1850s - A scene from the Victorian gold rush
Catherine McLaren 1831 - 1913
ON THIS PAGE - Major events in Catherine's life in chronological order.
SUBPAGES - James Milford; Walter Goodman Jnr.
Links to other events are included in the story.
SUBPAGES - James Milford; Walter Goodman Jnr.
Links to other events are included in the story.
1831 Catherine McLaren Birth extract
Catherine McLaren's early years in Southend
Catherine McLaren was Malcolm McLaran and Margaret McQuilkan's elder daughter. She was born in Southend, Argyleshire, Scotland, in 1831 - see above.
Catherine McLaren's birth year varies between documents. Her death certificate (below) suggests she was born in 1825, but it is clear she was born on 19 Apr 1831.
The 1851 UK Census records Catherine McLaurine (SIC) (18) working as a cook at Lephenstrath, near Carskey. The previous census (1841) when she was eight, Catherine lived with her family at Feorline.
Catherine McLaren was Malcolm McLaran and Margaret McQuilkan's elder daughter. She was born in Southend, Argyleshire, Scotland, in 1831 - see above.
Catherine McLaren's birth year varies between documents. Her death certificate (below) suggests she was born in 1825, but it is clear she was born on 19 Apr 1831.
The 1851 UK Census records Catherine McLaurine (SIC) (18) working as a cook at Lephenstrath, near Carskey. The previous census (1841) when she was eight, Catherine lived with her family at Feorline.
1851 Catherine McLaren UK Census
1913 part Catherine McLaren death certificate
Catherine McLaren's years in Victoria
Catherine's death certificate states she spent five years in Victoria, suggesting that around 1854 or even earlier, she left Moreton Bay - perhaps for the excitement and promise of the Victorian goldfields, or to meet up with her cousins Donald, and Mary McLeoran, who arrived in Geelong 19 Nov 1856. There are several possibilities:
Whether Catherine travelled to Victoria in 1854 or in 1857, she had adequate time to meet and marry Walter Goodman and ample opportunity to meet up with her cousins in Geelong.
A certificate for the Goodman - McLaren marriage has proved elusive. The 1859 birth certificate for Catherine's second child, Malcolm Goodman, records an 1857 Melbourne marriage, however a formal marriage may never have taken place. Soon thereafter, the couple returned to England where their first child, Walter Goodman Junior, was born. (Walter Junior’s death certificate (Dalby, Mar 1912) contains reference to his birth in “the UK”, and suggests a birth date between Apr 1857 and Mar 1858.) It is possible that Walter Junior was born at sea on the trip to the UK.
Catherine McLaren's return to Moreton Bay
Catherine's marriage to Walter Goodman did not survive their return to England. Catherine abandoned her (possibly de facto or bigamous) husband and new-born infant son and returned alone and pregnant to Malcolm and Jane McLaran in Ipswich.
Her second son, Malcolm Goodman, was born in Ipswich on 2 Mar 1859. Jane McLaran delivered the child.
Catherine decided to name her second son after her father and he was duly baptised "Malcolm" by Rev. Dr Nelson on 17 Mar 1859. It seems Malcolm celebrated long and hard and appeared soon after in the Ipswich Court, charged with drunken behaviour.
Catherine's death certificate states she spent five years in Victoria, suggesting that around 1854 or even earlier, she left Moreton Bay - perhaps for the excitement and promise of the Victorian goldfields, or to meet up with her cousins Donald, and Mary McLeoran, who arrived in Geelong 19 Nov 1856. There are several possibilities:
- Catherine arrived in Victoria prior to her cousins - and may have encouraged their emigration;
- Catherine travelled to Victoria after Nov 1856 to visit or stay with her cousins;
- there was no communication between Catherine and her cousins;
- in 1913, informant son-in-law James Connell supplied approximate numbers of years to cover Catherine's time in Victoria (and UK) and Queensland, just ensuring they added up to 60.
Whether Catherine travelled to Victoria in 1854 or in 1857, she had adequate time to meet and marry Walter Goodman and ample opportunity to meet up with her cousins in Geelong.
A certificate for the Goodman - McLaren marriage has proved elusive. The 1859 birth certificate for Catherine's second child, Malcolm Goodman, records an 1857 Melbourne marriage, however a formal marriage may never have taken place. Soon thereafter, the couple returned to England where their first child, Walter Goodman Junior, was born. (Walter Junior’s death certificate (Dalby, Mar 1912) contains reference to his birth in “the UK”, and suggests a birth date between Apr 1857 and Mar 1858.) It is possible that Walter Junior was born at sea on the trip to the UK.
Catherine McLaren's return to Moreton Bay
Catherine's marriage to Walter Goodman did not survive their return to England. Catherine abandoned her (possibly de facto or bigamous) husband and new-born infant son and returned alone and pregnant to Malcolm and Jane McLaran in Ipswich.
Her second son, Malcolm Goodman, was born in Ipswich on 2 Mar 1859. Jane McLaran delivered the child.
Catherine decided to name her second son after her father and he was duly baptised "Malcolm" by Rev. Dr Nelson on 17 Mar 1859. It seems Malcolm celebrated long and hard and appeared soon after in the Ipswich Court, charged with drunken behaviour.
SPACE RESERVED FOR BIRTH CERTIFICATE WALTER GOODMAN JNR
Slideshow:
Malcolm Goodman's 1859 birth certificate provides a snapshot of the McLaran family in Ipswich:
- Possible departure of the Goodmans (2 entries for "W Goodman") from Melbourne on the London in Oct 1857.
- Malcolm Goodman's birth certificate part 1.
- Malcolm Goodman's birth certificate part 2.
- Rev Dr Nelson.
Malcolm Goodman's 1859 birth certificate provides a snapshot of the McLaran family in Ipswich:
- Walter Goodman worked as an "engineer" - he may have worked on steam engines.
- Catherine's age was recorded as "25" which is 3 years short of an estimate based on her birth certificate.
- Malcolm McLaran was working as a shepherd in the Ipswich area - which supports the Tarampa newspaper article on Malcom's page.
- Jane McLaran delivered the child, demonstrating midwifery experience.
- Malcolm was baptised by Rev Dr William Lambie Nelson, father of Hugh Nelson, future Queensland Premier and owner of Loudoun. (Rev Dr Nelson married Jane Rider and Thomas Huntley Brown in 1854, soon after his arrival in Ipswich.)
Mar 1859 Malcolm Goodman born in Ipswich
2 Mar 1859 Malcolm Goodman, Malcolm's daughter, Catherine, gave birth to her second son in Ipswich. The baby was delivered by Jane McLaren and was finally baptised by Rev Dr Nelson on 17 Mar 1859. Malcolm Goodman was named after Malcolm, who, it appears, celebrated appropriately:
2 Apr 1859 The Moreton Bay Courier
IPSWICH - GREAT TOTAL ABSTINENCE MEETING.
A LARGE meeting, which crammed the Court House, was held on Friday last. Dr. Challinor in the chair. Dr. Challinor, on opening the proceedings, said a Teetotal Society had been in existence some time, and the Committee think the time is arrived when it ought to be brought into notice in a more public manner.
Mr WELSBY then made a most eloquent appeal to his hearers, to become converted to the principles and practice of total abstinence. He declared himself to be a true disciple of Father Matthew as the taste of alcohol was unknown to him.
Dr. Challinor then introduced Mr. WARAKER, who advocated the cause in a very humorous speech, and showed that temperance was better for the body and mind; and ascribed the long catalogue of crime to the effects of drunkenness. He said if Punch were to come amongst us and give a picture of our national arms and motto, "advance Australia," he would sketch half a dozen men arm-in-arm, making in their walk a zigzag motion from right to left, with the words advance Australia, uttered with a hic-cup. He shewed the baneful effects of drink on this generation, as producing a set of ricketty, miserable children; and concluded by calling on the advocates of temperance to set an example and join the society.
Mr. H. M. REEVE made a speech, and strongly advised example as being better than precept, on which Mr. Waraker called on him to set the example, which Mr. Reeve did amidst much merriment, some dozen or more others joined, and the meeting separated, satisfied with having made a good beginning.
POLICE COURT. IPSWICH. FRIDAY, 25th.
Before the P.M, and Dr. Lucas. M. McLaren, for drunkenness on Sunday, fined 10s or 24 hours.
Comment
Malcolm Goodman was baptised at Ipswich Thursday 17 Mar 1859. The “offence” probably occurred on Sunday 20 Mar 1859, perhaps after several days of drinking. The local North Australian newspaper reported the man charged was a Malcolm McLennan but perhaps The Moreton Bay Courier named the right man.
2 Mar 1859 Malcolm Goodman, Malcolm's daughter, Catherine, gave birth to her second son in Ipswich. The baby was delivered by Jane McLaren and was finally baptised by Rev Dr Nelson on 17 Mar 1859. Malcolm Goodman was named after Malcolm, who, it appears, celebrated appropriately:
2 Apr 1859 The Moreton Bay Courier
IPSWICH - GREAT TOTAL ABSTINENCE MEETING.
A LARGE meeting, which crammed the Court House, was held on Friday last. Dr. Challinor in the chair. Dr. Challinor, on opening the proceedings, said a Teetotal Society had been in existence some time, and the Committee think the time is arrived when it ought to be brought into notice in a more public manner.
Mr WELSBY then made a most eloquent appeal to his hearers, to become converted to the principles and practice of total abstinence. He declared himself to be a true disciple of Father Matthew as the taste of alcohol was unknown to him.
Dr. Challinor then introduced Mr. WARAKER, who advocated the cause in a very humorous speech, and showed that temperance was better for the body and mind; and ascribed the long catalogue of crime to the effects of drunkenness. He said if Punch were to come amongst us and give a picture of our national arms and motto, "advance Australia," he would sketch half a dozen men arm-in-arm, making in their walk a zigzag motion from right to left, with the words advance Australia, uttered with a hic-cup. He shewed the baneful effects of drink on this generation, as producing a set of ricketty, miserable children; and concluded by calling on the advocates of temperance to set an example and join the society.
Mr. H. M. REEVE made a speech, and strongly advised example as being better than precept, on which Mr. Waraker called on him to set the example, which Mr. Reeve did amidst much merriment, some dozen or more others joined, and the meeting separated, satisfied with having made a good beginning.
POLICE COURT. IPSWICH. FRIDAY, 25th.
Before the P.M, and Dr. Lucas. M. McLaren, for drunkenness on Sunday, fined 10s or 24 hours.
Comment
Malcolm Goodman was baptised at Ipswich Thursday 17 Mar 1859. The “offence” probably occurred on Sunday 20 Mar 1859, perhaps after several days of drinking. The local North Australian newspaper reported the man charged was a Malcolm McLennan but perhaps The Moreton Bay Courier named the right man.
1863 Malcolm McLaran and family moved to Dalby
Four years later, around 1863, the McLaran family moved permanently from Ipswich to Dalby, where sons Donald and Duncan had lived for many years. There - unless they had met earlier in Ipswich - Catherine met and married James Milford.
Four years later, around 1863, the McLaran family moved permanently from Ipswich to Dalby, where sons Donald and Duncan had lived for many years. There - unless they had met earlier in Ipswich - Catherine met and married James Milford.
1864 Part Milford - McLaren/Goodman wedding certificate
27 Jul 1864 Milford - McLaren wedding
James and Catherine married on 27 Jul 1864. Neither Catherine's previous marriage to Walter Goodman or James's previous marriage to Elizabeth Brown presented an impediment to the union. Both parties had been separated from their previous spouses for more than 5 years. On the certificate, James was described as a bachelor & Catherine (the "Goodman" entry appears to be an afterthought written in a different hand) a spinster. But in a later margin note, F.W. Roche declared Catherine to be a widow. This may have been a convenient explanation to exonerate Roche of responsibility.
James and Catherine married on 27 Jul 1864. Neither Catherine's previous marriage to Walter Goodman or James's previous marriage to Elizabeth Brown presented an impediment to the union. Both parties had been separated from their previous spouses for more than 5 years. On the certificate, James was described as a bachelor & Catherine (the "Goodman" entry appears to be an afterthought written in a different hand) a spinster. But in a later margin note, F.W. Roche declared Catherine to be a widow. This may have been a convenient explanation to exonerate Roche of responsibility.
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The Growing Milford Family
In their first 8 years of marriage, James and Catherine had 3 sons and 2 daughters. Their first son, James, was born soon after the wedding. None of Catherine's first 3 sons - Walter Goodman Junior, Malcolm Goodman or James Milford - had issue. Malcolm died in childhood, aged only 10. James married late in life aged 52, soon after his father's death. Henry Milford lived his early years around Dalby but spent much of his life in Bell. He married and had 4 daughters. Henry's obituary indicates that the Milford Family lived in Bell during the 1870's - he attended school at Bell in these years. Donald Milford and his wife lived out their days in Dalby and had a large family of 12 children. Emma Milford lived at Warra and married twice. She had 6 children. Catherine spent her final days with Emma. One of Emma's sons, Malcolm Dittman, was known as "Callum" in the family tradition. Catherine Milford married into the musical (band music) Ryan family and they lived in Ipswich. She had 3 sons and 2 daughters. In 1907, the last of the 27 Milford grandchildren was born. |
The children of Catherine McLaren.
Ryan family cornet players
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4 Dec 1869 Death of Malcolm Goodman
A year after the unfortunate death of Jane McLaran, Malcolm Goodman died of "inflammation of the spine". Part of Malcolm's death certificate is show above and it reveals the following:
A year after the unfortunate death of Jane McLaran, Malcolm Goodman died of "inflammation of the spine". Part of Malcolm's death certificate is show above and it reveals the following:
- Malcolm died at Myall Creek, not Dalby, suggesting that Malcolm (10) may have been living with (and perhaps looking after) his grandfather, Malcolm McLaran (70), on the farm five km downstream from Dalby township. Perhaps Malcolm was visiting his grandfather or was estranged from his stepfather. The Milford family had grown to five children by Dec 1869 and Malcolm was five years older than his closest sibling.
- Walter Goodman Senior's occupation had changed from "engineer" in Malcolm's 1859 birth certificate, to "publican". This suggests a correspondence or communication between Catherine and her former (possibly de facto) husband, who perhaps was still alive in 1869.
- Malcolm contracted "inflammation of the spine" and died within several days. Perhaps the disease was Osteomyelitis with Group B streptococcal infection.
1876 Arrival of Walter Goodman Jnr
Catherine and her Milford family met her son Walter for the first time in 1876.
Catherine and her Milford family met her son Walter for the first time in 1876.
1880 Pinkney Wormwell - a fixture in the lives of the McLarans
10 Apr 1880 Dalby Herald
Accident at Dalby.
We regret to have to record a severe accident has happened to Mr. Pinkney Wormwell, a well-known selector of our district, last evening. Mr. Wormwell was riding near the Old Greenbank Hotel, when his horse suddenly started and threw him off against a buggy that was standing by the house. Mr. Wormwell sustained a concussion of the brain, and dreadful injury to the face, his nose being smashed. He was immediately picked up and taken into Mr. Milford's residence, and Dr. Crosby was sent for. This gentleman was prompt in his attendance and did what was necessary for his patient. The doctor has hopes of his recovery, though the sufferer is in a dangerous condition.
Comment
10 Apr 1880 Dalby Herald
Accident at Dalby.
We regret to have to record a severe accident has happened to Mr. Pinkney Wormwell, a well-known selector of our district, last evening. Mr. Wormwell was riding near the Old Greenbank Hotel, when his horse suddenly started and threw him off against a buggy that was standing by the house. Mr. Wormwell sustained a concussion of the brain, and dreadful injury to the face, his nose being smashed. He was immediately picked up and taken into Mr. Milford's residence, and Dr. Crosby was sent for. This gentleman was prompt in his attendance and did what was necessary for his patient. The doctor has hopes of his recovery, though the sufferer is in a dangerous condition.
Comment
- Pinkney Wormwell recovered from this and many other horse/"horse-and-hotel" related accidents.
- Pinkney and his family persevered on the land at Kupunn and further west and eventually prospered.
- The Old Greenbank Hotel was originally the residence of the Ross Family (whose lives are interwoven with the McLarans and the Browns and the Kennedys) and was on the western end of Condamine Street, on the old road to Greenbank.
- The Milfords lived in Condamine Street in the vicinity of the Old Greenbank Hotel around this time.
1913 Death of Catherine McLaren
There appears to be no mention of Catherine in the newspapers or official documents between December 1868 (death of Jane McLaran) and August 1913. Henry Milford's (1866 - 1939) obituary implies the Milford family lived in Bell in the 1870's.
On 30 Jul 1913 Catherine passed away at Warra and this simple obituary was published in the Dalby Herald.
2 Aug 1913 Dalby Herald
OBITUARY. Mrs Milford, a very old resident of Dalby, died at Warra on Thursday, after a prolonged illness. Her age was about 88 years. The remains were brought into Dalby yesterday for interment in the Iocal cemetery. Messrs Murdoch and Johnson were undertakers.
A more detailed and accurate obituary
This pioneering lady who contributed to the Dalby community for 50 years, was deserving of an obituary along these lines:
Mrs Catherine Milford, a Dalby resident of 50 years, passed away in the care of her daughter, Mrs Emma Connell, at Warra on 30 Jul 1913, aged 82. She was the eldest child of Malcolm McLaran to emigrate from Scotland in 1853. She was the final survivor of the family group which consisted of her father, her step-mother, 3 brothers and a sister. Her brother Donald McLaran, of Victoria Park, Kupunn, predeceased her by 10 months.
Shortly after arriving in the colony, Catherine joined the rush to the Victorian goldfields where she met Mr. Walter Goodman. They married in Melbourne in 1857 and returned to the UK for the birth to her their first son, Walter Goodman Jnr. Pregnant with her second child, Catherine returned alone to Australia, leaving the infant Walter and her husband in the UK. Her second son, Malcolm Goodman, was born in Ipswich in 1859.
At the height of the Queensland depression in 1863, Catherine came to Dalby with Mr. & Mrs. McLaran and in 1864 married Mr. James Milford, a local cabinetmaker. She is survived by her husband of almost 50 years, her five Milford children and their numerous descendants.
Malcolm Goodman contracted fever and died aged 10.
Catherine determinedly maintained contact with Walter Goodman Jnr. in England, and in 1876, after 18 long years of separation, they were reunited in Dalby. Walter passed away in 1912.
Throughout her many years, Catherine never hesitated to take bold, life-changing decisions. In this regard, she had much in common with her father and her siblings, Donald, Duncan, Margaret, and Alexander. She was buried to the rites of the Presbyterian Church.
There appears to be no mention of Catherine in the newspapers or official documents between December 1868 (death of Jane McLaran) and August 1913. Henry Milford's (1866 - 1939) obituary implies the Milford family lived in Bell in the 1870's.
On 30 Jul 1913 Catherine passed away at Warra and this simple obituary was published in the Dalby Herald.
2 Aug 1913 Dalby Herald
OBITUARY. Mrs Milford, a very old resident of Dalby, died at Warra on Thursday, after a prolonged illness. Her age was about 88 years. The remains were brought into Dalby yesterday for interment in the Iocal cemetery. Messrs Murdoch and Johnson were undertakers.
A more detailed and accurate obituary
This pioneering lady who contributed to the Dalby community for 50 years, was deserving of an obituary along these lines:
Mrs Catherine Milford, a Dalby resident of 50 years, passed away in the care of her daughter, Mrs Emma Connell, at Warra on 30 Jul 1913, aged 82. She was the eldest child of Malcolm McLaran to emigrate from Scotland in 1853. She was the final survivor of the family group which consisted of her father, her step-mother, 3 brothers and a sister. Her brother Donald McLaran, of Victoria Park, Kupunn, predeceased her by 10 months.
Shortly after arriving in the colony, Catherine joined the rush to the Victorian goldfields where she met Mr. Walter Goodman. They married in Melbourne in 1857 and returned to the UK for the birth to her their first son, Walter Goodman Jnr. Pregnant with her second child, Catherine returned alone to Australia, leaving the infant Walter and her husband in the UK. Her second son, Malcolm Goodman, was born in Ipswich in 1859.
At the height of the Queensland depression in 1863, Catherine came to Dalby with Mr. & Mrs. McLaran and in 1864 married Mr. James Milford, a local cabinetmaker. She is survived by her husband of almost 50 years, her five Milford children and their numerous descendants.
Malcolm Goodman contracted fever and died aged 10.
Catherine determinedly maintained contact with Walter Goodman Jnr. in England, and in 1876, after 18 long years of separation, they were reunited in Dalby. Walter passed away in 1912.
Throughout her many years, Catherine never hesitated to take bold, life-changing decisions. In this regard, she had much in common with her father and her siblings, Donald, Duncan, Margaret, and Alexander. She was buried to the rites of the Presbyterian Church.
Post 1913 Events involving Catherine's grandchildren
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July 1913 The Dalby Herald - Gaslight Sports in Dalby
Gaslight Sports was a short-lived sponsored running meet that commenced in Jun 1913 on a field near the Windsor Hotel. Two ill-fated descendants of Malcolm McLaran, each cut down in the prime of his life, were listed for events held on 12 Jul 1913: - Great grandson Walter Milford 1896 - 1915 (or it may have been his older brother, William Milford 1891 - 1966) - Grandson Lewis Archibald McLaran 1891 - 1918 Both runners were on rather generous handicaps for 75 yard events suggesting they were unfancied starters. Other runners of interest were: The Lynagh brothers: A. Lynagh (Alban Edward Lynagh 1891 - 1936), who married Walter's sister Mary Milford, and Alban's brothers, W. Lynagh (William Lynagh 1896 - 1957) and L. Lynagh (Lawrence Lynagh 1898 - 1959). The Busiko brothers: E. Busiko (Edwin Busiko 1896 - 1943) and J. Busiko (John Busiko 1898 - 1918), brothers of Elizabeth Busiko (1892 - 1981), wife of Henry Milford (1890 - 1975), son of Donald Milford (1867 - 1945). John Busiko also died in World War 1. |
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July 1913 Gaslight Sports in Dalby - the results
The Dalby Herald report on the Gaslight Sports held on 12 Jul 1913: Walter Milford 4th Heat - 1st; 1st Semi-Final - 2nd; Final - unplaced Lewis McLaran - failed to progress beyond his heat A. Lynagh 1st Heat - 1st; Semi-Final - unplaced W. Lynagh and L. Lynagh - failed to progress beyond heat E. Busiko 5th Heat - 1st; failed to progress beyond semi-final J. Busiko - failed to progress beyond his heat Comment Sprint races were a popular past-time of the era. Well known Dalby hairdresser and McLaran neighbour, Bill Winchester, competed regularly and he wore very smart silk outfits - according to Mrs Winchester. |
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Dec 1914 A fatal parental permission.
Donald Milford and his wife Martha gave their written permission for their son, Walter, to join the AIF. Within 8 months, Walter was buried in Plot 3 Row F Grave 6, Shrapnel Valley Cemetery Gallipoli. Walter's older brother, Henry (Harry) Milford also fought and was wounded at Gallipoli. William Milford enlisted 4 days after the death of his younger brother, Walter. Martha Milford received a pension of £13 pa following Walter's death and in 1922 the government sent her 3 copies of a photograph of Walter's grave. See World War 1 soldiers page. |
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1916 Harry Milford wrote to his mother from Egypt
4 Mar 1916 The Dalby Herald
A SOLDIER'S LETTER.
Private Harry Milford, of the Machine gun section of the 15th Battalion, writes from Egypt to his mother in Dalby, under date of January 12, as follows:
You will know by the time you get this that we have left the Dardanelles and now we are on ___ (censored). We landed here on December 31, and we are expecting a big battle here shortly. We are well prepared and will give the Turks some of what they gave us at Gallipoli. We had a hard time of it on the Peninsula, and I think it was best to get out of it altogether. We had a very poor Xmas. We got our billy cans all right and that cheered us up a little, but it was pretty hard to have to eat bully beef and biscuits for Christmas dinner. This is the second Xmas we have had on the water, and I hope the next one will be in Australia. I have met a lot of Dalby boys over here, and some of them are in the 31st Battalion not far from us.
We are all about run down and I think it is about up to them to give all the old hands a trip back to Australia. The sand here is awful; and we can't eat anything but it is half full of sand. We are right out in the sandy desert waiting for Johnny Turk to come along. I have had some narrow shaves since I came back from England and have been in places where a bird could not fly without being hit by a bullet, and men have been falling all around me. I thought I would never get out alive. I am in the best of health and will be going into Cairo in a few days. My letters have been going astray and I have only received one since I left England.
4 Mar 1916 The Dalby Herald
A SOLDIER'S LETTER.
Private Harry Milford, of the Machine gun section of the 15th Battalion, writes from Egypt to his mother in Dalby, under date of January 12, as follows:
You will know by the time you get this that we have left the Dardanelles and now we are on ___ (censored). We landed here on December 31, and we are expecting a big battle here shortly. We are well prepared and will give the Turks some of what they gave us at Gallipoli. We had a hard time of it on the Peninsula, and I think it was best to get out of it altogether. We had a very poor Xmas. We got our billy cans all right and that cheered us up a little, but it was pretty hard to have to eat bully beef and biscuits for Christmas dinner. This is the second Xmas we have had on the water, and I hope the next one will be in Australia. I have met a lot of Dalby boys over here, and some of them are in the 31st Battalion not far from us.
We are all about run down and I think it is about up to them to give all the old hands a trip back to Australia. The sand here is awful; and we can't eat anything but it is half full of sand. We are right out in the sandy desert waiting for Johnny Turk to come along. I have had some narrow shaves since I came back from England and have been in places where a bird could not fly without being hit by a bullet, and men have been falling all around me. I thought I would never get out alive. I am in the best of health and will be going into Cairo in a few days. My letters have been going astray and I have only received one since I left England.