Saturday, May 02, 2009

The Story of the Easther Brothers (Part 2)

The main narative regarding the Easther brothers is here.

====ooo00ooo====
From the Quorn Mercury 24th August, 1916

Died on Active Service
The Late SGT. L. R. EASTHER

On Saturday, August 12, the Rev. T. Trestrail received official notice from the Military authorities stating that Sgt. Leonard R. Easther was killed in action at the battle of Katia Oasis, Egypt, between the 4th and 6th of August, the reverend gentleman having the painful duty of breaking the sad news to his mother. The late Sgt. Leonard Ridgeway Easther was the son of Mr. and Mrs. George Easther, of Quorn. Sgt. Easther, who was 27 years of age, was employed for a number of years by the Hon. R. W. Foster at Quorn. He then moved to Maitland, where his genial character won for him a large circle of friends. Subsequently he entered the Railway Department, and was employed at the Adelaide booking office. On the outbreak of war he was among the first to volunteer for active service. Sgt. Easther was an excellent type of Australian manhood, and, being a fine horseman, he joined the 3rd Light Horse Regiment, and left for the front in October, 1914. He was wounded at Galipolli, and was subsequently sick in Egypt, where his regiment was engaged in the above battle, and where he lost his life. Two brothers, Tpr. Charles Easther and Pte. Bryant Easther are now in Egypt and France respectively, serving with the colours, On Sunday evening, the 20th inst. a memorial service was conducted by the Rev. T. Trestrail, in the Town Hall for the late Sgt. Easther, and a large attendance was present at the service. A most popular speech was delivered by the Rev. T. Trestrail, which moved several of the congregation to tears. An anthem was rendered by the Methodist Choir, and at the conclusion of the meeting the congregation stood, whilst the organist played the "Dead March".