The following individual descendant family members served during World War 1. They are related to The Byres Family which is being researched on this site.
This list does not include Byres descendants who are also descendants of other families which have their own separate roll call.
| Name | Enlistment date/place | Relationship | Fate | Online Resources |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #3017 Private BYERS Thomas Ernest |
40th Btn - 7th Reinforcements 1 November 1916 Claremont, TAS |
Son of James Byers jnr and Clara Housego. Thomas was the great-grandson of William Byres and Margaret Wilson. |
Died of wounds at Albert, France on 28 March 1918.  |
|
| #3018 Private BYERS William Housego Scott |
40th Btn - 7th Reinforcements 1 November 1916 Claremont, TAS |
Son of James Byers jnr and Clara Housego. William was the great-grandson of William Byres and Margaret Wilson. |
Returned to Australia on 4 July 1919. |
|
| #286 Gunner BYERS Henry |
Siege Artillery Brigade - 36th Heavy Artillery 4 January 1916 Thursday Island, QLD |
Son of William James Byers and Margaret Mary Tweedie. Henry was the great-grandson of William Byres and Margaret Wilson. |
Returned to Australia on 3 March 1919. |
|
| #1322 Gunner BYERS Percival (Percy) Edwin |
Siege Artillery Brigade - 36th Heavy Artillery 22 December 1917 Hobart, TAS |
Son of William James Byers and Margaret Mary Tweedie. Percival was the great-grandson of William Byres and Margaret Wilson. |
Returned to Australia on 22 July 1919. |
|
| #1211 Corporal BAIRD John |
32nd Btn - D Company 19 July 1915 Perth, WA |
Son of John Baird jnr and Janet (Jessie) Hamilton. John was the great-great-grandson of Robert Byres and Isabella Reid. |
Killed in action at Messines, Belgium on 1 December 1917.  |
|
| #57212 Private CAMPBELL Clyde Roy |
4th General Service Reinforcements 12 April 1918 Oatlands, TAS |
Son of Alexander Robertson Campbell and Johanna Julia Davis. Clyde was the great-great-grandson of Robert Byres and Isabella Reid. |
Returned to Australia on 16 May 1919. |
|
| #57213 Private CAMPBELL Percy John |
4th General Service Reinforcements 12 April 1918 Oatlands, TAS |
Son of Alexander Robertson Campbell and Johanna Julia Davis. Percy was the great-great-grandson of Robert Byres and Isabella Reid. |
Returned to Australia on 26 July 1919. |
|
| #2002 Gunner HIGGINS Richard Robert |
Field Artillery Brigade 3 - Battery 9 26 August 1914 Pontville, TAS |
Son of Richard Ford Higgins and Mary Jane Heffernan. Richard was the great-grandson of William Byres and Margaret Wilson. |
Died of wounds at Gallipoli, Turkey on 1 August 1915. |
|
| INGLIS William Aimer |
9th Recruit Coy General Service Infantry 30 September 1918 Utah, USA |
Son of John Inglis and Mary Aimer. William was the great-great-grandson of Robert Byres and Isabella Reid. |
Possibly did not see active service, as he was discharged on 20 December 1918. | |
| #3332 Private KERR John William Byers |
37th Btn - 8th Reinforcements 15 August 1917 Richmond, VIC |
Son of William Byers Kerr and Mary Johanna Trinkaus. John was the great-great-grandson of Robert Byres and Isabella Reid. |
Returned to Australia on 6 September 1919. |
|
| #6/127 Sergeant RENNIE Robert Richard |
1st Btn - Canterbury Infantry Regiment 14 August 1914 Canterbury, NZ. |
Son of Robert Rennie and Matilda Jane Higgins. Robert was the great-grand-son of William Byers and Margaret Wilson. |
Died of wounds at Armentieres, France on 20 July 1916. |
|
| #6373 Private ZANTUCK Frederick |
12th Btn - 20th Reinforcements 6 June 1916 Claremont, TAS |
Son of Frederick Zantuck and Margaret Wilson Byers. Frederick was the great-great-grandson of Robert Byres and Isabella Reid. |
Returned to Australia on 14 January 1919. |
|
| #6892 Private SUNDERLAND Henry James |
21st Btn - 19th Reinforcements 10 January 1917 Geelong, VIC |
Son of Edward Sutcliffe Sunderland and Ann Marie Ross Brand. Henry was the great-grandson of William Byres and Margaret Wilson. |
Died of wounds in France on 13 August 1918. |
War correspondence by #619 Pte Frederick (Fred) George Clayton
Letter written by #619 Pte Frederick (Fred) George Clayton, 40th Battalion, C Company.
Frederick was the brother of Mary Ann and Sarah Jane Clayton, both wives of Mungo Scott, father of Angus George Scott.
To : G. Scott - Good Cochie Farmer - Tunnack - Sept 18th 1916
Dear George, Reenie,
I am still carrying the shooter about but not for rabbits although one or two would be nice change after the bully beef of which we get quite sufficient. We had a bonza trip across after leaving Melbourne it was about a month before we sighted land and coming through Australian Bight there was a little water come aboard just enough to keep her cool she wasn't to fast only do about 12 or 14 knots no doubt she would spring of her tail if the submarine come close which we never seen their was two other troopship beside us then the Escort so they was on their guard. Called in next port Capetown had four days stoppage had two afternoon leave ashore it was a treat after being aboard so long and we made the best of it only the good line was very dear an such nice girls then we left and crossing the Line everyone who hadn't crossed the Line had to be dip into a big canvas bath …(page 2)
I must mine the lines on this side.
… There was no arguing the point over it either you would go in clothes an all came on to Dakar went in one morning came out the next only caught a glimpse of that town coming along when got into Bay of Biscay got up one morning their was one Destroyer for each boat an the Escort had return back they look commercial boats sailing all around us and keeping look out use to have concerts and drill to keep us engaged on our way passed the Eddystone Lighthouse gave us three Volley from it then we caught on eye on Plymouth where we went into Destroyers left us their gone on a little further up another Channel it was pretty scenery the it was only wide enough for two boats to pass on the way up their was three training Ship fastened together for training the Blue jackets and the Nurses looking out the port Holes. C. Stop it landed at Devonport landed on 22nd August about 7.30 at night transferred to the train had to travel over 100 miles we stop halfway a station called Exeter had a cup of coffee & bun very nice went onto destination Called Amesbury had to march over four mile to the New Camp then the Result was to sleep in our overcoats an on boards for a week the lumps go pretty flat in that time they had a little sympathy on us after give us four days leave in London Went to the Tower all through it a soldier has a free ticket Isn't nice to be one. Sometimes and Buckingham Palace ALBERT Hall which holds 8,000 people White Hall where they change Horse guards and different Opera which we went by ourselves don't think an now we are back into Camp see plenty of Aeroplanes around us an other different war purposes even ourselves we going from 6 p.m till 7.30 or eight at night don't think they forms Unions here More for forms 4 or 2 deep seen Ken told me he was going to France. Send my best Regards to All friends,
From 619 Fred
A Visit to the Camps
TASMANIANS IN ENGLAND. 1
(By Mrs. F. A. Cranstoun.), LONDON, Sept. 15.
As I was to spend a holiday with my sister in Cornwall, it was a good opportunity to visit some of the camps en route. Profiting by previous experience, I wrote in good time to the O.C.'s in various centres, and received kind letters in reply that I should see as many of our boys as possible. I left London on Monday morning, August 27, arriving at Tidworth at 11.30. The first camp to be visited was No. I Command, Perham Downs, about 4.30. The weather was awful - rain and mud and a gale of wind. I drove to the camp, went to headquarters, thanked those in authority for the trouble they had taken, received a kindly welcome, and was conducted to the room where our Tasmanians were assembled.
Unfortunately, the time was too short, as they had their tea at 5 o'clock. It was a room for concerts, and quite a large "audience"'' were seated. At first I could not quite realise they were all "our boys." Some I had seen before in the hospitals. While I was talking to them and giving out the little books and papers with my name and address, two sergeants took down all the names and the part of Tasmania they came from. I shook hands with all, wishing them a safe return home, and the few words I had time to say included a plea for a regular letter or postcard to be sent to the patient, loving mothers so far away. The return journey was in an Irish jaunting car, and we called at another camp, "the Overseas,'' and was told that I could see the Tasmanians there on the following day at 12 o'clock. As dinner was at 12.30, this would allow half an hour. I arrived in good time, but no doubt it was difficult to collect them, and it was nearly 12.20 when I saw them, so the time was very short, to my great disappointment, especially as quite a number of hands went up when I asked for all I had seen before. The same little routine already mentioned was observed at this and all the parades throughout the tour. I walked back to Tidworth, and after lunch went to the barracks and saw General Foote and Colonel Knox, told them of my visits to Perham Downs, and enquired about Parkhouse. They kindly rang up the camp, heard from the O.C. (Major Lewis) that he would try to get the Tasmanians together, so I was sent in a motor. Unfortunately, the notice was too short, and only three could be found. Afterwards I visited the hospital at the barracks, and saw Privates A. J. John, F. W Taylor, and Corporal F. Propsting. I also saw Sapper O. Koglein, who is still on the staff. He took me to see his wife and month-old son. Returning to "The Cafe," where I stayed, I hoped to find several Tasmanians who had promised to come to tea. Something must have prevented them, but I was pleased to see Privates Eric Speers and Laurie Gatty, two of my old Sunday-school boys. It was like a bit of home to all three of us. The next "port of call" was Lark Hill camp, and Amesbury the station. I arrived there at 11.46 on Wednesday Col. E. H. Smith, C.B. (Tasmanian), had sent his staff captain to meet me, and had kindly arranged for me to stay the night in the village. a difficult matter, for it is only a small place, and nearly always full. I was driven to No. 1 Command, the part of the camp over which Col. Smith is O.C., and found that he had taken great trouble not only for me to see those under his command, but also a number at another part. The first parade was at 2 p.m., in a large room with seats, and permission to smoke being readily granted, we had a pleasant in formal meeting, and I nearly exceeded the liberal time that was allowed. Here, too, some "old friends" were found, and Sergt Whittle, V.C., was among them. We then drove in the motor to the next part. Here I found a large parade drawn up in a shed. It was to have been in the open air, had the weather been fine. They were nearly all new arrivals. I was more than pleased to see them. I found some I knew, and among them Gordon Lowe, well known in Tas mania for his singing. This fact I announced, and his name was promptly taken down for future concerts. I saw Gordon Viney, recovered from his long illness, and going to the front in a few days. Here, too, the time given was liberal, and I was able to introduce one or two I knew. There were a number of "contacts" at both camps who were in isolation, and so I wrote a little note to them and sent a few books and papers for distribution. I told our boys how kind Colonel Smith and those in command at both camps had been in get-ing them together. I walked back to Amesbury, and on the way met a few who had not been able to come. The whole of Lark Hill is wonderfully improved since my visit last November. There are good hard roads. The huts are painted green, with red roofs, and raised wooden footpaths in front of them. Mud has practically disappeared. All the work has been done by German prisoners. There are Y.M.C.A. huts, Church Army huts, picture palaces, ships, etc. it is like a town, and a very large one. I left on Thursday morning for Weymouth, and arrived at 4.30. It was a wet evening, so I could not see anyone except L. C. Lyons, who is still on the police staff, and who happened to be on duty at the station. Friday was a beautiful day - the only fine one. I drove to Monte Video camp and saw Col. Spencer Browne. No parade here, but Mr. McVilley took me through part of the camp, and I saw a few Tasmanians, but nearly all boarded to go home, so I did not take their names. I visited the hospital. A few of our boys were there, but were improving, and those who were able to come I invited to tea at Weymouth. After lunch I was sent to Westham, where Col. Spencer Browne had arranged a parade. Here I found quite a number, and after the first formal reception they all sat on the grass. Here, too, I found some old friends. As I could not ask all to tea, a dozen were chosen, these being among them. I returned to Weymouth, and visited the hospitals, but none of our boys was there. Then I went to the meeting place for tea. Unfortunately, a message came from Westham that the camp had been closed soon after I was there for a medical board, and it was a disappointment to all of us. Two or three managed to come, so our party in all only numbered ten, but, though small, was a pleasant one. We went to the same tearoom as in May, when we were 27. This time, also, I explained that I was the "working hostess," as a little of Mrs. L. E. Ransom's Red Cross money still remains. So ended a very happy time. Our boys were all looking well I saw about 360 - a considerable increase to my family of 13001 It is always a great joke when I say. I have also adopted two or three dozen Australians, and am sorry that the number is necessarily limited !. The following are the names of those I saw from the North and North-East, and hope I have not made any mistake in copying the lists given to me, and in not being quite sure what part of Tasmania some of the places were. Some of the uncertain ones I will put into each list:-Ptes. S.J. Owen, D. Lewis, G. J. Long, G. E. Lyons, W. J. Partridge, E. Williams, E. A. Barber, J Keelan, A. S. Purton, P Pitt, J. J. Berry, H. A., Lawler, W. Davis, L. Price. L. A. Hadfield, V S. Goulston, L. C. Flint, J A. Harper, C. H. Ponting, H. H. Lacks, F. Strochnetter, C. E. Clayton, S. C. Littlejohn, P. J. Pinel, W. H. Phillips, W. Dunbabin, T J Little, M. M. Campbell, P. E. Cox, G. Masters, J. Nettlefold. E. Davern, J. H. Williams, J. Durbin. P C. McConnon, C. S. Arnol, R. A. Burns, T. A. Clark, H. E. Bishlop, H. A. Hills, G. Gibbons, A. R. Campbells, H. G. Murfitt, Denne, Stone, W. W. Drake, J. Kelly, W. Smart, J. B. Walkedin, F. R. Cairns, D. Annear, E. W. Marshall, J. Manning, W. J. Frost, R. Salter, R. W. Green, G. Viney. C. J. Pennington, A. J Baker, R. W. Edwards, A. T Collins, J. D. Lindsey, E. T. Stephens, F. Dennis, A. Wright, C. W. Stewart, J. Burkett, E. P. Jentysch, L. E. Viney, L. Keogh, T. E. Byers, W. Byers, J. E. Edwards, C. G Patman, G. W. Crosby, E. C. Paull, J. W. Powell, N. C. Whitchurch, L. M. Cocker, C. L. Cotton, R, C. Radflord, W. G. Scott. H. S. Browne, W. B. French, F. H. Young. W. H. Mansell, J. Pitt, Arnold, Webb, L. A. Stephens, M. E. Jones, C. H. Ulett, W. H. Watkins, Sparling, W. F. Stolles, J. Pitt, Stevenson, H. Darby, Drake, C. C. Dennis, H. J. Glover, Tate, H. J Johnson, A. J. E. Fox, L. V. Pollington, F. W. Brown, A. W. Skjutroff, W. J. Miller, H. R. Blackett, Corpl. L. L Smith, Corpl. Bennett, Lance-Corpl. J. S. Foley, Corpl. F T. Briggs, and Sergt. L. E. Harris. All who are not N.C.O. I have put under private. Before closing I must add a short account of the last four months. I was glad to he present at the decoration of Captain Newlands and Sergt. Whittle, and had a good place close to the railings at Buckingham Palace. I could not see the actual ceremony, but was able to congratulate both afterwards. I was also not at all backward in proclaiming our Tasmanian V C.'s, of whom we have every reason to be proud. Indeed, Tasmania has done well in the winning of honours. The hospital visiting goes on day by day, but owing to the loss of mails, papers have been very scarce. I wrote the names and wards of the Tasmanians I saw on the two or three papers I had, with the request to "pass them round," their final destiny being the reading room - what was left of them. I hope when I return at the end of this month to find a good supply to take. Lately I have seen a great many of our boys, and have written to their people. All, without exception, are cheerful and patient. When we talk of Tasmania there is sometimes a wistful "it would he good to be there now." It would be impossible to speak of all, and yet I might give a few typical cases. Pte. R Fox, who, I think, I mentioned in the last article, who has lost a leg, an arm, and the sight of an eye, is still at Southall, looking well, and as cheery as possible, hopping about on his one leg or in a wheel chair, working one wheel with the foot and the other with the hand. He is well known. If I speak of him the answer is generally "I know Fox; is he Tasmanian ?", "Yes," I proudly answer Gunner McElwee, seen first at Dartford, both legs gone, is so cheery that I wrote to his mother she might well be proud of him. Now he is at Southall to be fitted for his legs. The degree of perfection that these artificial limbs are brought to is simply wonderful. An Australian was sitting on his bed with his two legs beside him; he was going to "get into them," and "have them altered," he said, as they did not quite fit Pte. D. C. Marquis, who has lost one leg, is another case of being almost brought back to life. Like A. Archer, mentioned in a former article, he was not expected to live many hours; he is now on the road to recovery. He is at the 1st L.G.H. Sir John McCall had been to see him and the other Tasmanians there. I often tell him of those I find, and he visits them. Corpl. F. W. Green, who was there, but is now at a convalescent hospital, has finished the alphabetical catalogue for me; he and Gunner E. Newman, both from Messrs. Martin and Hobkirk's office, came with me for a trip up the river to Richmond. Newman was suffering from shock. It did him much good, the colour coming to his face. We had tea in some lovely, gardens, and returned on the top of the bus. I noticed a very good description of the hospital at Dartford, in one of Miss Pennefather's articles in the "Courier," so I need not say anything more. The last time, after the usual tour of the wards, Pte. W Aulich and Pte. Fisher. came with me to the village, nearly two miles away, and we had tea at a very nice Y.M.C.A., situated in a small square with a garden. I was glad to know of this, for the village is anythinig but attractive. I missed Miss Miles Walker, always so kind to me; she has been promoted as matron to a British hospital in France. One visit I found R. Sergt. Major J. Cooper, 12th Battalion, another of my old S.S. boys. Later we had a day in London, when he had his furlough He has won the M.M., Servian medal, and two South African medals, so I was doubly proud of him. On the rare occasions when a day for sightseeing can be spared Victoria Station is the meeting place, then to our Agent-General's office (our Tasmanian London home), then the Abbey, St. Paul's, a drive on the top or the bus through the most interesting parts of the city, Hyde Park, St. James' Park, Buckingham Palace, and Madame Tussaud's Waxworks, always so full of interest, with all the notable personages (present and past) so wonderfully life like that it is difficult to realise that they are only wax. It is quite an education as well as an interest. In conclusion, I must once more congratulate the mothers of Tasmania on their, sons, and truly the sons on their mothers. I often speak to them of this. The hundreds of letters that I receive fill me more and more with wonder. I ask myself, were I placed in the same position could I act in such a way, so truly loyal, so patient, so full of faith ?. If prayers for the life of their sons are not answered, let not anyone think it is death, but a larger and fuller life, and that there is no separation between those who truly love. And let no one hesitate to write to me. I look on it as a privilege to do all that I can, and pray that strength and health may be given to me.
Mrs. Cranstoun's address is c/o Bank of Australasia, Threadneedle-street, London.
- 1TROVE : 1917 - 'A VISIT TO THE CAMPS.' Examiner (Launceston, Tas. : 1900 - 1954), 1 December, p. 3. (DAILY)
Owner and co-moderator of the Vandemonian Royalty website.
Co-researcher and descendant of the Arnott ; Bailey ; Byres ; Wilson and Woodhead families.
Researcher and descendant of the Household ; Palmer ; Pearcey ; Powell ; Quested ; Reid ; Rowlands ; Sawford and Stines families.
Co-researcher of the Campbell Family
Diploma in Family History (UTAS 2017)
Society of Australian Genealogists (SAG) - Member #9852
Tasmanian Family History Society (TFHS) - Member #5900
Guild of One-Name Studies (GOONS) - Member #7172
Byres One-Name Study Profile
Byres One-Name Study
Byres Genealogy
A previous version of this
War correspondence written by #3017 Pte Thomas Ernest Byers
At the time of his enlistment at Claremont Camp on 1 November 1916, Thomas was courting Hilda O'Brien sister-in-law of Angus George and Irene (Renie) Scott nee O'Brien. The following are transcriptions of a series of letters written during his time in the 40th Battalion, 7th Reinforcements, AIF.
Undated letter – written on board the Seang Bee enroute to England, possibly written some time between 10th February and 2nd May 1917, possibly just prior to arrival in Capetown, South Africa.