Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Albert Henry Gebhardt

Service Number: 2033

Rank: Bombardier

Unit: 4th Division Ammunition Column, Australian Imperial Force (A.I.F.)

Conflict: First World War (1914–1918)

Born: 1 December 1890, Norwood, South Australia

Died: 19 March 1930, Keswick, South Australia (aged 39)

Burial: West Terrace Cemetery, A.I.F. Section, Adelaide, South Australia



Early Life

Albert Henry Gebhardt was born on 1 December 1890 in Norwood, South Australia, the son of Carl Hermann Gebhardt and Eliza Shore (née Baldwinson).

Growing up in the Adelaide district, Albert attended local schools before training and working as a clerk, a profession that required accuracy and attention to detail — skills that would serve him well in the military.



On 16 September 1914, Albert married Maisie Ruby Keays (often recorded as Maidie Ruby Keays) at the Methodist Parsonage, St Peters, South Australia. The couple settled in Prospect, where they began their family. They would go on to have five children:

Reginald Albert Gebhardt (b. 1915)
Kenneth Henry Gebhardt (b. 1920)
Maidie Joan Gebhardt (b. 1922)
Donald Charles Gebhardt (b. 1924)
Marjorie Phyllis Gebhardt (b. 1927)


First World War Service

Albert enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force on 12 October 1915 in Adelaide. He was 24 years and 10 months old, married, and living in Prospect. His occupation was listed as clerk, and his religion as Methodist.



He was first allocated to the 32nd Battalion, 3rd Reinforcements, training at Mitcham and later at Exhibition A.I.F. Camp. On 7 February 1916, he embarked from Adelaide aboard HMAT A28 Miltiades, bound for service overseas.



Service Abroad

Feb 1916 – Disembarked at Suez, Egypt, and taken on strength with the 24th Howitzer Brigade.
Apr 1916 – Transferred to the 4th Divisional Ammunition Column (D.A.C.).
Apr–Jun 1916 – Served in Egypt before proceeding to France via Marseille.
Jul 1916 – Promoted to Bombardier.
1916–1918 – Served continuously on the Western Front in artillery support, responsible for the movement and supply of ammunition to the front lines under often hazardous conditions.


Albert experienced the harsh realities of the Western Front — cold, mud, and constant enemy fire. His duties required him to work close to the fighting, transporting ammunition to gun batteries in forward areas.



Injuries & Illness

On 13 October 1918, Albert was admitted to hospital with illness, later transferred through various medical units in France, including the 9th General Hospital, Rouen. His right hand sustained injuries (crushed fingers) in an accident, though later reports noted he made a full recovery.



Return to Australia & Discharge

Albert returned to Australia aboard Port Napier, disembarking at Adelaide on 29 June 1919. He was discharged from the A.I.F. on 21 August 1919, his period of enlistment having ended.



Post‑War Life

After the war, Albert returned to civilian life with his wife and young family. They resided in Allenby Gardens and later Prospect, South Australia.

He is recorded as suffering from ongoing health issues that were regarded as effects of war service, though his discharge medical assessment noted “no present disability.”



Death

Albert Henry Gebhardt died on 19 March 1930 at Keswick, South Australia, aged 39. His death was attributed to the lingering effects of his wartime service. He was buried with full military honours in the A.I.F. Section of West Terrace Cemetery, Adelaide. His headstone bears the Rising Sun badge and the tribute:



"Dearly beloved husband of M.R. Gebhardt & father of Reg, Ken, Maidie, Don & Marjorie.

Until the day breaks."



Medals & Awards

For his service in the First World War, Bombardier Albert Henry Gebhardt was entitled to:

British War Medal
Victory Medal


Legacy

Albert’s service is commemorated on several local honour boards, including:

Keswick Prospect Highbury Street Methodist Sunday School Roll of Honour
Prospect Methodist Sunday School Honour Roll (WWI)
Prospect Roll of Honour A–G WWI Board


His sacrifice, and that of his family, forms part of the proud military tradition carried forward by his children — most notably his son Kenneth Henry Gebhardt, who served in the Second World War.



Biography by Trevor Pyatt - 4/08/2025