Kaufmann

Cuthbert

Lance Corporal

1329

Not Jewish

Church of England

His name is on the Historic Obelisk in Melbourne General Cemetery, however he was not Jewish. Cuthbert attested that he was Church of England. James Cuthbert Cholmol Kaufmann was born on 3 September 1889 Reg No 35415 in St Kilda, Victoria. He was the son of James Cholmoldley KAUFMANN & Sarah Jane née SNOWBALL. Cuthbert’s parents married on 22 December 1886 Reg No 5617 by John Edward Bromly, minister, by the rites of the Church of England at Essendon, Victoria. Sarah died 4 June 1927 Reg No 5829 in Hawthorn age 73. She is interred at St Kilda Cemetery, Section: Other Denominations by J Ernest James, Congregational Minister. Cuthbert’s maternal grandparents were Joseph Robinson SNOWBALL and Sarah née FITZGERALD. From his service record: “82 Baker Street, London, W1, 7 May 1924...When returning the Final Verification Forms, Mr J C Kaufmann of 31 Princess Street, Kew stated that he desired the cross to be engraved on the headstone. I would point out, however, that this soldier’s name appears on the Jewish list held in this office. Will you please state, therefore, whether the Star of David, or a cross is to be engraved. I am, Sir, Your obedient Servant, For DIRECTOR OF WORKS, Victoria Barracks.” More from service record: “The Secretary, Imperial War Graves Commission. With reference to your communication 7/E24/500/W. of 7th May, I have to advise that several enquiries have been forwarded to next-of-kin relative to the engraving of the religious emblem on the permanent headstone for the grave of the late No 1329 L/Cpl C Kaufmann, 15th Battalion, but to date no reply has been received, and as the soldier on enlistment stated he was a member of the Church of England it is assumed the cross (as requested by applicant on the Memorial Form “A”) would be quite in order.” More from service record: “Captain, Officer i/c Base Records. Dear Sir, With reference to my enquiry of 18th June, to which no reply has been received, I should be glad to learn whether your son, the late No 1329 L/Cpl C Kaufmann, 15th Battalion, was a member of the Jewish Faith, and if so, do you desire that the Jewish Emblem should be engraved on the memorial in lieu of the Christian Cross previously requested by you.” More from service record: “There is a cross on his grave. Receipt slip for three copies of photographs of the grave of the late No 1329 L/Cpl C Kaufmann. Signed J C Kaufmann 19 August 1921.” Rabbi’s decision: Ruled to not be Jewish. Therefore not to be on the list for future memorials.