Sydney Charles Simpson

Sydney Charles Simpson was born on 25th November 1885 in Brunswick, Victoria, to Edwin Charles Simpson and Elizabeth, nee Bennetts. The Simpsons were clearly a practical family, both in the home and in the garden. In the 1911 Cudgewa Flower Show, Sydney won “Buttonhole, by boy under 12 years”. It probably helped that his was the only entry in that category!

On the 4th July 1915, he enlisted at Melbourne, Victoria. At the time, he was a single, 29-year-old saddler living in Alexandra, Victoria. He was allocated Regimental Number 2460 and placed in the 5th Reinforcements for the 23rd Battalion. Sydney gave his next of kin as his mother, Elizabeth Simpson. After initial training, he embarked on RMS Osterley at Melbourne, Victoria, on 29th September 1915.

Sydney was wounded on the 22nd August 1916, most likely when the 23rd Battalion was in action at Pozieres. The wound resulted in his left arm being amputated.

On 4 April 1917, he returned to Australia aboard HMAT A32 Themistocles, with the rank of Private. He was discharged on 6th August 1917, being awarded the 1914/15 Star, British War Medal and Victory Medal for his service during the war.

On the 25th August 1917, the community of the Upper Murray welcomed Sydney back from overseas. The 30th August 1917 edition of the Corryong Courier described the evening.

“On Friday evening last a welcome home social was tendered to Pte. Sydney Simpson, who has just returned from the front and is now discharged. Pte. A.W.Lowden was also included by invitation. A most enjoyable evening was spent by those present, numbering fully 100, in dancing cards, etc. Suitable speech of welcome were given by Crs Nankervis ad Cronin and Mr T.C. Davis. … Pte. Simpson who is a grandson of Mrs Bennetts, senr., will be remembered here when he worked at the saddlery trade as a boy with Messrs Williams and later Mr Davis. Before enlisting he was in business for himself in Melbourne and it is back to the same spot he is again going, this time in the new venture of a steam laundry business, in which we wish him the success he deserves. Syd’s disablement consists of the loss of his left arm by shell wounds. A party of nine of them were digging themselves in in a front position and Syd. was in the act of throwing up a spadeful of dirt when a shell came along, striking his arm and rendering it useless. A most enjoyable evening was tendered him on Tuesday night at Colac Colac by his old schoolmates, and last night a final send off at his grandmother’s place will give Syd. ample evidence that the Upper Murray people appreciate to the full his noble sacrifice.”

It’s unfortunate, but the 1928 Electoral Roll for the subdivision of Caulfield records Sydney as living at 423 Glenhuntly Rd and having no occupation. The steam laundry business clearly was not a success.

Sydney passed away on the 18th April 1967 at Officer, Victoria and was buried in Springvale Botanical Cemetery, Victoria.