Topic: AIF - 3B - 8 LHR
1081 Lance Corporal William Colin McELIWEE, 7th Reinforcements, "C" Troop, "A" Squadron, 8th Light Horse Regiment.
One of the wonderful things about being involved in history is occasionally coming across a mystery which exposes a fabulous story of a life well lived. Out of the blue, this empty envelope turns up in a private collection. It is as seen in the picture below. Nothing else. The letter is long gone.
Envelope of letter for 1081 Lance Corporal William Colin McELIWEE
Here is a brief summary of his military service from The AIF Project - ADFA - WW1 Search:
William Colin McELIWEE
Regimental number 1081
Religion Church of England
Occupation Tailor
Address 263 Richardson Street, Middle Park, Melbourne, Victoria
Marital status Single
Age at embarkation 25
Next of kin Father, Mrs D G McElivee, 263 Richardson Street, Middle Park, Melbourne, Victoria
Enlistment date 8 June 1915
Date of enlistment from Nominal Roll 15 June 1915
Rank on enlistment Private
Unit name 8th Light Horse Regiment, 7th Reinforcement
AWM Embarkation Roll number 10/13/2
Embarkation details Unit embarked from Melbourne, Victoria, on board HMAT A57 Malakuta on 23 September 1915
Rank from Nominal Roll Private
Unit from Nominal Roll 8th Light Horse Regiment
Fate Returned to Australia 29 April 1919
After service as Orderly Room Corporal for the 8th LHR during the Great War, William Colin "Will" McElwee became president and long serving secretary for the 8th Light Horse Regimental A.I.F. Association.
Citation: 1081 Lance Corporal William Colin McELIWEE
