WE MADE THE COUNTRY LIFE!

The Country Life published an article and photograph about our reunion on the 22nd April. Unfortunately it only appeared in the northern addition and we are now trying to have it printed in the southern addition. Do try to see it and pass it on to family members who may need to be reminded about the reunion.

McCLYMONTS AT THE BATTLE OF BEERSHEBA

This is a portrait of the three sons of Thomas McClymont who was the first born of the Manuka McClymonts. In the front is Norman while Cecil sits to the left of Alexander. Although both Cecil and Norman returned to Australia, Alexander was shot and killed during the historic charge of the Light Horse at Beersheba 31 October, 1917. Norman rode beside his brother Alexander in the charge. Many of the family have this photograph and talk of this history. One of Cecil's grandaughters has the original diary that Aleaxnder kept during the campaign. It is said that he wrote in it up to an hour before the charge. We have asked if she could send us some copies of extracts for us to read at the reunion.

Two decendants were named by their fathers in honour of Alexander.

Anyone can access the war menorial site and see the fantasticly detailed picture of the charge of the light horse in which those two men have been identified by people who returned from that scene. You can purchase both this actual image and the charge picture. Go to www.awm.gov.au/about/collections/photographs.asp

This photo was donated to the War memorial by Joan Illing the daughter of Norman.

Cam Banks( grandson of Robert and son of Judith) actually found Alexander's grave in the cemetery at Beersheba when travelling in the 70s. He had not known the history till then.

FUTHER READING.

Rowan McClymont (grandson of Robert, son of Alex -Sana) called to say he has just read a book about Beersheba written by a Paul Daley who mentions Alexander's grave and many other interesting details about the charge and those who served there.

Andrew Palmer, Penny's husband, has just read the account the battle and much more called 'The Australian Light Horse' written by Roland Perry.It was published late last year and has many photographs as well as the one you can buy from the War Museum.

ALEXANDER CUMMINGHAM McCLYMONT

A picture of the patriach of the family, Alexander Cunningham McClymont taken from the old family album acquired from Manuka.

How many McClymont men do you know bear a resemblance to him?

The grave stone picture has come to us from family - keep those photos coming! You can down load and keep all these any time you wish. See earlier blogs for his life history.

POSTSCRIPT.

There is no doubt these blog stories have started memories ticking over!

Mac McClymont has sent in a story about Alexander contribution to the area. The Baker family who were Mac 's parents -in -law and lived at Mt Russell - close to Manuka, passed on this story. When the railway line was being put through part of Manuka there was a plan for a siding/village in the area. Alexander donated the land for the village on the condition that no hotel or pub was allowed to be built. Mt. Russell has never had a pub!

FAMILY GROUPS AT MANUKA

Grandmother Isabella, Jim, Agnes, Robert(Bert) and Alexander( Mac)
Family in the garden at Manuka

THE MAIDEN AUNTS

AGNES AND ISABELLA/ISA.

These two sisters Isabelle ( seventh born) and Agnes (twevelth born) lived out their lives in the old family home at Manuka. Sue Rutherford, grand daughter of Alexander ( Mac) who was the nineth born child provided these very special images for us to see.

WEDDING BELLS AT MANUKA

Here is a picture that Aunt Judith had of a wonderful wedding group all those years ago.

Mary Jane also know as Jenny at her marriage to Thomas McKenzie. They did not have any children but should not be forgotten as part of this large family.

From the left, Robert(Bert) McClymont stands with Alexander(Mack) McClymont and the bride Jenny McClymont. Over her shoulder is Lil, Mac's wife and then the groom Thomas McKenzie.

Right in the front Is great grandmother Isabella with Annie Ensor just at her shoulder in dark clothes.The two ladies in light clothing are Isabella (Isa) and Flora with James (Jim) at the side. Not too sure who the older lady in the front or others are. Can anyone help here??

POST SCRIPT!

The descendants of Samuel who have seen this blogspot say that the man at the back is Samuel.

Mac McClymont says that his father and Aunt always referred to Mary Jane as "Ginny".

WAR MEMORIABILIA

Christmas, 1917.

Did you hear a whisper'd"coo-ee."

Did you feel a clasping hand,

When the Christmas bells were ringing

In Australia's Golden Land?

For in my thoughts I sent them you

From the shattered fields of war

That we might meet, that we might greet,

As in dear days of yore;

And O, how distant seem those times

When you and I were near,

Ah, would the Southern Cross and you

Were shining on me here.

54th Battalion, And hand written beneath this was "N McClymont, to Mother with love.28/11/17"

A.I.F. France

This little card was in the family photo album that came from Manuka. Norman was the youngest born son of the Manuka McClymont 14.

If anyone has any war history of the family we would be pleased to have it sent or emailed to us as we would like to have a war service history for family interest at the reunion. Quite an extensive list has been made by one family member already but we don't want to exclude anyone.There has been such upsurge of interest in Anzac Day and general war history and we believe it would be a good time to record McClymont involvement for future generations as a reference point.