William Hector Trewhella (?1888 - 1917)

[tenpoundpom]

While looking at some records for another relative I came across the name of William Hector Trewhella. His trade was a wheelwright and he enlisted, age 26, in 1st Field Artillery Brigade Australian Infantry Force in 1914 (along with my Ashdown relative on the "other" side of the family). He was KIA in 1917 in France. His next of kin was listed as Mrs H. Trewhella. Likely this was the initial of his father. His address at time of enlistment was 60 Glebe Road, Glebe Point, NSW. Interestingly his religion is listed as R.C.

A VERY brief look has not turned up any further information on this chap. Is he already known, and if so how does he fit in?

[andrewwa]

G'day tpm

A quick search of the National Archives of Australia (WW1 Service Records) provided the following information regarding William Hector Trewhella:

• NOK provided as Helen Trewhella (Balmain, NSW)- Wife but it appears that she died before he did.
  
• He was born in New Zealand on 15 Sep 1886 to parents Edward & Sarah Trewhella. He had a sister Emily.
  
• His Service # was 492. He joined as a Fitter and was promoted to Sgt Fitter on 22 Nov 1915. He was residing at 60 Glebe Rd, Glebe Point when enlisted.
  
• He was killed in action in France on 11 Apr 1917 while attached to the 1st Australian Field Artillery Brigade. He is buried at Noreuil Aust Cemetery near Bapuaume, France
  
• In 1924, his mother Sarah M Trewhella, was residing at Shakespear Rd, , Takapuna, Auckland, NZ.
  
• In 1920 it appears that his wife was already dead and he had an Infant Daughter, Doreen Alice Trewhella, who was residing with Mrs Gunn, Howe St, Newton, NZ.
  
• His personal effects were to be held until Doreen was old enough to receive them.
  

[tenpoundpom]

Thanks for that..my first mistake was misreading his martial status on the nominal roll!

A little bit more info, gleaned from the NZ archives. Another brother Joseph, the 5th son of Sarah was also KIA in 1917 sometime after William.

Cheers

[tenpoundpom]

Turns out he is the son of Edward James Trewhella, of Illogen, Cornwall and Sarah Ann Imison, who CT posted about a few years ago...

[Cornish Terrier]

You got it Simon!

William Hector Trewhella married Ellen Gunn at the Registrar's Office in Auckland 4th May 1907

Ellen died at Balmain, NSW 20th November 1914 at the age of 29.

Their only child was a daughter - Alice Doreen - born 11th September 1908 at 54 East St, Auckland, NZ.
Alice died at Auckland Hospital 9th January 1925 and was buried at Waikumete Cemetery the following day.

CT