Eric R. Newell

History

Eric Richard Newell was born at Ballarat on 04 February 1894. As a teenager Eric was apprenticed to Ballarat baker Fred Haymes, who conducted business in Main Street, Ballarat East.

Eric Newell was amongst the very first to sign up for service during World War One, enlisting at Ballarat on 18 August 1914 where he was posted to C Company of the 8th Infantry Battalion. He left Australian on 19 October 1914 on the troopship Benalla. Surviving the Gallipoli landing on 25 April 1915, Eric found himself debilitated by severe rheumatism that required hospitalisation. He did not return to the peninsula until 24 August.

After recovering from mumps, and before embarking for France Eric attended a school of instruction at Zeitoun, Egypt and was then transferred to the 1st Pioneer Battalion on 13 March 1916 and promoted to the non-commissioned rank of corporal. On the night of 22 – 23 July 1916, during action at Pozieres, Eric, acting as a runner for his unit, made several passes ‘in record time’ through heavy enemy barrage. For his ‘courage and resource’ Eric was decorated with the Military Medal and on 5 August he was promoted to the rank of sergeant. In October 1918 Eric was granted ‘1914 Leave,’ although on the voyage back to Australia onboard the transport Borda he continued his active service on submarine guard duty.

Upon Eric's return to Ballarat he found work as a wood and coal merchant. An active member of the Ballarat Harriers he took on the role of honorary secretary of Ballarat centre of the Victorian Amateur Athletic Association in July 1920. He married Gertrude Alice Holden in 1920, and which time he resumed his pre-war occupation as a baker.

Following the birth of their two sons, Kenneth John on 12 January 1921 and William Eric on 13 April 1923, Eric moved his young family briefly to Linton, before settling at Thornton in Victoria’s northeast.

During World War II Eric served as a lieutenant with the 16th Battalion of the Volunteer Defence Corps. He and Gertrude also watched as their boys joined up for active duty – both served with the RAAF: Ken as a pilot officer and Bill as a leading-aircraftsman.

In early 1950 he was diagnosed with inoperable stomach cancer. He deteriorated rapidly and died on 29 October of the same year.

Legacy

World War One service recognised on the Ballarat Avenue of Honour.

Obituary

DEATH OF MR. E. R. NEWELL

The district has lost a citizen who was respected and liked by all who knew him: We refer to the passing of Mr Eric Newell, whose death occurred on Sunday last; at the age of 56 years. The late Mr. Newell resided at Thornton for about 20 years. During his residence there he interested himself in all activities that meant the progress of that district. All sporting bodies received assistance from him.

The call to arms in the 1914-18 war was readily answered by him. He gained two decorations the D.C.M. and the M.M., an outstanding war record. Flags at the R.S.L. Club Rooms and the Shire Hall were flown at half-mast as a tribute of respect. A service was held at the St John's Church of England on Monday morning last, after which the cortege moved off to the Springvale Crematorium. Rev. S. Taylor conducted the services at the Church and at the Crematorium. A wife and two sons are left to mourn their great loss.

See also

8th Battalion

World War One

World War Two

Frederick Haymes, baker

External links

https://www.facebook.com/GreatWarBallarat/posts/1797128040333463

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--Beth Kicinski 09:03, 24 August 2013 (EST); --Clare K.Gervasoni 21:06, 19 February 2018 (AEDT)