Victor Herbert Sayers (1881 - 1917)

Born 1881 in Geelong, Colony of Victoria

Ancestors

Husband of Ellen Rachel Wlliamena (Richards) Johnson — married 1906 in Victoria, Australia

Died 30 Sep 1917 at about age 36 in Boulogne, France

Biography

Victor Sayers was born in the Colony of Victoria (1851-1900)

Victor was born in 1881, the son of Alfred Sayers and Emma Dunt. ^[1]

In 1906, Victor Herbert Sayers married Ellen Rachel Wlliamena Richards.^[2]

On 17th February, 1916, Victor joined the Australian Imperial Force. He said he was 36 years and 11 months old, born Geelong West. He was a patternmaker, having served an apprenticeship with Humble & Sons, Geelong, for seven years. He was described as 5 feet 5 1/2 inches tall, dark complexion, blue eyes, black hair turning grey. He was Church of England. He had a tattoo on his left forearm. At first, his next-of-kin, his wife, was written down as Ellen Sayers but her other forenames were added: Rachel Williamena. He proceed overseas per HT. Ajana leaving Melbourne on 8th July, 1916 and arriving Devonport, England, on 31st August. In December he proceeded to France where he spent some time ill with influenza and also had a bout of dermatitis to the face. On 20th June, 1917, he was promoted to Lance Corporal, 58th Battalion.

On 25th September, 1917, he was wounded in action, sustaining shrapnel wounds to his right shoulder penetrating his chest.

On 30th September, 1917, at the 83rd General Hospital (The Dublin) Boulogne, France, Victor died from his wounds. His remains were interred in the Boulogne Eastern Cemetery.

In correspondence dated 1st June, 1922, his widow wrote with her new name and address so she would receive his British War Medal: She was now Mrs. Johnson, of "Rockangus" Tynong, Victoria.^[3]

Commonwealth War Graves Commission ^[4]

LANCE CORPORAL VICTOR HERBERT SAYERS

Service Number: 1968

Australian Infantry, A.I.F. 58th Bn.

Died 30 September 1917

Age 36 years old

Buried or commemorated at BOULOGNE EASTERN CEMETERY VIII. I. 41. France

Country of Service Australian

Additional Info Husband of Ellen R. W. Sayers, of 67, Pakington St., Geelong West, Victoria, Australia.

Personal Inscription

DUTY CALLED YOUR LOVED ONES ARE PROUD OF YOU NELLIE, MAVIS AND ROMA

Sources

1. ↑ Department of Justice, Victoria Family history search :
   1881 BIRTH REG, Victor Herbert SAYERS, 3062/1881
2. ↑ Department of Justice, Victoria Family history search :
   1906 MARRIAGE REG, Victor Herbert SAYERS & Ellen Rachel Williamena RICHARDS,4726/1906
3. ↑ National Archives of Australia B2455 SAYERS VICTOR HERBERT (digital file) SAYERS Victor Herbert : Service Number - 1968 : Place of Birth - Geelong West VIC : Place of Enlistment - Geelong VIC : Next of Kin - (Wife) SAYERS Ellen
4. ↑ CWGC LANCE CORPORAL VICTOR HERBERT SAYERS