Lieutenant Derwent Gerald Johnson Stone

Derwent Gerald Johnson Stone was born in Berridale, New South Wales on 19 August 1891, the son of Thomas Stone and Catherine Lucy (nee Finn). He was a veteran of WW1 when he had received wounds in both legs and is said to have acquired a teaching qualification while rehabilitating in England.

He began teaching in the NSW Public School System on 2 February 1920 and 1927 was a teacher at Gerogery West Public School in the Riverina.

When he enlisted in Brisbane on 9 October 1940 his address was “Killawarra”, Miles, Queensland and his occupation, “Schoolmaster & Grazier”. His date of birth was also given as 1894, perhaps to fit the age requirements.

According to his record of service he was a member of staff of the Army Education Service in Queensland and in July 1941 was promoted Sergeant. In March 1942 he was appointed to the rank of Lieutenant and seconded to the 1st Garrison Battalion which was responsible for internal security. His duties seem to have taken him to Bribie and Goondiwindi.

On 17 December 1943 he was granted leave of absence without pay and transferred to the retired list on 9 March 1944.

His wife May (nee Balinski) whom he had married in Redfern, N.S.W. in 1930 died on 26 September 1943 and some time after that he met Dorothy Butler (nee Schadel) who at the time was a single mother with three children. Their story is told by her daughter Edna Butler here.