Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Introduction

In 1915, Allen Waterman joined the 2nd Battalion as a member of the 1st Brigade in the 1st Division of the AIF (Australian Imperial Force). He proudly wore the rectangle representing the First Division, and the green colour patch identifying the 1st Brigade. The second battalion is represented by the purple top half, while the division's first brigade is shown by the green lower portion. In Liverpool, the 2nd Battalion (SW of Sydney) was formed. Its soldiers came from "the Northern Rivers" in northern New South Wales, which included the Hunter Valley and the region to the north.

Before the war

Allen Waterman was born on December 24, 1891, in Ealing, London, England. He later travelled to Australia and resided in Walkerville, South Australia with his Mother Charlotte Waterman.  Prior to enlisting, Allen worked as a plumber. He was 24 when he went to war. He injured his knee prior to the war playing football, which was a concern for him regarding how it would hold up during the war. Allen enlisted on November 15, 1915, at age 23 and 11 months. The 2nd Battalion was among the first infantry units raised for the AIF during the First World War. Like the 1st, 3rd, and 4th Battalions, it was recruited from New South Wales and, together with these battalions, formed the 1st Brigade.

During the war

Allen’s battalion embarked on 31/3/1916. He later departed in the 2nd depot battalion 26/4/1916. His rank at enlistment was private. He stayed a private the whole time he was serving (3 years).  Prior to Allen joining the baggaloin, they had taken part in the ANZAC landing on April 25, 1915, as part of the second and third waves, and was led by Lieutenant Colonel G. F. Braund, who was killed in action nine days later. On August 6, the 1st Brigade led the charge at Lone Pine. Among the dead was the commander of the 2nd Battalion, Lieutenant Colonel R. Scobie, killed during a Turkish counterattack. The battalion served at ANZAC until the evacuation in December 1915. He was transferred to the 11th Field Ambulance, Australian Army Medical Corps, which was officially formed at Mitcham, South Australia on 1 March 1916 and became an integral part of the Third Australian Division. Once raised the unit commenced training in the hills to the south of Mitcham. The Unit operated for approximately 2 years and during that time 19 soldiers were killed, 46 wounded in action and 41 were gassed one of which died.

The battalion continued operations until late September. At 11 a.m. on November 11, 1918, the guns fell silent. Between November 1918 and May 1919, the men of the 2nd Battalion returned to Australia for demobilisation and discharge. The unit went back to the Somme valley in 1918 and assisted in putting an end to the German spring offensive in March and April. Following that, on August 8, 1918, the battalion took part in the Allies' own onslaught, which was launched to the east of Amiens. The biggest victory in a single day on the Western Front was achieved by British and Imperial forces during this advance. The November armistice was followed by the peace treaty of Versailles, signed on June 28, 1919.

After serving in these 2 groups, Allen arrived in Australia on July 30, 1919, and was later medically discharged on 13/9/1919 AIF WW1, Private.

After the war

Discharged 13/9/19, Rank on Discharge Private. Allen later married Winifred Catherine Daphne Herbert.  Allen died of natural causes in South Australia on the 13th of November 1958 at the age of 66.  He was buried by his wife Winifred who lived until age 92.  They had a daughter, Ronda who was born 4/7/1920 and passed away 9/8/1987 at age 67.  Allen was also survived by his older brother Frank, who later died on 25/7/1971 at age 85.

Key fact about Allen Waterman’s Battalion

The letter "A" designation participation in the actions on the Gallipoli Peninsula may be worn on both sleeves of the service jacket by members of the Australian Imperial Force who served at Gallipoli in addition to the unit "colour patch." Military Directive 354 of 1917.

This patch represents the 1st Brigade of First Division, all members wore this on the uniform

This picture shows some of the members of the 2nd Infantry Battalion (NSW), 1st Brigade, 1st Division, AIF.

Bibliography

Anon, (n.d.). Inscription 4463504 - Winifred Catherine Daphne Waterman. [online] Available at: https://austcemindex.com/inscription?id=4463504 [Accessed 24 Mar. 2023].

https://austcemindex.com/inscription?id=4463504

Anon, (n.d.). FIRST WORLD WAR NOMINAL ROLL Allen Waterman. [online] Available at: https://www.awm.gov.au/collection/R2260353 [Accessed 24 Mar. 2023].

https://www.awm.gov.au/collection/R2260353

Anon, (n.d.). 11th Field Ambulance 11th Brigade, 3rd Division, AIF. [online] Available at: https://vwma.org.au/explore/units/189 [Accessed 28 Mar. 2023].

https://vwma.org.au/explore/units/189

Anon, (n.d.). 2nd Infantry Battalion (NSW) 1st Brigade, 1st Division, AIF. [online] Available at: https://vwma.org.au/explore/units/289 [Accessed 28 Mar. 2023].

https://vwma.org.au/explore/units/289

Anon, (n.d.). 2nd Australian Infantry Battalion. [online] Available at: https://www.awm.gov.au/collection/U51442 [Accessed 30 Mar. 2023].

https://www.awm.gov.au/collection/U51442

Anon, (n.d.). WATERMAN, Allen. [online] Available at: https://vwma.org.au/explore/people/80968 [Accessed 30 Mar. 2023].

https://vwma.org.au/explore/people/80968

Anon, (n.d.). 1st Australian Auxiliary Hospital, HAREFIELD. [online] Available at: https://vwma.org.au/explore/units/1670 [Accessed 30 Mar. 2023].

https://vwma.org.au/explore/units/1670

Anon, (n.d.). B2455, WATERMAN ALLEN. [online] Available at: https://recordsearch.naa.gov.au/SearchNRetrieve/Interface/DetailsReports/ItemDetail.aspx?Barcode=8375465&isAv=N [Accessed 30 Mar. 2023].

https://recordsearch.naa.gov.au/SearchNRetrieve/Interface/DetailsReports/ItemDetail.aspx?Barcode=8375465&isAv=N