Topic: AIF - DMC - GSR
GSR, AIF
General Service Reinforcements
4th GSR, Western Australia
The General Service Reinforcements, 4th GSR, Western Australia, embarked from Sydney, New South Wales, on board the HMAT A15 Port Sydney 17 August 1918.
The HMAT A15 Star of England, later renamed Port Sydney, weighed 9,136 tons with an average cruise speed of 13.5 knots or 25.00 kmph. It was owned by the Commonwealth & Dominion Line Ltd, London, and leased by the Commonwealth until 22 September 1917.
The ensuing individual soldier's embarkation information contains the following details:
Rank on embarkation;
Full name of the soldier
Declared age of the soldier;
The last occupation held;
The last address as a civilian;
Enlistment Date; and,
Fate.
Embarkation Roll
57532 Private William Alexander ARCHIBALD, a 22 year old Loco Fitter from Bunbury, Western Australia. He enlisted on 27 May 1918. After embarkation and arrival in Egypt where he underwent additional training, he was allotted to the 1st Light Horse Field Squadron Engineers; and at the conclusion of the war Returned to Australia 3 July 1919.
57533 Private William Henry AUCHETTL, a 31 year old Horse driver from Kalgoorlie, Western Australia. He enlisted on 16 June 1918. After embarkation and arrival in Egypt where he underwent additional training, he was allotted to the 10th Light Horse Regiment; and at the conclusion of the war Returned to Australia 10 July 1919.
57534 Private William Ewart Gladstone COXON, a 19 year old Farmer from Northam, Victoria. He enlisted on 12 March 1918. After embarkation and arrival in Egypt where he underwent additional training, he was allotted to the 3rd Light Horse Machine Gun Squadron; and at the conclusion of the war Returned to Australia 10 July 1919.
57535 Private Valentine DONOVAN, an 18 year old Horse driver from Northam, Western Australia. He enlisted on 3 June 1917. After embarkation and arrival in Egypt where he underwent additional training, he was allotted to the 1st Light Horse Field Ambulance; and at the conclusion of the war Returned to Australia 10 May 1919.
57536 Private Bruce Stanford DUNCAN, an 18 year old Motor mechanic from Narrogin, Western Australia. He enlisted on 14 May 1918. After embarkation and arrival in Egypt where he underwent additional training, he was allotted to the 3rd Light Horse Machine Gun Squadron; and at the conclusion of the war Returned to Australia 10 July 1919.
57537 Private John GROVES, a 20 year old Labourer from Narrogin, Western Australia. He enlisted on 4 June 1918. After embarkation and arrival in Egypt where he underwent additional training, he was allotted to the Not Taken On Strength; and at the conclusion of the war Returned to Australia 26 July 1919.
57531 Private William Richard HARRIS, a 24 year old Farmer from Geraldton, Western Australia. He enlisted on 11 December 1917. After embarkation and arrival in Egypt where he underwent additional training, he was allotted to the 1st Light Horse Machine Gun Squadron; and at the conclusion of the war Returned to Australia 16 May 1919.
57539 Private Jesse Lilburne PARKE, an 18 year old Orchardist from Donnybrook, Western Australia. He enlisted on 14 May 1918. After embarkation and arrival in Egypt where he underwent additional training, he was allotted to the 38th Company Australian Army Supply Corps Australian Mounted Division Train; and at the conclusion of the war Returned to Australia 26 July 1919.
57541 Private Clement Campbell SMITH, a 20 year old Farmer from Perth, Western Australia. He enlisted on 14 March 1918. After embarkation and arrival in Egypt where he underwent additional training, he was allotted to the 4th Light Horse Machine Gun Squadron; and at the conclusion of the war Returned to Australia 24 July 1919.
57542 Private David George SMYTHE, a 38 year old Motor mechanic from Geraldton, Western Australia. He enlisted on 10 April 1918. After embarkation and arrival in Egypt where he underwent additional training, he was allotted to the 1st Light Horse Field Ambulance; and at the conclusion of the war Returned to Australia 16 May 1919.
57543 Private Frederick Gerard WICKENDEN, an 18 year old Jockey from Belmont, Western Australia. He enlisted on 18 June 1918. After embarkation and arrival in Egypt where he underwent additional training, he was allotted to the 1st Light Horse Machine Gun Squadron; and at the conclusion of the war Returned to Australia 15 May 1919.
Previous: 4th GSR, Tasmania
Next: 5th GSR, New South Wales
Sources Used:
National Archives Service File.
Nominal Roll, AWM133, Nominal Roll of Australian Imperial Force who left Australia for service abroad, 1914-1918 War.Collected Records of Steve Becker.
Acknowledgement: Many thanks to Steve Becker who provided much of the raw material that appears in this item.
Further Reading:
General Service Reinforcements, AIF
General Service Reinforcements, Roll of Honour
Battles where Australians fought, 1899-1920
Citation: General Service Reinforcements, 4th GSR, Western Australia
