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STANLEY                                                   
updated 12.01.2007

CHARLES JOHN LAWRENCE STANLEY

 

Charles was born to Charles and Caroline on the  1st May 1875 at 145 City Road Shoreditch, London, England – the home of his grandparents and would assume parents were living there as well prior to setting off for Australia and landing at Port Adelaide, Sth Australia  on the 10th July 1876 . 

He appears on the shipping record, then disappeared to be found in Victoria, married to Elizabeth Mary Whillance.  There were six children from this marriage.
Elizabeth died in 1916 and Charles placed the children in St Augustines Orphange and went off to
War.

After his return he turned up in Oodnadatta and married Louisa, nee Marshall, Whitton  on the 29 March 1924 at the Hotel Oodnadatta. 
 

It is from his Service Records that more information finally came to light.

In September 1917, Charles joined the Australian Imperial Force in Victoria – which explains why no record of him had been found.  His occupation was given as a labourer and listed as a widow.  Another form states his occupation as Stevodore.
Also noted was that he was the Guardian of 3 children, 1 / 1½ (sic) at the St Augustans (sic) Orphanage, Geelong.    (This now comes under the McKillop Family).


Elizabeth died  24 Dec 1916 Carlton, Victoria, Aust ref 13569 – and only 3 ( Charles, Leonard (?Lindsay), Walter) of the five children were placed in the orphanage – Laurence had died - but have found nothing for May Elizabeth  Caroline.      Daphne went to Broadmeadows Home for children.
With the help of a new found cousin on the Whillance side, it appears that May subsequently married Reginald Owen and went off to Scotland

His address at time of enrolment was 23 Emma St Yarraville, Victoria.
Next of kin is noted as his mother, Mrs Caroline Stanley of Upper Mitcham, Sth Aust.

Charles was certified fit for active service, and was described as being 5’ 3½” tall, weight 136lbs,  chest measurement 33-35”.  Fresh complexion, Blue eyes, Brown hair and was of Baptist religion.   Scars on left forearm were noted.  He was attached to the 20/21st reinforcements. He traveled around quite a bit during the war – in 1918 was in France, Aust. Camp at  Suez, Pt Said, Charbourg, Southampton.
Sent back to England at the end of the year for sub acute rheumatism. Discharged at the end of January 1919. 

He applied for the Victory and War Service medals and it would appear that were sent to the soldier by registered post to Upper Mitcham South Australia (home of his parents). 

After being discharged from the Army he is not heard of again until his second marriage in Oodnadatta in 1924.

 First marriage -

Charles married Elizabeth Mary Whillance, in 1905 in Victoria and they produced six children of whom I am aware -

Charles Robert in 1905 in Orbost, Victoria  ref 20681
Lawrence Arthur in 1907 in Orbost, Victoria ref 14243 died 1907 Orbost, Victoria, Australia, ref 5882
Lindsay or Leonard (depending on which record) Raymond in 1908 in Orbost, Victoria ref 21709
Mary Elizabeth Caroline in 1910 in Newport, Victoria  ref 15326
Walter Arthur in 1912 in Newport, Victoria  ref 14161 died 18 Aug 2002 in Greenacres, Sth Australia
Daphne Alice in 1916 in Footscray, Victoria ref 29083

 

 

The next mention of Charles is his death details obtained from the Funeral Services (who are still in existence in 2005) and his death certificate details. 

2nd February 1946
Aged 73, resident of Barmera.
Birth Place Mitcham – status – married.
Issue Living were 3 males, (Charles/Lindsey/Walter) 2 females (May / Daphne /adopted and  known as Molly)  and 1 male deceased (Lawrence). 
 

His occupation was listed as labourer.
Place of death was the Repat Hospital (part of the Keswick Barracks).
Cause of death – tuberculosis.
Relative Miss M Stanley  of  West Melbourne.
Funeral Directors Elliott Brothers (then known as Turner Motor Funerals) of 90 Anzac Highway,
Everard Park, Sth Australia

Charles died at Barmera, South Australia V: 697, P: 545 District 1 and is buried in the West
Terrace Cemetery, AIF section. Kendrew Oval AIF.

There is a note on the side of the paperwork c/- Mrs McGregor, Col. Light Gardens –
which is Maude Hilda – but what was sent and when it does not say.

Writing appears to be same as on details for burial which suggests 1946.

 

Memorial notices have been found as follows:-

STANLEY On Feb 2 1946 at the Repatriation Hospital, Keswick

Charles J L Stanley (late 21st Batt., 1st A.I.F) and late of Barmera, loving father of
Charles, Lindsay, May, Wally and Molly, Aged 73 years.

 

STANLEY, - On February 2, at Repatriation Hospital, Keswick,

Charles, beloved eldest son of Mr and Mrs C Stanley, of Mitcham and brother of Alice, Corb, Joe, Win, Ray and Maude.   At rest.