History of wireless telegraphy and broadcasting in Australia/Topical/Biographies/Oswald Francis Mingay/Notes

1908 02
Ossie passes the exam to be appointed Telegraph Messenger with the PMGD '''Commonwealth of Australia. PUBLIC SERVICE EXAMINATION, No. 95. For Appointment as Telegraph Messenger.''' (Held on 18th January, 1908: 112 Candidates Examined.) THE following candidates were successful at the above examination, and have thereby qualified for appointment to the position of Telegraph Messenger at the places under which their names respectively appear. The following should be noted:— (1) The names will remain on the Register of Qualified Candidates for eighteen months, that is, until and including 13th August, 1909, when they must, in accordance with the law, be removed therefrom. (2) A candidate, though successful, cannot be appointed after he attains his sixteenth birthday. (3) A candidate passes this examination if he secures at least half marks in Handwriting and in Spelling only; but those who have also gained half marks in Arithmetic at this examination will, if appointed, be eligible, for promotion to a higher position in the General Division without further examination in these subjects. (4) Those who have not secured at least 100 marks in Arithmetic will be required to pass a further examination, after appointment, in Handwriting, Spelling, and Arithmetic, in order to become eligible for promotion. Promotion examinations are held annually. (5) Unless a Telegraph Messenger receives promotion to a higher position before reaching the age of 18 years, he must retire from the service on attaining that age. (6) Where two or more candidates secure the same number of marks, their order of merit is determined by the number of marks obtained for (a) Arithmetic, and (b) Handwriting, and, where these numbers are also equal, then by ballot. . ..

New South Wales. . ..

Lithgow.

Name: Mingay, Oswald Francis

Handwriting (Maximum Marks - 250, Pass Marks - 125): 200

Spelling (Maximum Marks - 150, Pass Marks - 75): 125

Arithmetic (Maximum Marks - 200): 120

Total (Maximum Marks - 600): 445

1909 02
Mingay included in the List of Federal Public Servants for New South Wales as at 1 January 1909 (Index) "Mingay, Oswald Francis ... Page 126, Line 32"

Mingay included in the List of Federal Public Servants for New South Wales as at 1 January 1909 (Full Details) Commonwealth Public Service.
 * POSTMASTER-GENERAL'S DEPARTMENT, NEW SOUTH WALES — continued.
 * Postmaster-General's Department, Electrical Engineer's Branch.
 * Page No.: 126
 * Line on Page: 32
 * Name: Mingay, O. F.
 * Date of Birth: 1.7.95
 * Particulars of Service, &c.
 * Under State
 * Office: Telegraph Messenger
 * Date of First Appointment: (blank)
 * Division: (blank)
 * Salary on Transfer to Commonwealth: (blank)
 * Under Commonwealth.
 * Date of Appointment or of Transfer: 2.11.08
 * Work
 * Office: Telegraph Messenger
 * Division: G.
 * Class or Grade: I.
 * Officer
 * Class or Grade: (blank)
 * Subdivision: (blank)
 * Salary (including Rent): £26
 * Deduction for Rent: N/A
 * Allowances (District): N/A
 * Allowances (Miscellaneous): N/A
 * Present Salary received from -: 1.7.08

Mingay included in list of Telegraph Messengers eligible for promotion or transfer to higher positions "Telegraph Messengers eligible for promotion or transfer to higher positions. . . . Mingay, O. F."

Mingay included in the List of Federal Public Servants for New South Wales as at 1 January 1909 (Index, by Position) "Postmaster-General's Department.- New South Wales - continued. General Division - continued. Telegraph Messengers - continued.Mingay, O. F. ... Line 463 26 pounds p.a."

Mingay's probation as telegraph messenger with PMGD extended by three months Ex. Mins. 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 22, 23, T.12, T.13, T.14. Postmaster-General's Department, 9th February, 1909. HIS Excellency the Governor-General, by and with the advice of the Federal Executive Council, has approved that the following staff changes, &c., be made in the Postmaster-General's Department, namely:—. . . NEW SOUTH WALES. . . . Extensions of Probation. The periods of probation of the undermentioned officers, who were appointed on probation to the positions indicated, have been extended as shown opposite their respective names:—. ..

Name of Officer: Oswald Francis Mingay

Position: Telegraph Messenger

Period for which Probation Extended: Three months

1909 12
Mingay listed in index to Commonwealth Gazette "Mingay, O. F., P.M.G.'s Dept., N.S.W., telegraph mssgr., N.S.W., probation extended, 698; confirmed, 1042."

1910 02
Mingay included in the index of Federal Public Servants for New South Wales as at 1 January 1910 "Mingay, Oswald Francis ... Page 131, Line 32"

Mingay included in the List of Federal Public Servants for New South Wales as at 1 January 1910 (Full Details) Commonwealth Public Service.
 * POSTMASTER-GENERAL'S DEPARTMENT, NEW SOUTH WALES — continued.
 * Postmaster-General's Department, Electrical Engineer's Branch — continued.
 * Lithgow (Grade VII)
 * Page No.: 131
 * Line on Page: 32
 * Name: Mingay, O. F.
 * Date of Birth: 1.7.95
 * Particulars of Service, &c.
 * Under State
 * Office: (blank)
 * Date of First Appointment: (blank)
 * Division: (blank)
 * Salary on Transfer to Commonwealth: (blank)
 * Under Commonwealth.
 * Date of Appointment or of Transfer: 1.3.08
 * Work
 * Office: Telegraph Messenger
 * Division: G.
 * Class or Grade: I.
 * Officer
 * Class or Grade: N/A
 * Subdivision: N/A
 * Salary (including Rent): £32
 * Deduction for Rent: N/A
 * Allowances (District): N/A
 * Allowances (Miscellaneous): N/A
 * Present Salary received from: 1.7.09

Mingay included in list of Telegraph Messengers eligible for promotion or transfer to higher positions "Telegraph Messengers eligible for promotion or transfer to higher positions. . . . Mingay, O. F."

1911 02
Mingay included in list of Telegraph Messengers eligible for promotion or transfer to higher positions "Telegraph Messengers eligible for promotion. . . . Mingay, O. F."

1911 10
Mingay promoted in the PMGD to assistant in the telegraph branch "FROM THE COMMONWEALTH 'GAZETTE.' Oswald Francis Mingay, telegraph messenger, grade I., Lithgow, salary £52, has been promoted to the position of assistant; grade II., telegraph branch, with a salary of £72, from 20th September last."

1915 09
Mingay takes final leave in Lithgow prior to embarkation overseas "ON LEAVE. . . . Corpl 'Ossie' Mingay, who commenced his business career as messenger at the Lithgow P.O., is at present on final leave — paying a visit to his relatives, Mr. and Mrs. S. Richardson, Corpl. Mingay has been for some time in the telephone testing office in Sydney, and in the expeditionary force is a signaller and telephone mechanic. 'Ossie' will be well remembered by many residents."

1916 01
Mingay arrives at Cairo "BREVITIES. . . . Mr. and Mrs. Sid. Richardson have just received word from Field Telegraphist Ossie Mingay, who has arrived at Cairo safely after a good trip. He states that it is rumored there that the troops will not move in any direction until the spring."

1916 03
Mingay writes home with his opinions of Egypt "GUNNER MINGAY. Writing to Mr. Sid. Richardson, from Maadi Egypt, on January 9, Gunner 'Ossie' Mingay says: 'I just thought I would drop you a line to relate my experiences in this vile, dirty, unwholesome place — Egypt. If a man ever has the luck to come through this lot, he deserves to be given a pension of £5 a week for life. One has to visit these places before he can believe any of the things related to him. Egypt is nothing but a seething mass of disease. Dirt is the common eyesore combined with the sand. The natives live in filthy holes in which one would not put fowls. A wash of any description is out of the question with them.' He also describes the mosques and the tram service in Cairo, both of which have been fully dealt with many times in our columns."

Mrs Richardson sends a comforts parcel to Ossie "BREVITIES. . . . Local residents who have relatives and friends at the war continue to forward parcels of comforts to them. Yesterday Mrs. S. Richardson made up and despatched two fine parcels — one for Corp. Ossie Mingay and the other for a comrade in the fighting line."

Another Lithgow person in Egypt reports meeting Ossie "OUR SOLDIERS' LETTER BOX. Trooper Dan Rowe. Writing from Helouan, Egypt, to his sister, Mrs. W. T. Maker, of Bridge-street, Lithgow, under date of January 29, Trooper Dan Rowe says: 'I am still in Helouan Hospital, but ere this reaches you will be well out of it. It will be six weeks on Monday since I came in, so you can imagine how I felt when the doctor said today that I could return to my regiment in a week's time. I have been in hospital ever since I arrived in Egypt, having spent three weeks in No. 3 Auxiliary Hospital, Heliopolis, prior to coming here. Fred Dowling was here last night to see me. He is doing O.K. He fell horse, and all, breaking the horse's leg, but fortunately came off unscathed himself. Bill Parry was here on Wednesday evening and brought me my mail, also the local papers. You can imagine how eagerly I scan the pages, as I always feel satisfied when I read the news. Home does not seem to be so far away when one can read of old friends and places. I trust that the war will soon be over, and that we will be privileged to meet once more in dear old Lithgow. 'I have had no camp life at all so far, but will soon be able to settle down to the life again. Egypt is full of Australian soldiers, and I have been fortunate enough to meet several I know, including Arthur Welsh, Jim Lean, Percy Williams, and George Roberts, from the Co-op store. I also had a letter from Ossie Mingay, who has since gone to Tel-el-Kebir. Fred Perry has also been to see me several times; he looks very well. I am hoping to see Joe Garbutt, Bill Burrell, Allen Amie, Will Savage, and Stan Eather. They are camped at Heliopolis. Our camp is at Maadi, quite close to the remount camp. 'I do not think the Australians will see too much fighting, as sometimes I am inclined to think the spring will just about settle things. I believe the British army will throw all its weight into the campaign, and in conjunction with our noble Allies, will bring this terrible war to a successful issue. I believe God is with us, and that Germany will very shortly receive a crushing defeat. I hope that the defeat will be of such a nature that Germany will take many years to recover.'"

1916 04
Mingay expects to be sent to France "BREVITIES. . . . Word has also been received from Engineer Ossie Mingay, who advises his relatives in Lithgow that he expected to be sent to France."

1916 06
The Lithgow Mercury reprints extracts of several of Mingay's letters to family "OUR SOLDIERS' LETTER BOX. SIGNALLER 'OSSIE' MINGAY. Writing to his mother and other relatives in Lithgow from on board ship en route to France, Signaller 'Ossie' Mingay, who was at one time employed at the local post-office, says they were all jubilant to think the authorities were giving them a chance against the Hun. Before they embarked they travelled 180 miles in open trucks, a rather trying time. Notwithstanding this, everyone was in high spirits, to think they had their backs turned on the land of sin, sand, dirt, and heat. The vessel was lucky in missing submarines. The enemy torpedoed a sister ship an hour after his ship passed it. The Prince of Wales inspected the camp prior to their leaving, and he was greatly cheered. From 'somewhere in France' the young soldier wrote to the effect that their introduction into that country was in the coldest weather he had ever experienced. The country was very interesting, the cultivation being something magnificent, not an inch of ground was wasted. Everything was going along well, and the general impression was that they would be home for next Christmas dinner. From Fleurbaix on April 7 the signaller stated they were in the north of France, and were in action. So far as he was personally concerned there was no risk to date, plenty to eat, warm clothing, and good bed, all that one could expect on active service, but he reminded his relatives that parcels would be acceptable, especially 'smokes.' From the same address on April 11, he wrote while on duty. He was back again at his old game — working the switchboard — and was having a good and exciting (at times) experience. Shells fell, rather nasty at times; but a miss was as good as a mile. They were in time for the French summer. He enclosed a list of articles he required. It was a great country, the scenery being simply lovely — green fields everywhere."

1916 07
Mingay now in France and still writing home "OUR SOLDIERS' LETTER BOX. MECHANIC 'OSSIE' MINGAY. Writing to relatives in Lithgow, from France, on May 20, Pte. Ossie Mingay said on the following day he would have been six months exactly away from Lithgow. He would never forget the morning he left them, but for all that he was by no means homesick. Although he would like to be back in dear Australia, he would not return on any account while he was fit and well for service. The writer concludes: 'Generally, we don't fare too badly. Things have livened up during the last few days, as 'Fritz' has been putting a few shells over into our territory. No damage to speak of has been done. Of course, we give him a few in return. By the time you got this I shall have passed my 21st birthday, but I hope to visit England before that date.'"

1916 08
Mingay sends news of war and other Lithgonians back home "OUR SOLDIERS' LETTER BOX. PRIVATE MINGAY. Private Oswald Mingay, in letters to his mother, Mrs. Mingay, Inch-street, says:— 'So they have decided to remove the S.A.F. after the war. Anything to spend money on. Will they ever learn sense? If they had some war experience it might teach them.' Proceeding, the private stated: 'We all really think the war will soon be over, especially after the great success of the Russians this last week. We get the war news every day. Things are beginning to liven up here now — we are letting Fritz know we mean business, too. I am dodging the 77's all right. But they generally send 4.2's or 5.9's over our way. Up to the present I have not seen any of the boys; they were most likely put in new divisions formed in Egypt. . . I have no time for any young chap getting married purposely as an excuse to stop away. . . At time of writing I can hear the guns at Ypres going for their lives against the Canadians, who are putting up a great fight. It has been going on for some days now. 'Tis awful the mails having to go round the Cape instead of the Suez Canal passage, one has to wait so long for letters. Perc. Staden and I are making a telephone switchboard for our headquarters; there seems to be some rivalry as to which has the best. Harry Bolt and Joe Baker both look well. I will know where Jim Brown is when I see Jim Bull. Things have been very lively of late. 'Fritz' has been getting a 'shaking up.' We saw an aerial fight between three of our machines and two fokkers. The fokkers were brought down. It was Al. Our boys have been making a name for themselves. Every day we get the previous day's English papers, and they always have paragraphs in regard to the doings of the Anzacs. Winter will have set in by the time my furlough is due. We received our first lot of comforts from the Comforts Fund the other day — not bad either — all clothing, etc."

1916 10
Mingay relates the experiences of the cannon fodder "ENGINEER OSSIE MINGAY. 'SOLDIERING FOR THE WINNER.' Writing from somewhere in France, about the middle of August, to his friends in Lithgow, Engineer Ossie Mingay rejoices over the fact that he regularly receives all letters from Australia. At time of writing he was living in a 20-foot dug-out, built by Fritz, with 10 beds and a telephone exchange in it; it was just like a ship's cabin. It was far better than sleeping outside, when shells were falling around. For the first few nights they were disturbed all night long, after which they shifted down stairs. It was a bit hot there, but O.K., all the same. The trouble Fritz went to in order to make himself comfortable was marvellous. It was just as well for them, in that instance, that he did, as they were thankful for such an abode. The original occupants of the place had evidently been bombed out. They were very near the great mine crater which was exploded in the first stages of the big 'push.' One could still see dead Huns' there. It was interesting to see the boys returning from the trenches with souvenirs from 'Fritz-land.' A sad thing about it was that all who went into that territory did not come back. One day the writer and two comrades were sitting in a hollow having a game of cards, and were just finishing, when a shell burst about 50 yards away. One piece caught a comrade on the top of the shoulder. The piece of shell was so hot that they could not touch it. One of the A.M.C. chaps was hit three times — on the heel, shin, and near the heart; the latter finished his career. All the Gallipoli boys declare the fighting in France to be far worse than on the Peninsula, which could readily be believed. The charge for a tin of peaches was 2s 6d, and for a tin of salmon 2s. Shells were flying about all day, and there was always some one getting caught. While he was writing, the gunners overhead were 'putting them into Fritz,' who was returning one now and again. He was beaten alright. I would not like to be in his shoes. It's bad enough soldiering for the winner, let alone the loser.' In a second letter, 'Ossie' said he had just returned from a 21 hours' duty period, at the forwarding observing artillery officer's post, right near the front firing line, 'and where they drop them thick and heavy.' He goes on to say, 'It is absolutely a living hell.' I saw sights with wounded, the stretcher-bearers, and shells, that I shall never forget. I was in the village, or rather, what remains of it, of Pozieres, and not one place was standing. One could not realise the damage done by shells — everything is razed to the ground, and even the trenches are getting blown in all the time, and the men have to walk along the top in places, being subject to heavy shell-fire. It was splendid to see the stretcher-bearers at work; in the writer's opinion they all deserved the V.C. — indeed, they would go any where to rescue the wounded while Fritz follows them across the open with big shells. He saw 'Harry' Bolt, 'Sid' Moore, Schulstad, and 'Jimmy' Marsland, the day before writing. They were all quite well. 'Harry' Bolt had been stretcher-bearing for some days. Poor Cecil Hart was killed and a lot of his comrades, including 'Bert' Ray, wounded in a big engagement. The Lithgow boys were doing well in the advance, and took about 800 prisoners on the previous Friday night. Speaking of six o'clock closing, 'Ossie' thinks N.S. Wales soldiers are lucky to have the pubs open till that hour. In France they were open from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. 'The tack they sell is simply rotten; a good drink would go well.'"

1917 01
Mingay reports to Lithgow Mercury on life and trauma on the front "OUR SOLDIERS' LETTER BOX. MECHANIC 'OSSIE' MINGAY. TRIALS AT THE FRONT. Writing from somewhere in Belgium early in November to his relatives in Lithgow, Mechanic Oswald Mingay stated that matters where he was were then very quiet. He was on duty at the switchboard, and his feet were colder than a Lithgow snowstorm. Everywhere it was wet and muddy, and the only good thing coming to him was a warm bed, later on, provided he did not freeze in the interim. He had heard that Ptes. Harry Bolt and Joe Baker (two well-known Lithgow soldiers) had done great work on stretcher-bearing service, and that both were mentioned in despatches. When he saw Jim Brown (another Lithgow lad) a few days before writing, he was doing well. It was difficult to meet any of the boys, but they always heard if they got injured. 'We voted today. I did the 'No' trick. I think Hughes will get a shock when he sees the result.' Writing a day or two later, 'Ossie' reported that he just had a couple of letters and a few copies of the 'Mercury.' 'It does put one in great spirits on receiving a letter and the old 'Mercury' from home.' They often broke ice from half to an inch thick before having their morning wash. It livened them up a bit. As he was writing, the guns had just started throwing some shells over to Fritz, which, together with the rattle of machine guns, unmistakably indicated that something was doing. A few nights before the enemy shelled the trench and then raided, but the boys drove them off with machine guns and bombs. The only three Huns to get in were bayonetted. 'I can quite understand the casualty list being heavy, and there is a chance of it being so again. It's terrible indeed, but it's all in the game.' Writing later from somewhere in France the young soldier said he had just received another batch of letters from home. He was again on the move — some said to the Somme. He hoped not, for they had enough of that tragic place on their last visit. However, excitement was high, and speculation rife. Travelling along those French roads in winter was no joke. It was very cold in the saddle for six hours on a stretch, and riding 25 miles a day at a walking pace. Heavy rain had occurred at their last position, and that caused the sandbags to burst and fall into the trenches; they just missed being buried. One had to be away from home, on the battlefield, to realise how sweet were the words, 'Home, Sweet Home.' It was a standing joke on soldiers receiving letters from home, for the unlucky one to ask to be allowed to read his chum's letter, or to have a look at the envelope, so that he might see what one looked like. He asked his friends not to worry about his welfare but to leave the whole matter to fate. He was in a good position, never less than two miles from the actual fighting lines. In a further communication, written on the 4th November, the young soldier stated that they were practically bogged up to their eyes in mud at the big push. The extent of the mud and slush was absolutely indescribable. He had been four days without a wash — no time for such a luxury. A good many of the men were suffering from severe colds. They were near Mametz Wood and Delville Wood, or rather, what was left of them, and Fritz must be very uncomfortable, especially under the heavy fire he had been subjected to. He had seen the renowned 'tanks,' which were, really wonderful, and the infantry felt very confident when arrayed behind one. Having to rise at six on cold mornings, induced the writer to suggest that some warm socks, pencils, and several other little items which go to gladden the heart of a soldier, be forwarded him as early as possible. Pte. Mingay also sent his friends a copy of the 'Anzac Bulletin,' which is printed in London, and distributed free among the Australian forces in Great Britain and France; also a copy of a German paper he received from a German soldier taken prisoner at Mouquet Farm. Both carry a degree of interest, though the latter is not understandable to the general reader."

1917 02
Mingay displaying his social justice inclinations enjoying reports of Lithgow's Eight-Hour day event "OUR SOLDIERS' LETTER BOX. MECHANIC OSSIE MINGAY. 'CHUD' GOODWIN AS A FLYER. In a note to Mr. R. Northey, of this office, Mechanic Ossie Mingay, who is in France, says, 'No doubt you will wonder what prompted me to write to you direct. Well, I was looking over the 'Anzac Bulletin,' a little paper that is distributed free to all members of the A.I.F., and I read where Lithgow had held a very successful Eight-Hour Day. It warmed my heart to read about it. I fancied I could see all the people lined up round the ring looking at the various events, the band playing, Chud. Goodwin flying round the track on his motor bike at a pace that would almost defy him being overtaken by a shell from Fritz, and I thought I would write you a word of congratulation from the trenches.' The young soldiers thought it was all right to be able to get a paper that told them about Lithgow away off in the trenches. Continuing, the writer said his brigade was in action. There was not much doing; only the usual artillery work. The weather did not permit of much air work for planes. The roads and country generally, were still in a bad state, owing to the heavy rains. The cold weather was shaking the boys up a bit, but it was not so bad as it might be. He had not come across any of the Lithgow boys for some time, though he was continually on the lookout for them. It was hard to find an old acquaintance on the field. He was quite well."

Lithgow Mercury receives a Xmas card from Mingay "Engineer Oss. Mingay, on the Headquarters Staff, 5th A.F.A. Brigade, France, has sent to this office a card of Christmas greeting. The date stamp shows that the communication was in the field post-office on December 24. We are pleased to receive such tokens of kindly remembrance from boys at the front, and trust that long ere next Christmas they may all have a better job than keeping the enemy at bay."

1917 03
Mingay rightly proud of promotion to acting Warrant Officer and engagement as signalling instructor "OUR SOLDIERS' LETTER BOX. SIGNALLER OSSIE MINGAY. Writing to his relatives in Lithgow late in January last, Signaller Ossie Mingay acknowledged receipt of a parcel despatched to him from Lithgow. He says the parcel was a nice one, but what tickled him most was a cream shirt which was enclosed. He reckoned he'd get a lively time if he wore such a flash garment, and the boys caught sight of it. Another shirt was all right, and he was making good use of it; while the ties were simply lovely. Recently a signalling instructor was required, and he was selected to fill the vacancy. He was given only two hours before being taken to a place a good way back. On arrival he was made an acting warrant officer, a position as high as a sergt-major, and which permitted his wearing a crown. In the circumstances, the writer suggested to his friends that he had not done too badly. His old brigade was in the next village to that in which he was then stationed, so a day or two after arrival he went over to see some of his old comrades, who were surprised to see him wearing the insignia of his advanced rank. It was a great distinction to get such promotion in three weeks after joining the signalling company. 'You see, they recognise a man's ability here, and give credit where it is due. He had six blankets now and needed every one of them. The battlefield was by no means the nicest and most pleasant place on earth, but they got used to it. They treated the dead with all honor and respect, and yet with an air of indifference. 'It is an experience, all right, and I would not have missed it for the world, yet nobody is more willing and anxious for this terrible, uncivilised, brutal killing business to finish than myself,' adds the soldier. He was of opinion that they would get some censored letters now, as his chances for getting missives past were not so good as when on the other job."

Mingay relates his war experiences, transfer to Signallers "OUR SOLDIERS' LETTER BOX. ELECTRICIAN OSSIE MINGAY. Writing from France to Trooper Fred. Perry, Electrician Ossie Mingay said he was pleased to learn of the former's discharge from the army, as it must be a lovely thing to wear civilian clothes again; he was looking forward to it, and trusted it would not be long. France might be pretty in summer, but the severity of the winter season knocked all the good feeling for the country out of one. Lithgow might be somewhat barren and dirty but it was 'home, sweet home' all the same. About five years of the work he was at, and he'd be an old man in many ways. He was getting a transfer from the artillery to the signal company, which was more in his line, and suited him down to the ground. The mud was awful, horses and transports being stuck daily. 'Things are very quiet here just now, and our little spot is absolutely neutral — Fritz observes the neutrality, too. On every side of us he shells various camps and places, but not much harm resulted.' While at Pozieres some very exciting episodes were recorded, but his present position was A1. Delvile Wood adjoined his district. He had been all over it. He had seen tanks galore, and examined one stranded, crawling all through it, and seeing all there was to see; they were very comical affairs. During a bright lull in the weather he and others observed some great fights in the air, and one day, they saw six planes attain various altitudes. One of the Allied fighters, and one of Fritz's met in the air. The Hun hit the other in the petrol tank with a machine-gun bullet, and set it alight. He came down in short stages, finally reaching earth O.K. The airmen were cool and courageous men of the first water. But still there were just as brave men in the forces — especially the stretcher-bearers; this was demonstrated at Pozieres, where it was awful. He never wanted to see the like again."

1917 06
Mingay with further news of the front "SIGNALLER OSSIE MINGAY. Writing to his mother and other relatives in Lithgow, from somewhere in France, on the 4th May, Signaller Ossie Mingay starts off by saying that as he had that day received copies of the 'Mercury,' he 'felt in the mood to scratch a few lines home. It was pretty cold at time of writing, and as all the available firewood had been consumed. His pal was then breaking up his bed to make a fire with. They were in a camp, which months ago was their headquarters; it was at time of writing a rest area. That would tend to indicate how much they had gone forward, 'following Fritz.' The night previous to writing he was over to see some of the Lithgow boys in the 18th and 19th battalions. He there met Bob. McNamara, 'Shrimp' Cormack, Les. Martin, Bill Graham, Steve Hannan, and various others, all of whom were well and happy. Mud, etc., still proved a great nuisance to the soldiers, especially after snow fell. The writer asked that he be remembered to Lithgow friends, and that the 'Mercury' be sent to him regularly."

1918 11
Mingay acknowledges the efforts of the Lithgow Soldiers' Comforts Fund "SOLDIERS ACKNOWLEDGE COMFORTS. The ladies of the local Soldiers' Comforts Fund, of which Mrs. C. Knight is secretary, have received another batch of letters from soldiers at the front, all of whom convey their thanks for the presents received while in the trenches. Cpl. C. A. R. Wilson, in conveying his thanks, said a fellow-soldier, from Victoria, remarked, 'My word, those Lithgow people look after their soldiers all right.' The pair of socks in his parcel happened to be knitted by his aunt. . . . Signaller Ossie Mingay, too, could not find words in which to adequately thank the ladies, for the parcels he had received, as, of late, they found it difficult to obtain stores which a few months before were in abundance."

1919 12
Mingay back in his beloved Lithgow "BREVITIES. . . . Cpl. Ossie Mingay, of the divisional signalling section, returned to Lithgow, after nearly four years' war service, a few days ago. The young soldier looks well, and was fortunate enough to go through the war with out getting wounded or gassed. He spent some months in London, studying telephonic and telegraphic work prior to returning to Australia. He is making that class of work his future profession. All old friends were pleased to see Ossie, who was employed in the postal department prior to enlisting, back again."

1920 02
Mingay elected secretary of Postal Electricians' Section of RSSILA (predecessor of RSL) "NEWS IN BRIEF. . . . Soldier Electricians At a meeting held at the Lounge Club rooms, 183 Pitt-street, the returned men employed in the Postal Electrical Department considered various anomalies of the department. It was decided to form these into the Postal Electricians' Section of the R.S.S.I.L.A., primarily to bring together all returned men who are employed in the electricians' section at the Post Office, and to assist returned men generally in all matters appertaining to the public service throughout the Commonwealth, and to secure efficient representation through the R.S.S.I.L.A. The following officials were elected:— Secretary, O. F. Mingay; committee, P. Staden, D. McKinlay, E. V. Smythe, J. A. Clark; office precedence, W. F. Johnson, A. P. Mills."

1920 07
Mingay elected hon. sec. of sub-section of the Returned Soldiers' League NSW "PUBLIC SERVICE SOLDIERS. At a meeting held last night at the Protestant Hall a sub-section of the Returned Soldiers' League was formed, consisting of all returned soldiers and sailors employed permanently and temporarily in the Commonwealth public service in N.S.W. The following officers were elected, pro tem:— Mr. J. H. McDougall, president; Mr. O. F. Mingay, hon. secretary; Mr. D. McKinlay, assistant hon. secretary. The report of the Melbourne delegates was adopted. A further meeting is to be held on Friday next at the Soldiers' club, George-street, at 8 p.m., when the general election of all officers, committee, and council will take place. The Public Service Act as applicable to returned men, and the delegates' report will be discussed in detail."

As previous "FEDERAL SERVICE. Soldiers' Organisation. The returned men of the Federal public service in this State have decided that their interests call for some form of organisation, and accordingly they have formed a sub-branch of the Returned Sailors and Soldiers' League. The secretary is Mr. O.. F. Mingay, and he states that there is no idea of running counter to the existing unions and associations, but merely an intention to protect the special rights of former service men. All returned sailors or soldiers in the Federal service are eligible for membership. A general meeting will be held next Thursday evening at the Soldiers' Club (George-street) when the Public Service Act will be discussed, with a view to formulating recommendations for the interstate conference, to be held in Melbourne on July 28. The following are the officers of the sub-branch: Mr. J. H. McDougall, Electrical Engineers' Branch, president; Mr. W. Batten, Records Branch, vice-president; Mr. T. Hast, Parcels Branch, vice-president; Mr. O. F. Mingay, City Auto Exchange, hon. secretary; Mr. D. McKinley, Electrical Engineers' Branch, assistant-secretary; Mr. N. M. Nesbitt, Mail Branch, treasurer."

Mingay marries first wife "WEDDING IN SYDNEY. The acquaintances in Lithgow of Mr. Oswald Mingay, late A.I.F., will be interested to learn that he was married on the 26th instant to an English bride, Miss Winifred Esdon, only daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Esdon, of Purley, Surrey, England. The ceremony was performed at St. Clement's Church of England, Marrickville, by the Rev. Canon Martin. Miss Nellie Richardson (Lithgow), was bridesmaid, and Mr. Douglas McKinley (A.I.F.) was best man. After the wedding the party was entertained at luncheon, and the happy couple left for Melbourne, where the honeymoon will be spent., Mr. and Mrs. Mingay will reside in Sydney, where the former is engaged in the electrical branch of the G.P.O. Mr. Mingay was well-known in Lithgow, as an obliging official at the local post-office some years ago. Later he spent nearly four years in the signalling and electrical service at the war."

1920 08
Mingay marries his first wife "WEDDINGS. . . . MINGAY— ESDON.— A military wedding was celebrated at St. Clement's, Marrickville, on Monday, by Arch-deacon Martin, M.A., between Mr. O. F. Mingay (2nd Divisional Signal Company), son of Mrs. Mingay (late of Lithgow) and Miss W. H. N. Esdon, only daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Esdon, of Purley, Surrey, England. The bride only arrived in Australia by the Bremen. Mrs. Richardson, of Lithgow (sister of the bridegroom), entertained a party of relatives and friends at dinner after the ceremony, before the bride and bridegroom left for Melbourne. Mr. Mingay is secretary of the Commonwealth Public Service sub-section of the Returned Soldiers' Imperial League, and while in Melbourne will represent N.S.W. at an Interstate conference being held in connection with the Public Service Act now before the House."

Mingay's work with RSL achieves results "Public Service Diggers. The newly-formed sub-section of the R.S.S.I.L. within the Commonwealth Public Service has already some results to show for its efforts. In the Senate last Thursday Senator Foil (Q.) moved during the discussion on the Public Service Act that returned men he given preference on the proposed Board of Management to administer the service. This motion, which was carried, is the outcome of an Interstate Conference of Public Service Diggers' representatives now sitting in Melbourne. They passed many resolutions — which they intend to have enforced — affecting the welfare of ex-soldiers in all branches of the service. In N.S.W. this sub-section now has a membership of 1000, and any who have not yet joined up are requested to get into touch with Mr. O. F. Mingay, at the R.S.S.I.L. rooms, 118 Pitt-street, City. A general meeting will be held in the Protestant Hall at 7.45 p.m. on Tuesday."

Further detail, as previous "Federal Public Service. Interstate Conference of Soldier Delegates. Basis of Preference Agreed Upon. The position of returned men in the Commonwealth Public Service has been exhaustively discussed by an important Conference of the Commonwealth Public Service Sub-Section of the R.S.S.I.L.A., which was held in Melbourne and was attended by delegates representing all the States. The conference met at the Federal Headquarters of the League, No. 4 St. James' Buildings, William-street, and its deliberations extended from July 28 to August 6. The delegates who represented the various States were Messrs. L. C. Morley (Queensland), O. F. Mingay (New South Wales), L. O. Smith and S. H. Birrell (Victoria), A. Houghton (Tasmania), W. P. S. Gaskell (South Australia), and W. J. Eddington (West Australia). Mr. C. C. Hadley, secretary of the Victorian Sub-Section, acted as secretary to the conference. At the inauguration of the sittings the chair was temporarily taken by the Federal President of the League, Mr. G. J. C. Dyett, who delivered an address. On August 4 the delegates attended at Federal Parliament House, and held a lengthy conference with the Prime Minister, Mr. Hughes, when a large number of resolutions adopted by the conference were put forward. Mr. Hughes promised to go into the whole of the requests placed before him, and to reply at an early date. Following are some of the most important resolutions which were submitted to the Prime Minister:— Holidays.— That this conference of returned soldiers in the Commonwealth Public Service request the Commonwealth Government to pay all returned soldiers of the C.P.S. for recreation leave and statutory holidays for each year of their service with the A.I.F., as granted by State Government. Unattached List.— That this conference request that no returned soldiers be kept on the unattached list for a period longer than one month after resumption of duty, and such period should be sufficient to permit of his repatriation in his old position, or some suitable and equal position in the service, and that where any officer has been kept on the unattached list his appointment be retrospective with such allowances, etc., as he would have been entitled to. Examinations.— That this meeting asks that in all departments and divisions every returned officer should be allowed a period of time equal to that spent with the A.I.F. in which to pass his examinations for promotion, during which period he shall have the opportunity of sitting for at least as many examinations held exclusively for returned soldiers as were held during the war period; and that allowance in necessary pass marks be made on a sliding scale which shall depend on the ratio between the time spent with the A.I.F. and the time which elapses from his return to the date of examination, and further, that a pass in any such examination shall be considered a pass in the first examination held during his absence. Sick Pay.— That the Public Service regulations be altered so that where an officer of the C.P.S. has, through war injuries or through sickness from war disabilities, been compelled to remain off duty for longer than the prescribed period for which full pay for sick leave is granted, he be granted full pay for the whole of the time he is off duty. Increment Under Award.— In the recent C.P.S. clerical association award, delivered in Melbourne by Mr. Justice Powers, 3/10/19, the following occurs: — 'Clerical officers, who have been on the maximum for two years are to be granted a £12 increment, providing that in the opinion of the Commissioner they are eligible by efficiency for promotion to Class 4 when a vacancy occurs.' As in the P.M.G.'s Department in W.A. only three returned soldiers have been granted this increment, we respectfully ask that this increment be given in all departments to those clerks who are returned soldiers and have been two years on the maximum of Class 5. Future Appointments.— That absolute preference be granted to returned soldiers in future appointments, and promotion on the following basis — (a) that preference in future promotions be granted to senior efficient returned soldiers; (b) that six months' promotion be substituted in lieu of the alleged efficiency; (e) that no non-soldiers be promoted for a period of five years; (d) that increments of non-soldiers who were promoted during the war be withheld for the same period. Deferred Increments.— That returned soldiers be granted increments deferred during their absence at the war. Qualifications.— That the intermediate accountancy examination be placed on the list of qualifications entitling returned soldiers to permanent employment in the Clerical Division of the C.P.S. This, it is considered, would increase the efficiency of the service. That returned soldiers be required to pass modified examinations to enable them to qualify for positions in the General Division, and that the examination be held immediately, and at frequent intervals in future. Clerical Division.— That all new appointments and transfers to the Clerical Division for the next five years be made exclusively from returned soldiers who have passed the necessary examination. Amendment to C.P.S. Act.— The amendment, to include daily wages staff (such staff to be composed exclusively of returned soldiers). Such amendment of Act to secure — (1) security of tenure; (2) the same privileges as regard sick and recreation leave as salaried officers; (3) pay for men of daily wages staff to be same as for salaried officers for similar work; (4) men of this staff to be composed entirely of returned soldiers who are at present employed and have six months' satisfactory service at least. The Commonwealth Public Service Commissioner (Mr. W. S. Edwards) was also interviewed, when complaints of an individual nature were brought forward by delegates and discussed. The interview was of a most satisfactory nature, and the Commissioner promised to go into several cases which were brought under his notice. In the course of the sittings of the Conference, the Public Service Act was debated in detail, and resolutions regarding preference to returned soldiers in the Commonwealth Public Service were adopted, and are being submitted to Parliament as recommendations for inclusion in the sections of the Act affecting returned men. The Conference covered a wide range of subjects in connection with the position of returned men in the service, but, in the main, hinged on the fixing of a basis of preference to those who had answered their country's call and fathers whose sons had given their lives in the war."

1921 05
Mingay as hon. sec. calls a public meeting "PUBLIC NOTICES. ALL Returned Soldier Employees of the Federal Taxation Department, War Service Homes Commission, Customs Department, and all G.P.O. Branches are specially invited to attend a very important mass meeting at Highland Society's Hall, Phillip-Street, at 4.80 p.m. TOMORROW (FRIDAY), 27th. O. F. MINGAY, Hon. Secretary, C.P.S. Sub-Section."

1921 06
Mingay calls for CPS meeting for RSL "ALL RETURNED SOLDIERS IN COMMONWEALTH PUBLIC SERVICE. SPECIAL MEETING. In Protestant Hall, Castlereagh-st., THURSDAY, 9th June, 8 p.m. Temporary Employees specially invited. O. F. MINGAY."

1922 02
Mingay a driving force behind establishment of Military Radio Association, possibly as section of WIA NSW "THE MAGIC SPARK. . . . Another Projected Club The formation of the first military radio club is under consideration by the O.C. 1st Divisional Signal Section (Lieutentant O. F. Mingay). The objective is to create an active interest in radio work generally with reference to its military and ama-teur application. All members of the wireless section of the 1st Divisional Signals are requested to attend at the Engineers' Depot, Moore Park, on Mon-day evening next at 7:45, so that the question of a club can be finalised. Classes will be commenced immediately, so that amateurs may obtain instruction in all classes of radio work. Any other trainees of the 1st Division area who are interested, also ex-A.I.F. wireless men, will be welcome. Lieutenant Mingay, who is a member of the Wireless Institute, hopes that in the near future the Military Radio Club will become a section of the institute. He intends having the question of forming sections of the institute in the suburbs and country districts brought up at the next general meeting of members."

1922 03
Mingay still behind establishment of Military Radio Association "THE MAGIC SPARK. . . . Military Radio Club Discussion centred in a proposition for forming one big Military Radio Club at the last meeting of that body. It is proposed to invite the wireless sections of the First, Second, and Cavalry Divisions to join up. The prospective membership is 140. In addition many trainees and ex-military wireless men may be expected to link up. Lieutenant Mingay wants it known that the movement was started with the idea of encouraging the use of radio by amateurs. The following are the objects suggested: — To increase by voluntary effort the efficiency of the military radio sections. To promote the knowledge of all members in the art and science of radio work. To promote classes. To establish a library. To assist, by mutual effort, every member to possess his own radio set. It is further aimed that classes be held on three or four nights each week for lectures and buzzer practice. A lecture will be delivered on Monday night at the Engineers' Depot, Moore Park."

Mingay appointed secretary of Military Radio Association "THE MAGIC SPARK. . . . Military Association The Military Radio Association has been formed. Headed by such keen workers as Colonel J. E. Fraser, D.S.O. (provisional president), and Mr. O. F. Mingay (secretary), it is sure to succeed. The first of a series of lectures dealt with military radio communication in Palestine and Syria, and was delivered by Major D. F. Farrow (chief signal instructor). It future lectures are as instructive as the opening one, the association should have 'full houses' on every meeting night. The secretary can be communicated with either at the Returned Soldiers' League, 118 Pitt-street, or by telephone to Wahroonga 733."

1922 04
Mingay, as acting secretary, announces first general meeting of Military Radio Association "MAGIC SPARK. . . . Military Association The first general meeting of the Military Radio Association will be held on Monday next (i.e. Monday 3 April 1922 - SSD) at the Engineers' Depot, Moore Park, when the constitution as passed by the sub-committee will be presented for adoption. The members will be asked to elect the following office-bearers: President, three vice-presidents, secretary, and six committee-men. Mr. O. F. Mingay, who is acting secretary of the association, states that class rooms have been set apart at the Engineers' Depot for the use of members. It is specially desired that any military man interested in radio work will attend the meeting on Monday, when the proposals for the future, including the arrangements for the installing of a club transmitting and receiving set, will be set out."

Report in the Sydney Sun the day after the first meeting of the Military Radio Association "MILITARY WIRELESS. Scheme to Link Up States. A scheme to link up the countryside throughout N.S.W. and Queensland, and eventually through the other States, is being considered by the Military Radio Association of N.S.W., in conjunction with the military authorities. It is anticipated that this scheme will make the Defence Department almost independent of the telegraph service to the country. This announcement was made at a meeting of the association last night at which the following officers were elected: — Patrons: Major-General Rosenthal, Major-General Brand, Major-General Cox, Lieut.-Colonel Wallis Browne, and Messrs. E. T. Fisk, and J. F. Wilson; President: Lieut.-Colonel J. E. Fraser; Vice-presidents: Lieut.-General G. G. Gordon, Major Marr, Captain Morice, Captain Clark, Captain Tinkler; honorary secretary: Lieut. O. F. Mingay; honorary treasurer: Mr. Dewis; committee: Messrs. Fry, Sainsbury, Tindale, Davis, Gregory, and Schaffer. Membership, is open to members of the military forces and former members of the A.I.F."

Mingay appointed Lieutenant in Engineers (Signal Service) "AUSTRALIAN MILITARY FORCES. THE Governor-General in Council has approved of the following changes, &c., being made in connexion with the Australian Military Forces:— . . . ENGINEERS. Australian Engineers.— (i) Field Units —2nd Lieutenant W. F. L. Owen is appointed from the Reserve of Officers and to be Lieutenant (provisionally), 1st March, 1922. To be Captains — Lieutenants T. B. Midelton, M.C., A. R. Wright, G. J. Hill, S. B. Chambers, and G. A. Harrison, M.C., 1st February, 1922. (ii) Signal Service.— To be Lieutenants — Gerald de Vahl Davis, Denis Joseph O'Brien, M.M., and Oswald Francis Mingay, 1st March, 1922. 2nd Lieutenant R. H. Fry is appointed from the Reserve of Officers and to be Lieutenant (provisionally), 15th March, 1922."