Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Austin Bertie Oliver

Bertie Oliver Austin was born on the 26th January 1893 in Athelstone, Adelaide. He grew up in Walkerville, Adelaide and was a member of the Uniting Church. Austin had great driving skills and had a background in mechanics.  He first enlisted in the military on the 21st of September 1914.  He was recommended to serve on the 3rd of November 1914. He first embarked Unit embarked from Melbourne, Victoria, on board HMAT A40 Ceramic on 22 December 1914. He arrived in South Hampton which was a major port city during the war, and a crucial point of embarkation for troops and supplies headed to the Western Front. It is possible that Austin was involved in loading or unloading military equipment or supplies at the port, or that he was stationed in the area for a period of time. Austin arrived into the western front on 19-6-17. His duty was to drive and evacuate injured soldiers from the warzone. Austin was also responsible for delivering ammunition and supplies to the front line. On the 4th of October 1917 Austin was recommended for a military medal on the 3rd of November 1917 'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty in the operations on the YPRES Front from 4th to 12th October, 1917. He drove his lorry when evacuating wounded from BIRR CROSS ROADS and Advanced Dressing Station with great skill although the MENIN ROAD was often under heavy shell fire. He was indefatigable in his work while subjected to enemy shell fire and the nerve strain of driving at night without lights in congested traffic. He displayed great coolness and judgment in handling his lorry for the comfort of the wounded and by his courage helped to maintain a good service of lorries.' Following his time in France Austin was promoted to corporal of his unit. He continued to serve with his unit and participate in military operations against German forces on the Western Front. As a corporal, Bertie Oliver Austin would have had more responsibility and authority within his unit. He would have been responsible for supervising and leading a small group of soldiers and ensuring that they were properly trained and equipped for their duties. However, being a corporal also would have carried more risks, as he would have been in a more visible and exposed position within his unit. He would have been expected to lead by example, and to be a role model for the soldiers under his command. In addition, he would have been responsible for the safety and well-being of his unit and would have faced significant challenges and dangers on the front lines of battle. World War I ended on November 11, 1918, with the signing of the Armistice of Compiègne. Austin returned home on the returned to Australia on the 9th of December 1918. Upon arrival, he would have gone through a series of medical and administrative procedures to finalize his discharge from military service. He received his medal on the 18-2-1919. Typically, medals and other honours were presented by high-ranking military officials, such as generals or other officers, in front of other soldiers, dignitaries, or members of the public. The ceremony would likely have included a formal citation describing the actions or achievements for which the medal was being awarded, and the recipient would have been publicly recognized for their bravery and service. He was discharged from duties on the 15-4-1919. Austin married Jean lees Bennett on the 4th of July 1922 in Wesley Church, Norwood, South Australia.  Austin lived out the rest of his life in Adelaide. He passed away from natural causes at the age of 79. He was buried at the Athelstone cemetery.