Volume 4 – The Alchins of Linton by Steve Green

Part 4 – Alchins of Linton, Kent; Montcalm, Michigan; and Dalton, NSW ...continued...

1.4.4.6.7  ~~  Charles Alchin

Charles was born at Maidstone in Kent on 15th April 1837. He migrated to New South Wales with the rest of his family aboard the "Palmyra" in 1838. Charles married Mary Stear at Yass on 22nd March 1860 (NSW 1860/2911). Mary was the daughter of William and Eliza Stear and she was born at Coldwind, Cornwall in about 1843.

Charles and Mary had twelve children – William (1861), Edward (1863), Richard (1865), Percy (1867), Albert (1870), Martha (1872), Mary (1874), Eliza (1877), Reuben (1879), Vivian (1881), George (1883) and Eva (1886). In 1861 Charles was  described as a farmer of Gunning. Later in life, Charles owned a property "Pine Ridge" at Jerrawa.

Mary died at Gunning aged 54 years and she was buried in the Methodist cemetery, Gunning on 2nd September 1897 (NSW 1897/8378). The 1906 electoral roll for the seat of Werriwa records for the Gunning polling booth that Charles was a labourer of Pine Range, and for the polling booth of Jerrawa that he was a farmer of Pine Ridge. Charles died at Gunning aged 71 years and he was buried in the Methodist cemetery, Gunning on 2nd July 1908 (NSW 1908/9710).

1.4.4.6.7.1  ~~  William Leslie Alchin

William was born at Gunning on 3rd February 1861 (NSW 1861/14561). After leaving school he began working for the NSW Railways in 1879. William married Mary Sargent at her father's house at Boorowa River on 17th December 1884 (NSW 1884/4045).

Mary was born at Boorowa River on 24th July 1865 the daughter of George Sargent. At the time of his marriage William was a railway fettler of Galong. The wedding ceremony was performed by Thomas Northcott and the witnesses were Samuel Sargent and Harriett Payne.

William and Mary had at least eleven children – Eliza (1886), Percy (1888), Wilfred (1890), Maud (1892), Ivy (1894), Charles (1895), Amos (1898), Myrtle (1900), Olive (1902), Cecil (1904) and Violet (1908). William moved his family to Cunningar, where he worked as a ganger for the railways, in about 1890.

William died at Cunningar near Murrumburrah on 10th July 1938 aged 77 years (NSW 1938/18642). Mary died at Cunningar on 28th July 1951 aged 86 years.

1.4.4.6.7.1.1  ~~  Eliza Alchin

Eliza was born at Galong on 25th May 1886 (NSW 1886/16075). She was baptised at Boorowa on 4th July 1886. Eliza married Frederick Bertrum Claude Bell at Murrumburrah on 30th November 1909 (NSW 1909/11811); he was born at Picton on 31st January 1884.

Frederick and Eliza had at least five children – Margaret (1912), Irene (1913), Dulcie (1915), Thomas (1917) and Joyce (1923). Eliza died at Cunningaron 17th July 1940 aged 54 years. Frederick died at Murrumburrah on 30th May 1944 aged 60 years.

1.4.4.6.7.1.1.1  ~~  Margaret Ada Bell

Margaret was born at Adelong on 6th February 1912 (NSW 1912/00772). She married Richard Hargeaves on 7th June 1941; he was born at Tumut on 10th September 1914. Richard and Margaret had at least three children – David, Bronwyn and Ross.

1.4.4.6.7.1.1.2  ~~  Irene Gladys Bell

Irene was born at Shepherd Town near Adelong on 23rd November 1913 (NSW 1913/44198). She married Keith Edward Southwell on 4th February 1939; he was born at Galong on 8th August 1915. Keith and Irene had at least three children – Winsome, Dawn and Leonie.

1.4.4.6.7.1.1.3  ~~  Dulcie Una Bell

Dulcie was born at Murrumburrah on 26th September 1915 (NSW 1915/44426). She married Aubrey Wilfred Shumack on 1st March 1941; he was born at Moruya on 10th July 1915. The couple had no children and Aubrey died on 20th February 1947 aged only 31 years (war wounds?).

Dulcie then married Charles William McCarthy on 29th July 1949; he was born at Bega on 11th October 1905. Charles and Dulcie had at least one child – Kerrie. Charles died on 12th July 1978 aged 72 years.

1.4.4.6.7.1.2  ~~  Percival Augustus Alchin

Percival (Percy) was born at Binalong on 16th March 1888. He served in the Infantry during World War One. Percy married married Ivy Ella May Daskey at Murrumburrah in 1920 (NSW 1920/11195); she was born at Inverell in 1900. Percy and Ivy had at least four children – Phyllis, Daphne, Bruce and Neville.

Percy died at Burwood in 1970 aged 82 years. Ivy died at Concord on 9th January 1987 aged 86 years.

1.4.4.6.7.1.3  ~~  Wilfred Ewart Gladstone Alchin

Wilfred (his other names came from the British Prime Minister of the time) was born at Galong on 6th June 1890 (NSW 1890/30309). He married Mildred Evelyn Beer at Katoomba on 5th April 1916 (NSW 1916/5664); she was born at Goulburn on 25th October 1892. Wilfred and Mildred had at least three children – Meriel (1917), Melva and Wilfred.

Wilfred died at Teralba (?) near Wallsend on 16th February 1966 (NSW 1966/15053) aged 75 years (Probate NSW 621384?). Mildred died at New Lambton on 19th May 1981 (Probate NSW 930233).

1.4.4.6.7.1.3.1  ~~  Meriel J. Alchin

Meriel was born at Murrumburrah in 1917 (NSW 1917/12182). Meriel died at Wallsend on 13th April 1925 aged 8 years (NSW 1925/7107).

1.4.4.6.7.1.4  ~~  Maud Alchin

Maud was born at Cunningar on 19th May 1892 (NSW 1892/9142). She died at Cunningar on 17th October 1892 aged 5 months (NSW 1892/3858).

1.4.4.6.7.1.5  ~~  Ivy Avis Alchin

Ivy was born at Cunningar on 10th February 1894 (NSW 189422517). She had a natural child – Leslie (1912). Ivy married Timothy John Pollard at Yass in 1926 (NSW 1926/8070); he was born at Jerrawa Creek on 28th January 1878. Timothy and Ivy had at least two children – June and Gwen.

Timothy died at Goulburn on 29th November 1941 aged 63 years. Ivy died at Murrumburrah on 22nd April 1965 aged 71 years.

1.4.4.6.7.1.5.1  ~~  Leslie William Alchin

Leslie was born at Sydney on 29th December 1912 (NSW 1913/24). He married Adeline Daphne Gale at Goulburn on 19th October 1937 (NSW 1937/21592); she was born at Murrumburrah in 1915. Leslie and Adeline had at least nine children – Irene, Lesley, Pamela, Janice, William, Robyn, Lyndsey, Murray and Kay.

Leslie died at Cunningar on 29th May 1981 aged 68 years. Adeline died on 21st October 1994 aged 79 years.

1.4.4.6.7.1.6  ~~  Charles George Alchin

Charles was born at Cunningar on 22nd June 1895 (NSW 24632). After leaving school he worked as a market gardener and he had three years service with the Light Horse in the Militia. Charles enlisted in the 1st A.I.F. at Murrumburra on 3rd October 1916 and he was assigned to 56th Infantry Battalion with regimental number 3347a.

Charles attestation sheet gives his physical description: Height 5' 10"; weight 148 lbs; fair complexion, brown eyes and dark hair. He embarked at Sydney aboard HMAT 68 with the 9th reinforcements to the 56th Battalion on 24th January 1917. After arriving in England Charles transferred to the Machine Gun Corps on 20th July 1917. He was taken onto the strength of the 3rd Machine Gun Compnay in France on 23rd October 1917.

On 21st March 1918 Charles was sent to the School of Cookery for a four week course of instruction. He rejoined his unit on 15th April 1918. After going on leave in Scotland, Charles fell ill and he was transferred to the 1st Australian Dermatology Hospital. He spent several weeks there recovering.

On 13th July 1919 Charles left for America to complete a course on agriculture and irrigation. He returned to Australia aboard the SS "Sonoma" on 10th April 1920. Charles was discharged from the Army on 23rd May 1921. Charles married Alice Daisy Noble at Parramatta on 22nd May 1920 (NSW 1920/9391); she was born at Hillsborough on 12th July 1896.

Charles and his wife settled at Mt Druitt near Penrith. They had at least ten children, three of whom died at a very young age – twins Raymond and Delphia (1921), Ronald, Mary, Lindsay, Viola (1927-1931), Cecil (128-1928), Alan, Colin and John (1936-1936). Charles died at Mt Druitt on 2nd February 1958 (NSW 1958/3270) aged 62 years (Probate NSW 476867). Alice died at Mt Druitt on 19th January 1980 aged 83 years.

1.4.4.6.7.1.6.1  ~~  Raymond Irwin Alchin

Raymond and his twin sister Delphia were born at Colyton on 19th January 1921. Raymond died on 18th February 1937 aged just 16 years.

1.4.4.6.7.1.6.2  ~~  Delphia Daisy Alchin

Delphia and her twin brother Raymond were born at Colyton on 19th January 1921. She married Lindsay Thomas Spencer on 2nd January 1943; he was born at Forbes in 1921. Lindsay and Delphia had at least three children – Brian, William and Peter.

1.4.4.6.7.1.7  ~~  Amos Ambrose Alchin

Amos was born at Cunningar on 4th January 1898 (NSW 1898/5296). He married Lydia Marie Brown at Murrumburrah on 6th May 1931 (NSW 1931/7249). Lydia was the daughter of Timothy Joseph and Marie Brown and she was born on 27th October 1904.

Amos and Lydia had three children – Bryan, Dorothy and Rosalyn. They also had a stillborn child in 1940. Lydia died at Balmain on 29th December 1963 aged 59 years (NSW 1964/8497). Amos died at Strathfield in Sydney on 24th May 1975 aged 77 years (Probate NSW 804101).

1.4.4.6.7.1.8  ~~  Myrtle Evelyn Alchin

Myrtle was born at Boorowa on 2nd August 1900 (NSW 1900/20702). She married David Clive Grainger Noble at Parramatta on 15th October 1920 (NSW 1920/20165); he was born at Crookwell on 31st March 1886. David and Myrtle had at least three children – Milton, Doreen and Neilson.

Myrtle died at Cootamundra on 19th July 1965 aged 64 years. David died on 15th August 1976 aged 90 years.

1.4.4.6.7.1.9  ~~  Olive Cynthia Alchin

Olive was born at Cunningar on 16th March 1902 (NSW 1902/14421). She never married. Olive died on 30th October 1984 aged 82 years.

1.4.4.6.7.1.10  ~~  Cecil Aubrey Alchin

Cecil was born at Cunningar on 29th September 1904 (NSW 1904/34534). He died at the age of 6 years at Murrumburrah on 9th August 1910 (NSW 1910/10205).

1.4.4.6.7.1.11  ~~  Violet Alchin

Violet was born at Murrumburrah in 1908 (NSW 1908/27023). Violet died at Murrumburrah in the same year (NSW 1908/10384). 

1.4.4.6.7.2  ~~  Edward Alchin

Edward was born at Wesley Vale (then an alternative name for Jerrawa) on 7th March 1863 (NSW 1863/15232). He married Elizabeth Ann Bailey at Gunning on 28th August 1892 (NSW 1892/4110); she was born at Lade Valley near Gunning on 3rd May 1872.

Edward and Elizabeth had at least eleven children – William (1893), Myra (1895), Roy (1897), Cecil (1899), Mervyn (1901), Walter (1904), Marcella (1906), Alma (1909), Ida (1911), Jessie (1912) and Athol (1918).

The 1906 electoral roll for the seat of Werriwa records that Edward was a farmer and he owned a property "Rockdale" near Gunning. Their eldest son was killed in action on the Western Front during the Great War. Edward died at Liverpool on 23rd July 1941 aged 78 years (NSW 1941/21416). Elizabeth died at Castle Hill in Sydney on 6th November 1964  aged 92 years (NSW 1964/41068).

1.4.4.6.7.2.1  ~~  William Edward Thomas Stancier Alchin

William was born at Gunning on 28th August 1893 (NSW 1893/16380). After leaving school he became a grazier with his father on the family property "Rockdale". He enlisted in the 1st A.I.F. on 1st November 1915. William was assigned to the 53rd Infantry Battalion with the rank of Private and regimental number 5326. His attestation sheet records that William was 5' 7" tall and he weighed 145 pounds. He spent several months training in Australia with the 14th Training Battalion.

William sailed from Sydney on HT "Ceramic" along with his cousin Oliver Alchin. They arrived at Suez on 16th May 1916 before going to their separate deaths in action (Oliver was killed at Polygon Wood in September 1917). William left Alexandria on HMT "Ibernia" on 21st June 1916 and he disembarked at Marseilles on 29th June 1916. He then proceeded to Etaples and he was relatively fortunate arriving there when he did.

William was then posted to the newly established 61st Infantry Battalion, part of the 6th Division. He was promoted to Lance Corporal on 25th July 1917 but due to the lack of recruitment in Australia, the 6th Division was broken up to provide reinforcements to the divisions already in France. William was re-posted to the 53rd Battalion and he rejoined his unit in France on 2nd October 1917.

William then suffered a bout of trench fever and he spent the period 3-11 February 1918 in an Australian hospital. On his release he returned to his battalion near Ypres where it soon became clear that the Germans were making massive preparations for the 1918 Spring offensives. In the weeks before the offensives broke, there were raids, counter –raids and artillery bombardments (Bean: Volume 5 Pages 109-111). William was killed in action during one of these skirmishes near Wyschaete on 14th March 1918. He is buried in the Somer Farm Cemetery.

1.4.4.6.7.2.2  ~~  Myra Vera Alchin

Myra was born at Gunning on 17th February 1895 (NSW 1895/3881). She married Albert Victor Watson at Parramatta on 5th May 1928 (NSW 1928/9311); he was born at Cook Hill in 1891. Albert and Myra had at least three children – Christopher, Kevin and Gregory.

Myra died at Goulburn on 12th June 1984 aged 89 years.

1.4.4.6.7.2.3  ~~  Roy Irwin Alchin

Roy was born at Gunning on 23rd November 1897 (NSW 1897/3652). He married Doris Irene Thompson at Hornsby in 1922 (NSW 1922/1946); she was born on 8th June 1902. Roy and Doris had at least four children – Hazel, Daphne, Joyce and Ellen.

Roy died at Northmead on 9th May 1976 aged 79 years (Probate NSW 817099). Doris died at Baulkham Hills on 10th February 1990 aged 87 years.

1.4.4.6.7.2.4  ~~  Cecil Clarence Charles Alchin

Cecil was born at Gunning on 24th July 1899 (NSW 1899/21460). He married Elsie Kenane at Goulburn in 1925 (NSW 1925/13385); she was born at Goulburn in 1898, the daughter of Thomas Sylvester and Elizabeth Kenane. Cecil and Elsie had at least four children – Rex, June, Moyra and Jennifer..

The 1955 electoral roll for Eden-Monaro records that Cecil was a fireman. He and his wife and their son Rex were living at "Bunyip", 28 Citizen Street, Goulburn. Cecil died at Goulburn on 19th June 1955 aged 55 years (NSW 1955/15733).

The 1963 electoral roll records that Elsie continued to live at "Bunyip" after her husband's death. Elsie died at Goulburn on 8th June 1969 (NSW 1969/23292) (Probate NSW 680835).

1.4.4.6.7.2.4.1  ~~  Rex Clarence Alchin

Rex was born at Goulburn in 1926. The 1955 and 1963 electoral rolls for the seat of Eden-Monaro record that Rex was employed as a grocer's assistant and he lived with his parents at 28 Citizen Street, Goulburn. He died in 1988 aged 62 years.

1.4.4.6.7.2.5  ~~  Mervyn Alchin

Mervyn was born at Gunning on 9th October 1901 (NSW 1901/32166). He married Hilda May Knight at Hornsby on 20th June 1923 (NSW 1923/6647); she was born at Galston on 16th November 1908. Mervyn and Hilda had at least seven children – Kenneth, Colin, Brian, Maxine, Neville, Valda and Graham.

Mervin died on 10th January 1981 aged 79 years. Hilda died at Ourimbah on 17th June 1994 aged 90 years.

1.4.4.6.7.2.6  ~~  Walter Ernest Edward Alchin

Walter was born at Gunning on 25th May 1904 (NSW 1904/22624). He married Eunice Elsie Edwards at Parramatta in 1928 (NSW 1928/9279); she was born at Ryde in 1909. Walter and Eunice had at least three children – Ernest, Lawrence and Jeanette.

Walter died at Castle Hill on 15th September 1964 (NSW 1964/31397) aged 60 years (Probate NSW 584481). Eunice died at Baulkham Hills on 9th January 1996.

1.4.4.6.7.2.7  ~~  Marcella Elizabeth Alchin

Marcella was born at Gunning on 27th July 1906 (NSW 1906/24455). She never married. Marcella died at Parramatta on 4th October 1966 aged 60 years (NSW 1966/37368).

1.4.4.6.7.2.8  ~~  Alma Gertrude Alchin

Alma was born at Gunning on 15th May 1909 (NSW 1909/14827). She married Stanley William Stevens at Ryde on 30th March 1929 (NSW 1929/8261); he was born at Newtown in 1904 Alma died six months later (possibly from complications arising from pregnancy) at Ryde on 26th September 1929.

1.4.4.6.7.2.9  ~~  Ida Doris Alchin

Ida was born at Gunning on 11th February 1911 (NSW 1911/4614). She married Ronald E. Wrench at Parramatta on 17th March 1934 (NSW 1934/9318); he was born at Parrmatta in 1912. Ronald and Ida had at least two children – Wendy and Janet.

1.4.4.6.7.2.10  ~~  Jessie Muriel Alchin

Jessie was born at Gunning on 29th November 1912 (NSW 1912/43456). She married Allan E. Sullivan at Parramatta in 1934 (NSW 1934/4292); he was born at Ryde in 1914. Allan and Jessie had at least two children – Barry and Earnest.

1.4.4.6.7.2.11  ~~  Athol John Alchin

Athol was born at Gunning on 24th May 1918 (NSW 1918/25182). Athol enlisted in the Australian Army during World War 2 (N30773). He married Dorothy Jean Gibson on 16th February 1948; she was born on 24th October 1909. Athol and Dorothy had at least one child – Edward.

1.4.4.6.7.3  ~~  Richard Charles Alchin

Richard was born at Oolong Creek on 26th March 1865 (NSW 1865/17158). He married Martha Maud Victoria Pollard at Yass on 1st June 1903 (NSW 1903/4848). Maud was the daughter of Benjamin Pollard and she was born at Jerrawa Creek on 23rd January 1882. Richard and Maud had at least four children – Ellen (1904), Ella (1907), Emma (1908) and Cecil (1911).

The 1906 electoral roll records that Richard was a labourer of Haleford near Jerrawa. At some time in the 1920's Richard and Martha were divorced. Martha died on 15th October 1934 aged 52 years. The 1932 electoral roll for the seat of Eden-Monaro records that Richard was an old-age pensioner of Broadway, Dalton. Richard died at Kenmore on 19th June 1954 aged 89 years (NSW 1954/24401).

1.4.4.6.7.3.1  ~~  Ellen Irene Alchin

Ellen was born at Jerrawa on 9th August 1904 (NSW 1904/22639). She married Aubrey Dodds at Gunning on 12th November 1925 (NSW 1925/14752); he was born at Scone on 8th October 1898. Aubrey and Ellen had at least one child – Molly.

The 1932 electoral roll records that Aubrey was a labourer of Yass Street, Gunning. Aubrey died at Hamilton near Newxastle on 21st October 1956 aged 58 years.

1.4.4.6.7.3.2  ~~  Ella Mary Alchin

Ella was born at Jerrawa Creek in 1907 (NSW 1907/9615). She married Alister Jenner Clark at Gunning on 11th July 1925 (NSW 1925/11688). Alister and Mary had at least two children. Ella died (possibly during childbirth) at Redfern on 12th October 1928 aged only 21 years.

1.4.4.6.7.3.3  ~~  Emma Plumb Alchin

Emma was born at Jerrawa Creek on 3rd September 1908 (NSW 1908/36139). She married Frederick C. Pringle at West Wyalong in 1928 (NSW 1928/14344).

1.4.4.6.7.3.4  ~~  Cecil Alchin

Cecil was born at Sydney in 1911 (NSW 1911/24778) and he died at Yass the same year (NSW 1911/17193).

1.4.4.6.7.4  ~~  Percy Augustus Alchin

Percy was born at Jerrawa Creek on 21st September 1867 (NSW 1867/18290). He married Rose May Apps at Picton in 1913 (NSW 1913/2856); she was born at Camden in 1877. Percy and Rose had at least one child – Albert (1917).

Rose died at Gosford on 3rd June 1931 aged 54 years (NSW 1931/9174). Percy died at Cunningbar near Murrumburrah on 25th July 1939 (NSW 1939/21102) aged 72 years (Probate NSW 4/242585).

1.4.4.6.7.4.1  ~~  Albert Percy Alchin

Albert was born at Murrumburrah on 28th February 1917 (NSW 1917/12185). He married his cousin Rubina Pearl Alchin at Concord in 1944 (NSW 1944/2396); she was born at Murrumburrah in 1914 and she was the daughter of Reuben Herbert Alchin and Louisa Ethel Hobson.

Albert enlisted in the Australian Army at Melville,WA on 10th August 1942 (NX119472). He was discharged as a Corporal from the 2/4th Infantry Battalion on 17th January 1946. Albert and Rubina had at least four children – Helen, Delmarie, Shirley and Rosealan.

Albert died at Gosford in 1971 aged 54 years. Rubina died at Wyoming on 12th July 1977 aged 63 years (Probate NSW 850020).

1.4.4.6.7.5  ~~  Albert Noah Alchin

Albert was born at Araluen near Braidwood in 1870 (NSW 1870/7551). He married Louisa Susannah Borman at Yass on 19th December 1896 (NSW 1896/8479); she was born at Weir on 23rd September 1877, the daughter of Albert and Martha Borman. Albert and Louisa had eight children – Veronica (1897), Arthur (1898), Reginald (1901), Ada (1903) Adrian (1904), Stanley (1906), Ruby (1908) and Daphne (1911).

Albert died at Ashfield on 16th January 1913 (NSW 1913/705) and he is buried at Gunning (Probate NSW 4/59511). His eldest son was killed in action in Flanders during the Great War. On 25th November 1918 Louisa Alchin made a claim for rental assistance from the Commissioner for Repatriation. The rental allowance was equal to the interest on the mortgage on her house at Waratah Street, Gunning which amounted to 8 pounds and 8 shillings per annum. Her application was approved as at the time her weekly wage was only 10 shillings and she had five dependant children.

Louisa died at Burrangong near Young on 21st March 1939 (NSW 1939/1569). Probate of her estate was granted (Probate 4/291044).

1.4.4.6.7.5.1  ~~  Veronica Martha Alchin

Veronica was born at Yass on 28th November 1897 (NSW 1897/37169). She never married. Veronica died at Marayong on 14th December 1968 aged 71 years (Probate NSW 668996).

1.4.4.6.7.5.2  ~~  Arthur Montague Alchin

Arthur was born at Yass on 21st November 1898 (NSW 1899/36392).  After finishing school he became a mail driver. Arthur enlisted in the 1st A.I.F. at Goulburn on 26th April 1916 and he was assigned to the 35th Infantry Battalion with the regimental number 2027. His attestation sheet gives his physical description: Height 5' 4"; weight 130 lb; fair complexion, blue eyes and brown hair. He was a member of the Methodist faith.

Arthur was posted as a Private with the 3rd reinforcements to the 35th Battalion. He left Sydney aboard HMAT "Aschines" on 24th August 1916 and he disembarked at Devonport on 21st October 1916. Arthur was drafted to France on 9th November 1916. During a "quiet" period in the war he was wounded in the right shoulder by shrapnel on 11th July 1917. It was only a fairly minor wound as he rejoined his unit on 30th July 1917.

The 35th Infantry Battalion formed part of the 9th Brigade of the 3rd Australian Division. This division was the main unit used to attack at Passchendaele Ridge on 12th October 1917. There were many casualties caused by artillery fire on the jumping off trenches and later by machine gun fire during the advance. Bean describes the situation on that day:

"The 9th Brigade went forward in the utmost confusion; and as , even on the ridge, the mud was difficult, the hope, if there ever was one, of catching the quick barrage vanished……The machine gun fire at the start came, on the 9th Brigade's right from the ruined farmhouse near Defy Crossing; on it's centre, from "Hillside Farm", and on it's left, from Augustus Wood. The pillbox opposite the centre was supported from the rear by a trench in which were Germans with machine guns, and here occurred a delay which threatened to wreck the whole attack. It was not until an hour after programme time that these places were rushed by the neighbouring portion of the line under Captains Carr and Dixon of the 35th Battalion…..but as soon as the 35th crossed to the eastern side of the hill it became the target of a number of field and heavy guns which, from hedges and other cover in various parts of the landscape, fired over open sights." 

The attack achieved its early objectives but the rain and the enemy counter attacks combined to push the Australians back nearly to their start points. On that day the 3rd Australian Division suffered nearly 3200 casualties, of which the 35th Battalion's share was 18 officers and 296 men, including Arthur Montague Alchin who was killed (12th October 1917). Arthur left a will dated 5th April 1917 bequeathing all his estate to his widowed mother.

||   Previous Page Viewed  ||  Next Page  ||