| Regimental number | 550 |
| Date of birth | |
| Place of birth | Bathurst, New South Wales |
| Religion | Unitarian |
| Occupation | Station manager |
| Marital status | Single |
| Age at embarkation | 24 |
| Height | 5' 8" |
| Weight | 161 lbs |
| Next of kin | Father, W.C. A'Beckett, Whitewell, Wellington, New South Wales |
| Previous military service | Nil |
| Enlistment date | |
| Rank on enlistment | Private |
| Unit name | 6th Light Horse Regiment, A Squadron |
| AWM Embarkation Roll number | 10/11/1 |
| Embarkation details | Unit embarked from Sydney, New South Wales, on board Transport A29 Suevic on |
| Rank from Nominal Roll | Lieutenant |
| Unit from Nominal Roll | 1st Battalion |
| Promotions |
2nd Lieutenant Unit: 1st Battalion Promotion date: Lieutenant Unit: 1st Battalion Promotion date: |
| Recommendations (Medals and Awards) |
Mention in Despatches 'Excellent work in the Petillon and Fleurbaix sectors, and conspicuous bravery at Pozieres.' Awarded, and promulgated, 'London Gazette', second Supplement, No. 29890 (2 January 1917); 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 103 (29 June 1917). Military Cross 'Coolness and courage in attack near Gueudecourt on night 4-5 November 1916.' Recommendation date: Military Cross 'Gallant conduct and determination (4-5 November 1916).' Recommendation date: Chevalier de l'Ordre de la Couronne (Belgium) Recommendation date: |
| Fate | Returned to Australia |
| Medals |
Military Cross 'For conspicuous gallantry in action. Although severely shaken by a shell, he led two attacks with great courage and determination. He set a splendid example throughout the operations.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 103 Date: |
| Family/military connections | Brother: 19855 Sapper John Gilbert A'BECKETT, 1st Field Company Engineers, returned to Australia, 13 July 1919. |
| Other details |
War service: Egypt, Gallipoli, Western Front Enlisted, 23 November 1914; taken on strength, 6th Light Horse, 19 December 1914. Embarked Alexandria to join the Mediterranean Expeditionary Force, Gallipoli, 15 May 1915, and attached to 1st Australian Division Headquarters as Military Police. Appointed Lance Corporal (Provisional), 23 September 1915; Temporary Corporal, 13 October 1915; reverted to Lance Corporal, 13 November 1915; appointed Temporary Corporal, 13 November 1915; reverted to Lance Corporal, 24 November 1915; appointed Corporal, 30 November 1915. Disembarked Alexandria, 25 December 1915 (general Gallipoli evacuation). Transferred to and taken on strength, 1st Bn, 24 February 1916. Appointed 2nd Lieutenant, 12 March 1916. Embarked Alexandria to join the British Expeditionary Force, 22 March 1916; disembarked Marseilles, France, 28 March 1916. On Command, Bombing School of Instruction, 15 May 1916; rejoined Bn, 21 May 1916. Wounded in action (remained at duty), 23 July 1916. Wounded in action, 27 July 1916 (shell wound, right arm), and admitted to No 6 Field Ambulance, and transferred same day to Casualty Clearing Station; transferred to No 1 Red Cross Hospital, Le Touquet, 28 July 1916; to England, 18 August 1916, and admitted same day to 3rd London General Hospital, Wandsworth; discharged from hospital, 16 September 1916; marched in to No 1 Command Depot, Perham Downs, 2 October 1916. Promoted Lieutenant, 12 August 1916. Awarded Military Cross. Rejoined Bn, in the field, 14 October 1916. Admitted to No 1 Australian Field Ambulance, 26 March 1917 Pyrexia, unknown origin); transferred same day to 45th Casualty Clearing Station (impetigo); to Ambulance Train, 28 March 1917, and admitted to 8th General Hospital, Rouen; discharged to Depot, 8 April 1917; rejoined Bn, in the field, 17 April 1917. Wounded in action (second occasion), 5 May 1917 gun shot wound, head, right hand: severe); admitted to 5th Australian Field Ambulance, 6 May 1917, and transferred same day to 3rd Casualty Clearing Station; to 1st Red Cross Hospital, Le Touquet, 7 May 1917; to England, 9 May 1917, and admitted to 3rd London General Hospital, Wandsworth; transferred to 6th Auxiliary Hospital, 22 May 1917; to No 1 Command Depot, Perham Downs, 29 June 1917; to Overseas Training Brigade, Longbridge Deverill, 30 June 1917. Proceeded overseas to France, 6 September 1917; 5 May 1917; 26 May 1918. Medals: Military Cross, 1914-15 Star, British War Medal, Victory Medal |
| Date of death | |
| Sources | NAA: B2455, A'BECKETT Hastings Elwin |
Postal Address:
Po Box 7916
Canberra BC 2610, Australia
Street Address:
Northcott Drive,
Campbell, ACT 2600
