Corporal George Eric Dinsey

Basic Information:

• Name: George Eric Dinsey
• Service Number: 2781
• Rank: Corporal
• Last Unit: 7th Field Company, Australian Army Engineers
• Born: 1893, Tumbulgum, New South Wales
• Died: 12th January 1946, Tweed Coast Hospital, Murwillumbah
• Parents: James Dinsey and Rosa Page
• Family: Survived by his widow Eleanor Dinsey, his daughter June Mary Dinsey (from his first marriage to Eva Mary Coghlan, who passed in 1934), and four sisters: Winifred Watkins, Ina Charles, Margaret Savill, and Mary Keeshan.

Pre-War Background: George attended Tumbulgum Public School and later Fort Street High School, where he was awarded the honour cap in 1909 for academic and athletic achievement. He was an accomplished cricketer and footballer in his youth. Prior to enlistment, he was a farm hand with two and a half years’ reserve service in the 5th Australian Light Horse.

Military Service: George enlisted on 9th August 1915 (attestation dated 13th September 1915) at Warwick Farm, New South Wales. Initially assigned to the 7th Field Company Engineers, he embarked from Sydney as a Lance Corporal on 1st November 1915. His military career included several unit transfers:

• March 1916: Transferred to 14th Field Company in Egypt
• June 1916: Embarked from Alexandria to Marseilles, France
• May 1917: Transferred to the 17th Field Company

George was promoted to Corporal on 18th August 1916 in France. On 22nd October 1918, he was hospitalized with influenza. He was repatriated to Australia aboard the City of Exeter, arriving in Sydney on 6th March 1919, and was medically discharged on 20th April 1919 due to health issues.

Post-War Life: Following his military service, George returned to Tumbulgum, where he engaged in sugar cane farming, an industry in which his father was also involved. His grandfather, also named George Dinsey, was an early settler in the Tweed area. Known for his kindness and generosity, George remained active in the community and was highly respected, especially among fellow veterans.

Death and Funeral: George passed away on 12th January 1946. His funeral, held at St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church, Murwillumbah, was attended by many returned soldiers who formed a guard of honour. The service included the playing of "The Last Post," a tribute to his service. His coffin was draped with the Union Jack, and the cortege proceeded to Murwillumbah General Cemetery.

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