Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

From Ballarat & District in the Great War

How often I am struck by the baby-faced boys who marched away to war. There’s no doubt that an 18-year-old in 1914 had far greater maturity than their modern contemporaries. Maybe not in every respect, but certainly in terms of expectations – they grew up faster back then. That was certainly the case with Gordon Harrop. He learned very early that he had responsibilities to live up to.

Born at Reedy Lake near Kerang on 17 August 1896, James Gordon Harrop B was the third son of Charles Harrop and Henrietta Herring. Both parents were Victorian-born – Charles at Moonambel and Henrietta at Steiglitz. Henrietta was the granddaughter of a Tasmanian convict, Richard Herring, a veterinary surgeon originally from Buckinghamshire, England, whilst Charles Harrop’s family haled from Lancashire.

Due to Charles Harrop working for the Victorian Railways, the family moved a number of times. By the time Gordon was of school age, they were living in the Central Goldfields town of Bealiba. It was there, at the local State School, that Gordon received his basic education.

Following the breakdown of their marriage, Charles and Henrietta separated in 1908. In court orders, Charles was compelled to pay maintenance for his six surviving children, the youngest of whom was just 4. Gordon was 12 years-old at the time; he had to grow up fast from that point.

Henrietta moved with her children to Mount Egerton, southeast of Ballarat. There the older boys, Rue and Bert, found labouring work on the local farms around Gordon and Egerton. Gordon contributed as well, working at Millbrook and even as far away as Gippsland. With the money received periodically from their father, the family was able to survive reasonably well.

Both Bert and Gordon received military training with the 70th Infantry Regiment stationed in Ballarat, but, Rue, who was the eldest, only trained with senior cadets.

When war was declared, Rue and Bert were the first to enlist – they joined up together at Ballarat on 8 March 1915. Because Bert was underage, his mother was required to give her consent.

‘…This is to certify that it is my son’s wish to enrol as a member in the next Expeditionary Force, & that he has my consent to do so as he has not reached the responsible age of 21 years…’

They sailed together on 10 May 1915, with D Company of the 23rd Infantry Battalion, and ‘apparently enjoyed their trip on the briny.’ Bert wrote to his mother from Egypt,
‘…We have had a smooth trip. We have seen flying fish, porpoises, albatross, sea-fish and water-spouts. The latter rise to a great height. The sea-fish are fairly large and black. They are interesting. They rise out of the water and jump or leap across the water. The lads call them hurdle racers and call out the odds on certain ones… We have a Church Parade every Sunday…’

Bert also sent along the ship’s military song. A verse and chorus went as follows: ‘…We’re sailing across the sea, On our way to Germany, Just to put it to the test Whether they or we are best, And until eve we’ll never take a rest. Captain Kennedy will lead the way, And we’ll follow him night and day, For we know he’ll lead us right, And when the foe we sight We’ll show that we can fight. Chorus: For it’s one, two, three, we’re out to win, Through thick and thin, We are akin, And we’ll stick together in the fray From day to day, Hip, hip, hooray…’

Shortly after her elder two sons joined the AIF, Henrietta moved into Ballarat with her younger children and was living at “Fairview” in Elm Road off Peake Street in Golden Point. It wasn’t long before she was saying goodbye to her third son, Gordon, who enlisted at Ballarat on 19 July 1915.

At just 18 years and 11 months of age, Gordon was indeed the baby-faced youngster that can clearly be seen in his portrait. But he had matured early. Dr A. B. Campbell recorded his vital statistics as 5-feet 7½-inches in height, 156-pounds in weight, and having a chest meas-urement that was perfect for the AIF requirements – 32 to 36-inches. Despite years of work-ing outside as a labourer, Gordon still maintained a fresh complexion that, along with his brown hair and eyes, was duly noted by Dr Campbell.

Just three days after signing his oath to serve King and country, Gordon went into camp. On 14 September he was assigned to D Company of the 29th Infantry Battalion at Broadmead-ows.

By this time, Rue and Bert were at Gallipoli. Whilst Rue came through the campaign with no apparent damage, Bert copped a couple of knocks that left him with clear reminders of ANZAC. They both, however, survived intact.

Meanwhile, their father had “gotten wind” of his sons enlisting and assumed that his es-tranged wife was somehow now receiving more than the money she needed and ceased all attempts to pay for the upkeep of his children.

On 21 September 1915, Henrietta was declared a ‘new insolvent’ by the court in Ballarat. She had accrued debts of over £76, and her assets (of little more than £22) left a debt of £34/3/1. The causes for her bankruptcy were given as illness (both of herself and her fami-ly), the high cost of living, and an ‘inability to recover money due’, which was obviously a reference to the lack of maintenance being paid by Charles Harrop. Contrary to his beliefs, Henrietta was not receiving an allotment from her soldier sons. She was banking their mon-ey for their use when they returned from active duty. Her situation would become so dire it would end up in court with her bringing legal proceedings against her husband…

His mother’s turmoil may have been the reason why Gordon did not sail with the 8th Brigade on 10 November. His embarkation was held over until the end of the month, by which time he had been transferred to the 2nd reinforcements destined for the 29th Infantry Battalion.

On a lighter and happier note, a social evening was held at Egerton on Monday 10 October, to farewell Gordon, and three other local lads, Joe Davidson, Peter Blight, and Edgar Thomas. They were all presented with wristlet watches and the kind good wishes for a safe return from whole community.

After four months in camp, Gordon finally began his journey to Egypt on 26 November onboard the troopship Commonwealth. For some reason not specified, he underwent a sec-ond medical examination “at sea” on 12 December, which he passed without issue.

It wasn’t until February 1916, that Gordon began to receive orders for unit movement. On 23 February he joined the 57th Battalion. Then, on 15 March, he was transferred to the 58th Infantry Battalion. A third and final transfer came just nine days later, when he joined the 15th Brigade Machine Gun Company. He then underwent a month-long course of instruction at the school in Zeitoun.

A letter home to his mother, showed that Gordon was partaking of the sight-seeing that so many soldiers of the AIF were also enthralled by. His visit to the Holy Church at Matarieh obviously left its mark…

‘…I sent on a small piece of stick, which I got off the "Holy Tree." This was the very same tree that Christ and the Virgin Mary rested under after they fled from Palestine (Bethlehem) to Egypt. The old tree is now propped up with two great forked pieces of quartering. One half of the tree is dead, but the other half is quite green and still bears fruit. It is said to be a Syrian fig. We also went and had a look at the "Holy Church," but that is a modern building. It is only about 400 or 500 yards from the tree. It is easily the prettiest church I have ever been in. There is some wonderful old paintings inside. We also saw the "Holy Well." This is the well the Virgin Mary and Christ drank from before resting under the tree. There is still water in it, and it is clear spring water. We had a drink of it. The places I have mentioned are only about a mile from our camp at Zeitown [Zeitoun]. I have seen Ernie Maywood he is looking well…’

Rue and Bert sailed for France on 19 March 1916. It is not known if the three brothers managed to catch up with one another during their time in Egypt, but it would certainly have been at the very forefront of all their minds.

It wasn’t until 17 June that Gordon began preparations for the voyage across the Mediterranean. The unit arrived in Alexandria just before 9 o’clock in the morning – rolls were called, kit bags and packs were inspected as the men boarded the transport Kalyan.

Two days out from Marseilles, in amongst the innocuous recording of ‘summer kit clothing and soiled underwear’ being ‘put down the hold’ was the rather frightening note – ‘torpedo reported to have passed fifty (50) yards astern of steamer.’ All probably very exciting, but also a little too close for comfort!

Supporting the 57th, 58th, 59th and 60th Infantry Battalions at Fromelles on 19 July 1916, the 15th MGC suffered multiple casualties, including twelve dead across a 24-hour period. However, compared to the deaths within the infantry units the damage was relatively light. The 59th and 60th in particular were almost completely wiped out.

For Gordon Harrop, it was a very harsh introduction to trench warfare. For his family, the reality was about to become far worse.

At Pozieres on 28 July, Bert was acting as runner to the 23rd Battalion during a major advance. He appears to have suffered a minor wound and was heading to the dressing station when he was hit a second time by an enemy sniper. Some of his mates pulled him back into the trench, but he was already dying. As can be imagined, Rue was very ‘cut up about it’ when he heard that Bert was dead.

The ability to get word through to serving family members ensured that Gordon received news of his brother’s death. But life – and war – wait for no man. Gordon and Rue were required to keep going.

For Henrietta Harrop, the fight to receive support from her husband came to a head during the same period. The Court case was somewhat acrimonious on the part of Charles Harrop – the judge was not impressed.

‘…This was an appeal for review of an order made at Bealiba in June, 1908, for 10/ per week for maintenance and support of four children against Charles Harrop. Mr. E. S. Herring appeared for Charles Harrop and Mr. Lazarus, of Ballarat, for the wife, Henrietta Harrop.

Mr. Herring argued that the application of the order should be now limited to two children and proportionately reduced. There as an order for 15/ a week to the wife. His Honor was of opinion the case should be treated as a new application.

Charles Harrop, railway fencer, working between Maryborough and Mildura, and from Ararat to Inglewood, deposed that he had six children at the time the orders were made; they were now aged 23, 19, 17, 15, and 12: the four children in respect of whom the order was made were the four youngest; the son Gordon, aged 19, had enlisted in July last; it had been sworn that the girl was earning 7/ or 8/ at a factory; at Bealiba he was ordered to pay 7/6 a week for arrears; paying all the orders and arrears would mean 32/6 a week; was earning 9/ a day, with 1/6 a day allowance for camping out: a man was better off in Maryborough without the extra 1/6 a day; was paying £1 for board. His work was heavy on clothes. He got no pay if he was away sick. During the last 3 or 4 years he had had three or four weeks off for sickness of a recurring nature. He would be 55 in September. He was getting 8/ a day and no camping allowance when the order was made. He paid up regularly until he heard Gordon was earning 8/ a week. Was paying his arrears still, but had ceased paying with regard to the two elder children.

Cross-examined, witness said he was now getting 9/ against 8/when the order was made and he now had 1/6 camping allowance: had no one to keep except himself. Had his "tucker" sent twice a week from Maryborough when he was working away: he paid £1 a week for his board in Maryborough, whether he was at home or not. He did not think his room was used by anyone else. He would not say he could get board for less. His wife was getting support from the children. He took a drink occasionally, about a bottle of ale a week. Drink was not the cause of his trouble with his wife. Thought he was justified in knocking off the 2/6 a week when his son was earning 8/6 a week. He got no other allowance than the 9/ and 1/6, and never made overtime except on one occasion, when McCallum's bridge was broken down, during the last six years. He did not know anything about the circumstances of his children. He wrote to his boys when they went to the war.

He did not know that his daughter Gladys was an invalid in the hospital. He took the position that he ought not to pay for the children who could support themselves He considered it his duty to support his children till they could earn for themselves. He had not paid the costs against him because he had not the money; but would as soon as he could. He did not know what the boy Leslie was earning, but he thought Gladys was earning 8/ a week. How was he going to pay 25/ a week out of the wages he was getting? His Honour pointed out that witness had paid the money until he thought he had a right to discontinue 5/ a week. In answer to His Honour, witness said, taking into consideration the fact that he paid 15/ a week to his wife and his position, he thought 10/ a week for the young children was too much. £1 a week was a fair thing. He believed his wife was in good health. His Honor raised the point that it was a question whether a woman separated from her husband and retaining good health could expect that she was to do nothing while her husband screwed to support her. It depended on circumstances. Re-examined by Mr. Herring, witness stated he paid £1 -to have his room kept for him. He started to earn for himself between 14 and 15 years of age. Cross-examined.- His wife was not in delicate health for years while he lived with her.

This closed appellant's case. Mr. Lazarus pointed out to the Bench that the amount paid for a neglected child was 10/ a week, and he had never heard of less than 5/ a week being paid for boarded-out children. It was ridiculous to say that a man in appellant's position could not live on less than £1 a week. Henrietta Harrop, respondent, stated that the youngest boy was at school. The girl, Gladys, aged 17, had been working, but was now being attended at Ballarat Hospital. Leslie, aged 15, was earning 6/a week, out of which she had to pay school of mines' fees. She had to pay 7/6 a week, and provide clothes for the children. She was practically destitute when she went insolvent, and the official assignee, who sold her the furniture, was making demand for payment. The amount was about £3. If she was well enough she helped to make the children's clothing. She was not capable of doing hard work, and had not been brought up to any trade. She had had seven children. She could not get any help in the house. Gladys hurt her back about three years ago, and had ever been strong since. The elder boys helped to keep the family before they went to the war. She never had enough to support the children properly, and she did not consider 10/ was enough to keep the three youngest children. Under the present cost of living 5/ a week each was little enough.

Cross-examined by Mr. Herring, witness said she could not give details of her debts in insolvency, but the total was about £70. Her two eldest sons only had casual employment. They managed to support themselves. Their soldiers' allotment was being drawn by her, and being banked for them. She took nothing out of it unless she was forced through sickness to do so. They received 5/ a day, and kept 2/ a day for themselves. Leslie was at the printing trade and was receiving 6/ a week in Ballarat. He went to the School of Mines, and she had to pay fees. He was not strong enough to do hard work. The girl, Gladys, was averaging 7/ a week, but went out of work six or seven weeks ago. She was at home ill, and had to go under the doctor every week. The youngest boy was by no means strong. This closed the case for respondent. His Honour decided to leave the order as at present, and dismissed the appeal, costs of £5/5/ being allowed…’

On 4 September, Gordon was sent to attend an Armourer’s School in coastal city of Calais. He rejoined his unit, which was still patrolling the line at Fromelles, two weeks later.

The final months of 1916 for Gordon were marked by his first promotion – to lance-corporal on 1 November – and a bout of diarrhoea that put him in hospital for over two weeks. He was promoted a second time, on 4 March 1917, and as Corporal Harrop, he was once again off to instructional school. This time it was a Machine Gun School at Camiers. He returned to the 15th MGC behind the lines in the Grevillers sector on 10 June.

Within days Gordon was forced to report sick to hospital. There were any number of nasty infections, conditions and parasitic invasions that caused casualties in the trenches – Gordon had been infested by the mites that cause scabies. Despite treatment, the mites were persistent, and throughout June and then July, he was still plagued by the itchy condition. Even when he was on leave to England, a recurrence (this time it was diagnosed as dermatitis) saw him admitted to the 2nd Auxiliary Hospital in Southall. Ultimately, it meant his leave was disrupted, but he was given the opportunity of enjoying an extended furlough after being discharged from hospital.

Back in France again, Gordon rejoined his unit in time for the battles that were to lead to Passchendaele.

At Polygon Wood on 26 September, Gordon Harrop, who had only just turned 21, came into his own in a very dramatic way. When the infantry advance was held up and his officer had become a casualty, Gordon brought two guns into action in positions in front of the infantry under heavy shell fire. He kept them in action protecting the right flank until advance was renewed the following day. Then, by bringing into action a German machine gun at a critical moment and completely unaided, Gordon fully accounted for an enemy attacking party on the infantry’s right flank. In being recommended for the Distinguished Conduct Medal, it was said that Gordon ‘displayed exceptional skill and personal bravery, driving the operations.’

As recognition for his work, Gordon was also promoted to the rank of sergeant on 30 September.

Three days later, at the Battle of Broodseinde Ridge, Rue Harrop went into action for the last time.

The Red Cross conducted investigations, and forwarded several witness statements to Gordon, that attested to Rue’s final moments.

When news of the awarding of his DCM in 1st ANZAC Routine Orders on 31 October, it must have been a bittersweet moment for Gordon. Nothing could assuage the loss of his two brothers.

News of Gordon’s decoration was greeted with numerous newspaper articles offering congratulations. Several Egerton soldiers wrote home expressing pleasure at their mate’s success and pride in his bravery. In writing to thank the people of Egerton, on 29 March 1918, Gladys Harrop (the boy’s only sister) conveyed the family’s appreciation, but it also showed how long they had had to wait for news.

‘…The paragraph in the "Advertiser about my brother, Gordon, winning the D.C.M. was much appreciated by us, coming from his mates over there. We received a letter last week from the Defence Department saying Gordon had been awarded the D.C.M. for acts of gallantry and devotion to duty in the field. We have had no further particulars about poor Rupert, but we are hoping to hear some news by next mail.

It is three years this month since Rupert and Bert volunteered. Gordon volunteered the following July, and sailed for Egypt in November, and later for France. He had just turned 19 years of age then. He has been once on furlough since leaving here, and that was to England in part of July and August, so that he spent his 21st birthday in England, having spent his previous one in the trenches in France…’

Henrietta Harrop also received notification from the Base Records office regarding her son’s decoration,

"His Majesty the King has been graciously pleased to approve of the award of the Distinguished Conduct Medal to the undermentioned non-commissioned officer for acts of gallantry and devotion to duty in the field.”

By this time, Gordon had been selected to attend an Officer training in England to train for a commission. He joined the No14 Officers’ Cadet Battalion at Catterick in North Yorkshire on 8 March.

In a Confidential Report, dated 31 July 1918, Lieutenant-Colonel R. C. Ramsay, remarked that Gordon was ‘…always cheerful and obliging, [and] will make a very good officer indeed…’

Gordon requested a return to his unit as a first preference, and suggested both the 8th MGC or 14th MGC as alternatives. He continued with a further qualifying course in machine gunnery at Grantham on 16 September 1918. His appointment to the rank of second-lieutenant came through just a week later.

Fortunately, before Gordon could return to the Front, the war came to an end. It wasn’t until 5 January 1919 that he sailed back to France. But it was only a brief assignment before returning once again to England.

On 1 March 1919, Gordon was promoted to full lieutenant. He was then granted a special return to Australia and sailed home on 11 May onboard the transport Zealandia.

For Gordon it seemed that now it was his turn to care for his mother and sister. They moved initially to Brunswick, where he worked as a grocer. For Henrietta, the fight was still far from over. The law of primogeniture was the accepted order in that era, which meant the medals due to her two dead sons were supposed to go to their father. Henrietta made a Statutory Declaration on 5 November 1920 that clearly revealed the breakdown of her relationship with the boy’s father.

‘…Charles HARROP, deserted myself and family over 12 years ago. I took out a maintenance order at the Bealiba Court and I receive money occasionally from him through the Clerk of that Court. Since his desertion I have only seen him on the occasions when he had to attend the Court. The last being about four years ago. I am not aware of his address, but it is possible that it may be obtained through the Clerk of the Bealiba Court. In view of his desertion of myself and family I consider that he is not a fit and proper person to have charge of my son’s medals and desire that they may be handed over to me and hereby undertake to preserve same with due care and to return them to the Department of Defence upon demand in writing should anyone with prior rights prefer a claim…’

In a fortunate show of common sense, the medals were given to Henrietta.

In the years leading up to the Second World War, Gordon worked as a clerk. The family moved several times – always within the inner Melbourne suburbs – West Brunswick, Prahran and Collingwood.

At the Area Drill Hall in Melbourne on 5 July 1940, Gordon Harrop enlisted for a second time. Still not quite 44 years old, he was both young and fit enough to perform a useful function within the 2nd AIF. He was passed fit for Class II A, and soon took on the role of acting adjutant within a Training Depot.

Having special experience and qualifications with machine-guns, it made sense that Gordon would be utilised in training new recruits. He was appointed assistant Camp Commandant on 24 April 1942 and promoted to the rank of Temporary Captain.

The death of his much-loved mother that same year, was a sad blow to a young man who had already lost so much.

After the war, Gordon remained with the Army and served with Cadet Services and as Supervisor of Messing Local Administrator. On 21 April 1947, he was appointed to special duties with rifle clubs to the Army Secretariat. He continued with the Interim Army until 14 May 1952.

On 31 August 1956, Gordon Harrop retired from the army with the rank of Honorary Captain. He retired to a home in Loyola Avenue in Brunswick. He was living in Lower Templestowe when he died 2 December 1988 at the grand age of 92.

Photographs of Gordon late in his life, show that the although he had aged into a kind-faced old gentleman, the boyish twinkle and gentle spirit had never really left him.