AGE SHALL NOT WEARY
Cuthbert Williamson - 56th Battalion
Cuthbert John Marr Williamson was born in Walcha NSW in 1869. A miner by trade he enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force in November 1915 stating his age as 40, listing his brother Lambert as next of kin. He had previously tried to enlist but been refused because of varicose veins and a hernia.
Assigned to the 15th reinforcements of the 4th battalion he was sent to camp at Liverpool before embarking for the Middle East in March onboard the Star of England. Upon arriving at the Ferry Post in Egypt he was transferred to the newly created 56th battalion. Cuthbert then travelled to France onboard the Huntsend, proceeding by train to Northern France .
On July 19, Cuthbert took part in the allied attacks on Fromelles. During the attack he was severely wounded, suffering shrapnel damage to his face and neck as well as losing the use of his arm and leg. Cuthbert ultimately lost his right eye and had to have his jugular ligatured. The doctors said that he had only about 25% of his functionality left.
As a result of his injuries he was listed as unfit for active service and after spending time in hospitals in France and England was sent home in early 1917 on the Kanowa.
Cuthbert passed away in 1935 and was buried at the Macquarie Park Cemetery in Sydney in the same unmarked grave as his brother Lambert who also died in 1935. His sister Minnie Johnston is also buried with them.
Thankyou to Tom Sweeney for his help with this memorial.
Research notes:
1) Cuthbert's real age was 46.
2) After being knocked back on his first attempt to enlist Cuthbert underwent surgery to correct the hernia and varicose veins, the scars of this operation being noted on his enlistment papers.
3) Lambert Williamson also enlisted in the AIF at the age of 43, serving briefly with the tunnelling company.
Photos:
1) Cuthbert and Lambert's grave at Macquarie Park Cemetery, photo by Tom Sweeney.
2) Cuthbert's dog tags.
3) Cuthbert and Lambert's grave at Macquarie Park Cemetery, photo by Tom Sweeney