Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Alfred Reginald Fletcher

“World War 1 officially began on the 4th August 1914 after Germany had invaded Belgium and Luxembourg while advancing onto Paris, France. United Kingdom declared war, which in turn brought Australia into the fray when Prime Minister Andrew Fisher pledged support to the British Empire. Australia hurriedly raised a force, which was given the name of Australian Naval and Expeditionary Military Force. It was to attack and take the German Territories to the immediate north.” (Wright, 2014)

In Sydney 1892, Alfred Reginald Fletcher was born to his parents Lucy Jeanes and Albert Fletcher. Just a year, later his sister Nellie was born and a year after that his brother Frederick. (megr, 2016) All three were brought up in Oatley, Hurstville NSW and attended North Sydney State School.  (RSL, 2016) Prior to his job as a boat builder, Alfred had an apprenticeship with A. Ford on Beugo Bay Sydney for five years.

On the 30th of December 1915, both Alfred and his brother Frederick enlisted in the military at Liverpool NSW. As a boat builder, Alfred was assigned to the 3rd Australian Pioneer Battalion. Pioneer battalions were comprised of engineers and labourers and so these battalions were made to build billets, dig trenches, repair artillery etc. However, pioneer battalions also doubled as infantry. Frederick was assigned to the 55th Infantry battalion. Alfred was 22 and Frederick just 20 at their time of enlistment. (RSL, 2016) Alfred embarked on the Wandilla from Melbourne, Victoria on the 6th of June 1915.

Alfred’s unit began keeping record of its activities in November 1916. At this time, his battalion was in Larkhill, England. They then traveled to Israel and from there to France. The first trenches they dug were in Armentieres, France. (Australian National Archive, 2011) Whilst in Armentieres, the unit began its day to day activities such as trench digging, building billets, repairing uniforms, sewerage, weapons etc. (Australian National Archive, 2011) On the 22nd of December 1916, the third Pioneer Battalion suffered its first human casualty after the unit came under shell fire. This was the first of many attacks to come. (Australian National Archive, 2011)

Just before Alfred’s arrival in France, his brother Frederick was killed in action. This had a devastating impact on Alfred and haunted him for the rest of his life. Three months after arrival in France, Alfred was sent to hospital sick with trench fever. Five months later he was wounded in action, yet he remained on duty, this action was the reason behind his mention in despatches. However, he was then sent to hospital twenty six days after with bronchitis. This time he stayed in hospital for three whole months. 

On the 15th of September 1918 Alfred was promoted to Lieutenant. (Australian National Archive, 2011)  Among many other locations, Alfred's battalion fought in Somme which was proclaimed as one of the most horrific battles on the western front. Of the 5 Pioneer Battalions the 3rd was in combat for the longest. (Wikipedia, 2017) On the 11th of May 1919 Alfred was discharged from the military. Just a year after returning to New South Wales Alfred married Adeline Elizabeth May Coomber. Adeline gave birth to their first child; Alfred Jr. Two years later another child was born, this time the boy was named Wallace Frederick Fletcher in memory of his uncle Frederick. (megr, 2016)  

Throughout these events it was clear to his relatives that Alfred had severe PTSD from both his experiences in the war and the loss of his dear brother (Olding, 2011). As a result of this on the 11th of October 1947 Alfred Reginald Fletcher committed suicide. This is a tragically common outcome with many veterans. A large number of veterans could be classified as sufferers of PTSD or Post Traumatic Stress Disorder however, few are willing to come forward and acknowledge their condition. As a result,  far too many heroic people who have served their countries die from a possibly avoidable cause.

Bibliography

Australian National Archive. (2011, February 3rd). Unit War Diaries. Retrieved from Australian National Archive: https://www.awm.gov.au/collection/RCDIG1000408/

megr52. (2017, March 26). Alfred Reginald Fletcher. Retrieved from ancestry.com.au: https://www.ancestry.com.au/family-tree/person/tree/71860727/person/44246797903/facts

Olding, R. (2011, April 8). DNA Detective Work. Retrieved from The Sydney Morning Herald: http://www.smh.com.au/national/dna-detective-work-uncovers-names-of-fromelles-fallen-20110407-1d69f.html

RSL. (2016, July 3). Fredrick Fletcher. Retrieved from RSL Virtual Memorial : https://rslvirtualwarmemorial.org.au/explore/people/298832

Wikipedia. (2017, March 17). 3rd Australian Pioneer Battalion. Retrieved from Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/3rd_Pioneer_Battalion_(Australia)