WETHERALL, David and Aubrey

David and Aubrey were sons of Robert and Phillipa Wetherall of the property ‘Glencoe’ Warialda. The family lived in the district from the 1870s.  David’s birth was registered at Warialda in 1884, Aubrey in 1891.

David enlisted at Holsworthy NSW in September 1915. Prior to his departure overseas he was given a farewell by members of the Rocky Dam Rifle Club at which he was presented with a purse of sovereigns. He left Sydney in November on the ship HMAT A67 Orsova.  He served with the 7th Light Horse in Egypt and Palestine and was promoted to Corporal in November 1917.  He returned to Australia in 1919.

Aubrey was twenty six years old when he enlisted at North Sydney in April 1917, just a few months after the death of his father.  He joined the 7th Light Horse Regiment, 30th Reinforcement and sailed from Australia on the ship HMAT A73 Commonwealth in November 1917. He arrived at Suez in December.  Private Aubrey Wetherall was killed in action on 15 July 1918 at Jordan Valley, Palestine. His grave has not been found and his name is recorded on the Jerusalem Memorial, Palestine. His personal effects which included a tobacco pouch, a tin of dental powder, toothbrush, pocket book, leather belt, balaclava cap and woollen waistcoat, were returned to his family.

Aubrey’s name is recorded on the Rocky Dam Honor Roll and the Warialda Presbyterian Church Honor Roll.

The Warialda Honor Roll records the names of both David and Aubrey Wetherall.

Photo: Aubrey Wetherall, submitted by family