The Epps name is Granville, shows up on a number of fronts; Hendren John Epps was Mayor of Granville on two occasions. First appointed to the position in 1919 and then again in 1929 until he died in office in 1934. It was stated in a eulogy that “he had done more for returned servicemen than any other man in town”.
His interest no doubt prompted by the injury suffered by his brother Arthur in France. Arthur Ernest Epps the youngest of six, was born in Granville on October 19, 1897 and enlisted in November of 1915. He was assigned to the 20th Battalion of the AIF Heading to the front via Alexandria, Arthur’s first sight of the action was on the day he joined his Battalion at Pozieres, on 5 August. It was also the last day of action he saw as he was removed from the battlefield suffering a wound to his thigh from a shell blast. Ten days later, in a Ramsgate hospital his right leg was amputated putting an end to any thought he would have of returning to his teammates at the Rechabites.
Arthur was discharged in December of 1917, His brother Albert had played alongside the great Judy Masters, fellow Australian representative Bill Dane and the legendary NSW captain R.H. Moore for Granville in 1915. Football was in the family’s blood but sadly Arthur would forever remain a spectator.
Arthur is remembered by the Rechabites on their honour board along with all the from the club who had signed up. After marrying Cobar girl Nellie Morris in 1926, the couple moved east.
Arthur died in Harboard near Manly on Sydney’s northern beaches, in 1969 survived only by his wife, the couple remaining childless.