Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Alfred Holland was born in 1891 in Kyneton, Victoria. Alfred lived in Millicent, South Australia. He was not married and did not have children. Alfred worked as a Grocer’s Assistant. His job was to help sell food. Alfred stood 5 feet, 5 inches; weighed 55 kilograms; had brown hair; grey eyes; fair skin and was Presbyterian. Alfred’s mother (Mrs. Allice Sappiatzen) gave birth to him and Alfred’s two brothers (Robert Harrold, HOLLAND, and Albert Edward, HOLLAND) who also enlisted to go to war. Sadly brother Albert died of wounds on the 11th October 1917. 

On the 1st March 1915, Alfred enlisted in Adelaide, South Australia for the war. He was a part of the 27th Infantry Battalion (2nd Australian Division). He was assigned regimental number 84. Alfred was put on the HMAT A2 Geelong to Egypt from Adelaide for more training on the 31st of May 1915. At the start of the war, Alfred was a bugler. His job was to play a large trumpet-like instrument and give command signals for the troops to follow. Alfred fought in Gallipoli from the 12th of September until December when troops were evacuated. On the 7th of June 1916, Alfred had an unknown injury in the ankle, while in France, but rejoined his unit a few days later.

Between the 28th of July and the 5th August 1916, the 27th Battalion fought in the battle of Pozieres. (2nd Division relieved the 1st on 29 July, it attacked twice, pushing the Australian line beyond the village. In a night attack on 4th August, the dominating feature of the windmill was taken; a further grenade attack took Hill 160. The Germans counter-attacked but the Australians held. By the 7th of August, the 2nd Division had suffered 6849 casualties, again mostly due to the incessant bombardment by the Germans. It was relieved by the 4th Division.)(https://vwma.org.au/explore/campaigns/5 (/explore/campaigns/5)) On the 27th November 1916, Alfred was admitted to hospital for 93 days due to illnesses. He returned on the 27th of February 1917. On the 2nd March 1917, Alfred was promoted to Acting Corporal. This shows that Alfred was a reliable person and had leadership qualities. On the 20th September 1917, Alfred was taking part in the battle of Menin Road, with his battalion. This battle was a success for the Australians. (The 2nd Australian Division attacked with two brigades, one either side of the Westhoek–Zonnebeke road, against the German 121st Division, down the Hanebeek valley to the near bank. The German outpost garrisons were surprised and overrun and on the far side of the stream, the advance overwhelmed the Germans, who mostly surrendered en masse.) (https://vwma.org.au/explore/campaigns/26 (/explore/campaigns/26)) This battle led the Australians to capture Broodseinde Ridge, 4th October 1917. On the 12th October 1917, Alfred was demoted to Private. Maybe he did not suit the job of an Acting Corporal. Alfred went to Paris on leave on the 3rd March 1918. On the 31st August 1918, Alfred was fighting in Mont St Quentin. Unfortunately, Alfred was wounded in the chest from heavy shell fire from the enemy. At 2:30 PM the 27th Btn advanced forward. Enemy heavily shelled the area and Alfred Holland was one of 43 soldiers wounded. (Village of Fuellacourt). Alfred was admitted to hospital on the 1st of September 1918. During his service, Alfred was awarded the 1914-15 Star, British War Medal, Victory Medal.  

Albert Holland returned to Australia on the 24th of January 1919. Few details are known of his later life.