Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Douglas Dixson Gordon was born on December the 2nd 1883 to Peter and Janet Gordon (nee Currie) in Adelaide. He was Presbyterian. He had good eyesight, measured at 5 feet and 8 inches which is approximately 173/4cm, weighed 13 stone (roughly 87 kg) and his chest measurements were 39 inches. He went to a public school, presumably Rose Park Primary School and also received an accountant’s education as he was an accountant before embarkation. He also had previous experience in sea forces (not specified). His next of kin was his wife, Ellen Lillian Gordon and they lived in Alexandra Avenue, Rose Park, South Australia. It is unknown whether they had children. He officially joined the war on the 10th of February, 1916 as a Lieutenant-Colonel, commanding officer in the 43rd Infantry Battalion 3rd Division in Adelaide at the age of 32. He served from March 1916 to February 1917. He embarked on the HMAT Afric A19 on the 9th June, 1916. On the 20th of July he disembarked in Marseilles. Then on the 25th of November he proceeded overseas to France.

The next year on the 13th of February he boarded the H.J. ‘Marathon’ and left Plymouth but on the 20th of March he was advised to return to Australia. A letter was sent to Mrs Ellen L. Gordon (Next of Kin) informing her but the name of the ship/transport was kept confidential. He was due back in Australia at around the end of march and arrived in Melbourne on the 8th of April. He also did some staff duty in Melbourne and received his form of warranty on the 15th of November, 1917.

Douglas Dixson Gordon died on the 4th of July, 1957 at the age of 73 of natural causes. He died in Mitcham, South Australia and was buried in Centennial Park South Australia (Wall 8, G013)

ANZAC stands for Australian and New Zealand Army Corps and is commemorated on the 25th of April. The ANZAC spirit applauds the great courage, spirit, endurance, initiative and many more outstanding qualities shown by our World War 1 soldiers who fought in Gallipoli although there was no military victory. World War 1 was the first war Australia and New Zealand participated in and united our country in different ways. Australians were fighting for England against Germany as English Australians for the first time, which was something to be a part of! There was a great deal of excitement, courage and nationalism but what they didn’t know was that there was also a lot of bloodshed. Approximately 2,000 ANZACS died on the first day in Gallipoli. Around 10,000 ANZACS would never return home.

Douglas Dixson Gordon left his wife in 1916 to fight in the war as commanding officer in the 43rd Infantry Battalion. A great deal of trust and courage must’ve made him choose to fight. He did all that he could for his country. He didn’t die in the war for his country but that didn’t mean he wasn’t heroic and brave. Just the act of embarkation is a sign of braveness and that is the spirit of the ANZAC. It still touches Australian hearts to this day to think of all the soldiers who sacrificed their lives for their country and for their companions. The spirit of ANZAC wasn’t all just about the war, it reminds us of who we are as a nation. On ANZAC day family and friends relive the spirit of ANZAC by attending dawn or ANZAC service or bowing down for a minute of silence. This historical event shaped Australia as a nation and will continue to show courage, strength, perseverance and companionship.