This is one of a series of posts to mark the international Rugby players who died during The Great War. If anyone has further information on the men concerned, I’d be most grateful if it could be added to the thread. Gareth Hughes, Bryan Desmond MC played for Australia Internationals: 2 : 1913 NZ- NZ+ (2c) Bryan Hughes was born in Sydney in 1887, son of Mr & Mrs John Hughes MLC. Played as a Prop/hooker for North Sydney, NSW. Profession: Clerk Remarks: An outstanding goal kicker, he converted two goals in Australia’s 1913 victory over New Zealand. Brother of James Hughes (2 caps for Australia in 1907). He played for NSW 3 times. War Service: Captain, 1st Battalion, Royal Dublin Fusiliers, 86th Brigade, 29th Division. Temporary Second Lieutenant, 8th Battalion, 48th Brigade, 16th (Irish) Division, in 1916. MC Gazetted 24 June 1916: “For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. Though severely wounded, he organised the battalion bombers and led them against the enemy, who had penetrated a portion of the front line. It was largely owing to his personal example and good leadership that the enemy were driven out.” He was killed in action on 6 August 1918, and is buried in Borre British Cemetery, Nord, France [Grave II. G. 2].
A snippet ...... ! Bryan Hughes is included on the list of Riverview Old Ignatians, they being notable former students - known as "Old Ignatians" of the Roman Catholic Church school, Saint Ignatius' College, Riverview in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. Bryan Hughes - Wallabies, NSW Waratahs - Wallabies player 1913, Waratahs player 1913
In Memory of Captain BRYAN DESMOND HUGHES M C 1st Bn., Royal Dublin Fusiliers who died age 30 on 06 August 1918 Son of the late Hon. John Hughes, M.L.C., and Mrs. Hughes, of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. Remembered with honour BORRE BRITISH CEMETERY
Heres another snippet .... ROCKLEIGH GRANGE AND CONRAD MARTENS The Australian Catholic University—Mackillop Campus occupies the site of Rockleigh Grange, the home of artist Conrad Martens from about 1838 until his death in 1878. The house was substantially enlarged and rebuilt by Mr Larke. The Hon. John Hughes, M.L.C. owned the house until his death in 1912. Hardie & Gorman auctioned the estate in 1913. The Catholic Church purchased Rockleigh Grange converting it into the Apostolic Delegation. The property became a Catholic Teachers’ College in 1978 and is now a campus of the Australian Catholic University. http://www.northsydney.nsw.gov.au/resources/documents/33_setinstone.pdf