Michael Tuite

Michael Tuite is listed in the Sands Directories as living at 43 Cambridge Street in the early 1890s.  The directory also lists his occupation as "musketry instructor". Intrigued, I ran his details through internet and Trove and came up with some more of his story.

Tuite had quite the distinguished military career.  Attaining the rank of Warrant Officer, Tuite served with the NSW contingent that went to the Sudan in 1885 (which they spelt 'Soudan' back in the day, hence the patriotic naming of the lane just off Hampden Street).  Prior to joining the colonial forces, Tuite was originally part of the 12th Suffolk that was sent to Australasia in the 1850's. Regiment records indicate that he wasn't present in Ballarat for the Eureka Stockade but he was with the 12th when they were sent from Sydney to break up the Lambing Flat Riots in 1861.

The SMH of 18 December 1886 reports that the Governor of NSW presented Tuite with a medal "recently received from Her Majesty the Queen, for long and highly meritorious service (including the New Zealand war 1863-6, and the Afghan war 1870-1880). Mr. Tuite, besides being in possession of medals for the above campaigns, wears that for Egypt, and the order and medal presented to a selected soldier from each regiment serving in India at the time the Queen was proclaimed Empress of India, at Delhi, on 1st January 1877."

The Australian War Memorial also has in its collection a silver tray that was "presented by his worship the Mayor of Sydney Thomas Playfair Esq. To Segt. Major Michael Tuite for Distinguished Service rendered at the Soudan on the recommendation of Colonel Richardson Commandant NSW Contingent, 1885". He had also been mentioned in despatches for his service in the Sudan.