Marshall, Mr Sidney Gordon
Sidney Marshall was the first teacher at the Cotter River school. He enlisted in July 1915 after teaching there for just over a year from its opening on 6 April 1914. He embarked for Egypt on October 1915 with the 6th reinforcements to the 12th Light Horse Regiment but was hospitalised with dysentery in May 1916 at Tel-el-Kebir. After recovering he transferred to the 4th Brigade Machine Gun Squadron in February 1917 serving in Palestine. He accidentally injured his left knee in July 1919 before returning to Australia in August 1919 in Sydney. Marshall was discharged on 15 November 1919 in Sydney. He was living at Dee Why when he died on 9 May 1971.
Transcription of Postcards sent by Sidney G Marshall to Louisa and Walter Bland and other pupils at the Cotter River School after he enlisted and travelled to Cairo.
(with thanks to Janice Flaherty, grand-daughter of 'Loo' Bland)
4.10.15
Miss Loo Bland
Cotter River
Queanbeyan
NSW
Have arrived in Melbourne after a very good trip. We leave for Adelaide in the morning. Was not sick (?). Received your letters OK. Thanks for good wishes. Have been off all day in Melbourne which is a very fine place. Kind regards to all from S.G.Marshall
No date
On Active Service. [Card from Ceylon].
The Pupils,
Public School Cotter River
Queanbeyan
New South Wales
Australia
I spent a day here & had a good look round. Had several rides in rickshaws and saw a couple of temples. Saw cocoa nuts growing also, cinnamon, camphor and mango. The kids are great beggars and ask for pennies all day long. They dive from the boat for coins. Kind regards, SGM.
26.12.15
Miss Loo Bland
Public School Cotter River
Queanbeyan
New South Wales
Australia
(Re-directed to Mowatt St, Queanbeyan)
Dear Little Loo and Walter,
Just a P.C. while I am on the job. Have had a very good Xmas but today we are on guard & so haven't much spare time. How are you? I have thanked you all for the flowers you sent home (in my card to ??). Best of good luck and wishes from
S. Marshall
18.1.16
On Active Service
The Pupils,
Public School Cotter River
Queanbeyan
New South Wales
Australia
Heliopolis
I wrote you at fair length by last mail and have so little time now that letters will be possible only now and then. However I shall send plenty of cards and I know you will understand. We are still in Heliopolis and sick and tired of being kept here. We had to hand over our horses to 13th Regt today, but expect we will get others. This is a good picture of the Sphinx. I have climbed on to it and had my photo taken there. Kindest regards to you all and your parents. S.G.M.
22.1.16 Heliopolis
On Active Service
The Pupils,
Public School Cotter River,
Queanbeyan,
New South Wales,
Australia
Dear Pupils,
This is how the kiddies are taught over here - though even these 'classes' are rare. The old chap looks as though he could swing the rod a bit doesn't he? Does he remind you of me? We had to hand our horses over to the 13th Regt. and are now a dismounted unit. We don't like foot slogging. Received Loo's (Louisa's?) and Gladys' letter today. Was jolly glad to get them. Thanks. Kind regards to you all. From S. G.M.
23.11.16
O.A.S.
Miss Loo Bland
Mowatt St
Queanbeyan
New South Wales Australia
Dear Loo and Walter. Received your very nice parcel OK yesterday. Many thanks for the good things it contained. I still have the socks and mittens you sent me before. They are very handy in the mornings. We are all still 'spelling' here. Dick Shaw went to the hospital with a bad ear but I fancy he will be OK again shortly. Kind regards
Additional biographical details can be found at the ACT Memorial
Schools
- Cotter River School
Teacher, 04/1914 - 07/1915