Benjamin Joseph Scarfe

SCARFE, Benjamin Joseph- – – SPC 1914

DoB:- – 1891, Ballarat, VIC

Father: – Benjamin Joseph Scarfe

Mother:- – Margaret, nee Harpes

Benjamin attended St Patrick’s College with his brother, Gerald -‘Jerry’ Francis Scarfe (SPC 1914). Jerry also enlisted for service in the war.

Service No:- 14615

Rank:- – Private, Driver

Unit:- – Australian Army Service Corps (AASC)

Benjamin Scarfe enlisted on 8 November 1916, at the age of 25 years and two months. He was a single man, whose occupation was Produce Merchant. He was five feet, ten inches tall, with a fresh complexion, blue eyes and brown hair. His next of kin was his sister, Miss Winifred Terese Scarfe, who lived at 41 Mair Street, Ballarat.

Private Scarfe embarked at Melbourne aboard the Themistocles on 4 August 1917, and disembarked at Glasgow, Scotland on 2 October. He marched in to the Depot at Parkhouse, England on 6 October 1917.

A few days later Driver Scarfe was taken on strength by the Artillery Detail from the AASC. He proceeded overseas to France on 6 January 1918. While at Camiers, he was wounded in action, suffering a gunshot wound on 12 August, and on 25 August was transferred to Base Depot Hospital for treatment. When he was well enough, he was returned to the field, to the 3rd Army Brigade, Australian Field Artillery (AFA).

By April 1919 he proceeded to England to prepare for his return to Australia. He embarked aboard the Boonah on 20 April 1919, and arrived home on 8 June of that year.

Upon his return to civilian life, Benjamin worked as an orchardist and farmer, in the Swan Hill area of Victoria. He died on 28 July 1971 in Mordialloc, at the age of 79 years. He never married.

On his death certificate his nephew, Graeme W Scarfe is nominated as the informant. He lived in Bentleigh, a suburb very close to Mordialloc. I assume that as Benjamin got older, and having no wife or children of his own to look after him, that he moved from the country and farming life to be closer to family members.

Benjamin Scarfe was buried at the New Cheltenham Cemetery, Victoria.