Historical information

HENRY SMERDON (Harry) HOLMES was born 9 May 1897 at 'Sauchieburn’, Ascot, 17 km north of Ballarat, to William Smerdon and Violet Mary (nee MacFie) Holmes. He was the youngest of four children. After finishing his education at St Patrick’s College, Ballarat, Henry joined the family farming interests.

At the age of 18 he enlisted and served with AIF in Egypt, France and Belgium 1915-1918 as a Driver with the 4th D.A.C.https://www.awm.gov.au/collection/U51219 . Henry served at the famous battlegrounds of Ypes and Somme in the Australian Army 8th Battalion https://www.awm.gov.au/collection/U51448

In 1922 Harry married Edith Sarah Pickford of 'Yeovil', Clunes, and they lived at 'Sauchieburn' with Henry's brother Willie (William Smerdon). In 1933 Harry and Edith built a home 'Launchley’ at Ascot, located east of 'Sauchieburn' on the Ballarat - Maryborough Road. The home was built by Con Zilles to the design of Clegg and Morrow.

In 1938 Harry and Edith purchased a property at Derrinallum, Victoria and called it 'Launchley Park’ and farmed by their eldest son Jack (Henry John). In 1953 Harry purchased William and Charlotte Holmes's portion of ‘Sauchieburn,’ Ascot for his second son, Bill (William Smerdon).

(Source: Mary Holmes, author of A Suitable Immigrant: Edward Carter Holmes.)

Physical description

Photograph of Henry Smerdon (Harry) Holmes