Ward De Lano Garran / George Willis Smith's Life Story (My 2nd Maternal Great-Grandfather)

Hi everyone, I would like to introduce a life story I have been working on for my 2nd great-grandfather Ward De Lano Garran / George Willis Smith on my Mum's maternal side from my maternal Nanna's side. He has such an interesting life, I have asked my family for permission and I want to share it with you all.

-Jenn Price | @jennsfamilytreejourney

Check out my links here: https://jennprice.my.canva.site/jftjlinks

WARD DE LANO GARRAN / GEORGE WILLIS SMITH

LIFE STORY

1889-1961

EARLY LIFE

Ward De Lano Garran was born on the 18th of November 1889 in Montreal, Canada to parents Charles Clifford Garran (1856-1896) and Juliette Priscilla Smith (1857-1897). Charles and Juliette had 9 children together ​​Minnie Smith Garran (1876-1937), Henry Franklin Smith Garran (1878-1950), Charles Fletcher Smith Garran (1880-1881), George Smith Garran (1882-1882), Norman Smith Garran (1885-1916), Floretta V Smith Garran (1887-1888), Ward De Lano Garran (1889-1961), Everett W Smith Garran (1892-1893) and Harvey Hill Smith Garran (1895-1983). 

IMMIGRATION AND LIFE IN AUSTRALIA

At the age of 17 years old, he immigrated with his brother Norman Smith Garran to Australia from America in July 1906 on the Handee ship and arrived in Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia. In August 1914 he was 25 years old and wanted to become a permanent citizen in the Commonwealth of Australia so he signed the Application For Certificate Of Naturalization stating he had been in Australia for 8 years since July 1906. Since his arrival to Australia, he has lived in the following locations: Newcastle, New South Wales 2 years, Wyong, New South Wales 6 months, Kurri Kurri for 4 years and Brisbane, Queensland 1 year and 6 months. 

FIRST WORLD WAR FIRST ENLISTMENT – 1915

Ward enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force for the First World War on the 16th of July 1915 in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. On the record Ward’s physical description had the following: 

Age: 25 years and 9 months

Height: 5 feet and 7 ½ inches

Complexion: Dark

Eyes: Brown

Hair: Black

Religious Denomination: Baptist 

Distinctive Marks: Tattoo on the left arm

He became Private Ward De Lano Garran and was part of the 31st Infantry Battalion Australian Imperial Force (AIF) group. 

WARRANT AND DISCHARGE

On the 13th of August 1915, he was deserted from camp and was given a warrant from the Military Forces of the Commonwealth he was conveyed to the Victoria Barrack to be dealt with according to the law this was given on the 1st of October 1915. Ward then returned to Australia to Lismore, New South Wales on sick leave. 

On 13 October 1915 Constable Buttsworth reported that Private Ward De Lano Garran made a false statement and feigned injury received on active service. He claimed to Constable Buttsworth he was a returned wounded soldier with a limp and an injured knee while he was on service in the First World War. 

Constable Buttsworth wrote a statement of evidence letter to the Commanding Officer.

1ST LETTER OF STATEMENT OF EVIDENCE against Pte WARD DE LANO GARRAN 31ST BATT AIF

To the Commanding Officer. 

Sir, 

On the 13th of October 1915, I was on duty at the Drill Hall Lismore, at about 10 am the accused was conducted to me by Constable Buttsworth of the Lismore Police for identification, he having been reported as representing himself as a returned wounded soldier, he was walking with a pronounced limp and stated that he has been injured in the knee while on service. 

I asked the man to produce his Home Leave Pass, he replied that he was not issued with one but was on sick leave I then asked him his name and regiment, he replied Pte Garrard Ninth Rein of the Ninth. 

I then wired Defence Brisbane for verification but their reply was Vide Q.3442 nothing known here of Pte Garrard Ninth Rein of the Ninth. After that, I tried to make further enquiries about this man but found that he had gone to reside out of Lismore.

On the 9-11-15 Pte Ward De Lano Garran reported himself to me as a deserter from the 31st Infantry, I at once wired Brisbane for verification and instructions, and complied with same, the accused being arrested on the 11th November KK by the police at Lismore as a deserter.

Lismore 

12-11-15 

J. B. Marsden S.S.M.I.S  C.M.F

2ND LETTER OF STATEMENT OF EVIDENCE against Pte WARD DE LANO GARRAN 31ST BATT AIF

To the Commanding Officer, 

Sir, 

On the 13th of October, I was on duty at the Drill Hall Lismore, I was present when the accused was conducted to the Drill Hall by Constable Buttsworth for identification. 

I was present when S.S.M.Marsden asked him his name and regiment, he replied Pte Garrard Nine of the Ninth, when asked why he was walking lame, he stated that he was injured in the knee while on service. 

When asked for his pass he stated that he was not in possession of one as he was on sick leave. 

Lismore

12-11-15

J.B.P While A/S=S.M Inst Staff C.M.F

There were several urgent telegrams after these letters of statements between Lismore, New South Wales and Defence, Brisbane from Lieutenant Osbourne, D’Arcy and Marsden determining Pte Ward De Lano Garran’s warrant and whether to arrest him. Ward was discharged from the Australian Imperial Force (AIF) at the end of 1915. His arrest was suspended and he was free to go.

NAME CHANGE AND MARRIAGE 

Ward decided to change his full name to George Willis De Lano Smith between the end of 1915 and early 1916 most likely due to his discharge from the Australian Imperial Force (AIF) and warrant in Lismore, New South Wales. At the time of his name change, he got a job as a chef. He went on to marry a woman named Amy Elizabeth Hinton on the 22nd of July 1916 in Brisbane, Queensland. The couple resided in Woolloongabba, Queensland near Brisbane City.

FIRST WORLD WAR SECOND ENLISTMENT - 1917

George (Ward) and Amy moved to Newcastle, New South Wales in 1917. Now with his name change, he enlisted a second time to the Australian Imperial Force (AIF) under his new name. When he enlisted he changed some details on the form he was now married to Amy Elizabeth Hinton, he had a slightly defective left eye and stated he was from Boston, Massachusetts, United States even though from his first enlistment record in 1915 he said he was from Montreal, Canada, however, he changed his identity due to the warrant and been discharged the first time from the war. He enlisted for the 2nd time on the 31st of December 1917 at Newcastle, New South Wales.

On the record George (Ward)’s physical description had the following: 

Age: 29 years and 1 month

Height: 5 feet and 6 ½ inches

Complexion: Dark

Eyes: Brown

Hair: Black

Religious Denomination: Baptist 

Distinctive Marks: Tattoo WGD on the left arm with an American flag & eagle

On the 2nd of October 1917, George didn’t pass his physical check as he was re-examined and rejected due to his slightly defective left eye so he was returned to camp on the 3rd of October 1917. George was sent home to Newcastle, New South Wales.

BIRTH OF CHILDREN AND GRANDCHILDREN

George (Ward) and Amy Elizabeth went on to have 3 children together including Norman Smith (1921-1936) named after George (Ward)’s brother Norman Smith Garran, Amy Elizabeth Smith (1926-2000), Raymond John Manning Smith (1929-1979) and one stepson from another relationship of Amy Elizabeth’s her son Jack Hinton (1912-1959).

His eldest son Norman Smith died at 15 years old on the 20th of April 1936 from a drowning incident in Tinonee, New South Wales. His son Raymond John Manning Smith never married and had no children he lived at home with his parents. His daughter Amy Elizabeth Smith went on to marry Samuel Cooper (1887-1963); they had 3 children together Samuel John (1947-1990), Katherine Joyce (1952-Living) and Carol Audrey (1953-Living). Lastly his stepson Jack Hinton moved out of home, he got married to Mary Ann and had some children whose names are unknown.

SECOND WORLD WAR ENLISTMENT AND SERVICE 1942-1943

George (Ward) enlisted for the second world war in the Australian Army on the 24th of February 1942 in the location of Ulmarra, New South Wales and place of enlistment in Paddington, New South Wales. He was given the title of Private George Willis Smith N390074. He was discharged from the Australian Army and returned to Australia on the 19th of January 1943 by camp staff. 

DEATH

George (Ward) was a pensioner in his later years. He suffered from coronary occlusion and arteriosclerosis, a condition that affects the arteries that supply the heart with blood. He passed away on the 21st of April 1961 at the age of 71 years old.

DISCLAIMER:

To be best of my knowledge, every material I've researched was obtained from images, additional information from family members, and official websites for genealogy. Nothing written or posted here will be modified or amended unless it is proven true and supported by proof. © Copyright Jenn's Family Tree Journey (JFTJ). All Rights Reserved.