HEPPINGSTONE, Charles Robert - 508
| Original items held by the Army Museum of Western Australia |
| Conflict | World War 1 |
|---|---|
| Service Arm | Australian Imperial Force |
| Unit | 10th Light Horse Regiment |
| Service No. | 508 |
| Service Arm | Army |
| Date of Birth | 1885 |
| Birthplace | Brunswick, WA |
| Residence | Kalgoorlie, WA |
| Date of Death | 15 Dec 1966 |
| Relatives | Father - Robert John Heppingstone Mother - Maria Heppingstone Brother - HEPPINGSTONE, Arthur George - 1835 |
Brief family history, photos and notes
Robert Heppingstone born Eyam Derbyshire was a miner, but took 'the Queen's shilling' as was said in those days. Assigned to Rifle Brigade,
served in Glasgow, Northern Ireland & Limerick, where Charlotte, his first child was born. Thus he became associated with Captain Molloy who
served in these same places. When Capt set out for the Swan River Colony in the 'Warrior' in 1830, Robert was one of his servants.
In September 1832 Molloy wrote from Augusta 'One of my servants Robert Heppingstone, a very honest good man, whose wife was discontented and
discont disobedient, I have placed on a town allotment and he has so far prospered since he left me that he has been enabled to lay in an
ample stock of provisions.'
He Robert (i) was drowned while fishing off an island off Augusta in 1835.
His son Robert (ii) became a farmer at Wonnerup & Master Whaler at Castle Rock Geographe Bay where he was accidently drowned in 1857.
His son Robert (iii) after marriage lived at Brunswick on his property 'Frogmore'.
David Eedle b. 1873 served 10th Light Horse
Robert Charles b. 1883 served 10th Light Horse and Camel Corps
Arthur George b. 1883 served in 8th Battery
Claude Arthur b.1887 served 8th Battery d. France
Hubert Eldred b. 1896 served Light Horse, Paymaster Sergeant France, about to join Air Force when war ended.
George Heppingstone obtained Commission & received Military Cross.
Charles Heppingstone was invalided out of Army after being knocked off his camel by plane. Became Recruiting Officer for State.
People Mentioned in the Letters
Sandy an aboriginal boy from Laverton adopted by Heppingstone family. Lived at 'Frogmore' till he grew up when he left W.A. with Snowy
Flyer a tent boxing owner. Fought many fights in N.S.W. & Queensland. Died in Broken Hill when on way home. Known as Sandy McVea in the
ring. Photo available of him as a boy, which is in the Battye Library also his dossier from N.S.Wales Aboriginal Department. Referred to
affectionately in letters as the Little Battler & the Little Nig.
Rhita Heppingstone married Edward Courthope Capt living in Scotland as her husband was mine-sweeping in North Sea.
The 'Model' Molly Dodwell Browne who was living with her grandparents at 'Rahins' Castlebar Ireland. Daughter of Dr D Browne & whose wife
was Lilian Heppingstone.
Bill Fitch a plowman who worked for Robert H. at Frogmore - Jack Crampton of the 11th Batt. whose parents lived across the Brunswick River
from 'Frogmore' - Marsh who lived on upper reaches of the river as did Smith family.
Bawn de Castilla, a relation who served in 8th Batt right through war as did Bob Clifton of 'Alverstoke' Brunswick.
Letter dated 14th March 1914
My darling Mara & Father,
I hope you received the pd1 & 10/- that I sent you about six weeks ago. I have not heard from home since & George has not arrived yet. I
think he must be in Perth, but I got anxious & wired Katie but they do not know. Have just spent a week trying to find Father's cow who has
a yearling bull calf & a young one, & I shall have them on the 21st. I looked at 3 wells but Lally is having a complete muster on 21st, & I
should get them then. I have found the two small ones & Pim & Red Cow have turned up at Newlands & also other mob we lost. I leave tomorrow
to bring them home & I hope George will get beck to let me away as soon as possible. I shall send you some money as soon as I get back. The
men on the dam will pay me next week.
Have had three very hot days & will soon have a change by all appearances. best love to all, Charlie
I shall get next money wired & then it can't go wrong.
Letter dated 9th May 1915
My darling Mother & Father,
Just a few lines as I haven't much news yet. We have had our photo taken together & will send you one as soon as we get them. You will see
the Arab ponies in these pictures. Have met the two young Watts (their father has the station) & they are in the Reinforcements with Jack _.
Young Jack Russell & I are going to see the City on Sunday & when we have been to the Goo I will write you more next week. Chris Ewing is as
fit as a fiddle & a real good chap, also young _. We are camped near a line of sand hills & the weather is getting hot. Give my best love to
the little battler & Joseph Dodd. Well Mother darling I will write you a decent letter next time. Remember me to Miss Giles & tell her I
delivered her messages to the boys & Reg Gliddon,
Your loving son,
Charly Heppingstone
Postcard dated 23rd September 1915
My darling Father & Mother,
I got your letter last mail & if you are tired Mara don't bother to write as Enid can write the news & George can send his letters on as I
know you are not fit to be bothered & naturally have not much to write about.
I hope the Bulgarians come in shortly. I got some papers from Rhita yesterday & have plenty of reading. We are now in a very quiet camp &
will be have a rest before too long. A lot of bonnie ponies have been shot here & the horses are much more nervous than the mules, & the
donkeys don't seem to mind at all.
Very best love to all at home. Have written to Sandy. Your loving son, Charly H
10 L H Regiment
Letter dated 25th September 1915
My darling Mara & Father,
Very little news since I wrote you, but am busy getting a decent dug-out for the winter & a proof against shrapnell.
Tom Mitchell asked to be remembered to you Mother.
I met a young Johnston from Harvey & he is a very nice lad but I'm afraid he is not _ enough, & I also met Paul Smith (_ from Teesdale) who
is in our Brigade & another young Lukin from Toodyay. Quite a lot of the old crowd continue to arrive & I suppose many more are with the
28th that I know but haven't seen. The nights are getting much colder (something like Celia, Father) but I simply like the cold weather but
detest the rain until we have proper camps & then it won't be too bad. If letters are not always regular dont worry as mail I think is often
held back after action for a few days. Claude is I have heard in England & he should soon be strong & then he will be back, but he is wise
if he has a good rest & get back to his old form. Well my darling Mara look after yourself. You can have the scarf now Mara instead of the
_. Best love to Sandy Boy & tell him to deal with the two foals at once. Your loving son, Charlie
there but the _ _ _ affecting others.
Capt _ _ along to see me yesterday & told me _ he had had splendid reports of me _ Gallipoli & told me only to send message & anything that
I wanted would be sent along.
Mrs Williams (a friend of George & Claude's) came to see me since I wrote & her children sent me some chocolates. She is great friend of
my friends the Dudgeons strange to say.
Capt Makeham is very worried, he sent a cheque of pd400 belonging to Brigade fund to the Bank or something of the sort & it went astray &
was cashed, so he is very worried but I think he was careless. They are terrible robbers in the Post Offices & everything of value needs to
be registered.
I got dear old Wilfred Harper to give me a cheque for pd1 & I gave him the cash at Gallipoli about four months ago & I posted the cheque to
a comrade here to _ _ _ & have been waiting _ _ when I arrived here.
I _ _ _ gone astray but _ _ _ been cashed or not we _ _ found out, still knowing _ _ hasn't been cashed the Harpers will refund me the
money.
The weather is getting colder & I will be pleased as two summers one after another shakes a chap up, & a winter should do me a good turn.
Saw George yesterday & he looks well, & I have written to get him a billet as _ _ in our Regiment as he longs to get away & hasn't any
chance or promotion here.
I have heard that Hubert is coming back but I missed my last mail which has gone to Gallipoli & don't know definitely.
Brazier is nothing to do with out Regiment now & a blessed good job that is as he knows no more about leadership than a dog does _ _ & will
send men on _ _ _ fifty enteric patients on the ward but I am improving faster than any be what I can find out from the Matron. Am going to
write Enid _ & Rhita so goodbye for today,
Your loving son, Charly R Heppingstone
Postcard dated 'Gallipoli'
Dear old Sandy Boy,
I hope you are quite well. Get La Camille's two foals & bring them to Brunswick, so that they are secure. Have got a good revolver for you
Sandy. Am so pleased you are looking after Mother & Father. How would you like to be here Battler? They use a lot of dynamite in tine loaded
with bullets & throw those over the trenches & they take a bit of dodging. Do you think Quality King will be able to gallop? You have surely
tried him before this. Father could let you break in La Camille's filly & I think Claude & I would send the colt to Mr Holly to look after
for six months & have him well fed. Remember me to Jos Dodd & Arthur Smith & all at Brunswick. Have you _ British yet? I like your chances
against any German my little mate. Goodbye Sandy & co, Charly
Letter dated 16th October 1915
My darling Mara,
I wrote you last week & am glad to say that I am improving fast. I am certainly weak but once I get over the fever properly I shall soon
pick up again. I am so sorry as I expect a big move on the Peninsula any day & the latest report (we have lots of rumours here) is that we
are to get our horses up to Serbia, but I am afraid I won't be fit.
The Dr who is a decent chap here told me that I had a better chance of being in heaven than back at the Peninsula in a month & I think they
will send me to England to get strong. I wouldn't mind going back to _ as Capt Bentley gets me lots of nice things like chicken arrowroot _
could get strong
P.S. Had a letter from Jack Crampton who is getting along alright asking me to come up to Cairo (of course he didn't know my desease) & have
written him to come down & see me as I think he has the bext chance, Charly
Letter dated 21st November 1915
My darling Mara & Father,
I suppose this will be the last letter that you will receive before Xmas & I hope you will be happy knowing that we are upholding your honor
as parents by being here to fight for the liberty of the dear old flag, & although you will perhaps be lonely still the war can't last for
ever & most likely we will all return safely.
Have seen quite a lot of Capt & Mrs Makeham & she came a couple of days ago & got me & two others & took us _ _ & their place & we had quite
a nice afternoon & it was a bit of a break to get out at all.
The Makeham's are visiting all the sick & wounded & she is very kind & thoughtful to us all & has brought some nice books which I have
enjoyed.
The nurses & the Sister in Charge have been very good to me & the Dr is a good old chap. I am feeling very much stronger & I think that I
shall be going to Luxor about five hundred miles up the Nile for a short time & then get back to Gallipoli. Have had a letter this morning
from dear old George & should
see him in the course of a few days. Well Mara have little news. Very best love to all at Frogmore & tons for yourself,
Your loving son, Charles H
Letter dated 28th November 1915
My darling Mother & Father,
Am hoping as I sit to write that you both are well & will enjoy the coming year.
I have made arrangements with a splendid chap a Clergyman to meet Bonnie (Rev F H Dwinford) at Alexandria & he will be good to him. We are
great friends. He is Church of England & comes from Burra.
The Dudgeons & Williams will also be glad to see him & I think I could get him a billet at the Base for a time. He is a bit too young for
the roughing at the front.
There is absolutely little news. I am sending a poem for you Mara & one for Father.
Mothers
The Truest Friend
I had a comrade tried & true
Shoulder to shoulder we fought life through
And whoever spoke light of his name to me
Had a foe to face & a sword to flee
I'd have risked my life for a grip of his hand
But swords get broken & troops disband
I had a lover to fondle & prize
With the kindest heart & the truest eyes
I wore her scarf on the tourney ground
I pledged her name when the toast went round
I'd have sworn to her honor before them all
But snowdrifts tarnish & bright stars fall
I have a Mother, God bless that name
All beauty wedded to all fair fame
I have lined her brow with a wish unheard
I have wounded her heart with a careless word
But I know to the last her love is sure
For hills are steadfats & seas endure
This expresses our feelings 'Mara'
Mara or as some might say : Them's my sentiments
Fathers
To those who failed us (you & yours haven't)
What of the glory of England, written in letters of gold
Rung from the heart of our foeman
In the grand old days of old
What of the glory of England - see how it flames on high
Red from the dust of the battle where our British soldiers die
What of the shame of England, Brothers the shame lies sore
On the men of her _ cities who shrank from the call of war
And whatever they plead in answer
Hear how truth's trumpet rings
These are the shame of England, their's is the blow that stings
What of the tears of England
Oh ye who have heard the call
& turned & hid from the conflict
Beware lest her kingdoms fall
How shall it profit your business that you saved your laggard's breath
And kept your home in comfort
If England goes to her death
What of the honor of England
Gift from the Gods above
Forged in the fires of greatness
Out of our human love
Hark, how the nation makes answer
Her dead from every land have
given their lives for England
In them shall her honor stand
Ch. H.
I am so pleased that Quality King is growing into such a nice horse as he should certainly be Haven't seen Capt Makeham the last few days but he is a good little chap & Mrs makeham is always visiting the sick & needy. Had a letter from George yesterday & he is doing splendidly & I hope to hear from Claude in a day or two. If Hubert doesn't get a letter through he wouldn't be met by Capt Dwinford but he could ring him up at 21st General Hospital & he is a real good colt & Hubert will like him, but as soon as I know what Reg he is with I shall be quite alright & leave that with Dwinford. Well my darling parents & Lily & the bonnie babies & all at home best love for health & contentment Would like to have seen Keppell
Letter dated 16th February 1916
My darling Mara,
Dear old Rhita was married yesterday & seems very happy & you all know Courthope better than I do but I saw him with reference to Rhita's
position & if he met with an accident he could now leave her in cash about pd500 & she would have a pension for life, so when they get back
to W.A. they will be quite alright.
Rhita has some very nice clothes & looked very pretty in her coat & skirt & brown hat with roses
I gave her pd25 for a present.
I shall be leaving hospital in a day or two & if I can't get back I shall possibly help with recruiting in Ireland for a few weeks. Lucy is
simply a grand old girl & writes & sends me all sorts of presents & in her last letter she pleaded for me to come back to Rahins if only for
your dear Mothers sake & Mara, the Model is simply too nice for words.
Mrs Jackson also wrote this morning & want me to stay with her at Dublin. Also Mrs Faulker & the Dodds so I shall have lots of friends while
I am here.
My blood tests are satisfactory so far so I hope to be out of here in the course of a few days.
I spoke at the request of the Military authorities at a meeting at Trafalgar Square London last week, the idea is simply to get as many men
to join before the complusion starts as a bit of a bump to Germany to show what could be done, still I think it is only waste of time but
in Ireland it is very different as conscription does not apply there.
I wish you could get a fair price for Celia Stn & I would stop in London & work at the Commonwealth Office & study law & then go into
British politics some day. It should be posssible to get pd1200 or so even as short & all as money will be if the seasons keep anything like
good & then Father could take his amount & interest out & if I could only get the rentals back I would be satisfied.
I don't think that Hubert will have a bad time if they stop in Egypt & it will all be a _ compared with the Dardanelles.
I am going to an estate near here tomorrow for a coursing match & wish I had old Beauty Queen, Mara or even old Tuby I think would have a
chance to say nothing of the famous Terror.
How is Quality King Mara & what about the velvet tres
Had a note from Claude yesterday & am writing them today.
How is Father keeping. Hugh Throssell is taking a small trunk for Said & am sending things (a good pair of boots for Father & other things).
Very best love to all at home & dont forget Keppell & the wee girl (I am afraid she will have the fly round when Molly takes charge) as
Mollie won't work, she had too much to do when she was young.
Best love to my Mara & Father
Your Loving son,
Charlie R Heppingstone
Tell Dodd the Russians are beating the nasty Turk & Claude will soon get fit again.
Letter dated 1st March 1916
My own darling Mother & Father,
I am still in England & will be going to Ireland for a few days to help recruiting & then I shall get back to the boys as soon as I can.
I went to dinner the other day with a Mrs Warner (she was a Miss Vincent I think her father was in charge of Land Dept) you will know & she
was so very kind to me indeed & talked nothing but the olden times in W.A.
Her brother died somewhere in the N.West. I don't know if Father knew him or not but she seems a very nice old woman.
I had a lovely scarf arrive today from Mrs Turnbull & also a present from Clair Layman so I must write to thank them both.
The snow I think I told you of last letter has been very heavy & is very pretty falling & looks wonderfully pretty on the trees.
I suppose before you receive this you will have lost Peggy & what a beauty baby she must be Mara but so different to the Model who is simply
too deep for words but she is a glorious child.
I wish you would send any letters on to David Mares as I haven't written him for a long time as I did not know his address so if you do this
he will know how things are.
I shall write you both fully next week.
Mollie told me in her last letter 'Do write to the Grannie at Frogmore as she will be pleased & as she loves writing I shall see that she
keeps to her word also.
I think I have written every week except twice since I have been away & I do hope you get the mail regularly.
The hunters here are about the same type as old Captain we used to have, very long in the barrel but fine looking horses but all the lorry
horse are very good but all the tack are cut up too short,
Best love to you both,
Your loving son, Charlie
Letter dated 21 May 1916
My own darling Mara & Father,
I came to London to meet Rhita & only just missed her. So I went on to Norwich & saw Miss Partridge who was so very kind to me & she even
had an old painting of the old school house opposite Frogmore. We went all through the old Cathedrals & Castles 1066. In the evening I went
with her to a large class of boys & gave them all a short address.
She does such a lot of work for soldiers & is sending parcels to the boys.
Norwich is a pretty old place & the country looks very nice.
I had two or three very bad days lately with an extremely sore throat which is now quite alright.
I met one of the Sawell girls (Dr Sawell of Boulder) in London yesterday & I like to meet the old W.A.s.
I heard this morning that Claude had got his Commission & hope it is true & I am sure George will soon get his. I expect to go back to
Bonnie. Saw Tom Mitchell (who is now on the staff here) & he said Hubert was looking very well when he saw him last.
If I had had a few days longer I would have gone to see the Model, but it would have meant expense & travelling.
I have left an order of 17/6 per week for Rhita from my pay for you & use it on your interest or as you like.
I am getting pd4 from her & then it will start for you & she will send it monthly.
I suppose Quality King is a little Champion & can he gallop. Tell Mr McPherson that I want to know. I am sure he will have tried him.
Had a letter from Mrs Faulkner a day or two ago & I am afraid their Harvey orangery isn't as good as they hoped, by what she said.
Give my very best love to David when you write. I haven't heard if he fixed the colts up & if he collected the money at Linden.
Will write Enid tomorrow. How is Joseph Dodd & Sandy McPherson, & is Nobby still alive for Father to ride.
Best love to you both. Heard Lily had another son, great rejoicing at Rahin..
Your ever loving son,
Charlie R Heppingstone.
Postcard dated 23rd August 1916
I am quite well.
Letter follows at first opportunity
Letter dated 12th December 1916
My Darling Mother & Father,
I was out doing some field sketching on my camel the other day, & was struck by an aeroplane. Broke my right arm, other injuries only slight.
Am doing splendidly. Dr Saw being is in charge of my case so am quite allright.
Major Lesouef is in hospital with me & several 10th L.H. officers so I can get everything I require. Mrs Dudgeon comes to see me & brings me
books etc. I think she wrote you yesterday.
This is the only case of such an accident yet recorded and am very lucky so don't worry. I'll be quite allright. Best love to all at home.
Dr Saw thinks it will be about seven weeks before I am quite well again.
Your ever loving son,
Bob (per JKJ)
Letter dated 17th December 1916
Dear Mrs Heppingstone,
I expect you have heard of the accident your son Charley has received. I went out to see him last week just a few days after it, he was very
cheerful & looking very well. He said his arm didn't give him much pain. You know, it was an aeroplane that hit him & broke his arm, luckily
he dived on to the side of his camel. We are so thankful he got off so well. He is so plucky & brave. I am very very fond of him. He was
so keen on his new rifle & had enjoyed attending the class of instruction. I am going soon to see him again, as I got him _ two curios at a
bazaar where I was selling, he gave me 10/- to spend for him. My heart has ached so much for you over Claude's loss, his brother feels it
dreadfully. What a sad, sad time it is for us all, please God we are on the way to victory.
Do write when you have a moment. I admire you all so much. Your son & I have long talks together about the future.
With heartfelt sympathy, believe me your sincere friend,
Isabel Dudgeon
Postcard undated
Dear Dave,
Have had a good trip & drawing nearer to the land beyond. Hope you have been to Station Write as soon as possible,
Charlie
Postcard undated
My own darling Mara & Father,
Only just a card today as there is very little news & I am going to the trenches in a few minutes. I am now near the Canal & quite a long
way from the Turks, & am assisting in this preparation of defences in case they get by our army further out, still I don't think they will
bother us again. I have a Turkish dress & rug arrangement, new. I got in the last fight from a pack on the saddle & also a bayonet for home,
& am sending Sandy a very nice present Model gave me, as he has been so kind to you all in our awful trouble, am getting some photos of
Postcard undated
our darling to send as soon as they are ready. I hope to get the parcel away at any time by a sick pal of mine who returns to W.A. Dr Saw is in
Cairo but was not in when I called to see him & as I had to be to the Dudgeons for dinner I couldn't wait. The Lee Steeres wrote so nicely
of our darling & they too miss their boy & yet they are happy Mara & will always be with us in spirit. Best love to my darling Mother & Sir
Robert & battler & Dod. Sandy present is a silver chain, compass & matchbox, you can give it to him altogether or for Sundays, Charlie
Postcard undated
big horse! Had a letter from dearest old David & when writing tell him I shall write again soon. Am very busy with so many things to do &
learn.
I have met Mrs Badock & daughter & Dr from Midland Junct, & have an open invitation to their home.
Give my best love to Sandy boy & Dodd, & I'm always thinking of you both & do be brave as we do want to love you for years to come,
Charlie
Postcard undated
Darling Mother & Father,
Have seen some French Cruisers & also some of the gallant little qurkars, & a few nice horses. I must try & bring you a pure-bred Arab when
I return,
best love to all, Your loving son,
Charlie R.H.
Postcard undated
been all through the last two battles & luck has favoured me, as I was the last to leave on both occasions & four were hopelessly wounded
beside me & yet I was spared, but I would give my life a thousand times if it were possible & any pain to have taken Claude's place of a
soldier is on the battlefield so, I think we shall have a cross there & some French people to keep the grave of our darling & they are so
kind by which dear George writes.
If any of you have money to spare, put it into war bonds & I hope Archie will & all we know as money will help to win & the security is good
& it is the least one can do when so many gave their lives & all. Give my very best love to darling Dorothy & keep an extra supply for Vida
Irene & self. Enclosing a small photo Lucy took but I shall send you another later,
Your loving cousin,
Charlie
"It's a long, long way from Tipperary" set of postcards
