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Stelling-G-Relics-of-a-Fallen-Soldier

Page history last edited by Lenore Frost 9 years, 1 month ago

Volunteers of Essendon and Flemington, 1914-1918

Return to Stelling-G-Pte-1960

A copy of the inventory of Gus's effect that were returned to the family, contained in his B2455 service record.

During World War One, the Bible Society distributed more than nine million copies of Scripture, in over 80 languages, tocombatants and prisoners of war on all sides of the war.

Gus's identity disk showing his Regimental Number,

name, Battalion, Army and religion.

The two small medallions below, one a June 1911 sixpence, may be the two

"medals" mentioned in the list of effects. Gus may have taken them overseas as lucky charms.

Coronation George V and Mary 1911 Commonwealth celebrations, Advance Australia,

June 1911

Departure of Australian Imperial Expeditionary Pro deo et Patria. Good Luck Australians.

Forces, 1914.

Mrs Stelling was entitled to wear a Mothers' and Widows' Badge shown below. The gold star

on the badge was for each soldier in the family killed or died of wounds or illness, or died

after the war from war related illness.

The badge was promulgated in June 1919, though distribution may have taken

some time. They were to be worn on the right breast.

The government sent each next of kin a photograph and the location of the grave

of their fallen soldier, if one existed, and families could request, upon payment, additional

copies of the grave photos.

A memorial plaque with the name of the fallen soldier was distributed to the next of kin, usually the

father if he was alive, together with a scroll with a message from the King. These were often framed by families. The whereabouts of the Stelling scroll is not presently known.

To the left is Gus Stelling's British War Medal attached to the Victory Medal ribbon. Above is the British War Medal Ribbon. The whereabouts of the Victory Medal itself, and the 1914-115 Star to which he was entitled, is not presently known.

This cross was found in a biscuit tin with other relics of Gus. It may be a piece of trench art, created by his friends on the Peninsula for the cross they intended to raise on his grave. It may have been brought back to Australia for Gus's parents when Gallipoli was evacuated.