SAPPER ARCHIBALD ALEXANDER Mcdonald

SAPPER ARCHIBALD ALEXANDER McDONALD 3338 – 1st Tunnelling Company

Archibald Alexander McDonald was born at Warren, NSW on June 30, 1888, the son of Ronald and Clara J. (nee Pratt) McDonald. In 1913 he was residing at ‘Kyara’ Stanley Street, South Brisbane, Queensland working as a draper. The following year Arch married on February 21, 1914 to Bridget Mary Heffernan.

The couple had a child, Mary (later McCarthy). Two years after his marriage he applied to enlist for active service abroad.

The twenty-seven and a half year old enlisted on January 14, 1916 in Brisbane, Qld passing the medical examination. Forms of Attestation were completed which show he was 182cms (6ft ½ins) tall, weighed 61.3kgs (135lbs) with a chest expansion of 85-89cms (33½-35ins). Complexion was fair with blue eyes and brown hair. Photo from a family locket courtesy His eye test showed good vision and religious denomination was Peter McDonald grandson of Arch McDonald given as Roman Catholic. Distinguishing marks were three blemishes from vaccinations on his left arm and a scar on the left calf. His wife Mrs Bridget McDonald of ‘Kyara’, Stanley Street, South Brisbane, Qld was nominated as next-of-kin and three-fifths of his pay was allotted to support her and his family. All forms completed he signed and took the “Oath of Allegiance.”

Basic training commenced as a Private on February 2, 1916 with the 11th Depot Battalion, Enoggera camp, Brisbane and concluded on March 20, 1916. The following day he was transferred to the Reinforcements Tunnelling Company (1st Military District) remaining until March 31.

The recruits formed part of the No. 4 Tunnelling Company which embarked from Brisbane, Qld early in May, 1916 aboard HMAT A69 Warilda for Sydney, NSW. Was assigned to the No. 4 Company, 1st Reinforcements in the rank of sapper and issued the regimental number 3338. Six officers and 152 Other Ranks together with the 1st Reinforcements of fifteen Other Ranks made up the two sections.

At Rosebery Park, Sydney, NSW on May 11, 1916 they joined their Headquarters and two sections (8 officers & 153 O.Rs.) plus 1st Reinforcements consisting of one officer and seventeen other ranks for final training.

The Warilda, a 7713-ton transport, departed Sydney, NSW on May 22, 1916 and collected in Melbourne, Victoria the No. 5 Company recruited from Victoria, South Aust. & Tasmania made up of Headquarters and 2 Sections (8 officers & 173 men) (3 M.D.). 1 Section from Tasmania (3 officers & 76 O.Rs); also 1 st Reinforcements for No. 5 Company (17 men from Vic. & 8 men Tas.) The ship departed on May 25, 1916 for Adelaide, S.A. to collect one Section of 3 officers & 76 O.Rs with 1st Reinforcements of 8 O.Rs.

Docking at Fremantle, W.A. on June 1, 1916 added No. 6 Company recruited from W.A. of 14 officers and 325 O.Rs along with 1st Reinforcements of 1 Officer & 32 O.Rs departing the same day.

Durban, South Africa was reached on June 16, 1916 and Cape Town on June 21, 1916 while St Vincent completed the African ports of call on July 7, 1916. Discipline was fairly good except at intermediate ports where Away without Leave caused concern. The fifty-eight day voyage experienced remarkable pleasant weather terminating at Plymouth, England on July 18, 1916. Four, Five and Six Companies comprising of 1064 officers and other ranks were detrained to Amesbury and Tidworth to begin training for the front at Perham Downs’ camp. While in camp he was Absent from a Tattoo Roll Call on July 24, 1916 and awarded 14 days C.B. [Confined to Barracks] by the O.C. 4th Company.

On August 29, 1916 the Companies proceeded to France and marched in to the 2nd Aust. General Base Depot the next day where they remained on Base Details until transferred to their allotted Tunnelling Company.

Sapper McDonald was transferred to the 1st Tunnelling Company and in the field was taken on strength on September 30, 1916.

He was sent to hospital sick on November 19, 1916 arriving at the 3rd Canadian Clearing Station on November 21, 1916 diagnosis being Epididymitis (elongated organ applied to the posterior surface of a testis) and Orchitis (Inflammation of Testicles). Two days later was moved to the 8 th Stationery Hospital (Orchitis) and transferred to the 1st Convalescent Hospital at Boulogne the same day.

On November 25, 1916 while at the Hospital the following Offence was dealt with:

Offence: (1) Breaking out of camp (2) Breaking into camp about 8.40 p.m. (3) Stating a falsehood to a N.C.O. 24/11/16. Award: 3 days F.P. [Field Punishment] No. 1.

Two days later he was fit to work on Base Details at Boulogne and left on December 1 st to return to the A.G.B.D. at Etaples remaining until December 30, and rejoined his company on the following day.

It is believed that Arch was present at Hill 60 when the “big blows” took place on 7 June 1917.

Tunnelling work and camp life continued until August 14, 1917 when he suffered gas poisoning and was taken sick to the 4th Aust. Field Ambulance and admitted with D.A.H. then transferred to the 2a Casualty Clearing Station. The following day he was conveyed on A.T.15 and admitted to the 54 th General Hospital. Two days later was transported to England on the hospital ship St Andrew suffering from Debility.

Admitted to Quex Park Hill Military Hospital, Birchington, Shornecliffe diagnosed with Debility the same day, remaining there until October 10, 1917 when he was transferred to the 3rd Auxiliary Hospital at Dartford.

A Kit Inspection took place on October 16, 1917 while at the hospital and the following were in his possession on arrival: Hat Badge, Kit Bag, Ankle Boots & Laces, Braces, Drawers, Greatcoat, Felt Hat, Jacket, Flannel Shirt, Woollen Socks, Chin Strap, Breeches, Dress Jacket, Putties, Comforter Cap.

Two weeks later he was discharged on furlough from October 24 until November 7, 1917 and to report to the No. 2 Command Depot at Weymouth.

On November 11, 1917 another Kit Inspection took place at Littlemoor Camp and the following items were issued: Brushes: Hair, Shaving & Tooth, Comb, Drawers, Fork, Knife & Spoon, Holdall, Housewife, Razor in Case, Flannel Shirt, 2 pairs Woollen Socks, Two Towels, Two Collar Badges, Two Australia Titles and a Sea Kit Bag.

While still at Littlemoor Camp distribution of two singlets as part of his winter issue were handed out on November 16, 1917. A week later his putties were withdrawn by the Quartermaster and a new pair were re-issued as a replacement. His wife Mrs B. McDonald wrote to Base Records from ‘Kyara’ Stanley Street, Brisbane, Qld on November 27, 1917 requesting further information about her husband’s situation. She had received a letter from him while a patient in St Michael’s Hospital, Birchington, Kent stating he had been there for eight weeks. To her surprise she had not been officially notified that he had been so ill until his first letter arrived in October, 1917. Base Records replied on December 4, stating that the only information they had received was his illness of November 19 the previous year. As it had only been a slight condition no further cabled information was received. If she had received ‘documentary evidence to the contrary’ she could forward it to their office and if necessary they would make further inquiries as to his current situation. If any information came to hand she would be advised accordingly. The address to correspond with him was also included.

After a medical assessment Administration Headquarters in London declared Sapper McDonald was medically unfit for general service due to D.A.H. and gas poisoning and to return to Australia for a change.

Sapper McDonald embarked on the H.T. Persic on December 21, 1917 for his return voyage to Australia. It was customary for Base Records to advise next-of-kin of the impending return of their loved one close to their arrival date. The transport docked on February 12, 1918.

Further medical assessment would have taken place soon after his arrival in Brisbane (1st Military District) and his Military Discharge was issued in Brisbane on March 19, 1918 classed as medically unfit. The following day he was granted a Pension of $4.50 (£2/5/-) per fortnight to be forwarded to his address at Hope and Peel Streets, South Brisbane. His wife Bridget McDonald was to receive $2.25 (£1/2/6) per fortnight and their dependant daughter Mary was granted $1.50 (15/-) per fortnight.

Six months later at the Nowra Recruiting Depot, N.S.W. on September 27, 1918 Arch McDonald applied to re-enlist for service abroad. Details from the Application state he was a married Salesman of ‘Wanganui’, Tribune Street, South Brisbane and thirty years and three months of age. His height was measured at 185cms (6ft 3/8ins) with a chest measurement of 94cms (37ins). He passed the medical examination and although swore ‘Allegiance to serve’ his application was under temporary acceptance.

Re-examination took place at the Central Enlisting Depot, N.S.W. on September 30, 1918 where his eyesight tested to good vision, but he was rejected for overseas service. A form requesting the board’s findings was issued from the S.O.I. & R.S. 2nd Military District, Sydney and the result of proceedings at Victoria Barracks, Sydney were on the grounds of: Debility: old injury to wrist with limitation of movement.

A second child and only son, Neil was born in November 1918.

The following year, 1919 Arch’s address was ‘Wanganui’, Tribune Street, South Brisbane working as a Draper.

Arch was unable to re-settle into family life after the war. As was common with men who had lived through the horrors of The Western Front he turned to alcohol as a release.

Mrs Bridget McDonald wrote from ‘Roscrae’, Tribune Street, South Brisbane to Base Records on December 5, 1920 requesting a separation allowance. Base Records replied on December 9 that her request had been redirected to the District Finance Officer, Victoria Barracks, Brisbane and they would reply directly to her.

Arch drifted back and forth between his wife and family and casual labouring jobs, including opal mining. Twins, Margaret and William were born in 1922 but sadly, both died within a few weeks of each other from the great influenza epidemic that was sweeping the world at the end of The Great War. The British War Medal (18126) and the Victory Medal (17695) were awarded to Sapper 3338 Archibald Alexander McDonald for serving his country.

In 1925 his address was given as Goldfinch’s, Grey Street, Brisbane and was a Draper’s assistant.

He was a labourer at Mungindi, NSW in 1926 and applied for a Statement of Service from Base Records on July 7.

His son, Neil said Arch was one of the early opal miners in the Lightning Ridge/Mungindi area.

A telegram dated December 24, 1927 requested his Statement of Service to be sent to the Repatriation Department, Sydney which was forwarded on January 3, 1928. A memo states all documents were forwarded to Sydney on that date.

A Statement of his Service was remitted on July 12, 1928 to the Department of Repatriation, Brisbane. The following year his address was given as Post Office, Garah, in the Moree district of NSW where he was working as a Labourer.

His brother Roderick Reginald McDonald also served overseas with the 19th Battalion and died after service at Nyngan, NSW on September 9, 1931. In his letter dated December 27, 1932 Archie wrote to Base Records from the address care of Gordon Bros, Windilla, Old Burren, North West NSW saying that his father had received $30 (£15) in recognition of his son’s funeral expenses. In the Sydney Morning Herald he read that cases regarding a returned serviceman’s headstone should be referred to Base Records. He also requested another copy of his discharge as being a bush worker he had lost the previous certificate. It was alleged that the Government may be giving back free tram travel and hoped his request would suffice another copy.

Base Records replied on January 4, 1933 advising him to communicate directly to the Assistant Director of Works at Victoria Barracks, Paddington, NSW regarding a headstone for the grave of his late brother Temporary Corporal 705A R.R. McDonald, late of 31st Battalion. A statutory declaration was returned to be completed for his copy of discharge.

The Declaration was completed giving his address as care of Post Office, Lightning Ridge, via Walgett, NSW and declared that his suitcase had been stolen which contained his discharge certificate. This document was dated January 16, 1933.

Another Statement of Service request was sent to the Repatriation Department, Melbourne, Vic on June 5, 1934 and a memo states that all documents were forwarded to Sydney on December 24, 1927.

He was still residing at Lightning Ridge in 1936 and his occupation was a Mining Proprietor. Later that year he was a resident at 102 Margaret Street, Sydney giving his occupation as a Salesman.

On April 15, 1937 Archie wrote to Base Records from 106 Palmer Street, East Sydney for another Discharge certificate which was needed to authenticate him as a returned soldier to seek employment.

From 163 Bourke Street, East Sydney on May 3, 1939 he again wrote to Base Records for an additional discharge certificate as he was most unfortunate in losing a couple in the past and required one to gain employment.

A letter was sent from “Janus” 67 Wyndora Avenue, Harbord, Via Manly, NSW dated May 16, 1939 to Base Records requesting a copy of his Discharge as he was required to produce a copy to apply for a position with the Commonwealth Public Service. Base Records returned a Statutory Declaration which was completed on May 17, 1939 from the above address and his reason being the certificate had been lost in Brisbane year ago and presumed to be stolen. This Certificate for Identification purposes issued on May 25, 1939 was found in Melbourne and handed over to Australia Military Forces – Southern Command 3rd M.D. Provost Company who returned it to Base Records on May 30, 1941. Acknowledgment in receipt of the returned Certificate was given by Base Records on June 4, 1941 and the copy was returned to his file.

While in No. 5 Ward of the State Hospital in Lidcombe, NSW he requested another copy of his discharge on May 26, 1942 again for identification purposes as it was required to be shown when he left the hospital.

He declared in a Statutory Declaration, while a hospital patient, that his camp has been burnt out recently destroying his certificate. A copy was issued dated June 3, 1942.

His occupation was given on the NSW Electoral Roll in 1943 was a fitter and State Hospital, Lidcombe was his address. Later that year he was residing at Waverley Street, Southport, Qld with the occupation of a labourer. Nymlah Flats, Surfers Paradise was recorded as his residence from 1949 until 1954.

On July 23, 1954 while residing at 17 Seven Oaks Street, Taringa, Brisbane, he communicated with Base Records again regarding another Certificate as he required one in many instances. A Statutory Declaration was issued to be completed. He declared from the above address that his belongings were lost in Dubbo in the 1952 flood. Receiving no reply he wrote a follow up letter on October 14, 1954 and a certificate was issued on October 21, 1954 being despatched the following day. He receipted its delivery on October 25, 1954.

It is believed he lived his final days at Eventide Aged Care Home, Sandgate.

Arch McDonald passed away on May 30, 1958 aged 69 years. His death was reported in The Courier- Mail on Monday June 2, 1958:

DEATHS McDONALD—At Brisbane, on 30th May 1958, Archibald Alexander McDonald (late 1st Tunnelling Coy., 1st A.I.F.). Privately interred Toowong Cemetery, 31st May, 1958. R.I.P. K.M. SMITH Funeral Director

The old Tunneller was finally re-united with his wife and twin babies. They share a common grave at Toowong cemetery with other family members.

Little is known about Arch by his surviving grand-children. As Arch was a drifter and an alcoholic his name was rarely mentioned in family circles. A few simple stories remain. Arch’s only son, Neil told a story of bailing Arch out of the Brisbane City lock-up, giving him ten pounds and putting him on a train to Sydney to “dry out” with his sister, Flora. Apparently Arch only got as far as a few stations before he got thirsty, left the train, headed for the nearest pub and got drunk. Neil had to bail him out of the lock-up again at Wooloongabba!!

His name appears on Wall 5 Row G in the Brisbane Garden of Remembrance at Pinnaroo Lawn Cemetery, Bridgeman Downs. Sections in italics courtesy of Peter McDonald, grandson of Arch McDonald.

His two younger brothers Roderick Reginald and Allan Donald McDonald also served as follows:

PRIVATE RODERICK REGINALD McDONALD 705A – 31st Battalion

Born at Coonamble, NSW in 1890 Roderick Reginald McDonald enlisted at the Recruiting Depot in Townsville, Qld on October 18, 1915. The twenty-five and a half year old Lureman was 177cms (5ft 9½ins) tall and weighed 65.4kgs (144lbs) with a chest expansion of 79-87cms (31-34ins). Complexion was fair with blue eyes and light brown hair. Presbyterian was his religion and his father Ronald McDonald of Angledool, NSW was named as next-of-kin.

Basic training commenced at Enoggera Camp, Brisbane and on May 10, 1916 was placed with the Reinforcements to the 41st Battalion. He embarked on the transport HMAT A64 Demosthenes on May 18, 1916. In France he was re-allotted to the 31st Battalion on October 9, 1916.

Private McDonald was wounded in action on September 24, 1917 suffering a shell wound to his back (slight).

He returned to Australia on board H.T. Leicestershire on December 9, 1918 and was discharged on March 3, 1919 as medically unfit.

For his service abroad Temporary Corporal 705A Roderick Reginald McDonald received the British War Medal (16549) and the Victory Medal (16171)

He passed away at Nyngan, NSW on September 9, 1931. PRIVATE ALLAN McDONALD 1076 – 2nd Light Horse Brigade

Allan Donald McDonald was born Bundemar, NSW on February 1, 1892 and had worked in Drapery and as a Jackeroo. His military experience was stated as twelve months with the New Zealand Light Horse. Not long after war was declared the twenty-three year old enlisted at Marrickville, NSW on September 23, 1914 passing his medical examination and sworn in for service abroad with the Expeditionary Forces four days later.

Personal particulars show he was 176cms (5ft 9¼ins) and weighed 57.2kgs (126lbs) with a chest expansion of 84-89cms (33-35ins). Complexion was fair with grey eyes and fair hair and of the Presbyterian faith. His brother Archibald A. McDonald of Cameron-street, South Brisbane was nominated as next-of-kin but when he left on active service it was changed to Archie’s wife Mrs B. McDonald of ‘Kyara’ Stanley Street, South Brisbane.

Basic training was with the 6th Aust. Army Service Corps before departing on December 21, 1914 in the rank of Driver on HMAT A39 Port Macquarie to join the Australian Forces in Egypt. He left Maadi on the transport Minnetomka on November 18, 1915 and transferred on February 26, 1916 to the 2nd Light Horse Brigade and taken on strength at Gallipoli.

During his service abroad he suffered several bouts of sickness including treatment for an ingrown toenail, a rash and Anaemia.

Lance Corporal McDonald embarked for Australia on November 30, 1917 on board H.T. Ayrshire due to Nephritis (Inflammation of Kidneys) and debility. He was discharged medically unfit in Brisbane (1st Military District) on February 7, 1917.

Lance Corporal 1076 Allan McDonald was entitled to wear the 1914/15 Star (11296), the British War Medal (6562) and the Victory Medal (6430) for serving his country.

In 1957 he was residing at 216 Swann Street, Taringa, Brisbane, Qld. His death occurred in 1967 and was registered at Katoomba, NSW.