POLLARD, Stanley Robert Dawson

Stanley’s birth was registered in Queensland in 1898. He was the eldest of twelve children born to Robert and Emily Pollard who lived at Bonshaw Station, north of Inverell. Stanley attended Silver Spur School and before the War was a member of the Texas MUIOOF Lodge.

Giving his occupation as Stockman and putting his age up to twenty one, Stanley enlisted at Warwick, Queensland, in October 1916. He became a Private with the 9th Battalion and sailed from Australia for England on HMAT A55 Kyarra in November. He was stationed in England for three months and sent to France on 3rd May 1917. Only a few months later he was killed in action in Belgium on 20 September 1917.

Private S Heyman wrote to Stanley’s Mother saying ‘… he fell just before we reached our objective and right where we had made our new support lines, on top of a ridge … lying beside him was his prayer book … with pressed flowers … sent to him ….’ This letter was published in The Inverell times 11 December 1917.

Stanley has no known grave and none of his personal possessions were found. His memorial plaque, scroll and medals were sent to his Father at Bonshaw Station. Stanley’s name is recorded on the Bonshaw Roll of Honor.

Image: The Queenslander, 15 December 1917