Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

'WITH THE SIXTH CONTINGENT. - In the course of a letter to his parents at Tannymorel, Private W. J. Lilley, of the 6th Q.I.B., writes as follows under date 24th July :- On the 21st we were out on patrol with 400 men (the main body having camped to give the mules a rest), when we came across Commandant Smut's commando, with all his convoy. We lost no time in charging his position, and, with the big guns covering the advance, we galloped in amongst the enemy at such a pace that they were completely taken off their guard. The Boers cleared out to a position about three miles away, while the convoy was split up into two parts, one going west and the other north. We had insufficient men to tackle the two portions, so had to be satisfied with one. We got great praise from our commanding officer for the way we charged and took the convoy.

The following day we went out after the other half, but had only gone a few miles when we again encountered the Boers, who held such a good position that, after about six hours' heavy fighting and a continual fire from our artillery, we failed to shift them. The ambulance then came out for the wounded, who numbered eight, two of whom, being shot through the body, were in a very serious condition. One of these was a Queenslander and the other a New Zealander. Three of the latter force were hit, and two of the Queenslanders - one being our Colonel, who received a flesh wound under the eye. The remaining three were Royal Irish Rifles. We are having a little sniping, more or less heavy, almost every day.' from Warwick Argus 28 Sep 1901 (nla.gov.au)

'Local Items.

Mr. W. J. Lilley, late of Tannymorel, is now a member of the Rhodesian Police at Salisbury, South Africa.' from Warwick Examiner and Times 21 Sep 1904 (nla.gov.au)

'FUNERAL NOTICE.

THE Relatives and Friends of Mrs. W. J. Lilley and Family are respectfully invited to attend the Funeral of their deceased beloved Husband, Father and Relative, the late MR WILLIAM JOHN LILLEY of "Bristol Villa", Yeppoon, to move from our Funeral Parlour, Alma Street THIS (Thursday) FORENOON at 11 o'clock for the North Rockhampton Cemetery.

R.S.S.A.I.L.A.
The members of the above League are requested to attend the funeral of their late comrade WILLIAM JOHN LILLEY.
N. Richardson, Secretary.' from Morning Bulletin 17 Jan 1952 (nla.gov.au)

'THANKS NOTICES

MRS W. J. LILLEY wishes to thank the Doctor, Matron and Nursing Staff of the Yeppoon Hospital for their kind attention to her late Husband while an inmate of the Hospital.

MRS W. J. LILLEY wishes to thank all kind Friends for their messages of sympathy in her sad bereavement; also the Hon. J. Larcombe for his telegram of sympathy.' from Morning Bulletin 2 Feb 1952 (nla.gov.au)