Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Twenty-year-old Arthur Moore and 18-year-old Archibald Moore were both stockmen from Alton Downs near Rockhampton when they enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force 108 years ago on 1 March 1916. They were probably working on the family farm with their parents John and Maria. Arthur and Archibald both joined the 4th Reinforcements of the 49th Battalion and had the numbers of 2213 and 2214 respectively. The brothers joined the 49th Battalion in the field in France in December of 1916 and both eventually paid the ultimate price for their service.
Archibald was killed on 12 April 1917. The battalion and brigade diaries make no mention of casualties for that day, but we know that the 49th Battalion was in the front lines near Noreuil in France. He is buried in the Noreuil Australian Cemetery.
In May 1917, Arthur Moore was admitted to hospital with an illness. Back in the fighting in June that year, he was wounded and spent many months recovering. In April 1918 he rejoined the 49th Battalion only to be killed on 25 April in the fighting that recaptured the iconic town of Villers-Bretonneux on the third anniversary of the Landing at Anzac.
We can only imagine the grief felt by John and Maria Moore from losing their two sons. This would have been made worse now that their father John had to work their cattle property without them.
Arthur and Archibald are remembered on the memorial at Alton Downs and their photos are in the adjacent community hall. If you are related to Arthur and Archibald, please feel free to contact me. Rest in Peace lads. Semper Fidelis.