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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.

James (Cooterman) Cairncross – 3610 47th Battalion, 10th Reinforcements, then 25th Battalion James Cairncross was aged 40 when he enlisted in Brisbane on May 14, 1917. He had spent his early years on North Stradbroke Island, and listed his next of kin on his enlistment papers as Margaret Rollands (Brown), also known as Granny Mibu. He had worked as a labourer. James was wounded in France, and returned to Australia in January 1919. “Jimmy Cooterman was known by his Aboriginal name of Jungi. Uncle Jungi was born at Myora Mission on North Stradbroke Island [Minjerribah]. When he outgrew the mission school, a doctor named Cairncross took him to live at his home on the mainland. At the outbreak of World War 1, he enlisted under an assumed name of James Cairncross for though his skin was rather fair he was ineligible for military service as a native ward. He served overseas in the 25th Battalion in France. In 1917, the 25th Battalion was part of the 2nd Division’s first wave at the battle of Menin Road in Belgium. Victory here was followed up with the capture of Broodseinde Ridge on 4 October. The 25th reprised its role from Menin Road, in what was its last large-scale offensive action for the year. Uncle Jungi was wounded twice in France during that year of 1917. After the war Uncle Jungi settled at Sandgate and from there operated as a fisherman owning his own boat and gear and also some property. He eventually sold off all his assets and went to live at North Arm near Nambour until he died. He was buried with military honours at Woombye soldier’s cemetery. His descendants are still closely associated with their traditional lands on Minjerribah/North Stradbroke Island and still continue to live on country.” Information supplied by family member, Sandra Delaney James Cairncross is not listed on the Roll of Honour. Source: stradbrokemuseum.com.au/first-world-war/

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