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6 entries.
wrote on February 12, 2025
at
8:38 pm
A brief history of Ernest Roy Dorey (5th January 1896-4th May 1978) Ernest Roy Dorey was born on 5th January 1896 in Darlington N.S.W to Charles Archibald Dorey & Elizabeth Anne Dorey née Smith , Ernest had a healthy childhood, and completed his education up to the 6th class. He then worked as a painter and labourer until 1915 his residential address was listed as: Yamba cottage , Kent street Rockdale, Sydney Ernests service record 1915-1918 Ernest enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force on 10th September 1915 at the Agricultural Ground in New South Wale, his rank was private and military number (3807). His enlistment document shows that he was appointed to the special tramway division . It seems that the need oversees for servicemen was greater. He departed overseas and disembarked at Plymouth, England on 7th June 1916 aboard the HMAT Magnetic. From here Ernest proceeded to France on 5th September 1916 and the following day 6th September he was taken on strength (T.O.S) at the 2nd Australian Divisional Base Depot at Etaples , France which was a training facility for Australian soldiers . It was here that Australian soldiers received training in gas warfare and bayonet drill at... Read more
A brief history of Ernest Roy Dorey (5th January 1896-4th May 1978)
Ernest Roy Dorey was born on 5th January 1896 in Darlington N.S.W to Charles Archibald Dorey & Elizabeth Anne Dorey née Smith , Ernest had a healthy childhood, and completed his education up to the 6th class. He then worked as a painter and labourer until 1915 his residential address was listed as:
Yamba cottage , Kent street Rockdale, Sydney
Ernests service record 1915-1918
Ernest enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force on 10th September 1915 at the Agricultural Ground in New South Wale, his rank was private and military number (3807). His enlistment document shows that he was appointed to the special tramway division . It seems that the need oversees for servicemen was greater. He departed overseas and disembarked at Plymouth, England on 7th June 1916 aboard the HMAT Magnetic. From here Ernest proceeded to France on 5th September 1916 and the following day 6th September he was taken on strength (T.O.S) at the 2nd Australian Divisional Base Depot at Etaples , France which was a training facility for Australian soldiers . It was here that Australian soldiers received training in gas warfare and bayonet drill at the base depot.
British officers gave the soldiers a strict medical check and military tests.
The training depot was known as the "Bull Ring" and was known for its harsh regime and bullying
On the 15 September 1916 Ernest joined his battalion in Belgium .
He served in the trenches of France and Belgium with the 17th Infantry Battalion, C Company, 10th platoon. Ernest sustained his first injury on 3rd May 1917 during the Second Battle of Bullecourt which from history shows that this battle was an absolute blood bath with many casualties Ernest being one of those casualties he suffered a gunshot wound to his chest, he was sent to the No 3 Australian Casualty Clearing Station, two days later he was admitted to the 11th stationary hospital quite possibly in Rouen but not sure on this .
On the 14th May 1917 he was discharged to England on the “Aberdonian” and on the 15th May 1917 he was admitted to the 1st General hospital. About one month later on the 16th June Ernest marched in from Perham Downs to the 5th training battalion.
On the 27th June he transferred to the 3rd Australian Auxiliary hospital. He was on leave from the 30th July 1917 and marched in to the No.1 clearing Depot on the 13th August 1917 he was classed as B.1a1 (Fit for light duty only - 4 weeks) on the 17th September Ernest was declassed as B.1a4 ( Fit for overseas training camp when passed dentally fit) he was still at the No.1 clearing depot at this point .
On the 26th September 1917 he marched out to oversees training brigade ; Perham downs (nicknamed Perishing Downs) is located north of Salisbury, between Tidworth & Ludgershall on the northern edge of the Salisbury Plain. On the 24th October 1917 Ernest proceeded back oversees to France . On the 25th October 1917 he marched in to 2nd Australian Divisional Base Depot Le Havre, France . It was on the 30th October 1917 that Ernest rejoined his battalion.
His second injury occurred on 14th May 1918 at the Combat of Morlancourt, where he received a gunshot wound to his face and fractured upper jaw. (The document states that he did not notice his present trouble until in hospital at Bristol. He was at the 2nd Southern General Hospital Bristol from 28th May 1918 till 5th July 1918.) backtracking slightly , on the 18th May 1918 Ernest was admitted to the 1st U.S.A general hospital then on the 27th May he embarked to England on the “Panama” . Details above from the 28th May .
From the 5th of July 1918 till the 19th July 1918 Ernest was on leave. On the 19th July he marched in from Army headquarters and reported to No.1 clearing depot it seems again he was on leave and was declassed as B.1a3 (Fit for overseas training camp in two to three weeks )
On the 11th December 1918 Ernest marched out for return to Australia , the document states he returned to Australia per “Saxson” from England . On the 31st March 1919 Ernest was discharged by medical unit .
Life after the war
Ernest Roy Dorey (24) married Winifred Maud Kirby (22) on 3rd April 1920 at Saint Andrew church, Peckham: Glengall Road, Southwark, England .
The addresses on the marriage certificate show Ernest living at 19. Nelson square and working as a ‘brass shiner’ and Winifred at 14 Mormont Road, Peckham .
It is said that the couple met while walking through a park in the local area.
They had two children, Edna Dorey, who passed away at a young age, and Irene Winifred Watkins (née Dorey), my great-grandmother.
The family returned to Australia on the 26th July 1921 on the ship “Honorata” . Ernest attended a tannery training school for three years but was put off due to slackness in trade . He experienced a period of unemployment lasting two years, during which he relied on his war pension to live. Ernest struggled with depression, insomnia, and night terrors, and suffered from severe neck pain, indicative of the traumatic experiences he endured during the war (his official diagnosis was D.A.H which is a disease of the heart, also effort syndrome another name for post traumatic stress disorder) which they didn’t fully understand back then .
He was admitted to Callan Park as a voluntary patient in 20th January 1931 and was in and out of the facility frequently.
Ernest started working for Sydney Water on the 7.7.1936 and retired on the 24.2.1967 . The family resided at 72 Elizabeth Street, Paddington, Ernest passed away on 4th May 1978 at Phillip House Nursing Home in Waverley. He is buried at Rookwood general cemetery:
Cemetery Section
9_ Zone C, #
Allotment Number
2487
I wanted to share my great-great-grandfathers history for future generations to come. These records must be kept and memories remembered, although I never met Ernest which is a shame my extensive research of him has shown me the character he was he clearly gave up everything for his family country and in turn our freedom.... Collapse
Ernest Roy Dorey was born on 5th January 1896 in Darlington N.S.W to Charles Archibald Dorey & Elizabeth Anne Dorey née Smith , Ernest had a healthy childhood, and completed his education up to the 6th class. He then worked as a painter and labourer until 1915 his residential address was listed as:
Yamba cottage , Kent street Rockdale, Sydney
Ernests service record 1915-1918
Ernest enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force on 10th September 1915 at the Agricultural Ground in New South Wale, his rank was private and military number (3807). His enlistment document shows that he was appointed to the special tramway division . It seems that the need oversees for servicemen was greater. He departed overseas and disembarked at Plymouth, England on 7th June 1916 aboard the HMAT Magnetic. From here Ernest proceeded to France on 5th September 1916 and the following day 6th September he was taken on strength (T.O.S) at the 2nd Australian Divisional Base Depot at Etaples , France which was a training facility for Australian soldiers . It was here that Australian soldiers received training in gas warfare and bayonet drill at the base depot.
British officers gave the soldiers a strict medical check and military tests.
The training depot was known as the "Bull Ring" and was known for its harsh regime and bullying
On the 15 September 1916 Ernest joined his battalion in Belgium .
He served in the trenches of France and Belgium with the 17th Infantry Battalion, C Company, 10th platoon. Ernest sustained his first injury on 3rd May 1917 during the Second Battle of Bullecourt which from history shows that this battle was an absolute blood bath with many casualties Ernest being one of those casualties he suffered a gunshot wound to his chest, he was sent to the No 3 Australian Casualty Clearing Station, two days later he was admitted to the 11th stationary hospital quite possibly in Rouen but not sure on this .
On the 14th May 1917 he was discharged to England on the “Aberdonian” and on the 15th May 1917 he was admitted to the 1st General hospital. About one month later on the 16th June Ernest marched in from Perham Downs to the 5th training battalion.
On the 27th June he transferred to the 3rd Australian Auxiliary hospital. He was on leave from the 30th July 1917 and marched in to the No.1 clearing Depot on the 13th August 1917 he was classed as B.1a1 (Fit for light duty only - 4 weeks) on the 17th September Ernest was declassed as B.1a4 ( Fit for overseas training camp when passed dentally fit) he was still at the No.1 clearing depot at this point .
On the 26th September 1917 he marched out to oversees training brigade ; Perham downs (nicknamed Perishing Downs) is located north of Salisbury, between Tidworth & Ludgershall on the northern edge of the Salisbury Plain. On the 24th October 1917 Ernest proceeded back oversees to France . On the 25th October 1917 he marched in to 2nd Australian Divisional Base Depot Le Havre, France . It was on the 30th October 1917 that Ernest rejoined his battalion.
His second injury occurred on 14th May 1918 at the Combat of Morlancourt, where he received a gunshot wound to his face and fractured upper jaw. (The document states that he did not notice his present trouble until in hospital at Bristol. He was at the 2nd Southern General Hospital Bristol from 28th May 1918 till 5th July 1918.) backtracking slightly , on the 18th May 1918 Ernest was admitted to the 1st U.S.A general hospital then on the 27th May he embarked to England on the “Panama” . Details above from the 28th May .
From the 5th of July 1918 till the 19th July 1918 Ernest was on leave. On the 19th July he marched in from Army headquarters and reported to No.1 clearing depot it seems again he was on leave and was declassed as B.1a3 (Fit for overseas training camp in two to three weeks )
On the 11th December 1918 Ernest marched out for return to Australia , the document states he returned to Australia per “Saxson” from England . On the 31st March 1919 Ernest was discharged by medical unit .
Life after the war
Ernest Roy Dorey (24) married Winifred Maud Kirby (22) on 3rd April 1920 at Saint Andrew church, Peckham: Glengall Road, Southwark, England .
The addresses on the marriage certificate show Ernest living at 19. Nelson square and working as a ‘brass shiner’ and Winifred at 14 Mormont Road, Peckham .
It is said that the couple met while walking through a park in the local area.
They had two children, Edna Dorey, who passed away at a young age, and Irene Winifred Watkins (née Dorey), my great-grandmother.
The family returned to Australia on the 26th July 1921 on the ship “Honorata” . Ernest attended a tannery training school for three years but was put off due to slackness in trade . He experienced a period of unemployment lasting two years, during which he relied on his war pension to live. Ernest struggled with depression, insomnia, and night terrors, and suffered from severe neck pain, indicative of the traumatic experiences he endured during the war (his official diagnosis was D.A.H which is a disease of the heart, also effort syndrome another name for post traumatic stress disorder) which they didn’t fully understand back then .
He was admitted to Callan Park as a voluntary patient in 20th January 1931 and was in and out of the facility frequently.
Ernest started working for Sydney Water on the 7.7.1936 and retired on the 24.2.1967 . The family resided at 72 Elizabeth Street, Paddington, Ernest passed away on 4th May 1978 at Phillip House Nursing Home in Waverley. He is buried at Rookwood general cemetery:
Cemetery Section
9_ Zone C, #
Allotment Number
2487
I wanted to share my great-great-grandfathers history for future generations to come. These records must be kept and memories remembered, although I never met Ernest which is a shame my extensive research of him has shown me the character he was he clearly gave up everything for his family country and in turn our freedom.... Collapse
wrote on March 3, 2021
at
10:27 am
A distant relative I'm researching crossed paths with Claude. His name was David Ernest Annan - his father had immigrated to Australia in the late 1800s. He lived in Sydney and enlisted 1915-12-11. He departed on the same ship as Claude, HMAT A71 Nestor, on the 4th April 1916. Mention of Alexandria as well (which threw me for a loop, considering there is an Alexandria in Sydney!) and the HMS Megantic. Fun fact, Annan was also committed to hospital (Fargo Military Hosp) upon arrival, 1916-06-09. His cause was "Influenza" - there was likely an outbreak going around. Annan was part of the 19th Battalion though. He went to Ypres and trained as a Lewis Gun Operator before being severely wounded 1917-05-03. While in an England Hospital, he went AWL for 3 days, and was immediately returned to the front when he showed up again. He was again wounded (shrapnel this time) 1917-10-07 and immediately sent home to Australia via SS Runic
A distant relative I'm researching crossed paths with Claude.
His name was David Ernest Annan - his father had immigrated to Australia in the late 1800s. He lived in Sydney and enlisted 1915-12-11. He departed on the same ship as Claude, HMAT A71 Nestor, on the 4th April 1916. Mention of Alexandria as well (which threw me for a loop, considering there is an Alexandria in Sydney!) and the HMS Megantic.
Fun fact, Annan was also committed to hospital (Fargo Military Hosp) upon arrival, 1916-06-09. His cause was "Influenza" - there was likely an outbreak going around.
Annan was part of the 19th Battalion though. He went to Ypres and trained as a Lewis Gun Operator before being severely wounded 1917-05-03. While in an England Hospital, he went AWL for 3 days, and was immediately returned to the front when he showed up again.
He was again wounded (shrapnel this time) 1917-10-07 and immediately sent home to Australia via SS Runic... Collapse
His name was David Ernest Annan - his father had immigrated to Australia in the late 1800s. He lived in Sydney and enlisted 1915-12-11. He departed on the same ship as Claude, HMAT A71 Nestor, on the 4th April 1916. Mention of Alexandria as well (which threw me for a loop, considering there is an Alexandria in Sydney!) and the HMS Megantic.
Fun fact, Annan was also committed to hospital (Fargo Military Hosp) upon arrival, 1916-06-09. His cause was "Influenza" - there was likely an outbreak going around.
Annan was part of the 19th Battalion though. He went to Ypres and trained as a Lewis Gun Operator before being severely wounded 1917-05-03. While in an England Hospital, he went AWL for 3 days, and was immediately returned to the front when he showed up again.
He was again wounded (shrapnel this time) 1917-10-07 and immediately sent home to Australia via SS Runic... Collapse
Admin Reply by: Chris Mundy
Hi Nik, Chris Mundy here. Thanks for reading through the site. I remember when I did some research on the AIF Database mapping all the people locally who instrumental in Claude’s joining it was an interesting study. I think you're the second person I've come across who had a relative on the Nestor. It certainly makes the story come alive more. In relation to David's family history, if you haven't done so already I suggest you have a dig around https://trove.nla.gov.au/ and https://www.naa.gov.au/. Also, you pay for access to David's detailed military records. Chris
Hi Nik,
Chris Mundy here.
Thanks for reading through the site.
I remember when I did some research on the AIF Database mapping all the people locally who instrumental in Claude’s joining it was an interesting study. I think you're the second person I've come across who had a relative on the Nestor. It certainly makes the story come alive more.
In relation to David's family history, if you haven't done so already I suggest you have a dig around https://trove.nla.gov.au/ and https://www.naa.gov.au/. Also, you pay for access to David's detailed military records.
Chris... Collapse
Chris Mundy here.
Thanks for reading through the site.
I remember when I did some research on the AIF Database mapping all the people locally who instrumental in Claude’s joining it was an interesting study. I think you're the second person I've come across who had a relative on the Nestor. It certainly makes the story come alive more.
In relation to David's family history, if you haven't done so already I suggest you have a dig around https://trove.nla.gov.au/ and https://www.naa.gov.au/. Also, you pay for access to David's detailed military records.
Chris... Collapse
wrote on February 26, 2018
at
10:30 pm
Hi Chris, Many thanks for Ur site I have been doing in-depth Researching & Analysing for some years now on everything WW1 including my 4 WW1 Weeks Brothers ( including my Grandfather & 2 of his Cousins KIA; & Maternal Grandfather MM )& 4 WW2 Weeks Brothers ( including my Father ) & have not been able to get a copies of my Grandfather & 2nd Brothers Attestation Papers (previously available at Melbourne Archives Centre, Casselden Place, 2 Lonsdale St, Melbourne V Box 8005, Burwood Heights Vic 3151 refvic@naa.gov.sau ) for their PMF (Permanent Military Force ) PRIOR their WW1 ( AIF involvement also) as follows :- PMF No 34 Francis James Weeks & PMF No 79 Leslie Horace Weeks Also, did a Google Search " Victoria Barracks ( Sydney ) Base Records 1915 " which pointed me to Ur Site as :- Office i/c Base Records, Victoria Barracks ( Paddington ) SYDNEY? Vs Base Records, Victoria Barracks, MELBOURNE? Is it possible through recorded & unrecorded history that they are both correct ?? Cheers Many thanks Jeff M. Weeks
Hi Chris,
Many thanks for Ur site
I have been doing in-depth Researching & Analysing for some years now on everything WW1 including my
4 WW1 Weeks Brothers ( including my Grandfather & 2 of his Cousins KIA; & Maternal Grandfather MM )&
4 WW2 Weeks Brothers ( including my Father )
& have not been able to get a copies of my Grandfather & 2nd Brothers Attestation Papers (previously available at Melbourne Archives Centre, Casselden Place, 2 Lonsdale St, Melbourne V Box 8005, Burwood Heights Vic 3151 refvic@naa.gov.sau ) for their PMF (Permanent Military Force ) PRIOR their WW1 ( AIF involvement also) as follows :-
PMF No 34 Francis James Weeks
&
PMF No 79 Leslie Horace Weeks
Also, did a Google Search " Victoria Barracks ( Sydney ) Base Records 1915 " which pointed me to Ur Site as :-
Office i/c Base Records, Victoria Barracks ( Paddington ) SYDNEY?
Vs
Base Records, Victoria Barracks, MELBOURNE?
Is it possible through recorded & unrecorded history that they are both correct ??
Cheers
Many thanks
Jeff M. Weeks... Collapse
Many thanks for Ur site
I have been doing in-depth Researching & Analysing for some years now on everything WW1 including my
4 WW1 Weeks Brothers ( including my Grandfather & 2 of his Cousins KIA; & Maternal Grandfather MM )&
4 WW2 Weeks Brothers ( including my Father )
& have not been able to get a copies of my Grandfather & 2nd Brothers Attestation Papers (previously available at Melbourne Archives Centre, Casselden Place, 2 Lonsdale St, Melbourne V Box 8005, Burwood Heights Vic 3151 refvic@naa.gov.sau ) for their PMF (Permanent Military Force ) PRIOR their WW1 ( AIF involvement also) as follows :-
PMF No 34 Francis James Weeks
&
PMF No 79 Leslie Horace Weeks
Also, did a Google Search " Victoria Barracks ( Sydney ) Base Records 1915 " which pointed me to Ur Site as :-
Office i/c Base Records, Victoria Barracks ( Paddington ) SYDNEY?
Vs
Base Records, Victoria Barracks, MELBOURNE?
Is it possible through recorded & unrecorded history that they are both correct ??
Cheers
Many thanks
Jeff M. Weeks... Collapse
Admin Reply by: Chris Mundy
Hi Jeff, Thanks your entry at ecperkins.com.au. All Records are now stored in Canberra at the National Archives http://naa.gov.au/collection/family-history/. However, I would start searching at https://www.awm.gov.au/advanced-search/people for people searches. Here's what I found... Horace Leslie Weeks: https://www.awm.gov.au/collection/R2257301 James Weeks: https://www.awm.gov.au/collection/R2257305 See if these matches your records. I hope this makes sense. Chris
Hi Jeff,
Thanks your entry at ecperkins.com.au.
All Records are now stored in Canberra at the National Archives http://naa.gov.au/collection/family-history/.
However, I would start searching at https://www.awm.gov.au/advanced-search/people for people searches.
Here's what I found...
Horace Leslie Weeks: https://www.awm.gov.au/collection/R2257301
James Weeks: https://www.awm.gov.au/collection/R2257305
See if these matches your records.
I hope this makes sense.
Chris... Collapse
Thanks your entry at ecperkins.com.au.
All Records are now stored in Canberra at the National Archives http://naa.gov.au/collection/family-history/.
However, I would start searching at https://www.awm.gov.au/advanced-search/people for people searches.
Here's what I found...
Horace Leslie Weeks: https://www.awm.gov.au/collection/R2257301
James Weeks: https://www.awm.gov.au/collection/R2257305
See if these matches your records.
I hope this makes sense.
Chris... Collapse
wrote on February 27, 2014
at
7:10 am
My father George Centennial Dennis Stone No 4576.inlisted on 24/1/1916 sydhey town hall,unit 11th reinforcement 17th battalion,embarked "Nestor" 9/4/1916,on the same ship as E C Perkins ,my father was wounded during the battle of Mon St Quentin,He returned Australia on the H.M.A.T" Orsova" 3/3/1919
My father George Centennial Dennis Stone No 4576.inlisted on 24/1/1916 sydhey town hall,unit 11th reinforcement 17th
battalion,embarked "Nestor" 9/4/1916,on the same ship as E C Perkins ,my father was wounded during the battle of Mon St Quentin,He returned Australia on the H.M.A.T" Orsova" 3/3/1919... Collapse
battalion,embarked "Nestor" 9/4/1916,on the same ship as E C Perkins ,my father was wounded during the battle of Mon St Quentin,He returned Australia on the H.M.A.T" Orsova" 3/3/1919... Collapse
wrote on April 27, 2013
at
10:10 pm
This is just fabulous - my gradfather embarked on the HMAT Nestor from Sydney on 9 April 1916 with the 17th Batallion so it sounds like EC Perkins and my grandfather were on the same ship. Such easy access to clear and concise information. His daughter (my mother) is still alive and although she never knew her father very well (he came back from the war with shell shock we think) she will be so happy when I read her this story. Thank You. Mary
This is just fabulous - my gradfather embarked on the HMAT Nestor from Sydney on 9 April 1916 with the 17th Batallion so it sounds like EC Perkins and my grandfather were on the same ship. Such easy access to clear and concise information. His daughter (my mother) is still alive and although she never knew her father very well (he came back from the war with shell shock we think) she will be so happy when I read her this story. Thank You. Mary... Collapse
wrote on May 9, 2012
at
1:26 am
Well done Chris . The All Souls' History Team are happy to be part of such a lovely memorial
Well done Chris . The All Souls' History Team are happy to be part of such a lovely memorial... Collapse
