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Tpr. John William Henderson
Australian Imperial Force 4th Light Horse Regiment
from:Windermere via Ballarat, Victoria
An original member of the Australian 4th Light Horse Regiment, my great-uncle John Henderson, known as Jock, enlisted in August 1914 and was at Gallipoli from 24th of May until 6th of October 1915. He was then hospitalised in Malta with enteric fever and subsequently sent to convalesce in England. When well enough, Jock went to serve in France with the 1st and 2nd Anzac Mounted Corps, NZ Salvage Party, and 12th Field Artillery Brigade. He returned to Australia under the early return scheme for 1914 lads, arriving in Port Melbourne on 25th of December 1918.
I have a post card of 'Gallipoli veterans' dated 22nd of August 1916, and I have transcribed the text that he sent home to his younger sister Kate Henderson: 'Dear Kate: Just a PC to say I am still in England and in best of health. Hoping this finds you all the same. I have not heard from you for some time. This is a photo of the guard honour for Billy Hughes the day he got the freedom of London. Andy McIntyre is in this photo but I do not think you can pick him out. The officer on the right hand side is the boss here. He used to be a sergeant but was promoted at Gallipoli. All these chaps have been wounded. This was taken at Abbey Woods. So now Kate dear I will have to conclude. Hoping to hear from you soon. I remain your loving brother, Jock'
