Gunner Benjamin Wellington, of Jaadwa/ Jardwajali heritage, served with the Light Horse militia in Gippsland for eight years. He rose to Corporal prior to enlisting for the First World War in 1914 and is one of very few First Peoples known to have served with the pre-war militia. He was discharged for unknown ‘family reasons’ after only a few months. He and his wife Nora had five children by 1915, so perhaps the cause lies there.
He re-enlisted in October 1917 and was initially posted to the 4th Light Horse Regiment. On his arrival in France in April 1918, he was transferred to the 12th Field Artillery Brigade as a gunner. In September 1918, he was wounded in action and took no further part in the war.
Gunner Benjamin Wellington 1918
photographer unknown
REPRODUCED COURTESY OF WELLINGTON FAMILY DESCENDANTS
There's more to this story:
Arthur Wellington
Trooper Arthur Wellington’s paternal grandparents were Jaadwa/Jardwajali people from the Wimmera region of Victoria.
George Wellington
George Wellington, of Jaadwa/Jardwajali heritage, was married and working as a labourer when he enlisted for the First World War in August 1916.
Herbert Murray
Gunditjmara man, Sapper Herbert Murray (front centre) is pictured with members of the 3rd Tunnelling Company, or ‘earwiggers’ as tunnellers were known.
Aunty Dot Peters' wreath
The gum leaf wreath artwork by Nina Kelabora is inspired by the late Aunty Dot Peters AM, who laid a gum leaf wreath at the Shrine each year.
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