Stanley Norman Stearforth Searle

Stanley Norman Stearforth Searle was born on 24th September 1893 in Drysdale, Victoria, to Joseph Searle and Mary Ann, nee Whale. 

On 26th September 1916, he enlisted at Geelong, Victoria. At the time, he was a single, 23-year-old Post Office assistant from Drysdale, Victoria. He was allocated Regimental Number 4125 and placed in the 10th Reinforcements for the 29th Battalion. Stanley gave his next of kin as father, Joseph Searle. After initial training, he embarked on HMAT A16 Port Melbourne at Melbourne, Victoria, on 21st October 1916.

During the voyage from Australia, Stanley was admitted to the ship’s hospital for one week, suffering from influenza. He arrived at Devonport, near Plymouth in the UK, on the 28th December 1916, but the very next day was admitted to the Military Hospital with “NYD” (not yet diagnosed). He was discharged the very next day. Stanley suffered another hospital stint while stationed in England, this time for one week, though there is no indication what it was for.

Arriving in France, he was transferred to the 39th Battalion and promoted to Lance Corporal. One week later, he was further promoted to Corporal. In late April of 1918, Stanley was transferred to the 3rd Australian Signals Company and, at his own request, reverted back to the rank of Private, or Sapper in the Signals Company.

On 12th June 1919, he returned to Australia aboard HMAT A32 Themistocles, with the rank of Sapper. He was discharged on 8th August 1919, being awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal for his service during the war.

Stanley married Mabel Lillian Gell on the 24th September 1919 at the Shenton Methodist Church in East Geelong. The couple would have at least two children, Alan born in 1920 and Gwendoline born in 1921. He passed away on the 2nd May 1968 at Geelong, Victoria and was buried in Altona Cemetery, Victoria.