Fate: RTA: Monday, 8 April 1918 Discharged: Tuesday, 24 September 1918
Writing from France, Syd said “The Australians are the idols of the people. At every station at which we stopped, girls and women greeted us with cries of ‘Vive, Australia!’ and gave us hot bread and tea. They asked us for our badges and and begged us to write our names and addresses in their books.”
On 30 October 1919, Sydney was the successful applicant for Port Melbourne Council’s combined position of Dog Registration Officer, Meter Reader and Assistant Collector for Electric Supply. Over 100 applications were received*.
In his application, Sydney, indicates he has been a resident of Port all his life and is well and he hopes favourably known in the city. At the time he was living at 137 Evans Street. While serving overseas at Ypres in 1917, his right hand was blown off by an enemy shell.
Under the Repatriation Scheme he attended a Clerical and Bookkeeping course at South Melbourne Technical School.
I am every day improving with my left hand writing and after seeing the list of duties I am confident I can fulfil the position to your satisfaction. Sydney R C Carns
Application for Port Melbourne Council’s Dog Registration Officer etc by Sydney Carns, 30 October 1919. PMHPS Collection
* The file of handwritten applications is part of the Port Melbourne Historical and Preservation Society Collection