Archives: Soldiers

Alfred Banks was ranked Private in the 40th infantry battalion. The battalion was assigned to the 10th Brigade along with the 37th, 38th and 39th Battalions which formed part of the 3rd Division which was sailed over to Europe. His date of embankment was written on the 25th of October 1916. He set sail from Melbourne on the HMAT Ulysses A38. Alfred Banks was part of a Battalion of up 1000 men. The Battalion mostly served its time in the trenches of the western front which was located in Belgium, northeastern France. The battalion was disbanded in 1919, however was re-raised in 1921 as part of the Citizens Force, serving as a part-time unit in Tasmania throughout the inter-war years for protection of Tasmania.

Unveiled by Colonel Dennis Townsend, Honorary Colonel 12th/40th Battalion and Matthew Venetsanakos

William Bailey was unable to pass the medical examination for enlistment in the AIF and so decided to join the British Labour Corps instead so that he could still serve his King and country. Bailey departed Tasmania on the Geelong in October 1914 along with the men of the first contingent. From Egypt he made his way to England and enlisted on 1 September 1915. He spent a total of 4 years and 5 days with the Labour Corps that did valuable work to support the troops in the front line often putting their own lives in danger.

Unveiled by Brigadier Haydn Kohl, Director General Military Vehicles with Major Falloon, 12th/40th Battalion