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| HMAT A73 Commonwealth https://alh-research.tripod.com/ships_lh.htm |
The Kain brothers - World War I
It was 21 September 1916 when John and Martin Kain boarded the transport ship HMAT Commonwealth in Adelaide bound for the war raging in Europe.
These two brothers, the middle sons of Coleman and Bridget Kain, had been born and raised in the small town of Hamley Bridge in country South Australia. John had enlisted in Adelaide just a few weeks earlier on August 4th with Martin enlisting one week later. Now a scant 5 weeks later they were off to war with the 32nd Battalion, 9th Reinforcement.
John was a farm labourer, 21 years and 2 months old and elder brother Martin a blacksmith at age 22. They were leaving behind a large extended family in the surrounding district. Their immediate family comprising parents, 2 older brothers, 2 younger brothers and a sister must all have worried as they farewelled these young men.
While aboard the ship John (Jack) wrote to his parents and decided on an unusual delivery method. The Register newspaper reported:
A MESSAGE FROM THE SEA.
John and Martin Kain, sons of Mr. and Mrs. Coleman Kain, of Hamley Bridge, embarked for England in September last, and when approaching Western Australia John threw overboard a bottle containing the following message. —
'On board ship. Dear Parents— Just a few lines, hoping they will find you all well. Every one on board is fine. It is nice and calm. We saw six whales this morning. We expect to sight land to-day and be in the west tomorrow. September 25. — Jack Kain. Please send this home.'
The following letter explains when the bottle was picked up: — 'January 19, 1917. Point Malcolm. Dear Sir — The enclosed letter was found in a bottle at Cape Paisley, Western Australia, by Mr. W. A. Matthews, of Thomas River. I have great pleasure in forwarding your son's letter to you.— Yours sincerely. W. H. Vincent, Point Malcolm (via Albany), W.A.'
Notwithstanding the meagre clue from the note, the letter reached Mr. Kain on February 19. Australia is an extensive country, the name of Kain is, very common, and the wonder is the postal authorities were able to find the right parents.
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| Martin Kain |
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| John Francis Kain |
WWI Service
The ship arrived in Plymouth, England and they disembarked on the 14th November. By Jan 21st John and Martin were in France where the 32nd battalion were engaged in battle in those muddy, unforgiving Somme fields and ridges.
Martin was severely wounded in October of 1917 resulting in the amputation of his left leg.
John's medical records show he suffered from tonsillitis and spent two weeks in hospital with influenza in November 1917. In July of 1918 he was wounded and invalided to Reading Hospital.
Martin returned to Australia on the Dunluce and was welcomed back to Hamley Bridge on the 14th March 1918.
HONORING SOLDIERS.On Thursday morning at Hamley Bridge when the train arrived from Adelaide a number of the townspeople assembled on the platform gave a hearty welcome home to Private M. Kain. About two years ago Private M. Kain and his brother enlisted. After a short time in England they were sent to France, where Private M. Kain was wounded in October last. An amputation of one leg was found necessary.
Having welcomed home one injured son, now in August of 1918 the family were anxiously awaiting news about John.
Bridget, his mother, wrote to the Red Cross seeking help.
By September 12th a reply had been received that he was in Reading Hospital and had been shot in the leg but his condition was satisfactory. John returned to Australia on the ship Aeneas in January 1919.
John Francis Kain died in 1956.
Martin Kain died at age 46 in 1940.
The ravages of war affected so many families. These Kain brothers are my first cousins once removed, my mother's first cousins. We remember them for their service on ANZAC Day. Lest we forget.
1917 'A MESSAGE FROM THE SEA.', The Register (Adelaide, SA : 1901 - 1929), 22 February, p. 8. , viewed 24 Apr 2021, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article59893874
1918 'HONORING SOLDIERS.', The Advertiser (Adelaide, SA : 1889 - 1931), 18 March, p. 8. , viewed 24 Apr 2021, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article5536488
South Australian Red Cross Information Bureau 1916 - 1919, John Francis Kain, SLSA record number: SRG 76/1/2754 https://sarcib.ww1.collections.slsa.sa.gov.au/soldier/john-francis-kain
South Australian Red Cross Information Bureau 1916 - 1919, Martin Kain, SLSA record number:
