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8. Australia 1916, Mothers and Medals Sara Jane Bourke ruled the Wyoming Household. Of all her children, Charles was her favorite. When he left for the War he willed all he had to her. On August 7, 1916 Mr. and Mrs. J. Bourke received the telegram from the War Department telling them that their son was dead. What was once a future bright and hopeful, a war righteous and just is now, with one word to late for either. We are not supposed to outlive our children. (Services Record)
The remains Like thousands of worried Mothers and proud Fathers around the world Mr. and Mrs. Bourke watched their son Charles go off to fight the war. This is all that came back (Inventory of Effects). Inventory of Effects-The Late, 699 Cpl Bourke C. 3rd Btn A.I.F. 1 Package Contents of Package Disc, Wallet, Wrist Watch & Cover, Fountain Pen, Gospel of St Mark Newspaper cutting, Leave pass, Postcards, Letters, Pencil, Coins 2 Photos. To (Father) Mr. J. Bourke, Vale Road, Lithgow, N.S.W
Corporal Bourke was buried in the vicinity of Pozieres, (57 S.E. X-4). He is memorialized at the Villers Brettonneux Military Cemetery. For his sacrifice he is awarded three Medals; The Star No. 170342 British War Medal No. 2829 The Victory Medal No.2820. Of the last entries regarding his was record sheet The Victory Medal had been returned to Store Date 11-16, 1944. (Roll of Honor)
Wills and Testaments My Uncle had two wills, one as a Private and then another as a Corporal. They are almost identical except as a Corporal he requests that no flowers be present at his funeral. What did he see in those last days in France? Or was that exactly it, what he did see? "In the event of my death I give the whole of my property and effects to Mrs., S.J. Bourke, of "Wyoming" Vale Road, Lithgow. Chas. Bourke Private No. 699 "D" Coy. 3rd Batt. Australian I Force 14th November 1914 On June 8th 1916, after almost two years of war, now Corporal Bourke writes another will almost identical will to the first one except in this one he ads the line (Codicle) 1. No flowers by special request. |
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