Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Andrew Wellstead (Andy) was born on 14th March 1897 at Albany, Western Australia to parents John Wellstead and Bridgit Muir who were married in 1884 at Albany. Andrew was one of twelve siblings being the eighth child.
 
His family where one of the early farmers/graziers in Bremer Bay area, south of Albany. Andrew in his early years helped by being a shepherd looking after the family’s sheep flocks with his brother Edward (Ned). The brothers, would ride for miles from their homestead to tend to the flocks, staying away for weeks at a time and living off the land camping. It is understood they carried fire sticks around the penned sheep to ward off the dingos.
 
In May 1916 Andrew enlisted into the Australian Imperial Force (A.I.F.) at Belmont, where his mother had to sign the consent form for him to enlist, as he was under age at 19 years. He embarked for overseas service in October 1916 from Fremantle, attached to 44th Battalion 4th reinforcements, disembarking in England in December 1916.
 
Whilst he England he was hospitalised before he was taken on strength with his battalion in France in February 1917. By March the battalion had moved to Armentieres northern France on the border with Belgium, in close proximity to Ploegstreet.
 
In June 1917 he was involved in the battle at Messines where he was acting as a runner in the signals section of 44th Battalion, taking messages from headquarters to the frontline. It is believed he also spent time as a sniper in the frontline. It was during this time he was wounded in action but remained on the frontline. The battalion also took part in the battle to capture Broodseinde Ridge, in a defensive role where they sustained heavy casualties until being relieved by the end of October 1917. They remained in Belgium for another five months rotating in and out of the frontline.
 
In February 1918 Andrew was award the Military Medal[1] for his outstanding courage in the field whilst in Belgium which was presented to him in London.
 
Moving back to France the 44th took part in the preparatory Battle of Hamel in July 1918 and part of the first wave of the offensive when launched in August. Their last major action was in September – October 1918 as part of the Australian American operation to breach the Hindenburg Line at St Quentin Canal.
 
Andrew returned to Australia and was discharged from the A.I.F. in November 1919 returning to Bremer Bay to continuing farming. His brother Edward Melville Wellstead[2] also enlisted into the A.I.F. attached to 51stBattalion also returned home from overseas service.
In 1923 he purchased land adjoining his father’s property, about 30 km south east of Borden near Gnowangerup. He was an expert horseman and was understood to enjoy dancing, riding to many of the local dances within the region.
 
In January 1925 he married Delcie Elma Hymus Harris where they had six children from the marriage. His wife died in 1937 leaving Andrew to raise his children with the help from his family. He continued to work his farm with the help from his children as they grew older and spending his later years with his grandchildren.
 
On 6th October 1963 Andrew died in Perth aged sixty-six years where he is buried in the Gnowangerup Cemetery.
 
His brother Edward (Ned) Melville Wellstead born 13th January 1894, farmer enlisted 22nd January 1917, attached to 51st Battalion 10th reinforcements. Service number 3727. Wounded in action at Villers Bretonneux 25th April 1918. Returned to Australian 1919.

[1] AIF Orders List 295. 8/2/1918. London Gazette 1st February 1918. 30507.
[2] Pte Edward Melville Wellstead. 3727. 51st Battalion 10th reinforcements enlisted January 1917. RTA 1919.