HALL, Herbert Joshua (1873-1920)
Herbert Hall was enrolled at the College on 16 April 1888. His entry address was given as Alphington, Melbourne. An H Hall is listed as a member of the 1st Football XVIII in the Annual Report of 1889: 'plays on the wing would improve with practice' , though he does not appear in the team photographs for that year.
He was born on 24 June 1873, the son of Denby Hall and Selina, nee York.
He was working as a farmer and wool-classer at Mannerim, Victoria, prior to enlistment (No. 1652) in the AIF on 9 February 1916 as a Private in the 58 Battalion 3rd Reinforcements. His next of kin was listed as his wife, Ada Ernestine nee Turner. He embarked on HMAT A31 Ajana on the 8 July 1916, and served in France, but was evacuated to the 9th Casualty Clearing Station then to Number 11 Australian General Hospital suffering from trench fever, myalgia, nervousness, severe shell shock and arteriosclerosis, the latter of which was deemed as pre-existing. He returned to Australia on HMS Persic, embarking on 12 February 1918, unfit for further service because of his age and condition.
He died on 4 December 1920 at Nurse McKenzie’s Private Hospital 'Bellaria' Virginia Street, Newtown and his medals were claimed by his wife. The nature of his early death suggests that his war service may have contributed to it.
Sources: 'Geelong Collegians at the Great War' compiled by J Affleck. p 207 (citing; National Archives).