PADGETT. John Rush
The Story :
John Rush PADGETT
Born John Rush PADGETT on the 3rd November 1881, in Bradford, Yorkshire, England.
He married Annie Greenwood Hiley who was born on 26th February 1881 and was also from Bradford, Yorkshire, England. They lived in Bateson Street, Greengate, Bradford where John was a stonemason. Later they ran a fish shop business.
They had three children :
24 August 1903 – Charles
10 April 1906 – Edwin and Nellie (twins)
21 April 1914 – Fraser (a late addition) was born in Australia
July 1910 – John migrated to Australia – the low fares and inducements were hard to resist as he had a young family to support. Where he currently was, there appeared to be not much future for them all.
He made the journey alone – unfortunately, little is known about the his first months in the new land.
Before leaving England, he gave Annie a special Mizpah’s brooch in the shape of two hearts with an inscription of :
“May the Lord watch between thee and me when we are absent one from the other”.
April 1911 – John’s young wife Annie and their children then emigrated also to Australia.
Their passage was aboard a New Zealand ship named ‘Pakena’. They arrived in Australia on 18 May 1911.
John, at that time, had a job at Boya Quarry. They rented a small house in Senkin Street, Bellevue which was just walking distance for him to work. They later rented another house which was Hankin Street, Bellevue.
The children, Charles, Edwin & Nellie went to the Clayton Farm School and for worship, the family attended the Bellevue Church.
WWI – 1914-1918
12 January 1916 – John enlisted with the AIF at the age of 34.
He was known as 546 Lance Corporal then later as Lance Sergeant John R. Padgett “C” Company 44th Battalion 11th Brigade.
6 June 1916 – His unit embarked aboard HMAT A29 Suevic at Fremantle. (see photograph below)
21 July 1916 – Disembarked at Plymouth, England.
25 November 1916 – Posted with his unit overseas to France.
World War 1 - 1914 - 1918
12 January 1916 – John Rush PADGETT enlisted with the AIF at the age of 34. He was known as #546 Lance Corporal then later as Lance Sergeant John R. Padgett “C” Company 44th Battalion 11th Brigade.
6 June 1916 – His unit embarked aboard HMAT A29 Suevic at Fremantle.
21 July 1916 – Disembarked at Plymouth, England.
25 November 1916 – Posted with his unit overseas to France.
4 October 1917 – Unfortunately John was wounded with shrapnel in the right arm and admitted to No. 64 Field Ambulance.
07 October 1917 – he was transferred to No. 20 General Hospital, Carriers.
He was then transferred to Suffolk Hospital, Bury St, Edmonds, England.
14 November 1917 – John was finally discharged from hospital.
17 January 1918 – He was then dispatched France again where he re-joined the 44th Battalion, AIF.
In September of that same year, one of the bloodiest and most decisive days of World War 1 occurred.
And on this day, one of John Padgett’s finest hours would shine through.
The Australians and the Americans were involved in a joint attack to break the backbone of the much fortified system of German trenches known as the Hindenburg Line. The Hindenburg Line consisted of an elaborate system of well-established trenches and tunnels, all protected by massive coiled barb wire barriers stretching for miles and covering acres & acres of territory.
It was the last and strongest of the German defences.
The allied attack on that day in September on the German defences was spearheaded by the battle-hardened Australians from the 3rd and 5th divisions and the less experienced US troops from the 27th and 30th divisions.
Under the command of the Australian General, Sir John Monash, they laid siege to German defences near the St. Quentin Canal – at times fighting side by side in the chaos. Hundreds of Australians died in that fierce battle that day but men of the calibre of John Padgett made sure it went the way of the allied troops.
Sergeant John Padgett(#546), 44th Battalion, AIF, was in command of his a section and he led a attack under heavy fire on an enemy trench, showing strategic prowess, leadership and outright heroism.
He and his section then proceeded to bomb and bayonet their way along the Hindenburg Line, clearing it of it’s German garrison.
This action took place fighting alongside the American 2nd Division.
During this engagement, an enemy hand grenade fell amongst his section
With the thought of imenent danger to his section, he picked up the live grenade and threw it back towards the enemy.
This was courage & bravery at the highest level.
He continued this bravery by later advancing into the open battle field, exposing himself to heavy machine gun and rifle fire, to
rescue an injured American soldier, helping him back to the safety pf their trench.
By the time the 44th Battalion was relieved on 03 October 1919, only 80 of its original 600 men strong were alive
John Rush PADGETT was honoured with a letter from Sir Winston Churchill on behalf of King George V, thanking him for
his “gallantry and distinguished services”.
By the end of the war in 1918, John Ruch PADGETT aspired to the rank of Lance Sergeant – this was in recognition of his outstanding service
and for his bravery in fighting key battles on the western front at Messines, Hamel and the Hindenburg Line.
John Rush PADGETT - Service Record
Regimental number 546
Date of birth 3 November 1881
Place of birth Bradford, England
Religion Church of England
Occupation Stone mason
Address Hankin Street, Bellevue, Western Australia
Marital status Married
Age at embarkation 34
Height 5′ 10.5″
Weight 136 lbs
Next of kin Wife, Mrs Annie Padgett, Hankin Street, Bellevue, Western Australia
Previous military service Nil
Enlistment date 24 January 1916
Date of enlistment from Nominal Roll 12 January 1916
Place of enlistment Perth, Western Australia
Rank on enlistment Private
Unit name 44th Battalion, C Company
AWM Embarkation Roll number 23/61/1
Embarkation details Unit embarked from Fremantle, Western Australia, on board HMAT A29 Suevic on 6 June 1916
Rank from Nominal Roll Lance Corporal
Unit from Nominal Roll 44th Battalion
Recommendations (Medals and Awards) Mention in Despatches
Awarded, and promulgated, ‘London Gazette’ No. 31448 (11 July 1919); ‘Commonwealth Gazette’ No. 124 (30 October 1919).
Distinguished Service Medal (American)
Recommendation date: 22 February 1919″
Fate Returned to Australia 1 June 1919
Medals Distinguished Service Cross
Source: ‘Commonwealth Gazette’ No. 96
Date: 11 November 1920
Discharge date 16 October 1919
Other details War service: Western Front
Embarked Fremantle, 6 June 1916; disembarked Plymouth, England, 21 July 1916.
Promoted Lance Corporal, 6 October 1916.
Found guilty, 3 November 1916, of being absent without leave from midnight, 3 November 1916, until 0630 hours, 6 November 1916: award, reverts to the ranks and forfeits 3 days’ pay.
Proceeded overseas to France, 25 November 1916.
Promoted Lance Corporal, 6 September 1917.
Wounded in action, 4 October 1917 and admitted to No 64 Field Ambulance the same day (shrapnel wound, right arm); transferred to No 20 General Hospital, Camiers, 7 October 1917; to England, 13 October 1917; to Suffolk Hospital, Bury St, Edmonds, 13 October 1917; discharged to furlough, 14 November 1917.
Marched into No 3 Command Depot, 29 November 1917 (Class B1A2).
Marched into Overseas Training Bde, Hurdcott, 14 December 1917.
Proceeded overseas to France, 17 January 1918; marched into Australian Intermediate Base Depot, Le Havre, 18 January 1918.
Proceeded to unit, 10 February 1918; rejoined 44th Bn, 14 February 1918.
Promoted Temporary Corporal, 29 March 1918.
Reverts to the rank of Lance Corporal, 4 May 1918.
Promoted Temporary Corporal, 26 May 1918.
Promoted Corporal, 5 July 1918.
Promoted Temporary Sergeant, 8 October 1918.
Promoted Lance Sergeant, 16 December 1918, and to retain the rank of Temporary Sergeant.
On leave to the United Kingdom, 19 January 1919.
Reverts to the rank of Lance Sergeant, 2 February 1919.
Rejoined unit from leave, 12 February 1919.
Mentioned in Sir Douglas Haig’s despatch of 16 March 1919.
The PADGETT life - after the war
July 1919 and after the Armistice ,John returned to Perth and was demobbed.
At this time he as not a well man as he had been gassed during his service on the western front. He also bore a shrapnel scar on his right arm.
To help rehabilitate returned soldiers, the Government opened up land packages in the Carilla district and surrounds.
In 1920, John applied for some of the Carilla land and was given his first block in Repatriation Road. This land was not suitable for fruit trees so another land package was selected. This one being 18 acres in Patterson Road.
The Repatriation Department also granted loans and Inspectors were hired to assess the amount of work done on the allotments by the grantees One of those inspectors was Mr Brinkworth – he became a well known figure in his area.
After living in a shed for months, John negotiated a loan of two hundred and fifty pounds from the Agricultural Bank.
On that land in Paterson Road, a soldiers settlers house was erected consisting of the usual four rooms with a front and back verandah. One end of the back veranda was latter enclosed to create the luxury of a bathroom and laundry. The old cement wash trough was erected in the back yard of the house.
There were no bulldozers available at that time, so the land was hand cleared which was very hard work indeed.
The forest trees were cut down by hand, sawn up then burnt. Another option to hand clearing was to hire, at a high cost, a ‘Tree
Puller’. Farm machinery such as a plough was a necessity, however a sturdy horse and cart was a priority over a plough as it was
the only form of transport available to these early settlers. The only civilization was five mile away being Mrs Hewison’s Store
and the Railway Station at Pickering Brook. One had to
travel west over winding gravel roads through the thick bush.
Times were tough and finances strained, so the children took on jobs to keep the orchard and family together – Charles was a
surveyor out in the country (eventually becoming a Policeman), Nellie was a housemaid down south at Wagin, Eddie a timber cutter at Barton’s Mill and Fraser, the youngest of the four children remained at home on the land with his father and helped in the further clearing of some of the forest.
An orchard in those early days took almost five years to come to fruition. To help with keeping his family fed & clothed and the orchard running, John also took on work as a linesman with the P.M.G. (Post Master General) – this work was mostly in the country
and tent living was not the best for his health. Having been gassed during the war, his lungs and breathing were compramised.
John Rush PADGET lived with his wife Annie four children on land for 18 years.
I addition to establishing the house & orchard, they even managed to built a tennis court which proved to be extremely popular with the locals as there was only one other in the area.
The BECHELLI family eventually purchased the property from John Padgett.
Bravery Award - the American Distinguished Service Cross
12 October 1920 – a letter (contents as shown below) was forwarded by D. H. Gillette, Captain of Engineers, assistant Military Attache at the American Embassy, London,
to Captain G. S. Stevenson, War Office, London –
22 October 1921 (Saturday) - Investment Ceromony
The award of the American Distinguished Service Cross was simply posted to the recipient, Sgt. John Rush PADGETT
by the American Government for “extraordinary heroism”.
THE MEDAL
This medal is the second highest American award presentable. The valour decoration is the equivalent of the British “VC” (Victoria Cross)
It embodies a bronze cross surmounted by the American Eagle and is suspended from a ribbon of red, white and blue.
It has a simple inscription of inspiring words ….. “FOR VALOR”.
The incident for which the decoration was awarded to John occurred in the Hindenburg Line on 29 September 1918 for his heroism in the rescuing of an American soldier in the heat of battle.
OFFICIAL MEDAL PRESENTATION – 22 October 1921 (Saturday)
About 400 people were present at the Kalamunda Showground where a sports gathering was conducted by the Upper Darling Range Soldier Settlers’ Association specifically for the awards presentation. All returned soldiers were urged to attend and it was anticipated that the 44th Battalion, of which Sgt. Padgett was a member, would supply the guard of honor and the band for the day.
Major-General Sir Talbot Hobbs invested Sgt. John Rush PADGETT with the American Distinguished Cross.
The other decoration invested that day was to Sapper H. LAIDLOW – the Mons Star.
The American Consul at the time, Mr V. R. Bourke was in attendance for the investments and in his address to the gathered crowd, he expressed the cordial relations which existed between the “Sammies” and the “Diggers” and he heartily congratulated Sgt. Padgett on having been invested with the most prestigious decoration of valour.
"The American Distinguished Service Cross"
1938
In 1938 – The American Consul to Western Australia Mr Charles Perry paid an official visit to the Edward Millen Sanatorium at Queen’s Park (John was a patient at the sanatorium)
Mr Perry expressed a desire to meet an Australian ex-soldier who held the American Distinguished Service Cross – Lance Sergeant J. R. Padgett of Pickering Brook,
who served with the 44th Battalion, A.I.F.
Mr. Derry was taken to the sanatorium by Mr. R. A. Nicholas, a member of the hospital visiting committee of the Returned Soldiers’ League State Executive, and was
received there by the acting-matron, Sister Rodgers.
Mr. Padgett was presented to Mr. Perry who asked him about his service in the Great War and heartily congratulated him on having been honoured by the United States
Government with the ‘American Distinguished Service Cross’
Mr. Padgett told that his battalion and the American troops had become mixed up in the Battle of the Hindenburg Line on 29 September 1918.
He, John, had answered a call for volunteers from an American officer desparate to rescue some American soldiers in great difficulties in a sap.
As the rescue party approached the sap, the rescue parties leading American Officer was unfortunately shot and he was left in the lead.
Mr. Padgett ended his narrative by saying that he remembered no more.
The Consul remained in conversation with Mr. Padgett while he was shown over the institution and expressed his pleasure and interest in the manner in which the ex-service men were cared for.
The American Consul(Left) Mr C. H. DERRY meeting Sgt John Rush PADGETT the recipient of an 'AMERICAN DISTINGUISHED SERVICE MEDAL' at Edward Millen Home (Photo #14))
2014 - AUSTRALIAN ARMY MUSEUM OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA
Artillery Barracks Burt Street Fremantle WA 6160
Pictorial of the presentation of John Rush PADGETT medals to the West Australian Army Museum
FROM THE GALLERIES AND COLLECTION OF THE AUSTRALIAN ARMY MUSEUM OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA
On display in the 1918 section of the World War 1 Gallery is the unique medal group of 546 Sergeant John Rush PADGETT together with a photograph, his identiy discs and a mizpah pin.
(Information & History below)
(Internet Image Only)
British War Medal 1914-1920
Medal
The British War Medal is a campaign medal of the United Kingdom which was awarded to officers and men of British and Imperial forces for service in the First World War. Two versions of the medal were produced. About 6.5 million were struck in silver and 110,000 in bronze, the latter awarded to, among others, the Chinese, Maltese and Indian Labour Corps
Design
The medal is cupro-nickel with the effigy of George V on the obverse.
The reverse has an image of St George on horseback trampling underfoot the eagle shield of the Central Powers, and a skull and cross-bones, the emblems of death. Above this is the risen sun of victory. The years 1914 and 1918 are contained on the outside edge medal.
Ribbon
The ribbon has a wide central watered stripe of orange, flanked by two narrow white stripes, which are in turn flanked by two black pin-stripes, further flanked by two outer stripes of blue. The colours have no particular significance.
(Internet Image Only)
The Inter Allied Victory Medal 1918 (Great Britain)
Medal
The Victory Medal (United Kingdom) was issued to all those who received the 1914 Star or the 1914–15 Star, and to most of those who were awarded the British War Medal. It was not awarded singly.
To qualify, recipients need to have served in the armed forces of the United Kingdom or the British Empire, or with certain recognised voluntary organisations, and have entered any theatre of war between 5 August 1914 and 11 November 1918. While home service did not count, United Kingdom based members of the RAF who were actively engaged in the air against the enemy did qualify, as did those who flew new planes to France. Women qualified for this and other First World War campaign medals while serving in nursing and auxiliary forces in a theatre of war.
It was also awarded for mine clearance in the North Sea between 11 November 1918 and 30 November 1919 and for participation in the Allied intervention in the Russian Civil War up to 1 July 1920
The medal is bronze, circular and 36 millimetres (1.4 in) in diameter. While originally to be of dull bronze, the final award had a clear lacquer coating, giving it a bright finish. It was designed by William McMillan
The recipient’s name, rank, service number and unit were impressed on the edge of the medal. The name of the regiment or corps was omitted on medals awarded to Army officers.
Those mentioned in despatches between 4 August 1914 and 10 August 1920 wear a bronze oak leaf spray on the medal’s ribbon, with a smaller version on the ribbon bar when medals were not worn.
Design
Obverse of the medal, with ribbon.
The obverse shows the winged, full-length, full-front, figure of ‘Victory’ (or ‘Victoria’) with her left arm extended and holding a palm branch in her right hand, similar to the statue surmounting the Queen Victoria Memorial, in front of Buckingham Palace in London.
The reverse has the words:
“THE GREAT / WAR FOR / CIVILISATION / 1914–1919” in four lines, all surrounded by a laurel wreath.
Ribbon
The 39 millimetres (1.5 in) wide watered ribbon has an iridescent colour scheme, with the violet moving through to a central red stripe where both schemes meet. It attaches to the medal through a ring suspender.
(Internet Image Only)
American Distinguished Service Cross
Medal
The Distinguished Service Cross (DSC) is the United States Army’s second highest military decoration for soldiers who display extraordinary heroism in combat with an armed enemy force. Actions that merit the Distinguished Service Cross must be of such a high degree that they are above those required for all other U.S. combat decorations, but which do not meet the criteria for the Medal of Honor. The Army Distinguished Service Cross is equivalent to the Naval Services’ Navy Cross, the Air and Space Forces’ Air Force Cross, and the Coast Guard Cross. Prior to the creation of the Air Force Cross in 1960, airmen were awarded the Distinguished Service Cross.
The Distinguished Service Cross was first awarded during World War I. In addition, a number of awards were bestowed for actions which took place before World War I. In many cases, the medal was awarded to soldiers who had received a Certificate of Merit for gallantry; at the time, this certificate was the only other honor for gallantry the Army could present to combatants in lieu of a Medal of Honor. Others were furnished in belated recognition of actions which occurred in the Philippine–American War, during the Boxer Rebellion, and Pancho Villa Expedition.
The Distinguished Service Cross is distinct from the Distinguished Service Medal, which is awarded to Army soldiers in recognition of exceptionally meritorious service to the government of the United States in a duty of great responsibility. The Distinguished Service Cross is only awarded for actions in combat, while the Distinguished Service Medal has no such restriction.
Design
A cross of bronze, 2 inches (5.1 cm) high and 1+13⁄16 inches (46 mm) wide with an eagle on the center and a scroll below the eagle bearing the inscription “FOR VALOR”. On the reverse side, the center of the cross is circled by a wreath with a space for engraving the name of the recipient.
Ribbon
The service ribbon is 1+3⁄8 inches (35 mm) wide and consists of the following stripes:
1⁄8 inch (3.2 mm) Old Glory Red 67156;
1⁄16 inch (1.6 mm) White 67101;
1 inch (25 mm) Imperial Blue 67175;
1⁄16 inch (1.6 mm) White;
1⁄8 inch (3.2 mm) Old Glory Red.
Recognition - American - 'The Wall of Valor'
Identity Disc - Information & History
During the First World War there were three types of identity discs issued to those serving in the Australian Imperial Force (AIF). The first type of disc issued to the AIF in 1914 was the aluminium Pattern 1907 disc. Introduced by the British in 1907, this identity disc measured about 42 mm high x 35 mm wide. Worn about the neck, it was stamped or engraved with the soldier’s details.
In late 1916 Australia adopted the British regulation from Army Order 287 (published as Military Order 507 by the AIF) to issue each member of the AIF with two discs, both made of compressed fibre: an octagonal green disc (formally referred to as “Disc, identity, No. 1, green”), and a circular red disc (formally referred to as “Disc, identity, No.2, red”).
The red disc was the same format as those issued in 1914. If a soldier or officer already had a metal disc, he retained it and used it in place of the new red disc.
Given the level of destruction that was wreaked on the men serving on the front line by shell and machine-gun fire, Australians also wore unofficial commercially produced or improvised identity discs in addition to their officially issued disc. Discs made from overstamped coins were particularly popular, as were identity bracelets.
Mizpah Broach (on display with medals)
Mizpah Symbology
In the Book of Genesis, Jacob and Laban are given the wisdom to reconcile their differences and live peacefully. As a symbol of their trust, they built a tower, a Mizpah. Before parting Laban salutes Jacob: “The Lord watch between me and thee, when we are absent one from another”.
Mizpah – a Hebrew word which literally means “watch tower”
Mizpah jewellery is given to loved ones as a reminder that they are loved always, no matter where they are, apart or together.
MIZPAH’s are displayed in many different forms – broaches, lapel pins, lockets/pendants, rings and even Tattoos.
They will all contain the work ‘MIZPAH’ and to accompany that word, some will have the inscription as shown below
Inscription: ....... 'The Lord Watch Between Me And Thee When We Are Absent One From The Another'
The Story
In 1910, before leaving England for Australia, John Rush Padgett gifted to his wife, Annie Greenwood Padgett (nee Hiley) a special gold Mizpah Brooch in the shape of two hearts with the Mizpah inscription.
Upon Annie’s death, the broach passed to her daughter Nellie NEAVE. When Nellie passed away the broach was then passed to her daughter Dallas. Then upon her death, the broach was passed to her daughter Cindy.
In 2014, when John’s medals were donated to the Army Museum of WA in Fremantle, the broach was also lovingly donated.
Today, Annie’s broach and Johns medals are displayed together.
MEDAL and Memorabillia - Presentation and information
The United States
Distinguished Service Cross
WORLD WAR I (only)
The Distinguished Service Cross is the second highest military award that can be given to a member of the United States Army for extreme gallantry and risk of life in actual combat with an armed enemy force. The Distinguished Service Cross was first awarded during World War I. On the obverse of the cross is an eagle on the centre and below a scroll bearing the inscription “FOR VALOR”. On the reverse side, the centre of the cross is circled by a wreath with a space for engraving the name of the recipient. The suspender is a loose ring attached to a ball at the top of the cross. The ribbon is dark blue with white and red edge stripes.
Footnote (Re: Medals)
The medals have been passed down to Johns’ sons (Charles and Edwin) and grandsons (Murray and John) since his death in 1939. In 1975, whilst in the possession of Eddie, the 44th Battalion historian contacted him and requested the medals be displayed in an exhibition at the Australian War Museum in Canberra. Eddie agreed to let the medals go, and during this time the originals were stolen and Eddie had returned to him a replica set. This was most distressing to the family as the medals had previously never been out of the possession of a Padgett family member. The Special Investigation Service of the Military Police did eventually retrieve the original medals and they were returned to Eddie who treasured them during his lifetime.
In 2014, descendants of the late John Rush Padgett, presented the medals, including the American Distinguished Service Cross and other items to the Army Museum of Western Australia for safe keeping and display in the World War I gallery. They are proudly displayed for all family and Australians to honour
Other Reference Points (for John Rush PADGETT)
Army Museum - Website
UNSW Australia (Canberra) - AIF
John Rush PADGETT 13 November 1881 - 28 August 1939
DEATH:
In early 1939, John’s health deteriorated and he was admitted to the Edward Millen Sanatorium in Queen’s Park
He passed away aged 57, on 28th August 1939.
He was survived by his widow Annie and an adult family.
FUNERAL:
The funeral took place at Karrakatta Cemetery (Methodist Section) on Tuesday 29 August 1939.
There was a large and representative attendance at the service by friends from Pickering Brook and comrades from the A.I.F. (Australian Infantry Force).
Before the cortege left for the internment at Karrakatta Cemetery, a very impressive service was conducted in the private chapel of Arthur J. Purslowe at North Perth by the Rev. F. J. C. Dundas, Methodist Minister of North Perth. The Rev. Dundas also officiated at the graveside internment.
The chief mourners were of course Mrs. Annie Padgett (widow), daughter Nellie (Mrs. G. M. Neave), Messrs Charles, Edwin and Fraser Padgett (sons), daughter-in law Mrs. Edwin Padgett (wife of Edwin)
and son-in law Mr. G. M. Neave (husband of Nellie)
The pall-bearers were Constable J. Graham (Police Traffic Branch), Detective-Sergeant S. Dowsett, Mr. E. Campbell (44th Battalion, A.I.F.), Messers W. L. Menkins (North Perth sub-branch R.S.L.),
T. Thornton and R. S. Sampson, M.L.A.
Among those present were Messers. T. Brand, B. Brand, P. Sala, L. Sims, S. Wignall, F. F. Da???, Cropper Milligan, H. Catchpole, D. Catchpole, H. Crow, Charles Fullgrabe, W. G. Ellery (Pickering Brook Fruitgrowers), L. Neave, N. Bickford, E. Elkington, Constable Salter (Traffic Police); Mr. and Mrs. J. W. Fennell, Mr. and Mrs. A. Cross,
Mr. and Mrs. H. B. Rodds, Mesdames A. T. Beard, H. D. Hewison, G. Weston, J. R??h and many others.
TRIBUTES:
Floral tributes were received from:
His loving wife Annie and family; D. R. Duke; P. Duke; Mr. and Mrs. W. Fullgrabe and Charlie; Mr. and Mrs. Ray Owen; W. Temby; W. Ellery; Mr. and Mrs. Crocos and family, the Hewison family, Mr. and Mrs. T. Thornton, Mr. and Mrs. Greg Weston, Mr. and Mrs. J. W. Fennell.
Telegrams and letters to the family were also very numerous
The last post at the graveside was sounded by Bugler, Major G. Gilmore.
After John’s death, Annie (his widow) made the decision to sell their Carilla home and she purchased a house at 32 Lock Street North Perth and moved there until her death.
Annie PADGETT – died at the age of on the 04 April 1948 – a good and meaningful life was so lived.
She lies beside John in the Karrakatta Cemetery grave.
This English “Pommie” family have formed part of Australia’s early settlement backbone and indeed their descendants are very proud of them.
Since John’s death in 1939, his medals & memorabilia were passed down to his sons, Charles and Edwin and then to his grandsons, Murray and John.
In 1975, whilst in the care of Edwin (Eddie), the 44th Battalion historian contacted him and requested the medals be displayed in an exhibition at the Australian War Museum in Canberra. Eddie agreed to allow the medals to be displayed in the exhibition, however, during that time Johns original medals were stolen.
A replica set was then returned to Eddie. This was an unbelievably time of distress for the family because the medals had never been out of the possession of a Padgett family member until the exhibition in Canberra.
The Special Investigation Service of the Military Police did eventually retrieve the original medals and they were returned to Eddie who treasured them and protected them even more during his lifetime.
In 2014, descendants of the late John Rush PADGETT, presented the medals, including the American Distinguished Service Cross and other items to the Army Museum of Western Australia for perpetual safe keeping and display in the Great War (WWI) gallery.
And there they remain, proudly dispalyed for all of John’s descendants and all Australians to view with pride and honour.
The PADGETT Family
1915 approx – Sgt. John Rush PADGETT with his wife Annie PADGETT and their four children:
L-R: Nellie, Fraser, Edwin & Charles – (Photo #4)
The Padgett family farmed orchards for many years in Pickering Brook with properties on Patterson Road and Kingsmill Road. Two of their children married locals, Charles married Edna Wallis and Nellie married Godfrey Neave. Edwin (Eddie) married Gladys Evans of Boulder.
Edna was very involved with the Kalamunda & District Historical Society. Her enthusiasm for life was infectious. If an outing or a special project was suggested, Edna was always the first to ‘put up her hand’ to both support the idea and to become in a practical way. She was strong member of the Bill Shaw Oral History Group and became a self-appointed tea-lady. In spite of her being the senior member, she always arrived first to make sure everything was arranged to her satisfaction. Refurbishing of the historic Stirk Cottage was done under Edna’s special care. However, she was unexpectedly capable of very quirky little remarks, which pulled you up and made you think again. Edna sadly passed away on 16th April 2001 and was greatly missed by all at the Kalamunda & Districts Historical Group.
Back Row:
Next Row:
Next Row:
Front Row:
1. Clem FULGRAVE
2.
3. Alan FULGRABE
4. Reg SHADFORTH
5. Bill SHADFORTH?
1. Moyna BEVAN
2. Fraser PADGETT
3. Marjory WESTON
1. Kathy WESTON
2.
3. Maude EATTS
4.
5.
6.
1. Phylis WESTON
2. Myrtle ROADS
3. Gladys MILLAR
4. Effie MILLER
5. Sylvia ROADS
PADGETT. Fraser - Military Record - Reference Point:
ANZAC Day - 2018
Acknowledgement of Service by John Rush PADETT
Honouring WWI hero – John Rush PADGETT
Over 300 people braved the early morning cold to attend the 2018 ANZAC Day Service at the local War Memorial conducted by the Pickering Brook Heritage Group. The service highlighted John Rush PADGETT.
Speaker Mr. Bill Gaynor talked about his heroic actions in the fight against the Germans which resulted in him being awarded the American Distinguished Service Cross, presented to him by the American Government for “extraordinary heroism”.
This is the second highest American bravery award presentable. The decoration is the equivalent of the British V.C., and is inscribed with the latter’s inspiring words, “FOR VALOR”. Family descendants were invited to join the service on the day with 24 members turning up.
It was a great gathering and old friendships renewed over the bacon and egg rolls and a cuppa.
Group picture of direct descendants of John Rush PADGETT at the Anzac Day Service
L-R - Samantha ROBINSON, Emma ROBINSON (Samantha's daughter), Megan THORNTON-SMITH, Mia ROBINSON (Samantha's Daughter), Lynda THORNTON-SMITH, Jodee GERARD (nee PADGETT - Murray's daughter), Bryce RERDEN (Kelli's son) Kellie RERDEN (nee PADGETT), Madeleine RERDEN (Kelli's daughter), Tania PIERCY, Rod PADGETT, Fraser PADGETT (Jeff's son), Jeff PADGETT, Cale PADGETT (also Jeff's son) (Photo #24)
Redesign - Old Website Page - up to here
Every endeavour has been made to accurately record the details however if you would like to provide additional images and/or newer information we are pleased to update the details on this site.
Please click here to email us at info@pickeringbrookheritagegroup.com
We appreciate your involvement in recording the history of our area.
References: Article: Pickering Brook Heritage Group
Images: 1, 4, 14, 23, 25 Kelli Rerden
2, 3, 11 Various Internet Sources
12, 13 Pickering Brook Heritage Group
16, 17, 22 Army Museum of WA
18, 19, 20, 21, 30 Kalamunda & Districts Historical Society
24 Gordon Freegard
ORIGINAL RESEARCH by: Kelli REDERN (Collated by: Gordon FREEGARD – 2017-2018)
REVIEWED, REDESIGNED & UPDATED: February 2023 – by Kelli REDERN & Stephanie O’MEAGHER (PBHC WebMaster)