Lt Reginald Kaye Duckworth - Post #7 is a must read - This has taken nearly Four Years!

Discussion in 'Non-Commemorated War Dead' started by spidge, Aug 26, 2012.

  1. spidge

    spidge RAAF RESEARCHER

    :poppy:
    Terry Denham from the "In From The Cold Project" advised me today that this young lad has now been Commemorated on the CWGC Register.

    I had presented this in mid 2008 through Australian channels with not much success;

    There was no record of him enlisting, however he died in uniform at the Point Cook Central Flying School (Military Flying training base) at Laverton Victoria just outside Melbourne.

    I then went to The Great War Forum. I purchased a death certificate and other pertinent research material and Terry Denham set the process in motion.

    This is such a wonderful feeling, I am over the moon.

    View attachment Cadet Reginald Kaye Duckworth Death Certificate 1004719042.pdf

    Duckworth_RK Waverley Cemetery Hi-Res.JPG

    Funeral details next page:
     

    Attached Files:

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  2. spidge

    spidge RAAF RESEARCHER

    :poppy:

    THE SYDNEY MORNING HERALD (ABOUT) MONDAY 19TH NOVEMBER 1917
    19 Nov 1917 - LATE LIEUT[?] R. K. DUCKWORTH. MELBOURNE, Sunday.


    LATE LIEUTENANT R. K. DUCKWORTH.
    MELBOURNE, Sunday.
    The body of Lieutenant Reginald Kaye Duckworth who was killed at Point Cook military aerodrome on Friday, was examined by the Coroner Dr Cole, on Saturday. Dr Cole then gave permission for the body to be removed to Woollahra, New South Wales, where the late officer’s parents live. An Inquest will be held later on Saturday afternoon. A military party took the body from the base hospital to the Spencer Street railway station, where it was entrained on the Sydney express.

    The military authorities notify that the remains of the late Lieutenant Duckworth will be accorded a military funeral. The cortege will move from Messrs Kinsela's parlour, 143 Oxford Street, at 10:30 o'clock this morning. All officers are invited to attend.


    THE SYDNEY MORNING HERALD (ABOUT) TUESDAY 20TH NOVEMBER 1917
    A SOLDIER'S FUNERAL.


    LATE LIEUTENANT DUCKWORTH.
    On Friday last, Lieutenant Reginald Kaye Duckworth, who was in his 23rd year, met his death while carrying out his duties as an Australian military aviator at the Central Flying School, Point Cook, near Melbourne. Brought to Sydney, the remains of the young officer were interred yesterday morning with full military honours. Two brothers, Quartermaster-Sergeant Harold Duckworth, of the Army Service Corps, and Gunner B. C. Duckworth, were at the front in France when the late lieutenant joined the Central Flying School.

    The funeral from the city to the Waverley cemetery was lead by the Liverpool Depot Band, under 'Warrant-Officer Mellor, playing the Dead March. The coffin was on a gun carriage from Victoria Barracks, and was covered by a Union Jack. A firing party of 40 men of the Royal Artillery from South Head marched under Major Cross and Lieutenant Phillip. Lieutenant-Colonel Warren was in charge of the parade.
    Mr Arthur Duckworth (father), Mr Cecil Duckworth (hotelier), Mr Zachary Duckworth (uncle), Mr G Baker (uncle), and Mr George Duckworth (nephew) were the chief mourners.

    The military officers included Colonel Kyngdon (representing the State Commandant, Brigadier-General Lee), Lieutenant-Colonel Osborne, Lieutenant-Colonel Warren, Major Cross, Major Hall, Major Clerk, Lieutenant R. F. Galloway (representing the Central Flying School, Point Cook), Captain Forsyth, Captain Parsons, Captain Dalton, Lieutenants Phillip Dawson, Waterhouse, King, Parkinson, Cain, Tomkins and Weine, Corporal Thew represented Captain Knowles and the Field Hospital at South Head.

    The Australian Mutual Provident Society, of which the father of the deceased officer is the accountant was represented by Messrs H. W. Apperly (general manager), C. A. Elliott (actuary), R. Thodey (manager industrial department), A Macqueen valuator), W. P. Baker, T. F. Kellett (Armidale). A. W. Sneddon, W. J. Milton, F. P. Russell and James Crichton, Dr. A. O. Wilson, and a considerable number of members of the general staff. The staff of Messrs Stephen, Jaques and Stephen (solicitors) was also well represented.

    Among others who attended the funeral were Professor Peden (representing the Sydney University Law School), Messrs G V Davey, N. Glover, Charles G. Campbell Christie, R. Innes Kay, A. G. Collins, and A. B. Berman (representing the Sydney University Law Society), Mr N. Heath (secretary University Club), Mr T. H. Nesbitt (town clerk), Mr V. P. Taylor (aviator), Mr A. Consett Stephen, Mr Colin C Stephen, Mr M. Consett Stephen, Rev D. C. Hughes, Messrs A. Gardiner, H. Carruthers, H. Dudley, A. E. Dudley, Arthur Dudley, F. J. Pettit, F. L. Saunders, C. L. Saunders, Percy Elliott, A. Gondolf, J. Quigley, J. W. Kingsbury, W. De Tores, E. K. Pepper, L. J. C. Weidner, W. Hothen, M. C. Cooper, T. C. Nesbitt, W. B. Joy, and H. Swinson.

    On arrival at the cemetery the coffin was carried to the grave, in the Methodist section, by Captain Parsons, Captain Dalton, Lieutenant Dawson (aviation officer), and Lieutenant’s Waterhouse, Parkinson, King, and Weine. Chaplain A. Stephen who officiated was assisted by the Rev. J. W. Holden (Kensington) and the Rev M. Reavley. Mr Stephen delivered an impressive address. The late Lieutenant Duckworth, he said while not permitted to go to the front like his two soldier brothers, had nevertheless given his bright young life for King and country. He had showed himself to be as brave and fearless as any of the gallant Australians who had laid down their life on the battlefield.

    The thoughts of all present, he was sure, were turned at that moment to the loving and patriotic mother who, sinking all selfish considerations, had allowed three of her sons to join the colours. God bless the brave mothers of these brave Australian soldier boys. The father and mother of Lieutenant Duckworth had made great sacrifices, while many others in Australia had done nothing to help in winning the war. God grant that men of the military age at this crisis would feel it their duty to fill the places of Reginald Duckworth and the other brave Australians who had died serving their country and doing their duty.

    Wreaths from the Royal Australian Flying Corps, the AMP Society, and the resident surgeons and nurses at the Melbourne Hospital were among the flowers which were placed on the grave.

    The solemn scene in the cemetery was closed with the sounding of the Last Post by Trumpeter Howe and Trumpeter Purcell, of the Royal Australian Artillery
     
  3. spidge

    spidge RAAF RESEARCHER

    :poppy:

    In Memory of
    Lieutenant
    Reginald Kaye Duckworth
    Australian Garrison Artillery who died on 16 November 1917 Age 23
    Remembered with Honour
    Sydney (Waverley) General Cemetery


    The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954) Saturday 16 November 1918, page 12
    Family Notices
    [FONT=&quot]DUCKWORTH.-In loving memory of Reginald Kaye
    Duckworth, of Woollahra, killed November 16, 1917,
    whilst flying at Laverton, Victoria.
    One fleeting year ago to-day,
    His spirit soared from mortal clay,
    And In a brighter, purer land,
    New-born, he lives to understand -
    Inserted by his sorrowing parents, brother Cecil, and
    for two brothers in France.

    [/FONT]
     
  4. Recce_Mitch

    Recce_Mitch Very Senior Member

    Geoff thats a great result.

    Cheers
    Paul
     
  5. CL1

    CL1 116th LAA and 92nd (Loyals) LAA,Royal Artillery

    Geoff
    excellent work
    well done and thank you

    regards
    Clive
     
  6. spidge

    spidge RAAF RESEARCHER

    I have had a really great week in realising some further information that had eluded me previously.

    I have found that there was another younger brother that I was not aware of.

    I have found a nephew who was the first son of Reginald Kaye's oldest brother and named Reginald in memory of his brother.

    I have spoken to him (he is 85) and he has newspaper clippings and a photo of Reginald Kaye which I thought I would never get.

    He was never aware that Reginald was not listed on the CWGC database. He just naturally thought that he was.

    So hopefully a few more things to put into operation over the next few months.

    I have a great idea for his memory, so will keep you advised.

    Cheers

    Geoff
     
  7. spidge

    spidge RAAF RESEARCHER

    Lieutenant Reginald Kaye Duckworth, B.A. and Law Sydney University.
    Son of Arthur and Matilda Duckworth of Woollahra, New South Wales
    Accidently Killed at Werribee, near Point Cook
    16th November 1917.

    Some great news to share on my completed research project - Especially as it occurred yesterday on Anzac Day at the base where he was stationed RAAF Williams, Point Cook Base, Victoria and four years after I found there was no surviving record of him ever being registered in any branch of the Australian Forces.

    Lieutenant Cadet Reginald Kaye Duckworth 6th A.G.A. attd AFC, nearly 97 years after his death, is now recognised and honoured as being the "First Military Aviation Training Death" in Australia. This is also relevant to the base at Point Cook as it is the oldest continuously operating Airfield in the world!

    This took me literally hundreds of hours of research and telephone calls to nearly all the Duckworth's in New South Wales as that is where he was buried with full Military Honours (I have all the attendees) and I have the only photo that exists of him in uniform.

    Well yesterday at the Dawn Service at Point Cook, Reginald Kaye Duckworth was included in the Anzac Day address with the Dedication of his plaque by Group Captain Terence Deeth, Chief of Staff, Air Force Training Group. The service was followed by the unveiling of the plaque by Group Captain Deeth with Reginalds 87 year old nephew Reginald there to witness the ceremony.

    Group Captain Deeth took this moment to remember the 1000's of Australians killed in training who are buried or memorialised in the UK, Canada, Australia and many other countries and of which Reginald Kaye Duckworth was the first.

    Reginald and his wife Raylene had travelled down to Melbourne by train to see the dedication. I drove them around the sights of Melbourne for a couple of days and picked them up for the Dawn Service where we were VIP guests and escorted from that time by the host officer, Flying Officer Mitch Heming who looked after Reginald, Raylene and myself like royalty (Great job).

    The unveiling was witnessed by most of the crowd of 400 who attended the service (they expected only the normal 200) and was a lovely moment for Reginald and Raylene and myself.

    My thanks to Squadron Leader Rod Humphries, XO 21 sqdn who put this great day together over the past few months and was Master of Ceremonies for the event.

    Some photos to follow - Many were too dark to post as the sun took its time in rising!!!!!!!!!!!!

    Lieutenant Reginald Kaye Duckworth (1894 - 1917)

    Duckworth_Reginald Kaye Copy 1600x1200.jpg

    Sq/L Humphries, Reginald, Raylene and F/O Mitch Heming

    IMG_4569 1600x1200.JPG

    Unveiling with Gr Captain Deeth

    IMG_4564 1600x1200.JPG

    Framed Photo I donated for Reginald to donate to the RAAF Museum given to Director David Gardner

    IMG_4571 1600x1200.JPG

    A Proud Reginald next to the Plaque

    IMG_4579 1600x1200.JPG

    The Reginald Kaye Duckworth Plaque

    IMG_4578 1600x1200.JPG

    The Plaque that reflects the Movements of the Australian Flying Corps 1915-1919

    IMG_4580 1600x1200.JPG

    Wreath Laying at the Memorial

    IMG_4583 1600x1200.JPG

    Reginalds Headstone at Waverley Cemetery in Sydney, New South Wales.

    Duckworth_RK Headstone 1600x1200.JPG

    Cheers

    Geoff
     
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  8. AndyBaldEagle

    AndyBaldEagle Very Senior Member

    Geoff
    A BIG WELL DONE in all that. four years is a long time but the final outcome is one that will remain with you for a very long time .... and now it's on the t'Internet, it will remain forever for all to see.

    Brought a lump to my throat reading it all.

    Regards
    Andy
     
  9. DaveB

    DaveB Very Senior Member

    Well done Spidge


    All of your efforts have led to this brilliant result.



    BZ
     
  10. spidge

    spidge RAAF RESEARCHER

    Thanks Dave and Andy!

    A really rewarding project especially for his nephew.

    I phoned them in Sydney and Reginald is still recovering with some well earned extra sleep.

    Cheers

    Geoff
     
  11. Bernard85

    Bernard85 WW2 Veteran WW2 Veteran

    good day spidge,very senio member.26 august,2012.03:06 pm.re:lt reginald kaye duckworth-#7 is a must read-this has taken nearly 4 years,an amazing story,you are to be congratulated for you hard work and research.thank you for sharing this great post.may LTduckworth rest in peace.regards bernard85 :poppy: :poppy:
     
  12. Andreas

    Andreas Working on two books

    Great job Spidge.

    All the best

    Andreas
     
  13. spidge

    spidge RAAF RESEARCHER

    Thanks Bernard and Andreas.

    This was the type of aircraft he was killed in. When setting one up in the RAAF museum, it apparently took three days to align all of the cables.

    Farman-P184.jpg
     
  14. susieoneil

    susieoneil New Member

    I have a picture of Lt Duckworth. My great grandparents had a small photo album with a lot of friends and relatives. I have been trying to identify them all. One of their friends was Lt Elliott Scott Inglis who was also a pilot at the same school.

    The caption on the back of the photo reads -
    "The young chap sitting down is Duckworth, killed from a fall of 1000ft from his machine. Scot was up in another machine at the same time & within a mile of him when he saw Duckworth lose control & fall."

    [​IMG]
     
  15. spidge

    spidge RAAF RESEARCHER

    Thank you very much Susie as the only photo "I thought" existed was the one I was given by his 87 year old nephew. The side profile takes a while before it looks like him in the professional photo. Looking at the buildings it was probably taken at Point Cook.

    Well you can surely put a caption to that photo now.

    How did you come across my thread? Just surfing the internet?

    .

    Cheers

    Geoff
     
  16. KevinBattle

    KevinBattle Senior Member

    Belated !Well Done!" Geoff.
    We've been out in our place in Spain since Easter so I missed the updates and have just caught up.

    I have this weird feeling that when we visited Point Cook in October last year there seemed to be some "buzz" regarding early training in WW1 so I don't know if work on the Memorial etc was starting about that time, but it almost "feels" like I knew the story before you told it......

    We certainly enjoyed our visit to Point Cook and were made welcome by a very sprightly (WW2 era?) volunteer greeter and whenever meeting any base personnel they were always meticulously polite. Only downside were the warnings in the pathways between the hangars about snakes which Mrs Axe dreads!

    Good job!
     
  17. The Cooler King

    The Cooler King Elite Member

    I admire your tenacity Spidge.... another lad has come in from the cold....... :D
     
  18. spidge

    spidge RAAF RESEARCHER

    Thanks Kevin and CK.

    The project gave me a lot of frustration initially however this turned to pleasure when it all came to fruition.

    Cheers

    Geoff
     

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