FAULKNER, Edward Clarence

Edward was born at Junee NSW in 1896 to George and Mary Ann Faulkner.  Two years later his family came to the Inverell district and lived at the property Victoria Park, Mt. Russell. When he enlisted in January 1916, he used Clarence as his first name.  At this time he was a nineteen year old Farmer at Mt. Russell and as he was under age, his Mother gave her permission for Clarence to serve overseas.

Clarence joined the men of the Second Contingent of The Kurrajongs who departed Inverell on 29 February 1916.  He became a member of the 33rd Battalion, 1st Reinforcement which trained at Armidale and Rutherford prior to leaving Australia on HMAT A74 Marathon in May 1916.  After nine weeks at sea they arrived in England where further training was undertaken at Salisbury Plain.  Here Clarence became ill and was admitted to Fargo Military Hospital with suspected meningitis.  He was ill for quite some time and did not go to France until October 1917.  He became ill again in March 1918 and was invalided back to England where he was admitted to Edmonton General Military Hospital and diagnosed with bronchitis. 

Private Faulkner returned home on the ship Khyber in May 1919 and medically discharged in September. He obtained a Soldier’s Settler block in the Inverell District, however drought conditions affected the property and, like many other such settlers, Clarence abandoned his holding.  He lived in Brisbane and Toowoomba with his wife and family until his death in Brisbane in 1970.

Clarence is remembered at Delungra where his name is inscribed on the Mt Russell Honor Roll at Anzac Park. His sister, Sarah, also served as a Nurse during the War.  

Photo: provided by family