HARPER, Stephen and Peter

Stephen and Peter were the sons of Stephen and Margaret Harper of Tingha NSW. Peter, a twenty three year old Miner, enlisted at Liverpool in February 1915. He joined the 17th Battalion, B Company and sailed from Australia on HMAT A32 Themistocles in May. 

He was wounded in May 1916 and sent to hospital in England. Two months later he returned to France, promoted to Lance Corporal and transferred to the 53rd Battalion. The following year he was ill with bronchitis and sent back to England for several months. He returned to France in January 1918.

Peter returned home in 1919 and was one of several men given a Welcome Home at Tingha at which they were presented with a medal.

Stephen enlisted at Liverpool NSW in August 1915.  At that time he was a twenty one year old Miner at Tingha NSW where his parents Stephen and Margaret Harper lived. In his youth he had attended Gulf Creek Public School. He was also known as Henry Harper.

After joining the 2nd Battalion, 11th Reinforcement, Stephen sailed from Australia on HMAT A14 Euripides in November.  Just twenty days later he died at sea following an attack of bronchitis and mumps.

Private Stephen Harper’s name is recorded at the Chatby Memorial, Alexandria, Egypt. 

Both Stephen and Peter's names are recorded on the Tingha Honor Roll.