|
George Thomas Stone
Chief Gunner
![stone.jpg](../muster_dadabik/uploads/stone.jpg)
George Stone c. 1898
Received a Type I Victoria Volunteer Long and Efficient Service medal for 15 years service, most likely in the late 1880s.
A very old and respected resident of Williamstown, in the person of George Thomas Stone, died suddenly at his residence, "St. Elino," 16 Russell Place, on Tuesday evening. He was born at Williamstown 63 years ago. At 23 years of age he married Alice Stone, daughter of the late Robert Stone, who was well known far and wide as a leading diver and superintended the diving operations at the Falls bridge now known as Queen’s bridge, Melbourne. He had 50 years of naval service to his credit, 15 years being spent in the Victorian Permanent Navy and 35 years in the Naval Brigade. He served ion H.M S. Nelson, Victoria and Cerberus and retired from naval service in 1919 with the rank of Chief Gunner.
He was the organiser of the large naval ball which raised the first £100 for the Williamstown Hospital and at one time was foreman to his late father in law, Mr Robert Stone, at the widening of the Yarra at Princes and Queen’s bridge for the Government. At the time of his death he was inspector of explosives and officer in charge of powder magazines. He was active in municipal affairs and was the oldest auditor of the Perseverance Lodge of the G.U.O.O.F. He leaves a widow two sons (one Mr Robert Stone, JP.) and four daughters.
The funeral took place on Thursday afternoon in the local cemetery and was largely attended. The casket was of richly polished oak, handsomely mounted with solid nickel silver handles, and was shrouded by the Union Jack, on which was placed deceased’s hat and sword, and was borne on a gun carriage drawn by 30 bluejackets from the naval depot. The immediate relatives followed in three mourning coaches after which marched in fours over 300 naval and ex naval men. A large number of motor cars and private vehicles completed the lengthy sad cortege.
![stone_funeral.jpg](../muster_dadabik/uploads/stone_funeral.jpg)
At the cemetery the casket was carried to the grave by four bluejackets and eight warrant officers act as pall bearers, namely, Commissioned Gunner F.G. Ince, R.A.N.; Commissioned Warrant Officer A.T. G. Parsons, R.A.N.R; Commissioned Gunner F. Bolt, R.A.N.; Warrant Writer W. Pearce, R.A.N.; Warrant Victualling Officer H. Shepard, R.A.N., Warrant Schoolmaster R. E. Flood, R.A.N.; ex Warrant Officer J. Morwood and ex Recruiting Officer T.E. Mooney.
The Rev. Chas. Hudson (naval Chaplain) impressively conducted the burial service the conclusion of which the bugle sounded the Last Post. The funeral arrangements were admirably carried out by Mr Ernest W. Jackson.
Many beautiful floral tributes were received from R.W. McCoubrie, Chief Inspector of Metropolitan Sewage Trusts; Mrs. Hallett, Footscray; Chief Inspector of Explosives and staff, Mrs King, Mrs Kirk, Mr and Mrs Johnson, Ethel and Lucy Mooney, employees of explosives (Altona and Williamstown), Miss Claringbould, Mrs McCarthy and daughter, May, Bruce and Alex Manderson; Bobbie, Jackie and George Stone; Blex, Dick and Bill Stonwe: Gladys Dorey, Mr and Mrs B. Burgess, Mr and Mrs A. Moss, Mrs and Miss Ullyett, Mr and Mrs Fardell (St Kilda), Mr W. E. Cash (Coburg), Mr and Mrs T. E. Mooney, Cape Explosives Coy. Ltd., and staff Nobel’s Explosives Coy. Ltd., and a magnificent anchor 8 feel high from the commissioned officers and warrant officers of H.M.A.S. Cerberus.
The Argus, 22 January 1921
GUNNER G. STONE
The Williamstown Chronicle, 22 January 1921
Born in 1857 in Williamstown, the late Warrant Officer, G.T. Stone, has been a familiar figure. He was the son-in-law of the late Mr. Robert Stone, diver. He served for 15 years in the Victorian Navy, was for 35 years a member of the Naval Brigade, retiring in 1919, as a chief gunner. With his father, he assisted in the deepening of the Yarra waters at Prince’s and Queen’s bridges.
Deceased was the organiser of the first naval ball in aid of the Williamstown Hospital, whereby £100 was netted to its funds. He was one of the oldest members of the Perseverance Lodge, G.U.O.O.F. In public service life he was the best known as an Inspector of explosives and the officer in charge of Altona magazine. He had held that position for 20 years. He leaves a, widow, two sons, and four daughters. The funeral took place on Thursday, Mr. W.E. Jackson had charge of the arrangements. |