Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Albert Harold Fathers was born 3 May 1899 at Geraldton WA

He was the 4th eldest son of George and Ada Fathers who were married in Carlton Victoria on 18/2/1891. George was a carpenter joiner and eventually owned Millars Trading Timber Company after moving to Geraldton WA around 1897 with his family.

Albert was one of 10 children – 4 sisters (2 died young) and 6 Brothers. Of the 6 brothers, 4 brothers enlisted during World War 1. Walter Lamont, Eugene Alfred, Ernest George and Albert Harold. Eugene, Albert and the youngest son Malcolm Haig all enlisted during World War 11.

Albert was employed as a farmer when he enlisted on 10/8/18 as a reinforcement for the 16th Battalion based in WA.
His older brother, Walter, enlisted 17/8/14, served at Gallipoli and was wounded at the Western Front in late 1918. His brother Eugene also served at Gallipoli and was wounded there on 12/12/15, eventually joining the Australian Flying Corp and his next brother Ern was captured in France and was a Prisoner of War until the end of hostilities. Despite what happened to his brothers, Albert still enlisted in August 1918.

He completed initial training at Blackboy Hill, where his brothers trained, but was discharged on 24/12/18 following the cessation of hostilities a month earlier.
Albert was said to have been distraught not to be posted to his battalion but he served his country during World War 11 when he, his brother Eugene and another brother Malcolm enlisted in the Army.

The Fathers boys served their country well.