Edmund Henry Everard
Stephen LearmonthEddie was born on the 22nd of January 1887 at Tintaldra, Victoria. He was the 11th and second youngest child of William Byron and Mary Kate Hickson (née Pike) Everard. However, by the turn of the century, four of Eddie’s siblings and his father had passed away. The year before Eddie’s birth, his father had applied for, and been granted, a lease of 520 acres in the Walwa area.
Eddie was an excellent marksman and a keen sporting shooter. The Border Morning Mail and Riverina Times of the 8th of May 1912 reported, “Details are to hand re the recent shooting of local riflemen at the late Wangaratta contests. Mr Eddie Everard won cash prizes to the amount of £13, and also a gold medal valued at £5, presented by Mr W. Pringle for best aggregate in junior 500, 600 and 700 yards match, making a total of 90 out of a possible 105.”
Australian Electoral Rolls give Eddie’s place of residence as Walwa, with family members stating that he lived in a cottage in the top (bush) paddock of the family property.
On the 25th of May 1915, one month after the landings at Gallipoli, Eddie enlisted at Liverpool, NSW. At the time, he was a single, 28-year-old labourer. He initially listed his mother, Mary, as his next-of-kin; however, after his death and Mary’s death the following year, a note was made that his eldest brother, Stephen, who was 48 at the time, was listed as his next-of-kin for correspondence purposes.
Eddie became a private in the 2nd Reinforcements of the 19th Battalion, 1st AIF. A few days after arriving at camp, he became ill and was admitted to the Field Hospital at the Liverpool Camp. Twelve days later, at 0300 hours on the 8th of June, 1915, Eddie died from bronchopneumonia and cardiac failure. He was buried at the Liverpool Old Cemetery, Liverpool Memorial Park, Liverpool, NSW.
The Thursday 17th of June 1915 issue of the Corryong Courier included the following article;
“WALWA. - A correspondent writes: - Much sympathy is felt for Mrs Everard sen. and family at the loss sustained by them of Mr Ed. Everard, who dies at the Sydney military camp. The deceased had only joined the colors a few days. He was well and favourably known throughout this district, having lived her the greater part of his life. He was a leading member of the rifle club, being the “crack” shot of the club. Mrs and Miss Everard left for Sydney to attend the funeral.”
Edmund is remembered on the Australian War Memorial Roll of Honour, and the Walwa Roll of Honour. For his service, a memorial plaque and scroll were sent to his eldest brother, Stephen, eight years after he died, in 1923.
