COATS, Alexander
| Service Numbers: | 3265, 3265 |
|---|---|
| Enlisted: | 26 July 1915 |
| Last Rank: | Gunner |
| Last Unit: | 11th Field Artillery Brigade |
| Born: | Brompton, South Australia, 1890 |
| Home Town: | Unley, Unley, South Australia |
| Schooling: | Not yet discovered |
| Occupation: | Chainman Surveyor |
| Memorials: | Glenelg and District WW1 & WW2 Honour Board, Unley Town Hall WW1 Honour Board |
World War 1 Service
| 26 Jul 1915: | Enlisted AIF WW1, Private, 3265, 10th Infantry Battalion | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 May 1919: | Involvement AIF WW1, Gunner, 11th Field Artillery Brigade | |
| Date unknown: | Wounded 3265 |
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Add my storyBiography contributed by St Ignatius' College
Alexander Coats was born 1890 Hindmarsh Brompton, he grew up in the nearby suburb of Unley, which remained his home address when he enlisted. Before war Alexander worked as a Chainman Surveyor. He enlisted for war on the 26th July 1916 and then began training in Adelaide. He brother Thomas Alan also enlisted but tragically he was killed in action 27th September 1917.
Alexander embarked overseas on the HMAT Benalla 27th October 1915 for Egypt. He was taken on strength with the 50th Battalion and served in the Middle East until he proceeded to France and disembarked at Marseilles 15th July 1916. He was taken on strength with the 4th Divisional Ammunition Column in August and then the 11th Field Artillery in December where he served as a Gunner. In early 1917 he attended the Ordinance Works for duty.
He served on the western front in France where he was wounded in action on the 5th April 1918 with a neck injury,. According to unit diaries the weather conditions were very misty, German forces launched heavy artillery bombardments, Allied artillery used the S.O.S lines which were emergency defensive artillery barrages fired to stop enemy advances and soldiers were being constantly shelled. Alexander was then sent for treatment at the 16th General Hospital. After recovering he took leave to the UK in August 1918. Alexander returned to Australia 6th June 1919 and was formally discharged from the AIF 29th July 1919.
The information regarding Alexander Coats after war is limited, however, it is evident that he married Mrs. Hilda Charlotte Coats. Hilda is referred to in a letter from Legacy dated 1964 her as Alexander's widow. Alexander had died 30th June 1964 in Unley South Australia, aged 73 and was buried at Centennial Park Cemetery.
Biblyography:
“Alexander COATS.” Vwma.org.au, 2026, vwma.org.au/explore/people/550229. Accessed 9 Apr. 2026.
Australian War Memorial. “| the Australian War Memorial.” Www.awm.gov.au, www.awm.gov.au/collection/U51450.
“Private (Rank).” Wikipedia, 16 Nov. 2021, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Private_(rank).
“South Australian Red Cross Information Bureau | 1914 - 1918.” Sarcib.ww1.Collections.slsa.sa.gov.au, sarcib.ww1.collections.slsa.sa.gov.au/.
Terrace, Victoria. “View Digital Copy.” Naa.gov.au, 2026, recordsearch.naa.gov.au/SearchNRetrieve/Interface/ViewImage.aspx?B=3263462&S=1.
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