Casualty List
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Another list of casualties affecting district soldiers is published in this issue. Unfortunately it contains the names of a number of killed.
Though mere words seem futile to console at such times of deep distress, those affected may find some alleviation in the knowledge that their dear ones are among the noble army of martyrs who have made the highest possible sacrifice for the cause of humanity.
We join in the deep sympathy felt for the relatives of those who have laid down their lives, and can fully appreciate the terrible anxiety of those whose beloved ones are in lists of wounded and missing. The town and district have been hard hit, and nothing could bring home to us so vividly as the gaps it is making in the ranks of our little community. We must do homage to those whose gallantry and self-sacrifice have made it possible for us to still pursue the even tenor of our lives.
Killed - Lance-Corporal L. A. Keough – Mr. and Mrs. T. Keough, of Port Macquarie, on Saturday last received the dread news that their second son, had been killed in action between the 22nd and 27th July. The deceased, who would have been 28 years old this month, was a native of Kempsey, but most of his life was spent at Telegraph Point. He took part in the historic landing at Gallipoli on 25th April, 1915. He fought on till August 20th last year, when he was wounded in the leg by a bomb. He was sent to the general hospital at Alexandria. Writing to his parents from the base on September 5th, 1915, he said: “Dear People, Just a few lines to let you know that I am getting on alright. My wound is healing splendidly, and I hope to be back in the firing-line in a few weeks’ time. The chap that was in the trench with me was also hit with a piece of bomb in the right ankle. He says he knows the Hastings and Manning Rivers very well. His name is W. Barrett. After his recovery he was detailed for light duties in Egypt. He remained till the Australians were sent to France and doubtless fell in the great Somme offensive. His parents are well-known and much respected residents of Port Macquarie and for many years conducted the Telegraph Point Hotel.”
Killed - Private Arthur James Coombes – An official notification was received by his relatives that Private A. J. (Mick) Coombes, of Rollands Plains, had been killed in action. The deceased, who was 37 years of age, and unmarried, was a son of the late Mr. Harry Coombes and Mrs. Coombes. He was a prosperous farmer at the time he enlisted, working Clarefield on shares with his brother. Mick was a typical big-hearted Australian and, like most of his countrymen, loved a good horse. He decided it was his duty to take his place in the firing line. His aged mother resides at Rollands Plains.
Killed - Private H. P. Moxham - On Saturday last a wire from Mr. C. Moxhom, advised that his only son, Private H. P.Moxham, had been killed in action on July 25th. Bob Moxham, as he was generally known, spent his boyhood in Port Macquarie. After leaving school, he was for some time assistant clerk to the Hastings Shire Council. The deceased, who was about 25 years of age, was a young fellow of bright and amiable disposition, and had many friends in this district.