Shamrocks For a Hero - Part 3

 

The Rogue, the Archbishop and the Shamrocks

John Wren 
(1871-1953)
AWM P01383.018

In his 1990 contribution to the Australian Dictionary of Biography, James Griffin describes John Wren as an entrepreneur. More recently, Melbourne Murder Tours chose to label Wren as a Victorian Gangster and a prominent member of the Pony Track Gang.  Australian author, Frank Hardy, having published his fictionalised account of John Wren's life in the novel Power Without Glory, found himself in court being sued by the Wren Family. Apparently, the fictionalised version was too close for comfort.

Whatever the truth is around the nature and conduct of Wren's business activities, there appears to be little doubt that he was a strong Irish Catholic and benefactor of the poor. He was involved in gambling, the owner of race tracks and race horses, a boxing promoter, newspaper owner, land speculator and much more. He was wealthy and had some influence in political circles.

Daniel Mannix
(1864-1963)
Australian Dictionary
of Biography

Daniel Mannix was born in Ireland in March 1864. His parents, Timothy and Ellen, were very devout Catholics and, although not wealthy, were able to ensure their children received a solid education. Receiving his doctorate of divinity in 1895,  he moved directly to a lectureship in philosophy and held the chair of theology at St Patrick's College, Maynooth.

Mannix was appointed as Archbishop of Melbourne in 1912, arriving to an approving welcome in the Easter of 1913. With the outbreak of war in 1914, Mannix drew attention as an opponent of Billy Hughes' conscription referendum and was sympathetic to the sentiments behind the 1916 Easter Rising in Ireland. It was also during the war years that he gained the friendship and support of a       prominent local Irish Catholic businessman, John Wren.

"Raheen", Melbourne

Of course, it was pure coincidence (it was - surely?) that these two influential members of Melbourne society should find themselves living opposite each other, the churchman in "Raheen" and the entrepreneur in "Studley House". Both men were in the habit of walking to work, the one to an office in the city, the other to St Patrick's Cathedral, frequently together.

"Studley House", Melbourne

It is at this point that our narrative must give mention to the 1918 St Patrick's Day celebrations in Melbourne. In March 1918 the war was still raging, particularly on the Western Front, and the Easter Rising in Ireland of 1916 was still fresh and raw to those of Irish Catholic heritage. To others, the Rising was a treacherous and treasonable act, justly suppressed by the British. Of course, it would have been obvious that an Irish Catholic parade celebrating an Irish Catholic saint was going to have symbols referencing the 1916 Rising, and it did. Reports indicate that Sinn Fein flags and other "seditious and treasonable emblems" had been a strong feature of the Parade. The Dubbo Liberal and Macquarie Advocate of Tuesday, March 26, 1918, had much to say on the topic and was baying for the blood of Dr Mannix:

"The growing feeling of unrest and irritation caused throughout the Commonwealth by the seditious utterances of Dr Mannix.....culminated in Melbourne on Thursday in a citizens' demonstration of protest in the Melbourne Town Hall.......Scattered about among the audience were a few women who wore Sinn Fein colours openly, while some well-known representatives of the Peace Society were also there. Ill feeling ran high, and women armed with hat-pins, to which were attached the Sinn Fein colours, attempted to stab other women. Numbers were forcibly removed..."

The Lord Mayor of Melbourne, totally blind-sided by the unexpected display of "disloyal" emblems, was not in the least disposed to grant permission for the next St Patrick's day march in 1919. His position was simplified, in a manner of speaking, with the return of troops and, with them, the arrival of the Spanish Flu. The 1919 St Patrick's march did not happen! The 1920 procession, however, was a totally different story!

The 1920 St Patrick's Day parade was to be one of the first, perhaps even the first, large public gathering in Melbourne since the end of the war. The flu epidemic was over and the majority of troops had returned home.. There was cause to have a celebration and John Wren was determined that St Patrick's Day would do the job.

Plans to hold the parade were strongly opposed by groups such as The Ulster & Loyal Irishmen's Association and the Women's National League and strong representations were made to the City Council to ban the parade. Wren, with a typical stroke of genius, formed a Parade Committee strongly laced with veterans and Victoria Cross recipients, one of whom was Maurice Buckley.

"Wren and his Parade Committee promised that there would be no disloyal display or official recognition of Sinn Fein and assured the Council that the British flag would be at the head of the display.

Maurice Buckley VC DCM was a member of the committee and made a remarkable gesture. Referring to his Victoria Cross he said: 'This cross is my most treasured possession, yet I will pledge it to you now that we will abide by your ruling loyally.' The Lord Mayor, Cr Aikman, replied: 'Your gesture satisfies me that loyal and true Australians will take part in the celebrations.'

Perhaps what was more important to Buckley and his comrades was the knowledge that veterans of the war would be marching together for the first time since the end of the war. More than 10,000 veterans marched in the parade, watched by 120,000 cheering supporters lining the route." (History Teachers Association of Victoria - Agora magazine 2020 - full article here)

12  VC's with Mannix & Wren. Buckley
is  standing directly behind and between
Mannix & Wren

The parade in progress

The parade was a resounding success, made all the more memorable by the spectacle of Mannix and Wren waving royally from an open limousine and escorted by 14 Victoria Cross recipients, all mounted on magnificent white horses. As promised, there were no disloyal displays. However, one report suggests that a casual observer would have had some difficulty seeking out a British flag.

As previously mentioned, John Wren had been supportive of returned soldiers. He had, in fact, provided financial backing to Albert Jacka to assist his entry into a business venture. He also funded Maurice Buckley as he commenced a road contracting business in country Victoria (SMH May 30, 2009 Ben Doherty).

In mid January 1921, Buckley's risk taking brought him undone. Following a dare and a bet while working at Boolarra, Buckley jumped his horse over some railway gates. Not satisfied that he had proven the point, he then attempted a second jump. Unfortunately his horse had had enough and Buckley was thrown, apparently hitting his head on the gates and road. He remounted, but was latter found unconscious on the Gunya Road. Taken to hospital, he fought on for 12 days, but died on January 27. He was 29 years old.

Buckley's funeral was a substantial affair. Although not quite the spectacle that was seen at the St Patrick's Parade the previous year, it was a major event. A gun carriage, complete with mounted troopers, was provided by the Army. Brigadier General Brand, under whom Buckley had served, ordered that as many 4th Brigade men as possible should attend. Ten Victoria Cross recipients were pall bearers and included Captain Albert Jacka, Captain F H McNamara, Captain R Grieve, Captain W J Symons, Lt R V Moon, LT J Rogers, , Lt W Ruthven, Lt G M Ingram, Lt W Dunstan and Sergeant W Peeler.

Maurice Buckley's funeral procession

A full Requiem Mass was conducted at St Patrick's Cathedral with many clergy officiating. The Cathedral was full and hundreds of mourners gathered outside. Past pupils of Christian Brothers' School, Abbotsford, formed a guard of honour. Attending veterans numbered more than 500.

The Adelaide Southern Cross newspaper, quoting from the "Catholic Press" reported on Friday 25 February 1921, in the following terms:

At St Patrick's Cathedral on the day of Sergeant Buckley's funeral, just as the last blessing had been given to all that was mortal of the brave soldier, a kindly hand quietly placed a bunch of shamrocks, tied with the green, white and gold colours of the Irish Republic upon the coffin; another sympathiser quickly transferred it to the head and fastened it there by the tricolour ribbons, so that when the wreaths and flowers were removed from the coffin, to be placed in the floral car, there was such difficulty in detaching the shamrocks that they were allowed to remain, then it was covered with the Union Jack - that faithful little bunch of shamrocks accompanied the dead hero right to the end of life's sad closing chapter. It still clung to the coffin at the brink of the grave as the flag of the British Empire was finally removed, and the cherished remains of one of Australia's bravest sons were laid to rest. May the same dear little shamrock keep ever green his hallowed memory until the shadows break and "Angel faces smile, that we have loved long since and lost the while".

Maurice Vincent Buckley VC, DCM, was interred with other members of his family, including his brother, Gerald, whose name he had borrowed to rejoin the army in 1916.

It is not known whose "kindly hand" placed the shamrocks upon Buckley's coffin. Perhaps his mother; perhaps some recent lover; perhaps Violet Hewitt, whose husband's body Buckley had identified on the battlefields of the Western Front. We will never know, but it is something to reflect upon that the small bunch of shamrocks rests with Maurice in the grave on the left.

               

 

Shamrocks For a Hero - Part 1

Ernest Hewitt - Missing "No Further Information"!

On the 27th of November, 1917, Mrs Violet Hewitt penned these words addressed to Major Osbourne, Base Records:

"Dear Sir, 
 I would be very pleased if you could furnish any further information regarding my husband
No. 5839
Corp Ernest Hewitt
20 Btn
5 Brigade
AIF
Officially reported missing 9/10/17.
Thanking you in anticipation
I Remain
Yours sincerely
(Mrs) E. Hewitt"

The mail seemed to be more reliable back then, even with the demands of war. The reply from Base Records was prepared just a few days later, on the 1st of December, 1917.

"Dear Madam,
In acknowledging receipt of your letter dated 27th ultimo, I regret there is no further information available regarding your husband, No. 5839 Corporal E Hewitt, 20th Battalion, who is posted missing 9/10/17.
The Authorities Overseas are doing everything possible to trace the members of the Force so reported, and immediately anything definite is known in connection with the above-named soldier you will be advised.
Your change of address is noted.
Yours faithfully,
(signature unclear) Major
Officer i/c Base Records"

Ernest Hewitt was born in June 1890, the third son of Walter and Julia Hewitt, of Leytonstone, Essex, England. He attended a local school and later gained military experience while serving with the Essex Territorial Army.

At the age of 18, Hewitt migrated to Australia and began a new life living in the Sydney suburb of Marrickville, where he was employed as an iron worker. In 1913 he married Violet Ward, and the couple would go on to have two children together, Richard in 1914 and Maie in early 1917.

Hewitt enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force in March 1916 and joined the 20th Infantry Battalion. Following a period of training, Hewitt embarked for England, leaving behind his infant son, Richard and his young wife, Violet, who was pregnant with their second child. Arriving in England in November, 1916, Hewitt undertook more intensive training for several months, gaining promotion in the process. In September 1917 he left England for the Western Front, joining his unit as it was resting behind the lines in the Ypres region of Belgium.

Hewitt's first experience of a major battle came on the 4th of October 1917. He took part in the battle of Broodseinde in which four Anzac divisions sought to capture the high ground held by German forces. The attack was ultimately successful, but at a cost of over 8000 Anzac casualties. His next experience was only a few days away!

On the 9th of October 1917 British and Anzac forces were ordered to attack along a 12 kilometre front towards the town of Passchendaele. In appalling conditions, Australian forces
managed to reach some of their objectives, but were driven back by German defences. The failed attack cost over 1200 Australian casualties, amongst them was Ernest Hewitt, originally reported as missing in action. He had been at the front for just 15 days.

(NB: The description of Ernest Hewitt's service above has been borrowed, and slightly adapted, from the script of an Australian War Memorial Last Post Ceremony conducted on 25 October 2019. Thanks and acknowledgement must be given to the Memorial's Last Post staff, particularly David Sutton, Historian, Military History Section, AWM, author of the script, who together do so much to fulfill Memorial objectives. The full original Ceremony may be viewed here.)

Like a great many other Australian wives, young Violet Hewitt, together with her infant children, waited fearfully for news of her husband. Attempting valiantly to maintain a semblance of security and normality in her Marrickville home, for her own sake as well as for her babies, the doubt and uncertainty would have weakened her strength and resolve. Her letter to Base Records, quoted above, was an attempt to do something, to take some control by chipping away at the barriers of a bureaucracy overwhelmed by the demands suddenly thrust upon them. Little did Violet know, however, that as she composed and posted that letter, the information she sought would soon arrive, albeit from a totally unknown and unexpected source.

While the attack towards Passchendaele on 9 October 1917 included large numbers of Australian troops, there were many units held in reserve or resting. One of those units was the 13th Battalion who, at the time, was resting and training on the outskirts of Ypres. Over the next few days the 13th transitioned towards the front and, on the 18th of October, it relieved the 15th Battalion in the front line at Zonnebeke. Included in their number was a Private Gerald Sexton, a member of D Company.

The 13th Battalion remained at the front line until the evening of the 21st of October. During that time they were involved in constant patrolling in small groups, usually at night, seeking out enemy movements and locating their dispositions. These patrols intersected much of the ground covered by the 20th Battalion during the action on the 9th of October. It was during one such patrol, between the evening of the 18th and the early morning of the 20th, that Private Gerald Sexton discovered the body of Ernest Hewitt. Having found correspondence and photographs that identified Hewitt and his family, Sexton felt obliged to write to Violet Hewitt and did so on the 1st of November. We have a transcript of the letter (courtesy of Violet), so perhaps we'll let Sexton describe events in his own words:

" 1-11-17

Somewhere in France

Approx. location of Hewitt's body

D Company

13th Battn

AIF

No. 6594

Mrs Hewitt

Dear Madam,

It is with regret that I write to you, telling you the sad news of your husband's death (Corpl Hewitt). I don't know whether you have been informed of his death or whether he has been posted missing.

I am very sorry to say that he was killed in the big advance somewhere about 15/10/17 at - I cannot say at present but will tell you later. My mate and myself found your husband's body on the field of battle and in his tunic pockets were the photos enclosed.

We buried him where he fell and fixed his grave and planted a little wooden cross over it the best we could as there was a heavy bombardment on at the time. I don't know whether I am doing right or not in writing you madam but I think it my duty and in closing accept my deepest sympathy in your sad bereavement.

From

Pte G. Sexton"

Mail from The Front to Sydney, Australia, did not travel quickly. Air transport did not exist, leaving sea travel the only means of transportation over long distances. Nevertheless, Violet Hewitt received Sexton's letter, relatively smartly, just after Christmas 1917, on the 27th of December. Emotions would have been very mixed as Violet read Sexton's words. Shock, grief, anger and, finally, perhaps relief as she realised her uncertainty had finally ended. Nevertheless, she had work to do in order to settle the matter once and for all. Violet penned another letter to Base Records.

"41 Despointes St

Marrickville

Sydney

Jan. 7th

To The Officer in Charge,

Since receiving official news from the Military to the effect that my husband No 5839 Corp Ernest Hewitt 20th Battn 5th Brigade was reported missing 9/10/17 I wish to inform you that on 27/12/17, I received a letter from Somewhere-in-France from a young soldier of the 13th Battn, stating that he buried my husband Corp Hewitt somewhere about 15/10/17. I believe this to be true as the photos enclosed belonged to my husband. I may say I am more than grateful to this young soldier. But for his kindness in writing me I would still have been in ignorance regarding my husband, who is still posted missing. I also received another letter from one of my husband's friends stating that he was sure Ernest never came out of the first objective when the Battn was relieved. So sir I think it time the Military had some definite news as uncertainty and suspense is very worrying. I am enclosing, sir, a copy of the letter I received.

I took the letter and photos to the barracks here and the officer advised me to write you. He took a copy of same to send 'Base Records' but advised me to write you as well.

I remain sir

Yours in Anticipation

(Mrs) Violet Hewitt

41 Despointes St 

Marrickville

PS The soldier who wrote was quite a stranger to both myself and husband. V.H."

 

The matter was investigated by the authorities, although it still took some time. The Red Cross Wounded and Missing helped a little and attempts were made to further interview Private Gerald Sexton. Finally, in late April 1918, official confirmation of Hewitt's death - killed in action on the 9th of October 1917 -  was received by Violet. She could now get on with her life.

Violet remarried in 1920 when she met Stuart Small, also a Marrickville resident. Her children, Richard and Maie got on with their lives in the security of their new family situation. Both eventually married and Richard served in the 2nd AIF during the Second World War.

There is an interesting side bar to this story. The Sydney suburb of Marrickville is about 7 km from the city center. Its southern boundary is the misnamed Cooke's River and the eastern edge is constantly - these days - under assault from Sydney International Airport. During the years of the First World War, Marrickville was one of the more densely populated Sydney suburbs. Some 4000 locals enlisted and 458 failed to come home. The local council, supported by its citizens, erected a large monument to commemorate and remember the fallen. Featuring an imposing sculpture of Nike, the Winged Goddess of Victory, it was - and remains - an impressive feature reaching skyward for about 12 meters and records the names of all who died. As a result of damage, the original sculpture has been replaced with something less likely to suffer damage. That first piece was donated to the Australian War Memorial and can now be viewed in the First World War gallery. You can read the story of the monument here and here . Ernest Hewitt's name is one of those remembered on the memorial.

 

(Next in Part 2 - Who is Gerald Sexton?)

Original Marrickville sculpture now in
Australian War Memorial

 

One of the plaques on the Marrickville Memorial.
Hewitt's name is on right, 2nd from bottom. 

 

Shamrocks for a Hero - Part 2

Who is Gerald Sexton?

On the 18th of December, 1914, a young Coach Trimmer from Hawthorn in Melbourne walked into a recruiting office and enlisted in the 13th Light Horse Regiment. This new recruit, although having had no military experience or training, was readily accepted, eventually being posted to B Squadron of the 13th on the 29th of March 1915. His parents were Timothy and Agnes Buckley, of MacArthur St Malvern, also a Melbourne suburb. Born on April 13,1891, he was one of a family of five sons and two daughters. His name was Maurice Vincent Buckley.

Buckley, as it turned out, was not a great acquisition for the 13th Light Horse. Although he made it as far as Suez, departing from Sydney in late June 1915, he was frequently AWOL, eventually reporting sick with what turned out to be venereal disease. As a consequence of both his behavior and the disease he was shipped back to Australia, arriving in Melbourne in late September that same year. In late March 1916, having been declared a deserter, Buckley was struck off the strength and discharged. An ignoble end to a barely begun military journey!

Buckley, keen to be part of the "big adventure", was not yet finished! Realising that his chances were not good if he re-enlisted under his real name, he borrowed his mother's maiden name and the name of a deceased brother. On the 6th of May 1916, No. 6594 Private Gerald Sexton, 13th Battalion, was born. It is also how, by this convoluted pathway, Sexton finds himself burying the body of Ernest Hewitt in October 1917 and subsequently writing to Hewitt's wife, Violet, with the sad news of her husband's fate (see Part 1). 

Soldiering the second time around proved a much happier experience for both the AIF and Sexton/Buckley. Although continuing to be plagued by ongoing infections of venereal disease, Sexton, as he was known, was doing well and winning promotion. Having passed through the ranks of Lance Corporal to Corporal to Temporary Sergeant, his promotion to Sergeant was confirmed in Battalion Routine Order No.67 (AWM4-23/30/47Part2) and dated with effect from 28/8/1918. 

The confirmation to Sergeant, however, may have been encouraged by Sexton's work on the 8th of August, 1918, in the Morcourt area. The London Gazette of 5 December 1918 announced the awarding of the Distinguished Conduct Medal (DCM) to Sexton/Buckley. The citation, in describing his actions, says, in part:

"On four separate occasions his company was suddenly confronted by enemy machine-gun fire. On each occasion this NCO in charge of a Lewis-Gun section brought his gun into action with great promptitude, quickly silencing the opposition. On one occasion, in some tall crops, he stood up in full view of the enemy, firing from the hip until he had put the enemy machine gun out of action. Throughout the day he displayed initiative combined with coolness."

Continuing to serve under the name of Gerald Sexton, Buckley was soon to become a legend. In a major attack on the 18th of September 1918, approximately 25 kilometres northwest of Saint-Quentin, enemy machine guns were making things extremely difficult for the Australian 13th Battalion.  Then Buckley got to work! This work is best described in a citation prepared just five days later.

"In the attack near Le Verguier, North-West of St Quentin, on the 18th of September 1918, Sgt Sexton displayed the most conspicuous bravery and performed deeds which, apart from their gallant nature, were in a great measure responsible for the Battalion's success.

First World War Lewis Gun(Wikipedia)

On the Southern edge of the village of Le Verguier the enemy fought hard and serious opposition had to be crushed. During the whole period of the advance, Sgt Sexton was to the fore dealing with enemy machine guns by firing from the hip as he advanced, rushing enemy posts, and performing feats of bravery and endurance which are better appreciated when one realises that all the time he fired his Lewis gun from the hip without faltering or for a moment taking cover.

Immediately the attack commenced, Sgt Sexton's Lewis Gun Section was confronted by an enemy M.G. He called out to his section to follow, rushed the M.G. and killed the crew. He then called out to the rest of the Company to follow, but they had not gone far when they encountered some bombers and riflemen about 70 yards in front of the Company. Sexton rushed the trench, firing his gun from the hip, and killed or took prisoner all the members of the post. Continuing, he entered a copse and killed or took prisoner another party of the enemy.

The advance continued over the ridge at Le Verguier to where Sexton was met by Lieut. Price who pointed out a party of the enemy manning a bank, and a field gun in action which was causing casualties and holding up a company. There was also a trench mortar in action. Sgt Sexton did not wait but firing a few short bursts as he advanced, and calling out to his section to follow, rushed down the bank and killed the gunners on the field gun. Dashing out on to a flat under fire from two hostile machine guns directed on him, he killed 12 more of the enemy. Paying no heed to the machine gun fire he returned to the bank and after firing down some dugouts induced about 30 of the enemy to surrender.

Owing to his action the company on the left of the Battalion was able to continue the advance where they had definitely been held up and were suffering from the effects of the field gun. When the advance was continued from the first to the second objective, the Company was again held up by two machine guns on the right and one on the left. In conjunction with a platoon, Sexton engaged the machine gun on the left, firing all the while from the upright position, a fearless figure which, according to eyewitnesses inspired everyone. (To have taken cover would have been more prudent, but Sexton realised that prompt action was essential and did not await to assume the prone position.) Silencing this gun he turned his attention to the two machine guns on the right and silenced them. He then moved forward to the trench, killing quite a number of the enemy and advancing along a sap took a few prisoners. Further on he was responsible for a few more small posts, and,on the final objective, being given a responsible post on the left of the company, he engaged a machine gun which was firing across the company front, and thus enabled the company to dig in. This completed he went forward down a sunken road and captured several more prisoners.

I recommend this most gallant NCO for the award of Victoria Cross, and attach statements from eyewitnesses in support of my recommendation.

(Signed) E G Sinclair MacLagan

Major General

Commanding 4th Australian Division

(AWM28 1/246)

As a consequence of the recommendation and award of a Victoria Cross, together with the earlier Distinguished Conduct Medal, it became obvious to Buckley that he would need to confess his true identity. Having, no doubt, discussed the quandary with his superiors, Buckley signed a Statutory Declaration, in March 1919, stating that the name Gerald Sexton was not correct and that his real name was Maurice Vincent Buckley. This, of course, caused some administrative angst as it was necessary to amend Gazette notifications in both Britain and Australia. Nevertheless, Buckley was a highly decorated hero and almost untouchable. He returned to Australia in October 1919 and was discharged from the army just prior to Christmas that year.

Next in Part 3 - The Rogue, the Archbishop and the Shamrocks

Bonus link: As the Lewis Gun is such an important feature of this story, I have included a link for those interested in the finer points of a Lewis light machine gun (apologies for the ads)  Lewis Gun