GASTON, Joseph Edgar
| Service Number: | S80553 |
|---|---|
| Enlisted: | 22 April 1942 |
| Last Rank: | Private |
| Last Unit: | Volunteer Defence Corps (SA) |
| Born: | Gawler, South Australia, 29 March 1897 |
| Home Town: | Bute, Barunga West, South Australia |
| Schooling: | Not yet discovered |
| Occupation: | Not yet discovered |
| Died: | Accidently drowned, place of death not yet discovered, date not yet discovered |
| Cemetery: | Not yet discovered |
| Memorials: |
World War 2 Service
| 22 Apr 1942: | Involvement S80553 | |
|---|---|---|
| 22 Apr 1942: | Enlisted S80553 | |
| 23 Feb 1944: | Involvement Australian Military Forces (Army WW2), Private, S80553, Volunteer Defence Corps (SA), Drowning accident - not service related |
Help us honour Joseph Edgar Gaston's service by contributing information, stories, and images so that they can be preserved for future generations.
Add my storyBiography contributed by Paul Lemar
Joseph was the son of Edwin Burfield GASTON & Harriet Jane MORRE and was born on the 29th of March 1897 in Sandy Creek, SA.
His parents were on the 5th of May 1896 at the residence of his grandparent MOORE’s home, Sandridge House, Sandy Creek.
His father was the son of Edward GASTON & Penelope LAWSON and was born on the 5th of February 1869 in Williamstown.
His mother was the daughter of James Alexander MOORE & Maria Ann LAWRENCE and was born on the 6th of August 1875 in Mananarie SA
He lived in Sandy Creek until he was three years old and then they moved to New Town, Kadina.
His father was employed in the Wallaroo Copper Mine as a miner.
He had a son with Elizabeth May TRAINOR; Colin Roy, on the 19th of October 1916 in Fullarton.
Joseph then married Elizabeth May TRAINOR on the 29th of June 1918 in the Catholic Presbytery, Kadina SA. Elizabeth was the daughter of Mary Ann TRAINOR and was born on the 16th of February 1896 in Norwood, SA.
Joseph was a butcher.
They welcomed their second child; Doreen Joyce, was born on the 11th of October 1918 in New Town, Kadina.
Joseph Keith was born on the 27th of September 1920.
Kathleen May was born on the 3rd of September 1922 and shortly after they moved to Bute where Joseph ran his own butchers shop.
Mary Patricia was born on the 16th of August 1924 in Bute, followed by Constance Theresa on the 18th of November 1925.
Elizabeth was the next child born on the 7th of May 1929
In June 1929, Joseph had a narrow escape from serious injury while driving his cart. The horse took fright and bolted for about half a mile. In turning a corner the vehicle capsized and threw Joseph clear. The shafts and harness were smashed and the horse broke loose, careering wildly for some distance. Joseph escaped with bruises and a severe shaking.
Their next child was born on the 11th of November 1931; Graham John.
Their last child; Dorothy, was also born in Bute.
Sadly, their daughter Mary died on the 5th of January 1935, aged 10 years. They buried Mary in the Bute Cemetery; Catholic, Row 13, Plot 36.
Joseph enlisted into the 7th Battalion Volunteer Defence Corps on the 22nd of April 1942 in Bute and was allotted the service number S80553. He was allocated to the 7th Battalion. At the time of his enlistment he was employed as an Engineer and Water Supply maintenance man in Bute.
His son, Colin, enlisted on the same day into the same Battalion and was allotted the service number S80552, just one number in front of his father.
On Sunday the 20th of February 1944, Joseph and his family had driven 20 miles to Port Broughton to do some fishing.
Joseph took his two sons; Colin & Graham, fishing in a 12 foot sailing boat.
Shortly before 4 p.m. they entered a small channel, about 8 feet deep and ran onto a mud bank. Colin pushed the boat clear with an oar, but at that moment wind caught the sails and overturned the boat.
Joseph and Graham managed to cling to the upturned boat, while Colin endeavoured to right it. However, the anchor fell to the bottom and pinned the boat. After they had been in the water about 15 minutes Graham began to panic. Joseph and Colin managed to keep him afloat, but in so doing they were carried away by the tide.
Joseph became exhausted and had to release his hold on Graham. Colin still clutching his brother, looked round as his father disappeared under the water. Soon after Colin began to lose consciousness and his brother slipped from his arms.
Colin reached the bank exhausted and tried to attract the notice of fishermen in the distance. When this failed he swam and waded through mud flats for 2 miles to Port Broughton. At the point of exhaustion, he pulled himself aboard a boat at the end of the jetty and called for help.
Mounted Constable W. H. Glasson, of Kadina, who was relieving at Broughton, was called and with Dr. W. I. North, was guided to the scene by Colin.
Joseph & Graham’s bodies were recovered in about eight feet of water. They had been submerged for about 1 and a half hours.
Joseph and Graham died on the 20th of February 1944 and are buried in the Bute Cemetery; Catholic, Row 13, Plot 38. Graham was 13 years old.
Elizabeth died on the 2nd of January 1951 at 116 Melbourne Street, North Adelaide and is buried in the Bute Cemetery; Catholic, Row 13, Plot 38, with Joseph & Graham.