World War I stories unearthed on St George’s Anglican Church Cemetery tour

AS THE ancestors of local World War I Diggers walk through St George’s Anglican Church Cemetery, alternating feelings of sadness and pride wash over the group.

24/2/15. Locals who have ancestors that were involved in WWI and buried at St George's Anglican Cemetery - James Jury Pic Keryn Stevens

IN THE lead up to the Anzac centenary, and debate on the re-use of war veterans’ graves, reporter Daniela Abbracciavento visited Magill’s St George’s Cemetery with history group members whose ancestors served in World War I.

AS THE ancestors of local World War I Diggers walk through St George’s Anglican Church Cemetery, alternating feelings of sadness and pride wash over the group.

The sadness at the loss of their young relatives is quickly replaced with pride as the group stops at a memorial to Ellis and James Jury.

James Jury, 78, of Rostrevor, a cousin of the Diggers, is eager to share the story of the brothers and the legacy they left.

James was 17 when he enlisted as a Private in January, 1915, and Ellis was a year younger when he enlisted in July, 1915.

According to Mr Jury, the brothers both lied about their age to enlist – official records list them as 18.

Ellis was one of 31 officers in the 10th Infantry Battalion and James was promoted to a Second Lieutenant in the 27th Battalion.

Ellis wrote to his mother, Mary, a day before turning 17, telling her he would celebrate his birthday fighting in the Battle of the Somme.

Mr Jury is emotional as he explains that Ellis took his own life when he was just 26-years-old, unable to cope with his war experiences.

James was killed in the Battle of Passchendaele, Belgium, in October, 1917, aged 20, and is buried in a Belgian cemetery.

“It makes me very sad and I have a lot of respect for them,” Mr Jury says.

“There was a lot of pressure for young chaps to join because they felt so much loyalty for their country and the King.”

The group moves on to the graves of Alfred Milnthorpe Butler and Robert Milnthorpe Butler, the great uncles of Althea Le Leu, of Magill.

Private Alfred Milnthorpe Butler, of Morialta, enlisted on May 21, 1915, and was part of the 27th Infantry Battalion.

Robert, who lived in England at the time, enlisted in September, 1915.

He formed part of the British Army’s 28 Second Army Troops Company, Royal Engineers.

Of the almost 422,000 Australians who served in World War I, Alfred and Robert were fortunate to make it back home.

“I think Alfred enlisted as an adventure, because he migrated to Adelaide on his own as a bit of an adventure,” Ms Le Leu, 73, said.

“It is incredibly sad though and what a waste of so many young people’s lives.”

Allan and Clarence Kempster, also buried at Magill, were two of four brothers who served in World War I.

Their cousin, John Kempster, of Firle, stands by Allan’s headstone, holding old photos of the brothers.

Allan joined the 50th Battalion in Adelaide, in August, 1915, and went to England in February 1916.

From there, he was sent to the Western Front.

He was wounded twice. The second injury – a shrapnel wound to the shoulder in June, 1917 – was serious enough for him to be sent home.

Mr Kempster says he suffered with the injury until his death in May 17, 1967, aged 76.

Clarence Kempster fought with the 23rd Howitzer Battery and returned safely back to Australia in May, 1919.

Mr Kempster, 66, who only discovered his cousins’ service a few years ago, says Anzac Day is about remembering all those who sacrificed their lives for the good of the country.

“To have all the sons and the contribution of the whole family in World War I just makes us very proud,” Mr Kempster, 66, says.

“We are only the custodians of the land and what these blokes did.

“To see and hear what they went through and then to get out of it alive was incredible.”

THIS story is part of Messenger’s 100 Years, 100 Days, 100 Stories project, which will profile 100 South Australian World War I heroes as the nation builds up to the centenary of the Allied landing on Gallipoli on April 25, 1915.

If you have the details and war record of a family member who served during World War I, let us know. Please go to your local Messenger’s Facebook page and send us the details.