Cabinet Photograph

Stewart & Co. - Photographer

153 Elizabeth Street & 12 Bourke Street East

Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

c. 1890

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A number of biographical sketches of Coleman can be found online. The most detailed of these was published by the Royal Australian Artillery Historical Company and appears at: https://artilleryhistory.org/. The following details have been gleaned from this source.

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Coleman embarked for South Africa as battery sergeant major of ‘A’ Battery on the troopship Warrigal on 30 December 1899 with 7 officers and 166 other ranks. After arriving in South Africa, the Australians were broken up and elements assigned to batteries already deployed and in active service. After 18 months the Australians retuned home on the Harlech Castle arriving in Sydney on 15 September 1901, having acquitted themselves with distinction and established an enduring standard for the Royal Australian Artillery. Colman returned to his prewar duties.

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Although he was apparently a by-the-book disciplinarian, Colman was fair and evenhanded in his enforcement of the rules. He was as a result much admired by the men served under him.

When Canberra was named the capital of Australia in 1912, Coleman was there, having been selected to raise the flag during the ceremony.  In 1913 he was presented with the Meritorious Service Medal. Coleman was set to retire at age 60 but the outbreak of the Great War saw his term of service continually extended until the end of the war. In 1915 he was at last promoted warrant officer. He finally took leave of the colours on New Year Day, 1920. In recognition of his 45 years of exemplary service, he was appointed honorary lieutenant. 

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Coleman had married the former Isabella Williams at the Garrison Church, St Mathias', in Paddington on 5 October 1880. They had three children, Harry, Ellen and John.

 

He died at Coogee, New South Wales, on 4 August 1942.

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