Garner J J Pte 2656


Volunteers of Essendon and Flemington, 1914-1918

 

Garner J J    Pte    2656    Joseph James           46 Inf Bn    31    Labourer    Married    C of E        

Address:    Kensington, Tennyson St, 94    

Next of Kin:    Garner, Emily Francis Ethel, Mrs, wife, 94 Tennyson St, Kensington    

                                                                                          Maffra Post Office, Gippsland   (by 28 Dec 1916)

Enlisted:    11 Apr 1916        

Embarked:     A17 Port Lincoln 20 Oct 1916    

 

PRIVATE JOSEPH GARNER.

 

Our Homebush correspondent writes "On Friday evening last a hurriedly arranged social took place in the local Public Hall, being a send-off to Private Joseph Garner, who arrived in Homebush unexpectedly on Thursday afternoon, and had to take his departure on Saturday. However, the 'Bush folk do not let the grass grow under their feet on these occasions, and considering the short space of time to arrange matters, and despite the wet night, a good crowd assembled, including visitors from Avoca and Upper Homebush. Private Garner was greeted with cheers as he took his seat on the stage. Mr G E Wilkins presided, and after the singing of 'God bless our Splendid men" he explained the object of the gathering. Pte Garner was another of the local men who had enlisted for the front. He had spent almost the whole of his life in Homebush, and had been school mates with several who were present. During the past few years he had been away from the district on account of his work in other places, but all the Homebush folk were glad to see him once again after his absence, and to have the chance of wishing him goodbye and Godspeed. They wished to show their appreciation of the step he had taken, but as so little time and opportunities were given them they were unable to do as much as they would otherwise have done, but he hoped the small gift would be appreciated, not for its value, but for the kind thoughts that prompted his Homebush friends in giving it. Mr Geo Templeton endorsed the chairman's remarks, and added that he had known Private Garner all his life, and had never known anything to his discredit. He was glad that they had the opportunity of seeing him again, before going to the front to risk his life for his King and country, and he could only wish him the best of health and a safe return.   The chairman then presented the guest with a neat silver-mounted pocket wallet as a small token from the Homebush folk with their very best wishes, and they hoped to give him a better welcome home on his return from the war than they were giving him that night. Private Garner made a suitable response. He said it was a great surprise to him to, receive a send-off after being away from Homebush for so long, and he had not expected anything of the kind, but he very much appreciated their kindness, and thanked them for the gift which would remind him of his Homebush friends when thousands of miles across the sea. The company then sang 'He's a jolly Good Fellow' and the National Anthem. The rest of the evening was spent in dancing and musical items. Music for the dancing was supplied by Mrs H Smith and Miss A Wilson (violins), and Miss E Squires (piano). Mr Wm Shiell acted as M.C. The following items were given during the evening, and greatly enjoyed : — Comic song, 'Here we are again,' Mr Heb Smith ; song, 'I wonder who's kissing her now,' Miss Eva Squires ; song, 'The lad of the Scotch Brigade,' Miss Mary Horne. About midnight supper was provided by the Homebush ladies, and dancing was then resumed till 1.30 o'clock, when the function  terminated to the strains of Auld Lang Syne.

 

PRIVATE JOSEPH GARNER. (1916, June 28). Avoca Free Press and Farmers' and Miners' Journal (Vic. : 1914 - 1918), p. 2. Retrieved February 7, 2015, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article151684656

 

PRISONER OF WAR

 

46th Batt AIF  Garner, J J 2656

Prisoner of War, Interned at Soltau Prov Hannover,
Cert by Post-car from Man dated 20.4.17 to AIF Headquarters "Wounded, please advise my people.
-----
Repatriated Prisoner of War

Arrived Hull 17/12//18
Arrived London, 19/12/18
Cert by AIF Hqrs 20/12/18

 

A PRISONER OF WAR.

 

Private Joseph Garner of Homebush, who was previously reported missing, is a prisoner of war in Germany.

 

AVOCA. (1917, July 4). The Ballarat Star (Vic. : 1865 - 1924), p. 7. Retrieved February 7, 2015, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article154718313

 

 

 

War Service Commemorated

Essendon Gazette Roll of Honour Wounded