Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Albert was born in the farming village of Evandale just outside of Launceston in Tasmania on 28 December 1893, the youngest child to George Williams and Annie Bran(n)agan who married in 1884.

Albert’s older sibling George Thomas Patrick died at just 11 days old due to marasmus a condition of severe protein nutrition deficiency.

When Albert was just 3 years old his mother, Annie, passed away on 16 May 1896 aged just 33 years old from tuberculosis. Tragically less than one year later, eldest sister, Maud Mary, also passed away from tuberculosis just before her 12th birthday on 3 March 1897

Albert’s father, George, married a widow, Eliza (Henry) Warren several years older than himself on 9 December 1899. She was 60 years old at the time and he was approximately 47 years old and more than likely had been the housekeeper for the family following the death of Annie.

Tragically, another of Albert’s sisters, Eleanor, passed away on 17 April 1904. It is quite possible she may also have been suffering from the effects of tuberculosis.

Albert enlisted on 4 August 1915 at Evandale. At the time it appears that his family were living in the little farming hamlet of Golden Valley near Deloraine.

Albert’s brother Cecil (12416) also enlisted, one month later on 13 September 1915.

On 22 September 1915 Albert was appointed to the 11th Reinforcement of the 12 Battalion.

On November 1 1915, Albert was home from Claremont on his final leave and the community of Golden Valley put together a social evening to farewell him. He was presented with a wristlet watch on behalf of the residents of Golden Valley and nearby Quamby Brook.

Albert embarked on 10 November 1915 from the Port of Melbourne onboard the HMAT Ascanius.

Initially in the 12th Battallion, Albert was posted to the 10th Field Ambulance on 11 February 1917 as part of the 38th battery. He was then back to being a bombardier in the later part of 1917.

Albert’s remaining sister Jane died 11 February 1917 when he was away at war. She died at her mother-in-law's house aged 27 and was said to be a “patient sufferer at rest” so I suspect she had some form of chronic disease. Albert now only had his brother Cecil who was also serving in Europe as his only surviving sibling.

On 20 July 1917 Albert was reported wounded in the local paper following a gun shot wound to the buttock.

Albert also wrote on the underground walls of Naours whilst he was in France.

Albert disembarked in Australia 8 June 1919 and was discharged from service on 14 August 1919.

Returning from WW1 , Albert married Elvie (Elvy) Ida Philpott on June 1 1921.
They went on to have 11 children.

Albert continued with his farming career after the war and he and Elvie farmed at Deloraine, Kimberley and finally their property at Castra near Ulverstone.

Albert continued to contribute to war efforts throughout his life, including fundraising efforts. Albert and his family were heavily involved in their local community. He was Chairman of the Parent’s Association at the School for many years as well as President of the Church of England Committee and was a life member of the Upper Catra Football Club.

In 1942, at the age of 48, Albert once again signed up for duty, this time in the Volunteer Defence Corps. His brother Cecil also signed up.

Albert passed away on 1 May 1974 at the age of 80. He was the last surviving member of his family with his brother Cecil passing away in 1967. Albert is buried along with his wife in the Mersey Vale Memorial Park at Spreyton near Devonport.

Albert and Elvie celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on 1 June 1971