before the evening was spent, the whole company was mingled in free and cordial intercourse,  such as is difficult to obtain when all members of a gathering are not previously known. 

A very enjoyable supper was provided by the members of the club. The toast of ‘The King” was honored and the National Anthem sung, after which they stood with bowed beads in memory of those who had fallen in battle. Later Cr. Lyons proposed toast, "Our Soldiers at the Front.” He made the speech of the evening, dwelling on the national crisis, the necessity for recruits and our pride in the deeds of our Australian troops. The resident proposed the toast of the Guest of the evening, Mr. Crescent Lyons, coupled with the names of his parents. He spoke of the guest’s well known dash and courage, and said that if he did not bring home a V.C., it would not be his fault. As teacher of the class, Mr James took advantage of the opportunity of presenting his pupil with a fountain pen, which he hoped would be well used in keeping touch with his parents and friends. Mr. Clive Nance, club-captain supported these remarks and spoke in terms of appreciation of Mr C. Lyons with whom the club had been intimately associated for years. In the name of the club, he presented him with a wristlet watch.

The guest, with unusual faltering and hesitation, suitably responded, assuring the company that frequent use of the pen and the constant reference to  the watch would ever be reminders of their friendly wishes and of the good times he had always had with them.  The company united in singing "For He's a Jolly Good Fellow,” and Mr. V. Graham finally proposed "Mr. and Mrs. Nance" for their kindness in giving the use of the house, Mrs. James, for the delightful evening which she, as hostess, had provided, and Miss Wingfield for the assistance she had rendered on this and other similar club evenings. Mr. Clive Nance responded on behalf of his parents and for the others included in this toast.

Mrs. James presented the winners of the "Salamagunda’ tournament with presents provided by the club. An adjournment was then made to the drawing room for a short renewal of music, etc., and shortly before midnight, the company  broke up after singing "Auld Lang Syne."  The Sunday School and Guild, of which he was a  member gave Mr Lyons a further send off  and presentation on the  following Tuesday night.

Essendon Gazette 1 July 1915 

Sergeant R. Graves and Private Crescent Lyons, who are old St. Thomas Grammar School boys, and who left for the front last week, were each presented before their departure with a set of brushes in case, given by the staff and boys as a recognition of personal regard and also as an an appreciation of the fine spirit which has prompted them to fight for King and Country. Altogether, between thirty and forty old St. Thomas Grammarians are now fighting or in camp. This is a fine record from a school which has not been very long established.

The Argus, Monday 27 March 1916  

LYONS-On the 25th March, 1916, at Moonee  Ponds, Anetta Jane, beloved wife of Councillor T. F. Lyons, of "Rocklands," 3 Lyons street, Essendon, and beloved mother of Pearl, Muriel, Crescent (on active service), and Ashley Lyons.

Cr. Lyons has received advices from France to the effect that his son, Bombardier Crescent Lyons, is at present in a hospital at Rouen, suffering from septic poisoning, probably supervening on wounds received. Previous communications intimated that the young soldier was under  treatment for trench feet and fever.

ROLL OF HONOR. (1917, June 21). The Essendon Gazette and Keilor, Bulla and Broadmeadows Reporter (Moonee Ponds, Vic. : 1914 - 1918), p. 3 Edition: Morning. Retrieved May 16, 2012, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article74602926

Crescent Lyons, eldest son of Mr. T. F. Lyons, of Lyon street, Essendon, after being wounded nine times, is suffering a recovery.

ROLL OF HONOUR. (1917, November 22). The Essendon Gazette and Keilor, Bulla and Broadmeadows Reporter (Moonee Ponds, Vic. : 1914 - 1918), p. 3 Edition: Morning. Retrieved May 30, 2012, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article74604374

Mr. T. F. Lyons has received word from the Defence Department that his son, Crescent, has recovered from his wounds and sickness in France, and is now convalescent. The young soldier reports that he received the "Essendon Gazette" from one of his mates in the trenches, and was glad to see the local news.

OUR SOLDIERS. (1918, April 18). The Essendon Gazette and Keilor, Bulla and Broadmeadows Reporter (Moonee Ponds, Vic. : 1914 - 1918), p. 3 Edition: Morning. Retrieved June 8, 2012, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article74605642

Bombardier Cres. Lyons, son of Ex-Cr. T. F. Lyons, is expected back at the end of this week. 

OUR SOLDIERS. (1918, July 4). The Essendon Gazette and Keilor, Bulla and Broadmeadows Reporter (Moonee Ponds, Vic. : 1914 - 1918), p. 2 Edition: Morning. Retrieved July 10, 2012, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article74606499