Remembrance Day – Remembering lost family
Today on this Remembrance Day, I am remembering two brothers and their cousin who lost their lives in World War 1.
David Waters was born in 1897 at Rochester, Victoria, Australia. He enlisted in the army on 8. April 1915. He was killed in battle in France on 11 February 1915. Buried at Dernancourt Communal Cemetery in France.
PRIVATE D. WATERS. Rochester, 24th February. News is to hand of the death in France of Private David Waters, nephew of Mrs. A. Mancer, of Rochester East. He was the son of Mr. George Waters, butcher of Echuca, a former resident of Rochester.
Albert William Mancer was born in 1892 at Rochester, Victoria, Australia. He enlisted in the army on 25 August 1916. He died in front line trench at the Battle of Bullecourt on 12 May 1917, age 25. Buried at Wytschaete Military Cemetery in France.
PRIVATE ALBERT MANCER, Rochester 2nd June. Another gallant Rochester lad has made the supreme sacrifice in Private Albert Mancer, son of Mr. and Mrs. Albert Mancer, Rochester East and husband of Mrs. A. Mancer (nee Fl Lamb). Word to this effect was received by the relatives this morning. To the Rev. Salade Mallen (Presbyterian minister) was deputed the sad task of conveying the news to the bereaved. The late soldier was in the employ of Messrs. W.W. Moore, timber merchants, when he enlisted and was a prominent member of the Rochester Brass Band and the Rechabite Order, and an accomplished cinematographic operator, his services being utilised in showing the films at Mr. J. Armstrong’s Lyric pictures. Deceased leaves a widow and one child. Cpl Vic Lamb, a brother in law of the late Private Mancer was killed a few months ago.
Ernest Charles Mancer was born in 1898 at Rochester, Victoria, Australia. He enlisted in the army on 25 January 1916. He was killed on 12 December 1917, in the battle of Flanders in Belgium, age 19. He was part of the 15th Brigade Trench Mortar Battery and was in a trench when a shell in the gun exploded, killing him instantly. Buried at Derry House Cemetery in Belgium.
PRIVATE ERNEST MANCER News was received on Saturday that Private Ernest Mancer, who had just served seven months in the trenches, was killed on the 10th of December, in France. The deceased is the second son of MR. and Mrs. Albert Mancer, of Rochester East, to pay the supreme sacrifice. The late Private Mancer was only 20 years old.
These three young men were my 1st cousins twice removed. Quite a distant connection I know. They were nephews of my Great Grandfather Ernest Waters. I knew my great grandfather well as a child, and do wonder at the pain he must have felt as the bad news continued to arrive during the war years.
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article90856196
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article90855678
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article90832535
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When I went to France last year I visited the grave of David Waters. A very moving experience. A photograph of David in his uniform is now available on the Australian War Memorial site. If I knew how I would send you a copy of that and and his grave I would. You probably already know this but Stanley Waters, the son of David Waters was one of the original ANZACS being in the second wave of Gallipoli landings. He died during the attack on the village of Krithia. His body was never recovered. Both David and Stanley were the cousins of my Grandma Blanche Crockett, née Waters.
Good to hear from you again Kerry . Yes I have the record and photo of David Waters. He looks so young. So many lost. Its very sad. My grandmother is Leola, Blanches sister. Would you mind replying with your email. Id like to contact you away from here