Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

BACKLUND, Alfred
Temporary Sergeant 4503 – 46th Battalion
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Early Life
Alfred Backlund was born on May 7, 1898, at Benalla, Victoria, to John and Elizabeth Maria (née Johnson) Backlund.
He was born a twin, alongside his sister Annie Backlund, in what was both a joyful and tragic event, as their mother passed away during childbirth. As a result, the twins were fostered into separate families:
• Alfred was raised by Henry and Mary Daubenthaler
• Annie was raised by William and Sarah McKean
Alfred attended Lima State School before working locally as a farmhand in the Swanpool district.
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Enlistment
Alfred enlisted on September 4, 1916, at the age of 18 years and 4 months, shortly after passing his medical examination in Benalla.
His physical description at enlistment recorded him as:
• Height: 5 ft 6¾ inches
• Weight: 145 lbs
• Complexion: Fair
• Hair: Fair
• Eyes: Blue
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Military Service
After completing his initial training, Alfred departed Melbourne aboard A7 Medic on December 16, 1916, bound for Plymouth, England, where he arrived on February 18, 1917.
He spent three months with the 8th Training Battalion before proceeding to France via:
• Southampton
• Etaples (France)
Following further training, he joined the 46th Battalion in the field as a Corporal.
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Illness and Service in England
In February 1918, Alfred was struck down with trench fever, an illness spread by lice, which rendered him unfit for front-line service.
He was transferred to England where he:
• Served with various Training Battalions (TRG BN)
• Was stationed at Hurdcott Camp
• Became part of the Camp Staff
During this time, he was promoted to Temporary Sergeant on May 1, 1919.
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Return to Australia
Alfred departed England aboard the Denison on September 9, 1919, returning to Melbourne where he disembarked on November 13, 1919.
For his service, he was awarded:
• British War Medal (1914–1918)
• Allied Victory Medal (1914–1918)
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Post-War Life
Following his discharge, Alfred returned to the Swanpool district, resuming work as a farmhand.
In 1921, he married Roma Edith Maxey Gill.
From 1924 to 1926, they lived on a rented property at Lima, notably the Knight family property.
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Later Life and Passing
Alfred Backlund passed away in Prahran in 1941, aged 43 years.
His wife, Roma, later remarried and passed away in 1979.
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Historical Note
On the Swanpool Memorials, Alfred’s name is recorded as Backland, however:
• On official attestation papers, he signed his name as Backlund