Sergeant Herbert Warland, AIF

Arrival in Victoria - 1913: Herbert (Jack) Warland

Herbert (Jack) Warland (24 October 1895, Horsham UK - 7 March 1929, Wangaratta, Australia) was the son of William Edward Warland who had been in Australia from 1887 to 1891 when he returned to the UK.

1913 - Arrival in Australia

The 17 year old Herbert Warland arrived in Australia on 14 July 1913 on board the SS Orama, with his uncle Albert John Warland, who had possibly offered him a job as a salesman. Based on the details below, it seems he worked in some kind of commercial/sales role.

1916 - Herbert Warland joins the Australian Imperial Forces

Herbert Warland (serial number 1988) enlisted with the Australian Imperial Forces (AIF) on 26 January 1916. A month later, on 21 February 1916, he was assigned to the mostly Victorian 39th Infantry Battalion (10th Brigade) AIF, that was raised at the Ballarat showgrounds in Victoria. The Battalion was commanded by Lt Col Robert Rankine.

After training in Ballarat, the 39th marched through Melbourne on 15 May 1916. The Battalion embarked on the HMAT Ascanius on 27 May 1916, bound for the UK. After arrival in July 1916, the Battalion trained for four months at Larkhill on Salisbury Plain. In late November 1916, the Battalion landed at Le Havre and then moved to the trenches of the Western Front. The 29th Battalion relieved the AIF 37th Battalion in Flanders around Houplines in the Armentieres sector, where they spent the winter and spring. Herbert was wounded in action in February 1917 but remained on duty. He was promoted to Lance Sergeant on 16 February 1917. He was then promoted to Sergeant on 30 March 1917.

Ypres area during World War 1

In early June 1917, the 39th moved from the Armentieres sector and fought at Messines in Belgium. The Battalion suffered badly from a German gas attack on 6 June 1917. Charles Bean wrote in the Official History that 'A high-explosive shell burst in the leading platoon of the 39th Battalion as it reached 'Ploegsteert Corner' Here and there officers and men were hit direct by gas-shell. ... (men) fell out by the way, retching and collapsed'. According to his service file, Herbert was affected by the gas and wounded in action by a gun shot to his leg on 7 June. He was admitted to a clearing station and then evacuated and invalided to England on 1 July 1917 where he was admitted to hospital (for the gun shot wound to his leg).

Down to only about 120 able-bodied men, the 39th continued its advance against German machine gun fire. A small group led by Captain Paterson, CO of B Company, seized the machine gun post. The 39th and 34th Battalions dug in (For further details of this action, see http://www.inthefootsteps.com/Messines-3rd-Australian-division-messines.html)

Battle of Messine - June 1917

After this action, the Battalion then moved a short distance west to Wulverghem. On 18 July 1917 the Battalion was gassed again but with 'a new kind of gas - smells like mustard'. Three days later they advanced south of Douve on the southern edge of the Messine Ridge.

In mid-August 1917, Herbert's service file shows that he was in Perham Downs, England, part of the Overseas Training Brigade.

Perham Downs Camp during WW1. (Source - https://gillww1.wordpress.com/tag/perham-down/)

In mid-September 1917, Herbert was recorded as being Absent Without Leave (AWOL) and was reprimanded accordingly.

On 26 September 1917 the Battalion was at St Pierre. It was involved in fighting north of the ruins of Grey Farm, known to contain a number of German dugouts and shelters, where the Battalion was held up by German machine gun fire; having overcome this they eventually managed to dig in 100 yards beyond the farm.

The Battles of Broodseinde and Passchendaele, 4 - 6 October 1917.

From 4 to 6 October 1917, the Battalion took part in two major attacks in the same sector. It joined up with the 40th in an advance at Broodseinde against German pill boxes at Gravenstafel Switch. The Battalion was then withdrawn back to Morbecque for reorganisation and rest.

Exhausted stretcher bearers from the 3rd Australian Division rest in the mud and drizzle of Broodseinde Ridge, during the Third Battle of Ypres (Passchendaele), 11 October 1917. (Source: Imperial War Museum image E(AUS)941 from the Australian War Memorial)

A couple of days later the Battalion advanced towards Passchendaele Ridge, attacking on 12 October despite heavy rain the previous evening. Despite securing its first objective in the heavy fighting, the Battalion was forced to withdraw in thick mud under threat of being outflanked. For further details, see https://anzacportal.dva.gov.au/history/conflicts/australians-western-front-19141918/australian-remembrance-trail/tyne-cot-5.

Passchendaele in late 1917.

For more photographs taken around the same time as the battles, see this site.

Herbert returned to France on 10 November 1917. He was marched in to his Unit on 15 November 1917, re-joining the 39th Battalion on 23 November 1917.

From October 1917 to March 1918 the Battalion rotated between the front line and rear areas, holding the line in Belgium through the winter. During October 1917, 6,405 Australians were killed in action or died of wounds and a further 19,194 were wounded. On 16 December 1917, the 39th Battalion was located at Neuve Eglise. A month later, the officers and NCOs were photographed in front of a bomb crater in the same town.

Group portrait of the NCOs of the 39th Battalion at Neuve Eglise. Neuve Eglise, Belgium. 23 January 1918. Source: Original photograph in the Warland family collection. Copy at https://www.awm.gov.au/collection/C390332

Close up of Herbert Warland from the photograph above

In February 1918, Herbert was at Ploegsteeert again, then Warneton. In March 1918 he was at Newingham, Lumres, Winnezeele, and Hazebrook.

On 21 March 1918, the German Army launched Operation Michael, the first in a series of attacks designed to drive allied forces from the Western Front. This was also known as the 'Spring Offensive'. The AIF 39th Battalion was moved south to France to stem the tide of the Germans towards Amiens. The Battalion fought a series of defensive actions in the Somme in late March.

Herbert was wounded in action ('3rd occasion' according to his service file) on 29 March 1918, this time receiving a gunshot wound to his left thigh/hip area. He was removed by field ambulance to the 9 General Hospital in Rouen on 30 March 1918 and was said to be invalided back to England on 6 April 1918. However, his service file shows that he was transferred from the 72nd General Hospital in Rouen on 17 April 1918 to the 74th General Hospital in Trouville. On 22 April 1918 he was discharged to the Australian Convalescent Depot.

While a final German effort was aimed at the town of Amiens, their advance was halted at Villers-Bretonneux on 4 April 1918. Around this time, Herbert was recorded at Mericourt-l'Abbe, a small commune about 10 kms east of Amiens, presumably for his injuries. On 11 May 1918 Herbert was recorded at Amiens and also Cardonette, a few kilometres north of Amiens town centre.

By 30 May 1918, all Australian infantry divisions were united on the Western Front under Lt General John Monash.

On 6 July 1918, Herbert rejoined the 39th Battalion from the Convalescent Depot.

At 4.20 AM on 8 August 1918, in dense fog, the Allies launched the 'Hundred Days Offensive' also known as the Battle of Amiens. The 39th Battalion, along with the rest of the 10th Brigade, was in reserve and did not participate in the first day's attack. On 10 August, the Battalion unsuccessfully attacked the village of Proyart. From August through to early September the battalion remained in the line as the 3rd Division advanced through the Somme Valley. On 25 August 1918 Herbert was in the Suzanne/Peronne area about half way between Amiens and St Quentin on the north side of the Somme. The Battalion's last major action was at the end of September 1918 when, alongside American forces, the Battalion breached parts of the Hindenberg Line along the St Quentin Canal. The Battalion's Commanding Officer, Lt Col Robert Henderson, was killed in this action.

On 2 October the Battalion was based around Gillemont Crescent where it was relieved and removed for training and reorganisation. In the middle of October the 39th was bolstered by a company of reinforcements from the now disbanded 37th. On 14 October, Herbert was at Hocquincourt in the Hallencourt area. The Battalion did not see action again and was still at the rear when the Armistice was declared on 11 November 1918.

Herbert's service file states that he was in the following locations in the order shown from November 1916 until November 1918: Armentieres, Pont de Nieppe, Houplines, La Creche, Ebblingham, Difques, Epinette, Ploegsteert, Wulverghem, Messines Ridge, Zoteux, Wisernes, Calais, St Pierre, Winnezeele, Ypres, Passchendaele, Zoteux, Red Lodge, St Ives, Ploegsteert (again), St Ives (again), Neuve Eglise, Ploegsteeert (again), Warneton, Newingham, Lumres, Winnezeele, Hazebrook, Mericourt-l'Abbe, Cardonette, Amiens, Villers-Brettoneux, Suzanne/Peronne, and finally Hocquincourt (Hallencourt) west of Amiens.

Herbert proceeded for leave in the UK from 31 October 1918. He re-joined his unit on 17 November 1918.

Herbert Warland was gassed and wounded twice through the campaign; of the approximately 1,000 men of the Battalion, 405 men were killed and 1,637 wounded. His name does not appear on any of the football or rugby teams, or an any competition-like activities. Members of the 39th Battalion were warned not to sell any duty free liquour to the locals and also to keep away from locals.

It is assumed that Herbert visited his father and siblings before he returned to Australia on 12 June 1919 on board the SS Karagola. He was discharged from the AIF in Melbourne in July 1919.

1920 - Herbert joins the Australian Air Corps

On 23 March 1920, Herbert wrote a letter from his uncle Albert's home at 89 Rathmines Road, Auburn to The Secretary, Defence Department, applying for appointment as 'temporary clerical staff' in the Australian Air Corps. He stated that he was a general clerk and had the following experience: 5 years experience in general clerical work; 6 months orderly room; Corporal and Shorthand Typist at Ballarat Camp; secondary school education; general working knowledge and experience of bookkeeping; military service.

Herbert 'Jack' Warland

The Australian Aviation Corps was established in 1912. This initially consisted of the Central Flying School at Point Cook. By 1914, the corps was known as the 'Australian Flying Corps' (AFC). After World War 1, the AFC remained part of the Australian Army until 1919 when it was disbanded along with the first AIF. The Central Flying School at Point Cook continued to operate until 1920 when the interim Australian Air Corps (AAC), with a wing for both the Navy and Army, was formed as a unit of the Army. (Source - Wikipedia)

Herbert enlisted as a Corporal at the Central Flying School, Laverton on 28 April 1920, at the age of 26 and six months. He was promoted to Sergeant on 1 August 1920.

March 1921 - Herbert Warland joins the Australian Air Force

The Australian Air Corps was disbanded on 30 March 1921, replaced by the Australian Air Force. The 'Royal' prefix was given Royal approval in May 1921, becoming effective from 13 August 1921.

With the disbanding of the AAC on 30 March 1921, Herbert joined the Australian Air Force from 31 March 1921 as a Sergeant Clerk. His address was recorded as 89 Rathmines Road, Auburn, Victoria. On his enlistment form he stated that he had had '8 years general commercial experience'. His 'attestation number' was 83. When formed, the AAF had 21 officers and 128 other ranks.

Herbert initially worked as a clerk at AAF Headquarters in Melbourne. He was promoted to Flight Sergeant on 1 August 1921 just as the AAF became the RAAF. He worked at the No 1 Aircraft Depot, Point Cook, Victoria from 6 August 1923. From 29 April to 17 July 1923, Herbert was admitted to the Homeopathic Hospital for an unstated reason, likely something to do with his war-time injuries.

Herbert was promoted to 'Pilot Officer' ('Commissioned Rank') on 21 January 1924. A certificate to this effect was issued on 2 December 1926. The certificate states that Herbert was 'appointed to be an Officer of the Permanent Air Force of the Defence Force of the Commonwealth from the 21st day of January 1924', and that Herbert would be expected to 'diligently discharge your duty as such Officer in the rank of Pilot Officer in the Stores and Accounting Branch'.

Herber was appointed 'Flying Officer' on 21 October 1924. From 15 October to 10 November 1924, Herbert was admitted to the Repatriation Hospital, again for unstated reasons.

April 1925 - Herbert marries Janet Neilson

On 18 April 1925, Herbert married Janet Douglas Neilson (23 August 1894, Cornsilloch, Dalserf Scotland - 13 July 1974, Malvern Victoria Australia), who had arrived in Australia from Glasgow, Scotland, with her parents (William and Janet), brothers and sisters in May 1913.

1925 - Herbert complains of an alleged 'supersession'

Sometime in early 1925, while he was based at Point Cook, Herbert Warland lodged a official complaint of an alleged supersession (where an officer previously junior is placed senior to another).

According to a memo on his service file from late 1925 or early 1926, Herbert claimed that another Flying Officer (Kenny) had been promoted 'above him' in a stores and accounting role. The memo states that Kenny had 'never been junior' to Warland. The memo added that the Air Board 'feels that Flying Officer Warland was ill-advised in this matter and did not give it proper consideration before submitting the complaint'. Herbert had apparently quoted two cases - Flying Officer Fryer-Smith and Flying Officer Swinbourne (who appears again below). The memo stated that '... the qualifications for flying personnel are higher than those required for non-flying personnel' and that Herbert should be informed '... that it is general policy of the Air Board to give preference, as far as possible, to officers with flying experience'.

Herbert was posted in mid-1925 to 101 Flight in Bowen. Accordingly, given the date of the memo, it was noted that the Air Board's reply should be sent to the Commanding Officers of both his original unit, No 1 Aircraft Depot at Point Cook and 101 Flight in Bowen.

July 1925 - 101 Flight, Bowen

On 1 July 1925 Herbert was posted to 101 Flight in Bowen, Queensland. 101 Flight was conducting aerial mapping surveys of the Great Barrier Reef at the time.

1925 - Birth of first child Ian Neilson Warland

Herbert and Janet Warland's first son Ian Neilson Warland was born on 20 October 1925 in Melbourne (six months after his parents were married). Given the dates of his arrival in Bowen (from July 1925), and Ian's birth in Melbourne, Janet may have remained with her family in Melbourne for the pregnancy, although she may also have travelled by ship back to Melbourne in time to give birth.

March to May 1926 - Back in Melbourne?

Herbert may have returned to Melbourne from March to May 1926. He is mentioned as being at 'No 2 Sub-Section (Stores, Point Cook)' in the Daily Routine Orders for the No 1 Aircraft Depot, Royal Australian Air Force base in Laverton on 1 March 1926.

Herbert's file states he was appointed to be a Stores Officer from 7 April 1926 to 1 September 1927. He was apparently attached to (RAAF) HQ in Melbourne on 13 April 1926. It is assumed he then returned from this attachment to 101 Flight, Bowen from 1 May 1926. He may have been filling in for someone while Janet and Ian remained in Bowen (or were in Melbourne).

One of the few photographs of Herbert and Janet Warland and son Ian taken around 1926 in Bowen

August 1927 - Herbert returns to Melbourne

A message from the Air Board, Melbourne, dated 9 July 1927 stated that Herbert would be replaced in Bowen by Pilot Officer L V Lachal, because 'Flying Officer Warland is required at these headquarters at the earliest possible date'.

A Certificate of Transfer of Duties of E.O. dated 5 August 1927 from 101 Flight in Bowen indicates that Herbert handed over the duties of equipment officer (EO) to Pilot Officer Lachal on that day.

Herbert traveled from Bowen by boat on 18 August 1927 on board the Canberra but it appears he travelled alone. A message from 101 Flight Bowen stated that 'only single accommodation has been reserved as your c.s.267 does not indicate that accommodation is required for Mrs Warland, should this be so communicate by (telegram) at once, please'. Perhaps Janet decided to travel with young Ian on another date, or by train.

1927 - Herbert posted to No 1 Flying Training School, Point Cook

Herbert was then posted to the 1 Flying Training School, Point Cook, Victoria, from 2 September 1927.

On 4 November 1927 he wrote to the OC, Headquarters Squadron, regarding leave. He stated that '... on leaving Melbourne for Bowen during August 1926, I was informed that twenty three days recreation leave stood to my credit'. However, '... owing the exigencies of the Service I was not allowed to take leave until my return from Bowen on the 10th September last at which date it is considered that the number of days to my credit should be forty one. I have had five days recreation leave since my return to Melbourne which should leave 36 days to my credit (but) records show only 31 days due.' He sought re-crediting of the five days. A note on Herbert's minute states that he would be credited with two days, leaving him with 33 days.

Herbert's 'Annual Confidential Report' for December 1927 noted that he was an Accounting Officer and (previously) a member of the 101 Flying Training School Unit's Audit Board. His personal conduct was stated to be satisfactory and he was 'in all respects of temperate habits'. Generally speaking he was assessed to be of either average or above-average capability. He was stated to be 'fit for non-flying duties, i.e., for ground activities only'. His sporting interests were cricket, tennis and golf. The assessor noted that '... in addition to his normal accounting duties, this officer is unit Paying Officer and is a member of the unit Audit Board. He is not afraid of hard work and is a most sound, efficient and trustworthy officer'.

1928 events

On 10 January 1928, Herbert replied to the OC Headquarters Squadron, questioning the loss of leave as noted previously. He stated that '... the five days in question were deducted by Headquarters under the regulation which will not permit of a carry-over of more than one period of Recreation Leave to the next Financial Year. The Commanding Officer 101 Flight would not approve of my taking the leave between April and 18 August 1926 as I could not be spared from my duties as E.O. in arranging for the collection and despatch to Bowen of the Unit stores and equipment. Under these circumstances, it is requested that consideration be given to my being re-credited with five days recreation leave'.

A handwritten note dated 27 January 1928 stated that the person had spoken with Personnel Branch, and was informed that all leave due was carried forward into 1925/1926 and that (the) balance for 25/26 was carried into 26/27.

On Thursday 29 March 1928, Herbert handed over the duties of Accounting Officer at the No 1 Flying School, Point Cook, to Pilot Officer Roberts.

On 1 (or Monday 2?) April 1928, Herbert was posted to RAAF Headquarters, Melbourne. He and Janet (and Ian) lived in Barkly Street, St Kilda and then in Lockhart Street, Caulfield, according to records.

May 1928 - Birth of Graham Warland

Herbert's son Graham was born on 21 May 1928 in Melbourne.

1929 - Death of Herbert Warland

On 26 February 1929, Flight Lieutenant (Flt/Lt) Swinbourne, D/DOSD, HQ, wrote a Minute stating that 'In connection with the survey of equipment on charge to No 3 Squadron, Flight Lieutenant McCauley, Flying Officer Poole [and himself] have been ordered to proceed to Richmond on Monday the 4th March.' He added that the Chief of Air Staff (CAS) had given permission for him to 'fly over' and that the DT had indicated the Headquarters 'Moth' would be available for the trip. He requested a Movement Order for the following:

A de Havilland DH60X Moth, the second photo shows the 'X' braced undercarriage that became standard for subsequent models. Source: Flickr

Aircraft Movement Order No 19 was created on 27 February 1929, with the above details, signed off by the Wing Commander.

On 1 March 1929, Flt/Lt Swinbourne (D/DOSD, HQ) wrote an internal Minute titled 'Movement of Offiers', detailing the proposed movemment of three officers, including himself. Swinbourne stated that he would travel by air to Richmond on 4 March 1929, returning on 7 March 1929. Beneath the list of names, he noted that Flying Officer H Warland (HQ) had been given permission to proceed to Richmond with Swinbourne 'in connection with Stores Vocabulary matters.'. The same day, Swinbourne's Wing Commander (D of S [Director of Stores?]), whose name is not legible from his signature, wrote a Minute in reply stating that he 'wanted Flying Officer Warland to go to Richmond to consult with Stores Officer there on the clear up of stores'. He added that Warland could go with Swinbourne 'to accompany him if possible. The Minute has the handwritten note 'CAS has approved verbally', initialled by the Wing Commander.

On 4 March 1929, Herbert travelled on official business to Richmond Air Force Base as a passenger in a RAAF aircraft. Several messages were sent during the flight:

Swinbourne and Herbert Warland departed Richmond in the same aircraft on the morning of 7 March 1929. A message was received to indicate they had departed but the writing is too faded to be legible. On arrival at Cootamundra, a message was sent to the Air Board stating 'Arrived 10-30 hours leaving for Wangaratta 1100 hours Swinbourne'. There is no message to indicate when they arrived at Wangaratta but it was presumably around 1.30 or 2 PM. They landed on a private property owned by the Brien Brothers near Wangaratta, Victoria to refuel. The property was regarded by the Department of Defence as being 'the most suitable landing place available in the district'.

Local Wangaratta newspapers of 9 March stated that Mr N McGuffie of the Vacuum Oil Company of Wangaratta, motored out to supply the aircraft with 12 gallons of petrol. Everything seemed well with the airmen, the day was cool (at the inquest - see below - it was stated that it was a hot day) and there was no wind. McGuffie left them at 2.30 PM. As he drove his motor car away from the scene, McGuffie watched as the aircraft took off. It bumped on an uneven surface then swerved sharply.

Newspaper reports on 5 and 7 December 1929 after the inquest (see below) stated the following:

At about 2.40 PM they set off from the landing ground at South Wangandary, about five miles from Wangaratta, in continuation of their journey to Melbourne. The machine did not leave the ground as quickly as usual, and difficulty was experienced in clearing the fence around the ground, and while attention was being paid to this, one of the wings struck a tree and the aeroplane crashed to the ground in a nearby laneway. Swinbourne stated (at the inquest) that 'After running along the ground, I discovered that the machine was not getting off the ground as soon as I expected ... I put all my attention on the fence, and from then on watched it over the left side of the machine. I passed over the fence with plenty of height, and looking around, saw that the right wing was about to strike a tree which I had expected to see about 30 yards to my right'.

At the inquest, it was stated that Warland was 'in the back seat' (but see below, contradicting this) and, as is customary, was strapped in. Immediately the plane crashed he called out to witness (Swinbourne) "She is on fire". Continuing his story, the pilot (Swinbourne) stated "I called out to Warland to undo his straps and get out and I commenced to do the same myself. I got clear and rushed to assist Warland from his seat. By this time the plane was in flames and my clothing caught alight. I rolled on the ground to extinguish the flames and then went to the assistance of Warland again, but the machine by this time (was) a mass of flames and I could not get near him, and I had to desist. I then ran for assistance but there did not seem to be anyone about. A little later people began to arrive on the scene, and I was taken to hospital as I was badly burned." The pilot added that Warland only lived for a few seconds after the crash. Constable Jefferis, formerly of Wangaratta but now stationed in Coburg, gave evidence of reaching the scene of the tragedy, and in company with other policy removed the charred remains of Warland from the aeroplane. One of Warland's feet appears to have been caught under some wreckage. He was still seated in the machine*. In returning a verdict of accidental death as the result of burns received, the deputy coroner stated that flying was a risky business at the best of times and the accident was one of those unaccountable things that could happen, and did happen, with aeroplanes.

* According to Wikipedia, the DH 60 Gipsy Moth had problems with access to the front cockpit - the front seat occupant could not escape easily, especially when wearing a parachute.

Seeing what had just happened, McGuffie rushed back to the scene but the two men could do nothing. 'They were compelled to witness the appalling spectable of the young airman being burnt to death in the flames which consumed the machine'.

McGuffie drove Swinbourne to the Wangaratta Hospital for treatment for the burns he sustained trying to help Warland. When the fire burned out, the charred remains of Warland were placed in a coffin and taken to the Wangaratta morgue for an inquest. All that was left of the aircraft was the wing that snapped off and a heap of bent iron and debris. Around 100 acres of land was also burned as a result of the accident.

An urgent telegram was sent to the Air Board at 3.17 PM: 'Aeroplane crashed Flying Officer Worland [sic] killed Swinburne [sic] injured McGuffie Vacuum Oil'.

On a copy of the message, the Chief of Air Staff (CAS) stated 'Noted. Arrangements made for Wing Comd Harrison and F/L Duncan to proceed to Wangaratta by car. Police report to (???) advise machine struck tree taking off - Swinbourne in hospital and conscious. Secretary Defence has been advised. 7/3/29'.

A message was sent to the Sergeant in Charge of the Wangaratta Police Station the same day stating 'Wing Commander Harrison and Flight Lieut Duncan left Melbourne by car for Wangaratta connection with accident arrange guard machine pending their arrival'.

Initial newspaper reports stated that 'an officer' or 'mechanic', Herbert Warland, was burnt to death in the accident. They noted that Herbert Warland was married and was attached to the stores and accounting branch at Air Force headquarters in Melbourne. Swinbourne was noted as being secretary to the air accidents investigation board and an expert signals and wirless officer. Interestingly, at least one newspaper carried an article under the heading 'Swinbourne's Previous Mishap While Escorting Vice-Regal Train'. Swinbourne was flying one of four aeroplanes that formed an escort for the Governor General when he visited Melbourne in 1923. Swinbourne's aircraft crashed into a ploughed field but Swinbourne survived the incident 'practically uninjured'.

An initial coronial inquest was held the following day, 8 March 1929, in Wangaratta, but it was postponed to 17 April as Swinbourne was not permitted to give evidence. This message seems contraary to a message that was sent by Wing Commander Harrison after the inquest that day. He noted that Swinbourne was badly burned about the face but able to give evidence at inquest. Flt/Lt Duncan noted (by phone) that Swinbourne's 'state of mind is considerably upset' and that the accident was caused by the slow rise of the machine on a hot day; Swinbourne had been watching the fence but did not notice the tree on the right. The machine 'turned on back, tail resting on fence enabled Swinbourne to get clear. F/O Warland in front seat [sic - earlier it was stated he was in the back seat] pinned down with machine and could not get belt undone before oubreak of fire'.

A telegram was sent on 8 March 1929 from the Secretary of the Air Board to Herbert's father, William Edward Warland, at 165 Havelock Road, Brighton stating 'Regret inform you that your son Herbert died yesterday as the result of an aeroplane accident'.

The Secretary of the Air Board also wrote to Janet the same day to pass on his profound regret and deep and sincere sympathy about the accident.

The coffin carrying the remains of Warland left Wangaratta by train at 1630 hours for Melbourne. Harrison noted that 'only engine, one wheel and part of one plane salved [sic] this being consigned No 1 Aircraft Depot'.

Herbert's funeral took place on Saturday 9 March 1929 at St Kilda cemetery.

A message of sincere sympathy was sent to Janet on 11 March 1929 from the CO and officers of 101 Flight, Royal Australian Air Force, from HMAS Albatros.

Flt/Lt Swinbourne was transferred by private car from Wangaratta Hospital to Caulfield Hospital in Melbourne on 14 March 1929. It was stated that his burns would 'entail long treatment'.

A follow up to the inquest was held on 4 December 1929, allowing time for Swinbourne to recover. The inquest's conclusion was that Herbert Warland 'died at Wangandary near Wangaratta the 7th day of March 1929 from burning injuries sustained when the aeroplane in which he was travelling crashed and caught on fire'.

A 'Committee of Adjustment' met at RAAF headquarters on 15 March 1929 for the purpose of adjusting pay, property and debts if any for Herbert Warland. Private property was to be despatched to Janet Warland. All public property was accounted for except for a case, a fur-lined cap, goggles, mask, and a pair of blue overalls 'which are deficient'. In a slightly macabre way, it was noted that 'the articles shown deficient ... are believed to have been destroyed in the accident. ... It is consquently recommended that these items be written off charge at the expense of the public without further enquiry.'

From March 1929 - Janet in financial hardship

On 13 March 1929, Janet's lawyers contacted the Department seeking details on what salary was due and what superannuation, compensation or pension advances would be provided. It also noted that Janet would require funds to 'carry on until the will is proved'.

From around 18 or 19 March, Janet was in touch with the Department regarding details of compensation. The four elements, agreed by 27 March 1929, were as follows:

Documents dated 22 March 1929 indicated that Herbert's uncle Albert John Warland was providing some form of assistance to Janet. Most of these payments were completed by mid May 1929.

The Secretary of the Air Board wrote a Minute on 16 May 1929 with the subject 'Compensation to the Widow and Children of the Late F/O H Warland - killed whilst on duty'. The Minute noted that the maximum amount of compensation payable under the Commonwealth Workmen's Compensation Act 1912 was £500, of which £100 had to be held in trust for both children. Oddly, the Minute note that Janet had a boy aged 3 and a girl aged 9 months. The Minute stated that 'Apart from the Assurances payable which were estimated to produce £545 included bonuses, F/O Warland left his widow very poorly provided for. He left a property originally valued at £1,500 on which £1,120 was advanced by the Savings Bank on Credit Foncier and for which a second mortgage amounting to £280 had been entered into so that at the date of his death the surplus assset value of the property over the liabilities incurred thereon was apparently not more than £100. Other than household furniture and effects, no other assets were left'. The Minute noted that the sum of £147/7/10 had been paid already, and that Janet was due to receive £3 a week in pension. Given this apparently very difficult situation, the Minister was asked if the full £500 could be paid instead of £100 in trust for the two children, so that Janet could pay off some of her mortgages. The Minister for Defence eventually approved in June 1929 that, subject to Treasury concurrence, the whole amount could be paid to Janet.

In response, the Treasury stated on 24 June 1929 that it was up to the Department to disburse the funds 'in such manner as is thought best in the interests of the dependents.' Following receipt of this advice, the Air Board's Finance Officer wrote a Minute on 3 July 1929. It was noted that 'Mrs Warland ... appears to be feeling her financial position very keenly. She has, however, looked at the matter from every angle in a business-like way and has come to the conclusion that her best plan is to retain the property and reduce the liability thereon to the greatest possible extent'. It was noted that 'Her widowed mother and young brother [John Neilson] are prepared to live with her in the home and in that way will be able to make a small contribution to the expenses of the home'. The Minute stated that 'If the full amount of £500 is paid to her she will with the insurance money etc be able to reduce the amount owing on the property to approximately £400'.

The Department wrote to Janet on 4 July 1929 confirming that she would receive the full amount of £500, 'on the understanding that it will be utilised by your towards the discharge of the mortgage on your property'. This was in addition to an annual pension of £156.

Janet brought up the two boys with the help of her family, particularly her brother John Renwick Neilson.

On 12 August 1931, Janet wrote to Prime Minister Scullin. She stated that her pension had been cut by 20% (from £2/10/-, as a result of the Depression and the Financial Emergency Act) and that, given how little money she had, 'it has been a bitter struggle up to the present to meet my repayments but I have done so (I have still a mortgage on my house) but now that my pension is cut to £2/4/- for each child, I don't know how ever I can manage ... I must lay aside 25/- every week to meet all my payments and I will be left with 23/- to feed, clothe and meet all emergencies that arise for myself and my two children. ... My husband was a returned soldier and was killed in the service of his countryt and I lost my father at the war. I beg of you to review our pensions with all sympathetic consideration as it means absolute ruin to me if something cannot be done'. The Assistant Secretary of the Prime Minister's Department indicated in an internal note that they would seek advice from the Treasury.

A memorandum to the Secretary of the Treasury dated 2 September 1931 outlined her situation and noted that 'Mrs Warland's case is worthy of the most sympathetic consideration'. Several other similar situations were noted. It appears that nothing was actually done about it.

A letter from the Minister for Trade and Customs (White) to the Minister for Defence (Pearce) dated 6 February 1933 indicated that the matter was still outstanding. The Minister for Defence replied on 13 Feburary 1933 stating that there were several others similarly affected. He noted that the mattter was 'entirely one for the Treasury', it was not something that the Department of Defence could do anything about. Accordingly he advised the Minister that he should take up the case with the Treasurer. There are no further records about the matter.

John Neilson and his nephews, around 1932

1942 to 1944 - Ian Warland goes to University, joins the navy

Herbert's son Ian went to Melbourne University from 1942 for a couple of years to study Civil Engineering but he found it a bit of a struggle. With World War 2 already underway, he decided to follow in his father's footsteps and tried to join the RAAF. He was rejected allegedly because of poor eyesight and joined the Navy instead, in November 1944.

Ian's training including a stint sailing on the HMAS Doomba from Melbourne to Geelong, where he met Margaret Pamela (Pam) Robertson, the only daughter of John Charles Robertson, from a long-time Geelong family. They courted for a while but then Ian went to Japan on the HMAS Hobart. In Japan, Ian spent a short while in Tokyo and then headed for Yokohama where he was a guard at the British Consulate there. He travelled to Nikko and to Kure from where he travelled to Hiroshima.

From 1946 - Ian and Graham's life

On his return to Australia, Ian joined the City of Caulfield as a Cadet Engineer. He began a Diploma of Civil Engineering at Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology. Pam Robertson was working at the nearby Children's Hospital. They married on 9 June 1951, in St David's Church, Geelong, and lived in Lockhart Street, Caulfield with Ian's mother Janet.

Ian's career as a Civil Engineer took him to Melbourne, Traralgon, Taradale (Kyneton) and, eventually, Queenscliff, Victoria, where they settled down from around 1962. They moved from Queenscliff to Geelong in 1977. When Ian retired in 1985, Pam also retired from her job as a school teacher in Geelong. Pam died on 19 July 2011 and Ian died on 23 April 2012.

Herbert's son Graham Warland married Betty Sexton. Graham was a Marine Engineer and worked in the Myer Melbourne Department store for most of his career. He died in July 1989.

1975 and 1981 - Death of Janet Warland and John Neilson

Janet Warland died in 1975; her brother John died in 1981.

Page created 2009, last updated 20 April 2022 (major additions based on Herbert's service file). Copyright © Andrew Warland. (andrewwarland(at)gmail.com)