Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

THOMAS EDWARD OVEREND (1878-1961) born at Murrumburrah, son of William and Mary Overend nee Keogh. Thomas served two tours in South Africa during the Boer War. He enlisted as Trooper No 804 in the 1st Australian Horse and as Trooper 387 -5th Battalion Australian Commonwealth Horse. His brother William also served in the Boer War.
On November 23rd 1899 the Goulburn Evening Penny Post reported 'At Bungendore a hearty send-off was given for J B McJannett (Mounted Rifles) and at the same time Mrs E. J. Osborne of Currandooley, was praised for the active interest she was taking to assisting those who required help in any form, especially those of the Bungendore section of the AH in which her son was in charge. An even greater send-off was given by the people of Bungendore to the 'Boys of the Myrtle Green':- Haydon, Moran, Murphy, R. McJannett, Guy, Winters, Overend, Withers, Olman, Hillbrick and Scott, when they left for Sydney. A procession headed by the band, escorted the troops to the railway station where an address was given by the President of the Progress Association in front of a large gathering of townspeople. A letter from Mrs. E. J. Osborne, wishing them all God-speed and a safe return, was read to the volunteers, after which the whole crowed gave enthusiastic applause. As the national Anthem was being sung the train moved slowly away from the station, and from the largest crowd ever assembled at the Bungendore railway Station – the day would forever be remembered by those present as a red-letter day in Bungendore'.
He went to South Africa on board the Surrey 17 JAN 1900-24 FEB 1900 to Bloemfontein, He was awarded the Queens Medal and four clasps. The Medal was presented by the Duke of York at Government House Sydney on June 1st, 1910 after returning on board the Tangarino 1 MAR 1901-2 MAY 1901. Writing home to his sister he said we had a very severe march from Barbeton, Cariolina, Omelong, Bethel and Heidelburg and from the later place to Pretoria. It was a march I thought I would never get through as the Boers were fighting us every day. They would attack us each day starting at 3 o'clock in the morning. I had bullets at me in every direction, how we did not hit it a mystery – 257 of them came down a hill at us, we waited fro them in some kaffirs huts. We had one pom pom gun with us. Our artillery put 23 shells into them and you never saw such a scatter. We captured several of them and they said that they had no tucker and were after our convoy but they did not get it. We would have been wound up if they got our biscuits. ….I don't think we will be home for Christmas, as things don't loot to right.
He then enlisted again as Corporal No. 387, 5th Australian Commonwealth Horse after s short stint with the Cape Police Force. The Queanbeyan Age of January 11rh, 1902 mentioned that Tom Overend had decided to re-enlist for service in the Boer War. After the war he served in the South African Police for a time. Thomas enlisted to serve in WW1 on March 25th, 1916 at Goulburn as a private 2456 in the 56th Battalion, serving until August 27th, 1918. His attestation papers showed that he was 5'8” tall, with chest measurements 35-36 ½, a fresh complexion, blue eyes and black hair. He embarked at Sydney on born the HMAT A60 Aenaes on September 30th, 1916, arriving at Plymouth on November 19th. He then proceeded to Princess Victoria to France – two days later. He suffered a heart attack – myocarditis and was returned to England. The doctors also reported that he suffered froma cute rheumatism – an effect of his serivce in the Boer War. He returned to Australia on board the Pakeha On October 25th, 1917 and was admitted to the 4th General Hospital at Randwick. His official discharge was noted on November 23rd, 1917. His claim for a pension for himself, wife and children was dismissed – illness not due to military service. His brothers James, David, and William also served.
Bungendore. (From our Correspondent.) WELCOME HOME. A welcome home to Cpl. Overend and Pte. W. Smith, was tendered those two returned soldiers in the hall last Friday night. There were a great number of persons present. The chair was occupied by the president of the Association, Mr. F. S. Falconer, J.P., who after a few words of welcome called on Mr. J. J. McJannett and Mr. Rumph to say a few words.. A pleasing feature was between times music and singing, in which Miss Pritchard and Messrs. Shaw, Bartlett and Flynn sung excellent songs which were fully appreciated. The Band was in attendance and added materially to the success of the proceedings. While the Band was playing "Home, sweet home," Mr. J. J. McJannett accompanied the soldiers up the hall on to the platform amidst the cheers of those assembled. After a few items had been gone through the President asked Mr. J. J, McJannett to make the presentation of gold medals to the returned soldiers, which that gentleman did, and referred to the fact that some 15 years ago, he had the pleasure, as one of the Progress Association in according a, warm welcome home to Cpl. Overend when he returned from the Boer war. When called upon, Cpl. Overend, in a neat. but enthusiastic speech. spoke of his experience of war, and warmly eulogised' our boys on the other side. He said, without fear of contradiction, that Bungendore boys had nobly done, their part in upholding the honor of Australia. He would also tell them that he could with confidence say that not one lad had misbehaved in any way since they left the shores of Australia, and that Bungendore had every reason to be proud of her boys – At the Front. Pte. Smith said he could endorse every word spoken by Cpl. Overend. He was only sorry he had to return, but would go back tomorrow if he was allowed, concluding by saying that men were wanted and he thought that every eligible man in the district should get into khaki. Both soldiers were rapturously applauded as they sat down. 'Dancing was then indulged in till midnight. Refreshments were handed round by the ladies and a very enjoyable time spent. [Queanbeyan Age – November 9th, 1917]