CHISHOLM, Sydney, Walter, Thomas and Henry

Sydney was one of four brothers who volunteered for service during World War 1. A fifth brother, Norman, tried to enlist in June 1915 and was rejected because of his teeth, despite his dentist proclaiming they were in good order.

Sydney, a single man, enlisted in July 1915 when he was thirty years old. He was a grazier at Willara, Bonshaw, north of Inverell. He became a Private with the 18th Battalion, 6th Reinforcements and sailed from Australia for Egypt on HMAT A14 Euripides on 2 November 1915. After transfer to the 3rd Battalion he was sent from Alexandria, Egypt to France in March 1916. Four months later he was wounded and sent to hospital in Sheffield England to recover before returning to France. During 1918 he was appointed Lance Corporal.

His brothers, Walter (38), Thomas (36) and Henry (35) all enlisted separately during 1916. Walter was a Private with the 1st Light Horse, Thomas a Private with the 31st Battalion, and Henry, who had served during the Boer War, was a Private with the 4th Machine Gun Battalion. These three men all returned to Australia after the War and their names are recorded on the Bonshaw and Ashford Honour Rolls.

Lance Corporal Sydney Herbert Chisholm was killed in action on 13 July 1918 in France and buried at Le Kreule Military Cemetery, Hazebrouck, France. In August 1918 a memorial service was held for Sydney at Bonshaw. His name is inscribed on the Inverell Cenotaph.  Sydney's personal effects which included his wallet, an elephant charm, watch, photos and a sheep skin vest were all returned to his mother.

Photo: Australian War Memorial Image PO9413.001