Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Angus Mckenzie Seagrim was born on the 19th of August 1894 in Woodside, South Australia. Before enlisting for the war, Angus worked as an assistant undertaker, in which he had the role of assisting in the preparation of corpses for funerals. He was a believer of Methodism and hence attended the Methodist church in Woodside.

Angus was enlisted for World War One on the 8th of February 1915, when he was just 20 years old. According to his initial medical examination on the 5th of February 1915, Angus was deemed to be physically and mentally fit to participate in the war. In addition to this, the medical examination revealed that Angus had a fair complexion, dark brown hair and blue eyes. He was 5 foot 10 and 65kg (145lbs). Angus was first appointed to the 4th Military District in South Australia. On the 16th of July 1915, Angus was transferred from the 4th Military District to the 3rd Military District, which was located in Victoria.

On the 9th of September 1915, Angus embarked from Ballarat with the 9th reinforcement of the 3rd artillery brigade. Angus was on the SS Makarini. Being a part of this unit involved supporting the infantry Brigades, with the provision of artilleries such as guns, shrapnel, high explosive fragmentation and armor piercing projectiles. Angus’ rank in this unit was ‘driver’, in which he had the role of supplying and moving artillery, however Angus was sent to Langwarrin hospital for unknown medical reasons. As a result of this, Angus was put ashore and did not travel to the war. Angus was admitted to the Langwarrin Hospital in Victoria on the 12th of November 1915. The medical report from Langwarrin Hospital revealed that Angus suffered from pneumonia, tachycardia and appendicitis, for which he had an operation, and the medical examiner also reported that Angus seemed nervous and withdrawn.

Following this, he was discharged to an unknown hospital on the 7th of December 1915. On the 10th of January 1916, Angus was reported to have been absent without leave, meaning he deserted his duties from the war, without permission from authorities. It is believed, but not certain, that he deserted his duties due to psychological dysfunction. Consequently, Angus was arrested on the 18th of September 1916 and was admitted again to Langwarrin Hospital.

On the 8th of December 1916, Angus was discharged from the hospital and appointed to complete training for the war at Seymour Camp, a military training camp also located in Victoria. Shortly after being appointed Angus was found to be absent without leave on the 20th of December 1916. Because of this, Angus was once again arrested but this time, he was sent to Bendigo Detention Prison on the 27th of March 1918, more than a year later. This prison provided accommodation for prisoners assessed as suitable for treatment in the area of psychological disorders, substance abuse and addictive or compulsive behaviours. Angus spent two months at the prison. District records show that on the 31st of May 1918, Angus was discharged on his own request. His discharge report showed that he did not participate in the war, due to being medically unfit, as opposed to misconduct. Because Angus had not fulfilled his service in the war, he was sent to Broadmeadows Camp for duty towards the end of 1918.

The date of Angus' death is unknown.

The Australian and New Zealand soldiers showed ANZAC Spirit which meant they were loyal and showed courage. Angus showed courage by enlisting for the war.