William Alexander Rudolph Menz

Signaller William Alexander Randolf Menz, M.M.

The Daylesford Advocate, Yandoit, Glenlyon and Eganstown Chronicle carried a number of reports and letters from locals serving in the war during its brief life, (1914-1918) The following relate to William Alexander Randolf Menz, grandson of Abel Menz (Johan Abel , Prussian, born, June 21 1835 publican, Hepburn Old Racecourse Hotel and former Alderman and President of the Shire, died 16 May, 1903. In the papers The Daylesford Advocate, Yandoit, Glenlyon and Eganstown Cronicle and reported 26 August 1916 “Signaller W. R. Menz, of Hepburn, who had been right through the Gallipoli campaign, has been reported wounded in France. Signaller Menz was amongst the first batch of Daylesford volunteers, and has had some singular and sensational escapes while fighting. When in Turkey he had his khaki not exactly riddled by bullets, but his pocket, sleeve and shoulder strap shot away. His bright cheerful letters were numerous and were always eagerly sought after, and he has had the sympathy of his many friends here. Signaller Menz is the son of Mr W. Menz, of Hepburn.

The Daylesford Advocate, Yandoit, Glenlyon and Eganstown Cronicle published, on 31 October 1916, a letter from Gunner A. C. King, to his mother “There is a chap from Hepburn here, in hospital. His name is Quicksie Menz. He went through the Gallipoli Peninsular campaign, from the landing to the evacuation, without a scratch. Then he had four months in France and got a shell splinter in his wrist at Pozieres. He has been recommended for the D. C. M. by Colonel Mitchell, commander of the 7th Battalion. He was telling me about some of the Daylesford boys on the peninsula. They were all in his battalion (the 7th), and he tells me that W. Menadue and R. Anderson, who used to work at Walton's, died in Ned Monaghan's arms. W. Menadue was shot through the chest and died almost instantly, and Armstrong got a bullet in the forehead. Charlie Martin also was killed there near where Quicksie was fighting. He received a bullet and got six more as he was falling. P. Robson is missing still. They think he is a prisoner in Constantinople, I will be fighting about a month before Christmas.  
Letters 6.4.16 Mr J. T. Uren is in receipt of a letter from Signaller W. A. R. Menz, who is serving with the colors in France. The writer states that he has celebrated two birthdays on the battlefield and is still going strong. He desired to be remembered to all of his Hepburn friends. 30.1.17 SIGNALLER W. A. R. MENZ WRITES. Signaller W. A. R. Menz, writing from the Command Depot, Wareham, Dorset, England, to a Hepburn young lady, re marks ;- "Just a few lines in answer to your last letter which I received to-day dated 13/10/16.' I am glad to see that you are well as it leaves me at present. We are having exceptionally cold weather here just now; heavy frosts every morning. The days are not so bad though there has not been any rain for three weeks. I had a letter from the boys in France yesterday dated 2/12/16; they are doing well, but they complain about the cold. They tell me it is the coldest weather they have ever known; more men are being sent away from the line with sickness than from actual wounds. They were still in the trenches when they sent that letter, but hoped to go back for a spell before long. I did not get your parcel you said you posted with your letter, but I will get it alright. They are very busy at the Camp's post office here, there being about 8000 men to look after with mail, so we cannot help a little delay. The boys are all fairly well and send their kind regards. I have not heard from Trevor Mead lately; Alf Collins is here in camp with us, he is in the 21st battalion. One of C. Graham's boys is also here, he is in the 13th Light Horse regiment (the devil's own); he has got a staff job in the Q.M. store. Alf Collins will be leaving for the front very shortly again.

I was very pleased to hear that you saw my name in the paper mentioned in despatches;

I have been awarded the military medal and I am now wearing the ribbon; it looks very fine indeed, I have received letters of congratulation from the boys in my signal section, also from the officers of the battalion, and they were very proud indeed of me winning it. It was awarded on the 17th November at the battle of the Somme for conspicuous gallantly in action, carrying despatches and tending wounded under heavy fire.  The Colonel, in a letter he wrote to me, said he had recommended me for a higher decoration than the one I now hold but the division headquarters cut them down, I don't mind, as I was not thinking of winning medals at that time, I was thinking more of getting my despatches through and getting my wounded mates near me out of danger.  Anyway it will be a token to bring back after the war.  How is the Hepburn Springs' water since the Frenchman's Reef stopped working? Louie Rolleri told me it was running again. Remember me to all Hepburn and Springs."

5.1.17 SIGNALLER W. A. R. MENZ WINS MEDAL. Mr J. T. Uren, of Hepburn, has received the following letter from Signaller W. A. R. Menz, written from No. 4 Command Depot, Wareham, Dorset, England, where he is recovering from wounds. The letter is dated November 18: Just a few lines to let you know how things at present are. For a start the weather is not too good; it is wet and cold to-day. A little snow fell this morning, but it is a little brighter this afternoon, although cold. I am sending you a clipping of the "Daily Telegraph" with my name in the Military Medal list of presentations.

It is four months since I was recommended for the decoration, but it has only just came through, and is dated 17/11/16. It is very nice for me to win such an honor. Well, old boy, it will be a D.C.M. next time with a little luck .

I can tell you we had a hell of a time the morning I won it. We were getting shot at from all quarters when I jumped up and volunteered to carry a despatch through a heavy barrage of artillery fire. After getting it through to headquarters I started back for my battalion again with an urgent reply, but got skittled 100 yards off the battalion. I was bowled over like a rabbit, but my wounds were only a flea-bite compared to some of the boys. I was up again and off for my life to the battalion headquarters and gave in my message, after which I was sent to the doctor at the dressing station to have my wounds attended to.  I am now pretty fit again and will join my regiment after Christmas. Intend going to London for 10 days at Christmas.  I have some friends living at South Kensington, about 10 miles out of London, and will stay with them. They are nice people and used to come and see me in the hospital.  I had a letter from my mates in France a few days ago, and they were well then, but were up to their necks in mud, the weather having been very wet there.  I had a fine time on furlough.  Was in Scotland for a few days; it was lovely weather then. Remember me to all the boys at Hepburn and Springs, also to All  ? O. I am in the library in the town here, and am just going to have a game of billiards with an old pal.  I am fairly good at the game now. I have played in three tournaments here, but have only secured third place so far.  With best wishes from your old pal, WILLIE MENZ."   

6.3.17 SIGNALLER W. A. R. MENZ WRITES. Signaller W. A. Menz has written to Mr J. T. Uren, of Hepburn, under date 7th of January from No 4 Command Depot, Worget Camp, Wareham, Dorset:- "We are not having too bad of weather just now. I have had a good rest, which was just what I needed. I am fine again now, and suppose I will soon be going back to the front again. Yes, old boy, I have heard that the old spring has started to run again. We are taking a long time to knock Fritz, out alright, but watch closely about March or April as big things will be doing about then. I sent the photograph to you alright, old boy, you will receive it in due course.

I have seen the Somme pictures in the La Scala theatre in London.  They were not too bad, but not as good as one would wish to see, as a lot has been cut out of the film by the Board of Censorship.  We had a ballot on the conscription question on 17/10/16, but did not get any details as to how the voting went.  I had a letter and a parcel from my aunt in W.A. to day, for which I was very grateful.  Well, Jack, old boy, address your letters care of Administrative Headquarters, 130 Horseferry Road, Westminster, London, S.W. I will get them direct then, I may join my battalion very soon now and that address will find me quickly. Notes: BDM Dates from My Heritage William Menz seems to have lived at 58 Chestnut Street Richmond.  (40’s and early 50’s.  His brother Clarrie was rejected for WWI but served in WWII.  From Trove it appears he joined the Army as a cook in WWII and escaped from Rabul.   Wife -Gladys Maude died 18 9 50 (names TROVE WA advertising notice 1950) William is the father of William Kevin (15. 6. 1922-22. 9. 1981) (wife Glennis children Sheron, Michael and Roy), Allan, Joyce, Joan, Elaine, Gladys, and  Clarence Norman Menz, (father of David Norman John, Phillip James, Paul William and Cheryl Menz)