Lloyd was the eldest of three brothers to serve in World War 1, but he was the last of the brothers to enlist. He was 22 when he took the Oath on 18th July 1916;
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| Source: National Archives of Australia www.naa.gov.au |
The youngest brother, Ern, had embarked for overseas service two months prior and another brother, Melville (aka Mick), had enlisted 12 months earlier. A further brother, Art, who was the eldest of the four brothers, remained at home to assist their mother and sisters. He had wanted to enlist too but was medically unfit. His mother, Nurse Edith Geyer, must have been very thankful that he remained at home!
Lloyd Morris Geyer (spelling according to his birth certificate) was born on the 9th November 1893 at his parents home at Rockley Street, Nhill. He was 5 years old when his father died.
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| Children of Edward Ernest Edmund Geyer and Edith Geyer (nee Bound) |
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| Lloyd Geyer embarked for overseas service aboard the HMAT A71 Nestor, from Melbourne, on the 2nd October 1916. Source http://alh-research.tripod.com/ships_lh.htm |
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| Lloyd Geyer (undated) I am not sure if this was taken during his time in the Senior Cadets (as he looks so young) or prior to leaving to go overseas in 1916. |
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| A Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from Across the Sea 1916 Silver Leaves (appear to be Silver Leaf Protea from Africa) Christmas Greeting from Lloyd Geyer to his sister Mabel Pilgrim (nee Geyer). |
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| For the sake of those I dearly love, And in the cause of Liberty, I've left my southern sunny home, And crossed the wide and trackless sea. Heaven guard and bless you, dearest one, Whilst I in foreign lands may roam; Though I am absent in the flesh, My tenderest thoughts are of my home. Good luck to you whilst I'm away; I know the parting cost you pain; My earnest prayer from day to day is GOD BE WITH YOU TILL WE MEET AGAIN. |
France
13/12/18
Dear Mabel,
Just a few lines to let you know that I am quite well
hoping these few lines find you all the same.
This is one of our Bat'n cards and the names on the inside is where we have been boxing on their is more to add to it yet. I am miles away from no where at present.
Well I must close now with the best Love from your loving brother
Lloyd xxxx
The 57th Battalion fought at Sinai, Messines, Fromelles, Corbie, Somme, Ville sur Ancre, Lagnicourt, Villers Brettoneux, Bullecourt, Polygon Wood, Peronne and Harbonnieres.
505 were killed and 1253 wounded.
Lloyd's service record (Service Number 2652) is shorter than those of his siblings as he did not suffer any serious injuries or commit any misdemeanors.
He left England on 24th July 1919 aboard the HMAT A41 Bakara, which arrived in Melbourne on Saturday the 27th of September 1919.
He was back at work as a blacksmith assistant in Horsham prior to his discharge on 11th November 1919, one year after the war had ended.
You can read more Anzac Day blogs here
The 57th Battalion fought at Sinai, Messines, Fromelles, Corbie, Somme, Ville sur Ancre, Lagnicourt, Villers Brettoneux, Bullecourt, Polygon Wood, Peronne and Harbonnieres.
505 were killed and 1253 wounded.
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| Lloyd Geyer Source: The Geier Family History Book 2005 |
Lloyd's service record (Service Number 2652) is shorter than those of his siblings as he did not suffer any serious injuries or commit any misdemeanors.
He left England on 24th July 1919 aboard the HMAT A41 Bakara, which arrived in Melbourne on Saturday the 27th of September 1919.
He was back at work as a blacksmith assistant in Horsham prior to his discharge on 11th November 1919, one year after the war had ended.
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| Source: http://trove.nla.gov.au/ The Horsham Times, Tuesday 30 September 1919, page 5 |
The War was over and two of the three brothers had returned home to Horsham but there was still no word about the youngest brother, Ernest. Not knowing would have been terrible for the family.
You can read more about the family by clicking on the links below;
Aren't you lucky to have this memorabilia....so precious.
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