William Bertie Claude Moulden
From Our Contribution
 | |
| Personal Information | |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | 9 Dec 1896 |
| Place of Birth | Port Macdonnell, South Australia |
| Death | 19 Sep 1929, aged 33 |
| Place of Death | Kalgoorlie Hospital, Western Australia |
| Age at Enlistment | 19 years, 3 months |
| Description |
5'5½" (1.66m) tall ; 120lbs 54.431 kg ; dark complexion ; blue eyes ; dark brown hair |
| Occupation | Clerk |
| Religion | Church of England |
| Address | Astley street, Gosnells, Western Australia |
| Next of Kin | Father , Mr William Moulden |
| Military Information | |
| Reg Number | 2219 |
| Date of Enlistment | 26 Feb 1916 |
| Rank | Private |
| Unit/Formation | 51st Battalion, 4th Reinforcement |
| Date of Embarkation | 9 Aug 1916 ‒ 25 Sep 1916 |
| Ship Embarked On | HMAT A28 Miltiades |
| Date of Return | 9 Dec 1918 ‒ 19 Jan 1919 |
| Ship Returned On | HMAT A8 Argyllshire |
| Fate | Returned to Australia (medical) |
| Monument | Gosnells Road Board Honour Roll |
| Medals |
British War Medal Victory Medal |
Pre War
War Service
On arrival in England he was sent to the 13th Training Battalion to prepare for France. On 5 Nov 1916 he was charged with overstaying his leave from 1:00am 31 Oct 1916 until 6:00am 1 Nov 1916. Awarded 7 days confined to camp and forfeited 2 day's pay.
On 16 Jan 1917 William proceeded overseas to France on the HMT Princess Victoria from Folkestone where he entered the 4th Division's Base Depot before being taken on strength by the 51st battalion on 22 Jan 1917. On 20 Feb 1917 he was charged with "When on active service irregular conduct - urinating on Company Lines". He was awarded 14 day's Field Punishment No 2 (see notes).
On 4 Apr 1917 he was sought treatment for Scabies, and was seen first by the 4th Australian Field Ambulance, before passing through the hands of the 56th Casualty Clearing Station on 10 and 11 Apr 1917, and the 11th Stationary Hospital on 12 & 13 Apr 1917. On 14 Apr he entered the No 2 Convalescent Depot, and then on 18 May 1917 the 4th Divisions Base Depot in France. Sent back to England the next day, after treatment he was detached for duty with the Australian Army medical Corps Details at Parkhouse on 22 Jun 1917.
On 24 Jul 1918 he was found at the Tidworth Military Hospital to have corneal adhesion, and sent to the Delhi Hospital the same day. Two months later on 24 Sep 1918 he was discharged to the No 1 Command Depot where he remained until 2 Nov 1918 when he transferred to the No 2 Command Depot preparatory to being sent home for medical reasons (Bronchitis and blindness).
Discharged by the 5th Military District on 11 Mar 1919.
Post War
In 1924 Bill married Agnes Emma Hadlow in Fremantle. Agnes died 30 Mar 1978 aged 100 in Melville.
Electoral Roll entries: 1919 at 10 Weld avenue, North Perth, clerk; 1925 Waddell street, East Fremantle with Agnes Emma. No children
FATAL FALL DOWN STAIRS - BOULDER BARMAN'S DEATH. About 6 o'clock on Monday morning last Albert Moulden who was employed as a yardman-barman at the Terminus Hotel, Boulder, was going down the stairs from his room on the second floor when he slipped and fell, Mr. Powell, the Licensee, heard the fall, and rushing to the staircases saw Moulden lying, huddled up at the bottom. Dr Way was summoned and ordered Moulden's removal to the Kalgoorlie Government Hospital. He was suffering from a fracture of the base of the skull and cerebral haemorrhage. He was detained at the hospital for treatment. His condition, improved considerably until Thursday evening, when he took a bad turn. Moulden died as a result of his injuries at 11.30 o'clock on Thursday night. The deceased, who was a returned soldier, was a single man. His Mother resides in Perth. When her son met with the accident she came to the goldfields to see him. The deceased suffered from gas as the result of the Great War.[1]
MOULDEN. — On September 19, dearly beloved husband of Agnes Emma Moulden, of Palmyra. Peacefully sleeping.MOULDEN. — On September 19, at Kalgoorlie Hospital, as result of an accident, W. B. Claude, dearly beloved eldest son of Mr. and Mrs. W. Moulden, of 236 Newcastle-street, Perth, and loved brother of May (Mrs. Fred. Barnett), Vera (Mrs. C. Henderson), Eric, and Harold. At rest.
MOULDEN. — On September 19, at the Kalgoorlie Hospital, as the result of an accident, W. B. Claude, beloved eldest brother of May (Mrs. F. A. Barnett), brother-in-law of F. A. Barnett, and devoted uncle of Kenneth and Audrey. Peacefully sleeping.[2]
Notes
Field punishment could be awarded by a court martial or a commanding officer for any offence committed on active service.
There were two categories of field punishment. Field punishment No. 2 consisted of heavy labouring duties. All offenders awarded field punishment would march with their unit, carry their arms and accoutrements, perform all their military duties as well as extra fatigue duties, and be treated as defaulters
Although called Albert (ie Bertie) in the above story, he was buried at Karrakatta under his correct names. His marriage is registered but perhaps he had to go to Boulder in search of work. Agnes never remarried.