Millar Buzzard

10.1
Millar’s Funeral

Funeral

Funeral with Military Honours

Millar was a member of the “Ugly Men’s Association” member, an association across the state, that raised money for worthy charities.

The President of the “Ugly Men’s Association” expressed his sincere sympathy for Mrs. Buzzard’s sad loss and at a meeting was authorised to speak to the Repatriation Department about widows to deceased holders of land, prior to death, being able to remain on the land.

Millar’s Death and Ugly Men’s Association

Transcript:

The late W.M. Buzzard – Sincere sympathy was expressed for Mrs. Buzzard in the sad loss of her husband and after a feeling speech by the President all were asked to stand to attention and pass in silence a vote of sympathy for Mrs. Buzzard. [incorrect initials of Millar]
Returned Soldiers’ Land – it was resolved that the President be authorized to interview the Repatriation dept. in reference to the widows of deceased soldiers who were holders of land, prior to death, carrying on the land and how the Repatriation dept. would assist such widows, and if the Repat. would not, or could not assist, the President approach the Ugly Men’s Association and see what could be arranged.

On 30th July 1920, Margaret Mary placed a “Thanks” notice in the local paper for the sympathy and support she had received since her husband’s death.

Thanks Notice in Local Paper

In 1934, Millar’s half-brother William Slade Vincent Jnr was also interned in the same grave as Millar. He had died of pulmonary tuberculosis in Heathcote Reception Home, Perth.

Millar Buzzard died at Moora on 12th July 1920, aged 33, and William Slade Vincent M.C. who died at Perth on 12th November 1934, aged 35.

The suffix M.C., on William Slade Vincent’s gravestone, is an abbreviation for the Military Cross. It was an Army award for an act or acts of exemplary gallantry during active operations against the enemy, on land, and was awarded to captains or officers of lower rank up to warrant officers. The story of William Slade Vincent can also be read on this webite.

After Millar’s death, Margaret Mary and her children had to vacate the farm as widows were not allowed to own Soldier Settler properties. She and the children moved into the home that her father, Stephen Sheridan, owned at Gardiner St, Moora and on 28th August 1920, at 2:30pm, an auction took place of many household items from the farm.

Auction of Household Furniture and Effects

Just over a month passed and on 2nd October 1920, Millar Robert Shamus was born at the Moora Hospital. The next generation of Buzzard’s was complete.

Birth of Millar Robert Buzzard

Brian, John, Marjorie and Millar Robert Buzzard (in cot) c.1921

Margaret Mary was experiencing severe financial difficulties after the death of Millar, and the local Repatriation Board wrote a letter to their Perth Head Office suggesting that a “special case” be made for her to receive the balance of sustenance money owing from the six months Millar was previously granted. It was denied.

Transcript of Moora Repatriation Committee Letter to Perth Head Office [105]

On the anniversary of Millar’s death in 1921, Margaret Mary place two notices in the “In Memoriam” section of two different newspapers.

In Memoriam 1921

Transcript:

“BUZZARD – In loving memory of my dear husband and our darling daddy, Lieut. Millar Buzzard, late A.I.F., accidently shot at Moora, Western Australia, July 12, 1920.

Inserted by his loving wife and children, John, Brian, Marjory and baby Millar.”

In Memoriam 1921

Transcript:

“BUZZARD – In loving memory of my dear husband and our darling daddy, Lieut. Millar Buzzard (late A.I.F.), who was accidently killed at Moora on 12th July 1920.

I cannot say that he is dead,
He is just away.
With a cheery smile and a wave of the hand,
He has wandered into an unknown land,
And left us dreaming, how very fair,
It needs must be, since he lingers there.

And we, oh we, who the wildest years,
In the old time step, and the glad return,
Think of him faring on as dear,
In the love of There as the love of here,
We think of him still in the same old way,
He is not dead, be is just away.

Inserted by his loving wife and little children.”

Margaret Mary and Millar Buzzard c. 1916

In December 1921, Major William Slade Vincent and Millar’s mother, Emily Alice Vincent visited Millar’s grave in Moora. They stayed with Millar’s wife Margaret Mary. They may have discussed the education of the Buzzard children, as Emily Alice paid for the school boarding fees of all the children, until they left school.

Emily Alice was obviously not aware that fourteen years later, her son, William Slade Vincent Jnr., was also to be buried in the same grave as Millar.

Alice Emily Vincent Visits Millar’s Grave

On 22nd November 1922, a letter was received by the Repatriation Department concerning the erection of a headstone for Millar’s grave. As his death was not attributable to war service, they declined to pay for the headstone. No record can be found of the letter requesting that the Department pay for his headstone. [106]

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[105] National Archives Control Symbol 21813 Buzzard Millar – Service Number - 12269
[106] National Archive of Australia - BUZZARD, Millar - Service Number – 12269, Control Symbol R21813