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Corporal E. H. Attiwill, 3rd South Australian Bushmen's Contingent. 1874-1956 3 years 6 months ago #71714

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Edwin Henry Attiwill was born at Penola, South Australia, on 23rd September 1874, and died at Henley Beach, Charles Sturt City, Adelaide, South Australia, on 6th June 1956. He was interred at Cheltenham Cemetery, Adelaide, and was the wife of Charlotte Olive (née Pain) Attiwill (died 28.11.1940). It's possible that in his later years, after the death of his wife, he'd moved from Beachport to live in Adelaide, as a James William Attiwill (died 1962) is also interred at the same cemetery.
www.findagrave.com/memorial/99793139/edwin-henry-attiwill (no photo of the headstone)

Edwin appears to be the only Beachport resident who saw active service in the ABW, so the inscribed gold medal he received on his return home is unique.

Edwin's father, William, was born at Bristol, England, in 1840, and the Attiwill family arrived in South Australia in 1847; William and his wife, Martha, had ten children.
trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/63753538?searchTerm=Attiwill


The earliest record I can find of Edwin is his playing cricket for Beachport in a match against Mount Gambier, on 9th November 1893. Batting at no. 7, Edwin scored 1 and 9 not out.
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BEACHPORT, Monday.
….Good Friday was observed as a close holiday. A fair number of passengers availed themselves of the cheap excursion from Mount Gambier. During the day a cricket match was played against Tantanoola. Beachport made 74, E. H. Attiwill 24 and J. Attiwill 21 being top scorers. Tantanoola replied with 45. In their second innings Beachport scored 73 for 4 wickets.

Evening Journal, Friday 15th April 1898
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BEACHPORT.
(From our own Correspondent)
July 14.
A rather serious accident occurred yesterday afternoon to Mr. E. H. Attiwill. Mr. Attiwill is engaged as horse-driver by Messrs. French and Son. It appears that he was engaged in shunting trucks. He had just hitched on to a truck, and prepared to start. The horse made a sudden jump forward, when both the chain traces broke. The result was that the swingle-tree came back with great force and struck the unfortunate young man on the shin, causing a very severe contusion. It was thought first of all that his leg was broken, but afterwards it was thought this was not the case. He left for Millicent this morning to consult the doctor. Had the accident happened an hour earlier it would have been possible for him to have gone up by train

The Border Watch, Saturday 16th July 1898
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….Mr. E. H. Attiwill, who met with an accident last week, and sustained a fracture of the shin bone, came home from Millicent to-day. He expects to be able to get to work again in about six weeks time.

The Border Watch, Wednesday 27th July 1898
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….Mr. E. H. Attiwill, who had his leg fractured some time ago, is progressing, and expects to be able to lay aside the crutches in about a week's time.

The Border Watch, Saturday 27th August 1898
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BEACHPORT REGATTA.
….About 2000 people visited Beachport on December 26th......
….Two oared race, three-quarters of a mile. - S. Thompson and J. Corigliano 1, W. Davies and E. H. Attiwill 2, M. Gilders and T. Davies 3. Four entries. This was a splendid race. The fourth boat had the misfortune to bend one of the rowlocks early race, and so had to give up. The winners got the lead, and kept it, but a fine race ensued for second place, and after a good struggle Davies and Attiwill passed the post out half a length to the good.

The Border Watch, Saturday 31st December 1898
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THE KETCH LURLINE.

….Our Beachport correspondent wrote on February 7: - "After being ashore for fourteen weeks the ketch Lurline was safely launched yesterday. About a month ago everything was in readiness to put her in the water, but the weather changed, the sea came up, and she was washed broadside on once more. Mr. Jenkins, who had the work in hand, determined to make another try, and this time he succeeded. The boat was got up on the ways, and on Tuesday morning at 10 o'clock, she was ran into the water. However, a sandbank, which is almost dry at low tide, had to be got over. All the gear, &c., was placed on board, and throughout the whole day the men were hard at work trying to pull the boat through this sandbank, which is nearly fifty yards wide. When a sea came in it would bump her a bit, and then a good strain on the hauser, which was fixed to an anchor out at sea, would shift her an inch or two. So the boat was worked through the sand. About 5 p.m. one end of the windlass carried away. When this happened the handle flew back and struck two of the men. One, Mr. E. H. Attiwill, a local man, got a severe cut on the jaw, and was rendered unconscious for a few minutes. The other man, Mr. Peterson, who was working on the boat, had a tooth knocked out, and was drawn against the side of the ship and had his hip badly hurt. Both are progressing favourably. This accident did not deter Mr. Jenkins from proceeding with his work, and by continuous pulling the boat was at last got through the bank. Sails were set all the time, as the wind was fair off the land. At 11 p.m., after thirteen hours' hard and continuous labour, the ship was afloat. The wire hauser was at once slipped, and the boat sent straight to sea. At 4 a.m. this morning she was moved alongside the jetty. Great credit is due to Mr. Jenkins for his perseverance, as many were of the opinion that he would never get her safely afloat. The boat, though she has been so long ashore, and has had such a knocking about, scarcely leaks all. Captain Behn is jubilant, and is determined to put her again into first-class order, and hopes that she will be as of yore - the fastest boat in the South-Eastern trade.

Evening Journal, Friday 10th February 1899 collections.slsa.sa.gov.au/resource/B+5627
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….Mr. E. H. Attiwill, who was injured on the Lurline, is progressing favourably. He had to have four teeth extracted as a result of the blow he received.

The Border Watch, Wednesday 15th February 1899
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BEACHPORT.
(From our own Correspondent).
June 16.
….A fatal accident occurred on the jetty to-day. Sylvanus Rossell, eldest son of Mr. W. H. Rossell, manager for French & Son, was acting as break-boy. His duties were to put down the breaks when necessary to stop the trucks, and to shift the points. Mr. E. H. Attiwill, the driver, had taken two trucks loaded with wheat down the jetty, and Sylvanus was walking between the two trucks, just by the outer landing, so as to break the former truck. He caught his foot in the guard rail of the points, and, being unable to extricate it, was knocked down, and run over by the truck loaded with wheat. The foot was cut off, and the wheel of the truck traversed the whole length of the body. The skull was shattered into atoms, the top being cut completely off. The brains of the unfortunate boy were splattered over the jetty. The driver, E. H. Attiwill, knew nothing till he felt the truck jump, so that the lad had not even time to cry out.
….The local justices, Messrs, W. Attiwill [Edwin's father] and W. Jarrett, viewed the scene, and as the cause of the accident was plain they decided that an inquest was unnecessary. All flags in the town and on ships in port are half-masted. Great sympathy is expressed for the bereaved parents.

The Border Watch, Wednesday 21st June 1899
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MORE VOLUNTEERS.
….The following additional names have been received at the Town Hall and the Staff Office from men anxious to join the Bushmen's Contingent: -
[including] E. H. Attiwill, Adelaide, 25, single; good rider, fair shot, 10 years' bush experience.

The Advertiser, Thursday 25th January 1900
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….At Troy's Horse Arcade, Currie-street, on Thursday evening, Messrs. J. Rundle, H. Kennedy, E. H. Attiwill,, and T. Skeen, members of the Bushmen's Corps, gave a horse training exhibition. There was a good attendance, but, unfortunately, most of the animals led in, although unbroken, seemed so frightened at the surroundings that they would not give the desired exhibition of their buckjumping powers. However, one or two of them enlivened the proceedings by a fine display of buckjumping, but all their efforts to unseat the riders were futile. The men showed that they had a thorough knowledge of the antics of untrained horses, and once in the saddle, there was no shifting them. Mr. Rundle prior to the performance showed how horses should be handled without being knocked about. Mr. J. Donnelly, another member of the contingent, gave valuable assistance. During an interval two acrobats performed on a trapeze. Half the proceeds of the entertainment will be donated to the Bushmen's Corps.

The Express and Telegraph, Friday 16th February 1900
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….One of our well known residents, Mr. H. E. Attiwill, volunteered for the Bushmen's Contingent, and was among the first that was accepted. He carries with him the good wishes of the Beachport people who wish him good luck and a safe return.

The Border Watch, Wednesday 28th February 1900
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THE BUSHMEN'S CORPS.
….His Excellency the Governor has received a telegram from Sir Alfred Milner, dated Cape Town, September 14, confirming the news of the death of Captain S. G. Hubbe, leader of the South Australian Bushmen's Corps, and notifying that Corporal E. H. Attiwill (No. 21) and Trooper A. E. Churches (No. 67), of the same corps, were both slightly wounded in the engagement at Ottoshoop, on September 12.

The Advertiser, Monday 17th September 1900
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BEACHPORT.
(From our own Correspondent.)
June 13.
….Wednesday last was quite a gala day at Beachport. Flags were flying from different masts in the town in honour of the return of Corporal E. H. Attiwill from South Africa. As the train drew into the station the State school children and a large number of residents gave him three cheers. In the evening a social and concert was held to welcome him. There was a large attendance. Mr. W. Jarrett presided. After Miss R. Fox played an overture, the Chairman said the entertainment was held to welcome Corporal Attiwill back from South Africa, where he had been for the last 15 months. He was glad he had returned safe and sound, and, on behalf of the residents of Beachport, he welcomed him back. He then called on Corporal Attiwill to come to the front, and presented him with a gold medal on behalf of the residents. Corporal Attiwill briefly returned thanks for the grand reception and gold medal. While he was in South Africa he had been in some funny places, but he never forgot Beachport. Mr. W. Attiwill also thanked the people of Beachport for the kind reception they gave his son. The following programme was then gone through: - Priv. Ferguson, a selection on the bagpipes; song, "Scarlet and the Blue," Mr. W. H. Jones; Mr. W. Jarrett, dressed as a trooper, sang "Soldiers of the Queen"; song, "My father is a marquis," Mr. Spehr; Miss D. Wotton sang "The absent-minded beggar"; Captain W. C. Hotton brought the amme to a close by singing "The old brigade." After refreshments were handed round games were indulged in. The entertainment was brought to a close by singing the National Anthem.

The Border Watch, Saturday 15th June 1901
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A SOLDIER'S WELCOME HOME.
Beachport, June 15.
….Corporal E. H. Attiwill, of the S.A. Bushmen's Contingent, was given a most hearty welcome reception on his return from the war last Wednesday. The school children were lined up at the railway-station and loudly cheered the returned soldier as the train steamed in. In the evening a welcome social was given in the institute. Mr. W. Jarrett presided and appropriately welcomed Corporal Attiwill, and also presented him with a gold medal, suitably inscribed, as a token of appreciation from the resident of Beachport. The corporal was loudly cheered as he rose to reply, which he did in a short but effective speech. A musical hour followed, songs and music being contributed by the Misses Fox, Wotton, and Attiwill, and Messrs. Fergusson, Spehr, and Jones, Captain Wotton, and Master W. Stoddart.

The Advertiser, Wednesday 19th June 1901
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BEACHPORT DISTRICT COUNCIL.
Wednesday, August 28.
….List of persons liable to serve as constables was laid on table, and E. H. Attiwill and M. Healy were appointed.
….- Cr Jarrett remarked that constables were necessary as larrikinism was frequent.

The Border Watch, Wednesday 4th September 1901
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….The Millicent show had glorious weather on Wednesday, and there was an attendance of about 2,000 people, including many visitors from Mount Gambier, Robe, Penola, and other parts.
HORSES IN ACTION.
….Single buggy horse, 14 hands and not over 15 hands, E. H. Attiwill's Minnie, 1; C. A. Malone's Bobs, 2. Seven shown.

The Narracoorte Herald, Friday 1st November 1901
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Beachport.
….On Wednesday, May 9, at noon, Miss Pain was married to Mr. E. H. Attiwill, an old Beachport boy. The ceremony took place in the church, which was crowded, the Rev. J. McIntosh officiating. The decorations were very artistic, the happy couple during the service standing under a wedding bell, composed of dahlias and chrysanthemums, which was suspended from an arch of similar construction. The young couple left by the afternoon's train, and will reside at Port Lincoln [where Edwin was a policeman].

Australian Christian Commonwealth, Friday 18th May 1906
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District Council of Beachport.

TENDERS.
Tenders will be received at the district office up to noon on Wednesday, July 9, for the following works: -
….150 yards maintenance, Rendelsham road near boundary.
….Particulars and forms of tender from the district clerk.
……………………………………………………………….By order,
………………………………………………………...…..E. H. ATTIWILL,
……………………………………………………………………..District Clerk.

The South Eastern Times, Friday 27th June 1919
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Newspapers quoted above, and where they were based -
….Evening Journal - Adelaide
….The Border Watch - Mount Gambier
….The Advertiser - Adelaide
….The Express and Telegraph - Adelaide
….The Narracoorte Herald - Naracoorte
….Australian Christian Commonwealth - Adelaide
….The South Eastern Times - Millicent

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Corporal E. H. Attiwill, 3rd South Australian Bushmen's Contingent. 1874-1956 3 years 6 months ago #71715

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Berenice
"21 Cpl. Edwin Henry ATTIWILL" of the 3rd South Aust. Bushmen's Corps is shown in "A Jam Tin of Mosquitos" (a bio list of South Aust men in the ABW by Haggett and Smith) as "Recommended as a fair shot - IL comment 'meaning a good one' - and with ten years' bush experience". Just the sort of chap to have beside you in the Western Transvaal with the Composite Bushmen's Regiment. Palmer shows him as "ATTWELL" and Wounded near Ottoshoop on 12/9/00.
Regards
IL.

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Corporal E. H. Attiwill, 3rd South Australian Bushmen's Contingent. 1874-1956 3 years 6 months ago #71719

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LinneyI wrote: Berenice
"21 Cpl. Edwin Henry ATTIWILL" of the 3rd South Aust. Bushmen's Corps is shown in "A Jam Tin of Mosquitos" (a bio list of South Aust men in the ABW by Haggett and Smith) as "Recommended as a fair shot - IL comment 'meaning a good one' - and with ten years' bush experience". Just the sort of chap to have beside you in the Western Transvaal with the Composite Bushmen's Regiment. Palmer shows him as "ATTWELL" and Wounded near Ottoshoop on 12/9/00.
Regards
IL.


From what I've read in one of the South Australian contemporary newspapers, the descriptions such as "E. H. Attiwill, Adelaide, 25, single; good rider, fair shot, 10 years' bush experience" were taken from the completed application forms. So from the list of those who applied at the same time as Edwin Attiwill, there was "first-class bushman, 14 years in bush, good cook, baker, bullockdriver, tracker, colt-breaker, and axeman, first-class shot," "polo player, could ride almost as soon as he could walk, fair rifle shot, varied bush experience," and "Meli, Wilmington, aboriginal, slight caste; intelligent, young, active, crack shot, splendid rider; would make invaluable hill scout. Says Boers won't trap him. Highly recommended by Mounted-Constable Thomas."

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Corporal E. H. Attiwill, 3rd South Australian Bushmen's Contingent. 1874-1956 3 years 6 months ago #71726

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A good range of active service skills, indeed. The 3rd South Aust. Bushmen's Contingent was quite small at 100 all ranks. Certain earlier Colonial Australian contingents suffered considerable sickness from enteric, etc,, which resulted in men being invalided for treatment/discharge. The reason seemingly being that many were recruited from an urban environment and not always up to the hardships of really rough service. That is only my opinion at this point; based on a quick analysis of "place of domicile vs invalidity" for certain units. The later Bushmen and Imperial Bushmen contingents were recruited deliberately from country towns or a bush environment - and do appear to have fared better regarding sickness rates.
As a matter of interest, some time ago, I posted concerning the QSA medals to a Father and Son who served side-by-side in the 3rd S.Aust. Bushmen.
Finally, I could not find an entry for "Meli, Wilmington" in the abovementioned Contingent.
Best regards
IL.
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