Aug2015_DAYBORO DISTRICT HISTORICAL SOCIETY INC Est. 2004
Open Day at “Dayboro Cottage”:
Are you interested in researching your family history – your own Who do think you are? As a National Family History Month event, we are holding an open day at “Dayboro Cottage” on Thursday 13th August from 10.00am. Why not drop in?
Dayboro Remembers: Lance Corporal Joseph Patrick Boyle
Joseph Patrick Boyle was born on 27 March 1879 in Port Douglas, to parents Terence Boyle and Ellenor Pass Badger. His father was a Police Officer. His mother passed away on 21 March 1884, a few days before Joseph’s 5th birthday. His father Terence married Catherine Margaret Shiels on 21 February 1896 and they had two sons, Allan Terence Boyle, born 25 February 1897 and Clarance Lancelot Boyle, born 3 March 1899. Terence Boyle passed away on 29 April 1903, only a few weeks before the birth of his daughter May, on 22 May 1903. On 1 January 1903 Joseph was recorded on the Electoral Roll at Lacey’s Creek working as a labourer. Maria Boyle, wife of Rody Cruice, was his father’s sister. By October 1904 he had moved to Bundaberg.
Joseph enlisted on 17 April 1916 at the age of 37. He embarked for England on 19 September 1916 aboard the “HMAT Seang Choon” then in February 1917 he was sent to France. He joined the 49th Infantry Battalion, 5th Reinforcement, on 11 April 1917 in Noreuil, France. In August he was appointed Lance Corporal. During an attack on the German line in the Westhoek Ridge sector, Belgium, on 26 September 1917 Joseph was wounded in the face. Ten days later he re-joined his unit. On 12 October, another attack was made against the village of Passchendaele. In the face of heavy fire, the men fought in the mud while struggling to keep up with their artillery barrages. Ground was taken but it could not be held. In wretched conditions, with casualties mounting at an appalling rate, the Australians had to fall back. Sadly Joseph was killed in action on that day at Passchendaele, Belgium. A Red Cross statement says “The day he died he silenced three enemy machine guns when a piece of shell struck him in the head killing him instantly beside his gun. He was hit by a whiz bang”. He is remembered with honour on Panels 7-31 on Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial, Ypres, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium.
Joseph’s half-brothers both came to reside with members of the Cruice family on occasion, Allan being enrolled at Terrors Creek State School on 29 August 1910, aged 13 years 6 months, and Clarance being enrolled at Terrors Creek State School on 21 January 1913, aged 13 years 10 months. Allan lived in the district most of his life marrying local lass Ellen Mary Lahiff on 23 February 1927 and working in the Dayboro Butchery for many years. I am sure a lot of readers will remember him in the butcher’s shop.
Diamond Jubilee (60th) Dayboro Show:
As readers know, the Diamond Jubilee Dayboro Show was held on 4th and 5th July and what a wonderful Show it was.
The need for a sports ground suitable for all types of recreation and also a rodeo had long been felt in Dayboro, so when the War Memorial Committee decided to commemorate the memory of soldiers of both World Wars, it purchased a piece of land for that purpose. After much untiring effort by the Committee and calls for contributions in time, money and labour from the community, the grounds were opened with a sports day being held. A show ring, refreshment area, bar and toilets had been constructed.
Sir Raymond Huish, C.B.E., State President Returned Sailors, Soldiers & Airmen’s Imperial League of Australia officially opened the Dayboro War Memorial Grounds on 8th October 1955.
As it was difficult to raise funds to pay for the land, it was suggested that a Dayboro Show be held. A committee was formed with Norm Kelly as President, Eric Brander (Dayboro Butter Factory Manager) as Secretary and Charles Kennedy (E.S. & A. Bank Manager) as Treasurer. A Ladies Auxiliary was also formed with Mrs. Chris Henzell as President, Mrs. Vicky Kelly as Secretary and Miss Vera Todd as Treasurer. The first Show was held on the War Memorial Grounds on 13th October 1956, with more than 1000 people attending. Three young sisters were the star performers of the first Show. Marion (13), Margaret (11) and Betty (2 years 3 months) Mumford won 14 of the Show’s horse-riding events. Marion and Betty attended the Diamond Jubilee Show, together with their aunt Joan Niemann and cousin John Niemann who also won horse-riding events at the First Show.
Carmel Bond, President – Ph: 3425 1717 (h)
or 3425 2032 (Dayboro Cottage)
