Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Alexander Geoffrey Brockhoff was born in Hahndorf on the 13th August 1894. He was educated at Lobethal and Forest Range Public Schools. Geoff worked as a gardener up to his enlistment in Adelaide on the 23rd of September 1915, at the age of 21, with his service number being 2270. He named his mother, Mrs Alice Pruden Brockhoff as his next of kin. Brockhoff left Melbourne on board HMAT A 68 “Anchises” on the 30th March 1916.
Brockhoff reverted to the rank of private on the 19th April 1916. Prior to this he was a Corporal with the 16th Infantry 48th Battalion A.I.F. On June the 2nd he left Alexandria bound for France.
In one of his first combat experiences, Brockhoff was reported missing in action at Pozieres in France on the 6th August 1916. A Court of Enquiry reported on the 4th May 1917, that A.G. Brockhoff had been killed in action at Pozieres, Somme
sector. An eye-witness, Campbell of the 48th A.I.F claimed that Brockhoff had been taken during a trench attack by German troops, but couldn’t say as to whether or not he was alive or dead. {NAA: B 2455, Brockhoff 2270} However, Geoff’s niece, Kathy Brockhoff stated that her father had told their family that another soldier from Forest Range, Max Vickers, came across the wounded Geoff Brockhoff, who told him to care for others who were in a worse condition than himself. Upon returning Vickers could not find Brockhoff. This claim could not be substantiated.
Brockhoff was posthumously awarded a Victory Medal and the 1914/ 1915 Star in 1922. His effects, comprising a bag handle, comb, scarf, pair of mittens and two military books were sent home to his mother, arriving on the 21st January 1918.
Source: www.naa.gov.au B2455: A.Brockhoff.