DINNER IS SERVED
Duncan Hannah McKeller Heselton - 31st Battalion
Born in Glasgow, Scotland in 1876, Duncan Hannah McKeller Heselton enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force in Melbourne on the 27th of July 1915 and was sent to camp at Broadmedows.
Married to Lillias Heselton and living in Elsternwick , Victoria , he listed his occupation as a cook and caterer, a role that would play a big part in his military service.
He left Melbourne bound for the Middle East as part of the 31st infantry battalion on the 9th of November 1915, on board the troop transport ship Wandilla. He arrived on December 7 and went to camp at Heliopolis and then Moascar.
After some time spent on canal defence duties he moved to Tel-El-Kebir where he was disciplined for disobedience.
On the 16th of June 1916 he left the Middle East bound for France on board the transport ship Hororata. Upon arriving at Marseilles he boarded a train for northern France (Estaires)
While still part of the 31st battalion he was attached to the 5th division's salvage company and took part in operations at Bois Grenier, Fromelles, Dernancourt, Ypres and the Somme .
In early 1917 he was disciplined for breaking rank and entering a café after which he was sent to the 1st ANZAC Corps School . Following this he fell ill, suffering the effects of an old operation wound.
After healing he returned to his battalion where upon he was attached to various other schools, associations and clubs throughout late 1917 and early 1918, most likely as a result of his culinary prowess.
After being punished a third time (for going AWOL) he was taken to the hospital in Rouen suffering from knee trouble which ultimately saw him evacuated to the United Kingdom onboard the hospital ship St Andrew.
After being posted to two more camps and going AWOL again he was sent home to Australia where he was discharged as medically unfit on the 26th of October 1918 . Following this he re-enlisted for Home Service in Melbourne as a Corporal and proceeded to duty as a passport guard, before being finally discharged in March 1920.
Duncan continued to work in the food industry as a waiter and chef, even up until his death in 1955. Duncan is buried with his wife in Springvale Cemetery , Melbourne .
Photos:
1) Duncan's grave at Springvale cemetery.
2) Close up of grave.