1030 Corporal METCALFE Arnold “Selwyn"

1st Australian Light Horse Regiment 6th Reinforcements 

Born in Young on 16 January 1894, Selwyn was the sixth son of Charles Joseph and Annie Laurie Metcalfe of ‘Orakei’, Young. 

Selwyn went to Young High School and spent 3 years as Corporal, NSW Senior Cadets. He was a Bank Clerk and moved around with his job, spending time at Cowra, Eugowra, Narrandera, and Stockinbingal. 

Selwyn enlisted on 15 February 1915 aged 21 years and 2 months. He embarked aboard HMAT A65 Clan McKewan, 28 June 1915, for active service abroad. Selwyn saw service in Gallipoli from the end of September 1915 until the evacuation. 

He then took part in the campaign in Syria and Palestine, being engaged in the battles of Romani and El Arish and the capture of Jerusalem. Selwyn was promoted in the field at Romani, to Lance Corporal 18 August 1916, and to Corporal 8 November 1918.

 Selwyn went on to Bethlehem and the Jordon where he was killed in action on 19 April 1918, aged 24. He was injured by an high explosive while on reconnaissance and never recovered consciousness. It was reported Selwyn was buried on the banks of the Jordan River but he may have been interred in Jerusalem. Known unto God. Selwyn is remembered at the Jerusalem War Cemetery Memorial, Israel, and on the Bank of NSW Roll of Honour, Sydney. 

A great letter writer, a Collection relating to Selwyn’s Service with the 1 Australian Light Horse Regiment, Palestine, Egypt, 1916-1918 is held by the Australian War Memorial. It consists of copies of ten letters written by Corporal Metcalfe, while on active service, to his Brother, Harry, in Australia. Also in the collection is a photostat copy of a letter of condolence written by Trooper Thomas Stephen Walsh, 1 Light Horse Regiment, to Harry Metcalfe, Selwyn’s Brother. 

After his death, Selwyn’s Mother, Laura A Metcalfe, received letters from members of Selwyns Squadron (B) 1st Light Horse, providing particulars of his death and buriel. She wrote to tell Selwyn’s Command:

 “He was hit by a shell on the head and with his horse, killed almost instantaneously – never recovering consciousness. They also report that he was buried on the banks of the River Jordon. Those who wrote were Sergeant V Harris, Trooper H Harris, and Trooper Bertie Lamb whom I know well. My son and the latter were close together when my boy fell, so I think I shall not ask you to make any further enquires as Sergeant Harris is also known well by two of my daughters and would not be likely to be mistaken.” 

Selwyn's Mother, Laura A. Metcalfe, was renowned in Young and other towns for her services to Charities such as the Benevolent Society and in particular as Secretary of the Local Red Cross Branch both during and after World War 1. She also formed the Girl's Sewing Circle which later became the Junior Red Cross. Laura worked with others to have a statue created of a Digger as a memorial to those who lost their lives and was recognised for her contribution to the War effort and Returned Soldiers by a Plaque which is now in the Young Museum which reads: 

“AS A TOKEN OF APPRECIATION OF THE SPLENDID SERVICES RENDERED BY THE LATE LAURA A. METCALFE ERECTED BY THE R.S AND S.L. LEAGUE YOUNG SUBBRANCH 28-1-1934' 

Information provided by Laura Metcalfe and Elsa Sorensen