PAUL, George Gordon (1897-1917)
George Gordon Paul was born at Annandale, Sydney on 2 September, 1897, the son of the Rev. George Paul and Elizabeth Mary Gordon ‘Essie’ nee Le Fevre, of The Manse, Shepparton. He was educated at the Shepparton Agricultural High School, leaving there at the end of 1912, and Geelong College, where he was in the 1st XI and the Athletics Team in 1914.
He enlisted in the AIF on 18 October 1915, but suffered ill-health, and died at his home in Shepparton on 5 July 1917, aged 19, as reported in Pegasus of August, 1917.
Corporal Paul’s obituary in the Shepparton News of 9 July, 1917 told of his passing:
‘A wave of sympathy passed over the community last weekend when the death was announced of George Gordon Paul, eldest son of Rev. and Mrs George Paul, of The Manse, Shepparton. Although only 19 years and 10 months old, the deceased had had an eventful career. He was born at Annandale, Sydney, in 1897, and removed with his parents to Shepparton, where he attended the State school, and also spent a year at the Agricultural High School, afterwards matriculating at the Geelong College. His connection with this college is one of which his friends may be proud. In the field of sport he excelled in cricket and rowing, being a member of a four which won the College cup, and as a left hand trundler he proved successful, especially as a ‘change’ bowler, also gaining his blazer whilst a member of the College eleven. He also interested himself in tennis and was connected with the senior cadets at Geelong, holding the rank of Sergeant.
Eventually, on his transfer to the Training College, Carlton, where he undertook the six months’ short course of teacher’s training, he qualified for his commission in the senior cadets. His studies at the Training College were attended with marked success, and he gained a high position on the list of candidates at the final examination. On completion of his training course he was sent as a relieving teacher to Goomalibee State School, afterwards taking charge of two schools outside Whitfield.
Upon attaining the age of eighteen he sought the permission of his parents to enlist in the AIF, a request which was acceded to, despite his tender years. Shortly afterwards he went to Royal Park camp fired with patriotic enthusiasm and eager to share the responsibility of protecting the loved ones at home. Promotion in the ranks was quickly achieved, and little time elapsed before two chevrons were attached to his uniform. It was while attending a musketry school at Port Melbourne that he contracted a severe cold and was unable to get rid of it through the unfavourable elements under which shooting was conducted. Many of the men were subsequently transferred to Bendigo camp, among them being Corporal Paul.
A few days had been spent in camp when volunteers were called for reinforcements. Corporal Paul immediately stepped forward and offered his services; but on a medical examination taking place he was told to ‘stand down’. His removal to the hospital was ordered owing to the cold assuming a serious form, the examination having disclosed the fact that one lung was slightly affected. After four months’ treatment he returned home to Shepparton and was given his discharge as medically unfit for active service. Every effort was then made to effect a recovery, and acting under medical advice, he entered a sanatorium; but after treatment which extended over four months the patient again returned home, where he received the unfailing attention of Dr F Grutzner and Mrs Paul, who nursed him with a mother’s care right up to the time of his death, which occurred at 10.15 pm last Thursday (5 July) ...
The Presbyterian Church was crowded on Saturday afternoon, when a short, impressive service was held, at which Reverends H E A O’Sullivan (Moderator of the Presbytery of Goulburn Valley) and J Lewis Hurse (Tatura) officiated. . . . The service at the graveside was conducted by Rev. O’Sullivan, assisted by Rev Hurse, N D Herring (Anglican), and E Smith (Methodist). Mr W F Bowen had charge of the mortuary arrangements. ... As a tribute to the memory of a former scholar, the flags at the State and High Schools were flown at half mast.’
His mother, Elizabeth, born in Devon, England in 1843, died on the day the Armistice was signed, and was buried beside her son at Shepparton.
Sources: Based on an edited extract from Geelong Collegians at the Great War compiled by James Affleck. p82 (citing Shepparton News 9 July 1917; Photo Shepparton Family History Group.)