aboriginalsoldiers

Alfred Blackman was born to Mrs Emily Deshong in 1889 in a small town called Tiaro in QLD. At 26 years of age, Alfred enlisted in Maryborough on the 6th January 1917. His two brothers, Charles Tednee Blackman and Thomas Blackman, were already fighting on the Western Front. Alfred joined them deep into the conflict in Flanders, Belgium and served in the same unit as his brother, Thomas. Both Thomas and Alfred were injured in the same battle, Alfred with shell wounds to his neck. After four days, he succumbed to his wounds and died on the 8th of October 1917 at the 7th Canadian General Hospital in Etaples, France. He is buried at Etaples Military Cemetery and was awarded both the British War Medal and the Victory Medal. Source: cherbourgmemory.org/profiles/alfred-john-blackman/ The website also provides old photographs in relation to the Blackmann's burial place, a Field service report, Alfred wounded in action, Travel to Flanders-France. and more.

Australian War Stories ALL SIGNED UP William Thomas EXTON signed-up to join the Australian Imperial Force (AIF) at the Brisbane QLD recruitment office. William duly completed the AIF enlistment form – called the ‘Attestation Paper’. He confirmed his age, occupation, and marital status and noted that his home was in New South Wales. William advised that his next of kin was ‘(Wife) Exton Eva’. On the second page of the Attestation Paper he made the following oath in the presence of the Attesting Officer: “I, William Thomas EXTON … swear that I will well and truly serve our Sovereign Lord the King in the Australian Imperial Force until the end of the War … SO HELP ME, GOD.” William was assigned the AIF service number 3162 which would appear on his active service and medical records. Source: memories.net/timeline/williamthomas-exton-49793

Australian War Stories FIT FOR ACTIVE SERVICE Like all new recruits William underwent a thorough medical examination. He was found to be free of a wide range of conditions that would “unfit him for the duties of a soldier”. Nor did he bear the tattooed letters D or BC, with which the British Army marked deserters and those of “bad character”. The Examining Medical Officer stated that William: “can see the required distance with either eye; his heart and lungs are healthy; he has the free use of his joints; and he declares he is not subject to fits of any description. I consider him fit for active service”. Source: memories.net/timeline/williamthomas-exton-49793

Australian War Stories TRAINING BEGINS William was issued with his uniform: a khaki woollen jacket, heavy cord breeches and the famous slouch hat – turned up on the left and featuring a plain khaki band, chinstrap and “rising sun” badge. A soldier’s equipment also included a dixie (mess tin), water bottle, mug, .303 Lee-Enfield rifle and bayonet. Source: memories.net/timeline/williamthomas-exton-49793

Driver Percy Dixon First World War Embarkation Roll: Conflict - First World War, 1914-1918 Rank - Driver Second World War, 1939-1945 Source: www.awm.gov.au/collection/P10678326