Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Alexander McGregor Grant was born on the 1st of September, 1880 in the small town of Inverness, Scotland. Alexander was a migrant, believing in the Roman Catholic religion. In his adult life, he lived in the suburb of Evandale, South Australia. He was married to Mary Ellen Grant, and had 4 children. Before joining the army, he worked as a labourer. Alexander was not very tall for today’s standards, standing at 5 feet and 8 and a half inches. His hair was dark, going grey, and he had blue eyes. At the age of 39, Alexander enlisted into the Australian Army. He likely joined the army due to nationalistic ideals, and wanting to serve his country, and protect his family. 

After joining the Army on the 3rd of August 1917, Grant boarded the HMAT A60 Aeneas a few months later, on the 30th of October that year. On the 27th of December that year, Grant marched into Sutton Veny after from Australia to commence trenchh training. After staying in the small English town for 4 months, Grant and his unit, being the 10th Infantry Battalion, marched to Calais, a coastal town in France. On the 13th of April, they marched into Hazebrouck. During this battle, the sixth German army renewed its attack, and headed towards the centre of Hazebrouck. They advanced 4 kilometers, and captured Merville. On the 13th of April, Grant and his unit were transferred to the area, and fully stopped their attack. During this battle, Grant was shot in the arm twice on the 25th April 1918 and he was subsequently sent to hospital in England. On 29th of August, due to Myalgia Grant returned to Australia, and reunited with his family.

There were many times were Grant showed the ANZAC spirit. Qualities of the ANZACs are endurance, courage, ingenuity, and mateship. Grant represented these very well. Grant represented courage by fighting in the army, and helping push the Germans away from Hazebrouck. He showed endurance by continuing to fight after getting 2 gunshot wounds, and being injured badly.