The Cumberland Argus and Fruitgrowers Advocate reported on 7 October 1916:
TWO AUBURN BROTHERS. ONE KILLED, THE OTHER MISSING.
Syd. H. White. Ern. Geo. White.
A few weeks ago Mr. Charles H. White, of Rawson-street, Auburn, was officially notified that his son. Private Sydney H. White (standing in the photograph) had been dangerously wounded in the neck in France. Shortly afterwards word was received that he was dangerously ill in hospital, and now the sad intelligence has been received that he died in the 4th General Hospital, Denmark Hill, London, on 18th September. Had he lived till 9th inst, he would have been 21 years of age. To add to the family’s sore trouble the parents were advised, two or three days afterwards, that their other son, Private Ernest George White, had been reported missing since 30th August. He was 25 years of age.
Fortunately, Ernest returned. The report continues,
Both soldiers were well known and very popular in Auburn. Ernest was a fine Soccer footballer and often did good service for his club. Syd, was a bright and clever lad, and his aged parents point with pride to a framed certificate which he obtained from the Congregational Sunday-school Union. There is also a picture of him in the old home as a boy scout. After leaving the local public school he was given a year’s tuition at Stott and Hoare’s College, Sydney, after which he joined the Government Postal Department, and worked as telegraph operator at the Auburn Post Office from the time he left the college till he enlisted. Both lads were in D Company of the 13th Battalion and they went to the front together. Much sympathy is felt with the parents of these two young heroes, who are well-known and greatly respected residents of Auburn.