Hedley Tong-Way

Hedley and Doris Tong-Way, c1917. Courtesy Tongway Family

Golden Point State School Honour Board

History

Ballarat born Hedley Tong-Way was the son of Mary and Rev. John Tong-Way who migrated from China to the goldfields in the 1880s-1890s.

Hedley and his brother Samuel Tong-Way were two of many Chinese Australians who enlisted with the Australian Imperial Forces (AIF) during World War One. Initially their enlistment applications were rejected due to their Chinese background, but they were finally accepted into the AIF in 1917. They served in the 5th Divisional Signal Company in France. Hedley Tongway enlisted on 02 June 1917.

Upon his return to Australia in 1920 Hedley settled at Lake Goldsmith as part of the Soldier Settlement Scheme and became a public servant.

Legacy

The World War One service of Hendley Tongway is recognised on the Ballarat Avenue of Honour, and the Golden Point State School Roll of Honor. On 02 June 2017 tree number 3493, either a plan tree or an elm tree, was planted in the Ballarat Avenue of Honour for Sam Tongway by Miss M. Black.

See also

Chinese

Rev. John Tong-Way, Father

S.J. Tong-Way, Brother

World War One

External links

http://recordsearch.naa.gov.au/SearchNRetrieve/Interface/ViewImage.aspx?B=8392138

http://www.goldmuseum.com.au/tong-way-brothers/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-FJCcweYC8g

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--Beth Kicinski 16:17, 24 August 2013 (EST)