Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

News (Adelaide, SA: 1923 - 1954) Friday 28 August 1931

CAPT. TWINING BURIED TODAY

Accorded Military Honors

FULL military honors were accorded the late Capt. David Austral Twining at the burial in the soldiers' portion of West Terrace Cemetery this afternoon. Capt. Twining, who was a professional soldier, was adjutant of the 27th Battalion (the South Australian Regiment), and was found dead in an office of the battalion drill hall at Keswick yesterday morning. A large number of militiamen of the regiment mustered at Keswick Barracks and marched to the cemetery. Pallbearers were Brig.-Gen. R. L. Leane, Col. J. M. A. Durrant, Lieut.-Cols. H. H. Downes and P. G. Bice (commanders of the 48th and 27th Battalions respectively), Majors W. Bridgeford, J. E. Lee, A. R. Allen, and E. O'Brien. The captains of the regiment marched behind the gun carriage as chief mourners. Color-Sgt. J. W. McKechnie was in charge of the firing party. Parents of Capt. Twining and of Mrs. Twining arrived by the express from Melbourne this morning to attend.

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article128932348 (nla.gov.au)

Western Mail (Perth, WA: 1885 - 1954) Thursday 17 September 1931

Rank and File.

Captain David Austral Twining, whose tragic death in South Australia was recently reported was well known to the A.I.F. in this State. He was a railway surveyor in 1914 and enlisted at Kalgoorlie early in the piece. He served with   the 16th Battalion on Gallipoli and after the evacuation transferred to the 48th Battalion. At Windmill Hill (Pozieres) Twining, then a sergeant, won the Military Medal for gallant conduct, and was promoted to commissioned rank. A captaincy followed after Messines, and the Military Cross and Croix de Guerre were also awarded. For some time he was adjutant of the 48th Battalion, when Brig. General (then Lieut.-Col.) R. L. Leane was its commander. When he returned in 1919 he resumed civilian employment, but soon resigned from that and entered Duntroon Military College as a cadet. He graduated as lieutenant in 1921 and was appointed to the Staff Corps. In 1926 he was attached to the Indian Army for training and returned to take over the adjutancy of a militia battalion in South Australia. He was only 36 when he passed on.

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article38533160 (nla.gov.au)

News (Adelaide, SA: 1923 - 1954) Monday 25 January 1926

POPULAR STAFF OFFICER

Career of Lieut. D. A. Twining

Although one of the most junior of staff corps officers in this State, Lieut. David Austral Twining by his ability and perseverance has won his way to the highest staff appointment with the Third Infantry Brigade, having in November last been appointed Brigade Major.

Born at Ballarat in November, 1895, Lieut. Twining was educated at Ballarat Church of England Grammar School. At the age of 17 years he received a commission as second lieutenant of cadets, and served for a time with the college company. As a youth of 19 he was employed with a survey party on construction work in the laying of the railway line from Port Augusta to Kalgoorlie when he answered the call to arms shortly after the out- break of war. He enlisted in the 16th Battalion at Ballarat.

He served with the unit on Gallipoli from September, 1915, and in March of the following year transferred to 48th Battalion as a lance corporal. The regiment was then commanded by Lieut.-Col. (now Brig.-Gen.) R. L. Leane. As a sergeant he was in the action at Windmill Hill, near Pozieres. For distinguished services he received the Military Medal and after recovering from a wound, re-joined the battalion as a lieutenant. For a time he acted as intelligence officer, and in December, 1916, was appointed adjutant.

Holding this appointment until September, 1918, Lieut. Twining received his captaincy at Messines in July, 1917. He only once acted as company commander, and that was in the action in the Amiens offensive on August 8, 1918. Mentioned in despatches, he received the Military Cross.

In September, 1918, he was attached to 107th New York Regiment in an advisory capacity as operations officer. He was mentioned three times in the despatches of Sir Douglas Haig, and for services in the Villers Brettoneaux region was awarded the French Croix de Guerre.  

Returning to Australia in June, 1919, as adjutant of the troopship Common- wealth, he resumed civil employment for a few months. He was successful in the examination for Royal Military College, Duntroon. Resigning his com- mission he joined the college as a staff cadet. He graduated as a lieutenant in 1921, and his first appointment was as adjutant of 6th Battalion (Melbourne City Regiment). In June, 1923, he was   appointed to this State as Staff Captain of the 3rd Infantry Brigade, and so once more became associated in a military capacity with his former battalion commander.

During his stay in this State Lieut. Twining has taken a great interest in the welfare of citizen force officers and non-commissioned officers. By his cheery disposition he has won the esteem of all.

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article132045008 (nla.gov.au)

Compiled by Steve Larkins 2016

From Ballarat & District in the Great War

Capt David Austral TWINING, 48th Bn. ; M.C., ( Proyart, E of Corbie, 8.8.18 ) ; M.M. ( 2692, Sgt., Pozieres Mill, 5-7.8.16 )

After the end of the Great War, British Prime Minister, David Lloyd George, propounded the theory that their country must be ‘a fit country for heroes to live in.’ It was a sentiment that was echoed around the Empire. He went on to say that he was ‘not using the word "heroes" in any spirit of boastfulness, but in the spirit of humble recognition of the fact. I cannot think what these men have gone through…’ Indeed, no-one who had not fought on the battlefields of the Great War could truly have any comprehension of what the participants suffered.

When men returned home to Australia, damaged in mind, body and soul, they were told, in that typically British stiff-upper lip manner, to forget about the war and get on with their lives. For many the fight continued. It continued as they sought pensions to survive on, as they struggled on unsustainably small soldier settlement blocks of land, and it continued most tellingly in their minds.

Back then the collective term was shellshock. However, true shellshock caused brain damage. The shellshock that most experienced was what we now refer to as PTSD – post traumatic stress disorder. And with little – if any – help, men continued to die long after the war had ended.

On 23 March 1931, one of Australia’s most well-known soldiers, a true fighting general, Harold “Pompey” Elliott ended his own life with a razor cut. The trauma of the battlefield had never left him. He was far from the only one carrying those appalling scars…

In a somewhat roundabout way, Ballarat had become the home to an ex-pat Brit by the name of David Benjamin Hopkins Twining. He had been born in Liverpool, England, in 1866, but for the most part he remained elusive and, although neither the aeroplane or radar had been successfully invented by that stage, he quite literally flew under it for the greater part of his life.

Having migrated to Australia, Twining married Ballarat-born Clara Dean at St David’s Church of England in Surry Hills, Sydney, in 1893. The couple then appear to have journeyed to South Africa, where their daughter, Ethel, was born.

It seems that the family enjoyed a somewhat transitory lifestyle between Johannesburg, Melbourne and Elmhurst, where Clara’s parents were living. It was during one of their periods in Australia that their only son, David Austral Twining, was born. He arrived in South Yarra on 19 November 1895, whilst his father remained in South Africa managing one of the many mines.

With the advent of the South African War of 1899-1901, David Twining senior enlisted in the service of the Rand Rifles. The unit had been raised towards the end of 1900, and were mainly stationed around Johannesburg. As an adjunct to the fighting force, the Rand Rifles Mines Guards came into being to defend the valuable gold mines of the district from destruction by the Boers.

In September 1903, Clara arrived back in Melbourne with the children – young David was by this time nearly 7 years-old. His parents had decided that the school-aged lad was to receive his education in Australia.

David’s secondary schooling was undertaken at Grenville College – a small, but commanding school in Holmes Street, Ballarat. Run along Protestant lines, the school’s motto was Discimus non Scholae Sed Vitae – To learn, not for school, but for life. Given that Grenville College produced two Australian Prime Ministers, it seems that maxim struck a chord with its students.

At the end of 1906, David was named as dux of Form I, and in 1908 he was given the honour of being Head Boy for Form III. By 1910, he was representing the school in cricket with the 1st Eleven as an opening batsman and a very handy opening bowler. Despite the size of the school (which prompted Robert Menzies to later say even HE got a game of football!), they were very competitive on the sporting field. That year saw them beat the far more fancied Ballarat College in the first round of the College Cup.

It seems that David had also developed a liking for the stage and performed well in recitations at local eisteddfodau. He was chosen to present a special piece during the Grenville College annual prize distribution at the Ballarat Town Hall in December 1910.

During the course of the afternoon’s programme, the headmaster, Mr A. A. Buley, delivered a stirring speech, exhorting his students to strive for great achievements. Given what was to unfold in coming years, he could well have been speaking directly to David Twining himself…

‘…No boy will accomplish anything worthy unless he has a mark before him—a goal to reach—a prize, to win. Arid then he must have some confidence in his own powers…’

However, Buley’s influence over David was to come to an end when it was announced in January 1911 that Grenville College was to close. It was at this point that David was enrolled at the Church of England Grammar School (forerunner of Ballarat Grammar). During his time at CEGS (1911-1912), David represented the school in both football and cricket – continuing his dual role of opening batsman and bowler.

After leaving Grammar, David continued with his studies, pursuing a course in civil engineering. He moved to Kalgoorlie in Western Australia to work on the Trans-Australian Railway line, and was employed with a survey party on construction work in the laying of the railway line from Port Augusta to Kalgoorlie. It seems he was in the west when news of his father’s death was received.

Clara Twining had been by her husband’s bedside when he died at the Melbourne Hospital on 30 March 1914. Once again, he remained elusive – there was nothing in the way of a newspaper obituary or report on his funeral. They had been living at 100 Blyth Street in Brunswick at the time, but David Twining senior was not registered to vote in Australia. And there was no indication as to what had caused his death at the young age of 48. There was also the added mystery of no mention of his daughter, Ethel, in the family death notice.

When David (junior) decided to enlist he sought the permission of his mother to do so. She was seemingly more than happy to support her son, even going to the trouble of cabling through her consent on 21 May 1915, ahead of a letter of confirmation.

On 19 June 1915, David presented himself at the recruiting depot in Kalgoorlie to undergo his medical examination. At just 19-years and 6-months of age, he had developed into a strongly built young man. At 5-feet 8½-inches he was around the average height of Australian men of that era, but he was slightly heavier at 165-pounds and had a substantial chest measurement of 37-inches. His brown eyes and hair were duly noted, as was his medium complexion.

Two days later, having successfully passed the medical, David arrived at the Blackboy Hill Camp where he completed his formal attestation into the AIF. His previous training with the Senior Cadets in Kalgoorlie, and the fact he was still serving in the Citizen Forces as a second-lieutenant, added to his prospects as a professional soldier. He was immediately posted to the 8th allocation of reinforcements destined for the 16th Infantry Battalion.

David was given his first opportunity of leadership when, on 10 August, he was provisionally promoted to the rank of sergeant. He embarked at Fremantle onboard HMAT Anchises on 2 September, bound for Egypt.

It was to be a very short stay in the ancient land for David, however, as he was soon onboard ship once again and this time the destination was the island of Lemnos. He reached Mudros Harbour on 23 October, where he was officially taken on strength of the 16th Battalion – and reverted to the rank of private.

His time on the Gallipoli Peninsula was to be equally short. He was appointed as a lance-corporal on 9 November – ten days before his 20th birthday. But the evacuation of ANZAC was soon underway and David was one of the first to return to Alexandria; he disembarked there on 30 December.

Barely two months into the New Year, David came in contact with another soldier who then fell ill with the dreaded cerebro-spinal meningitis. He was hospitalised for two days as a precaution, but fortunately did not develop the disease.

The reforming of the AIF and the raising of new battalions resulted in many men being transferred into “sister” units. The raising of the 48th Infantry Battalion, under the command of Lieutenant-Colonel Raymond Leane, on 16 March 1916 as part of this reorganisation and expansion. And so, it was that David Twining became a member of the “Joan of Arc” Battalion – the famous unit noted for the number of the Leane family in its ranks – prompting the quip that the 48th was “made of all Leanes.”

On 2 June the 48th prepared for embarkation at Alexandria. Whilst the crossing to Marseilles was uneventful, conditions onboard ship were less than ideal with overcrowding and poor food both causing issues. David had, by this time, been promoted to the rank of sergeant and he was soon to prove his worth as a strong and capable leader within the unit.

The 48th Battalion arrived in Albert on the Somme at the beginning of August, and they moved almost immediately into the frontline trenches, with David as sergeant of the Scout Platoon.

Events that unfolded at the now famous Pozieres Windmill site, built up by the Germans as a strongpoint just to the north of the fortified village, were to pass into history and would prompt Australia’s official war historian Charles Bean to write that the site marked a “ridge more densely sown with Australian sacrifice than any other place on earth”. He would also push for the Australian Government to purchase the land where the windmill had once stood, so that it would be forever Australian soil.

After his officer was wounded during the afternoon of 5 August, David Twining took charge of the scout platoon and set up a position about 50 yards beyond the windmill. He patrolled the front between Bapaume Road and the position marked as R.35.c.4.8 on maps, and reconnoitred the mill. He remained in this position the whole time from the night of Aug 5/6 until about 10am on 7 August. During a German counter-attack on the morning of 7 August, he was able to bring flanking fire on the attacking infantry, and was instrumental in repelling the attack.

By about 10am on August 7, David was the only unwounded man of the platoon. Back at Battalion Headquarters, Lieutenant-Colonel Leane, who had no idea his scouts were in such an isolated position, was astonished to receive a message from Twining that stated, ‘…I am the only one left. Do you want me to hold the position?...’ He was immediately ordered in, but afterwards returned in an attempt to bring in his wounded comrades. It was during the rescue that David was himself wounded. He was evacuated to the 4th General Hospital at Camiers, suffering a relatively minor wound to his left arm.

Whilst in Camiers, David was able to cable his mother at Willaura (near Ararat) that he had received his commission for his work at Pozieres. He had also been recommended for the Distinguished Conduct Medal, but this was inexplicably downgraded to a Military Medal. Charles Bean was so impressed by the young soldier’s conduct on that August day, he later featured him in the setting of the Pozieres diorama that was commissioned for the Australian War Memorial.

Fortunately, the wound healed quickly, and, on 14 August, David was transferred to a Convalescent Camp. He rejoined his battalion in billets at Hérissart on 5 September.

News of his Military Medal was received on 4 October when the 48th was at Ridge Wood near Voormezeele in Belgium. It was wet and miserable, but the battalion had a raid on the salient planned, so it was business as usual for David Twining.

When the battalion adjutant, another member of the Leane family, left on leave to England on 11 October, David was appointed acting adjutant in his stead. The following day he received his second “pip” when he was promoted to full lieutenant. At the time he was said to be the youngest officer in the 48th Battalion.

1917 was to prove a pivotal year for David Twining, one that saw him progress from his achievements at Pozieres to becoming one of the best officers in the 48th Battalion. His constant gallantry in the field saw him Mentioned in Despatches on several occasions. The recommendations bear reading in order to understand the nature of this remarkable young officer.

On 5 March 1917, he was mentioned, ‘…For consistent good work and devotion to duty ever since the Battalion has been formed. As Adjutant of the Battalion he has proved of immense value, always at his post, hardworking and reliable. He sets a splendid example by his soldierly bearing and cheerful manner to all those who come in contact with him…’ This recommendation was submitted by his Commanding Officer, Lieutenant-Colonel Raymond L. Leane DSO MC.

General Douglas Haig’s Despatch of 9 April made special mention of David Twining for his ‘great devotion to duty and consistent good work throughout recent operations.’ The MID also recommended him for his captaincy. This promotion became a reality on 10 July, after Captain Joseph Mayersbeth was killed in action at Messines on 12 June.

In sending home news of his MID to his mother, David also included a card. from Major-General Holmes, C.M.G., D.S.O., V.D., commanding the 4th Australian Division, which contained congratula-tions for his gallantry and devotion to duty during April 1916.

Lieutenant-Colonel Leane again recommended David for a MID on 20 September.
‘…For gallant conduct and consistent good work and devotion to duty during the past six months. Captain Twining is extremely loyal, energetic and tireless in his efforts to maintain a high standard of efficiency in the battalion. As Adjutant he has proved very valuable, always at his post. He can be relied upon no matter how dangerous the conditions to carry out any tasks set him…’

This was seconded by Haig’s Despatch of 7 November for his ‘devotion to duty’ from 26 February to 20 September 1917. This was immediately followed by a further mention for work carried out during the period 23 September 1917 to the 25 February 1918.

Obviously, seeing so many young men being killed and mutilated around him had some bearing on David making the decision to gift the 1917 prize to the Dux of his old school in Ballarat. Maybe there was a hope that, should he be killed, another young student would be inspired to pursue his dreams. Certainly, his fondness for CEGS never wavered.

During the spring of 1918, the 48th Battalion played a critical role in blocking the main road into Amiens when the Germans launched their last great offensive.

On 5 April 1918, the 48th Battalion was in action near Albert. As the men came under heavy attack, David repeatedly exposed himself to hostile fire as he supervised the movements ordered by battalion headquarters. When it became necessary for the men to withdraw, he co-ordinated the operation. Brigadier-General John Gellibrand, in recommending David for the Military Cross, noted that ‘his coolness in action was as conspicuous in this as in all previous actions of his battalion.’

For David Twining the possibility of further military honours must have seemed unimportant alongside the painful task he had in writing to the families of men who had died alongside him that day, men like Private Maynes Morcombe, who was killed in action on 5 April.

‘…By this post I am sending you your son Maynes' Testament. Please accept my deepest sympathy in your sad bereavement. Your son was one of the most gallant and promising men we had and would have risen high had he lived.

He met his death in a most wonderful manner, going out into the heaviest barrage I have seen since Pozieres to bring in a wounded pal, but was killed himself just after he got him to safety. Maynes was working in my orderly room and was very highly thought of by everybody.

I'm afraid I am unable to tell you exactly how I feel about your son's death, but I think I can realize in a small measure how you must feel such a gallant boy's death…’

For his actions in the Albert sector, David received a special communique from the Corps Commander, General John Monash, for ‘gallant conduct displayed during the enemy attack...on April 5th 1918.’

In July, Clara Twining received word from her son that he been awarded the French Croix-de-Guerre. He apparently made a particular reference to being ‘pleased for the sake of his old school that he has been awarded his decorations.’

Further heavy fighting near Proyart in August 1918, as a part of the Battle of Amiens, saw David once again in the very thick of it. When part of the assaulting line was held up by intense machine-gun fire, he led a party forward and worked around the flanks of the enemy held position. His successful capture of the machine-gun and several prisoners prevented further casualties for the 48th. But it was his untiring energy and courage that inspired those around him to achieve such impossible goals.

He was sent on leave to England on 3 September. Upon returning, he was detached for duty in an advisory capacity as operations officer with the 107th New York Regiment of the American Army on 24 September. The following day he received word that a second recommendation for the Military Cross had been awarded. The citation read:

‘For his indomitable courage and devotion to duty during the advance on Proyart on the 8th August 1918, Captain D. A. Twining MM, seeing portion of the assaulting line held up by enemy machine gun position still holding out in the final objective, went forward under very heavy machine and rifle fire, reorganised the men and worked around the flanks of the enemy. He then rushed the post from the rear, capturing the gun and 7 of the enemy. This party of the enemy held a very commanding position and was considerably hampering the troops on the flank. It was due to Captain Twining’s skill and fine example that a large number of casualties were avoided. Captain Twining’s work throughout the whole operation displayed an untiring energy and utter disregard for personal safety. His example to the men assisted materially in maintaining their untiring energy and interest…’

The awarding of the Military Cross was confirmed by Major-General E. G. Sinclair-Maclagan, Commander of the 4th Australian Division. Sinclair-Maclagan then took it upon himself to send a card of congratulations to the young man’s mother, remarking especially on David’s ‘gallantry, coolness and valuable work when in action.’

When the 48th Battalion took part in the fight to seize the Hindenburg "outpost line" between 18 and 20 September, it was to be the unit’s last battle of the war.

David Twining returned to England in early 1919 to await repatriation to Australia. The 48th Battalion was disbanded on 31 March and David embarked home two weeks later as adjutant onboard the transport Commonwealth.

Returning to civilian life was probably always going to be difficult for a young man who had forged himself in the heat of battle. David certainly attempted to resume his pre-war career, but this only lasted a few months.

After his appointment with the AIF was terminated on 1 August 1919, David successfully passed the entrance examination for the Royal Military College, Duntroon. He entered the college as a thoroughly over-qualified staff cadet.

Graduating as a lieutenant in 1921, David took his first appointment in the Citizen Forces as adjutant to the 6th Battalion (Melbourne City Regiment).

From professional to personal, David’s life seemed to be blossoming. On 20 February 1922, at the Christ Church Cathedral in Lydiard Street, Ballarat, he married Phyllis Margaret “Madge” Wise, from Elmhurst.

The following year saw Phyllis safely delivered of the couple’s first child, Jessica Phyllis Clare. David continued his work with the Citizen Forces and, in April 1923, he was in charge of the detention camp at Broadmeadows for members of who had neglected to perform the prescribed number of drills during the year, or had failed to attend the annual camp.

‘…In blue dungarees, white caps and hobnailed boots, 110 youths stood on parade at Broadmeadows camp yesterday, and heard the following brief address from an officer in khaki: — "Now lads, because you've been sentenced to a detention camp we are not going to treat you as criminals, but you might as well make up your minds tor some hard work and plenty of it. This is no picnic. You'll be well fed and well treated, but the discipline is going to be strict. We don't waste sympathy on fellows who shirk their drill, but if you play the game and behave well we will have a good camp, and I'll see if we can't get a couple of concert parties out before it’s over."

The officer was Lieutenant David Twining. It was obvious from his address that, as an officer, he was firm but fair. In fact, he was particularly noted for his cheery disposition and was very well liked.

In June, David was also appointed as Staff Captain of the 3rd Infantry Brigade in South Australia, resuming his association with his former battalion commander, Raymond Leane.

By November 1925, David had been promoted to brigade major. He was one of the youngest staff corps officers in South Australia, but his natural ability and perseverance resulted in him achieving well beyond his years. His concern for the welfare of his men was something that added to his popularity, but it also revealed an emotionally complex young man.

In September 1926, David embarked on an exciting experience when, as a Duntroon graduate, he was chosen to head to India on a two-year attachment to units of the British and Indian Armies.

Shortly before embarking, David was given a fond farewell by his fellow officers,

‘…Friends of Lieut. David Twining, M.C. M.M., entertained him at dinner at the Grosvenor prior to his departure to India at an early date. where he will attend a two-year course at Quetta Military Col-lege. After the loyal toast had been honoured Brig.-Gen. R. L. Leane proposed the toast of the guest. Reference was made to the brilliant career of Lieut. Twining during the Great War, his laterwork at Duntroon, and in his present position on the staff corps. The toast was supported by Majors N. Clowes, D.S.O., M.C., Harry Downes, M.C., M.M. and A. E,. Allen.

Replying to the toast. Lieut. Twining said that he was sorry that he was leaving his old associations, but he was looking forward to the experience and training he would receive in India. On his return to Australia he hoped that he would he again posted for duty in South Australia…’

After returning to Australia, David and Phyllis welcomed the arrival of their second child, John Ray-mond David, who was born at Elmhurst on 13 August 1928.

Continuing to pursue his military career, David returned once again to Keswick Barracks in South Australia, this time as adjutant to the 27th Battalion.

David’s position as a highly decorated officer afforded him a degree of respect in the veteran commu-nity. Visibly, he appeared to have come through the Great War unscathed. He certainly was known for his positive, cheerful personality, so what occurred at Keswick Barracks on 27 August 1931 re-mains something of a tragic mystery.

Events began to unfold in the early hours of 27 August. A fellow officer, Lieutenant Walter Parker, had been cycling home after a dance when he was struck by a car. Suffering from severe head injuries, Parker was not expected to survive. In attempting to locate David Twining to inform him of the sit-uation, a watchman at the barracks went to the 27th Battalion office at the Drill Hall shortly after 9am. What he discovered was to leave many unanswered questions. Sitting at his desk with a gas-ring turned on and an overcoat pulled over his head, David Twining was dead.

As in so many instances, there had been no outward issues or change in David’s behaviour or de-meanour. It was mentioned that he had suffered from the effects of gas poisoning, but that in itself was not enough to push a man to take his life. Maybe the burden of trauma had simply become too much for him. The well-publicised death of Pompey Elliott may even have served as a catalyst. Perhaps the imminent death of one of his men proved too much for him to handle, and triggered memories of other comrades he could not save. We will never know.

Strangely, the coroner decided against holding an inquest. The cause of death was ultimately determined as ‘suicide’.

His burial at the West Terrace Cemetery in Adelaide was conducted with full military honours.

‘…A large number of militiamen of the regiment mustered at Keswick Barracks and marched to the cemetery. Pallbearers were Brigadier-General R. L. Leane, Colonel J. M. A. Durrant, Lieutenant-Colonels. H. H. Downes and P. G. Bice (commanders of the 48th and 27th Battalions respectively), Majors W. Bridgeford, J. E. Lee, A. R. Allen, and E. O'Brien. The captains of the regiment marched behind the gun carriage as chief mourners. Colour-Sergeant J. W. McKechnie was in charge of the firing party. Parents of Captain Twining and of Mrs. Twining arrived by the express from Melbourne this morning to attend…’

The sadness continued for the Twining family with the death of David and Phyllis’ daughter, Jessica, at an Ararat Private Hospital on 22 October 1932. For the Twining women – Phyllis and Clara – the losses must have seemed insurmountable.

Phyllis began working as a nurse at various hospitals, including the Alfred Hospital in Melbourne and the Ballarat Hospital. Her only surviving child, John, followed in his father’s footsteps and also attended the Ballarat Grammar School. And, like his father, he became a civil engineer, graduating from the University of Melbourne. His work would take him around the world.

In honouring the school’s most decorated former student, the Dux Prize at Ballarat’s Church of England Grammar School was awarded in memory of Captain D. A. Twining MC MM CdeG MID during the years following his untimely death.