The Last Post Ceremony commemorating the service of Major George Darling Gould, 26th Battalion, AIF, First World War

The Last Post Ceremony is presented in the Commemorative area of the Australian War Memorial each day. The ceremony commemorates more than 102,000 Australians who have given their lives in war and other operations and whose names are recorded on the Roll of Honour. At each ceremony the story behind one of the names on the Roll of Honour is told. Hosted by Richard Cruise, the story for this day was on Major George Darling Gould, 26th Battalion, AIF, First World War.

Major George Darling Gould, 26th Battalion, AIF
DOD 8 June 1915
No photograph in collection

Story delivered 26 August 2014

Today we remember and pay tribute to Major George Darling Gould.

George Gould was born on 19 May 1867 in Launceston, Tasmania, the son of Thomas and Maria Gould. He was educated at the Collegiate Institute in Launceston. In 1890 he married Ava Clarke and became the manager of James Barclay’s ironmongers in Launceston. Gould had served with the Citizens’ Militia since 1883 and rose to the rank of lieutenant colonel.

Just over a month after the outbreak of war in 1914 George’s eldest son, Thomas, enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force. In May 1915 George presented himself for active service, and although he was 48 he was accepted for a commission in the 26th Battalion. Within a month he had left Launceston for active service.

Gould was sent to Brisbane to train reinforcements for the front. After about two weeks, however, he suddenly fell ill. He was taken to a private hospital nearby, but died unexpectedly on 8 June 1915. Major Gould’s body was returned to Launceston for a formal funeral. The people of Launceston turned out in huge numbers, and the service was reported to be the largest seen. Gould’s coffin was covered with a union jack on top of which sat his hat and sword. The procession to the cemetery was led by Gould’s horse, led riderless by an infantryman, followed by a large number of soldiers and officers, and then the fire brigade in full dress.

George Gould’s second son, also named George, enlisted after his father’s death. He was commissioned in the 12th Battalion at the age of 18 and served throughout the war, including being awarded the Military Cross in 1917 for his work at Bullecourt. He later served during the Second World War. The eldest son, Thomas, survived the war, having served with the medical corps in casualty clearing stations for four years. George Gould was also survived by his wife and two daughters.

Some weeks after her husband’s death Ada Gould received a letter from the Governor-General’s office, which read: “The King and Queen deeply regret the loss you and the army have sustained by the death of your husband in the service of his country. Their Majesties truly sympathise with you in your sorrow.” The Governor-General also added his “heartfelt sympathy … on the death of this gallant officer, who gave his life for his country and Empire”.

George Gould’s name is listed on the Roll of Honour on my left, along with around 40,000 others from the Second World War. There is no photograph in the Memorial’s collection to display beside the Pool of Reflection.

This is but one of the many stories of courage and sacrifice told here at the Australian War Memorial. We now remember Major George Darling Gould, and all of those Australians who have given their lives in the service of our nation.