Reginald Cecil Gazzard (1890 - 1970)

1910 Aged 20 years. From newspaper report, he was working on train engine, shunting, when he witnessed the death of 2 men who were hit by an incoming express train at Goulburn Railway Station. At that time he was described both as at cleaner (Steam engines then) and fireman. He had about 3 years’ experience then. 4 January 1916 Aged 25 years he joined AIF as a driver. His address was given as 352 Hunter St Newcastle NSW, religion Methodist. NOK was father. His camp was at Broadmeadows in Newcastle region NSW with 35th bn. He sailed on Beltana 13/5/1916. He was in the 36th battalion 9th Brigade “the Rifleman’s Thousand. The Battalion served at Ypres, Passchendaele and Amiens, Villiers Bretonneau and Somme. See attached. At enlistment his occupation was Loco Engine Driver. He had been in the Citizens Military Force (CMF) like Army reserve before enlistment 25 September 1918 he sent a letter home- copy attached The Memorial at Burwood Park in Sydney has both his name and his brother, Harold Gazzard, on it 1920 Marriage to Florence at her father’s home in Wheeo (she was pregnant) 1921 In August he received a Railway Soldiers’ certificate as a member of the Federated Locomotive and Engineers Association. The same article dated 23/8/1921 mentions it as a send-off for William Jewel. Reg was mates with him during WW1 and kept photos. It also mentions work wise a slack time ahead. During the Depression Reginald only worked part time to enable other men to have some paid work. Florence took in boarders to help them financially. Flo was keen to buy properties and he said she would break them. 1952 In July he was described as Senior Railways Inspector in court proceedings. On 7 May 1952 two passenger trains collided in fog at Berala killing 10 and injuring 140 in a crash heard 4.5 kms away. 1954 March he was described as Chief Electric Train Inspector involved in the Sydenham train smash inquiry. On 19 December 1953 5 people died and 748 injured when two crowded passenger trains collided. 1956 When he retired the family held a family celebration at Woodside Ave and there was a wind up train with open carriages frilled with lollies travelling around the dining table on track. Florence made a steam train styled cake for him with chocolate icing. (Jill’s memory) Other: He was a keen gardener and non-drinker. He would join his friends at the Pub with a glass of orange juice. He did not attend Anzac Day service or parades. He helped ex-servicemen and railway men who came to the house by walking with them and talking with them (pensions welfare work possibly). He and Flo took the grandchildren away to Toukley to stay at Gwen and Albert Hart’ holiday house during some school holidays. He was a keen Bridge player at Frank Widdon Masonic Homes. The family home was at 38 Woodside Ave, Strathfield was called “Essex”. Flo and he owned a house or houses in Burwood and left the tenants in them during the depression even though they could not pay rent. This was so the house would not be trashed or damaged. They moved from Woodside ave about 1964 to go to Frank Widdon Masonic Homes at Glenfield where they remained until their death.