Albert John GALE

Badge Number: 32215, Sub Branch: State
32215

GALE, Albert John

Service Numbers: 2016, 2016A
Enlisted: 20 September 1915, Adelaide, South Australia
Last Rank: Driver
Last Unit: 11th Field Artillery Brigade
Born: Edwardstown, South Australia, 9 June 1892
Home Town: Edwardstown, Marion, South Australia
Schooling: Not yet discovered
Occupation: Horse driver (later milk-man)
Died: Traffic Accident (milkvan struck by train), Mitcham, South Australia, 14 February 1942, aged 49 years
Cemetery: Centennial Park Cemetery, South Australia
Memorials: Edwardstown District WW1 Roll of Honor
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World War 1 Service

20 Sep 1915: Enlisted AIF WW1, Private, 2016, 3rd Light Horse Regiment, Adelaide, South Australia
10 Feb 1916: Involvement AIF WW1, Private, 2016, 3rd Light Horse Regiment, Enlistment/Embarkation WW1, --- :embarkation_roll: roll_number: '1' embarkation_place: Adelaide embarkation_ship: HMAT Warilda embarkation_ship_number: A69 public_note: ''
10 Feb 1916: Embarked AIF WW1, Private, 2016, 3rd Light Horse Regiment, HMAT Warilda, Adelaide
1 Apr 1919: Discharged AIF WW1, Driver, 2016A, 11th Field Artillery Brigade

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Biography

"Milkman Killed at Level Crossing

An Edwardstown man was killed early today in a level crossing smash at Lower Mitchamn. He was Albert John Gale, about 50, milk vendor, of South road, Edwardstown. Gale who was killed out-right, was travelling alone in a small motor delivery van. The vehicle was struck with terrific impact by an Adelaide-bound train about 6.45 a.m. at the Angas road crossing, Lower Mitcham, and was completely wrecked. The rear wheels were torn off and thrown about 30 yards along the track. The van, which was smashed to an unrecognisable shape, was dragged across a cattle pit and thrown to one side of the track.

SIGNALS OPERATING

Eyewitnesses said that wigwag signals were operating at the time, and that Gale waited for a hills-bound train to pass and, although the signals were still operating, he apparently thought the line was clear. He was in the centre of the track when a steam train travelling in the opposite direction struck the van with terrific force. Gale's body was placed on the train and taken to Adelaide. It was taken to the Royal Adelaide Hospital in a civil ambulance. Plainclothes Constable Craig is preparing a report for the acting City Coroner (Mr. Ziesing)." - from the Adelaide News 14 Feb 1942 (nla.gov.au)

"GALE.— On February 14 (result of accident), Albert John Gale, of 17 South rd., Edwardstown, beloved husband of May Gale, and loving father of Clive, Audrey, Max and Lorna. Aged 49 years. Late 41st Battery, 11th Field Artillery Brigade, 1st A.I.F." - from the Adelaide Chronicle 19 Feb 1942 (trove.nla.gov.au)

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