Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Son of James Albert AISTON and Amelia nee PEGLAR

"...Lieutenant Colin James Aiston, 16th Battery, 6th Field Artillery Brigade. A compositor of Norwood, SA, he enlisted on 5 July 1915 and sailed with the 18th Battery aboard HMAT Persic on 22 November 1915. He was wounded at Menin Road and later died of wounds on 22 September 1917, aged 23. He is buried at Villers Bretonneux, France." - SOURCE (www.awm.gov.au)

Colin James Aiston was born in Unley, South Australia, 7th November 1894. His hometown was in Norwood, South Australia and he went to Norwood Public School. Colin was single before and after he was enlisted on 5th July 1915, Adelaide, South Australia when he was 20 years old. Before the war, he worked as a printer/compositor. His father’s name was Albert Aiston and his mother’s name is Amelia Aiston. His brother, George Aiston, also enlisted in World War I. Colin’s religion was Presbyterian which is a Christian religion.

Before battle, Colin James Aiston trained at the 12th Brigade Field Artillery for 3 years and when he enlisted the war he was 20 years old and his rank was sergeant. On the 5th of July, 1915, he enlisted in the AIF WW1, Adelaide, South Australia. On the 22nd November, 1915, he was involved in the AIF WW1 sergeant, SN 8349, 6th Field Artillery Brigade, Enlistment/Embarkation WW1. On 22nd November 1915, embarked AIF WW1, Sergeant, SN 8349, 6th Field Artillery, HMAT Persic, Melbourne and on the 22nd September 1917, he was involved in the AIF WW1, Lieutenant, 6th Field Artillery Brigade, Third Ypres. His mother was the next of kin. His role title was 6 FAB (Field Artillery Brigade) (November 1915). He embarked in Melbourne and is service number was 8349 and received a late medal for his bravery to serve in the Australian Army. He was then upgraded to the rank, Lieutenant. He travelled in the HMAT Persic A34 ship to fight in the Battle of Menin Road and the Battle of Passchendaele, also known as the Third Ypres. He had an abrasion foot, which was not serious. During the battle, he was gassed by Pyrexia gas, but did not die. He was injured during action in the right hip and thigh. He was brought to the 7Th Stationary Hospital, Boulogne, France, and passed away in the hospital in France 22nd September 1917. His last unit was the 6th Field Artillery Brigade and his last rank was Lieutenant. His body was buried at a cemetery in the Boulogne Eastern Cemetery and his Memorial is at the Adelaide 1 National War Memorial.

Anzac stands for Australian and New Zealand Army Corps, and on Anzac day, every Australian soldier is remembered for what they did to serve their country. Colin James Aiston was one of the soldiers who served the war for his country and his bravery has made everyone notice his courage and sparing his life for others. Anzac spirit is a concept which suggests that Australian and New Zealand soldiers possess shared characteristics, specifically the qualities those soldiers allegedly demonstrated on the battlefields of World War I. The Anzac spirit that are shown in the soldiers are that they give up their life to help others. Soldiers show commitment and do the best they can to save their country. The qualities of Anzac is being able to give up their life for others, being brave and courageous to fight in the War. Colin James Aiston showed true spirit for he gave up his life to help others, and for all the other Australian soldiers who gave their life up for the war to help others.