Continuing the story of Ernest Osmond Cudmore (1894 – 1924)
After the war, Ernest travelled back to Australia via the United States of America with his brother Arthur (1897 – 1974), who had served in the Australian army as a driver. Together they bought a Buick and travelled across North America.

20 Jul 1919, Page 42 – Oakland Tribune (Oakland, California) retrieved from Newspapers.com
20 Jul 1919, Page 46 – Oakland Tribune (Oakland, California) retrieved from Newspapers.com

The newspaper article does not mention Ernest’s leg. They arrived back in Australia in September 1919.

Back in Australia Ernest Cudmore took to riding to hounds. Also riding was his cousin Eileen Fitzsimmons (1896 – 1982). Eileen was Ernest’s first cousin once removed. Her grandmother was the sister of Ernest’s father. Eileen was a successful horsewoman. Her obituary says that she was the most successful horsewoman of her time.

Eileen and Ernest married on 23 December 1922 at Christ Church, South Yarra. They lived at Lilydale where Ernest had a farm.

Ernest continued to ride.

Sportsman’s Note Book. (1923, September 1). The Mail (Adelaide, SA : 1912 – 1954), p. 5. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article63782338

Ernest killed himself  on 26 September 1924.

AMATEUR RIDER’S DEATH. (1924, October 4). The Australasian (Melbourne, Vic. : 1864 – 1946), p. 25. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article140762165

The inquest found no reason for suicide. Though he had been anxious recently he had no financial troubles or any particular worries.

The inventory of assets associated with the administration of his estate showed that the 417 acre farm carried sheep, lambs, pigs, two store cows and a jersey cow and calf (he sold cream). The farm grew crops. There were horses: two hunters, one pony, 6 draught horses and one draught colt. The inventory included a comprehensive description of farm implements and all the household furniture. There was also a Sopwith Dove aircraft, badly smashed, valued at only 20 pounds.  His estate was valued at more than eleven thousand pounds.

Additional Sources

  •  HUNTING. (1921, July 2). The Australasian (Melbourne, Vic. : 1864 – 1946), p. 24 Edition: METROPOLITAN EDITION. Retrieved  from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article140173103
  • FOR AUSTRALIAN WOMEN. (1922, November 16). Table Talk (Melbourne, Vic. : 1885 – 1939), p. 5. Retrieved  from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article146457156  mentions the marriage and Eileen’s enthusiasm for following the hounds.
  • Proceedings of inquest on the body of Ernest Osmond Cudmore dated 8 October 1924, number 1134 retrieved from the Public Records office of Victoria.
  • Probate records held by the Public records Office of Victoria: Ernest O Cudmore Grazier of Coldstream died 26 Sep 1924. File number: 198/750 Records: VPRS 28/P3, unit 1488 and VPRS 7591/P2, unit 703

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