The AIF Project

Hedley Thomas McFARLANE

Regimental number149
ReligionMethodist
OccupationSaddler
AddressWhinham Street, Fitzroy, Prospect, South Australia
Marital statusSingle
Age at embarkation18
Next of kinMother, Mrs Amy Ethel McFarlane, Whinham Street, Fitzroy, Prospect, South Australia
Enlistment date12 July 1915
Rank on enlistmentPrivate
Unit name32nd Battalion, A Company
AWM Embarkation Roll number23/49/1
Embarkation detailsUnit embarked from Adelaide, South Australia, on board HMAT A2 Geelong on 18 November 1915
The 32nd Bn (Headquarters, Signallers, A, B, C, and D Companies) embarked from Adelaide, South Australia, on two ships, HMAT A2 'Geelong', on 18 November 1915, and HMAT A13 'Katuna', on 24 November 1915. The Embarkation Roll does not distinguish between these ships, and it is therefore not possible from the Embarkation Roll to ascertain on which ship an individual embarked.
Embarkation detailsUnit embarked from
The 32nd Bn (Headquarters, Signallers, A, B, C, and D Companies) embarked from Adelaide, South Australia, on two ships, HMAT A2 'Geelong', on 18 November 1915, and HMAT A13 'Katuna', on 24 November 1915. The Embarkation Roll does not distinguish between these ships, and it is therefore not possible from the Embarkation Roll to ascertain on which ship an individual embarked.
Rank from Nominal RollPrivate
Unit from Nominal Roll32nd Battalion
FateReturned to Australia 13 April 1919
Medals

Military Medal

'During the period 29th September 1st October 1918 in the operations carried out by this Battalion in the Bellicourt Sector against the Hindenburg Line Private McFARLANE showed great bravery and devotion to duty. As H.Qs runner he carried messages continously during the whole period, often under extremely heavy machine gun and artillery fire. During the morning of the 29th September when the Battalion was in a very critical position most of the messages from the Battalion Commander were carried by this man without regard to danger, and his work was of the utmost value to the success of the operation. He has at all times carried out his duties excellently in the line, often in the face of heavy gun fire.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 135
Date: 11 December 1919

Discharge date20 July 1919
Other detailsMet his future wife in France. Was married in Adelaide at Wellington Square North Adelaide on 27 September 1921. Sailed for England in 1923 and settled in Chelsea, London. Remained there until his death
Date of death10 April 1960 - London, England
Place of burialWillesden Cemetery (Grave 1014, Section P), United Kingdom

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