Thomas LOACH - Landed in Sydney on SS Ballarat in June 1926

[Oxcat1]

Thank you all so much for these fabulous replies.

I think it is very probable that Thomas was a Dreadnought Boy.
His father had died when Thomas was very young, and his mother had remarried. It may not have been easy or happy staying in the “family” home after that.

You are absolutely right. His stepfather used to beat him hence his emigration.

[Oxcat1]

Hi. did Thomas return to the Uk, if so when.
 
 I am wondering the time period he was in Australia 1926 to?   have you any idea of the area he lived in Australia, for example which state.

He married in the UK in 1934, so he wasn't in Australia for very long. At the same time, this period absolutely made him. In the years before his death, he used to return to Australia in his mind as the dementia took hold, and friends used to send him 'gum leaves'. I think in many ways these were the best years of his life.

[Oxcat1]

Hi. As Cass mentioned there is a possibility that Thomas returned to UK in 1931.

He was 22 and a farmhand going per Orontes to London
His address would be in Bromwich where, I note, he was living in the last UK census sighting.
Sue

Many thanks, Sue. Where is this information from? He got married in 1934 so these dates would make sense. Strange that he was in Australia for such a short time and yet it was so influential and key to his identity throughout his life. He even had an Australian passport at the time of his death.

[shanreagh]

When did his stepfather die? He may returned to be with his mother once the stepfather had died or was no longer on the scene. 

[Neale1961]

Even though his step-father didn't die until 1939, by 1931 Thomas would have been much bigger and stronger, and he may have felt confident in being able to "stand up" to his step-father.

I imagine Thomas' time in Australia was a great adventure that most young men would have enjoyed - working in the outdoors along side mates of the same background, and learning all sorts of new skills that would serve him well later in life, while growing in confidence, resilience and self-reliance.


Added
Oxcat1, I just had a look at the photo on your ancestry tree of Thomas as a young man - he was a very good-looking chap.

[Neale1961]

Thomas’ return to England was on the mail ship “RMS Orontes”. He travelled 3rd class; embarked in Sydney 7 Nov, and arrived in Tilbury Dock London 17 Dec 1931. He was 22 and a “farm hand”. Proposed address in UK – 24 Beaconsfield St. West Bromwich.  (Passenger list is on Ancestry)

https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/28038448?searchTerm=Orontes

with picture
https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/58652035?searchTerm=Orontes

[Oxcat1]

I think it is very probable that Thomas was a Dreadnought Boy

I have just heard back from the Alstonville Plateau Historical Society and they have confirmed that indeed he was a Dreadnought Boy, and transferred to Scheyville after arrival.

Brilliant to know.

Are there any good suggestions for accounts of what life was like for the boys on board these crossings (he was on the Ballarat)?

My next lead is to learn more about the Scheyville farm. I imagine first hand accounts can be tracked down.

[Oxcat1]

Even though his step-father didn't die until 1939, by 1931 Thomas would have been much bigger and stronger, and he may have felt confident in being able to "stand up" to his step-father.

I imagine Thomas' time in Australia was a great adventure that most young men would have enjoyed - working in the outdoors along side mates of the same background, and learning all sorts of new skills that would serve him well later in life, while growing in confidence, resilience and self-reliance.


Added
Oxcat1, I just had a look at the photo on your ancestry tree of Thomas as a young man - he was a very good-looking chap.

Thank you! I’ve found a colourised version of the photo and he is, indeed, quite a looker. I imagine particularly when he appeared back in West Bromwich, tanned and muscular after life as a drover.

You’re very good at putting these sparse dates into context and imagining human motivations etc. I only knew him as ‘grandad’ so seeing him as the young man fleeing an abusive home, then alone travelling across the world to an unimaginable new life is quite something.

Thank you for everyone’s help.

[Neale1961]

https://mhnsw.au/collections/state-archives-collection/
Do a search of Scheyville training Farm and a series of old photos should come up