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Last Updated: Thursday, 08 January 2015 00:16

Written by Elizabeth Macilwain (Grand Daughter)

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(Sap)  Samuel Macilwain

Sapper Samuel Macilwain 9651, a Carpenter from Port Adelaide, South Australia, prior to enlistment 18 February 1916, he embarked with the 11th Field Company Engineers, Section 2 from Adelaide, South Australia, on board HMAT A29 Suevic on 31 May 1916.

Born on 31st March 1884 at 7 Park St. Glasgow

1891 Scotland Census,
Address: 47 Crawford St
Partick, Lanarkshire, Scotland
name: Saml Macilwain
event:Census
event date:1891
gender:Male
age:7
birthplace:Lanarkshire
registration district:Partick
county:Lanarkshire
estimated birth year:1884

Attended Kelvinhaugh Public School in 1896
From a book prize for attendance in Form VI

Apprenticeship as a joiner & cabinet maker at John Brown Shipbuilding Works, Clydebank. He was a journey man.

Arrived in Adelaide on 23/12/1907
No. 1046  ORIENT-PACIFIC LINE
Passengers' Contract Ticket for the Oruba to Adelaide on the 15th Nov 1907. It cost  £17 for Adult Third Class.

No. 2581 ORIENT LINE OF ROYAL MAIL STEAMERS
Passengers' Contract Ticket for the Ophir from the Port of Adelaide for London (Tilbury), via Suez Canal on the 3rd June 1910. It cost £19  for Adult Third Class.

UK Incoming Passenger Lists 1878-1960
Samuel Macilwan
Port of Departure:Brisbane, Australia
Arrival Date:8 Jul 1910
Port of Arrival:London, England
Ports of Voyage:Brisbane[Sydney] [Melbourne] [Adelaide] [Colombo]
Ship Name:Ophir
Shipping Line:Orient Steam Navigation Company Ltd
Official Number:98673

Name:Mr S Macilwain
Gender:Male
Departure Date:5 Jan 1912
Port of Departure:London, England
Destination Port:Adelaide, Australia
Ship Name:Otway
Shipping Line:Orient Line
Official Number:128282
Master:W T Cox
On the 4 Jun 1913 Samuel married Mary Agnes Tate at the residence of Rev. T. Shanks,(Presbyterian) Semaphore, S.A. Their first child Robert Ivor was born on 14 April 1914. They were living on the Esplanade at Semaphore.

AUSTRALIAN IMPERIAL EXPEDIONARY FORCE
11th Field Company (Queensland and South Australia) [Third Division]
Formed Queensland and South Australia March 1916. Departed Adelaide Suevic 31 May 1916.
Western Front

Macilwain, Samuel
Service Number:      9651
Rank/Calling:      Sapper
Unit:      11 FCE [Field Company Engineers] and 1 Reinforcements (May 1916)
Ship Name:      HMAT Suevic
Ship Number:      A29
Date of Embarkation:      31/05/1916
Place of Embarkation:      Adelaide

Certificate of Discharge of No 9651 Rank C.Q.M.S.
Macilwain Samuel
11th Field Coy. Engineers
Attested at Adelaide 18th Feb 1916 at age of 32year.
Served for 3 years and 288 days
Service abroad 3 years and 126 days
Discharged from Keswick Barracks,  Adelaide on 22nd Dec 1919.
Description on discharge
Age  35 years                  Height 5 feet 10 ins
Complexion  Medium    Eyes  Brown
Hair  Dark
Trade  Carpenter
Marks   Left arm 3 vacc marks

Intended Residence  5 Bute Terrace Semaphore Sth Aus.

From his daughter Marian (8-12-1996)

He enlisted in 1916 and sailed from Freemantle on 7th June 1916. His diary of the journey to Plymouth Sound and arriving on 21st July is written in indelible pencil and the writing is very small. An extract from a letter written to my mother dated 2nd Jan 1918 from Brightlingsea, England.

"Just six months ago at night on the 3rd July a party of us were coming out of the line, I was at the rear. Fritz had given us some hurry up that night, and on coming out he was still shelling heavy and one of his 5.9 shells struck the earth just at my right foot and the concussion threw me a few feet. The two sappers in front of me went up in the air. In falling my leg must have been wrenched, but at the time there was little pain. It was the following day that it commenced swelling and has been doing so very often since. Had the shell burst my career would have been finished, as it was I was lucky with getting a bad knee. "

From a diary he went on furlough to Glasgow on 23rd August. Later in the year he was classified as B1A3 and did not return to France. Mrs Harrigan was a nurse, my mother came out to Australia with. My mother met Dad on the ship in 1912 and continued on to Ashfield to nurse.

From One of the Diaries of Samuel Macilwan

Salisbury Plains November 19th 1916

snowing very heavy.
--- passing through Nieppe to Amentieres. Many buildings are to be seen which have suffered through the bombardment especially the church. The same state of affairs in Amentieres where one part of the town has suffered, many good buildings being in ruins. Occasionally shells still fall in the town doing damage. there are many splendid buildings around where we billet, which today are in ruins. Very monotonous of a night, as we have no where to spend the time except in Estaminets. Our festival season is passing very slowly except for shells. Today we came under shellfire and the working party cleared from the trenches. The shells were too close to be healthy. Left Larkhill camp capital Sailsbury Plains on Nov the 24th 1916 to proceed to France, via Southhampton by train. Then by ship to Havre, arriving there early on Saturday morning. It was raining heavy and the march to the rest camp was under bad conditions. In the evening attended picture show in the YMCA on returning to the tent it was still raining and during the night at intervals there was hail.

Sunday morning Nov 26th parade 9:00 am roll call then dissmissed. parade at 4:30 to leave by train for the front. November 27th & 28th travelling in train, disembarked at Bailleul, proceeded by motor charabane to village of the Pelew.

Nov 29th. billeting in hay shed.

Nov 30th. proceeded to Steenwerck, billeting in shed, very cold.

Dec 1st - 14th.

weather very cold with rain. Doing carpenter work about Head quarters. erecting motor garages to house five motors.

Dec 19th.

Snowing on afternoon has been very cold wirenetting during snow storm. Tonight writing letters.

Dec 21st.

Moved today from Steenwerck to Amentieres we are much better billeted, being in one of the buildings attached to what was a large factory. It has been battered about abit at some period. We have a large stove and electric light something better to the pig sties we were in at Steenwerck.

Dec 22nd.

Entered the trenches, the section being responsible for the drainage. Dec 23rd. Very heavy rains all day working in three ft of water wearing gum boots. Dec 24th. Christmas Eve. Day spent in the trenches until 2:00pm, held abit of sing song in the evening.

Dec 25th. Christmas Day. In the trenches. Working in drain with party until 2:30pm. Christmas dinner, steak and onions with a serve of plum pudding.

Dec 26th. Working in trenches called out rather early owing to a big strafe being on. The weather very cold.

Dec 27th. Weather very cold. Working in trenches.

Dec 28th. Very wet today in trenches strafe in afternoon.

Dec 29th. In trenches have met many old friends in the 43rd.

Dec 30th. Today being an off day we are mostly cleaning up a bit in our billet. As in the afternoon we are having a parade of the company. This morning we were issued with our trench comforts. Comforts consisting of four biscuits, a packet of sweets and half a packet of dates. It was very wet early this morning, but has cleared up. We were to have a bathing parade but it has been cut out, owing to the battalions changing over in the trenches. The 43rd Batt go in today for their spell, we will have different working parties tomorrow.

Dec 31st. Put today in the trenches had to stop owing to a big strafe. I saw a good bit of shelling not for from where we were working. returning to billet in the afternoon where we prepared for New Years Eve. In the evening we had rather a good time with singing and reciting. We had all retired long before 12:00 as we had to be up before 5:30am to pick up our parties.

January 1917. At this period we are having snow it is very unpleasant working in drains. I am working in a drain leading from the Front line back to the support, it is very low in parts and the German lines can be seen very distinctly. We usually have a few bullets around us in the morning but today the party and I were shelled out of it, some where falling to close to be healthy. So at a spell we cleared back to the subsidiary line. The drain in parts is very deep with a result we are often very wet. It is not too comfortable, but one has to put up with many little inconveniences during this period of the year. The old saying. Leading a dogs life is very well expressed about here in this respect. The French people making use of dogs by harnessing them to hand carts. They do the pulling while the person in charge just guides the cart. They are very big in limbs and are a good class. The other day i had a very near affair. When examining a trench mortar emplacement in company with--- Matters and other two, we had just taken out the board when a whiz-bang passed over our heads, other two followed the fourth and last one passing through the parapet covering us with earth and stones, we did not stay to long there. On going there on the following day, I had a close look at the channel that was cut in the parapet, it was fortunate we were in a kneeling position.

Feb 14. This past few days there has been some bombardment on this part. Last night the Germans made a raid on our trenches, there was some shelling on our part. From accounts they were soon sent back. we have all sorts of souvenirs in respect to nose caps of shells, that we pick up on our travels.

March 6th. Our section has handed over the working of the drainage to the Pioneers. Our work at present is to consist of Barb Wire entanglements, this will be done in shifts, which will necessitate night work. We are now stationed at Pont de Nieppe, in a R.E.Camp. In the morning we ride out in Pontoon Wagons to the trenches at Ploegsteert which is situated in Belgium. The trenches consisting of breastworks, they are  much better than those at Armentieres. As our supply of bread is limited we buy bread from the shop keepers, today being an off day. In company with H.Williams, we set out for our usual loaf. There being one bakers shop it was rather amusing witnessing the French women clamoring around the entrance pushing and hustling one another to get in. we were unfortunate in not being able to get our loaf. One part of our sector is in a large wood which from report was hunted by the king of Belgium in peace times, there is plenty of game. It is rather an interesting part even at the present times. But when summer comes on it will be rather beautiful when the trees are all with leaf. Of a morning we ride out in Pontoon Wagon but of an afternoon we have to walk back to camp and it is very tiresome more so after being in trenches a few hours.

Saturday March 24th. A most unpleasant incident happened in camp during our period on trenches, a 5.9 shell bursting over our huts. Some of the shrapnel coming through the roof of our hut. The nosecap and shell crashed through the dining room, the cook having a narrow escape it was quite the topic of camp in the evening when we returned. May 19th. Having four days leave. today six of us cycled to the town of Hazelrouch a distance of 16 miles from Pont de Nieppe. Leaving camp at 8:30 am we arrived in the town of Bailleul at 9:30. After light refreshment we proceeded on the way passing through villages. On two occasions we made a halt, by 12 noon we arrived at Hazelrouch, after storing cycles we had dinner then went sight seeing. We visited the Chappel Notre Dame. the interior being magnificent. Leaving Hazebrouck at 3:30 pm by easy stages we arrived back in camp by 9:00 pm. We enjoyed the trip the day being ideal. The country was at its best. The towns and villages are some what similar. The roads are very bad for cycling cobbles all the way. We were tired after we reached camp.

Today May 20. Spent afternoon in camp, this afternoon resting in public park at Pont de Nieppe, it is pleasant in the shade of trees, just puts one in mind of the Park Lands about Adelaide. We can hear the continual boom around Amentieres and Ploegsteert. It is more lively these days. Airplanes are numerous. For four days previous to the Messines Stunt we were continually shelled out of camp of a night. On Wednesday morning June 6 Fritz commenced Shelling very early in the morning, two of the shells dropping in the camp. Some of the lads being knocked. We made for some old trenches close by, and stopped there for the remainder of the night. At half past twelve Thursday morning we moved from Pont de Nieppe to Weka Camp. Romarin, just before reaching there we had to fit on our gas helmets, there being tear gas in abundance. Our Division took Messines that morning. We moved out to the breastworks Ploegsteert Wood, by a circuitous route as Fritz was shelling very heavy. That evening a few of us were detailed off to do some communication trenches but we could not get near the part as Fritz had a barrage up. We made back to the breastworks. We were unfortunate in losing some of our lads. During the day we were continually under shellfire. We were out again in the evening. We had just managed to dig in when Fritz opened out, and gave us about five hrs heavy shelling. At this period we moved to Romain from there to La Boudrelle. Every alternate day we had to rise at 2:30 am have breakfast then ride out on pontoon wagon to Hydepark  Corner. , arriving there by 6 AM we had then to do 12 hours in the trenches, arriving back in camp by 9 p.m. Our work consisting in making strong point at Grey Farm. A few days later we moved camp to Neuve Eclise, our work at this period being in the line consolidating. My last night out. We came under Fritz's Barrage being in support line. On making back to pontoon wagon, by the mule track I was knocked over by a shell bobbing at my feet. Fortunately it was a dud. The outcome being a touch of Synavitas Right knee. For three weeks I lay about camp, under medical attention. Frm camp rode in Ambulance to field Hospital, stayed there 3 days, moved onto D.R.S. as knee was not improving was sent onto C.C.S. at Steenwerck. The following boarded train to Boulogne, the journey being very monotonous lasting 12 hrs. Stayed 3 days at 2nd Aus . Gen. Hos. And was then passed on to England. The journey across the Channel was a bit rough, on arriving at dover, traveled to London by train, then by motor to Richmond hospital.

Weymouth

On Sunday Sept 9th was before the Doctor. Marked N. D. and reclassification.. Monday before no 2 Doctor, classified same BI. AI. Tuesday before No 3 Doctor kept back from draft. Wednesday before No 4 Doctor. 14 days exempt from duty. Thursday before No 5 Doctor and marked for draft. Friday arrived late in the afternoon at Codford Medical Inspection by No 6 Doctor. Saturday morning Medical Inspection marked B1. A3. A full week of doctors.

Wednesday Sept 19th Have been on dental parade, having tooth filled. On yesterday's classification still B1. A3.
Since July 3rd. From Neuve Eiglise to La Bourdrelle then to FH. From there to C.C.S. Steenwerck on to 2nd Gen Hos Boulogne then to Military Hopspital Richmond, from there to Harefield then onto Monte Vides Camp and Westham Weymouth, sent on draft to Codford. Since Arriving I have met some of the lads who left the company in the early days in France. We usually of an evening meet passing the time in strolling around this part. At present Sept 30th I am classified B1. A3 and having my teeth remodeled. My duties are very light during the past few days have been attending to an incinerator. This period is being spent rather pleasant. Nov 10th On Tuesaday Nov 6th the depot moved from Codford to Hurdcott. Our is not so finely situated. It is rather cold and wet during this period. Winter commencing to set in very rapidly.

Nov 13th. On four days leave to Glasgow, returning again to Hurdcott 

Fri. 16th. Very cold and misty about the plains.

On Sat 17th after muster parade attended dental hut. The weather at this period is very mild for the season.

Wednesday 28th Nov. On Dental parade, have been fixed up with plates now. Large drafts coming and going each day now. Weather cold and windy. Evening are mainly spent on cards playing and writing.

Dec 2nd. Left Hurdcott for Sandhill camp. Warminster on Saturday Dec 1st. Left this camp on Dec 14th for Brightlingsea, in billet here. The weather at this period is very cold and frosty.

On Dec 19th visited the Colchester hospital to have my knee measured for an elastic bandage, while there spent rather a good time about the town. On two occasions since have been before Medical Boards one on Feb 6th and April 9th classified at present C1. Doing duties as camp carpenter. Moved from billets on 15 May, and under canvasat Recreation Ground. Sleeping 10 men in bell tent. Have now moved shop to Large tent, and sleeping there.

May 29th Large draft of returned soldiers ready to leave. Weather very warm.

July 17. In charge of Technical Store. Have to put up -ipe for time being. At times rather bust. Lately there has been large drafts of overseas men returning to France.

 

From University of SA Teachers Web Site

Rank
Appointed     Date
Appointed     School     Salary     Service
Year     Inspection
%     Inspection
Date     Classification     Inspector's
Comments
Asst Instr Woodwkg      9 Aug 1920      Apprentice Classes S A Schl of Mines      250/      1920
Asst Instr Woodwkg      1 Jan 1921      Apprentice Classes S A Schl of Mines      250/      1921
Asst Instr Woodwkg      1 Jul 1921      Apprentice Classes S A Schl of Mines      260/      1921
Trade Instruct Carpentry & Joinery      1 Jan 1922      Woodwkrs Trade Schl      260/      1922
until
Trade Instruct Carpentry & Joinery      1 Jan 1933      Woodwkrs Trade Schl      304/      1933

Arb Court Award 31 Oct 1925; Arb Court Award 18 Oct 1930; Arb court Award 3 Oct 1931
. "The following information supplied by letter 18 Apr 1921 but not verified:- Higher grade, Pub Schl Glasgow 1898
Tech cl Glasgow 1899 - 1900 - Woodwork,
Bldg const Indentured Appr Cabinet Mak, Ships' Joiner - Brown & co, Scotland,
1898- 1903,
Journeyman to 1907.
Proceeded to Aust. Cabinet Maker, Whitley & Green 1908,
Slade, Pt Ad 1909 - 1914,
A I F 1916 - 1919,
Walker & Morris"

1930 Sands & McDougalls
Macilwain Saml    trade instructor,  Alsop St, Semaphore

Australian Death Index 1787-1985
Samuel Macilwain
Death Date:21 Mar 1933
Death Place:South Australia
Registration Year:1931-1935
Registration Place:South Australia
Page Number:415
Volume Number:546