LANG, Hector Otton
| Service Number: | 4304 |
|---|---|
| Enlisted: | Not yet discovered |
| Last Rank: | Private |
| Last Unit: | 5th Field Ambulance |
| Born: | Woodburn, New South Wales, Australia, 1890 |
| Home Town: | Ballina, Ballina, New South Wales |
| Schooling: | Not yet discovered |
| Occupation: | School Teacher |
| Died: | Manningham, South Australia, 6 October 1951, cause of death not yet discovered |
| Cemetery: |
Enfield Memorial Park, South Australia General, Row L, Site Number 18 |
| Memorials: | Ballina Municipal Honour Roll |
World War 1 Service
| 9 Aug 1915: | Involvement Private, 4304, 5th Field Ambulance, --- :embarkation_roll: roll_number: '22' embarkation_place: Sydney embarkation_ship: HMAT Runic embarkation_ship_number: A54 public_note: '' | |
|---|---|---|
| 9 Aug 1915: | Embarked Private, 4304, 5th Field Ambulance, HMAT Runic, Sydney |
Military Biography: Private Hector Otton Lang, (1890–1951)
Military Biography: Private Hector Otton Lang, (1890–1951)
Early Life & Education
Hector Otton Lang was born in 1890 in Woodburn, a rural town near the Richmond River in northern New South Wales, Australia. He was the son of Alexander Lang (1851–1935) and Jessie McInness (1855–1945), both of Scottish descent. Hector grew up in a devout Presbyterian household and received a solid education. He later trained as a schoolteacher, a profession he would hold both before and after the war.
By the time of his enlistment, Hector was living and teaching in Ballina, NSW. His address was Tamar Street, Ballina, and he listed his father Alexander as next of kin.
🇦🇺 First World War Service
Service Number: 4304
Enlistment Date: 18 April 1915 (aged 25)
Embarkation: 9 August 1915 from Sydney on HMAT A54 Runic
Unit on Embarkation: 3rd Reinforcement to 5th Field Ambulance, 4th Infantry Brigade
Later Unit: 15th Field Ambulance, Australian Army Medical Corps
Rank: Private
Theatre of War: Western Front (France & Belgium)
Role and Responsibilities
As a member of the Field Ambulance, Hector was not in a combat unit but served on the front lines providing urgent medical care. Field Ambulance units were tasked with rescuing wounded soldiers under fire, performing triage, and transporting casualties to clearing stations or field hospitals. Their work was often gruelling and dangerous.
Gallantry and Awards
Hector Otton Lang demonstrated exceptional bravery and was recommended for the Award of the MM but the recommendation was downgraded. He was Mentioned in Corps Orders on 18 May 1917 for distinguished service.
Return to Australia
After over three years of overseas service, Hector returned to Australia on 16 January 1919 and was discharged shortly thereafter. He received the full entitlement of campaign medals:
1914–15 Star
British War Medal
Victory Medal
Post-War Life & Family
Following the war, Hector moved to South Australia, where he resumed civilian life with discipline and dignity. He married Annie Letitia Martin, born in 1895 in Grafton, New South Wales. Together, they settled in the suburb of Manningham, South Australia.
Hector and Annie had at least two children:
Jean Jessie Lang – later the wife of Neil Charles Kennett.
Allan Lang
Death and Commemoration
Hector Otton Lang passed away on 6 October 1951, aged 61, at his home in Manningham. He was buried in Enfield Memorial Park, Plot General L18. His military plaque reads:
4304 Private H.O. Lang
15 Field Ambulance
6th October 1951 Age 61
Loved husband of Annie and father of Jean and Allan
His wife Annie Letitia Lang survived him by 17 years, passing away on 12 July 1968, aged 72. She is buried beside him.
Legacy
Private Hector Lang’s service in the 15th Field Ambulance exemplified courage and compassion under fire. He is remembered for his acts of bravery during World War I but also as a devoted husband, father, and teacher who quietly rebuilt life after war.
Biography by Trevor Pyatt - 23/07/2025
Submitted 23 July 2025 by Trevor Pyatt
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