OUR SOLDIERS

Private J. A. C. Tytherleigh, formerly of Essendon, who is now in G Company, 6th Battalion, with the First Australian Expeditionary Force in Egypt, writing to his mother, from Mena House Hospital, at Cairo, reports himself almost recovered from an operation for appendicitis, and at the time of writing in expectation of rejoining his regiment in camp within a few days. In a subsequent letter, he writes that he is back in camp, amongst his mates, after seven weeks' absence from them.

The operation was performed on board the Orvieto, when between Colombo and the Suez. He had the professional services of the principal medical officer of the Australian forces (Dr. Charles Ryan), and another distinguished Melbourne surgeon (Dr. Fred Bird) and while in hospital, was under the care of the latter's staff of Australian nurses.

The young soldier carries with him an unique and interesting relic. This is a "housewife," in which is apparent the wonderfully neat sewing for which the English housewives have always been noted. It was carried at the Battle of Trafalgar by William Gatch (his great grandfather), who was a marine engaged in the great battle on board one of Nelson's ships. His other great grandfather was a soldier of the line engaged in the Crimea. Whilst on his mother's side, they are in possession of a lieutenancy commission awarded to John Ramsay, to the West Indies, signed and personally delivered by George III. Mr. Ramsay afterwards represented Maldon in the Legislative Assembly, for a number of years previous to the payment of members. The said private is a cousin of Major W. R. McNicholl, of 7th Battalion First A.I.F., and nephew of Mr. R. Corteen, of Moonee Ponds; also brother of Lieutenant G. R. Tytherleigh, of Essendon.

OUR SOLDIERS. (1915, February 11). The Essendon Gazette and Keilor, Bulla and Broadmeadows Reporter (Moonee Ponds, Vic. : 1914 - 1918), p. 2. Retrieved September 6, 2012, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article74587659