Victor Ernest Pollard
Stephen LearmonthVictor was born on the 1st of September, 1893, at Wodonga, Victoria. He was the fifth of six children to George and Edith May (née McPherson) Pollard.
He enlisted on the 15th of February, 1916 at Wangaratta in northern Victoria. He was allotted the Regimental Number 10326 and placed in the 10th Field Company Engineers. As a 22 year-old farm laborer, he indicated on his attestation papers that he been a member of the Albury Battery for 18 months, prior to enlistment. His first posting was to Seymour Training Camp.
In late May Victor became ill and was transferred to the Alfred Hospital in Melbourne. His condition deteriroarted and he passed away on the 6th of June, 1916, at the age of 22. The primary cause of death was epidemic spinal meningitis with the secondary cause being toxaemia.
Victor’s obituary was published in the 9th of June 1916 edition of the Wodonga and Towong Sentinel.
“DEATH OF PRIVATE POLLARD
The death occurred at the Alfred Hospital on Tuesday morning of Private Victor Ernest Pollard, second son of Geo. Pollard of Bonegilla. Deceased had been in Seymour camp for the past three months, and was attached to the Enginnering Corps of the 37th Battalion. He was home on final leave about three weeks ago, and was then in splendid health. On his retunr to camp, however, he contracted a severe cold, and afterwards was attacked by cerebro-spinal meningitis, which resulted in his death. Deceased was born at Boneglilla, and was 22 years and nine months old. He was of a quiet disposition, and well liked by everyone who knew him. The remains were brought to Wodonga on Thursday for interment, the deceased soldier being accorded a military funeral. The service of the Methodist Church was read at the graveside by the Rev. R.H. Green, and the Last Post was sounded by Bugler E.G. Rixon of Albury. The firing party consisted of Staff-Sergeant Major Farrington, Sergt. Johnson, J.J. McDowall, S.M. Dibley, C. Humphrey, A.Rapsey, R. Rapsey, A.L. Wright, R.j. Horsfall, W.Twomey, W. Matthews, M.W. Nunan.”
What the obiturary does not mention is the disater that took place prioir to the funeral. The 13th of June issue of the Singleton Argus described what happened.
“DELAYED MILITARY FUNERAL
Pathetic Bungling
The grief of the bereaved relatives of the late Private Victor Ernest Pollard, who died from meningitis in the Alfred Hospital, melbourne, on Tuesday morning, has been accentuated by an unfortunate series of distressing blunders in connection with the military funeral which was to have moved from the Wodonga railway station after the arrival of the mail train on Wednesday. When the train arrived it was found that the coffin was not on board, owing to, it was explained, a certificate of death not being issued at the time.
All the arrangements were accordingly made for the funeral on arrival of the mail train at Wodonga on Thursday but the plate on the coffin contained the name of Private Crockett in distinct lettering. The late Private Crockett belonged to Oxley near Wangaratta. Then Pollard’s remains were brought by special engine and carriage to Wodonga, arriving at 6 o’clock on Thursday evening. As it was pitch dark a number of fire brigade torches were borrowed and in the dim flickering light the burial took place.
In the midst of the service, when the coffin was about to be committed to the grave it was found that the grave was too small. The grave digger enlarged the grave and the coffin was lowered and the last post sounded.
Private Crockett’s remains were returned to Wangaratta.”
Victor was eventually buried in the Wodonga cemetery. He is also remembered on the Australian War Memorial Roll of Honour, and the Bonegilla State School Roll of Honour.
