SAPPER JAMES OLA CHRISTIANSON3277 – 1st Tunnelling Company

Newcastle, New South Wales was the birthplace of James Ola Christianson on March 19, 1863 the son of Christian and Mary Ann (nee Matthews formerly Critchley) Christianson. He had been an apprentice for three years as a butcher under Mr Green. At twenty-two years of age he married on April 6, 1885 to Mary Ann Morris.

The following Police Court report appeared in the:

He enlisted for service during the Boer War with the NSW Citizen’s Bushmen where he was assigned to the Regimental Staff with the number 532 as a butcher. The Contingent departed on February 28, 1900 and returned on June 11, 1901. His letter home to his wife was published in the:

Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners’ Advocate Saturday March 10, 1888:NEWCASTLE POLICE COURT

Friday March 9, 1888AN ASSAULT

Teresa M. Palmer summoned James O. Christianson for an assault at Wickham on February 26th. Mr J.A. Gorrick for the complainant, and Mr J. Dart for the defence.The complainant stated that defendant came up and struck her in Throsby-street, Wickham, between 10 and 12 o’clock on the morning of the 26th February. There had been bad feeling between defendant’s wife and witness, the latter having nicknamed the former “Larry Foley,”By Mr Dart: Witness was not drunk on the day in question.Constable Gee deposed that he was sent for by the complainant on the day in question.By Mr Dart: Complainant was not quite sober. Witness had heard complaints from defendant about Mrs Palmer.Ephraim Cater, carpenter, deposed to the assault.Stephen Palmer also gave evidence.Mr Christianson and Charles Gates gave evidence for the defence.J.O. Christianson, the defendant, stated that he was quarrelling with plaintiff and got excited. He struck her because she said things against his wife.A fine of 5s, with 20s 4d costs was imposed, in default twenty-one days goal.

Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners’ Advocate Friday June 29, 1900:LETTER FROM MR J.O. CHRISTIANSON

Mr J.O. Christianson, formerly carrying on a butchering business in this city, and who left with the First Bushmen’s Contingent, and who is now attached to the Rhodesian Field Horse as staff butcher, in writing to his wife, who resides in Church-street West, gives an account of their advance under General Carrington, after disembarking at Beira, in East Africa.He writes from Marandellas garrison, Rhodesia, on the 6th May, and says that the garrison, with himself, enjoy splendid health. They were then having similar weather to that experienced here in the month of August, the days being generally warm, with cold nights; but although he with some others had to turn out of the shed to make room for the horses, and slept under a couple of galvanised iron sheets, they were quite snug and warm. They left Beira on 13th April for Bamboo Creek, where they camped for a week, and before they had passed the frontier line the train conveying them broke down, the engine blowing out one of her cylinders. After marching some distance another train picked them up, conveying them to Mandeigoes, and the next day proceeded onward, crossing a bridge strongly guarded by Portuguese soldiers, and arrived at a place named Macquesa, where they changed trains and arrived at the frontier bridge guarded by Portuguese troops. “Here,” says the writer “we had some fun with two Kaffirs—one all British, the other all Boer, which ended in a set-to in the happy Hottentot style.”At Umtali, in Rhodesian territory, they were welcomed with cheers—the first cheer they received since landing in Africa. The people, white and native population, were very loyal, and admired the physique of the bushies, saying “You’re a fine rough lot of chaps!” None had had a shave, and their beards made them appear like a band of free rovers. Leaving Umtali after a day’s rest, they marched on to Marandellas, 330 miles from Beira. A couple of days prior to writing, A, B, and C troops left and the remainder expected to leave in a day or two for their objective point, Mafeking.

Cont.

Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners’ Advocate Friday June 29, 1900:LETTER FROM MR J.O. CHRISTIANSON

Cont.The men had to foot it, as they had lost over 50 horses with the disease. From there it was a forced march, via Bulawayo, (taking 15 days to reach 350 miles) from thence to Mafeking 300 miles. On the date of writing, he states, a large number of Boers, so the natives said, were making for Mafeking to strengthen their force around the besieged town. General Carrington had been heard to say that “with a few thousand rough Australian riders like the men under his command he could conquer Africa!” That is, in conjunctions with the Canadians who were with them—the Rhodesian Field Horse.” The writer further states that the native people are most amazing and appeared thoroughly loyal to the British. One of the boys attached to the convoy struts like a military dandy, in a pair of black pants with a big patch of green velvet stitched up on the back. They do all the hard work, and receive £1 a month for their labour. Referring to the country over which they had marched, it is described as good for either pastoral or agricultural pursuits, especially that watered by the tributaries of the Lampopo. After passing the Portuguese frontier they had splendid water, and that quite soft, almost along the whole line of march. In conclusion, Mr Christianson states that any news of the doings from the front where the serious work of the campaign is going on was very scant. From the general in command right through the men, the chief desire was to push on to the assistance of Baden-Powell and his warm corner at Mafeking. The reader, of course, has been posted up in all subsequent movements of the Rhodesian Field Horse, and the effort they made on their long march to reach the objective point. “Reply by return mail, and don’t forget to send a copy or two of the ‘Newcastle Herald,’” the writer adds by the way of postscript.

News of his arrival home was published in the:

He re-enlisted with the Steinaecker’s Horse Special Squadron on February 3, 1902 aged thirty-eight years and stood (5ft 7½ins) tall, and was reported receiving a gunshot wound to his right foot on April 16, 1902 near Haenertsberg, S.A. Military Discharge took place upon disbandment of the Squadron on July 15, 1902.

In a local parade in 1905 he was a one of a group of veterans that marched recorded in the:

Footnote:STEINAECKER’S HORSE.This unit was formed during the Anglo Boer war. Its main aim was to stop the movement of arms and men  from Portuguese East Africa to the Boers in Transvaal and Orange Free State. Also to prevent the movement of Boer despatches to and from Portuguese East Africa and to hinder the movement of the Boer Commandos etc. Steinaecker’s Horse main base was in Komatipoort with many outposts.

Trooper Christianson was awarded for his Boer War service the Queen’s South Africa Medal and 4 clasps (Cape Colony, Rhodesia, Orange Free State and Transvaal) and the King’s South Africa Medal with two clasps (South Africa 1901 & South Africa 1902). Receipt of the King’s Medal was reported in the:

Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners’ Advocate Friday June 21, 1901:CURRENT NEWS

Mr J.O. Christianson, who proceeded to the front as a member of the Bushmen’s Contingent, returned to Newcastle yesterday. It is Mr Christianson’s intention to rejoin his company a couple of months hence.

Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners’ Advocate Thursday May 25, 1905:THE NIGHT’S DISPLAY

Sharp at 7 o’clock the troops assembled at Auckland-street under Col. Ranclaud, V.D. District Commandant, with whom were Lieut-Col Eames, C.B. D.S.O., Major Durnage, Capt Langwill, Capt Byrne and Lieut Wayne and Warrant Officer Naughton, Sergeant-Major Hart and Sergeant Kelleher of the instructional staff. The artillery under the command of Lieut-Col Kirkaldy, V.D. who had with him Capt Stark and Lieut Short.At 7.15 precisely Col Ranclaud gave the word, and the column moved off, headed by the band of the Fourth Regiment, under Lieut Bentley. After a short interval a dray containing the Mayor and aldermen followed, and then came the City Band, under Mr W. Barkell at the head of the non-military portion of the procession. Immediately following were the naval and military veterans numbering 15, under Mr E. Flynn, marching in section of fours, most in uniform, with several in plain clothes and all wearing medals.After the veterans, came a gorgeous allegorical car, drawn by six gaily-caparisoned horses, which with the lorry were placed at the disposal of the committee by Mrs H. Porter of Bolton-street. On the car was erected an artistically-designed and decorated frame. The crown of Empire surmounted a skeleton droop canopy, relieved by the mottoes “One flag, one heart, one way,” “Defence, not defiance,” the whole being supported by heraldic shields representative of the Empire dependencies. The following were the naval and military veterans who marched in the procession: James Ola Christianson 1st Citizen’s Bushmen Contingent and Steinaecker’s Horse S.S., South Africa Medal and 2 clasps.

Article abridged

Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners’ Advocate Monday March 17, 1913:CURRENT NEWS

Mr E. Flynn, president of the Newcastle and Northern District Naval and Military Association, has received from the War Office, London, the late King Edward’s medal, with two clasps, and four clasps, to be worn with the late Queens Victoria’s medal, for which he applied in November last, on behalf of Mr J.O. Christianson, a member of the association, who served through the Boer War with the New South Wales Bushmen and other corps. The decorations are to be publicly present to Mr Christianson in the near future, probably at some function held in connection with the association.

At the recruiting depot in Newcastle, NSW on April 6, 1916 the married and all-round butcher and cook applied to enlist for active service abroad with the enrolling officer at Battalion Area 20, Newcastle. Personal details taken with his preliminary medical examination reveal his postal address was Laing-street, Market Square, Newcastle and was 165cms (5ft 5ins) tall with a chest expansion of 94-99cms (37-39ins). His age was stated to be forty-three years. He was declared fit ‘on special enlistment’ and it was concurred by the recruiting office that he be accepted as a butcher in the Mining Battalion.

Attestation Forms were completed which describe him further as weighing 74.5kgs (164lbs) with a fair and ruddy complexion with hazel eyes that passed the eye test with poor vision and had fair hair. Methodist was his religious faith. Medical notation was ‘teeth need attention’. Next-of-kin nominated was his wife Mary Ann Christianson of Laing Street, Newcastle and he allotted three-fifths of his pay in support of her and their children. He was sworn in the same day.

He was assigned to the No.4 Tunnelling Company in the rank of Sapper with the regimental number 3277.

Recruits forming part of the No.4 Tunnelling Company embarked from Brisbane, Qld early in May, 1916 aboard HMAT A69 Warilda for Sydney, NSW. Six officers and 152 other ranks together with the 1st Reinforcements of fifteen other ranks made up the two sections.

At Rosebery Park, Sydney, NSW about May 10, 1916 they joined their Headquarters and two sections (8 officers & 153 O.Rs.) plus 1st Reinforcements consisting of one officer and seventeen other ranks for final training.

The 7713-ton transport departed Sydney, NSW on May 22, 1916 and collected in Melbourne, Victoria the No.5 Company recruited from Victoria, South Aust. & Tasmania made up of Headquarters and 2 Sections (8 officers & 173 men) (3 M.D.). 1 Section from Tasmania (3 officers & 76 O.Rs); also 1st Reinforcements for No.5 Company (17 men from Vic. & 8 men Tas.) The ship departed on May 25, 1916 for Adelaide, S.A. to collect one Section of 3 officers & 76 O.Rs with 1st Reinforcements of 8 O.Rs.

Docking at Fremantle, W.A. on June 1, 1916 added No.6 Company recruited from W.A. of 14 officers and 325 O.Rs along with 1st Reinforcements of 1 Officer & 32 O.Rs departing the same day.

Durban, South Africa was reached on June 16, 1916 and Cape Town on June 21, 1916, while St Vincent completed the African ports of call on July 7, 1916. Discipline was fairly good except at intermediate ports where Absent without Leave caused concern. The fifty-eight day voyage experienced remarkable pleasant weather terminating at Plymouth, England on July 18, 1916. Four, Five and Six Companies comprising of 1064 officers and other ranks were detrained to Amesbury and Tidworth to begin training for the front.

On August 28, 1916 Sapper Christianson marched in from the No.1 Command Depot at Perham Downs until September 8, when he moved to No.3 camp at Parkhouse. On January 5, 1917 he went from the Aust Details camp to the Infantry Depot at No.6 camp remaining there until transferred to the Headquarters camp on May 11, 1917.

An extract from his letter to a friend was printed in the:

The following excerpt was taken from a letter to his wife and published in the:

He was admitted to hospital on August 7, 1917 and classified with CIII debility by the Senior Medical Officer who advised to ‘carry on with light duties in the cookhouse.’

Relocated to the Overseas Training Depot at Sutton Veny on June 18, 1917 he was reported to be still on strength there in an audit on February 8, 1918. On May 23, 1918 he was noted to have been paid in England.

He was still with the Overseas Training Brigade at Longbridge camp when Peace was declared.

On November 29, 1918 he was at Sandhill camp and appeared before a Medical Board at the Overseas Training Brigade. His Statement of Case reads:

Disability: Debility Age: 54 yearsDate of disability: Pre-existing prior to enlistmentPlace of disability: AustraliaEssential facts: Lame, weak, short of breath on exertion, unable to march. Was

classified CIII by S.M.O. at Perham Downs 7-8-18. Has carried onas bde butcher

Causation: Pre-existing and not attributable to serviceAggravated by serviceGeneral debility – elderly man, stout, plethoric, marked dyspnoea,Tachycardia on exertion, general weaknessGait – lame in left leg, stiff in upper legHeart sounds – faint

Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners’ Advocate Thursday October 19, 1916:MINERS’ BATTALION

Sergeant J.O. Christianson, of the Miners’ and Engineers’ Battalion, writing from Perham Downs, Wilts (Eng.), to a Newcastle friend, says: “We put in two days at Durban, and were well treated by the people. They gave us cases of oranges after a route march through the town. At Captetown we had another route march, but the people treated us coldly. We were escorted from Capetown by auxiliary cruiser, and travelling with three other troopships. We then called at St Vincent (Verde Island), where we took in coal and water. There was plenty of fish to be had. The boys dive for money, and we had a good time watching them. A jam tin, a pickle bottle, and a penny were thrown overboard, and one boy came up penny in mouth, pickle bottle in one hand, and jam tin in the other. After leaving here we passed a floating mine, two feet from our port side. It would have put an end to us if we had struck the mine. We arrive at Plymouth, to the accompaniment of heavy gun-firing at sea. Four destroyers escorted us in. I forgot to mention that before we reached St Vincent one of the engines of our ship broke down, and she had to lay to for two days. Under slow steam we went to Madeira for repairs. Eventually we entrained for London, and passed through Devon and Devonshire, and as the sun did not go down until 9 p.m. we saw the farmers, all old men, getting in the hay. Women, and girls and boys were assisting, as all the young men were at the war. At Exeter, the Mayoress gave us tea and scones, also a card, expressing the wish that we would enjoy the refreshment, which we did. It has cost this town £2,000 for tea alone since the war started. It was only a short distance from here that William the Conqueror fought.”

Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners’ Advocate Saturday 2 December, 1916:EVERY MAN IS WANTED

Corporal J.O. Christianson, writing to his wife Mrs M.A. Christianson, of Laing-street, Newcastle, from Salisbury Plain, under date September 27, mentions that since going into camp he has been placed in charge of the butcher’s shop with the rank of corporal, his appointment having been gazetted on September 15. Prior to that he had been acting sergeant. He had been through the Gloucester Cathedral, and saw many interesting sights, including a marble figure of Bishop Hooper, on the site where he was burnt at the stake. He also saw the window opposite where Queen Mary looked out and saw the bishop burning, and the place where Cromwell set fire to the pillars by firing at them from Robin Hood Hill. Corporal Christianson says every man is wanted. All the men have been graded, A, B, and C. The A’s go into the firing line; the B’s go to the base or rear of the fighting, to do the cooking, butchering, etc. and the C’s to the ammunition factories.

Other disabilities: age 54; Rheumatic pain occasionallyRecommendation: CIIIDisablement: 20%

Permanently unfit for general service; permanently unfit for home serviceApproved: 30/11/18

Another medical document dated November 30 stated: Age 54, Rheumatism left leg – stout, plethoric, short winded, some bronchitis. Class CIII.

On December 5, 1918 he marched in from the Training Brigade to the No.1 Command Depot at Sutton Veny and six days later was marked with C3 disability and sent to the No.2 Command Depot at Weymouth.

Sapper Christianson embarked for Australia as an invalid due to overage, chronic arthritis of left knee and hip joint, on H.T. Czaritza on March 16, 1919 and was transhipped to the Dunluce Castle at Alexandria on April 7, 1919. Base Records advised his wife on April 2, 1919 that he was on his way home. News of this was published in the:

The ship docked in Melbourne, Vic on May 15, 1919 and he disembarked in Sydney soon after. News of their arrival was announced in the:

He appeared before the Disembarkation Medical Board at the Anzac Buffet where the following essential facts were recorded:

Complains of pain in left leg. Pain is not consistent but states that cannot walk properly.B.W. right leg 1903. B.W. left leg 1903.Aggravated by Military ServiceGeneral condition good. Walks with a marked limp.Treatment was deferred for one monthDeferred till 17.6.19Disability degree permanent – noAnticipate improvement – very slight improvementGeneral debility labour market – 100%Discharge unfit for service – yes

Statement made at No.4 Aust General Hospital, Randwick 3/3/20. Discharge confirmed 4/3/20.

Military Discharge was issued in Sydney (2nd Military District) on April 25, 1920 as medically unfit.

A Statement of Service was issued from Base Records to the Sydney Branch of the Repatriation Department dated December 9, 1921 for War Pension purposes.

For his service abroad Sapper 3277 James Ola Christianson, 1st Tunnelling Company was issued the British War Medal (46376).

Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners’ Advocate Thursday April 10, 1919:SOLDIERS RETURNING

Mrs J.O. Christianson, of Laing-street, Newcastle, has received word that her husband is returning by the transport Czaritza, due in Melbourne on the 28th instant.

Sydney Morning Herald Saturday May 17, 1919:DUNLUCE CASTLE

Soldiers by the Dunluce Castle will disembark tomorrow. Relatives and friends who have tickets marked “Dunluce Castle” will be admitted to the Anzac Buffet at 9.15 a.m.Cars on the Red Cross Register from 38 to 85 are required to be at No.1 Wharf Woolloomooloo tomorrow at 9.15 a.m.Though the men will not disembark till tomorrow, the Dunluce Castle will anchor this afternoon and will be met by the Comforts Fund Reception Committee, whose boat will leave Fort Macquarie at 3.30.

From 1930 onwards he was recorded residing at 58 Elizabeth Street, Tighe Hill and retired.

He wrote to Base Records in July 1936 requesting his Victory Medal and stated his military service abroad. The Medal Section replied on August 3, 1936 advising that as he did not serve on the strength of a unit in a theatre of war whilst serving as a member of the A.I.F. he did not qualify for the award of the Victory Medal.

James Ola Christianson passed away on August 11, 1942 aged 79 years. Family arrangements and his Obituary were published in the:

His grave is located in the Methodist portion of Sandgate Cemetery Newcastle, NSW within section NE10 in lot 20.

Also named on the monument are his three sons.

Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners’ Advocate Wednesday August 12, 1942:FUNERALS

CHRISTIANSON—The Relatives and Friends of Mrs M.A. CHRISTIANSON, Mr and Mrs CHARLES CHRISTIANSON and FAMILY, Mrs V. LAVENDER, Mr D. CHRISTIANSON AND Mrs O. CHRISTIANSON and FAMILY are invited to attend the Funeral of their beloved Husband, Father, Father-in-law and Grandfather, JAMES OLA CHRISTIANSON; to move from his late residence, 58 Elizabeth-street, Tighe’s Hill, Tomorrow, (Thursday) Afternoon, at 3 o’clock for the Methodist Cemetery, Sandgate, per motor service.

THOMAS MOORE Funeral Director

NAVAL & MILITARY VETERANS ASSOCIATIONCHRISTIANSON—Members of the above are invited to attend the Funeral of their late Member, JAMES OLA CHRISTIANSON. For particulars see family notice.

W. NYE, Secretary

The Newcastle Sun Thursday November 12, 1942:LATE MR J.O. CHRISTIANSON

Mr James Olaf Christianson, whose death at the age of 79 occurred recently, was a native of Newcastle. He was born in Blane Street on the site now occupied by the Technical College. He was the son of a Norwegian sea captain. His mother conducted a general store for many years.As a boy the late Mr Christianson was employed by the “Newcastle Herald” at Wallsend and later he opened the first butchering business in Wickham. He was a staff sergeant for the Bushmen’s Contingent which served in the Boer War and after being invalided home with a shot in the leg he returned to the battle front. In 1916, when he was 53, he enlisted for the Great War and served two years overseas. In his earlier years he was a member of the Light Horse and of the Scottish Rifles and became a life member of a number of naval and military associations.For 56 years he was a member of the Loyal Fidelity Lodge (No.163), Newcastle.Mr Christianson left a widow, a daughter (Mrs V. Lavender) and a son (David), all living at Tighe’s Hill. Another son (Olaf) and Olaf’s own son were killed during the evacuation from Greece in the present war.

Images courtesy of the Sandgate Cemetery Trust, Newcastle, NSW

5583 Sapper John Mutton wrote and dated this Postcard to his wife on the day he left to join the 3rd Tunnelling Company in the field in France. The photograph was possibly taken at the Overseas Training Brigade at Longbridge-Deverill, England, and could be of soldiers from the Newcastle district serving there. Although no one is identified in the photo, research suggests that the man at the rear centre could be Sapper James Ola Christianson who was known to be a butcher and known to be at the Overseas Training Brigade from June 1917 until the Armistice.

The original photograph was offered for sale on E-bay in 2006

His son also served.PRIVATE DAVID CHRISTIANSON

1090 – 35th BattalionDavid Christianson was born at Jesmond, Newcastle, NSW on February 8, 1893 the son of James Ola and Mary Ann Christianson. Military experience was gained with the School Cadets until discharged on leaving school.

At the recruiting depot in Werris Creek, NSW on February 18, 1916 the twenty-two year old married carter / butcher applied to enlist for active service abroad. Passing the preliminary medical examination personal details taken show he was 175cms (5ft 9ins) tall with a chest measurement of 92cms (36ins).

His postal address was Henry Street, Werris Creek. Declared fit his application was accepted and to report to West Maitland to further processing which he did on March 28, 1916.

Attestation forms were completed and added further information that he weighed 60kgs (132lbs) with a dark complexion, grey eyes and dark hair. Methodist was his religious faith. Distinctive marks were tattoos featuring the bust of a woman with a flag (Liberty), head of a woman on left forearm, ship in circle with flag round it on upper left arm, bust of woman with ship and lighthouse on right forearm and flag and shield on upper right arm. Next-of-kin nominated was his wife Leila Mary Christianson of Henry Street, Werris Creek, NSW nominating two-fifths of his pay in support of her. He was sworn in the same day.

Basic training took place with ‘D Coy’, 36th Battalion from April 5, 1916. His rank was Private with the regimental number 1090.

The Reinforcements departed on May 13, 1916 on the transport A72 Beltana and arrived at Devonport on July 9. After further training the troops proceeded to France via Southampton on November 22, 1916.

Disciplinary action was issued for several unauthorised Absent without Leave while in camp.

He wrote a letter home to his mother with an extract reproduced in the:

He went sick to hospital on March 18, 1917 and admitted to the Aust Field Ambulance then to the 2nd Aust Casualty Clearing Station with Rhinitis (inflammation of mucous membranes lining nose, causing running nose).

Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners’ Advocate Wednesday November 26, 1916:SOLDIERS’ LETTERS

FATHER AND SONPrivate D.C. Christianson, writing to his mother, Mrs J.O. Christianson, of Laing-street, Newcastle, says:—“I am still alive, and in England. I have just been discharged from Tidworth Hospital, where I had an operation on my nose but I will have to go back to be operated on again. They are taking some of the bone out of the nose, and I think it will be all right then. Otherwise I am quite well. I wrote to dad, and asked him to get me transferred to his battalion, as ours is all broken up—only about half of us left. We are going to be put in reinforcements, so I will be better off in dad’s battalion if I can get there. We don’t get half the parcels that are sent. We are getting better food now. What do you think of Rumania joining the war. Some think it will soon be over, but the boys in the trenches say the first five years will be the worst. I will be glad to get back, although we are having a fairly good time here. We get cheap fares to London, and the Y.M.C.A. there lets us have beds for 6d, and they also sell meals cheaper than anywhere else; that is why we go to London for leave. You should see the women working here driving carts and motor, milling flour, and dozens of other things. They say ‘Look what the English women are doing,’ but they have to do it, or starve. One chap told me his wife was allowed 12s 6d a week while he is in France and out of that she has to pay 6s a week rent. I think I will be going to France shortly. The band plays “Advance Australia,” every day, and we have to take our white ribbon off, so we must be going to advance.

The hospital ship St Denis conveyed him to England on March 24 from Boulogne for treatment. Was transferred to the 1st Aust Auxiliary Hospital on May 10 remaining until discharged to furlough on June 11 and he was classified with C2 debility on June 14 and to report to Weymouth on June 28, 1917 due to septal defect.

On July 28, 1917 he marched into the overseas training brigade with class C3 debility. While at Sandhill camp further discipline was given for neglect of duty.

He proceeded overseas to France on October 17, 1918 arriving in Rouelles at the Aust Infantry Base Depot (AIBD) and was taken on strength of the 35th Battalion. He was with his unit when Peace was declared.

On March 15, 1919 he returned to the A.I.B.D. for demobilisation and transferred to the Aust Base Depot in Havre on April 12, 1919.

After demobilisation Private Christianson departed for home on May 20, 1919 on board H.T. Nestor and disembarked in Sydney (2nd M.D.) on July 4.

Military Discharge was issued in Sydney on August 28, 1919 as medically unfit.

For serving his country Private 1090 David Christianson, 35th Battalion was issued with the British War Medal (42594) and the Victory Medal (41701).

During World War II he re-enlisted for service from Tighe’s Hill on October 30, 1941. Next-of-kin given was Mary Christianson. His service number was N282105 and he was serving as a gunner with Heavy Artillery when discharged on December 23, 1941.

Olaf Rupert Matthew Christianson who was born in 1887 in Newcastle, NSW the son of James and Mary Christianson applied to serve also. He was married in 1908 to Louisa Pearson at Murrundi, NSW and enlisted in Leichhardt, NSW with the Merchant Navy on the s.s. Slamat (Netherlands). He died aged 53 years on April 27, 1941 while serving as chief butcher on the vessel.

Also aboard the same ship was his son Olaf Pearson Christianson (26) who was a leading butcher enlisting on August 26, 1939. Mrs Christianson was advised and their demise was announced in the:

With no known graves their names appear on Panel 98 in Part III of the Tower Hill Memorial in London, UK commemorating men and women who served in the Merchant Navy and fishing fleets.

Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners’ Advocate Friday January 30, 1942:FATHER AND SON DROWNED.

Mrs J.O. Christianson, of Elizabeth-street, Tighe’s Hill, has been notified that her son, Olaf Rupert Christianson, 54, and her grandson, Olaf Christianson, 28, were both drowned when the steamer Slamat was lost by enemy action in the Mediterranean last year. They were members of the crew of the vessel. A native of Wickham, Mr Olaf Christianson and his son lived in Sydney.

sourced from website: http://en.tracesofwar.com SS Slamat Memorial

This memorial is located at the Koninklijke Rotterdamsche Lloyd Museum and it is possible to visit it when you visit the museum, after an appointment. The museum contains all the information about the memorial commemorating the 983 people who died in this naval disaster. The website also contains much information.

The memorial commemorates the sinking of the passengership SS Slamat and the two British ships HMS Wryneck and HMS Diamond who offered help, on 27 April 1941 during the evacuation of Commonwealth troups from Greece, by German dive bombers.

© Donna Baldey 2015www.tunnellers.net

The Tower Hill Memorial commemorates men and women of the Merchant Navy and Fishing Fleets who died in both World Wars and who have no known grave. It stands on the south side of the garden of Trinity Square, London, close to The Tower of London.

Photo sourced with permission from Commonwealth War Graves Commission website

SS Slamat:Crew: 222, victims: 211, survivors: 11Soldiers: 508, victims: 500, survivors: 8HMS Wryneck:Crew: 133, victims: 106, survivors: 27HMS Diamond:Crew: 186 , victims: 166, survivors: 20