Remembering

Image of the Newspaper Article Until the Day Breaks

Claude’s story is one piece of a jigsaw puzzle of the early days of federation in a new nation. Claude was the youngest person born in Bowral to serve and die in the First World War. In any war there are many Claude Perkins’s.

Claude represents many young people who has felt the need to serve their country. Unfortunately the flower of a country’s youth is lost when someone loses their life on the battlefield.

The hopes and dreams of a family are also lost with those who remain being left with the thoughts of what could have been.

In the case of Claude’s parents, it haunted them till their death where the Australian government, in trying do the right thing by remembering the sacrifice, each time with each letter reminded them of their son who was lost.

Remembering the story, remembering the sacrifice

I have had the privilege of documenting Claude’s story through this website.

For people who have a connection to someone who has served, their story is stored in the National Archives, the National Library, or in a box or tin hidden in a garage, an attic or a wardrobe.

Newspapers

The local newspaper reported Claude’s death and provided a time for the memorial service. Other papers such as The Southern Mail and the Scruitneer, distributed throughout the Mittagong, Bowral and Berrima region, also recorded Claude’s death on Friday 8th December 1916. This was to inform all the relatives and family friends in the district.

The Perkins  family remembered Claude’s death in Sydney Morning Herald most years around the date of his death from 1916-1927.

Year Published Text Page Identifier DateArticle Identifier
1916PERKINS - Killed in action in France. Nov 8, Pte. E. C. Perkins (Claude), youngest son of Mr. and Mrs. T.H. Perkins Rendova 72 Catherine Street, Leichhardt. Until the day dawns.05 December 191605 December 1916
1916PERKINS - Killed in action in France, Nov 8. Pte. E. C. Perkins (Claude), youngest brother of W.H. Perkins H.T. Perkins, Mrs. A.C. Burgh, Mrs. W H. Herrington, and Mrs. P. Rich, A young life nobly ended.05 December 191605 December 1916
1917PERKINS - In memory of our darling son Claude (Private) E C Perkins killed in action In France November 8 1916, aged 16 years 8 months. Tis only till the day breaks And all shadows flee That our dearly loved ones Face we cannot see Inserted by his sorrowing parents 08 November 191708 November 1917
1917PERKINS - Killed in action France November 8 1916 Private Edward Claude Perkins. He rose responsive to his country's call. Inserted by his loving brother and sister in law Will and Cecelia 08 November 191708 November 1917
1917PERKINS - In loving memory of our dear brother Private (Claude) Perkins, killed in action. France November 8 1916 Somebody had to stand in front so he did Somebody had to bear the brunt the brunt, so he did. There's many a heart like ours that's sore But somebody had to pay the score so he did Inserted by his loving sister and brother in law Ida and Percy Rich also nieces and nephews08 November 191708 November 1917
1917PERKINS - A loving tribute to the memory of Private E C Perkins (Claude) killed In action November 8, 1916 aged 16 yeas 8 months Always lovingly remembered Inserted by his sister Maude, brother in law Alf, and niece Gwenneth Burgh 08 November 191708 November 1917
1917PERKINS - Killed in action in France November 8 1916 Private Edward Claude Perkins beloved cousin of Eva Lovell. He heard the call, And answered nobly, Inserted by Eva Lovell 08 November 191708 November 1917
1917PERKINS - In loving memory of our dear brother Private E C (Claude) Perkins killed in action in France, November 8, 1916. Midst the battles awful dire, With firm resolve to die or win, Our hero fell and so we mourn. Inserted by Ida. and Will. Herrington08 November 191708 November 1917
1918PERKINS - In memory of our darling youngest son, Claude, Private E. C Perkins, killed In action inFrance, November 8, 1916, Two long years since our great sorrow fell; We miss him more than words can ever tell. Inserted by his sorrowing parents. 08 November 191808 November 1918
1918PERKINS - In loving memory of my dear brother. Private Claude Perkins. 17th Battalion, A.I.F.. killed in action France, November 8. 1910. Inserted by his loving sister and brother-ln-law, Ada and Percy Rich, also Kathleen, Phyllis. Beryl, Claud, and Jean. 08 November 191808 November 1918
1918PERKINS - In loving memory of our dear Claude, killed in action, November 8. 1910. Not lost, but gone before. Inserted by his loving brother and sister-ln-law, Will and Cecelia, also nieces and nephew.08 November 191808 November 1918
1922PERKINS.-In loving memory of our darling son and brother, Claude E. C. Perkins, killed In action in France, November 8, 191B. Inserted by his sorrowing parents, M. J. and T. H. Perkins08 November 192208 November 1922
1923PERKINS - In loving memory of our darling youngest son and brother, (Claude) E C. Perkins, killed In action, France, November 8, 1918. Only a step removed; We're soon again shall meet Our own, our dearly loved, Around our Saviour's feet. Inserted by his parents, sisters, and brothers08 November 192308 November 1923
1924PERKINS - In loving memory of our darling son, Claude Perkins, 17th Battalion, killed in action November 8, 1916. Too dearly loved ever to be forgotten Inserted by his sorrowing parents.08 November 192408 November 1924
1925PERKINS - In loving memory of our darling son. Claude, killed in action, France, November 8, 1910. Inserted by his sorrowing parents, sisters, and brothers, Rendova, Catherine Street, Leichhardt.08 November 192508 November 1925
1926PERKINS - In loving memory of our darling son Claude E.C.Perkins killed in action France, November 8 1916 Inserted by his sorrowing parents Rendova Catherine street, Leichhardt08 November 192608 November 1926
1927PERKINS - In memory of our dear son. Claude E. C. Perkins, killed in action, France, November 8, 1916. Never forgotten by his parents, sisters, and brothers.08 November 192708 November 1927
1928PERKINS - In loving memory of our beloved son and brother, Claude E. C. Perkins, killed in action November 8 1916. Inserted by his sorrowing parents.08 November 192808 November 1928
1929PERKINS - In loving memory of our dear son, Claude, killed In action, France, November 8, 1916. Inserted by his sorrowing parents08 November 192908 November 1929
1929PERKINS - The Relatives and Friends of Mrs. MARY JANE PERKINS are kindly invited to attend the Funeral of her late beloved HUSBAND Thomas Henry to leave her residence Rendova 72 Catherine street Leichhardt THIS (Thursday) MORNING at 0 30 o clock tor Church of England Cemetery Rookwood Motor funeral WOOD COFFILL LIMITED Motor Funeral Directors P26 December 1929P26 December 1929
1929PERKINS-The Relatives and Friends of MAUDE and ALF BURGH, WILL, and CECELIA PERKINS, ELIZABETH and WILL HERRINGTON, HERBERT and ALICE PERKINS and IDA and PERCY RICH and FAMILIES are kindly Invited to attend the Funeral of their late beloved FATHER and GRANDFATHER Thomas Henry Perkins, to leave Rendova 72 Catherine street Leichhardt THIS (Thursday) MORNING at 9. 30 for Church of England, Cemetery Rookwood WOOD COFFILL LIMITED P26 December 1929P26 December 1929
1929PERKINS - The Relatives and Friends of GWEN and HARRY MUNDY are kindly Invited to attend the funeral of their late beloved GRAND FATHER Thomas Henry Perkins, to leave Rendova 72 Catherine street Leichhardt THIS (Thursdav) MORNING at 9.30 for Church of England Cemetery Rookwood by road Motor Funeral. WOOD COFFILL LIMITEDP26 December 1929P26 December 1929
1929PERKINS - The Relatives and Friends of Mrs. MARY JANE PERKINS are kindly invited to attend the Funeral of her late beloved HUSBAND Thomas Henry to leave her residence Rendova 72 Catherine street Leichhardt THIS (Thursday) MORNING at 0 30 o clock tor Church of England Cemetery Rookwood Motor funeral WOOD COFFILL LIMITED Motor Funeral Directors PERKINS-The Relatives and Friends of MAUDE and ALF BURGH, WILL, and CECELIA PERKINS, ELIZABETH and WILL HERRINGTON, HERBERT and ALICE PERKINS and IDA and PERCY RICH and FAMILIES are kindly Invited to attend the Funeral of their late beloved FATHER and GRANDFATHER Thomas Henry Perkins, to leave Rendova 72 Catherine street Leichhardt THIS (Thursday) MORNING at 9. 30 for Church of England, Cemetery Rookwood WOOD COFFILL LIMITED PERKINS - The Relatives and Friends of GWEN and HARRY MUNDY are kindly Invited to attend the funeral of their late beloved GRAND FATHER Thomas Henry Perkins, to leave Rendova 72 Catherine street Leichhardt THIS (Thursdav) MORNING at 9.30 for Church of England Cemetery Rookwood by road Motor Funeral. WOOD COFFILL LIMITEDP26 December 1929P26 December 1929
1929PERKINS - The Relatives and Friends of Mrs. MARY JANE PERKINS are kindly invited to attend the Funeral of her late beloved HUSBAND Thomas Henry to leave her residence Rendova 72 Catherine street Leichhardt THIS (Thursday) MORNING at 0 30 o clock tor Church of England Cemetery Rookwood Motor funeral WOOD COFFILL LIMITED Motor Funeral Directors PERKINS-The Relatives and Friends of MAUDE and ALF BURGH, WILL, and CECELIA PERKINS, ELIZABETH and WILL HERRINGTON, HERBERT and ALICE PERKINS and IDA and PERCY RICH and FAMILIES are kindly Invited to attend the Funeral of their late beloved FATHER and GRANDFATHER Thomas Henry Perkins, to leave Rendova 72 Catherine street Leichhardt THIS (Thursday) MORNING at 9. 30 for Church of England, Cemetery Rookwood WOOD COFFILL LIMITED PERKINS - The Relatives and Friends of GWEN and HARRY MUNDY are kindly Invited to attend the funeral of their late beloved GRAND FATHER Thomas Henry Perkins, to leave Rendova 72 Catherine street Leichhardt THIS (Thursdav) MORNING at 9.30 for Church of England Cemetery Rookwood by road Motor Funeral. WOOD COFFILL LIMITEDP26 December 1929P26 December 1929
1929PERKINS - The Relatives and Friends of Mrs. MARY JANE PERKINS are kindly invited to attend the Funeral of her late beloved HUSBAND Thomas Henry to leave her residence Rendova 72 Catherine street Leichhardt THIS (Thursday) MORNING at 0 30 o clock tor Church of England Cemetery Rookwood Motor funeral WOOD COFFILL LIMITED Motor Funeral Directors PERKINS-The Relatives and Friends of MAUDE and ALF BURGH, WILL, and CECELIA PERKINS, ELIZABETH and WILL HERRINGTON, HERBERT and ALICE PERKINS and IDA and PERCY RICH and FAMILIES are kindly Invited to attend the Funeral of their late beloved FATHER and GRANDFATHER Thomas Henry Perkins, to leave Rendova 72 Catherine street Leichhardt THIS (Thursday) MORNING at 9. 30 for Church of England, Cemetery Rookwood WOOD COFFILL LIMITED PERKINS - The Relatives and Friends of GWEN and HARRY MUNDY are kindly Invited to attend the funeral of their late beloved GRAND FATHER Thomas Henry Perkins, to leave Rendova 72 Catherine street Leichhardt THIS (Thursdav) MORNING at 9.30 for Church of England Cemetery Rookwood by road Motor Funeral. WOOD COFFILL LIMITEDP26 December 1929P26 December 1929
1929PERKINS - December 24, 1929, at his residence, Rendova. Catherine-street, Leichhardt, Thomas H., beloved husband of Mary Jane, and fond father of Maude, Will. Elisabeth, Herbert, Ida, and Claude (killed In action, late A.I.F.), late of Bowral. Peacefully sleeping. 28 December 1929 28 December 1929
1930PERKINS - In loving memory of our dear son Claude killed In action France November 8 1916 Inserted by his sorrowing mother08 November 193008 November 1930
1930PERKINS - The Relatives and Friends of Mr. and Mrs. A. BURGH, Mr.- and Mrs WILLIAM PERKINS, Mr. and Mrs. WILLIAM HERRINCTON, Mr. and Mrs. H. PERKINS, Mr. and Mrs. P. RICH, and FAMILIES, are invited to attend the Funeral of their beloved MOTHER and GRANDMOTHER. Mary Jane Perkins; to leave her residence, 72 Catherine-street. Leichhardt, THIS TUESDAY, at 2.15 p m., for Church of England Cemetery, Rookwood, section 8. By road, motor funeralSydney Morning Herald, 02 December 1930Sydney Morning Herald, 02 December 1930
1930PERKINS - In loving memory of my dear uncle who departed this life December 24 1929 God’s greatest gift, remembrance. Inserted by his loving niece Eva24 December 193024 December 1930
1930PERKINS - A tribute of love to the memory of our dear father Thomas H Perkins passed away December 24 1929 also our beloved mother Mary J Perkins passed away December 1 1930 and our brother Claude killed In action in France November 8 1916, reunited Inserted by Maude, Will, Elizabeth, Herbert, and Ida.24 December 193024 December 1930
1930PERKINS - In loving memory of our dear father and grandfather Thomas Henry who departed this life December 24 1929 aged 70 years As we loved you so we miss you Inserted by his loving son and daughter In law Will and Cecilia also grandchildren Marjorie, Sylvia and Russell. Brighton le Sands December 24 1929 Today recall sad memories Of a loved one gone to rest24 December 193024 December 1930
1931PERKINS - In memory of Claude our brother killed In action (Flers) November 8 1916 son of the late T H and M J Perkins Reunited08 November 193108 November 1931
1932PERKINS - In loving memory of Claude our brother killed In Action, Flers, November 8 1916 Son of the late T H and M J Perkins Reunited.08 November 193208 November 1932
1933PERKINS - In loving memory of Claude our Brother killed In action Flers November 8 1916 son of the late T H and M J Perkins. Reunited.08 November 193308 November 1933
1934PERKINS - In loving memory of Claude, our brother, killed In action, Flers, November 8, 1916. Son of the late T. H. and M. J. Perkins.08 November 193408 November 1934
1935PERKINS - In loving memory of Claude our brother, killed In action Flers November 8 1916 son of the late T H and M J Perkins Leichhardt08 November 193508 November 1935
1936PERKINS - Memory fadeth never and love en dureth ever of our loved parents and brothers, who passed on. mother, December 1. 1930; father, December 24 1929; Herbert, April 23, 1933; Claude (killed in action), November 8. 1916. Inserted by Maude. Will. Elizabeth, and Ida.05 December 193605 December 1936
1937PERKINS - An everlasting memory of love to to our parents and brothers: mother December 1 1930: father December 24 1929: Herbert April 23 1933: Claude (killed In action) November 8 1916. Ever dear to Maude, Will, Elizabeth and Ida.01 December 193701 December 1937

These records can be found at the National Library on their database called “Trove”. Click here to go to Trove.

Memorials, are there to help us remember

On a public level, memorials can be categorised into two distinct groups, local memorials and the federal memorials.

On a national level in Australia you don’t have to go far to see that story. Scattered across this country in all towns and cities are memorials. They are usually in the form of an Egyptian Obelisk  1, sometimes more grandiose depending on the number of people whose lives were sacrificed from that area.  Each town has one and on them are the names of those who died.

Other forms of memorials can be found on memorial boards located in Town Halls, churches and other civic venues.

Memorials are wonderful things. For many people who pass a memorial, mentally to them it’s just a stone, or a landmark. If you stop to closer observe the memorial you can learn many things:

  1. The name of the person
  2. The unit in which they served, usually associated with the area where they came from or enlisted
  3. Sometimes the location of the conflict
  4. The date of the conflict

Most local memorials were constructed by the local city, town or shire council. When the local memorials were first being erected after World War One, in the event of funds being unavailable from the local council, a community collection was usually taken up to pay for the memorial.

The memorial was usually placed in a conspicuous place in the town so it acted as a reminder to all who passed.

These memorials are diligently cared for and become the focus of the townspeople’ attention on every ANZAC Day and every Remembrance Day.

Where Edward Claude Perkins is remembered

Locally

As Claude grew up in Leichhardt, NSW, Australia, a suburb of Sydney, he is remembered in the following locations:

1. The Pioneers Memorial Park, Leichhardt– Pioneers Memorial Park, Norton St, Leichhardt,NSW,

This is probably the largest memorial locally

Image of the War Memorial, Pioneer Park Leichhardt, Sydney

2. All Souls Anglican Church, Leichhardt, NSW

Located in the sanctuary is memorial board of local people who sacrificed their lives in the great war. This is the church where the Claude attended and grew up.

Image of All Souls Leichhardt, Sydney, NSW - Memorial Board 1996
All Souls Leichhardt, Sydney, NSW – Memorial Board 1996

3. Leichhardt Town Hall, NSW (TBC)

4. Rookwood Cemetery

In the 1930s, Claude’s older brother Herbert passed away. They used the occasion to add Claude’s name with the purchase of the memorial headstone to Herb.

Image of the Perkin's memorial for Claude, Rookwood Cemetery, NSW
The Perkins’ memorial for Claude, Rookwood Cemetery
Image of the Perkin's memorial for Claude, Rookwood Cemetery, NSW
The Perkins’ memorial for Claude, Rookwood Cemetery, NSW

5. Nationally

Claude’s name is remembered at the Australian War Memorial, Canberra. His name is recorded on the Roll of Honour and the commemorative area. The details can be found here.

6. Internationally

AIF Burial Ground, Flers, France is where Claude is buried.

Image of the entrance to the Commonwealth War Graves Cemetery, Grass Lane, Flers. Image courtesy of Linda Emery 2007

Australian War Memorial, Hyde Park, London, UK

The AWM London has listed the names of the towns where people came from who lost their lives in the Great War.  Here you will find the town of Leichhardt and Bowral.

Gary Davies / Australian War Memorial, Hyde Park Corner

It is appropriate that I include the extract from Laurence Binyon’s famous poem, “For the Fallen” as it speaks so much to the story of Claude Perkins.

They went with songs to the battle, they were young,
Straight of limb, true of eye, steady and aglow.
They were staunch to the end against odds uncounted;
They fell with their faces to the foe.

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old:
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them.

Lest we forget!

Reference

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EC Perkins 4503, AIF