Alexander Webster Gemmell

Submitted by Mt Kembla Minin... on Mon, 10/08/2015 - 10:06

First Name:

Alexander

Middle Name:

Webster

Last Name:

Gemmell

Mother's Name:

Esther Gemmell

Father's Name:

Allen Gemmell

Date Enlisted:

Saturday, August 14, 1915

Rank at Enlistment:

Private

Rank at Discharge:

Private

Unit:

13th Battalion

Company:

B Company

Service:

Infantry

Awards:

British War Medal

Victory Medal

Details:

Alexander Gemmell (Service No 3771) was born in Helensburgh, NSW around 1896. He had served 12 months in the CMF with 37th Infantry.

At enlistment, Alexander was single, 19 years old, worked as a wheeler, and lived at Balgownie, NSW.

He embarked on HMAT A29 Suevic on 20th December 1915 with 12th Reinforcements, 13th Battalion. After arriving in Egypt he joined B Company as a Lewis Gunner and went to France with them.

On 11th April 1917 he was wounded in action at the battle of Bullecourt and was evacuated to hospital for treatment to a wound to his leg. Alexander returned to his unit on 30th April until he was again admitted to hospital on 8th June 1917 in England. Alexander was returned to Australia in September 1917 and discharged, medically unfit, on 22nd December 1917 after being diagnosed with sudden dementia and suffering from confusion and delusional behavior.

Alexander died in 1974. His service is commemorated on the Balgownie Presbyterian Church Honour Roll.

His brother William Burns Gemmell (Service No 3150) also served.

Sources:

NAA: B2455, GEMMELL A W