Vivian Theophilus England DSO (1894 - 1951)

Born 4 Jan 1894 in Stanmore, New South Wales, Australia

Ancestors

Husband of Enid Laura (Clarke) England — married 1921 in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia

Died 19 Sep 1951 at age 57 in Ryde, New South Wales, Australia

Biography

Vivian Theophilus England DSO was born on 4th January 1894 at Stanmore, New South Wales (Australia). He was the older but only surviving son of Theophilus England and Mary Gram. ^[1] The family moved to Tamworth, on New South Wales' lower New England Tableland while Vivian was still young.

Vivian England DSO is an Anzac who served in World War One.

On 25th May 1915, England enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force (AIF) for service during the First World War and embarked with the 12th Light Horse Regiment in June aboard HMAT Suevic A29. ^[3] Trooper England deployed with the regiment to Gallipoli in August and remained until the evacuation in December. The 12th Light Horse joined the forces defending the Suez Canal on 14th May 1916 and, in ensuing months, conducted patrols and participated in several forays out into the Sinai Desert. England transferred to the newly-formed Australian Flying Corps, being commissioned as a Lieutenant. He returned to Australia 18th October 1919. ^[4] After the war, Vivian transferred to the Commonwealth Military Force (Militia).

England married Enid Clarke in 1921 at Sydney, New South Wales. ^[5]

Vivian England DSO is a Military Veteran.
Served in the Second Australian Imperial Force 1939-1945
2/3rd Australian Infantry Battalion

England transferred as a Lieutenant Colonel into the Second Australian Imperial Force on 16th October 1939 for service during the Second World War. ^[6] He was immediately appointed commanding officer and tasked with forming the 2/3rd Australian Infantry Battalion. England led his battalion to Egypt where, after further training, the battalion distinguished itself in the attacks on Bardia and Tobruk in January 1941. For his leadership at Tobruk, he was appointed Companion of the Distinguished Service Order (DSO) on 9th May 1941. ^[7] In the March he was transferred to staff duties. He was de-mobilised on 31st January 1945.

He passed away, aged 57 years, on 19th September 1951 at Ryde, New South Wales. ^[8]

Sources

1. ↑ New South Wales Birth Index #27507/1894; registered at Petersham
2. ↑ AIF attestation papers; 14 Jun 2020
3. ↑ Australian War Memorial embarkation roll: 414 Private Vivian Theophilus England; accessed 14 Jun 2020
4. ↑ Australian War Memorial nominal roll: 414 Lieutenant Vivian Theophilus England; accessed 14 Jun 2020
5. ↑ New South Wales Mariage Index #760/1921
6. ↑ Department of Veterans' Affairs nominal roll: NX6 Lieutenant Colonel Vivian Theophilus England; accessed 14 Jun 2020
7. ↑ Australian Honours: Vivian Theophilus England DSO; accessed 14 Jun 2020
8. ↑ New South Wales Death Index #23399/1951