Harold Ewart Partridge (22 Nov 1885 - 1 September 1958)

Harold Ewart Partridge

Harold Ewart Partridge was born on 22 November 1885 at Glenelg, South Australia, Australia to Henry and Mary Partridge.

Harold was a District Clerk on Kangaroo Island, South Australia, Australia

WORLD WAR 1

Harold enlisted for World War 1 on the 26 April 1915 at Keswick, South Australia.  His address at the time of enrolment was "The Pinery" Kingscote, Kangaroo Island, South Australia, Australia. It lists his mother Mary also living at "The Pinery" at the time.

His unit (27th Battalion, 6th Reinforcement) embarked from Adelaide, South Australia, on board HMAT A24 Benalla on 27 October 1915.  His AWM Embarkment Roll number was 23/44/2. He was a Second Lieutenant.

Becomes Lieutenant of the 10th Infantry Battalion - 10 May 1916.

On 1 November 1917 he was promoted to Captain of the 10th Infantry Battalion.

His service number was 1760.  Medals and Awards mentioned in dispatches are "Great coolness and bravery at Fleurbaix and Pozeres".

He is listed on a memorial at Penneshaw HB1 - Dudley District Hall WW1.

Harold top left

Harold Ewart Partridge married Dorothy Mary Evans on 12 July 1919.

The paper reads "WEDDINGS - PARTRIDGE-EVANS - A quiet and pretty wedding took place at Christ Church, North Adelaide, on Saturday, July 12, Canon Jose being the officiating clergyman, when Dorothy, daughter of Mr and Mrs Greig Evans, "Braemar," Kensington Park, was married to Capt. H. E. Partridge 10th Battalion, son of Mrs and the late Mr. H Partridge of Kingscote.  The church was prettily decorated with pink and white flowers.

The bridge, who entered the church on the arm of her father, looked sweet in a danty frock of soft white silk and net, the tiny frills being edged with satin ribbon; the bodice was composed of net and trimmed with pearls and applique.  The bridal veil was draped over the face with a wreath of orange blossom, and she carried a shower bouquet of white flowers.

She was attended by her sister Madge as bridesmaid, who was frocked in palest pink silk trimmed with blue rosebuds and pink fringe, black velvet hat with tiny wreath of pink and blue flowers. She wore the bridgegroom's gift, a Nellie Stewart bangle, and carried an exquisite shower bonquet of pink flowers.

The bridgegroom was supported by Capt. P. Auld, MC. as best man.  The bridal party left the church to the strains of the "Wedding March'.  A few immediate relatives partook of afternoon tea at the Grand Central.

Capt. and Mrs Partridge left for their honeymoon amid showers of confetti and good wishes.  The bride travelled in a saxt-blue coat and skirt, black velvet hat trimmed with gold tissue."

Shortly after Harold and Dorothy moved to Berri.

MOVE TO BERRI AND GLOSSOP, SOUTH AUSTRALIA

We believe Harold and Dorothy moved to the Riverland in around 1919.

On 22 August 1919, the Murray Pioneer newspaper writes: - "Captain Partridge, late 10th Battalion, who has been appointed inspector of returned soldiers' blocks intends to take up his residence here in Berri."

Six years later...

On 20 June 1925, The Murray Pioneer records:

"MR H E PARTRIDGE LEAVING BERRI - Mr H E Partridge is severing his connection with the Irrigation Department and will leave the district about the end of the month.  Mr Partridge came to Berri about six years ago as Inspector of Leases under the Soldiers Settlement Department, living in town for three years and the remainder of the period at Glossop.  Mr Partridge has been connected in his official capacity with some 250 returned soldiers who have taken up fruit blocks in the Berri Irrigation area.  He holds the office of secretary of the Local Repatriation Committee, and has been prominent in the activities of the RS and SILA, of which he held the position of president.  He was also a prominent member of the Masonic Lodge.  Mr Partridge's chief recreation is golf, at which he is no notive, having taken part in the Annual Championship matches in Adelaide.  He has been runner up in the Country Championship on two occasions.  Mr Partridge and his wife will be to Adelaide."

Also:

"MRS H E PARTRIDGE FAREWELLED - Madames Hamlyn, Herbert, Bottem and Ellis gave a very entertaining and enjoyable "afternoon" at Glossop Hall on Wednesday June 24, in honour of Mrs H E Partridge who is shortly leaving the district.  The hall was tastily decorated and furnished as a reception room where a large number of friends assembled to bid Mrs Partridge farewell.  An enjoyable programme was given: Mrs Miles pianoforte selection; songs by Mrs A Maddern, Mrs Wilson and Miss Carter; Miss A Guy gave two recitations.  A competition - original cross word puzzle, on hand painted cards - created amusement.

Regrets at Mrs Partridge's departure was expressed by Madames Joyce, Shaughnessy and Ellis, and a souvenir bouquet was presented to Mrs Partridge, the guests being given a souvenir flower from this bouquet later on.  Mrs Partridge thanked the ladies for the kind things said.  A dainty afternoon tea was served by the hostesses."

On 20 June 1925, The Murray Pioneer newspaper writes: "Mr H E Partridge is severing his connection with the Irrigation Department and will leave the district about the end of the month.  Mr Partridge came to Berri about six years ago as Inspector of Leases under the Soldiers Settlement Department, living in town for three years and the remainder of the period at Glossop. Mr Partridge has been connected in his official capacity with some 250 returned soldiers who have taken up fruit blocks in the Berri Irrigation area.  He holds the office of secretary of the Local Repatriation Committee, and has been prominent in the activities of the RS and SILA of which he held the position of President.  He was also a prominent member of the Masonic Lodge.  Mr Partridge's chief recreation is golf, at which he is no novice, having taken part in the Annual Championship matches in Adelaide.  He has been runner-up in the Country Championship on two occasions.  Mr Partridge and his wife will go to Adelaide."  

On 28 June 1925, The Murray Pioneer newspaper writes: ""Esteemed Official Leaves Berri"- Smoke Social to Mr H E Partridge"" - Mr H E Partridge who has been connected with this area for a number of years, first as Inspector of Leases for the Soldier Settlement Department and later as an officer under the Irrigation Commission is severing his connection with the Commission at the end of the month.  He was tendered a farewell smoke social in the Britannia Hall on Saturday evening.  Mr H S Coombe presided over an attendance which was representative of the town and the various portions in the Berri Irrigation Area.

In submitting the toast of the evening Mr V E Cock and Mr Partridge had come to Berri with an honourable name and was leaving the district with one.  The work of the Irrigation Commission had been considerably curtailed and the staff had been dwindling.  He had lost many night's sleep himself since one settler, claiming to be in position of good ínside' information, had announced that the local offices were to be closed under the settlements brought directly under the head office in Adelaide for administration (laughter).  His duties had brought him in constant association with Mr Partridge and their relations had always been of a most cordial nature.  He keenly regretted that the occasion had arisen for Mr Partridge to leave Berri, but he had no doubt that if the Government was unable to find a vacancy for him, he would have no difficulty in finding something for himself.

Mr J Medley supported the toast as a member of the local branch of the Returned Soldier's League, referring to Mr Partridge's good work as a member and a past president of the Berri branch of the association.

Mr J L Wishart also spoke as a member of the League. Mr Partridge had endeavoured to do his work thoroughly and he (the speaker) and many other settlers had had the benefit of his advice and information.  Their guest was a man who, as a soldier, had served his country well: had come back and served his state well, after which the Government saw fit to turn him adrift.  There was something wrong in that, and it was the Government's misfortune that they were unable to retain a man of Mr Partridge's ability.  A very efficient officer was being lost by the Department.

Mr J A Coombe said his strong regard for Mr Partridge was strengthened by the fact that his son had been a comrade with their guest, who was a captain in the 10th Battalion.

Mr W N Ellis (Glossop) said he first met Mr Partridge at the Mitcham Camp, and was a member of the Berri branch of the Returned Soldier's League during Mr Partridge's term as President.  As a settler he had always received a good hearing from Mr Partridge and he regretted the Department had found it necessary to dispense with the services of such a sound and capable officer.  The district was losing a real good man.

Mr W H Pope regretted the occasion that brought them together that night.  He had come in sufficient contact with Mr Partridge to realise that he was a thoroughly straight man.  The district would be the poorer for his going.

Mr K L Ward in supporting toast said he had a feeling of sympathy for Mr Partridge - he played golf.  As an officer he believed Mr Partridge to be capable and conscientious.  As a man he was above the average men - tally and about the best read man he had ever met and most versatile.  He was a man of the highest integrity, and his loss to the district was a serious one.

Mr C Ralph, as a representative of the Winkie district, said he had come into constant touch with Mr Partridge more particularly during the old "Scheme" days when he was one of the truest and straightest friends he had.  He joined in the regret at Mr Partridge's departure and the good wishes expressed for his future.

Mr W S Padman referred to the work of Mr Partridge in connection with the Local Repatriation Committee, which committee had never had a better secretary.  Mr Partridge had also been of the greatest assistance in advising those interested themselves in the endeavour to obtain the advantages of a district council.

Mr S Phillips had watched Mr Partridge's work as secretary of the Repatriation Committee with pleasure.  He worked thoroughly without fuss or muddle, and his loss was a great one to the Department and the district.  His ability would assure him of something better in the future.

Mr C O Scott voiced his personal regard for their guest as a man and a friend.  They had one point in common - they both loved Robert Burns.

Mr H S Coombe presented Mr Partridge with a case of pipes, which he hoped would be accepted as a slight token of esteem from Berri friends and in the instance of Mr Cock the toast was honoured enthusiastically.

Mr Partridge in response said he appreciate Mr Cock's remarks and assured them that the cordial feelings had been heartily reciprocated.  There were times when things did not run too smoothly between Departments, but so far as Berri was concerned there had always been complete harmony.  As one of the presidents of the RSL in Berri he had endeavoured to keep the returned men together.  He had been opposed to the splitting up of the branch, and he was sure now the move had not been in the best interests of the Association.  His position as secretary of the Repat Committee had not been a very onerous one as members of the committee were thoroughly in touch with the work.  Reference had been made to his weakness for Burns, and he thought nobody could fail to be inspired by the wonderful ideals which inspired that great poet.  In his work in connection with Soldier Settlement he had endeavoured to do his best to help the settlers....

He appreciated their kind remarks and he also wished to express his appreciation to their wives who had shown many kindnesses to Mrs Partridge.  He was sorry to leave the district, but was not going to grumble.  He had had to "hop over" before and he could do it again.

In referring to the future possibilities of the Irrigation settlements, Mr Partridge said he felt there was every hope of prosperity.  The cessation of development work was in his opinion a matter for regret.  Previous preparation was the secret of sccuess, and he would like to see the work continued with a view to opening up land for ex-service men from the Old Country.

He was going to Adelaide and would probably be there for some time.  He invited any of his Berri friends to dig him up and assured them if he ever returned to the district he would make a point of calling on as many of them as was possible.  He thanked them for their gift which he assured them would keep fresh in his memory many happy associations.
" 

MOVE TO LOXTON

In 1925, Harold and Dorothy return to the Riverland and move to Loxton with his mother Mary Partridge.

On 11 December 1925 the Murray Pioneer newspaper writes - "Mr H E Partridge of the Lands and Survey Department is now Inspector of Leases for Loxton.  Mr Partridge has had extensive experience in the river districts. He is a very keen golf enthusiast, having taken part more than once in country championships of SA and has made some very creditable exhibitions."

In 1926 it was recorded that Harold was a JP in the Murray Pioneer.

On 5 October 1927 at Loxton, South Australia, Australia after only about two years in Loxton, Harold's mother Mary dies at Harold's Loxton residence.

The Kangaroo Island Courier wrote: "A telegram was received at Kingscote on Thursday to the effect that Mrs Henry Partridge had passed away at the residence of her son, Mr H. Partridge, at Loxton.  She was 79 years of age.  The family came to Kangaroo Island about 42 years ago and settled at Wisanger.  About 20 years ago most the family went to the United States of America, but returned about two years later.  Mrs Partridge had been living at Walkerville for several years.  Her husband died about 11 years ago.  The deceased, who had a large circle of friends, left three sons (Messrs. H. E. Partridge of Loxton, W and T V Partridge of Adelaide and two daughters."

And in the Murray Pioneer of 14 October 1927 - "Mrs Henry Partridge, mother of H E and T V Partridge, formerly of Berri, died suddenly at Loxton on Thursday of last week at Mr H E Partridge's residence."

In May 1928, Harold and Dorothy entertained a few friends at their residence by playing bridge.

In June 1928, Harold was the captain of the Loxton Golf Club. There was also a notice in the paper asking for tenders for the erection of a dwelling at Loxton for Harold and Dorothy.

In 22 June 1928 the paper states that "Tenders will be received for the erection of a dwelling at Loxton, for Mr H E Partridge.  Copies of the Plans and Specifications may be seen at the State Bank, Loxton, where Tenders may be lodged up till June 30, 1928.  No Tender necessarily accepted".

In Jan 1929, the Murray Pioneer paper stated that Harold and Dorothy spent the Christmas holidays at St. Andrew's Street, North Walkerville.

In September 1930, it's recorded again that Harold and Dorothy were on holiday.

Miss M Evans from Adelaide came to visit Harold and Dorothy in December 1935. They left on Christmas Eve for Christmas in Adelaide. December 1936 - Harold is Captain of the Loxton Golf Club.

On 4 December 1938, a farewell evening for Harold and Dorothy was given in the Parish Hall, by the Loxton Golf Club and the Church of England Ladies' Guild. They were presented with a beautiful crystal rose bowl from the Loxton Golf Club. Harold was Captain of the Golf Club for several years.  Dorothy was presented with a pottery bowl from the Ladies' Guild.

MOVE TO ADELAIDE, SOUTH AUSTRALIA

Harold is found at 121 Wattle Street, Fullarton in the 1943 Electoral Roll.

On 9 March 1949, Harold's wife Dorothy Mary died suddenly. They were living at 121 Wattle Street, Fullarton. 

He died on the 1 September 1958.