Tweed Daily
26 May 1915
Trooper L. P. Garvey writes from Heliopolis under date March 29: —
Since writing last we have been having quite an exciting time. Last Monday the whole New Zealand and Australian Division, were reviewed by General Sir John Maxwell, the High Commissioner, the Sultan and several notabilities. First we lined up and the party rode past us, we meanwhile sitting like stone statues. Then each squadron marched past the saluting base in squadron line (about 130 men riding abreast). In this our squadron was pronounced by good judges to have been the second best being beaten by a N.S.W. squadron. As our squadron is more than half Northern Rivers boys this was a feather in the cap of sunny New South. Then came the gallop past in squadron column (each troop of about 30 men in line). In this we were pronounced best troop, the whole troop looking as one man as we gave the salute. Not a horse's head nor even a man's bridle hand was out of line. We are naturally proud of this achievement, especially as our horses were very fresh and more used to fighting order than reviews. You will admit that we have reason for a little larger size in hats — or rather caps from now on — when you consider that eighteen squadrons (or 72 troops) took part!. The infantry, artillery, transports and all the other units which go to make up a division also did well and we were congratulated in personal letters from both the General and the Commissioner.
Next day we were up early and commenced a four days trek. The first day we had to cross a range of sandy hills to Ma'adi. The Second Brigade were out to stop us and as there were only two tracks passable to such a large army they succeeded, although we acquitted ourselves well and succeeded in forcing one of the passes. We arrived at Ma'adi about 4.30 p.m. and prepared to bivouac for the night. The transport had been delayed by the "enemy" and consequently it was pretty late when we had any tea. Then to cap matters I was put on piquet (by the way I am on again to-night). Next morning we continued our way towards Heldon, our regiment being the advance guard and our troop the screen (rather technical, eh ?).
My knowledge of semaphore signalling resulted in my section being sent to the top of a high hill surmounted by one of Napoleon's forts, whence a great view of the country would be had and I had to signal the results our reconnaissance to Mr. Franklin who sent it back until it finally reached the Brigadier. Our troop was specially congratulated by the Brigadier at the end of the day's journey. We slept at Heluan that night and next morning began our homeward trek, bivouacing again at Ma'adi that night.
Next day the New Zealand Brigade tried to prevent us reaching camp, but we the 2nd administered a severe defeat while the remainder of the Brigade marched quietly into camp. If it had been the real thing I don't think you would be reading this as I was one of the two men sent out in front to prevent our troop falling into a trap. In war these men very seldom come out unwounded as having to advance at a gallop they have no time to scan the country and when at length they locate the enemy they are generally under fire.
We arrived home that afternoon quite convinced that, treking was better than camp life, and also quite in love with Mr. Franklin, whose care for his troop impressed us all. We were given a couple of days spell and today we were suddenly ordered out for another review by no less a person than General Sir Ian Hamilton. We do not yet know the results. Our Sergeant-Major, who by the way was the first man to enter Pretoria; tells us that Sir Ian is a real soldier, and although his figure is not at all athletic, his stern face to say nothing of the stump of one arm and the many ribbons on his breast speak of honours fought for and won.
Soldier Identified: Laurence Patrick Garvey, Service No. 514, 2nd Light Horse Regiment, A.I.F. Killed in Action: 14 May 1915 - Monash Gully, Gallipoli Peninsula
Tweed Daily (NSW)
4 June 1915
A Dardanelles Hero
The sad news came through yesterday that Trooper L. Garvey (North Arm) had sacrificed his life for Empire in the Dardanelles operations on 14th May. Father Conway received the sad intelligence by wire during the morning, and had the painful task of taking the distressful news to the gallant soldier's sister, Mrs. James P. Walker. Trooper Garvey lived for a number of years in Bangalow where his parents conducted a Hotel business, but of late years he had resided on the Tweed where he had a farm in the North Arm district. "Tweed Daily" readers will remember a few days ago a letter appearing in these columns from the pen of deceased, in which he spoke hopefully of the work before him and his comrades. He was amongst the first batch to leave this district to uphold the honour of the grand old flag, and also he was a member of the Light Horse, which went first into camp in Egypt. It would appear as though the rest of the Light Horse had got into grips with the enemy.
The Daily Telegraph (Sydney)
9 June 1915
Trooper L. Garvey
Trooper L. Garvey (killed) was 30 years of age and son of Mrs Garvey, Granville Hotel, Bangalow. For some time the deceased managed his mother's farm on the Tweed River, and was an enthusiastic member of the local Light Horse Squadron.
Sources:
Soldier's Letter. (1915, May 26). Tweed Daily (Murwillumbah, NSW : 1914 - 1949), p. 4.
A Dardanelles Hero (1915, June 4). Tweed Daily (Murwillumbah, NSW : 1914 - 1949), p. 2.
Heroes of Gallipoli. (1915, June 9). The Daily Telegraph (Sydney, NSW : 1883 - 1930), p. 11.
Those Who Fell (1915, June 9). The Daily Telegraph (Sydney, NSW : 1883 - 1930), p. 11.
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