S.J. Tong-Way
History
Ballarat born Samuel John Tong-Way was a son of Mary and Rev. John Tong-Way who migrated from China to the goldfields in the 1880s-1890s.[1]
Samuel and his brother Hedley 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.[2]
Upon his return to Australia in 1920 Samuel worked as a teacher in various regional high schools and was an active member of the Returns Sailors’ and Soldiers’ Imperial League of Australia, the Masonic Lodge and management of the Presbyterian Church.[3]
Legacy
The World War One service of Samuel Tongway is recognised on the Ballarat Avenue of Honour, and the Golden Point State School Roll of Honor. On 06 June 1917 tree number 3495, either a plane tree or an elm tree, was planted in the Ballarat Avenue of Honour for Sam Tongway by E. Lucas and Co. employee Miss P. Halligan.[4]
The Gold Museum’s Tong-Way family collection includes a signalers’ trumpet from World War One which belonged to Samuel.[5]
The son of Rev. John Tong-Way, Sapper S.J. Tong-Way enlisted for service during World War One on 06 June 1917. In September, upon reaching Egypt he was transferred into the 5th Divisional Signalling Company in France. At the time of his enlistment he was teaching at the Daylesford Higher Elementary School. In February 1919 Samuel Tong-Way was granted leave until the end of the year for the purpose of attending a science course at the London University. He also attended courses in history and Latin at Oxford University, and pedagogy at the London Day Training College. He returned to Australia in February 1920.
Samuel Tong-Way also served during World War Two
Legacy
The World War One service of S.J. Tongway is recognised on the Golden Point State School Roll of Honor.
See also
Hedley Tong-Way, Brother
Rev. John Tong-Way, Father
Notes
References
- ↑ http://www.goldmuseum.com.au/tong-way-brothers/, accessed 08 October 2018.
- ↑ http://www.goldmuseum.com.au/tong-way-brothers/, accessed 08 October 2018.
- ↑ http://www.goldmuseum.com.au/tong-way-brothers/, accessed 08 October 2018.
- ↑ Lucas's Staff Appreciation of Brave Men, June 1919.
- ↑ http://www.goldmuseum.com.au/tong-way-brothers/, accessed 08 October 2018.
Further Reading
External links
http://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/tong-way-samuel-john-14875
--Beth Kicinski 16:17, 24 August 2013 (EST); --Clare K.Gervasoni 23:50, 14 May 2017 (AEST)