Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Eric Aldridge was a soldier in the 27th Infantry Battalion from 1915 until 1918. This Battalion was raised in South Australia in March of 1915, from recruits previously earmarked for the 24th Battalion, a large majority of whom were from the suburbs of Adelaide. The Battalion departed Australia in June, and, after two months of training in Egypt, landed at Gallipoli on the 12th of September. Alongside the 7th Brigade, they suffered only light casualties before entering the front-line trenches for the first time on the 7th of April 1916 in France.

Eric lived a simple life prior to joining the war. He was born in 1890 and later resided in North Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia. Prior to being drafted, Eric’s usual weekday consisted of working as a clerk. This meant that he performed administrative tasks, such as bookkeeping, general office duties, typing, and shorthand. He was likely working within a respective bank setting and had a good educational standard (as this was required for this job). Eric had experience with military, as he served in the Legion of Frontiersman, a colonial force. This experience, along with his health, placement, and age meant that he was quickly drafted. It is known that he entered the war unmarried, however he later married his wife Glady Aldridge whom he met in England. It is unknown if they had any children.

When WW1 began, Eric enlisted in the army on the 29th  March 1915, allotted to the 27th Infantry Battalion. He was twenty-five years of age when he joined, disembarking Australia with his Battalion in June, and then commending overseas training. Eric was promoted to a corporal rank on the 27th September 1915. This entailed a responsibility of one of the Battalions’ sections. Seventy-two people died a few days prior to this date; meaning that Eric was most likely asked to fill in this role as of the great absence of soldiers due to death.

He suffered his first shrapnel wound (of many) on the 8th of October 1915 and was transferred to St Elmo Hospital in Malta. Two people from his Battalion died due to shrapnel wounds on this date. The 27th Battalion then marched to Gjain Tuffieha in support of the 26th Battalion, because of this, valuable time was lost. The Battalion embarked for Alexandria and when arrived, remained in camp for multiple months. In March 1916, they arrived in Marseille and enchained for Northern France. However, on the 29th  March 1916, Eric suffered a gunshot wound to the abdomen as well as dysentery. As a result of this he was admitted to the H.S. Britannic; a sister ship of the Titanic before being refitted as a hospital ship.

Eric marched out to the overseas training brigade in Perham Downs, England on the 24th of August 1917. This brigade focused on preparing men who were discharged from hospital for their return to France. He remained there a month before being attached for duty with the AIF in U.K. from the 27th Battalion. From the 12th to the 26th of September 1917, Eric served as an acting sergeant, before being promoted to an engineer sergeant. It was recorded that on New Years of 1918, the 27th Battalion were stationed in a camp in Belgium. It is detailed that they took over the duties of the 25th Battalion and were affected without any casualties. The situation was quiet during the night, however it is recorded that the front line received some attention from the enemy. As well as this, general work on improvement of trenches and wire was carried on throughout the night. Unfortunately, soon after this, Eric fell sick with a concussion. He was then transferred to Delhi military Hospital in Tidworth. His recovery was over fourteen days long before being discharged to a training department, then being sent to AIF depots in the U.K.

Like most AIF Battalions, the 27th fought to turn back the German spring offensive in April 1918, and later in the year participated in a string of battles as Germany was driven closer to defeat. It attacked around Morlancourt on the night of the 10th of June. As well as this, the 27th Battalion was in the first wave at the battle of Amiens on the 8th of August. On this date, the Battalion captured nine artillery pieces, twenty five machine guns, and over two hundred prisoners (a commendable effort).

After the war:

After his three years and ninety one days of service, Eric returned to Australia in April 1918 was discharged on 27th June 1918. This was due to him being medically unfit (not because of misconduct). It can be inferred that this was owed to the several injuries he had received over the course of his time serving. With Eric no longer apart of The 27th Battalion, their last actions of the war were fought as part of the effort to break through the Beaurevoir Line in October 1918, not being disbanded until the 4th June 1919. Around 8000 volunteers served in this Battalion during the war; 1169 of all ranks died on active service. Eric died on the 2nd October 1967, age 76 in Glenelg East, Adelaide, South Australia (cause of death unknown). Eric’s name appears on the Hackney St Peter’s College Honour Board, as well as on the North Adelaide Christ Church Honour Board.