Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Albert William Dilger, known as Bert, was the son of Mary Elizabeth (Skeggs) and Will Dilger. He was born in Swansea on 8 June 1888. He was the eldest of seven children. Bert’s father Will died unexpectedly in 1906 at the age of 42. He was an agent for Holyman and Sons Ltd, the steamship company, and it was presumed that he died of an epileptic fit as he had been known to have them before. His wife was left to bring up the seven children.

Mary’s house in Swansea almost burnt down shortly after,  and although all the family’s clothes were destroyed, along with most of their food and kitchen necessaries, the family survived without any physical injuries.

Bert was a keen footballer for the Swansea team and was often named amongst the best players. He was also secretary of the football club for a while. He was a fisherman and a member of the Swansea Homing Society. Bert’s sisters often sang and played the piano for various community concerts. For most of his life Bert lived with his family in this house in Noyes St, Swansea. He was a bridge builder by trade and a road contractor. During July 1915 27-year-old Bert enlisted and by January 1916 was in Egypt. During the Pozieres battle July 1916 in France, Bert was wounded in action, with gunshot wounds in his back and right arm. Three days later he was on his way to hospital in England. Bert was unable to rejoin his unit until November. In the meantime, after he left hospital, he was part of the 3rd Training Battalion at Perham Downs.

At the end of November 1916 Bert caught mumps and was hospitalized in France. He was discharged two days before Christmas Day in 1916. But just weeks later, in January 1917, he was again injured, this time receiving a severe shrapnel wound to his right arm. He was again sent to England.

His younger brother 366 Private Harry Clarence Dilger 40th Battalion AIF was killed in action on 31 January 1917, defending his post from a German raid.

During March 1917 Bert was promoted to Lance Corporal. He did some training in England. In November 1917 he was on his way to France again, and back with the 12th Battalion. On 9 January 1918 Bert was wounded for the third time, with gunshot wounds to his leg and his face. After this he was reclassified as only being fit for elementary field work. He rejoined the training school.

Soon after, Bert was awarded a Military Medal for Bravery in the Field. The recommendation read as follows: “On the night of the 9th/10thJanuary 1918 east of Messines, Lance Corporal A.W. Dilger was in charge of a patrol. They got within 20 yards of an enemy post and were heavily bombed. Lance Corporal Dilger was wounded through the ankle, which was broken, and Private R.T. Hortle was badly wounded in the thigh. The remainder of the patrol, wounded in a lesser degree, returned to our lines. Lance Corporal Dilger remained with Hortle and carried him back, a distance of about 90 yards, and was subjected to heavy rifle and machine gun fire in doing so. Undoubtedly Private Hortle owes his life to Lance Corporal Dilger’s gallant action. Unfortunately, Hortle died of his wounds two days later.

During May 1918 Bert completed a Musketry and Lewis Gun Course but on 31 May 1918, his determined and valiant service in the AIF was ended when he was killed in action. He was buried in the Borre British Cemetery in France.