Welcome home Bertie Binns

Ethelbert (Bertie) Binns was born on 19 December 1892 in Yorkshire, England, and was educated at Lunawanna State School, Bruny Island. His parents were Priestley and Alice Binns.

Bertie was an orchardist at Lunawanna when he enlisted 23 February 1915.  He was a 2^nd Lieutenant and served in Egypt and France, including the Somme.

During World War One, Bertie suffered from influenza while he was away in the war and is said to have had quite a husky voice even in old age. He returned to Australia on 2 August 1919 and was discharged on 10 October 1919 as medically unfit from chronic nasopharyngitis and laryngitis.

A welcome home was held at the Lunawanna State School at which Bertie was heartily cheered and presented with a gold medal, inscribed on behalf of the Lunawanna residents, for four years of active service in Egypt and France.

Local men who did not return from the war were also remembered at the welcome home for Private Binns. A presentation was made to Mrs Violet Hawkins in memory of her eldest son, William Cuthbert Hawkins, who was killed in action in France.  Another presentation was made to Mrs Lucy Corney, in memory of her second son, William Corney, who was killed in action. A memoriam brooch was sent to Mrs Emily Farrell as she was unable to attend the reception. Mrs Farrell lost two sons at the front and her eldest son died on pneumonia.

Bertie also enlisted in World War Two on 31 May 1945 and served as a T103001 Warrant Officer Class I, 6th Australian Army Ordnance Depot.  He was discharged on 11 December 1946.

Bertie died in Hobart at the age of 92 on 27 October 1985.

References

The AIF Project University of New South Wales Canberra

“Country News: Lunawanna” Mercury (Hobart, Tas: 1860-1954) Thursday 21 August 1919 page 6.

www.millingtons.com.au

Acknowledgements

Bruny Island Historical Society

Photo of Bert Binns being welcomed home at Lunawanna, Bruny Island, courtesy Sue Turner.