Topic: AIF - Aboriginal LH
2919 Pte Alfred John Henry Lovett, 12th Infantry Battalion
[From: AWM P01651.001]
2919 Pte Alfred John Henry Lovett, a brief military biography from The AIF Project:
Alfred John Henry LOVETT| Regimental number | 2919 |
| Religion | Church of England |
| Occupation | Jockey |
| Address | Hamilton, Victoria |
| Marital status | Married |
| Age at embarkation | 35 |
| Next of kin | Wife, Mrs Sarah S Lovett, Hamilton, Victoria |
| Enlistment date | 29 July 1915 |
| Rank on enlistment | Private |
| Unit name | 26th Battalion, 6th Reinforcement |
| AWM Embarkation Roll number | 23/43/2 |
| Embarkation details | Unit embarked from Brisbane, Queensland, on board HMAT A48 Seang Bee on 21 October 1915 |
| Embarkation details | Unit embarked from Melbourne, Victoria, on board HMAT A38 Ulysses on 27 October 1915 |
| Rank from Nominal Roll | Private |
| Unit from Nominal Roll | 12th Battalion |
| Fate | Returned to Australia 10 March 1918 |
| Other details | Medals: 1914-15 Star, British War Medal, Victory Medal |
2919 Pte Alfred John Henry Lovett, B103 Form, p. 1.
[Click on document for larger version]
[From: National Archive File 4375051, p.5.]
While not a Light Horseman, 2919 Pte Alfred John Henry Lovett was a jockey by profession. The exceptional detail available about this Aboriginal member of the AIF makes his inclusion most important. It indicates a normality about this man that was no different to the rest of the community. Lovett has a wife, two sons and a successful career. The only reason for his enlistment towards the end of 1915 related to his height, not his race. Lovett did his duty well and returned to Australia as medically unfit for military service.
Additional Reading:
Listing of Aboriginal Servicemen Biographies on this site
Citation: 2919 Pte Alfred John Henry Lovett
