FOLBIGG, Horace

Horace was one of a group of men who departed Inverell on 1 February 1916, between the First and Second Kurrajongs contingents. He enlisted at the big recruiting rally held just before the First Kurrajongs left Inverell. At a farewell function at Brodies Plains he was presented with an inscribed wrist watch by district residents.

Horace was born at Warwick, Queensland and was a farmer at Inverell when he enlisted at the age of 29.  As a Private with the 36th Battalion he sailed from Sydney on 13 May 1916 and trained with the 3rd Division, 9th Brigade in England.  Horace was ill when he arrived in England, and required hospitalization until February 1917.  He was sent to France where it is believed he was severely gassed. He returned to England suffering from bronchitis. Four months later he was diagnosed with tuberculosis and returned to Australia for discharge.

After arriving home, he spent six months at the Military Hospital at North Head before returning to Glen Innes where he died in March 1919. Horace was given a Military Funeral – the first to be held at Glen Innes. The Pipe Band, with muffled drums, was followed by an improvised gun carriage comprising of a horse drawn lorry, and about 100 returned men marched in the procession to the Cemetery. His brother Gordon also enlisted and served in Egypt.

Private Folbigg's name was recorded on the Brodies Plains Honor Roll.

Photo: Courtesy GIHS Inc