GUPPY, Lionel Hugh

GUPPY, Lionel Hugh – A Southern Downs Veteran

CONFLICT : WWI
SERVICE NO : 2377
RANK : Private
UNIT : 5th Ammunition Sub Park
ENLISTMENT DATE : 3/01/1916
AGE : 25
PLACE OF ENLISTMENT : Warwick, Queensland
PLACE OF BIRTH : Miles, Queensland
RELIGION : Church of England
OCCUPATION : Blacksmith
DATE OF DEATH : 26/03/1971
PLACE OF BURIAL : Queensland

MEMORIALS : Dalveen WWI Honour Boards, Stanthorpe Soldiers Memorial Rolls of Honor

View Veteran’s Service File : GUPPY, Lionel Hugh

NOTES :

Lionel Hugh Guppy was born on May 9, 1890 in Miles to Thomas Barrett and Elizabeth Guppy (nee Waters). His parents were amongst the first settlers in the Meandarra area before moving to their property, St Elmo at Dalveen. Lionel was working as a blacksmith and living in Warwick at the time of his enlistment there on January 3, 1916.

In the Tuesday edition of The Brisbane Courier dated February 1, an article reported the following story. A pleasant function took place at the Dalveen Public Hall, when the friends of Mr. Lionel Guppy gathered to bid him farewell. Mr. Campbell occupied the chair, and made reference to the good qualities of the guest, and then called on Recruiting Sergeant Ford to fasten a handsome wristlet watch on Mr. Guppy’s arm. Sergeant Ford spoke on recruiting, and mentioned he had been associated with Mr. Guppy in the St. John Ambulance in Brisbane. The departing guest has held the position of hon. bearer to the Stanthorpe branch. Songs were rendered by Sergeant Ford.

While serving overseas in France, Lionel suffered from a shell wound to his face, left anklle and thigh requiring him to be shipped to England and admitted to Fort Pitt Military Hospital, Chatham for treatment before sailing back to Australia for discharge.

The Warwick Examiner and Times dated June 5, 1918, reported in an article titled: Warwick Boys Who Returned. Private Guppy, who hails from Dalveen, was accepted for the A.I.F. in Warwick in 1915. He sailed from Queensland with the 5th Ammunition Supply Park and spent over twelve months in France. During the severe fighting at Ypres he was wounded in the thigh and back.

On April 23, 1924, Lionel married Olive Maude Carter.

Read about Southern Downs Military History here.