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Windsor and Richmond Gazette (NSW : 1888 - 1954), Friday 16 October 1914, page 9
RICHMOND POLICE COURT.
Wednesday, Oct. 7, Before Mr. Clegg, P.M.
A first offender who pleaded guilty to using indecent language, was fined 6s and court costs 6s. Senior Constable Ross explained that defendant had evidently been imbibing a little too freely, and mistook the constable for a postal official. He probably thought the postal officials required something strong to shift them.
One of the Clan.
Augustus London was charged with behaving in a riotous manner in Windsor street, Richmond, on Sept. 19. Pleaded guilty. Senior-constable Ross explained that this young fellow had come out of his shell lately, He belonged to a clan of 'courageous gentlemen'. An inoffensive man had been staying at one of the hotels, and this young fellow has been annoying him and wanting to fight him. Defendant managed to get this man outside. This harassed man is only a bit of a ' whipper-snapper,' and the defendant and his mates surrounded him, and knocked him down on the footpath. These fellows were very courageous when they get a little chap to deal with, but the senior-constable had never seen this fellow or any of his clan offering to go and fight the Germans. The man who had been assaulted had got into an argument at a football match and ever since then this clan of courageous young fellows had been following him up and hounding him down. Defendant should be bound over to keep the peace. The senior-constable thought seriously of bringing a charge against this defendant a fortnight ago for fighting in one of the hotels with his clan, but let him off on that occasion. He asked the Bench to inflict a fine that would make defendant leave this inoffensive young man, and a very sober fellow, alone in the future. Defendant, in making a statement, said he did not know how the occurrence had happened. They were good friends, and defendant must have been run into it. Senior-constable Ross said that this was defendant's first time before the court, but he has a brother who goes about with him looking for fight.
Defendant: He is not my brother. He is my cousin.
Senior-constable Ross: You know who I mean then.
The P.M. told defendant that he was developing into a bully, which was the most contemptible of all men - very courageous to those weaker or smaller than themselves. He cautioned defendant that if he came before the court again he would be severely dealt with.
Fined p3, costs of court 6s, witness' expenses 5s, in default one month hard labor.
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Windsor and Richmond Gazette (NSW : 1888 - 1954), Friday 27 July 1917, page 9
THE MILITARY MEDAL
ANOTHER BRAVE HAWKESBURY BOY.
Mr. W. London, of The Slopes, Kurrajong, has been notified that his son, Lance Corporal A. London, has been awarded the Military Medal. Mr. London has received the following notification:-
Commonwealth of Australia,
Department of Defence,
Base Record Office, A.I.F.
Melbourne, 6th July, 1917.
Dear Sir, - I have much pleasure in forwarding hereunder copy of extract from Third Supplement, No. 29912 to the London "Gazette," of 19th January, 1917, relating to the conspicuous services rendered by your son, No. 3380, Lance Corporal A. London, 1st Battalion.
AWARDED THE MILITARY MEDAL.
"His Majesty the King has been graciously pleased to award the Military Medal for bravery in the field to the undermentioned non-commissioned officer:-
No. 3380, Lance-Corporal Augustus London."
The above has been promulgated in Commonwealth of Australia "Gazette," No. 103, of 29th June, 1917.
Yours faithfully,
J. M. LEAN, Major
Officer i/c Base Records.
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The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), Monday 7 October 1918, page 3
CORRIGENDA
Cpl. AUGUSTUS LONDON, M M., The Slopes reported in List 401 as being wounded, 2nd sec., should read as wounded, 2nd sec.
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AUSTRALIAN IMPERIAL FORCE
Base Records Office,
Victoria Barracks,
Melbourne
12 March, 1919
Mr W. London,
The Slopes,
Via North Richmond,
NEW SOUTH WALES
Dear Sir,
I have much pleasure in forwarding hereunder copy of extract from Third Supplement No. 30983 to the "London Gazette" dated 30th October, 1918, relating to the conspicuous services rendered by the undermentioned member of the Australian Imperial Force.
AWARDED THE DISTINGUISHED CONDUCT MEDAL
HIS MAJESTY THE KING has been pleased to award the Distinguished Conduct Medal to the undermentioned for gallantry and distinguished service in the Field :-
No. 3380 Corporal A. LONDON, M.M.
For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. While accompanying an officer on patrol he surprised and captured the garrison of three of an enemy post. He handed them over as prisoners, and proceeded to another post, and with great daring engaged and captured the four occupants. Later in the day he joined in an attack on an enemy strong point, and succeeded in getting behind the post and bombing it, thereby greatly assisting the attacking party and contributing largely to the success of the operation. He showed courage and initiative of a high order.
The above has been promulgated in "Commonwealth of Australia Gazette" No. 31 dated 4th March, 1919
Yours faithfully,
Captain
for Major,
Officer i/c. Base Records.
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Windsor and Richmond Gazette (NSW : 1888 - 1954), Friday 25 April 1919, page 4
Mr. William London, of Comleroy Road, has received word hat his son Gus, who is still with the troops abroad, has been awarded the D.C.M.
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Windsor and Richmond Gazette (NSW : 1888 - 1954), Friday 2 May 1919, page 7
CORPORAL A. LONDON, M.M.
Mr. W. London, of The Slopes, North Richmond, has received word from the Base Records Office, Melbourne, that his son, Corporal A. London, has been awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal. Corporal London is a brother of Mrs. W. Nairn, whose husband carries on a wheelwright business in Windsor.
The communication reads: - "His Majesty the King has been pleased to award the Distinguished Conduct Medal to the undermentioned for gallantry and distinguished service in the field - No. 3380, Corporal A. London, M.M. For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. While accompanying an officer on patrol he surprised and captured the garrison of three of an enemy post. He handed them over as prisoners, and proceeded to another post, and with great daring engaged and captured the four occupants. Later in the day he joined in the attack on an enemy strong point, and succeeded in getting behind the post and bombing it, thereby greatly assisting the attacking party and contributing largely to the success of the operation. He showed courage and initiative of a high order."
These were the deeds of a brave soldier. Hats off to Corporal London, M.M!
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The Cessnock Eagle and South Maitland Recorder (NSW : 1913 - 1954), Tuesday 28 June 1932, page 2
CHARGE OF ILL-TREATING AN ANIMAL
Information Dismissed
At the Cessnock Police Court today, Edward William Jones was charged with cruelly ill-treating a bullock. Defendant pleaded not guilty. He was defended by Mr. A. Cunningham. Constable Carroll stated that at about 3.30 p.m. on May 30 last he visited Harry Smythe's slaughter yard situated on the side of Mount View road, about two miles from Cessnock.
Witness noticed a horse in a butcher's cart drawing a freshly skinned bullock away down into a paddock. Witness examined the carcase, and found that the neck, shoulders, ribs, and hindquarters of the beast were bruised to a pulp. Witness had a conversation with the slaughterman, Mr. August London. Witness examined the hide and found that it was practically covered all over with congealed blood and other jelly substance. Along the back-bone of the hide he noticed, marks resembling whip marks. On June 3 he had a conversation with the defendant at Cessnock police station. He said to Jones, 'Were you the owner and drover in charge of a red and roan bullock which were delivered to Harry Smythe's slaughter-yard on Sunday last? Defendant replied, 'Yes.' Witness said, 'Do you know the roan bullock died that night from injuries received?' Defendant replied, 'Yes, I do now.' Witness asked defendant if he saw the beast after it died. Jones replied, 'No, I only saw the head.' Witness said to Jones 'Did you examine it?' and defendant replied, 'Yes, and I only saw one whip mark along the back.' Witness said, 'You are satisfied from the state of the hide that the beast was cruelly ill-treated?' Defendant made no reply.
Witness said to Jones, 'How many of you had whips?' Defendant replied, 'We all had whips.' Witness said, 'How many dogs did you have?' and defendant replied, 'Only one. I had my own dog, and he was not a biter.' Continuing his evidence, Constable Carroll said he asked Jones if the beast was in good condition when he started driving. Jones said, 'Yes, he was a four-year-old bullock, and would weigh between eight and nine cwt. Witness said to defendant, 'I am satisfied the beast was cruelly ill treated by some of you, and you being the person that was in charge of the driving, I am going to report the matter and ask for proceedings to be taken against you.' Defendant said, 'I am sorry, but I did not think the beast was knocked about like that.'
Augustus London, slaughterman, employed by Harry Smythe, and residing at Foster-street, Cessnock, said that on Sunday, May 29, he was at Smythe's slaughter yard. Jones came to the slaughter yard on that day with other men. They were down the bush with a bullock. Jones came up to witness and said, 'I've delivered two bullocks, and Mr. Smythe says they have to be killed to-day.' Witness had a look at the two bullocks, and did not think they were in a fit condition to be killed that day. He told Jones to leave them in the paddock, Jones said 'They might get out.' Witness said, 'Put them up in the yard.' Jones said, 'I've already had a lot of trouble with those bullocks.' Witness said, 'Very well, Ieave them there, and I'll yard them'. Jones rode back where the other men were. By that time the roan bullock had got very stiff and it was hard to get him to move. Defendant's son then hit the bullock with the double of the whip, and also spurred the bullock with spurs he was wearing. The bullock practically staggered into the yard. Witness went back into the yard again, took the red bullock out of the drafting pen, put him in the receiving pen, next to the killing pen. There were no other bullocks in the yard at the time. He then went on with his work, and finished up at 5 o"clock. The roan bullock was then lying down, and seemed to be in great pain. The animal had broken out in a cold sweat. Witness came back in the yard at 5 o'clock next morning, and the bullock was then dead. He informed Mr. Smythe that the animal was dead, and Smythe sent word to Mr. Jones. Witness waited till 2.30 in the afternoon, but as Jones did not put in an appearance, he skinned the bullock, and found him in a very bruised condition. Constable Carroll then came along and examined the carcase and the hide. Witness did not consider the bullock in a fit condition to boil down, so he burnt it. The bullock was bruised on practically every part of the carcase. Jones informed him that some of the cuts were caused by barbed wire.
To Sergeant Turner. He had been slaughtering for 20 years, and had never before had a beast delivered to him in that condition.
Harold Dorse, unemployed, residing at 56 Mayfield-street, Abardare, said that on May 29 last he was out at Smythe's slaughter yards. He saw Mr. London there. The defendant was also there. Witness saw Jones driving two bullocks, and defendant's son was hitting them with the double of the whip. The roan bullock was standing still. He also saw Tommy Jones stick the spurs into the roan bullock. The roan bullock was puffing and blowing and staggering.
Herbert Bertie King, of Mount View, said he saw defendant at the slaughter yard that day. He was getting some cattle out of a paddock. Witness assisted to drive the cattle. They had trouble with a roan bullock, who broke away twice, and jumped some fences. After much trouble they got him back to the other cattle. The whip was used once on the roan bullock. It took an hour and a half to get him back to the other cattle. He gave no further trouble when brought back to the rest of the mob. The bullock referred to was very fat. Witness made a statement to Constable Carroll. When the bullock was finally delivered, he was pretty "hot" and was "tonguing".
Mr. Cunningham submitted that there was no evidence at all that the defendant permitted any animal to be cruelly ill-treated.
Jones who is a farmer at Mount View, giving evidence in his defence, said he was the owner of the bullock in question. He said that on the day he drafted the beast from his place it was in the big paddock. Other cattle were also there. The cattle were drafted by himself and his two sons. They had trouble in getting the bullock out. He broke away, and cleared everything before him. The bullock went into the scrub, and they temporarily lost him. It took them 20 minutes to find him. He was then down on another farm paddock with some other cattle. He gave further trouble and jumped various fences. Ultimately they got the beast out onto the road. After going about 150 yards the bullock broke back, crossed a creek, and jumped a barbed wire fence, in doing which the wire caught his shoulder and threw him. The bullock got up and jumped another barbed wire fence. He also jumped back into his own yard, and splintered the slip-rail in doing it. They eventually got him out on to the road again, and drove him to the slaughter yard. He did not at any time hit the bullock with anything. His son had a short leather whip with a short lash. He only saw his son "touch" the bullock once. He did not see him spurred. When they got to the slaughter yard, Mr. London told him they were too late to be killed and that they would be killed next morning. He did not permit any person to ill-treat the bullock.
The P.M.: I do not know why this charge was brought. Very definite evidence has been given that the bullock jumped fences, and could have injured itself in that way. In the course of their enquiries, the police must have learned of these facts.
The information was dismissed.
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The Cessnock Eagle and South Maitland Recorder (NSW : 1913 - 1954), Tuesday 6 July 1937, page 3
Small Debts Case
In the Cessnock Small Debts Court yesterday Clarence William Watkins, baker, sought to recover from Augustus London the sum of p12/4/4, which plaintiff alleged was owing to him by the defendant for bread sold and delivered. Defendant pleaded not indebted. After certain evidence had been given, the further hearing was adjourned for a fortnight to allow evidence to be procured in regard to the proof of delivery. Mr. Nelson said there had been an estrangement between defendant and his wife. The bread had been delivered to the wife and defendant acknowledged no responsibility in the matter.
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The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), Friday 21 February 1947, page 10
AUGUSTUS LONDON and FLORENCE ROSE LONDON both of Cessnock and East Maitland overdue rates 25p/4/9 land. Pt. Lot 14, Section 14, DP 5442, cnr Foster and Leonard Streets Cessnock.
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The Cessnock Eagle and South Maitland Recorder (NSW : 1913 - 1954), Friday 14 March 1947, page 6
Public Auction
OF LAND AND OF LAND AND BUILDINGS
to be sold on a/c. of Overdue Rates, under instructions from the Public Trustee and on behalf of the Municipal Council Cessnock.
SAM HORNE, "The Live Wire" Licensed Auctioneer, will sell at the Auction Rooms, 46 Vincent Street, Cessnock, on SATURDAY, 12th APRIL, 1947, at 10 a.m., the undermentioned properties:-
AUGUSTUS LONDON and FLORENCE ROSE LONDON, both of Cessnock and East Maitland land Pt Lot 14, Sectton 14, D.P.5442, cnr. Foster and Leonard Streets, Cessnock.
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The Cessnock Eagle and South Maitland Recorder (NSW : 1913 - 1954), Tuesday 8 July 1947, page 1
Cessnock Hospital
The following have been admitted to Cessnock Hospital during the past week:-
Augustus London, of Vincent Street.
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1st A.I.F.
Sgt LONDON. A., DCM., MM. (Deceased)
3380 L/Cpl London. A.
Awarded Military Medal,
Authority: - M.O. 288 of 7-7-17. (page 54)
and
3380 Cpl London. A. MM, 1st Battalion.
Awarded Distinguished Conduct Medal,
Authority: - M.O.129 of 8-3-19. (page 483)
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UK, Commonwealth War Graves, 1914-1921 and 1939-1947
CESSNOCK CEMETERY
Index No. AUS. 138
Cessnock is 35 miles west of Newcastle. The cemetery is in Branxton Road, two miles north of Cessnock post office. There are four war graves.
LONDON, Sjt. Augustus, N.77390, D.C.M., M.M. A.C.M.F. Australian Infantry. 19th July, 1947. Age 55. Son of William and Matilda London; husband of Florence Rose London, of Merewether. C. of E. Plot. Sec. A. Grave 54.
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The Cessnock Eagle and South Maitland Recorder (NSW : 1913 - 1954), Tuesday 22 July 1947, page 3
1914-18 WAR HERO PASSES ON
Death of Augustus London, DCM, MM.
On Saturday morning, at Cessnock Hospital, after a short illness, Gus London, D.C.M., M.M., who served in the First Battalion in the 1914-18 war, passed into the Great Silence.
Those who knew him on service were unanimous that he was a man devoid of all fear. No mission was too dangerous for him.
He was a great soldier, and earned the respect of all ranks from the private to his commanding officer.
to his commanding officer.
On one occasion he went out on a patrol with a young officer, to see if there was any activity going on in the lines opposite those which the First Battalion were holding. After accomplishing the patrol, and gaining the necessary information, the two men stumbled on to a formation of many Germans in a large shell crater. They were fully armed, and were probably prepared for a raid on, the Australian trenches that night.
Standing at the crater lip, London led them to believe that he had a force of men behind him, and ordered them to throw down their rifles, take off equipment, and leave the crater one by one. They obeyed the order, and as they came out of the crater were directed to the Australian lines, covered by the tommygun held by the officer who was accompanying London on that patrol.
In this manner, two Australians bluffed many fully armed Germans into surrender.
London also served on Gallipoli and, like many others, performed a great job during the months that the Anzac troops were on the peninsula.
The Distinguished Conduct Medal is the next decoration in priority to the Victoria Cross held by non-commissioned ranks only. The Military Medal is the next award.
London was awarded the military medal for conspicuous bravery while acting as a stretcher bearer. He was carrying in the wounded and the company was held up with German machine guns. He got rifle and bombs and rushed the German machine guns, killing nine of the crew, taking two prisoners. Later on while collection wounded, he was met by two Germans, killing one and taking the second prisoner. The attack was a complete failure. He carried on until next day, bringing in the wounded, and then joined his company in supports. He showed courage and initiative of a very high order.
After discharge from the Army, London came to Cessnock and was employed as a slaughterman with the Cessnock Co-operative Society. Later, he left the Store and went to work for Mr. Harry Smythe, in the same capacity.
When war broke out in 1939, Gus London was one of the first men to endeavour to enlist. He wanted to go in the 2/1st Battallion A.I.F. and fight with them in the Middle East, but was turned down owing to his age. He was accepted in a Garrison battalion, and was given the rank of sergeant.
STOPS JAP OUTBREAK AT COWRA
Gus London was in the unit guarding Japanese prisoners in the camp at Cowra when a determined attempt was made to break out by the Japanese and Korean prisoners.
In telling the story, Gus London said:
"We had been informed by a Korean interpreter that the Japanese were organising a break-through, and as a result of this information we were very much on the alert. On the night the break out was attempted, further information was given that the attempt would be made in the early hours of the morning."
Continuing, London said there was much movement in the compound at about 2 a.m. One of the main outlets from the compound was through a cleared channel through the barbed wire for about 24 yards. At each end there was a barbed wire gate.
Shortly after 2 o'clock, hundreds of Japanese were streaming across the wire and endeavouring to climb over by "leap-frogging". Some succeeded in reaching the machine gun emplacement manned by some Australian militia. They killed the gun crew and then endeavoured to switch the machine gun on to the Australian troops. Not being conversant with the mechanism of the gun, they switched it round, and caused a fault, putting it out of action.
The main body then came towards the channel, where London and a few old Diggers were on guard.
As the Japanese forced their way through the first gate of the channel, London opened fire with his tommygun, and as the magazine was emptied, others were handed up to him. Not one of the Japanese passed this defence line, and in the morning nearly 200 were cleared away from this sector, killed or wounded, the majority being killed.
When the roll call was finished, it was discovered that six Japanese had escaped. An officer was sent out with two or three Militiamen to round up the escapees. Shortly after, the couple of Militiamen returned to camp and reported that the officer had been killed and that the Japs were in a farmhouse, and had the inmates held up while they cooked a meal.
London was sent out with some men, and, surrounding the hut, accounted for the prisoners.
This was another instance of the coolness and gallantry of Gus London when faced with an emergency. The probabilities are that although he was on home service, he killed more Japanese than any other single infantry soldier in the war.
THE INTERMENT
On Sunday, a large gathering attended at Barringham and Johnston's Funeral parlours to hear a service by the Rev. M. M. Redman before the cortage left. There were many old soldiers of the 1914-18 war present to pay a tribute to a splendid comrade and a good soldier.
The First Battalion was represented by Mr. F. F. Jones, a close comrade of the deceased, who served with him during the 1914-18 war in the same company.
The Gallipoli Legion was represented by Mr. G. W. Richwood; the squad division of the First AIF, by Mr. Billdo Edwards, and the R.S.S.A.I.L.A. by Mr. R. Richardson.
There were many wreaths from organisations and individuals who had been closely connected with Gus London throughout the years.
At the Church of England cemetery the Rev. M. Redman gave another impressive address.
Thus was laid to rest one of the most gallant soldiers who had served his country faithfully and well. His comrades left the cemetery with deep regret at the passing of such a brave comrade.
He is survived by his widow, son Theodore, and daughters Sheila and Barbara.
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The Cessnock Eagle and South Maitland Recorder (NSW : 1913 - 1954), Friday 25 July 1947, page 7
Tribute To The Late Gus London.
(To the Editor.)
Sir, - I was very grieved to read in your issue of the 22nd inst. of the death of the late Augustus London, D.C.M., MM.
About the middle of the year 1918, I was a platoon commander In the Ist Battalion, A.I.F., near Stazeele in Northern France, and Corporal London (as he then was) was attached to my platoon. I, and others, had much pleasure in recommending him for the D.C.M. for his wonderful work. He had a good knowledge of the German language, and nightly, would creep from our outpost position and lie amongst the wire on the parapet of the enemy trenches listening to the Germans talking. The information thus gleaned was of great importance to Allied Headquarters. Gus London has now passed on, and I salute his memory. He was a very brave man, an excellent soldier and a splendid mate. Australians should be grateful that men like the late Gus London have lived. - Yours etc.,
HAROLD L. L. O'NEILL.
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Windsor and Richmond Gazette (NSW : 1888 - 1954), Wednesday 3 September 1947, page 6
PERSONAL.
OLD Kurrajong friends learned with regret of the recent death at Cessnock of a Kurrajong native, Mr. Gus London, D.C.M., M.M., who served in the First Battalion in the 1914-18 war. The Cessnock paper devoted a great deal of space to his passing, as he was a popular resident of that centre, and the references recalled the instances of bravery which won him his decorations in World War I. It was not generally known, however, that, as a member of the Garrison Forces in World War II (he was rejected for the 2/1st Battalion because of age), he was the man who met the Japanese prisoners' breakout of Cowra camp with some useful tommygun fire, which accounted for nearly 200, and probably killed more Japanese than any single infantry soldier in the late war. He was a son of the late Mr. and Mrs. W. London, of The Slopes, and there are still a number of relatives in this district.
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