EDWARDS, Albert John
| Service Number: | 2849 |
|---|---|
| Enlisted: | 9 July 1915, Melbourne, Victoria |
| Last Rank: | Sergeant |
| Last Unit: | 2nd Pioneer Battalion |
| Born: | Mortlake, Victoria, 9 June 1895 |
| Home Town: | Mortlake, Moyne, Victoria |
| Schooling: | Mortlake Public School |
| Occupation: | Plumber |
| Died: | Killed in Action, France, 5 May 1917, aged 21 years |
| Cemetery: |
No known grave - "Known Unto God" No known grave, Villers-Bretonneux Memorial, Villers-Bretonneux, Picardie, France |
| Memorials: | Australian War Memorial Roll of Honour, Shire of Mortlake War Memorial, Villers-Bretonneux Memorial (Australian National Memorial - France) |
World War 1 Service
| 9 Jul 1915: | Enlisted AIF WW1, Melbourne, Victoria | |
|---|---|---|
| 5 Oct 1915: | Involvement AIF WW1, 2849, 21st Infantry Battalion, --- :embarkation_roll: roll_number: '13' embarkation_place: Melbourne embarkation_ship: RMS Moldavia embarkation_ship_number: '' public_note: '' | |
| 5 Oct 1915: | Embarked AIF WW1, 2849, 21st Infantry Battalion, RMS Moldavia, Melbourne | |
| 5 May 1917: | Involvement AIF WW1, Sergeant, 2849, 2nd Pioneer Battalion, --- :awm_ww1_roll_of_honour_import: awm_service_number: 2849 awm_unit: 2 Pioneer Battalion awm_rank: Sergeant awm_died_date: 1917-05-05 |
Help us honour Albert John Edwards's service by contributing information, stories, and images so that they can be preserved for future generations.
Add my storyBiography
A plumber from Mortlake, Victoria prior to enlistment, Pte Edwards embarked with the rank of Acting Corporal with the 6th Reinforcements from Melbourne on RMS Moldavia on 5 October 1915. Later transferring to the 2nd Pioneer Battalion, he was promoted to Sergeant and, on 12 May 1917, aged 21, he was killed in action near Bullecourt, France. Having no known grave, he is commemorated on the Villers-Bretonneux Memorial.
"OUR LOSSES. Sgt. Albert Edwards.
Yet another Mortlake soldier has made the supreme sacrifice, in Sgt. Albert Edwards, son of Mr. and Mrs. John Edwards, of Townsend street. The sad news was conveyed to the distressed parents by Rev. T. Cole (Church of England) on Tuesday, the fateful message from the Defence authorities stating that "Sgt. Edwards had been killed in action in France on 5th May." Sgt. Edwards was the only eligible son, and was a native of this town. He was only 22 years of age. In July 1915 he enlisted and sailed for Egypt on Oct. 6, of the same year. Shortly after enlisting he was made a lance-corporal, and on arrival at Egypt was promoted to the rank of corporal. For good services in France was further promoted to that of sergeant. In recent letters Sgt. Edwards stated his intention of going for his commission, which he was hopeful of securing. Thus from the ranks he steadily won preferment, until death cut short what appeared a promising career. Deceased hero was very popular, and was highly respected. He was, until work called him to another district, an active member of the Fire Brigade, whose members deeply regret their loss. In their hour of trial the bereaved parents and members of the family have the sympathy of the community." - from the Mortlake Dispatch 02 Jun 1917 (nla.gov.au)
Click images to start slideshow.