Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Introduction

Research into the life of Gustaf Nikolai Aalto, Regimental Number 7683, a soldier from the 2nd Infantry Battalion, 26th Reinforcement during World War I (WWI), has provided valuable insight into the service of Australian soldiers in that war, and Australia’s deep involvement in key battles on the Western Front. Over 400,000 Australian men fought in WWI, in Gallipoli and on the Western Front. Today we learn about the experience of war, and remember and commemorate those who served, through memorials, graves, museums, annual events, and historical records, highlighting the significance of national and individual sacrifice in the broader narrative of Australia’s wartime legacy.



Life Before and During War

Aalto was born on 13 June 1892 in Abo, Finland, which was then part of the Russian Empire. He immigrated to Australia in 1911, possibly as a seaman. Historical records indicate he may have resided in Port Adelaide, aligning with his possible occupation as a seaman.

On 12 October 1917, at age 26, Aalto enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force (AIF) in Sydney. He was assigned Private in the 2nd Infantry Battalion, 26th Reinforcement.

Research on the National Archives of Australia (NAA), Australian War Memorial (AWM) and Russian ANZACS websites has been instrumental in cross-referencing primary and secondary sources of information and constructing a detailed and accurate biography of Aalto, including digitalised enlistment records and the Embarkation (Nomination) roll (image). Unfortunately, the Virtual War Memorial Australia site confuses Aalto his brother’s (Atolf) service, so has been discounted.

Aalto’s Reinforcement Unit embarked from Sydney aboard HMAT-A38-Ulysses on 19 December 1917 (image). Travelling via Egypt and Italy, he arrived in England on 13 February 1918, transferring directly to a military depot for training.

The fascinating thing about Aalto is that the historical records indicate that he didn’t have any active service during the war. Training of new recruits at the time of Aalto’s arrival in England was typically 14 weeks, with a further 10 days in France. According to records from the NAA and The AIF Project, Aalto would have been 8 weeks into his training when he was admitted to hospital for an ingrown toenail, staying 1 month. He was admitted again just a few weeks later, with kidney disease, and discharged on 1 July 1918. On both occasions, he was discharged to a Command Depot, or military convalescent camp.

Interestingly, the NAA shows that at the time of his enlistment, Aalto was a foreign national. Aalto’s story reflects the diversity of backgrounds among soldiers who served in the AIF during WWI.

In 1918, the 2nd Battalion was instrumental in halting the German spring offensive, in the Battle of Amiens. This offensive began on 8 August 1918, a day which became known as "the black day of the German Army". The Allied forces attacked the German forces over a period of 100 days, breaking through the German Army’s ‘Hindenburg Line’ and triggering the armistice and ceasefire. This advance by British and Empire troops, including from Australia, was the “greatest success in a single day on the Western Front".

The 2nd Battalion participated in more then 25 battles throughout WWI. Casualties included 1,199 killed, and 2,252 wounded.


Legacy and Remembrance

After the end of the war on 11 November 1918, the 2nd Battalion returned to England and then Australia from mid-1919. Aalto departed England on board HT-Shropshire on 1 April 1919, disembarking on 16 May 1919. He was soon discharged as ‘medically unfit’, and he relocated to Mackay in Queensland. He died in 1971 aged 79.Aalto’s legacy is memorialised in historical records of his enlistment, embarkation and service, and the records of Russian ANZACs. His journey as an immigrant soldier showcases the significant role of foreign nationals in Australia’s war effort.

Soldiers and their stories are also commemorated through national days of remembrance like Anzac Day and Remembrance Day, honouring those who served and died in war. These events pay tribute to soldiers through ceremonies, marches, and moments of silence. Soldiers are also remembered through physical memorials, such as honour rolls inscribed with their names in towns and cities across Australia, and national sites like the AWM. The name of Frances Chesterton appears on various honour rolls, including in his hometown and on the AWM Roll of Honour. Service medals were also awarded. Aalto received the British War Medal, a general service medal for WWI. Chesterton was also recognised with the Victory Medal, for active fighting. Other Australian soldiers earned the 1914-15 Star, and Aalto’s brother was awarded the Military Medal for an act of gallantry and devotion to duty under fire.

Beyond the glorified narrative of war is a great deal of research, bringing new ideologies to light. Books, documentaries, websites, museums, memorials and events highlight specific elements of war, allowing a more in-depth insight into Australia’s involvement in WWI. Archives continue to collect and preserve information about individual soldiers, ensuring that their contributions and personal histories are not forgotten. Publicly accessible records, maintained by institutions such as the AWM and NAA allow families, historians, and students to explore and learn about the personal sacrifices made by soldiers like Aalto, his brother, and Chesterton.


Conclusion

In conclusion, research into the life of Gustaf Nikolai Aalto offers a unique perspective on Australia’s involvement in World War I, showing the contributions of soldiers who, despite not serving on the front lines, played crucial roles. Aalto’s story as an immigrant soldier, marked by illness and discharge, highlights the diverse experiences of those in the AIF. Through national commemoration and the preservation of records, Aalto’s legacy endures, reminding us of the personal sacrifices he and his fellow soldiers made. Studying lives like his deepens our understanding of Australia’s wartime history and the importance of remembering individual contributions.