In Memory Of

CARLYON, SYDNEY HERBERT

Service Details
Age:
26
Date of Birth:
1891-11-01
Service No:
11741
Rank:
Private
Unit:
1st Regt.
Regiment:
South African Infantry
Date of Death:
1918-10-15
Cause of Death:
Died of wounds
Commemoration
Grave Reference:
I. B. 22.
Cemetery:
ROISEL COMMUNAL CEMETERY EXTENSION
Localitly:
Somme
Country:
France
Additional Information
Son of John Carlyon and Jessie Sangster Carlyon. Husband of Georgina Carlyon, and Father of Leslie George Carlyon. Born in Gympie, Queensland on 1st November, 1891. Was a mine manager in Gympie, and went to South Africa to mine, leaving his wife and small child in Australia, obviously with dreams of fortune, as his brother had returned from same, and told him all about it. From Sidney's son, we heard that he suffered a severe bout of rheumatic fever, and was to be discharged and sent home. However, he disappeared, and was listed as missing, presumed killed in action. Still wanting to fight, he enlisted under a false name (J V Burns), and continued fighting, subsequently being killed in action. His wife was notified of his death (missing in action, presumed dead), and was devastated. Some time later, she was notified that of his ill-health, and subsequent re-enlistment and death. The story goes that the name he was enlisted under didn't match any official person, and eventually they determined who he really was. His wife then received news of his death for the 2nd time, and the probable story behind it. She, of course, felt his place was with his wife and small child, and was devastated. She never really forgave him. His son was 5 years old at the time of his death. (Served as John Vernon Burns)