Baxter Brothers

Two sons of William Baxter and his wife Mary Jane nee Thomas served in WW1, and both served at Gallipoli in 1915.

Their eldest son Cecil William Baxter was born in 1892 at Milton, he enlisted into service at Murwillumbah in Aug 1914, joining the 3rd Brigade Australian Field Artillery with serial number 5, with a trade of engineer. He rose up the ranks to Lieutenant. He was killed In action when serving with the 3rd Field Artillery Brigade in Belgium, 13 Aug 1917, buried Coxyde Military Cemetery, Belgium II G 21.

He received the Distinguished Conduct Medal for his efforts when serving at Gallipoli: “For conspicuous gallantry and resource on 12th and 13th July 1915, on the Gallipoli Peninsula, when, under a heavy shell and rifle fire, he continually repaired telephone lines, thereby assisting to maintain communications at a time when any interruption would have entailed serious consequences. Bombardier Baxter has previously been brought to notice for coolness and bravery in performing similar work during the period from the 6th to the 15th May”
Source: ‘Commonwealth Gazette’ No. 28 Date: 24 Feby 1916.

The second son of William and Mary Baxter was Clarence Sydney Baxter, who was born 1895 at Termeil. He enlisted also at Murwillumbah like his older brother on 22 Dec 1914. With the A Corps Sig C serial number 1468, he served at Gallipoli in Nov 1915, after serving in France he returned to Australia in Apr 1919.

Both brothers’ names are on the Milton Public School and Yatte Yattah Community Honour Rolls.

Milton Ulladulla Anzacs © Cathy Dunn: Ulladulla.Info