Tasmanian War Casualties

WW1

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True, George Haviland

Born 1^st April 1894 Ulverstone Tasmania to Thomas Charles and Charlotte Emmeline True (nee Bishop) a cycle manufacturer who departed Melbourne 17^th September 1914 on board “HMAT Geelong” with the 12^th Infantry Battalion.

He was killed in action 20^th May 1915 on the Gallipoli Peninsula and commemorated in the Shell Green Cemetery, Gallipoli, Turkey.

His only brother, Private Thomas Charles True was killed in France 29^th July 1916. They were both 19 at their time of death.

George was the eldest son of Mr Thomas True of Main St Ulverstone and when it was decided to despatch an expeditionary force from Australia was one of the first in his district to offer his services. He left Tasmania with the 12^th Battalion and afterwards took part in the memorable landing at Gaba Tepe which he fully described in a letter to his father that was written only three days before his death. Particulars now to hand show True was shot dead whilst working a machine gun in the trenches at Gallipoli on the evening of May 20^th. One of his comrades in a letter to an Ulverstone resident writes

“He was a brave fellow and showed no fear. I have lost be best comrade, one who was respected by all who knew him”.

In a letter to George True’s father dated Gallipoli Peninsula May 28^th Archdeacon Richard, Chaplain of the 3^rd Brigade writes

“He was a courageous soldier and beloved by his comrades. He died as a valiant soldier would wish to die in the discharge of his duty for the honour of his country. His grave is about 50 yards from where I am writing alongside the graves of his comrades. It is decorated with white stones and at the head of it there is a cross made by his chums. The cross bears his name, age, company and underneath “I have fought a good fight I have finished my course”

George True was deservedly popular and respected here by all those among who he lived. He was a prominent member of the Ulverstone Football Club and was considered one of their manliest and most unselfish players – one who always played the game. His many friends and companions will often find their thoughts turning to a far off Gallipoli hillside and in fancy see a grave decorated with white stones and surmounted by a cross, the last resting place of one they knew and loved so well who bravely gave his life in the cause of Freedom and Justice.

The Weekly Courier 22^nd July 1915

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Tasmanian War Casualties, Honouring the past, building understanding.