Ellen May Burns and Michael Joseph Broderick
Birth: 1892, Broken Hill, New South Wales, Australia
Death: 13 Mar 1920, Broken Hill, New South Wales, Australia
Burial: Broken Hill, Broken Hill City, New South Wales, Australia
Death: 13 Mar 1920, Broken Hill, New South Wales, Australia
Burial: Broken Hill, Broken Hill City, New South Wales, Australia
Spouse: Michael Joseph Broderick
Birth: 22 Mar 1883, Pollaghanumera, Killanena, Clare, Ireland
Death: 20 Jun 1940, South Mine, Broken Hill
Father: John Broderick (1842-1883)
Mother: Bridget Moloney (~1846-1911)
Marriage: 14 Nov 1918, Broken Hill, New South Wales
Children: John Patrick (1919-1999)
Kathleen B (1919-1920)
Ellen May Burns was the fourth child of Michael Burns and Catherine Clancy. She was born in 1892 in Broken Hill. She was only a year old when her father died in a freak mill accident. It is unknown whether her mother remarried or not. Not much is known of her early life growing up in Broken Hill, though, obviously, it would have been very similar to her sister Nora’s early life.
Ellen and Nora attended one of the ten schools in Broken Hill at the time, but which one is unknown. Like her parents, she would have learned the three R’s (reading, writing and arithmetic), as well as cooking, housekeeping, and needlework. If she had passed her qualifying certificate exam, she could have gone to high school, but it is unknown if she did. Somewhere along the way, Ellen met an Irish neighbor of her sister Nora named Michael Broderick.
Michael Joseph Broderick was born on March 23, 1883, Pollaghanumera, Killanena, County Clare, Ireland. His parents were John Broderick, a farmer from County Mayo, and Bridget Maloney of Spaights Park, Co Clare.
Pollaghanumera (Pollach an Iomaire, that is, “Ridge Hole”) is in the civil parish of Feacle and the Catholic parish of Killanena, in the center of County Clare. According to Lewis's Topographical Dictionary of Ireland, (1837),
FEACLE, a parish, in the barony of TULLA, county of CLARE, and province of MUNSTER, 4½ miles (W.N.W.) from Scariff, on the new road to Gort; containing 8844 inhabitants. This parish, which is the largest in the county, comprises about 30,000 statute acres, of which two-fifths consist of arable and pasture land, and the remainder, with the exception of 300 acres of woodland, is coarse mountain pasture, waste, and bog, a large portion of which is improvable. It presents, throughout, a succession of mountain and valley, extending to the confines of the county of Limerick, and includes the extensive and picturesque lake called Lough Graney, or "the lake of the sun," situated nearly in its centre.
Prior to the year 1828 there was scarcely a road on which a wheel carriage could be used; but through the spirited exertions of Jas. Moloney, Esq., of Kiltannan, excellent roads have been constructed, partly by the Board of Public Works and partly by the county; and this district has now a direct communication with Limerick, Gort, Ennis, Killaloe, and Loughrea. These roads encompass three sides of Lough Graney, the banks of which are in several places finely planted: the soil in the vicinity of the lake is well adapted for the growth of oak and larch; and it is expected that planting will be extensively carried on, and a considerable portion of the waste land brought into cultivation. A beautiful river flows from this lake, which is 18 feet above the level of the Shannon, through Lough O'Grady, at the south-eastern extremity and partly within the limits of the parish, and falls into the Shannon at Scariff bay, with which a navigable communication could be formed at a moderate expense, by a canal about five miles in length. A. court for the manor of Doonas is occasionally held by the seneschal, in which small debts are recoverable; and it is in contemplation to establish a court of petty sessions and a dispensary in the parish. There are several tuck-mills and a large bleach-green; and there were formerly extensive iron-works at a place still called Furnace-town. The gentlemen's seats are Caher, the occasional residence of Barry O'Hara, Esq., situated in a finely planted demesne on the banks of Lough Graney; Ayle, the ancient seat of J. McNamara, Esq.; Lakeview, of T. Bridgeman, Esq.; and Kilbarron, of E. McGrath, Esq., rebuilt on the site of the old mansion.
It is a rectory, vicarage, and perpetual cure, in the diocese of Killaloe; the rectory is part of the union of Omullod, the vicarage, part of the economy estate of the cathedral of Killaloe, and the perpetual cure is in the patronage of the Dean and Chapter, who, as trustees of the economy fund, allot a stipend of £69. 5. to the curate. The church, a small neat edifice, was built about the year 1823, by aid of a gift of £300 from the late Board of First Fruits. The R. C. parish is coextensive with that of the Established Church, and contains four chapels: the principal chapel, at Feacle, is a spacious cruciform structure, built in 1827, under the superintendence of the Rev. T. McInerny, at an expense of £1300; it is provided with galleries, and has a very handsome altar embellished with well-executed paintings and a very large bell: the site was granted gratuitously by Henry Butler, of Castle Crinn, Esq., who has also contributed £50 towards its erection. A schoolhouse on an extensive scale is now being built near the chapel by subscription. The chapel at Killenana is intended to be rebuilt, and those at Kilcleran and Cahirmurphy to be taken down, and a large chapel erected at Knockbeagh, on a site presented by J. Molony, Esq., who will also contribute liberally towards its erection. In a school, superintended and partly supported by the R. clergyman, and four private schools, about 360 children are educated. Lead ore has been discovered at Glendree, and on the shores of Lough Graney is found a fine sand, chiefly composed of crystals, and much used for scythe boards.
Michael was the last of the six Broderick children. He was just one month old when his father died. Michael was raised by a single mother and his grandparents until he was eight. In 1891, his mother married a neighbor named Patrick McNamara. Bridget and Patrick had three more children, two girls and a boy. In the 1901 Census of Ireland, 18-year-old Michael was living on his grandmother Maloney’s farm and working as an agricultural laborer. He could read and write.
In the Spring of 1909, Michael left from London on the Orient bound for Sydney, Australia. The ship arrived on May 9, 1909, but Michael had left the ship in Adelaide, South Australia, and made his way overland to Broken Hill where he became a miner.
Exactly when and how Michael Joseph and Ellen met is unknown, but Michael and William Broderick can be found living on Cornish Street in the 1913 Electoral Rolls for Sturt, Gypsum-Street. Ellen’s sister Nora can be found in the same record also living on Cornish Street and working as a general servant. Ellen was not in the electoral Roll for 1913, so either she did not vote or she was not living in the area at the time. Whether they met and dated this early or not, is unknown, but, if they had, it was interrupted by the Great War.
Despite being a remote outback town, Broken Hill experienced significant effects during World War I. The town was a key producer of lead, silver, and zinc, minerals that were critical to the war effort. The demand for metals surged, leading to increased production at the Broken Hill mines. This, in turn, boosted the local economy. At the same time, many men from Broken Hill enlisted in the military, the town faced labor shortages in the mines. This led to changes in labor practices, including the employment of women in roles traditionally held by men, although this was less common in mining itself.
Socially, the outbreak of the War in 1914 led to a rise in patriotism and a commensurate rise in anti-German sentiment throughout Australia and the rest of the British Empire. On January 15, 1915, Broken Hill was the sight of an incident that also led to a huge increase in anti-Muslim feeling.
Birth: 22 Mar 1883, Pollaghanumera, Killanena, Clare, Ireland
Death: 20 Jun 1940, South Mine, Broken Hill
Father: John Broderick (1842-1883)
Mother: Bridget Moloney (~1846-1911)
Marriage: 14 Nov 1918, Broken Hill, New South Wales
Children: John Patrick (1919-1999)
Kathleen B (1919-1920)
Ellen May Burns was the fourth child of Michael Burns and Catherine Clancy. She was born in 1892 in Broken Hill. She was only a year old when her father died in a freak mill accident. It is unknown whether her mother remarried or not. Not much is known of her early life growing up in Broken Hill, though, obviously, it would have been very similar to her sister Nora’s early life.
Ellen and Nora attended one of the ten schools in Broken Hill at the time, but which one is unknown. Like her parents, she would have learned the three R’s (reading, writing and arithmetic), as well as cooking, housekeeping, and needlework. If she had passed her qualifying certificate exam, she could have gone to high school, but it is unknown if she did. Somewhere along the way, Ellen met an Irish neighbor of her sister Nora named Michael Broderick.
Michael Joseph Broderick was born on March 23, 1883, Pollaghanumera, Killanena, County Clare, Ireland. His parents were John Broderick, a farmer from County Mayo, and Bridget Maloney of Spaights Park, Co Clare.
Pollaghanumera (Pollach an Iomaire, that is, “Ridge Hole”) is in the civil parish of Feacle and the Catholic parish of Killanena, in the center of County Clare. According to Lewis's Topographical Dictionary of Ireland, (1837),
FEACLE, a parish, in the barony of TULLA, county of CLARE, and province of MUNSTER, 4½ miles (W.N.W.) from Scariff, on the new road to Gort; containing 8844 inhabitants. This parish, which is the largest in the county, comprises about 30,000 statute acres, of which two-fifths consist of arable and pasture land, and the remainder, with the exception of 300 acres of woodland, is coarse mountain pasture, waste, and bog, a large portion of which is improvable. It presents, throughout, a succession of mountain and valley, extending to the confines of the county of Limerick, and includes the extensive and picturesque lake called Lough Graney, or "the lake of the sun," situated nearly in its centre.
Prior to the year 1828 there was scarcely a road on which a wheel carriage could be used; but through the spirited exertions of Jas. Moloney, Esq., of Kiltannan, excellent roads have been constructed, partly by the Board of Public Works and partly by the county; and this district has now a direct communication with Limerick, Gort, Ennis, Killaloe, and Loughrea. These roads encompass three sides of Lough Graney, the banks of which are in several places finely planted: the soil in the vicinity of the lake is well adapted for the growth of oak and larch; and it is expected that planting will be extensively carried on, and a considerable portion of the waste land brought into cultivation. A beautiful river flows from this lake, which is 18 feet above the level of the Shannon, through Lough O'Grady, at the south-eastern extremity and partly within the limits of the parish, and falls into the Shannon at Scariff bay, with which a navigable communication could be formed at a moderate expense, by a canal about five miles in length. A. court for the manor of Doonas is occasionally held by the seneschal, in which small debts are recoverable; and it is in contemplation to establish a court of petty sessions and a dispensary in the parish. There are several tuck-mills and a large bleach-green; and there were formerly extensive iron-works at a place still called Furnace-town. The gentlemen's seats are Caher, the occasional residence of Barry O'Hara, Esq., situated in a finely planted demesne on the banks of Lough Graney; Ayle, the ancient seat of J. McNamara, Esq.; Lakeview, of T. Bridgeman, Esq.; and Kilbarron, of E. McGrath, Esq., rebuilt on the site of the old mansion.
It is a rectory, vicarage, and perpetual cure, in the diocese of Killaloe; the rectory is part of the union of Omullod, the vicarage, part of the economy estate of the cathedral of Killaloe, and the perpetual cure is in the patronage of the Dean and Chapter, who, as trustees of the economy fund, allot a stipend of £69. 5. to the curate. The church, a small neat edifice, was built about the year 1823, by aid of a gift of £300 from the late Board of First Fruits. The R. C. parish is coextensive with that of the Established Church, and contains four chapels: the principal chapel, at Feacle, is a spacious cruciform structure, built in 1827, under the superintendence of the Rev. T. McInerny, at an expense of £1300; it is provided with galleries, and has a very handsome altar embellished with well-executed paintings and a very large bell: the site was granted gratuitously by Henry Butler, of Castle Crinn, Esq., who has also contributed £50 towards its erection. A schoolhouse on an extensive scale is now being built near the chapel by subscription. The chapel at Killenana is intended to be rebuilt, and those at Kilcleran and Cahirmurphy to be taken down, and a large chapel erected at Knockbeagh, on a site presented by J. Molony, Esq., who will also contribute liberally towards its erection. In a school, superintended and partly supported by the R. clergyman, and four private schools, about 360 children are educated. Lead ore has been discovered at Glendree, and on the shores of Lough Graney is found a fine sand, chiefly composed of crystals, and much used for scythe boards.
Michael was the last of the six Broderick children. He was just one month old when his father died. Michael was raised by a single mother and his grandparents until he was eight. In 1891, his mother married a neighbor named Patrick McNamara. Bridget and Patrick had three more children, two girls and a boy. In the 1901 Census of Ireland, 18-year-old Michael was living on his grandmother Maloney’s farm and working as an agricultural laborer. He could read and write.
In the Spring of 1909, Michael left from London on the Orient bound for Sydney, Australia. The ship arrived on May 9, 1909, but Michael had left the ship in Adelaide, South Australia, and made his way overland to Broken Hill where he became a miner.
Exactly when and how Michael Joseph and Ellen met is unknown, but Michael and William Broderick can be found living on Cornish Street in the 1913 Electoral Rolls for Sturt, Gypsum-Street. Ellen’s sister Nora can be found in the same record also living on Cornish Street and working as a general servant. Ellen was not in the electoral Roll for 1913, so either she did not vote or she was not living in the area at the time. Whether they met and dated this early or not, is unknown, but, if they had, it was interrupted by the Great War.
Despite being a remote outback town, Broken Hill experienced significant effects during World War I. The town was a key producer of lead, silver, and zinc, minerals that were critical to the war effort. The demand for metals surged, leading to increased production at the Broken Hill mines. This, in turn, boosted the local economy. At the same time, many men from Broken Hill enlisted in the military, the town faced labor shortages in the mines. This led to changes in labor practices, including the employment of women in roles traditionally held by men, although this was less common in mining itself.
Socially, the outbreak of the War in 1914 led to a rise in patriotism and a commensurate rise in anti-German sentiment throughout Australia and the rest of the British Empire. On January 15, 1915, Broken Hill was the sight of an incident that also led to a huge increase in anti-Muslim feeling.
According to the Armidale Chronicle (Armidale, NSW, 6 Jan 1915):
Turks Attack Train.
OCCRRENCE AT BROKEN HILL.
Broken Hill is always sensational, but on New Year's Day it excelled itself. A couple of men, described as Turks, entrenched themselves a couple of miles outside Broken Hill on the road to Silverton, and fired on a picnic train going to Silverton for the annual Manchester Unity Oddfellows' picnic sports. As a result, foul--- civilians were killed, seven other folk, including police, wounded, and two of the attacking party were killed.
Following is the first official report of the police: "Two coloured-men, Afghans or Turks, armed with: rifles, fired-on a picnic train laden with men, women, and children, just outside the city en route to Silverton, and killed and wounded several. The police, when informed, went in pursuit of the offenders, who took refuge on a rocky hill, fired on the police, and wounded Constable Mills. The two men were finally shot down—one dead and the other injured. One wounded offender is in hospital, and the second man died in hospital with nine bullet wounds in him.”
Crowded picnic trains left Broken Hill about 10 o'clock, and carried those who set out with light hearts to attend the annual picnic at Silverton. The train consisted of two brake vans, and 40 ore trucks of the usual sort used for Barrier picnics, with some 1200 picnickers on board. When the train was about two miles on the way to Silverton, near the cattle yards, an ice cream cart, with a Turkish flag flying on it, was noticed on the northern side of the line, close to the railway fence. The flag was red, about 18 inches square, with a white crescent and white star, the flag of Turkey. Two men, who were also seen crouching behind the bank of earth which marks the line of the watermain from Umberumberka to Broken Hill, attracted the attention of Mr. M. Kenny, who was a passenger on the train. Mr. Kenny, who was engaged on the water supply works in the capacity ~bT electrician, thought, at first that there must be something wrong with the main, and that these men were attending to the damage. He then saw that they, had rifles in their hands pointed at the train, and almost simultaneously he saw and heard the rifles fired. The firing continued during the whole time the train was passing the two men, 20 or 30 shots being fired in all. The men were so close to the train that they could be plainly seen to be either Turks or Afghans. As they were flying the Turkish flag, it was assumed that they were Turks, of whom there are several in Broken Hill.
A. E. Millard was riding along the track beside the railway line as the train was fired on, and lie became the target for one shot, which killed him on the spot. The bullet pierced his head. The train with its saddened freight of men, women, and children, then returned to Broken Hill. The police were communicated with, and they attacked the assailants in their fastnesses, and ultimately succeeded in destroying their resistance, but not before two of the Turks had been killed and some of the police were shot and injured more or less seriously.
The identity of the Turks who were shot has been established by the police. Mulla Abdulln, who was killed outright, was a butcher. Some-days ago he was convicted and fined for slaughtering sheep on premises not licensed for slaughtering. He had previously been before the Court on a similar charge. He was an elderly man by appearance, about 60. Gool Mahomed died on the way to the hospital. He is believed to have been an ice cream vendor. Abdulla carried a Snider rifle and an apparently home-made bandolier. The latter had pockets for 48 cartridges, and 26 of the pockets were empty. He also had in his possession a revolver and cartridges and a new knife and. sheath. The other man's rifle was a Martini-Henry. Walshama Assou, a Punjab from Peshawar, when one of the-police was shot, carried water to him. This he did at no little risk to himself, for he was at times a target for the Turks.' Another man who contributed largely to the defeat was Khan Bahader, camel owner and driver. His residence is near the Cable Hotel and it was used by the police as cover to shoot from through the windows. Bahadur stated to the police that he saw the Turks walking at a little distance past his place., He was at the door feeding a goat, when one of the Turks fired at him, and said, "Don't follow me, or I will shoot you." He fired again at about 50 yards' range, and the bullet passed over his shoulder, very close to his ear. Bahader said to. the Turk, "If you shoot at me again, I will get my rifle and shoot you."
According to the Warialda Standard and Northern Districts' Advertiser (Grafton, NSW, 4 Jan 1915),
On Friday morning, when a few miles out from Broken Hill, a picnic train, en route for Silverton, conveying the Manchester Unity Oddfellows and their friends, was attacked by a number of entrenched Turks, flying the Turkish flag. Three of the occupants of one car were killed and five wounded by rifle fire. Another person was killed while passing on a motor cycle.
Shortly after the occurrence the Broken Hill police arrived on the scene, and with the assistance of some of the military, attacked the Turks in rocky ground. One Turk was shot dead and another fatally wounded. Sergeant Diamond, of the Broken Hill police force, was also wounded.
That night several thousand men walked to the German Club in Delmore Street and set fire to the building, which in a brief time became entirely consumed. The crowd sang patriotic airs and hurrahed lustily. A large number were arrested in connection with the club fire. The military with fixed bayonets and loaded rifles appeared while the fire was in progress, but were too late to do anything. Five of the wounded are on the mend. Two are still in a dangerous condition.
The crowd then proceeded to the Afghan camel camp north of town. According to Barrier Miner (Broken Hill, 2 Jan 1915),
The North Camel Camp was a settlement of local Muslims at the extreme northern end of Williams Street in North Broken Hill. It consisted of "a few galvanized-iron buildings straggling irregularly around an area of two or three acres", the homes of camel drivers and other camp residents. The area included the business depot for the camel-based transportation of merchandise to surrounding stations and settlements. The most substantial building at the camp was a mosque, a single room twenty by fifteen feet in dimensions with an alcove in the wall and heavily carpeted, but otherwise having no furniture.
After the angry crowd had attacked and set fire to the German Club, the authorities decided to send a contingent of police and military to protect the mosque at the North Camel Camp. An advance guard arrived in several cars at about nine-thirty that night and were greeted at the mosque by two "priests of Islam" dressed in turbans and robes. The policemen briefly entered the mosque and then explained to the two men that they were there to "preserve order", as they "feared a repetition of the proceedings that had taken place a little earlier in the evening at the German Club". Soon afterwards "a crowd apparently numbering some hundreds was seen surging down the road". A detachment of military arrived at about the same time and managed to hold the agitated crowd at bay. After about half an hour "the inaction of waiting in idleness had its effect" and the crowd began to drift away until "the military and police were left in sole possession of the ground".
When the soldiers and police entered the mosque on the night of January 1, they had done so without removing their boots. Though the circumstances were exceptional and "at the time none of those entering gave the matter a moment's thought", the desecration of the mosque in this manner caused considerable disquiet amongst the local Muslim community. Several days later Captain Hardie and Police Inspector Miller "paid a conciliatory visit to the mosque" and met with the "chief priest" about the matter.
The Clarence and Richmond Examiner (Grafton, NSW, 7 Jan 1915) followed up with this editorial:
The reference to Turks in connection with the Broken Hill tragedy is misleading. The so-
called Turks are Afgans. On the outskirts of the Silver City. Afghan camel-drivers camp.
These camel-drivers are Mahometans, and the fact that Turks are also Mahometans may
explain the confusion in thought, involving, as it has done, an isolated inland district of
New South Wales, in an unfortunate, misadventure.
Broken Hill, however, has always been a storm-centre. It is quite conceivable that
the "Turkish" attack on the picnic train was the sequel to an attack on the Afghan camp
by some of the disorderly elements that throng the Barrier. Such an attack is hard to explain in any other way. The burning of the German Club—a somewhat unpretentious
building in Delamore street—can only be ascribed to a drunken freak. A Broken Hill
mob is very courageous when it is full of liquor. During the 1909 strike it proved its
"courage" in this way by knocking inoffensive men about, whilst the latter were leaving
the Big Mine. When the recent tragedy is sifted, it will probably be found that innocent picnickers lost their lives through the disorderly elements temporarily cutting loose,
attacking the Afghans, and the Amir's subjects taking revenge by firing at a picnic
train. The tragedy has really no war significance.
The attackers left notes connecting their actions to the hostilities between the Ottoman and British Empires, but never mentioned a previous attack on the Camel Camp. Mahomed left a letter in his waist belt which stated that he was a subject of the Ottoman Sultan and that, “I must kill you and give my life for my faith. Allāhu Akbar.” Abdullah said in his last letter that he was dying for his faith and in obedience to the order of the Sultan, “but owing to my grudge against Chief Sanitary Inspector Brosnan, it was my intention to kill him first.” Several days before the attack on the picnic train, Adbullah had been convicted in the Police Court of slaughtering sheep on unlicensed premises. Brosnan had reported him.
The incident is the only shedding of Australia blood on Australian soil during the Great War.
As the War dragged on, shortages and rationing had a definite effect on everyday life. Besides a labor shortage due to enlistments, the mines lost their previous access to explosives, as well as essential supplies like timber, coal, and machine parts. To cope with shortages, mining companies implemented more efficient use of materials and equipment. This included better maintenance of machinery to extend its operational life and careful management of explosives and other essential supplies. Companies sometimes adapted existing machinery for multiple purposes or found innovative ways to use less critical materials when traditional supplies were scarce. This resourcefulness helped maintain production levels despite shortages. Where possible, mining companies stockpiled essential supplies when they were available. This proactive approach ensured that operations could continue during periods when supplies were difficult to obtain.
As to supplies of natural resources, the importance of rail transport for moving ore, coal, and other supplies, the mining companies worked closely with the railways to prioritize the transport of coal to Broken Hill. This coordination helped mitigate the impact of coal shortages on mining operations. Some companies seem to have implemented energy-saving measures, such as reducing non-essential energy use in the mines, to ensure that the available coal was used as efficiently as possible.
The labor shortage also had its solutions. With many men enlisting in the military, the mining companies had to find ways to address the labor shortages. One approach was the recruitment of older men and those who were not eligible for military service to work in the mines. Although less common in the mining sector, women began to take on roles in ancillary services and administrative positions within the mining companies, freeing up men to work in the mines. Miners who remained in Broken Hill often worked longer hours to compensate for the reduced workforce. This led to increased productivity despite the reduced number of workers.
Unlike in the 1890s, the War forced negotiation and collaboration on the mining companies and the trade union alike. They had to work together to address the needs of workers during the war, including negotiating wages and working conditions. This cooperation helped maintain labor peace and prevented strikes that could have further disrupted production. Some mining companies provided support to the families of enlisted workers, which helped maintain morale and loyalty among the workforce. This support included financial assistance and community programs. And patriotic appeals, War Bonds, and fundraising further reinforced the connection between the local economy and the national war effort and helped maintain a sense of purpose and unity within the community.
On the home front, Broken Hill experienced shortages of certain foodstuffs and goods. With the disruption of international trade, Broken Hill faced shortages of imported goods. Clothing, shoes, and household items became harder to find and more expensive. Broken Hill’s remote location compounded these shortages, as it was more difficult to transport goods to the town. Rationing was introduced to ensure that sufficient resources were available for the war effort. Items such as sugar, butter, and meat were often rationed, leading to higher prices and limited availability.
The war also led to shortages of medical supplies, as many were diverted to support the military. This affected the availability of medical care in Broken Hill, and, with longer work hours, this put additional strain on the local healthcare system. All these shortages, coupled with the overall strain of the war, significantly impacted daily life in Broken Hill, challenging both its residents and its vital mining industry.
The emotional toll of the War was wider ranging and more enduring. Wives and children had to survive while their husbands and fathers were away in Europe and the Middle East fighting in the ANZAC Corps, and the War was always on the front page of the newspapers. Weekly, and later daily, the newspapers posted the names of the wounded and dead. Waiting each day to see if your loved one would be on the list was often worse that finding the name there. As a mine worker (and an Irishman), Michael does not seem to have enlisted, but instead served the War Effort on the Home Front. Overall, World War I left a lasting impact on Broken Hill—as it did all over the World—shaping the economy, society, and collective memory. Broken Hill continued to benefit from high demand for minerals after the Armistice, although the transition back to peacetime brought the same challenges—like returning soldiers seeking employment—as all countries did.
Michael and Ellen married on November 14, 1918—three days after the armistice was signed and an end to the Great War was declared. There were likely married at All Saints Church in Broken Hill. As a new bride, Ellen might have joined the newly formed Housewives Association of New South Wales. According to by Australian Women's Register,
The Housewives Association of New South Wales was founded in 1918 largely due to the efforts of the artist Portia Geach. Influenced by a meeting of a housewives' association she had attended in New York in 1917, on her return to Sydney she formed and was first president of a similar organisation in her own state. The Association initially aimed to educate women in the principles of proper nutrition and to combat profiteering and rising food prices. It soon broadened its interests, becoming a considerable lobbying force on issues affecting women and children generally.
The Association had wide affiliations from its earliest years - including the Parks and Playgrounds Association, Health Week, National Trust of Australia, National Council of Women, Town Planners' Association, United Nations Associations of Sydney and the General Federation of Women's Clubs. In 1928 Geach reorganised the association as the Housewives' Progressive Association. In 1938 the Housewives' Progressive Association was incorporated under the chairmanship of Eleanor Glencross with Geach a director. Their rivalry led to the expulsion in 1941 of Portia and four others, who alleged that the association had been working in cooperation with the Meadow-Lea Margarine Co. Pty Ltd. In 1947 she formed the breakaway Progressive Housewives' Association. The original organisation continued in a somewhat reduced form.
https://trove.nla.gov.au/people/764065?c=people
There was a Broken Hill Chapter.
The Broken Hill Housewives Association: This Association protected and supported the married women of the town and had the power to punish husbands who drank and gambled all their wages and therefore had nothing left over to provide for their families. In its day, this independent body had the power to garnishee a man’s wages and then deliver that money to the wife.
https://lifeonebigadventure.com/2020/05/20/walking-through-history-in-broken-hill/
On January 25, 1919, Ellen and Michael welcomed their first child into the world. They named their new son John Patrick Broderick, after his paternal grandfather. Ten months later, in November of 1919, they welcomed their daughter Kathleen B Broderick. (Like her California cousin Ruth B Callaghan, what the B stood for is now lost.) Unfortunately, neither mother nor daughter would survive for very long.
On March 13, 1920, Ellen May died. She was only 28 years old. She is buried in the Old Catholic section of the Broken Hill Cemetery, row 32, grave 33 (probably with her father). Less than a month later, on April 9, Kathleen also died. She was buried next to her mother in her uncle Michael’s grave (grave 32).
Turks Attack Train.
OCCRRENCE AT BROKEN HILL.
Broken Hill is always sensational, but on New Year's Day it excelled itself. A couple of men, described as Turks, entrenched themselves a couple of miles outside Broken Hill on the road to Silverton, and fired on a picnic train going to Silverton for the annual Manchester Unity Oddfellows' picnic sports. As a result, foul--- civilians were killed, seven other folk, including police, wounded, and two of the attacking party were killed.
Following is the first official report of the police: "Two coloured-men, Afghans or Turks, armed with: rifles, fired-on a picnic train laden with men, women, and children, just outside the city en route to Silverton, and killed and wounded several. The police, when informed, went in pursuit of the offenders, who took refuge on a rocky hill, fired on the police, and wounded Constable Mills. The two men were finally shot down—one dead and the other injured. One wounded offender is in hospital, and the second man died in hospital with nine bullet wounds in him.”
Crowded picnic trains left Broken Hill about 10 o'clock, and carried those who set out with light hearts to attend the annual picnic at Silverton. The train consisted of two brake vans, and 40 ore trucks of the usual sort used for Barrier picnics, with some 1200 picnickers on board. When the train was about two miles on the way to Silverton, near the cattle yards, an ice cream cart, with a Turkish flag flying on it, was noticed on the northern side of the line, close to the railway fence. The flag was red, about 18 inches square, with a white crescent and white star, the flag of Turkey. Two men, who were also seen crouching behind the bank of earth which marks the line of the watermain from Umberumberka to Broken Hill, attracted the attention of Mr. M. Kenny, who was a passenger on the train. Mr. Kenny, who was engaged on the water supply works in the capacity ~bT electrician, thought, at first that there must be something wrong with the main, and that these men were attending to the damage. He then saw that they, had rifles in their hands pointed at the train, and almost simultaneously he saw and heard the rifles fired. The firing continued during the whole time the train was passing the two men, 20 or 30 shots being fired in all. The men were so close to the train that they could be plainly seen to be either Turks or Afghans. As they were flying the Turkish flag, it was assumed that they were Turks, of whom there are several in Broken Hill.
A. E. Millard was riding along the track beside the railway line as the train was fired on, and lie became the target for one shot, which killed him on the spot. The bullet pierced his head. The train with its saddened freight of men, women, and children, then returned to Broken Hill. The police were communicated with, and they attacked the assailants in their fastnesses, and ultimately succeeded in destroying their resistance, but not before two of the Turks had been killed and some of the police were shot and injured more or less seriously.
The identity of the Turks who were shot has been established by the police. Mulla Abdulln, who was killed outright, was a butcher. Some-days ago he was convicted and fined for slaughtering sheep on premises not licensed for slaughtering. He had previously been before the Court on a similar charge. He was an elderly man by appearance, about 60. Gool Mahomed died on the way to the hospital. He is believed to have been an ice cream vendor. Abdulla carried a Snider rifle and an apparently home-made bandolier. The latter had pockets for 48 cartridges, and 26 of the pockets were empty. He also had in his possession a revolver and cartridges and a new knife and. sheath. The other man's rifle was a Martini-Henry. Walshama Assou, a Punjab from Peshawar, when one of the-police was shot, carried water to him. This he did at no little risk to himself, for he was at times a target for the Turks.' Another man who contributed largely to the defeat was Khan Bahader, camel owner and driver. His residence is near the Cable Hotel and it was used by the police as cover to shoot from through the windows. Bahadur stated to the police that he saw the Turks walking at a little distance past his place., He was at the door feeding a goat, when one of the Turks fired at him, and said, "Don't follow me, or I will shoot you." He fired again at about 50 yards' range, and the bullet passed over his shoulder, very close to his ear. Bahader said to. the Turk, "If you shoot at me again, I will get my rifle and shoot you."
According to the Warialda Standard and Northern Districts' Advertiser (Grafton, NSW, 4 Jan 1915),
On Friday morning, when a few miles out from Broken Hill, a picnic train, en route for Silverton, conveying the Manchester Unity Oddfellows and their friends, was attacked by a number of entrenched Turks, flying the Turkish flag. Three of the occupants of one car were killed and five wounded by rifle fire. Another person was killed while passing on a motor cycle.
Shortly after the occurrence the Broken Hill police arrived on the scene, and with the assistance of some of the military, attacked the Turks in rocky ground. One Turk was shot dead and another fatally wounded. Sergeant Diamond, of the Broken Hill police force, was also wounded.
That night several thousand men walked to the German Club in Delmore Street and set fire to the building, which in a brief time became entirely consumed. The crowd sang patriotic airs and hurrahed lustily. A large number were arrested in connection with the club fire. The military with fixed bayonets and loaded rifles appeared while the fire was in progress, but were too late to do anything. Five of the wounded are on the mend. Two are still in a dangerous condition.
The crowd then proceeded to the Afghan camel camp north of town. According to Barrier Miner (Broken Hill, 2 Jan 1915),
The North Camel Camp was a settlement of local Muslims at the extreme northern end of Williams Street in North Broken Hill. It consisted of "a few galvanized-iron buildings straggling irregularly around an area of two or three acres", the homes of camel drivers and other camp residents. The area included the business depot for the camel-based transportation of merchandise to surrounding stations and settlements. The most substantial building at the camp was a mosque, a single room twenty by fifteen feet in dimensions with an alcove in the wall and heavily carpeted, but otherwise having no furniture.
After the angry crowd had attacked and set fire to the German Club, the authorities decided to send a contingent of police and military to protect the mosque at the North Camel Camp. An advance guard arrived in several cars at about nine-thirty that night and were greeted at the mosque by two "priests of Islam" dressed in turbans and robes. The policemen briefly entered the mosque and then explained to the two men that they were there to "preserve order", as they "feared a repetition of the proceedings that had taken place a little earlier in the evening at the German Club". Soon afterwards "a crowd apparently numbering some hundreds was seen surging down the road". A detachment of military arrived at about the same time and managed to hold the agitated crowd at bay. After about half an hour "the inaction of waiting in idleness had its effect" and the crowd began to drift away until "the military and police were left in sole possession of the ground".
When the soldiers and police entered the mosque on the night of January 1, they had done so without removing their boots. Though the circumstances were exceptional and "at the time none of those entering gave the matter a moment's thought", the desecration of the mosque in this manner caused considerable disquiet amongst the local Muslim community. Several days later Captain Hardie and Police Inspector Miller "paid a conciliatory visit to the mosque" and met with the "chief priest" about the matter.
The Clarence and Richmond Examiner (Grafton, NSW, 7 Jan 1915) followed up with this editorial:
The reference to Turks in connection with the Broken Hill tragedy is misleading. The so-
called Turks are Afgans. On the outskirts of the Silver City. Afghan camel-drivers camp.
These camel-drivers are Mahometans, and the fact that Turks are also Mahometans may
explain the confusion in thought, involving, as it has done, an isolated inland district of
New South Wales, in an unfortunate, misadventure.
Broken Hill, however, has always been a storm-centre. It is quite conceivable that
the "Turkish" attack on the picnic train was the sequel to an attack on the Afghan camp
by some of the disorderly elements that throng the Barrier. Such an attack is hard to explain in any other way. The burning of the German Club—a somewhat unpretentious
building in Delamore street—can only be ascribed to a drunken freak. A Broken Hill
mob is very courageous when it is full of liquor. During the 1909 strike it proved its
"courage" in this way by knocking inoffensive men about, whilst the latter were leaving
the Big Mine. When the recent tragedy is sifted, it will probably be found that innocent picnickers lost their lives through the disorderly elements temporarily cutting loose,
attacking the Afghans, and the Amir's subjects taking revenge by firing at a picnic
train. The tragedy has really no war significance.
The attackers left notes connecting their actions to the hostilities between the Ottoman and British Empires, but never mentioned a previous attack on the Camel Camp. Mahomed left a letter in his waist belt which stated that he was a subject of the Ottoman Sultan and that, “I must kill you and give my life for my faith. Allāhu Akbar.” Abdullah said in his last letter that he was dying for his faith and in obedience to the order of the Sultan, “but owing to my grudge against Chief Sanitary Inspector Brosnan, it was my intention to kill him first.” Several days before the attack on the picnic train, Adbullah had been convicted in the Police Court of slaughtering sheep on unlicensed premises. Brosnan had reported him.
The incident is the only shedding of Australia blood on Australian soil during the Great War.
As the War dragged on, shortages and rationing had a definite effect on everyday life. Besides a labor shortage due to enlistments, the mines lost their previous access to explosives, as well as essential supplies like timber, coal, and machine parts. To cope with shortages, mining companies implemented more efficient use of materials and equipment. This included better maintenance of machinery to extend its operational life and careful management of explosives and other essential supplies. Companies sometimes adapted existing machinery for multiple purposes or found innovative ways to use less critical materials when traditional supplies were scarce. This resourcefulness helped maintain production levels despite shortages. Where possible, mining companies stockpiled essential supplies when they were available. This proactive approach ensured that operations could continue during periods when supplies were difficult to obtain.
As to supplies of natural resources, the importance of rail transport for moving ore, coal, and other supplies, the mining companies worked closely with the railways to prioritize the transport of coal to Broken Hill. This coordination helped mitigate the impact of coal shortages on mining operations. Some companies seem to have implemented energy-saving measures, such as reducing non-essential energy use in the mines, to ensure that the available coal was used as efficiently as possible.
The labor shortage also had its solutions. With many men enlisting in the military, the mining companies had to find ways to address the labor shortages. One approach was the recruitment of older men and those who were not eligible for military service to work in the mines. Although less common in the mining sector, women began to take on roles in ancillary services and administrative positions within the mining companies, freeing up men to work in the mines. Miners who remained in Broken Hill often worked longer hours to compensate for the reduced workforce. This led to increased productivity despite the reduced number of workers.
Unlike in the 1890s, the War forced negotiation and collaboration on the mining companies and the trade union alike. They had to work together to address the needs of workers during the war, including negotiating wages and working conditions. This cooperation helped maintain labor peace and prevented strikes that could have further disrupted production. Some mining companies provided support to the families of enlisted workers, which helped maintain morale and loyalty among the workforce. This support included financial assistance and community programs. And patriotic appeals, War Bonds, and fundraising further reinforced the connection between the local economy and the national war effort and helped maintain a sense of purpose and unity within the community.
On the home front, Broken Hill experienced shortages of certain foodstuffs and goods. With the disruption of international trade, Broken Hill faced shortages of imported goods. Clothing, shoes, and household items became harder to find and more expensive. Broken Hill’s remote location compounded these shortages, as it was more difficult to transport goods to the town. Rationing was introduced to ensure that sufficient resources were available for the war effort. Items such as sugar, butter, and meat were often rationed, leading to higher prices and limited availability.
The war also led to shortages of medical supplies, as many were diverted to support the military. This affected the availability of medical care in Broken Hill, and, with longer work hours, this put additional strain on the local healthcare system. All these shortages, coupled with the overall strain of the war, significantly impacted daily life in Broken Hill, challenging both its residents and its vital mining industry.
The emotional toll of the War was wider ranging and more enduring. Wives and children had to survive while their husbands and fathers were away in Europe and the Middle East fighting in the ANZAC Corps, and the War was always on the front page of the newspapers. Weekly, and later daily, the newspapers posted the names of the wounded and dead. Waiting each day to see if your loved one would be on the list was often worse that finding the name there. As a mine worker (and an Irishman), Michael does not seem to have enlisted, but instead served the War Effort on the Home Front. Overall, World War I left a lasting impact on Broken Hill—as it did all over the World—shaping the economy, society, and collective memory. Broken Hill continued to benefit from high demand for minerals after the Armistice, although the transition back to peacetime brought the same challenges—like returning soldiers seeking employment—as all countries did.
Michael and Ellen married on November 14, 1918—three days after the armistice was signed and an end to the Great War was declared. There were likely married at All Saints Church in Broken Hill. As a new bride, Ellen might have joined the newly formed Housewives Association of New South Wales. According to by Australian Women's Register,
The Housewives Association of New South Wales was founded in 1918 largely due to the efforts of the artist Portia Geach. Influenced by a meeting of a housewives' association she had attended in New York in 1917, on her return to Sydney she formed and was first president of a similar organisation in her own state. The Association initially aimed to educate women in the principles of proper nutrition and to combat profiteering and rising food prices. It soon broadened its interests, becoming a considerable lobbying force on issues affecting women and children generally.
The Association had wide affiliations from its earliest years - including the Parks and Playgrounds Association, Health Week, National Trust of Australia, National Council of Women, Town Planners' Association, United Nations Associations of Sydney and the General Federation of Women's Clubs. In 1928 Geach reorganised the association as the Housewives' Progressive Association. In 1938 the Housewives' Progressive Association was incorporated under the chairmanship of Eleanor Glencross with Geach a director. Their rivalry led to the expulsion in 1941 of Portia and four others, who alleged that the association had been working in cooperation with the Meadow-Lea Margarine Co. Pty Ltd. In 1947 she formed the breakaway Progressive Housewives' Association. The original organisation continued in a somewhat reduced form.
https://trove.nla.gov.au/people/764065?c=people
There was a Broken Hill Chapter.
The Broken Hill Housewives Association: This Association protected and supported the married women of the town and had the power to punish husbands who drank and gambled all their wages and therefore had nothing left over to provide for their families. In its day, this independent body had the power to garnishee a man’s wages and then deliver that money to the wife.
https://lifeonebigadventure.com/2020/05/20/walking-through-history-in-broken-hill/
On January 25, 1919, Ellen and Michael welcomed their first child into the world. They named their new son John Patrick Broderick, after his paternal grandfather. Ten months later, in November of 1919, they welcomed their daughter Kathleen B Broderick. (Like her California cousin Ruth B Callaghan, what the B stood for is now lost.) Unfortunately, neither mother nor daughter would survive for very long.
On March 13, 1920, Ellen May died. She was only 28 years old. She is buried in the Old Catholic section of the Broken Hill Cemetery, row 32, grave 33 (probably with her father). Less than a month later, on April 9, Kathleen also died. She was buried next to her mother in her uncle Michael’s grave (grave 32).
Michael Broderick raised his son alone and never remarried. He worked in the South Mine until June 20, 1940, when Michael died, echoing the death of his father-in-law Michael Burns. He was 57 years old. According to the Barrier Miner (Broken Hill, NSW: 1888 – 1954, Page 7):
Sat 22 Jun 1940 -
MR. BRODERICK'S FUNERAL
About 100 men from the South mine marched in front of the hearse when the funeral of Michael Broderick, who died following an accident at the mine, was conducted this morning. Staff representatives of the mine were present.
The funeral left Mr. Broderick's late residence, 168 Cornish Street. Interment was made in the Roman Catholic Cemetery under the direction of Tom J. Mallon. The Rev. Father Roach officiated at the graveside.
The chief engineer, Mr. G. B. Game; accountant, Mr. C. D. Cherry; foreman carpenter, Mr. Gardiner; and surface foreman, Mr. R. W. Watson, represented the mine staff. The president of the W.I.U. of A. (Mr. W. Riddiford) represented the union, and Mr. W. Shard the South Mine Distress Committee. Bearers were Messrs. W. Noble, T.F. Hynes (Confraternity), C. Mildenhall, H. Graves, F. Bradley, L. P. Clarke (South Mine Distress Committee).
M Burns seems to be Michael Bernard Burns, son of Joseph John Burns, and Ellen’s first cousin.
An inquest was held and the death ruled accidental. According to the page one article in the Barrier Miner (Broken Hill, NSW, 27 Jan 1940),
MR. M. BRODERICK'S DEATH ACCIDENTAL
EVIDENCE AT SOUTH FATALITY INQUEST
A VERDICT of accidental death was given by the jury at the conclusion of the inquest into the South mine fatality on June 20. The Coroner (Mr. M. S. Meagher) presided.
The victim was Michael Joseph Broderick (54), widower, who was killed when he fell beneath a railway truck at the mine. Jurors were: Messrs. D. J.Cox (foreman). M. Burns, E. C. Bristow, H. J. Payne, T. L. Henry and J.R. Youdell. Mr, D. deC. Wilson appeared for the
Minister for Mines, Mr. M.; Austen Brown for the Broken Hill South Ltd., and Mr. T. A. F. Davoren for the W.I.U. and relatives of Broderick. Sgt. Costello appeared to assist the
coroner.
Dr. Funder said that he examined the body of Michael Joseph Broderick at the South mine on June 20. The man had been dead about 10 minutes.
To Mr. Davoren witness said that the injuries were consistent with what would have been inflicted by a truck running over the body. Dr. W. E.-George described the injuries seen on Broderick's body when he conducted a post mortem examination on June 20. Severe crushing injuries were responsible for the man's death.
John Patrick Broderick, son of the victim, said his father had enjoyed good health. Witness last saw him when he had tea at his place the night before the accident.
Walter Frederick Noble, ganger at the South mine, said that on June 20 Michael Joseph Broderick was loading oxidised ore with Jack Burke. Under his supervision. He gave Broderick instructions to shunt two trucks over some points. Witness and Broderick
pushed the trucks along at walking pace. When the trucks had been moved far enough Broderick dropped the brake on one. Broderick attempted to stand on the brake, and in doing so slipped and fell under the wheels. Running to the truck, witness saw
Broderick beneath a wheel. He got assistance-, and in a very short time the truck, was jacked up and the body removed. To Mr. Davoren witness said that the two trucks had to be shifted to enable another to be brought on -to the line. The trucks were pushed by hand down a slight incline. There was no turntable on the line, and it would not be possible to have one under the bin from which the ore was loaded. Trucks were usually pushed to and from the bin by hand. There was no way of seeing that the trucks were pushed with the brake at the rear. The men could not turn the trucks and had to take them as they were left.
To Mr. M. Austen Brown, witness said that he had known Broderick for many years. He was a careful worker and was experienced in shunting. He used the correct way of stopping the truck, dropping the brake, by hand and, then, standing on it. The truck had only enough pace, to run on to Broderick's body, then stopped. Noble told Mr. Wilson that turn-tables could have had no influence on the accident.
The Coroner: Do you regard the practice of jumping on brakes safe?
Witness: It has been done for years.
After, a retirement of 15 minutes, the jury returned a verdict of accidental death.
Sat 22 Jun 1940 -
MR. BRODERICK'S FUNERAL
About 100 men from the South mine marched in front of the hearse when the funeral of Michael Broderick, who died following an accident at the mine, was conducted this morning. Staff representatives of the mine were present.
The funeral left Mr. Broderick's late residence, 168 Cornish Street. Interment was made in the Roman Catholic Cemetery under the direction of Tom J. Mallon. The Rev. Father Roach officiated at the graveside.
The chief engineer, Mr. G. B. Game; accountant, Mr. C. D. Cherry; foreman carpenter, Mr. Gardiner; and surface foreman, Mr. R. W. Watson, represented the mine staff. The president of the W.I.U. of A. (Mr. W. Riddiford) represented the union, and Mr. W. Shard the South Mine Distress Committee. Bearers were Messrs. W. Noble, T.F. Hynes (Confraternity), C. Mildenhall, H. Graves, F. Bradley, L. P. Clarke (South Mine Distress Committee).
M Burns seems to be Michael Bernard Burns, son of Joseph John Burns, and Ellen’s first cousin.
An inquest was held and the death ruled accidental. According to the page one article in the Barrier Miner (Broken Hill, NSW, 27 Jan 1940),
MR. M. BRODERICK'S DEATH ACCIDENTAL
EVIDENCE AT SOUTH FATALITY INQUEST
A VERDICT of accidental death was given by the jury at the conclusion of the inquest into the South mine fatality on June 20. The Coroner (Mr. M. S. Meagher) presided.
The victim was Michael Joseph Broderick (54), widower, who was killed when he fell beneath a railway truck at the mine. Jurors were: Messrs. D. J.Cox (foreman). M. Burns, E. C. Bristow, H. J. Payne, T. L. Henry and J.R. Youdell. Mr, D. deC. Wilson appeared for the
Minister for Mines, Mr. M.; Austen Brown for the Broken Hill South Ltd., and Mr. T. A. F. Davoren for the W.I.U. and relatives of Broderick. Sgt. Costello appeared to assist the
coroner.
Dr. Funder said that he examined the body of Michael Joseph Broderick at the South mine on June 20. The man had been dead about 10 minutes.
To Mr. Davoren witness said that the injuries were consistent with what would have been inflicted by a truck running over the body. Dr. W. E.-George described the injuries seen on Broderick's body when he conducted a post mortem examination on June 20. Severe crushing injuries were responsible for the man's death.
John Patrick Broderick, son of the victim, said his father had enjoyed good health. Witness last saw him when he had tea at his place the night before the accident.
Walter Frederick Noble, ganger at the South mine, said that on June 20 Michael Joseph Broderick was loading oxidised ore with Jack Burke. Under his supervision. He gave Broderick instructions to shunt two trucks over some points. Witness and Broderick
pushed the trucks along at walking pace. When the trucks had been moved far enough Broderick dropped the brake on one. Broderick attempted to stand on the brake, and in doing so slipped and fell under the wheels. Running to the truck, witness saw
Broderick beneath a wheel. He got assistance-, and in a very short time the truck, was jacked up and the body removed. To Mr. Davoren witness said that the two trucks had to be shifted to enable another to be brought on -to the line. The trucks were pushed by hand down a slight incline. There was no turntable on the line, and it would not be possible to have one under the bin from which the ore was loaded. Trucks were usually pushed to and from the bin by hand. There was no way of seeing that the trucks were pushed with the brake at the rear. The men could not turn the trucks and had to take them as they were left.
To Mr. M. Austen Brown, witness said that he had known Broderick for many years. He was a careful worker and was experienced in shunting. He used the correct way of stopping the truck, dropping the brake, by hand and, then, standing on it. The truck had only enough pace, to run on to Broderick's body, then stopped. Noble told Mr. Wilson that turn-tables could have had no influence on the accident.
The Coroner: Do you regard the practice of jumping on brakes safe?
Witness: It has been done for years.
After, a retirement of 15 minutes, the jury returned a verdict of accidental death.
Ellen suffered a short life with tragedy and loss at both ends and a world war in the middle. Hopefully, her few short years with Michael Broderick was a significant relief and time of joy, but we will never know.