Dear Paul "rusted" & others;
I couldn't get personal message to work? Anyway;
My grandfather was Sir George Holland, Anzac first landing AIF soldier, state president RSL 1929-1950, National president 1950-60. My late dad and I marched in the Anzac march every year, and he was given a WW1 service medal with the name ET Connelly, #1739. When my dad passed away I was given this medal and was told his family/relatives could not be located so I needed to look after it and march with it at the annual ANZAC day march, melbourne. So I march with it every ANZAC day to the shrine. I have done lots of research trying to get this medal back to family but have had no luck. My research information is;
Edmund Thomas Connelly/Conelly 4th battalion AIF Killed in Action 6-9/8/15, joined 12/1/15, age 21, labourer. Roman Catholic. Place of birth Brunswick.
Embarked Sydney 17/3/15, ship Shropshire A9, lived at 25 King St Melbourne. I have gone to this building many times but cannot source what its history was at that time; hotel? Boarding house? Next of kin Rita Connelly.
An old address is listed as 15 Rae plce Darlinghurst, Sydney.
A corporal “Gunner” of D company 4th battalion AIF stated Connelly was taken prisoner and never seen again. My grandfather’s nickname was “gunner” Holland??!
Edmund had another middle name; Valentine. Born 1894. Dad – Bartholomew, mum – Rose (Walsh)
I would like to get this medal back to “home”. If you or someone you know close to Edmund’s family wants the medal, I would gladly give it to you/them. I feel he would like to be home.
Grant
