Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Life before the war

Alfred Petherick was born in Greens Plains West, South Australia in December 1881. When he married his wife, Florence Petherick, they moved to the small country town of Kadina and bought a small cottage. Alfred followed the Methodist religion as did Florence. Both Alfred and Florence ran a farm which supplied them with money and food. They had five children named Ruby, Sylvi, Zita, Bill and Hazel. [1] Alfred was 5 feet tall, 190lbs, had a “Fresh” (young, clean) complexion, blue eyes and brown hair. When enlisting for the war, Alfred was 35 years and 3 months old. His service number was 6566.[2]

Life on the Western Front

Alfred enlisted for World War I on the 2nd of August in Adelaide, South Australia in the year 1916. Alfred reason for wanting to go to war was because he believed that going to war would be an adventure to be experienced. Before departing, Alfred underwent basic training in Adelaide and on the 21st of October, he boarded the ‘H.M.A.T Port Melbourne, A40’ to sail to Luxor, Egypt to undergo further training. His role was a Private and was part of the 10th Battalion, 21st reinforcement as a gunner[3] soldier. A gunner was responsible for firing support to front line troops with guns and firing low air defence missiles. The 10th Battalion, 21st Reinforcement formed with 9th, 11th and 12th battalions which formed the 3rd Brigade.[4]

Alfred joined the 10th Battalion, 21st Reinforcement in December 1916. In May 1916, they had already sailed for France and the Western Front. In July 1916, the 3rd Brigade was involved in the Battle of the Somme. The Allies won this battle however, many lives were lost. This battle lasted until November 1916. In February 1917 Alfred was struck down with a case of Enteric Fever which required him to go to Fargo Military Hospital. He was out of action for 6 months but was back in July 1916 where he travelled to France to take place in the last 3 months of the Battle of Arras.[5] In March and April 1918, the 10th Battalion helped stop the German Spring Offensive. The battalion continued operations until late September 1918. At 11 am on 11 November 1918, the guns fell silent. In November 1918, members of the AIF began returning to Australia. Alfred returned to Adelaide on the 12th of May 1919 on the H.M.A.T “Port” Melbourne, A40.

Because of Alfred’s service, he received 2 medals. These medals consisted of the British War medal, and the Victory medal. Alfred received these medals for his service to Australia and Britain.[6]

After the War

Alfred Petherick fortunately returned to Australia and went on to live his life until the age of 73. He and Florence had five more children named Don, Rex, Verdy, Betty and Leela. He died on the 7th of May 1954 and is buried in Kadina Cemetery, South Australia.

During the war, Alfred was said to have reflected all the qualities it took to be an ANZAC. ANZAC stands for “Australian and New Zealand Army Corps.” His medals reflect this as he was awarded three medals due to being victorious for his country. The qualities required to be an ANZAC include courage, endurance, ingenuity, good humour, bravery and mateship. As explained above, bravery is one of qualities that an ANZAC must possess.[7] Alfred was considered an ANZAC because of his fight for Australia and the incredible bravery shown through his battles. Alfred showed true spirit because he helped and protected his country during the war. He did get sick many times, but he came back and continued fighting until the Allies were victorious.

[1] https://aif.adfa.edu.au/showPerson?pid=239649
[2] https://recordsearch.naa.gov.au/SearchNRetrieve/Interface/ViewImage.aspx?B=8017332
[3] https://www.awm.gov.au/collection/P10922814
[4] https://www.awm.gov.au/collection/R1893845
[5] https://www.awm.gov.au/collection/U51450
[6] http://www.defence.gov.au/Medals/Imperial/WWI/1914-15-Star.asp
[7] https://www.awm.gov.au/articles/encyclopedia/anzac/spirit